Street Motorcycle

Scoop photo of a motorcycle undergoing test in Delhi clicked..?? Could it be a new 2010 Honda motorcycle for India..??

DNA India had reported a couple of months back about a new 250 cc motorcycle from Honda India (HMSI) to be launched in Diwali 2010. Post that, there has been no further news about it either from HMSI or any another publication.

...it is clearly visible that the motorcycle has a monoshock suspension

Today, a scoop photo of a new motorcycle was clicked by an xBhp.Com member (coffin on wheels) in Manesar (near Delhi). Accoding to him, the motorcycle under test was doing speeds of around 110 kmph with ease.

Original Pic source: xBhp.Com

Not much can be seen in the photo clicked, but according to him the motorcycle did have a big fuel tank which was kind of a similar (but bigger) in design as the recently launched 110 cc CB Twister. From the photo it can be seen that the chain cover is an exposed one. Also it is clearly visible that the motorcycle has a monoshock suspension at the rear.

Could it really be Honda Indias new 250 cc performance motorcycle for India..?? Or could it be a motorcycle based on the Unicorn "Sports Concept" shown at the 2010 New Delhi Auto Expo..??

I have a strong feeling that it could be the latter probably with a slightly larger engine (160-180 cc) and not a 250 cc engine.

Honda Unicorn Sports Concept

Related Posts

• Honda Plans 2 models for 2010. New Unicorn on cards..??



• Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: Honda (HMSI)



• 2010 Honda CBF Stunner (125cc). Details, Price, Colors revealed (from Official Website)



• Honda launches 2010 CB Unicorn.



• 2010, 125 cc Honda Shine gets renamed as CB Shine



• Honda CB Twister 110 cc Review [Test Ride]

Disclaimer:

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.

Unique facts about Off-Road motorcycles..

Off road motorcycles are something alien to most Indians. So far now we have never had any history of an off road bike being commercially successful in India. To most of us, any motorcycle with raised suspension and minimalistic body work is a “Dirt Bike”.

Like most Indians I too never fully understood the details which make off road motorcycles stand out or which makes them unique. I could not understand things like:

• "Why is the tank of an off road bike flat and small in shape?"


• "Why does the seat on an off road bike extend over the tank?"


• "Why does a rider stick his leg out while cornering an off road bike?"

Although I have not ridden any off road bike till date, this post is about some unique aspects of off road motorcycles that I have learnt over the years.


[A] Pure off road/Motocross motorcycles are NOT Street Legal

An off road bike in its purest form is called as a “Motocross” bike*. Motocross motorcycles are used only in Motocross racing (hence the name). These motorcycles do not adhere to pollution norms and can’t be registered for street use.

[* There are also some different forms which have evolved out of Motocross motorcycles, but I will post about those motorcycles in a different post]


[B] Pure off road/Motocross motorcycles do not have headlamp, tail lamp, speedometer or rear view mirror

Since motocross motorcycles are used specifically for racing or riding in closed circuits, they do way with the headlamp, tail lamp, speedometer or rear view mirror.

[C] Pure off road/Motocross motorcycles are single seaters

You obviously don’t need a pillion for racing, therefore these motorcycles are single seaters. Also motocross motorcycles are not designed for rider comfort and are therefore ergonomically uncomfortable for long stints on the saddle.


[D] Off road motorcycles have a larger front Wheel (compared to the rear wheel)

I have not ridden one but from what I have learnt is that having a bigger diameter front wheel makes maneuvering the bike over dirt/bad roads easier.

[E] Off road motorcycles have spoke wheels

Alloy wheels look cool on street motorcycles but off road motorcycles comes fitted with spoke wheels as spokes seem to take the pounding while riding over bad roads better than alloy wheels (which could crack on heavy impact).

[F] Off road motorcycles have a flat tank

One of the reason for having a small tank is because the bike is used primarily for racing around closed tracks, they do not need to carry large amounts of fuel. This also helps in making the bike lighter in weight.

The other reason for having a flat tank with the seat extending over the tank is because cornering an off road bike is different than a road bike and the rider needs to transfer his weight on the bike and hence the seat extends over the tank as well.


[G] Cornering on an off road bike is different

While cornering on a street motorcycle with a slight forward bias riding posture or on a track motorcycle with a forward bias stance, one usually sticks his/her knee out and bends the motorcycle around the corners. But on an off road motorcycle this is not possible.

The high handlebars and a high saddle height makes "hanging off" the off road motorcycle (like a street motorcycle) not possible.

To corner on an off road motorcycle, the rider slides up the flat seat transferring his weight on the front wheels which enables the front to get additional grip over the loose surface. The rider then sticks his leg out towards the side he wants the motorcycle to turn, this makes the motorcycle lean into the corner.

