Chevorlet BEAT

Its official that Cherolet is all set to launch it premium hatchback model Beat on 4th Jan. 2010. Its stunning looks are for sure better than any in its class. The stylish interiors and peppy 1.2 litre engine is going to give Maruti Suzuki run for its money.  Its styling will certainly set a new trend in the market which many will follow. It’s for sure a show stealer when it comes to its gorgeous interiors. Interiors are not only plush but also very practical. Hoped to be priced in league of Maruti Estilo & Hyundai i10, but is clear cut superior to its closest rivals. I bet it’s time for Maruti Suzuki to revamp its swift to tackle BEAT. 

Kawasaki Vulcan VS Honda Valkyrie Rune

Honda Valkyrie Rune

I bet you can buy Honda Valkyrie Rune for its sheers looks. But Honda Valkyrie Rune is much much more than that. Honda and only Honda can manage to bring a concept to reality like never before. It is designed to steal the show and to turn heads even faster than it covers the ¼ of a mile. It has a massive 1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed engines which provides an ultimate hot rod experience you can ever dream of.
Its 6.1 gallon fuel tank is perfect for long range drives. It has a fuel-injection system with six 32mm throttle bodies, a revolutionary Unit Pro-Link rear suspension, Honda Ignition Security System (H.I.S.S.) provides a fool proof safety by completely disabling the ignition system and greatly reducing the possibility of theft.
It has a beautifully crafted LED taillight flush-mounted in the rear fender. Rune comes with a 6.9-liter airbox that supplies a huge quantity of cool, clean air to the engine for maximum performance. Its incredibly powerful 1100-watt alternator supplies its electrical accessories with abundance of power. The Rune has big radial tires, a 180/55R-17 rear and 150/60R-18 front that allows superb grip and a great stability while riding on high speed.

SPECIFICATONS

Model:  NRX1800
Engine Type:  1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder
Bore and Stroke:  74mm x 71mm
Compression Ratio:  9.8:1
Valve Train:  SOHC; two valves per cylinder
Carburetion:  PGM-FI with automatic choke
Ignition:  Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
Transmission:  Five-speed
Final Drive: Shaft
Suspension:
* Front: Trailing bottom-link; 3.9 inches of travel
* Rear: Unit Pro-Link with single shock; 3.9 inches of travel
Brakes:
* Front: Dual full-floating 330mm discs with three-piston calipers
* Rear: Single 336mm disc with two-piston caliper
Tires:
* Front: 150/60R-18 radial
* Rear: 180/55R-17 radial
Wheelbase:  68.9 inches
Seat Height:  27.2 inches
Dry Weight: 794 pounds
Fuel Capacity:  6.1 gallons

KAWASAKI VULCAN 2000

Kawasaki Vulcan is amongst the largest displacement cruiser motorcycles in the world. Its elite projector-type headlight sheathed in chrome nacelle is a show stopper. Speedometers are mounted on fuel tank with informative LDC display which keeps the rider informed about bike’s various functions. Its massive 52° V-twin, 2053cc four-stroke engine churns out explosive torque and push-rod valve actuation adds to its lower engine height, low center of gravity and comparatively low seat height. Engine Control Unit (ECU) controls its electronic fuel injection, while digital ignition system optimizes its throttle response. Spark plugs are in centre which improve combustion for smooth, reliable power and reduced emissions.

Its low maintenance belt drive is smooth, silent and very dependable. Vulcan has 16 inches, 7 spoke cast aluminum wheels fitted with massive 200/60R radial tires. Dual front 300mm disc brakes with four-piston calipers and single rear disc brakes provide enough confidence at high speed and bring this massive cruiser to a quick halt smoothly. Its big 5.5-gallon fuel tank is excellent for long drives and cross country trips. Comfortable bucket-type front and rear passenger seat provides added comfort and style to the cruiser

