Parallel twin the KTM 890 Duke Spy Shots

We’ve heard the rumors of a new parallel-Twin from KTM for a long time, and now we have pictures of the new motor in a new Duke chassis. And this platform will surely also be adapted into an Adventure model that will fill the hole between KTM’s 690 Enduro and the1190 Adventure.

The new engine displays the compact architecture of a modern inline twin-cylinder powerplant that appears remarkably short front to rear, with the countershaft sprocket residing directly aft of the crankshaft location. It incorporates all the current technology, including liquid-cooling, double-overhead cams with four valves per cylinder, and, surely, ride-by-wire fuel injection. Inside info tells us it will use a 270-degree crank angle, a configuration that does a passable job at imitating a V-Twin exhaust note, as opposed to the more typical 180- or 360-degree cranks.

We know the engine is sized somewhere around the 800cc mark, but its precise displacement is yet unknown. KTM’s recent naming convention is to use 90 as the engine suffix (390, 1190, 1290) even though it doesn’t exactly match the actual displacement (373cc, 1195cc, 1301cc, respectively). So, based on what looks to be a fairly small radiator, could these new Dukes and Adventures be called 790s?

Or will they be 890s? There would be a 300cc gap between an 890 and the current 1190 (which will be updated soon), so an 890 might be more likely. And let’s not forget that KTM’s Chief Executive Officer Stefan Pierer once said the company is also planning to build a parallel-Twin motorcycle displacing somewhere around 500cc. Maybe a new 590 line?

Making power estimates is difficult without knowing the displacement, but it’s reasonable to expect something a little stronger than BMW’s 798cc parallel-Twin, which cranked out 78 rear-wheel hp in the F800GT when tested in this shootout. Based on KTM’s high-performance heritage, we expect KTM’s new mill to pump out something closer to 100 horses at the rear wheel, especially if it displaces anything close to 890cc.

Other than the engine, the KTM in these spy photos looks fairly conventional. A steel trellis subframe is clearly on display, which is surely matched by a trellis frame hidden mostly by the test rider’s legs. Up front is a WP (a KTM subsidiary) fork and radial-mount Brembo brakes. Out back is an externally braced swingarm, as is modern KTM design, acting on a WP shock. A semi-active suspension may be offered as an optional upgrade.

Visually, our eagle-eyed editor Dennis Chung notes the bike in these pictures has a headlight, taillight and swingarm that are a match for the components on the latest 690 Duke. The exhaust system looks interesting, as it appears to eschew an under-engine chamber in favor of one behind the engine before exiting to the low-mount muffler on the right side. There appears to be a heat shield in place to insulate a rider’s feet. Tire sizes appear to be the typical 120/70 and 180/55 17-inchers.The passenger footpeg area has a large plate with multiple holes in it, presumably to test different locations. If that’s the case, however, we’d expect to see pegs actually installed in one of the hole locations. Also, take a look at the gigantic size of the bracket where the peg hanger meets the subframe – that’s a serious piece of bridgework that might indicate something more than just a peg support, perhaps some special equipment used during development.

When KTM Chief Executive Officer Stefan Pierer mentioned new mid-sized bikes at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, he noted that they will be produced in India for the Indian market to avoid the country’s stringent import duties. If this remains part of the strategy, we can expect bikes bound for external market also to be manufactured in India by KTM’s partnerBajaj, which builds KTM’s 390 Duke and RC390.If this new platform is manufactured in India, its price will be lower than it would if it was built in Austria, like most big KTMs including the 690 Duke, which retails at $8,999. Our sharp-shooting photographer Bernhard Hoehne says he spotted a Triumph Street Triple R($10,399) and MV Agusta Brutale 800 ($13,498) in the group riding with this new Duke, so we might expect the KTM to be priced somewhere in between: let’s guess $11,750.

We expect to see this newest Duke at the EICMA show in Milan next November, but Hoehne believes we won’t see it until sometime in 2017. We hope we’re right, because we’re anxious to ride it and it would be the 890 Adventure won’t be too far behind!

