Striped warrior: TVS Apache RTR 160 - Hands on

At long last, a racing black stripe and red rim rings boldly announce TVS`s fresh approach to motorcycling.

Bring out the hair dye, carve out a tattoo and pull up some low-waist jeans and you conjure up the carefree youth of today.Dive into his mind and it doesn`t take an Einstein to realise that his needs from a bike are rather unique - his machine has to be a rebel, zippy and also one that won`t dent his pocket. The all-new Apache RTR 160 is TVS Motor Company`s effort to meet this young indian head-on.

New Digital Speeedo

Why Abadon an image that`s nicely accepted? The RTR looks very similar to its predecessor, yet it infuses an extra dollop of sporty character into the original Apache platform. Styling changes are few but well executed, like a racy Ford GT like stripe bisecting this sharply chiselled bike from head to tail.There`s also the black theme thats fast becoming de regueur across bike segments. Move closer and RTR delights with thin prinstripes running along the wheels as well as bright rear suspention springs. The new Apache instruments are digital, with the rev counter remaining analogue. Twin trip recorders, a fuel counter, time-clock, digital speedometer, odometer, neutral icon, high beam icon, turn signal icon, low fuel warning, low battery warning,
and even a service due warning icon are on offer within this amber backlit display. And voila!, its cockpit is far smarter, with clip-on handlebars and all-alloy steering clamp section bearing the new RTR logo. Highlights include smart mirrors, fantastic alloy-finished levers and adequate grips (sweet!), while switchgear remains standard.

Fancy alloy footpegs and rear brake lever lend a touch of class

Classy touches are an alloy brake pedal and alloy footrests. The Apache RTR retains an identical fuel tank and body panels, but has now upgraded to clear lens turn indicators, and an LED tail-light system on its raised butt. The rear fender and silencer exit area are altered while the numberplate region is now illumnated.

RTR 160`s smart looking aloly finish levers.

The old Apache motor adopts a new cowl and has undergone major changes, to up capcacity from previous 147.5cc to 159.7cc on the new RTR. The larger capacity RTR uses a short-stroke mantra to become quicker-revving. This air-coled and twin-valve unit has recieved several internal tweaks, including attention lavished on its inlet and exhaust ends, clutch and gear processes as well as the combustion chamber. The gearbox remains a 5-speed unit, shifting in the ubiquitous one-down and four-up patters the RTR 160 differing from the Apache 150 to use a sporty toe shift lever.

All-new 159.7cc short stroke engine

Thumb the RTR motor to life at idle speeds and its apparent much fine-tuning has gone into achieving a perfect and powerful exhaust beat. The clutch feels well weighted, and completely judder-free even when strained to launch the bike hard for quick acceleration. gearshifting is efforless too. The new RTR 160 shares gear ratios with the Apache 150, filling them better with its now 15.2Bhp peak power developed at 8500rpm. while our stint with the bike was limited to few hours, the RTR felt like it accelerated convincingly faster than all its smaller 150cc segement rivals. RTR is acronym for Rapid Throttle Response and the bike lives up to its name with its quick response from any region in powerband. Power delievery kicks in close above idle, building viciously with a small step in its mid-range as revs rise to a scream when pulling towards the red line. The short-stroke motor holds high revs with ease and loves being given the stick. We were pleased to find the new RTR offering enough oomph to still display stout pull while shifting from 4th to 5th gear just under its red-line at speeds hovering around 100kmph
mark. We have yet to strap any test gear to the new bike, our guess is that it should achieve a top-whack somewhere close to 115kmph. Vibes seemed to be isolated to bearable limits, no doubt helped by the RTR`s use of rubber mounting for its footrests.

Ergonomics are unlike any 150cc, with the RTR 160`s footrests being clearly rear-set, and its clip-on handlebars dropping the rider significatly lower than on the Apache 150. Its worth mentioning the riding position can be slightly altered using simple tools to shift the handlebars a few millimeters. Tall riders will enjoy the `bars set slightly further away from them.

New gas charged rear shocks

These changes make the rider sit further into the riding saddle which helps the inner thighs grip the tank surface in a better manner. Riders who don`t like sporty bikes will be advised to skip the RTR 160 and stick to bikes like Honda Unicorn and Hero Honda Achiever.

With its added power, the RTR stretches its twin-downtube frame closer to its limits, and wheelbase on the new bike is up to 1300mm, with the use of a 17-inch front rim and 18-inch rear, loaded with TVS rubber. Kerb weight is enarly the same, while suspention front and rear has been reworked extensively to embrace the new sporty character, but remains similar format front telescopic forks and twin gas-charged rear shock absorbers mated to a rectangle section swingarm . While our purely trackside experience on the RTR was too brief to pass concrete judgement on its ride quality, this TVS felt like it was set on sporty and firm side, with impoved straightline stability and sure-footed and neutral cornering manners.

Petal front disk brake makes its debut in India

Brakes have been beefed up considerably, with massive 270mm petal disk used in front, and rear retaining its 130mm drum. Brake feel is potent and razor-sharp, the bike managing to hold a straight line even under heavy emergency stops. A petal disk arrangement helps the disc rotor disperse heat faster and makes its appearance in India for the first time

Seen overall, the Apache RTR 160 makes a clear disvergence from TVS' Philosophy. Rather than half-hearted job trying to keep everyone happy with sporty as well as little commuter-friendly personality bliend in, this model makes a bolder
statement. The RTR is not here to please the commuter. This TVS is clearly going to delight the discerning biker, with racy styling, a relatively large bore, quick revving short-stroke powerplant and sporty riding stance. the Latest Apache should become the sought-after true-blue sports bike among its competitors- and lends itself nicely to the phrase 'race on Sunday, sell on Monday'.

Pics and review from Auotocar India May 2007

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Yamaha plans to launch a 150cc bike by mid-2008

In yet another bid to capture marketshare in India’s two-wheeler market, Japanese bikemaker Yamaha Motorcycles India Ltd plans to launch a 150cc motorcycle by mid-2008 after showcasing in the next Auto Expo to be held in Delhi in January next year. The proposed bike would use the four-valve engine of the company’s Viper range and resemble the Yamaha R1.

The new bike would offer about 14 bhp, industry sources said, and would take Bajaj Auto’s flagship Pulsar and Hero Honda’s CBZ X-treme and Karizma head-on. Yamaha is likely to price the upcoming bike around Rs 80,000-90,000 to give it a distinct identity.

“We are still giving final touches to the specifications such as styling and engine and hence feel that it would be premature to comment on the same at this point of time,” said a Yamaha India official.

“In accordance with Yamaha’s image and expectations of customers, the company is planning to launch the new products for niche markets,” he added. Yamaha is all set to launch two superbikes — YZF-R1 (1000 cc and MT-01 (1670 cc) this calendar year.

Yamaha India has constantly been losing sales on a monthly basis, registering a decline of 59.4% in May this year. During May, the company sold 13,649 bikes. During April-May, the company’s total sales plunged by 55.77% to 26,962 units.

“To sell such a premium product Yamaha would have to revamp its whole distribution network so that the customers may find the showrooms inviting enough and can trust the dealer for service and maintenance of such a high-value product,” said Pradeep Saxena, senior vice-president, TNS Automotive.

In a dealer satisfaction survey carried by TNS in the end-2006, Yamaha ranked second from the bottom, next to Kinetic. The performance segment comprising Hero Honda Karizma, Bajaj Avenger and the Pulsar 200 is about 1 lakh units per annum.

