Interviewed By: Sarmad Kadiri
The number of the girls riding two-wheelers is growing fast, and what’s growing even faster is their self-confidence and riding speed. [Read more…] about Interview: Leslie Porterfield – The Fast And The Fabulous
Latest Bike News
Super powered!
Ducati reveals ‘Superquadro’ engine details for the 1199 Panigale
Ducati recently released some technical details and photos on the engine that will power its forthcoming superbike, the 1199 Panigale. Dubbed ‘Superquadro,’ the engine is completely new and only retains two elements from Ducati’s previous superbikes – Fabio Taglioni’s 90-degree L-twin configuration and Desmodromic valve control. The name comes from the massively over-square bore and stroke ratio of the liquid-cooled four-stroke 1199cc L-Twin. Bore has increased 6mm to 112mm, while stroke has been decreased 7.1mm to 60.8mm. This allows the more oversquare engine to spin at higher rpm than before.
Claimed peak power at the crankshaft is 198PS@10,750 rpm while peak torque stands at 133Nm@9000 rpm. To cope with the massively increased power, Ducati will be offering electronic ‘rider friendly’ power modes that lays down power to the tarmac in the most civil way possible. Besides increased power, the engine was also designed to reduce the overall weight of the 1199 Panigale’s chassis, the Superquadro acting as a stress member for the 1199’s monocoque frame.
The Ducati 1199 Panigale is set to be formally unveiled at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show next month.
New colours from Royal Enfield
The Royal Enfield has introduced two new colour scheme for the Classic range – Chrome & Desert Storm. The Classic Chrome carries chrome tanks, wide mud guards and oval tool box, apart from the tiger lamps that Royal Enfield bikes are famed for. It features a single spring saddle seat remind us 1950’s styling. While Desert Storm is World War era inspired, with sand colour scheme. The matt finish paint job, with the Royal Enfield monogram on the tank and the thigh pads, portray the same strength and grit that of a true veteran.
The Classic Chrome costs Rs 1,65,400 and the Desert Storm is for Rs 1,58,200 on road Mumbai, which are about Rs 10,000 and Rs 3,000 more than the current models respectively.
For more information visit: http://www.royalenfield.com/
Mahindra free fuel offer
To give their customers some relief from the sky rocketing petrol prices, Mahindra two-wheelers recently announced their ‘Long Drive Offer’. As per the offer, the customers buying a Mahindra power scooter till the end of October will get a discount of Rs 1500 in their petrol bill. The offer is valid on all Mahindra dealerships across the country. Looks like the company has learnt the art of hitting the iron when it’s hot.The Vespa Connection
Piaggio plans to redefine the scooter market in India with the new Vespa range
A few months back, Bike India broke the news of Italian two-wheeler conglomerate Piaggio relaunching the Vespa brand in India. And now, reports of sightings around the Piaggio plant in Pune suggests that the first scooter from the iconic Vespa stable to be launched in India will be the LX 125.
From its markedly retro design to the styling of its headlamps and horns, the LX 125 scooter bears all the characteristic Vespa design cues. Unlike most Indian scooters, but in keeping with the international Vespa tradition, there is no spare wheel at the back, just a minimalistic chrome grab rail instead. According to our sources, alloy wheels (both five and three spoked) and disc brakes are available, although it is not clear whether if they will be a part of standard equipment.
In its second Indian outing, Piaggio plans to peg the Vespa brand as a lifestyle brand that will be targeted solely at the fashion-conscious urban customer. Bring it on, we say.
