Kawasaki

Best auto news from around the world.

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Bajaj Kicks back again

Bajaj Launches the all-new Pulsar 200NS.

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Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Superbikes are finaly coming



Yes, they are finally here. The macho 1670cc V-twin power cruiser MT-01 and the slick 998cc R1 are already lazing around in Yamaha’s garage in downtown Delhi. By the end of next month, the Jap bike maker is going to announce the price of their super bikes.

“We are putting in place the after-sales infrastructure now. It’s very important to have a solid back-up in place for these bikes. Technicians have to be specially trained to service these machines because they are highly sophisticated,” a Yamaha spokesperson said.

That’s not all. Yamaha also intends to train customers in the skills necessary to handle these superfast motorcycles. These super bikes will be sold for an estimated Rs 11-13 lakh, and when you are coughing up that amount of money, you expect the service back up to be spot-on.

Forty-five-year-old Arun Thareja, who is a super bike specialist and owns three of them, says, “People are going to go down on these bikes, so more than after-sales support, companies should be ready with spare parts like panels, indicators, panels and wind screens. And oh yes, the tyres wear out every 7,000-8,000 km, so the sales department should have a good stock ready. I think one or two service centres in each city would do.”

Even Suzuki is keen to launch their super bikes here. Says Atul Gupta, VP-marketing at Suzuki Motorcycles and Scooters India: “We are keenly studying three aspects of selling high-end bikes. One is how well can we homologate our high-end bikes for Indian conditions. Also, we are looking at what are the top cities where we see maximum sales potential and then the question of how well we manage to handle the after-sales and parts issues.”

So, companies planning to launch their top-end bikes here feel that after-sales service is what they should look into first. “We are already ensuring that Suzuki’s technical team is trained in Japan to handle those bikes who, in turn, will train our dealers in India. Training does not incur lot of cost; in fact, most Suzuki dealers have enough space, which is the biggest cost for them. But we are working out a very sound after-sales strategy for being able to sell our high-end bikes in the country,” Gupta adds.

Even Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) is bullish about the niche market that India offers for super bikes. Says Sanjay Gupta, senior manager, marketing at HMSI: “We will be going forward by introducing safety riding skills first. We already have simulators in place at some of our dealerships where a customer is put through various emergency situations. At present, we are putting in place the basic infrastructure before introducing the big bikes here.”

So when you have a machine that accelerates from 0-100 kph in less than three seconds and has a top speed of 300 kph, it’s imperative for bike makers to have the necessary service infrastructure in place. And who knows, on Indian roads, an ambulance service also doesn’t seem very far fetched!

Source:- Economictimes.indiatimes


Engine
Type 998cc, liquid-cooled, 20-valve, DOHC, inline four-cylinder

Bore x Stroke 77 x 53.6mm

Compression Ratio 11.5:1

Carburetion Fuel injection

Ignition Digital TCI

Transmission 6-speed w/multi-plate clutch

Final Drive O-ring chain


Chassis

Suspension/Front 43mm telescopic fork w/adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping; 5.1" travel

Suspension/Rear Single shock; adjustable spring preload and rebound damping; 5.1" travel

Brakes/Front Dual 320mm floating discs w/4-piston calipers

Brakes/Rear 245mm disc w/single-piston caliper

Tires/Front 120/70-ZR17

Tires/Rear 190/50-ZR17

Dimensions

Length 84.3"

Width 30.3"

Height 47.4"

Seat Height 32.1"

Wheelbase 57.5"

Rake (Caster Angle) 25.0°

Trail 4.3"

Fuel Capacity 4.75 gal.

Oil Capacity (with oil filter change) 3.8 L

Dry Weight 438 lbs.

Friday, July 27, 2007

The armchair Harley

Cross-continental comfort


In the list of things you never knew you needed, a 60kmph, petrol-powered Harley Davidson armchair capable of doing wheelies must rate pretty high.

But that hasn’t stopped an American firm from creating just such a beast. Armchair Cruisers has created a whole range of motorised chairs, including the Harley-Davidson version – although the engine isn’t a thudding Harley-Davidson V-twin, but a lawnmower engine.

See www.armchaircruisers.com

The one is called The Chaiser

Fractures reported on Kawasaki ER6 frames

Fractures have been reported on the frames of Kawasaki ER6s

If you’re a Kawasaki ER-6 owner, walk outside and check the frame for cracks.

The problem lies with the engine mount on the right hand side (at the front of the tube that wraps around the cylinder), where a weld can split on the underside of the tube. The problem can be difficult to spot (ER6-F models will require the right hand side fairing to be removed), but tell tale signs include paint flaking off and rust forming on the bare metal.

MCN reader James Mear’s 2006 ER-6f has developed a crack on the engine mount. He told MCN: “I purchased a set of frame protectors, and when I was fitting the protectors I noticed a rust mark on the engine mounting weld. On further inspection I discovered it was cracked, it appears that the frame of the bike is wider than the engine and the engine bolt is twisting the bracket and welds as it is tightened to take up the gap.”

