Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2018 i BIKE India

NORTON MOTORCYCLES CEO STUART GARNER SHARED RENDERINGS OF a new 650-cc scrambler motorcycle that will be unveiled in November at the Motorcycle Live show. Borrowing the “Atlas” moniker of yore, this new machine will draw motive force from a 650-cc parallel-twin and will make it the smallest Norton on offer once launched. It will also feature a Spondon steel frame and Brembo calipers. The motorcycle is expected to be offered in two variants: the “high” off-road-style version and the “low” road-spec model. Word on the street is that Norton are also developing a sports bike based on the Atlas’ engine. In addition to a different frame and a carbon-fibre swing-arm, the engine will be supercharged. The icing on the cake is that Simon Skinner, Head of Design at Norton, hinted…

Spy pics have emerged on the interweb of what seems to be the next iteration of Ducati’s imposing Diavel, which is still in the prototype stage and seemingly quite far from production. The bike, which was recently spotted abroad, seems like a test mule; however, we can tell you that the engine seems rather familiar. The unit seen on the test mule looks like the 1,262-cc Testastretta motor that does duty in the xDiavel Cruiser and Multistrada 1260. Although similar in design, the current Diavel and xDiavel share absolutely no components and this seems set to change as the new bike will use a frame similar to that of the xDiavel as well as the cruiser’s under-slung exhaust and conventional monoshock, rather than the low-mounted horizontal monoshock from the current…

All of Kawasaki’s Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) Ninja ZX-10R models have apparently been booked out just two weeks after being launched in India. The company has stopped taking further bookings for this sought-after sports bike for the time being. The Japanese brand has started manufacturing (CKD) and assembling (SKD) certain models in India, which has resulted in Kawasaki slashing the prices for many models. The ZX-10R, which is a SKD model, got an almost Rs 6-lakh price cut which, in turn, caused potential buyers to flock to local Kawasaki dealerships. A Kawasaki dealership has confirmed that the company has stopped accepting bookings for the Kawasaki ZX-10R. The ZX-10R packs a 998-cc, liquid-cooled in-line four that delivers a staggering 200 PS and 113 Nm, paired to a six-speed transmission. It weighs in…

The TVS Jupiter has achieved astronomical sales figures. This milestone and a prestigious award have earned the scooter a new marketing campaign: “Taaro Se Bhi Kahin Upar”. The scooter celebrates 25 lakh units sold and the Most Appealing Executive Scooter award. The latter was awarded by JD Power 2018 Two-Wheeler Automotive Product Execution & Layout (2WAPEAL) study. The campaign will include print, digital film, and a television commercial featuring Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan. TVS claim that the Jupiter is also the fastest scooter to reach the 10-lakh sales mark within 30 months of its launch. Launched in 2013, the Jupiter is available in four variants: base, ZX, ZX Disc, and Jupiter Classic. The scooter is powered by a 109.7-cc engine that produces 8.0 PS at 7,500 rpm and a peak…

FOR TWO-STROKE FANS, THE SECOND SUNDAY OF JULY IS A special day. It gives them a chance to celebrate an icon from a bygone era. This year was the 16th International Jawa Day and bikers from India also joined in to pay homage. The Bangalore Jawa Yezdi Motorcycle Club (BJYMC) organized the event at St Joseph’s Indian High School Grounds, Vittal Mallya Road, Bengaluru. BJYMC is a non-profit organization that was established in 2007. They have been diligently conducting the event, year after year. This year they had over 1,000 people attending it and 450 motorcycles. Similar events were also conducted in Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Patiala. Of the 450-odd motorcycles, some of the most drooled-over models included the 50-cc Colt, 125-cc Perak, and the 350-cc twins. With…

India Kawasaki Motors have launched the Euro 4-compliant 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 in the subcontinent, simultaneously with the bike’s release in international markets. The bike is being assembled as an SKD (semi-knocked down) unit at Kawasaki’s Pune plant and, as such, is still competitively priced at Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). Apart from new graphics, there are no technical changes to the new motorcycle and the specifications remain the same as the previous year’s bike. The 2019 Ninja 1000 will continue to make 142 PS at 10,000 rpm and 111 Nm of twist at 7,300 rpm from its liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder engine, which is mated to a six-speed gearbox. The 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 is available in two colours: black and Kawasaki’s trademark green.…

