Best Bikes in India | No.1 Two Wheeler Magazine
Ducati have unveiled their latest asphalt-shredding masterpiece in the form of the 2014 Streetfighter 848. After the launch of the 1199 Superleggera and the Monster 1200 at EICMA, the Bologna-based motorcycle marque have added yet another maniacal weapon to their arsenal. [Read more…] about 2014 Ducati Streetfighter 848
The Tokyo Motor Show is right around the corner, and Japanese heavyweights Yamaha have released a few details about the concepts that they’ll have on display there. Judging by their cast at Tokyo, they’re taking a definitive step towards the electric vehicle scene – and how!
Of the three electric two-wheelers on display, the first two, and probably the most exciting ones of the lot are the PES1 and PED1, street and dirt siblings based on the same electric motor. The bikes are designed on a monocoque frame, and will both weigh under 100 Kg. They will be propelled by Yamaha’s Smart Power Module, and will run on conveniently interchangeable lithium-ion batteries. As Yamaha are going for the next gen Electric Vehicle (EV) motif, they will also feature smartphone integration of some form, and come pre-equipped with a switchable automatic and manual transmission system.
Next up is the EVino, an electric scooter based on Yamaha’s classically styled production version that goes by a similar moniker – The Vino. Built to function as a city commuter, Yamaha intend on keeping costs down so that this EV can challenge for the mantle of ultimate short-distance scooter. This too will feature a similar swappable battery power module as the PES1 and PED1, and Yamaha have paid special attention to the bike’s weight balance, with low-speed handling convenience in mind.
The last bike making its global début in Tokyo for Yamaha is the Bolt Café concept. Based on the Yamaha Bolt that came out some months ago, the Bolt Café concept showcases the bike’s versatility and massive potential for customisation. Built around the same frame and powered by the same 950 cc V-Twin, this concept features handlebars that point downwards, and upside down rear-view mirrors, along with a leather-wrapped single cowled seat. This concept is basically Yamaha’s way of putting their money where their mouth is, anyone can claim that a bike is customisation friendly, Yamaha however are actually acting upon this claim.
We’ll be at the Tokyo Motor Show, and will keep you updated with more in-depth details about all these bikes as soon as they’re announced there, so watch this space.
Story: Harket Suchde
Bikers rejoice – for those of you who are planning to buy the KTM 390 Duke there is some amazing news for you, the 390 will now also be available in black. [Read more…] about KTM 390 Duke now in Black!
Triumph, as we announced earlier, are all set to enter the Indian two-wheeler market on the 28th of this month, and they’re going the whole hog. They aren’t just importing finished bikes for sale or parts for assembly here, instead they will manufacture some bikes locally too, and at EICMA 2013, they released a sketch of what will the first 250cc Triumph to come off the blocks, once their factory is up and running.
The styling of the bike, as is evident from the image are greatly inspired by the Triumph Daytona, and Triumph also confirmed at EICMA that the bike would sport a single cylinder 250cc powerplant. Triumph’s upcoming Karnataka plant will be the production base for this model, and since the as yet unnamed bike will indigenously produced expect it to compete with the KTM Duke 390 and the Honda CBR 250R in terms of price.
Story: Harket Suchde
Triumph India’s launch details: https://bikeindia.in/triumph-set-to-roar-in-next-month/
Of late, there has been news making the rounds that Honda are all set to debut a naked power cruiser: the Gold Wing F6C. Rumour has it that this particular bike is set to based on the Honda EV6 Concept; shown . Honda officials have stated that the new Gold Wing is set to fill-in the gap between the CTX1300 and the Gold Wing F6B under the manufacturer’s 2014 product portfolio.
The rumoured Honda Gold Wing F6C will sport a low cruiser like stance and will be much lighter in comparison to its siblings. However, the new Gold Wing will sport the same engine as the standard F6B model – Honda’s reliable 1,832cc six-cylinder engine – which will be tuned to produce a lower 108 PS, but a higher 157 Nm of torque.
More good news for future buyers is that despite being built off the Gold Wing platform, the new F6C is stated to be almost 70 kg lighter than the Honda Gold Wing GL1800, which should bring it in around 340 kg kerb. This would mean that the F6C, with its naked approach, will also be 45 kg lighter than its fully-faired sibling, the F6B.
Honda head honchos have also revealed that the F6C’s chassis will be made from an aluminium mult-box twin-spar frame, with the GL1800 engine mounted as a stressed member. Honda designers are giving more emphasis on the subframe and a low pillion seat, all in an effort to maintain rider stability at low speeds and to improve handling at higher velocities.
All in all, the new Honda Gold Wing F6C is set to be target those rider groups who will be looking for a lighter, sportier and easier to maneuver Gold Wing. We expect to see the 2014 Honda Gold Wing F6C officially debut in a couple weeks’ time. Stay tuned for more updates.
Story: Sayem Syed
