Bike Chronicles of India

Mar 19, 2010

11 Royal Enfield launches Bullet Electra Twin Spark in India, with 350 cc Unit Construction Engine

Royal Enfield launches its Bullet Electra 350 cc model with the new Twin spark, Unit Contruction Engine..

The 350 cc Thunderbird Twinspark was the first model from Royal Enfield to get the Twinspark UCE engine. The Classic 500 and 350 were the next two models to get the Twinspark UCE treatment and launched in India in November 2009.

I am sure that the original Bullet models (with cast iron engine) will now become prized collectors items..!!

Also at the start of 2010, Royal Enfield had made public that the Twin Spark UCE engine would replace the original cast iron engines from the "Bullet Electra 350" and "Bullet Standard 350" models.

True to its word, Royal Enfield has launched the Bullet Electra 350 cc with the Twinspark UCE engine (Details of the new model has appeared on its website).

Price Update (23,rd March): Prices starting at Rs. 89,846 (ex-Chennai) and going up to Rs. 93,846 for the kick start and electric start variants respectively

The 2010 Bullet Electra retains its original styling and comes with options of a front disc brake and electric start. The exhaust though is a a bit too long. With the long exhaust and the original cast iron engine replaced, the original "Bullet Thump" would certainly be now muffled in these 2010 models. But with new BS III (Bharat Stage III) pollution norms coming into force across India from April 2010, the "heart transplant" was probably inevitable.

Accoridng to Royal Enfield's website: "Along with the UCE engine come the double benefits of more power , and better fuel economy, more reliability and lesser maintenance".

Lets hope that the new 2010 range of models from Royal Enfield turn out to be more reliable than its older models. Now the other model which is awaiting a similar "Twinspark UCE" treatment is the Bullet Standard 350 model.

Visit the Royal Enfiled India website:

Colors: Red, Black and Silver

2010 Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 350, Technical Specifications:

Engine

Dimensions

Tyres

Electricals

Brakes

Suspension

Vehicle

Royal Enfield in Colombia

Royal Enfield to put its UCE (Unit Construction Engine) across all its models in 2010 + Royal Enfield @ Auto Expo 2010

500 C.C Royal Enfield Classic EFI to be on sale in Europe in 2009..!! [Wallpapers]

Royal Enfield launches Thunder Bird Twin Spark in India

Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.

Mar 15, 2010

63 Honda CB Twister 110 cc Review [Test Ride]

Yep, took the Honda CB Twister 110 cc bike for a test ride. So here is what I think of it..

Usually I start my review with the Looks of the bike, but this time I’ll make an exception and address it at the end of the review (I do have a reason for it).

Ergonomics / Seating Position: The seat height on the bike is low and is narrow enough at the front for even short guys to feel confident and at home. The foot peg–seat–handlebar relation is in the perfect, comfortable commuter mould.

The tank design provides ample space for my knees to grip the tank. The bike also feels extremely light and very easy to handle. A short guy like me is perfectly at home on the CB Twister, I can’t say for sure how a tall guy fits on the bike though.

Clutch & Gearbox: The clutch is delightfully light. I am sure that it will definitely make riding in heavy traffic an easy affair. The toe shift only gearbox has a one down – three up shift pattern. Gearshifts are positive, accurate and slick.

Smooth engine, decent performance for city traffic, comfortable ergonomics, light weight clutch and an accurate gearbox, nimble handling..

The CB Twister provides it all

Engine Performance: Let the clutch go with the left hand and twist the accelerator with the right hand, the bike seems to almost leap forward making you smile, but twist the accelerator further and you soon realize that the engine is basically tuned like a typical commuter bike. Even in top gear the bike has ample torque to move at slow speeds of 25 Kmph. The bike does speeds of 60-70 Kmph with ease, but as the revs rise, the torque and power begins to thin out. The engine remains smooth with slight tingling vibrations only coming in at high revs.

Although not as exciting as the Pulsar 135LS at high revs, the engine of the CB Twister performs perfectly as a commuter bike. Good low end torque, smooth engine and decent poke in city traffic. Thumbs up from me..!!

Ride and Handling: The ride of the CB Twister is a bit on the firmer side which definitely adds to the nimble handling but might lose out in providing a really plush ride. I tried to find out if the rear suspension had scope of being adjusted for a softer pre load setting, but to my surprise, the CB Twister has not provided for multiple stage settings and comes with just one setting.

The CB Twister also is the first Indian 100-110 cc motorcycle to be fitted with a tubeless tyre..!! Great stuff, a tubeless tyre definitely comes very handy in case of punctures as it can be ridden for quite sometime by just filling in air.

But surprisingly the pattern on the rear tyre of the CB Twister doesn’t have a "center groove". The grip of the tyre on dry roads was ok, but absence of the center groove makes me a bit apprehensive about grip on wet roads. The disc brakes (available as an option) do a good job of stopping and have a good progressive feel.

