Spy Pics of New Hero Honda Karizma R

The pics you see in this page are of new soon to be launched Karizma R . No technical specifications are out yet but we expect the bike to Pack better performence than current Karizma. I have come to know that there is no fuel-injection in this karizma .

Bajaj Launches New Pulsar 200 DTS-i

Few days ago Bajaj launched there all New Pulsar 200 DTS-i. Technical specifications are as follows:-

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION:

• Type Four stroke, Natural air cooled/oil cooled.
  
• No. of cylinders One.
• Bore 67 mm Stroke 56.4 mm
  
• Engine displacement 198.8 cc
  
• Compression ratio 9.5 *+* 0.5 : 1
  
• Idling Speed 1400 *+*100 rpm.
  
• Maximum net power 18 Ps (Bajaj figures convert directly to bhp)/13.25Kw
  
• Maximum net torque 17.17 Nm/1.75kg
  
• Ignition system Digital CDI
  
• Ignition Timing 10° 1400 rpm 28° 3500 rpm
  
• Fuel Unleaded petrol. Carburettor UCAL MIKUNI BS29
  
• Spark Plug : 2Nos. Champion RG4HC (Resistive)
  
• Spark plug gap0.6 to 0.8 mm
  
• Lubrication Wet sump, Forced
  
• Starting Electric Start only
• Clutch Wet, multidisc type.
  
• Transmission 5 speed constant mesh.
  
• Primary reduction 3.47 : 1 (66/19)
  
• Gear Ratios 1st 26.04 : 1 (36/13) 2nd 17.67 : 1 (32/17) 3rd 12.97 : 1 (29/21) 4th 10.15: 1
• (26/24) 5th 8.65 : 1 (24/26)
  
• Final Drive Ratio 2.71 : 1 (38/14)
  

CHASSIS & BODY

• Frame type Double cradle type.
  
• Suspension: Front Telescopic (Stroke - 130 mm.)
  
• Rear Trailing arm with coaxial gas assisted hydraulic shock absorbers and coil springs.
• Brakes:
  
• Tyres: 90x90 X 17, 49P, Tubeless
  
• Tyre pressure:
• Rims : Front : 2.50 x 17
• Fuel tank capacity15 litres.
  
• Controls :* Steering Handle bar Accelerator Twist grip type on right hand side of handle bar. Gears Left foot pedal operated Clutch Lever operated on left side of handle bar. Choke Push-Pull knob on carburettor. Brakes Front :Lever operated on right side of handle bar. Rear : Pedal operated by right foot.
• Length :2035 mm.
  
• Width : 750 mm
• Height :1165 mm.
  
• Wheel base :1350 mm.
  
• Turning circle radius : 2500 mm.
  
• Ground Clearance:165mm.
  
• Vehicle kerb weight: 145 Kg
• Max. total weight : 280 Kg.
  

ELECTRICALS

• System 12 Volts (D.C.)
  
• Battery 12V 9Ah MF type
  
• Head lamp 35/35 W Pilot lamp( 2 nos ,5 W each)
• Tail/stop lamp LED/LED
  
• Turn signal lamp :10 W
  
• Turn signal pilot lamp : LED
  
• Side stand indicator lamp : LED
  
• Hi beam indicator lamp : LED
  
• Neutral indicator lamp : LED
  
• Speedometer lamp : LCD Display
  
• Rear No. plate Lamp : 5 W
  
• Horn :12 V DC
  

PERFORMANCE

• Maximum speed :130 km/h with single rider (68 kg) (claimed)
• Price :- 63,019 (ex-showroom) Pune
  

The above specs are taken from Yahoo Bajaj Pulsar Group.



Hands-On Report:-

The new Pulsar has a very sporty riding position. The handlebar is lowered a bit and foot pegs are also kicked back for sportier riding position. The bike has great acceleration and the acceleration is awesome. We found the vibes to be lower than Pulsar 180 kinda Unicornish. The new split seats (from Pulsar 220) look great and are comfortable.

The switchgear quality is top notch and paint quality is really good and seems like it will last long. The Headlight bulb and the pilot lamps (wolf eys) are white. They are Halonix 35/35W bulb i expected brighter Headlamps. Sadly u cannot put bigger bulbs without any mods as The headlight and pilot lamps are not on battery. They get their power from the alternator.

