The new Honda Gold Wing Tour has been launched for Rs 39.20 lakh (ex-showroom).
[Read more…]Archives for September 2023
TVS Apache RTE Marks the Arrival of One-make Electric Racing
With the TVS Apache RTE, the Indian brand has launched the country’s first-ever electric two-wheeler racing championship.
On September 29, 2023, the TVS Racing Electric One Make Championship (e-OMC) will debut at the fourth round of the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC).
Eight hand-picked riders will take part in the first round of the championship. These riders will race on the new TVS Apache RTE race motorcycles designed specifically for the championship.
The TVS Apache RTE features the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class, a liquid-cooled motor and high-efficiency liquid-cooled motor controller, the battery pack has advanced chemistry and high-power cells, with carbon chains, and a carbon-fibre battery case that also acts as a stressed member of the chassis. An Advanced Battery Management System brings race-specific algorithms for advanced configuration controls and high levels of safety, A single-reduction motor is connected to the rear wheel via sprockets and roller chains. It gets Öhlin’s bespoke front and rear suspension,Brembo brake system with a 320-mm front disc, calipers, and master cylinder, carbon-fibre front and rear wheels,Pirelli Super Corsa tyres and a carbon-fibre fairing with the lowest coefficient of drag that is best-in-class.
Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS Motor has been championing racing ever since we started India’s first factory racing team. TVS Racing has been instrumental in making motorsports aspirational yet accessible for enthusiasts across the country. Many of the technologies that we pioneered in our racing machines have made way to our production vehicles, giving shape to our ‘track to road’ philosophy. In line with our vision of providing exciting and sustainable mobility solutions, we are thrilled to announce the debut of India’s first ever EV two wheeler racing. TVS Racing e-OMC will not only set new benchmarks in the racing segment but also demonstrate the potential of electric vehicles in delivering high-octane and thrilling racing experiences for the world to witness.”
KTM 390 Duke 2023 Review – The Duke We Needed
Running out of adjectives that described speed and thrill seemed like a genuine concern when I began writing this review.
[Read more…]2023 Honda CB200X Launched At Rs 1.47 Lakh
The 2023 Honda CB200X is now OBD2 compliant, comes with new graphics, and an assist and slipper clutch among other features at Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom).
[Read more…]TVS Ronin Long Term Review
The launch of the TVS Ronin took place in Goa amid heavy downpour. Even in those conditions, my colleagues confirmed that one thing was clear: the motorcycle had potential and had it not been for the rain, they would have had a good ride on Goan roads.
[Read more…]Third-Gen KTM 250 and 390 Duke Launched In India
The third generation of the KTM 250 and 390 Duke has been launched in India. The naked street bikes are now priced at Rs 2.39 lakh and Rs 3.10 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively.
[Read more…]2023 Honda CB300F Launched At Rs 1.70 Lakh
The 2023 Honda CB300F has been unveiled and it is now OBD2 compliant and comes at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.70 lakh.
[Read more…]Aprilia RS 457 Compact Supersport Unveiled
The Aprilia RS 457 has made its global debut and it shares the same aesthetics as its bigger siblings, the RS 660 and RSV4 1100.
[Read more…]Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R launched in India
The exclusive Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R has been launched in India for a price of Rs 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
One of the most unique bikes in the Indian market today is this 400-cc, inline-four screamer called the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R. This is the base variant of the motorcycle and there is also a top-spec ZX-4RR sold in international markets. In terms of styling, this is inspired by its larger siblings, the ZX-6R and the ZX-10R. In India, it will be available only in the ‘Metallic Spark Black’ colour scheme.
The motorcycle complies with the latest BS-VI and OBD norms. At the heart of the Ninja ZX-4R is a 399-cc, in-line, four-cylinder motor churning out 77 hp at 14,500 rpm and a peak torque of 39 Nm at 13,000 rpm. With the Ram Air system, the max power output is increased to 80 hp at 14,500 rpm.
Some of the electronic rider assists include traction control, riding modes, and more. This R variant, unfortunately, misses out on a quickshifter system as standard but can be fit for an additional cost. We hope to ride this screamer soon to bring you our review.
SEPTEMBER 2023
Mishap Claims a Promising Young Racer’s Life
Indian motorcycle racing lost a bright young star in the making last month with the demise of Shreyas Hareesh, one of the most talented youngsters I have seen in motorcycle racing. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
It was a racing incident and, as all of us know, motorcycle racing is a dangerous sport. At the same time, we should try to make it as safe as possible. The first step towards this is riding gear of a good quality, which is difficult to procure in India today due to the ban on the import of helmets. Indeed, it is a sad scenario that the government has banned the import of helmets just to protect the Indian helmet manufacturers. Even after so many years in the business our manufacturers cannot make a helmet that meets the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) standards that are mandatory for racing in the country. It is unfortunate, to say the least, that we are going backwards in time to protect poor manufacturing.
Indian two-wheeler manufacturers like Bajaj Auto, TVS, Hero MotoCorp, and Royal Enfield are making world-class motorcycles, taking on global manufacturers and beating them in international markets. If we can make world-class motorcycles, why can we not make good helmets?
Another important aspect is that the riding gear should fit properly; neither too tight nor to loose. If the body armour shifts, it will not protect the vital organs that it is supposed to protect during an impact, thus leading to serious injury.
Ride in peace, my little friend.
We saw two big launches recently, the return of the Hero Karizma and the Royal Enfield Bullet, the longest model in production anywhere in the world that has been in production for over nine decades. The new Karizma has a modern liquid-cooled DOHC four-valve engine and a trellis frame. The Bullet gets its engine from the Classic which has been further refined with the power delivery tweaked to suit the bike’s character.
Aspi Bhathena
Editor