Mahindra Rodeo Wallpapers
February 8th, 2010
Mahindra Duro Wallpapers
February 7th, 2010
Harley-Davidson XL883R Roadster Review
February 6th, 2010Harley-Davidson XL883R Roadster
It is a known fact by now to all bike lovers that Harley Davidson has arrived in India. All you HD lovers will though need to wait for another few months to actually own one wicked machine. The bookings will be open in April 2010 and the actual delivery could be expected from June.
There are 12 bikes to choose from the different Harley Davidson families, and each is distinct in style and performance, which makes up for its iconic status. The HD XL883R Roadster is one from the Sportster bunch and is a well designed machine for riders who wished for smaller Harley Davidson with the performance part unaltered.
Looks of the HD XL883R Roadster
The dual tone (black and orange combination of paint finish) reminds us of the HD XR750, which ruled the tracks for more than 30 years prior to this variant.
The race-checkered fuel tank looks pretty much attractive and the paint finish, powder coating and plating are simply impeccable living to the quality expectations from HD. It is almost impossible to feel the logo painted on the fuel tank, and this speaks volumes of giving a perfect and quality finish. You will get second looks from everyone on the road without an exception, after all there are not many bikes which are more perfect than this.
Engine performance and handling of the HD XL883R Roadster
The HD XL883R Roadster has an Evolution engine that generates a power of 38.8 KW @5200rpm and the maximum torque is around 68Nm at 4000rpm. The bike zooms at a top speed of 152/kmph. Quite a number of modifications were made (from the first Roadster to the present model) inside the motor to enhance the speed and the two-into-one exhaust also supported the cause. You can actually manoeuvre the bike quite easily in heavy traffic snarls and the two-up seat is compact as well as comfortable.
The handling of the XL 883R is so much smoother than one can ever expect, as the 2004 Evolution engine was remodelled and is now rubber-mounted over a stronger frame and the ride position feels pretty comfortable with XL883R. There is plenty of power to ooze but surprisingly the Roadster promises a stable ride. A cool commuting and cruising bike and it can’t be taken for sporty drag racing against those sport bikes.
Price of the HD XL883R Roadster
The HD XL883R Roadster will be available for Rs. 7,95,000 leave it or buy it! Yes, it is the hard fact that the price tag hurts us because it can only be the muse of those wealthy customers.
Final word about the HD XL883R Roadster
The XL883R bike is a small package from Milwaukee bike maker but is completely power- and performance-packed signature of the almost all Harley Davidson bikes. The bike is ideal for any excursion trip when the rider would actually want to lean back on the seat rather than leaning on to the fuel tank and enjoy a cool and comfortable ride. But with all that being said, it’s a Harley anyway and you got to love it.
Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster Review
February 4th, 2010Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster
The Indian bike market will see a new BIG kid in the race – the Harley Davidson, which might be giving sleepless nights to indigenous high-end bike manufacturers.
The most popular American bike maker launched about 12 machines in the recently concluded Auto Expo of India at New Delhi.
According to the company, the booking for the bikes is likely to begin in April 2010, and the bike maker is finalizing its dealership across 5 cities in India – Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chandigarh. Once booked, the bike/s will be dispatched to the respective customer/s in June.
The HD XL1200N Nightster is the recent one in the HD’s XL family and it has reinvented the rugged and the retro rod styling that wooed bike riders way back. In fact such a styling is the common feature of the legendary Sportster family bikes.
Looks of the HD XL1200N Nightster
The HD XL1200N Nightster is a fine combination of an exclusive design, with some envious paint finishes that subtly oozes characteristic Harleys. With the unmatched performance and the single low-seat it makes a perfect deal for the urbane roads. This is definitely an exciting variant from the Sportster family and the trimmed rear fender looks clean. The tail light assembly is unique wherein the light bar peeps out of the lips of the fender. However, the unsightly thing on HD XL1200N Nightster would be the tangles of wiring that run along the rails of the frame and present awk picture to say the least. How could they ignore this?
As for the design, the HD XL1200N Nightster is built in a way to a give a racetrack experience on the street. The Nightster sports the conventional fork gaiters & bullet-hole belt guard. But the unique graphic on the fuel tank is eye-catching. And it’s the modified tweaked layout of Sportster one can say from close look at that.
