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Spotted: Honda CBR500, Honda CB500R & Honda CB500X

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Honda is set to debut a number of 500cc machines at EICMA next month, two of which we have already glimpsed: the Honda CBR500 & Honda CB500R.

Joining the smaller sport bike and street-naked is is theHonda CB500X, a 500cc version of the Honda NC700X. Spotted all together at an Italian commercial shoot, all three models are said to share a 500cc parallel-twin motor that makes 45PS, as well as the same basic chassis. Fitted with ‘traditional’ telescopic forks, single brake discs up front, and all three models sharing a bevy of major parts, Honda should be able to be very aggressive with its pricing structure on the new 500cc model line.

Looking at the components as well, it is clear that Honda intends its new CBR500, CB500R, and CB500X motorcycles to be priced at the lower end of the pricing spectrum, making them attractive to newer and price-sensitive motorcyclists — especially our friends across the pond who are riding with an A2 license.

Source: Asphalt & Rubber

Ducati form subsidiary in Brazil

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The Bologna motorcycle manufacturers have always considered Brazil as one of their most important markets for business.

Since, the shut down of the Izzo group, which were the current importer of the Ducati bikes in the land of the ‘Samba’ due to the current economic situation, the big bosses at Ducati took a decision regarding setting up of a wholly-owned subsidiary. Ducati’s move ensures the Italian brand’s ability to sell in the rapidly-growing South American economy.

Headquartered in São Paulo, this subsidiary will be Ducati’s base in Brazil. With extremely high tariffs imposed on foreign goods, importing complete knock-down (CKD) kits to Brazil, Ducati will have a minimal manufacturing presence in the South American country. It will be essential that assembling their motorcycles within Brazilian borders would be necessary in order to side-step loopholes in the Brazil import regulations.

However, the question remains whether there will be a decrease in prices on these Brazilian Ducatis or not? Gabriele Del Torchio, Ducati CEO has stated that, “The Brazilian motorcycle market is one of the most interesting and the third biggest in the world and Ducati has a very strong image in this country. The opening of this new subsidiary and the fact that our motorcycles will be assembled in the Manausplant is evidence of our focus on the Brazilian market. We wish to offer our customers here the best possible sale and after-sales service, and confirm the strategic importance assigned to this market by Ducati.”

Seen here in the picture: Ricardo Susini (Head, Ducati Brazil) with Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio


MV Agusta reveals 2013 Brutale lineup, including a cheaper 675

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They might not have had much to showcase at the Intermot this year, but Italian marque MV Agusta have all the plans to make the coming year exciting for the enthusiasts as they showcased the 2013 lineup of their popular Brutale model recently- the Brutale 1090 (standard), 1090 R and 1090 RR.

Though all three share the same in-line four cylinder 1078-cc powerplant, it’s the engine configuration for different power and torque figures that make them distinct. Where the 1090 (standard) and 1090R offer 146 PS of peak power, the 1090 RR comes with 160 PS of peak power in hand. The bike has both water and oil cooling with separate radiators and uses a cassette-style removable six-speed constant mesh transmission and multi-plate clutch. The 1090 RR also comes with a slipper clutch. Also, all the 2013 models of the Brutale 1090 come with improved suspension, fully adjustable 50mm inverted front fork, double silencers, apart from some other cosmetic changes.

Another good news for MV Agusta fans is that the company is thinking on the lines of getting a cheaper and better looking Brutale 675 in 2013. The price tag of the new 2013 Brutale 675 is expected to be Rs 6.28 lakh for the standard variant and Rs 6.56 lakh for the EAS (Electronic Assist Shift), in the Italian market.

TI Cycles launch ‘Montra’ range with ambassador Karun Chandok

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TI cycles, one of the leading cycle brands in India have launched their ‘Montra’ performance cycle range in the country with their brand ambassador, Formula 1 racer, Karun Chandok.

Since the brand’s inception in 2011, the brand have inculcated many a firsts in the bicycle market in India, like the use of carbon fiber in production of their bikes.

Speaking on the launch, Rajesh Mani, GM, TI cycles stated, “We are delighted to have brand ambassador Karun Chandhok launch the new range of Montra Bicycles. We are proud to be the first Indian company to design and manufacture a wide range of world-class performance bikes catering to the affluent Indian”.

Karun Chandhok commented, “I rode the new hybrid bike, Montra Blues, and was fascinated by its ride comfort, design and paint finish. The ride was very comfortable on the Blues and “Montra” has created world class bikes with frame geometry suited for Indians. Knowing that these frames are indigenously manufactured in India, which is a remarkable feat by TI Cycles.”

The Montra range is being manufactured at the aluminum bicycle facility in Ambattur. Production is currently being ramped up to reach full utilization, while the firm has estimated to capture 15% of the performance bikes market in India. The Montra range will include three variants, which would be priced around the 17k mark. More details can be found at www.montra.in and www.trackandtrail.in