Source:- Economictimes.Indiatimess

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2007 BMW K1200R Sport tested by MotorcycleUSA

I have been a big fan of website 'MotorcycleUSA' right from the first time i saw there site. This time they have brought us a full blown roadtest of 2007 BMW K1200R Sport. The latest Inline-Four offering from BMW, the K1200R Sport is a versatile mount which they took for a 1000-mile test ride on the freeway, backroads, and track.


REad the full roadtest of 2007 BMW K1200R here:- MotorcycleUSA

The new Sport is a half-faired hybrid of its K-series siblings - the K1200S and K1200R.

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Troy Corser Rides Stock Yamaha R1 and R6

Troy Corser recently got the chance to compare the new 2007 YZF-R1 to his own Yamaha Motor Italia WSB bike and was pleasantly surprised by his findings. The two-time World Superbike Champion was attending an exclusive event for a selection of VIP Yamaha guests when he grabbed the opportunity to try the R1 and the R6 for size.

Yamaha World Superbike factory rider, Troy Corser, rode the stock R1 and R6 at Valencia and wouldn't you know it - he liked them both! Yawn.

The two-day event took place at the Valencia circuit, which is familiar to Corser as it features on the World Superbike calendar, and gave selected riders from around Europe the opportunity to ride the track with tuition provided for free.

"With the R1 I was really surprised how much power there is on the standard bike; there's plenty enough there to get the front wheel up in first, second and third without trying!" said Corser. "I was in Valencia to meet some Yamaha competition winners when the chance came up to do some demonstration laps at the circuit so, naturally, I grabbed the chance. I took the R1 out first and was surprised by the strength of the engine; it's quite something for a stock road bike! I've not ridden the standard version before but it felt very comfortable with quite a neutral position. This will make it quite roomy even for the larger rider. The handlebars are higher than on my race bike which I'm sure will make it better for longer distance riding."

The YZF-R1 first appeared on roads around the world at the end of 1997. Billed as a 'no compromise' machine for road riders, the R1 takes a lot of cues from the race machine that Corser is more familiar with. The updated version for 2007 even includes fly-by-wire throttle, a re-designed delta-box frame and sleek new styling amongst other modifications. Corser's racing version of the R1 features different engine components, exhaust, brakes and suspension but all this is bolted onto a similar chassis to the road-going version. Corser certainly seemed impressed, "I can see why these bikes are so popular."

Corser's last ride on a 600cc bike was over fifteen years ago when he raced a Yamaha back in Australia. After a few laps on the R1 Troy then jumped on the latest incarnation of the YZF-R6 to see how much it had changed.

"I can't believe how much it has changed! It is smaller than the R1 but just as much fun. The power delivery is softer than on the R1 but it revs really high, much higher than the R1, which makes for good amounts of fun on the track or the road," Corser said after his first ride of the R6. "To be honest the chassis on the R6 feels pretty close to the chassis on my race bike and it handles well. Overall it's an impressive little package."

The 2007 YZF-R6, like its big brother, comes packed with racing DNA and includes many of the features found on the R1.

Source:- MotorcycleUSA

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Guide your car........by satellite

SatNav's SatGuide software for cars

Caught in a traffic jam and unable to wriggle out of the maddening crowd to reach your destination in time? The Hyderabad-based SatNav Technologies, a leading provider of navigation software, has a solution that will help you plan your journey in advance. The company has developed SatGuide, a navigation and mapping software that helps users to take a detour or helps in re-routing to avoid the jams. The solution has detailed maps of several cities as well as an all-India road network map. And it is targeted at lay users of Pocket PCs and Personal Digital Assistants such as I-mate and O2. The company presently offers maps for six cities — Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad — and it plans to complete mapping of 24 cities by the year-end.

The basic navigation software for any one city costs around Rs. 4,000, but one can buy additional city packages for Rs. 990 each. Users who have installed the software to work with a GPS (global positioning system, powered by a network of 24 satellites) device, have to enter the address as the first input prior to starting. SatGuide will then suggest the best possible route on a map displayed on the screen of Pocket PC and prompts the driving user through voice commands regarding directions to reach the destination.

SatGuide calculates the users' position dynamically and plots it on a map giving an accurate location of the vehicle. The system is built with a database of 24 categories of points of interest such as hotels, airport, shopping malls and businesses that will help the user to reach the closest destination in the shortest possible route. Stand-alone GPS receivers are available in India, at prices starting from Rs. 6,000, according to SatNav managing director Amit Kishore Prasad.

iSuppli predicts that the automotive navigation market is set to treble by 2012, from the nearly 20 million units shipped in 2006. Stiff customs duties in India levied on GPS devices make these brands such as Garmin, Mitac and Navman much costlier.

But SatNav's software will work with many devices, which increasingly come with built-in GPS capability, and run the Windows Mobile operating system

Source:- Hindu

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XFX Introduces Geforce 8600 GT 'Fata1ty' in India

XFX in conjunction with Fata1ty has introduced 8600 GT 'Fatal1ty' for the Indian gamers. The 8600 GT succeeds the 7600 GT, which enjoyed a lot of success with its mid-range pricing and great performence.

"This is another great graphics card that the Fatal1ty brand can be proud of," says Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel. "The initial card from XFX became wildly popular due to the unique cooling technology and this card utilizes the same feature."

One of the card’s unique features is its Silent But Deadly (SBD) cooling technology. This was created to dissipate heat without the need of a fan resulting in an effective cooling system. This new system is very quiet and since air and dust are not forced through the heatsink, helps eliminate clogged heat sinks, which can cause overheating.


XFX 8600 Fata1ty is now available along with a 3 year warranty at a suggested end user price of Rs. 10,000.

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iPhone to Access YouTube Content says Apple

Apple's widely anticipated music and video playing iPhone will allow subscribers to wirelessly stream videos from Google's popular video-sharing site YouTube, Apple said on Wednesday

Apple iPhone

YouTube, which has developed a huge audience on desktop computers but is not widely used on cellphones, has begun encoding there videos in a new format to improve quality and save battery life when viewed over cellphones.

The iPhone will be the first mobile device to use the new format, Apple said. 10,000+ videos will be available on the iPhone when it hits stores on June 29 this year, with more material added each week, it said.

Prior to the development of the new mobile format, Verizon Wireless, a venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group Plc, had an exclusive deal to offer a selection of YouTube videos on there phones.

Verizon Wireless spokesman Jeffrey Nelson said "YouTube has been one of our most popular mobile video offerings, frequently taking the top two or three viewership slots".

Apple said YouTube also works on its Apple TV home media hub, which acts as a bridge between a TV and computer, playing movies and TV shows.

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ANNOUNCEMENT

These days there is not much happening in Indian automobile industry and my blog was also getting a little boring. So i thought why not ad up some gadgets reviews and previews too? We are bikers and also Gadget freaks, arent we? It will be great if u can email me what u would like to see in this blog and what u wont like to see in this blog. would u like Some contests? Like FREE Posters, engine oils, stickers, Cds, Movie tickets, K&N filters etc. Email me ur comments at devil_riot@msn.com .

This blog will continue to be a Automobile blog with all the latest auto news. But from today it will also have Gadget reviews.

My Email address is devil_riot@msn.com

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Nissan's $3000 car may roll out from its Indian plant

While Ghosn may have plans to sell the $3,000 (Rs 1,22,000) car globally , the first vehicle could roll out of a plant near Chennai that is being built by Nissan Renault and M&M.