Engine performance and handling of the HD XL1200N Nightster
The Harley-Davidson XL 1200N Nightster has got the rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200cc engine with a grey finish. The engine enables a responsive throttle and great performance. The Nightster follows the Sportster league to perfection with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel injection, easy clutch operation, remodelled gauges, improved carbon fiber belts and the front brake lever effort is a lot more convenient.
The low seat height and the single seat make it ideal for solitary riders and the 1200N Nightster takes the Sportster bikes to a whole new level with its distinctive features. It’s a great fun to ride Nightster because it accelerates excellent and also halts smart; just the way a Sportster would actually behave. Maybe it doesn’t give one unique Nightster like experience.
Pricing of the HD XL1200N Nightster
The HD XL1200N Nightster will come with a price tag of Rs. 9,95,000, and no wonder it cannot be afforded by all; only the ardent lovers of the iconic bike with lots of cash in hand can own this machine.
Final word about HD XL1200N Nightster
The 1200N Nightster has a style oozing coupled with superb performance and for people with hard cash it is not all that bad buy.
Harley Davidson XR1200X Review
February 4th, 2010HD XR1200X
The world came to a stand still for the visitors in the recently held Auto Expo in New Delhi, India; and the prime reason being the line up of 12 Harley Davidson bikes, which hardly anyone missed out.
Each bike belonging to the different family of the Harley Davidson’s cast a spell on many and the company’s official announcement of the arrival of these bikes on to the Indian soil spread the excitement like wild fire amongst the bike riding enthusiasts.
Bikers can own any of these 12 HD bikes come June, and the bookings will commence from April 2010. The company is still working on its dealers in India in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chandigarh.
Harley-Davidson XR1200X is one from the Sportster family of the HD bikes, and the bike was truly inspired by the legendary racing bike from Harley’s family, HD XR750. The HD XR1200X was actually a modified version of XR Roadster and it was basically targeted at the European customers and pitted against the Ducati and the BMW models with air-cooled V Twins.
Looks of the HD XR1200X
The HD XR1200X has taken its cues from the world famous racer bike HD XR750 when it came to styling; black handlebars, semi-rearset foot pegs and the low seat (which is comparatively lower if you consider it in the sports bike range).
Intended to appeal the sportier riders, the bike still exudes a lot aggression and attitude with black engine casing, black tail, mudguard and fuel tank. The styling of the XR 1200X takes home all the brownie points. HD XR1200X also scores high in terms of huge ground clearance as well as built-in athleticism. But you will not find the XR1200X to be an altogether new model; it’s an extravagant enhancement and improvement over its base model.
Engine performance and handling of the HD XR1200X
The XR 1200X sports a 1203 V-twin Evolution engine that generates a power of 70KW @6800rpm and the maximum torque is 104Nm at 6500rpm. Power delivery from the machine is predictable as well as linear; it kind of feels laidback initially, and at high revs you will see the real 1200X thingy.
The bike is a good blend of American racing heritage and the European style. The sport-tuned Showa Piggyback suspension enables ultimate performance and superb handling. Not just that, the wide and the low-rise handlebars offer superb control over the machine that you will hardly miss the pleasure element from the ride. Besides, as compared to other HD models the HD XR1200X doesn’t feel too grumpy to handle while offering rewarding and a smooth ride experience.
Price of the XR1200x
The Harley-Davidson XR1200X will not drop your jaws as compared to other HD launches in India. But still it’s an expensive bike in the Sportster segment with a price tag of Rs. 11, 95,000.
Last word of HD XR1200X
The HD XR1200X is a greatly improvised version of XR 1200; the black paint scheme and multi-adjustable suspension are the take away points and make all the difference to give you the most desirable riding experience. Serious, solid and reliable is what the HD XR1200X can be summarized into.