The bike is loaded with MRF Zapper Tubeless tires 90/90 at front 120/80 at back. The tubeless zappers have great grip. There is a Bigger 260mm disk upfront and a 130mm drum brake on rear. There is no chain cover. The bike uses O`ring sealed chain which promise to last longer than the chain used in other indian bikes.

Those who like Kicking better play Football, there is no Kick starter on this new Pulsar. The only way to start the bike is through Electric start and if the battery dies, u can always push start the bike. There is no harm push-starting a Carburated bike. The engine roars more and exhaust note is better. Company claims the top-whack to be 130km/hr but that can be known only after a full road-test. Watch out for this space and we will be bringing a full road-test soon.



Pics are taken by www.xBhp.com member Xionite

Merc to roll out new C-Class model

Luxury car manufacturer DaimlerChrysler�s Indian subsidiary Mercedes is all set to introduce the new C-Class in the domestic market by early 2008.

Recently at its unveiling, the new car attracted the attention of auto enthusiasts worldwide for its rather unorthodox design and style cues.

Sanjiv Sahajwala, director, sales and marketing, DaimlerChrysler India, said, �We are planning to launch the new C-Class, which is currently under production in the overseas market, in India by early next year. We would have to set up its basic equipment in our manufacturing units in the country in line with the new car. This will be done in the next 8-9 months.�

The company is planning to halt production of the current model by October this year.

DaimlerChrysler has not yet decided on the vehicle�s pricing, but experts said it might be priced on the lines of the outgoing model.

Source:- Business-Standard

Bajaj gears up for 4-wheel drive

Bajaj Auto (BAL) is planning a full-fledged foray into four-wheelers with a range of light passenger and goods carriers. The company has decided to set up a new plant for its four-wheelers and the location will either be Maharashtra or Uttaranchal.

The first ‘lite’ four-wheeler will roll out in 2009. While BAL has so far only spoken about launching one light vehicle, the company has now decided to roll out an entire ‘family’ of products to plug the ‘middle ground’ between two-wheelers and four-wheelers.

The proposed foray into this new segment forms part of BAL’s search for faster-than-industry-average growth. Speaking to Indiatimes Auto, Bajaj Auto’s managing director Rajiv Bajaj said, “The middle ground (between two and four wheelers) can spawn a range of ‘lite’ vehicles - a diet version if you will - and that’s something we will look at.

We are intending to get into a family of ‘lite’ four wheelers both for people and goods. We will get into that business first with a goods carrier.”

The ‘lite’ range, he said, will roll out of a new platform that Bajaj is currently developing. And the company will not look for any technology partner for this project. “It will be born out of our own skill and technical expertise so we can control the costs and there are no surprises,” Mr Bajaj said.

The whole idea for the ‘lite’ range came from a single question - “Can one conceive of a whole family of vehicles based on this middle ground?” said Mr Bajaj.

“Is it possible to keep things simple like two wheelers but offer the comfort and convenience of a four-wheeler in a way that’s affordable for the customer and profitable for the company? If we can, then we have a new business model.”

The alternative business model is also part of Bajaj Auto’s search for faster-than-industry-average growth. “Worldwide, the two wheeler market is fairly saturated and the four-wheeler market is also getting cut-throat,” said Mr Bajaj.

“So unless we think out of the box, we will be stuck with around 10% growth. Finding the middle ground between two and four-wheelers is one such strategy to break beyond 10% growth curve,” he explained.

Bajaj is not the only two-wheeler major to foray into four-wheelers. Arch rivals Munjals of Hero group have also announced their intentions to get into four-wheelers though it isn’t clear whether the foray will be into passenger or goods carriers.

In an earlier interview with Indiatimes Auto, Hero Honda MD Pawan Kant Munjal maintained that he never said Hero group will get into cars, only four-wheelers. Meanwhile Hero’s Japanese partner Honda has already voiced its discomfort with the idea of Hero getting into the car business.

Bajaj Auto is also cranking up its retail strategy for higher-end bikes with the company-owned Probiking showrooms. “Right now the line up includes the Pulsar and Avenger but hopefully in future there will be bigger bikes,” Mr Bajaj said.

