Hero HX 250R first ever spyshots

 

Yes guys you heard it right this is first spyshot of hero HX 250R taken few days earlier , what basically you're seeing is bike with heavy influence of Erik Buell machinery, The rear end in this specific spyshot taken from above appears very similar to Hero's Karizma which is not attractive but actual story may different than pictures, just as we've seen this bike looks gorgeous in Delhi Expo.

We can see horizonally placed shox at rear, bike's tubular frame is known to be very lightweight , Just to get idea bike's whole dry weight is just 149 kg which is surly impressive at least on paper.

As most of you know its 249 cc single cyclinder producing 31 bhp of peak power at 9000 rpm sounds damn short stroke motor. but what makes this Hero interesting is it's duel ignition mapping! just as we know liter class bikes comes with various engine mappings for manageable power delivery.

In case of Hero HX 250R one mode gives bike full 31 bhp on tap power while other eco mode caps it's power at 24 bhp for efficient operation in city riding's.

Hero HX 250R was suppose to launch at present time but it got delay because of it's partner company Erik Buell been bankrupt. For those looking for performance machines in quarter liter segment hold  your money in banks until HX 250R get's out, Cause HX 250R is suppose to be international product which means fit and finish quality should be upto really high standards.

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Mahindra Mojo: General analysis and latest spyshots !

 We all know the fact that the flame for performance or modern sportbike started silently from rumors of Mahindra Mojo.

 Now Mahindra itself getting late in launch party of their performance oriented machine ! which arises question , is Mahindra the SUV specialized company afraid to launch their first sportbike in market where there's lot's of competition from Bajaj to KTM and from Kawasaki to Yamaha ?

Engine cover branding in newer Mule seems final version

  We think that's little bit valid because lack of R&D experience in field or dedicated facility forced Mahindra to put Mojo in lot's of testing years. In testing phase itself Mojo got lot's of mule revisions that shows Mahindra's pin point precision towards their product.

Interestingly at very beginning when Mahindra started their Mojo project there was no real competition for this bike, Mahindra really had great chance at those time period but they might haven't taken motorcycle's project seriously, or what so ever and now there's intense battleground in 300 CC segment.

We have Kawasaki Ninja 300, KTM  RC 390 the very tack focus machine, Yamaha YZF R3 an all round performer. and even 250 cc bikes are no hold backs , So what kind of response Mahindra Mojo can expect ?

Newer branding scheme on tank is evident

Well for starter there was lots of fanfare in Mahindra Mojo at beginning, some keep faith on product while most of them gone with other interesting choices and it's not their fault. Mahindra have to established Mojo in segment which is already crowded with good contenders, The thing Mahindra can do is aggressive pricing.

When specific product or bike for that matter comes in lower price segment it automatically gets default option for buyer at-least for considerations. We believe in India 1.5 to 1.6 lakh onroad is fair price for Mojo

The after sales service: Mahindra as SUV manufacturer, potential buyers may skeptical about their after sales bike servicing , So Mahindra have to somehow convince their buyers about quality servicing assurance.

The design of Mojo: Sure the Mojo was head turner when it was spied many years ago, but at the present Mojo is no more sporty as compare to others in visual department, The front duel circular headlamps seems unattractive and adds to weight factor , Thanks to eyebrows lead strip which set's it apart from others.
If you see Mahindra Mojo from side profile in detail, The overall profile matches very much with Bajaj's 400 cruiser sports (the concept).

The handling may not be class apart but it should be allround performer. The upside down forks at front appears to have very less travel , suggesting towards tuned for sporty rides.
The duel exhaust cans are just for visual appearance rather than performance factor, Mahindra could have made these exhaust little bit compact for over all weight management. still it'll be interesting to hear what kind of sound comes from engine which have single cyclinder and duel exhaust cans.


Images source :- Motoroids



 

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Honda's brand new motorcycle for CB Triggers replacement !

In RevFest Honda have showed series of products one of such product is CB Hornet 160R.
Now the name Hornet invokes big Honda Hornet bikes, it seems like Honda's new strategy to grab piece of pie in premium 150CC segment, Just like Suzuki did with Gixxer. Will it able to achieve it's goal? let's see what CB 160 hornet offering.

CB Hornet is replacement for Honda's recently discontinued CB Trigger, with Trigger Honda hasn't got success dues to its not too sporty nor too commuter look, It was somewhat confuse looking machine.