Mahindra Concept Vehicles
January 28th, 2010Mahindra2Wheelers showcase their concept vehicles at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2010
The recently ended 10th edition of International Auto Expo New Delhi was embraced by auto makers around the world, and Indian two-wheeler manufacturers left no stone unturned and have showcased their new product line up and high-tech products to the auto connoisseurs. The two-wheeler behemoths that took part at the Auto Expo and added gleam and glam at the 10th Auto Expo include: TVS Motors, Royal Enfield, Hero Honda, Bajaj Auto, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Harley Davidson, Mahindra 2 Wheelers, BSA Motors, Hero Electric, Ultra Motors, Yo Bykes, Vibgyor Vehicles, Emmel Vheelers, Tara International, etc.
This article we will discuss about the Mahindra coverage as regards the two wheeler segment. Their pavilion span across 2,000 sq. m. rocked at the 10th Auto Expo 2010, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Mahindra has a distinction of being the only Indian automobile company to straddle the road transport ecosystem they showcased wide array of vehicles which included two wheelers, three wheelers, Sports Utility Vehicles, Utility vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles and trucks. The products showcased echoed the company’s commitment to embrace future technology, innovative automotive solutions while respecting the environment.
Especially, 2009 has been that milestone year for Mahindra & Mahindra as it forayed into the highly competitive two-wheeler market.
The company already made a buzz in the market with new marketing strategies after acquiring the Kinetic Engg. And, should their commitment for addressing consumer interests is well received by Indian consumers, they will in sometime assume a significant place in the fast-growing Indian as well as the global two-wheeler segment.
Mahindra & Mahindra showcased some exciting products at the Auto Expo 2010. The Mahindra 2 Wheelers displayed 2-stroke 125cc concept scooter and a 4-stroke racing-concept 125 cc bike in addition to their selling domestic range of scooters the Mahindra Flyte, Mahindra Duro and the Mahindra Rodeo.
The Mahindra concept bike looked amazing to say the least and has a 125cc power mill which can generate a maximum power and torque of 53 bhp (you’ve read that right) and 32 Nm, respectively. The bike has electric start option and should the specs displayed be believed the bike can touch max speed of 245 kmph; well that means faster than the fastest.
The bike sports digital console and features Brembo brake system in the front and the rear (they are actually mono disc type). As regards the suspension the front is an inverted Paioli fork and the rear a monoshock Paioli fork. With a big fuel tank (13.5-liter capacity) the bike has a wide 1245mm wheel base. Definitely the bike is worth looking forward to.
As for the Mahindra 2 Wheelers concept scooter, it runs on a 2-stroke engine which has 124cc displacement. The engine churns power of 8 hp and generates 9 Nm of peak torque. The scooter is claimed to touch 120kmph of maximum speed. Both the front and the rear are fitted with mono disc type brakes. The scooter has a 7-liter petrol tank and it has auto start and kick start options with automatic transmission drive in its kitty.
The scooter as such looks like a radically styled one and a little offbeat too, but should Mahindra2Wheelers start production of their concept machines, they should well drive away Pulsars and Apaches off the Indian roads; so handsful of work for the new kid in the 2-wheeler market
Vibgyor Bikes
January 27th, 2010Vibgyor Vehicles, the West Bengal based two-wheeler maker forayed into the bike segment with unveiling of two new bikes at the recently concluded Auto Expo 2010 at New Delhi.
Vibgyor Vehicles stall indeed stunned the bike enthusiasts with their launches; one in the 125cc segment and one in the 150cc segment; Hunter 125cc and Shark 150cc bikes. The two vehicles were unveiled by none other than Kolkata’s numero uno celebrity Saurav Ganguly. Hunter 125cc is priced at Rs. 41,990 and the Vibgyor Shark 150cc is priced at Rs. 49,000 (the prices are ex-showroom Kolkata), respectively.
Both of these bikes are 4-stroke ones which run on single-cylinder engines and having 5-speed drive transmission. The Hunter 125cc produces a 7.2 Nm of power at 9,000 rpm. It also sports a digital speedometer and gear indicators, at par with the latest trends. The Hunter 125cc exudes a class of its own in the 2 colors it is currently available; red and black.
Shark 150cc appears to have gotten more attention in the design aspect and it sports Apache-like (I hope I am not sounding mean) aerodynamic design and appeals younger bike riders. The 150cc bike exudes high-spirited character, and it runs on a 142.6cc engine and generates a power of 13.05PS at maximum rpm of 9500, and delivers 9.6 Nm torque at 7,500 rpm should pound the hearts of speed-crazy Indian youth.
