Honda hints towards hardcore 250cc machine with it's "Light Weight Super Sports" Concept

We do have lovely touring motorcycle from Honda which can munch thousands of highway miles without any problem but when things gets little hyper at cornering CBR 250R starts to appear  bouncy and it's single cylinder motor shows lack of performance in the segment where bikes from Yamaha, KTM and Kawasaki's are setting fire.

The above leak image of Honda's "Light Weight Super Sport" concept , which will debut at the Tokyo Motor show, the Honda is surly going to get some special attention with concept which appearing to be Honda CBR 250RR.

The Honda emphasized "Light Weight Super Sport" concept by following statement

Designed with the key phrase “strong presence”, this next-generation super sport concept model features a look possessing a sense of speed derived from its long nose and low crouching position. The combination of surfaces – creating a sense of hardness and solidity – and sharp edges, emphasize the aggressive look. Moreover, the exterior featuring matte-black-based low-contrast graphics underlines its beauty and eye-catching form.  

The statement and image hinting towards different machine than existing CBR 250R or even CBR 300R , look at the different chassis, the preciously zooming reveals further details about parallel twin power plant for high revving performance just like Ninja 300 and YZF R3.

Heat in Indian motorcycling is getting high and with every newer launch it's getting tough for CBR250R to survive, So hopefully Honda will take responsibility to take this quarter litter 250RR  in India when machine make it's final way for assembly line.   

 

    

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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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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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Honda revealed RC213V-S

For last few years Honda have set fire on internet about their Moto GP race replica bike, and here it is RC 213V-S. Now it's like tradition to being race replica bikes sky climbing costly, Looking at the R&D and sophisticated technologies went into it, It's fare to judge their higher prices like Ducati did with their Desmosedici RR. But It's clearly Honda who set brand new benchmark with price tag of $184,000 in USD.

The RC 213V-S is going to hand build in Kumamoto factory at rate of one motorcycle per day. RC 213V-S will be available only in two colors, Plain black carbon fiber texture or HRC Tricolor. RC213V-S is powered by race tune compact 90 degree 999cc V4 engine which sports titanium con-rods.

Like any race bike the RC 213V-S is tightly bind package with mass centralized, underseat fuel compartment and carbon fiber fairing plastic. according to Honda theses parts are directly sourced from their GP machine, RC213V-S is only available through special website from Honda.

The some more parts sourced from GP bike are slipper clutch , Ohline forks, sand cast aluminum crankcase, swingarm, adjustable footrests, magnesium Marchesini wheels (17" inches) as well as Brembo braking components ( steel discs Instead of carbon fiber).

Lets talk about some numbers...

The RC213V-S produces 156.8 bhp in street legal form. And we're not kidding , It's just some 10 more horses than supersports class bike, So sure it's like joke after seeing at huge price tag of RC213V-S and years of hype around it.
 Honda also provides optional circuit kit which will make RC213V-S's V4 motor around 212 bhp , still not even close to racebike.

This replica machine weighs 170 kg in dry road form which isn't impressive considering Ducati 1199 Superleggera weighs only 155 kg dry, furthermore racing sport kit drops weight to 160 kg. The sport kit includes different map ECU , revised ram air intake tubes, and race exhaust system.

Having seen over all specifications we can say RC213V-S is really Moto GP level racing package but only in terms of handling and equipments as far as power is concerns, that's not even closer to regular liter class motorcycles , when Honda says "absolute MotoGP machine for street" you suddenly get's strikes about Yamaha's brand new R1 which is derived from Yamaha's Moto GP M1 Machine. Because R1's price tag makes much more sense. Not only R1 but many European machines such Panigale or HP4 makes tad more horses in street format and could even able to match actual GP machines when fully tuned. But we're sure Honda will have no problems to selling all limited numbers RC213V-S faster than expected

   

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