But Hornet is different, you can look at the bike and you get the feel for power and bikes body language speaks about its sporty character, This time Honda have clear goal with CB Hornet 160R it's premium 150CC machine , the motor is 163 cc similar to CB Unicorn rated at 14.5 bhp of power and 14.61 Nm of torque.

Few of the styling elements makes this bike very soothing to eyes, like the pseudo radiator covers improves looks appeal, while chunky fat exhaust reminds the exhaust can on Pulsar of RS200.
This little Honda Hornet gets 140 Section broad tyre just like Gixxer and FZ series.

Honda's trademark Combi-Brake system is present, along with disc at front and rear too! very well Honda cause most of 150 segment bikes lacks rear disc brake even as an option, So surely Honda CB Hornet 160R have slight edge over competitors like Yamaha's FZ serise or Suzuki's Gixxer.

Another noteworthy thing to mention is how beautifully crafted tail section is, It reminds us about bigger Kawasaki's Z bikes tail section. The psudo carbon fiber finish is first in class and looks apart.

No doubt there are few shortcomings like poor quality switch-gears or absence of engine kill switch but hey who cares after all we all have learn from Honda  "looks good is Good!" relax kidding.

Bottomline:- If Honda put's CB Hornet 160R's price competitive with competitors, surely this little Honda is going to eat significant sale figures of other bikes it segment.  

Carbon fiber finish reminding of Diavel

Dumping Triggers switchgear stock?

Is this RS 200? NOO!

Rear disc wow!

No fancy liquid cooling, that's allright

 




 

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New color doesn't means new bike, Honda are you listening ?

Honda Motorcycles and scooters India have introduced CBR 150R and CBR 250R along with CBR 650F. The disappointing thing is, there's no mechanical update job or even cosmetic upgrade in body panels, Just newer coloring schemes.

Well that doesn't seems like International sportbike brand's brave move , well at least not in India It's time in market where brands like Yamaha, Bajaj and KTM giving out more and more edgy products where CBR's simply don't have chance, you can ready here poor sales regarding smaller CBR.
 May be (HMSI) planning to dump older stocks of Smaller CBR's in India or whatever, it's sick to see these small VFR's

 

This is Indonesian CBR 250R!

The pricing for these newer machines haven't announced yet but honestly, we're not excited for them until Honda launching twin lamp Fireblade inspired sharp looking smaller CBR bike's.

 

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Here are first images of brand new Honda Sportbike CBR650F from launch event !

CBR 650F is officially unveiled by Honda motorcycles and scooters India (HMSI) priced at Rs 7.3 lacs(ex-showroom) you can read more about CBR650F in previous post here

Relax riding position is evident

Chunkey fat rear tyre probably 180 section

You can read more about CBR650F here.

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Honda launching CBR 650F today in India

Japaneses motorcycle manufacturer Honda motorcycles India introducing premium supersports class inline four machine CBR650F today.

 According to Honda motorcycles ad scooters India (HMSI), CBR650F will be assembled in Indian plant, and parts will be brought as completely broke down unit,the price of Honda CBR650F will be around Rs 8 lakh.

CBR650R is more friendlier version of Hard edge CBR600RR, equipped with 649 cc inline four motor producing around 86 horsepower at 11,000 rpm and 46 foot pounds of torque at 8,000 rpm
Originally Honda have developed CBR650F to fill cheese between the CBR 500R and race spec CBR600RR supersports, CBR650R have ergonomic like Ninja 650 but instead of giving parallel twin like Kawasaki's plan Honda have gone for inline four like CBR600RR.

Inline four block

The great thing about inline four is they're absolutely smooth engine, but makes their most of power at higher RPM compare to singles or twins. So taking all those things like comfortable ergonomics to inline four motor like supersports motor like CBR600RR we can say CBR650F is perfect blend of performance and comfort, obviously CBR50F's motor is tuned down compare to mainstream supersports but who care's! after all it'll be Honda's cheapest inline four machine in India.

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Beginners Guide of Riding Part 2

After going through first part in which we’ve seen what should be footsteps like wearing Hell-mate getting build confidence slowly rather than getting over excited, we’re here again with beginner’s guide of riding motorcycle's next part.

Body posture

Taking motorcycle out in traffic for first few days might be not so good experience for you in fact you may be in slight depress manner holding your handlebar with too much pressure.

