Tag: bike

Triumph Motorcycles coming to India soon

Bike-manufacturer Triumph’s entry into the Indian two-wheeler market has been making the rounds for a long time now. According to rumours, Triumph motorbikes may be available in the market as soon as the 2013 festive season. However, we are slightly skeptical of these rumours, given the history of ups and downs of Triumph’s attempts at foraying into the Indian scene.

The 2012 Auto Expo witnessed the famous British marque’s announcement of aggressive pricing for a model range of seven big-bikes. However, not much has happened since then with the only worthwhile news being that of an upcoming factory located on the outskirts of Bengaluru. A major reason for this delay is Triumph’s intelligent business strategy, which involves bringing bikes through the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route instead of the much more expensive CBU (Completely Built Unit) route. According to other rumours, the iconic English company is already in process of setting up a compact, efficient motorcycle assembly unit in Manesar, on the outskirts of New Delhi, which will help bring in Triumph motorbikes without further delay.

The CKD units can be expected to be competitively priced, close to their announced target prices from the 2012 Auto Expo. Triumph will be directly competing with other high-end motorcycle marques such as Harley-Davidson which has been present in India for much longer, and the upcoming Indian and Victory brands.

July 24, 2013
Lexus’ LFA Works making $10K Carbon Fibre Bicycles

Engineers at the LFA Works that produced the Lexus LFA supercar, have had a lot of time on their hands since the 500th and last LFA rolled down the production line in December 2012. Now we know what all those carbon fibre experts have been doing with the world’s best Carbon Fibre machinery in their free time. They’ve been working on bicycles, called the Lexus F Sport. Now obviously, these aren’t your everyday go-to the market bicycles. There will be only 100 units in total and each will cost US $10,000 each.

The black-and-white one-seater is very hi-tech, which it should be given the exorbitant price tag. The front derailleur is electronically controlled, for an instantaneous, smooth click into gear. And the shift levers are modeled after the paddle shifters in Formula One racers. The bike is heavy on lightweight carbon fiber. The frame, forks, seat, handlebars, seat post, rims and crankshafts are all made of the superexpensive, superstrong material. Except none of it is manufactured by Lexus, with all the carbon fibre being sourced from Takumi, in Taiwan. The Lexus F Sport also packs a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset with electronic shifters and weighs an astonishing 6.8 kilograms. Lexus crafstmen polish each frame for three hours to bring out the glow in the lacquer finish and exclusivity is still the norm for the Lexus LFA Works, with only one bike headed for Canada and two for the US.

The LFA was Lexus’ halo sports car and about a decade was spent by Lexus in its development. Even at US $375,000 per car, Lexus made a loss on each one they sold. Only 500 were produced, and the F Sport bicycles are touted by Lexus, as embodying the “principles and philosophy” of the LFA.

[Images source: Lexus]

July 16, 2013
Bajaj Discover 125T launched at Rs. 52,500

In order to appeal to a larger audience, Bajaj has launched a variant of the Discover 125ST. It’s called the Discover 125T, where the lack of the ‘S’ makes all the difference.

The Discover 125T is a lower-spec variant of the relatively premium Discover 125ST. Both bikes are aesthetically identical, with the only visual differences being changes to the tank graphics, and the absence of a tyre hugger. Mechanically, the Discover 125T is powered by the same 124.6cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. However, the 125T makes slightly less power; 12.3 bhp at 9000rpm

Peak torque remains the same at 1.1 kgm on the 125T, however it’s available at 6500rpm, which is 500rpm earlier in the powerband in comparison to the 125ST. The 5-speed, 1-down, 4-up shifting gearbox remains the same, but the Discover 125T gets a set of gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear end, unlike the 125ST which packages a Nitrox monoshock.

The Bajaj Discover 125T is available in two trims. The variant with a drum brake on the front wheel will set you back Rs. 52,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi) while the one with a disc brake is priced at Rs. 55,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

July 13, 2013
Honda Dream Neo launched, starts at Rs. 46,140

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has launched the Dream Neo commuter motorcycle. The Dream Neo is the manufacturer’s first motorcycle to come equipped with Honda Eco Technology (HET).

The four-stroke, air-cooled and single-cylinder 110cc engine comes mated to a four-speed gearbox, which is operated via a heel-and-toe shifter in an all-up pattern. The carbureted motorcycle is good for 8.25 bhp of maximum power at 7500rpm.