“Out of our total network coverage of 52 towns, BAL is directly selling in 6 through the Probiking showrooms. In the next 12-24 months, we want to be present in all 52 towns.”

These showrooms will cater to the “trend setter customer. By next year, we should be selling 5% of the three million bikes we sell annually ourselves through this channel,” he added.

As for changing equations with Japanese partner Kawasaki as Bajaj Auto moves away from the 100cc/four-stroke market, Mr Bajaj admitted there was a “lull” in the relationship but added that a “partnership isn’t so cut and dried. We carry a huge obligation towards them and we are discharging our dues”.

Even though Kawasaki’s contribution to the CT100 is almost zero, BAL still pays a royalty. “We are investing in future technology,” Mr Bajaj said. “As India matures and bigger bikes take off, I can go nowhere else but to Kawasaki.”

As for how the equation will change if Bajaj partners with another global player (industry reports say the company is in talks with Yamaha for a joint venture), Mr Bajaj said, “Hypothetically even if Bajaj partners with someone else that could easily be a separate company. Bajaj R&D, that works with Kawasaki, will have very little role there.

We would always like to continue the relationship between BAL and Kawasaki.”

Source:- Indiatimes Auto

Swift joins D-company to challenge Tatas

By launching a diesel Swift, Maruti Udyog has challenged the Tatas for supremacy in the B and C segments, where the Indica and Indigo diesels dominate. In the process, it is also taking competition to the doorsteps of companies like Hyundai and General Motors.

Not only has Maruti fitted the diesel Swift with a 1.3 litre DDiS (common rail diesel technology) engine which is Euro IV compliant, but the company has also managed to price the product aggressively “under Rs 5 lakh” psychological barrier. The company claims that this engine is the smallest 4-cylinder diesel engine for passenger cars anywhere in the world. Maruti is manufacturing the new engine at its Manesar plant, which has initial installed capacity of one lakh units per year but will be scaled up to 3 lakh units with a total investment of Rs 2,500 crore.

There are no other diesel hatchbacks now in India except the Tata Indica; they mostly exist in the larger, sedan cars with prices significantly higher than the Swift diesel variant. So what Swift diesel could do is bridge the gap between petrol hatchbacks and expensive sedans for customers wanting to buy a low-priced diesel car.

Says managing director Jagdish Khattar: “This car is the most fuel- efficient diesel car in India.”

Maruti claims the car can give 21 km per litre on highways and 14-15 km per litre in normal city-driving conditions. The base model called Ldi is priced at Rs 4.68 lakh while the Vdi comes for Rs 4.96 lakh (both prices ex-showroom Delhi).

About the development of this engine, Khattar said that over the past few months it has been localised to 70% but more work needs to be done.

But with Maruti getting aggressive in diesel, is competition sitting pretty? Hyundai is believed to be putting together diesel engines for the Getz and the Santro. The recently launched Chevrolet U-VA may come with a diesel engine and the brand new Dicor engine for the Tata Indica may also become a reality soon. What remains to be seen is whether the customer laps up a lower-priced diesel variant.

Typically, the Indian perception of diesel cars has been vehicles that make noise and require more maintenance than the petrol counterparts. The common rail technology of Swift could well change this perception. Then, diesel is at least 30% more fuel efficient than petrol and this price equation may also lead to a surge in diesel car buyers in the coming months.

Khattar dares Tata in Singur, too

Maruti Udyog’s managing director Jagdish Khattar on Wednesday asked Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata to clarify his allegation that a competitor was behind the Singur furore. “I don’t know which competitor he (Tata) is talking about. Since he has the knowledge, he should tell it.” Khattar added: “We believe in healthy competition.” Last month, Tata alleged that he suspected competitors to be behind the controversy at Singur in West Bengal, where the Tatas are setting up a manufacturing
plant for their Rs 1 lakh car.

Source:- DNA-Money

Hopkins heats up test

AMERICAN John Hopkins of Team Rizla Suzuki stamped his mark to lead the first MotoGP test session for 2007, which entered the final day under blue skies and glowing sunshine at the Sepang Circuit yesterday. After setting the fastest time on the first two days and upstaging more prominent riders, Hopkins continued his awesome form on his Suzuki GSV-R800 machine by topping yesterday’s morning session with a time of 2 minutes 01.026 seconds.

