Honda Rolls Out World’s First Motorcycle Airbag

Along with Deadly features ike satellite navigation, 80-watt per channel premium audio with six-element speaker system, a cold-weather comfort package which includes foot-warming system channelizing engine-heated air over the rider’s feet and is controlled by a fairing-mounted lever, the new Honda Gold Wing comes with first protection airbag system. The safety airbag fixed between the handlebars will be able to absorb some of the forward thrust...

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World's First Fuel Cell Motorcycle

This is ENV, the world's first purpose-built, fuel-cell motorbike - ahead of any of the world's leading automotive companies. The ENV bike is the creation of Intelligent Energy, a British energy solutions company, whose board includes Chairman Sir John Jennings, the former Chairman of Shell Transport and Trading. The ENV (Emissions Neutral Vehicle) bike was designed to Intelligent ...

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Maruti Udyog Launches All-New Zen Estilo

Maruti Udyog Limited has reinvented the Zen as the Zen Estilo to take on new competitors in the compact car segment. Hyundai Motors, General Motors, Honda Siel and Volkswagen are gearing up to enter the compact car segment and analysts believe this has forced Maruti to reinvent its popular offering. ...

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Motorcycle Land Speed Record pushed to 350 mph

Denis Manning’s motorcycles have been chasing world land speed records for over three decades and in September, the BUB 7 Streamliner he designed and built captured the ultimate goal when it set the new absolute motorcycle land speed record at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. Rider Chris Carr piloted the BUB 7 streamliner to 354.832 mph on the down run and 346.939 mph on the return for an average speed of 350.885 mph, a new world record. Prior to the...

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Setting out on a dream mission

It has been a dream for Srinidhi L. Raghavendra and Kishore Patwardhan and now they can't wait to fulfil it. Avid bikers, they have been aiming to do a trans-country journey on two wheels and now they are off on a 25,000 km trip through South Asia. Although first comes their passion for riding, they hope to spread awareness on the importance of "quality education for all" and promote Karnataka as an untapped tourist destination. Mr. Raghavendra,...

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60 new two-wheeler models in next one yr

Call it novelty value or the increasing appetite of the Indian customer. The two-wheeler industry is churning out new models at fast intervals to maintain the sales momentum with over 60 fresh launches scheduled in the next one year. With every new launch, the automobile companies are able to leverage the dual benefit of beating the rising input costs, by upgrading their existing product line, and keeping their customer base intact by catering to the demand for diverse new products. Pradeep Saxena, senior vice-president, TNS Automotive says:...

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Hero Honda launches two "new" bikes

Hero Honda Motors Ltd. (HHML) on Friday announced the launch of its new CD Deluxe and CD Dawn in a bid to consolidate its position in the entry-level segment of motorcycles. The CD Dawn comes with a completely new engine and improved performance, large multi-reflector light, new fuel tank and a host of other features. The engine is based on Honda's `Econo' series engine. While the CD Deluxe is priced...

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Bikers` Harley Davidson dream may be for real

The decks could soon be cleared for the import of Harley Davidson motorbikes into the country. While the high-end bikes will not enjoy any cuts on import duty, the commerce ministry has now mooted capping the number of such bikes to be imported in a year. It has also softened its stance on emission norms and indicated to the US that Euro norms were likely to be accepted. However, the export of Indian mangoes continues to face hurdles, with the US now saying that Indian exporters could have to pay as much as half a dollar per mango towards �facility...

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Motorcycle diaries

From the engineer next door to the hotelier down the street, the new biking culture is being spawned by guys-next-door. Nida Mariam finds out who is riding these mean machines on Mumbai streets Only in that rare instance that a stretch of Marine Drive comes clear does a biker riding a 1000 cc bike dare to open up the throttle and blast across the horizon. His 167 bhp engine takes just six seconds to exceed 200 kmph and while he...

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Bottom lines bleed as Hero Honda, Bajaj Auto play to the gallery

It's been a windfall for the customer but it has left analysts wincing. The Hero Honda-Bajaj price war for a larger share of the motorcycle market has hit margins and pinched bottom lines for both companies.Both Hero Honda MD Pawan Kant Munjal and Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj now admit the slugfest is a bit like riding the tiger. But no one wants to get off—at least not yet anyway.Speaking to ET, Mr Munjal admitted the race for market-share was beginning to hurt. “Current competition in two-wheelers is beginning to affect the sector and with huge...