Source: http://www.motorcycle.com/

Bookings open for Bajaj V15 launch price starts from INR 63,275,

We have learnt from our sources that the launch price of new Bajaj V15 is INR 63,275, ex-showroom, New Delhi.With official launch around the corner, the new Bajaj V 15 premium commuter bike has been started arriving at company dealerships. Showcased a day ahead of 2016 Auto Expo, the new Bajaj V15 is now open for bookings. The booking amount ranges from INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 depending on the dealership.

Bajaj claims that the new V15 is their proudest product yet. Why? Because it has a part of INS Vikrant’s metal in it. Yes, Bajaj Auto managed to procure 3 tonnes of metal from the INS Vikrant scrap, and used in the making of Bajaj V15. Every unit of Bajaj V15 carries a part of the iconic war hero from the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict.

Bajaj V

The 3 ton metal Bajaj bought cost them about INR 1.8 lakh. This metal was then processed via the extensive steelmaking process, which was then melted and used in the making of the fuel tank of Bajaj V15.

In the company line-up, Bajaj V15 will be positioned between Bajaj Discover 150 and Bajaj Pulsar 150. It will be available in two colour option of Pearl White and Ebony Black. The Bajaj V15 is powered by a 4 stroke, 149.5 cc, SOHC, 2 valve, single cylinder, air cooled engine capable of peak power of 11.83 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 13 Nm peak torque at 5,500 rpm mated to a 5-speed transmission.

Rajiv Bajaj V

Bajaj V 15 sports a single seat (pillion seat hides under a removable plastic cowl), 5 spoke alloy wheels, LED fuel level indicator and LED tail lamps. Disc brakes in the front and drum brakes at the rear are evident while it proudly displays an INS Vikrant insignia on the fuel tank.

Bajaj V 15 finds no direct competitors in its segment, but in the price range, it will have many other rivals in the 150 cc segment.

Source: thehansindia.com

Stunning new Lamborghini superbike concept

Lamborghini has been doing a lot to keep the company standing out from the various competitors and with the financial backing of Audi they can do so. From the crazy concept vehicles like the Urus and Egoista it is easy to see that the designers are trying new things. With Ferrari and Ducati now under the same ownership of Fiat we can see why Lamborghini would want to show a little skill in the two-wheel department as well. Fact is that there is no Lambo bike to be had with the actual bull badges placed upon it but this Lamborghini motorcycle looker could have fooled us if you simply placed an Armani suit wearer next to it and named it Narcissismo.There is no crazy V12 Italian Lamborghini Motorcycle to be shown here but rather a 1000cc Inline 4-cylinder built by a bunch of borscht soup eating ruskies. The Chak Motors Company is the actual manufacturer behind this looker but you can tell that with the aggressive styling, there is a lot to be said about the unique motorbike. Named the Mullet… I mean Molot is actually an ABS Honda CBR 1000 with a Lamborghini Bike covering. Now the company says that the bike is “heavily modified” and I can’t really blame them because if I think about Russian Motorcycles then first thing that comes to mind is the URAL 2WD with a sidecar and that is like the AK-47 of bikes. It is built for quantity and has some very sloppy characteristics. So might as well let a company like Honda that has invested millions of dollars and man hours into research and development do the base manufacturing and then take the designs of say a “Lamborghini Motorcycle” and put them together and you get a bike that looks pretty.

Source: http://gearheads.org/

A Royal Enfield with 1000cc V-Twin on its way

Carberry Enfield is an Australian based company that is one of the few who crafted a V-Twin from Royal Enfield engine, India launch soon

Now this is clearly big news for Royal Enfield Enthusiast in India. Finally, the dreams of getting a V-Twin 1000cc engine has to come life. Carberry Enfield is all set to come to India. The Australian tuner has created these engines some time back in the past using two 500cc engines from Royal Enfield and successful got them running in the past quite smoothly and efficiently. The brand is coming to India and it is coming with the help of an Investor which is based in Bhilal, India. Carberry is all set to come to India again and wants to make these engines with as similar parts as possible from the Royal Enfield parts bin that makes service and availability and fixing time much lesser when the need to do arrives. One of the reasons why Australian doors were shut because the lack of spare parts in the country. Carberry Enfield is looking for suppliers in the country right now to get high quality stuff and making this engine will take another six to eight months to production. The investor is a motorcycle enthusiast who has convinced Carberry owner, Paul to come to India and build his motorcycle here.