MCN contacted Kawasaki to find out if the issue is a danger to other ER-6 owners – this is its response.

“Kawasaki Motors UK values the feedback from MCN. In recent months there have been some reports regarding alleged problems with the frame on the ER-6n, primarily in mainland Europe. As a responsible manufacturer, Kawasaki has taken these reports very seriously. After careful investigation and testing, we were able to determine the problem was related to installation of aftermarket mushrooms. Should any action be required in the UK market, we will take the necessary action.”

Source:- MCN


A all-new model showcased at KTM’s Willow Springs press day was the 690 Supermoto. Looking beyond its rather, er, unique “Spy vs. Spy wedged in a Peterbilt grille” styling, the 654cc Single offers further proof that KTM aims to stay at the forefront.

Making its debut in the 690 SM’s engine bay is KTM’s new-generation LC4 engine, a thorough modernization of the familiar liquid-cooled, sohc, four-stroke powerplant that’s still utilized in a number of current on- and off-road machines. The new LC4 delivers a healthy boost in power, with claimed figures of 63Bhp and 48 foot-pounds of torque at the crank. It’s also the first KTM Single to utilize fuel-injection, and while the throttle body has only a single throttle valve, its opening is influenced by a ECU controlled servo motor to maintain optimum intake velocity.
Road Test Editor Canet dips a toe in the waters...or asphalt...of a high-performance street Single at the Streets of Willow.

Perhaps the most notable improvement this compact engine brings is a substantial reduction in vibration credited to its use of a crank-driven, centrally located counterbalance shaft. Good news for anyone who’s endured the pounding its predecessor dished out when ridden for any great length on the freeway.

This is also KTM’s first production Single to make use of a trellis frame like that of the LC8-powered models. Its full-featured instrument cluster, tapered handlebar, long-travel WP suspension, radial-mount Brembo front caliper/320mm floating rotor and Behr rims shod with sport-radial tires are sourced from KTM’s shared parts bin, too. Unique to this model is its one-piece diecast-aluminum swingarm, a visually striking bit of technology certain to see more use on future models.

I’d ridden the 990 Super Duke most of the day, and 690 SM presented a bit of a surprise when I climbed aboard for some hot laps. At a claimed 335 pounds dry, it does feel light; however, steering effort is actually heavier than the Duke’s due to a slight tendency to stand up in corners. Power delivery is smooth and broad, with nice shift action through the six-speed box and a very light-effort clutch.

While the 690 SM’s styling may not be for everyone, its roomy ergonomics, comfortable saddle and smooth-running new-gen LC4 engine offer plenty of reasons this Single deserves a second look.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

SanDisk Extreme 4GB Ducati USB Flash Drives launched

This one is for all you Ducati fans who sware by the name. SanDisk has introduced 4GB Extreme Ducati Edition USB Flash Drives which lends a very stylish and sporty feel.

This new drive is obviously a tribute to Ducati’s distinctive Italian design and engineering, as the drives have the same glossy red chassis and black trim that the Ducati Corse team bikes sport.

Not only that; the new Ducati Edition USB Flash Drives sport the Ducati Corse logo on the top of the drive. A red light on the drive lights up wherever the drive is inserted into the computer’s USB port. This light very aptly emulates the Ducati bike’s rear tail light.

A true “Ducatisti”, as Ducati motorcycle afficiandos like to call themselves will surely appreciate the beautifuly detailed design of this flash drive.

Well if the exterior of SanDisk’s Extreme Ducati Edition USB Flash Drives seem classy, then wait till we tell u whats on the inside.

First off, the drive offers 4GB of capacity with read and write speeds of good 20MB/s, again keeping up with Ducati’s trademark offering- the fast speed of its motorcycles!

The SanDisk Extreme Ducati USB Flash Drive is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS 10.1.2 .

These drives come with the SanDisk RescuePRO Deluxe software that allows users to recover data that has accidentally been deleted.

SanDisk’s speedy Extreme Ducati USB flash drive is expected to be available in North America and Europe in August and for the rest of the world in September this year. The SanDisk Ducati drive will carry a price tag of $124.99 (Rs 4500 in India) .

Previously we talked about a Motorcycle engine replica USB hub. U can read about it HERE

Monday, July 16, 2007

Bajaj to join hands with Ducati, Triumph

Two-wheeler major Bajaj Auto is looking for a big-ticket acquisition in the European motorcycle market. According to sources in the auto industry, cult bike companies Ducati Motor Holding of Italy and Triumph Motorcycles of the UK are among the possible targets. When contacted, Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj refused to comment.

Bajaj Auto—the market leader in the performance segment in India, thanks to the Pulsar twins and Avenger—has been looking for an alliance or acquisition to possess enough engineering and product development expertise to crank out cruisers and higher displacement bikes in the 200 cc plus range.

Bajaj Auto’s reported talks with Japanese major Yamaha were also centred on sharing technology and expertise for bigger bikes while offering engineering, manufacturing expertise and scale for smaller motorcycles.