But the first budget car to hit the roads is expected to be the 'Rs 1 lakh' Tata car, which is already being tested and slated to be launched in the second half of 2008 from manufacturing facility at Singur.

Targeted at first-time buyers, who have so far been riding two-wheelers, these vehicles are expected to come fitted with engines with a capacity ranging between Hero's 500cc and Tata's 700 cc. While Bajaj is likely to unveil its offering at the 2008 Auto Expo in Delhi, Maruti's launch is expected by the end of 2008 and Nissan Renault will take about three years to roll out its $3000 car.

Munjals of Hero group are only expected to drive into the four-wheeler market once the Tata car is on road. The Suzuki-designed vehicle will be a geared, front-wheel driven car, while the Tata car could also have an ungeared (continuous variable transmission) variant with engine at the back powering the rear wheels.

"With the rising number of such cars in the offing, the industry is acknowledging the fact that growth in the Indian automobile industry will only come from entry-level cars and not the bigger ones," says an auto analyst.

But forget about air-conditioning and any frills in case you opt to buy one of the sub-1.5 lakh cars. The entry-level model will be a strip down version, though auto experts believe that there will be variants with a few comforts thrown in.

While all this might be music to the ears, the bad news is that companies expect the value of used cars to dip.

Source:- timesofindia.indiatimes

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Intel Chopper: Touchscreen Mobile PC and Custom Chopper in One

Cameras instead of rear-view mirrors? Fingerprint recognition for ignition control? A removable, computerized dashboard with wireless connectivity? Sounds like mission prep for 007 at Q’s lab.

After 30 years of leading silicon innovations, it isn’t too far-fetched to consider Intel as the company behind such Bond-worthy gadgetry. But who would have thought Intel would celebrate those three decades of achievement by pairing up with the infamous guys at Orange Country choppers to create a custom-made, computer-based chopper? Not us. But we sure dig it.

The Intel bike's 5.6-in. LCD screen shows you rear-view video and allows touchscreen access to GPS and all Windows applications.

The 250bhp bike has dual V-twin engines. And that’s fierce enough on it’s own. But when you add a computer to manage the beast—and fully embedded quad-core processors at that—it becomes a real tech powerhouse.

With four cylinders and 250 hp, this custom-made bike from Orange County Choppers isn't just a geek's dream ? it's a boss hog.

This might be the world’s first fully computerized chopper. The finished, fully operational concept bike has more tricks in its bag than Houdini. For starters, there’s no ignition key: The motorcycle’s 3-pound, 5.6-in. LCD screen (pictured below at right) recognizes a fingerprint to de-activate security functions and allow access to the “start ignition” button. Fully viewable in sunlight, the touchscreen dash comes complete with a digital speedometer, tachometer, voltage meter, battery voltage gauges and turn-signal indicators. And it displays rear-view images that come from the rear-mounted cameras—completely replacing the need for mirrors. Let’s not forget the electronically controlled, hydraulic kickstand. They weren’t kidding when they said everything on the bike is integrated with a computing system. “We have created the most powerful and technologically advanced bike we’ve ever made,” Orange County choppers founder Paul Teutul Sr. says.

Fully viewable in sunlight, the touchscreen dash comes complete with a digital speedometer, tachometer, voltage meter, battery voltage gauges and turn-signal indicators. And it pops out for a CPU on the go.

What’s more impressive is that the digital dashboard goes above and beyond the simple functionalities of driving the chopper: It’s also a fully capable PC, suited up with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, USB drives, a QWERTY keyboard and all Windows applications. So it can download music, videos and pictures, make presentations, check (and respond to) e-mail, give directions and so forth. Plus, the fact that the computerized contraption is removable for convenience and security is a nice accomplice to the wireless component—making curbside Web browsing a realistic option. The battery, which recharges while the bike is operating, allows for a fully-charged mobile PC whenever it’s detached from the vehicle. And while the five-hour run time is not too shabby (hey, that was the iPhone’s life span until yesterday), the system also has a wall-charge unit for those extended rest stops.

But remember, the whole device comes embedded on a motorcycle—so it had to be designed to protect against moisture, dirt, shock, vibration and extreme temperatures. The computer, then, is encased in a magnesium housing, reinforced with rubber isolators, making it one of the most hardcore handheld mobile PCs we’ve seen in a while

Source:- Popularmechanics

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McGregor Holds Auction For Motorcycle Journey

Actor Ewan McGregor is giving two motorcycle riders a once in a lifetime opportunity - a chance to ride with him as he competes the last leg of his lengthy 20 countries trek.

The Scottish actor and friend Charley Boorman started their monumental motorcycle journey from London to Cape Town, South Africa, last month in a bid to raise money for charity.

Ewan McGregor

And to celebrate the final stage of the trip they are giving two riders a chance to join them. The auction will take place on Thursday with proceeds going to Riders for Health, an organization that provides healthcare in Africa.

McGregor says, "The work Riders for Health do is vital, bridging the gaps between communities and bringing health services to the people of Africa."

Riders for Health CEO Andrea Coleman says, "(The auction provides) a completely unique opportunity to become involved in something that simply cannot be repeated."

Source:- Starpulse

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Yamaha to bring R1 and MT-01 in INDIA

Yamaha Motor India (YMI) has decided to launch there 1000cc YZF-R1 and 1670cc MT-01 Superbikes in INDIA this year. The company will import these ‘superbikes’ making it among first bike makers in the country to take advantage of the government’s recent announcement to allow the import of bikes over 800cc.

2007 Yamaha R1

The R1 has already been homologated and approved by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), and sales are expected to start once the company receives the first lot of imports from YMI’s parent. Although no time has been specified for the imports, YMI’s CEO & Managing Director, Tomotaka Ishikawa said efforts are being made to introduce the bike at the earliest.

"The marketing team at Yamaha Motor India had an aggressive target for the R1, but I cut that into half. These bikes are not meant for business but to create an image," Ishikawa said. He stopped short of committing any numbers, but said "it could be a few dozens."

Yamaha MT 01

The other big bike, MT-01, is currently under homologation at ARAI. The only issue as of now is the availability of the bike for sale in India. Production of the MT-01 has been wrapped up in Japan, and the company is now looking to source it from Yamaha’s operations in the US and Europe.

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Can-Am Spyder:

The Can-Am Spyder roadster from BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) is the first 'on-road' vehicle from the company. BRP have Previously produced jetskis, sport boats, snowmobiles, ATV's, go-karts and outboard motors etc.

The Can-Am Spyder looks damn neat.

The three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder, with two wheels in the front and one wheel in the rearlooks great. The Can-Am Spyder roadster is powered by a 990cc V-Twin engine designed and manufactured by BRP-Rotax, with its unique Y-shaped design.

José Boisjoli, president and CEO, BRP said "Our Can-Am Spyder roadster is the next dimension in open-road riding. A true paradigm shift, the Spyder roadster offers a balance of performance and peace of mind with features like the Vehicle Stability System (VSS), engineered in conjunction with Bosch, which includes anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control systems."

Millenium Yellow

The Can-Am Spyder is aimed at more mature riders or "weekend warriors", those who want the thrill of open air motoring at a more intense level than a convertible car can offer, but slightly more refined than the experience found on a motorbike.
However there will probably be a lot of other people who are attracted to the Can-Am Spyder because of its unique character and head-turning design.

