Latest Bike News

Mystery Kawasaki Z Bike

September 24, 2013 by Jim Gorde Leave a Comment

Kawasaki are famous for introducing their new offerings with a bang. Currently going viral on the internet is a teaser video from their Japanese website, which hints at a new bike from their Z-line. Although nothing has been disclosed, we bet that the bike featured in this video might just be one of the upcoming 2014 Z1000, Z800 or Z250 models.

The Japanese marque is pretty secretive when it comes to unveils and launches of new offerings in the global market. Company officials have hinted that the mystery machine will be unveiled on November 5 – two days ahead of EICMA 2013. For now, we, like many other enthusiasts, will have to endure the waiting game.

“Z Sugomi Call of the Wild” – official teaser video:

Picture source: Oliepeil

2014 Suzuki V-Strom – A Storm Is Coming

September 24, 2013 by Jim Gorde Leave a Comment

Suzuki have confirmed that their highly anticipated 1,000cc adventure-touring motorcycle, the V-Strom, is all set for its grand unveil soon. Ever since officials at Suzuki first showcased its concept back at the 2012 INTERMOT, many enthusiasts were eager to get their hands on this masterpiece.

The V-Strom features a radical 90°, 1,037cc V-twin engine producing 99 PS and 103 Nm of torque. There are due changes to the pistons, cylinders, cylinder heads, crankshaft, con-rods, radiator and clutch to aid the 1,037cc superbike-class engine for its new role in performing off-roading duties with ease. Under the skin is also a company-first traction control system on a production motorcycle, along with ABS. What will likely really tickle your touring fancy is the bike’s 25 km/l claim, and new 480 km range on a single tank, with its 19.7 litre capacity.

Although Suzuki officials have not yet revealed any information regarding the pricing of the 2014 V-Strom, the adventurer-tourer is expected to be priced around the $12,500 (Rs 7.8 lakh) mark in the US and £10,000 (Rs 10 lakh) in the UK. We hope Suzuki India gets the V-Strom to our shores soon.

Story: Sayem Syed

Commute in Style

September 23, 2013 by Jim Gorde 1 Comment

Fashion plays a very crucial role in our day to day lives and who else than popular fashion brand Levi’s to showcase this. The denim heavyweights have unveiled the new fall commuter collection for those who want to commute in style. Created for cyclists on the move, the Levi’s Commuter series stays stronger longer.

Constructed with protective features and fabrics for active lifestyles, these pants, shirts and jackets are the epitome of functionality with uncompromised style. Catered towards the new breed of fashion conscious public on our roads, this collection up’s the oomph factor on the streets.

The 2013 Levi’s Commuter Series – Form, Function and Cycling is now available at the Official Levi’s stores and other leading stores in India.

Story: Sayem Syed

Honda’s Big Plans for the RCV 1000

September 23, 2013 by Team Bike India 1 Comment

Honda look set to enthrall enthusiasts come EICMA 2013 later this year. Rumour has it that the Japanese marque will shed some light on the much-awaited RCV 1000 MotoGP replica. Ever since the RCV 1000 surfaced on the internet, there has been much talk regarding this amazing piece of machinery.

However, the RCV 1000 will be unlike any replica ever made; this bad boy is expected to come with a price tag of a whopping €100,000 ($133,500 / Rs 84.5 lakh). For this amount of money, Honda are set to deliver a bike with specs pretty close to those of the RC213V Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez are riding.

Although there has been no official news by Honda regarding the RCV 1000, few insiders claim that the masterpiece on two-wheels is already ready. All we can say is that we would have to wait until EICMA 2013 to see the RCV 1000 in all its grandeur.

Story: Sayem Syed

Women Bikers Début at Raid De Himalaya

September 23, 2013 by Team Bike India Leave a Comment

Established in 1999, Raid De Himalaya is a yearly rally event that is executed under extreme duress brought about by the high altitudes of the Himalayan range. In the history of this precarious rally which features events for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, participants have had to face up to a variety of hazardous circumstances such as the ever present temperatures that fall below 25°C, ice-covered roads, oxygen depravity at a heights of around 6000 metres above sea level, and natural calamities such as blizzards, earthquakes and snow-ins.

Clearly this race isn’t for those of the faint hearted, and this year, for the first time in the history of the rally, a woman rider, namely Sheetal Bidaye hailing form the city of Mumbai will participate in the experts only Moto-Quads rally, while a young 20-year-old student from Fergusson College, Pune, Kalyani Potekar, will compete in Raid Xtreme Alpine category which is for the newer, less experienced riders.

These courageous women will pit themselves against the elements, beginning their journey from Shimla, and traversing through the high mountain reaches of Khardung La and Wari La all the way through to Leh, where the rally comes to a close.

According to Vijay Parmar, President, Himalayan Motorsport, who are the event’s organisers, this journey will be fraught with challenges, he said, “The Wari La climb happens in 14 kilometres, while the Khardung La climb takes 32 kilometres. The descent is equally steep and rapid into the Nubra Valley. The challenge of the Raid lies in competitive driving at these impossible altitudes, which demand the best from both man and machine.”

The rally, that sees only a quarter of its competitors cross the finish line on an average, enters its 15^th year and will run from the 4^th to the 12^th of October.

Story: Harket Suchde