Mahindra Rodeo: Test review, specs, price

Mahindra Rodeo 125

Mahindra two wheelers is betting heavily on the Rodeo - essentially a slight cosmetic upgrade of the Flyte 125 scooter that started its life under the Kinetic banner. The mudguard for instance is changed and so is the speedometer console. We love the smooth revving 125cc motor that is quite punchy, though not as strong as the Suzuki Access 125. The backlight of the speedometer can be changed - adds to the bling factor. Telescopic forks aid in stability over bad roads. Overall, at Rs 41,000 (ex-showroom), the Rodeo is a good deal in our idea.

QUICK SPECS:
Engine capacity: 124.6cc
Engine power: 8 Bhp @ 7000rpm
Engine torque: 9Nm @ 5500rpm
Kerb weight: 106 kilos
Fuel tank: 4.5 litres
Price: Rs 41,000 (ex-showroom)
Our Rating: 8/10

Yamaha YZF-R125 in India: Test review, specs, price

Yamaha YZF-R125

No. Yamaha has no plans to launch the YZF-R125 but as there are strong (though false) rumors on the internet, we thought about having this bike on our blog. Basically based on the bigger R6 and R1 superbikes on the styling front, Yamaha's main aim is to provide a big bike feel, latest technology features and razor sharp handling to the masses, or the youngsters of Europe. For India, the R125 obviously doesnt make sense - we already have the 150cc R15 here, dont we?

QUICK SPECS:
Engine capacity: 124.66cc
Engine power: 15Bhp @ 9000rpm
Engine torque: 12.24Nm @ 8000rpm
Kerb Weight: 138 kilos
Fuel tank capacity: 13.8 litres
Price (in UK): 2999 pounds / Rs 2.2 lakh
Our Rating: 9/10 (the price is too high!)

TVS Jive: Test review, specs, price

TVS Jive

TVS is one company thats on a roll. With the new 110cc Jive motorcycle, they have redefined commuting in India. Well almost. What is the one thing we all hate about commuting daily? Traffic jams and the constant never ending gear shifts, right? The Jive makes riding through congestion a breeze. To simply, there is no clutch and hence you cant simply shift with your left foot. And even do to neutral from 4th directly. And even start off in any gear! TVS aint charging any extra premium for all this - Rs 41,000 (ex-showroom) is all you need to spent for the Electric start version. One of the best bikes in India today.

QUICK SPECS:
Engine capacity: 109.7cc
Engine power: 8.4Bhp @ 7500rpm
Engine torque: 8.3Nm @ 5500rpm
Dry (not kerb) Weight: 105 kilos
Fuel tank capacity: 15 litres
Price: Rs 41,000 (ex-showroom)
Our rating: 10/10

Hero Honda ZMR: Test review, specs, price

Hero Honda ZMR

Is this just a modified Karizma? Not really. The engine gets fuel injection, a very minor hike in power and oil cooling. The body gets a full fairing, new tail etc and the instrumentation console is all digitial. The bike is much smoother to ride, quicker and more fuel efficient too. So, where does it lack? At an Ex-showroom price of Rs 97,000, there are other cheaper options in the market. But remember, this is a Hero Honda, and also India's best touring machine. Order one in white please! It might be the quickest, or the fastest locally produced bike, but we do have a soft corner for this bulky beast…

QUICK SPECS:
Engine capacity:223cc
Engine power:17.6bHP @ 7000rpm
Engine torque: 18.35Nm @ 6000rpm
Kerb weight: 159kilos
Tank capacity: 15.3litres
Price: Rs 97,000 (ex-showroom)
Our Rating: 8.5/10


All pictures: www.zigwheels.com

Yamaha Fazer 150: Test review, specs, price

Yamaha Fazer 150

After the success of the Yamaha FZ-16 and FZ-S, comes the faired version of the same 150cc bike, the Fazer. True to its bigger 1000cc cousin, the Fazer 150 too looks, well, big. It is comfortable, a change in handle bar makes riding it for long distance easy. The horn is louder too, but the relatively smaller 150cc motor is a big limitation for serious long distance riding, until unless you want to stick to 80-85km/h on the highway. Another negative aspect is the non-metallic tank that won’t let magnetic tank bag fit! Further at Rs 72,000 (ex-showroom), the Fazer is quite expensive for a small bike. Buy it for the looks though!