The BRP Can-Am Spyder roadster is built around a Surrounding Spar Technology (SST) frame, featuring a minimalist steel centre beam surrounding the engine. This construction technique minimizes the weld points for greater structural strength, and the light, slim frame offers further benefit by improving the handling and lowering the center of gravity.

Connected to the 106 horsepower 998 cc Rotax V-twin engine equipped with electronic fuel system management is a manual sequential 5-speed gearbox, complete with reverse, and designed specially for the Can-Am Spyder. Final drive is via a carbon-reinforced drive belt.

The BRP Can-Am Spyder roadster also features multiple ECU's (Electronic Control Units) which monitor a variety of functions including wheel slippage and digitally encoded security information. The vehicle also features ABS, traction control, stability control with roll-over mitigation, and a dynamic power steering system.

Full Moon Silver

Instrumentation featured on the Can-Am Spyder include; speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, trip meters, engine temperature, ambient temperature and gear position.

Initially, for 2007, the BRP Can-Am Spyder roadster is offered in a choice of two colors, Millennium Yellow of Full Moon silver.

Soure:- Diseno-art

U can read road-test here:-
Motortrend
MotorCycle-USA

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2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder: Drive Report

Many readers will be familiar with the story of Ferruccio Lamborghini, an engineer and manufacturer of tractors. One day he complained to Enzo Ferrari about the various problems he had with his car and the Old Man told him to take a running jump. Instead Ferruccio decided to build his own cars to rival that most famous of all Italian makes. Over the years he made a series of beautiful but by and large not particularly well built supercars. The marque had its own following and the specialist Press simply loved the Miura , the Espada and the other exotica but money was always short. In the end two things could have happened. Either the factory had to close or it had to be sold. Luckily for us, auto aficionados it was the latter. Audi of all people decided to take the plunge and set about quality standards hitherto unheard of.

2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

When we went to see the plant it was virtually identical to the ones at Ferrari and Maserati. Highly professional young men and women were assembling cars with love and care. Even the sewing machines used by the ladies (Adler) were identical to the ones we saw at the other plants.

Once more of course the proof of the pudding was in the eating. An off white convertible was wheeled out, we got in and were off! The seats were surprisingly comfortable even for my 6 ft frame and the pedal shifts fell perfectly to hand. Make no mistake, this Lambo was no poodle. It is powered by a 90 degree V engine. It is a ten cylinder unit with a displacement of 4961 cc and a maximum output of 520 horses at 8000 rpm! The top speed is 195 miles per hour with the roof up and 190 miles per hour with the roof up! 0-60 comes up in 4.3 seconds.

Amazingly enough Lamborghini succeeded in making a fast, dramatic automobile which does NOT look like a Maserati or a Ferrari. No mean task. Lots of edges and straight surfaces make the Gallardo a very exciting looking proposition. All well and good but how does it go? Like smoke! Like lightening. Like magic.

We took a left turn out of the factory and a few hundred yards up another left. Narrow, straight, inviting and empty. Boom. Straight through the gears we were flying within seconds before breaking for Castelfranco, one of those adorable little Italian villages. The map suggested some Tuscan hills and who were we to object? Zocca, Tole, Savigno, hairpin after hairpin, bits of opposite lock here and there, one huge smile after another, when we finally got back to the factory we were ready for another run.

The permanent 4 wheel drive glued the Gallardo to the road, the steering-as one would expect- was razor sharp and the whole experience was immense.

The drivetrain is designed in such a way that when going uphill more drive torque is applied to the rear axle.

The Gallardo is full of the latest engineering gizmos. Drive-by-wire accelerator, fuel injection management, variable valve timing, even a black box recorder. Even though the car is good for nearly 200 miles per hour it still complies with the very stringent Euro 4 exhaust emissions standard.

So at the end of the day what do we have? A supercar like few other. Quick, responsive and highly desirable.

Is it practical?

It depends on where you live. I cannot think of many cars that would give you this much pleasure on a run to or from Aspen in Colorado. I’ve done the journey in a Ferrari and coming down those sweeping hills on empty roads is what motoring is all about. If on the other hand you live in Manhattan or San Francisco-forget it. Either the huge potholes or the hills would make short shrift of the car’s front.

Luggage-well, if you’ve purchased some luggage from the factory you may have enough room for a weekend. And that,, in my opinion is what car is made for. Forget commuting, for that get a Prius. Come Friday afternoon or Saturday morning open the garage, start this baby up and start living.

The price, well, if you have to ask you can’t afford it. For those who can you are looking at around 200 thousand dollars (Rs 81,18,000) . For the rest of us there are always the bicycles :D .

Source:- Theautochannel

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Pocket friendly Hummer

General Motors the manufacturer of the ever-popular Hummer, has decided to join the mobile fray with their Hummer HT1 phone. The phone is designed by French design company Modelabs. The HT1 car fashion phone has features that include GPRS connectivity with a 2.2-inch, 260k color TFT touchscreen. It also has a 2 megapixel camera and mp3 player with an internal memory of 256MB and microSD expansion slot .

Hummer HT1 phone from General Motors.

Hummer is not the first car maker to introduce branded high-tech gadgets to the market. Ferrari, lamborghini and Porsche have released mobiles, laptops, and even navigation systems under their brand name.

Porche Phone

The Hummer HT1 phone will be launched in Europe first, at a retail price of 300 Euros (approximately Rs 16,304).

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TVS Motors's 'Women on Wheels'

After wooing male buyers for many years, women have emerged the favourite with two-wheeler companies in India. Data suggests that ungeared scooters, driven by women, are showing faster rate of growth than motorcycles. Two-wheeler manufacturers believe that the future growth will come from women. The reason of their optimism is the very low penetration of two wheelers amongst women and therefore the large potential of growth. While 31% males drive two wheelers, only 2 % women drive two wheelers in India.

Going a step further, TVS Motors, which owns TVS Scooty, has decided to offer two-wheeler training to around one lakh young women in over 100 towns in the country. The project titled 'Women on Wheels' (WOW) will involve training of women by women trainers. Scooty is the leader with more than 70% market share in the light scooter category.

TVS Scooty pep+ is the highst selling scoot in India

Two reasons have been identified for the low penetration of two wheelers. The first, lack of riding skills among women. The other paucity of reasonably priced products. Also, women are afraid to venture on their own in the absence of training and there are hardly any avenues for scientific learning .

"While there are good motor driving institutes in the country, but no emphasis has been laid on scientific learning. Women are afraid to venture on their own in the absence training. The WOW project is our way of empowering women in rural and semi-urban areas" said Prasad Narasimhan, vice president, marketing, TVS Motors.

Women have an innate affinity for design, style and colours. In a rare initiative, TVS has launched Scooty Pep+ in as many as 99 colours. The launch of so many colours have met with overwhelming response from girls. Encouraged by this response, TVS will launch 99 colours in 20 new cities very soon. This is the first in the world that a automobile company is offering such huge range of customized colours to choose from.

"TVS Scooty has been witnessing consistent increase in sales. In May 2007, it recorded sales of 25,280 units compared to 20,396 units sold during May 2006, recording a growth of 24%. Similarly in April 2007, Scooty recorded 18,798 units in April 2007 compared to 17,969 units recorded last year during the corresponding period, said Narasimhan."

