Honda to Launch the New CRF250L On/Off-Road Motorcycle in Japan

 Honda is all set to launch its new 250cc on/off road model CRF250L in Japan. It will start to sell this motorcycle from the month of May. This motorcycle looks similar to Honda Brio (Hero Impulse in India) but has some new features according to Honda. This motorcycle offers smooth riding in various environment be it urban or off road riding.  We may see some possibility of this model in India launch in future since it offers good mileage. Here is the complete review of this motorcycle according to Honda.

 Honda is marketing this motorcycle with slogan of “‘New On & Off Gear, your right buddy on the road’ to make ‘On’ (daily life) more convenient and ‘Off’ (weekends) more enjoyable.” The development team, by pursuing total balance and driving stability to the utmost, created a vehicle that enables a broad spectrum of users from beginners to experienced riders to enjoy the sheer fun of handling the machine.

Bajaj Pulsar with R15′s Looks – Modifications done for Rs.15,000

These pictures were sent to us by Mr.Sundhar who claims that this Pulsar bike has been modified into an R15 in terms of looks for just Rs.15,000. You may contact him on the mail ID given below for further information…

Royal Enfield to Celebrate Bullet’s 80th anniversary

Royal Enfield is all set to celebrate Bullet’s 80th anniversary in the month of June. The company is planning to celebrate this on 23rd and 24th June at the Watsonian-Squire works in Blockley, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.  The company will celebrate this event by showing latest models and offering test rides on the same.

Triumph to develop 125cc motorcycle for Emerging Markets

Domestic two wheeler manufacture has now more reason to worry.  Uk’s Triumph Motorcycles is developing a 125cc motorcycle which will be launched in emerging markets by the end of next year as reported by Hindu Business Line.  This motorcycle will directly compete with other 125cc motorcycle available in the market.

Coming Soon Pulsar 200NS With Some Tweaks

While a lot has been talked about the most awaited performance bike in India – the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS, the bike is about to go to final production. Bajaj has been testing the bike rigorously in and around Pune. Test bikes have been given to many commuters and riders and every feedback is studied in detail. As a result, there would be a few changes incorporated on the final production bike.

• The most prominent one would be the inclusion of a 55watt headlamp in place of a 35watt in the prototype model.

• The second thing we did not like was the presence of EUROGRIP tyres on all the bikes we had seen so far. Bajaj would be considering providing the MRF Zappers also along with Eurogrips.

• Changes to the rear mudguard are also in talks with the matt effect taking place instead of the current glossy finish.

Apart from these there are other minor tweaks which Bajaj would be doing to ensure that Pulsar is taken well by the market. Its price tag of ‘under 1 lakh’ also keeps the value for money preposition. The bike’s launch has been delayed a little possibly to iron out all the issues found during testing. Pulsar 200NS should be making an appearance by next month.

Exact launch date and price have not been made public by Bajaj. I will try to get this info as soon as it out in the market.

Yamaha’s Concept Off Road Scooter : Yamaha TTX Adventure

We have heard a lot about off road motorcycles, however Yamaha Thailand has recently showcased its off road scooter concept “TTX Adventure” in 2012 Bangkok International Motor Show last month.  Yamaha TTX Adventure scooter is based on Yamaha’s new TTX 115i scooter. However, this scooter has got lot many features which make it true off road scooter.

 

Two Wheeler Brands (Models) Which Ruled the Last Decade in India

We published the news that Bajaj Pulsar has crossed five million marks. But there is a question that which are the brands which have ruled Indian two wheeler market in last decade?  Here is the list of brands which have ruled the Indian two wheeler market.

Hero Splendor:  The king of the two wheeler brands not only in India but across the world. There is no motorcycle in India yet which has surpassed the sales of Splendor. Splendor was launched in the year 1994 and it became an instant hit for Hero Motocorp formerly known as Hero Honda since it was launched when motorcycle era was started. It took 10 years for Splendor crosses five million mark which it crossed in the year 2004.

Sunburn Special chopper to make Mumbai debut

Vardenchi's latest creation built exclusively for the Sunburn Music Festival will break cover for the Mumbai audiences at the coveted music festival to be held in April

Top 5 fuel efficient 125cc bikes in India: In pictures!

 

Bajaj Discover: Mileage – 68 kmpl

Hero CBZ Xtreme vs Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSi vs Honda CB Unicorn: Which 150cc bike to buy?

We pit three affordable fast commuters that have been around for a while but still notch up impressive sales numbers. Which is the right one for you? Read on...