QUICK SPECS:

Engine capacity: 153cc

Engine power: 14PS @ 7500rpm

Engine torque: 14Nm @ 6000rpm

Kerb weight: 141kilos

Tank capacity: 12 itres

Price: Rs 72,000 (ex-showroom)

Our rating: 7.5/10

All pictures: www.bsmotoring.com

Bajaj Pulsar 135LS : Test review, specs, price

Bajaj Pulsar 135LS

Bajaj's smallest Pulsar variant, the new 135LS, or Light Sports seems good value for money. First ride impressions seem very positive. The bike is mainly aimed for today's congested city traffic and its ability to veer in and out of traffic seems very good. The 135cc engine makes use of 4-valves and DTS-i technology and is very punchy. With a low weight of just 122kilos, the bike can give bigger 150cc bikes a run for their money. The LS looks sporty too and comes with goodies like tubeless tyres, semi digital speedometer etc. At Rs 51,000 ex-showroom, we think this is one of the better buys in this segment today.

QUICK SPECS:
Engine capacity: 135cc
Engine power: 13.5PS @ 9000rpm
Engine torque: 11.4Nm @ 7500rpm
Kerb Weight: 122 kilos

Tank capacity: 8 litres
Price: Rs 51,000 (ex-showroom)
Our rating: 9/10

All pics: www.bikeindia.in

Royal Enfield to launch Bullet Classic 500 on 4th November

Royal Enfield has often been criticized for launching newer and modern products outside India first. The same happened with the Classic 500. However, within a few days, 4th of November to be precise, the Chennai based manufacturer will roll out Classic in India as well.
The Classic sports a 500cc fuel injected engine that produces 29PS of power - this helps the bike attain a top speed of around 145km/h on the speedometer. But the Royal Enfield Classic 500 is not about performance - its all about the old world charm, the nostalgic feel, the Bullet thump..

Expect to pay around Rs 1.5lakh for this one!

Honda launches Aviator 110cc

Wasn't Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) plagued with issues with its labor strike at the manufacturing facility? In the midst of all these, showing its commitment towards the Indian market, Honda has launched a new version of the Aviator scooter, which now gets the same 110cc that powers the new Activa. The Aviator 110 is around 15% more fuel efficient than its predecessor and goes on sale with a sticker price of Rs 42,000 (standard model) and Rs 47,000 (deluxe model, with front disc brake), ex-showroom Delhi.

Pictures from : www.vicky.in

Updated Maruti SX4 launched with automatic gearbox

Maruti Suzuki yesterday launched an updated refreshed variant of its mid-size sedan, the SX4. The launch also included a new automatic gearbox variant that will only be available on the top end ZXI version. 

Apart from this, the SX4 also gets the following changes.
1. The engine gets a power boost to 104.7PS, up from 103.4PS on the older car. The torque however remains the same.
2. Its gets a new sporty honeycomb grille
3. New sexy 10 spoke 16-inch alloy wheels
4. New dual tone interiors
5. USB connectivity for the music system

The new SX4 range starts at Rs 6.68 lakh for the base version, going upto Rs 8.36 lakh for the top ZXI automatic version with ABS, EBD and airbags. The SX4 hasn't been doing very well for Maruti and this move could change the whole story here. There isnt any other good automatic car around this kind of money - the Honda City for example sells for almost Rs 2 lakh extra for a similarly equipped top-end model. 

Kawasaki Ninja 250R launched in India : official prices including OTR

Bajaj has finally (and finally) launched the much (much much) awaited Ninja 250R in the Indian market. The bike is the UK model with FI which means Indians get to play around with 33bhp - this should give the bike a 0-100km/h timing of around 8seconds with a top speed of 155-160km/h (true / genuine)

The Kawasaki Ninja 250R goes on sale in India at an ex-showroom price of around Rs 2,69,000 lakh or around US$5600. The on-road price or OTR price for various cities is as follows

1. Bangalore - Rs 3,07,878

2. Pune - Rs 2,96,150

3. Hyderabad - Rs 2,99,941

4. New Mumbai - Rs 2,92,560

5. Mumbai - Over Rs 3,00,000

6 Chennai - Rs 3,05,000

7. New Delhi - Rs 2,80,175

More details on Limited Edition White and Blue FZ-S, FZ16 and Fazer

These are high resolution wallpaper material pictures of the new Limited Edition White and Blue Yamaha FZ16, FZ-S and Yamaha Fazer. Click on pictures to expand and download.