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Riot Reporter Blog up once agin

The Riot Reporter Blog is back in action again. I will be bringing u all HOT HOT HOT info from Indian Automobile world. Stick with Riot Reporter for Latest ne...

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Hero Honda launches 2 new variants, the new Glamour and Passion Plus Limited Edition

Hero Honda Motors Ltd on October 25, 2006 has announced the launch of two new variants - the new Glamour and Passion Plus Limited Edition. The new launches were announced on the sidelines of the meeting of the Company's Board of Directors on October 25, 2006 for the financial results for the second quarter 2006-07.Meanwhile, the Company was the only two-wheeler Company named amongst the top 10 Companies in India by the Asia 200 Leadership Report by the Wall Street Journal Asia, reinforcing the Company's market leadership. Judged on the parameters...

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Extreme caution

By: Shubhabrata MarmarDoes the new Hero Honda CBZ X-Treme lighten up our lives? From the time the tricolour bike was shown at the Auto Expo to the time when it finally breathed its last, the Hero Honda CBZ was an icon. Not only did it polarise opinion, it (re-)introduced us to what a bigger capacity commuter with sporty intent could be like. And now, the CBZ name is back, in X-Treme guise. The talking point, undoubtedly, is going to be the looks. Hero Honda (and by extension Honda) have finally got alloys on a 150, which could mean the beginning...

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2nd coming: Bajaj to ride scooters again

Hamara Bajaj is riding back in time, literally. Come January 2007, Bajaj Auto will step into the domestic scooter market, marking its re-entry into a segment it exited this April. Bajaj will re-enter with an ungeared model Kristal that's targetted at the college crowd. This will be followed by Blade, a model positioned to attract the new-age male audience. Bajaj, once the country's largest scooter maker, had discontinued its geared scooter brands this April after ringng dowen curtains on two of the oldest standing brand — Chetak and Super....

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Hero group signs up UK's Ultra for electric bikes

Hero Group has struck a deal with British electric vehicle company Ultra Motors to introduce electric vehicles (EV) in the country. Ultra Motors has signed a technical collaboration-cum-joint marketing deal with Hero Cycles for bringing out electric two-wheelers. Though at a nascent stage, the entry of a large 2-wheeler group like Hero could make the market for e-vehicles a vibrant one. As a part of the deal, Ultra would provide the EV technology and kit, while Hero Cycles would manufacture the final product which would be launched in January...

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SAS to take on Bajaj with electric 3-wheele

A home-grown tractor maker from North India SAS Motors is preparing to take on the might of Hamara Bajaj in the three-wheeler market in India, with a little help from across the Great Wall. SAS Motors, which recently took over a state-owned automobile company in China's Shandong province, is planning to drive into India a range of Chinese load-carrying and passenger electric three-wheelers at a price that's less than half of what Bajaj charges today. The vehicles have been prototyped and SAS Motors is in the process of fine-tuning the models...

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Power play: Bike makers go premium for profit

As margins in the entry-level commuter motorcycle segment shrink, bike makers in India are now riding full-throttle into the premium-end of the market in an effort to perk up the bottomline. Hero Honda on Monday unveiled its latest offensive in the premium motorcycle segment CBZ X-Treme and announced plans to roll out another model soon to expand its footprint in this segment. "Though the segment for premium bikes would still account for just 10% of the total six million bikes sold a year , their share is growing fast," says Hero Honda MD...

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CBZ Xtreme .. LAUNCHED

Hero Honda has Launched there new "CBZ" variant called CBZ X-treme. The bike features the same 150cc Hero Honda Achiever Engine with 13.2Bhp power output. It has a TVS Centra look-alike front fairing with fairing mouted indicators, Alloy wheels, Black engine(le Pulsar 180), Yamaha Gladiator look-alike rear taipeice and All new speedo. The bike is priced at Rs 53000 and Rs 56000 ex-showro...

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CBZ Xtreme .. COMING THIS DIWALI

Many of us will remember the Hero Honda CBZ as probably the bike that was a bit ahead of its times. It had the unmistakable mark of Hero Honda writ all over it — reliable, well made and relatively fuel-efficient. But it was ahead of its times, as its design, build quality and its poorer fuel efficiency, compared to Hero Honda's hot selling economy model the Splendor, must have all been negative factors as far as prospective buyers of that time were concerned. Now, after the launch and modest success of the Glamour and Achiever, Hero Honda's...