Scorpion VX-15 EVO Air A value-for-money motocross helmet with features to rival more expensive lids, the Scorpion VX-15 EVO Air features a lightweight polycarbonate shell and inflatable cheek-pads for a secure fit. The liner is constructed with Scorpion’s proprietary KwikWick fabric that absorbs sweat instantly to keep the rider’s skin dry, while a comprehensive venting system and that large eye-port ensure that fresh air circulates through the helmet while on the move. The adjustable peak is aerodynamically shaped to reduce lift and Scorpion have gone the extra mile to include a double D ring to secure those padded chinstraps. Perfect for riders who want to explore away from the tarmac, the Scorpion VX-15 EVO Air is available in Pune at Team Driven (visit them at www.facebook.com/teamdrivenindia) or drop them a…

IHAVE BEEN A FAN OF THE TVS Apache RTR 200 4V ever since its introduction just over two years ago. The bike felt sturdy, had an impressively wide mid-range and featured almost telepathic handling capabilities. This year TVS have introduced an updated version that includes all that we already love about the RTR 200 4V, while adding into the mix ABS and a slipper clutch. Externally not a lot has changed; the bike still features the edgy lines inspired by the TVS Draken concept and shares the chassis, engine, and body panels with previous year’s bike. The new colour and sticker scheme definitely adds a bit of personality. The only new component visible to the casual observer, to differentiate this from the older bike, would be the short fly-screen. The…

POP QUIZ: WHAT COMES TO YOUR MIND WHEN I REFER TO A FULL-BLOWN streamliner fairing, old-school fuel tank, low clip-ons, and stretched-back seats? Yes, it is a custom drag bike! I bet you’ll rub your eyes in disbelief if I tell you that this one is powered by a Hero Xtreme’s 150-cc air-cooled single. Now you must be wondering how did a Hero end up at a custom shop in Dubai and what prompted this “Xtreme” makeover? Well, here’s the background: Biker Café (Dubai’s very own “Ace Café”) organizes an annual custom bike build-off challenge and hands over new motorcycles to local customizers to promote talent and love for biking. In the latest edition, the customizers were given the Hero Thriller 150, a re-badged Xtreme 150, which is one of…

LIGHT, POWERFUL, AND FUN, TWO-STROKE DIRT bikes are extremely popular in countries where an established off-roading and trail riding culture exists. Manufacturers like KTM, Yamaha, and Honda have all cashed in on this demand for small, entertaining and affordable machinery dedicated to taking on the rough stuff in several markets abroad; however, here in India the off-road bug is just starting to bite. Consequently, we don’t really have much to choose from when it comes to lightweight, go-anywhere motorcycles to blast along dusty trails. Enter Noshir Irani, a former motorcycle racer and avid off-road enthusiast whose patience ran out waiting for his dream machine to hit the market. He decided to build his own fast and fun dirt tracker and, after mixing and matching parts from different bikes, put together…

BAJAJ PULSAR DTS-i 180 Among the largest-displacement motorcycles and the most powerful Pulsar you can buy in this category. Popular among buyers due to its sharp looks, sporty performance, everyday practicality, and reasonable fuel efficiency. PERFORMANCE Standing ¼ Mile (0-400m): 18.5 s at 104.69 km/h 0-60 km/h: 4.98 seconds Top Speed: 117.5 km/h BAJAJ PULSAR NS 160 The compact NS 160 has attractive styling, is fun to ride, and easy on the pocket in the long run. Ticks all the right boxes for an enthusiast who rides to work every day. PERFORMANCE Standing ¼ Mile (0-400m): 19.85 s at 100.85 km/h 0-60 km/h: 5.61 seconds Top Speed: 108.15 km/h HONDA CB HORNET 160R A muscular-looking Honda that is refined, has respectable performance figures and is value for money. A few…

BENELLI TnT 25 Apart from its Italian heritage, the smallest Benelli is also great to behold. In addition to the aurally appealing exhaust note, it boasts of a nice spread of torque and a power delivery to match. PERFORMANCE Standing ¼ Mile (0-400m): 18.54 s at 112.92 km/h 0-60 km/h: 4.85 seconds Top Speed: 119.09 km/h HYOSUNG GT250R If you are in the market for a small V-twin within a couple of lakhs, then look no further. There may be a few well-maintained models waiting to be found. PERFORMANCE Standing ¼ Mile (0-400m): 16.53 s at 124.85 km/h 0-60 km/h: 4.02 seconds Top Speed: 140 km/h KAWASAKI NINJA 250 R This discontinued in-line twin Kawasaki was expensive when it was brand new. However, at this price range, it is a…

