Street Motorcycle

A collection of Hi-Res photos of myself and the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R..

Related Posts

• Kawasaki Ninja 650R: Review
[Jun, 2011]

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.

KTM 390 Duke joins its 125 and 200 siblings..

Made in India.. for the world

Just before the curtains go up on the 2012 Milan Motorcycle show (also known as EICMA), images and details of the next big iteration of the India developed/India made KTM Duke series has been made public. The 390 Duke is here..!!

Identical Twins-Triplets (?): In terms of styling the 390 Duke is not too different from the 200/125 Duke. Only the color scheme on the 390 gets a different treatment along with the trellis frame getting dipped in orange. By the way the 125/200 and 390 Duke gets ABS for 2013 (in Europe).

Related Posts

• Ride Review: KTM 200 Duke [Feb 2012]

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.

A comprehensive review of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R after spending a full day on it..

Synopsis:

1. Duration over which I had the bike with me: 24 Hrs

2. Kms travelled: 160 Kms

3. Ridden in: City Traffic/Open highway, Daylight/Night, Single/with Pillion

4. Lasting impression: Without any doubt, "The Best Motorcycle (till 250 cc) that I have ever ridden"

5. Pleasant surprise: The Ninja 250R is the first motorcycle which has impressed my wife..!!

Verdict:

Twice better than the Yamaha R15 in every aspect

Hoped it was priced twice the Yamaha R15 as well..

How did it all start: I had ridden the Kawasaki Ninja 250R just a couple of months after it was launched in India. But since I did not have any photographs of that ride, I never posted about it on my blog (I make it a point to support whatever I ride with photographs).

A couple of days back, me and my wife paid a visit to a friend who lived in Pune and also owned a Ninja 250R. I persuaded him to give his year old Ninja 250R to me for a full day. Accordingly I also got in touch with another biker friend of mine Gourab Das (MG_Biker1806 from xBhp.Com) who also has an interest in photography.

The photographs posted have been clicked by him. The location of the photo shoot is around the hills of Lonavala (near Pune).

Looks: Drop dead gorgeous..!!

Sexy..!! Thats how I would like to rate the looks of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R. The Kawasaki Ninja 250R looks like a genuine and honest slightly scaled down replica of the 600 cc Kawasaki Super Sports, the Ninja ZX-6R. Unlike the Yamaha R15 the Ninja 250R doesnt look small or out of proportion in parts.

The lines of the baby Ninja is sinuous, seductive and a treat for sore eyes. The stance of the bike is aggressive and like a big cat about to pounce on its hapless victim. My wife was in fact quite amused with the kind of attention the bike generated wherever we went.

And yes, "Lime Green" is the color for me on the baby Ninja..!!

Riding stance, ergonomics: "A boon from heaven for short guys + roomy enough for tall guys..!!"

The twin bulb, 55 watt headlight dazzles the darkest of nights

The low beam remains permanently "ON" (mandatory by law in foreign markets)

Strangers on the road remind you that the headlight is "ON" (irritating)

A high beam flasher is NOT provided..!!

My friend to whom the Ninja 250R belongs is a 6 ft tall guy and finds the Ninja roomy enough to ride. At first glance the Ninja 250R looks big and a bit intimidating for a 5 ft 5 inch guy like me. But swinging a leg over the baby Ninja will put a huge grin on the faces of vertically challenged guys..!!

The Ninja 250R has been designed keeping in mind the beginners (in developed nations like the USA) to the world of motorcycling which also includes ladies. The result is a low seat height with a seat which narrows towards the front. This means that short guys and petite ladies can easily put both their feet firmly on the ground.

The photographs show how comfortable I was on the baby Ninja with both feet flat on the ground.

The riding stance is on the sporty side for an Indian bike. The rider is invited to reach for the clip on handlebars and coupled with the rear set footpegs, the riding stance definitely mimics its bigger Super Sports siblings. Having said that, the riding stance on the Ninja 250R is as NOT as aggressive and cramped as a 600/1000 cc Super Sports motorcycle. The riding stance is sporty yet comfortable enough for everyday riding and also for long rides.

Handling, Stability: "Awesome..!! Simply the best handling motorcycle in India"

When the Yamaha R15 was launched in India in 2008, it set new standards in terms of handling among Indian motorcycles. Armed with Indias first perimeter frame and link type monoshock suspension, the R15 showed how a race/track bike should handle.

The Ninja 250R does not employ any exotic chassis/frame like a trellis or perimeter frame. Its chassis is made of tubular steel. In spite of its simple chassis, the Ninja 250R is so well balanced and stable that it feels a notch above the R15 in terms of handling..!!.