A big-ticket European brand like Ducati or Triumph will not only give Bajaj products in the premium lifestyle range in India but also a vehicle to drive export growth in the developed markets.

Ducati, the e305-million ($420 million) Italian icon that clocked about e10 million in operating profits in the first quarter of the calendar year. Its product roster includes such ever-green classics as the Monster (dubbed the ‘original naked bike’), the Multistrada and the 1098 super bike. Nearly all its products are in the 700 cc and above range and the brand has a formidable reputation in the MotoGP series as well.

As for Triumph, this cult bike company is all British with a plant in Hinckley. Its roster includes everything from the iconic Bonneville of the 60s to the latest range including the Rocket III and the Speed Triple. The £165-million ($336 million) company has cruisers, urban sports bikes and other lifestyle products in its range including apparel and accessories, as does Ducati.

Bajaj Auto has been getting increasingly aggressive with its bike retail channel Probiking and Mr Bajaj has been on record that the company will crank out more products to stock its Probiking shelves. The company has taken the view that entry-level four-stroke motorcycles will become defunct as the second-largest bike market in the world moves towards performance.

Source:- EconomicTimes

Friday, July 13, 2007

Will Bajaj team up with Renault ?

The small car space is getting hotter and the competition is getting fiercer. Renault has made no secret of its small car plans in the recent past, and the buzz now is that the company might team up with Bajaj Auto to produce Carlos Ghosn's pet $3,000 car project.

Sources have confirmed that Bajaj MD Rajiv Bajaj will meet top Renault officials in Paris shortly to discuss a possible partnership.
The Renault twingo concept - a maybe $3000 car.


At a time when the motorcycle market is witnessing a downswing, for Bajaj Auto the timing seems to be just perfect to diversify its business and expand product portfolio.

A small car and light commercial vehicle foray with Renault will be a snug fit given the two-wheeler major's large distribution footprint and strong engineering DNA. Also with the motorcycle market witnessing a downswing (it's been negative all through the quarter and is down more than 14% in June), it makes sense to diversify the company's strong three-wheeler business to four wheelers as well.


When contacted Mr Bajaj refused to comment. Carlos Ghosn has already announced that the combine would develop a $3,000 small car using Indian expertise. The car is Renault's big pitch for global volumes after the Logan and will be positioned below it.

Renault's current partner in India is Mahindra & Mahindra with which the French company has two separate joint ventures. Mahindra Renault, a largely marketing company, is in charge of selling Renault's global low-cost sedan Logan in India.

The two partners, along with Renault's sister company Nissan, are also putting up a greenfield plant in Chennai which will be used by all three. Renault is also putting up a powertrain plant in India as a 100% subsidiary.

When contacted by Economic Times, M&M vice chairman Anand Mahindra said that he had no comments to make on whether Renault was talking to Bajaj Auto but emphatically denied there were any talks with its French partner on the small car project.

"We have had no discussions with Renault on the small car project," Mr Mahindra said.

Sources say M&M is not interested in the $3000 car project because its long-term strategy is to be a global player in the SUV market.

"The $3,000 project would not be within M&M's core competence and would not bring in the kind of margins which would make the project attractive given the size of the investment required," said a senior industry source.

Mr Ghosn has been keen on the small car project, calling Tata Motors' Rs 1 lakh car as an exciting idea on his visit to India. Last month, he announced that the Nissan-Renault combine would develop a $3000 car using India's "frugal engineering expertise". However, at that time he was quoted saying local partner M&M would be a natural ally in the project.
Honda Jazz


Bajaj Auto has, for its part, announced its foray into the light commercial vehicle market with a product that would compete with Tata Motor's successful Ace light truck. And like Tata - which has just launched Magic and Winger, two passenger vehicle versions of the Ace-Bajaj Auto is planning to crank out a passenger vehicle concept version which will be showcased at the Auto Expo next January. In an earlier interview with ET, Mr Bajaj had announced that he would be open to an alliance with a car major like Tata Motors on a small car project.

The Tata Rs 1 lakh car project has triggered off a lot of excitement both among local auto majors as well as global biggies. While Mr Ghosn has announced his future foray, others like Honda Motor Company chair-man Satoshi Aoki have said that it will not be feasible to develop a car at that price point. Maruti MD Jagdish Khattar has also seconded Mr Aoki's view.

India's booming small car market is already attracting a lot of interest. Although there are no confirmations yet, Toyota is reportedly developing a small car specifically for India and other low cost markets while Ford is likely to introduce a model on its just-launched Mazda2 platform. Honda has announced its decision to introduce the next-gen Fit/Jazz into India while Volkswagen has said it will bring in a Polo variant for its B-seg foray. GM has just launched its small car Chevy Spark earlier this year.

However, most of these hatch backs are in the premium B-seg category pitted against current models like the Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Getz and Chevy U-VA. The Rs 1 lakh car, would be positioned below the current cheapest model M800 and would help upgrade a section of India's 50 million-strong two-wheeler population to cars.