Summary: I found the CB Twister to be a delightful performer as a commuter motorcycle. Smooth engine, decent performance for city traffic, comfortable ergonomics, light weight clutch and an accurate gearbox, nimble handling.. The CB Twister provides it all. I mean what else do you need in a commuter bike?

Likes:

+ Smooth engine
+ Good clutch and gearbox
+ Comfortable ergonomics
+ Nimble handling

Dislikes:

- Ride quality is a bit firm
- Lack of rear suspension adjustment, engine pass switch
- A bit too much plastic in parts
- Empty space in engine area

I can’t call the styling of the CB Twister as muscular, aggressive or even as sporty. Probably the CB Twister can be best described as FUNKY..

Looks: I have come across a few bikes which look awesome in photos but in the flesh it finally appears disappointing. But the CB Twister looks as good even in the flesh. The paint quality on the tank and front fairing area is especially excellent.

The best angle to view the CB Twister is from the front three quarters, from which the bike gives the impression of a muscular bike. But when viewed from the sides and the rear, the CB Twister actually appears quite lean and light. One sore sight though is the empty space in the engine area.

Although the paint quality on the tank and fairing is top notch, the side panels has a little bit too much of plastic, moreover the plastic panels on the side covers are a bit thin.

The rear grab rail on the CB Twister has been fabricated in black plastic instead of the usual alloy metal or chrome metal.

Although it looks good on a new bike, I hope that the back plastic doesn’t turn brittle and gets discolored in the sweltering Indian summer.

But why am I mentioning about the looks/styling at the end of my review?

Here is the reason for it. Without doubt the 110 cc CB Twister is great bike as a commuter bike. As I had earlier mentioned, the CB Twister has a smooth engine, decent performance for city traffic, comfortable ergonomics, light weight clutch and an accurate gearbox, nimble handling.. but then our commuter best sellers like the Hero Honda Splendor/Passion, Bajaj Discover, TVS Star City etc aren’t too bad in these aspects either.

Why should someone then buy the CB Twister? What is it’s USP over the already established best sellers?

Apart from the Honda brand, the USP of the CB Twister is its styling. The CB Twister looks quite different from other Indian motorcycles. I can’t call the styling of the CB Twister as muscular, aggressive or even sporty. Probably the CB Twister can be best described as FUNKY.

Now whether the funky styling works for you is left for you to decide.

Honda CB Twister Price:

Honda CB Twister Tech Specs:

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Paper Filter

WEIGHT/MEASUREMENTS

CHASSIS

Tubeless,

Disc

ELECTRICALS

Maintenance Free

Pulsar 135LS Review [Part II] What's so special about the Pulsar 135LS?

Bajaj Pulsar 135LS Review [Part I] Over a week of ownership experience

Bajaj Pulsar 135LS Vs Honda CBF Stunner Vs Honda Unicorn Vs Yamaha FZ-16. Bike India & Overdrive agrees with me..!!

Will 110 cc CB Twister make a big mark?

2010 Honda CBF Stunner (125cc). Details, Price, Colors revealed (from Official Website)

Disclaimer:

Mar 12, 2010

7 Bajaj Sunny Zip TV Commercial (from the 90's). Memorable Jingle Composed and Sung by Gary Lawyer

The legendary Gary Lawyer, probably got an international award for this lovely jingle..

Guys who are now in their mid-20's (and plus) should remember this cute little jingle from the 1990's. The jingle was composed and sung by Gary Lawyer, the singer from India with the Golden voice.

I happened to stumble upon this video a few days back and thought of sharing it.

It's a pity that Bajaj has stopped making scooters; not that I dig scooters very much, but maybe there could have been a few more cute TVC's like this [:-)].

Enjoy the TVC and the Jingle posted below.. [Click here, if one cannot see the video]

Lyrics:

First you say you're always with me,
Coz’ being with me is fun.
Say you'll go the whole distance,
Since the love that you found,
All right, Come on, what's going on?
What you're thinkin'?

Hmm... hmm.. hmm.. hmmmm....

Then you say you need me,
Like the garden needs rain.
Then you go and deceive me,
Like it's all... in the game...

All in the game"

Hmmm... takes me back to my early teens days. But wait, there is something more cuter than the above TVC..!!

Just have a look who used to endorse the Sunny Zip once upon a time.. a cute Sachin Tendular in his teens..!!

Ahh.. the pre-internet/mobile phone/and 20-20 cricket days..!!
Life used to be so simple back then.

2010 Honda (HMSI) Corporate TV Commercial [Video]

Pulsar Maniacs..!! New video.. featuring the Pulsar 135LS DTS-i

Awesome Fan Ad (Video) of the Yamaha (India) Fazer

The First TV Commercial of the Bajaj Discover DTSi, featuring Jackie Chan..!!

"Pulsar Mania", New TV Commercial from Bajaj Auto..!!

