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What’s Norton doing at TTXGP?

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Norton LogoAnyone who knows Norton motorcycles knows what the brand stands for. A bike manufacturer with a perfect blend of 20th century nostalgia, woman-on-bike based advertising, a loyal following and dollops of class and respect.

Even looking at their current bikes, one would imagine they are stuck in the blast from the past and the good old Woodstock days are not yet over for them. So, time to tweak the good ‘ol brand image then …

Norton has proved it that a professor in a tweed jacket can still turn out to be a PS3 owner. Or something like that. No, what they have really done is built an electric bike. And it’s not just another two wheeler that goes slower than dial-up, it’s a TTXGP racer.

For the un-initiated, TTXGP is an electric motorcycle race that started in 2008 at the famous Isle of Man TT circuit. It’s also the event which has spawned a number of other electric bike races. No doubt, it’s an honour for any manufacturer to race a bike at this event. But Norton isn’t known to be just another manufacturer right?

So what Norton decided to do is to re-invent a 1951 Featherbed chassis to design the brand-new-yet-old-looking bike, Moto Electra. The sweet cherry on top is the fact that the bike managed to come in 7th in the incredibly competitive Laguna Seca 2011 event.

Please take your top hats off for the legend bike maker, Mr. Norton.

 

Moto Electra specifications:

* AC induction motor

* 62.86 PS and 156 Nm of torque

* Regenerative braking

* Carbon fiber wheels

* Top speed of 215+ kmph

What’s Norton doing at TTXGP?

by Leave a Comment

Norton LogoAnyone who knows Norton motorcycles knows what the brand stands for. A bike manufacturer with a perfect blend of 20th century nostalgia, woman-on-bike based advertising, a loyal following and dollops of class and respect.

Even looking at their current bikes, one would imagine they are stuck in the blast from the past and the good old Woodstock days are not yet over for them. So, time to tweak the good ‘ol brand image then …

Norton has proved it that a professor in a tweed jacket can still turn out to be a PS3 owner. Or something like that. No, what they have really done is built an electric bike. And it’s not just another two wheeler that goes slower than dial-up, it’s a TTXGP racer.

For the un-initiated, TTXGP is an electric motorcycle race that started in 2008 at the famous Isle of Man TT circuit. It’s also the event which has spawned a number of other electric bike races. No doubt, it’s an honour for any manufacturer to race a bike at this event. But Norton isn’t known to be just another manufacturer right?

So what Norton decided to do is to re-invent a 1951 Featherbed chassis to design the brand-new-yet-old-looking bike, Moto Electra. The sweet cherry on top is the fact that the bike managed to come in 7th in the incredibly competitive Laguna Seca 2011 event.

Please take your top hats off for the legend bike maker, Mr. Norton.

 

Moto Electra specifications:

* AC induction motor

* 62.86 PS and 156 Nm of torque

* Regenerative braking

* Carbon fiber wheels

* Top speed of 215+ kmph

Passion For Excellence

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Nambi Ganesh, Director, TCIDelphi India’s Technical Centre India (TCI) was founded in Bangalore in 2000. Since then the centre has grown rapidly and has emerged as Delphi’s largest technical centre in software development outside the US. TCI complements Delphi’s strong manufacturing base in India as well as in the rest of the Asia-Pacific region. TCI has been working on a few technologies for two-wheelers such as immobilisers, instrument clusters, evaporative emission technology and fuel injection technology.

BI: What are the key performance factors and differentiators for growth in an ever growing global auto industry?

NG: Innovation has to help anyone to keep themselves ahead of time. We have been working with the Nano project for the instrument clusters while Harley-Davidson have been our major motorcycle client for instrument cluster and TSSM (turn signal and security module). The key performance factors for us would be safety, driver aid features and quality with optimised price for the Indian auto industry.

 

BI: As the director what will you strive for in the first year?

NG: As the automobile industry grows it throws greater challenges to provide flawless solutions to the critical functions in an automobile. Thus the passion for excellence will be the mantra to begin the year.

 

BI: Auto suppliers have leveraged the low-cost advantage of India. With companies looking towards emerging markets and US protectionism, do you think India can be a technology hinterland or an innovation catalyst?

