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INDIAS NO. 1 TWO WHEELER MAGAZINE, BY FAR!

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VOLUME 10

ISSUE 006

JANUARY 2015

` 100

WWW.BIKEINDIA.IN

We go out and tame the

Tiger 800 XCx & XRx


RIDDEN
MOTO GUZZI GRISO
HONDA NM4 VULTUS
TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE
INTERVIEWED
MARC MARQUEZ
DANI PEDROSA

PUBLISHING

IBW PREVIEW: What the heads of H-D, Triumph and DSK Benelli have to say

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Introducing

Its not a machine.


Its me!

www.yamahafzfi.com l

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FUN & ECO

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THE RIGHT LINE
FOR THE PAST ONE MONTH A NUMBER OF PEOPLE
have been writing about the underpowered Triumph 675 Street Triple
and Bike India was misquoted by some blogger. To put all this in the
right perspective, firstly it was a mistake on the part of Triumph to
publicise the EU figures instead of the ARAI power figures. This takes
me back to 1976 when I bought my first motorcycle, the Triumph
Bonneville T120. That bike had a compression ratio of 10.5:1 and
required a minimum of 93 octane fuel. At that time we could only get
84 octane fuel in Pune and hence I had to pay a premium to the
Mumbai-Pune taxicab service to get 93 octane fuel from Mumbai. The
only option was to de-compress the engine and let me tell you that the
bikes performance improved as I could wind the throttle to the stop
without the engine detonating. It is better to have a de-rated engine
than to have an engine with full power that detonates. The loss of 25 PS
is at the top end of the rev range and affects the bikes top speed in the
fifth and sixth gears. Since the torque figures remain the same, it will
have no adverse effect during normal day-to-day riding.
Finally, it boils down to the capability of the people who were testing
these bikes, for they could not make out that the bike was de-tuned and
not delivering the promised 105 PS when they rode it. It was when the
ARAI figures were released that all the hue and cry started. It is very
difficult to find out the loss of power unless and until you take it to a
racetrack like the BIC and then also you need the capability to be able
to take the bike to its limit.
I think it is high time we stopped grumbling and started enjoying
this wonderful motorcycle, the Triumph 675 Street Triple.

ASPI BHATHENA EDITOR

BIKE India Magazine, 401B, Gandhi Empire, 5th Floor,


2 Serene Estate, Kondhwa Road, Pune 411 040. INDIA
Tel: +91-20-32930292 / 3 Fax: +91-20-26830465
Email us at: bikeindia@nextgenpublishing.net

EDITOR Aspi Bhathena


ASSISTANT EDITOR Aninda Sardar
COPY EDITOR Deepak Upadhye
EDITOR AT LARGE Navroze Contractor
MOTOGP EDITOR Mat Oxley
INTERNATIONAL CONTRIBUTORS Roland Brown, Glynn Kerr
CORRESPONDENTS Ravi Chandnani, Gaurav Nagpal
STAFF WRITERS Sridhar Chari, Piyush Sonsale, Jim Gorde,
Rommel Albuquerque, Harket Suchde, Ryan Lee
ART DIRECTOR Ramnath Chodankar
HEAD DESIGN & PRODUCTION Ravi Parmar
DESIGNER Santosh Wadhai
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Sanjay Raikar
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DPPI
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Dinesh Bhajnik
ADMIN. EXECUTIVE Roshni Bulsara
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Hoshang S Billimoria, Aspi Bhathena,
Navroze Contractor
PUBLISHER Marzban Jasoomani
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Next Gen Publishing Ltd., Trade World, C-Wing, 2nd Floor,
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EDITOR Aspi Bhathena


Member

JANUARY 2015

PUBLISHING
www.bikeindia.in

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YOU are the


FORCE that has driven US for
TEN YEARS and now, as we approach the
ELEVENTH YEAR, we are sure that YOU will be
SUPPORTING us for MANY MORE YEARS to come. We
THANK ALL OF YOU for being a part of this JOURNEY
and WE know that YOU will always STAND
WITH US in our ENDEAVOUR
Please send in your pictures for this section by
simply posting them on our page and also on our handle.
You can still send them by e-mail to
bikeindia@nextgenpublishing.net

12

JANUARY 2015

www.bikeindia.in

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CONTENTSJANUARY
2015
REGULARS
8
12
16
18
20
29
30
47
48
50
142

Editorial
You
Letters
Technomail
Motoroland
Idle Chatter
Ignition
New Products
Bosch Techno Bible
Design Trends
Did You Know

Bike India Awards 2015


Vote now for the Readers Choice
Bike of the Year for 2015

Moto Guzzi Griso


Fun is guaranteed when you have this
Italian brawler on Indian roads

72

54

IGNITION

MV Agustas new Stradale 800


The Italian marques new bike is more
versatile than ever
New Honda Unicorn launched
HMSI launch the new, slightly larger and
more powerful CB160 Unicorn

ER 800

PH TIG

TRIUM

COVER

STORY

ER 800

PH TIG

TRIUM

ED
M
A
T
,
TIGER

XRx & XCx

AR
DA SARD
S
STORY: ANIN
ORCYCLE
MPH MOT
APHY: TRIU
PHOTOGR

er 800
mph Tig
new Triu
pretty
looks, the
c. And its
out
ture bike
on tarma
we found
its adven
t to stay
Despite
ch mean chosen terrain as ia in Spain
mu
y
lus
its
XRx is ver
of Anda
good on
ds
roa
sty
on the twi

Pulsar to get 200SS version


The lowdown on Bajajs plans to launch
a fully-faired Pulsar

XRx & XCx

Ducati scrambling for India


Ducatis new Scrambler is all set to sail
for Indian shores

FEATURES
42

60

76


IMOTY 2015
Harleys Street 750 wins the
Oscar of the motorcycle world

CURTAIN RAISER: IBW


We get chatty with sponsors of
the India Bike Week
RIDER MANIA
The ring-side view of Royal
(QHOGVDQQXDOHYHQWLQ*RD

JANUARY

.in

india
www.bike
.in

india
www.bike

78

JANUARY

2015

14

SPORTS NEWS

106

MOTOGP INTERVIEWS
We chat with MotoGP
Champ Marquez and team
mate Dani Pedrosa

110

MARC OF A CHAMP
How Marquezs riding style is
changing MotoGP

119

BI BUY-BOOK

JANUARY 2015

79

78

Triumph Tiger 800


We get astride two versions of Triumphs adventure bike

90

Honda NM4 Vultus


We swing a leg over the saddle of the
new Batscooter

98

BACK END
104

2015

Triumph Street Triple


The lightest, most affordable and fun
triple on offer from Hinckley

www.bikeindia.in

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HYDRA FLUX D-DRY

The Hydra Flux D-Dry jacket is light and versatile thanks to the use of the latest
generation fabrics, Boomerang and Quick Dry. The jacket has a completely
removable, waterproof and breathable D-Dry membrane and the outer
surface is made from a perforated mesh. The Hydra Flux D-Dry jacket is
ideal for fluctuating weather conditions and its certified, composite
protectors at the shoulders and elbows provide constant safety. To
round off the technical characteristics, the jacket has been designed
to accommodate Wave G1 and G2 back protectors.
A lady version is also available.

D-Store Bangalore
Shop 123A, 1st floor Orion Mall
Brigade Gateway | Bangalore 560 055
Tel. +91 80 2218 7676 | sales@dainesedstore.in

Dainese / AGV India

#dainese
#dainesecrew

LETTERS

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KNOW SOMETHING THAT THE OTHERS DONT?


BIke India welcomes the views of its readers. Pen down any witty, logical or informative idea that hits your brain, and mail it
to: BIKE India, Next Gen Automotive, 401B, Gandhi Empire, 5th Floor, 2 Serene Estate, Kondhwa Road, Pune - 411 040, India.
Fax:+91 20 26830465
Email: bikeindia@nextgenpublishing.net

STAR LETTER
LETS SEE MORE DUAL-PURPOSE BIKES
First of all, I want to thank you all for
the amazing work you have been doing for so
many years. I am a big fan of Bike India and
have all the issues of the magazine in my
personal collection. I am very happy that the
quality and quantity of the content has been
consistently good.
As an avid reader I have learnt a lot from
you. Now here is where I thought getting in
touch with you will be very important.
I am a tourer and love travelling on two
wheels towards the hills. I own two of the best
machines (at least according to me) that were
ever brought to the Indian market: the Yamaha
RX100 and the Yamaha YZF-R15 (V1 model).
Being a tourer I wanted to go for a dualpurpose bike, but in India there is only one
such bike available at the moment, the Hero
Impulse. Why cant we have options from other

ALL FOR THE HERO IMPULSE


I have been a Bike India fan for the past
six months and I thank you for publishing my
picture on the You page in the November
2014 issue.
I am a 25-year-old mechanical engineer and an
industrial businessman. I own a Hero Splendor
Plus, which is four years old, and a KawasakiBajaj KB 125RTZ. I love riding bikes. I love
everything about bikes. I usually borrow my
friends bikes to quench my thirst for riding. I
have ridden the Hero Honda Karizma, KTM
'XNH DQG DQG5R\DO(QoHOG
Bullet 350, etc.

A NOTE FOR OUR


VALUED READERS
Dear Readers,
Thank you for the large number of letters! However, we
request you to send them in a proper format. Firstly,
please ensure that your letters are part of the e-mail
itself, and not an attachment. Only pictures, wherever
necessary, may be sent as attachments. Secondly,
please mention the subject in the subject line. For
example, if your letter is for the Letters column, please
mention LETTERS in the subject line. If it is a technical
query to be answered by us, please mention TECHNO
MAIL and so on. Otherwise your mail could land up in the
spam bin. This will ensure that your letters and queries
are published regularly.
EDITOR

16

JANUARY 2015

Why dont you cover the rallies that take


place all over India, of which motorcycles are a
part? This will not only boost the presence of
motorcycles but also encourage young riders to
participate in them.
Shivanshu Singh, by e-mail

companies, say, a dual-purpose with 400 to 500


cc? There is no dearth of people like me, so
please help us tourers to get a bike like this.

I have recently taken a liking to the Hero


Impulse and I wish to buy it, but my brother does
not permit me to do so. I weigh 50 kg and I am
slim in stature. I am not in a position to invest in
high-end bikes. In the 150-cc range, the Hero
Impulse is the kind of bike I like.
I request you to please write a note to my
brother, asking him to allow me to buy this
motorcycle as I want it desperately.
Pavan Patil, Belgaum
Dear Pavan,
We are glad you like the magazine. We are
always happy to publish pictures of our readers in
the You section. As for your request, while we
think that the Hero Impulse is a very capable
bike (you may read our review in the January
2012 issue of Bike India), we cannot possibly
interfere in our readers family affairs. However,
weight/stature should not be a constraint,
because, as it happens, the Hero Impulse in our
ORQJWHUPpHHWLVDFWXDOO\ULGGHQE\WKHVOLPPHVW
member of the Bike India team! Convincing
your brother is something you will have to do
yourself. However, it would be pertinent to
inform you at this juncture that Hero MotoCorp
have stopped manufacturing the Impulse, so a
brand-new Impulse will not be available
RIoFLDOO\DQ\ORQJHU<RXURQO\KRSHZRXOGEHWR
oQGDGHDOHUZLWKVRPHROGVWRFN

Hello, Shivanshu,
Thank you very much for your fulsome praise.
As for your desire to see more options among
400-500 cc adventure bikes, it is up to the
manufacturers to gauge whether or not there is a
space in the market for bikes of this nature.
Letters such as this will certainly help attract
their attention. As for the coverage of rallies, our
motor sport section tends to be quite
comprehensive, and we try to make it a point to
provide adequate coverage of all competitive
biking events, whether in India or overseas.

WHICH ONE IS THE


BETTER BIKE?
Which of these two bikes is better in your
opinion: the Yamaha R15 or the Honda CBR
150R? My preference is stylish looks and fuel
HIoFLHQF\3OHDVHDGYLVHPH
Nafjan Thottathil, Vengara
Hello, Nafjan,
Both the bikes mentioned by you have their own
aesthetic appeal, and distinguishing between them is
DVXEMHFWLYHPDWWHU$VIRUIXHOHIoFLHQF\WKH
Yamaha YZF-R15 v2.0 returns 42.2 km/l overall as
opposed to the Honda CBR 150Rs 38 km/l overall.
II
Im thinking of buying a new bike and
cannot decide which one to opt for. So can you
please suggest to me which bike is better: the
Suzuki Gixxer or the Yamaha FZ v2?
Meraj Hassan, Kolkata
Dear Meraj,
While both the Suzuki Gixxer and the Yamaha
FZ-S v2.0 are very decent bikes, the primary
difference between them is that the Gixxer is
carburetted, and as such costs slightly less than the
fuel-injected FZ. However, as always, we would
recommend that you take test-rides on both these
bikes to see for yourself which one suits you the best.

www.bikeindia.in

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TECHNOMAIL
GOT A QUESTION OR A PROBLEM?
Write to BIKE India, Next Gen Automotive, 401B, Gandhi Empire, 5th
Floor, 2 Serene Estate, Kondhwa Road, Pune 411 040, India.
Fax:+91 20 26830465
Email: bikeindia@nextgenpublishing.net

PERFORMANCE
ENHANCEMENT
I am an avid fan of Bike India and would like to
say that it is the best
motorcycle magazine in
the country. I have a
question regarding my
oYH\HDUROG<DPDKD
)=67KHELNHKDVGRQH
50,000 km and I want to
change its piston and
cylinder. I want to replace
the current carburettor
VHWXSZLWKWKDWIURPWKHQHZ)= WKDWLVWKH
IXHOLQMHFWHGFFRQH ,DOVRZDQWWRoWD
Daytona exhaust on my FZ for added
performance. Can it all be done? Please
advise me.
$ZDQHHVK7ULSDWKL/XFNQRZ
It is possible to convert your carburetted FZ into a
fuel-injected one, but the cost involved would not
justify the effort. You may, however, go ahead with
replacing the current set-up with the standard
cylinder and piston meant for the carburetted
model. As for the Daytona exhaust, you may
LPSURYHWKHSHUIRUPDQFHRIWKHELNHE\oWWLQJLW
but see to it that the service personnel at Yamaha
tune the bike up accordingly.
NOT HAPPY WITH
ACCELERATION

,KDYHDTXHVWLRQUHJDUGLQJP\%DMDM3XOVDU
160\ELNHKDVGRQHNPEXW,
am not really happy with its acceleration. I

18

JANUARY 2015

WEVE GOT THE ANSWER

want my bike to have the same acceleration as


WKH.70'XNH3OHDVHVXJJHVWWRPHKRZ
it may be done.
$VKRN.XPDUE\HPDLO
The main reason why the bike feels sluggish as
compared to the KTM is that the Pulsar 200NS is
heavier than the Duke. Besides, it is carburetted, has
taller gearing and is slightly less powerful. To make
your bike go as fast as the Duke, you would need to
XQGHUWDNHDQXPEHURIPRGLoFDWLRQVWRUHGXFH
weight, improve gearing and increase power, all of
which are not worth the time and money. Instead,
you can always consider upgrading to the Duke.
IS RE-MAPPING THE ECU
FEASIBLE?

I have been a regular reader of Bike India for the


past four years. I have a question regarding my
.70'XNH7KHELNHKDVEHHQUXQQLQJ
ZHOOEXWLWFDQRQO\PDQDJHWRGRNPKRQWKH
VSHHGRPHWHU0RUHRYHURQFHWKHELNHDWWDLQV
530WKH(&8FXWVRIIIXHOVXSSO\WRWKH
engine. Is there a way to remove the limiter? Can
UHPDSSLQJWKH(&8VROYHWKHSUREOHP":LOOLW
KDYHDQ\VLGHHIIHFWV"3OHDVHDGYLVHPH
'LQHVK%DVNDUDQE\HPDLO

MODIFYING THE SUZUKI


SAMURAI
5HFHQWO\,ERXJKWD\HDUROG6X]XNL6DPXUDL
DQGZLVKWRPRGLI\LW0RGLoFDWLRQVLQFOXGH
cosmetic changes and engine mods. Please
suggest a few things that I can do to the engine.
0XNXQGE\HPDLO
Here are a few suggestions. You may port the
HQJLQHoWDELJJHUFDUEXUHWWRUDQGELJJHUUHHGYDOYH
This will give the bike a considerable boost in terms
of performance. You may also go in for an
expansion chamber to complete the performance
PRGLoFDWLRQ:HZRXOGVXJJHVWWKDW\RXJHWWKH
PRGLoFDWLRQVGRQHE\DUHSXWHGDQGH[SHULHQFHG
mechanic/engineer to preclude disappointment.
AIR-FILTER REPLACEMENT
Ive been a loyal fan and regular reader of
Bike India and, thanks to you, I am on my way to
becoming a better biker. I am planning to replace
WKHDLUoOWHURQP\+RQGD&%8QLFRUQZLWKD
. 15&'R,QHHGWRUHMHWWKH
FDUEXUHWWRU"6KRXOG,LQVWDOODVPDOO39&SLSH
EHWZHHQWKHoOWHUDQGWKHFDUEXUHWWRU"$IULHQGRI
mine said that the rubber mounting would melt
and get hard, is that true?
=ROWRQ$EHOE\HPDLO
You would need to re-jet the bike in order to utilise
WKH. 1oOWHUWRWKHPD[LPXP$VIRUWKH39&
pipe, we would simply say that do away with the
plastic pipe because there will be no heat/melting/
deforming issue at all. However, ensure that you
JHWWKHDLUoOWHULQVWDOOHGSURSHUO\DQGUHMHWWKH
bike accordingly.

It is possible to re-map the ECU and let the engine


rev higher, but the limiter cannot be removed
completely. However, we dont recommend this
procedure. As for the top-speed issue, you may
replace the rear-wheel sprocket with a smaller one
(less teeth), which will give the bike a higher top
speed, but it will affect the acceleration a bit.

www.bikeindia.in

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MOTOROLAND
NOT THE RIGHT RECIPIENT?
Roland Brown wonders why he keeps receiving test-drive invitations from
manufacturers of posh cars but not their posh bike counterparts
DRIVEN ANY FANCY NEW SPORTS
cars recently? No, me neither. But I could
have tried a couple, and not because as a
motorcycle journalist Im loosely connected
with the motoring industry.
A month or so ago I got a surprise
invitation through the post from McLaren:
an invitation to a test-track for a drive in their
650S sports car. No fee, no strings attached.
Just turn up, learn all about the car and then
take it for a spin.
If I were interested in cars, it would
have been irresistible. But Im not, much,
and havent had time to do a bike track day
for ages, never mind spend a day on what
would probably have been a short drive, so I
didnt go.
But it got me thinking: why me? And
more to the point, why havent any bike
oUPVFRQWDFWHGPHZLWKDVLPLODURIIHU"
After all, Im an unlikely sports car buyer. I
drive an old people-carrier, and have never
bought a new car in my life. I dont attend car
events, buy motoring magazines or visit
many car websites.
On the other hand, I am a very likely
motorcycle customer. Ive owned many bikes
over the years. One of my two current bikes is
just over three years old, so Id guess has
reached the peak time at which owners look
for a replacement.
I must be on plenty of motorcycle-related
lists and databases, because as well as buying
two new bikes since I last moved house, I go
to race meetings, shows and dealerships, buy
magazines and visit bike websites. Yet I cant
remember ever receiving a test-ride invitation

As the
owner of a three-yearold Street Triple R,
its not McLarens and
Porsches that I should
be receiving invitations
to test, but the new
Street Triple RX
or Tuono 1100
20

JANUARY 2015

IURPDPRWRUF\FOHoUP DVDSRWHQWLDO
customer, rather than a journalist).
You might think that Suzuki or Triumph,
who sold me my last new bikes, would be
especially keen to entice me back with the
promise of a ride on their latest models.
Or maybe to come and see new bikes
unveiled at a launch party, or for a ride-out to
a race or show?
Well, if theyve held such events, I havent
been invited. All Ive heard from the Triumph
dealer is an e-mail offering a discount on
servicing. But a couple of weeks ago I did get
another invitation, this time from my local
Porsche dealership, inviting me and my family
to visit and take a demo drive in the Cayenne
and 911 Carrera GTS. I turned that one down
too, to my sons disappointment.
,
YHQRLGHDZKHUHWKHVHSRVKFDUoUPV
got my contact details, but it seems the car
industry has a much more proactive
approach to contacting potential
customers. I also still get invites to
open days at the local Toyota
dealership, years after selling our
previous people-carrier. But the only
invitations from the bike world are from
a Ducati dealership in California, whose
boss I know. Sadly, thats too far to go.
Perhaps, its better where you live, or with
different makes? I imagine BMW should be
very good, having a foot in both camps,
though the same could be said for Honda and
HYHQ6X]XNLDQG'XFDWL2QHEHQHoWWKDW
MV Agusta boss Giovanni Castiglioni aims to
JDLQIURPKLVoUP
VUHFHQWGHDOZLWK'DLPOHU
is access to a top quality sales network.
Its perhaps another Italian marque, Aprilia,
that best illustrates how important this is.
Models such as the RSV4 and Tuono are
brilliant but sell in very small numbers. Part of
WKHUHDVRQLVVXUHO\WKDWWKHoUP
VGHDOHUVFDQ
W
compete with those of rivals such as BMW
and Ducati.
Which is, of course, all the more reason to
make a big effort, especially with the latest
batch of models about to make the superbike
world even more competitive. As the owner of
a three-year-old Street Triple R, its not
McLarens and Porsches that I should be
receiving invitations to test, but the new Street
Triple RX or Tuono 1100. Those would be a
lot harder to refuse.

www.bikeindia.in

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G GT S
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NEVER ENOUGH
Human desires are innite. Thats what had been taught on day one of economics back at school about
a decade and a half ago. Aninda Sardar wonders if its relevant to the world of two-wheelers as well
HAVE YOU EVER SAT IN A CLASSROOM
wondering why the teacher is talking about
something as obvious as the sun coming out only
during daytime? Im sure you have and in the
best traditions of disrespectful I-know-it-all
student life, I have too. In fact, I actually
remember the last time I thought so. It was day
one, chapter one, line one of economics.
Human desires are limitless, the teacher had
told us and I remember thinking, Yeah, do you
see the halo around my head now? At the time,
I never paid much heed to the lesson. Fifteen
\HDUVIURPWKDWGD\,oQGP\VHOIWKLQNLQJ
about it. Meanwhile, the world of
motorcycles has been ripped apart by a
furious debate revolving round the
motorcyclists most favourite of twowheeled attributes power.
It all started when someone
discovered a difference between
the power quoted by a
manufacturer and the
Automotive Research Association
of India (ARAI) in case of particular
model/s. The motorcycle in question
seems to be developing less power than what the
manufacturer had initially claimed. Theres been
enough written about that incident and there are
perfectly rational explanations behind the dropin-output phenomenon. Im equally sure, exactly
on account of the same set of rational
explanations, that other manufacturers would
face similar issues. But thats not the debate I
want to get started.
What I have been thinking about takes me
EDFNWRP\HFRQRPLFVFODVVDQGP\oUVWOHVVRQ
in that subject. How much power is enough?
How much do we really need or use? Take my
long-term motorcycle, the Yamaha FZ-S FI, as a
case in point. Now, that bike develops a peak
power of 13.1 PS when the engine is revving at
8,000 RPM. And that, my dear readers, is what
you get at the crankshaft. By the time the power
reaches the rear wheel theres a further 10-15 per
cent drop from mechanical losses that happen.
Riding around in a crowded urban environment
,UDUHO\oQGP\VHOIUHYYLQJWKHHQJLQHEH\RQG
5,000-6,000 RPM. Sometimes shifting up even
lower down in the rev range, which effectively
means I seldom get to experience the FZ-S
maximum power. Yet, for most purposes, I do
not think that my progress through the city is

made painful by the seeming lack of power.


Some of you may argue that the case is
fundamentally different when it comes to
expensive superbikes. However, I, for one, beg
to differ. Take another motorcycle, the Honda
CBR 1000 RR, for example. The bikes 999-cc
in-line four puts out 178 PS at 12,000 RPM
when the peak output is measured at the
crankshaft. But how many of us would have
actually accessed the bikes peak power? In
reality, very few among us, if any at all, would
have used the full extent of the Fireblades
power. Just like our brethren who ride far more
PRGHVWPDFKLQHVZHZLOOoQGRXUVHOYHVVKLIWLQJ
up way below the 12,000 RPM that are needed
to generate the 178 Pferde. In essence, therefore,
we end up doing the same thing as the people
who are riding any other two-wheeler. Yet none
will deny the fun and enjoyment that is to be
derived from riding the fantastic Honda.
While many of you might say that such power
would be accessible in some other country where
the road environment is saner, let me tell you,
even on European roads you seldom use a
motorcycles full power. The question to ask,
therefore, is how much power do you really need
to start having fun on a two-wheeler?
I believe that a motorcycles ability to bring a
smile to our faces has less to do with outright
power and more to do with the bikes overall
dynamic abilities (depending on riding
preference) nimble-footed for the sportily
inclined, straight-line cruising for the touring
type of guy and so on. Of course, power has an
impact on the riding experience and only a fool
would deny that, but having said that, power
doesnt have the casting vote in deciding if a bike
is going to be fun. The latter is derived more out
of the riders ability to wring out the maximum
pleasure from each motorcycle he rides,
irrespective of power.
And so it is with the Triumph Street Triple.
Yes, the bike doesnt make the 106 PS that it does
in Europe, the UK or the US and Indian owners
will have to be content with the 79 PS that they
will get here. The why and how and whether the
bike is really de-tuned or if several other factors
are at fault is the subject of a different discussion.
What is undeniable is that the Triumph Street
Triple continues to be an immensely enjoyable
motorcycle. And that, I believe is far more
important in the real world.
Follow him on Twitter

www.bikeindia.in

@anindasardar

JANUARY 2015

29

IGNITION

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More Versatile

MV Agusta launch their latest multi-purpose


motorcycle, the Stradale 800. It can satisfy the needs
of corner-craving sport riders who occasionally venture
out on the highway for a relaxed touring session.
Here is the low-down on Vareses latest creation
BEAUTY IS PARAMOUNT FOR
MV Agusta, Italys exotic motorcycle
manufacturers. And just like the
beautiful array of models from the
Varese-based company, the new
6WUDGDOHGHoQLWHO\HQWKUDOVWKH
audiences with its form and also its
brilliant functionality. MV designers
have formed and sculpted the Stradale
ZLWKVRPXFKoQHVVHWKDWDQ\
other contemporary motorcycle
in the same segment looks as if it
was designed for hipsters from the
previous decade.
MV Agusta have made sporttouring even more glamorous as
the shapely pannier boxes suggest.
The adjustable but tiny windscreen
provides just the right amount of
wind protection and it looks perfect
aesthetically. Single-sided swingarm, sweeping three-pipe exhaust,
gorgeous tank scoops and the sharp,
beaky front end makes it one stylish
touring machine. Lets now move on
to the technical details.
The Stradale 800 is equipped
with MVs famous tri-cylinder
motor which is good enough for

30

JANUARY 2015

115 PS and 78.5 Nm of torque. This


52-kilo engine is nestled in a new
frame although the alloy side-plates
have been borrowed from existing
models. MV engineers have worked
quite a bit on this new frame to
provide the rider utmost comfort
and extreme agility.
Electronics also play a big part in
making the Stradale a highly desirable
motorcycle. For instance, MVs
own engine management system,
called the Motor&Vehicle Integrated
Control System (MVICS). This
system has been serving the rest of the
range; for the Stradale, however, MV
have tweaked it to provide more fun.
Then there are things such as ride-bywire throttle, three standard engine
modes and a fourth one for custom
tuning, traction control, electronically
assisted shift system and a graphical
dashboard that displays an array of
information. With the Stradale 800,
MV Agusta have nailed the modern
day interpretation of a sport-tourer
perfectly well and even though it costs
Rs 11 lakh (in Europe), we wouldnt
shy away from it.

www.bikeindia.in

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www.bikeindia.in

JANUARY 2015

31

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HONDA CB160 UNICORN


LAUNCHED

+21'$02725&<&/(6
DQG6FRRWHUV,QGLDKDYHODXQFKHG
WKHQHZ&%8QLFRUQRYHUD
decade after the original Unicorn
made its appearance as Hondas
oUVWPRWRUF\FOHLQWKHFRXQWU\7KH
QHZ&%8QLFRUQLVSULFHGDW5V
IRUWKHVWDQGDUGYDULDQWZLWK
WKH&%6HTXLSSHGYDULDQWFRVWLQJ
5VERWKH[VKRZURRP
'HOKLDQGLVUHDG\IRUERRNLQJDW
+RQGDGHDOHUVDOORYHUWKHFRXQWU\
The Honda Unicorn has
continued unchanged mechanically,
with its mono-suspension and
silky-smooth 150-cc engine, going
ahead with only a slight cosmetic
IDFHOLIWDQGD&%SUHo[1RZZLWK
increasing competition and a wider
YDULHW\RIRSWLRQVWKHFRPSDQ\KDV
launched the new bike with a larger

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VLQJOHF\OLQGHUPRWRU0D[LPXP
SRZHULVXSWR36DW
530ZKLOHWRUTXHULVHVWR
1PDW530$oYHVSHHG
transmission continues to do duty.
The CB160 Unicorn gets a
12-litre tank, tubeless tyres with
DQIURQWDQG
rear. Braking duties are handled
by a 240-mm disc up front with a
130-mm drum at the rear. Hondas
Combined Braking System (CBS)
is offered as an option. Ground
clearance is a useful 150 mm.
Weight-wise, the new Unicorn
tips the scale at 135 kg; reasonably
light, then.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON IN TIE-UP WITH THE TAJ GROUP


+$5/(<'$9,'6212:1(56

*URXS +2* ULGHUVQRZKDYHDZKROHQHZ
VHWRIRSWLRQVIRUUHOD[LQJZKHUHYHUWKHLUWUDYHOV
may take them with the company tying up with
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+2*PHPEHUVFDQDYDLORIVSHFLDOSULYLOHJHV
when staying at any of the 60 hotels under

WKHEUDQG
VXPEUHOODLQFOXGLQJ7DM+RWHOV
5HVRUWVDQG3DODFHV9LYDQWDE\7DMDQG7KH
*DWHZD\+RWHOVDQG5HVRUWV7KLVLVDQRWKHU
GHYHORSPHQWE\WKHFRPSDQ\LQWKHLUHQGHDYRXU
WRFRQVLVWHQWO\LPSURYHWKHRZQHUVKLS
H[SHULHQFHDQGKHOSFXVWRPHUVGLYHGHHSHULQWR
the brands premium lifestyle ideology.