Yamaha launched the limited edition of popular Fazer & FZ series bikes intended to make the customers feel exclusive and special while creating a pride of ownership in them. Only 3,000 units of White color Limited edition FZ16, FZ-S and Fazer models will be produced and will be priced at Rs. 66,500/-,Rs. 68,500/- and Rs. 73,500/- respectively.

Kawasaki Ninja 250R with Indian number plate

Lolz.. This is how the Ninja 250R looks with number plate at the front. We are told that this is a compulsory regulation as per the Indian government laws.




It is learnt that Bajaj is all set to launch the Ninja 250R in India next month at an approximate price of around US$ 5000-5500

Kawasaki Bajaj Ninia 250 caught in India : about to be launched

We have been telling you about the baby Ninja heading to India. Bajaj is getting this bike in a months time and we came across this video on youtube which shows the Ninja 250R in one of the Bajaj Pro-biking showrooms in Pune.

The Ninja 250R gets a new exhaust for India among other small changes.

Custom paint job and modified Yamaha R15

Here is a video with custom paint job and modified Yamaha R15

Yamaha racing kit for the Yamaha R15

ZIGWHEELS have reviewed the racing kit for the Yamaha R15. Read their version..


Yamaha ups the power ante for the track and spirited riding with a range of specialized performance enhancers. ZigWheels Varad More got to sample these go-faster goodies at the Chennai race track and here is his first hand report. CLICK HERE

Yamaha R15 first service cost

Who says it is easy to own this little super-sport machine. According to friends, the first service of the Yamaha R15 at the 1000km mark can set you back by close to Rs 1500! During the first service, you are required to change not only the engine oil but parts like the various filters including the oil filter. This is ok but what surprises me is that most workshops pester the owners to go in for the semi-synthetic oil for the engine, which in itself costs a bomb! Phew...

Yamaha Fazer review

BIKE India has carried a review of the new Yamaha Fazer.
Here is what they have to say...




The new Yamaha Fazer is available in four colours: Electric Blue, Midnight Black, Lava Red and Flaming Orange and is priced at an ex-showroom price of Rs 72,000. The bike might seem expensive for a 150cc machine but the company is betting heavily on it and is pushing the model aggressively with their new ‘touring spirit’ campaign. We would have loved to judge the bike over a weekend ride but time constraints forced us to cut down our plans to a small evening stint. Nevertheless, the first impression seems positive.

Read the whole review of the Yamaha Fazer on the BIKE INDIA WEBSITE

New white and blue color for the Yamaha Fazer

Along with the new white and blue color for the Yamaha FZ16, Yamaha will also be launching a new color option, the same white and blue for the Fazer as well. Here are a few pictures taken from www.orkut.com

New color for the Yamaha FZ-S

Here are a few pictures of the new color option for the Yamaha FZ-S







According to www.orkut.com from where these pictures were taken, this new white and blue color for the Yamaha FZ-S will go on sale in a weeks time. I think this is the best ever color for this bike!

Yamaha FZ16 with rear disc

The fashion of putting a rear disc has not really caught up with Indians. However, we came across this modification done by a Yamaha FZ16 owner who has put a disc brake at the rear too. Take a look:




IMAGE: ORKUT.COM

Yamaha Fazer 150 ? The new faired Yamaha FZ-16

There has been news of Yamaha testing a faired version of the FZ-16. Some one was said to have caught the bike on test as well. So, here are the pictures, as seen on bhp-india.blogspot.com !

See the cool stoppie video on the FZ16

Yamaha India is official INDIA YAMAHA PVT LTD now

Just saw this news on the R15 Blog. The Indian Govt has approved the name change of Yamaha Motors in India to : INDIA YAMAHA PVT LTD. See the BLOG for more

In other news, we also came across a new leg guard for the Yamaha FZ16 at www.xbhp.com.

A member (Chinmay from Pune) on the site has fitted a leg guard on the bike. Here is how it looks

Quite a neat job in our opinion. In the meantime, also cast your vote in the poll (on the right side on this web page). We have already had 257 votes. If you havent made your choice, do it NOW!!!