Disclaimer:

Mar 11, 2010

12 What is Engine Knocking? Do you really know?

Demystifying one of the most incorrectly used engine related term (in India)..

What is Engine Knocking?

If I ask this question to most of the ones who rides a motorcycle in India, I can bet that the most probable answer would be something like this:

"If you are riding at top gear and the bike is at slow speed say around 20 kmph; in such a situation if you suddenly twist the accelerator without shifting down a gear, then instead of a smooth pick up, the engine will start behaving as if it’s gasping for breadth and struggles to move forward. This causes the bike to move in a jerky manner instead of moving forward smoothly.

This is knocking".

I wouldn’t be surprised if the above answer comes not just from a layman but even from many of out so called "desi" bike experts

What has been described above is actually Engine "SNATCHING" and NOT Engine "KNOCKING".

Why does Engine Snatching occur?

Imagine someone is holding your hand casually and loosely. Now if he/she decides to pull your hand suddenly then you will surely experience an unpleasant jerk won’t you? The same phenomenon occurs with the engine, when the slow moving parts inside the engine are subjected to a sudden motion.

What we instinctively do in such a situation is either shift down a gear or let the engine revs rise by slipping the clutch.

If that is Engine Snatching then what is Engine Knocking?

Engine Knocking is actually a Pinging/Metallic sound which can be heard from the engine when the air fuel mixture is not burnt in the optimum manner.

Causes of engine knocking could be: Due to..

Carbon deposits

A lean air-fuel mixture

Low coolant level, or cooling system problem that causes the engine to run hotter than normal

Posted below is a video in which a car engine makes "Knocking" sounds when revved: Click here, if one cannot see the video.

For more info on Engine Knocking, click here..

What is the difference between Power and Torque of a motorcycle?

What is a "Superbike"? What is a "Super Sports" bike?

Why 125 cc bikes are Popular in Europe?

Disclaimer:

Mar 8, 2010

6 2010 Bajaj Platina 125 Launched [Complete Tech Specs, Price, Colors] + Wallpaper

Bajaj Auto launches the 2010 edition of the Platina 125

The two magic words that has kept the sales registers of Bajaj Auto ringing consistently since the beginning of 2009-10 fiscal year are PULSAR and DISCOVER.

With the Discover(s) cracking the commuter code and the Pulsar(s) continuing to hold its leadership position in the Sports category, the Platina(s) (which caters to the entry level category of motorcycles) seemed a bit neglected. Instead of taking things easy, Bajaj has recently launched the 2010 version of the Platina 125 with some changes which include a lowered price tag as well.

So what’s new?

New state of tune of the Engine: The 2010 variant makes a max power of 8.5Ps and maximum torque of 10Nm, the earlier version produced 9.53Ps of power output and 10.85Nm of torque. Although the peak power and peak torque seems to have come down, the engine now makes the peak torque at a lower commuter friendly 4000 rpm (compared to the earlier 5000 rpm). Better torque at low revs hint at the engine being tuned to return better fuel efficiency.

5 Gears: The 2010 version gets an extra gear compared to the 4 gears on the older 2008 -09 version. But the all down pattern indicates that rather than cater to sporty intentions, it has been done to extract better fuel efficiency (again).

3 kgs lesser weight: The older variant used to weigh at 113 kgs (kerb), the 2010 variant weighs 110 kgs (err.. better for fuel efficiency.. again?)

New Colors: The 2010 Platina 125 gets new decals (I think that the previous decal design looked better). The new colors are.

Black with Red decals

Black with Blue decals

Black with Green decals

Red with Red decals

Rs. 3,000 lesser:

The 2010 Bajaj Platina 125 comes with an ex-showroom price of around Rs. 36,000, the older version was priced at Rs. 39,000.!!

Now at around Rs. 36,000, won’t it cannibalize the sales of the 100cc Discover DTS-Si?

According to me, the 100 cc Discover DTS-Si has been successful because of the strong brand image that it has created for itself over the last 5 years (the Discover brand has been in existence since 2004). The current 100 cc package just makes it more attractive for the buyer. As the Discover brand is stronger than the Platina brand, hence potential Discover buyers might not be enticed by the Platina(s).

The same analogy can be given for the Hero Honda Splendor which outsells the Hero Honda CD Deluxe. Both the models virtually have the same 100 cc engine, the CD Deluxe costs lesser than the Splendor and the CD Deluxe even have a self start as an option (the Splendor still doesn’t have a self start as an option..!!) Even here its because the Splendor brand is stronger than the CD Deluxe brand, it able to outsell it effortlessly.

Who would then buy the Platina 125 then?

Well.. the same kind of guys, who would prefer a Hero Honda CD Deluxe instead of the Splendor. At 36,000 odd rupees Ex-showroom, with a 125 cc engine and a self start, the 2010 Platina 125 does make an offer, which some guys on a budget might find it hard to refuse.

2010 Bajaj Platina 125 Tech Specs