Carberry Enfield, when first the made the motorcycle, it found the customer to be Royal Enfield itself. The talks were suggesting that Carberry would be absorbed by RE itself. However, odds were against as RE at that time did not fit the bill as these engines needed a new platform and the current UCE platform, at that time wasn’t fitting enough, which would have mean’t a lot of money would be spent.
Since, already, the manufacturer has gotten investor now it will continue to proceed and make these engines. Sales and Service is set to be known soon, on how it will be done. By Diwali we should hear the Made in India thump of the V-twin litre class engine. Good luck team Carberry, eagerly waiting!

Source : gaadiwaadi.com

Honda Navi Not Expected to Be a Volume Driver: HMSI

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) created a new 2-wheeled personal mobility segment when it launched the Navi mini bike at Auto Expo 2016. Ever since its launch on 3 February, the Honda Navi, which is neither a scooter nor a motorcycle, has received a decent reception in India and has already received 500 bookings via its mobile application. The Navi, or New Additional Value for India, is intended to offer young customers an alternate to the popular Honda Activascooter as the mini bike is based on the same platform.

The Honda Navi has similar specifications to its scooter cousin and is lighter by 7kgs. It features an 110cc engine good for 12bhp and 9Nm, which is paired with an automatic transmission unit. The bike is priced at 39,500 and production is set to begin next month with deliveries expected to follow by April.

Despite the mini bike generating a lot of buzz ever since its launch, HMSI doesn't see the bike selling in huge numbers from the word go. When speaking with Hindu Business Line, Shinji Aoyama, COO of Honda Motor Company's Motorcycle Operations, said," To tell you frankly, we are not aiming at very high volumes with the Navi. We will start off with small numbers, watch what will happen in the market and then plan the next step."The made-in-India Navi did not require heavy investments as it's based on the hot selling Activa scooter. Nevertheless, it is an important step taken by HMSI as it's the first product to be designed completely indigenously from the ground up. The reason for its creation was to offer a more fun and customisable 2-wheeler option for youngsters looking to buck the trend of buying a standard scooter or commuter motorcycle. "The people here at HMSI found out that there are youngsters in India getting tires of sameness of the product. Not all, but some youngsters who felt this way," Aoyama continued.

HMSI is India's leading 2-wheeler manufacturer and therefore more challenging products like the Navi will help the company get a better understanding of what niches in the industry require attention and what the company can do to further up their game, states the Hindu Business Line report. In Aoyama's opinion, increasing the sales of big hitting products like the Activa is getting to be too easy and in order to ensure that the company stays alert to the needs of the expanding Indian market, concentrating on more challenging projects like the Navi, even if it doesn't sell, is of utmost importance. "People might feel too comfortable, otherwise, and this not a good thing. In a positive way, there should be some pressure on us to keep staying ahead," he said.

Source:http://auto.ndtv.com/

Production version of TVS Akula 310 could be launched around October – Report

RushLane reports that TVS Motor Company has advanced the plan of launching the production version of the TVS Akula 310 owing to the encouraging public response at the Auto Expo 2016. The publication says that the company now intends to unveil the road-going version in Q4 2016, likely in October, and launch it around the Diwali festive season. Codenamed the TVS U69, the motorcycle was first believed to be set for launch in early-2017.

It is unclear to what extent the production model will resemble the TVS Akula concept, but it is believed that it will share the 313 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine and the alloy wheels with the BMW G310R.

