India

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

KTM RC models in India soon

December 8, 2013 by Jim Gorde Leave a Comment

KTM thrilled many with their RC200 and RC390 sport models when they first showcased them. Now though, the website update would mean that they will be in India sooner than we expected.

The KTM India website states that the RC200 and RC390 are ‘coming soon to India’. This means that the launch is likely to take place in the first half of 2014, rather than the latter half as we first expected. The bikes will roll out of Bajaj’s Chakan facility and are expected to carry price tags only slightly higher than their respective Duke siblings.

Both bikes retain the same engine specifications as the Duke line, but feature parts and bodywork specifically made for the RC line. Thus, you get a four-valve, liquid cooled single cylinder motor: 199.5cc and 25 PS in the RC200 and 373.2cc and 43.5 PS in the RC390. The tank capacity is only marginally lower at approximately 10 litres usable. The dry weights for the RC200 and RC390 are 137.5 kg and 147 kg respectively.

The RC line will offer a much sportier riding position than the Duke line and come packing full fairings, aggressive styling and what is sure to be nimble handling. The RC line is the first derivative of their Moto3 program. However, expect performance to be thrilling while being offered in a package which lasts longer and brings higher levels of refinement and durability. For the uninitiated, KTM’s track bike and Moto3 contender, the RC250R, makes 50 PS at 13,000 rpm from a 249.5cc single. The bike weighs only 83 kg. That’s a power-to-weight ratio of 602 PS/tonne!

We expect Bajaj to showcase the KTM RC200 and RC390 at the upcoming Auto Expo. The response they generate will in all probability decide the time of launch, and it looks set to be sooner rather than later already.

See more of what you can expect from these bikes in this video:

Story: Jim Gorde

GEAR UP store now in Kolkata

July 23, 2013 by Jim Gorde Leave a Comment

Extreme Motoring Adventures (EMA), a motorcycle touring company, have launched a store for motorcycle riding gear, equipment, gear and accessories in Kolkata aptly called ‘GEAR UP’. [Read more…] about GEAR UP store now in Kolkata

Vespa VX: First Ride

July 5, 2013 by Jim Gorde Leave a Comment

The just launched Vespa VX gets the Bike India test — The just launched Vespa VX

Piaggio India have launched a premium variant of the iconic Vespa, a scooter that has become hugely popular in the Indian market for its timeless styling and its performance as well. The new Vespa VX has been brought in within a year of the first scooter’s launch, as there were areas which could be improved upon and the company was quick to take action.

So, the new Vespa VX now features a front disc brake, tubeless tyres and revised styling details – a silver-finish speedo cluster, ‘VX’ badging on the left rear panel and a more substantial grab-rail. The company has also added two new colours to the palette: Portovenere Verde (Metallic Green) and Vibrante Rosa (Pearl-effect Pink/Red). These colours replace the earlier black and maroon options for the VX. There’s also a new beige-coloured seat option, which is offered as standard for the red- and dark blue-coloured models.

The 200-mm front disc , the most important addition here

Take the new Vespa VX for a spin and straight away the elevated levels of handling, braking and grip become evident. The 200-mm front disc is the most important addition, decreasing braking distance and providing a more sure-footed feel. Another big change is the tyres. While the old MRF Nylogrips were in tune with the retro image, their performance was not too confidence-inspiring. The new MRF Zappers are of the tubeless variety and also offer superior grip. In our 60-0 km/h brake test, the new Vespa VX came to a halt in just 2.93 seconds over a distance of 22.46 metres. That’s quite an improvement over the standard Vespa, which, with its drum brakes, took 3.09 seconds and 25.51 metres respectively to do so.

The standard Vespa LX 125 will continue to be sold alongside the Vespa VX. Piaggio India are offering the VX with a premium price tag of Rs 71,700 (ex-showroom, Delhi) keeping to their lifestyle product positioning strategy.