After taking the corner, the off road motorcycle rider then slides backwards on the seat to transfer his/her weight on the rear wheels now so that the rear gets more purchase out of the loose surface, enabling the off-road rider to power out of the corner smoothly.







[Note:

Back in the early-mid 90’s Bajaj did try to sell a “Dual purpose/On-off road” model called Enduro SX and Hero Motors did try to sell a BMW model called F650GS in India. But both models flopped badly]

Related Posts

• Not every KTM bike is an Off-Roader



• Hero Moto Corp to launch "Hero Impulse" a Dual Purpose/On-Off motorcycle in India [Aug 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.

Its confirmed: Kawasaki Ninja 650R teaser is on at Bajajs Probiking site..

Nothing much is available officially except a teaser which definitely shows the shots of the Kawasaki Ninja 650R (name in US)/ER-6f (name in UK).



Specs wise the Kawasaki Ninja 650R would compete bang on with the GT650R, producing near identical peak power and peak torque numbers. The Hyosung GT650R has already been priced at 4.75 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi), so what will be interesting now would be the price of the Ninja 650R.

And yes, even the Ninja 650R is NOT A SUPERBIKE..!!

Related Posts

• Unforgettable date with the Kawasaki Ninja 250R: Review



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

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?

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• 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.

Read the Test Ride/Review of the 2008 Yamaha Gladiator Type-SS on "The Bike Chronicles of India".. Test Ride of the New Gladiator Type-SS

First things first:

Compared to the earlier Gladiator models, there is no change in the Power/Torque output of the New Yamaha Gladiator Type-SS.

So is it another cosmetic/sticker job with a fancy name (la Hero Honda Karizma "R")..??

The answer to that would be.. "No".

"Quality of parts used in the new model has to be seen and felt.."

Of course there is no change in the power output in the Gladiator Type-SS, but the quality of parts used in the new model has to be seen and felt to realize that the Type-SS is only a precursor of good thing to come from Yamaha India in 2008 (namely the R15 and the FZ150).

# The Gladiator Type-SS will be available in showrooms only by Feb 2008 end.

# The Gladiator Type-RS will be launched after a month.

# Tech Specs of the Gladiator Type SS/RS are same as the older Gladiator

The best part is that the Gladiator Type-SS will have a Ex-Showroom price tag of around Rs. 46,350..!! (which would be more or less uniform across the country) Considering the quality and the equipment levels, the price according to me is quite an aggressive one.

Also what is more exciting is the fact that the price of the Gladiator "Graffiti" Variant (with Self Start, Front Disc Brakes as standard) has now been lowered to Rs. 43,650..!! (Ex-Showroom, mostly uniform across India)


New (Semi Flat) Handlebar:



The handlebar on the Type-SS sits flatter than the earlier Gladiator models. As a result of which the rider now leans more towards the handlebars. Though the riding position is not as aggressive as the TVS Apache RTR 160, but the stance is now more like the Bajaj Pulsar 150/180 models. The handlebar has been given an anodized matt black finish.


One can also find handlebar-ends on the Type-SS along with handlebar Grips which according to Yamaha has been design like the ones found on its 1000 cc R1.

The Type-SS sports a tachometer, a feature which isnt present in any other 125 cc bike right now. There is also a brushed aluminium handle bar crown, which adds to the aesthetic appeal.

The switches are functional and comprehensive, but compared to the competition, it is getting a bit too old and has been in duty on Yamaha models since the RX135 days.

Dimple Type Seat Cover

The Seat cover on the Type-SS has a new perforated material which Yamaha prefers to call as "Dimple Type". It certainly looks good on the Type-SS but I am not quite sure if it is functional too.

New Design Exhaust End & new material Heat Shield

The exhaust of the Type-SS has a newly designed end piece which Yamaha again likes to call as "Machine Gun Type" end piece. Although it looks ok to me, the choice of the colour of the end piece makes it look a bit tacky.

Unlike the heat shield on the exhaust found on other Indian bikes, the heat shield on the Gladiator Type-SS is made out of a special synthetic-plastic-resin material. Apart from protecting the pillions foot from scalding, the heat shield looks cool too.


Aluminium Die Cast Footpegs:

The classy aluminium Die Cast footpegs of the Gladiator Type-SS enhances the Sporty feel. Both the footpegs are retractable. The front footpegs have rubber inserts to damp vibrations.

What sets these footpegs apart from ones found in other bikes is that the front ones are spring loaded, so that even if they happen to touch the tarmac during hard cornering, they will automatically come back to their original position.

I was quite impressed by the way the rear footpegs makes a "CLICK" everytime you retract it or bring it back. Exquisite..!!



Apart from these changes, the Gladiator Type-SS has many other small changes like newly designed sleek Front and Rear Fenders, front fairing which has been lowered by 30 mm, Half Chain Cover, O-Ring Chain Drive, Toe-only type gear lever. Not to mention an excellent paint job. All these changes manage to give the Type-SS a Stylish and Sporty stance and look.


