ShortShifterz: news

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Friday, 7 April 2017

Should you buy TVS Apache 200 4V?

If you're looking for entry level performance bike in Indian market The TVS's Apache 200 4V is obvious bike to choose among.
After long time period TVS finally given it's flagship product in January 2016 but is it worth buying? let's dive into the details?

Powered by 197.75 cc carb or fuel injected motor making around 20 bhp of strong performance at around 8,500 relatively high rpm , It's the most powerful Apache yet complimented by 4 valves engine can stay raging into higher power bands unlike previous Apache's which were loosing out it's breath into higher rpm's , So if you're looking to upgrade from previous gen Apache or even other 150cc commuter motorcycle Apache 200 4V is way to go.

So you're the person who like's to lean hard into the corner? no problem TVS Apache 200 4V can do that for you, The previous gen Apache was no different all were perfect weapon of choice for corner craving, But this one feels more rigid and confidence inspiring. Although TVS haven't used Twin spar frame but they have improved double cradle frame from previous gen Apache maybe for cost cutting reasons , But flick ability and maneuverability at corners definitely feels more than satisfyingly good.

You might be a person who likes to do lots of touring over bike, So you might thinking, do Apache ticks checklist for me? From my point of view It does, While testing out speed varying from 95 to 110 kmph I was able to get constant fuel economy from 42 to 47. So even with relatively small 12 liter fuel tank you can go hard around 400 kilometers before emptying whole tank. As for wind-blast it's just universal truth that street fighter comes with that issue , with the use of good helmate and some after market wind shield you can sort out that problem.

As for sitting position it's definitely more on sportier side rearset foot pegs and slight forward biased handlebars basically street-fighter posture a person upto 85kg or even 90 kg can ride comfortably for non stop 150 kilometers without problems.

Finally best aspect of bike is it's price point, ranging from 1 to 1.2 lakh on road various options such as gripper tyre's ,ABS and fuel injection one can choose what he/she feels perfect for him.

2016 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 concept

Suzuki's flagship liter-class machine is least updated motorcycle in market to its segment, thankfully late but not least Suzuki have understood GSX-R1000 is needed complete overhaul.

Two weeks earlier Suzuki have uploaded following video as GSX-R 1000 concept highlighting updated technologies in 2016 GSX-R 1000 machines , although it say it's concept but final version will be most likely same as this.

The video highlights upon many newer things employing in GSX-R1000 but among all VVT tech is said to be vital one , what Suzuki have done is created variable cam timing profile for valve opening and closing optimized for engine response is specific condition, Suzuki have patented this VVT tech so you can understand its not something marketing gimmick rather it could be game changer.

Yamaha unveil R1S

Few days back Yamaha just revealed this R1S on their US website. So at the first look we got confused, is this higher spect R1 or something different?

It turns out to be lower spect than standard R1, So whats hold back this new R1S got over standard R1. Well not too much, the S model gets steel piston connecting rods (conrods) and exhaust headers instead of titanium ones, aluminum for wheels, engine covers and sump instead of magnesium and result ? You get extra 4 kg metal over standard R1. The gear shift assist missing which comes standard on R1 but good news is despit of being lower spect, R1S gets Yamaha's top notch traction control and inertial measurement unit.

So all these factors together makes R1S cheaper than standard R1 ,but how much. In the US R1S will be $14990, which is $2000 less than standard R1, that's some good amount of saving. I've checked on Indian Yamaha site but they didn't mentioned anything about R1S.

The steel conrods on R1S makes more inertial mass which makes fractional difference in achieving top revs compare lighter conrods. but we suspect R1S might ending up producing slightly higher torque in lower rpm due to same reason!

TVS-BMW's collaboration 300 cc bike revealed

BMW cleverly unveiled their upcoming 300 cc machine which we all know been under development by code name K3 , BMW revealed this concept yesterday at bike show in Brazil and we can see it's actually their upcoming smaller bike which will also flagship Apache for TVS.