The aluminum silencer and stainless steel fasteners give the bike an enhanced youthful look, besides actually grabbing second glance from the onlookers. The dual-toned Shark is it’s another catchy feature. It comes in red and black and yellow and black color options. And, for a price under 50,000 this should beat rest of the bikes in the class. Vibgyor Allied Industries’ R&D team takes the credit of developing the Shark bike. Both Hunter and Shark bikes come with the option of disc brakes in the front and an electronic self starter.
Vibgyor Vehicles intends to launch a 100cc Persona utility scooter as well as a 200 cc bike during the second quarter of the current financial year.
Vibgyor Vehicles is a diversified group under the umbrella of Vibgyor group of companies and has its headquarters in Kolkata. The company is fast growing considering the fact it is founded 7 years back in 2002. In these years, the company showed steady growth and diversified its business into various sectors including PVC Pipe Manufacturing, cement manufacturing, Computers, Retail outlet, Import & Export Management Institute, Distribution (V6), Real estate, Food, Commercial Directory (Blue Pages) and Vehicles.
Honda Dio Review- Duo on a Dio? Perfect matcho
January 21st, 2010Honda Dio from the stands of Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Private Limited (HMSI) is the first of its kind; it is a motoscooter or rather that combo of a scooter and a bike.
And as a combo piece Dio features comfort, style as well as performance. The Dio basically targets the younger customers with its sporty looks that give a good riding experience oozing decent amount of style. The biggest plus of the Dio is that it is gearless and even female riders will find this to be the most attractive feature. And, the lightweight body of the vehicle enables a smooth and an easy ride for all; definitely being good on mileage part.
Looks cant kill but Dio appeals young funky college goers
One of the striking features of Honda Dio is its looks that has the full potential to appeal to young eyes with just a glance at the vehicle says it all. The side panels of the Dio make it look sleeker although not stylish. The multi reflector headlight is trendy and it looks as though it is designed to accentuate the overall design (well, everyone can’t agree on that).
The aerodynamic design of the body is an eye-catching feature and it is an inspiration from the European styling preferences. The seat is positioned low and has sufficient ground clearance in addition to the wide footboard for comfortable riding and pillion riding. The look of the Dio is sure its major asset that will draw many youngsters towards it.
Engine and Performance
The Honda Dio is powered by a 102 cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, OHC engine that generates a maximum power of 7 bhp at 7000 rpm and the maximum torque of 7.8 Nm at 5500 rpm. The Dio is available with both self-ignition and kick-start options and has a V-matic transmission.
The movable fender helps in avoiding minor collisions. The front suspension has a long stroke and the rear suspension has a unit swing with spring-loaded hydraulic damper. The chassis is highly rigid and bone type. You can stay balanced even after sudden braking. The Dio also is equipped with effective shock absorption, which gives it full marks for overall smooth ride experience.
Handling
The lightweight body of Dio enables you to glide through the roads, and handling the vehicle becomes so much easier because of that. The slim width of the vehicle helps to easily zip through the heavy traffic snarls. The seat is wide enough for comfortable seating to give good experience for long hour rides. There is also a bag hook at the front of the seat, and you have ample under seat space too has room for helmet, lunch box, raincoat and some silly stuff you always like to carry.
Mileage, color and price
The fuel tank can store 6 litres of fuel and in the city traffic the average mileage can range anywhere close to 50 kmpl. The Dio is available in the following colors: Black, Grey Metallic, Candy Blue, Metallic Pink, Red and Moon Yellow
The Honda Dio is available at a price range of Rs 41,400.
Final Verdict
Honda Dio is definitely a smart buy; it has style, performance and comfort, which is the basic requirement you look for in any two-wheeler in this segment. The owner of Dio will seldom complain. And, especially, young women who are looking to change from Scooty can take a look at the new Dio, which can be their next best buddy.
Highlights of TVS Motors products at the New Delhi Auto Expo Show 2010
January 20th, 2010TVS Motors one of India’s leading two-wheeler companies introduced its new hybrid vehicles in the Auto Expo at New Delhi. It was eight hybrid two wheelers and five auto rickshaws from the TVS group. The display of vehicles from the TVS Motors was clearly evident of the companies’ serious efforts to provide technologies that are braced with cleaner, environment-friendly and highly efficient vehicles.