The Akula 310 concept features an inverted fork, twin headlamp provision, tall visor, split handle bars, ram-air intake, steering damper, fully digital instrument console, split seat architecture, and an aluminium trellis sub-frame.

The road-going version of the Akula (which translates to Shark in Russian), will compete with the likes of the KTM RC390, Yamaha R3 and the Kawasaki Ninja 300.

Source : http://indianautosblog.com

2016 Honda CBR150R launched in Indonesia

After much anticipation, the 2016 Honda CBR150R was launched in Indonesia by Honda MotoGP Racing Team riders Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez at the Sentul circuit, Kabupaten Bogor in west Java on February 14. The visuals of the 2016 CBR150R at first glance are strikingly different from the previous-generation CBR150R.
While it carries over the 150 cc single-cylinder engine from the outgoing model, the 2016 CBR150R is markedly different, according to Toshiyuki Inuma, President Director of Honda Indonesia. Some of the listed changes made include a lighter chassis with the liquid-cooled engine positioned to optimise handling and maneuverability.Honda has also lengthened the swingarm by 13 mm, to improve straight-line stability. The fuel-injected engine is now tilted forward by 40 degrees, possibly in an effort to place more weight forward.

 With an 11.3 to one compression ratio, the 2016 CBR150R now puts out an official figure of 18.2 hp and 12.6 Nm of torque which goes to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission.

Cosmetic modifications have also been made to the 2016 CBR150R, with the rear seat cowl now shorter and taller, giving the bike a sporty look. The front fairing is now a little lower, and a digital LCD instrument cluster now fills the cockpit cowl. The headlights are now full LED units, as are the turn signals.

The 2016 Honda CBR150R starts at a base price of 32.5 million rupiah (INR 165000 approx) and the MotoGP edition version will set the buyer back 33.3 million rupiah. There are four colours available – Revolution White, Nitro Black, Racing Red and the MotoGP edition in Repsol livery.

Source: paultan.org

Yamaha unveiled Cygnus Ray ZR at Auto Expo 2016

Yamaha unveiled a new scooter for the Indian market, the Cygnus Ray ZR built to thrill the youth, and based around the Ray scooter platform. Roy Kurian, VP sales and marketing for Yamaha India, identified the booming Indian scooter market as a strong growth driver. The Ray ZR is a response to this assertion.

The Ray ZR is developed mainly for male customers with aggressive, masculine styling. The headlamp and indicators have separate housings, and interesting bits on the new scooter displayed at the Yamaha stand within the Auto Expo, included high quality control levers, as also a colourful rear suspension strut with gas reservoir.

The new Ray is powered by a four-stroke, 113cc, single overhead camshaft equipped, two-valve, air-cooled engine as already used by the original Ray scooter. This is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system. The new Yamaha scooter weighs in at 103kg, with a front disc brake-equipped variant on offer.

The Cygnus Ray ZR features a 21 litre storage bay under the seat, up-market telescopic fork front suspension and alluminium alloy wheels, as come with the disc brake-equipped variant.

Yamaha has not disclosed the price or launch date for the Cygnus Ray-ZR for now.

Honda Navi launched

Latest newcomer from the big H in the Indian market, the funky Navi has been unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo. A blend between a scooter and a motorcycle, the really distinctive looking Navi is positioned by Honda as a fun mobility solution for youngsters. Old timers will immediately think ‘Bobby-bike’ when they see the Navi, and this is Honda R&D India’s very first totally in-house offering for this market.

In terms of appearance, the Navi borrows a few design cues from off-road bikes, some from mopeds and then some more, from scooters. The top of the bike is a bit dirt-bike like, while the storage bay where the engine usually sits, is reminiscent of mopeds. The engine does duty as a stressed member of the frame, its long crankcase and CVT system housing placed as swinging arm of the Navi, reaching out to the rear wheel, while the small wheels are exactly as you would expect on a scooter.

The Honda Navi will be powered by the same four-stroke, 109.2cc air-cooled engine that powers the Honda Activa, and produces 7.8bhp of maximum power at 7,000rpm.