SPECIFICATION 

2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000

Engine: Four-stroke, 52-degree V-twin, dual cams, eight valves
Displacement: 2,053cc
Bore x Stroke: 103mm x 123.2mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum Torque: 141 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Cooling: Liquid, plus cooling fins
Induction: Digital fuel injection, dual 46mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Five-speed
Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / Trail: 32 degrees / 7.2 in.
Suspension, Front / Wheel Travel: 49mm telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Suspension, Rear / Wheel Travel: Triangulated steel tube swingarm with direct-action single shock, fully-adjustable spring preload, eight-way rebound damping / 3.9 in.
Front Tire: 150/80-16
Rear Tire: 200/60-16
Brakes, Front: Dual 300mm discs with four-piston calipers
Brakes, Rear: 320mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Overall Length: 99.8 in.
Overall Width: 40.4 in.
Overall Height: 45.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.3 in.
Seat Height: 26.8 in.
Dry Weight: 750 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gal.
Wheelbase: 68.3 in.
Colors: Two-Tone: Ebony / Pearl Meteor Gray

Royal Enfield Bullet: Beautiful Add-On Kits

Royal Enfield offers plenty of add on kits to make it look even better. Here are some for you which I have managed to list. I am sure you will like it.

Twin Seats

To give a period look to your Royal Enfield Bullet you can install spring coiled split seats on rider and pillion seat assembly. You can find these at any Royal Enfield dealers and authorized service points. This accessory is a retro fit only for the new-model Bullet Machismo.

Disc Brakes

 Royal Enfield Bullet has now come up with a very affordable and effective disc brake system. This is available with all authorized dealers and service points and can be easily fitted onto your bullet. They offer two types of disc brake kits, one is with a short hose with standard handlebars and other with a longer hose for the Lightning 535cc and models with longer handlebars. But these disc brakes are not retro fit on a few models like Thunderbird, the 2004 Bullet Electra and Bullet Machismo (five-speed). These bikes will need a new fork end to fit this Disc brake kit.

This will facilitate abrupt halt even while cruising at high speed. Resistance to water flooding to a great extent, self adjustment of slack, improved performance in muddy condition and the most important it can easily be incorporated with ABS.

Windshield

Royal Enfield has come up with a special polycarbonate windshield with UV protection which provides great weathering properties. Apart from great impact resistance, it saves the rider from that scorching Indian heat and mellow down the sun glare to a tolerable level. It provides a great feel in long distance drive. It’s available with all the authorized dealers and service centers of Royal Enfield Bullet

Motorcycle Cover

Keeping your Royal Enfield Bullet spic and span is a must to enjoy its beauty for a long time. Royal Enfield’s synthetic silver-coated, plastic-coated, water resistant, logo-emblazoned motorcycle cover is one way to do it. It’s easily washable and protects your Bullet from heat and water and reduces staining.

Saddle Bags

I will say this is something we all have always wanted. Royal Enfield offers hand crafted leather bags of the finest quality, exclusively designed for rugged Indian terrains. The buckles and fittings are made of solid brass to give it a rugged, natural look. It provides sufficient luggage compartment to match your requirements while traveling long distance. It comes with a Royal Enfield logo as well to make it complete. You can find these at any Royal Enfield dealers and authorized Service Points

Comparison between Suzuki Hayabusa and Yamaha V-Max

Ever thought of comparing Suzuki Hayabusa and Yamaha V-Max? I was just wondering why these two have not yet been compared. Mostly, Suzuki Hayabusa is either compared to Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird or Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R. 

Suzuki Hayabusa and Yamaha V-Max, super sports bikes manufactured by two great Japanese automotive giants are two speed demons. Both differ in their styling, engine displacement and other features.

Suzuki Hayabusa houses a massive 1,340cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16 valve engine that churns out a mighty 194bhp. The compression ratio is 12.5:1 and the 44mm Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) throttle bodies are added. It also has famous GSX-R series Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS). Suzuki Hayabusa has best power-to-weight ratio and is one of the sharpest super sports bikes to date. It has the famed Suzuki Drive Mode Selector which allows you to exploit all its potential on the road and is the key to its different riding conditions. To reduce the weight, the frame and the swingarm are made out of aluminum alloy and an ABS is available for extra safety. 

V-Max is powered by a 1679cc engine. Yamaha Chip-Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) operated Mikuni fuel-injection system uses a quartet of 48mm throttle bodies with 12-hole injectors. The three-processor ECU measures parameters (wheel speed, crank position, temperature, etc) every 1/1000th of a second. Forged aluminum is used to make the pistons which operate inside ceramic-composite cylinder linings. Combustion chamber is a lot flatter and nets an 11.3:1 compression ratio and requires premium quality of fuel. Exhaust-cams are gear driven by the chain-driven intake cams. 