$QRRS3UDNDVK0DQDJLQJ'LUHFWRU
+DUOH\'DYLGVRQ,QGLDVDLGk:HDUH
GHOLJKWHGWRKDYHIRXQGDSDUWQHULQ7DMD
brand that is known for its rich heritage and
passion for hospitality. We are certain that the
KRWHOVDQGUHVRUWVZLOOVHUYHDVDJUHDWPHHWLQJ
point for HOG members and their families.

PULSAR 200SS IN THE OFFING


BAJAJ AUTO PLAN TO
launch a fully faired 200-cc
motorbike, called the SS (Super
Sport) 200, soon, and this could
happen as early as 2015. This was
DOOEXWFRQoUPHGE\0'5DMLY
%DMDMLQDQLQWHUYLHZZLWKDSRSXODU
media house recently, with quotes
DWWULEXWHGWRKLPVWDWLQJWKDW%DMDM
intend to launch three new bikes in
the coming six months, including
the Pulsar Super Sport.
The 200SS is based on the
Pulsar 200NS in all aspects but

32

JANUARY 2015

for its looks, with the design cues


more in tune with the 400SS
concept that was on display at the
'HOKL$XWR([SR7KLVELNH
has been spied being tested across
India in recent weeks, which is
further indication that it is almost
production-ready.
The 200SS has already created
a widespread buzz among bike
enthusiasts, and will take on the
OLNHVRIWKH.70'XNH
+RQGD&%55DQGWKHQHZ
<DPDKD<=)5Y

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  !"#"$% &

IGNITION

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KTM WORKING ON
NEW V-TWINS
KTM PLAN TO DEVELOP
a new range of middleweight
V-twin engines. These 600800-cc V-twins will bridge
the gap between the singlecylinder engines and the
bigger V-twins, which
are already in production.
Considering the fact that
the 373-cc single-cylinder
engine powering the 390
Duke churns out 44 PS,
it will be interesting to see
ZKDWoJXUHV.70ZLOO
achieve with a 600-cc and
a 800-cc V-twin.
Stefan Pierer, KTM
and Husqvarna boss,
was quoted in the media
as saying that KTM

DUCATI SCRAMBLER
COMING TO INDIA
DUCATIS LATEST BLAST
from the past, the Scrambler, will
soon head to dealerships across
Europe and America. But the
good news is that the bike is also
arrive on Indian shores once it goes
on sale in the West. Ducati are
expected to bring the Scrambler to
India in the third quarter of 2015,
and the Bologna-based marque

will also launch most of its line-up


in India.
After its acquisition by Audi AG,
Ducati announced its independent
entry into India, but did not
disclose the time when it would do
so. Recently, however, Bike India
learned that the brand is all ready
to start its Indian operations in the
second quarter of this year.

would soon have a new range


of mid-class bikes in about
three years, and that these new
engines may also be used in
the Husqvarna model range.

HERO MOTOCORP
XTREME SPORTS
HERO MOTOCORP
announced the launch of the
Xtreme Sports earlier this year.
Changes include a revised tank,
exhaust, meters, seat, tail-lamp
and an all-new underbelly cowl.
The most important overhaul is
more than skin-deep, though,

and will be seen in the new


specs for the bike. The alltoo-familiar 150-cc mill is now
tuned to produce 15.2 PS, up
from 14.4 PS produced by the
outgoing model. The torque
oJXUHKRZHYHUUHPDLQVWKH
same at 12.8 Nm.

TVS, SHERCO TO PARTICIPATE IN DAKAR 2015


TVS RACING AND SHERCO
Motorcycles of France have joined
hands to participate in the Dakar
Rally 2015 under the banner of
Sherco TVS Rally Factory team.
The Dakar Rally has long been
the proving grounds for motocross
and enduro riders from all over the
world and will play host to over
160 participants from 30 countries
next year.
The venture will see the RTR
450 come to fruition and it will

34

JANUARY 2015

be ridden by French riders, Alain


Dulcos and Fabien Planet. The
partnership will prove to be a
learning experience for engineers
and crew from TVS Racing,
which will also be a part of the
crew at the Dakar Rally.
TVS Racing Head Arvind
Pangaonkar said, Dakar Rally is
ultimate motorcycling challenge
and nothing is tougher than
racing for two weeks across these
incredibly hostile environments.

www.bikeindia.in

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IGNITION

Worldmags.net

NEW BRAKING SYSTEM FROM


CONTINENTAL

CONTINENTAL IS A
well-established automotive
components company that
manufactures, supplies, and
develops braking systems for
motorcycles. The German
company recently developed the
optimised curve braking system,
which is an added feature to their
motorcycle integral brake
(MIB) system.
This system focuses on
enhancing the ability to brake
safer during the course of a curve.
ABS (anti-lock braking system)
for motorcycles is used mainly to
maintain stability during straight-

line braking. The optimised curve


braking system is an interaction
among numerous sensors and
high-capacity algorithms located
in a sensor-box. The ABS
determines how much the rider
leans into a curve and the sensor
cluster provides signals based
on roll and pitch rates, resulting
in a decrease in speed and even
distribution of brake pressure to
both the front and the rear wheels,
providing more stability to a rider.
This feature will go into series
production in the new BMW
S 1000 XR motorcycle by early
summer 2015.

TIGER WOODS IS HEROS


BRAND AMBASSADOR
IN AN EFFORT TO TAKE their
global presence to an all-new level,
Hero MotoCorp have signed golf
supremo, Tiger Woods, as their
global brand ambassador. Hero
already operate in 20 countries in
Asia, Africa and South and Central
America. Furthermore, Hero will

make their European foray in


2015 and enter the US and Brazil
markets by 2016. By the year 2020,
apart from entering 50 countries
globally, Hero also hope to hit
annual combined sales of 12 million
units, and to cross the 100 million
sales mark.

PIERRE TERBLANCHE
JOINS ROYAL ENFIELD
ROYAL ENFIELD HAVE HIRED PIERRE
Terblanche as their new designer. The South
African maestro is known for designing stylish
contemporary motorcycles. Terblanche has worked
with companies such as Norton, Piaggio and
Confederate.
Although it is not known as of now what kind
of projects Terblanche will be working on at Royal
(QoHOGLIVRPHRIKLVODWHVWFUHDWLRQVOLNHWKH
Confederate X132 Hellcat Speedster are anything
WRJRE\H[SHFWWKHQHZ5R\DO(QoHOGELNHVWRJHW
a shot in the arm design-wise.

36

JANUARY 2015

www.bikeindia.in

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IGNITION

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LOTUS LAUNCH THE C-01


LOTUS, THE ICONIC CAR
manufacturers, established Lotus
Motorcycles, which is a joint project by
Kodewa, car designer Daniel Simon and
the Holzer Group, in order to manufacture,
GHVLJQDQGEXLOGWKHFRPSDQ\
VoUVWHYHU

VXSHUELNHWKH/RWXV&
7KH&ZLOOEHDXQLTXHPRWRUF\FOH
ZLWKRQO\XQLWVEHLQJSURGXFHGZKLFK
will be made from carbon, titanium and
DHURVSDFHTXDOLW\VWHHO,WZLOOEHGHVLJQHG
by Simon, former designer for Bugatti

$XWRPRELOHV3RZHULQJWKH/RWXVZLOOEHD
FF9WZLQHQJLQHFKXUQLQJRXW36
7KH&ZLOODOVRVSRUWDKRVWRIVXSHUELNH
VSHFLoFDWLRQVZKLFKLQFOXGH%UHPEREUDNHV
hlins suspension and a steel trellis frame
EXLOWE\.DOH[

TRIUMPH IN CHANDIGARH
AND KOLKATA
75,803+02725&<&/(6
,QGLDKDYHH[SDQGHGLQWR
Chandigarh and Kolkata,
thereby enlarging their presence
LQWKH,QGLDQPDUNHW7KHWZR
new dealerships Mukesh
Triumph in Kolkata and Krishna
Automobiles in Chandigarh
ZLOOFDWHUWRWKHHYHULQFUHDVLQJ
GHPDQGDQGVHUYLFHUHTXLUHPHQWV
for big bikes in these

38

JANUARY 2015

EXUJHRQLQJPDUNHWV
The British motorcycle makers
QRZKDYHGHDOHUVKLSVDFURVVWKH
country, including Ahmedabad,
Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi,
Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai and
3XQH$FRPSDQ\VSRNHVSHUVRQ
FRQoUPHGWKDWWKHFRPSDQ\KDG
WDNHQRYHUERRNLQJVDFURVV
its range since commencement of
RSHUDWLRQVLQWKHFRXQWU\

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IGNITION

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WICKEDLY INNOVATIVE

Rent a motorcycle that you cant afford to own. Thats the guiding principle
of the Bengaluru-based start-up venture, Wicked Ride. We caught up
with 27-year-old Vivekananda H R, Co-founder and Lead (Marketing and
Business Development), Wicked Ride
INTERVIEWED BY: GIRISH SHET
Bike India (BI): What is the story behind
the name Wicked Ride?
Vivekananda H R (VHR): My colleague,
Anil, came up with the name Wicked Ride as
KHIHOWWKHLGHDRIWLPHVKDULQJRIELNHVWRIXOoO
our dreams of riding high-end bikes was indeed a
wicked and innovative idea.
BI: How did the three of you come up with
the idea of starting Wicked Ride?
VHR: Anil and I were at college together while
Varun and I are both from the city of Hassan in
Karnataka and have known each other for a really
long time. We all shared the dream of working on
innovative ideas and we used to sit and discuss
our ideas quite frequently. We had already
collaborated on developing some business
software and mobile applications but our hearts
were really set on motorcycles.
We always dreamt of riding bikes like the
Harley-Davidson, Triumph and BMW, and
used to drool over these bikes every time we
JOLPSVHGRQHRIWKHP2QHoQHGD\ZHZHUH
discussing some idea in the list and suddenly we
decided to pool some money to buy a nice,
powerful and beautiful bike.
The EMI for these kind of luxury bikes turned
out to be pretty high, which led to the idea of
time-sharing, which would help reduce our
burden, but, at the same time, allow us access to
such a motorcycle. Thats when the business plan
of starting a luxury bike rental company cropped
up and we decided to run a pilot after some
research in this particular business model.
We conducted surveys during the pilot to
XQGHUVWDQGZKDWRXUpHHWVKRXOGEHOLNHRYHUD
period of time, the pros and cons of doing this in
the Indian environment and the response from
WKHSLORWJDYHXVWKHFRQoGHQFHWRH[SDQG
The support and belief shown by our family
and friends is the very reason why Wicked
Ride exists.

as follows and are planning to add more to our


pHHW
1. Harley-Davidson Iron 883
2. Harley-Davidson Super Low 883
3. Harley-Davidson Street 750
5R\DO(QoHOG&RQWLQHQWDO*7
5R\DO(QoHOG&ODVVLF&KURPH
5R\DO(QoHOG'HVHUW6WRUP
5R\DO(QoHOG7KXQGHUELUG
8. Triumph Bonneville
We intend to add the Indian Scout and a few

%0:PRWRUF\FOHVWRRXUpHHWVRRQLQRUGHUWR
expand the range of choices we can offer to our
clientle.
BI: How do you ensure the safety of your
clients? What training you let them undergo
before handing them the bikes?
VHR: We insist on educating our clients on the
importance of proper riding etiquette and
protective riding gear, including helmet,
protective jackets, knee-pads, etc. We also give a

BI: How many bikes do you currently have?


Which bikes are you looking forward to
DGGLQJWR\RXUpHHW"
VHR: 2XUoUVWELNHZDVWKH&RQWLQHQWDO*7
caf racer, of which we took the delivery on 3
April 2014. We currently have eight motorcycles

40

JANUARY 2015

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net
thorough demo about the bike to every client.
Even at the time of initial booking we try to
understand their previous biking experience,
their height, where they want to take the bike and
make suggestions.
If someone is not so experienced with a bike,
we ask them to start with lower version of our
pHHWVRWKDWWKH\JHWDFFXVWRPHGWRWKHELNHV
before they go for the bigger ones later. We also
ask them to take a couple of spins around our
IDFLOLW\VRWKDWZHDUHFRQoGHQWHQRXJKWKDWWKH\
can handle the bike.
%,+RZGR\RXSODQWRVFDOHXS"'R\RX
LQWHQGWRH[SDQGLQWRRWKHUSDUWVRIWKH
FRXQWU\WRR"
VHR: We have been getting a number of
enquiries for franchisee model. We are in the
process of raising some funds to scale up the
business. Going forward we might be coming up
with the franchise model. Lets see how the story
unfolds. So far the response has been extremely
encouraging and we have been getting very good
traction among motorcycle enthusiasts who have

suddenly discovered that a platform like ours is a


good avenue to experience these bikes.
%,+RZGR\RXSODQWRPDUNHW:LFNHG
5LGH":KDWDUHWKHVHUYLFHVWKDW\RXSODQWR
DGG"
VHR::HZDQWHYHU\ELNHUWRIXOoOKLVGUHDPRI
riding high-end bikes. We want everyone to be
aware of this service being available. We will be
doing extensive digital and traditional marketing
to spread the word across. We recently organised
an event with MTV Roadies Raghu Ram and RJ
Amit. In fact, a few of our regular customers and
contest winners got a chance to meet Raghu
Ram. In our industry word of mouth PR goes a
long way, since nothing is a more credible form of
marketing than a happy client.
We have already started carrying out
expedition trips, which is our new line of service.
We are also working on a biker caf in the heart
of the Western Ghats at a place called Sakleshpur
in Hassan district, Karnataka. We will also start
retail sales of biker apparel and protective
motorcycle clothing.

We want every
ELNHUWRIXOOKLV
dream of riding
KLJKHQGELNHV
One of our unique initiatives is our free
motorcycle riding classes for women. We are
doing this to promote the biking culture amongst
women and we are happy to say that the response
to this initiative has been tremendous with fellow
women motorcyclists joining hands to support us
beyond our expectations.
We are also associated with a Bengaluru-based
FRPSDQ\WKDWFRQGXFWVKRWDLUEDOORRQpLJKWVDV
we are trying to build a new eco-system for
adventure activities across India.
%,7HOOXVDERXW\RXUoUVWFOLHQWDFTXLVLWLRQ
DQGKRZ\RXUHDFKHGFOLHQWV
VHR: We started Wicked Ride as a pilot project
before its commercial launch. We had extensive
surveys to understand what people were looking
for, the options available in the market and the
risks that would be involved. The initial time
spent on understanding the market helped us a
lot in target marketing, which ensured
conversions at low marketing cost.
7KHoUVWFOLHQWFDPHWKURXJKDJRRGIULHQGZKR
rented it out to make a grand entry to his
ZHGGLQJUHFHSWLRQ+HZDVWKHoUVWWRUHSODFHWKH
proverbial shaadi ka ghoda (wedding horse) with
a 68 horsepower Harley-Davidson Super Low.
Facebook and word of mouth have worked very
well for us too. We believe in the traditional way
of marketing as well. We have interacted with
every other person on bike whom we used to see
on the street and put the word across, saying that
you can rent a Harley-Davidson in Bengaluru.
People used to save our contact numbers and
used to call us back to see if we were really a
business or if it was a joke. We have had
instances where we get calls asking if we really
exist as they cannot believe something like this
could exist in our country!
%,7HOOXVDERXW\RXUWHDP
VHR: Varun, Anil and I were the co-founders of
Wicked Ride but we now have a technical team,
an operations team and a marketing team as well,
totalling about eight people. Twenty-nine-yearold Varun Agni, who holds an MS degree from
the University of Maryland in the USA, heads
our technical team. Anil G (27), who is a trained
cost accountant and company secretary, leads the
companys operations and planning department.
I am a chartered accountant by training and I
head the marketing and business development
department of Wicked Ride.

www.bikeindia.in

JANUARY 2015

41

FEATURE IMOTY 2015

Worldmags.net

IMOTY 2015

EADING AUTOMOBILE
magazines in India, who constitute the jury
of Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY),
along with JK Tyre came together for the seventh
consecutive year to present the most prestigious
award of the Indian motorcycle industry, the
Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) 2015, at
a glittering gala in Mumbai on 17 December.
Dr Raghupati Singhania, Vice-chairman and
Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries
Limited, and Aspi Bhathena, Editor, Bike India,
and Chairman, IMOTY 2015, along with other

42

JANUARY 2015

members of the IMOTY jury presented the


Indian Motorcycle of the Year trophy to the
Harley-Davidson Street 750 on behalf of the
esteemed jury.
The award ceremony witnessed the presence
of eminent guests, including scions of the
FRUSRUDWHZRUOGVHQLRURIoFLDOVIURPWKH
automobile industry and representatives of
industrial bodies.
IMOTY is the most credible and coveted
motorcycle award in the country. This award is
an expert and independent judgement on the best

new motorcycle sold in India and is aimed at


recognising focused, consistent and rigorous
efforts made by motorcycle manufacturers in the
areas of design excellence, innovation and R&D.
The award has been gaining prominence with
each passing year and JK Tyre has been
associated with it since its inception.
7KLV\HDUWKHoQDOVKRUWOLVWRIFRQWHQGHUVVDZ
a dozen motorcycles battling it out for the highest
honour. The chosen ones were then put through
a further round of assessment by the jury
members at Lonavala on 4 December. After a

www.bikeindia.in

IMOTY 2015

Worldmags.net
Harley-Davidson Street 750 wins the prestigious Indian
Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) 2015 Award
PHOTOGRAPHY: SANJAY RAIKAR

session of evaluation followed by voting, the top


three contenders for the IMOTY 2015 turned out
to be the Harley-Davidson Street 750, KTM RC
390 and Suzuki Gixxer. The nominated
motorcycles were judged on various parameters
such as price, fuel economy, styling, comfort,
safety, performance, practicality, technical
innovation, value for money and suitability for
Indian riding conditions.
Congratulating Harley-Davidson on winning
the equivalent of the Oscar Award of the Indian
motorcycle industry, Dr Raghupati Singhania,

www.bikeindia.in

Chairman and MD, JK Tyre & Industries, said,


The automobile and auto ancillary sector in
India is growing at a fast pace. The consumer is
ever-discerning and auto-makers seek to
outperform each other. In such a supercompetitive environment of innovation and
strategies, JK Tyre IMOTY Awards endeavour to
recognise those who challenge the status quo.
The winner of the IMOTY award embodies this
very spirit of dynamic leadership and creative
engineering, while keeping the needs and the
comfort of the consumer uppermost in mind. I

congratulate the winner of the IMOTY 2015, as


well as all the nominees. Over the last 10 years, in
association with our elite panel comprising
eminent jury members, JK Tyre IMOTY Awards
have always been held in the highest esteem and
has been the preferred platform to recognise and
IHOLFLWDWHDXWRPDNHUVZKRKDYHWKHLUoQJHURQ
the pulse of this nation and its consumers.
This years jury for IMOTY comprised Aspi
Bhathena and Aninda Sardar (Bike India), Girish
Karkera and Abhinav Mishra (BBC Top Gear),
Shubhabrata Marmar and Halley Prabhakar
JANUARY 2015

43

FEATURE IMOTY 2015

Worldmags.net

the Street 750 with the


ley-Davidson India, astride
Anoop Prakash, MD, Har

(Overdrive), Yogendra Pratap and Rahul Ghosh


(Auto Bild India), Arup Das (AutoX), Kartik
Ware (Motoring World) and Sirish Chandran
and Abhay Verma (Evo). This specialist jury
consists of experienced Indian automotive
journalists from the best titles on sale in India.
The jury members are known for their analytical
skills and competence in evaluating and testing
motorcycles as a part of their profession. The

IMOTY trophy

experienced jury members are responsible for


selecting a single decisive winner and the voting
process has been designed to be very fair and
unbiased. In the best traditions of IMOTY, this
year the expert jury ensured that the evaluation
for the IMOTY 2015 remained transparent, fair
and based solely on the merit of the product.
Congratulating the winning motorcycle, Aspi
Bhathena said, Its been a tough one this year

with no less than a dozen contenders for the top


VSRW(YHQDPRQJWKHoQDOWKUHHLWZDVDFORVHFDOO
with each of the three motorcycles representing
the best of their respective segments. In the end
the IMOTY jury must congratulate HarleyDavidson, for the Street 750 is a worthy winner
and delivers more on every evaluation count. It is
compact, easy to ride, has a great chassis and a
superb engine.

Aspi Bhathena, Editor, Bike India and Chairman, IMOTY and Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & MD, JK Tyre & Industries hands over the trophy to Anoop
Prakash, Baljeet Mokha, Director - Plant Operations, Harley-Davidson India and Pallavi Singh, Director - Marketing, Harley-Davidson India

44

JANUARY 2015

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

Worldmags.net

Worldmags.net NEW PRODUCTS

AFFORDABLE PROTECTION
These new products come with a welcome combination of style,
practicality, safety, and affordable price just what many of you
may have been waiting for
DIRTSACK SHELLSACK

DIRTSACK FROGMAN TAIL-BAG

The Dirtsack Frogman tail-bag impressed us with


the amount of stuff you can put in it and how well it
WVRQDQ\ELNHZKLOHNHHSLQJ\RXUOXJJDJHSHUIHFWO\
still at the back. We stuffed it to the brim and strapped it
on to three different types of bikes and took it for a long
ride. We even stored delicate objects inside to see if they
would move about, but, to our surprise, everything
stayed where it was. Even on rough patches and over
speed humps the capacious 50-litre bag stayed
UPO\LQSODFH1RQHHGIRUEXQJHHFRUGVDVWKHVWUDSV
used on this tail-bag make for easy mounting on any
bike and the overhead straps keep your luggage
secure. Oh, and did we mention its 100 per cent
waterproof, immersion-proof, dunk-proof and
submersible?
Price: Rs 3,465

www.bikeindia.in

All of us wear helmets while riding a twowheeler, but what do you do with the lid once
youve parked your two-wheeler? Some of us lock
the helmet to the two-wheeler while others hold
in their hand and lug it around like a medicine
EDOO1RZ\RXKDYHDQRWKHURSWLRQ7KH
motorcycle baggage company, Dirtsack, has
made a bag especially for your helmet. It can
accommodate any helmet size except for
motocross helmets and it has a neoprene inner
lining so that there is no danger of scratches on
the helmet or the visor. We found it very
convenient to use and it also doubles up as a
carry bag to store stuff while riding.
Price: Rs 750

DIRTSACK FROGMAN
SADDLE-BAGS

We hadnt heard from the motorcycle luggage company


Dirtsack for a long time. So we thought they must be
working really hard on a new product and testing it
thoroughly. Right enough, they were. Theyve come out
with a new range of motorcycle luggage carriers, called the
Frogman. The Frogman is 100 per cent waterproof,
immersion-proof, dunk-proof and submersible. Each
saddle-bag has a massive storage capacity of 28 litres.
:HYHHYHQEHHQDEOHWRWDKHOPHWLQRQHRIWKHP7KH
KDUQHVVVWUDSVDUHKLJKO\DGMXVWDEOHWRWRQDQ\ELNHDQG
keep your luggage snug on the bike. We tested it over a
distance of 1,000 km and on various bikes without any
problems.
Price: Rs 5,265
Where to buy: www.dirtsack.in

JANUARY 2015

47

Worldmags.net
BOSCH TECHNO
BIBLE
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
A system to prevent the wheels from locking up under braking.
Locked wheels offer no traction and only skid. Sensors
determine when a wheel decelerates too rapidly to provide for
stable braking. When a potential lock-up is detected, the
electro-hydraulic control unit (EHCU) gets to work,
modulating the brake pressure to prevent either wheel from
locking up and skidding. The system is also very useful on wet
or slippery surfaces.

CLUTCH
The unit which transfers the engines output from the crankshaft
to the gearbox or transmission. A number of plates clutchplates and pressure-plates are paired together, and either
engage or disengage using the spring mechanism to deliver the
power or disconnect the drive. It is usually a wet unit, which
means the whole set-up is immersed in a lubricant for cooler and
cleaner operation.

48

JANUARY 2015

BURNOUT
Literally burning rubber, a burnout happens when the
engines output overcomes the traction of the rear tyre. For
drag races, doing a burnout is essential to heat up the tyre and
clean the contact patch to achieve maximum grip and
acceleration off the line.

