125cc Kinetic SYM scooter India bound

It’s been over two decades since Kinetic changed the face of the Indian scooter market pioneering a gear-free revolution with its innovative (Honda Lead-based) Kinetic Honda scooter. The Pune-based factory badly requires another blockbuster today, and has roped in Taiwan-based scooter giant Sanyang Industry Co (SYM) in a bold move to help achieve this as early as June 07.

While it’s not yet clear along what lines the new Indo-Taiwanese model will be styled, the new Kinetic SYM scooter will use a four-stroke, single-cylinder 125cc engine. Expect the new scooter to offer a bagful of new features and technology in addition to a healthy list of specifications. Ajinkya Firodia, vice-president, sales & marketing, Kinetic Motor Company, says that the scooters will not use SYM’s ceramic-coated cylinder technology.

Back in Taiwan, SYM produces a line-up boasting over 25 different scooters including a few motorcycles. The 125cc SYM scooter pictured here may not be the exact India-bound version, but it is similar to what we will get. The new 125cc scooter is certain to use telescopic forks instead of the inferior leading link-type front suspension.

The Kinetic SYM will arrive suitably modified to suit Indian conditions and will be the forerunner of several jointly developed models to come. These produced-for-India-in- India scooters will sell through Kinetic’s retail network and crucial to its success will be the ability to maintain SYM quality levels.
Rishad Cooper

Kinetic gears up for its new gearless scooter

Pune-based Kinetic India badly needed a mega venture to recreate the magic it effected two decades ago with its innovative gear free Kinetic Honda scooter. It seems to have finally made itself ready for a second revolution.

The company has roped in Taiwan-based scooter giant Sanyang Industry Co (SYM) in a bold move to help achieve this as early as June 2007.

Market talk reveals that though it isn’t clear what the new Indo-Taiwanese model will look like, the new Kinetic SYM scooter is sure to use a four-stroke, single-cylinder 125cc engine. Besides, the new scooter is expected to come loaded with a whole lot of offers and new features and technology. in addition to a healthy list of specifications. The company has however clarified that the new scooters will not use SYM’s ceramic-coated cylinder technology.

For the record, SYM is known for over 25 different scooters including a few motorcycles. The new 125cc scooter is likely to use telescopic forks instead of the inferior leading link-type front suspension, a report said.

The product that will be rolled out of the Kinetic-SYM stable, will be suitably modified to suit Indian conditions and will be the forerunner of several jointly developed models to come. These produced-for-India-in-India scooters will sell through Kinetic’s retail network and crucial to its success will be the ability to maintain SYM quality levels.

Hero Honda launches Splendor NXG

Hero Honda launches Splendor NXG in two variants, priced respectively at Rs 40,990 and Rs 41,990 ex-showroom Delhi.

The Gen Next bike has made its debut. Pushing forward the largest-selling two-wheeler brand Splendor to the next generation, Hero Honda Motors has lifted the wraps off its new Splendor NXG. The unveiling of the two-wheeler is seen as strengthening Hero Honda’s leadership position in the deluxe segment.

Splendor NXG comes with a new engine and pioneering features and combines stylish looks with a high performance engine. According to a review, the new Splendor NXG has been conceptualized to offer a whole new riding experience, and represents the trust Hero Honda has built up over generations for its legendary fuel economy and low maintenance. Splendor NXG is available in a range of five attractive colors and seven stripe combinations including black, candy blazing red, force silver, vibrant blue, and classy maroon. It is also available in two variants, spoke and cast, priced respectively at Rs 40,990 and Rs 41,990 ex-showroom Delhi.

Dubbed as the symbol of trust and reliability in the Indian two-wheeler industry, the Splendor NXG is expected to carry forward the Hero Honda legacy. The new vehicle elevates the largest-selling Splendor brand to the next generation, and also offers a unique package of styling and irresistible features, said a Hero Honda official.

