New Bike Launches in India

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).

 

Honda Motorcycles India has launched the Dream Yuga commuter motorcycle in Mumbai.

Powered by a 110cc engine delivering 8.6 PS @ 7500 RPM with a claimed mileage figure of 72 km/ltr, Honda states that the Dream Yuga is specially developed for Indian customers, keeping in mind their practical commuting needs. To this end, the bike’s engine is equipped with several innovative technologies like the ‘Honda Intelligent Ignition Control System’ which changes ignition timings to attain ideal combustion, leading to improved power output and efficiency.

The tubeless tyres / tuff up tube options, viscous air filter and maintenance free battery in the new motorcycle are also a first in this segment. The bike will be available for sale in three variants- Kick/Drum/Spoke, Kick/ Drum/Alloy and Self/ Drum/Alloy. The motorcycle comes in 5 colors: Black, Monsoon Grey Metallic, Alpha Red Metallic, Force Silver Metallic & Maple Brown Metallic. Prices start at Rs. 48,028 for the base variant while the mid variant will cost Rs. 49592, with the top end variant retailing for Rs. 51678 (all prices, ex-showroom, Mumbai).

Honda has also roped in Akshay Kumar, as their new brand ambassador and revealed their new TVC featuring the Bollywood star. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kumar said, “Honda as the World’s No. 1 motorcycle maker carries with it a legacy of customer oriented products from 50cc to 1800cc and goodwill of over 200 million customers worldwide. I am deeply impressed by Honda’s vision and proud to associate with this young and vibrant brand that is innovative, technologically advanced and committed to society.”

When you have a bike that’s made in India and gets exported to another country, it’s an impressive accomplishment.

Bajaj Auto have started exporting KTM (made in India) motorcycles to Japan, the home of motorcycle giants like Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki.

The first batch of the 125-cc KTM bikes was sent from the Chakan plant, near Pune, earlier this month. Bajaj Auto hold a 47 per cent stake in KTM and previously KTM did not have motorcycles in this segment, but are now sourcing the KTM 125-cc from Bajaj Auto for the world market. It’s definitely a milestone in the Indian automotive industry. Congratulations to Bajaj Auto!

TVS has roped in chirpy actor Anushka Sharma, as the brand ambassador for its popular gearless scooter, Scooty.

The scooter is mainly targeted at younger, college going girls, and Anushka’s effervescent personality would add to the brand’s appeal.

Talking about the association, H S Goindi, President Marketing, TVS Motor Company said that Anushka was an immediate choice for the TVS Scooty brand as she is well known for being spunky with her distinctive style and is an icon for young girls in India. She is seen by young women as one who is living her goals of being vivacious, independent and successful. He added that the company is confident that this association will further enhance the popular TVS Scooty brand.

Anushka association for the brand goes back to 2005, during her modelling days, when she had done an ad campaign for TVS Scooty. TVS offers the Scooty Teen for Rs 33,884 and Scooty Pep at Rs 44,500 (OTR, Pune).

The company had announced earlier this year that it will be launching two motorcycles and two scooter this year. The first product is expect to be a 125-cc motorcycle.

Similar to the upgrade Mahindra 2-Wheelers gave to the Duro, transforming it in to a more refined Duro DZ, the company is now ready to do the same with the Rodeo gearless scooter. The spruced-up Rodeo will be christened as Rodeo RZ and is now purported to be more efficient, smooth and also powerful than the older version.

The current Rodeo is powered by a peppy 125-cc engine that churns out 8.11 PS of power and 9 Nm of peak torque. The scooter has a small fuel tank with a capacity of 4.5-litre, which give an approximate range of under 200 kpl. It is a fun to ride scooter with features like front loading fuel tank and telescopic front forks.

The Rodeo RZ is scheduled to be unveiled on June 7th, 2012, and we hope the current price of Rs 50,436 (on road, Pune) will remain unchanged.

 

 

The Korean company splits up with Garware Motors

 

This news might come as a blessing in disguise to Hyosung fans. Garware Motors has sold its stake in Hyosung JV to the DSK Group, a prominent real estate developers also known for their Toyota dealerships in Maharashtra. Company insiders have revealed that Sachin Kulkarni, son of D.K. Kulkarni, Chairman, DSK Group, will be holding the reins of the new partnership.