IT WAS ONE OF THOSE STORMY DAYS WHEN THE weather threatens to dominate any trip by motorbike. A strong, cold wind was shaking the trees all around. The roads were already damp in places from overnight rain; the sky looked darkly aggressive although the forecast downpour had yet to arrive. Through it all the R75/5 purred on serenely: smooth, comfortable, impeccably stable. Effortlessly and rapidly putting the road under its wheels and turning what could have been an unpleasant trip into a very enjoyable ride. Even when the rain started, I found myself wishing I was not just taking the ageing boxer for a short spin, but setting off for some far-flung destination where its touring ability could really be put to the test. This R75/5 had doubtless inspired many…

Marc Marquez The highly talented defending champion has been impressing the crowds with his performance this year as well and is at the top of the points table. After Jerez, the Repsol Honda rider posted three wins and a second-place finish to maintain his lead. He did have a nasty surprise at Mugello, though, when he low-sided at Turn 10 on lap five. This knocked the Spaniard off; but he managed to get back on the bike to finish only 16th in the Italian round. He continues to lead the championship with 165 points, 46 points ahead of The Doctor. Rossi’s Rise to Second At the end of the fourth round in Jerez, the championship table read like this: Marquez leading with 70 points, followed by Zarco in second, Viñales…

THE FIRST WEEKEND OF JULY SAW the country’s top motorcycle racers descend upon the MMRT circuit to do battle at the second round of this year’s MRF FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC). The event comprised racing across four national championship classes as well as one-make races on TVS and Honda machinery, with riders scrambling to collect points to further their 2018 campaign. This round also saw the début of the MRF racing slicks in the Super Sport 165 class and the Pro-Stock 301- to 400-cc class. These new tyres earned high praise from several racers who reported improved grip and feel and lower lap times from the new rubber. Here’s what went down over two days of intense competition at Sriperumbudur. SUPER SPORT 165 CLASS Race One Saturday’s…

THIS YEAR HONDA HAVE GONE A step further in their quest to nurture young racing talent in the country and initiated the Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup as part of their one-make championship. Talented youngsters between 13 and 18 years of age were selected to take part in the Novice Class of this year’s championship, riding the race-ready CBR150R machines. The Open Class saw established racers fight it out on the more powerful CBR250R one-make race bike. OPEN CLASS Race One In Saturday’s CBR250R race, Anish Shetty of Hubli, who has also won three out of the four races this year in the Pro-Stock category of the National Championship, took the win. It was a six-lap battle for the victory against Bengaluru’s Abhishek V, who ultimately crossed the line just…

TAKING TECHNOLOGY FORWARD IS CELLULAR VEHICLE-to-Everything (C-V2X), that will work using 5G mobile bandwidth to create a sort of traffic map of the area. This will provide information about other vehicles in the vicinity and help with situational awareness. The Italian and German giants had trials recentlywherein they showcased two different types of assistance systems. The first test was Intersection Collision Warning, where a vehicle equipped with the C-V2X technology system pulls out from a junction and avoids a collision with a motorcycle rider who may have had the right of way. Another was the Across Traffic Turn Collision Risk Warning: which warns a user when taking a left turn, which is great for those terrible “blind-spots”. Ducati’s Advanced Radar Assistance System monitors multiple vehicles at the same time and…

DUCATI’S ICONIC NAKED BIKE, THE MONSTER, COMPLETES 25 YEARS and to celebrate this milestone, the company has launched a special limited-edition Monster 1200 that will also be available in India. To mark the 25 years of the Monster, Ducati have launched a special, limited-edition Monster 1200, called the 25° Anniversario Edition. Ducati will produce just 500 units of this tastefully done Monster. Talking of taste, the Monster 1200 25° Anniversario Edition is one beautiful looking motorcycle as it features a paint job representing the colours of the Italian flag. The paint job is inspired by the 2008 Monster S4RS Testastretta Tricolore and it looks absolutely stunning on the Monster 1200. The special-edition Monster is powered by the same 1,198-cc, Testastretta 11° DS twin-cylinder engine that produces a peak output of…

