New Bike Launches in India

Kawasaki has released details about their 2013 liter-class superbike, the fearsome ZX-10R.

While there’re no major changes under the fairing, Kawasaki has clothed the green monster in a new livery and fitted it with a new electronically controlled steering damper from Ohlins.

 

The new damper is mounted behind the triple clamp and controlled automatically via a combination of the bike’s internal sensors and a separate ECU. The change comes at a cost of $300 with the ’13 model retailing for $14299 (in the US). Kawasaki also offers a model with ABS for an extra $1000. Hit the jump below for the full specifications about the 2013 Ninja ZX-10R.

Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement: 998cc
Bore x stroke: 76.0 x 55.0mm 
Compression ratio: 13.0:1
Fuel system: DFI® with four 47mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance and Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) 
Transmission: Six-speed 
Final drive: Chain
Rake / trail: 25.0 degrees / 4.2 in.
Front tire: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tire: 190/55 ZR17
Wheelbase: 56.1 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 43mm inverted Big Piston Fork (BPF), adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Horizontal back-link with gas-charged shock, stepless, dual-range (low-/high-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload / 5.5 in.
Front brakes: Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Braking (KIBS), dual semi-floating 310mm petal discs with dual four-piston radial-mount calipers
Rear brakes: KIBS-controlled, single 220mm petal disc with aluminum single-piston caliper
Color choices: Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black, Pearl Flat White/Metallic Spark Black

The diversified Mahindra and Mahindra groups two-wheeler arm is all set to revamp their image in the two-wheeler market by introducing 3 new motorcycle variants across the different segments in the next few months.

The company which had made its entry in the highly competitive 100cc segment with the Stallio will soon introduce a revamped version of the same. Also waiting in the wings is the highly anticipated 300cc Mojo performance bike.

Speaking to mediapersons recently, Mr Viren Popli, Senior Vice-President, (Strategy & Market Development) Mahindra Two Wheelers, stated that the company have stopped production of the 100cc Stallio and will be making announcements about the newer version very soon. The company is also currently testing its 300cc performance bike Mojo and this Indo-Italian bike will go on sale soon.

Mr Popli also hinted to the fact of introducing an offering in the moped segment, particularly for the rural markets in India, there are currently carrying out different research for this segment. The company also plans to introduce two more offerings in the scooter segment.

Benelli, one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, have recently launched a state-of-the-art concept showroom in Saigon, the capital city of Vietnam.

The Pesaro (Italy) based company, which is now a part of Chinese automotive group Qianjiang, went bankrupt in the mid-80s after a string of successful sporting victories, but got resuscitated in the mid-90s thanks to entrepreneur Andrea Merloni’s endeavours.

The concept showroom will house famed Benelli bikes like the TNT R, TNT 899 and the 1130 Century Racer edition. Benelli have inaugurated this showroom as part of the companies long term plan to consolidate their presence in emerging markets. Benelli have stated that,”The Vietnamese market is certainly a strategic market in Asia and Benelli Q.J. decided to introduce in Vietnam some products dedicated to the customers of the ASEAN countries”. With the new ‘Benelli concept showroom’ in Saigon, the firm intends to meet the requirements of the Asian customers by introducing and developing new motorcycles and scooters for the emerging markets. Reason enough for us to start making wild guesses about when will this revered marquee makes its way to Indian shores, now that most of its compatriots are here already?

Honda’s recent models, the CBR 250R and CBR 150R, have been highly successful in many parts of the world.

And, there is no denying that the CBR600RR and the CBR1000RR have been legends for years. However, while the 150-cc and 250-cc motorcycles are for the beginners, the 600RR and 1000RR are for the pros. There is nothing that bridges the gap between these two sets of motorcycles and, to address this, it is believed that Honda are working on a CBR 400R.

According to an exclusive scoop by the Japanese magazine Young Machine, the new CBR 400R is expected to be a parallel twin-cylinder 400-cc machine that will generate approximately 50 PS of peak power and will attain a top speed of 180 km/h. That’s all we know for now but we’re as excited as you are and can’t wait to see how it pans out, and whether Honda brings this new bike into the country. If it does it will be the ideal sportsbike for an entire generation waiting to upgrade from the de rigeur 250ccs, but – for financial or safety concerns – don’t want a full-fledged big bike. Until then, wait, watch and pray!

All news on electric bikes in India has been almost negligible with manufactures claiming its difficult to sustain their business due to the end of subsidy offered on them.

But now a new player in the automotive market- Enigma Auto is set to change all this. This Delhi based company has recently launched three electric scooters in India. On offer is the Intansce, Creasent and Mascular. Agreed there are obvious spelling mistakes but these are the exact names mentioned on their website – www.enigmaauto.com. These electric bikes take 6-8hours to charge and give out a top speed of 25 km/h. They boast of a range of 50kms per charge with a single rider. These scooters feature trendy styling and registration isn’t required. Their available in 4 colours – red, brown, white and black. The Engima Creasent features cruise control, anti-theft alarm, motor lock system, 48 Volt lightning system, multiple charger sockets and has a range of 55 kms on a full charge. The Enigma electric scooters are priced between Rs. 28,500 and Rs. 31,900 (on – Road Delhi).