The motorcycle features an analogue speedometer and fuel gauge, a pass-light flasher, an 8-litre fuel tank, and a hinge-less fuel filler cap. The base model comes with 18-inch wire-spoke wheels while higher variants are available with six-spoke black alloy wheels.

Coming to the suspension system, the Dream Neo uses telescopic front forks and a set of hydraulic rear shock absorbers, coupled with a rectangular section swingarm. Save for the base model, the bike rides on tubeless tyres.

Honda Dream Neo Prices (All ex-showroom Mumbai):

Base model (drum brakes/ spoke wheels/ kick start): Rs 46,140

Mid-range (drum brakes/ alloy wheels/ kick start) :47,187

Top-spec (drum brakes/ alloy wheels/ self start): Rs 50,426

July 10, 2013
Honda CBR250R now available in Repsol race livery

Honda’s CBR250R sports bike has been a success since it was launched on Indian soil in 2011. Honda has now announced that customers can buy the CBR250R in its Repsol race livery at a higher cost. The Repsol CBR250R will be a special edition on sale for a short period ot time, and available only in limited numbers.

Initially the motorcycle was offered in three paint schemes, red, silver and black. Later on Honda decided to bring its famous Fireblade inspired Pearl Heron Blue. We will also see a white paint scheme for this bike priced at Rs. 1,62,091 for the standard variant and Rs. 1,91,636 for the ABS variant (both ex-showroom, Pune). The Repsol paint scheme will be available at a premium, it will be sold at a price of Rs. 1,97,699 (ex-showroom, Pune).

The CBR250R’s special edition is yet to be dispatched from the Honda factory hence waiting periods may be prolonged, but dealerships are accepting bookings for this paint scheme.

[Autocar India]

June 28, 2013
Polaris to bring Indian and Victory bikes to India

Globally famous marques Indian and Victory are going to set up shop in India sometime in 2014. Minnesota based Polaris Industries is planning to bring both their motorcycle brands after witnessing the success of similar motorcycles such as Harley Davidson. Polaris India Pvt Ltd is headed by Indian two-wheeler industry veteran Pankaj Dubey who plans as managing director to import the new motorcycles in via the CBU route. Contrary to popular belief, Indian and Victory motorcycles will sell from independent showrooms, not sharing space with ATVs from the same parent company.

It is unknown when the brands will be launched, and which will come first. Indian and Victory motorcycles rely mainly on V-twin configuration engines, which will mean competition for Harley-Davidson, once these new motorcycles are available in the exponentially growing Indian market. That said, HD holds the early bird advantage, and brings most of their motorcycles into India via the more affordable CKD route, giving its motorcycles a pricing edge.

Polaris acquired Indian Motorcycles in 2011 to complement their Victory brand and give direct competition to HD in the cruiser and tourer bike segments.

Polaris India remains tight lipped about further details at this stage. Watch this space for updates!

[Autocar India]

June 28, 2013
KTM launches 390 Duke at Rs. 1.8 Lakh

The much-awaited KTM 390 Duke can be yours now for Rs. 1,80,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Bajaj Auto and KTM launched the attractive streetbike today and is expecting a good response from the Indian market. The 390 Duke is aggressively styled with minimalistic body work and an exposed bright orange trellis frame, giving it a very typical KTM look and feel.

The 390 Duke is powered by a four-stroke, single cylinder, 373.2cc engine putting out maximum power of 43bhp at 9500 rpm and peak torque of 3.57kgm at 7250 rpm. The engine is fuel-injected, liquid-cooled and operates using a quartet of valves driven by a twin camshaft. This big Duke gets a six-speed gearbox that shifts in a one-down five-up pattern. In India, the 390 Duke will be sold with a larger radiator.

The bike is equipped with illuminated switchgear, dimpled palm grips, a comfortable set of levers and good mirrors. The compact but comprehensive digital instruments show speed, fuel level, an odometer, trip meters and a tachometer. The 10.2-litre fuel tank offers deeply recessed, appropriate thigh support. A side stand-down warning light is standard. Overall build quality, fit and finish is expectedly great.