See the cool stoppie video on the FZ16

Indian Govt approves Yamaha's proposal

Things have been moving at a fast pace for Yamaha in India. After the recent success of the R15 / FZ16 and FZS, the Indian Government recently approved Yamaha's proposal to transfer its Indian sales business to a new entity -- India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd.

Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd (YMISPL) had sought approval to transfer its business to India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd (IYMPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co, Japan.

The proposal, which does not involve fresh investments, has been approved, an official statement said.

Yamaha's proposal had been deferred earlier by the FIPB following objections raised by industry ministry saying that allowing import would lead to retail trading.
The board later cleared it after Yamaha said there would be no retail trading.

In its application, YMISPL had sought to transfer its business, including sales of two-wheelers not only manufactured in India but also imported from Yamaha group companies outside, along with other products such as all terrain vehicles, generators, golf carts and unmanned helicopters.

Does this mean Yamaha will foray into ATV in the coming future? Unmanned helicopters too? Bring it on guys!

Also Read

- Yamaha R15 tank video
- Yamaha R15 new colors
- Yamaha R15 stoppies

Yamaha R15 tank video

Killer from xbhp.com recently put up a video of the R15. In this, he has attached the tank cam onto the tank and has a brief riding stint inside the city.



Also Read
- Yamaha R15 new colors
- Yamaha R15 stoppies

Kawasaki Ninja 250R vs Honda VTR250

Honda has recently come out with a new VTR250 for the European market. The 250cc segment is already being headed by our Kawasaki Ninja 250R.
So, does the Honda VTR250 has the dope to out run the Ninja 250R?

MCN has carried a comparison test of both the bikes. This is what they have to say:

"Although the new Honda responds better low down, from the mid-range up the DOHJC, parallel twin motor of the Kawasaki revs quickly and smoothly and its power increases more and more and its suspension has enough stroke to enjoy sport riding.”

See their comparion HERE

R15's nightmare : the new TVS Apache RTR 180 Menace is here

The long awaited TVS Apache RTR 180 Menace is here. According to www.bhp-india.blogspot.com, TVS has leaked the TV commercial for the 180cc RTR Menace and oh boy, does she look hot!
Though there are just a few changes to the body, the white color really looks hot. What however is more important is the engine - 180cc and 17.3PS of power.

The RTR 160 already ran close to the R15 in terms of performance, and well, we think, the new 180 Menace will easily out perform the R15 in acceleration and yes, on the track too.

See this video of the new TVS Apache RTR 180 Menace, and yes, enjoy!!

Stoppie stunts on the Yamaha FZ16

Here is a cool video of a biker playing with the heavy Yamaha FZ16 and rolling this sexy 180 degree stoppie!




Click HERE to see the new Yamaha FZS
Clikc HERE to see some wheelie and stoppie pics on the Yamaha FZ16

Hero Honda Hunk special edition

The Hero Honda has now been cosmetically upgraded and christened Special Edition. Apart from some snazzy graphics and new paint scheme there are no mechanical changes. The Hunk now sports a racing bull insignia across the tank accompanied by a Special Edition badge on it's tank extensions.

The Hero Honda Hunk Special Edition will also sport red alloy wheels, dual-tone seat with red colored rider's seat, along with a sports red finish for the front forks and rear shock absorbers. Even the spark plug cap and the cylinder head get to sport the overall red theme.

The Hunk Special Edition seems to have been adequately garnished in the looks department. The bike still retains it's single cylinder, air-cooled 149.2cc engine pushing out 14.4 PS and churning out 12.8 Nm of torque.

SOURCE: WWW.BIKEINDIA.IN

Yamaha launches the FZS

Wasnt the FZ-16 already a sexy looking bike?
Well, Yamaha went a step ahead and launched the new Yamaha FZS. The FZS is a sexier version with changes to the visor, headlamp, meter, new color graphics and an alloy wheel strip.