Source:- in.today.reuters

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

First crash video of Kawasaki GTR1400

Here's the first crash on the all-new Kawasaki GTR1400 – courtesy of some French mates of ours at top motorcycle magazine Moto Journal.

The testers were at the launch of the bike last week, then set out to film a mickey-take of French TV show Turbeauf.

Turbeauf is one of France’s longest-running Top Gear type shows and is well-known for testing large cars in America – hence the parody of a cosseted journalist enjoying the high-flying fruits of his job abroad.

During the video you’ll see the test rider fall asleep during the briefing, heading out to the American restaurants for some essential foreign food, falling over in a pedalo and taking you for a tour of his hotel suite. Note the sunglasses that are kept on throughout (you may even be able to spot the price tag still attached).

At the end of the shoot, the idea was to fake a spill in order to wrap things up neatly for the parody – but while the camera was still rolling, test rider Zef Enault thought he’d grab the chance to try out the GTR through some more ‘enthusiastic’ turns.

The sounds of broken fibreglass and grinding metal can be heard very clearly – every panel on the bike was wrecked in the fall.

Luckily, Enault was not hurt and limped away to make his excuses to Kawasaki bosses further down the road… turn the sound up and stay with the movie until the end for the crunching crash.

Source:- MCN

World`s First production electric Motorcycle

From early next year, a practical, useable electric motorcycle with decent performance and range is set to go into production in America.

The bike called 'Enertia' is a purpose-made electric bike, officially revealed yesterday (July 10), and due to go on sale in America in the first quarter of 2008.

Official Video

Designed and built by Brammo Motorsports in Ashland, Oregon, the "Enertia" is not simply a conventional bike packed with batteries instead of an engine, but a carbon-fibre-framed, lightweight commuter vehicle designed from the ground-up to be electric.

With a top speed of over 70kmph and a range of 55kms on a three-hour charge, it’s designed to be a viable alternative to a small-capacity commuter bike. Weighing at just 125kg and powered by six lithium-phosphate batteries, a limited-production version will be available in early 2008 at $14,995 (Rs 6.5Lacs ) , and a full production version is set to be offered before the end of next year at $11,995 (Rs 4.8L),.

Initially available only in America, the bike may make its way to India too.

Mud bike dirt race in Bhopal


It's been raining in Bhopal for three days now, but if you thought that would be a dampener for any outdoor activity then clearly 39 bike freaks of Bhopal disagree.

The Mud Bike Dirt Race wasn't just an adrenalin pumping test of man and machine given the weather conditions, there was also another reason for its organisation.

"This is also a reason to welcome rains here. It was a diffcult 16 km track, laden as it was with natural obstacles at every turn. The real challenge though was the weather which caused the bikes to get stuck. But the riders rose magnificently to the challenge," said Asif, winner, Mud Bike Dirt Race.

"It's not important who wins this race. The main thing is to complete the race, and it's
very difficult," he said.

What was more thrilling was the response of the crowd who went wild and cheered at every hit and a miss. There were a few who were ever ready with a helping hand. The event was also held to promote automobile sports in Bhopal.

"There is a craze for automobiles here. We have organised this rally to encourage more and more young riders," said Sunil, organiser, Suzuki.


Source:- NDTV

Monday, July 09, 2007

Buell launches 1125R

Finally America’s only sportsbike maker has become America’s only superbike maker with the launch of the new 1125R.

Marking the first water-cooled Buell motorcycle since the first, two-stroke 750RW of 1983, the new 1125R offers 146bhp from a completely new V-twin engine and costs just £8495, making it a real alternative to bikes like Aprilia’s RSV-R and Japanese four-cylinder superbikes.


The official video of the Buell 1125R

Powered by a 72-degree, water-cooled, DOHC V-twin developed by Austrian firm Rotax – which also makes the RSV engine for Aprilia and the F800 engine for BMW – the new 1125R has nearly 50bhp more than any Buell before, but promises to retain the earlier bikes’ legendary handling.

The motorcycle uses a new chassis designed in line with Buell’s philosophy of keeping the fuel in the frame, and sticks with the same, steep 21 degree head angle of its predecessor, the Firebolt, which will be discontinued for 2008.

Weighing just 170kg dry, or 200kg with all fluids, it’s just as light as any of its competitors, and more compact than most, with a tiny 1385mm wheelbase. The short layout is helped by the narrow angle of the engine and the fact the twin radiators are side-mounted rather than ahead of the engine.

In a break from conventional superbike thinking, the Buell sticks with belt drive taking power from its six-speed gearbox to the rear wheel. It also features a slipper clutch.

A new, eight-pot caliper grips the single, rim-mounted front disc, and the bike uses a new cast-alloy swingarm. It’s set to go on sale this November.

Source:- MCN

Sunday, July 08, 2007

Bajaj Auto plans biking merchandise


Bajaj might soon be doing a Harley-Davidson. Don’t be surprised if you see biker gangs in Bajaj leathers and helmets zipping past you. Biking brotherhood is all set to get a brand new makeover with Bajaj Auto planning to foray into biking merchandise.

