19 KTM 125 Duke, Official Specifications & Photos

Official specs and details of the KTM 125 Duke is out..!!

KTM has just made public the details of its 125 Duke on its website www.125duke.com The "baby" Duke will be available on sale in Europe by March 2011. India launch could be in the later part of 2011.

Liquid cooled engine, 4 Valves-DOHC, Fuel Injection, 185 mm Ground clearance, 43 mm dia USD (Upside Down) Front Forks, Chunky Swingarm, 150 mm Rear Tyre, Trellis Frame, Hydraulically Operated Clutch.

All this with a just a 125 Kg kerb weight..!! Wow, the bike is straight out of my dreams in all its "naked" glory.

I only wish that India gets a bigger engine (the same way Honda makes the CBR125R for Europe and a bigger CBR150R for Thailand). In which case I could seriously look forward to having a KTM parked in my garage soon..!! Never mind if it's priced 1 lakh plus (which the KTM brand can and should command).

For those who are yet not aware, it is our own Bajaj Auto Ltd. which will be manufacturing these "Krazzy" KTM's in Pune..!!

8 Honda CB 250 for India..??

Looks like Honda might finally launch a 250 cc motorcycle in India soon..

TVC for a new Honda bike being shot in Thailand

Source of the above photo: TMCblog.com

At the beginning of this year DNA had reported that Honda might be launching a 250 cc motorcycle in India by Diwali (year end). There are hazzar rumours floating on the net and therefore, I decided not to pay attention to it till something more concrete emerged.

But recently there has been a few developments which has led me to believe that Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) might indeed be launching a 250 cc model in India soon.

1. Screen shot of an e-mail shared by a member of xBhp.com (Posted below)

8 Mahindra Mojo: Part 2 [Styling]

Mahindra could have styled the Mojo better..

The Mojo has its front suspension a bit more kicked out than what's pleasing to the eye..

There are riders who like to stop on a lonely stretch, just to park the bike and admire at the piece of industrial art

After awarding bouquets to Mahindra for brining a decently powerful engine, with the latest tech and putting some exotic cycle parts on the Mojo, its time for some brickbats!

The only problem that I have with the Mojo is the styling. Actually I don’t fancy the name either, but then I guess a name is not much of an issue for most Indians for whom English is a second language.

Coming back to the styling, the following sentence will summarize it all from my side. At the press launch, I was struggling to find an angle to photograph the Mojo from which I could make it appear glamorous!

What is the problem with Mojo’s styling?

12 Mahindra Mojo: Part 1 [Features & Specs] with Hi Res Photos

A couple of things to know about the Mahindra Mojo

[i] What is the Price of the Mahindra Mojo?

A: 1.75 Lakh Ex-Showroom Pune. That means the final on road price will be around 2 lakhs.

[ii] When will the Mahindra Mojo be on sale in the showrooms?

A: No dates have been fixed yet. But according to the Mahindra officials it could be probably by late this year or early next year.

[iii] In which cities will the Mahindra Mojo be on sale?

Quality of components used on the Mojo (the bike displayed at the launch) was good

Tyres from Pirelli, USD front suspension from Piaoli Italy..

A: Again Mahindra has yet to finalize the distribution structure for the Mojo (according to what was told in the launch). It probably means that the Mojo would be on sale only in select metros.

Makes sense too since to develop the infrastructure to service such a technically advanced bike will need some time and effort from Mahindra.

[iv] How much of an Indian content will be on the Mahindra Mojo?

6 Mahindra Mojo & Stallio launch in Mumbai [Photos]

Posting a couple of Photos taken today (30'th Sep 2010) at the Mahindra Motorcycle launch in Mumbai..

Am just back from Mahindra Motorcycles launch at Trident Hotel in Mumbai. Will hold on to my comments and initial impressions of the two Mahindra motorcycles (Mojo and Stallio) that were officially unveiled today, for the next post.

Meanwhile am sharing a couple of photographs of today's event at hotel Trident in Mumbai.

Highlights of todays launch was the presence of the Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, who also happens to be the brand ambassador for Mahindra motorcycles. My wife loved Aamir's "Dhamakedaar" entry.

The MC of the launch was Pravesh Rana (Grasim Mr. India winner, and Bigg Boss 2009 finalist). There were also dance performances by some exotic foreign dancers followed by unveiling of the products by Mr. Anand Mahindra himself.