Riding in stressful manner is not good way to start with motorbikes, if you ask any expert “How to ride motorbike?” they will tell you to stay stress free as much as possible to you and I can tell you with pretty much assurance that there is no written Motorcycle Manuals or Motorcycle Guide that comes with your motorcycle tells you about this. So holding your motorcycle between your hands tightly don’t make riding any better, actually this may render bike for bad handling during direction changes due to bad steering response.

riding position difference in bikes

Bad steering also occurs due to grips, either our hands may be proving smaller for size of grips or may be slippery grips, so you may want to check if your handle bars grips are in perfect condition after all you’re controlling whole bike with those.

You may like to familiarize with brake and clutch levers of your bike cause some levers may need firm operation while others may work with light push so it’s not really big problem just get to know effort level required for your levers.

Body strategy

You should understand what feels you best on your motorcycle, it doesn’t matter if you’re riding street bike or sport bike. All you have to do is find sweet spot on motorcycle and by that mean grab your bike with thighs, ankles and knees but not with handlebars why? let me explain you.

When you grab your bike with your lower part of body below waist such as knees and thighs you stay firmly on your sitting position just like seatbelt works in cars, plus keeping your lower part of body attached to machines body makes you feel your motorcycle, it also helps you in changing lane transitions.

Keep your heels attached to motorcycle’s foot pegs all the time firmly, they help to get better grip from bike as well as bike’s flick ability gets tremendously improves, foot pegs also helpful to understand various vibrations passing from bikes motor, the experienced riders understand most of engine related fault just by understanding pattern of vibration from motor therefor every new budding rider should make habit to understand relation between legs and foot pegs.

Remember never put toes to downward side try to keep as close as possible to shift lever and brake lever or else there are highly chances to get foot scrapping injuries while approaching at corner.  

Now what about above waist body strategy?  You hold handle bars of your motorcycle with your hands via grips to pull accelerator and apply braking and clutch levers as well as other operations such as beeping horn, switching turn signals or headlights, So what you have to do is hold your handle bars firmly at the same time keep your upper body section much lighter than your lower body section why? because keeping your upper body section too much firm will effect on handling factor of your motor bike, in short you’ll find difficulty in changing sudden direction change on motor bike that’s why you have to keep your upper body section firm enough so not to lose grips from handlebars at same time keeping much lose than lower body section.

Keeping your hands lose have another advantage, in some situations you may find surprise of sudden pothole on road and even your suspensions may not able to cope with condition at that instance yours lose hands will work like suspensions, the flexibility in your hands will able to absorb much of pothole impact, interestingly that’s not expected to be happen during too much firm upper body position and you may be victimize to unexpected crash.

Vision of Eagle

Newer motorcycle riders are usually little afraid to riding on main road and this hesitance is not bad at all. Because this hesitance gives them feeling to ride safely. But what newer riders most common mistake is to look at one and only fixed point at just few feet ahead of bike, therefor they get panic if sudden situations like big dump truck approaches towards them from 20 meters away. Looking at fix point while riding bike is deadly mistake.

If you ask any expert motorcycle rider they will agree upon motorcycle follows where rider looks philosophy, eventually you’ll figure out this fact after riding your motorcycle for few thousand kilometers.

Utilize your peripheral vision to get broad perspective of environment such as bumps, patch sections, unequal surface and even reckless driven vehicle, you’ll never know what new surprise the road might present for you.

Get broad vision of road ahead of you

 Keeping your vision ahead builds up confidence and helps your brain to compute defensive mode action such as slowing down or stopping completely before road catastrophe occurrence, your body will accommodate for different situations with difference stance, try to understand every new parameter of bike at every ride session such as how to lean at corner, shifting gears and braking applications which directly translates to giving training to your inner rider instincts.

Try to look as further as possible and keep your brain constantly feed visual clues, staying update with visual information helps to perform with predetermined profile or body’s stance, such as you’ll feel more confident while going through twisty corner which you have seen from 70 meters behind from actual approach. Suddenly you’ll feel that roads are getting less strange places and familiar pattern will start to occur in further situations.

Make habit to look inside rear view mirror, they’re there for specific reason, make train yourself to look inside mirror at least 3 times a minute and more if you’re in heavy traffic. Looking inside mirror is one of the key element while riding in busy traffic

Rear view mirror's have sole purpose to show whats behind

Inside city or on multiple lane interstate highway, checking out rear view is mandatory, even if you don’t plan to change direction or lane transition it’s just gives you good level of confidence what’s happening behind you, so you don’t get freak out when suddenly high speed car overtakes you by very close margin.

Or even could save you from getting rear ending from other vehicle.

Constantly staying visually update from mirror is not that much hard, you don’t have to turn your head too much, simple quick view is enough and then you can concentrate again on road ahead, All Mirrors are adjustable so all you have to do is adjust them according to your preferences.

