Latest Bike News

Ultimate Harley-Davidson Custom Bike Builders

December 12, 2013 by Jim Gorde Leave a Comment

The International Motorcycle Show’s Ultimate Bike Builder stopped in Long Beach, California under sunny skies this past weekend. The Long Beach International Motorcycle Show Ultimate Bike Builder was quite an attraction. Check out some of the epic mean machines that the builders created.

Shannon Venturo’s motorcycle – the Dazln – is a 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe. It took third place in the Ultimate Builder MOD Harley Class.

Chris Richardson came in first place in the Ultimate Builder MOD Harley Class. His 1959 Harley-Davidson FL takes elements from his bobber style combined with a fairing and hard bag to deliver an exceptional low-slung and skinny Bagger. The bike also features a 3” stretch in the rear, hand-made custom saddle bags, fairing, oil tank, gas tank, exhaust and a narrowed rear fender.

Gary Savill took second place in the Ultimate Builder FreeStyle Class with his Wraith Heimdall Slammer, based on a more modern 2013 edition bike.

Sam Baldi took top honours with first place in the Ultimate Builder FreeStyle Class with his bike, Lost Angel, winning the big money. Lost Angel is a custom 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail which features a trans brake and centrifugal clutch.

Story: Jim Gorde

Images: Harley-Davidson

C2 P-51 Fighter is the new Confederate on the block

December 10, 2013 by Team Bike India 1 Comment

Confederate doesn’t come out with bikes very often, or in very high quantities. So, when they do come out with a new model, it always generates a lot of intrigue in biking circles. [Read more…] about C2 P-51 Fighter is the new Confederate on the block

Bajaj Pulsar 200NS gets new colours

December 9, 2013 by Jim Gorde Leave a Comment

India’s number 1 name in the sports bike segment for over a decade now has just received more colour choices. Bajaj Auto have launched the Pulsar 200NS in three new dual-tone shades. Available in Passion Red, Safire Blue and, for the first time ever, Metallic White: all teamed up with Ebony Black, and an all-black as well. The new colours will add a dash of exciting new choice for buyers of this flagship Bajaj.

The mechanicals have remained unchained. You still get the liquid-cooled, four-valve, triple-spark SOHC 200cc single with 23.5 PS and 18.3 Nm of torque. The 6-speed ensures the power on tap is put to the best use, while maintaining the highest levels of performance, emissions and fuel efficiency. The pressed-steel perimeter frame ensures excellent high-speed handling and stability, aided by the Nitrox monoshock rear suspension, while the front and rear petal disc brakes take care of stopping duties well.

Sanjay Saraswat, Vice-President (Marketing), Bajaj Auto said: “The Pulsar is India’s number 1 sports bike for more than a decade now. We will continue to excite customers with new technology, unique features, class leading performance and, of course, on the styling front. The Pulsar 200NS, our flagship brand, is an absolute stunner when it comes to looks and the new dual-tone will further enhance the sportiness of the bike. The vibrant dual-tones are fresh and appealing in cosmetic terms, and make the bike look all the more attractive. We are confident that the new avatar will appeal to the new age biker, who is seeking a bike that not only offers great technology, but also unparalleled aesthetics.”

Story: Jim Gorde

Hero MotoCorp joins forces with Magneti Marelli

December 9, 2013 by Team Bike India 2 Comments

Hero has been making huge strides in the global automobile market ever since its split from Honda. The firm took a step further in this direction with the announcement of its latest partnership with a foreign automobile entity. [Read more…] about Hero MotoCorp joins forces with Magneti Marelli

Honda’s Factory Custom: VT1300CX Fury

December 8, 2013 by Jim Gorde Leave a Comment

We’ve watched several custom choppers being built on TV, but rarely has a manufacturer offered a vehicle which looks like a custom the instant it rolls out of the showroom.

Yes, Harley-Davidson and, now, Triumph have a selection of cruisers to choose from and loads of accessories and customisation options to go with them. However, not everyone spends time and money customising them. Every cruiser with a V-twin engine is, more often than not, mistaken by many as a Harley-Davidson. So, would you want to go out and buy a bike which looks like a tailored custom chopper? Honda certainly think so.

Kicked out rake, long front suspension, loads of chrome, skinny 90/90 front rubber on a 21” wheel and inversely proportional 200/50 rear rubber on an 18” wheel, long, drooping fuel tank and an engine and exhaust system which look to be chiselled out of single lumps of metal. Quite the offering, then, but is it a typical custom?

Thankfully, no. Honda’s refinement and reliability are legendary and the same is brought forward here in the Fury, or VT1300CX you see here. The 1,312cc V-twin engine makes 57.7 PS and a healthy 107 Nm at just 2,250 rpm, and is paired to a 5-speed transmission. The company’s PGM-FI system is responsible for fuel delivery and it doesn’t compromise in any application. The riding position is relaxed, and even with a weight of 309 kg dry, the acceleration is brisk and overtaking is a breeze. The large brakes with ABS make stopping drama-free and give optimum control.

Honda have had the Fury on sale for over a year now, but its numbers have not been encouraging. The bike was a part of the India Bike Week in February 2013, but there still aren’t too many around. It is an exclusive ride indeed, and when you consider the price – Rs 15.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai) – you realise that’s only competition comes in the form of The Harley-Davidson Softail line: the Fat Boy and the Heritage Classic, and the Triumph Thunderbird. Owning a big cruiser will always lead to exclusivity, but being unique is another story altogether, isn’t it?

Story: Jim Gorde