THE FAMOUS DUNLOP FAMILY RECENTLY SUFFERED A TRAGEDY when young William Dunlop succumbed to his injuries following the crash during the practice session at the Skerries 100, an annual racing event held on the country roads of Skerries, Dublin, Ireland. The 32-year-old, a familiar face at the Isle of Man TT and the North West 200, was the son of the late Robert Dunlop and nephew of the great Joey Dunlop. William’s sad demise has shaken the international racing community and especially the family. William, a four-time winner at the North-West 200, was involved in a crash earlier this year when he had suffered bruises. At this year’s IOMTT, the youngster withdrew from the races after two days of practice as he wanted to take some time off and recuperate.…

TVS MAY HAVE A LARGER NTORQ SCOOTER IN THE WORKS, ONE WITH A 150-cc engine. The new two-wheeler will be based on the Entorq 210 concept shown at Auto Expo 2016. Word on the street is that TVS are looking to make the most of the scooter’s momentum by launching a larger Ntorq; one with a 150-cc engine. The Ntorq 150 is expected to derive design elements from the Entorq 210 concept. Motive force is most likely to be provided by a 150-cc engine that may be fuel-injected. The list of features may include a smartphone docking station, keyless operation, and ABS. Should you wait for this? Well, it is expected to be launched next year. However, TVS are yet to give official confirmation. Considering TVS have global ambitions for…

If you’re a fan of the middle-weight twin from the house of Kwack, then you’ll be excited to see that the bike has been priced at Rs 5.49 lakh (ex-showroom) and is available in a new, svelte, “metallic flat spark black” colour. This means you can get the Ninja 650, currently the cheapest faired 650-cc motorcycle in India, in three colours now. The other two shades are the KRT (Kawasaki Racing Team) edition and an optional blue shade, which is only available in the bike’s 2018 guise. The KRT edition is priced at a bit of a premium over the standard model, carrying a Rs 5.69-lakh sticker (ex-showroom). The Ninja 650 is, of course, powered by the same 649-cc twin-cylinder engine that produces 68 PS at 8,000 rpm and 65.7…

Suzuki Motorcycle India have launched the latest edition of their hot-selling Gixxer SP and SF SP motorcycles that are now available with a new black and gold paint job. The bike is priced at Rs 87,250 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Gixxer SP ABS and Rs 1,00,630 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the SF SP with ABS and fuel-injection. The new Metallic Majestic Gold/Glass Sparkle Black paint job gives the bike a more premium look. Suzuki have also added new decals that read SP 2018 Edition and the front cowl and fuel tank also get new graphics that make the 2018 edition stand out in a crowd. The Gixxer SP and SF SP 2018 Edition is powered by the same refined and reliable 154.9-cc single-cylinder engine that powers the standard Gixxer. It develops…

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India have launched the 2018 edition of the Navi with two new colours. Since its launch two years ago, the Navi captured the imagination of the youth with its unique styling and fun approach to urban biking. This 2018 model adds a fuel-gauge, redesigned metal heat-shield on the exhaust, red coil spring on the rear shock as well as body-coloured RVMs, headlight surround, and grab-rail. Honda have also introduced two new colours with this update: Ranger Green and Ladakh Brown. Powered by Honda’s 109-cc air-cooled single that makes 8.0 PS at 7,000 rpm and 8.96 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, the Navi is the ideal two-wheeler for those looking for something a little different for their city commutes and is sure to stand out in…

AHUNDRED BUCKS WAS A LOT OF money just to send a small envelope to Taiwan. The post office would do it for around three and for a similar time in transit if all went well. But the offending item was a vital contract and delivery had to be guaranteed. This was back when I lived in rural France and communication was at best sporadic. DHL would send a courier out to collect the envelope that afternoon. By early evening, the anticipated white van still hadn’t arrived, so a phone call was made with a certain exasperation, enquiring as to just what was going on. Apparently, the weather forecast had predicted snow and the driver had decided not to risk the journey. No one had thought it necessary to inform me…