Splendor, which was launched way back in 1994, is today the largest-selling two-wheeler brand in the world. During fiscal 2006-07, over 1.09 million Splendors were sold by the company at an average of one unit every 30 seconds. The new two-wheeler would be available commercially by the end of this month.

Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi :: New Gift for Indian Riderz

The Bajaj Pulsar DTS-Fi 220 DTS-Fi is a soon to be launched Motorcycle from the Bajaj Auto in india.

Engine

* Type Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke Sohc, Air Cooled with oil cooler to maintain oil viscosity at varying engine temperatures
* Valve Train 2 Valve
* Displacement 220 cc
* Starting Electric Start only
* Ignition/fuelling Fuel injection (DTS-Fi) for effort-free cold starts, linear power delivery, better efficiency & reduced emmissions

First high capacity engine in India to employ rollers at rocker arm pivots and camshaft interfaces for low friction and have electric start as the sole means of cranking. First four stroke engine in the world employing DTS-Fi technology. The engine is said to be really refined. But facing cold starting problems with the first lot of bikes sold, the company called back all the vehicles, and is replacing it. It wil also launch the bike around first week of May or so.

Performance

* Max Power: 20 bhp
* Max Torque: 19.12 Nm
* Top speed 135 km/h
* Fuel economy 38 kpl

The performance figure of this bike is being speculated since the day it was displayed in Auto show last year. These figure definitely looks great on paper. It is sure to break all records set india for fatest acceleration n top speed as it is considerabaly more than its only competitor. All the auto magazine have also confirmed this fact but it cant be accepted unless it is commercially launced.

Transmission

* Gear Box 5 speed Manual

Electricals

* Battery MF type, 12V 9Ah
* Head Light Ellipsoidal projector 55W/parabolic 55W H7
* Tail Light High intensity LEDs

Chassis

* Type Double cradle

Suspension

* Front 37 mm Telescopic Hydraulic Type 130 mm travel
* Rear Ellipitical section Swing Arm With twin Hydraulic Gas-charged Shock Absorbers; 101 mm travel

Brakes

* Front 260 mm Disc Type
* Rear 230 mm Disc Type

This bike has the most powerful brake in the front and back. It becomes the first production bike in india to have rear disc bike and a very powerful brake. Recently the 20 odd bikes released had shown some problem in the brake, which the company instantly replaced.

Tyres

* Front 90/90-17 tubeless
* Rear 120/80-17 tubeless

It is the first bike in india to have specially made tubeless tyres. though it sibling Pulsar 200 takes the honour

Onroad Price Of Bajaj Bikez In India

Bajaj Pulsar 150cc (Electric Start):

Delhi : 60,656 INR

Andhra Pradesh (Hyderabad) : 64,761 INR

Haryana (Gurgoan) : 61,176 INR

Karnataka (Bangalore) : 66,146 INR

Maharashtra (Central Mumbai) : 65,268 INR

(Navi Mumbai) : 62,914 INR

(Vasai) : 62,247 INR

(West Mumbai) : 65,268 INR

(Pune) : 62,615 INR

Tamil Nadu (Chennai) : 62,752 INR

West Bengal (Kolkata) : 64,527 INR

Bajaj Pulsar 180cc (Electric Start):