The Verdict

It’s hard to find any flaws in these bikes and the thrill of riding these bikes is hard to match. This is clash of the titans. You can’t compare a tiger with a lion.  These two are gods of the motorcycling world and just can’t be compared.

	2009 Suzuki Hayabusa	2009 Yamaha V-Max
Engine Displacement	1340cc	1679cc
Engine Type	Horizontal In-line	65-degree V-4 DOHC
Bore & Stroke	81.0 mm x 65.0 mm	90.0mm x 66.0mm
Cooling	Liquid	Liquid
Compression Ratio	12.5:1	11.3:1
Starter	Electric	Electric
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas
Transmission Type	6-speed constant mesh	5-speed, multiplate slipper clutch
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel)	Chain	Shaft
Front Tire (Full Spec)	120/70 ZR17	120/70-R18
Rear Tire (Full Spec)	190/50 ZR17	200/50-R18
Front Brake Type	Dual Hydraulic Disc	Dual Disc
Rear Brake Type	Hydraulic Disc	Disc
Wheelbase (in/mm)	58.5	66.9
Fuel Capacity (gal)	5.5 Gallons	4 Gallons

  

The competitors

Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R. 

Dodge Tomahawk: A Step Towards Making Terminator Salvation Motorcycle a Reality

Unveiled in year 2003 at North American International Auto Show, Dodge took motorcycling to new heights. 8.3 liter V10 engine churning out massive 500 bhp it’s a monster in itself.

I have been wondering if this is where future of biking lies. Well, very much possible. For the one who have seen robot motorcycles in Terminator Salvation will surely agree to it. At least we can agree on one thing that Tomahawk can be a predecessor of Terminator Salvation kind of motorcycles.

You never know these motorcycles are the ones we have to fight a war with to save the mankind. Just add a few guns here and there on Tomahawk and you have a war machine at your hands. Control it through a remote mechanism and roll it to battle field and it will wreck havoc in the enemy camp.

Who knows?

Honda VRF1200F: A Sports Tourer from Honda

The concept is same but this is the next generation of VFR. You can call this new VFR closer to a tourer than a sports bike. It’s for the people who are over 40 but still want to ride a sports bike.

The designing of the motorcycle is awesome. The massive 1237cc engine, 170 bhp of power at 12,500 rpm, the MA and TSUYA slash cut rear end looks are breathtaking. That great V4 roar coming out the exhaust and the new Honda dual layered air management system together makes it a great machine.

A fuel capacity of 18.5 liter with 267 kgs of kerb weight makes it more of a sports tourer than a genuine sports bike. Below is the specification sheet to give you a fair idea what VFR1200F is capable of.

VFR1200F Specs

Engine Type                                             1237cc liquid-cooled 76° V-4

Bore and Stroke:                                    81mm x 60mm

Compression Ratio:                              12.0:1

Valve Train:                                              SOHC; four valves per cylinder

Induction:                                                 PGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, 44mm throttle bodies and 

                                                                      12-hole injectors

Ignition:                                                     Digital transistorized with electronic advance

Transmission:                                          Six-speed (VFR1200F) / Six-speed automatic with two modes and 

                                                                      manual mode (VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission)

Final Drive:                                               shaft

Front Suspension:                                 43mm cartridge fork with spring preload adjustability; 4.7 inches travel

Rear Suspension:                                  Pro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single gas-charged shock 

                                                                     with remote spring preload adjustability and rebound damping 

                                                                     adjustability; 5.1 inches travel

Front Brakes:                                          Dual full-floating 320mm discs with CBS six-piston calipers with ABS

Rear Brake:                                             Single 276mm disc with CBS two-piston caliper with ABS

Tires:                                                         120/70 ZR17 radial (Front) / 190/55 ZR17 radial (Rear)

Wheelbase:                                            60.8 in. (1545mm)

Rake (Caster angle):                            25°30’

Trail:                                                          4.0 in. (101.0mm)

Seight Height:                                       32.1 in. (815mm)

Fuel Capacity:                                        4.9 gal.

Color:                                                        Red

Curb Weight:                                         591 pounds (VFR1200F) / 613 pounds (VFR1200F with Dual Clutch 

                                                                    Automatic Transmission)

Harley Davidson Models to be Launched in INDIA

It’s over, yes, its over, the wait of course for Harleys. Now you can have the complete range of Harley Davidson’s covering all the Five Families available in India. Below is what I presume can be probable models for Indian Market.