Bettering Monday’s fastest time of 2:01.806s, Hopkins prompted growing discussion across the paddock with various new theories over his performance, effectively making him the man to watch this season.

Hopkins, however, was quick to play down the attention by saying it was still a long way before the new season opens in Qatar on March 10 and that there was still plenty of testing and development to be done by all teams.

“Naturally, all the other teams will improve with all the other tests before the season starts.

“The bike is working very well. Obviously, Suzuki has upped their level of competitiveness and we need to continue the good work,he added.

The superb speed of the new GSV-R800 machine was further underlined by the performance of Hopkins’ Australian teammate Chris Vermeulen, who was second fastest with a time of 2:01.691s.

Kawasaki’s Randy du Puniet was third fastest with 2:01.878s while five-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi was sixth with 2:02.354s.

Clearly focusing on the new development aspects of his RC212V machine, world champion Nicky Hayden was surprisingly eighth with a time of 2:02.701s.

“We actually learnt quite a lot about how the new bike worked yesterday and we improved by almost half a second so it’s nice to see some progress, said Hayden, the Repsol Honda rider.

“We weren’t testing new parts, just working with suspension, wheelbase, springs – general settings for the bike to go a little bit quicker.

After Sepang, the teams will head to Phillip Island, Melbourne, for another three-day testing from Jan 30 before returning to Sepang for a tough second round of testing from Feb 5-7.

source:- MalayMail

Hydrogen-CNG combo fuel for Vehicles

The quest for a sustainable source of fuel supply has brought India’s automobile rivals together. Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, Mahindra & Mahindra, Ashok Leyland and Eicher Motors have joined hands under the aegis of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) to participate in a first-of-its-kind project to create an optimal mix of hydrogen and compressed natural gas (CNG). The idea is to make the fuel mix usable in existing vehicles.

The world over, vehicle makers are looking for ways to use hydrogen fuel in new products, but this project seeks to develop the CNG-hydrogen mixture (called Hithane) for use in the existing on-road fleet of vehicles with minimum modifications in the engine and engine components.

The participating companies are providing seven different types of vehicles for this Rs 5 crore project, which is being done in partnership with the ministry of new and renewable energy. In fact, SIAM and the ministry are expected to sign a memorandum for the purpose soon.

During the course of the project, all vehicles - three light commercial vehicles (LCVs), two three-wheelers, a sports utility vehicle (SUV) and a passenger car - will be first tested on various blends of Hithane. Blends containing between 10-30% of hydrogen will be tested to get to the optimum blend that reduces emissions and achieves the desired fuel supply sustainability. Thereafter, this blend will be used to modify vehicle engines for optimum performance with the new fuel.

The hydrogen needed for this project will be sourced from Indian Oil and a hydrogen station is expected to come up at the Central Government Officers’ Complex in Delhi. Hithane not only reduces dependence on foreign oil, but also cuts down on NOX (nitrous oxide) emissions and helps achieve better fuel efficiency.

In a hydrogen engine, electricity generated from solar power is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Oxygen is released into the atmosphere, while hydrogen is liquefied and stored at a very low temperature (-253 °C). During internal combustion, the hydrogen combines with oxygen and the resulting energy powers the vehicle, while the hydrogen is returned to the environment as water.

However, several issues have to be addressed before viable hydrogen engines can be developed indigenously. Explains Arun Jaura, senior vice-president (R&D and Product Development) at M&M: “Use of hydrogen in vehicles poses several challenges such as its availability, distribution, on-board storage and safety. The SIAM project is the first step towards looking for a viable use of hydrogen in automobiles in the Indian context.” M&M has already made a beginning with hydrogen - by showcasing a concept vehicle called HY-Alpha Champion - a sub-one tonne three-wheeler which runs on compressed hydrogen gas.

Source:- DNAIndia

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Launching In India

This would be their latest offering for the Indian consumer and they hope to perform well by selling good numbers of this car in India.

Ian Robertson CEO, Rolls-Royce spoke about their Indian ambitions: “I think it’ll have a very positive reception. Many of the older convertibles, dating right back to the ’20s and ’30s are in India today. So, we anticipate this will have a strong hold in our sales, going forward.”

