Electric vehicles have become the next big thing in the automotive industry, from big SUVs to tiny commuters, we have an electric alternative to almost every segment in our country. With scooters being one of the most sold modes of transport, manufacturers have been trying to add a new alternative to this segment for the longest time. Bounce Infinity, a star-up from Bengaluru is here with the Infinity E1 and we recently got a chance to ride it. Does it make for the perfect alternative to an ICE scooter that won’t burn a hole in your pocket? Let’s find out.
[Read more…]Archives for February 2022
KTM 390 Adventure/Enduro Spotted Testing
An off-road-biased prototype KTM 390 Adventure/Enduro was spotted on test at the Austrian firm’s base recently. To make things more exciting, it appears to have a brand-new frame and suspension along the lines of the manufacturer’s popular enduro models.
[Read more…]CEAT Zoom Rad X1 Tyre Test – Part 1
We discover the benefits of a set of CEAT Zoom Rad X1 tyres which we shod on a KTM 390 Duke. In the first part of this series, we begin our journey with the installation of these tyres.
Story: Azaman Chothia
Photography: Apurva Ambep
Honda CB650R Review — The Definitive Upgrade
In-line fours have a special place in the heart of all motorcyclists. Today, our first shot at owning one is the Honda CB650R.
[Read more…]KTM E-Duke In Development
In a recent presentation, KTM’s parent company, Pierer Mobility AG revealed that there is an electric KTM E-Duke in development. The bike is expected to be revealed towards the end of 2022.
[Read more…]Yezdi Adventure, Yezdi Roadster and Yezdi Scrambler: Reader’s Questions
Yezdi Motorcycles made a comeback to the Indian market under the umbrella of Classic Legends. Since their launch, this resurrected brand has stirred a lot of interest among enthusiasts and fans of retro-modern motorcycles. We got a chance to test ride all three motorycles both on- and off-road.
[Read more…]BMW Motorrad Touring Range Pre-Launch Bookings Open
BMW Motorrad will be launching its touring range in India in May 2022. Until we wait for the launch, they have opened pre-launch bookings for the R 1250 RT, BMW K 1600 B, BMW K 1600 GTL and BMW K 1600 Grand America.
[Read more…]FEBRUARY 2022
Obstacles Aplenty
The economy was just about recovering and now we have Omicron playing spoilsport with the number of those affected soaring and restrictions being reimposed. All this has taken a toll on the economy as a whole and two-wheeler sales in particular. However, it is not only the aforementioned factors that have adversely affected two-wheeler sales; the perpetually soaring fuel price is also a major deterrent for those desirous of buying a new two-wheeler. It seems that people have now got used to paying over Rs 100 for a litre of petrol, for nobody talks about the high cost of petrol any longer.
Today most people want to make a quick buck, whether it is in one’s career or in the matter of making a new two-wheeler. The normal lead time for making a new bike — that is, from the drawing board to being put on sale in the market — is between four-and-a-half years and five years and this includes extensive testing. A manufacturer tests a new bike for component failure, which is also known as “destruction testing” wherein the problem areas are identified. The testing done by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is for certification; they are not responsible for endurance testing and reliability of the bike.
A manufacturer who has been in the business of making two-wheelers for over a decade knows what the problems are while making, say, a new motorcycle. When people with no prior experience get into the business of making bikes, they will experience a tough learning curve before they can get a product right.
In the process, it is the buyer who is going to suffer, because they are going to be the guinea pig doing the testing that the manufacturer was supposed to do before marketing a reliable two-wheeler. The truth always hurts. When someone points out the problem, say ‘thank you’ and resolve the issue instead of slamming them. They are actually doing you a favour.
Aspi Bhathena
Editor