I have ridden a couple of 600/1000 cc Japanese Super Sports bikes before. And the Ninja 250R gives you that feeling of riding a big bike. The handling of the bike is so stable and forgiving around corners that any Tom-Dick-Harry will feel like Valentino Rossi. I tried upsetting the balance of the bike while cornering, but the bike remains rock steady and holds its line without any fuss.

The disc brakes on the front and rear on the Ninja 250R do a very good job of stopping the bike from triple digit speeds without any nervous moments.

The Ninja 250R is so forgiving in terms of handing that at a point one could almost get bored..!!

The twin cylinder 250 cc engine of the Ninja 250R feels like a regular 150 cc Indian bike till about 70 Kmph.. till that point there is not appreciable surge in acceleration. But the real fun actually starts at 70 Kmph and goes on effortlessly till 140 Kmph. If you do not look at the speedometer you might be fooled into thinking that the bike is doing around 90-100 Kmph when actually its doing 140 Kmph..!!

Duck into the windscreen on an open stretch of around 1.5-2.0 Kms, and one can easily see a speedo indicated top speed of around 160 Kmph.

The power & Torque has been spread thinly and evenly like precious metal over its 6-Gears and 13,000 rpm redline. The engine remains quite smooth right to its 13,000 rpm redline with only a very slight buzz on the left foot that comes in after 10,000 rpm.

The very liner power delivery of the smooth twin cylinder engine, coupled with a ultra stable chassis makes the Ninja 250R a beginners delight The power delivery and handling of the bike is so predictable that this motorcycle has been rightly considered as the "Best beginner Sport Bike of the world..!!"

But this in no way means that experienced riders cant have fun on it.

Ninja 250R: The Lady Charmer..!!

I have always hated taking my wife as a pillion on a motorcycle. She is always at her seats edge whenever she rides pillion on a motorcycle and has never enjoyed/felt secure. She invariably keeps nagging me from behind: "ride steady/safe", "ride slow", "please mind the other vehicles on the road" etc. (which honestly gets on my nerves).

But I was pleasantly surprised when for the first time in my life, there wasnt a single complaint when my wife rode pillion on the Ninja 250R. It was as if she was enjoying the experience. Which she later confirmed that she actually did enjoy riding pillion on the Ninja 250R..!!

At the end of the day my wife even asked me how much the Ninja 250R was priced at..!! When I said its over 3 lakh Gandhijis (Rs. 300,000) on road, she said that had it been priced even at Rs. 2 lakh, we could have thought about the possibility of getting one. But the current price makes it difficult for someone like me, especially when I still have some family commitments to fulfill first.

And I thought that my wife could never enjoy biking..!!

On asking what did she like so much on the Ninja 250R, this is what my wife pointed out:

1. Stability: The Ninja 250R feels rock steady, she never felt nervous during the ride

2. Linear build up of speed: My wife doesnt like the sudden surge of acceleration of my Pulsar 220, she liked the linear power delivery of the Ninja 250R

3. High pillion seat: My wife liked the raised pillion seat and the commanding view of the road which it provided

4. The attention that the bike got on the road..!! Yep, my wife was quite amused and enjoyed the attention that the baby Ninja generated whenever it went

Verdict: "Desirable, Stellar Handing & Stability, Smooth Performance: But a bit costly"

The horn on the Ninja 250R sounds like it has been lifted from a scooty..!!

Retrofitting a powerful horn is a must on our Indian roads

After spending a day with the Ninja 250R, I found it twice better than the 150 cc Yamaha R15 in nearly every department.

Looks/Desirability/Stability/Handling/Performance.. in every aspect I have enjoyed the Ninja 250R at least twice more than the R15. By that yardstick, I would have been happy if the Kawasaki Ninja 250R was priced twice than the Yamaha R15. i.e. around Rs. 2,20,000 (surprising even my wife had quoted the same price tag without any knowledge of the R15..!!).

But at Rs. 1,00,000 more than twice the price tag of the Yamaha R15, the Ninja 250R remains still a couple of years away from me. But those who can afford it the Ninja 250R, it is simplly the best twin cylinder 250 cc motorcycle in India/World that money can buy.

After I handled over the Ninja 250R to my friend, I realized that I did not check its Fuel Efficiency..!! But what the heck.. who cares..??

Engine: 249cc, Parallel Twin, Fuel Injected Liquid Cooled, 8-valve, DOHC

Max. Power: 33 Ps @ 11,000 rpm

Max. Torque: 22Nm @ 8,200 rpm

6-Speed gearbox

Chassis: Tubular steel diamond type

Suspension:

Front: 37 mm dia. telescopic fork

Rear: Bottom-Link Uni-Trak™ with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable

Tyres: 110/70R17 (Fr), 130/70R17 (R)

Brakes: 290mm Disc (Fr), 220 mm Disc (R)

Kerb Weight: 172 kg

Wheelbase: 1400mm

Fuel tank: 17 litres

Seat height: 790mm

Related Posts

• Honda CBR250R Vs. Kawasaki Ninja 250R [by Motorcycle USA]



• Kawasaki formally re-enters India as "India Kawasaki Motors" [Apr 2010]



• 30 BHP, 250 cc, Twin Cylinder Bikes are for Ladies..!! [Oct 2007]



• I’d rather ride a 250-400 cc slowly through a pothole, than “Day Dream” of riding the R1 on the Golden Quadrilateral..!![Oct 2007]

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.