EARLIER THIS YEAR, I TRAVELLED TO MOROCCO TO RIDE THE 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 along with journalists from all over the world and spent a day each with the two top-end variants of the motorcycle. The road-biased XRt and the off-road-biased XCA impressed me greatly as we traversed narrow mountain roads against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. (You may read my first impressions in the April issue of Bike India or on our website, www.bikeindia.in). These two bikes sit at the very top of the road-biased (XR) and off-road-biased (XC) line-ups but, unfortunately, neither is on offer in India. Triumph have given the Indian market two versions of their road-biased Tiger 800 — the entry-level, bare-bones XR and the mid-level XRx — while the mid-spec XCx is the only off-road-biased…

THE 10th ANNIVERSARY of the World Ducati Week is something Ducati wanted to celebrate on a different plane. And that was just what went down, with more than 4,300 members of the 147 Desmo Owners Clubs from five continents present in Rimini, the gorgeous Adriatic coast forming a perfect backdrop. With a slew of activities and spectacular events on the cards, it was set to be a treat for Ducatisti the world over, especially those who were there first hand to breathe in the air. The paddock at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” was packed with motorcycles, riders, pillions, and many people from all over the world who share the Ducati passion, spread over 75,000 square metres there. Some had even ridden down from as far as Greece and even…

THE CONTINUOUSLY SPIRALLING fuel prices have been the butt of many a joke in recent times. However, the average consumer quite often gets cheated even at the ground level. Incidentally, the state of Maharashtra showed the highest number of fuel pump fraud cases registered. With most instances going unregistered, the problem is likely to be graver in proportion. Bad fuel can also cause a lot of problems in your vehicle. FUEL QUALITY: There are ways to protect oneself against such malpractices which, we hope, will help consumers to be on their guard. A common method used by some fuel stations is adulteration: pure fuel being mixed with other liquids to increase their fuel reserves. A quick way to test this is to ask for a filter paper. According to the…

BAJAJ PULSAR NS 200 Designed by one of the best designers ever to work at Bajaj, the NS 200 has thrilled enthusiasts since its launch. ABS-equipped variants are newer and may be more expensive than older models. PERFORMANCE Standing ¼ Mile (0-400m): 17.75 s at 114.38 km/h 0-60 km/h: 3.83 seconds Top Speed: 133 km/h BAJAJ PULSAR DTS-i 220F The first-ever half-faired Pulsar has been around for quite a while, so you can choose from a wide range of options. Some of the older models will be on sale at surprisingly low prices. PERFORMANCE Standing ¼ Mile (0-400m): 18.7 s at 115.5 km/h 0-60 km/h: 4.7 seconds Top Speed: 132.5 km/h HONDA CBR 250R Although some shy away from this CBR due to its price tag, it becomes more value-for-money…

KTM 390 DUKE The new 390 Duke is a stunning machine and echoes a lot of design cues from its larger siblings in the Duke range. It continues its remarkable run in the Indian market. PERFORMANCE Standing ¼ Mile (0-400m): NA 0-60 km/h: NA Top Speed: NA TVS APACHE RR 310 The most accessible performance motorcycle in this price range. Capable on the track and practical for the road. PERFORMANCE Standing ¼ Mile (0-400m): 15.54 s at 134.48 km/h 0-60 km/h: 3.12 seconds Top Speed: 159.25 km/h KTM RC 390 The updated RC 390 has taken care of the abrupt fuelling issue that plagued the outgoing model. In addition to being BS IV-compliant, it also sports new paint schemes. PERFORMANCE Standing ¼ Mile (0-400m): NA 0-60 km/h: NA Top Speed:…

LAGUNA SECA IT WAS A PICTURE-PERFECT finish for Jonathan Rea, Kawasaki Racing Team’s rider and defending champion, as the Northern Irishman went on to claim his second double victory at Laguna Seca after an initial challenge from Aruba.it Ducati’s Chaz Davies, Milwaukee Aprilia’s Eugene Laverty, and Pata Yamaha’s Alex Lowes. The first race at Laguna Seca saw Davies take an early lead with Rea right on his tail. For the first quarter of the race, Davies led with Rea chasing. This saw both the riders build a good lead vis-a-vis the rest of the pack. On lap seven, however, Davies, who was in the lead, ran wide at the famous corkscrew. This gave Rea the opening to simply zoom past the Welsh rider and take the lead. From there onwards…