Delhi : 62,246 INR

Andhra Pradesh (Hyderabad) : 66,403 INR

Haryana (Gurgoan) : 62,685 INR

Karnataka (Bangalore) : 67,872 INR

Maharashtra (Central Mumbai) : 66,987 INR

(Navi Mumbai) : 64,577 INR

(Vasai) : 63,893 INR

(West Mumbai) : 66,987 INR

(Pune) : 64,200 INR

Tamil Nadu (Chennai) : 64,817 INR

West Bengal (Kolkata) : 67,071 INR

Bajaj Discover 135cc Black :
Delhi : 51,344 INR

Andhra Pradesh (Hyderabad) : 54,743 INR

Haryana (Gurgoan) : 52,028 INR

Karnataka (Bangalore) : 54,930 INR

Maharashtra (Central Mumbai) : 56,455 INR

(Navi Mumbai) : 53,940 INR

(Vasai) : 53,836 INR

(West Mumbai) : 56,455 INR

(Pune) : 53,940 INR

Tamil Nadu (Chennai) : 53,043 INR

West Bengal (Kolkata) : 55,341 INR

Bajaj Discover 125cc DTS-i (Electric Start) :
Delhi : 48,235 INR

Andhra Pradesh (Hyderabad) : 51,473 INR

Haryana (Gurgoan) : 48,978 INR

Karnataka (Bangalore) : 51,613 INR

Maharashtra (Central Mumbai) : 52,987 INR

(Navi Mumbai) : 51,071 INR

(Vasai) : 50,531 INR

(West Mumbai) : 52,987 INR

(Pune) : 50,646 INR

Tamil Nadu (Chennai) : 49,990 INR

West Bengal (Kolkata) : 51,842 INR

Bajaj Platina Alloy Wheels (Kick Start) :
Delhi : 35,344 INR

Andhra Pradesh (Hyderabad) : 37,161 INR

Haryana (Gurgoan) : 36,229 INR

Karnataka (Bangalore) : 38,062 INR

Maharashtra (Central Mumbai) : 39,176 INR

(Navi Mumbai) : 37,787 INR

(Vasai) : 37,393 INR

(West Mumbai) : 39,176 INR

(Pune) : 37,855 INR

Tamil Nadu (Chennai) : 37,884 INR

West Bengal (Kolkata) : 38,996 INR

Prices will be applicable as at the time of delivery.
* Prices are subject to variation. Price indicated are subject to respective jurisdiction.
* Other charges - RTO Tax, Insurance, etc. are as per actuals.
* 2 Years Extended Warranty is Plan A.
* Hypothecation charges & Smart Card charges will be charged extra, as per actuals.
* For Delhi - Logistics charges Rs.281 & Smart Card charges Rs.371 will be extra.
# Essential Accessories means Sari Guard and Leg Guard only.

Honda’s new sporty Unicorn Vs Hero Honda’s CBZ Xtreme

Sorry! Pulsar and Apache lovers, this is going to be the shoot out of a feud between brothers. Until 2006 Honda Motor Company and the Munjals(owner of hero group) are equal owners of Hero Honda (they own 26 per cent each), in the past 22 years the Japanese have allowed their partners a free hand in running the company. But the honeymoon between Honda and Hero group seems to be over. Now the Japanese major - Honda wishes to tap the Indian market alone. The message was clearly sent to Hero group when the Takedagawa was made the charge for Honda motor India. Both the groups are launching competitive products in the same segment. There is a stiff competition between Honda Activa and Hero Honda Pleasure. Honda is planning to launch series of 100cc bikes in which Hero Honda is the leader. Hero group has its own plan; it plans to enter the more profitable car market soon. Let’s see one of the fierce competitions between these groups in the form of Honda’s sporty Unicorn and Hero Honda’s CBZ X-Treme. Who knows this strategy by these groups may be to sideline Bajaj.

Note: Both the new versions of Unicorn and CBZ X-Treme are revamped in studio not in the factory

Design and Engineering:

Styling and Power are the deciding factor in the 150cc segment. Recently both these manufacturers are widely criticized for their sticker jobs i.e. their new variants do not feature new engine or any other major revamp in design but with new graphics. Seeing their new models the criticism seems to be true. The new Honda sporty unicorn shed its multi colour and embraces two tone setting with black front forks, clear lens indicator (now seen in most two wheelers) and new sleek graphics. Honda’s limited/special grand prix (GP) version features orange mag wheels (red one is seen in recently launched Karizma) and new graphics. Sadly the new treatment for the unicorn is too little and too late to woo customers.

