11 The Yamaha R15, Hero Honda Karizma ZMR, Pulsar 220 all are commuter bikes!!

Yes, that’s right. I consider our "desi" bikes like the Yamaha R15, Hero Honda Karizma ZMR, Pulsar 220 as glorified commuter bikes.

Why?

Affordability:

I am sorry to burst the bubble of those who think their "desi" bikes are super cool sports bikes..

Affordability will be one big factor here. A guy in India, who can afford a bike like the Kawasaki Ninja 250R at Rs. 3 lakhs, or a litre class import at 13-14 lakhs, will in all probability have at least a car in his garage.

But the reverse can't be always said for a guy who uses one of our "affordable" bikes.

15 TVS: Apache RTR "HyperEdge" 160

TVS upgrades its Apache RTR 160 as "HyperEdge"..

I had posted a couple of months back about TVS preparing to launch an upgraded Apache RTR codenamed as "HyperEdge". True to the original informatuion, an upgraded/refreshed Apache RTR 160 has been sighted in certain TVS showrooms.

Posted below are the photos of the new "TVS Apache RTR HyperEdge 160", Phew.. that's quite a mouthful..!!

Although confirmed official news is yet to arrive, but from whatever news that's available, mechanically and specification wise the bike is still the same as the earlier version. Also it's not confirmed if the RTR 180 gets the HyperEdge treatment as well.

What's the "HyperEdge" treatment?

4 Hero Honda: New 2010 Hunk

The New Hero Honda Hunk arrives..

A few weeks back, I had posted about a video found on the internet which showed off the new features on the new Hero Honda Hunk.

So far there has been no official mention from Hero Honda about the launch of it's upgraded 150 cc Hunk.

But as like most of Hero Honda products, it seems that the new 150 cc Hunk too has silently made its appearance finally.

The details of the New Hero Honda Hunk can be found on it's updated website.

Hero Honda has surprisingly not highlighted about the "New Stickers" on its updated Hunk mini site..!!

What's New in the new Hero Honda Hunk?

Digital Speedometer and LED tail lights are a bit, "late but better than never" feature on the 150 cc Hunk.

The design/styling related changes are nothing out of the box, but providing an Optional Rear Disc Brake variant and adoption of Tubeless Tyres definitely is worth a praise for Hero Honda.

Prices:

5 Hero Honda: 2010 Splendor Pro, 2010 Splendor NXG, CWG Limited Edition Passion Pro [Details/Photos]

Its raining upgraded 100 cc models from the brand which does 100 cc best..

2010 CWG Limited Edition Passion Pro:

Hero Honda has recently launched a new Limited Edition Passion Pro model to commemorate the 2010, New Delhi - Commonwealth Games.

News Source: Economic Times

"The new bike has an all-white body with sporty looks, striking new dual-tone blue and green graphics inspired by the colours of the Games",

-- Anil Dua, Senior Vice President (Marketing and Sales Hero Honda) said.

The bike comes with the special XIX CWG 2010 insignia on its side cover.

The CWG 2010, Limited Edition Passion Pro costs around Rs.46,300 (ex-showroom Delhi). Which is just Rs. 1,000 over the regular, 'alloy wheel + self start' variant of the Passion Pro (Rs. 45,300).

2010 Splendor NXG:

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..!!