11 2014 Hero Karizma R and 2014 Karizma ZMR revealed

Hero unveils the new 2014 Karizma R and ZMR models..

A couple of months back a few photos of what looked like Karizma upgrades under heavy disguise had appeared on the net. Hero happened to unveil these new Karizma models in Macau. Photos of these new models started to crop up of various sites since today morning.

2014 Hero Karizma R

It's sad to see a legend like the Karizma R being subjected to such treatment..

Although the specs are not yet public, from the photos it does appear to be more of a cosmetic job than a total overhaul. The engine and chassis parts on the new models look identical to the original Karizma R and ZMR models.

Although Mr. Munjal the boss man of Hero Motors have made a speech that the new Karizma would be more powerful than before, I not keeping my expectations too high.

5 Honda's Journey in India - Part I: Hare Vs. Tortoise

Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India (HMSI) in India.. the story so far

Back in 2007 according to me, the performance of Honda in India was pathetic. Its ambitions "Pulsar killer" the Unicorn was a dud, its other offering the 125 cc Shine was nothing to write about. It was a distant 4th (if I remember correctly) in terms of sales behind Hero Honda, Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor.

But in 2013, a lot has changed. Honda is now 2nd in sales comfortably overtaking TVS and just edging out Bajaj a couple of months back. Also a lot of maturity has come in me. I am no more the "over enthusiastic commentator" of 2 wheeler (motorcycle) stuff in India.

Honda's Race in India: Race between the Hare and the Tortoise

Honda's story in India so far can be summarized in 3 points [1] Persistence [2] Luck / Favorable market conditions [3] Brand image of Honda in India.

[1] Persistence: Even if the Unicorn was initially perceived to be a flop compared to the Pulsar, Honda persisted with it. And over the years the conservative nature of the Unicorn has actually become it's USP and now appeals to the conservative customer looking for a sober 150 cc motorcycle. Another example would be the 125 cc Shine, which was again a conservative model when it was launched. But over the years, it has now become an aspirational model for a 100 cc customer.

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.