Hero Honda hopes to revive the CBZ brand with its new CBZ X-Treme. The CBZ was an extremely popular and stylish bike of its times when it was launched in 1999, the bike had no competition in the 150cc segment. But in 2007 Hero Honda knows that it is not going to be easy for to do it again. Hero Honda has concentrated much on design for its new CBZ X-Treme. Both unicorn and CBZ borrows many design cues and features from Karizma. The instrument pod and the overall headlamp assembly of the X-Treme have a more trapezoidal shape looking like Karizma. The new turn indicators have been integrated into the headlamp housing and the tail lamp cluster features a segmented stop and brake light section with the turn indicators built into a single unit that wraps around the brake light’s bottom side. Both these features will help you to save your indicators in busy road condition. LEDs have been used replacing the conventional bulbs and together with the new Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-i becomes one of the first bikes to feature this kind of lighting at the rear. X- Treme also features split grab rail first of its kind in indian bikes (also featured in recently launched Pulsar 200cc)

Both X-Treme and Unicorn features a large fuel tank which is more practical with a generous knee recess even for tall riders. Both these bikes also features black alloy wheels, black engine, black chain cover and three gauges – engine rpm meter, speedometer and fuel gauge. Use of chrome on side panels of both X-Treme and Sporty Unicorn demands a compulsive look from the pedestrian. CBZ X- Treme features body coloured rear view mirrors while the new sporty Unicorn retains the same black theme for its mirror. Finally, Unicorn is conservative in styling, whereas X-Treme’s look is stimulating. Also X- Treme gets higher rating than sporty Unicorn when comes to features.

Engine and Powertrain:

Hero Honda tweaked the engine a little bit for its new CBZ whereas the Honda retains the same engine for sporty unicorn. Hero Honda have not tweaked the Achiever-spec motor in basic configuration (bore, stroke, compression are identical), but it has increased the power to 14.2 bhp (first 150 to make more than 14 bhp). The extra grunt ensures the

X-treme makes it more powerful than the Unicorn. X-treme is quicker than Unicorn, Autocar achieved 0-60kph in a quick 5.24 seconds, with 100kph flying past in 18.27sec and a top speed of 113kph with the Xtreme. The vertical format engine, which is assisted by a constant velocity (CV) carburetor, generates a peak torque of 12.8Nm at 8,500 rpm, quite similar to the Unicorn’s engine. Both these bikes features five-speed gearbox - a one down, rest up shift pattern. Unicorn scores over CBZ X- Treme in being economical, Unicorn returns a combined fuel efficiency/mileage of 52kpl as against 48kpl returned by CBZ X-Treme. Unicorn is meant for performance savvy and CBZ X-Treme for power savvy.

Ride and Handling:

The new CBZ X-Treme’s chassis is a tubular, diamond-frame type with a single down tube and a box-section swing arm. The ground clearance is an adequate 145mm. 18-inch mag wheels are offered at the front and the rear of the bike. While the front features a 2.75-inch regular tyre, the rear tyre is 100/90 in size, which has been combined with a Tuff-up tube for the added advantage of a relatively puncture-free performance. I believe every CBZ X-Treme driver will enjoy the riding position. With neat handlebar-to-seat-to peg geometry and comfortable seating position I’m sure that X-Treme rider will be reluctant to get down from the bike. X-Treme with the steeped up pillion seat, carefully placed rear foot rest position and split grab rail it ensures a pleasant experience for pillions too. Both these bikes use telescopic forks at the front. 240mm disc brake at the front and drum brake at the rear are standard features.

Sporty Unicorn apart from the new wider rear tyre and its new badge sporty, it has nothing to match to sports character of CBZ X-Treme. But don’t underestimate the riding character of Unicorn. It is the most solid bike in this segment. Honda’s Unicorn features a diamond-type frame with single down tube, which is more rigid and is yet flexible enough to absorb the shocks that will be thrown up by Indian road conditions. The stiff chassis provides the Unicorn excellent straight-line stability and smooth, confident cornering ability. Mated to this diamond frame, the box section swing arm and the unique mono-suspension at the rear add even greater strength to the Unicorn handling dynamics. X-Treme’s outdated twin hydraulic units for rear suspension is no match to Honda’s mono-shock suspension. Honda’s Unicorn may lack sporty character but its handling ability is superior in its class.

