We have received the Clan FRML 1.0 riding shoes for review and we will be using it every day. So watch this space for updates about how they fare.
[Read more…]Archives for March 2023
BMW R 18 Transcontinental Launched
The BMW R 18 Transcontinental has been launched by BMW Motorrad India for Rs 31.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
[Read more…]Bike India Awards 2023
Having ushered in the New Year with enthusiasm, new two-wheelers, and novel adventures, it is time to celebrate the best two-wheelers that the past year had to offer.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 and NS 200 Update Review — Enhanced Agility
The NS range receives its most significant update yet and we were at the scene to make an assessment.
California Superbike School – Taming the Track
We participated in the California Superbike School (CSS) session held recently at the Madras International Circuit in Chennai.
Royal Enfield 650 Twins Get Cast Alloy Wheels and Other Updates
The Royal Enfield 650 twins have received significant updates for 2023. The revised Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 now feature a host of new changes including cast alloy wheels; which owners have been asking for since the 650s were first introduced.
Bajaj Pulsar NS200 And NS160 Gets USD Forks
Bajaj Auto has unveiled the 2023 series of Pulsar NS motorcycles. Bajaj has updated the hardware on the Pulsar NS motorcycles as part of the 2023 update. The update includes USD front forks and dual-channel ABS for the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and NS160 as standard.
MARCH 2023
Recognition for the Meritorious
The Bike India Awards for 2023 were presented last month. There were 39 contenders for these awards, all launched between the first of December 2021 and the 30th of November 2022.
The most frequently asked question in this context pertains to the basis on which the jury select the Motorcycle of the Year. To win this award, a bike needs to raise the bar in its own segment; in areas such as performance, fuel efficiency, ride, handling, braking, and, above all, it should be value for money, relevant to the Indian market, and affordable to the masses. Incidentally, the parameters are the same for the Bike India Awards and the Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) Award.
Both the Car India and Bike India Awards were well represented by the automobile industry at the ITC Grand Central at Parel, Mumbai. It was great to see the Royal Enfield Hunter, a motorcycle made by an Indian manufacturer, win the coveted Two-wheeler of the Year Award. It is equally heartening to see Indian manufacturers like Bajaj, TVS, and Royal Enfield giving international manufacturers a run for their money by making motorcycles that are suitable to the Indian market.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX, Honda CB300F, and KTM RC 390 were strong contenders for the awards. The jury considered the value-for-money factor, which is one of the reasons for not winning an award.
Electric scooters are making an impact on the Indian scooter market. In view of this, Bike India decided to institute an award for the best electric scooter. Three big Indian manufacturers—Bajaj Auto, TVS, and Hero MotoCorp—have entered the EV market, the last-named with the “Vida” brand.
I would like to thank all the jury members, manufacturers, and, last but not least, our sponsors, Motul and the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, for their support which made the Awards a successful event.
Aspi Bhathena
Editor
Hero MotoCorp And Zero Motorcycles Collaborate For Premium Electric Motorcycles
Hero MotoCorp and Zero Motorcycles, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer and leading premium electric motorcycle manufacturers, respectively, have inked a contract for the creation of high-end electric motorcycles.
Ducati Streetfighter V2 Review – Mostly Feral, Somewhat Urbane
The Ducati Streetfighter V2 promises to be brutal but as a street motorcycle, it must also be at home on the road. We find out how it fares in town.