The K3 project is under development for quit some time now and there's chances for multiple version of motorcycle for this 300 cc engine platform. There's highly chances for being upcoming Apache form of K3 will be full faired.

The above image reveals smaller but important detail about upcoming bike, Concept Stunt G 310 has longer swingarm but still retains shorter wheelbase. If TVS plans to launch this machine in street fighter format then surely it'll be blast in competition with orange KTM machine.

Bike is build for purpose and that sole purpose appears to take down on Duke's and RC's (in faired variant), The tubular trellis frame is visible holding 300 cc power plant and we can expect figures like above 30 bhp on such machine.

At the point there's no clear words from TVS regarding project K3, but BMW said in press release about their stunt Concept "BMW Concept Stunt G 310 – Street. Style. Stunt.

Munich/São Paulo. With the world premiere of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 at South America’s largest motorcycle show, BMW Motorrad is presenting a completely new side: the uncompromising interpretation of an aggressive and agile stunt bike based on a single cylinder study.

Thanks to his experience as a four-times World and European stunt riding champion, Chris Pfeiffer, contributed to the realisation of the BMW Concept Stunt 310. “Stunt riding is a demanding and multi-faceted sport. Ideally you need a compact, agile bike which is also stable and robust at the same time. You have to achieve the ideal balance between aggressiveness and control”, explains Chris Pfeiffer.

Compact proportions, highest-level agility.

The BMW Concept Stunt G 310 combines all these qualities and makes clear at first sight: the newly developed 1-cylinder engine allows for very compact proportions thanks to its innovative concept. The special feature is the cylinder which is inclined towards the rear and the cylinder head which is rotated by 180 degrees. This permits optimum placement of the engine in the motorcycle and a short wheelbase in spite of the long swinging arm thereby making the motorcycle very agile. The low-slung front and the raised tail section promise fast and nimble changes of direction as well as dynamic riding. By shifting the intake area towards the front while also moving the exhaust system towards the rear it was possible to place the rear silencer in an upright standing position underneath the seat between engine and spring strut. In this way the silencer is optimally protected and does not limit the stunt rider’s freedom of movement. Even though you may hardly see it, you will not overhear it. Once started, the sound of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is sure to attract attention.

Emotional surface design in typical BMW Motorrad style.

The emotional side view of the Concept Bike is characterised by the powerful three-dimensional design of its surfaces. The precise lines and the expressive interplay of the contours create a sense of movement and speed even when the bike is stationary. What is especially striking in this respect are the side wing contours of the fuel tank which significantly emphasise this effect. All lines seem to generate a sense of movement towards the front wheel and underline the playful ease of handling of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310. Simultaneously the bike’s surfaces create a compact and distinctive silhouette emphasising the favourable centering of masses around the engine block.

The slim front view of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 also draws attention to its high level of agility. The expressively modelled surfaces of the fuel tank result in a broad shoulder section which is underscored further by the design of the front facia. Similar to its front, the raised, filigree tail promises playful cornering and handling. It shifts the visual centre of gravity to the front even further and in combination with the engine spoiler emphasises the front wheel even more.

Extensive stunt modifications.

The numerous modifications are typical for a stunt bike; in making them Chris Pfeiffer brought his many years of experience as a stunt professional to bear in cooperation with the BMW Motorrad Design Team. Their single aim is to provide the best possible handling properties for the stunt rider’s feats on the asphalt. The lockable throttle ensures constant propulsion even when the rider’s hand has to let go of the throttle grip. In addition a slightly altered gear ratio secures greater propulsive force to the rear wheels at low engine speeds while the intentionally oversized rear wheel brake ensures reliable deceleration in every situation. A second, even larger rear wheel brake allows the rider to brake the rear wheel using only his middle finger, in case his right foot is not on the footrest in certain stunts. The additional brake lever is specially placed on the left side of the handlebars and can even be operated at the same time as the clutch. So-called axle pegs on the front axle and in the seat area give the rider additional options for placing his feet which go way beyond the possibilities offered by normal foot rests. The distinctive red crash bars provide additional protection for the engine. A special highlight on the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is the “stunt tail” which was specifically developed by BMW Motorrad and which has not been seen in this shape on a stunt bike. It is milled from solid aluminium and features an opening in the centre, which offers the stunt rider a hold for his foot. Together with the non-slip seat, the aluminium component also ensures a stable seating position when riding thanks to its shape.