Summing it up…

CBZ X-Treme self start is priced at Rs56,500,Honda’s grand prix(GP) version i.e. special/limited edition of Unicorn is priced at Rs59,425 and the sporty version at Rs58,150. (all are ex-showroom price,Delhi)

X- Treme is more powerful and comes with loaded features while sporty unicorn symbolizes performance and makes sense for practicality (even after named sporty). If you look for a sporty bike to intimidate your friend then choose CBZ X-Treme but if you are a looking for a family bike pick the Unicorn.

With Pulsar and Apache in the neighboring stands both CBZ X- Treme and sporty unicorn will find its way hard to grab the attention. Honda and Hero Honda have produced impeccable and reliable bikes (still fit and finish of these manufacturers are unchallengeable) and they have brought some high end technologies to Indian roads. It’s true that both Honda and Hero Honda are great manufacturers and they are capable of producing world class bikes but with aggressive players like TVS and Bajaj they have to be more cautious otherwise these warring brothers will become ageing brothers. Honda and Hero Honda should realize that their die-hard fans expect Fuel Injection for their new bikes not stickers!

Pulsar 200cc versus New Karizma

Cruise bikes are ready in India itself! Bajaj has launched the Pulsar 200cc and Hero Honda has come up with face lifted Karizma. Thanks to the India’s growth story, manufacturers have come up with modern bikes that can be comparable to any international bike. When you watch Dhoom 3 don’t get surprised if Hrithik is on the Karizma and Abishek is on the Pulsar 200cc.

Here is the detailed comparison of these two amazing bikes.

Engine and Transmission:

Pulsar 200cc features India’s first oil cooled engine which delivers a maximum power of 18Ps@8000rpm making it most powerful engine offered by Bajaj. It’s an air cooled single-cylinder with an alloy barrel and head as well as twin valves. Oil cooler placed just below the fuel tank helps in further cooling of engine lubricant and keep the large 198.8cc motor cool. Digital twin spark ignition (DTS-i) and torque expansion chamber — ExhausTEC ensures the pulsar to provide sufficient levels of torque at low engine rpm levels and is optimized to provide torque distribution in the mid and higher range rpm levels. Pulsar 200cc features a five speed gearbox with one down and four up pattern.

For the face lifted Karizma the engine remains the same. Karizma scores over the pulsar when comes to torque, the bigger engine provides a healthy 18.35Nm@6000rpm against the pulsar’s 17.17Nm. The progressive feel, multi-plate wet-type clutch and the smooth five-speed gearbox are again the same as in the previous version.

Pulsar 200cc clocks a top speed of 121kph against the 125kph offered by Karizma 223cc. Pulsar 200cc is not quicker as Karizma 223cc and it cruises to 60kph from rest in 4.73 seconds. The pulsar 200cc offers an impressive mileage of 38.3kpl in city and 42.4kpl in highway against the Karizma offers only 30kpl in city and a decent figure of 45kpl in highway. Performance figures are taken from autocar India.

Design:

When comes to cruiser bikes power and style is the deciding factor but with proven engines style occupies the centre stage. The two bikes derive their styling from their previous version and have added some interesting features. Pulsar 200cc derives its identity from 180 and 150. Bajaj’s new additions in Pulsar 200cc are
*Black paint theme carried over to the front fork legs, the rear shock absorbers, and the swing arm, in addition to the engine and six spoke alloy rims, for deadly looks.
* A lowered Headlamp/Fairing assembly along with a high tail-end, giving it an aggressive, ready to pounce stance.
* An all Stainless Steel silencer with an aluminium muffler can for genuine sporty looks and long life.
* Sleek, Twin row, Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) derived from the upgraded pulsar 180cc along the split grab rail perfectly compliments the new rear chiseled looks.