The 390 Duke deploys a rigid, steel trellis frame and chunky 43mm diameter front upside down forks developed by suspension specialist WP, and at rear a cast alloy swingarm supporting a monoshock. The suspension setup will be slightly tweaked on the Indian spec bike making it more suitable to harsh Indian road conditions. The 390 Duke uses an ABS enabled 300mm single disc brake in front and 230mm unit at rear, a radial mounted, four piston caliper biting the front, and both controlled by steel-braided hydraulic lines. The bike rides on tubeless Metzeler radial tyres and will be sold through Bajaj’s existing network of 75 Probiking dealers.

Detailed specifications:

Price: Rs 180,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

On Sale: July 2013

L/W/H: 2002/873/1267mm

Wheelbase 1367 +/- 15mm

Ground clearance:172mm

Fuel tank capacity: 10.2 litres

Kerb weight: 154kg

Engine layout: Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke

Displacement 373.2cc

Power 44bhp at 9500rpm

Torque 3.57kgm at 7250rpm

Specific output 117.9bhp per litre

Power to weight 285.7bhp per tonne

Gearbox 6-speed, 1-down, 5-up

Front suspension: Upside-down forks

Rear suspension: Monoshock,alloy swingarm

Front brake: 300mm disc

Rear brake: 230mm disc

Wheels: 10-spoke alloy

Rim size (f-r): 17 inches

Tyre size (f-r) :110/70 x 17 / 150/60 x 17 inches

June 25, 2013
Mahi Racing secures double podium finish at Portugal

It’s happy days for MS Dhoni’s Mahi Racing Team India as both its riders, Fabian Foret & Kenan Sofuoglu, finished on the podium in the sixth race of the World Supersport season at Portimao in Portugal. Foret managed to pass two riders in the opening stages after starting from fourth place on the grid and took the lead in the latter half of the race due to the incredible pace of the Mahi Racing bikes. He was overtaken by eventual winner Sam Lowes on Turn 11. Foret tried his best to take back the lead but was unsuccessful in his bid and had to settle for a second place finish.

Reigning champion Sofuoglu had finished the race in third position after qualifying in third place. The Turkish rider however managed to set the fastest lap on lap 12 with a 1: 45.730 minute lap. The result leaves both Mahi Racing riders tied in second place on the championship standings. British rider Sam Lowes leads the table currently with 120 points after four wins on the trot. Nine races remain in the 2013 World Supersport season and both Mahi Racing drivers have enough opportunities to overtake Sam Lowes and win the championship.

June 14, 2013
Mission Motorcycles Launches R and RS Electric Superbikes

Little known manufacturer Mission Motorcycles has announced the launch of two electric superbikes, the R and RS. This means that for about Rs. 17 Lakh (before duties) you can now ride at speeds comparable to 600cc racing bikes albeit using the power of electricity only.

Mission R

Mission Motors was founded in 2007 with the goal of building and selling high performance electric motorcycles. However, when its original design, the Mission One, didn’t achieve enough demand, the company switched to selling electric components and drivetrain development. It was during this time that the idea for the Mission R was conceived, a new entity called Mission Motorcycles was born and now the R and RS have reached the production line.

Mission RS

The motorcycle industry seems to have stagnated, where the biggest headlines are filled with the smallest of improvements. Only by combining the cleanest expression of raw power, provided by an electric powertrain, with the connectivity we’ve come to expect, can anyone truly evolve the motorcycle into the 21st century. And this is precisely our goal.

– Mark Seeger, Mission Motorcycles president

The Mission R comes with an option of 12, 15 & 17 kWh batteries good for 169, 193 and 225 kilometres respectively. It also features fully adjustable Öhlins RT suspension, Brembo monobloc calipers, and Marchesini forged aluminum wheels. The Mission R will set you back a cool $29,999 after federal tax credit (or Rs. 17 Lakh before duties for us here in India). It develops 160bhp, 120lb/ft of torque and can reach over 240 kmph.

Mission R

The Mission RS is a little heavier on the wallet at $60,000 (or Rs. 34 Lakh before duties) but also promises performance to match. The RS is a replica of the bike that set the electric lap record at Laguna Seca in July 2011, while winning the only TTXGP event it was ever entered in and will be limited to 40 units globally. It has the same drivetrain as the R model, but features an Öhlins FGRT fork and BST carbon fiber wheels. It will come with a battery capable of a 225 mile range.