Modern colour and material design.

The colour concept features the classic BMW motorsport colour white as the base colour as well as red and blue in combination with the national colours of the Brazilian flag in a modern interpretation. The spectacular neon green and yellow colour and material design is certain to attract attention. The bright neon colours extend along the entire body thereby emphasising the dynamic lines and surfaces of the bike. The core of the bike, the drivetrain, features darker colours and moves the visual centre of gravity even lower. Edgar Heinrich, Head of BMW Motorrad Design sums up: “The BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is a real eye-catcher. Everything on this concept seems to be shouting out to ride it and defy the laws of gravity.”'

2015 Bajaj Avenger !

If you ask general people which Indian sportbike they like the answer will be undoubtedly Pulsar ! That's right people Pulsar made Bajaj famous and that's because radical marketing strategy. Bajaj made Pulsar the whole new series consisting of bikes from lower displacement to the higher displacement and that's the success formula for Pulsar.

Now it seems like Bajaj is going to try same strategic move with Avenger too! and it's going to happen sooner than you thought, Avenger was started it's journey as Kawasaki Eliminator roughly 10 years before. Then gradually Bajaj given started to install Pulsar powerplant into Avenger but real thing with Avenger happened when it got powerplant from Pulsar 220. Unknowingly Bajaj Introduced option for Pulsar 220 although these two are radically different bikes but personally I have seen lots of people getting confuse between these two bikes.

Heavy resemblance from Street 750

Now come to these spyshots what you're seeing here is Avenger street. How do we know name ? look at the side panels ! Bike does have small but apparent changes like all black treatment , newer rims, front fork covers, mechanically bike is said to have 200 cc engine and you can see it's oil cooler which means it's powerplant from Pulsar 200 which was discontinued after coming of 200 NS.

Visually bike looks more catchy to eyes, the newer silencer might give nice growl from cruiser perspective. Honestly this new Avenger street reminds me alot about Harley Davidson Street 750.
The alloy rims will help to install tubless tyre sets.

It is expected that Bajaj will roll this newer avenger in this Diwali festival season, the ongoing Avenger 220 model will get update as well and few sources coming around suggests that Bajaj is also working on smaller Avenger motorcycle something between 150 to 180 cc displacement range.

We're expecting this newer avenger will get prices tag range of 90 thousands to 1 lakh onroad in India.

The loyal Royal Enfield fans might know that company is going to introduce bunch of new products with extensive foreign R&D involvement, and what you're looking at is one of such new product.

The Himalayan (Indian's knows how to spell) is visually most radical Royal Enfield motorcycle to the date. Royal Enfiled believes there's huge potential for adventure bikes in India as well as around glob.

At top of tier there's some top dogs like BMW's R1200GS and and KTM's 1290 Super Adventure with complex electronics packages but Royal Enfiled believes in man and machine philosophy and willing to keep things simple, moreover it's company's first adventure bike, so in some sense Himalayan is like prototype machine for market response.

There's no official words regarding powerplant but most likely it'll be powered by 410 cc thumper derived from Continental GT, Same with it's frame but rear sub frame seems highly modified for off-road purpose, the inputs for frame is most likely taken from Harris Performance.

The front high travel forks and sharp threaded tyre's shouts loud about it's offroad capability. It's good to see such variations regarding products in Indian market, now it'll be interesting to see if any other Indian manufacturer gonna try distinctive move like this !

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.

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.