Yamaha R15 : The bike

Here are some details on the new Yamaha R15 bike

-The bike has a 150cc engine and hence called the R15
-The engine will be water-cooled, fuel injected, with 4 valves per cylinder
-The engine will make around 20bhp of power
-With a lightweight of just 120-125kg, the bike will do around 140-145km/h and out-accelerate the likes of the Pulsar 220 and the Karizma
-The bike will have a full fairing with old Yamaha Fazer 1000 type headlamps
-The bike will have rear-set pegs, split grab rails and even a rear disc brake
-The bike will be priced at Rs 80000-85000

Yamaha India : Thumps up to you guys. Waiting for you to show the bike at the upcoming Auto Expo

Yamaha is all set to re-write rules

Yes, the new has been floating around for a long time now.
Come Auto Expo 2008 and Yamaha will change the way we Indians look up at them.

Their 100cc and 125cc offerings have not being good at all, but what all of us do remember are two bikes from them - the RX100 and the RD350. While the tight emission norms killed these two bikes, we waited waited and waited! FINALLY..... they are back with something

Hero Honda Hunk : the new full ad

Here is the full ad of the HUNK




Also, we had a poll on this blog.

The Poll - TVS Apache RTR or the HUNK
No of votes - 1151
RTR - 321 (27%)
HUNK - 756 (65%)
Tough call - 74 (6%)

Our new poll - How do you rate the new ad?
Its good
Average
Yuck!

Cast your votes now

Hero Honda HUNK : Pictures

More pictures. Yeah, but good ones. Enjoy the HUNK :-D

Hero Honda HUNK : Pictures

The tank definately looks great. And Macho!

GRS : Gas Reservoir Suspension

Chic looking speedometer console. Chic and Macho? Nahh.. woteva!

Pure Muscles. Thumps up for HeroHonda

Aggresive looking visor! Great Job

Thats how much the HUNK will set you back for

More pictures of the HUNK

Here are some more pictures of the HUNK , and there are couple of them with the Karizma as well.
Thanks to a guy called MYG124 from www.xbhp.com

Another little compilation of the pictures of the HUNK

Hero Honda Hunk new videos

Here are two videos of the teaser ad of the new Hero Honda Hunk. Makes me smile! A great advertisment aftes ages from Hero Honda!!

Hero Honda HUNK Videos

Bunny Punia of xBhp has uploaded some videos on his blog (http://bunnypunia.blogspot.com)

Here are the videos:

More pictures, engine information

The new HUNK is powered by a 149.2cc (yes same as CBZ-X) engine which is good for 14.4 ps/ 14.2bhp (again same the CBZ-X). Basically everything remains same as the CBZ-X, apart from the looks! The weight seems to have gone up by 3kgs though.
And that sticker, the GRS one, means Gas Reservoir Suspension


The speedometer console is a let down! No digital stuff here. Just a tachometer, speedometer and fuel gauge. But it still somewhat has a sporty feel.


Thanks to http://www.rearset.blogspot.com for pictures. Fantastic!

Hero Honda Hunk colour options!

Jayan from www.rockingroadies.com has done a fantastic job with photoshop. The green looks sexy, right?

Hero Honda Hunk pictures

Picture 2 & 3 sourced from : www.xbhp.com (Utpal Das)

So, here it is, the bike, much hyped HUNK.
- As I wrote in the previous post, the tank looks big for a 150cc bike
- Rear side panels somehow remind me of the Apache
- That plastic cowl does look muscular!
- Tyres remain same as that of the CBZ-X
- Gas filled rear shock absorbers
- Sorta stepped seat

The bike is out!! HUNK has been launched

EDIT:

The bike has been launched at 11am today in Delhi

Pricing:
55000 ex-showroom in Delhi for Kick-Start
57000 ex-showroom in Delhi for Electric Start version
The bike has a small fairing and big plastic scoops next to the tank (between the tank and the fairing). Bike does look good.

So, here it is , the all new 150cc HeroHonda Hunk. The bike uses the same CBZ-Xtreme engine. More details coming up soon with pictures

The company may be stopping the production of the CBZ-Xtreme. What makes me say this? Go to www.herohonda.com/products.htm and click on the CBZ-Xtreme and then click on it to go to its micro-site at http://www.herohonda.com/cbzxtreme/index.html/. The link is not working!! Hero Honda might just replace the CBZ-Xtreme with the Hunk now.