Mission R

The bikes also come with something never seen on a production motorcycle before: an Internet-connected operating system integrating turn-by-turn navigation, an HD video camera with telemetry overlay and integration for wireless HUD. The R will go into production when all 40 of the RS have been delivered.

[Autoblog]

June 4, 2013
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Launched For INR 1.8 lakh

Royal Enfield, the maker of iconic motorcycle Bullet, launched its next generation Thunderbird (500 & 350) cruiser motorcycles, as well as a range of accessories in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Developed on an all-new platform, the new Thunderbird 500 is priced at Rs 1,82,571. The Bullet-maker will also be rolling out a range of accessories.

[quote]By next year, the company plans to increase it two-wheeler capacities by 50% to 1,50,000 bikes a year. “Eicher is currently selling 1000 units of Thunderbird 350 in a month. The waiting period for other bikes will lower as we grow production by 2013,” Lal added.[/quote]

Furthermore, he said that the company’s new plant will be ready in three months and will keep adding capacities.

The new Thunderbird, which is targeted at highway cruising motorists, is priced at Rs 1,82,571 (on road Mumbai for the 500 cc) and Rs 1,43,346 (350 cc). According to a PTI report, the company has dropped its plans to launch a diesel variant of the aforementioned model.

Moreover, it is also important to note that the company’s new launch comes at a time when the September sales figures for in the country rose by a staggering 19%.

October 12, 2012
Brammo Empulse and Empulse R Officially Official, 100 mph- Starting US $16,995 (PR)

Brammo’s electric Empulse is now finally ready and undergoing production, for the 2013 release model Empulse and Empulse R. The Empule will come standard with a six-speed gearbox, a max speed of 100 mph. The company now promises a fast recharge of 3.5 hours, the Empluse will now sell for US $16,995 (Rs. 9,11,000). There’s also the Empluse R, apremium model that will go on sale for $18,995 (Rs. 10,18,000) in June.

The Empulse R’s exterior body is made out of carbon fibre while the empales retains the plastic shell construction.

[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

ASHLAND, Ore., May 9, 2012 — Brammo, Inc., the designer and manufacturer of world leading electric motorcycles, revealed pricing and production plans for the Empulse and Empulse R while giving motorcycle enthusiasts in Los Angeles a first look at the stunning new design.

At this unique electric vehicle industry event, Brammo has demonstrated to consumers and motorcycle insiders alike the advancements in electric motorcycling and is providing a glimpse of what is to come in the future. The Empulse is the only electric motorcycle to include a 100-mile range and 100-mph top speed as well as a breakthrough battery and powertrain system enabling a great zero-emission experience.

At the launch party, Brammo announced the Empulse and Empulse R will cost $16,995 and $18,995 respectively with financing available from Sheffield Financial. Through this financing, customers will be able to purchase the new Empulse and Empulse R from Brammo dealers as follows:

Empulse: 8.9% for 72 months at $303, 6.9% financing for 60 month at $334 and 3.9% for 36 months at $499

Empulse R: 8.9% for 72 months at $339, 6.9% financing for 60 month at $373 and 3.9% for 36 months at $558

Availability of each model will vary based on demand for the Empulse and Empulse R. Production for the Empulse R will take place first with limited availability in June 2012 and in volume by Q3 2012. The Empulse will be available in Q1 2013.

Research conducted by Brammo with both customers and dealers has driven the development of the Empulse and Empulse R. As a result, these motorcycles now come with a water-cooled AC motor and fully integrated IET™ six speed transmission, seating for two, regenerative braking and on board J1772 Level 2 charging capability. To ensure the highest quality performance and design, Brammo works with internationally renowned manufacturers for superior components of their motorcycles. This close attention to the supply chain ensures the durability, reliability and ultimately future resale value of Brammo products.

“It was important to Brammo to create a great motorcycle and we paid attention to customer feedback to create just that,” said Craig Bramsher, CEO and president of Brammo. “From concept to production the Empulse product has evolved quite a bit. We are bringing you a different motorcycle that promises to be more than what our riders expected.”

The two models vary as follows:

The Empulse body work is all plastic, has semi adjustable front suspension and semi adjustable rear suspension.

The Empulse R uses carbon fiber for headlight shroud, front and rear fenders, top panel and the rear light housing.