The Navi is quite a petite vehicle, measuring just 1,805mm in length, 748mm wide and 1,039mm high. It is very light too, always a good thing on a two-wheeler, tipping the scales at just 101kg. The Navi front end gets a 12 inch dia wheel, while the rear uses a 10 inch unit, in identical format as found on Honda flagship scooter for India, the Activa 125. Braking is carried out by drum brakes front and rear. Suspension on the Navi includes telescopic forks in front, while at rear, the new Honda uses a stressed member of the frame engine format, with a single shock absorber.

A highlight of the Navi is it being highly customizable, in terms of panels and colours. Also, the distinctive Honda comes in at what is a really attractive price, of Rs 39,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Aprilia SR 150 unveiled by Piaggio, walk around video

Certainly a new segment creator, the Aprilia SR 150 is aimed at those looking for the sensation of a sportbike, along with the convenience of an automatic scooter, to liven up your daily city commute. The SR 150 will be launched in August 2016, manufactured at the Piaggio facility in Baramati, Maharashtra.

The styling of the SR 150 is aggressive and sporty, which well reflects the Aprilia brand. This crossover two-wheeler shall derive power from a 150cc engine, and include the convenience of gearless performance. The SR 150 comes with large 14-inch wheels, front and rear. Stopping duties are handled by a 220mm front disc brake, and 140mm rear drum brake.

Stefano Pelle, CEO, Piaggio India has stated that with the SR 150, Aprilia, the company aims at a niche segment, one that also is believed to hold potential in the immediate future. Alongside the new Aprilia SR 150, the Piaggio Group stand at the Auto Expo also exhibited the most representative vehicles from its Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Vespa brands.  

Yamaha Launches MT-09; Priced at 10.20 Lakh

The Yamaha MT-09 bike has been launched by Bollywood star John Abraham in India at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo. The good-looking street fighter motorcycle comes at a price of 10.20 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and will be imported into the country as a completely built unit (CBU).

The MT-09 is Yamaha's flagship model for the MT series in India and is powered by a newly-developed in-line 847cc, 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke engine that develops 113bhp at 10,000rpm and 87.5Nm of torque at 8,500rpm. This unit is mated to 6-speed transmission. Yamaha claims that the bike will have a fuel efficiency figure of 19Km/l.

Source: http://auto.ndtv.com/

Mahindra Mojo-based scrambler and adventure concepts revealed

Mahindra Two Wheelers has unveiled two concept motorcycles based on its flagship motorcycle, the Mojo.

The first is a scrambler concept. Although based on the Mojo, it has little in common with the motorcycle aesthetically. The concept features a custom- designed brushed steel fuel tank, a large, round headlamp with a circular mesh guard on it, a slick, floating ribbed tan-leather seat, aluminium throttle control and café racer-style rear-view mirrors at the end of the handlebars. The lower portion of the bike is finished in black, with the exception of the steel exhaust and the red cylinder head.

The second Mojo-based concept is a jungle explorer. It features different-sized spoke wheels with colour-coordinated rims with full knobby tyres, a coloured fuel tank and side cowl, large hand guards, upside-down forks on the front, a custom swing-arm and a unique luggage mount on the side of the pillion seat.

A touring variant of the Mojo is also on display. Named the Mojo Tribe, the motorcycle is essentially  a Mojo with a pearl white and orange paint scheme and additional luggage accessories.

TVS Akula 310 concept revealed

TVS Akula 310

TVS has unveiled what could be possibly be the hottest two-wheeler on display at this year's Auto Expo. The Akula 310 concept sportsbike looks designed to take TVS Racing to the next level. It has been developed with cues taken from the mighty marine predator, the shark. TVS has made extensive use of carbon-fibre on the bike, along with other lightweight materials like aluminium. The cues taken from the shark are evident in areas such as underneath the seat that resembles a dorsal fin to improve aerodynamics, the gill-inspired thermal management system, and the flat, sharp nose. Details about the engine have not been revealed, except that the powertrain is a race-spec LC four-valve DOHC. The motorcycle also has a full-function speedometer, on board gyro cameras and a steering damper to improve stability. Though the Akula 310 on display is just a concept, TVS said that it would translate into a production model by the end of this year.