TVS’ product introduction also suggests that it is the company’s strong step towards promoting green technologies to achieve considerable reduction in the CO2 levels.
TVS Motors is also the company that has the credit of being the first automobile maker to have commercially produced the electric vehicles. The fundamental principle of these hybrid vehicles is to reduce emissions and improve the fuel efficiency.
Hybrid-TVS King
The Hybrid-TVS King is one of a kind in the 3-wheeler category; it is a plug-in 3 CNG vehicle and the unique feature of his 3-wheeler is the axial flux motor, which is connected with engine to enable power guidance while accelerating the vehicle. This technology helps the CNG engine and also lowers the emission levels to a great extent. The Hybrid King is supposed to bring down the CO2 emission level by 22% and the HC+NOX will be reduced by 20%. The power drive is supported with a smart micro controller, which serves in recuperating the energy that is generated while accelerating and braking with the process of regenerative charging. The micro controller is a powerful mechanism that also controls the energy produced by the battery & CNG so as to manage the CO2 emission efficiently. The micro controller serves as a battery SOC monitor and also preserves energy by deactivating the power points.
TVS Streak Hybrid
The Streak Hybrid in the two-wheeler category basically draws power from two sources- the 4-stroke engine and an electric motor and that means the vehicle will be available in electric as well as engine mode. The power sources will function at the choice of the rider and it will be operated based on the mode selected: Electric option alone (for those quickie trips and no fuel consumption); just the engine mode (when the battery charge is run out and/or low); hybrid electric option (using engine and battery) and the hybrid power mode (to generate good acceleration).
The other advantage in the TVS Streak Hybrid is the smart use of energy; the mechanism is devised in such a way that when the brakes are applied the battery gets charged and the power is utilized only if there is a requirement. The energy is conserved while the vehicle is static, especially when you halt in the traffic. The vehicle is user friendly too; if you choose to ride the vehicle over a short distance or for zero-fuel consumption then you can simply select the electric mode. If the battery SOC is considerably low then go for engine mode. In the hybrid electric mode the two power sources function in accordance to the programmed strategy and both the engine and electric sources work in tandem if you choose the hybrid engine mode that enables better acceleration.
TVS QUBE 2.0
The TVS 2.0 scooter will sure be a tough competitor in the days to come rather once it is officially launched. The same engine that is found in TVS Pep+ powers the QUBE 2.0 but this one comes with an electric motor and it is supposed to be on the similar lines of the award-winning concept-QUBE. The rumours doing the rounds regarding this new scooter is that it will be launched sometime in 2010. The look of the scooter is certainly a fresh breeze and is also very compact. And yes the scooter emphasizes on the green technology and represents the company’s move to produce eco-friendly vehicles. The technology employed for this vehicle ensures 30% reduction of CO2 emission, which in turn increases 30% fuel economy.
Other TVS vehicles showcased in the Auto Expo
TVS Motors also showcased their recently rolled out two-wheelers that included the auto-clutch bike TVS Jive, TVS WEGO, TVS Apache RTR 180, TVS Flame DS, TVS Scooty Streak and also the Apache RTR 180 with ABS technology were displayed. The other attractions of the Expo from TVS Motors were RTR 250 FX and TVS Hammerhead (an ATV quad bike), which were true representations of the company’s engineering expertise.
The green technologies adopted by TVS’ hybrid electric vehicles promise reduced emissions to the extent of 30% reduction in CO2 emissions as well as improved fuel economy.
The Chennai-based auto maker seems to be working hard to adopt the greener technologies to the maximum extent possible to benefit the mankind in the long run while not deviating off from the bike riders’ interests. No wonder the TVS stall at the recently concluded New Delhi Auto Expo received huge visitors and was a big hit.
Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi or TVS Apache RTR 180 – which is better bike between the two?
January 18th, 2010Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi or TVS Apache RTR 180 – which is better bike between the two?