Ghost Ryderz becomes the first professional motorcycle Stunt Riding Team from India to be officially sponsored by a motorcycle brand..!!

"Pulsar, India’s No.1 Sports Bike is the official sponsor of Ghost Ryderz, India’s No. 1 Motorcycle Freestyle Stunt riding team".

That’s what the landing page of the Ghost Ryderz site says. Ghost Ryderz has indeed become India’s first professional motorcycle stunt team to be sponsored by a corporate entity. The team has recently revealed a new set of Pulsar 220S bikes which has been custom modified into genuine street fighters along with a customized paint theme as well.

Who are Ghost Ryderz?

They are a team of 5 talented young guys from Kerala who call themselves as "Damboy", "Smokey", "Phenom", "Nio" and "Dauntless". They first shot into national limelight in 2009 when they were picked up to tour with MTV for the 2009 Pulsar MTV Stuntmania auditions (to perform stunts in front of the crowd at various cities across India). They were once again chosen to tour with MTV for the second season of the MTV Pulsar Stuntmania "Rockathon" Auditions in 2010.

Ghost Ryderz now regularly perform Stunt shows in various cities of India. To get a glimpse of the Ghost Ryderz doing their stuff, check out their Facebook Page.

[To visit the Ghost Ryderz website: Click here, To visit the Ghost Ryderz Facebook Fanpage: Click here]

Pulsar and Motorcycle Stunting

Pulsar is the first motorcycle brand in India to associate itself with Stunting. Bikers in India have now started to strongly associate stunting with the Pulsar brand. And it is for good reason.

The 2003 "Pulsar DTS-i" TV Commercial (Wheelie and Stoppie on the bridge) is still very fresh in my mind, and how can one not mention the 2008 "Pulsar Mania" TV Commercial which featured jaw dropping synchronized stunts. Pulsar has also sponsored India’s first Stunt Reality TV Show "StuntMania" on MTV in 2009 and 2010.

The association of Pulsar and Ghost Ryderz, which is the first of its kind in India, is great news for the budding sport of Freestyle Motorcycle Stunting. I seriously hope that this association with Pulsar would provide Ghost Ryderz the boost to make us proud even on the international freestyle stunt circuit.

Go Ghost Ryderz..!! Go Pulsar..!!

Related Posts

• "Pulsar Mania", New TV Commercial from Bajaj Auto..!! [March, 2008]



• New Pulsar Commercial (Pulsar Mania II?) to feature Jorian “Untouchable” Ponomareff..!! [Dec, 2010]



• Pulsar MTV Stunt Mania Season 2 Auditions to be held as a "Rockathon"..!! [May, 2010]



• Chris Pfeiffers India tour kick starts in Delhi [May, 2010]



• What is a Street Fighter motorcycle?



• 2010 Bajaj Pulsar 220-S & F Technical Specifications

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.

Yes, that’s right. I consider our "desi" bikes like the Yamaha R15, Hero Honda Karizma ZMR, Pulsar 220 as glorified commuter bikes.

Why?

Affordability:

I am sorry to burst the bubble of those who think their "desi" bikes are super cool sports bikes..

Affordability will be one big factor here. A guy in India, who can afford a bike like the Kawasaki Ninja 250R at Rs. 3 lakhs, or a litre class import at 13-14 lakhs, will in all probability have at least a car in his garage.

But the reverse cant be always said for a guy who uses one of our "affordable" bikes.

Let me ask a straight question. "How often do you ride your bike?" The most probable answer from a biker next door like me would be, "Almost everyday".

Unlike developed nations where motorcycles are viewed and bought as toys for recreation, in India a motorcycle is mostly bought as an affordable tools to commute.

Whereas in India most middle class guys who happens to own a car also sometimes keep or retain a two wheeler, just to use it for his daily commuting needs. This lets our middle class carwala to save on the fuel costs for that weekend lesuirely ride in his car.

Exceptions to the rule:

There will of course be a couple of guys who will buy our "desi" bikes just for the occasional long distance touring (Karizma), feel like the Fastest Indian (Pulsar 220) or for that occasional track day (R15) [provided he is lucky enough to live somewhere near Chennai]. But honestly, numbers of such guys will be minuscule.


