Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2018 i BIKE India

Ducal Supremacy THE LAST MONTH WAS VERY HECTIC FOR ALL OF US AT BIKE INDIA with the Auto Expo and the Bike India Awards being held in quick succession. A number of motorcycle manufacturers seemed to have decided to give the Auto Expo a miss, two of the biggest of them being Bajaj Auto and Royal Enfield. Although quite a few motorcycles and scooters were unveiled at this year’s event, very few of them were actually launched. The press conferences scheduled back to back make it more or less impossible to attend most of them and even if you make it to the press conference, it proves pointless, for all that you get to see are the backs of the photographers. No wonder a number of manufacturers are having second…

On the Horns… I find myself a little confused. Could you help me? I’m planning to buy a Bajaj Pulsar 160 NS, but some people say that I should wait for the 150 NS. Can you tell me about the review of the 160 NS? Is there a possibility of the Pulsar 150 NS being launched in 2018? Dr Jigar Gor, via social media Hello, Dr Jigar, There is no word as yet on the launch of the NS 150. However, the Pulsar 150 is available as is the NS 160. The 150 is a more commuter-style bike, whereas the NS 160 is sporty in nature and also has a higher power output. The launch of an NS 150 is unlikely as its performance would be very similar to that…

The Pulsar has been one of the strongest performance motorcycles in India which for years has been bringing the joy of riding to the enthusiasts without burning a hole in their pockets. Pulsar aficionados rejoiced when Bajaj introduced the NS 160, another excellent value-for-money proposition bearing the Pulsar badge. Carrying the styling of the larger Pulsar NS 200 and packed with one of the most powerful engines in the segment, the NS 160 makes a brilliant proposition. The 160.3-cc twin-spark and four-valve engine produces 15.5 PS and 14.6 Nm which add up to deliver the goods on the road. The sorted ergonomics and street-fighter design make it a complete deal. With style that never fails to turn heads and an engine that is not just peppy but also more frugal…

This award saw brothers, the Bajaj Dominar 400 and KTM 390 Duke, battled it out. In the end it was the extremely popular 390 Duke which emerged the winner by impressing the enthusiasts and critics alike. The completely reworked bike with its aggressive Super-Duke-like styling and a host of gadgets has left us all impressed. The highlight being its new-age features such as a smart TFT instrument console, side-exhaust for cleaner emission and an updated frame. The power-packed 373.2-cc single now makes two more Nm of torque than before and has a larger fuel tank, making it more practical than before. The biggest improvement that most can’t stop talking about is the inclusion of the ride-by-wire system which, much to our delight, has made the throttle response extremely linear and…

In the RS avatar, the Street Triple is the most advanced Triumph models. Using nothing but top-shelf parts, the Street Triple RS ensures an explosive and adrenaline charged experience no petrol-head can ignore. From aluminium beam twin spar frame, Showa USD fork, Öhlins adjustable rear monoshock, quickshifter, Brembo brakes, and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres, the Triple has it all. The latest version has a more mature design resembling the bigger Speed Triple, but, more importantly, it gets a new and more powerful 765-cc triple that punches out a stunning 123 PS. This Triumph is one of the sharpest handling bikes in the business and even has a dedicated ‘Track’ riding mode. And with its compact dimensions and seamless power delivery the naked is as much fun on the track…

Suzuki Motorcycle India finally introduced their updated litre-class flagship this year with an all-new chassis, engine, valve-train and electronics package. The bike makes an awesome 202 PS at 13,200 rpm from its reworked in-line-four power-plant, while a peak 117 Nm of torque is produced at 10,800 rpm. A new eight-level traction control system keeps all this power in check, while Brembo brakes take care of stopping duties. On the move the new GSX-R1000 feels slimmer and more compact than its predecessor and inspires confidence when attacking a set of corners. Suzuki have comprehensively updated this motorcycle for 2017, making it faster, lighter, more powerful and safer. We got to sample the Suzuki on the racetrack during the India first ride and later on the roads for our jury round, which…

It took Bajaj three years to develop the Dominar 400 and, last year, they finally launched the bike in a grand way. This flagship bike stayed true... well, almost, to the CS400 concept shown at the Auto Expo in 2014 and we have to say that our readers have a great taste as they have crowned the Dominar 400 as this year’s ‘Readers’ Choice Bike of the Year’. The aggressive styling combined with a great engine, frame and electronics make the Dominar 400 a superb style statement that has the grunt to slay the competition. Our readers have talked a lot about the 373.3-cc engine and the perimeter frame that make the Dominar a sweet-handling bike on varying terrain. These features and attributes of the Dominar 400 are what we…