NG: So long as innovation is possible at a low cost, India will have the major technology developer. We are working on integrating instrument clusters with immobilisers, body control functionalities while maintaining optimal costs on microprocessors.

 

BI: Where do you see India in terms of providing top-class technology to western markets?

NG: Indian engineers are strong in algorithms and mathematics. This is highly advantageous while providing mathematical algorithms, modelling and simulation and electrical and mechanical analysis prior to actual design. Electronic fuel injection systems, the demand for hybrid machines coupled with stringent emission norms and emphasis on alternative energy have all thrown challenges to work towards more efficient fuel combustion and compression systems.

 

BI: Is Delphi likely to make TCI a base for engineering tomorrow’s products?

NG: Delphi has more than 24 technical centres. The Indian technical centre is the biggest software center and fast expanding.

 

BI: What is your view on the potential of the Indian market, with large players like Hero, Bajaj, TVS and Mahindra?

NG: Delphi is predominantly into high-end bikes like Harley-Davidson. The booming Indian motorcycle industry is good news to Delphi.

 

BI: What are the programmes you are working on?
NG: When we started working with the Nano, it called for a change in the engineering brain along with process compliance. PCBs, components, optimisation and competitive pricing were the challenges we faced. Hence for motorcycles we are working closely with the ARAI and other regulatory authorities to understand needs and requirements for EURO V. We are working on making components like evaporative canisters and other electronic controllers work independently of the current vehicle system while providing integrated systems wherever necessary. We are beginning our India manufacturing in Chennai from July 2011. We are also looking at some advanced development projects to explore using four-wheeler technologies in two-wheelers.

 

BI: Please tell us something about after-sales service and training centres for instrument clusters and immobilisers.

NG: We have an after-market division, called DPSS (Delphi Product Service and Support) and they will handle service. This will also include appropriate tie-ups with local service providers to cover the length and breadth of a country like India.

 

 

Nambi Ganesh has recently been appointed as director of Delphi India’s Technical Centre India (TCI). Based in Bangalore, Ganesh is responsible for leading TCI’s efforts to meet worldwide customer demand for products that will enhance the convenience and comfort of the vehicles they drive. Bike India called on the newly appointed director to get to know TCI’s plans for the future.

Yamaha scooters anyone?

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They look good. Usually like a small aerodynamic spacecraft on 2 little wheels. But are we going to get them this time?

A few years ago, Yamaha was exploring the possibility of bringing these scooters to India. When the unofficial news spread, smiles lit up on everyone’s face who looked up them up on Yamaha’s international website. We waited …

Since then the tuning fork logo has been seen in India on the FZ series, R-15 and bigger bikes like R1 and V-Max, but there’s no scooter yet.

This time though the Japanese manufacturer is serious and has already put in 10 crores into its Surajpur plant to build the scooters which will take on the challenge presented by its rival Honda’s dominance in the sector.

No details are available yet but the scooters are to be unveiled at the 2012 Auto Expo.

Stay tuned for more updates …

The Diavel Range

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Ducati Diavel MotowearHere is the latest range of accessories dedicated to the Ducati Diavel

Tech Leather Jacket

Ducati in collaboration with Dainese have come up with an entire line-up of products that are dedicated to the new muscular bike from the Italian manufacturer. This Tech jacket is also a part of that line-up and is finished in leather. It has composite protectors in the shoulders and elbows with pockets for back and chest protectors. Price Rs 26,000.

 

Tech Fabric Jacket

The Diavel range comprises fabric jackets to tackle those hot summers. This particular jacket offers pre-formed aluminium shoulder inserts and removable protectors at the shoulder and elbows. The jacket is finished in such a manner that it enhances the natural shape of the body, thus providing a perfect fit. It is also wind-proof, rainproof and breathable. Price Rs 22,000.

 

Apparel Range

Along with protective gear Ducati also unveiled an apparel range for the Diavel. This range includes sweat shirts, T-shirts, caps, belts, gloves, trousers and casual jackets. The price varies depending upon each item.

 

Arai X ECE Helmet

This dual purpose helmet from Ducati is made in collaboration with Arai. The shell is made from lightweight reinforced fibreglass and features removable internal lining. The ventilation system is such that it channels the airflow from top to bottom, thus providing better cooling in hot weather. Price Rs 31,000.