Source:- FinancialExpress

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Honda’s Sports Machines Savour All-Round Success

Honda’s class-leading sportsbikes, the CBR1000RR Fireblade and the CBR600RR have once again proved themselves the best machines for the roads by dominating this year’s Isle of Man TT races, while continuing to feature among the most popular sportsbikes with the road-going public. Last week, in the capable hands of John McGuinness, Honda’s CBR1000RR took wins in the Superbike and Senior races at the Centenary TT. In the Senior race, John and the Fireblade also netted the new lap record, setting a new best of 130.354mph! The CBR1000RR also filled the top six placings in the Superbike race and the top three in the Senior race, proving that the Fireblade is still the machine to beat on the roads.

McGuinness said:

"I’m so comfortable and familiar with this Fireblade now and that’s what has helped us to get these results. It’s so dependable and reliable – but also so very quick! It’s an amazing machine in race trim, but I’ve also ridden a few road CBRs around the Island and they’re very special too. What I like about them is that Honda seems to make a chassis, which allows you to use the power of the Fireblade. The whole bike is so very useable compared to the competition."

John’s Fireblade is based on the road-going CBR1000RR, which has become a legendary machine since its launch in 1992. When production racing began again at the TT in 1996, it was fitting that the FireBlade won and dominated for a number of years.

At the TT this year, the Fireblade’s success was mirrored by Honda’s CBR600RR where it proved itself to be the best road-going Supersport 600 machine. Ian Hutchinson claimed the Supersport spoils beating team-mate John McGuinness into second, with Guy Martin third, making it a CBR-blockout of the podium.

So far this year, both bikes have proved a hit with the bikers throughout the UK. Sales figures for April showed that almost 1000 people have already bought a ‘blade’ in the UK, making it one of the most popular sportsbikes of 2007, while around 600 people have bought the new RR-7 machine, making it one of the most sought-after bikes in the Supersport category.

And it’s not just on the roads where Honda’s sportsbikes are leading the way, they are also dominating proceedings on the short circuits. In the World Superbike series James Toseland is leading the championship on his Ten Kate CBR1000RR, while reigning British Superbike champion Ryuichi Kiyonari leads the British Superbike series on his Honda Racing Fireblade.

In the fiercely-competitive World Supersport championship the Ten Kate CBR600RR is dominating proceedings. Young Turkish rider Kenan Sofuoglu is leading the championship and is some 45 points ahead of his nearest rival. Amazingly, the CBR600 family has won the World Supersport title every year since 2002 with the Ten Kate team, and back home on British Tarmac the bike has won nine of the last 15 British Supersport titles, most recently with Cal Crutchlow last season.

This latest model of the CBR600 is the lightest and most powerful yet as the machine celebrates 20 years of production. The CBR600RR-7 is the latest in a long line of CBRs, stretching back to the first CBR600FH, which was launched way back in 1987.

Back then the CBR600 boasted around 80 brake horsepower and a top speed of around 140mph, it was a revolution in the class, immediately topping the sales charts and becoming a winner out on the track in 600cc production racing. Today, the latest CBR600RR-7 has an impressive 118bhp and a top speed approaching 170mph!

Estimates put the number of CBR600s sold since 1987 at more than half a million bikes, making it one of the most successful sportsbikes ever and the most successful middleweight sportsbike in the world! In the UK today, it’s thought that more than 45,000 new and used CBR600s are in use.

Source:- LondonBikers

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Honda offers that personal touch to give its brand a boost

Would you buy a Honda just because some guy with a Honda logo on his shirt helped you unload your grocery cart?

Honda figures you might. For five months, local dealers have been dispatching blue-shirted crew members to pump gas at service stations, pass out popcorn at movie theaters and offer aid in supermarket parking lots. One Saturday in Pasadena, every parking meter on Colorado Boulevard was plugged and covered with a "Helpful Honda" hood that said, "It's On Us."

You may think it would be futile to squeegee a windshield for someone who isn't even thinking about buying a new car, but research shows that the kinds of stunts Honda is pulling can actually work.

"Personal touch is a very powerful way of creating a brand message," said Kelly O'Keefe, executive education director at the Virginia Commonwealth University Ad Center.

A lot of car companies are resorting to what's known as engagement marketing: throwing parties and sponsoring concert series and wine tastings, often without an automotive in sight.

The Southern California Honda Dealers' campaign, created by Secret Weapon Marketing of Santa Monica, is paired with off-the-wall television spots that show the incredible lengths to which dealers will go to lend customers a hand, in one instance by donating a kidney.

"The strategy is to bring the campaign to life on a personal level with people," said Dick Sittig, Secret Weapon's creative director. "Maybe they'll think, 'What has my car company done for me lately?' "

Toyota Motor Corp.'s Scion brand pioneered auto engagement marketing in 2003 by sponsoring Scion Metro concerts across the country, headlined by such hip-hop artists as Wu Tang and Little Brother. The idea was to introduce Scion, a new brand, to young consumers. Jeri Yoshizu, Scion's sales promotion manager, said it succeeded. The Scion has proved popular with buyers under age 35, and sales were up 11% last year from 2005.

Toyota has taken the lessons learned from the Scion campaign and applied it to other brands. To promote the Yaris, it kicked off the "Free Yr Radio" campaign in April, sponsoring indie bands that play in Urban Outfitters stores. The concerts are advertised via e-mails that only briefly mention the Yaris. Toyota's Lexus brand sponsors wine tastings and cocktail parties that are targeted at a more upscale audience.

"There's a dialogue that needs to happen beyond the limitations of the 30-second spot and the Web page," said Bruce McDermott, head of Saatchi & Saatchi's brand integration group in Torrance, which works for Toyota.

And if the youth who show up at the Urban Outfitters concerts aren't in the market right now for a vehicle?

"If you're not on their shopping list," McDermott said, "you're not going to make it on their buy list."

The auto industry has embraced engagement marketing because so many TV commercials for cars, and cars themselves, are so similar, said Eli Portnoy, the Los Angeles-based founder of Portnoy Group, a brand consultancy. "In automotive advertising, you can take the nameplates off and a lot of it is the same."

And there's so much advertising for cars on TV — it's nearly impossible to watch a show without hearing about acceleration in zero to 60 seconds, V-6 engines, side air bags and APR financing — that it can be numbing.

Engagement marketing can help break through the clutter, though there's a danger of losing customers, Portnoy said, if an automaker doesn't also promote a vehicle in the traditional way — by pointing out its safety record or fabulous brake system or great gas mileage.

But seriously, what difference can a Helpful Honda deed make?

At a gas station in Inglewood, where a crew was filling up the tanks of Hondas and cleaning windshields for everyone else, some motorists looked on wistfully as Honda owners drove away with $40 or more of free gas. One woman stuck her head out the window of her Volkswagen and yelled:

"I think I'm going to buy a Honda now!" :D .

Source:- latimes

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Pulsar 220 and Avenger 200 Delhi launch

Bajaj`s delhi launch of Pulsar 220 is coming closer. So went to new Bajaj pro-biking showroom to see the new Pulsar 220. Suprisingly there was also a Avenger 200. Showroom guys were not allowing to take any pics. So no Avenger 200 pics guys. But i can atleast type down the experience. New probiking showroom is in Vasant Lok, Priya Complex, Sanwitched between two Hero Honda showrooms.

This New showroom has two dynos and a BenQ screen. The showroom is still under construction and they said it will be up by 18th of this month and P220 bookings will start. No info about Avenger 200 launch though.

Pulsar 220 looks awesome in Blue

Coming back to Pulsar 220. It looks fantabulous in flesh and the view is orgasmic. The bike looks so sexy and ready to race. Only 8 bikes are coming to Delhi. So if ur a delhite, u better rush to the showroom on 18th and book ur 220.