The two biggies of the auto market and Bajaj and TVS are head-to-head to strengthen their position in the two-wheeler market and so do the two models; Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi and TVS Apache RTR 180, seem to go neck to neck when it comes market share and they seem to be going in the right direction of changing the perspective of bike riding.
In terms of sales Pulsar 180 DTSI is much ahead of the Apache RTR 180 but TVS has left no stone unturned and has been a strong competitor to Bajaj. One of the important differences between the machines is that Apache is a modified version of Apache 160 and Pulsar 180 has many similarities to Pulsar 200. The two manufacturers have been not been spoilsports despite the legal entanglement they have managed to sustain in the market with not much of a mud slinging. A comparative analysis of the Pulsar 180 DTSi and Apache RTR 180 will help the reader choose their hottie.
Engine
The TVS Apache RTR sports a 177.4 cc four-stroke air-cooled single cylinder engine along with a SOHC 2 valve mill. The power generation is close to 17.3 PS at 8500 rpm and the maximum torque is 15.5 NM at 6500 rpm. The engine is supported with the Mikuni BS-29 carburettor.
The Pulsar 180 DTSi is braced with 178.6cc 4-stroke air-cooled single cylinder with SOHC 2 valve mill, which is very similar to the Apache 180. The power output is 17.2 PS @ 8500 rpm and the torque is 14.2 NM. Pulsar goes with the UCD 29 carburettor.
The engine capacity of the two bikes is more or less the same but the difference lies with vibration effect; Pulsar is far more superior in this regard and in Apache 180 the vibrations is quite evident despite the fact that it is has been considerably reduced but this drawback gives a minus point to Apache RTR 180. But Apache compensates this disadvantage with the smooth performance of the clutch, which feels quite heavy in Pulsar and the brand has hardly learnt any lessons to improve the assembly of the clutch.
Handling and comfort
With regard to handling definitely Apache RTR 180 deserves thumbs up, and it is certainly ahead of the Bajaj Pulsar 180. Apache RTR 180’s new wheelbase of 1326mm makes it rather comfortable and stable while cornering. The Apache RTR 180 gives a smooth handling even at great speeds and steering the vehicle at steep turns is awesome and will motivate you to ride for a few more extra miles.
Do not worry about the potholes while you are riding Apache 180, as the bike is a smoothie in this regard and your ride will not be all that bumpy at all.
Pulsar DTSi 180 is not bad in terms of handling and of course they have improved tremendously as compared to its predecessors and it still finishes off as the last contender in the league. Pulsar though scores a brownie point here with its MRF nylogrip zappers and TVS Apache RTR sports the Srichakra tyres. Adorned with MRF tyres and the upgraded swing arm it makes a huge difference to the handling of the Pulsar 180….hmm.
Performance
Talking about performance Pulsar DTSi 180 is a heavier machine when compared to the previous version and that affects quite a lot to the performance of the vehicle. The heavy tyres at the rear and the decrease of torque by 1 Nm has certainly brought down the performance level. Despite these drawbacks Pulsar 180 is still ranked as one of the top performing bikes; it can touch up to 123 kmph speed, which is quite a feat by the manufacturers.
TVS RTR 180 is as light as feather when compared to Pulsar 180; the tyres are slimmer and the torque is simply amazing, which takes the bike a few steps ahead of Pulsar DTSi 180 in terms of performance. Apache touches a top speed of 124 kmph @ 12000 rpm and at that speed you can zip, zap and zoom.
Mileage
TVS Apache RTR 180 gives a mileage of 39-44 Kmpl for that city riding and a little higher around 43-48 kmpl on the long drive or highway ride. Pulsar on the other hand, consumes less fuel; it gives around 41-46 kmpl mileage in the city and up to 46-51 kmpl on the highway riding.
Color choice and price
The Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 180 is available in four colors; Black, Red, Blue and Silver and Apache comes in White, yellow, Gray and Black.
Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 180 is around Rs. 68,600 and the TVS Apache RTR 180 comes on little expensive side at Rs. 72,000. The price differences between the two bikes maybe just a few thousand rupees but in all honesty it is hard to say which one is the better bike to choose.
Both Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi and TVS Apache RTR 180 bikes almost equal and it is better to leave the decision to the reader; so choose the one that suits you needs and one that meets your requirements and budget.