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Q7 joins Audi’s India stable

German luxury car maker Audi on Friday launched its premium SUV Q7. The Q7 joins Audi’s India stable which includes A6, A8 and A4. The company hopes the new launch will accelerate its growth in the country. The auto maker has not yet decided on setting up an assembly facility in India.“We expect to triple our sales this year and sell about 300 units in India. Our target is to sell about 30,000 units by ’15,” said Andre Konsbruck, regional manager-overseas, Audi. The company sold about 105 units in India in ’05.Q7 comes in two engine variants. While...

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JWT bags creative duties for revamped Hero Honda CBZ

New Delhi, September 18Bike majorHero Honda is in the midst of re-launching one of its old but popular brands, CBZ. The creative duties for the same have gone to JWT, Delhi. For the advertising for this brand, Hero Honda executives had called for a pitch among the company’s roster agencies – Percept H, JWT and FCB Ulka. The agencies had made their presentations last week.For the record, Percept H was handling the advertising for CBZ so far.According to certain reliable sources, it was decided to re-launch the CBZ because the current model suffers...

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Bajaj is working on a 150 cc-ungeared scooter

Two-wheeler major Bajaj Auto Ltd, which discontinued production of its only ungeared scooter Wave, will re-enter the segment with a set of ungeared scooters ranging from 75-125 cc in the first quarter of next fiscal. Bajaj Auto managing director Rajiv Bajaj confirmed to FE the company's move to launch ungeared scooters. Analysts say Bajaj is also working on a 150 cc-ungeared scooter.Over the last decade Bajaj has shifted gear from a primarily geared scooters producer to a largely motorcycle manufacturer. As a result, it had lesser focus on this...

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Big Auto links to chase H dream

Tata, Bajaj, M&M, Ashok Leyland will work on hydrogen fuel vehicles It seems it’s not just politics that makes strange bedfellows. The quest for cheaper, environment-friendly fuel, too, does. Four Indian automobile giants — Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, Mahindra & Mahindra and Ashok Leyland — have joined hands under the aegis of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Their agenda? To find out how hydrogen can be used as an alternative fuel. As a first step, the companies will experiment with a blend...

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Pulsar 180 V3 next week

Its official now"Bajaj Auto is planning to launch an upgraded version of Pulsar 180cc next week. The bike is expected to be priced at around Rs 60000." "Bajaj is commanding leadership in the premium 150cc segment of the market with continued success of Pulsar twins which is expected to strengthen further after the new launch." "The company has also cut the price of its entry level 100cc model Platina by Rs 2000 in order to increase its market share...

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Suzuki RM-Z450

Suzuki Australia is preparing to unleash the ultimate four-stroke weapon - the latest incarnation of the all-conquering RM-Z450. Featuring a number of notable updates, the supremely balanced RM-Z450 offers strong, controllable power and extremely lightweight handling for breathtaking acceleration and total rider confidence. Remarkably easy to ride, the Suzuki RM-Z450 is loaded with advanced technology including the Suzuki...

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Virgin Mobile rep scooter

A limited edition Yamaha Mobile replica paintscheme is now available on the Aerox 50 scooter, and it doesn't cost any extra.The price also includes free Third Party Insurance, a one year manufacturer unlimited mileage warranty, 12-months RAC breakdown cover, and a fitted Datatag anti-theft security marking system. Three named family members can also benefit from the TPO insurance, with Fire and Theft upgrades available.In addition to the new Virgin...

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Haydon back for Suzuki

James Haydon will return to racing for the penultimate round of the British Superbike Championship at Silverstone on September 17.Haydon has missed the previous four rounds due to serious injuries to his left side from a crash at the Snetterton round in June."I tested at Silverstone at the start of the month and it was a relief to be back on a Superbike again after such a long break," said Haydon. "I'm under no illusions. I will be bedding myself...

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Govt plans to offer tax breaks, fiscal sops to spur R&D

It’s going to be a joy ride for the auto manufacturing sector in India, with the government mulling several incentives for the industry. To prepare a comprehensive manufacturing competitiveness plan and provide R&D incentives to the sector, the government has set up two committees — one on fiscal incentives and the second on duty structures. R Mashelkar will head the panel on fiscal incentives. The panel will consider providing 100% grants for fundamental research, 75% for pre-competitive research and 50% grants for product development. It...