Welcome to the real world

Therefore I am sorry to burst the bubble of those who think their bikes are super cool sports bikes, but bikes like the R15, Karizma ZMR can be considered as a slightly premium (in the Indian context) or glorified commuter, but a commuter nevertheless.

According to me, except the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and the 1000 (and plus) cc imported bikes; all the other bikes will come in the commuter class. Now, don’t get me wrong, since I have also done my share of grocery shopping with my wife on my Pulsar 220.

I have also seen more than a couple of times where dudes carry their saree clad mothers as pillion (sitting crossed legged) on his R15/Karizma ZMR/Pulsar 220!!

Need I say more?

Related Posts

• Dummies Guide to International Motorcycle Categories



• Why Do I Ride..??



• Fat Rear Tyres: Need Vs. Want



• Life Cycle of a "Desi" Biker..



• Marriage, Motorcycles and Blogging do not mix well

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.

"The Bike Chronicles of India" is shutting down..

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -- Confucius

This is my first step, my first small step..... my first post..!!

I dont know how many miles my journey will cover... but I am sure it will be worth.

With these words I started the Journey of “The Bike Chronicles of India” on August 22’nd, 2006. Today on April 15, 2008, I have decided to end this short journey of mine due to professional reasons.


It has been a very hard decision for me to make, since I had become attached to this small blog of mine. Writing on “The Bike Chronicles of India” had actually helped me get over my 8 year old Smoking habit. Today I write this last post with a heavy heart...

I am also getting married on this April 27th to my childhood sweetheart. I hope that my better half will fill up the emptiness that will be felt in my heart after shutting down “The Bike Chronicles of India”.


I take this opportunity to thank all those visitors who have accompanied on this short journey. Thanks Guys..!! It really meant a lot to me. Maybe we’ll meet again someday.. somewhere..

Till then Ride Safe and “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish”.



Signing off
Satadal Payeng
(Biker Next Door from India)

An article from the "The Bike Chronicles of India" has been mentioned on "The New York Times".. The timing couldnt have been more poignant..

A month back I had published an article on this blog about "Do we really need fatter/wider rear tyres..?? or do we just want it?".

To my delight (and surprise) "The New York Times" had found the article worthy enough to be mentioned in its "Automobiles" section.



This is what "The New York Times" had to say..

Satadal Payeng wondered whether motorcyclists in India — and, presumably, elsewhere — really need fatter tires (or, as he has it, “tyres”). We did some quick Googling on this subject, and the best item we could find was this one. Is there a better explanation out there somewhere? (The Bike Chronicles of India)

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.

Donington Park is now the sole British WSBK round, instead of Silverstone.

At last, proof from a leading insurance companys data that shows we are safer behind the wheel of a car than non-motorcyclists!

The firm also adjusted the figures to take into account the different typical ages of car drivers and motorcyclists, and still found the riders to be 21% better behind the wheel. The results showed motorcyclists were 20% less likely to make a bodily injury claim on their car policy.

The insurer examined 200 million policies between 2007 and 2012.  Rob Clark, Equity Red Star’s Head of Retail Motor, said: “A motorcyclist could, behind the wheel of a car, be said to be 23% better.”

Mr Clark presented the data at a conference organised by the Motorcycle Industry Association to examine evidence that increasing the number of motorcyclists on the road could actually improve safety!  Sounds good to us, we think this is an excellent idea!

 

Kawasaki have just released the details of several new models for 2014, the first being the Kawasaki Z1000SX.

• Greater Power and Torque giving even sharper response in the important mid-range whilst building on the already impressive top end rush. 

• Tokico radial-mount monobloc calipers (first time ever on a Kawasaki) offer enhanced feel and controllability with firmer initial touch.

• A new ABS unit allows more precise control of brake fluid pressure, and the addition of a fluid pressure sensor enables the ABS unit to help suppress rear lift under braking.

• Enhanced intake note adds to riding exhilaration.

• More direct response to rider input delivers quicker handling for added riding excitement. 

• Perfectly integrated accessory panniers can each hold a full-face helmet and fit so neatly they give the bike an overall width reduction of 70mm.  

• Remote rear preload adjuster – for simple changes to suit pillion or laden pannier riding.  

• Taller 6th gear ratio for improved long distance comfort.  

• Seat construction aiding all day rider and pillion comfort.  

• Mirror housings giving improved rear visibility – also wider overall.  

• Kawasaki’s latest traction control: 3-mode KTRC – as fitted to the flagship Kawasaki ZZR1400.  

• Power Mode selection: Full and Low Power. 

• Improved Instrumentation - New functions include KTRC, Power Mode, Economical Riding Indicator, remaining range, current and average fuel consumption, and coolant temperature.

2014 Kawasaki Z1000SX

Kawasaki Z1000SX with Panniers