Beautiful projector beam

Avenger 200 looks same as present Avenger, only noteable visual changes are:-
1. O-Ring type chain.
2. Front tyre: 90/90(Same as the Pulsar-220).
3. Rear tyre: A massive 130/90 (up from the 120 section(?) of the present Avenger).
4. It looks a little bigger than present avenger and a little more taller.

That is all that has changed(apart from the engine) No LED tail-lamps, no digital speedo, no alloy rims et al though..And yeah, no Fuel-Injection, as Avenger 200 shares the engine with Pulsar 200.

Here are comments from ken sir on the new Showroom:-

"The guy sitting over there, pretended to be very important, which is what most people do the moment they have some power in their hands, his name is Lalit PANDEY. He calls himself Project Manager of the Showroom and behaves at best as a Security Guard.

We walked into the showroom and saw the P220 standing covered under a sheet of plastic and a huge pile of dust. The moment we walked in, this guy started feeling jittery. I asked to have a look. He reluctantly said yes. I removed the plastic sheets. He then took off and put her further inside and started saying, "Now that you have already seen it, why are you hanging around. I have let you see it. Now you can leave." I did not reply. He had already refused that I take photographs. He sounded as if it was some High Tech Nuclear Installation being put up.

In the meanwhile, I did manage surreptitously to take one photograph of the chain of the Avenger 200."

^_^ Thats the only pic of Avenger 200 ken sir could take

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Renault to develop small cars

French auto major Renault is looking to develop a $3,000 small car for emerging markets, including India. If the car is produced at the proposed Chennai plant, it will be sold by Renault’s Indian JV Mahindra Renault, and will be rolled out as a Mahindra Renault product.

The Chennai plant is being jointly built by Renault, Nissan and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) in a three-way joint venture. The low-cost car will take on Tata Motors’ planned Rs 1 lakh vehicle.

M&M auto division president Pawan Goenka said, “When we extended our agreement beyond the Logan to cover the new plant, it was decided that all Renault products made in Chennai will be sold as Mahindra Renault models and distributed through that JV, like the Logan.” He, however, refused to comment on whether M&M’s agreements with Renault cover the $-3,000 car as well.

The sub-Rs 1.5 lakh segment has been generating considerable interest ever since Ratan Tata announced that Tata Motors would make a Rs 1 lakh car. The company is putting up a new plant in Singur in West Bengal and is currently freezing its vendors for the project. The car is expected to roll out in 2008.

The Tata venture has already elicited interest from other auto companies. Two-wheeler maker Bajaj is producing a concept passenger four-wheeler which will be on display at the upcoming Auto Expo.

Other two-wheeler companies are also reportedly interested in similar projects. Analysts say a car in that price range will help convert two-wheeler upgrade hopefuls and dramatically increase the potential of the car market.

Mahindra Renault chairman Sylvain Bilaine, when contacted, said that “at this moment, we have no comments to make.” Renault sources say that the French company is currently closing negotiations over the Chennai plant investments and so far, there are no concrete joint product development plans with M&M. “However, discussions could be at a very early stage,” say sources.

Vendors, however, say the signs are already visible. So far, Renault has been talking about developing engines in India and sourcing locally for the project. But their choice of engine displacement is interesting. “Renault has been talking about a four-cylinder diesel engine in the 1.3-1.6 litre range which can easily be strapped on to a small car to qualify for local excise benefits,” said an auto industry source.

Renault’s search for a lower-than-Logan vehicle was articulated by its chairman on his trip to India earlier this year. On his visit to India, Renault chairman Carlos Ghosn had commented on the need to address the “unmet requirements” of consumers for a basic low-cost car.

Source:- TimesNow

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DUCATI SPORT 1000 MONO SPECIAL EDITION RELEASED

Ducati North America has announced today the release of there 2007 Sport 1000 Mono Special Edition motorcycle, which is being produced exclusively for the North American market.

Production of this model will be limited to only 100 bikes (90 bikes for the US, 10 bikes for Canada). With only 100 units being produced, this will be one of the rarest Ducati's .

Combining modern technology with classic design, this Sport 1000 Special Edition possess the spirit of the legendary 1978 Ducati 900SS "Darmah," and features the beautiful classic timeless Black and Gold paint scheme .

Each of the limited 100 Monoposto (single seat) 2007 Sport 1000 SE models will be identified by a numbered plaque, located on the triple clamp. The motorcycle also features a twin "shotgun" exhaust, spoke wheels and Brembo brakes. It is powered by the air-cooled 992cc dual-spark engine

This Ducati 2007 Sport 1000 Mono Special Edition is priced $11,495 (approximately Rs 4,70,333) and is currently available in dealer showrooms throughout North America.

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Honda plans 2 new bikes and plant revamp

Honda Motor Co.’s fully owned Indian two-wheeler making unit will spend Rs100 crore on upgrading its factory and introduce two new products next year, in addition to a previously announced Rs300 crore expansion plan, as it seeks to improve market share.

It has, however, put off plans to build a second plant, announced a few months ago, because it doesn’t anticipate to sell enough from the unit to warrant a new factory.

Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) will spend the money on expanding production in its factory at Manesar, Haryana to 12 lakh units in 2010 from nine lakh now and plans to introduce a new scooter and a 125-cc motorcycle model next year, said Shinji Aoyama, president and chief executive officer. HMSI, which has an 11% market share of two-wheelers, is also planning to develop a niche 100-cc motorcycle, which it plans to make in the Manesar factory.

Despite a slowdown in motorcycle sales this year due to higher lending rates, companies such as Hero Honda Motors Ltd, the nation’s largest two-wheeler maker, and its nearest rival, Bajaj Auto Ltd, are building new plants and developing products in anticipation of future demand. Motorcycles are the nation’s main mode of transport and two-wheeler sales are predicted to cross 10 million units a year in 2012, from 7.8 million now, according to the National Council for Applied and Economic Research.

The “new bike will be made in the current factory. We are going to build flexible (manufacturing) lines,’’ said Aoyama. This method would help the company produce different categories of bikes, using the same machines.

Honda expects the new bike to target a niche audience such as off-road bikes, but Aoyama wasn’t willing to clarify which exact segment the company was looking at. “We may not expect too much volumes from this bike,” he said.

Every eight of 10 motorcycles sold in the country are powered by 100-cc engines, a a segment dominated by Hero Honda and Bajaj, that sell the bikes for Rs32,000.

Source:- Livemint

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Naked cyclists say no to cars

Thousands of uninhibited men and women went the extra mile to make their environmental point on Saturday, riding naked on bicycles through cities as diverse as London, Paris, Madrid, Montreal and Mexico.

Under the slogan "As Bare As You Dare," protesters felt the wind in their hair -- and everywhere else -- as they pedalled along demonstrating the risks they face on the roads and the impact that cars have on the environment.

Authorities generally turned a blind eye to one of the world's more outlandish environmental protests, apart from in Paris where five of the unabashed riders were arrested for so-called "sexual exhibition."

Most of the 400 people, including 160 on bikes, gathered for the Paris event decided that discretion was the better part of valour and fearing arrest redonned clothes and dispersed. Many had turned their bodies into human placards, writing slogans or humorous messages across their stomachs or on their backs. "Warning: fragile!", one said, "Warning: flesh!" another.

In London, 700 cyclists in various states of undress were reported to have gambolled through central London in another leg of the World Naked Bike Ride, while similar events happened in Manchester, Southampton and York.