Stay tuned guys

The Hero Honda... HUNK?

Rumours, baseless rumours.
Some said it was a big v-twin engine Schumi from BSMotoring's Blog , some said it was a cruiser with a CBR headlamp - Dancewithshadows site, some said its the Honda CBR125R lookalike -xBhp's topic , Vicky even went to say its a 125cc bike!!!! But the reality, it is yet another 150cc motorcycle from Hero Honda, and this one is a stunner!

As of now, we have got the following information:
- It uses the same engine block as the CBZ-Xtreme.
- The engine is in a different state of tune
- The engine doesnt make more power than the CBZ-Xtreme. It is the same at 14.4PS (14.2bhp)
- There is usage of tumble induction, which means it will have a better low end punch
- The tail lamp looks ... sexy!
- Yellow speedometer : looks sporty (taken from the Karizma may be..)
- Split seats
- Overall, the bike looks better than the CBZ-Xtreme
- Killer pricing, still little expensive than other bikes in the class, but at this price, the bike is still a VFM package! We have been told it will be priced around 64,000

HeroHonda HUNK : Competitors

The 150cc class has been seeing a lotta action these days. These are the bikes the Hunk will be trying to kick off, well, literally...

1. Bajaj Pulsar 150 : Was the king, till the new Apache 160 RTR Came up
2. HH CBZ-Xtreme : The Hunk's sibling, will HeroHonda stop the CBZ-X's production?
3. Honda Unicorn : What happened to this bike? Honda, the Unicorn needs a revamp badly
4. TVS Apache RTR : The current king, looks sexy, goes like anything

14.2 vs 15.2 bhp : thats what the fight will be about. But then we do know the HUNK's engine will be much smooooother than the RTR's. Factor in HH's legendary reliability and network of service centers... We can tell you that the HUNK does look better than the RTR from many angels, and is actually little more comfier to ride too. ahhh.. Its getting very close. Stay tuned for pictures.. : coming soon, very soon!!

Acceleration, top speed of the new Ninja 250R

This is one of the main things that we all are keen on knowing..
The old Ninja 250 / ZZR 250 was got for around 105mph / 168kmh on the speedometer with a 5.75 sec 0-60mph (or 0-96km/h) :: Not bad at all!

Here are some video links of the old ZZR250/Ninja 250, notice in one of the videos, the bike goes to almost 170km/h!!

Updated specs , new pics

* Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin
* Displacement: 249cc
* Bore x stroke: TBD
* Compression ratio: TBD
* Maximum power : 32PS (31.56 hp) at 11,000rpm (USA AND CANADA)
* Maximum power : 30PS (29.59 hp) at 10,500rpm (EUROPE Model)
* Maximum torque: 21.7Nm (16 ftlb) at 10,000rpm (USA AND CANADA)
* Maximum torque: 21.0Nm (15.5 ftlb) at 8,500rpm (EUROPE Model)
* Cooling: Liquid
* Carburetion: Keihin CVK30 x 2
* Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
* Transmission: Six-speed
* Final drive: O-ring chain
* Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
* Wheelbase: 1390mm(NA Model) - 54.72 in
* Rake / trail: TBD
* Front suspension / wheel travel: 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / TBD
* Rear suspension / wheel travel: Uni-Trak with aluminum linkage / Preload Adjustable
* Front tire: 110/70-17 IRC
* Rear tire: 130/80-17 IRC
* Front brake: Single 290mm hydraulic petal disc with two-piston caliper
* Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with two-piston caliper
* Overall length: 2080mm - 81.88 in
* Overall width: 710mm - 27.95 in
* Overall height: 1115mm - 43.89 in
* Seat height: 780mm - 30.70 in
* Dry weight: 151kg - 332.89 lbs
* Fuel capacity: 18 liters - 4.755 gal
* Color choices: Lime Green, Ebony, Passion Red, Candy Plasma Blue
* MSRP: $3,499
* Warranty: 12 months

Videos of the new Ninja 250R

Updates : New pictures , FI news

There are speculations that USA will get the carb version of the new Ninja 250R, while the European and Japanese versions will the Fuel Injection (FI) engine. We will keep updating you on this as we get the official news.
In the meantime, here are two pictures, taken on 27th August. Notice the ZZR-1400 (ZX-14) colour option behind the silver ZZR?

The old VS the new!

