New Bike Launches in India

BMW bikes to sport Hero gearboxes

Hero Motors recently signed an agreement with BMW Motors, under which the former will become sole supplier of gearboxes to BMW Motorrad, the two-wheeler arm of BMW Motors. Hero would be developing motorcycle gearboxes both for domestic and international markets.

The deal would be valid for a timespan of four or five years, depending on the transmissions sourced for different products by BMW Motorrad. Pankaj Munjal, managing director, Hero Motors, said, “We have developed the gearbox ourselves. Usually, components such as engines and transmissions are made by the company itself, as they involve advanced technology. We have achieved the expertise. BMW Motorrad will source gearboxes from us for products it sells globally.” “That Europe is the best place for sourcing components is not necessarily correct. The landscape is changing. Our transmission business, for one, has been growing over 70% a year for the last few years, he added. 

Hero Motors is part of the Hero Group business conglomerate that is worth around $4.5-billion globally.

Words: Saeed Akhtar

Launched with a face-lift

 

Hero Honda have introduced a face-lifted version of their 150-cc commuter, CBZ Xtreme. Apart from the following cosmetic changes, there is no change in the 149.2-cc, single cylinder air-cooled engine of the bike.

 

1. Digital- analog combo instrument cluster

2. Ignition shutter

3. Side-fairing on fuel tank with new graphics

4. New 5-spokes alloys

5. Front and rear disc brakes

6. LED tail lamp

7. New rear shockers

8. Exhaust shield

9. Clip-ons

10. Step pillion seat

11. Undercowl for engine

 

The new Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme has been priced at Rs 72247 and Rs. 68942 (OTR, Delhi and Mumbai respectively).

 

Words: Gasha Aeri

Bikes to be available in 5 cities; bookings open now!

Bike fanatics in India have a reason to rejoice as Garware Motors along with S&T Motors today announced the launch of two new super bikes – GT650R and ST7. The GT650R fully faired sports bike is priced at Rs. 4,75,000 (ex-showroom-Delhi) for single tone colour and Rs. 4,90,000 (ex-showroom-Delhi) for the dual tone colour, whereas ST7, a 700cc cruiser, is priced at Rs. 5,69,000 (ex-showroom-Delhi). Deliveries of these bikes will start by mid of June.

The bikes were unveiled by Ms Diya Garware – MD of Garware Motors and Dr. Taekwon Kim, President S & T Motors Corporation.

Garware Motors will open bookings for these bikes from April 20, 2011 and will be initially available in five cities – Pune, Mumbai, NCR, Bangalore and Goa. The dealers appointed will be the sole retailers for Garware-Hyosung motorcycles, genuine parts and accessories and will operate authorized service centers across all cities in India. Garware Motors has plans to open 5 more dealerships in Hyderabad, Cochin, Chennai, Ahmedabad & Chandigarh within next 2 months. During this introductory period offer, customers also get a ‘Welcome Kit’ which consists of a helmet, performance T Shirt, cool Glares, Leather Key chain & a Garware- Hyosung cap.

Garware Motors has also tied up with HDFC bank, India’s leading financier of two wheelers. HDFC bank would be providing retail finance to Hyosung customers at very attractive rates.

TVS StaR crosses 30 lakh mark

TVS Motor Company recently announced that their 100-cc commuter TVS StaR has crossed the 30 lakh unit sales mark since its inception in 2004. TVS offers ‘TVS Assurance’ a 5-year, 50,000 km warranty on TVS Star range of bike, which includes Star, Star City and Star Sport.

Moreover, the successful and dependable captain who led the the Indian Cricket team to become the world champion, MS Dhoni, makes an inspiring brand ambassador for the popular city commuter.

Words: Gasha Aeri

InterGlobe Aviation, popularly known as owners of Indigo Airlines, brings in Vyrus, Hollister custombikes and Grinnall trikes to India

InterGlobe General Aviation transfigured its identity as InterGlobe Established Products PrivateLimited – THE ESTD and has brought a bunch of luxury and lifestyle products for the growingpopulation of high net worth individuals (HNIs) in India. The portfolio includes Italy based Vyrusbikes, Germany based Hollister Custom Motorcycles and U.K. based Grinnall. Nigel Harwood,President and CEO, THE ESTD, informed that he wishes to cater to the growing number of youngHNIs in India who seek thrill and adventure by representing a number of global luxury productmanufacturers in the country. Commenting on the arrival of Hollister bikes in the country, Harwoodannouced that its time for the current Harley Davidson bike owners in India to switch over to evenheavier Hollister custom motorcycles. Volker Sichler of Hollister Motorcycles expressed his happinessover being represented in India under the brand, THE ESTD. He disclosed that around 90 percentHarley owners in Europe spend an average of 10,000 euros in customising their bikes besides the costof the bikes. A handmade, base model of Hollister custom bike costs roughly 30,000 euros in Germany.Hollister displayed their Custom Twin Special which sported a stretched 16 liter fuel tank with a singleseat. According to Sichler, the bike could be customised and delivered to the customers in India within6 months of order. The Custom Twin Special is likely to cost over Rs 38 lakh including the importduties.

 

 

Also on the display was a Vyrus. They are known as a small scale sports bike manufacturer whichproduces only 2 models namely 984 and 985. The maker sources engines from Ducati (a 2 valve 992 ccand a 4 valve 999 cc for 984 and 985 respectively, both mated to a 6 speed gear box). Both the modelswould be available for sales in India and are expected to cost over Rs 20 lakh. Further, the brand wouldalso represent Grinnall trikes in India which are known to be built using engines from BMW. The trikescome with the options of 2 front wheels and a rear wheel as well as 1 front wheel and 2 rear wheels.Besides the bikes, brand The ESTD would also offer select super cars such as Koenigsegg, Gumpert,Deronda and luxury yachts and boats.

 

Words: Amit Panday