I have seen many Bikers love to alter their Pulsar 150cc, 180cc and other bikes with modern diffuser, more powerful horns, replacing rear tyres with bigger tyres, raising the rear suspension to give a racing look and exposing the drive train which demands higher price . For those relief comes in the form of pulsar 200cc Bajaj has offered some of these as standard features

* It’s the first bike in India to feature both front and rear tubeless tyres, which besides offering superior stability are safer than conventional tube types and in sync with the offerings abroad for similar applications. The rear tyre is the broadest in its category to ensure better road grip and stability. Another first is the use of split seats in pulsar 200cc for styling and comfort.

New Karizma strikes the Bajaj 200cc with the following additions

*an attractive new logo, which represents the bike’s cutting edge imagery of being racy.
*International styling graphics with a pronounced `R’ on the tank and an asymmetrical one on the visor in keeping with the latest international trend.
*New sporty under-cowl, which makes the bike look more powerful and mean.
*Matt-axis grey coat for the engine, which makes it look very rugged.
*The other notable features in the bike are the red-coloured springs in rear suspensions and stylish fender with new graphics
A special edition version of New Karizma, which has a set of racy-red mag wheels and a dual tone finish for exhaust pipe, makes it one of the most attractive bikes on Indian roads. Although the cosmetic changes made in the Karizma targets the youth it is not enough to meet the sporty Pulsar 200cc in design

Handling and Engineering:

Pulsar 200cc is lengthier than new Karizma but its wheelbase is shorter than new Karizma which means you have to be careful with the Pulsar 200cc while negotiating a turn. Both the bikes offer disc at the front and drum brake at the rear as a standard feature. With the MRF tubeless tyres at the front and the back Pulsar gives excellent traction control. Even though Karizma features a 276mm disc at the front a little larger than 260mm offered in pulsar, the massive 150kg Karizma comes to halt in 18.36m from 60kph as against 16.47m taken by pulsar 200cc from the same speed. Both the bikes offer a commanding position for riders. But with split seats and carefully placed foot rest the pillion in the pulsar 200cc gets better visibility. The split seats are not only meant for the sporty look, but also resides a modest lockable and cable released storage under it.

Special features:

In addition to the features mentioned in design section both these bikes have special features which increases their practicality

Pulsar 200cc also leaves its drive chain exposed with O’ ring sealed, which is pre-lubricated to help it stay reliable inspite of running open without protection is one such example. Similar to its sibling Pulsar 220cc-soon to be launched, the pulsar 200cc bike throws away the kick lever and makes you to crank the engine only with your thumb unlike the Karizma which offers both self and Kick mechanism for cranking. Both these bikes use best instruments and unheard features in any Indian bike. Both Pulsar 200cc and the new Karizma have Digital odo Meter, Digital Fuel Gauge and Digital Trip Meter. Pulsar 200cc features a digital console which uses only LEDs and intelligently varies its amber backlight intensity for viewing in either day or night. The new Karizma features a night vision in the digital console, which illuminates the console to bright neon yellow and makes the speedometer stand out in the dark, forming a stunning contrast. It also features powerful multi-reflector trapezoidal headlight with two pilot lamps for that added beam, an integrated clear-lens lamp tail light for better visibility at the rear. Real time clock is found only in the console of Karizma. Both these bikes use 15 litre reservoirs and bar end weights - which keeps off the vibration. Karizma has safety switch for clutch which actuates when the vehicle is started in gear.

What Karizma lacks:

For the features like self-canceling Indicators that switch off when the turn has been completed and the handlebar comes to a ‘straight ahead’ position with a pre-set automatic switch off function, even if the turn has not been undertaken, auto switchover feature - which comes into play incase one of the two Headlamp filaments stops functioning, backlit, non-contact type, soft-touch handlebar switches digital speedo meter - which throws away the conventional cable, additional digital trip meter and indicators for air filter condition, engine temperature, battery voltage and oil level -all of which contribute to enhancing rider info for trouble-free riding and for a low maintenance battery with a unique venting valv - which drastically reduces the electrolyte loss and therefore reducing frequency of routine maintenance the new Karizma has no answers to Bajaj Pulsar 200cc.

