5 Mahindra Centuro: Tough Times Ahead

Mahindra tries hard to make its mark in motorcycles in India with its's Centuro..

Mahindra is a big business conglomerate with business as varied as manufacturing and selling commercial vehicles, tractors, lifestyle SUV vehicles, real estate and even IT (Satyam), Mahindra has made it a habit to become successful in everything that they do.

The above exactly was the sentiment that Mr. Anand Mahindra conveyed at the unveiling of the Centuro a few weeks back. Mr. Mahindra also pointed out that Mahindra already has the R&D, sales network, manufacturing in place. Above all a well known and strong Mahindra brand is already there.

According to initial ride reports of auto journalists, it seems that Mahindra has indeed impressed them with the ride experience of the Centuro. With Mahindra's first attempt the Stallio, it was obvious that the journalist were not too convinced with the product. But with the Centuro Mahindra seems to have made a decent product. But the question remains, is it enough?

Tough (wrong?) Segment to be in?

1 Bajaj Discover 125T launched, Discover 150 discontinued

One more variant of the Discover launched.. and another one discontinued

A few days back Bajaj had launched the Discover 125T which is essentially the twin rear shock absorber variant of the Discover 125ST (the monoshock version). On the other hand the Discover 150, the 150 cc variant of the 2 valve per cylinder engine and with the original Discover styling has been discontinued.

Things can appear quite confusing and chaotic for guys who might want to look at the individual trees. But someone who might be interested in looking at the forest, the Bajaj Discover comes in basically two types of body styles. One that looks like the original Discover (styling) and new one that has a new styling. From a common mans point of view, there are two different body styles and different variants to choose from (at different price points). i.e Original Discover styling in two variants: Discover 100 and Discover 125 New Discover in 3 variants: Discover 100T, Discover 125T and Discover 125ST The latest generation of Discover models from Bajaj are basically new offerings with entirely new frame / chassis and 4 Valve per cylinder engines.

10 New Hero Model Spied. Karizma Upgrade?

Spy photos of a new full faired model from most likely Hero Moto..

Karizma was getting outdated.. therefore even a properly done cosmetic upgrade could provide new life to what was India's First Premium Sports motorcycle..

Autocar India has published spy photos of what looks like a full faired model from Hero Moto under test. Just as it happens most of the amateur blogs/sites are going over board with their speculations.

Some are speculating it to be a 250 cc engine, also it looks like there will be 2 different variants as one of the under test bikes don't sport a rear disc brake while the other does and also their respective exhaust silencer exhausts look similar to the ones on the current Karizma R and ZMR respectively. I am sure that someone will even speculate how much horse power the engine will make and also make a guess on its Price..!!

Take my words, it's absolutely useless to speculate till the model is officially unveiled or more photos emerge.

9 At 1.8 Lakhs, does the KTM 390 Duke change the Indian Motorcycle Scenario?

KTM 390 Duke launched in India at a shocking price.. but is it really a game changer?

A few years back (prior to 2007 to be precise) if someone told you that a motorcycle under the hallowed KTM Marque will be officially available in India for sale, chances of you becoming the laughing stock were very real.

Only if KTM could launch a Moto 3 inspired model or an Adventure Tourer inspired model in India..

Now imagine even thinking that a KTM model under the “Duke” family, producing a peak power of 43.5 Ps, Kerb weight of 154 Kgs, Metzeler Tyres, with ABS as standard (and with upside down forks, Liquid cooled, fuel injected engine… i.e the usual Duke goodies) would be selling in India at less than 50% of its price in Europe..!! Crazy thought right?

Yes sir, KTM (Bajaj) has shocked the motorcycle market by launching the 390 Duke at an ex-showroom (Delhi) price tag of Rs. 1.8 Lakhs. For the record, the current nearest competitor (in India) to the 390 Duke in terms of pricing, the Honda CBR250R makes just 26 Ps of power, weighs heavier and is a couple of thousands dearer (the ABS variant).

But is the KTM 390 Duke the proverbial “Game Changer” ?

11 Kawasaki Bajaj - Pulsar 200NS Officially Unveiled in Indonesia

The Pulsar 200NS officially makes it to Indonesia.. as a Kawasaki Bajaj..!!

The last Kawasaki Bajaj branded product that I remember in India was the "Wind 125". In Philippines, Kawasaki has become the largest 2 wheeler brand largely due to the Kawasaki Bajaj branded products like the CT100, CT150 (Boxer 150), Rouser 135 (Pulsar 135LS), Rouser 220 (Pulsar 220S). To take this great Asian collaboration forward, the Kawasaki Bajaj brand now officially makes its presence felt in Indonesia too.



The Pulsar 200NS was officially unveiled Indonesia today. Priced at 23.3 million Indonesian Rupiahs (around 1.35 Lakhs Indian Rupees), the Pulsar 200NS is only a shade costlier than the 150 cc Yamaha Vixion (the original model on which the R15 is based) the best seller in Indonesia. The Pulsar 200NS will be sold and serviced by Kawasaki Indonesia.