UP TO LAST YEAR, THE TVS ONE MAKE Championship featured racing across two classes on identical machinery. This year, while the Novice Class riders continued to ride the track-prepped version of the Apache RTR 200 4V, albeit equipped with a slipper clutch for 2018, the track-hardened Open Class racers did battle on the new race-ready RR Cup bike. Based on the Apache RR 310, this race bike features sharper geometry courtesy a lowered front end, a free-flow exhaust, tuned intake, and a quick-throttle system for a more aggressive response. On with the racing. OPEN CLASS Race One Saturday’s RR Cup race was a tightly fought contest among Calicut’s Amarnath Menon and Chennai boys Vivek Pillai and Deepak Ravikumar. They traded places several times through the six-lap race and, at the…

WE HAVE BEEN QUITE IMPRESSED with the nimble handling and cornering prowess of the Apache RR 310 since its launch last year. Ever since TVS Racing announced the existence of a race-specific version of this motorcycle for the 2018 season, I have been dying to ride one and, when the invite finally came, I was quick to pack my bags and head off to Chennai’s MMRT circuit. First, a little about the motorcycle. TVS Racing have taken the already sharp RR 310 and further tweaked it for the racetrack. The lights at both ends have been removed, and a slim free-flowing exhaust takes the place of the bulky Euro-4 unit. The stock footpegs have been replaced with higher, rear-set units to aid cornering clearance, while the fork has been raised…

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE, ONE OF THE OLDEST motorcycle companies in the world, recently participated at the Wheels and Waves festival in France where the company announced their plan to launch the FTR1200, a custom motorcycle first shown at the 2017 EICMA show in Milan. Indian gave a group of select VIPs a sneak peek of the early-production version of the FTR1200, which clearly hints at the fact that the bike is indeed ready for a market launch. Indian haven’t revealed any specifications yet; however, we can tell you that the design would be similar to the custom concept seen here. We can also confirm that the bike will feature a trellis frame and will be powered by Indian’s 1,133-cc, V-twin that powers the Scout and the Bobber. We also expect Indian…

AUSTRIAN BIKE MAKERS, KTM, RECENTLY UNVEILED THE PREproduction version of the highly anticipated 790 Adventure R to a select group of customers who participated in KTM’s annual off-road event, called European Adventure Rally. The event was held in Sardinia, Italy, and, during the event, KTM gave the participants, and the world, the first look of the new bike which seems pretty similar to the one we have already seen earlier. However, what KTM did not mention at the event were the engine specifications. KTM representatives only mentioned that the LC8c 799-cc parallel-twin motor will have better low- and mid-range torque delivery than the 790 Duke, which uses the same engine. KTM officials, however, revealed a few key facts about the bike. They mentioned that the 790 Adventure R will come…

DUCATI HAVE ANNOUNCED THE FIRST EDITION of Ducati Riding Experience – Off-Road Days in India on 4 and 5 August at Off-Road Adventure Zone (ORAZ), Gurugram. The riding experience is open for all, with Vijay Parmar instructing and leading the riding experience. Owners of the Scrambler, Multistrada, and Hypermotard can register free of cost for the event. Non-Ducati riders can register for Rs 19,500. Passes are currently available for riders riding bikes above 500 cc. Each riding slot for a non-Ducati rider includes a Ducati motorcycle, training under a certified instructor and much more. The Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) is a global programme that was started in 2003 to help riders improve their skills on bikes from the famous Bologna-based manufacturer. After much success internationally, the famed event is now…

Benelli entered the Indian market with DSK Motowheels in 2014 and, with a wide range of motorcycles on offer, the Italian marque has been doing quite well across segments. With the DSK Group declaring bankruptcy, the future of Benelli in the country seemed uncertain, but now Hyderabad’s Mahavir Group has announced that they have taken over the Italian brand’s operations here. They are in the process of setting up a manufacturing plant in Hyderabad and will be wholly responsible for the brand’s sales, after-sales, and service. The Mahavir Group has previously been responsible for Benelli sales in Hyderabad and, in 1998, it opened the city’s first Mercedes-Benz dealership. The Group has also been involved with Indian Motorcycles, Isuzu and Škoda.…