This is the biggest award of them all. The one bike that not only stood out in its segment as the most prominent product launched in 2017, but the one that our experienced jury judged as the absolute standout across all segments and categories. This is the bike that has elevated itself above all the other launches this year and proved its worth in all the crucial aspects: dynamics, performance, practicality, features, and price. This year, the bike that is taking home the ‘Two-wheeler of the Year’ is none other than the KTM 390 Duke. The 390 has been completely refreshed and now sports a fresh design, a brand-new fuelling system, ride-by-wire, and a re-mapped ECU that helps it produce two more Nm of torque than before, among a myriad…

Durable Tyres for Heavy Use As a loyal reader, I follow Bike India wholeheartedly. I am writing to you today because I have a question regarding the tyres on my KTM 390 Duke (2016 model). I am running Michelin tyres now. One of them suffered a puncture recently and, despite getting it mended, the tyre continues to leak air and the tear caused by the puncture just keeps getting larger. Therefore, I have decided to change the tyres. My question is regarding the life of these tyres. You see, the stock Metzelers and Michelins have a life of about 8,000 kilometres. I do a lot of touring on my bike and I need something that would last longer than that. Please recommend a good set of tyres for my 390…

We knew this firing order very well, it’s the same one as in MotoGP and it’s really the best solution FOR DUCATI’S BOSS, THE DECISION TO develop a mass-produced V4 superbike dates back several years, to shortly after the launch of the 1199 that itself seemed revolutionary at the time. “It was a typical moment after you have just launched a new product,” he recalls. “We had to start to think, ‘What is next?’ “We very openly analysed how we can make the bike better; more rewarding for the rider. And with it being sports bike, how can we make it faster, because the whole game in this environment is to make the bike fast on a racetrack, and with less effort.” Domenicali realised he had to choose between two…

The 250-cc street naked segment is growing in India. The latest player in this space from the Japanese marque Yamaha made quite a splash when it first made its début here last year. With the 249-cc air-cooled singe cylinder producing enough grunt 20.9 PS and 20 Nm and a , , smooth five-speed gearbox to keep things ticking over, the FZ25 proved its mettle on city streets and touring stints as well. With comfort, style and reliability being its greatest assets, all of which are available at a pocket-friendly price of Rs 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom), there’s no wonder that the FZ25 was deemed our ‘Bike of the Year up to 250 cc’. The FZ25 sports numerous features that make it stand out in its segment and is a deserving winner…

Ducati got it just right the first time as they built this comfortable, faired motorcycle that’s great fun to ride, without demanding the focused riding position of the Panigale sport bikes. Compared to the Panigale, the SuperSport is way more forgiving and easy to ride, without compromising fun to ride nature Ducati’s are know for. Clearly a Ducati at heart, the 937-cc Desmodromic V-twin churns out 110 PS and 93 Nm of torque, while the wide fairing and tall screen keep the rider insulated from the wind blast at high speeds. A comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids keep you safe, while top-spec suspension components and a two-way quickshifter add convenience and make for an engaging ride. Featuring a comfortable seat and relaxed ergos, the SuperSport is all-day comfortable when…

The enticing 900-cc mill that wooed us in the Bonneville T100 and Street Twin has found a new home in a wilder variant, the Street Scrambler. In this guise, the liquid-cooled parallel-twin makes the same 55 PS at a slightly higher 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 78.84 Nm at 3,050 rpm. Visually, the motorcycle exudes a rustic appeal that begs the rider to explore its reach off-road. The styling echoes this character right from the round headlamps to the high-set dual silencers. In line with that nature, Triumph have equipped the Street Scrambler with a 19-inch wheel up front and a 17-inch one at the rear. Additionally, this retro exterior also houses modern conveniences such as switchable ABS and traction control, ride-by-wire, and a USB power socket.…

In the entire BMW Motorrad line-up for India but the greatest attraction has been the R 1200 GS, the true-blue adventure motorcycle that has proved its mettle the world over. Its long-travel suspension, large wheels, low-maintenance shaft drive, ergonomic riding position, modern day electronics are some of the features that make the GS a highly capable cross-country machine. The air/ liquid-cooled 1,170-cc boxer-twin motor, too, has stood the test of time and proved to be quite reliable. It is powerful as well with 125 PS and 125 Nm, more than enough for almost any terrain. The GS is also a butch looking thing with a massive adventure-style fairing, unique engine layout, unique BMW suspension, and a face that has become the new name for adventure. With so many things going…