The day is not far when Indian highways would witness bikers downing beer at a local dhaba, proudly putting on branded bandanas and riding away into the setting sun, eager to munch lonely miles.

To hammer home the advantage they gleaned from the launch of the class leading Pulsar 220 Bajaj Auto might soon be introducing their new range of riding gear into the market.


With talks of big bikes zooming into the country, this might be the right time for India’s second largest bike maker to stake their claim as a pro-biking (excuse the pun) company.

Industry sources claim that it’s just a matter of time before the company’s premier Probiking showrooms start stocking hi-quality branded accessories such as, riding jackets, gloves and helmets.


Industry watchers believe that this move will be a major branding exercise that will establish the Bajaj brand as a modern and serious motorcycle manufacturer. Establishing its Probiking showrooms was the company’s first move in this direction.

Abroad, the merchandising concept by bike manufacturers already exists with major motorcycle manufacturers such as, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Ducati and Suzuki among others, having their own range of biking accessories.


Motorcycle merchandising is serious business for bike manufacturers because it not only ensures brand loyalty and but it also cultivates a devoted fan following for the manufacturer. Cult brands like Harley-Davidson even have phone covers, dartboards and jewellery sold under their banner.

In India this would be the first move by any bike manufacturer. When contacted, this is all a Bajaj spokesperson would say, “This is speculative.” But like everything, the concept of biking is changing in the country. Bike enthusiasts are slowly but surely waking up to the concept of leisure riding. The demand for bigger bikes is on the rise.


And moreover, India is currently the world’s second largest two wheeler manufacturer, churning out 84,44,168 units (source: SIAM) in 2006-07. India also boasts the youngest population in the world. Hence, there is no question about potential for manufacturers.

And Bajaj has always shaken and stirred the market with noticeable shifts towards clutter breaking strategies and performance oriented products. With most major manufacturers planning follow suit by roping in their higher capacity motorcycles as flagship models, Bajaj just might have found a way to be a mile ahead in the race.


Source:- Economictimes.indiatimes

Coming soon - High security Number plates

After much debate and delay the new regulations on security number plates for roadworthy automobiles are likely to be implemented and made mandatory from next year.

Most most mature automotive markets use high security number plates to improve monitoring and reduce the incidence of tampering and counterfeiting. The high security licence or number plates will also bring with them a certain degree of uniformity to display of numbers on vehicles owned and operated by individuals and institutions.

The plans for implementing high security number plates have been going back and forth and both the Government and the automotive industry had years ago identified the need to speed up the process. Much of the delay and debate has been due to the fact that the base material for the plates are as yet not manufactured in India.

The high security number plates are made from high quality aluminium that is coated with a specialty reflective glaze. The licence plates also feature black hot stamping foil — that make the new generation number display impossible to tamper with or duplicate. — is to be sourced from abroad. The new plates will dramatically improve security for on-road vehicles and also help better policing of city traffic.

Currently, the only stipulation that needs to be complied with is the colour-coding for licence plates, which require individual owner vehicles to have black lettering on a white board/plate and black lettering on yellow background plates for taxis, public transport, commercial vehicles and institutional vehicles. There is no regulation on the type of base material used. So, either painted steel plates or embossed acrylic sheets are used now.

The new high security number plates will, nationwide, sport a uniform font and a unique hologram that cannot be counterfeited. The licence plate that will display the vehicle registration number will also feature other information such as the engine and chassis number. The new number plates will also be much more durable than the currently used steel plates. With better protection from corrosion, the security plates usually last almost as long as the life of the vehicle.

The deadline for the implementation of the high security number plates rule has been postponed many times and, after the intervention of the apex court, the Centre has asked State governments to draw up a roadmap for the implementation of the new requirement. The fact that the new aluminium base plates have to be imported, mostly from German manufacturers, and the fact that the plates cannot be pressed at ill-equipped roadside shops are now the main reasons being cited by State governments for being unable to implement the regulation.

Once the plates are imported and distributed, specified franchisees are expected to be authorised to press and finish the number plates for fitment on vehicles. In all likelihood, the new high security licence plates regulation will be applicable for newly registered vehicles, and then extended for old vehicles.

The regulation will be imposed from 2008 onwards and the Government is talking about offering a two-year period for vehicle owners in all the States to comply with the new regulation.

Source:- Thehindubusinessline

Friday, July 06, 2007

TVS to launch Apache RTR 160 cc in Indonesia

Looking at the growing two wheeler market, the TVS Motor Company rolled out all new Apache RTR (Racing Throttle Response) 160 cc bikes with slew of new features.

The country's third largest maker of two wheelers is also planning to manufacture its latest premium segment bike, Apache RTR 160, in Indonesia.

Talking to reporters here, the president of the Company, K N Radhakrishnan, has said that TVS would export the new bike to Indonesia.

The company has set up a manufacturing unit in Indonesia for TVS Neo, a step-through bike which will be launched there during this month.