Yes, it’s true for some people that rear view mirrors shows their shoulder often most of time but it’s shows how well they're alert about their rear section. You can get aftermarket rear view mirrors if stock one doesn’t working for you.

It's better to get full stop to enjoy nature around you

So the bottom line is: till the moment you don’t get too much confidence, it’s best to look on broad view of road ahead of you as well as behind via mirror, you may be riding in beautiful twisty section of Kasara or passing by scenic beauty of some other road don’t get lost in senses stay focus to your instincts, you may even wants to get full stop rather than looking at roadside beauty while riding and getting distracted.
If you haven't read this article's previous part you can read here.
 and don't forget to read future articles.

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Analysis Indian Best 150cc Commuter Motorcycles 2015

Looking for best 150cc commuter bike which have style, appeal and matching personality as yours? And yet you’re confuse in choosing which one you want? don’t worry it’s obvious when you’re living in country like India where there’s riot in 150 cc segment. We’re here to help you in choosing 150 cc commuter bike so read on.

Commuter 150

Let’s talk about our category, commuter 150 is segment belongs to bikes which have 150cc class motors with enough grunt to commute in daily stop and go traffic, the ergonomics are very relax and plush ride quality. The rider who chooses this category should be looking for daily ride comfort even in bumpiest roads while same time keep up enough power to match traffic vehicles speed, after all who need fireblade in Indian traffic right?

Discover 150 

Launch in 2014 with Discover Bajaj’s aiming mainly towards commuters, giving commuters sporty feel and extra punch of power while maintaining good fuel economy, Discover 150 have relaxed ergonomics handle bars are raise and foot pegs are at front which is perfect for daily commuting tasks. Pillion seat is also very comfortable and almost flat so no sliding towards rider in braking event.

Discover 150 is having 5 speed gearbox with short ratio for instant burst of acceleration but this translates into lower top end performance but make no mistake discover 150 is joy to ride upto 90 kmph while top speed is around 110 kmph on long stretch. Many people have complains regarding Bajaj’s components quality but we can assure you its thing of past but still nowhere close to those Japanese machines, what interesting thing Discover 150 offering is responsive 4 valve engine setup which no other bike manages to offer at such aggressive price point.

Price on road Mumbai: - Rs. 62,700/-(150S Disc), Rs. 66,458/-(150F)

·        Engine: 144.8cc, air-cooled, 4-valve

·        Power: 14.5 PS @ 8500 RPM

·        Torque: 12.75 Nm @ 6500 RPM

·        Transmission: 5-speed

·        0 – 100 km/hr: 20.07 seconds

·        Top Speed: 106 km/hr

·        Power To Weight: 111.5 PS/ton (S), 109.8 PS/ton (F)

·        Fuel Consumption: 55-60 km/l

·        Fuel Type: Petrol

·        Frame: Semi-double cradle

·        Suspension: Telescopic forks (Front), Monoshock (Rear)

·        Tyres: 80/100/17 (Front), 100/90/17 (Rear)

·        Brakes: 130 mm Drum/240 mm Disc (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear)

CB Unicorn

Lunched in 2005 and surprisingly still in the game CB Unicorn is was sporty bike for her era but it’s getting aging now still if you’re in market for commuter bike it’s one of best machine you can get in 150 segment.

The magic of machine lies in the Honda’s famous 150 cc twin valve engine which have bullet proof reliability and good balance of power and fuel efficiency CB unicorn makes slightly less power than Discover 150 but then tall gearing helps CB Unicorn to achieve higher top speeds, CB Unicorn got monoshock at rear but it’s tuned for ride quality rather than hard core riding mode, The ergonomics are relaxed tall handlebars are front side foot pegs makes commuting task joyful, Rider and pillion seat are very plush but on longer rides pillion have complaints for hips getting numb that may be because too much softness but that could be easily new seat covers available in market. CB Unicorn able to dispatch from 0-60 kmph in 5.70 seconds and top speed is around 115, braking performance is excellent but rear is still Drum brake which is kind of unsettling

Instrument cluster feels very outdated but again doesn’t matters much to commuters. So if you’re kind of commuter who loves bullet proof reliability at same time powerful motor to keep up with other 150 cc bikes CB Unicorn is definitely way to go.