The nude cyclists -- and others with strategically-placed body paint, sticky tape or bum bags -- began their ride at Hyde Park and finished in Wellington Arch, a route of about six miles (10 kilometres).

"We are seeing an increasing number of stories of melting ice caps and Antarctica crumbling away and no government is doing anything serious about this," said Martin Ireland, one of the riders.

"They are paying lip service to the problem so people have been taking to their bikes, unclothed, to express their feelings about it."

In Madrid, not known to be a biker's paradise, about 300 cyclists took part in a good-humoured parade through the heart of the city.

"It's about respecting cyclists, we are all equal in front of traffic," a 40 something Spaniard called Abel told reporters, before joining his comrades in a chant denouncing cars for polluting the city. In Montreal's central Parc Laurier hundreds turned out to witness the spectacle as a few dozen cyclists, unhampered by clothers, set off down the streets of the Quebecois city, yelling "Police, get naked!"

Some 100 riders rode through the tourist areas of Mexico City in protest against the car-clogged streets and the pollution that chokes their city.

Their goal was "to show motorists that as cyclists, we are as fragile as the human body, and also to celebrate the rebirth that the bicycle is experiencing these days," said Areli Carreon, a bikers' group representative.

More than 200 cyclists, men and women of all ages who were partially or completely nude, rode through Brighton on the English south coast. A number of riders used bodypaint and sticky tape to preserve their modesty.

"This is a fun if outrageous way to make the serious point that we should not have to tolerate roads, cities and a planet dominated by the brutishness of cars that routinely foul the air we all breathe, destroy lives and impoverish the environment," said organiser Duncan Blinkhorn, 45.

"We are celebrating our vulnerability as cyclists and human beings but also showing our strength of feeling and strength of numbers.

"Bikes and naked bodies harm nobody. Car fumes and accidents kill tens of thousands every year in the UK alone and are driving us all to climate chaos.

"It is time more motorists stripped off their armour plating and moved around more gently on this earth."

Source:- ZeeNews

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Vroom Service

With its motorcycle theme and retro music, Staying Alive is where Harley lovers can bite into a Mexican wrap and feel right at home

A pair of Harley-Davidsons seem ready to vroom. Steel chains snake through the floor, bike tyres hang from the ceiling and helmets sneer from the walls — you will mistake the place for a flashy motorbike showroom. That is until you realise that the Harleys are fakes and see some Americans tapping their feet to retro music and munching some nachos. The 3,000-sq-ft place, which occupies a corner of the second floor of Gurgaon’s DT Mega Mall, is Staying Alive, a motorcycle-themed lounge-cum-diner that takes its name from a 1983 John Travolta movie.

We sat on bike seats that made for bar chairs and checked out the menu. The dishes were mostly Mexican. There was Corn Chips Bonanza (Rs 200), a platter of homemade, crispy nachos, slivers of vegetables and cheese, topped with a scoop of sour cream. The nachos tasted delicious with sour cream and we didn’t really miss the tangy salsa. Grilled guacamole chicken chunks can be added to it for Rs 35. Country Wraps (Rs 250) had a cheese filling tossed with spices. Mexican Chilli Rellenos (Rs 350, stuffed chillies) are a must-try. The dish comes with a helping of saffron-tinged rice layered with minced meat that is soaked in salsa flavours.

There are also an assortment of pastas (Rs 300), and chicken kebabs (Rs 245) that are grilled and not skewered. The bar doles out the regular cocktails, but you can ask for a peach frappe (Rs 110) or the mocktail of the day.

If you expected the owner to be a grungy, tattooed biker, you are in for a surprise when you meet 37-year-old Kavita Mohindroo, a mother of three. “I wanted a bike theme for the place since we lack one in the city. In fact, I’ve seen something similar only in Chennai,” says Mohindroo, who plans to open an outlet in Delhi next.

Meal for two: Rs 1,500, plus taxes
Contact: 95124-4380352

Source:- Cities.expressindia

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Hero’s four-wheeler won’t be a car; starts off with lawn mowers

Hero Motors Ltd, the parts making unit of the Hero Group, will lead the group’s foray into four-wheelers, but it will not be a small car, as widely expected, according to its managing director Pankaj Munjal.

“The focus in not passenger cars, but four-wheelers, yes,” said Munjal. “The group has been discussing the project since 1997 what is really the upgrade of a three-wheeler to four wheeler.”

Before starting that project, Hero Motors will start contract assembly of four-wheeled vehicles such as ride-on lawn mower and other off-road vehicles such as golf carts, starting in the middle of 2008. The company is spending Rs200 crore on expanding its manufacturing capacity, which also includes building new factories for making gears and assembling the lawn mowers.

The group will get its technology for the four-wheeler project from a foreign player.

“Technology is not an issue,” said Munjal. “There are lots of technology providers.” He declined to provide details on which companies he is talking with.

The small cargo carrying four-wheeler is the second fastest growing segment in the Indian commercial vehicle market, selling 132,067 units in 200-07, up 64% from a year ago. Growth has been driven by transporters shifting towards a hub-and-spoke model, where such light vehicles are used to carry cargo within cities and heavy vehicles are used between cities. This has prompted companies such as Bajaj Auto Ltd, India’s largest three-wheeler maker, and the local unit of Piaggio SpA to develop models for this segment.

“With such low cost (of manufacturing) and the huge Hero network, it’s a natural progression for us to make four-wheelers,” said Munjal.

It was not clear whether the company would make light trucks or people-carriers.

The $4 billion (Rs16,400 crore) Hero Group manufactures cycles, motorcycles, scooters and components. The group has a 26% stake in Hero Honda Motors Ltd, India’s largest two-wheeler maker.

Hero Motors, which used to manufacture mopeds until a couple of years ago, is now focusing on engineering outsourcing. It manufactures engines for Bombardier’s recreation products (such as water scooters) and is building a factory to make gears for Canada’s Bombardier and bikes from BMW of Germany.

Source:- livemint

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Pics and specifications of Apache 160

Overdrive reports that The engine is super smooth and with the increased wheelbase handling is awesome and predictable....
The vibes which were the main bugbear of the apache 150 if in deed have been eliminated and this bike simply rocks.

Full ride report is coming soon.......................

The specs:-
TVS Apache RTR 160

ENGINE
4 Stroke, 159.7 cc, Single
Maximum Power: 11.19 KW (15.2 bhp) @ 8500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 13.1 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Bore x Stroke : 62mm x 52.9 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Carburettor: Mikuni BS-26
Valve train: 2 Valves, single cam
Valves per cylinder: 2 Valves
Power to weight ratio: 111.76 bhp / ton
Starting: Electric & Kick Start
Idle speed : 1400rpm
Ignition: IDI-Dual mode digital ignition
Engine oil capacity: 1000 ml

TRANSMISSION

Clutch : Wet, Multi-Plate
Primary reduction: 65/21
Final reduction: 44/13

CHASSIS
Type: Double Cradle

SUSPENSION
Front: Telescopic Forks, 105mm Stroke
Rear: Monotube Inverted Gas filled shox (MIG) with spring aid
Castor angle: 25.5°
Trail length: 81.3 mm

BRAKES

Front: 270 mm Petal Disc
Rear: 130 mm Drum

WHEELS AND TYRES
Rim size (Front): 1.85 x 17”
Rim size (Rear): 2.15 x 18”
Tyre size (Front): 90/90 x 17”
Tyre size (Rear): 100/80 x 18”
Tyre make: TVS Tyres