Apache RTR 160 is the latest bike developed by the in-house Research and Development wing of TVS. The bike has 15.2 brake horse powers and delivers a top speed of 118 kph.

The bike will sport features that are normally seen in high-end international bikes and will be the fastest motorcycle in India in its segment.

In India, this new model has been priced at close to Rs 58,000.

The company plans to sell around 20,000 units of Apache RTR 160 a month in India.

TVS Motor Company reported total two wheeler sales of 107,117 units in June 2007 compared to 126,290 units in June 2006. On the export front, TVS Motor Company exported 9,133 units of two wheelers in June 2007.

Source:- Economictimes.indiatimes.com

Bajaj increases bike prices

Country's second largest two-wheeler maker Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) on Thursday announced a change in its organisational structure, while increasing prices of its 100 cc and 125 cc bikes Platina and Discover by Rs 500.

Under the new structure, the company will be having five broad strategic units -- R&D, engineering, two-wheeler business unit, commercial vehicles business unit and international business units.

Speaking on the restructuring, BAL Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj said: "The new structure would assist in aligning the vectors of the organisation and will enable the company to live its brand values and be distinctly ahead".

The company, in a statement, said as per the reorganised structure it will have three CEOs for the two-wheeler unit, commercial vehicles business unit and international business units respectively.

The three CEOs will be responsible for top line business growth and profitability of their respective businesses, it added.

As part of the rejig, BAL Vice-President Marketing and Sales (Two-wheelers) S Sridhar has been promoted as CEO of two-wheeler business unit while R C Maheshwari has joined the company as CEO of the commercial vehicles unit.

BAL's Vice-President (Engineering) Pradeep Srivastava has been promoted to head the engineering unit as its President while Abraham Joseph would continue to head R&D operations, the statement said.

The statement also said the BAL is in the process of identifying a CEO for the International Business.

The company also announced an increase in the prices of Platina and Discover by Rs 500, effective from this month.

"We have increased the prices of our 100 cc bike Platina and 125 cc Discover DTSi by Rs 500," Bajaj told reporters on the sidelines of a CII seminar.

He said the price increase would be reflected across both variants of Discover DTSi which is sold with two engine capacities of 125 cc and 135 cc.

Platina would now cost Rs 33,500 (ex-showroom Delhi) while Discover would be sold in a range of Rs 43,500 to Rs 50,500 for both the variants.

Source:- Economictimes.indiatimes


Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Video:- First look at 2008 Hayabusa

Suzuki launched it's new 2008 Hayabusa in Rome at 5:30pm on Monday night and we've got the first video of the new bike. Check out the player below to see the bike in the flesh and in action on the stage and on Suzuki's promotional videos at the exclusive launch event. keep an eye on riot-reporter for more such hot videos.



HOT HOT 2008 HAYABUSA

Monday, July 02, 2007

Learn the secret of doing a stoppie!


Everybody's doing it. Ethan Hunt did it in Mission Impossible 2, Laurence Fishburne did in in Biker Boyz, Mike Metzger did it in the X-Games at the end of his rides. What is it? The reverse wheelie, or "stoppie". Here you'll learn how to get the rear end up on your bike without ending up on your rear end!

But before you try anything mentioned below, be informed that motorcycle stunts are very dangerous and illegal on public roads and car parks.

And of course, be prepared to pay for the repairs and injuries that will surely follow... The owners of this website will not be responsible for any property damages, injuries or loss of life due to actions taken by readers after reading this page.

So you wanna do a stoppie? Geezzzz....how? Actually, it's easy, if you know the secret.

    And the secret is... go slow and apply the brake smoothly! Why?
  • 60km/ph stoppie = sliding/skidding the front end and
  • 20 kmph stoppie = easy trick. Apply the brake smoothly, not instantly!

That's what does the trick - simply trying it at 20-40 kmph. It's just because at 20 mph, we have a lot more confidence. And it's much safer. Doing it slowly and smoothly are the most important, but there's more to it:

Try it at 20kmph. Find an open parking lot and do a couple runs, more aggressive each time so you get comfortable with it.

You grab the front brake slowly at first and apply progressively more brake until the front end is fully loaded. On your practice runs (before you actually start doing stoppies), let go of the front brake before you stop completely - get used to keeping your balance after you release the front brake.

Loading the front forks is important, because it transfers the forces from the bike's weight onto the front before you bring the rear up. You can't just get a stoppie by instantly applying full front brake! That'll just slide the front (even at 20kmph if you pull too fast).

Why? Without the bike's full weight on the front tire, the braking force will be greater than the tire's stopping power and it will start to slide. This is because stopping power (friction) is proportional to the force pushing the tire onto the ground (vertically). When the front end dives, the bike's full weight is holding the front tire onto the ground.

Keep going further with the brake lever each pass until the rear end comes up. Be ready to release your front brake as soon as you feel uncomfortable with how high the rear end is. It'll be a good idea to release the brake as soon as the rear tire got off the ground - better to get used to it in stages.