DUAL-SPORT (MOTORCYCLE)
A street-legal motorcycle just as capable on the road as off it. A
dual-sport motorcycle is the result of off-road competition bikes
meeting road bikes. Bikes like the Triumph Tiger or even the
Hero Impulse are incredibly capable motorcycles which carry off
their all-road tags well.

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net
PERIMETER DISC
Popularly seen on Buell motorcycles, a perimeter disc isnt
mounted on the central hub, rather it is mounted on the edge
of the wheel rim. This gives a greater surface area for braking
and also allows for improved cooling.

RAM-AIR INTAKE SYSTEM


An intake design which uses dynamic air pressure created by
the motion of the vehicle to increase the static air pressure
inside the intake manifold for an internal combustion engine,
thus allowing a greater mass of air through to the engine
allowing for increased engine power. The Kawasaki Ninja
series popularly use ram-air on the ZX-10R and ZX-14R with
up to 10 PS more on tap as a result.

ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU)

The ECU of an engine


management system is
a device that monitors and
controls the working of
sensors and actuators installed on
the system. A large number of
parameters can be included in the process
to support optimal performance of various
systems. After receiving the electric signals
transmitted by the sensors, the ECU processes all of the
data in order to generate control signals for the

www.bikeindia.in

actuators. The
software program for
closed-loop control is
stored in the ECUs memory.
The program is executed by a
micro-controller. The ECU and its
components are referred to as
hardware. The ECU contains all of the
algorithms for open and closed-loop control needed
to govern the engine management processes, including
ignition, induction and mixture formation.

JANUARY 2015

49

FEATURE DESIGN TRENDS

Worldmags.net

UPPING
THE ANTE

It seems that for the 2015 model year, 200 PS is the new benchmark, says design guru
Glynn Kerr as he discusses how the bar is sought to be raised by different manufacturers

compliment, but when youre already twice the age of the average
motorcycle buyer, the connotations of veteran highlight aspects one
would prefer overlooked.
The event, held at the gallery of CAD software giant Autodesk in
downtown San Francisco, was to mark the hand-over of Lightnings
SURGXFWLRQFKDVVLVQXPEHURQHWRWKHoUVWFXVWRPHU7UR\+HOPLQJ
Appropriately, Helming is Founder and CEO of Pristine Sun LLC,
which develops clean energy technology, and he currently drives a
Tesla. His daily commute time is almost halved on the Lightning, even at
legal speeds.
As a quick re-cap, the Lightning LS-218 is an all-electric, road-going

Image Copyright: Diane Morett

S WELL AS THE ACHES AND PAINS THAT EXIST AS


daily reminders of my advancing age, there are other little pointers
that seem determined to rub salt into the wound. Online dropdown menus to enter your year of birth now take an alarming amount of
scrolling down before even hitting the right decade. Watching Henry The
Fonz Winckler advertise pension plans on the television brings the
message home too. And Honda, who were not even exporting their
products when I was born, have just celebrated building their
PLOOLRQWKPRWRUF\FOH6RZKHQ/LJKWQLQJ&(25LFKDUG+DWoHOG
introduced me to the gathered press as a veteran of motorcycle design
recently, the title sat a little heavily. It was no doubt meant as a

7UR\+HOPLQJ OHIW WDNHVRZQHUVKLSRIWKHUVW/LJKWQLQJVWUHHWELNHZLWKFRPSDQ\&(25LFKDUG+DWHOG

50

JANUARY 2015

www.bikeindia.in

The author (the bikes designer) at the Lightning press unveiling

superbike, based on the same chassis and engine as the bike that holds the
electric land speed motorcycle record: a 218 mph (350 km/h) one-way
best, hence the models name. The same bike also won the 2013 Pikes
Peak race, beating all its gas-powered rivals by nearly 20 seconds. A
OLPLWHGQXPEHURIoYHELNHVZLOOEHKDQGEXLOWEHIRUHSURGXFWLRQEHJLQV
LQHDUQHVW$OOoYHDUHDOUHDG\VROGDQGWKHUHKDYHEHHQRYHUSXUFKDVH
enquiries for the main run.
Power output on the Lightning is quoted as around 200 PS, with 228
1PRIWRUTXHSUHWW\LPSUHVVLYHoJXUHVIRUDQ\PRWRUF\FOH$QGZKLOH
few owners will opt for the higher gearing and aerodynamic bodywork
that would enable them to head for Bonneville to take a crack at beating
that land speed record, the fact is they could. And all for just eight cents
worth of electricity (buy the optional solar re-charger, and the cost drops
to zero). But Lightning isnt alone in the 200 PS club. In fact, it seems that
for the 2015 model year, 200 PS is the new benchmark.
Most prominent in the new power race are Kawasaki, with the 300 PS
track-only H2R, deliberately unveiled ahead of the street-going version.
.DZDVDNLDUHEHLQJFR\DERXWUHOHDVLQJSRZHUoJXUHVIRUWKHEDVH+
although the German website quotes 200 PS at 11,000 revolutions per
minute, which was widely anticipated. With the majority of engine parts
being identical between both variants, the dangling carrot is the
assumption that with minor tweaking of the supercharger mapping, and,
perhaps, swapping out the exhaust can, owners can achieve near H2R
power levels for the street. After bandying 300 PS around in the spec data
for the H2R, 200 for the street model sounds almost tame. If were
splitting hairs, 200 PS (Pferde Starke, German for metric horse power)
equates to only 197.264 international hp, but whats three hp at this level?
More of an issue will be the relatively lardy 240 kilo kerb weight, due in
part no doubt to the addition of the supercharger.
2WKHUPDQXIDFWXUHUVDUHRIIHULQJoJXUHVVLPLODUWRWKH+'XFDWLDUH
currently quoting 205, both in hp and PS, for all the big-block Panigales,
and Yamahas European press site is showing exactly 200.0 PS for the
2015 model R1. That precision indicates just how vital the new bar is to
meet. Whether the US power rating will be nudged up to 200 PS remains
WREHVHHQDVWKH86VLWHDYRLGVGHFODULQJDQRXWSXWoJXUH0\JXHVVLV
that the number will be identical, such is the importance of this new
WDUJHW'LWWRIRUWKH+(LWKHUWKH(&8ZLOOEHUHFDOLEUDWHGWKHoJXUHV
will be massaged, or the advertising folk wont even realise theres a
difference, as I suspect is the case with Ducati. But again, whats a couple
of horses when you have an entire cavalry? Where both these naturallyaspired bikes win over the Kawasaki is their lower curb weight over 36
kilo lighter for the Yamaha, and over 45 kilo for the Ducati. That equates
to having Miley Cyrus permanently riding pillion, although getting her to
sit still might be the greater challenge.

www.bikeindia.in

Image Copyright: Kawasaki

The Kawasaki H2 has only 200 PS, but some of the R spec might be
transferable if thats not enough for you
Image Copyright: Kawasaki

Image Copyright: Diane Morett

Worldmags.net

Kawasaki offers 300 PS for the track-only H2R

Just to labour the point, Aprilia are quoting 201 PS for the 2015 RSV4,
although Honda are below par with the CBR 1000 RR at 181 PS and
Suzuki only marginally better with 185 PS for the GSX-R 1000. At least
the mighty Hayabusa almost makes the grade with 197. Not to be left out,
BMW, once considered the Volvo wagon of motorcycling, have increased
output on the 2015 S1000 RR to 199 hp or PS, whichever nations website
\RXEHOLHYH$WoUVWJODQFHLWORRNVOLNHWKH%DYDULDQHQJLQHHUVVWRSSHG
agonisingly short of their target, until you see that the top speed is 299
km/h (the Imperial equivalent is irrelevant here), which begins to look
more like a conspiracy, designed to avoid upsetting the delicate
sensibilities of Germanys legislators. Woss 300 km/h auf n
Motorradl? Doss sollte sofort verboten werden! I do hope that any
German-speakers appreciate the attempt at a Bavarian accent there.
Despite the BMWs last one elusive horse, weight is down nearly 4
kilo, along with numerous other improvements on this six-year-old
design. According to the advertising blurb, From the rear to the front
section, every trim component has been redesigned including the
headlamp element, where the symmetry has been given greater
emphasis. Unfortunately, they really mean asymmetry, so, as before, one
headlamp looks as if its been poked in the eye, while the other now looks
even more surprised about it. Guys, miss-matching the headlights was a
bad idea at the beginning. It really is time to let this feature drop.
While were on styling, Kawasaki is arguably the only 2015 supersports
model that warrants a mention. While the others are mostly predictable,
including, quite deliberately, my own design for the Lightning
JANUARY 2015

51

Images Copyright: (clockwise from top left) Ducati/Yamaha/BMW/Aprilia collage by author

FEATURE DESIGN TRENDS

Worldmags.net

+DWoHOGDQG,ERWKDJUHHGWKDWH[SHFWLQJEX\HUVWRDFFHSWDZKROHQHZ
motive power source and a design that left them unsure which way round
they were supposed to sit on it might be pushing their tolerance levels too
far), the H2 makes an admirable attempt to generate its own visual
statement, mirror coated black paint included. The designers have clearly
WDNHQFXHVIURP)FDUVUHVSOHQGHQWZLWKZLQJVGLIIXVHUVDQGGHpHFWRUV
that have yet to become a feature on GP motorcycles. Perhaps for this
reason, the result is less than convincing as the next trend in supersports
design, the words Manga and Transformer having appeared on some
blog sites, along with observations about the weight. Theres a logic to the
GLUHFWLRQWKRXJKDQGLWoWVWKHJHQHUDOWUHQGRIERG\ZRUNEHFRPLQJHYHU
more complex. The old days of full fairings emerging from a single twopiece mould went out with Mike Hailwood. But whatever the looks,
when you can casually mention your design has 300 PS, it tends to
silence the critics.
I suppose everything is relative, as my family keeps telling me. The new
Corvette Z06 has 650 PS and produces 881 Nm of torque from its
supercharged 6.2-litre V8. Its no lightweight, but it sprints to 96 km/h in
less than three seconds. The Lamborghini Aventador has 700 PS without
even needing a blower, while the latest super-hybrids are pushing 1000
PS. The Bugatti Veyron already blew that barrier away. With 1200 PS and
1500 Nm of torque, its reassuring to read that the Super Sport edition is
electronically limited to 257 mph (415 km/h) to protect the tyres.
Do we need 200 PS superbikes for the street? As someone whose idea
of motorcycle safety, as well as enjoyment of the ride, includes staying well
DKHDGRIRWKHUWUDIoFWKHODWHVWVXSHUFDUVVXJJHVWWKDWHYHQ36PLJKW
not cut the ice. But, to be honest, my 136 PS MV Brutale already scares
the life out of me (although some under-seat after-market electrickery
suggests the previous owner may have raised that number a tad). My
favourite circuit of Folsom Lake is a one-hour workout of super-tight
S-bends that requires a very steady hand on the throttle, and the Brutale
certainly lives up to its name when it comes to power delivery. I havent

52

JANUARY 2015

Image Copyright: BMW

The new 200 PS club. The BMW misses it by one PS no doubt deliberately

Im sure more customers buy BMWs despite the asymmetry than because of it

timed it, but Id be willing to bet I do the circuit faster on my 95 PS Ducati


Multistrada, or my 106 PS 916, because Im able to get on the throttle
earlier. Its certainly a more enjoyable experience. And the 916 is a
Monoposto, so Miley Cyrus will be unable to spoil the fun.

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

FIRST RIDE MOTO GUZZI GRISO

54

JANUARY 2015

Worldmags.net

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

MOTO GUZZI GRISO

Grisly
Growler

Italian motorcycles always come across as a


special breed, especially if youre used to the
RKVRUHQHG-DSDQHVHELNHVWKDWDUHIDU
PRUHQXPHURXV-XVWZKHQ\RXWKLQNLW
cant get more exotic, out pops a name
OLNH0RWR*X]]LDQG\RXUH[RWLFRPHWHU
QHHGOHJRHVVWUDLJKWLQWRWKHUHG]RQH
STORY: ANINDA SARDAR PHOTOGRAPHY: SANJAY RAIKAR

www.bikeindia.in

JANUARY 2015

55

FIRST RIDE MOTO GUZZI GRISO

Worldmags.net

F YOU SEE IT BARRELLING DOWN


the highway towards you in your cars rearview mirror, trust me, youll have a hard time
keeping your eyes on the road ahead instead
of the beastly-looking machine behind you.
No. There is absolutely no way, I repeat, no way
in which you can ignore the Moto Guzzi Griso.
The fact that if youre lucky enough to actually
spot one on Indian roads, youre unlikely to see
another one for the rest of the week has little to do
with this. Your inability to tear your eyes away
from the Moto Guzzi Griso has everything to do
with the bike. Despite its relatively compact

Digi-analogue instrumentation is simple and easy to


read even on the go in bright sunlight

56

JANUARY 2015

proportions, this Italian machine has presence by


the bucket-load and will hold its own even in the
fanciest of company.
If unconventional is your thing, then the Griso
will appeal to you like no other motorcycle. Even
when its not going anywhere. Its built like a
sprinter squat, low and muscular. Given its greyblack paint scheme the Griso looks menacing.
More so because the dominant features of the bike
are its massive engine and the meaty shaft on the
right that sends power and torque to the rear
wheel. The rest of the motorcycle follows a
minimalistic pattern. Its as naked as naked can be.

Ergo, its a statement on two wheels.


The ergonomics of the motorcycle arent very
conventional either. So you arent in the most
commuter-friendly backbone-straight upright
position, nor are you in a belly on the tank
FURXFKHGGRZQSRVWXUH,QVWHDG\RXoQG\RXUVHOI
in a position thats between the two and not too
uncomfortable either. In fact, it feels quite natural
as you reach for the wide handlebars. While the
placement of switchgear is exactly where youd
expect them to be, the functions of the switches
dont always match our expectations. So what you
assume to be the headlamp high/low beam switch

Big red button is the headlamp high beam switch.


The black one on the left is for changing modes

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

GEARCHECK
Rider
Aninda Sardar
Helmet Shiro
Jacket Spidi

Gloves
Boots

MOTO GUZZI GRISO

Frank Thomas
XPD

RIDING GEAR PARTNER


Denim Wrangler Tough Gear
MOTORCYCLE COURTESY Tuono Motors, Bengaluru

A pair of 320 mm dia steel wave discs with four-pot


Brembo callipers do a great job of stopping

7KH0RWR*X]]LVQDOGULYHLVYLDDVKDIWDQGUHVXOWV
in a super smooth riding experience

actually turns out to be the control for alternating


between the trip-meters and for changing the ride
modes. Moral of the story? Take a few minutes to
familiarise yourself with the Grisos controls and
youll be able to avoid trouble on the road.
Speaking of the road, the Grisos
Quattrovalvole (four-valve in laymans English)
90-degree V-twin produces oodles and oodles of
grunt at every portion of the rev range. As a matter
of fact, the large white-backed tacho becomes
pointless because irrespective of where the needle
is pointed, theres grunt on tap. You just need to
The longitudinally placed engine creates a
gyroscopic effect that takes getting used to

wind open the throttle a bit. As a result, riding


through crowded towns or overtaking on the
highways becomes a breeze. And why not?
Theres a very very healthy 110 Nm of peak torque
kicking in at 6,000 RPM with a max output of 110
PS at 7,500 RPM. The 1,151-cc air-cooled fourstroke engine is mated to a slick-shifting six-speed
transmission, which is quite a pleasure to use. The
only thing one has to get used to is the gyroscopic
action created by the longitudinally placed big
bore twin-cylinder engine. The gyroscopic action
is further enhanced by the turning action of the
KHDY\p\ZKHHO%DVLFDOO\ZKDWKDSSHQVDVDUHVXOW
of this is that the bike wants to drop into left turns
and stands up when going into right-handers
when you open the throttle.
Once you get used to this slightly confusing

www.bikeindia.in

JANUARY 2015

57

FIRST RIDE MOTO GUZZI GRISO

Worldmags.net

initial reaction from the motorcycle, you will


discover that the Griso is a good handler. The
bike may look menacing, but its dynamic abilities
and road manners will not intimidate you. On the
contrary, youll come out at the end of a ride
having had a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Ride quality isnt bad either. Admittedly its not
as cushy as the California Custom, but your rear
end wont be aching all over after a days ride.
The 43-mm upside down (USD) front forks,
which are adjustable for preload and compression
and rebound damping, work in conjunction with
single leverage gas-charged monoshock, which is
adjustable for spring preload and hydraulic
extension and compression, to provide a good
balance between ride and handling.
To stop this grisly two-wheeled hooligan, Moto

*X]]LKDYHoWWHGWKH*ULVRZLWKGXDOPP
GLVFVZLWKIRXUSLVWRQFDOOLSHUVDQGDVLQJOH
mm dia disc with twin-piston callipers. The
EUDNHVKDYHVXIoFLHQWELWHDQGIHHOSURJUHVVLYH
too. As a result, braking is not a fussy affair on the
Griso, which is great for a bike that is going to be
ridden in India.
On the whole, the Moto Guzzi Griso is a good
motorcycle for all kinds of riding. The bike retails
IRU5VODNKRQURDGLQ3XQHDQGDWWKDWSULFH
the Italian machine faces competition from the
%0:55:KLOHPRUHSHRSOHZLOO
GHoQLWHO\UHFRJQLVHWKHEOXHDQGZKLWHSURSHOOHU
logo as opposed to the red Moto Guzzi logo, if
youre looking for something unique, something
characterful and something different, then the
Moto Guzzi Griso is the bike to go for.

The pillion seat and the rear end of the Griso exude
W\SLFDO,WDOLDQDLUIRUVW\OLVKGHVLJQ

)XOO\DGMXVWDEOHJDVFKDUJHGPRQRVKRFNSURYLGHV
JRRGEDODQFHEHWZHHQULGHDQGKDQGOLQJ

SPEC TALK
MOTO GUZZI GRISO 8V SE
Price: Rs 18.40 lakh (OTR, Pune)
ENGINE
Type

Air cooled with oil


cooler, 90-degree,
V-twin

Displacement 1,151cc
Comp Ratio

11.0:1

Carburation

Digital fuel injection


with 2 x 50-mm
throttle bodies

FUEL EFFECIENCY

Valve gear
Max Power
Max Torque

TRANSMISSION
Clutch

Dry weight

Transmission Six-speed

222 kg

CHASSIS
Wheel (Front) 17-inch

Suspension
(Front)

Brakes (Front) Dual 320-mm dia


steel wave discs
with dual mount
opposed Brembo
four-piston
Suspension
calliper
(Rear)
Brakes (Rear) Single 282-mm
fixed steel disc
with floating twin
piston caliper
Wheelbase
Tyre (Front) 120/70 ZR17
Metzeler Roadtec Seat height
Tyre (Rear)

JANUARY 2015

110 PS at
7,500 RPM
110 Nm at
6,000 RPM

Fuel capacity 19 litres

Wheel (Rear) 17-inch

58

DOHC, 8 valves

Bore x Stroke 95 x 81.2mm

Rake/trail
180/55 ZR17
Metzeler Roadtec

Wet multi-plate

Upside-down
43-mm forks,
adjustable for
spring preload
and hydraulic
for rebound and
compression

Progressive
single swingarm,
fully-adjustable
gas-charged
monoshock
1,554 mm
800 mm
26.3 / 108 mm

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

PREVIEW INDIA BIKE WEEK 2015

Worldmags.net

Coming Soon
India Bike Week, the countrys biggest motorcycle
festival is fast approaching. We spoke to three of the
FRVSRQVRUVWRQGRXWZKDWVLQVWRUHWKLVWLPHURXQG

60

JANUARY 2015

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

SHIRISH KULKARNI

We plan to showcase
the entire Benelli range
With the India Bike Week just round the corner, we talked
to Shirish Kulkarni of DSK Motowheels, the co-sponsors this year,
about their plans for this highly exciting event
Bike India (BI): 7KLVLVWKHoUVWHGLWLRQRI
the India Bike Week (IBW) with DSK as
WKHFRVSRQVRUV:KDWPDGH\RXJHW
DVVRFLDWHGZLWKWKHHYHQW"
6KLULVK.XONDUQL 6.  Over the last two
editions, IBW has proved to be a holy ground
for motorcycle riders and enthusiasts, which is
undoubtedly ever growing. We have grown
strong and achieved a lot since our partnership
with Hyosung, and recently we have grown
even stronger, with the oldest European
manufacturer, Benelli, coming on-board as our
new partner. Being a company driven by
passion, DSK Motowheels along with Benelli
would like to be a part of this epitome of bike
enthusiasts, sharing with them the same
passion that we have for motorcycles.
BI : :KDWDUH\RXUH[SHFWDWLRQVRI\RXU
DVVRFLDWLRQZLWK,%:"
SK: IBW would serve as a platform to not only
get in touch with the hardcore biker fraternity on
a much larger scale, but also to showcase our
achievement and the DSK Benelli range before
this large crowd of bike enthusiasts.
BI :7KLVLVQRWWKHoUVWHGLWLRQRI,%:
QHLWKHULVWKLV\RXUoUVW\HDULQ,QGLD:K\
GLG\RXQRWEHFRPHSDUWRIWKHHYHQWVRRQHU"
SK: To date the company has been
concentrating on building up a strong base for
DSK Hyosung in India in terms of sales and
service network, which can be clearly seen
today through a nationwide strong footprint of
40 dealerships. However, now, with the oldest
Italian brand Benelli on board, we believe that
IBW would prove to be the perfect place to
showcase the legacy and achievements of both
the companies before the Indian bike fraternity.
BI : 'R+\RVXQJ%HQHOOLWDNHSDUWLQ
VLPLODUHYHQWVRYHUVHDV"
SK: The company welcomes participation in
similar overseas events, and if an opportunity
does arise, we will surely look forward to it.
BI : $SDUWIURPEHLQJDFWLYHPHPEHUVRI
WKLVHYHQWVRPHRIWKHPDQXIDFWXUHUVDOVR
RUJDQLVHWKHLURZQHYHQWV'R\RXKDYHRQH
LQ,QGLDRUDUH\RXSODQQLQJWRRUJDQLVHRQH
IRUHLWKHURI\RXUWZREUDQGV"

www.bikeindia.in

SK: We have an exclusive club, known as


Hyryders, wherein we organise various rides
and events. Hyosung motorcycle owners from
across India come together for these events.
Similarly, we will be establishing an exclusive
club for Benelli bike owners in India.

BI : +RZPDQ\+\RVXQJPRWRUF\FOHVZLOO
EHSDUWLFLSDWLQJLQWKLV\HDU
V,%:"
SK: DSK Hyosung has come a long way since
its establishment. Its time now for people to
experience and witness the legacy of DSK
Benelli. Therefore, this year we plan to showcase
the entire range of DSK Benelli bikes at this

HYHQWDIWHUWKHLURIoFLDOODXQFKLQ-DQXDU\

BI :$UH\RXSODQQLQJDQ\WKLQJVSHFLDOIRU
WKHP",IVRZKDW"
SK: DSK Hyosung bike owners from across the
country will be invited by us in order to experience
this event, and meet like-minded people who have
the same passion for two wheels.
BI ::LOODQ\QHZODXQFKHVWDNHSODFH
DWWKHHYHQW"
SK: )RUWKHoUVWWLPHLQ,QGLDZHZLOOEH
exclusively showcasing the future range of DSK
Benelli models before the public at IBW.
JANUARY 2015

61

PREVIEW INDIA BIKE WEEK 2015

Worldmags.net

IBW perfectly
complements our
existing events
and rallies
In conversation with Anoop Prakash,
Managing Director, Harley-Davidson
India, about the companys plans for
the forthcoming India Bike Week.
H-D have been associated with
this big event since its inception
three years ago

62

JANUARY 2015

Bike India (BI): Youve been


associated with the India Bike
Week right from the start. How
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KRZEHQHoFLDOGR\RXWKLQNLW
has been for the event? Where
GR\RXWKLQNDUHWKHV\QHUJLHV"
Anoop Prakash (AP): Since
entering the market in 2009, we
have led the way in establishing a
strong leisure motorcycling culture
across India. It was natural for
Harley-Davidson to be the lead
sponsor, and work closely with 70
EMG and Fox Traveller to create
and launch India Bike Week in
2013. Our intent was to create a
world-class destination motorcycle
festival for enthusiasts of all ages
and backgrounds where they could
celebrate everything that is great
about leisure motorcycling. It is a
festival that has cultivated a
community of passionate
motorcyclists and enthusiasts
irrespective of which motorcycle
they ride. Also, by combining our
national India H.O.G. [Harley
Owners Group] Rally with the
IBW event we extend the
celebration and experience for our
Harley owners, who ride in from all
over the country to be there.
Hundreds of Harley-Davidson
motorcycles riding into a festival
certainly excites attendees and sets
the premium tone for the event.
The synergies between the Harley
way of life whether its the
motorcycles, the H.O.G.
brotherhood, customisation or
simply living it up and India
Bike Week are tremendous.
BI :+DYH\RXUH[SHFWDWLRQVRI
,%:FKDQJHGRYHUWKH\HDUV"
AP:,QGLD%LNH:HHNUHpHFWVWKH
passion Indians have for leisure
motorcycling. Over the last two
years it has caught the attention of
the international motorcycling
community.
As the festival gets larger, our only
expectation is for it to continue to
retain its original intent to embrace
enthusiasts from all walks of life
and bring them together to share
experiences and celebrate the
lifestyle. We are looking forward to
the third IBW, and we believe this
edition will be bigger and more
spectacular than ever before.

ANOOP PRAKASH
BI :+'DOUHDG\RUJDQLVHDORW
of events on their own. Was
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EHWZHHQ\RXURZQHYHQWVDQG
,%:",IVRKRZGLG\RX
UHVROYHWKDW"
AP: While we organise rallies and
events round the year for our owners,
events like India Bike Week and
even Harley Rock Riders provide a
great opportunity for motorcycle
enthusiasts to experience the HarleyDavidson lifestyle and culture. IBW
perfectly complements our existing
events and rallies as its a great
meeting point for existing and future
owners to come together and
experience the brand.
BI :+RZPDQ\+DUOH\
PRWRUF\FOHVZLOOEH
SDUWLFLSDWLQJLQWKLV\HDU
V
IBW?
AP:2XUoUVW,QGLD+2*5DOO\
at IBW in 2013 saw over to 600
Harley owners riding in, followed
by the second edition in early 2014
which more than 1,200 owners
attended. This year we are
expecting a much larger turnout. It
ZLOODOVREHWKHoUVW,QGLD+2*
Rally to welcome Street 750
owners.
BI :$UH\RXSODQQLQJDQ\WKLQJ
VSHFLDOIRUWKHP",IVRZKDW"
AP::HKDYHFRPSOHWHGoYH\HDUV
in India and are looking forward to
hosting an epic anniversary
celebration during our third India
H.O.G. Rally at IBW in February.
BI ::LOODQ\QHZODXQFKHVWDNH
SODFHDWWKHHYHQW"
AP: We will reveal our plans in due
course of time.
BI ::KDWLQ\RXURSLQLRQLVWKH
ELJJHVWFKDOOHQJHWKDWELNHUVLQ
India face?
AP: The biggest challenge for
bikers is to be able take the time out
from their busy schedules and just
go for a long ride. Having said that,
we believe that as long as there are
enough reasons and destinations to
ULGHSHRSOHZLOOoQGWKHWLPH
Were already seeing IBW
becoming an annual pilgrimage for
a number of motorcyclists and
enthusiasts and we hope it will only
grow bigger each year.