Fuel tank capacity: 16.0 lit
Reserve: 2.5 lit
Useable reserve: 1.7 lit

DIMENSIONS

Length: 2020 mm
Width: 730 mm
Height: 1050 mm
Wheelbase: 1300 mm
Saddle height: 790 mm
Ground clearance: 180 mm

WEIGHTS

Kerb weight: 136 kg
Weight distribution: Kerb (F/R) 60/76 kg
Laden (F/R) (Solo - 65kg) 79/122 kg

PERFORMANCE (TVS claimed)
0-60 kph: 4.80 seconds
0-100 kph: 17.69 seconds
0-100 m: 7.91 seconds
0-400 m: 19.70 seconds
30-80 kph (4th gear): 11.84 seconds
30-80 kph (5th gear): 15.68 seconds
Maximum speed: 118 kph

Source:- http://rearset.blogspot.com and Top gear
View more pics on :- http://rearset.blogspot.com

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Hayabusa gets supercharged

Massively-powerful turbo Hayabusas might normally be the realm of American tuners but Japanese tuner Active has created its own take on the theme for the Tokyo Motorcycle Show.

The firm has opted against the normal turbocharger in favour of a Rotrex supercharger, cranking power up to over 250bhp. The supercharger is plumbed into a one-off air intake plenum, offering up to 14lb of boost, and the engine breathes through a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system.

Unlike the usual dragbike-inspired American specials, the Active machine is designed to look subtle, with no extended swingarm or massive rear tyre. In fact, it’s gone the other way, and in an effort to prove you can have massive power without ruining the handling, the firm has opted to add lightweight Galespeed wheels to reduce unsprung weight. The bike is finished off with a subtle matt black paint scheme, and carbon-fibre inserts in the front fairing where the indicators normally are.

Source:- MotorcycleNews

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Bigger, Faster, Meaner,,, The big bikes are coming

With the government allowing import of all Euro III emission norms compliant bikes of 800cc and above, nearly all the super-luxury motorcycle manufacturers, including Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Harley Davidson, are planning to ply their roadsters on Indian roads. The government's move came last week as a quid pro quo for allowing exports of mangoes to the US in return for Harley Davidsons.

Bikes can be imported by individuals, companies and firms or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who have manufacturing and service network in India. Commerce and industry minister Kamal Nath also said the government is looking into suggestions to reduce the 60% import duty (and 43% of other surcharges) on such bikes.

The industry appears set to lap up the relaxed norms though the industry remains anxious about the exact demand which is projected to be in the wide range of 6,000-12,000 bikes per annum. Yet, with each costing between Rs 7-10 lakh, it could create a new segment of between Rs 420 crore to Rs 1,200 crore. Currently, Royal Enfield is the only domestic player producing high capacity bikes of between 350-500cc. Its costliest product, the 350cc Thunderbird, sells at Rs 93,200. But with disposable income on the rise and the economy booming at close to 8.5%, these bike makers hope demand would be better than what they expect.

Since the iconic bike maker Harley Davidson has been lobbying with the government to ease import norms for at least two years, imported Harleys will most likely ply on Indian roads before the end of 2007. Sources say Japanese automaker Suzuki Motorcycles has also finalised import of its 1000cc Sportster GSX-R 1000 (Rs 9 lakh) and the 750cc GSX-R750 (Rs 7 lakh). A decision on this is expected within May. However, Suzuki Motorcycles India vice president, marketing, Atul Gupta, said, “We have not yet decided which bigger bikes have to be brought into the country. We are still studying the notification issued by the commerce and industry ministry and will take a final decision within 30 days as to which product has to be launched and when.”

Compatriot bike maker Yamaha too is planning to capitalise on the new norms by tapping the high-end sports bike market with its MT01 (Rs 8 lakh) and YZF R1 (Rs 10 lakh). It is believed to have firmed up plans to roll out these bikes by the end of this fiscal.

Another motorcycle manufacturer and Honda’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India Ltd (HMSI), would also launch completely built units (CBUs) of higher capacity (500 cc) motorcycles in the next few years. It may even assemble these bikes within the country to avoid high import duty of over 100%. “We aim to be present in every segment of the domestic two-wheeler market and hence plan to launch higher displacement bikes (above 500cc),” said Y Aoshima, president and CEO, HMSI.

But Pradeep Saxena, senior vice president, TNS Automotive India, is not very bullish. “The landed price range of these motorcycles would start at around Rs 5 lakh and hence the customers for that are very limited. The super bike market would not be more than 1,000 units per annum.”

There are brands like Ducati and Harley which would find customers easily but not all, added Saxena. But a company such as Honda which already has a wide network of dealers and an on-going business, would also sell a good number of bikes, he added.

Still, other major sports bike makers - like BMW—aren’t very bullish on the Indian market yet. Motorcycles are still used in India as a means of transport. Our luxury and high-end bikes are too costly to be launched in the Indian market and that is why we have not yet decided to bring our bikes here. But if there is demand, we may take a call,” says Peter Kronschnabel, president of BMW India.

Though bike aficionados in the country have reasons to cheer, but are they willing to pay for the super bikes? The cheapest Harley, for instance, costs Rs 4 lakh, as much as the cost of two Maruti 800s. Nearly everybody is hoping consumers will begin to separate luxury from utility. After all, not only are global bike makers eyeing the segment, even home-grown two-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto is planning to launch higher capacity bikes in technical collaboration with Kawasaki. There 1st Bike will be the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and they will be launching a 300cc and 400cc Pulsar somewhere around next September. The concept model will be showcased on 2008 Auto Expo.

Source:- FinancialExpress

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Bajaj to launch CNG two-wheeler this month

After successfully demonstrating the CNG technology in three-wheelers, leading automobile manufacturer Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) is extending it to two-wheelers with a planned launch within this month.

"We are on schedule for a CNG two-wheeler. Something in this line will be launched this month," Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj told reporters here yesterday.

He, however, declined to specify whether it would be a motorcycle or a scooter, besides the engine capacity as well as possible price points.

BAL's foray into the CNG two-wheeler category will mark a new chapter after it had proved its mastery of the technology in the three-wheeler category.

Bajaj also said that the company has developed a direct injection two-stroke three-wheeler and about 50 of them are running on Pune roads on a pilot project.

Asked if that technology could also be extended to two-wheelers, he said it was premature to comment.

BAL had earlier said the company was developing dual fuel three-wheelers, which will use an alternative fuel besides CNG/LPG. (Agencies)

Source:- ChennaiOnline

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Bajaj Auto to launch 250 cc plus bikes

Bajaj Auto is all set to launch 250 cc-plus motorcycles in technical collaboration with its Japanese partner Kawasaki Motor shortly, Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto said. These would be branded as Bajaj and would be sold through Bajaj dealers.

He, however, declined to give further details but said that a few bikes would be launched over the next two months. Asked if the company planned to import higher capacity bikes and sell in the domestic market he replied in the negative. He also declined any move to partner with Yamaha India on any project. Bajaj Auto currently sells its bikes in export markets like the Philippines though Kawasaki’s marketing network. The upcoming motorcycles would compete with the completely built units (CBUs) of Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda.

Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India Ltd (HMSI) will also launch completely built units (CBUs) of higher capacity (500 cc) motorcycles in the next few years. Recently the company had said that it may assemble these bikes in the country to avoid the high import duty of 110%.

Source:- FinancialExpress

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