The company in order to expand their availability would be opening its second Indian outlet in New Delhi. Their first dealership was opened in Mumbai in 2005. Rolls Royce hopes to attract more millionaires to their vehicles.

Robertson added: “I think there are still maharajahs who are buying these cars but we are also seeing the introduction of the car to many new entrepreneurs - people who have started up their businesses, people who have seen a great deal of success in just a few years. And from that perspective, right across Asia, we see a much younger profile in our overall sales now.”

Source:- AutoIndia

Bajaj Auto keen on China if it opens up

Chinese restrictions on foreign ownership are hindering one of the developing world's largest motorcycle companies from tapping into what could be a lucrative market.

Rahul Bajaj, chairman of Bajaj Auto Ltd, says India's second-biggest motorcycle maker would expand into China, but only if it were able to gain majority foreign ownership, which is currently barred in some sectors including automobiles.

Five years into China's membership in the World Trade Organisation, pressure is growing on the government to open up various sectors of the economy.

"We are expanding very fast in international markets. The only big country (in which) we are not planning anything at the moment is China, because I don't get majority foreign equity," Bajaj said on Tuesday in an interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.

"I want ownership. I can get at most 50 per cent, and I don't like that. That's why I'm saying India is a more open economy than China. (I'm interested in) 100 per cent. If I'm allowed majority foreign equity, I enter," said Bajaj, who has attended the Davos gathering of business and political leaders for nearly 30 years.

Bajaj, which has more than 35 per cent of the Indian motorbike market, has expanded into Indonesia, Southeast Asia's biggest economy, as well as into countries such as Nigeria, Iran and Brazil, which have big two-wheeler and three-wheeler markets.


Source:- EconomicTimes

Metro Tyres To Roll Out Tubeless Motorcycle Tyres For Domestic And International

Metro Tyres – India‘s one of the leading tyres manufacturers is planning to roll out Tubeless motorcycle tyres in technical collaboration with continental AG of Germany. These tyres will be manufactured primarily for overseas markets to cater to the demand of tubeless tyres among the global two wheeler players like Honda, BMW and Yamaha etc.

Later on Metro will also roll out these tubeless motorcycle tyres in the domestic market.

Mr. Jorg Essiger, Managing Director, Continental AG, Germany who is especially here to finalize the details said, “We are witnessing an equal demand for Tubeless motorcycle Tyres in Asian market too as in Europe. And to cater to this growing market we are rolling out Tube less motorcycle tyres in partnership with Metro Tyres, for which all the required technical know how Continental is providing.

“On the occasion Mr. Max, R & D Head Continental AG, Japan said, “ India is going to be a major export hub for the two wheeler industry particularly for motorcycle and we at continental will further fueling the growth by flitting up Tubeless Tyres that are of international Standard, ECE approved, Technological superior with much longer life”

Metro Tyres will manufacture these tubeless tyres in its existing state -of –the- art plants at Ludhiana and the company is in the process of upgrading & installing the necessary infrastructure, required to manufacture these tyres.

Source:- AutoIndia

Suzuki launches 4 new motorcycle variants

Suzuki Motorcycle India, a subsidiary of leading Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer Suzuki Motor Corporation, today introduced four upgraded models of its existing motorcycles, 'Zeus' and 'Heat'.

The new variants of 'Zeus' would be available at a price range of Rs 42,725 and Rs 46,326, whereas the new 'Heat' variant would be tagged at Rs 35,100 ex-showroom Delhi. The new introductions are part of plans to meet the demand for the 125 cc segment, the company said in a statement.

"Zeus & Heat-- our two motorcycles, which were launched in 2006, have had positive response from consumers. We are sure that the upgraded versions will exceed customer expectations in all aspects," Suzuki Motorcycle India, Joint Managing Director, Katsumi Takata said.

The company is targetting students and executives looking for contemporary style and performance with the three new variants of Zeus and the upgraded Heat.

Source :- The Hindu

Premium segment motorcycles on their way?