Softail:

Air-cooled 1584cc Twin-Cam 96B™ counter-balanced engine reduces vibration for a smooth ride. With a Chrome nacelle and retro ‘cat’s eye’ console, Quick-release, detachable king-size windshield Comfortable Wide passenger seat with backrest Storage, 1940s-style detachable leather saddlebags

Dyna:

Air-cooled, 1584cc Twin-Cam 96 engine, Michelin Scorcher tyres New all black powertrain, Chopped rear fender, Low ribbed solo seat

Touring:

Air-cooled, Twin-Cam 96 Exhaust: Chrome, 2-1-2 exhaust, Harman/Kardon advanced audio system, GTX saddlebags, Low profile, air-adjustable rear suspension.

VRSC:

Liquid-cooled Revolution V-Twin engine, Brushed, straight-shot exhaust with black caps and black exhaust shields, Hydroform frame wraps around the engine, Brembo brakes with ABS for high-performance braking, Low 25.2-inch seat height

Sportster 883:

Air-cooled, rubber-mounted 883cc Evolution engine, Staggered Shorty exhaust, Classic peanut fuel tank, Low front and rear suspension, Low solo Sportster rider seat

VolksWagen Beetle Launched In INDIA

Volkswagen BEETLE Volkswagen, which mean people's car, is all set to launch their most prestigious brand in INDIA, the Volkswagen Beetle by this December 2009. The real 'people's car,' Volkswagen's Beetle, is sure going to hog the limelight. Its main competitor is going to be Fiat 500 which also comes in the same price bracket.

But it’s not going to be cheap by any standards. Volkswagen managing director, passenger car division, Adreas Prinz disclosed. The 'Bug' is expected to be priced around 20 lakhs. This is almost double the price of the Beetle sold in Europe.

It is going to be imported from Volkswagen’s Mexico plant. This will for sure add to the sales of their already running luxury sedans Passat and Jetta in Indian market. Volkswagen is also planning to launch its small car, Polo by early next year.

Rolls Royce Launches GHOST in INDIA

Ghost has entered India, it’s not a joke, and it’s true. Finally it’s here. Well, I am talking about the most expensive Ghosts of all, The Rolls Royce GHOST. The most technologically advances Cars ever produced by Rolls Royce is rolled in Indian market. Prices at US$ 510204 or around 2.5 Cr. in India and hopes to sell around 75 GHOST’s in 2010 as per Rolls-Royce Regional Director Asia pacific Colin Kelly.

Company hopes that this 6.6 L twin-turbo V12, super duper Luxury Sedan with engine as quiet as a Ghost and an unsophisticated design will lure enough Indians to buy one. Rolls Royce is expected to deliver its first car in mid of 2010.
Phantom
Company is expecting to double its sales from last year’s 1,212 units worldwide to around 2500 units. We are looking for sales of 2,500 units globally in 2010, of which two-third is expected to come from the yet to be launched ”Ghost”,” Rolls Royce General Manager (South and East Asia Pacific) Brenda Pek said. She added that in India the company expects to sell 14-16 units this year and increase it to 75 units next year.

Harley Davidson Models to be Launched in INDIA

It’s over, yes, its over, the wait of course for Harleys. Now you can have the complete range of Harley Davidson’s covering all the Five Families available in India. Below is what I presume can be probable models for Indian Market.

Softail: Engine:


Air-cooled 1584cc Twin-Cam 96B™ counter-balanced engine reduces vibration for a smooth ride. With a Chrome nacelle and retro ‘cat’s eye’ console, Quick-release, detachable king-size windshield Comfortable Wide passenger seat with backrest Storage, 1940s-style detachable leather saddlebags

Dyna:


Air-cooled, 1584cc Twin-Cam 96 engine, Michelin Scorcher tyres  New all black powertrain, Chopped rear fender, Low ribbed solo seat

Touring:


Air-cooled, Twin-Cam 96 Exhaust: Chrome, 2-1-2 exhaust, Harman/Kardon advanced audio system, GTX saddlebags, Low profile, air-adjustable rear suspension.