THE ELITE MOTORCYCLE DISPLAY TEAM OF THE CORPS OF MILITARY POLICE recently set out on a 3,250-km expedition from Bengaluru to Dras to join the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebration. The team is doing this in association with TVS Motor Company who have supplied them with five TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi 4V Race Edition bikes that are especially customized and don unique camouflage body decals to complement the Military Police bike ride. The aim of the adventurous motorcycle ride is to pay homage to the sacrifices made by our martyrs during the Kargil War of 1999, enhancing the image of the Indian Army, and to motivate the youth to join the armed forces and serve the nation. The expedition was flagged off by Major General Sanjeev Narain, AVSM, General Officer…

STEELBIRD HELMETS ARE GOING TO MANUFACTURE BLAUER HT HELMETS in India for global markets. The Indian launch is expected in 2019 with pricing between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000. Blauer HT have a strong presence in tha USA. They claim to be the brand of choice for government departments such as law enforcement, some sectors of the US Army, and a few White House staff. Blauer HT currently manufacture and market their products in Italy and then export them to European and other global markets. Post the tie-up, the helmets will be manufactured exclusively by Steelbird Helmets. The helmets will be exported for sale in international markets. However, design and research and development will continue to be provided from Italy. A look at the Blauer HT website indicates that they…

Kawasaki India have just launched the new Ninja 300, which is now being assembled in India. Kawasaki parted ways with Bajaj Auto in India some time ago and now have their own manufacturing plant at Chakan, near Pune. This has allowed them to assemble bikes here at a considerably lower cost and taxation, passing on these saving to buyers. The Ninja 300 is now available at Rs 2.98 lakh (ex-showroom), which is Rs 62,000 less than what the previous model cost. This means that the Kawasaki now goes up in a fairer manner against the KTM RC 390 and the TVS Apache RR 310. The KTM and TVS are 300-plus-cc singles whereas the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is a parallel twin. On the performance front, the bike remains fairly the same.…

The Indian prices and specifications of the much-anticipated BMW Motorrad G 310 twins are finally here. The India-made BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS are priced at Rs 2.99 lakh and Rs 3.49 lakh respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi). BMW Motorrad are also offering a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Both the bikes are powered by the same 313-cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 34 PS and 28 Nm and come mated to a six-speed gearbox. Both the motorcycles are quite capable and have a lot to offer. We have ridden both the bikes. You may refer to our first ride report on page 52.…

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India have launched their most affordable, no-frills motorcycle, the CD 110 Dream DX, at Rs 48,641 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The cosmetic changes in the 2018 edition of Honda CD 110 Dream DX include new gold graphics and a chrome heat-shield on the exhaust. The 2018 Honda CD 110 Dream DX is available in five colour options, including a new Black with Cabin Gold, Black with Green Metallic, Black with Grey Silver Metallic, Black with Red, and Black with Blue Metallic. There are no mechanical changes since the commuter bike continues to be powered by the 110-cc single-cylinder making 8.36 PS at 7,000 rpm and 8.63 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm in combination with a four-speed gearbox. During our earlier tests, the Honda CD 110 Dream managed…

Suzuki Motorcycles India have launched their latest scooter, the Burgman Street, priced at Rs 68,000 (ex-showroom). The new scooter’s styling is based on Suzuki’s bigger Burgman Series; however, it shares its mechanicals with the Access 125 scooter that is on sale in India. Suzuki first showcased the Burgman Street at the 2018 Auto Expo, where it attracted considerable attention. Although Suzuki have brought the Burgman name to India, the scooter launched now is a bespoke creation for India as the styling is quite different from the Burgman 125 sold in the European markets. The Burgman Street that has been launched here features a wide front end, longer seat, a 21.5-litre storage compartment, and an additional two-litre storage at the front. The entire package looks more compact and sleeker than the…

Who I Am: Jasminder Singh Riding: The Suzuki Hayabusa Route: Delhi – Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Delhi THE SUZUKI HAYABUSA CAN break records on the tarmac. In fact, it is one of the fastest production motorcycles to be built. But can it tackle the treacherous terrain of Leh-Ladakh? I’m Jasminder Singh, a YouTuber who owns a limited-edition Suzuki Hayabusa. I took on an unprecedented and herculean challenge to conquer the Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi circuit on my 1,340-cc hyperbike, thus becoming the first person to do so on the mighty Hayabusa in a 12-day road trip to the mountains. I was accompanied by four friends on this journey. This was my third trip to the hallowed land of the Himalayas. On day one, we rode from Delhi to Jammu. Our group…

