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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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!

   


    

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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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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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Glimps of upcomming bigger Gixxer bikes

It's not too long before Suzuki was considered as boring motorcycle company in India but that's all changed after Gixxer 150, Something similar strategy Suzuki is trying to apply with it's big worldwide products.

Present GSX-R1000R

Take look at it's present liter class GSX-R1000R it's most aging bike in the segment, definitely there's something radical idea's going ahead inside Suzuki R&D and what you're seeing here in image is believe to be upcoming GSX-R1000R along interestingly brand new GSX-R250R.

Completely new front look

Update regarding GSX-R1000R  was expected as every other literclass product is newer than that.

but We're really excited for smaller GSX-R250R as every other Japanese manufacturer have quarter liter sportbike except Suzuki, Smaller bikes are really important for any bike manufacturing company especially when those smaller bikes get's inspiration from bigger bikes, Smaller bike's makes large volume sales.

We can see here both of these bike's have completely new front fairing somewhat similar to Ducati Panigale inspired from viper, GSX-R1000R will be powered by inline four motor with crossplane crank configuration similar to their GP bike and powered around 200 hp, but at the moment we can't confirm about GSX-R250's powerplant it may single or twin parallel we really don't know.  

If these images published by Japanese magazine Young machine are anything but true then Suzuki is surely going to grab lot's of attention just like Yamaha did with 2015 R1 and R1M.

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Is this new Yamaha MT 03?

After launching top notch machines in different capacity segments it seems like Yamaha is heading towards lower capacity, just like recently revealed MT 25 Yamaha have chopped it's R3 into MT 03.

Just like faired sibling R3 MT03 shares 320 cc parallel twin engine layout but probably more street oriented power band. MT 03 also sharing most of it's components like suspension and chassis with R3.

 Visually bike is identical with MT 25 but being exception for having ABS , It's interesting to see if this bike make it's way towards our country 

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Yamaha shows R1's generation to generation evolution through video

This year Yamaha launched it's Moto GP inspired all new R1 in the month of February. 

Now Yamaha have released very interesting YouTube video, showing up five project leaders who have contributed their efforts in development of Yamaha's flagship superbike in all five generations.

Video is just 1.48 minute long so we don't get much deeper into technical aspects ,But that could be nice isn't it ? Each project leader gives short synopsis over aim of their project so let's have a look.

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Yamaha MT 25 spotted in Indonesia

If you love naked bikes then you'll love to know, This MT 25 is just spotted in Indonesia as we know Indonesian government is applying heavy taxes on bikes above 250 cc displacement that's why Indonesia is blessed with some awesome 250 cc bikes.

For example this Yamaha MT 25 based on Yamaha's YZF R25 and YZF R3 with removed fairing and flat handlebar for street fighter character. If this bike could make it's way to India it'll go head to head with Kawasaki's Z250 and upcoming duke 250 as well as some others. But chances for getting this bike in our country is far less instead we believe this bike will make it's way to mostly European   countries. 

But not to loose hope riders, there are chances for YZF R3 in India at the ending of this year or beginning of 2016 as competition is heating up in 300 cc segment and we don't think Yamaha is willing to late in this party. 

This front end is surprisingly alike new FZ 2.0

Same liquid cool parallel twin from YZF R25

Tail section is straight pick from YZF R25 and YZF R3

Exhaust pipe as well as tubular chassis is carried from YZF R25 and R3

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Brain fryingly gorgeous Yamaha France's Endurance racing bike.

Yamaha France GMT 94 Michelin Racing team is top to bottom okay for FIM endurance world championship of this year with completely new YZF R1.

This fresh new R1 is largely accepted as most advance production motorcycle right now in the world , with new ground breaking electronics and out of world 200 bhp inline 4 motor. for those who don't know much about R1's distinct pwer plant : it's very different type of inline four motor with unequal firing order also known as big bang firing order just like Yamaha's moto gp racing bike. Therefor R1 also have same crossplane crank shaft geometry just like YZF M1 which provides linear power delivery way down in rev range as well as mind boggling top end thrust.
This team did took the 2014 title and we have shown you their gorgeous bike here, And now we have photos of their 2015 bike take a look.