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

22nd January 2015, Mumbai

Entry by invitation only

Worldmags.net

Round-1

22nd Feb

Phillip Island
Round-5

10th May

Imola
Round-9

Round-2

22nd Mar

Chang
Round-6

Aragon

24th May

Donington

05th Jul

Moscow STC

Round-10

12th Apr

Round-3

19th Jul

Laguna Seca

07th Jun

Round-7

Portimo STC
Round-11

02nd Aug

Sepang

Worldmags.net

Round-4

19th Apr

Assen
Round-8

21st Jun

SBK
CALENDAR
2015

Misano
January 2015

Round-12

Jerez

20th Sep

Round-13

04th Oct

Magny-Cours

Round-14

18th Oct

Losail STC

Worldmags.net

Worldmags.net
December 2014

Worldmags.net

Worldmags.net
December 2014

Worldmags.net

Now read your favourite magazine wherever you go...


Available on PC... Mac... Tablet... or any other handheld device!

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Available on

www.zinio.com/carindia

Worldmags.net

VIMAL SUMBLY

IBW is a great
platform to
showcase our
entire range
With the India Bike Week just
round the corner, we talked
to Vimal Sumbly of Triumph
Motorcycles, one of the cosponsors this year, about
their plans for this highly
exciting event

Bike India (BI):7KLVLVWKHoUVW


edition of the India Bike Week
,%: ZLWK7ULXPSKDVWKH
FRVSRQVRUV:KDWPDGH\RX
get associated with the event?
9LPDO6XPEO\ 96  Triumph
Motorcycles just completed one
year in India and what better way
to celebrate than at the biggest
biking gathering here in India, the
IBW? Our aim is to create bikes
that are so intuitive and engaging
that they bring the very best out of
every rider who rides them. We are
chasing the same thing you are: the
perfect ride. And we want more
biking enthusiasts to come and
witness them.
BI ::KDWDUH\RXUH[SHFWDWLRQV
RI\RXUDVVRFLDWLRQZLWK,%:"
96 IBW is a great platform to
showcase our entire range of
motorcycles and their capabilities
before enthusiasts. While we are
already present in 10 cities, IBW
will give us the ideal platform to

www.bikeindia.in

connect with Triumph lovers from


all over the country. We think our
association will encourage bike
enthusiasts of all ages to come and
witness their favourite brand,
Triumph, at IBW this year.

BI :7KLVLVQRWWKHoUVWHGLWLRQ
RI,%:QHLWKHULVWKLV\RXUoUVW
\HDULQ,QGLD:K\GLG\RXQRW
EHFRPHSDUWRIWKHHYHQW
VRRQHU"
96 We launched in November
ODVW\HDUDQGRSHQHGRXUoUVWVHWRI
showrooms In January last year.
Being present as a brand was an
option, but we wanted to celebrate
together with our Triumph owners,
hence we waited for IBW 2015.
BI :'R7ULXPSKWDNHSDUWLQ
VLPLODUHYHQWVRYHUVHDV"
96 We associate with some other
great events like the IBW
internationally. As a matter of fact,
we also have Triumph Live
globally, a festival with live music,

track racing, demo rides and bike


displays along with many more
attractions for our visitors. We
might celebrate something similar
here soon. In India alone we are
close to 1,000 motorcycles sold and
we look forward to meeting as
many of our customers as we can at
IBW.

BI :$SDUWIURPEHLQJDFWLYH
PHPEHUVRIWKLVHYHQWVRPHRI
WKHPDQXIDFWXUHUVDOVRRUJDQLVH
WKHLURZQHYHQWV'R\RXKDYH
RQHLQ,QGLDRUDUH\RX
SODQQLQJWRRUJDQLVHRQH"
96 We organise rides across 10
dealerships on a very regular basis.
We also encourage bike enthusiasts
to come and visit our showrooms
not just to buy motorcycles, but also
to test-ride them. Many cities have
formed their own RAT (Riders
Association of Triumph) groups
here in India. Going forward we
assure Triumph enthusiasts some
great associations and events.

BI :+RZPDQ\7ULXPSK
PRWRUF\FOHVZLOOEHSDUWLFLSDWLQJ
LQWKLV\HDU
V,%:"
96 We estimate anywhere
between 300 and 400 Triumph
customers to attend this years
IBW.
BI :$UH\RXSODQQLQJDQ\WKLQJ
VSHFLDOIRUWKHP",IVRZKDW"
96 We are planning to showcase
RXUIRUPLGDEOHOLQHXSDFURVVoYH
model categories along with some
great entertainment lined up for
brand enthusiasts at IBW. This will
also give us a unique opportunity to
meet our customers.
BI ::LOODQ\QHZODXQFKHVWDNH
SODFHDWWKHHYHQW"
96 We very recently launched the
LT here in India and now have a
global range of 12 international
PRGHOVDFURVVoYHFDWHJRULHV7KH
company doesnt have any
immediate plans of launching a
new model at IBW.
JANUARY 2015

71

FEATURE BIKE INDIA AWARDS 2015 PREVIEW

Worldmags.net

Tradition dictates that you, the readers, pick your favourite two-wheeler for the coveted
Bike India 2015 Readers Choice Award. Here are the nominees. Remember, everyone
who votes has a chance of winning some amazing prizes

AWARD NOMINATIONS
1

Honda CD110 Dream

TVS Star City+

The CD110 Dream is Hondas most affordable


motorcycle in India. As such it is a minimalistic bike built
for the masses, and with a strong focus on economy.

TVS long standing commuter now has now been


rejuvenated under the Star City+ moniker. The new bike
features chassis and cosmetic upgrades and a re-tuned
110cc engine.

Bajaj Discover 150F

The latest in the long lineage of Bajaj Discover


bikes, the Discover 150F is a functional yet sporty
commuter that marries aesthetic elegance with
SUDFWLFDOHIFLHQF\WRPDNHRQHVROLGELNH

Yamaha has been reinvented in keeping with modern


times. The new FZ-S v2.0 now gets a fuel-injected
powerplant and a few visual tweaks too.

Yamaha FZ-S v2.0


The popular 150cc segment motorcycle from

Suzuki Gixxer

Paying homage to Suzukis vaunted GSX and GSR


bloodlines, the new Gixxer may come in a small 155-cc
package, but it still packs a mighty punch.

KTM RC200

Hyosung Aquila GV250

Austrian marque KTM have launched the fullyfaired RC200, featuring a 200 Duke mill with a body
streamlined for a more effectual racing experience.

HONDA CD110 Dream

JANUARY 2015

KTM RC390

KTM RC200

10

KAWASAKI ER-6n

HYOSUNG Aquila GV250

72

The track-ready sibling of the 390 Duke,


the RC390 too is based on the same platform
as its supermoto sibling, but is infused with a
VOHZRISK\VLFDOFKDQJHVEHWWLQJD
track-racing machine.

YAMAHA FZ-S v2.0

KTM RC390

BAJAJ Discover 150F

This naked Ninja uses the parallel-twin


engine from the now extinct Ninja 250R complete
with 32.5 PS of power and 21 Nm of torque.
7KH=LVDSRFNHWVL]HGVWUHHWJKWHUZLWK
ORDGVRIUHSRZHU

The naked street version of the popular Ninja


650R. This bike brings the same performance and
touring friendliness as its sportier twin, but with a more
relaxed riding position.

SUZUKI Gixxer

TVS Star City+

Kawasaki Z250

10 Kawasaki ER-6n

This cruiser from DSK Hyosung marries style


with small-engine convenience, so fans of a more
laid back riding style have another option with the
Aquila GV250.

11

TRIUMPH Daytona 675R

KAWASAKI Z250

12

HARLEY-DAVIDSON Street 750

www.bikeindia.in

BIKE INDIA AWARDS 2015 PREVIEW

Worldmags.net
11 Triumph Daytona 675R


)HDWXULQJDQHO\WXQHGLWHUDWLRQRI7ULXPSKV
FFWKUHHSRWWKH%ULWLVKELNHPDNHUVKDYH
EXLOWWKH'D\WRQDZLWKEXWRQHSXUSRVHLQPLQGWR
GRPLQDWHWKHWUDFN

12 Harley-Davidson Street 750


0DGHLQ,QGLDDQGIRU,QGLDWKH6WUHHWPD\
EHWKH$PHULFDQELNLQJEHKHPRWKVVPDOOHVWDQG
PRVWSUDFWLFDOELNHEXWWKHUHVQRGHQ\LQJWKDWLW
KDVWKHEHDWLQJKHDUWRIWKH$PHULFDQPDQXIDFWXUHU
XQGHUQHDWKWKDWXQGHUVWDWHGYHQHHU

13 Triumph Tiger 800XC


7KLVJRDQ\ZKHUHGRDQ\WKLQJDGYHQWXUHELNH
IURP7ULXPSKLVRQHUXJJHGDQLPDO$YHU\UHDORSWLRQ
IRUWKRVHUHQHJDGHWKULOOVHHNHUVRXWWKHUHZKROLNHWR
WDNHWKHSDWKOHVVWUDYHOOHG

14 Triumph Bonneville

UHLQYHQWHGWKHFODVVLFFUXLVHUZLWKDPRGHUQWZLVW
FRPSOHPHQWHGE\ROGVFKRROHOHPHQWVVXFKDVZLUH
VSRNHZKHHOVDQGZKLWHZDOOW\UHV

20 Yamaha Cygnus Alpha

17 Mahindra Gusto


7KHODWHVW<DPDKDRIIHULQJWRWKHVFRRWHUVHJPHQW
LVWKHDOOQHZ&\JQXV$OSKD7KLVFFVFRRWHUEULQJV
WRJHWKHUDFRPELQDWLRQRIORRNVDQGFRQYHQLHQFHLQWR
WKLVVHJPHQW

18 Suzuki Lets


7DNLQJWKHHYHUSRSXODU$FWLYDWRDQRWKHUOHYHO
+RQGDKDYHEHHIHGXSWKHVFRRWHUVSRZHUSODQWWR
FFDQGDGGHGDGLVFEUDNHVRWKDWWKHVWRSSLQJIRUFH
OLYHVXSWRWKHSRZHU


,QGLDQDXWRJLDQW0DKLQGUDVQHZ*XVWRLVVHWWR
HQWHUDFRPSHWLWLYHFFVFRRWHUPDUNHW7KLVVFRRWHU
GRHVKDYHDIHZWULFNVXSLWVVOHHYHWRVHWLWDSDUWIURP
LWVFRQWHPSRUDULHV


7KH/HWVLV\HWDQRWKHUFFFRQWHQGHUDQG
LVSDFNHGWRWKHEULPZLWKWHFKQRORJ\7KH-DSDQHVH
PDUTXHKRSHVWRDWWUDFW,QGLDV\RXQJVWHUVZLWKWKLV
QHZVFRRWHU

21 Honda Activa 125

Dear manufacturers, please ensure that employees and other associated personnel
refrain from participating in this vote so as to maintain the integrity of this award.

BIKE INDIA

19 TVS Scooty Zest 110

READERS
CHOICE
AWARDS
2015


:KLOH796KDYHPDUNHWHGWKLVVFRRWHU
SUHGRPLQDQWO\WRWKHIDLUVH[WKLV]LSS\ULGHKDVZKDWLW
WDNHVWRKROGLWVRZQDPRQJDOORILWVSHHUV


$WKRURXJKO\PRGHUQWDNHRQDQLFRQLF%ULWLVK
FODVVLFWKHQHZ7ULXPSK%RQQHYLOOHRU%RQQLHLV
QRZODUJHUPRUHSRZHUIXODQGIDVWHUWKDQHYHUEHIRUH

17

15 Kawasaki Ninja 1000


)RUWKRVHORQJPLOHPXQFKLQJULGHVWKH1LQMD
PDUULHVSRZHUDQGSHUIRUPDQFHZLWKVSRUW
WRXULQJVHQVLELOLWLHVWRPDNHRQHH[FLWLQJSDFNDJH

Nominate your choice and WIN.


To vote, e-mail to
biawards@nextgenpublishing.net
with your choice mentioned in the
subject line. Voting open till
midnight, 15 January 2015
Winners will be announced in the
March 2015 issue

16 Triumph Thunderbird LT

:LWKWKHQHZ7KXQGHUELUG/77ULXPSKKDYH

MAHINDRA Gusto

13

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC

18

SUZUKI Lets

14

TRIUMPH Bonneville

19

TOSHIBA
USB PEN
DRIVES

TVS Scooty Zest 110

15

KAWASAKI Ninja 1000

20

FREE

YAMAHA Cygnus Alpha

SUBSCRIPTIONS
IND IAS

16

NO. 1
TWO

21

WHE ELE

R MAG
AZIN E,

BY FAR
!
` 100

VOLUM
E 10

ISSUE 006
JANUARY
2015
WWW.BIKEI
NDIA.IN

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TRIUMPH Thunderbird LT

www.bikeindia.in

HONDA Activa 125

PUBLISHIN

IBW PRE
VIEW:
What the
heads of
H-D,

Triumph
and

DSK Bene
lli have

FOR SIX
MONTHS
TO
BIKE INDIA

to say

JANUARY 2015

73

Worldmags.net

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Worldmags.net

FEATURE ROYAL ENFIELD RIDER MANIA

Worldmags.net

BULLET-OWNERS
NIRVANA
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the participation of more than 5,000 people
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY: ROMMEL ALBUQUERQUE

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Worldmags.net

d. It was none
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RIDER MANIA

he day ended
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It was
refreshing to see many
female participants

Isle of Man
TT racer Guy Martin
taking his victory lap

www.bikeindia.in

JANUARY 2015

77

COVER STORY TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XRx & XCx

Worldmags.net

TIGER,

Despite its adventure bike looks, the new Triumph Tiger 800
XRx is very much meant to stay on tarmac. And its pretty
good on its chosen terrain as we found out
on the twisty roads of Andalusia in Spain

78

JANUARY 2015

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TAMED

TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XRx & XCx

STORY: ANINDA SARDAR

PHOTOGRAPHY: TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES

www.bikeindia.in

JANUARY 2015

79

COVER STORY TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XRx

Worldmags.net

TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XRx


IN THE WORLD OF FOUR-WHEELERS
we see SUVs, traditionally meant for off-road
use, increasingly being created to behave more
and more like road-going passenger cars. While
purists may continue to scream foul, the
simple logic that manufacturers use is that a
majority of SUV buyers the world over simply
do not take their vehicles off the road. Now the
phenomenon seems to be trickling down to the
world of two-wheelers as well where now you
can get what looks like an adventure bike but is
essentially a road-biased bike. That is not to say
that the bike cannot be ridden off the road;
these motorcycles still have some off-road
abilities, but they are certainly not in the same
league as a proper off-roader.
So it is with the new Triumph Tiger 800
XRx. If you were to catch a glimpse of a parked
one as you were walking by, youd be forgiven
for thinking this is an off-road
motorcycle. Indeed, it looks the
part. In reality, however, the XRx
version of the Tiger is actually a
road-biased motorcycle. This
despite the styling that suggests
otherwise. To be fair to Triumph,
though, there is an XCx version
available that is better geared for
all-terrain use.
On the styling front, those of
you who have seen the Tiger 800
XC that we featured in our
SUHYLRXVLVVXHVRULQWKHpHVKZLOO
notice the absence of the
characteristic beak. Instead there
LVDVQXEELO\pDWQRVH/RRN
closer and youd also notice that
the XRxs 19-inch dia front alloy
wheel is a couple of inches
smaller than the off-road-biased XCxs 21-inch
wire spoke wheel. Dig deeper into the steel
WUHOOLVIUDPHDQG\RXoQGRXWWKDWZKLOHWKH
XRx sports Showa suspension, the XCx gets a
WP unit. And then you sit on the bike. The
difference is instantly noticeable, for the XRx is
a good 30 millimetres taller.
In its XRx form, the Tigers perch varies
between 810 mm and 830 mm, depending on
how you set the tool-less two-step height
adjustment mechanism on the seat. There is
also an optional low seat that further lowers the
saddle height to 790-810 mm. Given how tall
this shorter of the two Tigers is, lowering the
VHDWLPPHGLDWHO\ERRVWV\RXUFRQoGHQFHDV\RX
can quite comfortably get both feet planted on
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this feature, however, is that over long durations
you can feel cramped on account of the reduced
OHJURRP'HVSLWHLWVRIIHURIORZHUFRQoGHQFH

the taller seat actually works out better on long


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youll gain anyway over a few kilometres of
riding this bike.
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next topic. Its a tall and powerful motorcycle. So
the assumption would be that this is not going to
be an easy ride. On the contrary, the Triumph
Tiger 800 XRx is an exceedingly easy
PRWRUF\FOHWRULGH(YHQIRUoUVWWLPHUV1RZ
Ive ridden the old Tiger 800 XC on Indian
roads and I found it to be quite rider-friendly,
but this bike takes it to a different level. Triumph
have given the bike a ride-by-wire throttle. As a
result, throttle inputs on this motorcycle have
almost become an intuitive affair.
Power continues to come from that rather
sweet 800-cc liquid-cooled 12-valve DOHC
in-line triple. At 9,250 RPM the unit puts out a
maximum of 95 PS with a peak torque of 79

This is a motorcycle
that you can ride to work,
ride for the heck of it or
for no particular reason
at all. Itll do kilometre
after kilometre without
exhausting you and yet
it will not be boring at
any stage

80

JANUARY 2015

SPEC TALK
TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XRx
Price: Rs 12.5 lakh (estimated)
ENGINE
Type
Displacement
Comp Ratio
Carburation
Valve gear
Bore x Stroke
Max Power
Max Torque

Liquid-cooled, transverse triple


799cc
11.1:1
Digital fuel-injection
DOHC, 12 valves
74 x 61.9 mm
95 PS @ 9,250 RPM
79 Nm @ 7,850 RPM

FUEL EFFICIENCY
Fuel capacity
Wet weight

19 litres
216 kg

TRANSMISSION
Clutch
Transmission

Wet multi-plate
Six-speed

CHASSIS
Wheel (Front)
Wheel (Rear)
Brakes (Front)

2.50 x 19; cast aluminium


4.25 x 17 cast aluminium
Dual 308-mm discs, twin-piston Nissin
callipers, ABS
Brakes (Rear)
255-mm disc, single-piston Nissin
calliper, ABS
Tyre (Front)
110/90 x 19 Pirelli Scorpion
Tyre (Rear)
150/70 x 17 Pirelli Scorpion
Suspension (Front) Showa 43-mm telescopic USD fork,
180-mm travel, no adjustment
Suspension (Rear) Showa monoshock, 170-mm wheel
travel, adjustable for preload
Wheelbase
1555 mm
Seat height
810/830 mm
Rake/trail
23.7 / 86.2 mm

Nm kicking in at 7,850 turns. Transmitting all


this to the rear wheel is a slick-shifting six-speed
gearbox. Acceleration is a brisk affair but not a
scary one. Theres enough linearity in the
delivery of the 95 Pferde (horses in German) for
the rider to be able to gauge what throttle input
will result into what output in forward motion.
Top speed again is irrelevant on a motorcycle of
this nature. It was neither built for nor is it ever
used for the sole purpose of outright velocity.
Nevertheless, the bike is capable of doing pretty
high speeds. On one empty straight stretch in
Spain I recall seeing over 160 km/h on the
digital speedometer and I was not the fastest in
the group! So for the two-wheeled-adventure
junkie who also craves speed, theres enough of
it coming from the Tiger 800 XRx.
Like its older avatar, the new Tiger XRx
continues to handle very well. Its road-going
manners, be it on straights or round bends,

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XRx

GEARCHECK
Rider
Sayem Parvez Syed
Helmet Studds
Jacket DSG

Gloves
Boots

DSG
Woodland

RIDING GEAR PARTNER


Denim Wrangler Tough Gear

www.bikeindia.in

JANUARY 2015

81

COVER STORY TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XRx

Worldmags.net

are polished and sophisticated. At no point in


time do you feel the hairs on the back of your
neck stand up as you think youre going to be
thrown off. Instead, the trellis frame works in
collaboration with the suspension to make you
IHHOFRPIRUWDEOHDQGFRQoGHQW5LGHTXDOLW\
however, could be better. On the couple of
times that we went over some patchy surface,
the bikes 43-mm Showa USD forks with 180
mm of travel and hydraulic preload adjustable
Showa mono-shock with 170 mm of travel felt
oUPDQGRQHFRXOGIHHOWKHURDGVKRFNVEHLQJ

82

JANUARY 2015

transmitted through the backbone. Not jarring,


but they were there. In fact, I personally found
the more off-road biased XCx to be the better
riding bike of the two.
To stop, the Tiger 800, on-road or off-road
WULPJHWVDSDLURIPPGLDpRDWLQJGLVFV
with Nissin twin-piston callipers and
switchable ABS up front with a single 255-mm
dia Nissin single-piston calliper, again with
switchable ABS. Theres enough bite coming
from the stoppers to haul this motorcycle down
from all sorts of speeds but feedback from the

lever could be better.


On the whole, after a full days riding what
amazed me the most about the Tiger was the
ease of riding. This is a motorcycle that you can
ride to work, ride for the heck of it or for no
particular reason at all. Itll do kilometre after
kilometre without exhausting you and yet it
will not be boring at any stage. In many ways
this could be the perfect bike, if only there ever
were such a thing. Now we wait for its arrival
in India and watch how Triumph will price this
great motorcycle.

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XCx


COVER STORY

Worldmags.net

SPEC TALK
TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XCx
Price: Rs 13 lakh (estimated)
ENGINE
Type
Displacement
Comp Ratio
Carburation
Valve gear
Bore x Stroke
Max Power
Max Torque

Liquid-cooled, transverse triple


799 cc
11.1:1
Digital fuel-injection
DOHC, 12 valves
74 x 61.9 mm
95 PS at 9,250 RPM
79 Nm at 7,850 RPM

FUEL EFFECIENCY
Fuel capacity
Wet weight

19 litres
221 kg

TRANSMISSION
Clutch
Transmission

Wet multi-plate
Six-speed

CHASSIS
Wheel (Front)
Wheel (Rear)
Brakes (Front)

2.50 x 21; wire spoked


4.25 x 17; wire spoked
Dual 308-mm discs, twin-piston Nissin
callipers, ABS
Brakes (Rear)
255-mm disc. single-piston Nissin
calliper, ABS
Tyre (Front)
90/90 x 21 Bridgestone Battlewing
Tyre (Rear)
150/70 x 17 Bridgestone Battlewing
Suspension (Front) WP, 43-mm telescopic USD fork, 220mm travel, adjustment for compression
and rebound damping
Suspension (Rear) WP monoshock, 215-mm wheel travel,
adjustments for preload and rebound
damping
Wheelbase
1,568 mm
Seat height
840/860 mm
Rake/trail
23.1 / 91.1 mm

84

JANUARY 2015

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XCx


AFTER SETTING OFF ON THE XCX
we were led straight to the quarry with its
undulating oval loop of a dirt test-track,
suggesting Triumph were keen to highlight the
improved off-road ability that comes with this,
the most expensive of the four Tigers. The XCx is
certainly well-equipped for rough surfaces, as it
features not only WP suspension with plenty of
travel, but also tubular steel engine bars and an
aluminium bash-plate.
That suspension means its a tall bike, with a
standard seat that is quickly adjustable between
840 and 860 millimetres. Being tall I had no
problems with the higher setting, and average
KHLJKWULGHUVVHHPHGoQHZLWKWKHORZHURQH
(Theres also 20-mm lower accessory seat.) At 221
kg the XCx is a few kilos heavier than the old XC
model due to its extra features, and slightly lighter
than most larger-capacity adventure bikes.
The Triumph was certainly easy to ride and
manoeuvrable after wed reached the quarry and
paused to change to the Off-road setting by
pressing the button on the instrument panel. This
adjusts throttle response (the 95-PS max output
remains unchanged but delivery is more gentle),
and selects the low-grip versions of the traction
control and ABS, the latter disabling anti-lock on
the rear wheel.
That softly tuned and ultra-torquey triple
motor has always been pretty well-suited to
off-road use, and thats even more true of this
subtly tweaked latest version. It pulled from
DEVROXWHO\QRZKHUHGLGDJRRGMRERIoQGLQJ
grip on an often bumpy and rutted surface, and
helped make the Tiger very controllable. The
XSGDWHGJHDUER[VKLIWHGpDZOHVVO\HYHQZKHQ,
was standing on the pegs and wearing big
motocross boots.
I was also impressed by the electronic aids that
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UHDQ
expert off-road rider, in which case youd
probably turn them off). The traction control
worked very well on the dry surface, allowing just
a little bit of slide but giving hard acceleration out
of bumpy dirt turns with no worries about the
rear end stepping right out.
The ABS was useful too, the front wheels
anti-lock allowing quite hard stopping even on
GLUWZLWKDVHFXULW\WKDWPDQ\ULGHUVZLOOoQG

www.bikeindia.in

TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XCx

reassuring. Disabling the ABS in off-road mode


PDNHVSOHQW\RIVHQVHEXWRQWKHoUVWVWHHS
rutted downhill I discovered a glitch with the
Tigers braking off-road, because after skidding
WKHUHDUW\UHDWVORZVSHHGLQoUVWJHDUWKHEUDNH
stayed on even when I released the pedal,
resulting in a long rear-wheel skid.
Some other riders had the same issue, which
seemed to be triggered because with the throttle
shut the revs dropped so much that, on a loose
downhill surface, the non-knobbly Pirelli
Scorpion rear tyre couldnt regain enough traction
to get the engine turning again. To their credit,
Triumph immediately reported the issue back to
Hinckley. The following day engineers
experimented and tweaked the fuel map, then
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ELNHV:HKDGWRp\KRPHHDUO\WKHQH[WPRUQLQJ
so had no chance to test the result, but Im
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begins at the end of the year.
The XCxs WP suspension was excellent on
the rutted off-road route, and also worked well
after wed switched modes to Road and headed
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Theres plenty to be said for having lots of
suspension travel when its as well controlled as
the Tigers, whether youre riding over the
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hitting occasional potholes on the open road.
The three-cylinder engine played its part well,
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easy to ride. I could run the revs down below

The Triumph Tiger 800XCx


is probably the best value,
provided you do actually
want to ride off-road from
time to time. On a bike as
capable as this, it would be a
real shame not to

JANUARY 2015

85

TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XCx


COVER STORY

Worldmags.net

3,000 RPM even in top gear, then twist the


throttle to send the Tiger surging forward, pretty
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EUDNLQJDQGWKHUHDUHQGVTXDWWHGDELWXQGHUKDUG

86

JANUARY 2015

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UHDOVKDPHQRWWR

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Worldmags.net

TRIUMPH TIGER 800


COVER STORY

Worldmags.net

TIGER TECH
THE BASICS OF THE 800-CC,
12-valve triple motor are unchanged, as is its
maximum output of 95 PS at 9,250 RPM, but
there are numerous changes both internally
and externally, mostly aimed at increasing
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injection system, reshaped ports, higher-lift
cams and valve springs taken from the

Daytona 675 contribute to a claimed 17 per


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A new 476W alternator reduces inertia for a
revvier feel, and also incorporates improved
management so it can deal better with heated
FORWKLQJDQGRWKHUDFFHVVRULHV5HoQHPHQWV
include a revised primary drive teeth and a
new camchain tensioner borrowed from the

7LJHU([SORUHU7KHJHDUER[LVXSGDWHGXVLQJ
parts from the Daytona 675, for a smoother
change; heat management is improved with a
ODUJHUUDGLDWRUDUHDSOXVUHVKDSHGERG\ZRUN
The new ride-by-wire injection system
allows all four Tiger models to gain traction
FRQWURO$%6EUDNLQJLVDOVRVWDQGDUG,Q
addition the XCx and XRx come with

2
1 Clocks give out a
host of info thats
easy to read on
the go

2 Triumph is also
offering a special
seat for those
looking for
additional comfort

3 The XRx gets 19inch alloys. Brakes


offer good bite
but could do with
more feel

5
4 Heated grips and
fog lamps are
optional. Buttons
marked with i are
for altering info

5 Switchgear is
common to both
XRx and XCx and
easy to reach

88

JANUARY 2015

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net
multiple riding modes: a choice of Road,
Off-road or a programmable Rider mode; and
four throttle response settings, all of which
keep the same 95 PS maximum: Sport, Road,
Rain and Off-road.
The four-model Tiger 800 range comprises
the basic roadster XR and more off-roady XC,
plus the upmarket XRx roadster and XCx off-

roader. Both roadster models have cast 19-inch


front wheels and Showa suspension with
43-mm forks and monoshock, giving 180 mm
and 170 mm of travel at front and rear. Both
XC models have a wire-spoked 21-inch front
wheel and adjustable WP suspension with
extra suspension travel: 220 mm front and
215 mm rear.