VRSC:


Liquid-cooled Revolution V-Twin engine,  Brushed, straight-shot exhaust with black caps and black exhaust shields, Hydroform frame wraps around the engine, Brembo brakes with ABS for high-performance braking, Low 25.2-inch seat height

Sportster 883:


Air-cooled, rubber-mounted 883cc Evolution engine, Staggered Shorty exhaust, Classic peanut fuel tank, Low front and rear suspension, Low solo Sportster rider seat

Royal Enfield Bullet Classic A Comparison Between 500cc and 350 cc

Guys here I am giving comparison between 500CC and 350CC Royal Enfield Bullet Classic. In production since 1932, Bullet enjoys the reputation of longest running model in the unremitting production. Recently, after 75 years, its new avatar has been launched in the market with new styling and younger look that does not compromise on what is expected from a Royal Enfield. What sets it apart from just about every other motor bike in the market is its authentic vintage styling and styling in single colour. So here we have a bike reminiscent of the native imaginary of British motorcycles, post World War II.

In case you are a diehard Royal Enfield enthusiast just like me, and planning to buy one, I hope the comparison here will help you to make the right choice.

Displacement                                499 CC                                                   346 CC
Engine                         Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, OHV,                      Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke,
                                   SI Engine, Air cooled,                                      OHV, SI Engine,
                                   and Fuel Injection                                             Aircooled, Twinspark

Bore x Stroke                  84 mm x 90 mm                                                 70 mm x 90 mm

Maximum Power             27.2 bhp @ 5250 rpm                                      19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm

Maximum Torque            41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm                                        28 Nm @ 4000 rpm

Transmission                5 Speed (left foot gear shift)                              5 Speed (left foot gear shift)

Ignition                              Electronic Ignition                                                 Digital TCI

Carburetor                                                                                                     BS29 / UCAL

Dimensions

Ground Clearance                        140 mm                                                          140 mm

Width                                           800 mm                                                          800 mm

Wheel Base                                 1370 mm                                                        1370 mm

Length                                         2130 mm                                                        2150 mm

Height                                         1050 mm                                                         1080 mm

Tyres

Front                                          90/90 – 18                                                       3.25 – 19

Rear                                         110/90 – 18                                                     110/90 – 18

Electricals

Electrical System                     12 Volts – DC                                                 12 Volts – DC

Head Lamp                         60 W / 55 W, HALOGEN                               60 W / 55 W, HALOGEN

Brakes

Front                                    Hydraulic Disc Brake                                       Hydraulic Disc Brake
                                              (Disc dia 280mm)                                             (Disc dia 280mm)
Rear                                   Foot Operated 153 mm                                    Foot Operated 153 mm
                                    Single Lead Internal Expanding                            Single Lead Internal Expanding


Maximum Speed                      130 Kmph                                                              120 Kmph

Suspension

Front                         Telescopic, Hydraulic Damping,                          Telescopic, Hydraulic Damping,
                                               Stroke 130 mm                                                Stroke 130 mm


Rear                          Swing Arm With Gas Shock                                 Swing Arm With Gas Shock
                                  Absorbers, Stroke 80 mm                                       Absorbers, Stroke 80mm

REVA Electric Car

This is what we call leading from the front, to be a leader is to lead with example, and REVA is doing all this. REVA Electric Car Company is a name to reckon with when it comes to electric cars. They have announced their next generation models the Reva NXR and NXG, both targeted at different customers. Both have been showcased at Frankfurt Car Show.

Together with an American company Bannon Automotive, they are all set to assemble a more spacious and advanced hatchback the REVA NXR. It is fitted with a lithium-ion battery with maximum speed of 105 Kmph and a maximum range of 160 Kilometers per charge. NXR comes with automatic drive and is fun and easy to drive and maneuver. It takes 8 hours to charge the battery completely from any standard household outlet, but it also comes with a special feature of 15 minute fast charge facility, but the great thing is its solar panels on top which is an optional feature. It’s has three doors with a seating capacity of four people.

It’s loaded with some new and exciting features like digital display, keyless entry, dual charge ports, SMS alerts, time to full charge, service and insurance alerts, distance to empty, healing and REVive remote emergency charge, remote cabin heating and cooling, a monthly eco-drive check. Customer support is just a SMS away 24X7 if you ever run out of battery.

Another model which is going to hit the market shortly will be REVA NXG, an e-mini wide enough to accommodate 4-5 people with ease. Its great looking car which from no angle looks like a electric car and rather looks like a futuristic hatchback. It’s far more powerful than the NXR model with a top speed of 130 Kmph and a range of around 200 kilometers per charge. It’s equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels. Other features are more or less same as the NXR.