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Yamaha India introduced new colors for r15

Yamaha the Japenese motorcycle giant has brought new colors for their R15 version 2.0 , which is available across countries showrooms, GP blue and Streaking Cyan  are two colors Yamaha India have launched, You can see the binary color combination are just fantastic to eye's.

 However there is no words on mechanical update so bike is carrying all previous spec sheet ahead.
These new colors comes at slight extra costs at rs. 1.17,260 (ex showroom Delhi), where racing blue and Invincible Black are cost's at Rs.1,10,003 you can also get Grid Gold pattern for Rs.1,12924
   

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Yamaha Moto GP team Showcase 2015 GP Bikes officially along Movistar and fiat sponsorship livery

 

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Yamaha India Just Imported R3 from Indonesia For Research And Development Purpose

European model shown

Just few days ago we said Yamaha R3 could be nice contender for our market, and now we come to know that Yamaha India have actually imported total 2 YZF R3 from India though its for R&D purpose but make no mistake its first sign that Yamaha have intentions to brought this bike in our country , Earlier Yamaha also had imported R25 for R&D purpose that invoke bit confusion which bike R25 or R3 ?.

 Inspecting  current market condition we can conclude that R3 is more sensible bike. Design wise both bikes almost matches in dimensions and looks  both employs parallel twin motors. Biggest change is displacement of motors,R25 is 249 cc makes 36 bhp compare to this r3 is     in different league, with 321cc motor producing about astonishing 43 bhp with peak torque about 29Nm.

R3 Transportation Documents from Indonesia to India

Speaking of competition KTM's RC 390 and Kawasaki's Ninja 300 are main rivals of YZF r3 in India , while 39bhp Ninja 300 is clearly underpowered compare to R3. If that's now enough R3 can even take down 45 bhp KTM's RC 390 because it only have single cylinder motor , where R3's peaky parallel twin's power plant produces its peak power at 10 k territory and able to pull till 13k! This gives it clear advantage at top end performance, where ktm's single is Mid range monster but at top of rev rage engine gives up at around 170 kmph.

But still its interesting to see which will get crown for 0-100 acceleration mark.

come to point of imported  R3, each unit costing around 1.90 lakh which is clearly pointing production machine will stay under 3 lakh which is enticing. And very close to RC390's tag, Most likely Yamaha will bring YZF R3 via CKD kit with standard ABS.

This bike will spiritual successor to excellent R15 which known for its excellent dynamics. Knowing that there are many riders looking for upgrade from R15 Yamaha will most likely launch YZF R3 in this years ending or first quarter of 2016

• Technical specifications

Engine

Engine type	2-Cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves
Displacement	321cc
Bore x stroke	68.0 mm x 44.1 mm
Compression ratio	11.2 : 1
Maximum power	30.9 kW (42.0PS) @ 10,750 rpm
Maximum Torque	29.6 Nm (3.0 kg-m) @ 9,000 rpm
Lubrication system	Wet sump
Clutch Type	Wet, Multiple Disc
Carburettor	Fuel Injection
Ignition system	TCI
Starter system	Electric
Transmission system	Constant Mesh, 6-speed
Final transmission	Chain

Chassis

Frame	Diamond
Front suspension system	Telescopic forks
Front travel	130 mm
Caster Angle	25º
Trail	95 mm
Rear suspension system	Swingarm
Rear Travel	125 mm
Front brake	Hydraulic single disc, Ø 298 mm
Rear brake	Hydraulic single disc, Ø 220 mm
Front tyre	110/70-17M/C 54H (Tubeless)
Rear tyre	140/70-17M/C 66H (Tubeless)

Dimensions

Overall length	2,090 mm
Overall width	720 mm
Overall height	1,135 mm
Seat height	780 mm
Wheel base	1,380 mm
Minimum ground clearance	160 mm
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank)	169 kg
Fuel tank capacity	14.0 L
Oil tank capacity	2.4 L

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