ASAN INDIAN, THERE’S A FEELING OF IMMENSE PRIDE AS I ride the new BMW bikes. The G 310 series are the smallest capacity bikes that BMW Motorrad have made in the modern times. These are also the first models from the BMW Motorrad and TVS Motor Company alliance. But I feel proud because they are made right here in India and they cater to the world. BMW motorcycles have a certain reputation, be it their build, quality or their rock-solid reliability. And when it came to passing the baton to another company, the Germans were rather relentless in achieving the desired quality benchmark and even stationed a few of their top executives in India to oversee things. This also explains the delay in the production of the G 310 bikes…

IS IT WORTH THE WAIT AND effort to save enough money to buy your dream motorcycle brand new? Especially when a slightly used model of the same or a better motorcycle is on offer at a more affordable price? If run in properly and maintained well, a second-hand motorcycle is as good as a brand-new one. Of course, buying a second-hand motorcycle has its share of risks and it is a search-intensive process. In this article, we list both new and used performance motorcycles that you can buy within a certain budget. There are, of course, a few variables such as mileage, tyres, and number of crashes to be considered while buying a used motorcycle. Assuming that there are people out there who take good care of their machines, there…

BAJAJ PULSAR DTS-i 220F Although it is now an old-timer in the Pulsar line-up, the 220F does pack quite a punch and responds well when ridden hard. PERFORMANCE Standing ¼ Mile (0-400m): 18.7 s at 115.5 km/h 0-60 km/h: 4.7 seconds Top Speed: 132.5 km/h BAJAJ DOMINAR 400 The Dominar 400 is the largest-displacement motorcycle from Bajaj yet. It is a capable performance cruiser that can munch miles with ease. This premium Bajaj also comes with dual-channel ABS as an option. PERFORMANCE Standing ¼ Mile (0-400m): 15.32 s at 135.84 km/h 0-60 km/h: 7.06 seconds Top Speed: 149.2 km/h KTM 250 DUKE Sitting right between the 200 and 390 Duke, this is a street-fighter that means business but is not as manic as the 390 Duke. A great choice if…

BENELLI TnT 600i A great way to get used to in-line four engines. This Italian appeals to the eye with its butch styling and does not intimidate with its power delivery. PERFORMANCE Standing ¼ Mile (0-400m): NA 0-60 km/h: NA Top Speed: NA YAMAHA YZF-R3 The R3 boasts of one of the smoothest parallel-twin engines out there. It can be a friendly companion in the city and is capable of putting in a few quick laps if need be. PERFORMANCE Standing ¼ Mile (0-400m): 15.12 s @ 138.54 km/h 0-60 km/h: 2.99 seconds Top Speed: 152.5 km/h HYOSUNG GT 650R Probably the most bang-for-the-buck motorcycle in the 650-cc performance motorcycle segment of its time. Well-maintained examples would be worth considering if they had a good dealer network to support them.…

‘Valentino is better than the data!’ SILVANO GALBUSERA Valentino Rossi’s crew chief, 61 years old, Milan, Italy GALBUSERA WAS A motocross fan first. He worked at Gilera, initially in motocross and Paris-Dakar, then with the factory’s 250 GP team of the early 1990s. In 1994 he worked with John Kocinski at Cagiva, then moved to the Yamaha World Superbike squad, with Paolo Casoli, Alex Gramigni, Ben Spies, and others. At BMW, he was Marco Melandri’s crew chief. He became Rossi’s crew chief in 2014. ‘When I joined the Yamaha superbike team, I studied electronics, because I already knew that this was the way forward. Of course, it was nice to get the call to work with Valentino. Working with him is a bit more stressful because if you make a…

THE CURRENT SEASON MARKS THE 21st edition of the championship and will feature four rounds in total. Three of them will be conducted at the Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore, and the final will take place at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC). Ahead of the race weekend, favourites for the Gixxer Cup were defending champion Joseph Matthew and runners-up from the previous year, Sachin Chaudhary (Ahmedabad) and Malsawmdawngliana. The Red Bull Road to Rookies Cup had young and eager contestants who were ready to showcase their best efforts in order to win a chance to represent India at the final round in Spain, an opportunity that could propel the winner into Grand Prix motorcycle racing. The rider with most points at the end of the second round will fly to Spain…