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Audi and Ducati’s first ofering is certainly more radical than we thought

After German car maker Audi took over Ducati, we did expect something worth raising eye-brows from the clan. But much to our surprise (and unlike our guesses of a ‘diesel L-twin’), the news is that the company has built an electric pushbike. The electric pedal bike, or “pedelec’ has been designed keeping stunting in mind, with a dedicated mode (called ‘Wheelie’ mode, in which the power to rear wheel is moderated when front wheel is in air). Weighing about 7 kgs more than a conventional pushbike, the bike has a carbon fibre frame and 26” carbon fibre-reinforced plastic wheels. Powered by a Li-ion battery, the range of the pushbike is 50-70 km, with a top speed of 80 km/h. The most interesting feature of the bike is an on-board computer which wire-lessly communicates with the rider’s smart-phone, along with keeping a record of the number of stunts rider has performed, along with comparing them to others on Facebook.

This interesting piece of machine will be revealed at Worthersee Volkswagen Group enthusiast expo later this year.

Bajaj launches new Discover 125 ST

Bajaj Auto has just launched the Discover 125 ST in India. The ST monicker here stands for ‘Sports Tourer’ which Bajaj says is a first for the Discover platform. The 125 ST is powered by a 125-cc, twin-spark, air-cooled, 4-valve engine producing 13 PS of peak power and 10.8Nm of peak torque. The big change here is the inclusion of a monoshock suspension, designed to endow the Discover with sportier handling than its peers which traditionally employs archaic twin shock absorbers at the rear.

Like most of its siblings, the ST will also employ Bajaj’s patented ExhausTEC, and also incorporate a 200 petal disc brake setup upfront for better braking prowess. With a kerb weight of 124.5 kgs, the ST is good enough to reach a top speed of around 105 kmph thanks to a new five-speed gearbox and all the aforementioned innovations. Fuel tank capacity stands at a conservative 10 litres.

The new Discovers will go on sale next month, and pricing will be released at the time of its sale. Currently, the price of the Discover range starts from Rs 50,000 (on-road, Pune).

Italian marque reveals first bike after being rescued last year

After being rescued by Eagle Bikes, owned by Sandro Capotosti and Ruggeromassimo Jannuzzelli, Moto Morini have revealed a new bike, called the Rebello 1200, on their 75th anniversary.

This new bike shares its 1,200-cc, 133 PS V-twin with its elder cousin, the Corsaro. It also shares the tubular steel frame with the Corsaro. However, the styling is reminiscent of the old café racers. The suspension set-up includes fully adjustable Marzocchi front forks and Öhlins adjustable rear shock. Braking at both the ends has been taken care of by Brembo. The Rebello will come with an innovative electrically moveable saddle that takes the it from monoposto to biposto with a simple flick of switch, while maintaining the bike’s rear-cowling look.

In keeping with its siblings’ pricing strategy, expect the Rebello 1200 to be priced around the Rs. 10 lakh (approximately € 14k) mark in European markets when it goes on sale later this year.

 

First mass market offering from the company is now on sale

Suzuki Motorcycles India have launched the Hayate commuter motorcycle unveiled by them at the Auto Expo 2012. It has a youthful design, similar to Honda Twister and is powered by a 112cc four- stroke engine. Power and torque figures haven’t been disclosed as of now. The bike has drum brakes and alloy wheels as standard and is available in 5 colour schemes.

The Hayate will compete against the Honda Twister, TVS Jive, Yamaha YBR 110 and the upcoming Hero Passion X Pro and Honda’s Dream Yuga. It is available in two variants, with the kick start one priced at Rs 40,162 and the Kick+electric at Rs 42,162 (ex-showrrom Pune). The bike has been currently launched in the west zone but the other regional launches will occur in a matter of time. Stay tuned for more information and the detailed review of the bike.

Brammo announces pricing and availability of Empulse range of electric motorcycles; ties up with Icon Motorsports

Brammo, the Oregon-based electric vehicle specialists, have announced the pricing and availability of their premium Empulse and Empulse R electric motorcycles. The two models, priced at $16,995 and $18,995 respectively (in the USA) will go on sale later this year and be capable of reaching a top speed of 160kmph and a peak range of over 150 kilometres. The company claims that the 9.3 kilowatt battery driving the bike can be recharged in 3.5 hours from any standard household while the riding experience will be pretty similar to conventional motorcycles because of the six-speed gearbox and regenerative braking (similar to engine braking) like a normal motorcycle.

In other news, the company also announced that Icon Motorsports, the American helmet and riding apparel manufacturer, will be their main sponsors for the 2012 race season. Team Icon Brammo is set to compete in the four regular season races, in addition to the TTXGP World Final at the legendary Daytona International Speedway.

For more details on the Empulse and Empulse R, hit up their company website at www.brammo.com