Pricing and availability:

The new Karizma will also continue to be priced at almost the same level as the previous version, with on-road prices for the regular variant working out to Rs 79,000-80,000. The special edition variant with red mag-wheels will be costlier by about Rs 1,000. Bajaj has launched 52 Probiking outlets – which will house only high performance bikes. Pulsar 200cc would be available at such Probiking showrooms at select locations across the country for an attractive price of Rs.65,497 (ex showroom, New Delhi).

Heavyweight bikes queuing up as Indian roads get wider

Get ready for Rs 9 lakh-plus motorcycles. With the government allowing the import of bigger bikes with engine specifications of 800-cc and above last week, the big bike segment is all set to hot up.

Bike-makers Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki have already lined up plans to give competition to Harley Davidson, which will soon import its super-bikes in the country.

According to sources, Japanese auto major Suzuki’s motorcycle division is likely to import two of its sports bikes by year end. One of them is likely to be the 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled 16-valve GSX-R1000, which comes strapped with a 999-cc engine. The other Suzuki sports bike could be the 749-cc GSX-R750. When contacted, Suzuki Motorcycle & Scooter India marketing VP Atul Gupta refused to comment.

Yamaha Motors, on the other hand, is expected to get in the completely-built units (CBUs) of 998-cc YZF-R1 and the 600-cc YZF-R6 by year-end. Japanese auto maker Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India is also expected to import 800-cc bikes. When contacted, Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India head sales NK Rattan said: ”We plan to get into the big bike segment. These would be bikes with engine capacity above 500-cc and would be completely-built units (CBUs).”

However, industry sources believe luxury and super bike-maker BMW will still not be tempted to re-enter the Indian bike market. BMW entered India about 10 years back in a joint venture with the Hero Group. The plan was to locally assemble and sell high-end bikes. However, the venture failed to take off and the company made an early exit from the two-wheeler market. Even though BMW has entered the car business in India, it is not likely to bring its high-end bikes in the immediate future.

On an average, any of these sports bikes, if imported, cost about Rs 9 lakh and upwards. When these motorcycle makers will import these bikes, they are likely to charge a higher price and these bikes could cost in Rs 10-11 lakh range. The government on Friday allowed imports of bikes with engine specifications of 800-cc and above, which includes Harley Davidson bikes. The bike-maker will be required to adhere to Euro-III emission norms.

India allows Harley Davidson import

 

American cult bike brand Harley Davidson can soon be seen cruising on Indian roads with the government today relaxing emission and testing norms for their import in return for allowing mango exports to the US.

The Commerce Ministry today notified that import of motorcycles up to 800 cc engine capacity or above subject to compliance to Euro III emission norms.

Individuals, firms and original equipment manufacturers with service networks would be allowed to import these bikes.

The relaxation followed an agreement reached at the India-US Trade Policy Forum meeting here.

“We have reached an agreement… now Harley Davidson motorcycles can be imported while Indian mangoes will be available in the US markets,” Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath said.

“Indian mangoes are only a few days away from the shipment,” US Trade Representative Susan Schwab said.

The king of fruit has not been allowed to enter the US market due to various non-trade barriers and the last hitch of radiation testing is being addressed. A radiation testing facility is being set up in Mumbai on a cost-sharing basis.

Though bikes in India have to meet strict norms, Harley Davidson and other motorcycles of higher engine capacity have been given a liberal treatment. But they would have to meet at least Euro III norms.

The government has done away with the need for conducting homologation checks for these bikes. These tests are essential to see if imported vehicles meet Indian regulations. In place of this, test certificates of accredited agency will suffice.

In the past, India had taken a tough stand on import of Harley Davidson, citing the American bike maker’s inability to meet emission norms here.

The cruiser is considered a ‘must-have’ for the rich and the famous across the world.