                                                           Honda CB Unicorn
The 150cc segment in the country has fast emerged from being a premium pocket to a volume segment and leading the bandwagon are three extremely successful and potent motorcycles, namely, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSi, the Honda Unicorn and the Hero CBZ Xtreme. We pit them together and find out which one is the best in the class. All of these three have been in our nation for a long time now but have affirmed different avatars in the past few years. The Unicorn has witnessed successful sales in our nation and has earned a well deserved name for being the most reliable 150cc bike in its class. The CBZ Xtreme on the other hand is designed to woo the younger generation with its stylish body, integrated side indicators and the step up seat. The Pulsar has been around a long time now, but has never rested on its laurels, it has reformed and improvised all through out. This particular Pulsar, the 150, has not seen many changes since a while now, but that is probably because the company is focusing on its bigger siblings the Pulsar 200NS and the 220 et cetera.
When it comes to cornering and all round performance the CB Unicorn surely takes the cake as it produces the most horsepower and also will be at the head of the game, marginally, but it sure will. What we like about the Pulsar though is the bike is made for practicality on all fronts, and it looks good too along with all that jazz, so along with the cheapest bike in the segment retailing at Rs 64,497 ex-showroom, Delhi the Pulsar’s ridability keeps us very satisfied as the bike will handle majestically even at 25km/h from the fifth gear onwards, which is a boon in city traffic conditions. Both the CBZ Xtreme and the CB Unicorn share the same Honda 150cc engine DNA. The Unicorns gearbox will get a standing ovation from us as we are appalled by its smoothness and tact free qualities.

                           
                                                           Hero CBZ Xtreme
The Pulsar has a very attractive function which is the illumination in the switch gear. A fancy yet unnecessary function which you may actually use the first few days of you purchasing the bike, but eventually one does get used to where the switches are placed on the handles and you may forget the function existed, until someday your enthusiastic friend points it out to you. Nevertheless the Pulsar has gone through quite a few makeovers and Bajaj can very rightly call it India’s most performance oriented bike which is entirely home grown and it offers young enthusiasts a chance to live the dream and wake up also very briefly, but what counts is the chance. The jazziest of the lot, the Xtreme is a sure eye catcher and now with its new wheels and design it does stand out a lot too. The Unicorn is a sure pleaser that does not knock you out but urges you to live to ride each day again as that perfectly set up mono-shock suspension and the comfortable seat induces a tonne of confidence into the rider and we love that. The Unicorn retails at Rs 63,046, ex-showroom, Delhi. The Pulsar 150 at Rs 64,497 ex-showroom, Delhi while the Hero Xtreme at Rs 64,063 ex-showroom, Delhi.   

                                                 Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSi
 Our pick would be the Honda Unicorn if a person is looking for a mature grown up bike that punches hard when it wants to, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 if a person wants absolute value for money and easy on the pocket after market sales not to mention the comfort it offers along with its aggressive paint scheme and body. The CBZ extreme is no hooligan but we like its guts because it is a good looker as well as a very potent machine with regards to in-town rideability. So first decide on what you want from a motorcycle and then take the plunge. Happy and safe riding!

Next Gen Pulsar (Pulsar 200NS) Unveiled..!! [Photos/Specs]

First things first: It is not a "launch" but more of an "unveil/first look". The commercial launch would take place in March-April 2012.

Posted here are photos of the Stunnng next generation Pulsar which has been officially unveiled today. The bike looks nothing short of space age and drips with lot a of brawny attitude. As seen from the photo posted below the bike actually looks much bigger than what's its tech specs suggests.

To sum it up it looks fast, muscular, brutal, edgy and new age. The new Pulsar 200NS (NS: Naked Sports) looks to be armed to the teeth to take on and to decimate any competition. The next gen Pulsar looks all set for another Decade of Dominance..!!

The bike unveiled is being called as "Pulsar 200NS (Naked Sports)". Gone is the signature Pulsar tank of the first generation. What you get is a totally restyled package. The chassis now has a Perimeter frame with a monoshock rear suspension..! The engine is a 200 cc, 4 valve per cylinder, liquid cooled, short stroke motor producing 23.5 Ps of peak power. The oficially stated price so far is "Under one lakh".

Now, what do you guys think of the Next Gen Pulsar..??

 Pulsar 200 NS Technical Specifications:

ENGINE

Type: 200 cc, Single Cylinder, 4 valve, SOHC, 3 Spark plug per cylinder

Max. Power: 23.5 Ps @ 9500

Max. Torque: 18.3 @ 8000

Cooling: Liquid cooling

Bore x Stroke: 72mm x 49mm

Fuel System: Carburetor 33mm (Ucal carburetor)

Air filter: Paper element

Gears: 6 speed

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION/BRAKES

Frame: Pressed steel Perimeter

Front Tyre: 100/80 - 17, 52 P, Tubeless

Rear Tyre: 130/70 - 17, 61 P, Tubeless

Front Brake: 280 mm Disc

Rear Brake: 230 mm Disc

DIMENSIONS

Length x Width x Height: 2017 mm x 804 mm x 1195 mm

Kerb Weight: 145 kgs

Ground Clearance: 167 mm

Seat height: 805 mm

Wheelbase: 1363 mm

Fuel Tank capacity: 12 Ltrs

PERFORMANCE

Max Speed: 136 Kmph

Acceleration: 0-60 kmph in 3.61 sec, 0-100 kmph in 9.83 sec

Braking Distance: Both brakes (60- 0Kmph) 16.33 metres

ELECTRICALS

Ignition system: DC Ignition

Battery: 12V 8AH VRLA

Head Lamp: 35/35W

Tail/Stop Lamp: 0.3/3 W, LED

Price: Under one lakh..!!

