Jim Gorde

Hyosung Motors are preparing a slew of new models as we’ve seen at EICMA 2013. Of particular interest to us is the new GD250, which will be offered in ‘N’ naked street guise and ‘R’ fully-faired guise.

With the GT250R already in India, we have already become familiar with the V-twin quarter-litre offering which gives a big-bike feel. However, the new GD250 line will use a single cylinder motor, but the numbers it brings are promising indeed. The 249cc single makes a similar 28.8 PS as its twin counterpart in India, but a higher 25.1 Nm of torque. The good news is that these peak output numbers come in at 8,500 rpm and 7,000 rpm respectively; a very usable rev band indeed. The arrival of this bike in India will surely spell success for the Korean company. On one hand, will be the 250-twin at a shade over Rs 3 lakh, whereas on the other, the 250-single could be priced in the same range as the Honda CBR250R.

Hyosung also unveiled a 125cc offering, the MH7, powered by a 13-PS 125cc motor. This one’s quite a looker too, but considering the fact that, if assembled in India, the CKD policies would inflate its price tag to beyond what many consider reasonable, and push it into the seriously expensive bracket.

What is clear is that the Hyosung GT650N, R and the GT250R will soon have some sporty company behind the showroom panes and on the streets!

Story: Jim Gorde

Bajaj has been caught testing a fully-faired Pulsar on the outskirts of the city of Pune. Sharp-eyed snapper Nitin Aggarwal has got us the dope on the new bike, but believes it’s still a 200, rather than a 375. [Read more…] about Faired Pulsar Caught Testing!

Tony Fernandes-owned Caterham Group have launched Caterham Bikes – their motorcycle division at EICMA 2013.

The company has showcased three models: two electric bikes and a conventional-engined motorcycle. However, there is nothing conventional about the design of the latter.

Named ‘Brutus 750’, Caterham say the bike is the world’s first ‘two-wheeled SUV’. It certainly looks menacing but is said to be very nimble to ride as well. Caterham say that it can be used as a street bike, an off-road bike, or even a snowmobile; with the conversion taking less than four hours. The numerals in the name suggest a 750cc V-twin motor will power the Brutus. It will be paired to an automatic transmission.

Moving on, the Classic E-Bike carries retro styling which harks back to the golden age of British motorcycling. It offers a range of between 40-80 km before it needs to be recharged. Meanwhile, the third bike – the Carbon E-Bike – is a premium offering which features modern styling and construction technology, inspired by their F1 division. Furthermore, the company is even exploring the possibility of offering a limited edition model to be created with exclusive F1 input.

Caterham say that production of the three bikes will begin as early as Spring 2014. The Brutus 750 will be the first to be built, followed by the two electric bikes later in the year. All will be ‘priced affordably’. The company has also reportedly expressed its interest in contending in the Moto2 world championship, so these bikes are definitely closer to becoming a production reality than many may believe.

Tony Fernandes, Co-Chairman of Caterham Group, said: “Our vision for Caterham Group has taken another step forward with the launch of Caterham Bikes. Expanding our interests into the two-wheeled market is another natural progression for us and is a good opportunity to showcase the breadth of knowledge, experience and creativity we have at our disposal across the Group, now in the two-wheeled world in addition to all of our other automotive, technology and innovation interests.”

Caterham Bikes’ business strategy caters to the growing global demand for environmentally-friendly and multi-purposed, two-wheeled vehicles. Beginning with the European, North and South American markets, the Group’s key growth market will be in Asia, reflecting the burgeoning demand for such vehicles across those territories.

Story: Jim Gorde

Honda have unveiled two stonking 650cc four-pot motorcycles at EICMA. The 2014 CB650F and CBR650R look like perfect middle-weight to bring the battle to a segment which only has the Kawasaki Ninja 650R and the Hyosung GT650R in India. The biggest difference is that the latter are both twins, while the Honda 650s sport twice the number of cylinders.

With the inline-4 engine, the CBR650R will be considerably more expensive if it does arrive, but will offer unparalleled levels of refinement and smooth power delivery. The two new bikes are being considered spiritual successors to the venerable Hornets. However, with 86 PS and 63 Nm, the numbers are actually lower than their old, much-loved 600cc counterparts. Even so, that puts the CBR650R ahead of the Ninja 650R and the GT650R in the power race.

Being a Honda, we can rest assured that the CBR650R, and the CB650F for that matter will be extremely capable tourers and track bikes on call and we would love to see them on our roads soon. We sure hope HMSI are listening!

Story: Jim Gorde