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On the road to a hydrogen-fuelled future

THE latest developments in enviro-friendly fuel-cell technology could find their way into real-world applications within the next decade. DaimlerChrysler, one of the leaders in the research race, has more than 100 fuel-cell vehicles operating around the world, including three Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses in Perth. A fleet of 30 of the fuel-cell buses — utilising technology that is already largely outdated — has covered more than 500,000km...

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2006 Malaysian MotoGP - Race Results

Source :- SuperWhe...

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Bajaj cuts Platina price by Rs 2000

Kicking off cut-throat competition before the festive season, number two bike maker Bajaj Auto Ltd on Monday slashed the price of its popular 100cc model "Platina" by as much as Rs 2,000 as it paces to catch on market leader Hero Honda. "Effective today, we have reduced the price of the top- end Platina to Rs 35,000 from Rs 37,000," Bajaj Auto Vice-President Marketing and Sales S Sridhar told media here from Mumbai. He said the price reduction was part of the festive season offer by Bajaj. The company has, however, not fixed any time-frame...

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Rossi wins MotoGP class of Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix

The telling move: Valentino Rossi overtakes compatriot Loris Capirossi at the last corner to win the Malaysian Grand Prix yesterday.Photo: APPhoto: APMOTO GP world champion Valentino Rossi stayed in the hunt for another coveted championship yesterday with a battling victory in the Malaysian Grand Prix, raising the stakes for next weekend's contest at Phillip Island. The Italian Yamaha rider, who started from the pole in dry conditions in the 21-lap...

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Kawasaki Ninja 500R

Efficient performance for the everyday rider The Kawasaki Ninja® 500R offers stable handling and friendly power delivery for new riders, coupled with Ninja styling and willing performance for the more experienced motorcyclist. Providing excellent fuel economy and an affordable purchase price, the 500R is also a great choice for those who are looking to ease the crunch of soaring gas prices and add some fun to their daily commute. Expert and...

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How safe is your bike?

Streamliner designer Mike Ackitiff and rider Rocky Robinson opened a new era in motorcycle land speed racing, knocking down a 16-year-old mark and setting a new world record of 342.797 mph at the AMA/FIM International Motorcycle Speed Trials Sunday on the famed Utah Bonneville Salt Flats. The mark bests the old record, set by Dave Campos in a dual-Harley-Davidson-engined Easyriders Streamliner, by nearly 20 mph. Riding a dual-Suzuki-Hayabusa-engined streamliner conceived and built by Ackitiff and dubbed "Ack Attack," Robinson took off for his...

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New Suzuki GSR600S

Suzuki has launched a new version of the popular GSR600 with a new headlight fairing cowl and a stylish radiator cover. The new GSR600S is available in matt black only, and comes at the same price as the standard GSR600 ($9700). The engine is based on the GSX-R600S, but it has an output of only 98 hp.Source:- TopSp...

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Become $350000 (Rs 16,192,483) for a Batman Forever Batmobile

Being a rich lawyer allows you to buy all stuff you want. For example a $500000 for a "Celebrity Lamborghini Gallardo, but also a $350000 (Rs 16,192,483) Batman Forever Batmobile. And if you thought this is all, well then you are wrong, he also bought: a $250,000 1938 Cadillac Town Car used by Pope Pius XII and a $290,000 1941 Packard limousine used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. John O’Quinn paid $690,000 at a Kruse auction in Las Vegas last year for a 1975 Ford Escort GL once owned by Pope John Paul II.Source:- TopSp...

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Speeding for a strange reason...

When you are being caught speeding and you are run out of excuses try this: "I was taking advantage of the ability to drive fast without hitting a goat". Is not a joke, this is what a guy from Canada told the police when he was caught traveling 100 mph in a 60 mph zone in eastern Ontario Sunday. "A motorist from Switzerland, used to driving around hills and mountains, takes advantage of the ability to go faster without risking hitting a goat," read the traffic officer’s notes of the incident. For the adventure he took he had to pay a speed ticket...

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German biofuel tech for Indian cars

India and Germany are set to cooperate in engine technology for alternative fuels, given the rising fuel prices and pressure on fossil fuels. German companies have developed engines which can run on bio-fuel. Now, with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Verband der Automobileindustrie (VDA) , technology transfer is set to become a reality.India may also benefit by getting technology for more fuel-efficient engines, especially in case of Diesel. Speaking at an Indo-German...

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