10

TRIUMPH TIGER 800

The x-models are also equipped with


some extra features. Both get hand-guards,
self-cancelling indicators, cruise-control, a
centre-stand and a second 12V power socket.
In addition the XRx comes with a handadjustable screen plus a two-piece comfort
seat, while the XCx adds engine bars and an
aluminium bash-plate.

7
6 Three-cylinder
HQJLQHLVUHQHG
with linear power
delivery

7 Optional fog lamps


are protected by
an aluminium
guard and look
smart

8 XCx gets WP
suspension while
the XRx gets
Showa

9
9 Suspension set
up provides good
balance between
ride and handling

10 XCx gets 21-inch

front wheel with


wire spokes

www.bikeindia.in

JANUARY 2015

89

FIRST RIDE TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE

Worldmags.net

Power
Up
Triumphs most affordable triple seems a logical
step up from Indian big bikes, but how easy
is it to live with in the city? Read on
STORY: JIM GORDE PHOTOGRAPHY: SANJAY RAIKAR

90

JANUARY 2015

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STREET TRIPLE

JANUARY 2015

91

FIRST RIDE TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE

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TS TIME TO MOVE ON. YOU KNOW


it is. Weve been stuck and struggling long
enough. Weve been handed things we
couldnt change, and made to live with them
for want of better options, or simply lack of
knowledge. Not any longer, though. For those
who dare to take the next step, past the classics and
on to the more powerful, street-oriented variety,
Triumph Motorcycles India have just the thing.
The Street Triple has been one of Triumphs
most powerful naked roadsters for a while,
growing in size ever so slightly over time. It marks
the move up from the logical chain of Pulsars and
Dukes to multi-cylinder territory, with more
power, more mass, and more speed, of course. As
RXUoFWLRQDOIULHQGO\QHLJKERXUKRRGVXSHUKHUR
learned, with more power comes more
responsibility. Thus, the Street Triple is the ideal
bike to graduate to once youve experienced and
mastered the lower rungs of the ladder. Moving
past the 150s, 250s and even 400s, this 675-cc triple
is the lightest, most nimble and easy-handling
motorcycle there is on sale in the country today.
Moreover, the 80-PS output is also something
which makes you think twice about plonking
more than twice the amount on a litre-bike, which
though more than twice as powerful would also be
much heavier. The power in question has been a
subject of discussion for a while and we shall
discuss it later.

The Street Triple then is a credible naked street


bike, so we took it around the city to see how well
it would tackle the chaos and mingle in it. The
looks are outright stripped-down sport and with
those twin-eye headlamps, it even looks as if the
fairing has been pared off, exposing the frame and
engine in the process very mean! The vibrant
metallic colour combinations like this shade of
Caribbean Blue are indeed eye-catching. The
large, muscular 17.4-litre fuel-tank is a nice bit to
get comfy with, especially considering the wide
single-piece stepped seat this roadster packs. The
exhaust moves from under the seat and is now of
the protruding under-belly variety with a threeLQWRRQHOD\RXW7KDW
VJRLQJWRFUHDWHVRPHoQH
noise indeed.
The new Street Triple may be lighter, but it still
packs the goodies equipment-wise. You get a
coded immobiliser, Kayaba upside-down front
forks and a rear monoshock adjustable for preload
and even a bit of under-seat storage. Right, its got
handlebars, foot-pegs, a nice seat and a big engine.
Thats really all the equipment you need to get
going. Swing a leg over, turn the key, pull the
clutch and thumb the starter. The Triple vrooms to
life with a sort of bark and settles into a steady idle.
The digital console is easy to read and the blue
LED rev lamps are a nice touch. The clutch is
incredibly light and a joy to use in the city, unlike
many a big bike which can get quite cumbersome

OPEN OFFICE: Looks stripped down, but its all there - numbers and details

Spend a day with it and its


HDV\WRQGRXWWKDWLWLVD
ORWRIIXQWRULGHDQGYHU\
HDV\WRPDQRHXYUH
92

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STREET TRIPLE

JANUARY 2015

93

FIRST RIDE TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE

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GEARCHECK
Rider
Jim Gorde
Helmet Kyt
Jacket DSG

Gloves
Boots

DSG
Xpd Ultra

RIDING GEAR PARTNER


Denim Wrangler Tough Gear

94

JANUARY 2015

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Worldmags.net

STREET TRIPLE

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UHEXV\VRDNLQJXS
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DUHRIIHUHGGHWXQHG:HOOWKHDQVZHUWRWKDW

Sharp, petite LED tail is probably the only thing the rest of the world will see

www.bikeindia.in

Threes company! Naked streeter proudly displays its heart and 3-into-1 exhaust

JANUARY 2015

95

FIRST RIDE TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE

Worldmags.net

would simply be the quality of fuel available here.


Even with BS4-standard fuel, supposed to be
91RON (Research Octane Number), which
GHWHUPLQHVKRZHIoFLHQWO\WKHIXHOFRPEXVWVWKH
quality is a far cry from Europe where 98RON is
easily available.
+LJKHURFWDQHIXHOKDVPDQ\VLJQLoFDQW
EHQHoWVLQFOXGLQJKLJKHUSRZHURXWSXWDQG
because it burns cleaner, lower emissions and
better fuel economy. Burning better quality fuel in
the same space yields better results. However, take
away the quality and you dont have much left
now, do you? The entire system has to be
optimised to handle that quality and if it isnt, there
will be far more severe consequences, in this
context: pinging and detonation, where the fuel
may spontaneously combust before the actual
timed ignition. This can cause irreparable damage

to the engine even over a small period of time,


especially when you consider that even 6,000
revolutions per minute is 100 piston travel
movements per second! Until fuel quality
improves, we have to get used to the fact that
the entire dollop of power overseas will never
quite be the same over here. Then again,
QHLWKHULVWKHWUDIoFRUVDIHW\VHQVHRIWKH
population at large.
When it comes down to the experience, the
Street Triple makes quite a case for itself and
answers the call of those looking for an appealing
yet affordable and usable muscle bike. At Rs 8.77
lakh (OTR, Pune) its not the most affordable,
but it does pack quite a wallop. Its one of those
bikes which make you say to yourself, Forget
what mummy and daddy and aunty and uncle
say, I want this! So, get with it and move on!

Yes. its a British street-bike with Italians handling the rear and Japanese handling stopping duties up front

SPEC TALK
TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE
Price: Rs 8.77 lakh (OTR, Pune)
ENGINE
Type

Liquid cooled, in-line Valve gear


DOHC, 12 valves
three-cylinder
Bore x Stroke 74.0 x 52.3 mm
Displacement 675 cc
Max Power
79.3 PS at
Comp Ratio
NA
11,050 RPM
Carburation

Sequential electronic Max Torque


fuel-injection

FUEL EFFECIENCY
Tank capacity 17.4 litres
Dry weight

Wet, multi-plate

Transmission Six-speed
CHASSIS
Type

Aluminium
beam, twin spar

Wheels
(Front/Rear)

17 x 3.5 /
17 x 5.5

Brakes (Rear) 220-mm disc


with Brembo
single-piston
calliper, ABS
Tyre (Front) 120/70 ZR17
Pirelli Diablo
Rosso Corsa
Tyre (Rear)

JANUARY 2015

TRANSMISSION
Clutch

168 kg

Brakes (Front) Twin floating


310-mm discs
with Nissin
two-piston sliding
callipers, ABS

96

57.3 Nm at
8,375 RPM

180/55 ZR17
Pirelli Diablo
Rosso Corsa

Suspension
(Front)

Kayaba 41-mm
USD forks,
110-mm travel

Suspension
(Rear)

Gas-damped
monoshock
with adjustable
preload,
124.5-mm
travel

Wheelbase

1,410 mm

Seat height

800 mm

Rake / Trail

24.1 / 99.6 mm

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

FIRST RIDE HONDA NM4 VULTUS

Worldmags.net

We rode the Japanimation-inspired


Honda NM4 Vultus recently. Here is
what the experience was like
STORY: ROLAND BROWN
PHOTOGRAPHY: PHIL MASTERS

98

JANUARY 2015

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HONDA NM4 VULTUS

JANUARY 2015

99

FIRST RIDE HONDA NM4 VULTUS

Worldmags.net

The Vultus is one of the strangest looking bikes for


years, and one of the most distinctly Japanese. Its
stealth bomber/Batbike like shape is inspired by
Japanimation, the style of cartoons, often featuring
super-heroes, that is popular in Japan. Yamaha
have tried to generate some of the same feel with
the Dark Side of Japan advertising for their MT
models. The Vultus takes the approach to a whole
new level.
How much this appeals to people outside Japan
(or Gotham City) is a moot point, but theres no
doubt the Vultus is a striking bike that generates
plenty of interest. Essentially, its a re-styled
version of Hondas Integra, the large-wheeled
scooter-come-motorbike. According to Honda,
the Vultus was created by a young team of
designers who were given a completely free hand,
and are trying to attract a new kind of rider to
motorcycling.
Beneath the angular bodywork is the 745-cc,
liquid-cooled parallel twin engine that powers the
Integra. As with that model it comes with Hondas
Dual Clutch Transmission as standard, rather than
as an option as with the NC750S roadster and
adventure styled NC750X that also use the same
lump. Maximum power output is an unchanged
54.7 PS at 6,250 RPM but this SOHC, longstroke engine, which began life as half a Honda
Jazz car unit, is all about gentle performance, broad
WRUTXHVSUHDGDQGIXHOHIoFLHQF\$VZLWKWKH
,QWHJUDLWVFKDLQoQDOGULYHVHHPVVOLJKWO\
incongruous for what in most respects is a giant
scooter.
Chassis layout also follows that of the Integra,
based on a steel frame, with non-adjustable front
forks, a single rear shock with Pro-Link linkage,
and a single wavy brake disc at each end. Wheels
are from a motorcycle rather than a scooter, with
18-inch front and 17-inch rear diameters. The
Vultus differs from the Integra in having thicker,
43-mm forks and a fatter, 200-section rear tyre.
One notable difference from most bikes, and
even the Integra, is its riding position. That seat is
knuckle-draggingly low at just 650 mm, and the
foot-boards are set well forward, giving a riding
position that feels almost more like that of a sports
car than a typical scooter. The riders part of the
seat is as broad as its low, and the pillion section
hinges to form a backrest that can be adjusted for
angle, and also forward and back through several
positions.
Inevitably the riding position means the Vultus
is very long, with a 1,645-mm wheelbase, and that
bulky bodywork contributes to it weighing a hefty
245 kg. Unfortunately, it shares the Integras
drawback of having an un-scooter like lack of
storage space, because its fuel tank and engine are
in the familiar motorbike place, ahead of the rider,
and its low seat leaves no room underneath.
Instead there are two compartments in the fairing,
one lockable and just about big enough for a
phone, the other slightly larger and not lockable.

100

JANUARY 2015

The basics of engine and chassis performance


are mostly quite good, if what you want is a slowrevving, respectably fast and very stable giant
scooter. The weight can make it feel unwieldy at
ORZVSHHGQRWKHOSHGLQWUDIoFE\WKHIDLULQJ
V
width and the DCT systems slight jerkiness and
lack of clutch. But at least the low seat will enable
riders of all sizes to put a foot down easily.
Hondas low-revving parallel twin engine is
well-suited to a laid-back machine, and bikes dont
come much more relaxed than the Vultus. Lowrev and midrange response is enjoyably strong,
giving plenty of pulling-away performance and a
respectable burst of acceleration for overtaking.
The SOHC unit is smooth and even has a
reasonably pleasant and long-legged character,
giving the ability to cruise effortlessly at an
indicated 120 km/h, and a top speed of over 160
km/h.
Once up to speed, the Vultus rumbles along
very pleasantly, and the dual-clutch system
complements it well. As with Hondas other DCT
models, you get a choice of manual shift, using
\RXUOHIWKDQG
VLQGH[oQJHUDQGWKXPEWRJRXS

and down through the six-speed box; or


automatic, which can be set to Drive or Sport
(via a button on the right bar), the latter allowing
more revs before the system seamlessly changes
up.
As with other DCT bikes, I found that even in
the Sport mode the system tended to change up
slightly too soon, occasionally when I really didnt
want it to (for example, in the middle of a
roundabout). But the system has been usefully
XSGDWHGVLQFHLWVODXQFKoYH\HDUVDJR,WVDXWR
modes gave a pleasantly relaxed feel, and the
manual modes paddle change was impressively
slick. In auto the thumb paddle can now be used
to add a quick down-change when slowing for a
bend, after which the system will return to its
previous mode. In town I appreciated not having
WRERWKHUFKDQJLQJGRZQRUoQGLQJQHXWUDODWWKH
lights, whichever mode the Vultus was in.
The Hondas handling also impressed, its long
wheelbase and 18-inch front wheel contributing to
a very stable feel at speed and when cornering.
The bike felt a bit ponderous in slow turns, but its
steering was nicely neutral. Suspension at both

Holy three-way
information console,
Batman!

The Vultus was created by a young


team of designers who were given
a completely free hand, and are
trying to attract a new kind of rider
to motorcycling

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HONDA NM4 VULTUS

JANUARY 2015

101

FIRST RIDE HONDA NM4 VULTUS

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ends worked pretty well, too, and ride quality was


very acceptable although most of the riders weight
goes through the seat, and theres only 100 mm of
rear wheel travel.
There was even enough ground clearance to put
the Dunlops to good use in bends, before the footboards started to scrape. The only part of the
chassis to let the side down was the brakes. I
thought the twin-pot front and single-pot rear
callipers surprisingly feeble for a machine of this
weight, and the ABS system cut in far too early.
You also have to move your foot a long way to use
the pedal, adding to stopping distance.
Disappointingly the Vultus falls down in much
of its detailing, suggesting that its youthful design

102

JANUARY 2015

team have more experience of reading comics than


riding motorbikes. The screen is so low that it
directed turbulence straight at my head, making
for a loud ride. A simple adjustment system could
have dramatically improved it. At least a taller
screen is available as an accessory.
The fairing gives reasonable protection to the
upper body. But its broadest part, which holds the
mirrors, is too low, so my hands didnt get much
wind protection and the mirrors showed mostly
forearms. In cold weather youd need heated grips,
another accessory. The fairing lowers give some
protection but the Vultus wouldnt keep the rain
RII\RXUOHJVDVHIoFLHQWO\DVPRVWVFRRWHUV
The fairing pockets are not only small but

poorly designed. The left one holds an electrical


socket but I didnt fancy the idea of my fragile
phone rattling around in a hard, irregularly shaped
compartment that could surely have been made
much more accommodating. The pillion seat
hinges to form a useful backrest, but its a shame
Honda didnt design it to reveal a luggage rack
with bungee points, as the hinged seat of BMWs
R1200C did almost 20 years ago.
There was no chance of using a tank-bag on the
steeply angled, plastic fuel-tank cover so I had to
lash my bag to the backrest, and risk wearing away
the paintwork. The Vultus was originally displayed
at Japanese shows with integrated panniers. These
are available as an accessory but would have been

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

usefully included as standard, although they arent


very big. The pillion seat is a reasonable size but
the passenger gets only a strap to hold.
By contrast, the Vultus design team did a good
job with the instrument console, whose digital
display illuminates in a choice of 25 colours. Better
still, it can be set to change colour with the
different riding modes: blue for Drive, pink for
Sport and orange for Manual. All right, so its
hardly a game-changer, but I thought it was a cool
feature. The display is legible and includes most
information, including a fuel-gauge, though not a
consumption reading. With a capacity of 11.6 litres
the Vultus holds less fuel than the Integra, but with
the economical twin sipping gas at 3.7 litres / 100

km or less it should still give a reasonable range of


well over 250 km.
That should help make the Vultus reasonably
economical to run, and its cartoon-inspired image
will doubtless appeal to some people, especially
those who like being the centre of attention every
time they park. But the Integra has very similar
performance, better wind protection, slightly more
storage space and is roughly 20 per cent less
expensive. More to the point, the more versatile
NC750S and X are considerably less expensive
still, even with their optional DCT included.
If you can overlook the Vultuss drawbacks, and
arent bothered by its price, it does have a unique
appeal. With the accessory taller screen and

You do not want to see those


in a dark alley, or in your
mirrors if youre the bad guy

HONDA NM4 VULTUS


SDQQLHUVoWWHGLWZRXOGPDNHDQHQMR\DEOHDQG
reasonably practical bike. But the Honda
ultimately comes across as a young design teams
study that has been allowed to go all the way to
production, when ideally an experienced designer
should have reviewed the project and sent it back
for some important revisions.
That didnt happen and the result is a machine
that succeeds in its aim of looking futuristic and
drawing attention to its rider, and is fun to ride.
But its hard to see who, apart from a few Batman
or Japanimation fans, is going to buy one when
there are numerous far more practical and less
expensive alternatives, several from Honda
themselves, that make a lot more sense.

Good back support for


the man when theres
no Robin at the rear

SPEC TALK
HONDA NM4 VULTUS
ENGINE
Type

Liquid-cooled
parallel twin

Displacement 745 cc
Comp Ratio

10.7:1

Carburation

Electronic
fuel-injection

FUEL EFFECIENCY
Fuel capacity 11.6 litres
Weight

Valve gear

SOHC, eight valves

Bore x Stroke 77 x 80 mm
Max Power

54.7 PS at
6,250 RPM

Max Torque

68 Nm at
4,750 RPM

TRANSMISSION
Clutch

245 kg (kerb)

Wet, multi-plate,
dual

Transmission Dual-clutch,
6-speed
CHASSIS
Wheel (Front) 3.50 x 18 inch;
cast aluminium

Tyre (Rear)

200/50 x 17 inch
Dunlop Sportmax
D423

Suspension
(Front)

43-mm
telescopic fork,
125-mm travel

Suspension
(Rear)

Pro-Link single
shock, 100-mm
wheel travel

Wheelbase

1,645 mm

Wheel (Rear) 6.25 x 17 inch;


cast aluminium
Brakes (Front) Twin-piston
callipers, 320mm wave disc
with ABS
Brakes (Rear) Single-piston
calliper, 240-mm
wave disc with
ABS
Tyre (Front) 120/70 x 18
inch Dunlop
Sportmax D423

www.bikeindia.in

Seat height

650 mm

Rake/trail

33/110 mm

JANUARY 2015

103

SPORT NEWS

Worldmags.net

Team Hero EBR in


WSBK 2015

Ducati
Celebrate WSBK
IN ORDER TO CELEBRATE
their illustrious past in WSBK,
Ducati recently set up an
exhibition within the exhibition at
the Bologna Motor Show. On
display were the amazing
motorcycles such as the twincylinder maniac machines of
yesteryears that made Ducati a
force to reckon with in WSBK.
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63DQGWKHLUoUVWPDQXIDFWXUHU
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3ROHQ$WRQHWLPHWKHZRUOG
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beautiful motorcycle, the Ducati
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:6%.6SHFRQZKLFK
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Not only that, Ducati also
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added to the attractions on display.
7KH3DQLJDOHZKLFKFRPSHWHG
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the stars at the Ducati stand.

ERICK BUELL RACING


(EBR) recently announced that
they were headed to the World
Superbike Championship in 2015.
For this, EBR has put a team
together, called Team Hero EBR,
which will have its base in Italy.
7KH\ZLOOEHoHOGLQJWKHLUODWHVW
$PHULFDQVXSHUELNHWKH5;
which will be ridden by Larry
3HJUDPDQG1LFFRO&DQHSD
Apart from being one of the riders
LQWKHWHDP3HJUDPZLOODOVRSOD\
WKHUROHRIWHDPPDQDJHU3HJUDP
has a wealth of experience both in
racing and managing. He has
successfully managed his own team

in the past and is also the creator of


a popular Superbike family reality
television series in the US.
Team Hero EBRs second rider,
Niccolo Canepa, is an experienced
racer who has won the 2007
Superstock championship and has
also participated in the Evo
category. He will be making a
switch from riding in the
aforementioned categories to the
most competitive Superbike
category in the championship.
Indias Hero MotoCorp continues
to be the prime sponsor for EBR
and we wish the team well for the
2015 season.

Thailand
Joins WSBK

AFTER MALAYSIA, THAILAND HAS


become the latest South-East Asian country to
welcome the exciting and thrilling world of
Superbike racing. Recently, FIM (Fdration
Internationale de Motocyclisme) and Dorna
signed a three-year contract with Chang
International Circuit, in Buriram, Thailand.
Under this deal, the newly constructed track
will host the second round of the 2015 WSBK
championship. However, only Supersport
and Superbike races are to be held at the
Chang Circuit.
7KLVLVJRRGQHZVIRU:6%.DoFLRQDGRVLQ
India, as they can now witness their favourite
WSBK riders in action in a country which is
easily accessible and not prohibitively expensive.

104

JANUARY 2015

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

SPORT MARC MARQUEZ

Worldmags.net

ITS EASIER IF YOU START


Marc Marquez is the youngest MotoGP double world champion. Bike India sits
GRZQZLWKWKHZLQQLQJ+5&ULGHUWRQGRXWZKDWPDNHVKLPWLFN
INTERVIEWED BY: JIM GORDE
Bike India (BI): Would you like to see
MotoGP in India? How do you feel about
racing in India?
Marc Marquez (MM): Yes, of course, I would
really like to come some day because I know in
that part MotoGP is really big and its important
for the manufacturers because they sell a lot of
bikes there. We should go and show all the
Indian fans the bikes.

target is to try to enjoy. Of course, you try to


enjoy, but sometimes you dont enjoy when the
situation is not good. I think if you dont enjoy
what you do, then its impossible to be good.
BI : What do you feel about more new
teams coming in?
MM: New manufacturers coming in is important
for the championship and on the track. Also for
the riders, its better to have more options.

BI : Was there any pressure on you with the


big record of wins?
MM: No, there was no pressure because it
was a record I am happy to beat, but it is not the
most important record, for Mick [Doohan] won
12 times but from 17 races, and I raced 18 races
and won 13 times, so now its easier to get it
because there are more races. In a way, of
course Im happy!

BI : Whom do you see as your biggest


challenge next year?
MM: Valentino [Rossi] will be my main rival in
EHFDXVHKHoQLVKHGVHFRQG2IFRXUVH
Jorge [Lorenzo] and Dani [Pedrosa] will be
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for the championship again.

BI : Your family have been extremely


supportive, havent they?
MM: My family have always been big fans of
motorcycles, but my father and my mother never
competed. When I was young, I asked for a
bike, and they gifted one to me. Riding is my
hobby. I enjoy a lot on the bike so I try to
continue and I was really lucky because nine
years on, one team was all for me and my career.
)RUDQRUPDOIDPLO\LW
VYHU\GLIoFXOWEHFDXVHLQ
the end, the motorcycle is expensive and you
need the money, and that team supported me.
That was the most important point of my career.
BI : What bike was it?
MM: It was a Yamaha PeeWee. It was the only
bike I could ride at that time.
BI : How much easier is it to start young?

106

JANUARY 2015

MM: If you start young, its easier, because you


have more time to learn and gain experience and
everything. Four years old is maybe too young
(laughs). If you start at seven or eight, I think is
not a problem.

BI : Who do you look up to in the ranks?


MM: Of course, Valentino Rossi. Also, Dani
[Pedrosa]. Dani was one of my friends because
when I was in the Spanish Championship, he
was winning in 125 and also in 250. But,
VSHFLoFDOO\P\KHURZDV9DOHQWLQR
BI : Was there more pressure on
you this year, having already
won last year?
MM: Yes, of course, this year there was a lot of
pressure because last year I won and this year I
was the favourite to get the title, but, in the end,
I tried to change the pressure into motivation.
The people put that pressure on you because
they think that you can do it. If not, they
wouldnt do that.
BI : What goes through your mind every
time you get astride your bike?
MM: :KHQ,ULGHWKHELNHDOZD\VWKHoUVW

BI : How do you feel when you crash?


MM: When you crash, it depends, sometimes
on the front its okay, on the side its a little bit
painful. But when you crash in a race,
immediately you want to ride in the next race or
try to forget, but its important to analyse the
situation to understand your mistake and what
happened. When I was younger, I crashed many
times, but one thing that my manager said to me
was, its easier to learn to ride the bike and not
crash, than to learn to be fast.
BI : Whats the secret of your speed? You
dont always get the best starts, yet you
DOZD\VoQGVSHHGWKURXJKWKHUDFH,VLW
down to the tyres or your cornering?
MM: I start normally with the used tyres. I
manage really well because my riding is tight.
Already in 125 and Moto2 and now in MotoGP,
its the same. It feels okay in the beginning, but I
dont want to push.