Some people are upset about how long it has taken Bajaj to get the Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi off the AutoExpo'06 showstand and into showrooms – a bit more than a full year. Regular sales are expected to begin next month. We haven't seen a launch like this before, with so much speculation, excitement and lots of information preceding the launch. Enthusiasts (and indeed, the competition) knew a fair bit of what was coming and this fuelled the anticipation of one of the most important motorbike launches in India recently.

There are a number of reasons why the 220 is such a fulcrum. First, the market. With margins under pressure and competition rising, the segment in focus is the premium segment – one which Bajaj has more or less 'owned' since they launched the first Pulsar years ago. It is where bike makers can make half decent per-unit margins and inasmuch, the sales 'subsidise' more price-competitive segment sales to some degree. Second, the premium bikes have (admittedly on a smaller base) grown at a pace that far outstrips the sales of entry/executive commuters. This is where the action is.

Third, most bike makers realise that we are ready to hop, skip and jump up the pecking order. What remains to be seen are the actual volumes. The flop that was the BMW Funduro and the long but ultimately futile attempt to launch the Yamaha Drag Star are signs of scared MBAs out there who won't nod 'Yes' to big bikes,
unless they see precedents.

The 220 should set that precedent. Enthusiasts already know the impressive spec list by heart. There is lots of new technology on the bike, including fuel injection, tubeless tyres, projector headlamps, LED tail lamps etc, each with a clear benefit and application. Despite which, Bajaj have pulled out a rabbit-from-a-hat price tag. All that costs only Rs 83,595 on-road Pune.

e road tested the bike, and it is no less impressive in the flesh. We aren't sure that making all Pulsars look so similar is such a great idea, but the 220 does have presence. The 220cc motor is good for 20.5 bhp – it destroys all previous 0-100 kph and top speed times for bikes. But making a bigger motor go faster is easy. What is really great is the 220's dynamic ability. Despite being a fair bit longer than the smaller Pulsars, the 220 is very quick and confident in corners, and most bikes in India would find it hard to keep up. That it rides very well over broken roads and brakes with great composure is a bonus. What we're saying is that on the whole – product, packaging and pricing – Bajaj have more or less hit the nail square on the head. I wouldn't be surprised at all if there aren't enough 220s to go around. Rs 90,000 has a way of disappearing when broken up into EMIs.

If this happens, it will send the right signals to other marques. The Hero Honda Karizma, already rumoured to be in for upgrades, will feel the brunt of the heat. Its displacement and price put it directly in the 220s crosshairs and in its current spec, it will find the road uphill. Unexpected 220 sales volumes will also push companies like Honda and Yamaha, who in product range terms are at the cusp of entering the premium segment with competitive motorcycles. Rumours are rife that Yamaha have a 220-sized product in the final stages. Even if untrue, it's a good rumour. If I were Yamaha, that's what I'd be doing.

The Bajaj 220, in essence, is opening a door to higher displacements to the average Indian motorcycle enthusiast. Bajaj have already stated on record that they have a larger displacement platform in development. We expect a 300 or 400cc single around September 2008 to be the first product from that platform. Other manufacturers, including the three Japanese marques, are also looking for ways to directly import bigger capacity motorcycles to India shortly. Like we said, this is where the action is.

Source:- BsMotoring

Now pay for 1 litre, drive 700 km

They've got a slow pick-up and can do just 25 kilometers an hour but they carry a price tag that's irresistible. They'll take you 700 kilometres for the price of one litre of petrol and that's what pulls scooter and bike lovers to the e-bike fold.

Orpat will join e-bike makers who believe that if China produces and sells two lakh e-bikes a day, India can do it too. An AC Nielson survey indicates potential for sale of nine lakh e-bikes a year in India.

"We are planning a big project at a cost of around Rs 300-400 crore in Kutch, wherein a combination of new technology will be put in for e-bike. We are planning that plant,” Director of Orpat Group, Jaysukh Patel says.

Electrotherm, which makes Yo Bykes, has begun work to triple its e-bike manufacturing capacity. Although priced higher than traditional two-wheelers, competition is expected to cut 40 per cent off its price tag. Besides, manufacturers are working on faster models and that will put some pace in the market.

“Total number of vehicles are 60-65 million, out of the population of 1,200 million. Present manufacturers are meeting miniscule needs for vehicles,” MD of Electrotherm, Mukesh Bhandari says.

Source:- IbnLive