Here is the press release
Riding the grand success of its muscular and hottest-looking bike FZ16 while shattering all clichés in biking, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. has introduced the Stylish Macho Street Fighter - Yamaha FZ-S. FZ-S highlights the style quotient and has more flesh to flaunt with purely European international design like new colours & graphics, aerodynamic chiseled windshield, stylish & sporty carbon pattern meter consol, and more aggressive looking headlight. The new FZ-S is for stylish and attention seeking Macho man. FZ-S scores high in looks not only in its segment but beyond and is designed to satiate the need for style and fashion by riders. Etched with style and geared to today’s fashion conscious customers, FZ-S is a fusion of machismo and fashion. Speaking about Yamaha’s focus and the new launch, Mr. Y. Tsuji, CEO & Managing Director, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. said, "Yamaha has set forward on a journey where each and every product of ours will set a benchmark in the market with its technological superiority, quality & manufacturing excellence and style quotient. The arrival of this new variant FZ-S is a clear illustration of how the market has responded to FZ 16. Our strategic intent is to provide customers with stylish variant to suite his fashion statement and personality.” The FZ-S will be offered in two colours - Yellow Streak and Silver Tech. The bike will be priced at Rs.67000. Both the colours are trendsetters, being cool, magnetic and hip-hop. The colours give the FZ-S the X-factor which enhances the fashion statement of the rider.

click to enlarge : the old and the new

The FZ-S from Yamaha

The FZ16 has proven to be a fantastic product for Yamaha India. It has surely turned the tables for the company and now, running high on the success of the bike, the company recently launched a new variant of the FZ16 called as the FZ-S.

More details from the press release:
Riding the grand success of its muscular and hottest-looking bike FZ16 while shattering all clichés in biking, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. has introduced the Stylish Macho Street Fighter - Yamaha FZ-S. FZ-S highlights the style quotient and has more flesh to flaunt with purely European international design like new colours & graphics, aerodynamic chiseled windshield, stylish & sporty carbon pattern meter consol, and more aggressive looking headlight. The new FZ-S is for stylish and attention seeking Macho man. FZ-S scores high in looks not only in its segment but beyond and is designed to satiate the need for style and fashion by riders. Etched with style and geared to today’s fashion conscious customers, FZ-S is a fusion of machismo and fashion. Standing head and shoulders above the bikes in 150cc segment, FZ 16 has revolutionized the biking scene in India in a short span of its launch. It has bagged the prestigious Bike of the Year Award from UTVi / Autocar, Zigwheels and Business Standard Motoring and Viewers Choice award at UTVi & Autocar India Awards 2009. FZ-S overflows with dynamism and originality. The running performance brims with thrust that overpowers all others with its unprecedented torque. Dubbed as “Lord of the Streets,” FZ-S is designed and engineered with the potential for active and even aggressive enjoyment of around-town street riding and styling that brings pride of ownership and makes any rider look like they own the road. With the Triple Macho concept projecting the Muscular silhouette, muscular body parts and muscular chassis, FZ -S is an object de’art on the street and reflects visual expression of performance.

Another cool video of the Ninja 250R

Here is another cool video of the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Tsukigi racing exhaust for the Ninja 250R

Selecting a Motorcycle Exhaust-System was never been so difficult, most riders see the Exhaust-System as the easiest way to increase the power of their motorcycle. A survey under riders revealed that most motorcyclists planned to buy an alternative exhaust system for their bike in the next year.

One company Tsukigi Racing has been designing and building aftermarket performance motorcycle exhaust-systems. Tsukigi Racing founded 37-years ago, and now for 10-years active in the Thai motorcycle market has introduced a complete performance exhaust-system for the in Thailand popular Kawasaki Ninja 250R.

The Tsukigi Racing Exhaust-System for the Kawasaki Ninja 250R is probably the easiest aftermarket pipe to install bolting on in a mere 10 minutes. When viewing the end can from the side, people either loved or hated the pipe. The lack of a heat shield can be unpleasant for a pillion-rider especially if not wearing closed shoes.

The Tsukigi Racing Kawasaki Ninja 250R Exhaust-System is loud, aggressive but strangely the sound was not irritating, the exhaust note never felt as extreme.



The mechanics from Tsukigi Racing claimed that the aftermarket system would provide a 2 to 3 horsepower performance gain. We where not able to confirm this, riding the bike let us believe that the power gain was more, especially in the lower rev segment.

Overall we where very impressed by, what could be, the first Thai aftermarket product for the Kawasaki Ninja 250R.

Text source: motorcycle.in.th

Read this - 5 bhp increase for the Ninja 250R