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

MARC MARQUEZ

YOUNG

www.bikeindia.in

JANUARY 2015

107

SPORT DANI PEDROSA

Worldmags.net

LOOKING
FORWARD

It was close but no cigar for Dani Pedrosa this year,


and Bike India had a word with the HRC rider to
know what he thought of the year that was
INTERVIEWED BY: JIM GORDE
Bike India (BI): You have many fans in
India. Would you like to visit or perhaps
race there?
Dani Pedrosa (DP): Well, I didnt know I had
so many fans in India. I havent been there or
raced there before. Theyve had Formula 1 there.
At the moment I dont have the chance to have a
private time but one day if its possible, it can be
one destination.
BI : How different was this year for you and
how much different was the bike?
DP:,WZDVDWRXJK\HDUDQGLWZDVGLIoFXOWWR
race, but, at the same time, Marc [Marquez]
was also doing a good job and giving a good
performance. He seemed a little bit more
FRQoGHQWPRUHFRPIRUWDEOHDQGPRUH
GHWHUPLQHG,W
VQRUPDOIURPWKHoUVW\HDUWR
the second you have another step. For sure now
there is some difference. Its hard to explain,
but the bike is an evolution and still a Honda
and it still works the same way. Sure, there are
some points where the bike can be stronger; we
have to work to make the bike better than now.
Its still a long way and at the moment its still
WKHYHU\oUVWUXQDQGZHKDYHWRGRPRUHODSV
to understand it better.
BI : Michelin steps in next year. How do
you expect it to be?
DP: For sure, the quality of the tyre will be
good. They have a good experience in
MotoGP. It will be interesting as the tyre
manufacturer and the Japanese have completely
different ways of making tyres and the bikes
behaviour will also be different. You run many,
many tyres and here and there sometimes you

108

JANUARY 2015

KDYHLVVXHVEXWLW
VDFRQVWDQWWKLQJLQWKLVoHOG

BI : How was 2014 for you? What do you


want to do differently?
DP: Its not my best season; Im a little
disappointed that I didnt express myself. This
doesnt give me a good feeling, but you have to
learn that not every year is the same and these
are the moments where you have to take it in
your stride, not everything in life comes
together. We had a slightly different approach.
If I do the same, I know what the outcome will
be (laughs). There are many things but you
have to be correct in the things you touch;
sometimes you have to do a big thing and
sometimes you just have to do small
adjustments.
BI : How do you describe your relationship
with your team-mate?
DP: Weve known each other a long time and
we have a good relationship in the box
obviously, and on the racetrack we are 100 per
cent for the win. Of course, racing is hard and
we may touch again in the future. When you
race against someone stronger and especially if
its a team-mate, this makes you better because
you have to push yourself. Somebody else is
doing things that you cannot do, but you do
WKLQJVWKDWKHFDQGR<RXWU\WRoQGDEDODQFH
and you learn from him and he learns from you.
Thats how it goes when you have a really
competitive team-mate. Your level goes up. If
you are winning, you and your team-mate are
learning at the same time. Even if you dont
win, you still learn a lot and have the will to
overcome the situation.

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

www.bikeindia.in

DANI PEDROSA

JANUARY 2015

109

SPORT MARC MARQUEZ

Worldmags.net

Everyone Wants
to Be Marc

Marc Marquezs brilliance has changed riding technique and racing strategies in MotoGP.
No wonder everybody wants to be Marquez, but is it as simple as that?
REPORT: MAT OXLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: DPPI

Transformation One: Riding Technique


Of course, you try to copy the winner: Marquez
IF YOU WANT TO WIN, DO WHAT THE
winner does and do it better. This is the usual way
in sport, in business, in politics and in war.
Only once in a generation in bike racing does
someone come along who rides his own way and
waits for everyone else to emulate him. In the
1970s it was King Kenny Roberts and now its
Marc Marquez.
Roberts changed everything by pivoting the
bike around the rear tyre to magic faster lap times.
Marquez does the same, rejecting the wheels-inline technique made viable once again by traction
control. And he does something else too. Its
about how he rotates the bike into the corner and
how quick he does that, says Freddie Spencer, the
Marc Marquez of the 1980s. Its like hes overturning and going beyond the grip level of the front
tyre, so hes using speed and tyre movement to get
the bike to pivot around the front tyre.
At the moment only Marquez can do this,
though during 2014 some of his rivals watched and
learned and closed the gap, sometimes by riding
closer to the edge rather than by improving their
technique. Marc takes more risks, so the others
have to take more risks, says Marquezs Repsol
Honda team boss, Livio Suppo. They have to
accept that and adapt.
Jorge Lorenzos Movistar Yamaha team boss,
Wilco Zeelenberg, thinks the same. For sure
Marc has taken everything to the next level, says
the 250 GP winner. At the moment hes capable
of getting more out of the tyres than the others and
he has a very special talent to let the bike go wide
and get it back on line without losing time.
However, its not only Marquez thats changing

110

JANUARY 2015

riding technique. Theres something else going on,


a major generational shift, from GP riders who
learned their skills on two-strokes to those who
learned on four-strokes.
No one sums it up better than former 125 and
250 World Champion Dani Pedrosa, the epitome
of two-stroke perfection. You mustnt over-ride a
two-stroke because if you do, the bike will surprise
you, in a bad way, he says. But with a fourstroke you have to over-ride the bike. And thats
how it is in Moto2, with the horsepower they have
and the big rear tyre, the riders have to over-ride
the bikes to make the lap time. With the 250 you
couldnt over-ride the bike because youd crash or
JRVORZHU7KHUH
VGHoQLWHO\DGLIIHUHQFHLQ
approach.
Marquez learned some of his technique
growing up sideways on dirt bikes, but his style
has more to do with the two years he spent overriding lardy Moto2 bikes. Some other MotoGP
riders already ride loose and its no coincidence
that they also came via Moto2; most notably the
Espargaro brothers and Scott Redding.
When you watched Marc and my brother, Pol,
riding in Moto2, you saw so much movement
from the bikes that you kept thinking they would
crash, says Aleix Espargaro. But when Dani and
Jorge [Lorenzo] rode 250s, you saw zero
movement in the bikes.
Redding sees a lot of Casey Stoner in Marquezs
technique. He rides very similar to Casey, but
Marcs style is more epic. Theres so much more
movement in the rear of the bike, theres a lot more
happening. Marc and I have similar styles. The
only thing thats different is the way he turns the

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www.bikeindia.in

MARC MARQUEZ

JANUARY 2015

111

SPORT MARC MARQUEZ

Worldmags.net

rear of the bike. I tried to do the same last season,


but it was different with the open Honda because I
had less power and a softer tyre, so I couldnt spin
the tyre and let the bike get a bit loose the way I
want to.
Ex-250 men Pedrosa and Lorenzo still ride
smoothly, but have they tried to copy Marquez?
Sure, Ive changed my riding style a little, says
Pedrosa. I wasnt touching my elbows on the
ground, but now I do. Ive changed my style to be
lower on the bike when you are in the corner.
Marcs style is to be very deep on the brakes and to
hang off more, so I think thats the key: lower in
general and lower when youre on the brakes.
Of course, Pedrosa has one major advantage
that Lorenzo doesnt have when trying to emulate
his team-mate: the same bike.
Lorenzo: With the Yamaha, corner speed is
very important because we dont have the best
DFFHOHUDWLRQVR\RXKDYHWRVDFULoFHFRUQHUHQWU\
speed for corner-exit speed. Every riding style has
its strong points and weak points, but to get the
maximum performance from the Yamaha my style
is the most effective. Maybe, if I had a different
bike Id ride differently...
If Lorenzo stayed true to his smooth-as-glass
style during 2014, other Yamaha riders didnt. I

112

JANUARY 2015

In the past the battles


were more under
control. Now if the
other guy is faster,
you know you have to
overtake at the next
corner
Valentino Rossi

dont ride like Jorge; Im more like Marc and Pol,


says 2014 Forward Yamaha ride Aleix Espargaro.
But with the Yamaha its almost impossible to
brake deep into corners; its really frustrating.
Tech 3 riders Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith
have ridden up the same dead-end. Ive tried
riding the Yamaha like its a Honda and it doesnt
work, says Smith. Stepping from Moto2 to a

Honda suits the Moto2 style more than stepping


from Moto2 to a Yamaha. With the Yamaha, the
smoother you ride, the faster you go. The earlier
you let off the brakes, the more corner speed you
carry and the faster you go.
Pol Espargaro agrees. The Honda is really
good for those coming from Moto2 because its
moving and sliding, he says. Yamahas main two
guys come from 250 you have to be really
smooth on a 250 and thats how the Yamaha is.
That is true, up to a point. There is one Yamaha
rider who has re-modelled his technique to match
Marquezs, although Valentino Rossis renaissance
wasnt based solely on copying his young rival.
Jorge and I have to ride our bike differently
compared to the Honda, says Rossi. But if you
want to stay on top in racing, you must look at
what the fastest riders are doing. I now use more of
the top of my body to move outside the bike to
improve turning. Marc has a very different style, so
I look at Dani and especially Jorge, because we
have the same bike. I watch and I try to modify my
position on the bike and the movement of the
bike.
So imitation isnt a one-way street even
Marquez copies his rivals. Of course, you try to
copy the winner, says the champion. Im doing

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

MARC MARQUEZ

Marquez has displayed exceptional talent during


the races by winning a few even when the odds
were against him

well now, but if Jorge or Dani are stronger


somewhere, I try to copy them.
Marquezs younger brother Alex believes that
WKHELJJHVWLQpXHQFHRQELJEURWKHU
VVW\OHLV
neither his rivals nor his experience of dirt-track
and Moto2. Marquez the younger thinks its all
about riding to the strong points of the RC213V. I
think its more the Honda that makes Marcs
style, says the 18-year-old. The Honda style is to
be more aggressive on the brakes, use a little less
corner speed and then pick up the bike more
aggressively for more acceleration, so the Honda
always moves more. This also gives Marc more
feeling because he likes the bike to move. If you
have a rigid bike, you dont know the limit, but if
the bike moves, you can feel move.
So what does that make of Pedrosa nine years
at Repsol Honda and no world title to show for it?
Moto3 star and incoming HRC MotoGP rider
Jack Miller has a theory regarding that. Dani cant
wrestle the bike because he doesnt have the
muscle, says the Aussie. Marc isnt a big bloke,
but hes big enough. Its sad to say, but if Dani was
a bit bigger, hed be a multiple MotoGP World
Champion.
Miller also believes that its not only Moto2
thats introducing a new generation of heavyweight

www.bikeindia.in

Marquez has described off-roading as a helpful


activity that makes one a better rider

wrestlers into MotoGP. Its also Moto3, because


(as Pedrosa pointed out) the 250 four-strokes can
be ridden with more aggression than the 125 twostrokes they replaced. Marc came from Moto2
where its all about wrestling the bike, he adds.
Now its the same with Moto3 its changed and
everybodys got to do it.
So if MotoGP is soon to be populated entirely

by riders who like to ride loose, surely Yamaha


need to transform their YZR-M1 into a Honda. Pol
Espargaro certainly thinks so. At the moment the
difference between the Honda and the Yamaha is
really big, but I think the bikes will become more
similar. So Yamaha have to make big changes,
even though we can still beat the Honda at some
tracks. The whole bike will have to be different:
traction control, anti-wheelie, power, frame,
everything.
This may need to happen, but Rossi doesnt
think it will. Its the Japanese mentality, says the
Italian, now in his ninth year with Yamaha. Sure,
Yamaha listen to the riders, but when the Yamaha
improves, its style will remain the same because
the two bikes are different in the heart. Honda will
never have our corner speed and we will never
have the Hondas tight turning.
Anyway, now may not be a great time for a
factory to re-design its MotoGP bike, because
Michelins 2016 tyres may work in a very different
way to the Bridgestones. Everything will change
in 2016 and everyone is curious to understand how
it will be with Michelin, adds Rossi.
The biggest question of all, of course, is this:
how will Marquezs radical technique work with
the French tyres?

JANUARY 2015

113

SPORT MARC MARQUEZ

Worldmags.net

Transformation Two: Race Strategy


Now MotoGP is a boxing match: Rossi
ONLY SOME RIDERS THINK THAT
Marquez has changed MotoGP technique, but
they all agree that hes had a huge effect on race
strategy. Thanks to the youngsters aggression, the
racing is tougher than its been in many years.
Now its like a boxing match; back and forth
with the other riders, says Rossi with a grin,
pretending to be a pugilist, his head reeling from
a heavy punch, then gathering himself to avenge
his attacker.
MotoGP had spent several years in the
doldrums before Marquezs arrival, with riders
playing tedious games of follow-my-leader, lap
after lap, and then, maybe, lining up for an attack

114

JANUARY 2015

at the end of the race. Its not like that any more. If
Marquez has the merest glimpse of an overtaking
RSSRUWXQLW\KHJUDEVLWZKHWKHULW
VWKHoUVWODSRU
the last. So his rivals have to mimic his strategy or
get left behind.
Marquezs attack-attack-attack tactics have
delighted fans, not only because theyre fun to
watch in themselves but because theyve put an
end to dreary parade races. Some of his rivals are
delighted too. I like the racing now; I didnt like
it before, says Aleix Espargaro. Its not nice to
say that the riders were sleeping, but it was often
two rivals playing a lot of strategy. Now theres
PRUHoJKWLQJLQPRUHUDFHV7KLVLVZKDWSHRSOH

want and I like it a lot Ive had some fantastic


battles with Pol and other guys this year, and
thats why we are here, this is racing.
Jorge Lorenzos riding style may hardly have
FKDQJHGVLQFHEXWKLVWDFWLFVGHoQLWHO\
KDYHk-RUJHKDVGHoQLWHO\OHDUQWDORWIURP
Marc, says new Honda MotoGP rider, Jack
Miller. Jorge was a real specialist; he was okay if
LWFDPHWRDoJKWEXWPRVWRIKLVZLQVFDPH
from getting away out front. Hes learnt a lot
DERXWoJKWLQJ0RWR*3QHHGHGVSLFLQJXSDQG
Marc has done that.
Marquezs younger brother, Alex, agrees with
his bitter Moto3 rival. Marc has changed the

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net
mentality of the top riders, he says. In the
few years before he arrived, some races were a
little boring: Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa and Casey
Stoner, or the other way around. The riders
knew, okay, I wont win this race but Ill win
the next. But now Marc wants to win all the
races, so if you have the opportunity, you must
try to beat him.
Scott Redding believes the older generation got
a nasty surprise when the 2012 Moto2 champ
arrived in MotoGP. The older guys are going,
#@**, this young guys come in and hes beat
us, he laughs. So theyve upped their game and
WKH\
UHoJKWLQJoJKWLQJoJKWLQJDOOWKHWLPH
Earlier, people were settling for a position. Now
with Marc they dont have that option, theyre
oJKWLQJIRUHYHU\SRVLWLRQy
Bradley Smith agrees that theres been a

www.bikeindia.in

fundamental change in how riders approach


racing. We know that if the Honda gets in front
it disappears, he says. The nice thing now is
that people try to make sure that doesnt happen.
Weve seen this before; the prime example was
Valentino and Casey at Laguna in 2008, but that
was a one-off and a surprise and people spoke
about it for a long time. Now its every weekend,
because they know you can hold up another
rider. Before it used to be the fastest guy who
won, but now people are thinking, if I can hold
this guy up, maybe I can affect the outcome of
the race. I suppose Marc has brought a less
gentlemanly approach to the racing and now its
down to this is what weve got to do.
Rossi is one of the few riders who was capable
of battling with Marquez during 2014 and he
ORYHGHYHU\PLQXWHRILWk,W
VDJRRGZD\WRoJKWy

MARC MARQUEZ
he smiles. In the past the battles were more under
control. Now if the other guy is faster, you know
you have to overtake at the next corner because if
you dont, maybe he takes half a second out of you
and then, ciao, he is gone.
All the riders know how their rivals like to race.
Lorenzo, for example, likes to get out front and
make full use of the clear track, which is why
Marquez will do anything to prevent that from
happening. As soon as Jorge is behind someone,
he cannot keep his best lines and keep his high
corner speed, explains Lorenzos team boss,
Wilco Zeelenberg. The others know he pushes
a lot from the start, so they try to stay with him,
WKHQZKHQWKHJULSJRHVPD\EHWKH\FDQoJKW
with him, especially Marc because he knows he
has a chance in the last 10 laps because he is so
good on used tyres.

JANUARY 2015

115

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BIKE INDIA JANUARY 2015

Bank ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Branch ........................................................

Worldmags.net

THE
GOOD
THE BAD
& THE UGLY
TWO WHEELER BUYING GUIDE

INDEX

HOW IT ALL WORKS

MOTORCYCLES
120
122
123
124
125
126
128

APRILI7A, BAJAJ AUTO


BMW MOTORRAD, DSK HYOSUNG
DUCATI
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
HERO MOTOCORP
HONDA
KAWASAKI

130
131
132
133
134
135

KTM, LML, MAHINDRA 2WHEELERS


MOTO GUZZI, ROYAL ENFIELD
SUZUKI
TRIUMPH
TVS
VIBGYOR, YAMAHA

COMPETITION BIKES

ELECTRIC SCOOTERS

136 SUZUKA

140 AVON, BSA, EKO VEHICLE,


ELECTROTHERM
141 E-VO INDIA, HERO ELECTRIC,
KABIRDASS MOTOR CO.,
LOHIA AUTO

SCOOTERS
137 APRILIA, HERO MOTOCORP,
HONDA, LML
138 MAHINDRA 2WHEELERS, SUZUKI
139 TVS, VESPA, YAMAHA

POWERED BY

DEALER FOR APRILIA AND MOTO GUZZI

All the segments


COLOUR CODE
Motorcycles
Scooters
Electric Scooters

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(Rs, OTR PUNE)

BI BUY-BOOK NEW BIKES

Worldmags.net
MOTORCYCLES
APRILIA

www.aprilia.com

MANA
We Say: The only lightweight motorcycle with an automatic transmission.
Also See: No options yet.
Mana 850 GT ABS

15.65 lakh 839.9

76/8000

73/5000

218

NA

NA

16

NA







NA

NA

DORSODURO
We Say: An absolute hoot of a dual-purpose bike.
Also See: Ducati Multistrada, Triumph Tiger Explorer
Dorsoduro 1200 ABS

18.07 lakh

1197 130.5/ 8700 115/7200

NA

NA

NA

15

NA







NA

NA

CAPONORD
We Say: NA.
Also See: Ducati Multistrada 1200, BMW R 1200 RT
1200 ABS
1200 ABS Travel

19.60 lakh
21.69 lakh

1197
1197

128/8500
128/8500

116/7200
116/7200

6
6

NA
NA

NA
NA

NA
NA

NA
NA

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

TUONO
We Say: NA.
Also See: Yamaha FZ1, Honda CB1000R, Triumph Speed Triple
Tuono V4R APRC

19.99 lakh 999.6 167/11500 111.5/9500

NA

NA

NA

17

NA







NA

NA

RSV4
We Say: NA.
Also See: BMW S 1000 RR, Honda CBR 1000RR, Yamaha YZF-R1, Suzuki GSX-R 1000, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
R APRC ABS
Factory APRC ABS

20.42 lakh 999.6 182/12500 115/10000


24.73 lakh 999.6 182/12500 115/10000

BAJAJ AUTO

6
6

NA
NA

NA
NA

NA
NA

17
17

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

www.bajajauto.com

PLATINA
We Say: Reasonably decent looks mated to the CT100s frugal genes.
Also See: Hero Splendor NXG, TVS Star City, Yamaha YBR 110
Platina 100

44,451

99.27

8.3/7500

8.05/4500

112

9.91

89.5

13

72.25







May 06



DISCOVER 100
We Say: Good commuter, high frequency handlebar vibrations.
Also See: Hero Splendor NXG, TVS Star City, Yamaha YBR 110, Honda CB Twister
Discover 100M (Drum)
Discover 100M (Disc)
Discover 100T

120

JANUARY 2015

49,698
53,563
56.597

102
102
102

9.3/8000 9.02/6000
9.3/8000 9.02/6000
10.2/9000 9.2/6500

4
4
5

114
114
121

NA
NA
7.5

NA
NA
100.3

9.5
9.5
10

NA
NA
56













NA
NA
Feb 13

NA
NA


www.bikeindia.in

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(OTR PUNE)

Worldmags.net
DISCOVER 125
We Say: A denite improvement over the previous model in terms of renement and performance.
Also See: Hero Super Splendor, TVS Phoenix, Honda Shine
Discover 125M
Discover 125 (Drum)
Discover 125 (Disc)

56,744
54,840
57,063

124.6 11.5/8000 10.8/6000


124.6 11/8000 10.8/5500
124.6 11/8000 10.8/5500

4
5
5

118
118.5
118.5

5.96
6.25
6.25

98.45
103.7
103.7

7.2
7.2
7.2

68.25
68.25
68.25













May 14
May 11
May 11





DISCOVER 150
We Say: Commuter with poke.
Also See: Hero Glamour, Yamaha SZ
Discover 150S
Discover 150F

58,766
66,605

144.8 14.5/8500 12.75/6500


144.8 14.5/8500 12.75/6500

5
5

129
130

NA
NA

NA
NA

10
10

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

PULSAR 135
We Say: Nice and nimble, good looks and four-valve technology, a rst from Bajaj.
Also See: Honda CBF Stunner
Pulsar 135 LS DTS-i

65,874

134.66 13.5/9000 11.4/7500

122

5.18

112.1

63.75







Jan 10



PULSAR 150
We Say: Good fusion of performance, efciency and looks.
Also See: Hero X-treme, Honda CB Trigger, Suzuki GS150R, TVS Apache RTR160
Pulsar 150 DTS-i

74,759

149.01 15.06/9000 12.5/6500

143

5.4

115

15

55







May 10



PULSAR 180
We Say: Great performace, stunning looks and the good ol edgy box. Great value though.
Also See: TVS Apache RTR180
Pulsar 180 DTS-i

78,325

176.80 17.02/8500 14.22/6000

147

4.98

117.5

15

51







Jun 09



PULSAR 200
We Say: Value for money, a modern bike for under a lakh of rupees.
Also See: KTM 200 Duke, Hero Karizma ZMR
Pulsar NS 200

94,335

199.5 23.52/9500 18.3/8000

145

3.83

133

12

44.5







Aug 12



PULSAR 220
We Say: More power at lesser price translates into great value for money.
Also See: Hero Karizma ZMR, TVS Apache RTR 180, Yamaha YZF-R15
Pulsar 220 DTS-i

90,221

219.9 21.04/8500 19.12/7000

152

4.7

132.5

15

42.25







Jul 09



AVENGER
We Say: Powerful and torquey, great combo of style and value. Pillion seat should have been more comfortable.
Also See: No alternatives yet
Avenger 220 DTS-i

www.bikeindia.in

85,224

219.9 19.03/8400 17.5/7000

154.5

4.8

118

14

34







Sep 10



JANUARY 2015

121

BMW MOTORRAD

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(Rs, OTR PUNE)

BI BUY-BOOK NEW BIKES

Worldmags.net
www.motorrad-deutschemotoren.in

TOUR
We Say: NA.
Also See: Kawasaki Ninja 1000, Aprilia Caponord 1200, Moto Guzzi Sport, Honda GL1800 Gold Wing
R 1200 RT
K 1600 GT
K 1600 GTL

22.95 lakh* 1170


27.00 lakh* 1649
29.65 lakh* 1649

110/7750
160/7750
160/7750

120/6000
175/5250
175/5250

6
6
6

263
332
348

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

25
24
26.5

NA
NA
NA













NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

ENDURO
* ex-showroom

We Say: Arguably the best all-round motorcycle there is.


Also See: Aprilia Dorsoduro, Ducati Multistrada, Triumph Tiger Explorer
R 1200 GS
R 1200 GS Adventure

18.60 lakh* 1170


20.75 lakh* 1170

125/7750
125/7750

125/6500
125/6500

6
6

238
260

NA
NA

NA
NA

20
30

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

ROADSTER
We Say: NA.
Also See: Aprilia Tuono V4R, Kawasaki Z1000, Moto Guzzi Griso, Triumph Speed Triple.
R nine T
R 1200 R
S 1000 R
K 1300 R

23.50 lakh* 1170 110/7550 119/6500


16.65 lakh* 1170 110/7500 119/6000
25.00 lakh 999 160/11000 112/9750
19.20 lakh* 1293 175/9250 140/8250

6
6
6
6

222
227
183
243

NA
NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA

18
18
17.5
19

NA
NA
NA
NA
















NA
NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA

SPORT
We Say: NA.
Also See: Aprilia RSV4, Honda CBR 1000RR, Suzuki GSX-R 1000, Yamaha YZF-R1, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, ZX-14R
S 1000 RR
K 1300 S

21.10 lakh* 999 193/13000 112/9750


21.95 lakh* 1293 177/9250 140/8250

DSK HYOSUNG

6
6

202
245

NA
NA

NA
NA

17.5
19

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

www.dskhyosung.com

GT250R
We Say: 250 V-twin that is dated now.
Also See: Honda CBR 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 300
GT 250R

3.14 lakh

249

28/10000

22/8000

188

4.02

140

17

NA







Jun 12



GT650N
We Say: NA.
Also See: Kawasaki Ninja 650, Triumph Street Triple
GT 650N

4.36 lakh

647

74/9000

60.9/7500

208

NA

NA

17

NA







NA

NA

GT650R
We Say: A good V-twin sports bike however, a bit costly.
Also See: Kawasaki Ninja 650, Triumph Street Triple
GT 650R

122

JANUARY 2015

5.30 lakh

647

74/9000

60.9/7500

215

2.61

NA

17

NA







Mar 11



www.bikeindia.in

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(OTR PUNE)

Worldmags.net
AQUILA
We Say: The only 250cc V-twin cruiser in India.
Also See: Royal Eneld Thunderbird 500
GV250 Aquila

3.08 lakh

249

26.5/9500 21.7/7000

167

NA

NA

14

NA







NA

NA

AQUILA PRO
We Say: A big improvement over the ST7 and good value for money.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Street 750 and 883 Superlow
GV650 Aquila Pro

5.79 lakh

647

75/9000

62.1/7500

240

NA

NA

16

NA







NA 

NA

ST7
We Say: A good cruiser but pricey.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Street 750 and 883 Superlow
ST7

6.60 lakh

678.2 58.5/8000 57.3/7500

BO: By Order

DUCATI

244

3.09

167

18

NA







Apr 10



www.ducati.com

HYPERMOTARD
We Say: A tall road bike with handling of a supersports.
Also See: Aprilia Dorsoduro, Triumph Tiger.
SP

BO

821

110/9250

89/7750

171

NA

NA

16

NA







NA

NA

STREETFIGHTER
We Say: NA.
Also See: Aprilia Tuono V4R, Triumph Street Triple
848

BO

849

132/10000 93.5/9500

169

NA

NA

16.5

NA







NA

NA

MONSTER
We Say: Light and nimble, a good buy.
Also See: Aprilia Tuono V4R, Kawasaki ER-6n, Triumph Street Triple, Speed Triple, Yamaha FZ1
796
1200 S

BO
BO

803
87/8250
1198.4 135/8750

78/6250
118/7250

6
6

167
182

2.86
NA

NA
NA

15
17.5

NA
NA










Mar 11
NA


NA

DIAVEL
We Say: Looks big and heavy but is light and nimble.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special, Triumph Rocket III, Yamaha VMAX.
Diavel
Diavel Carbon

BO
BO

1198.4 162/9250 130.5/8000


1198.4 162/9250 130.5/8000

6
6

210
205

NA
NA

NA
NA

17
17

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

MULTISTRADA
We Say: An SUV of motorcycles.
Also See: BMW R 1200 GS, Triumph Tiger Explorer
MTS 1200
MTS 1200 S Granturismo

www.bikeindia.in

BO
BO

1198.4 150/9250 124.5/7500


1198.4 150/9250 124.5/7500

6
6

196
217

NA
NA

NA
NA

20
20

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

JANUARY 2015

123

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(Rs, OTR PUNE)

SBK
BO: By Order

BI BUY-BOOK NEW BIKES

Worldmags.net

We Say: NA.
Also See: BMW S 1000 RR, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R, Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa
899 Panigale
1299 Panigale

BO
BO

898 148/10750 99/9000


1285 205/10500 144.6/8750

6
6

193
190.5

HARLEY-DAVIDSON

NA
NA

NA
NA

17
17

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

www.harley-davidson.in

STREET
We Say: Brilliant all-rounder, the rst affordable cruiser with a Harley-Davidson badge.
Also See: Hyosung Aquila Pro GV650, Suzuki Intruder 800
Street 750

4.66 lakh

749

48 (est)