Don't use any rear brake and don't expect the rear brake to keep you from going over like it does with wheelies. In fact, if you apply the rear brake while the rear wheel is up in the air, it'll make it harder to balance when you come back down.

Balancing is pretty important to pull off the trick without embarassment. Usually, a fouled stoppie will simply make you put your foot down. If you are going straight when you do the stoppie, it'll be a lot easier. Even when going straight, you'll find the back end could come down as far as 30 cm (a foot) from where it'd be if it were straight.

Keep the bike in 1st gear, because you'll want to accelerate once you come down to stabilize the bike (and leave the spectators behind !).

A stoppie done right will have you in the air for a good 2-3 (or more) seconds, and landing firmly on the pegs - ready to go again! Landing a little crooked, but still perfectly balanced looks even cooler for some reason.

There are more subtle tricks like standing up on the pegs a little before braking to make it last longer, but I wouldn't try that for starters.

Have fun and ride safe always!

Source:- Dirtrodders

Make sure u dont land up like this guy:-


First Look: Ecosse ES1 Spirit


It is a relief when a new motorcycle project is announced whose claims a) are arguably new but do not exist outside physical possibility, and b) are not founded upon T-shirt sales and nostalgia.

A group of English Formula One engineers, together with an American couple, have shown plans for a new sportbike to be called ES1 Spirit. Its design can actually be termed “radical.” When I asked Ecosse’s Don Atchison (the American), “Who’s paying?” he replied, “Friends. For now.”

Ecosse, based out of Denver, is best known for its high-quality, limited-run Heretic naked V-Twins. Cost? $64,800. Ecosse’s Don Atchison has long dreamed of building a world-beating sportbike.

Engineers Richard Glover, Andy le Fleming and Richard Tyrrell represent a range of motorsports skills. They saw two major areas—weight and frontal area—in which significant advances could be made. Here is a short bill of particulars: 265 pounds, 200-plus horsepower, 50 percent of the drag of modern Superbikes. The plan is to build 10 track-day examples and test public response. As of now, the bike exists only virtually in SolidWorks, a 3D CAD software system, though extensive FEA and CFD computer analyses have been performed.

Key to getting the rider really tucked into the bike is this driveline jackshaft setup.

The light weight—100 pounds less than current 1000cc sportbikes—comes from “deleting the chassis.” Some savings come from the literal lack of a frame. Swingarm and rear suspension attach to the gearbox, and front suspension to the engine. More comes from eliminating the weight associated with transmitting front-wheel forces up a slender fork through a steering-head then back down to the rest of the machine. The front suspension consists of twin A-arms, projecting forward, their apices defining a steer axis and carrying an upright from which projects the front-wheel spindle. The lower A-arm is, in effect, a single-sided swingarm. To avoid the “muddy” steering feel of earlier articulated front ends, the handlebars are on the upward-projected steer axis, their motions so defined that resulting feel will be like that of the familiar direct-steering telescopic fork. Entirely missing is the friction of umpteen spherical joints.

The engine will be a “bespoke” (made for the application) transverse inline-Four, integrated into this design. When I asked Richard Glover for details of the engine, he replied, “It is a chassis project.” This is wise. The more ambitious the revolution, the more numerous the failure modes become.

And how is drag to be reduced? Current-day designs set the rider as high as necessary to keep wide-spaced footpegs off the ground. Footpeg width is set by swingarm structure and the amount by which the drive chain is offset from the bike’s centerline. The Ecosse group has rearranged components to narrow the rider across the knees and lower the seating position, said to cut frontal area 28 percent. A major element in this is to send power up the centerline to a transfer shaft at the top of the swingarm, then by a second, offset chain, down to the wheel sprocket.

How fast ya wanna go? Engine tune is up to the buyer�s wallet, but 240 mph is talked about as a possibility with a 210-hp motor. So is a cost between $330,000 and $1.5 million per bike!

ES1 is therefore a design based upon adapting the machine to the rider, rather than the other way around. Predictive analysis has reached a high level in F-1, and Ecosse’s studies say this project will work as claimed. We hope to see a prototype under test soon.

Source:- Cycleworld

More pics of 2008 Hayabusa

New bodywork is tailored for a tucked-in rider, though as before the bike should work well in sport(y)-touring mode. New �Busa gains 7 pounds over the �07 (up to a claimed 485 dry), mainly due to larger-volume, Euro 3-legal, cat-equipped 4-2-1-2 exhaust.



In reality, air isn�t cleaved this cleanly, but you get the idea. New bike is slick.



Clay mockup gets ready to be blasted. Here�s where the hard work of subtly reshaping the �Busa took place.



Natural habitat for the Hayabusa is wide open and lightly patrolled. Like the GSX-R1000, it has three different rider-adjustable engine-management modes.

Pics from Cycleworld

Motorcycle gear: very important

Motorcycle accidents can be deadly. 45 percent of motorcycle accidents in India occur without any other vehicle involved. It doesn't matter if you're experienced or not, driving a motorcycle can be dangerous.