BMW G 310 R unveiled in India

BMW Motorrad are showcasing their latest street bike the G310R at the 2016 Auto Expo. The bike is designed by BMW but will be manufactured by TVS in India.

Engine and Gearbox Details Engine Type - Water cooled, single cylinder with Dual Overhead Camshafts Engine Capacity - 313cc Power - 33.6bhp@9,500rpm Torque - 28Nm@7,500rpm Top Speed - 145km/h Mileage - 30km/l The cylinder head of the engine on the G310R has been reversed which allows the inlet tract to be positioned at the front of the motor while also allowing the exhaust exit to face the rear.  The G310R sends its power to the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox via chain drive. The bike weighs in at 158 kilograms with its 11-litre fuel tank fully loaded. 

Source: www.drivespark.com

Triumph launched Bonneville series motorcycles in India

British motorcycle marque, Triumph today has launched the 2016 Bonneville range in India with prices starting at 6.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The new range includes a host of models including the Street Twin, Bonneville T120 and Thruxton R that feature a host of changes including a revised frame, new engine options and improved power output. Moreover, all three bike feature additional electronic aids for better control. Triumph has commenced accepting bookings for the new Bonneville models across the country.

Source:http://auto.ndtv.com/

Bajaj V unveiled in India, Made of INS Vikrant's Scrap Metal.

Bajaj Auto has revealed the new V, a 150cc motorcycle positioned between the traditional and sportier commuters. The V created quite the buzz by announcing that Bajaj Auto had acquired the metal from the scrapped INS Vikrant - a deplorable example of our disregard for our history - and used that in the making of the V. A logo making sure this patriotic streak doesn't escape you is on the fuel tank cap of each Bajaj V.

Rajiv Bajaj, president, Bajaj Auto spoke about the context of the Bajaj V. He spoke about the company's history of differentiated products - motorcycles that offer more or different propositions than other competitors - as the base strategy for the V. This is the reason why 150cc was selected as the displacement for the new motorcycle.

The V uses a styling package that Bajaj says is about strength and invincibility. It articulates this with a powerful looking tank, 33mm front forks (thicker than the segment's norm) and a silhouette that's halfway between a cruiser and a cafe racer.

The engine is an all-new 150cc DTS-I engine. Bajaj has not offered a peak power figure but says torque hits 12Nm at 3,000rpm and peaks at 13Nm at 5,5500rpm. This underlines the promise that the Bajaj V will be easy to ride, for commuting long distances and offer good economy too. The tyres are 90/90-18 and 120/80-16 - a tyre size combination that is more cruiser-like than commuter-like.

The commuters are priced just under Rs 60,000 while the sportsbikes are priced above Rs 70,000.

The Bajaj V prices have not been announced. Exact prices will come later but prices will be between Rs 60,000 and Rs 65,000. Production starts February, and deliveries should start by March, 2016.

Source: Overdrive.in

All about the TVS Apache RTR 200 4v

We  have just returned from the TVS plant at Hosur outside Bengaluru where we were offered the opportunity to ride the new TVS Victor and this, the new TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. Here’s everything you need to know about the new TVS Apache RTR 200 4v.

TVS have been sitting back, allowing the Apache to do its thing in the market for ages now. The rumours of a larger RTR have been around for years too. But finally the RTR 200 is out. It would ordinarily have gone head to head with theBajaj Pulsar 200NS but as you know that bike isn’t currently available. In essence, outside of the KTM 200 Duke – which is substantially more expensive – the RTR has no direct competition. It’s an interesting lull in the bottom of the premium-sporty space that the RTR enters. TVS, of course, will expand further into the premium space when their version of the BMW G 310 R debuts, most likely later this year.