60/4000

218

3.83

154

13.1

NA







Jun 14



SPORTSTER
We Say: Value packed, classic and timeless looking motorycles that proudly boast of their heritage.
Also See: Hyosung Aquila Pro GV650, Hyosung ST7, Suzuki Intruder 800
XL883L Superlow
XL883N Iron
XL1200X Forty-Eight

6.91 lakh
7.58 lakh
9.87 lakh

883
883
1202

52/5750
52/5750
67/5750

70/3750
70/3750
98/3200

5
5
5

260
260
260

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

17
12.5
8

NA
NA
NA













NA 
NA 
NA 

NA
NA
NA

DYNA
We Say: Comfortable, easy to ride and powerful - these no-nonsense cruisers aunt their H-D branding.
Also See: Honda VT1300CX
FXDB Street Bob
11.59 lakh
FXDC Super Glide Custom 13.52 lakh
FXDF Fat Bob
14.75 lakh

1585
1585
1585

75/5250
75/5250
76/5250

124/3250
124/3250
126/3500

6
6
6

305
295
305

NA
NA
2.6

NA
NA
NA

17.8
18.9
18.8

NA
NA
NA













NA 
NA 
NA 

NA
NA
NA

SOFTAIL
We Say: Authentic and original to Harleys, one of their best-selling lines ever!
Also See: Suzuki Intruder M1800R, Triumph Thunderbird
FLSTF Fat Boy
FLSTFB Fat Boy Special
FXSB Breakout
FLSTC Heritage Classic

17.13 lakh
17.93 lakh
18.50 lakh
18.67 lakh

1690
1690
1690
1690

78/5250
78/5250
74/5010
74/5010

130/3000
132/3250
130/3000
130/3000

6
6
6
6

330
330
322
341

NA
NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA

18.9
18.9
18.9
18.9

NA
NA
NA
NA
















NA 
NA 
NA 
NA 

NA
NA
NA
NA

V-ROD
We Say: As fun to watch as it is to ride - unlike any other Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Also See: Ducati Diavel, Yamaha VMAX, Suzuki Intruder M1800R,
VRSCDX Night Rod Special 24.28 lakh

1247

120/8000

111/7250

302

NA

NA

18.9

NA







NA 

NA

TOURING
We Say: Long distance touring at its nest - torquey, immensely comfortable and of course addictive!
Also See: Moto Guzzi California 1400 Touring
FLHX Street Glide Special 33.21 lakh

124

JANUARY 2015

1690

86/5010

138/3500

356

NA

NA

22.7

NA







NA 

NA

www.bikeindia.in

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(OTR PUNE)

Worldmags.net
CVO
We Say: The most expensive set of two wheels in India.
Also See: BMW K 1600 GT L, Honda GL1800 Gold Wing
Limited

53.61 lakh

1801

96/5010

156/3750

433

HERO MOTOCORP

NA

NA

22.7

NA







NA 

NA

www.heromotocorp.com

HF
We Say: All the Hero MotoCorp qualities at an affordable price.
Also See: TVS Star, Yamaha Crux, Bajaj Platina
HF Dawn
HF Deluxe
HF Deluxe Eco

43,813
46,425
50,705

97.2
97.2
97.2

7.8/7500
7.8/7500
7.8/7500

8.04/4500
8.04/4500
8.04/4500

4
4
4

109
109
112

NA
9.39
9.39

NA
91.11
91.11

10.5
10.5
10.5

NA
68.25
68.25













NA 
Jan 07
NA 

NA

NA

SPLENDOR
We Say: Perfect commuter if you can do with the looks.
Also See: TVS Star Sport, Honda CD110 Dream, Yamaha YBR 110, Bajaj Platina
Splendor +
Splendor NXG
Splendor Pro
Splendor Pro Classic
Splendor diSmart

50,080
52,735
50,745
55,337
55,346

97.2
97.2
97.2
97.2
97.2

7.4/8000
7.8/7500
7.8/7500
8.4/7500
7.8/7500

7.95/5000
8.04/4500
8.04/4500
8.04/4500
8.04/4500

4
4
4
4
4

109
112
112
112
112

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

11
11
11
11
8.7

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA



















NA 
NA 
NA 
Dec 14
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

PASSION
We Say: A Splendor will save you a few grand.
Also See: Yamaha Crux, Bajaj Platina, Mahindra Centuro
Passion Pro
Passion Pro ES
Passion Pro TR
Passion X Pro
Passion X Pro (Alloy)

53,136
57,303
58,576
58,105
60,218

97.2
97.2
97.2
109.1
109.1

7.8/7500
7.8/7500
7.8/7500
8.7/7500
8.7/7500

8.04/4500
8.04/4500
8.04/4500
9.36/5500
9.36/5500

4
4
4
4
4

116
119
119
113
116

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

12.8
12.8
12.8
9.5
9.5

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA



















NA 
NA 
NA 
NA 
NA 

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

SUPER SPLENDOR
We Say: Splendor hops onto the executive bandwagon.
Also See: TVS Phoenix, Yamaha YBR 125, Honda Shine, Suzuki SlingShot
Super Splendor

57,703

124.7 9.12/7000 10.35/4000

121

6.99

100.83

13

73.25









Oct 10

GLAMOUR
We Say: The Glamour actually looks much better than the Super Splendor. Worth the extra dough.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 125, TVS Phoenix, Yamaha YBR 125
Glamour (KS, Drum)
Glamour (ES, Disc)
Glamour FI (Disc)

www.bikeindia.in

60,995
63,218
71,416

124.7 9.13/7000 10.35/4000


124.7 9.13/7000 10.35/4000
124.7 9.13/7000 10.35/4000

4
4
4

125
129
129

9.64
9.64
8.80

94.9
94.9
94.9

13.6
13.6
12

72.75
72.75
80.75













Sep 05 
NA 
Aug 06 


NA


JANUARY 2015

125

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(Rs, OTR PUNE)

BI BUY-BOOK NEW BIKES

Worldmags.net
IGNITOR
We Say: Stunner in a new avatar.
Also See: Honda CB Stunner, Yamaha YBR 125
Ignitor

66,330

124.7

11/8000

11/5000

129

6.50

100.3

62.25







Oct 12 



ACHIEVER
We Say: Every bit a Unicorn, except for the ride quality.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 150, Honda CB Unicorn, Suzuki GS150R
Achiever

66,518

149.1 13.5/8000 12.8/5000

138

6.25

110.8

12.5

57.5







Dec 05 



HUNK
We Say: Stunning looks, efcient engine and good performance.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 150, Honda CB Trigger, TVS Apache
Hunk (Front-Rear Disc)

78,743

149.2 14.4/8500 12.8/6500

146

5.08

107.16 12.54

51







Dec 07 



X-TREME
We Say: Pricey but much better than the CBZ and the Achiever. Too skinny at the front.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 150, Honda CB Trigger, TVS Apache RTR160
X-Treme

75,424

149.2 14.4/8500 12.8/6500

145

5.55

110.8

12.4

60.25







Nov 06 



IMPULSE
We Say: Good dual-purpose bike.
Also See: No alternatives yet
Impulse

78,132

149.2 13.2/7500 13.4/5000

6.0

6.0

100

11.1

52







Jan 12 



KARIZMA
We Say: The most well-rounded performance bike around. Spares are an issue though.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 220, TVS Apache RTR180, Yamaha YZF-R15
Karizma R
Karizma ZMR

91,892
1.15 lakh

223
223

19.47/7500 19.35/6000
20.26/8000 19.7/6500

HONDA

5
5

154
157

NA
NA

NA
NA

15
15.3

NA
NA










NA 
NA 

NA
NA

www.honda2wheelersindia.com

CD110 DREAM
We Say: NA.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 100M, TVS Star City
Dream (Spoke)
Dream (Alloy)

126

JANUARY 2015

46,404
50,730

109
109

8.36/7500 8.63/5500
8.36/7500 8.63/5500

4
4

105
105

NA
7.82

NA
86

8
8

NA
72.5










NA
Nov 14

NA


www.bikeindia.in

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(OTR PUNE)

Worldmags.net
DREAM NEO
We Say: One of the most fuel efcient bikes in the country.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 100, TVS Star City, Suzuki Hayate
Dream Neo (KS, Spoke)
Dream Neo (ES, Alloy)

47,332
51,674

109
109

8.36/7500 8.63/5500
8.36/7500 8.63/5500

4
4

105
105

NA
7.82

NA
96.5

8
8

NA
72.5










NA
Aug 13

NA


DREAM YUGA
We Say: One of the most fuel efcient bikes in the country.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 100, TVS Star City, Yamaha YBR 110, Suzuki Hayate
Dream Yuga (KS, Spoke)
Dream Yuga (ES, Alloy)

50,334
54,861

109
109

8.63/7500 8.91/5500
8.63/7500 8.91/5500

4
4

108
108

7.82
7.82

96.53
96.53

8
8

72
72










NA
Aug 12

NA


CB TWISTER
We Say: Good styling and performance will be a revelation in the commuter segment.
Also See: TVS Star City, Yamaha YBR 110, Suzuki Hayate
CB Twister (Drum)
CB Twister (Disc)

54,409
57,837

109
109

9.1/8000
9.1/8000

9/6000
9/6000

4
4

108
108

6.99
6.99

93
93

8
8

71.25
71.25










NA 
Mar 10

NA


CB SHINE
We Say: Low gearing make it really quick through gears. Top speed could have been better with taller gearing.
Also See: Hero Glamour, TVS Phoenix, Yamaha YBR 125
CB Shine (Drum)
CB Shine (ES, Disc)

54,184
61,422

124.7 10.4/7500 10.7/5500


124.7 10.4/7500 10.7/5500

4
4

121
121

7.04
7.04

100.4
100.4

11
11

78.75
78.75










NA
May 06

NA


CBF STUNNER
We Say: A worthy competitor to the Yamaha SS 125.
Also See: Hero Ignitor, Yamaha YBR 125
CBF Stunner

63,413

124.7 11.15/8000

11/6500

128

6.57

100.8

10

61







Sep 08



CB UNICORN
We Say: One of the smoothest mills around. Great ride-handling combo. Almost indestructible.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 150, Hero CBZ X-treme, Hero Achiever, Suzuki GS150R
CB Unicorn

71,407

149.1 13.5/8000 12.8/5500

146

6.10

111.3

13

58.92







Dec 06



CB TRIGGER
We Say: A perfect premium all-rounder for the youth.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 150, Yamaha FZ-S, Suzuki GS150R
CB Trigger
CB Trigger CBS

www.bikeindia.in

74,129
84,214

149.1 14.2/8500 12.7/6500


149.1 14.2/8500 12.7/6500

5
5

137
138

5.45
5.45

112.3
112.3

12
12

55.70
55.70










NA
Jul 13

NA


JANUARY 2015

127

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(Rs, OTR PUNE)

BI BUY-BOOK NEW BIKES

Worldmags.net
CBR 150R
We Say: Rened engine, great handling and riding position but loses out in midrange and bottom performance.
Also See: Yamaha YZF-R15
CBR 150R
CBR 150R Deluxe

1.34 lakh
1.35 lakh

149.4 17.8/10500 12.6/8500


149.4 17.8/10500 12.6/8500

6
6

138
138

4.86
4.86

131
131

13
13

38
38










NA
Jun 12

NA


CBR 250R
We Say: Just the bike for India, a perfect all-rounder for city and highway.
Also See: Kawasaki Ninja 300, KTM 200 Duke
CBR 250R
CBR 250R ABS

1.72 lakh
2.05 lakh

249.6 25.3/8500 22.9/7000


249.6 25.3/8500 22.9/7000

6
6

161
167

3.47
3.47

155
155

13
13

35.75
35.75










NA
Jun 11

NA


CBR 1000RR
We Say: NA.
Also See: Yamaha YZF R1, Suzuki GSX-R 1000, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
CBR 1000R FireBlade

15.95 lakh 999.6 178/12000 112/8500

199

NA

NA

17.7

NA







NA

NA

CB1000R
We Say: Practical. Both in and out of town.
Also See: Yamaha FZ1, Ducati Monster, Triumph Speed Triple
CB1000R

12.30 lakh

999

125/10000 100/8000

217

2.1

NA

17

16







Aug 09



VFR 1200F
We Say: Effortless mile muncher.
Also See: Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R, BMW K 1300 R
BO

1237 172/10000 129/8750

BO: By Order

VFR 1200F

2.37

NA

18.5

NA







Dec 10



VT 1300CX
We Say: A series-production custom motorcycle.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Super Glide Custom, Harley-Davidson Breakout
VT 1300CX

* ex-showroom

267

BO

1312

57.7/4250

107/2250

309

NA

NA

12.8

NA







NA

NA

GL1800 GOLD WING


We Say: The most iconic grand tourer in the world.
Also See: BMW K 1600 GT L, Harley-Davidson CVO Limited
Gold Wing Audio Comfort 28.50 lakh* 1832
Gold Wing Airbag
31.50 lakh* 1832

118/5500
118/5500

167/4000 5+R
167/4000 5+R

KAWASAKI

421
423

NA
NA

NA
NA

25
25

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

www.kawasaki-india.com

Z250
We Say: Quarter-litre twin-cylinder streetbike at a good price.
Also See: KTM 390 Duke, Suzuki Inazuma
Z250

128

JANUARY 2015

3.32 lakh

249

32.5/11000 21/10000

168

NA

NA

17

NA





NA

NA

www.bikeindia.in

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(OTR PUNE)

Worldmags.net
Z800
We Say: Aggressively styled streetbike at a hard-to-resist price.
Also See: Ducati Streetghter 848, Triumph Street Triple
Z800

8.73 lakh

806

113/10200

83/8000

229

NA

NA

17

NA





NA

NA

Z1000
We Say: One of the meanest looking streetbikes you can opt for.
Also See: Aprilia Tuono V4R, Ducati Streetghter, Yamaha FZ-1, Triumph Speed Triple
Z1000

13.74 lakh

1043 142/10000 111/7300

221

NA

NA

17

NA





NA

NA

NINJA 300
We Say: A true performance bike in India.
Also See: Suzuki GW250 Inazuma, Honda CBR 250R
Ninja 300

3.88 lakh

296

39/11000 27.5/10000

172

2.56

160 (appr)

17

NA







May 13



ER-6n
We Say: Versatile street bike.
Also See: Hyosung GT 650N, Triumph Street Triple
ER-6n

5.29 lakh

649

72/8500

64/7000

201

NA

NA

16

NA







NA

NA

NINJA 650
We Say: Most versatile motorcycle.
Also See: Hyosung GT 650R, Triumph Street Triple
Ninja 650

5.73 lakh

649

72/8500

64/7000

209

2.04

NA

16

NA







Sep 12



NINJA 1000
We Say: Smooth and comfortable mile-muncher.
Also See: Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport, Suzuki Bandit 1250S
Ninja 1000

13.74 lakh

1043 142/10000 111/7300

230

NA

NA

19

NA





NA

NA

NINJA ZX-10R
We Say: One of the most rider-friendly litre-class superbike there is.
Also See: Honda CBR 1000R, Yamaha YZF-R1, Suzuki GSX-R 1000
Ninja ZX-10R

17.23 lakh

998

210/13000 112/11500

201

2.10

276

17

NA





Dec 13



NINJA ZX-14R
We Say: Very rened performance and power delivery for a hyperbike.
Also See: Suzuki Hayabusa, Honda VFR 1200F, BMW K 1300 R
Ninja ZX-14R

www.bikeindia.in

18.54 lakh

1441 210/10000 162.5/7500

268

NA

299

22

NA





Feb 14



JANUARY 2015

129

KTM

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(Rs, OTR PUNE)

BI BUY-BOOK NEW BIKES

Worldmags.net

www.ktm.com/in

DUKE
We Say: A bike which loves to be ridden aggressively and features updated technology.
Also See: Honda CBR 250R, Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS
200 Duke
390 Duke

1.48 lakh
2.04 lakh

199.5 25/10000 19.2/8000


373.2 43.5/9000 35/7000

6
6

136
154

3.73
2.46

135
162

10.5
10.5

34.5
NA










Jan 12
Sep 13




RC
We Say: A serious track-tool for learner and enthusiast alike.
Also See: Honda CBR 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 300
RC200
RC390

1.78 lakh
2.28 lakh

199.5 25/10000 19.2/8000


373.2 43.5/9000 35/7000

LML

6
6

154
166

NA
NA

NA
NA

10
10

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

www.lmlworld.com

FREEDOM
We Say: NA
Also See: Mahindra Centuro, TVS Star Sport
DX
LS

51,545
55,355

109.2
109.2

8.5/7750
8.5/9000

8.6/5000
8.6/5000

4
4

119
119

NA
8.2

98.2
98.2

MAHINDRA 2WHEELERS

12.5
12.5

NA
51










NA
Sep 13

NA


www.mahindra2wheelers.com

PANTERO
We Say: Improvement over the Stallio but still a long way to go
Also See: Honda Dream Neo, Suzuki Hayate, TVS Star City, Yamaha YBR 110
T1
T4

NA
NA

106.7
106.7

8.5/7500
8.5/7500

8.5/5500
8.5/5500

4
4

120
120

8.66
8.66

93.56
93.56

13.7
13.7

49
49










Mar 13
NA


NA

CENTURO
We Say: A commuter with many innovative features
Also See: Honda Dream Yuga, Hero Passion, TVS Star City, Bajaj Discover
Centuro
Centuro Rockstar

130

JANUARY 2015

52,990
NA

106.7
106.7

8.5/7500
8.5/7500

8.5/5500
8.5/5500

4
4

120
120

8.66
8.66

93.56
93.56

12.7
12.7

49
49










Aug 13
NA


NA

www.bikeindia.in

MOTO GUZZI

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(OTR PUNE)

Worldmags.net

www.motoguzzi.com

BELLAGIO
We Say: NA.
Also See: Ducati Monster
Black Eagle
940

17.53 lakh
17.68 lakh

935
935

73/7200
73/7200

78/6000
78/6000

6
6

224
224

NA
NA

NA
NA

19
19

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

1200
We Say: Immensely fun muscle bike, and a capable tourer (Sport).
Also See: BMW R 1200 R, BMW R nineT, Ducati Monster, Triumph Speed Triple
Griso 8V SE
1200 Sport 8V
1200 Sport 8V Corsa

18.40 lakh
18.99 lakh
19.27 lakh

1151
1151
1151

110/7500
110/7500
110/7500

108/6400
108/6400
108/6400

6
6
6

222
222
222

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

16.7
16.7
16.7

NA
NA
NA













NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

CALIFORNIA
We Say: Relaxed but quick long-distance tourer that loves the open road.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special, Triumph Thunderbird LT
1400 Custom
1400 Touring

22.48 lakh
24.77 lakh

1380
1380

96/6500
96/6500

120/2750
120/2750

6
6

ROYAL ENFIELD

318
337

NA
NA

NA
NA

20.5
20.5

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

www.royaleneld.com

BULLET
We Say: The subtle Eneld makes a come back with a UCE heart.
Also See: No options, as there are no alternatives to a Bullet but a Bullet itself!
Bullet 350
Bullet Electra
Bullet 500

1.13 lakh
1.26 lakh
1.62 lakh

346
346
499

19.8/5250 28/4000
19.8/5250 28/4000
26.1/5100 40.9/3800

5
5
5

180
183
193

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

13.5
13.5
13.5

NA
NA
NA













NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

THUNDERBIRD
We Say: Pseudo-cruiser with a focus on touring.
Also See: None as yet
Thunderbird 350
Thunderbird 500

1.46 lakh
1.86 lakh

346
499

19.8/5250 28/4000
27.5/5250 41.3/4000

5
5

192
195

NA
4.65

NA
NA

20
20

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

CLASSIC 350
We Say: Royal Eneld fuses old world charm with modern retro lines along with a twin-spark 350cc engine.
Also See: There is no other bike like the Classic
Classic 350

www.bikeindia.in

1.35 lakh

346

19.8/5250

28/4000

NA

NA

NA

13.5

NA





NA

NA

JANUARY 2015

131

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(Rs, OTR PUNE)

BI BUY-BOOK NEW BIKES

Worldmags.net
CLASSIC 500
We Say: A retro-modern motorcycle with a fuel-injected 500cc mill.
Also See: There is no other bike like the Classic
Classic 500
Desert Storm
Classic Chrome

1.72 lakh
1.75 lakh
1.83 lakh

499
499
499

27.5/5250 41.3/4000
27.5/5250 41.3/4000
27.5/5250 41.3/4000

5
5
5

182
182
182

4.75
4.75
4.75

131
131
131

13.5
13.5
13.5

NA
NA
NA













Jan 10
NA
NA


NA
NA

CAF RACER
We Say: Classic British bike which is fun to ride, easy to maintain and affordable too.
Also See: There is no other bike like the Continental GT
Continental GT

2.10 lakh

535

29.1/5100

SUZUKI

44/4000

184

4.11

143

13.5

NA





Dec 13



www.suzukimotorcycle.co.in

HAYATE
We Say: Suzukis answer to the commuter competition.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 100, TVS Star City, Yamaha YBR 110
Hayate

51,899

112.8

8.4/7500

8.8/5000

112

8.26

94.71

68.5







Aug 12



SLINGSHOT
We Say: Stylish commuter equipped with a rened engine.
Also See: Hero Super Splendor, Honda Shine, TVS Phoenix
SlingShot
SlingShot Plus (Disc)

58.873
60,539

124
124

8.6/8500
8.6/8500

10/6000
10/6000

5
5

128
128

7.65
7.65

97
97

12
12

59
59










Oct 10
NA


NA

GS150R
We Say: Well packaged all-rounder from Suzuki.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 150, Hero Xtreme, Honda CB Unicorn
GS150R

79,647

149.5

14/8500

13.4/6000

149

5.46

108

15.5

59.75







Feb 09



GIXXER
We Say: Muscle-bike which brings style, handling and efeiency together well.
Also See: Yamaha FZ-S, Honda CB Trigger, Hero Hunk
Gixxer

81,900

155

14.8/8000

14/6000

135

5.85

111.45

12

47.75







Oct 14



INAZUMA
We Say: Able sports-tourer which doubles up as a big commuter.
Also See: Hyosung GT250R, Kawasaki Z250, Honda CBR 250R
GW250 Inazuma

2.33 lakh

248

24/8500

22/6500

183

4.04

NA

13.3

NA







Mar 14



BANDIT
We Say: Value for money, versatile and practical.
Also See: Honda CB1000R, Yamaha FZ1, Ducati Monster, Triumph Speed Triple
Bandit 1250SA

132

JANUARY 2015

11.92 lakh

1255

98/7500

108/3700

254

2.19

250

19

15.25







Jul 10



www.bikeindia.in

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(OTR PUNE)

Worldmags.net
V-STROM
We Say: Capable, but pricey adventure sports tourer.
Also See: Triumph Tiger, Ducati Multistrada, BMW R 1200 GS, Aprilia Dorsoduro
V-Strom 1000

17.21 lakh

1037

100/8000

103/4000

228

NA

NA

20

NA







NA

NA

GSX-R
We Say: Carrying on the Gixxer tradition of high performance.
Also See: Yamaha YZF-R1, Honda CBR 1000R, Kawasaki NInja ZX-10R, BMW S 1000 RR
GSX-1000R

15.88 lakh

999

185/12000 117/10000

205

2.07

NA

17.5

11.80







Jul 10



HAYABUSA
We Say: One of the worlds fastest motorcycles, ofcially on sale in India.
Also See: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R, Ducati 1299 Panigale, BMW S 1000 RR
GSX-1300R LE

19.05 lakh

1340

186/9600

146/8100

236

NA

NA

21

NA







NA

NA

INTRUDER
We Say: Attention magnet.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Iron 883, Harley-Davidson Breakout, Triumph Thunderbird Storm
M800
M1800R

11.15 lakh
18.95 lakh

805
1783

53/6000
128/6200

TRIUMPH

66/3600
160/3200

5
5

269
319

2.91
2.1

NA
209

15.5
19.5

NA
13










Jan 12
Jan 09




www.triumphmotorcycles.in

BONNEVILLE
We Say: Modern classic trying to re-live the good old days.
Also See: No alternatives yet
Bonneville
Bonneville T100

6.76 lakh
7.77 lakh

865
865

61/7500
61/7500

61/5550
61/5550

5
5

225
230

NA
NA

NA
NA

16
16

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

THRUXTON
We Say: Classic caf racer with a twin-cylinder heart for the hard-core enthusiast.
Also See: No alternatives, other than the Royal Eneld Continental GT
Thruxton 900 Caf Racer

7.99 lakh

865

61/7500

61/5550

230

NA

NA

16

NA







NA

NA

DAYTONA
We Say: The only world-class non-Japanese entrant in the extremely competitive Supersport class.
Also See: No supersport alternatives yet
Daytona 675
Daytona 675R

11.99 lakh
13.64 lakh

675
675

118/12300
118/12300

70/9900
70/9900

6
6

189
189

NA
NA

NA
NA

17.4
17.4

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

ROADSTER
We Say: Stripped-down racers for the road.
Also See: Kawasaki Ninja 650, Ducati Monster, Suzuki Bandit 1250S
Street Triple
Speed Triple

www.bikeindia.in

8.77 lakh
12.44 lakh

675
1050

79/11050
127/9300

57/8375
105/7800

6
6

188
214

NA
NA

NA
NA

17.4
17.5

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

JANUARY 2015

133

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(Rs, OTR PUNE)

BI BUY-BOOK NEW BIKES

Worldmags.net
TIGER
We Say: Versatile and comfortable on-off-roader with a choice of displacements.
Also See: BMW R 1200 GS, Ducati Multistrada, Aprilia Dorsoduro
800XC
1200 Explorer XC

13.93 lakh
20.95 lakh

800
1215

95/9300
137/9300

79/7850
121/6400

6
6

215
259

NA
NA

NA
NA

19
20

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

THUNDERBIRD
We Say: The British laid-back cruiser.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, Heritage Softail Classic, Moto Guzzi California, Suzuki Intruder M1800R
Storm
LT

15.64 lakh
18.19 lakh

1699
1699

98/5200
94/5408

156/2950
151/3550

6
6

339
349

NA
NA

NA
NA

22
22

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

ROCKET III
We Say: The largest capacity series-production motorcycle on the planet.
Also See: Yamaha VMAX, Ducati Diavel
Roadster

23.86 lakh

2294

TVS

148/5750

221/2750

367

NA

NA

24

NA







NA

NA

www.tvsmotor.co.in

STAR
We Say: Adds style to your commute without being too heavy on the pocket.
Also See: Bajaj Platina, Hero CD Deluxe, Yamaha YBR 110
Sport
Star City+
Star City+ (ES, Alloy)

49,681
49,891
52,319

99.7
109.7
109.7

7.4/7500
8.4/7000
8.4/7000

7.5/5000
8.7/5000
8.7/5000

4
4
4

95
108
109

9.5
NA
7.68

85
NA
90.8

12
10
10

63
NA
67













Apr 07
NA
Jul 14


NA


PHOENIX
We Say: A capable commuter.
Also See: Honda Shine, Bajaj Discover 125ST
Phoenix (Drum)
Phoenix (Disc)

58,397
61,026

124.5
124.5

11/8000
11/8000

10.8/6000
10.8/6000

4
4

114
116

7.52
7.52

NA
96.4

12
12

NA
63










NA
Nov 12

NA


APACHE RTR160
We Say: Stunning looks, nimble trafc carver and a punchy ride overall.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 180, Hero X-treme, Honda CB Trigger, Suzuki Gixxer, Yamaha FZ-S
RTR160
RTR160 (Rear Disc)