Whether you lose control or are involved in an accident your protective gear can help save your life. A local Lufkin bike owner says you have to be properly covered. "When I'm on my bike I always wear my helmet, my jacket and my gloves, just for the extra protection," vikhyat told me.

But he says most people stop at that and that leaves a large part of your body uncovered. "Your pants are another big thing," he says, "Don't wear shorts. wear your jacket and at least have jeans on." By wearing all the protective gear, you're protecting your life. And vikhyat says, you just can't take chances. So if you're going to ride a bike, make sure you have all the necessary accessories.

There are many places in India from where u can get quality riding gear, like http://www.planetdsg.com or KRP from Delhi, u can also get quality riding gear from a good bike accessories.

Sunday, July 01, 2007

Ducati 1098R track bike launch

Ducati has finally launched the long awaited R version of there 1098 Superbike at the World Ducati Week in Misano. The bike is launched following the recent change of World Superbike rules to allow 1200cc twin-cylinder motorcycles to compete against the 1000cc fours. Watch the video of the unveiling of the Ducati 1098R below and see the bike in action for the first time.


Ducati 1098R track launch in Misano World Ducati Week 07

2008 Suzuki Bandit GSX650F revealed


Suzuki has just released these first pictures of a full-faired Bandit 650. Shown here in American spec, the GSX650F has been confirmed as one of six new UK-spec Suzukis to be launched next week in Rome.

Based heavily on the new-for-2007 water-cooled Bandit 650, the GSX650F is intended as a replacement for the GSX750F ‘Teapot’, which was a long-running and steady selling model in the UK and still available in the US until recently.

The GSX650F sprouts a new-purpose designed fairing with a headlight taken from the Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5, and although not shown in the picture Suzuki’s information claims that the retro-style clocks of the Bandit have made way for a ‘GSX-R inspired instrument cluster’.

The Bandit’s two-piece adjustable seat is oddly not fitted to the touring-focused GSX – instead it has a fixed position one-piece design.

The engine and chassis is largely unchanged from the Suzuki Bandit, using the same steel cradle frame and budget chassis parts. The engine is in the same state of tune as the Bandit too.

• See the new Suzukis at the official launch event in Rome first here at riot-reporter.blogspot.com on Monday evening.

Source:- Motorcyclenews

The Real Ghost Rider - Part2

Now guys, here is the 2nd part of 'The real ghost rider' series. Here is Ghostrider`s exclusive interview:-

Page 1 of interview


Page 2 of interview


Page 3 of interview


Page 4 of interview



Page 5 of interview

Rossi closes on Stoner after Dutch win

Former world champion Valentino Rossi narrowed the gap to overall MotoGP leader Casey Stoner after his Dutch Grand Prix victory on Saturday.

Rossi, who cut Australian Stoner's advantage in the world championship standings by five points to 21, took the lead three laps before the end after moving up from 11th place.

Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi of Italy celebrates on his motorcycle after winning the Dutch Motorcycling Grand Prix at the TT circuit in Assen, eastern Netherlands June 30, 2007.


In dry but windy conditions Rossi finished in 42 minutes 37.149 seconds ahead of Stoner and Honda's American rider Nicky Hayden, who snatched his first podium position this season.

"It was my best race this year for sure," Rossi told Dutch RTL television. "It was a great, great battle with Casey and an important victory," he said.

"At the end of the race the tires' grip was better but before then we were struggling with the grip and could not get the bike to feel good," Stoner said after the race.

"Also with the faring in the wind I was losing the front several times. I think we were lucky today," said the Ducati rider who crashed earlier on Saturday during the warm-up.

Australia's Chris Vermeulen, who started from pole position for the third time in his career, came 16th after a crash with France's Randy de Puniet with 15 laps to go.

"It was good to start from pole position, and we made big steps in this morning's warm-up," Vermeulen said on the MotoGP Web site (www.motogp.com).

"Then all of a sudden I was hit from the rear and ended up in the gravel. I didn't know the other rider was there and certainly don't think there was room for him," the Suzuki rider commented on his unexpected crash.

None of the MotoGP races this year have been won from pole.

In the 250cc class, Spain's world champion Jorge Lorenzo won his sixth victory this year. The Aprilia rider began on pole and completed a wire-to-wire victory in 40 minutes 25.904 seconds.

Italian Alex de Angelis was second ahead of another Spaniard, Alvaro Bautista, as Aprilia swept the top three places after a similar achievement in the 125cc earlier on Saturday.

"I was struggling hard to widen the gap with Alex, because Alex was absolutely very fast," Lorenzo told RTL television.

De Angelis has finished in the top four in every race this year and took his fifth podium place of the season on Saturday.

Italy's Mattia Pasini won the 125cc category, his second win in six days. The Aprilia rider began on pole position for the sixth time this season and completed a wire-to-wire victory in 38 minutes 58.171 seconds.

Championship leader Hector Faubel of Spain edged out Hungary's Gabor Talmacsi for second as Aprilia swept the top three places.

Source:- in.today.reuters.com