Although, Harley will sell its bikes in India, it has maintained that the bikes will not be manufactured anywhere outside the US so as not to dilute its ‘Made in America’ exclusivity.

Honda Unicorn: Cosmetic Makeup!

New Delhi, March 19, 2007: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), a 100% subsidiary of the Honda Motor Company, Japan - the largest manufacturer of two wheelers in the world – today announced the launch of a new look sporty 150 cc Honda UNICORN.

In 2006-07, HMSI sold 7.2 Lac units. In 2007-08, aggressively plans for 9 Lac units with a growth of 27% and eyes over a million sales to be a top group company. “We have emerged as the 4th largest two-wheeler manufacturer in India by growing faster than the industry year after year. We are now targeting rapid expansion of our business in future to be one of the top group two wheeler companies in India by 2010”, said Mr. Yukihiro Aoshima, President & CEO, HMSI. New Sporty UNICORN Dressed with looks that surpass benchmarks of admiration and envy alike, the new Honda Unicorn exhibits international Sporty styling at its best. Apart from a classy double tail lamp and a masculine fuel tank, this racing wonder also flaunts a stylish front cowl, body gelling graphics, robust black plated engine and sporty alloy wheels.

According to Mr. Yoichi Mizutani, Director – Sales & Marketing, HMSI, “The New Sporty Unicorn is borne out of Honda’s belief to constantly innovate to fulfill aspirations and needs of the target customers. The consumer expectations have evolved since we launched Unicorn. Consumers today seek not only performance but also expect their products express their individuality. Existing Unicorn is already a benchmark for exhilarating performance in its category.

With its international Sporty look, the new Unicorn is now further strengthened to meet expectations of young customers in India.” Powered by a Honda 4-stroke, 150cc engine and incorporating cutting-edge technologies developed by Honda’s global R&D team, Unicorn is an engineering masterpiece. With a powerful 13.3 bhp engine, Unicorn clocks 0-60 kmph in an amazing 5 seconds delivering the best pick-up in its class. It is engineered to ensure a perfect balance of pick up and mileage and delivers an incredible 60 kms to a litre with its aerodynamic body and a very refined engine from Honda that develops high torque at practical operating speeds.

Fitted with the state-of-the-art Mono-suspension and a strong and flexible Diamond frame, the Unicorn is crafted to render only the smoothest drive. The Unicorn is the first motorcycle in India to have puncture resistant Tuff-up tube. The new Sporty Unicorn is priced competitively at Rs 58,150/- (ex-showroom Delhi), Rs 55950/- (ex-showroom Pune), Rs 57550/- (ex-showroom Bangalore), and Rs 58575/- (ex-showroom Kolkata).

The New Sporty Unicorn will be launched nationally on April 9th, 2007. To celebrate Honda’s Moto GP sweeping win of all the titles of Team, Rider & Constructor championship, HMSI today also announced the launch of its “Unicorn Grand Prix” for the bike enthusiasts in India.

Present for this Launch function was Mr. Tadayuki Okada- the Chief Tester of Honda RC212V for Repsol Honda, Konica Minolta Honda, Camel Honda & Telefonica Movistar Honda racing teams, who actually tested the bike Honda RC211V that Nicky Hayden rode to win the 2006 Moto GP Championship. The Bookings for the “Unicorn Grand Prix” bike will start from second week of May 2007. A total of 2,500 units will be available till June 2007.

The “Unicorn Grand Prix” bike is priced at Rs59425 /- (ex-showroom Delhi) “To achieve the growth target, we plan an aggressive Sales Strategy. Along with the introduction of new models in the market, we are undertaking rapid network expansion,” said Mr. Yoichi Mizutani. In 2006-07, HMSI has developed 100 Dealers & Branches, thus registering a total of 391 operational outlets.

In 2007-08, HMSI plans to rapidly expand network to 693 outlets which is 170% up than 2006-07. This will enable HMSI to reach closer to customers and to achieve the set aggressive targets.