76,490
78,733

159.7 15.4/8500 13.1/6000


159.7 15.4/8500 13.1/6000

5
5

136
136

5.04
5.04

118.7
118.7

16
16

50
50










NA
NA

NA
NA

APACHE RTR180
We Say: Great looks, nimble trafc carver with power through the complete rev range.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 220, Hero Karizma R, Yamaha YZF-R15
RTR180
RTR180 ABS

134

JANUARY 2015

82,777
94,089

177.4 17.3/8500 15.5/6500


177.4 17.3/8500 15.5/6500

5
5

137
137

4.64
4.64

124
NA

16
16

45.25
NA










Jul 09
NA


NA

www.bikeindia.in

VIBGYOR

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(OTR PUNE)

Worldmags.net

www.vvehicles.co.in

GALLOP
We Say: NA.
Also See: Hero CD Dawn, Bajaj Platina, TVS Star
Gallop ES (Drum)
Gallop ES (Disc, Alloy)

NA
NA

97.2
97.2

6.8/8500
6.8/8500

6.5/6000
6.5/6000

4
4

87
87

NA
NA

NA
NA

13.5
13.5




NA
NA







NA
NA

NA
NA

HUNTER
We Say: NA.
Also See: Hero Splendor NXG, Bajaj Platina, Yamaha YBR 110
Hunter

NA

124.1

9.8/9000

9.0/8000

120

NA

NA

18



NA





NA

NA

SHARK
We Say: NA.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 150, Yamaha SZ
Shark

NA

142.6 13.05/9000 9.5/7500

YAMAHA

130

NA

NA

14

NA







NA

NA

www.yamaha-motor-india.com

CRUX
We Say: Excellent gearbox, but lacks appeal and doesnt excel at anything else.
Also See: Hero CD Dawn, Bajaj Platina, TVS Star
Crux

43,351

105.6

7.6/7500

7.85/6000

113

9.9

94

11

62.52







Oct 05



YBR 110
We Say: A good alternative for a Hero MotoCorp bike.
Also See: Hero Splendor NXG, Bajaj Platina, TVS Star Sport
YBR 110

50,884

106

7.6/7500

7.85/6000

123

NA

NA

13

NA







NA

NA

SS125
We Say: Big bike feel, great performance. Mid-range torque should have been stronger.
Also See: Suzuki SlingShot, Hero Super Splendor, Honda Shine, TVS Phoenix
SS 125

62,168

123

11/7500

10.4/6500

125

7.2

108.2

13.6

67.5







Oct 10



YBR125
We Say: Rened engine, sporty handling.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 125, Hero Super Splendor, Honda Shine, Suzuki SlingShot
YBR125

57,632

123

10.8/7500 10.4/6500

126

6.41

102.7

13.6

57.5







Dec 10



SZ
We Say: Commuter with a 150cc heart and a 125ccs price tag.
Also See: Hero Achiever, Bajaj Discover 150
SZ-S
SZ-RR 2.0

www.bikeindia.in

62,981
73,933

153
149

12.1/7500 12.8/4500
12.1/7500 12.8/6000

5
5

132
134

6.48
NA

105.34
NA

14
14

55
55










NA
NA

NA
NA

JANUARY 2015

135

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(Rs, OTR PUNE)

BI BUY-BOOK NEW BIKES

Worldmags.net
FZ
We Say: The best-looking naked bike in the country; has worked wonders for Yamaha in India.
Also See: Hero Hunk, Honda CB Trigger, TVS Apache RTR160
FZ-16
FZ-S

78,203
80,450

153
153

14/7500
14/7500

13.6/6000
13.6/6000

5
5

135
135

5.51
5.51

110.9
110.9

12
12

43.5
43.5










Oct 08
NA


NA

FAZER
We Say: The FZ with a fairing, little underpowered for serious touring.
Also See: Hero Hunk, Honda CB Trigger, TVS Apache RTR160
Fazer
Fazer 2.0 FI

86,096
88,395

153
149

14/7500 13.6/6000
13.1/8000 12.8/6000

5
5

138
132

NA
NA

NA
NA

12
12

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

FZ 2.0
We Say: The best-looking naked bike in the country just got injected with a refresher dose.
Also See: Honda CB Trigger, Hero Hunk, TVS Apache RTR160
FZ 2.0 FI
FZ-S 2.0 FI

86,226
88,395

149
149

13.1/8000 12.8/6000
13.1/8000 12.8/6000

5
5

132
132

NA
NA

NA
NA

12
12

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

YZF-R15
We Say: Indian performance biking taken to the next level.
Also See: Honda CBR 150R, Hero Karizma ZMR, KTM RC 200, Bajaj Pulsar 220
YZF-R15 2.0

1.23 lakh

149.8

17/8500

15/7500

136

4.89

130.3

12

42.2







Dec 11



FZ1
We Say: The biggest and the baddest FZ there is.
Also See: Aprilia Tuono V4R, BMW S 1000 R, Honda CB 1000R, Suzuki Bandit 1250S
FZ1

11.07 lakh

998

150/11000 106/8000

214

NA

NA

18

NA







NA

NA

YZF-R1
We Say: MotoGP derived technology places the new R1 among the best superbikes in the world.
Also See: Aprilia RSV4, BMW S 1000 RR, Suzuki GSX-R 1000, Honda CBR 1000RR, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
YZF-R1

17.06 lakh

998

182/12500 115.5/10000

206

NA

NA

18

NA







NA

NA

VMAX
We Say: Ultimate naked street ghter.
Also See: Ducati Diavel, Triumph Rocket III
VMAX

25.97 lakh

1679

200/9000 166.8/6500

310

NA

NA

15

NA







NA

NA

COMPETITION BIKES
SUZUKA

www.suzukaracingmotorcycles.com

SRM250 2V
We Say: NA.
Also See: NA
SRM250 AC 2V
SRM250 LC 2V

3.40 lakh
3.45 lakh

223
223

16.3/7000 17.5/5500
16.3/7000 17.5/5500

5
5

115.5
115.5

NA
NA

120
120

6
6

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

SRM250 4V
We Say: NA.
Also See: NA
SRM250 4V

136

JANUARY 2015

3.65 lakh

250

22.4/8500

20/7000

116.5

NA

135

NA







NA

NA

www.bikeindia.in

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(OTR PUNE)

Worldmags.net
SCOOTERS
APRILIA

www.aprilia.com

SRV
We Say: An easy-going, but quick and extremely potent city ride which also loves the highway.
Also See: No options yet
SRV 850
SRV 850 ABS

13.43 lakh 839.3


13.92 lakh 839.3

76/7750
76/7750

76.4/6000
76.4/6000

V
V

249
249

HERO MOTOCORP

NA
NA

NA
NA

18.5
18.5

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

www.heromotocorp.com

PLEASURE
We Say: Great looks and goodie-loaded, this is the ideal jump for the econo-commuter who wants more.
Also See: Honda Activa, Suzuki Lets, TVS Wego
Pleasure

50,047

102

6.8/7000

7.8/5000

104

12.18

80.9

47





Feb 06



MAESTRO
We Say: A Honda Activa with a plastic body.
Also See: Honda Dio, TVS Jupiter
Maestro

56,061

109

8.2/7500

HONDA

9.1/5500

NA

10.37

88.7

5.3

52





Jun 12



www.honda2wheelersindia.com

ACTIVA
We Say: Revised the scooter market and is an improvement over the old Activa.
Also See: Suzuki Access, TVS Wego, Hero Pleasure
Activa DLX
Activa-i

52,884
49,695

109
109

8/7500
8/7500

8.74/5500
8.74/5500

V
V

109
103

10.8
8.49

89
90

5.3
5.3

53.5
63.5










NA
Sep 13

NA


ACTIVA 125
We Say: More power and big improvement overall compared to its smaller-engined sibling.
Also See: Vespa VX, Suzuki Swish
Activa 125
Activa 125 Deluxe

63,436
70,085

125
125

8.67/6500 10.12/5500
8.67/6500 10.12/5500

V
V

NA
NA

NA
7.76

NA
92

NA
NA

NA
46.75










NA
Jun 14

NA


DIO
We Say: An Activa with good looks. Pillion foot rest is a pain though.
Also See: Suzuki Lets, TVS Scooty Zest, TVS Jupiter
Dio

52,400

109

8/7500

8.6/5500

106

10.49

93

5.3

54.75





Mar 12



AVIATOR
We Say: Positioned for the premium market. Good, but expensive.
Also See: Suzuki Access, Mahindra Duro, TVS Jupiter
Aviator (Drum)
Aviator (Disc)

55,600
61,400

109
109

LML

8.1/8000
8.1/8000

8.8/5500
8.8/5500

V
V

102
102

10.83
10.83

83
83

6
6

52
52










NA
Dec 09

NA


www.lmlworld.com

NV
We Say: Going back in time
Also See: Suzuki Access, Mahindra Duro, Mahindra Rodeo
NV-4S (ES)
NV LS-4S

www.bikeindia.in

48,321*
62,048*

147.5
147.5

8.8/6200
8.8/6200

11.3/4250
11.3/4250

4
4

116
120

NA
NA

NA
NA

5.5
5.5

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

JANUARY 2015

137

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

PRICE
(Rs, OTR PUNE)

SELECT
We Say: NA
Also See: Suzuki Access, Mahindra Duro, Mahindra Rodeo, Mahindra Flyte
Select 4 (KS)
Select 4 (ES)

47,140
50,978

149.5
149.5

8/5500
8/5500

13.2/3500
13.2/3500

4
4

119
123

NA
NA

NA
NA

8
8

NA
NA

* ex-showroom

BI BUY-BOOK NEW BIKES

Worldmags.net










NA
NA

NA
NA

STAR EURO
We Say: NA
Also See: Honda Activa 125, Vespa VX
Star Euro 150 (ES, Disc)
Star Euro 200 Funky (ES)

57,918*
61.793*

150.8 9.5/8000
NA
CVT
199.9 9.25/6250 19.9/4000 4

112
122

NA
NA

NA
NA

MAHINDRA 2WHEELERS

7
5.5

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

www.mahindra2wheelers.com

GUSTO
We Say: Smart scooter with many practical aspects.
Also See: Honda Activa, Suzuki Lets, TVS Scooty Zest
Gusto DX
Gusto VX

51,969
57,600

109.6
109.6

8.1/7500
8.1/7500

9/5500
9/5500

CVT
CVT

NA
NA

NA
14.1

NA
76.4

6
6

NA
45










NA
Nov 14

NA


FLYTE
We Say: Zippy and comfortable scooter. Great choice for city commutes.
Also See: Honda Aviator, Suzuki Access
Flyte

NA

124.6

8/7000

9/5000

105

13.02

83.8

41





Oct 07



DURO
We Say: Novas body gets the Flytes engine.
Also See: Honda Aviator, Suzuki Access
Duro 125 DZ

53,351

124.6 8.15/7500

9/5500

114

8.2

92.8

38.25





Mar 12



RODEO
We Say: Flyte gets a style change.
Also See: Honda Aviator, Suzuki Swish
Rodeo RZ
Rodeo UZO125

54,199
56,415

124.6 8.15/7000
124.6 8.15/7000

SUZUKI

9/5500
9/5500

V
V

106
106

NA
NA

87
87

4.5
4.5

NA
NA










NA
NA

NA
NA

www.suzukimotorcycle.co.in

LETS
We Say: A lightweight 110cc automatic Suzuki
Also See: Honda Activa-i, Mahindra Rodeo, TVS Scooty Zest, Yamaha Ray
Lets

50,911

112.8

8.7/7500

9.0/6500

98

9.58

92.9

5.2

49.75





Aug 14



ACCESS
We Say: Really quick and a nimble handler but priced higher than the competition.
Also See: Honda Activa 125, Mahindra Duro
Access 125

56,329

124

8.71/7000

9.8/5000

109

7.9

91.8

6.4

42





Dec 07



SWISH
We Say: The Access gets a sporty look
Also See: Honda Dio, Mahindra Duro, Mahindra Rodeo
Swish 125

138

JANUARY 2015

57,141

124

8.71/7000

9.8/5000

110

7.77

92.6

42.2





May 12



www.bikeindia.in

TVS

OVERALL
RATINGS

TESTED

ABS

ELECTRIC START

ALLOY WHEELS

FUEL
EFFICIENCY

FUEL TANK
(Litres)

TOP SPEED
(KM/H)

0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

NUMBER OF
GEARS

Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE

PS/rpm
PEAK POWER

PRICE
(OTR PUNE)

ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)

Worldmags.net

www.tvsmotor.co.in

SCOOTY PEP+
We Say: An engine upgrade makes it even more desirable.
Also See: Honda Activa, Hero Pleasure, Mahindra Flyte
Scooty Pep+

47,388

87.8

5/6500

5.8/4000

95

12.2

74

50.67





Nov 05



SCOOTY STREAK
We Say: Styling updates and sticker works gives it a new lease of life.
Also See: Honda Activa, Honda Dio, Hero Pleasure
Scooty Streak

49,464

87.8

5/6500

5.8/4000

96

11.48

78.4

4.7



51



May 09



SCOOTY ZEST
We Say: Venerable badge gets a larger heart and contemporary design.
Also See: Honda Dio, Suzuki Lets, Mahindra Gusto
Scooty Zest 110

52,616

109.7 8.02/7500

8.8/5500

98.5

NA

NA



NA



NA

NA

WEGO
We Say: A good city runabout
Also See: Honda Activa, Honda Dio, Hero Pleasure
Wego
Wego Disc

56,645
59,559

109.7
109.7

8/7500
8/7500

8/5500
8/5500

V
V

105
105

10.35
10.35

84
84

5
5




40
40







Jan 10
May 13




JUPITER
We Say: Good features and comfort for the price
Also See: Hero Maestro, Honda Dio
Jupiter

56,306

109.7

8/7500

VESPA

8/5500

108

9.98

88.78



43



Nov 13



www.vespaindia.com

125
We Say: If you love retro, buy the Vespa
Also See: Mahindra Duro, Suzuki Access, Suzuki Swish
Vespa LX
Vespa VX

73,300
77,700

125
125

10.06/7500 10.6/6000
10.06/7500 10.6/6000

V
V

114
114

9.36
9.36

101
101

8
8

45.25
45.25










Aug 12
Jun 13




S
We Say: Good features and comfort for the price
Also See: Honda Activa 125
Vespa S

82,000

125

10.06/7500 10.6/6000

YAMAHA

114

NA

NA

45.25





NA

NA

www.yamaha-motor-india.com

RAY
We Say: NA

Also See: Honda Dio, Suzuki Lets, TVS Wego


Ray
Ray Z

53,306
55,650

113
113

7.1/7500
7.1/7500

8.1/5000
8.1/5000

V
V

104
104

9.48
9.48

86.31
86.31

5
5

42.5
42.5










Nov 12
NA


NA

CYGNUS ALPHA
We Say: NA
Also See: Honda Activa-i, TVS Jupiter, Hero Maestro
Cygnus Alpha

www.bikeindia.in

57,000

113

7.1/7500

8.1/5000

105

NA

NA

42.5





Apr 14



JANUARY 2015

139

RANGE Km

0-20 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

WHEELBASE
(mm)

POWER

VOLTAGE

PRICE

RANGE Km

0-20 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

WHEELBASE
(mm)

POWER

VOLTAGE

PRICE

BI BUY-BOOK NEW BIKES

Worldmags.net
ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
COSMIC

AVON www.avoncycles.com
E-SCOOT 207
Top speed: 24 km/h
Tested: NA
Avon E-Scoot
(ex-Delhi)

Avon e-lite (ex-Delhi)

23,280 48V

22,748 48V

250W

230W

65 km

Top speed: 40 km/h


Tested: NA
Cosmic (ex-Bengaluru)

38,000 48V

250W

50 km

ELECTROTHERM www.yobykes.in

E-LITE

SPARK

Top speed: 24 km/h


Tested: NA

Top speed: 45 km/h


Tested: Aug 11

56

50 km

Spark (ex-Delhi)

34,000 48V 1300W

70

4.5

60 km

ELECTRON
Top speed: 25 km/h
Tested: Aug 11
Electron (ex-Delhi)
Electron ER (ex-Delhi)

BSA www.bsamotorsindia.com

22,200 48V
24,000 48V

250W
250W

Street Rider

36,600 48V

250W

1260

75

70 km

NA
NA

70-75
95-100

STYLE

STREET RIDER
Top speed: 25 km/h
Tested: NA

77
81

Top speed: 25 km/h


Tested: Aug 11
Style (ex-Delhi)

25,000 48V

250W

94

NA

70-75

XPLOR
Top speed: 25 km/h
Tested: NA

EKO VEHICLE www.ekovehicle.com


EV-60 ELEKTRIC

Xplor (ex-Delhi)
Xplor ER (ex-Delhi)

31,705 48V
34,204 48V

250W
250W

Strike (ex-Bengaluru)

140

JANUARY 2015

45,000 60V 1878W 1240

93 9.49(0-30)

250W

1185

75-80
105-110

Top speed: 45 km/h


Tested: Aug 11

60 km
Speed (ex-Delhi)

23,200 48V

NA
NA

SPEED

Top speed: 56.14 km/h


Tested: Mar 09
EV-60 Elektric
(ex-Bengaluru)

93
105

30,500 48V 1100W*

94.6

NA

70-75

STRIKE

EXL

Top speed: 16 km/h


Tested: NA

Top speed: 55 km/h


Tested: Aug 11

50 km

YO EXL (ex-Delhi)

37,500 48V 1800W*

NA

NA

70-75

www.bikeindia.in

EXULT
Top speed: 25 km/h
Tested: Aug 11
23,709* 48V

250W

1260

90

90 km

ELEGANT
24,815* 48V

250W

Photon (ex-Delhi)

40,750 48V 1500W

1330

95

111

K100 LA

85 km
27,257* 48V

250W

NA

MAXI
Top speed: 25 km/h
Tested: Mar 09
-

75

Top speed: 25 km/h


Tested: Mar 09
34,250 48V

250W

82

70 km

WAVE DX

K101 LA

27,500* 48V

250W

E-sprint (ex-Delhi)

Cruz (OTR Delhi)

Zion (OTR Delhi)

www.bikeindia.in

35,750 48V
38,500 48V

37,997 48V

34,750 48V

32,990 48V

250W
250W

800W

250W

250W

105
117

70 km
100 km

NA

NA

60 km

K103 LA
Top speed: 25 km/h
Tested: NA
K103 LA
* (ex-Chennai)

32,500* 48V

250W

NA

NA

75 km

LOHIA AUTO www.lohiaauto.com


FAME

Top speed: 25 km/h


Tested: NA
Wave Dx (OTR Delhi)
Extra Miles (OTR Delhi)

60 km

Top speed: 25 km/h


Tested: NA

70 km

OPTIMA PLUS
Optima ++ (OTR Delhi)

NA

K101 LA

HERO ELECTRIC www.heroelectric.in


250W

50 km

Top speed: 25 km/h


Tested: NA
K100 LA

31,750 48V

KABIRDASS MOTOR CO. www.kabirdass.com

Maxi (OTR Delhi)

RANGE Km

Top speed: 45 km/h


Tested: NA

Top speed: 25 km/h


Tested: Aug 11
Elegant
* (ex-Delhi)

0-20 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

PHOTON

E-VO INDIA www.evoindia.com


Exult

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

WHEELBASE
(mm)

POWER

VOLTAGE

PRICE

RANGE Km

0-20 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION

KERB WEIGHT
(KG)

WHEELBASE
(mm)

POWER

VOLTAGE

PRICE

Worldmags.net

Top speed: 25 km/h


Tested: Aug 11
Fame

28,999 48V

250W

1270

70

NA

60 km

E-SPRINT

GENIUS

Top speed: 45 km/h


Tested: Aug 11

Top speed: 25 km/h


Tested: Aug 11

91

65 km

Genius

29,999 48V

250W

1230

89

NA

60 km

CRUZ

OMA STAR

Top speed: 25 km/h


Tested: Aug 11

Top speed: 25 km/h


Tested: Aug 11

91

75 km

Oma Star

31,499 48V

250W

1230

89

NA

60 km

ZION

OMA STAR DX

Top speed: 25 km/h


Tested: NA

Top speed: 25 km/h


Tested: NA

74

70 km

Oma Star DX

36,500 48V

250W

1230

89

NA

60 km

JANUARY 2015

141

Worldmags.net
DID YOU KNOW
BRIDGESTONE MOTORCYCLES
There was a time when the well-known tyre-makers also manufactured motorcycles
Compiled by: Piyush Sonsale
and led to many experimental bikes and engine
innovations. Bridgestone bikes were sophisticated
and comfortable, but often more expensive for
their perceived brand-value.
The company had a factory racing team in
the Japanese national championship and
their bikes won many races in enduro, trials and
road racing in the US as well. Bridgestone bikes
were even raced in the 50-cc class at the Isle of
Man TT in 1966 and in 1973. The Dutch rider,
Jos Schurgers, won the 125-cc Belgian GP riding a
Bridgestone racer.
The Bridgestone 350 GTR and the 350
GTO scrambler, launched towards the end
of the 1960s, were among the best middleweight
road bikes of their time and were popular in all the
markets. They also represented the zenith of the
companys history since Bridgestone ceased
motorcycle production in 1971.

Jos Schurgerss
125GP 1973

Bridgestone is name synonymous with


tyres. The Japanese company is a global
tyre manufacturer with a wide range of tyres for
motorcycles, cars, commercial vehicles and even
aircraft. However, it is a lesser-known fact that
Bridgestone had also indulged in making
motorcycles half a century ago.

Seventeen-year-old Shojiro Ishibashi took


the reins of his familys clothing business in
1906. In 1931, the ambitious entrepreneur
established the Bridgestone Tire Co Ltd to make
tyres for the automobile industry, with the word
Bridgestone derived from the literal translation of
his family name from Japanese into English (Ishi
Stone, Bashi Bridge).
Anticipating the demand for cheap
transport in Japan after World War II, the
company established a bicycle making division in
1946. Three years later, the bicycle company was
renamed the Bridgestone Cycle Company and it
started making motorised bicycles by 1950 with
CVOLSRQ
HQJLQHVVRXUFHGIURPD-DSDQHVHoUP

By 1960 the company had acquired a small


HQJLQHPDNLQJoUPDQGHVWDEOLVKHGD
motorcycle factory in Ageo in Saitama prefecture.
Engine capacity went up to 350 cc by mid-1960s
and the product range was expanded to include
mopeds, step-throughs, scramblers and sport
bikes. Bridgestone bikes were known for their
performance and build quality and soon entered
new markets.

,WZDVGXHQHLWKHUWRDoQDQFLDOFULVLVQRUWR
GZLQGOLQJVDOHVoJXUHVDQGWKHH[DFW
reason for Bridgestones sudden closure is not
known. It is believed that the motorcycle
FRPSDQ\KDGWRPDNHDVDFULoFHLQWKHLQWHUHVWRI
WKHpRXULVKLQJW\UHEXVLQHVV%ULGJHVWRQHZHUHD
tyre supplier to the Japanese Big Four who were
not happy to have them as a competitor as well.
This brought to an end Bridgestones short but
successful bike-making stint.
BS350GTR

Bridgestone started exporting motorcycles


to the US in 1963 through their American
partners, Rockford Motors. Bikes were also sold
in the UK and Australia in a small number in the
late 1960s and the companys Anglicised name
was an advantage in these English-speaking
markets.
7KHLQpX[RIWDOHQWHGHQJLQHHUVIURP
-DSDQHVHHQJLQHHULQJoUPVJRLQJEDQNUXSW
in the 1960s gave the company a technical edge
BS 350GTO

BS 175 Hurricane

The powered bicycles sold well in the


Japanese market during the 1950s and led
to the companys eventual graduation to
PRWRUF\FOHSURGXFWLRQLQ7KHoUVWELNHZDV
sold under the name BS Champion and was
powered by a 50-cc two-stroke engine with a
three-speed transmission.

142

JANUARY 2015

www.bikeindia.in

Worldmags.net

Worldmags.net

BONNEVILLE
Horsepower: 60.7PS / 44.7kW @ 7500rpm
Torque:
61.1Nm @ 5551rpm
Engine size: 865cc

BONNEVILLE T100
Horsepower: 60.7PS / 44.7kW @ 7500rpm
Torque:
61.1Nm @ 5551rpm
Engine size: 865cc

THRUXTON
Horsepower: 60.7PS / 44.7kW @ 7500rpm
Torque:
61.1Nm @ 5551rpm
Engine size: 865cc

For more information or to book a test ride, contact your local Triumph dealer,
visit triumphmotorcycles.in or email customer.care@triumphmotorcycles.in
Ahmedabad
Westcoast Triumph
Ground Floor, Rudra Path Building,
Sg Highway, Ahmedabad 380005,
Mob: +91 9925003695
Landline: 079 40030606
wctriumph.sales@gmail.com

Bangalore
Keerthi Triumph
Prestige Delta, #74, St. Marks Road,
Bangalore 560025
Mob: +91 9535677228
Landline: 080 45112345
triumph@keerthi.co.in

Chandigarh
Krishna Automobiles
Ground Floor, Elante Mall, Industrial
Area, Phase 1, Chandigarh 160002,
Phone: 0172 5005006
Mob: +91 9915942222
info@triumphkrishna.in

Chennai
Harbour City Triumph
No.30, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore,
Chennai 600008
Mob: +91 9710439439
Landline: 044 28271775
sales@triumph-harbourcity.in

Please check for attractive and exible nance scheme options available from HDFC bank at Triumph Dealership
Price starting from Rs 5.85 Lac (Ex-showroom Delhi). Ask for your specic town prices from Dealership

Delhi
Delhi Triumph
Vasant Square Mall, Vasant Kunj,
New Delhi 110070
Mob: +91 9999921984
Landline: 011 40000200
info@triumphdelhi.in

Worldmags.net
and the style.
For the soul, the spirit
and the character.
For the craftsmanship
ndling that only the
For the legendary ha
real deal can deliver.
For the ride.

Call Toll Free: 1800 3000 00 51


Hyderabad
Rebel Motorcycles Triumph
Plot No.18, Road No.12, Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad 500034
Mob: +91 9701299688
Landline: 040 23384444/5555
cre@rebelmotorcycles.in

Kochi
Syamandynamic Triumph
30/1366 A1, Syama Business Center,
NH Bypass, Vytilla, Kochi 682019
Mob: +91 9645599922
Landline: 0484 3952911
triumph@syamadynamic.com

Kolkata
Mukesh Triumph
P S Maestro, 113 G,
Maheshwartola Road,
Kolkata 700046
Mob: +91 8420796666
sm.triumph@karini.in

Mumbai
Shaman Triumph
Ground Floor, Hubtown VIVA, Western
Express Highway, Andheri (E),
Mumbai 400060
Mob: +91 9619333033
triumph.sales@teamshaman.com

@IndiaTriumph
Pune
B U Bhandari Triumph
A3, Abhimanshree Society,
Pashan Road, Pune 411008
Mob: +91 9822020209
Landline: 020 66858545
triumph.sales@bubhandari.com

The motorcycle specications mentioned here are ARAI certied and may vary from country to country. The accessories shown here are not a part of the standard product. Triumph Motorcycles Limited reserves the right to make changes without prior notice. 2014-15 Triumph Motorcycles Limited. All rights reserved.

RNI NO. MAHENG / 2005 / 15682

Worldmags.net

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