The engine

The new 200cc engine is effectively all-new, and makes 21PS at 9,000rpm, and 17.5Nm of torque at 7,000rpm. It uses a Nanofriks coated piston (a nano particle blend that acts as a lubricant during the initial running of the engine). Up top is an all-new four-valve head operated by a single overhead camshaft.

The engine itself is oil-cooled with the heat exchanger mounted high and forward under the tank extensions. Oil cooling, says TVS, produces thermal stability but also cuts down noise.

The engine can be had as a carbureted or fuel injected unit – this will be one of the ways that variants will differ from each other. The carburettor is a vacuum slide type unit while Bosch supplies the closed loop fuel injection system. TVS use a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

The company says that the RTR engine could have been tuned in many ways, all the way to a patently not-street legal 40PS. But from the start, the intention was not to fight the spec sheet battle but compete in the real world. To that end, TVS believe its below-segment par power output is a good choice. Instead, it offers a significantly greater torque spread across the range. Albeit the range is smaller than the competition by a thousand rpm or so.

Frame, suspension and brakes

The RTR 200 uses a completely new frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. TVS have a fancy name for it – Double Cradle Split Synchro Stiff Frame, but in essence, the engine is hung from two members that extrude downwards from the headstock – the same way KTM/Bajaj 200s are. At the back, the engine is mounted to the back of the frame in the area where the swingarm pivot sits. This is a fairly well-understood way to make a light, stiff chassis. Indeed, the weight of the RTR is 148.5kg, a little lighter then the Pulsar 200NS (151kg), and much heavier than the KTM. At the back is a box-section steel swingarm.

Design and styling

Does the RTR look familiar? TVS are very thrilled that as much as 60 per cent of the 2014 Auto Expo’s Draken Concept has made it to the RTR as is. This allows the RTR 200 to cut a fairly dashing figure, especially given TVS’ choice of bold, matte colours. The tank extensions look good and serve to ram air into the oil cooler as well as on the engine head.The tank itself is slimmer that the Draken but the flat planes and sharp edges look neat. TVS did move the fuel filler cap – which inexplicably has an orange key hole cover – to the right of the middle. This leaves a crease that used to be symmetric but now looks like someone damaged your tank.

The riding experience

The TVS Apache RTR 200 4v is quick. The engine is refined and only near the top does it betray any signs of hard work. Progress is efficient and I saw as much as 127-130kmph regularly at TVS’ small but fun test track at Hosur. Flat out performance may not match the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS, but I’d be very surprised if the TVS wasn’t quicker and easier to ride in traffic.


Source: overdrive.in

Kawasaki KLX 110 launched in India

Kawasaki India launched its KLX 110 dirt motorcycle in India along with the Versys 650 with a price tag of 2.65 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The KLX110, a dirt bike for children, is powered by single cylinder, air-cooled 112cc engine mated to four-speed transmission. The clutch is automatic to prevent stalling. The Kawasaki KLX 110 is based on the Backbone frame, high-tensile steel. The motorcycle features 30mm hydraulic telescopic fork at front while the rear is armoured with a monoshock suspension.

The KLX 110 runs on 14 inch wheels up front and 12 inch wheels at rear wrapped in chunky mud tyres. The braking duties are taken care of by drum brakes at both ends. The motorcycle measures 1,560mm in length, 650mm in width and 955mm in height with a ground clearance of 215mm. The KLX 110 weighs just 76kg and combined with compact proportions the motorcycle is ideal for kids' use. The fuel tank capacity is 3.78 litres.

Available only in lime green colour, KLX110 is not road legal in India.

Source: ibtimes.co.in

Yamaha's YZF-R3 won the CNBC-TV18 OVERDRIVE Awards 2016 Motorcycle of the Year

And the Manufacturer of the Year (Two-wheeler) Award goes to - Hero motocorp

CNBC-TV18 OVERDRIVE Awards 2016: Hero MotoCorp wins Manufacturer of the Year (Two-wheeler) Award

The 2016 CNBC TV18 OVERDRIVE Awards were judged by a panel of experts on a range of criteria (read more about our judging methodology here) including how well the contenders suit the role, value for the money they demand and also how involving they are to drive. No matter the category, we at OVERDRIVE value driver/rider involvement. A vehicle has to put a smile on its pilot’s face, no matter the power or price and that’s definitely one of the criteria in our judging process.