We did love the old Ninja 250R and for good reasons, but there is no doubt it looked too bland.

Here is a comparison of both the bikes.

Looks:

If we were to rate the looks of the new bike on a scale of 10, we would definately give it a 10. And 5 for the old one! That lovely fairing from the bigger Ninja 650R, good looking upswept exhaust, pillion seat cover, petal discs, awesome alloys, everything lends it own bit to make this 250R look the best in its class but a HUGE margain!

Engine:

We also know the engine has been retuned a bit, and although detailed technical specifications have yet to be announced, but the new machine’s power is expected to be in the region of 45bhp – with the firm saying owners will be surprised by power at high revs. The old one did top the 100mph (160 km/h) mark and this one will atleast do 110 mph (176 km/h).

Acceleration wise, the old Ninja 250R shamed quite a few sports car, with a 0-60mph (96km/h) timing of 5.75 secs and a 14.6 sec quater mile timing. We can only expect the new one to do this better.

To support the above fact, we have come to know that dual overhead camshafts have been revised and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system is in place for more low and mid-range torque from the dual-carbureted 249cc DOHC parallel twin-cylinder engine. Add in refined intake and exhaust ports for improved off-idle response and smooth power delivery. Also, reduced engine noise via an automatically adjusting cam chain tensioner.

As of now, we dont have pictures of how the new Ninja 250R's instrumentation will look like. Stay tuned for more!

A hike of $500 for this? Its peanuts!

More on the Ninja 250R

Compact size, exceptional personality and a low price tag highlight Kawasaki's new Ninja 250R quarter-liter performer. Considering how much fun it is to ride and the fact that it's the only 250cc sportbike sold in the U.S., it's no wonder the Ninja 250R has been a strong seller for over a decade. Its successful blend of a rider-friendly engine, easy-to-operate chassis and supersport styling worthy of its Ninja moniker, this model was developed to offer real world performance to riders of all skill levels and goes to show that good things do come in small packages.

LOOKS:
One look at the new Ninja 250R tells everyone that this bike is the genuine article. With a new full-fairing similar to the Ninja ZX-6R and -10R supersport bikes, a single kicked-up muffler, UNI-TRAK rear suspension, high-performance petal disc brakes and a dual seat, this is the most stylish performer in its category.

ENGINE:
At the core of the lightweight Ninja 250R is an engine that thrives on high-rpm excitement. The gutsy 249cc parallel twin has been retuned to spice up its smooth and predictable power delivery. It now offers more low- and mid-range torque thanks to revisions to its dual overhead camshafts and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system. A silky smooth six-speed transmission tops off the sportbike equipment list, enabling the 250R to exploit a powerband that's sure to please riders with its beginner friendly low-end grunt and a lively top-end rush that'll keep seasoned veterans satisfied. The coup de' grace, is its ability to deliver excellent fuel economy.

BODY WORK, RUNNING PARTS, OTHER FEATURES:

The 250R's new fairing and windscreen not only look great, they deliver improved wind protection for a wide range of riding situations. This lightweight sportbike is loaded with even more rider-friendly features such as an easy-to-read instrument panel and positive neutral finder.

A natural riding position and comfortable ergonomics combined with its lightweight handling, easy controllability and improved throttle response make the 250R a pleasure to ride on city streets.

• Also new for 2008 are larger 17-inch wheels that offer great handling and improved stability.
• A larger 290mm front brake rotor is gripped by a powerful 2-piston caliper to provide a healthy dose of stopping power with a responsive feel at the lever. Like Kawasaki's other sport models, the Ninja 250R is fitted with petal discs for efficient heat dissipation.

The simple formula of providing easy-handling agility, lightweight responsiveness, and low ownership costs make the Ninja 250R a force to be reckoned with in the entry-level sportbike category.

MSRP: $3499

The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

The revered Kawasaki Ninja 250R has been around forever, or so it seems. We've touted the small-displacement Ninja as the ideal mount for beginners, with our only complaint about the bargain Kwakker being its somewhat outdated styling. Kawasaki must have been listening because the 250R is back for 2008 with a styling facelift, making it look more like its sport Ninja siblings. Other changes include larger 17-inch wheels and 290mm front brake rotors. The little Ninja's engine has also received some mods as well, retuned for more low- to mid-range torque courtesy of tweaked camshafts and new 2-into-1 exhaust.

The MSRP is $3499, a steal, considering the way the bike looks.