BI Zone

There are several mid-level and high-end cars that come with a Start/Stop system in India.

The system automatically senses when the vehicle comes to a standstill or if the engine is idle, and subsequently switches off the car’s engine. Similarly as soon as the accelerator is engaged, the engine automatically cranks-up and you’re ready to roll again. The obvious benefit of this system is that it protect the environment by reducing CO2 emissions and, more importantly does what everyone desires – saving valuable money by boosting the fuel efficiency.

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that India predominantly moves on two-wheels and the idea of installing a similar fuel-saving system on them would be a dream come true for millions. Specially with the rocketing gasoline prices. Several companies are working on this technology, like Mahindra 2-Wheeler which displayed the Duro DZ equipped with the Start/Stop system, making it India’s first scooter with ‘Micro Hybrid’ technology.

And now, international component supplier SFK have developed ‘StopGo’, a Start/Stop technology adapted to be used on two-wheelers. With the StopGo, SKF claims to reduces CO2 emissions by 5g per kilometre on two-wheelers. If you estimate an annual mileage of, let’s say, about 8,000 km, this equates to a reduction of almost 36 kg/ CO2 per year! Now imagine if one million motorcycles were equipped with the SKF solution, the reduction would be 36,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. Besides making your bike more environment friendly, it is also said to increase the fuel efficiency by 6-8%.

The SKF ‘StopGo’ is a three-in-one integrated sensor-bearing system solution that performs a bearing function, senses speed and has a stop-start function. The unit fits into the hub of the front wheel, like a standard bearing, and is connected by a plug-and-play connector to a mating connector attached to the engine stop-start electronics. The design is a ready-to-fit unit which can be assembled easily for both OEMs and as a retrofit for a wide range of two wheelers models.

Speaking about the new product, Harsha Kadam, SKF Automotive, Two Wheeler Business Unit Director said, “The technology for SKFStopGo reaffirms our commitment towards providing sustainable solutions and helping our customers and end-users to reduce the carbon footprint. This solution for the two wheeler segment shuts off the engine when the vehicle has stopped, for example at traffic lights. It restarts the engine when the throttle is turned on”.

There hasn’t been any update yet as to the pricing or when the product will be available in the market. But be sure we’ll be the first to let you know when it does.

SteelBird Introduces Designer Series of Helmets – SB 27.

SteelBird recently introduced the Designer Series Helmet SB 27. This particular helmet is aimed at the women riders who eventually end up compromising or perhaps settling down with a design and fit made for men. Steelbird designed this series especially for the woman riders and suit their liking and personality.

These elegant looking helmets are made of high impact helmet grade plastic, which makes it highly durable and practically unbreakable. The high density thermocol will absorb the impact force of the fall or the impact produced during the time of an accident. Quite a saving grace with such features.

The helmet has a three dimensional shell (3D) making its shape an apt fit for the head. The fit is snug and covers the ear properly. The visor is an A-grade vision sheet which is effective in dull and dark conditions. It is a lightweight helmet over with decent protection. The design is ideal for extreme weather conditions. The inside layer is washable and not tight which makes it hair friendly. Maybe it’s good bye to hairloss due to helmet usage.

The SB-27 is available in various designs and colors. The feminine and catchy colors include Silver, Pink, Cherry Red, Spot red, Victor Blue, Black, White and few more shades to complement a lady’s choice.

Time for women to show their feminine side even on a bike. Don’t we agree that a lady in riding attire looks catchy. Let’s Ride.

 

Steelbird launches it’s new line of dual style helmet.

Steelbird Helmets have introduced India’s first Modular helmet – the Flip-off Helmet SB-2020.

Designed with the International standards, the SB-2020 has some features to rival mid range brands. The SB-2020 has a feature called the Flip-off which enables the rider to remove the chin guard transforming the helmet from a full face to an open face helmet. Featuring six-ventilations, replaceable interiors, anti scratch visor and 10 different color combinations, the SB-2020 will appeal to many riders as its priced at an affordable price tag of INR 2,999.

Steelbird has added the SB-2020 to their long line up of helmets as a value added and a highly innovative product. Best of all – Its Made in India.

New application to make iPhone-owners happy

iPhone owners, rejoice, for Pirelli has come up with an excellent app for your mobile handset that will gather all the data you ever wanted from your Sunday morning ride.

The leading international tyre manufacturer, in association with Apple App Store and iTunes, has developed an application called Diablo SuperBiker for the iPhone that lets you record a lot of data while you ride your
motorcycle.

Basically, you get an option of selecting if you are riding on track or on road and accordingly gather data such as your speed, the distance travelled and even map your route on Google Maps. In case you are on track, you can obtain data such as your lap times and lean angles from the ride. What’s more, you can even record your best rides and share them on-line on FaceBook.

This funky new application is available on iTunes free of cost. Get your personal data logger today!

Good news for all Bajaj Pulsar fans! Methods Automotive of Bengaluru has introduced a new replacement air-filter for this definitely male motorcycle. This new filter is made by world renowned K&N Filters especially for the Bajaj Pulsar. It comes with a million-mile warranty, which means no need to replace the filter for 10 lakh kilometres. This filter is available for models starting from 2006. Priced at Rs 2,690, a good investment for your performance bike.