Source: http://overdrive.in/

Bugatti's next, the chiron spied may get more than 1,500ps of power

Ever since the Bugatti Veyron bid adieu to the production line, it’s successor has been highly awaited. Bugatti promises to reveal it next masterpiece at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March. The car will be called the Chiron, named after one of Buggatti’s most legendary gentleman drivers, Louis Chiron, who remains racing history’s only Monegasque driver ever to win the Monaco Grand Prix. Bugatti also used the Chiron name on the 18/3 Chiron concept that envisioned an 18-cylinder Veyron at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The upcoming Chiron, however, will continue using a revised W16 8.0-litre motor and is expected to be mated to electric turbochargers that will could churn out a radical 1,500PS of power which should help catapult the car from zero to 100kmph in 2.5s, on its way to a top whack of over 460kmph. Bugatti says that the Chiron will be the world’s most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car.

The Chiron’s design will a sobered version of the Vision Grand Turismo Concept that was shown at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. If the spy shot that is doing the rounds on the internet is to be believed, then the Chiron will wear more elegant headlamps than the concept, will have the trademark horseshoe grille and the enormous C-shaped quarter panels that encompass the massive air-intakes. The shape looks like an evolution of the Veyron’s, while the frowned look at the front, which comes from the tapering hood and squinting headlamps, makes the Chiron look refreshingly different over its predecessor.But we will have to wait just a little more to drool over the production ready hypercar. Meanwhile, expect Bugatti to drop more information on the mechanicals that the lighter, carbonfibre components. Stay tuned.

Source : Overdrive.in

Honda Civic Coupe unveiled

Official images of the tenth-generation Civic Coupe were seen recently, and now Honda has revealed the car at the LA  Motorshow, as promised.

The coupé, slated for a March 2016 launch in the US, looks relatively toned down when compared to the aggressively designed concept that was showcased earlier this year at the New York auto show.

The three-door Civic boasts of a sportier chassis, class-leading safety levels and a more space-efficient interior than before with improved NVH levels thanks to the acoustic glass windshield that the coupe makes use of.

Standard equipment on the coupé includes auto on/off headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail-lights, automatic climate control and Electric Parking Brake, while LED headlights, remote engine start, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen interface for the audio system.

Powering the Civic Coupe will be a choice of two engines – a 155bhp 2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, which powers the base models, and a more powerful 171bhp, turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, the first turbocharged engine on the coupé which will power higher trim levels. The 2.0-litre engine can be had with the option of a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT, while the turbocharged engine comes paired to a CVT automatic transmission only. An even more powerful Type-R coupé is expected to follow with a traditional six-speed manual transmission.

Source: autocarindia.com

Mercedes-AMG GT S launched in India at Rs 2.4 crore

Mercedes-Benz have launched the AMG GT S in India at Rs 2.4 crore, ex-Delhi. The Mercedes-AMG GT S will compete with machines like the Jaguar F-Type R and Porsche 911 Turbo S in India.

Powering the new Mercedes-AMG GT S is the twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 motor that puts out 510PS of power and 640Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed DCT. Mercedes-AMG claims that the rear-wheel drive GT S can manage 0-100kmph in 3.8s. The top speed is 310kmph.

Visually the car looks like a bigger version of the SLS AMG but without those iconic gull wings as doors. The overall proportions still look classic. Feature list includes launch control, different transmission settings, AMG performance seats, AMG ride control suspension, electronic rear differential and more.
The car can also be optioned with Mercedes’ Designo customisation package. Customers can choose from various trim options, alloy wheel designs and exterior colours.


Source: overdrive.in