Price on road Mumbai:- Rs.7804/-

·        Length2095mm

·        Width756mm

·        Height1100mm

·        Wheel base1340mm

·        Ground clearance179mm

·        Kerb weight146kg

·        Fuel tank capacity13L

·        Engine

·        Type Air cooled, 4 stroke, SI engine

·        Cylinder capacity149.1 cc

·        Max net power9.8 kw (13.14 bhp) @ 8500 rpm

·        Max net torque12.84 Nm @ 5500 rpm

·        Bore 57.3mm

·        Stroke57.8 mm

·        Compression ratio9.1:1

·        Air filter type Viscous paper filter

·        Starting method Kick/self 

Unicorn 160

The next gen Unicorn is here with fresh look and upgraded power plant and still this bike follows tradition of its predecessor, before it’s launching we were really hoping for sport oriented variant but Honda choose to put this machine with different perspective, the upgraded engine has more grunt than before it’s 1 bhp and 2 Nm of more torque than CB Unicorn. Handle bars are wider and relaxed but cornering may be not in its soul, rear hydraulic monoshock tuned for bad roads, foot pegs slight rear set still commuterish fashion, all new digital instrument cluster is good welcome.

Gearing is on really tall side but taking in account of torque figure of this new engine offering you can ride 160 Unicorn in traffic through 2^nd gear itself without dropping in first or shifting to 3^rd, So the bottom line is if you’re in market for power commuting machine in 150 cc segment Honda’s 160 Unicorn is almost perfect thing for you! 

Price on road Mumbai: - 87,000/-(disk) 92000/-(combi brake) 

Specifications

·        Engine: 162.71cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke

·        Power: 14.5 BHP @ 8000 RPM

·        Torque: 14.61 Nm @ 6000 RPM

·        Transmission: 5-speed

·        0 – 100 km/hr: 16.15 seconds

·        Top Speed: 114 km/hr

·        Fuel Consumption: 48-53 km/l

·        Fuel Type: Petrol

·        Frame: Diamond

·        Suspension: Telescopic forks (Front), Hydraulic Monoshock (Rear)

·        Tyres: 80/100/17 (Front), 110/80/17 (Rear)

·        Brakes: 240 mm Disc (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear), CBS (Optional)­­

·        Length x Width x Height: 2045 mm x 757 mm x 1060 mm

·        Wheelbase: 1324 mm

·        Ground Clearance: 150 mm

·        Seat Height: 780 mm (est.)

·        Fuel Tank Capacity: 12-litres

·        Kerb weight: 135 kgs                

Yamaha SZ-RR v2.0

 Looking at this beautiful Yamaha machine you may get mistaken for being more premium machine but it’s not of course its 150cc machine but its engine is tuned for fuel efficiency in daily commuting favors Yamaha have updated SZ-RR’s engine with company’s blue core patented technology.

SZ –RR 2.0 got newly design instrument cluster although it’s analog still it’s good to see tachometer needle racing towards redline unlike 160 Unicorn which got digital cluster.

The ergonomics are right for city and some long weekend hauls. The rider seat is comfortable as well as pillions too and covered with anti-slip material.

Performance wise SZ-RR v2.0 got 12 bhp of power at 7500 rpm and sounds very roary in sporty sense equipped with 5 speed gearbox as with every other Yamaha the gearbox on SZ-RR v2.0 is very smooth and precise. If you’re in market for great reliable and smooth commuting bike you can choose this little Yamaha sure it’s slightly less on power but its all-rounder and looks stunning too!

Price on road Mumbai: - 81,000/-

·        Engine: 149cc, air-cooled, SOHC, 2-valve, single-cylinder

·        Bore x Stroke: 57.3 mm x 57.9 mm

·        Compression Ratio: 9.5:1

·        Power: 12.1 PS @ 7500 RPM

·        Torque: 12.8 Nm @ 6000 RPM

·        Transmission: 5-speed

·        Fuel Consumption: 52 km/l

·        Fuel Type: Petrol

·        Frame: Diamond Frame

·        Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), Twin Shocks (Rear)

·        Tyres: 2.75/17 (Front), 100/90/17 (Rear)

·        Brakes: 245 mm Disc (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear)

·        Length x Width x Height: 2050 mm x 760 mm x 1100 mm

·        Wheelbase: 1320 mm

·        Ground Clearance: 165 mm

·        Seat Height: 802 mm

·        Fuel Tank Capacity: 14-litres

·        Kerb weight: 134 kgs (wet)

So those are out pick for 2015  150 cc commuter segment motorcycles we have excluded few motorcycles purposely cause those are outdated or simply doesn't make sense to buy comment if you have any suggestions or even corrections and stay tuned for more updates. 

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