Bike India editor Aspi Bhathena’s take on the magazine’s 10th anniversary issue
Archives for July 2015
Exclusive Video Review: Bike India rides the Ducati Panigale R
Bike India was one of only eight automotive media organisations from around the world, and the only Indian one to be invited by Ducati to ride the fearsome Panigale R at the legendary Imola race track. You can watch our Editor, Aspi Bhathena’s take on the Panigale R right here [Read more…]
Hero NOT taking over Erik Buell Racing
It isn’t often that the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) wades in to provide clarification on automotive happenings, but in a weird twist of fate, that’s exactly what has happened…well, sort of.
Super Mario: News from the biking world
The day Mario came to India was of huge significance to the world of motorcycling. Here’s why… [Read more…]
Yamaha YZF-R3 launch on 11th August
Good news Indian Yamaha fans – the YZF-R3 cometh. That’s right, the latest scion from Yammie’s legendary R-series supersport bloodline will hit Indian shores (and showrooms) as soon as the 11th of August [Read more…]
Three Nations, One Ride
The organisers of India Bike Week are now spreading their wings across the seas to provide experiences unlike any other for India’s bikers. The now familiar India Bike Week has added on a new chapter, christened IBW Outbound. It’s a series of nine rides not only in India but also in South East Asia and Europe. [Read more…]
July 2015
THE MOTORCYCLE MARKET WITNESSED A DE-GROWTH of three per cent in May 2015, and, to make matters worse, the meteorological department has forecast a below-normal monsoon; in fact, a drought-like situation. This will not augur well for the sales of new motorcycles since most manufacturers are looking towards the rural areas for growth rather than the urban market.
The traffic situation has become a serious problem in India — it is worse than the Wild West. No one gives a damn about traffic rules and if someone tries to correct them, they become aggressive and belligerent. It is high time the police took decisive action against such offenders. Some manufacturers like HMSI are making an effort to educate people about traffic rules by setting up traffic safety parks where everyone from children to adults are taught traffic rules.
The Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship has got under way with record entries in the new group ‘C’ class, and this year there will be a Gixxer Cup one-make series along with the Honda, TVS and Yamaha one-make series.
There are a couple of issues in the Indian motorcycle racing championships, the first of which is the lack of cross-manufacturer racing in the national championship. Manufacturers do not want to lose, so they stick to one-make series. The second issue is that the organisers are reluctant to introduce championship for 12- and 14-year-olds, for that is where the young talent lies, not among the 18-year-old and above since their ‘sell by’ date is over.
It’s a shame that we do not have a single rider representing India in the Dorna Honda Asia Talent Series. Countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia have three to four riders taking part in it. It is high time the FMSCI, manufacturers and the organisers of these championships rectified this lacuna. Having raced myself, it is very sad to see the standard of racing in the country even with so many manufacturers involved in racing today.
ASPI BHATHENA EDITOR
Distinguished Auction
Triumph Motorcycles is all set to auction the bike used by Chris Pratt in Jurassic World. Here’s why [Read more…]
DSK Benelli records 2nd fastest sale by any superbike brand in India
DSK Benelli recently celebrated what they claim is the second fastest sale by a superbike brand in India with a ride from Pune [Read more…]
Stop easy: Yamaha India launch disc brake version of Saluto
Yamaha India have launched a new version of their 125 cc Saluto commuter motorcycle with the option of a disc brake for enhanced stopping power [Read more…]