The voice of the masses is a crucial yardstick for the success of any product in the Indian market, and the automotive enthusiasts in our country sure are a vocal bunch. They have made their voices and choices heard loud and clear, and have selected the Triumph Street Triple RS as the winner of the BTVI Viewers’ Choice Bike of the Year. The Street Triple line is one of Triumph’s most successful product lines in the brand’s history, and the new Street Triple RS is the latest in this vaunted line. The 765-cc street fighter packs all the chops to succeed in this segment. It comes with aggressive styling cues and power-packed performance, all in one attractive package from the famed British marque. With a price tag of Rs 10.55…

When it comes to innovative new products, Bajaj Auto have always been ahead of the game. Their recent approach to use metal from the iconic INS Vikrant in the ‘V’ range of motorcycle has paid off, and how. The latest Bajaj model, boasting of ‘made with the invincible metal of INS VIKRANT’, is the compact and stylish V12. This smaller iteration of the V15 carries forwards the unique ‘V’ range design which makes it stand out in the usually mundane commuter segment. Another highlight is its more accessible 124.45-cc single-cylinder mill which churns out an impressive 10.7 PS at 7,500 rpm and 11 Nm at 5,500 revs. This makes it slightly more torque-y than its competitors in the 125-cc segment. The bike’s likeable dynamics and trendy design helped the Bajaj…

With Italian flare and aggressive pricing, DSK Benelli have fast become one of the most loved premium bike makers in India, and their latest offering is the epitome of this combination. After spending quite some time under wraps, the smallest fully faired Benelli was launched last year. Design-wise, the 302R has a well-sculpted fairing and fuel tank that is complemented by an equally attractive rear end. Beneath the glamour, the motorcycle is powered by a 300-cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin that produces 38.8 PS at 11,500 rpm and a peak torque of 26.5 Nm at 10,000 rpm. Although on the road the motorcycle does fall a mite short of its claim on paper, the short gear ratios of the six-speed ’box and the way the engine gathers speed make for easy use…

Harley-Davidson revamped their entire Softail line-up last year, integrating the Dyna range into the Softail line, creating their next generation of bikes. The new line-up includes the completely updated Fat Bob. It features the new Milwaukee Eight V-twin engine, which is smoother, more powerful with a more linear delivery, and is a big leap over the outgoing engine. And it’s not just the engine that has improved the bike. The frame, suspension, and steering geometry, all of which are new, have contributed to making the Fat Bob a fun to ride cruiser no matter the number of bends in the road. The Fat Bob’s styling is also a massive step in the right direction as it looks much more aggressive than before and the all-LED lighting simply adds to its…

Honda’s latest offering in the scooter market is quite a head-turner and is equally fun to ride. Slotted between the Dio and Activa 125, the Honda Grazia falls in the fast growing 125-cc trendy scooter segment. Visually, the Grazia appears to be an evolution of the Dio and shares its chassis with the Activa 125. It also gets a telescopic fork which is a big attraction for buyers. The front is dominated by an LED headlamp which is a first in the Indian scooter market. Powering the scooter is a 124.9-cc engine that produces 8.6 PS at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 10.54 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The top-end variant of the Grazia gets a 12-inch wheel at the front and the safety of Honda’s Combi-Brake System (CBS).…

Stalwarts of the Indian motorcycle racing scene, TVS Racing, have been involved in motor sport for 35 years. It all started with the TVS 50 two-stroke mopeds raced at Sholavaram racetrack. TVS Racing have been at the forefront of Indian motor sport in India and even in international events. With multiple national championships to their name, the successful TVS Racing one-make series to identify young racing talent and a strong showing on the international rally scene, TVS Racing have continued to grow in different racing disciplines. The Indian racing team has made a impressionable mark at the gruelling Dakar Rally – which is said to be the world’s toughest automobile race. TVS Racing have been awarded our ‘Motor Sport Award’ not just for their racing achievements but also for nurturing…

HMSI have been growing from strength to strength in the two-wheeler market in India. They have made numerous strides this year with the launch of two new scooters, the Grazia and Cliq, along with the launch of the legendary adventure bike, Africa Twin, with a DCT gearbox making handling this big bike much easier. In the burgeoning two-wheeled market HMSI’s Activa is the highest selling scooter in India. The company has also launched several safety initiatives to promote safe riding. HMSI have enjoyed great sales success in 2017, crossing five million units sold mark for the first time since their operations in India began 17 years ago. The company’s commitment to the India market and strong growth in 2017 has help HMSI clinch Bike India’s ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ title.…