This foray by DSK in the Indian two wheeler market, will be quite interesting to watch, given their vast experience in the automotive industry and significant capital that the company can invest in this partnership. We feel that they can make a big difference by restructuring the pricing strategy, especially since the company is about to launch the new GT250R this month. Currently, the company’s two-wheeler line-up includes the GT650R, GT650N and ST7 in India which are priced between Rs 5-7 lakh bracket.

The reason for Garware Motors selling its stake in Hyosung Indian operations is not yet known officially, with various speculations making the rounds. The official statement is expected to be released tomorrow.

 

The Japanese subsidiary reveals plans to launch the cheapest motorcycle ever

In an exclusive chat with Bike India, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & MD, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd stated that the company is planning to develop one of India’s cheapest motorcycles, is to be priced at under Rs.28,000 (USD $500) for India and other developing markets. The bike would be produced in India which is also going to be its base for exports. The move comes barely a week after its arch rival Honda launched its cheapest bike yet in India, the Dream Yuga. At present, Yamaha’s cheapest bike is the 110cc Crux priced at Rs 40,800 (OTR, Pune), which is also sold in India and China. The new bike will take on the likes of the Hero MotoCorp CD Dawn and Bajaj Platina and Boxer.

 

Mr. Suzuki stated, “We are considering a new low cost export model priced at 30,000 INR for the African market. This we feel is a viable price as the African market demands a product which not just performs well but is also competitively priced. We are working towards delivering such product.”

Look’s like there is a new battle ground which is going to act as the king maker in the Indian two-wheeler segment. Even with the likes of 1000cc, 600cc and 250cc bikes showcasing their presence in the market, it’s the commuter bike masses that are deciding the fates of the firms’ success in the market.

Yamaha YZF-R15 wins India Design Council Award 2012

We have always been fans of the Yamaha R15’s razor-sharp styling, reminiscent of its much larger and sportier superbike siblings from the Land of the Rising Sun. Apparently, the India Design Council seems to agree with us, for they have recently bestowed this brilliant little 150cc crotch rocket with the coveted India Design Mark (I Mark) award.

The India Design Council is affiliated with India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry and is made up of eminent people in academia, design and industry organizations. The I Mark awards program was organized with the cooperation of the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, organizers of Japan’s Good Design Award (G Mark). Adopting the same high standards as its Japanese equivalent, the submissions and judging for the first edition of the India Design Mark Awards was completed recently and the winners announced. Of the 71 applicants, 31 were awarded the I Mark, and the Yamaha YZF-R15 was one of four products from three Japan-based companies to receive the coveted award.

The YZF-R15, first unveiled at the 2008 Indian Auto Expo, underwent a model change last year that endowed it an even sportier design. The model’s body design is based directly on Yamaha’s supersport YZF-R series models, with which it shares many of its technologies too, like liquid cooling, Deltabox frame and link-type monoshock suspension at the rear.

The primary purpose of the I Mark award program was to increase design awareness and promote value of design in the industry and society, to raise the demand for good designs from users and manufacturers and improve the overall quality of life by encouraging these designs. Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & MD, India Yamaha Motor said that he was very pleased with this recognition that the YZF-R15 had received.

Valvoline ties up with Kings XI Punjab

Valvoline Cummins Ltd., one of the leading lubricant manufacturers in India, has become the Official Team Partner for the team Kings XI Punjab with captain Adam Gilchrist.

Sandeep Singla AVP Marketing Valvoline Cummins India explains how lubricant manufacturer which focuses on making the engines run smooth got into IPL. “IPL is one of the most vibrant and exciting sporting events in India. Associating with IPL as official team partners helps translate this energy in our business and gives us good mileage through media and helps increase our connect with our Channel partners and Retailers, and OEM clients. Valvoline is into Car racing “Nascar” in US. In India we participate in racing events like – Raide De Himlaya and Maruti Suzuki Dessert storm where we support young drivers achieve their dreams and hone their racing skills. Recently Sarika Sehrawat the driver for Dessert Storm Rally won the Coupe De Dames Trophy also.”

Abhinav Sharma from Valvoline marketing team was seen interacting with the Kings XI Punjab players and congratulating captain Adam Gilchrist and David Muller for the wins.