bike

Café Racer Extraordinaire: Triumph Thruxton 900

December 21, 2013 by Jim Gorde Leave a Comment

The Café Racer scene has suddenly become a hot topic with the launch of the Royal Enfield Continental GT. While their Café Racer is good and all (it won among the greatest accolade of them all: Indian Motorcycle of the Year), there is only so much you can do with 535cc and 29.1 PS from a big single. Enter Triumph, quite literally, with their range of classic British motorcycles; one of which is the Thruxton 900.

As far as Café Racers go, the Thruxton 900 is as good as it gets. The proverbial ‘ton-up’ speed, or 161 km/h, is easily achievable, and it can cruise around at that speed all day, if necessary. However, that’s not what it’s about. It’s a hardcore classic, quick British racer and it brings the substance to match its style. That substance comes from an 865cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine making 69 PS at 7,400 RPM and 69 Nm at 5,800 RPM. Those numbers effectively spell out effortless acceleration and loads of grunt. With its typical Café Racer riding position, you ride seated back, crouched over the tank with a low set of handlebars – not really the ideal position for everybody or for a long highway ride. Either way, if you have Rs 6.7 lakh plus tax, insurance and what not to spend, you will surely not be disappointed.

The 2014 Thruxton 900 Café Racer is very likely to will be shown along with the rest of the range at the upcoming Auto Expo. Triumph Motorcycles India are working full force, trying hard to get their dealers up and running as soon as possible, while looking at new dealer partners in more cities across the countries. Triumph officially launched their bikes on November 28, with prices starting from Rs 5.7 lakh ex-showroom.

Story: Jim Gorde

Images: Triumph Motorcycles

Indian showcases Custom ‘Big Chief’

December 19, 2013 by Team Bike India Leave a Comment

The International Motorcycle Show in New York City saw American two-wheeler veterans Indian unveil a completely customised version of their Chief Classic motorbike called the ‘Big Chief Custom’. [Read more…] about Indian showcases Custom ‘Big Chief’

Indian Motorcycle Roar In this January

December 13, 2013 by Jim Gorde Leave a Comment

Cult motorcycle brand, Indian, are all set to arrive in India early next year. The big cruiser maker will introduce three variants of its Chief motorcycle on January 22.

For the enthusiast and cruiser loyalist, Indian is the only competitor to the legendary Harley-Davidson brand. Their big cruiser will take on the likes of H-D’s Touring range inch-for-inch and pound-for-pound. The Chief line of motorcycles will see three variants: the Chief Classic, the Chief Vintage, and the Chieftain. All three will be powered by the all-new Thunder Stroke 111 cubic inch engine, which raises the bar for style and the power. The 1,811cc, 49-degree V-Twin motor pumps out an estimated 100 PS and a massive 161 Nm of torque. A 6-speed overdrive transmission sends power through the belt drive setup. The numbers aside, what are your three choices?

The first bike in the lineup, the Chief Classic, will bring all the styling bits which make it quintessentially Indian: the long, sweeping fenders, body work and laced wheels bathed in chrome, genuine leather saddle, and, of course, the signature Indian Chief head front-fender-ornament. You also get a host of modern amenities like keyless ignition, throttle-by-wire, ABS and cruise control.

The second is the Chief Vintage, the soft bagger of the range, which takes styling to a new level. Handcrafted details like the needle-stitched leather seat and a pair of leather fringe saddle-bags; with a quick release mechanism, as well as a big windscreen which has a similar quick-release setup. The Chief Vintage is ‘the ultimate signature bike created by Indian enthusiasts for Indian enthusiasts’, in the words of the company.

The third variant is the Chieftain, which builds upon the heritage of the company while looking into the future. It brings an enveloping touring fairing complete with a power windscreen, faired-in headlamps as well as a USB interface for smartphones and music players. The hard saddle-bags have a quick-release setup with remote locks. Basically, everything you need for a long and enjoyable journey on the road.

The official launch is set towards the end of January and information on pricing and availability will become clear only then. Considering that the range starts from $18,999 (Rs 11.75 lakh approx) in the US, and that the range will be imported entirely as CBU units, we expect pricing to start from about the Rs 20 lakh mark in India, no less.

Story: Jim Gorde

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

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