Colors:

The Gladiator Type-SS will be available in two color combinations..

• Metallic Silver with Red


• Metallic Silver with Gold

Review of the Test Ride

The test ride was taken on a proper test track prepared by a Japanese gentleman from Yamaha India (Posted below). The test track comprised of a number of twist and turns along with sweeping bends and a few straight portions as well. It was designed to test the handling and performance of Gladiator Type-SS.

"The New Gladiator Type-SS is definitely the "Sportiest" 125 cc motorcycle in the country at present

I took three rounds around the test track. After the ride I can safely say that the New Gladiator Type-SS is definitely the "Sportiest" 125 cc motorcycle in the country at present. The way the rider sits on the Gladiator Type-SS is quite different from the earlier Gladiators. The rider now leans more into the bike, like on a Pulsar. The bike was resonably smooth even and the gear box was a joy to use. Special mention have to made of the front disc brakes of the Gladiator Type-SS. Nowhere during the test ride did it ever feel that the brakes were weak. The handling was also quite sporty (though definitely not as sporty as the Apache RTR 160) for a bike in the 125 cc segment.

Previously I had taken test rides of the various 125 cc bikes and compared them (viz. the Bajaj XCD, Hero Honda Glamour, Honda Shine, Suzuki Zeus and the Yamaha Gladiator Type J.A.) Even back then, I had said that I could hardly find any fault with the Gladiator. In fact apart from the Gladiator, each 125 cc bike had something missing in it.

"The current price of Rs.46,350 along with the Standard Front Disc Brake (Flame without Disc Brake is Rs.45,000 Ex-Showroom Delhi) is very competitive.

As a bonus the Gladiator Type-SS also has the 5’th gear and tachometer"

The Bajaj XCD felt small, the Suzuki Zeus felt a bit underpowered (especially on revving) and had stiff suspension, and apart from the Honda Brand, I couldn’t find something which could set apart the Hero Honda Glamour and the Honda Shine. But on the Gladiator Type-SS, I couldn’t again find any fault with it.

The Gladiator Type-SS feels almost like a bigger 150 cc bike in size. The tank also has functional knee recess unlike a few other bikes.

The only chink in the Older Gladiator’s amour was probably its price which was a bit high compared to the likes of the Bajaj XCD. But the current price of Rs.46,350 along with the Standard Front Disc Brake (Flame without Disc Brake is Rs.45,000 Ex-Showroom Delhi) is very competitive. As a bonus the Gladiator Type-SS also has the 5’th gear and tachometer.

And also because the maximum torque of the Gladiator is produced at a comparatively higher RPM than all the other 125 cc bikes, the Gladiator doesn’t pull that well as say the XCD at low RPM’s. But this also means that the Gladiator is much sportier than the other 125 cc bikes since guys looking for sporty bikes like to have more pickup at high RPMs.

Another reason for the Gladiator not selling well has been its poor advertising. It is no secret that the previous Ads of the Gladiator could be termed as Crappy. According to me the success or failure of the Gladiator Type-SS now depends a lot on its Promotion and Advertising.

Related Posts:

• New 2008 Yamaha Gladiator Type-SS (Stylish & Sporty) Pics/Images and Details.. with Wallpapers



• Auto Expo 2008 Coverage: TVS Flame and 2008 Gladiator [Wallpaper]



• Auto Expo 2008 Coverage: Bajaj Auto [New XCD DTSi Sprint + Wallpaper]



• 125 cc Bajaj XCD with just the Kick Start at Rs. 39,000 (Ex-Showroom Bangalore)



• 125 cc TVS Flame launched in Chennai, India launch in January 2008: 125 cc Pricelist Compared



• 125 cc Comparision: Bajaj XCD Vs Hero Honda Glamour Vs Honda Shine Vs Suzuki Zeus Vs Yamaha Gladiator..!!



• 125 cc Bajaj XCD DTS-Si [Test Ride/Review]

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 collection of 32 High Definition photos of the KTM RC125/200/390 models..

Posted below is a collection of 32 High Def. photos of the soon to be launched, KTM 125/200/390 models. These models would be shown in the flesh for the first time at the Milan Motorcycle Show (EICMA) in Nov. 2014.

And yes, there are no ugly water marks on the photos.. why? Because they are not mine. Enjoy..!!

These super sport beauties will be manufactured in India by Bajaj Auto and exported worldwide. Expect the RC 200 and 390 to be sold in India along with the 200 and 390 Duke. The 125 will be exported to Europe along with the 200 and 390.

Related Posts

• KTM RC390 Photos Revealed..!! This will be made in India.. Rejoice! [Oct 2013]

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.