Brammo promised that of the first 1000 people who pre ordered an Empulse, one would be selected at random to receive their motorcycle free of charge. Last week from the first 1000 orders six finalists were selected. At the event, Craig Bramscher rolled a dice and Jueiming Chen was the lucky winner.

True to Brammo’s devotion to zero tailpipe-emission transportation, the Empulse launch event was carbon-neutral. Brammo has worked with Carbonfund.org to purchase carbon offsets to mitigate the greenhouse emissions generated by transportation, electricity use, and other resource-intensive activities associated with this event.

In additional efforts to reduce travel and carbon intensity of the event, Brammo will stream the launch event live to tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts, who will be able to experience the launch party across the nation and afar in Asia and in Europe.

[/toggle_box]

May 12, 2012
AutoGyaan : Piaggio Unveils the Vespa scooter in India at Auto Expo 2012

Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd, the Italian motorcycle maker, unveiled the Vespa scooter at the 2012 Auto Expo. Vespa was started in 1946 and since then, the company have sold more than 17 million units worldwide. Piaggio plans to bring this iconic brand back to India with a new spirit. Piaggio have set up a new facility at Baramati for Vespa’s production, where they plan to manufacture with initial capacity of 150,000. The Vespa will hit Indian roads in April 2012 and will initially be available in 35 main cities.

The company showed off its Hybrid MP3 trike-scooter with a bi-wheel front and single wheel real. The show stoppers were the P Scooters, launched in a range of colors.

January 7, 2012
New Galaxy Tab Case comes with a Bicycle (PR)

Samsung UK has teamed up with 14 Bike Co to bring the world the Samsung Galaxy bicycle to the world. The bike will come with a custom paint job and a carbon fibre holder for the Galaxy Tab.

Read the PR below , Samsung Galaxy Bike anyone?

[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]SAMSUNG UNVEILS THE ULTIMATE WAY TO TRANSPORT THE GALAXY TAB 10.1

29th September 2011, London, UK – Today, Samsung UK unveils the ultimate Galaxy Tab 10.1 accessory having collaborated with bespoke bike manufacturer, 14 Bike Co to create a custom made road bike and top of the range Tablet holder. Demonstrating the Galaxy Tab 10.1’s ‘lighter for performance’ ethos the Tab holder is designed by F1 manufacturers, is super light at 125g and is complete with a super strong premium finish.

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 features a 10.1 inch crystal clear WXGA TFT LCD screen, weighs only 565 grams and is the world’s thinnest mobile tablet of its screen size measuring just 8.6 millimetres. Such features are complemented by the special edition bike’s bespoke handling and elements of the tab have been used to influence the overall bike design.

The stunning hand built steel frame pedal bike boasts a striking custom paint job exposing sleek black paint on one side and cool white paint on the opposite, reflecting the colours the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is available in. The detachable Tab holder positioned in the triangular frame is made from quality Carbon fibre featuring the same Carbon specification used on F1 cars and has a fantastic strength to weight ratio. This means the holder is light yet robust – making it perfect for moving your Tab 10.1 with ease and in style.

Accessible from the side, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 holder allows for the device to be used easily whilst on the move. Applications such as dashboards tracking mileage, route planners and repair instructions for punctures, can be downloaded from the Android Marketplace to enhance everyday cycling routes or more adventurous trips – a handy addition for any cyclist.

14 Bike Co is a specialist bespoke bike manufacturer that intends to push modern British bike manufacturing back into the limelight. They use the highest quality materials, some of the best people in the industry and offer one of the widest varieties of bike designs.[/toggle]

October 3, 2011
Nokias Rs.1499 Bicycle charger coming to India in March

Nokia has announced its Bicycle charger for European markets. Priced at around €30 the charger is bound to do well in India.

Nokia Sales Rep:Jatin Kaushik Said

” The device is targeted at markets like India, and is bound to do excellently well. The company plans to bring Bicycle accessories including the dynamo charger, by the end of Feb, latest by March this year”

It sports a 2-mm charger interface and provides 28 minutes of talk time for every 10 minutes spent riding between 6kph and 50kph. It comes with a Nokia charger, phone holder, and bottle dynamo.

We don’t know if we will get beautiful chinese replicas of the device or not. But, we do doubt that a person with a cellphone and a Cycle in india may not be able to afford a Bicycle charge which costs almost as much as his bicycle.

Original Product : Nokia

February 2, 2011