Pulsar 200NS: India's Best Looking Naked Sports Bike? [Hi-Res Photos]

It has been really heartening to see that even hardcore "Pulsar" haters couldn't stop themselves from praising the new Pulsar.

 Apart from going gaga over its features like the "Liquid cooled, 4 Valve engine and "Perimeter Frame", nearly everyone has been impressed with the styling of the new Pulsar 200NS. So is the new Pulsar 200NS currently the "Best Styled Naked Sports Bike in India"?

Surprisingly, I was one of those very few individuals who at first glance of the new Pulsar 200NS did not go WOW..!! I really don't know why. Maybe after seeing the signature Pulsar tank for 10 years, the latest avatar was too radical for me. But I have to say that the new design is growing on me and the more I look at it in photos, the more it has started to impress.

 Evolution or Revolution?

The Yamaha FZ was the first real challenge to the dominance of the Pulsar when it came to naked sports bikes in India. When Yamaha launched the FZ (16) in 2008, it made every other naked sports motorcycle in India look a generation older including the Pulsars. Minor styling upgrades did help the Pulsar retain its handsome lines/proportions which still appealed to a large section of bikers. Nevertheless it was clear that the Yamaha FZ was now becoming the choice of the new generation.

 

 The next gen Pulsar therefore had a thin line to tread. On one hand it had to be designed a notch above the Yamaha FZ and on the other hand it had to carry over the lines/proportions of the Pulsar which we have been used to seeing on our roads for a decade now.

From what has been unveiled on Jan 30, it seems that the designers at Bajaj Auto has pulled it off. The side panels, tail section and the way in which the rider's seat merges with the tank reminds one of the signature Pulsar styling. The twin strip LED Tail lamps makes sure that the new bike still doesn't get mistaken for anything elase but a Pulsar. The rear number plate holder has been carried over from the Pulsar 135LS.

The tank is the biggest change here. The orginal shape has been replaced with a sharper looking tank that extends right down to the radiator shroud.

 

Design Details: "God is in the details"

Apart from the puffed up body panels, the FZ had wonderful design details which really made it stand apart in the crowd. Well, at least till the Pulsar 200NS was unveiled on Jan 30.

A closer look at the Pulsar 200NS reveals the attention to details that has been showered while designing even minute details. The headlamp of the Pulsar 200NS is a detailed design job. The curve, creases, cuts, slashes and layers on the headlamp is mind blowing. The way the pilot lamps are positioned at the bottom of the headlamp is pure evil.

A few nit-pickers are crying foul (don't know why?) that the headlamp looks inspired ("copied" according to them) from the Honda CBR1000R. Well, it does look similar but I don't care, in fact the headlamp on the Pulsar 200NS has been better executed than the CBR1000R.

Even the perimeter frame of the Pulsar 200NS also has not spared the designer's touch, it has been thoughtfully scooped and scraped and gels well with the rest of the body.

 

  

Other small details like the footpegs, the half chain cover, the petal shaped disc brakes, the new design alloy wheels and the radiator shroud (not a decoy but an actual working radiator) looks like have been sculpted by an artist and not just put together in a factory. Even the screws and allen bolts add a touch of mechanical class to the overall package.

So is the new Pulsar 200NS currently the Best styled naked sports bike in India? I certainly think so. All that is left is to have a look at it in the flesh.

Pulsar 200NS :Story of it’s evolution in sketches

Creating an automotive legend/cult is itself a rare event in history. But when it comes to upgrading an established automotive icon to the next level, it becomes an even tougher (and even a risky) task.

Posted below is the story of the evolution of such a cult motorcycle brand "Pulsar" in it's latest next gen avatar, the Pulsar 200NS.

“Well begun is half done” goes the popular saying. Even for automobiles/motorcycles the saying holds true in the form of “styling”. Get the styling correct and selling becomes superfluous. But the real challenge comes when one needs to upgrade a brand which becomes very popular. The manufacturer faces the dilema whether to go for an evolution (and risk playing it too safe) or for a revolution (and risk messing with the original design).

The in house design team of Bajaj seems to have taken a leap of faith and the result is all there for us to see. The Pulsar 200NS has turned out so well that it will look equally at home when parked either at a street in Pune or Paris..!!

The following sketches shows the design inspirations, iterations and attention to details which the designers at Bajaj Auto which went behind creating this next generation Pulsar. It’s evident that the designers used the lines of the original (2007-2009) Pulsar 200 as the design inspiration.

 

From the fashion conscious “youth culture” to the stance of a “raging bull”, the designers took inspirations from various sources. Signature “Pulsar” design cues like the twin pilot lamps, twin strip LED tail light, the side and tail panels, the way the seat flows into the tank have been carefully retained in the current upgrade.

Have the designers done justice to the next generation Pulsar 200NS?

I definitely think so. Also the sketches probably give us a glimpse of more good things that we can expect from future Pulsars. But above all the sketches and the final product (Pulsar 200NS) shows how much an Indian manufacturer has moved ahead towards becoming world class.

Pulsar 200NS: Development Sketches

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