The KTM RC200 was first up. The RC’s are well engineered sporty looking motorcycles, handsome in individual colours, with orange chassis and wheels. Menacing dual front headlights, a slim tank and a multi layered fairing coupled with a slim seat pad look very much in place on thoroughbred racers such as these. Both bikes are compact, really smartly styled machines. There’s a top quality air to both the new KTM motorcycles, this extending to every corner of the bikes. The RC200 lacks handlebar end weights as are available on the RC390. Palm grips on the bikes could have been better, their dimpled ‘pokey’ texture proving harsh on the palms when riding without gloves.
All geared up and ready to let rip, we hop onto the RC200, taking a couple of laps to get used to the quick performance, sharp and nimble
handling, before pushing harder. The 199.5cc, single-cylinder engine on
the RC200 produces 24.7bhp at 10,000rpm, excellent for this class of
bikes. Every time you open throttle, the RC200 surges ahead with
willing, smooth and vibe free performance, reminding us of the thrilling
experience when we were first astride the KTM 200 Duke, albeit now with
ergonomics much better suited to an on-track experience.
Having now warmed up on the RC200, we hopped aboard the KTM RC390, to find it feels just the same in terms of size and ergonomics. Heading out of the pits though, you notice its slightly extra flab, and of course a deeper, so much more soulful, inviting engine growl that pushes you to open throttle and crack the whip. The 200’s rear suspension is a touch plush for the track, where ride quality isn’t a priority, we requested for suspension preload to be bumped up two notches, which made a world of a difference. The KTM RC390 provided to us was in dual tone, black and icy white, giving it a unique identity relative to its younger, mischievous sibling, the RC200. The RC390, like its sibling, does well to handle confidently and proves as thrilling as it gets on a bike of this size. It packs enough punch to strike out and reel in several bikes way above this class, some even with an extra cylinder.
The RC390 urges you to unleash all of its 42.9bhp, which comes in at 9,000rpm, and feels so much quicker than the RC200. One doesn’t realize when the 390 achieves triple digit speeds, the engine sweeping through its powerband ever so quickly, which is about when you start to appreciate the wide safety net
,
thanks to such an able trellis frame, potent and ABS-enabled brakes.
There’s also soft compound Metzeler tyres, which allow you to push hard
with that much more confidence, than when riding the MRF-equipped RC200.
The RC390 inspired much confidence while cornering, and attacking
corners hard to achieve fast exits. And then, the RC390 doesn’t bore its
pilots on straight line sections, for that’s where one quickly learns
the RC390 can achieve 130kph and more in the blink of an eye, beyond
which the new KTM still has plenty of grunt in reserve. Blasting down
the long Chakan track straight, water streaming backwards as it
splatters our helmet visors, we took the 390 to its limit, at which you
find yourself at an indicated 171kph. Perhaps the only thing we found
ourselves searching for on the RC bikes was a higher rev limit. These
willing engines go through their rev bands so quickly, they sometimes
feel slightly shorter geared than possible. That’s, however, also the
reason why they are this rideable, which will be to their advantage when
riding on-road.Yes, there’s more to gain on the RC390 on-track as compared to the RC200, given you don’t need to always be in exactly the correct gear, closer to the peak of the powerband. You can hold the RC390 in a gear higher than ideal when pressed for a downshift, secure in the knowledge the bike has enough torque to pull away from lower rpm, and sprint through its seamless, step free powerband. Like the KTM Dukes, the RC200 and RC390 both delight with their always willing, strong, refined and ever so smooth motors. There are few engines as good as these, and likewise few motorcycles that will match them on a track with such a good setup suspension and finely tuned chassis geometry. Only the Yamaha YZF-R15 and Kawasaki Ninja 300 make the grade to feel in the same league.
This pair of Race Competition (RC) series bikes from KTM provide unadulterated track day tools for those of us looking for punchy, brilliantly setup sportsbikes, for a fun filled experience on track. Of course, as far as commuter bikes go, don’t expect comfort to be a forte. More about that when we get to ride the bikes on public roads. For the price these RC bikes are being offered at, they make attractive motorcycles, more than able to match up to expectations.
Launched: Kawasaki Z1000 and Ninja 1000
Kawasaki launches two new bikes in the 1000cc segment - the Z1000 and Ninja 1000
We knew that Kawasaki was going to follow up the ZX-10R and 14R with their Z series of bikes. What we didn't expect was that it would happen so fast.
Today, Kawasaki has launched two new products in the 1000cc segment - the Ninja 1000 and the Z1000. Both bikes cradle an in-line four-cylinder, 1,043cc motor that makes 140bhp and 111Nm of torque.
Let's start with the Z1000 that we first saw in Tokyo this year. It follows Kawasaki's Sugomi design theme that captures the essence of 'a crouching predator ready to pounce', according to the Japanese bike maker. And it does look very furious.
The Z1000 focuses more on street performance and that can be seen from its stance. It comes equipped with ABS.
Unlike the ZX-10R which is built for top-end grunt, the Z1000 will focus more on low and mid-range performance. Which means the motor's 140bhp will be more useable in and around the city.
While the Z1000 is more street-focused, the Ninja 1000 is more like the jack-of-all-trades, but focuses more on touring. This can be seen by the 1000's ergonomic riding position. Like other top-end Ninjas, the 1000 too comes with ABS and traction control.
Both bikes are priced at Rs 12.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune and Delhi). With this announcement, Kawasaki also said that a Delhi dealership will be up and running by January 2014.
Kawasaki plans to expand its dealership network slowly and steadily across India, with two dealerships being added every year. If you don't live in Pune or Delhi and are worried about aftersales service, you don't need to worry. Kawasaki will send mechanics over to your garage to ensure timely servicing of your bike.
And just to top it off, Kawasaki ended the launch hinting at the possibility of yet another supersport bike being launched next month. Wonder what could that be?
Today, Kawasaki has launched two new products in the 1000cc segment - the Ninja 1000 and the Z1000. Both bikes cradle an in-line four-cylinder, 1,043cc motor that makes 140bhp and 111Nm of torque.
Let's start with the Z1000 that we first saw in Tokyo this year. It follows Kawasaki's Sugomi design theme that captures the essence of 'a crouching predator ready to pounce', according to the Japanese bike maker. And it does look very furious.
The Z1000 focuses more on street performance and that can be seen from its stance. It comes equipped with ABS.
Unlike the ZX-10R which is built for top-end grunt, the Z1000 will focus more on low and mid-range performance. Which means the motor's 140bhp will be more useable in and around the city.
While the Z1000 is more street-focused, the Ninja 1000 is more like the jack-of-all-trades, but focuses more on touring. This can be seen by the 1000's ergonomic riding position. Like other top-end Ninjas, the 1000 too comes with ABS and traction control.
Both bikes are priced at Rs 12.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune and Delhi). With this announcement, Kawasaki also said that a Delhi dealership will be up and running by January 2014.
Kawasaki plans to expand its dealership network slowly and steadily across India, with two dealerships being added every year. If you don't live in Pune or Delhi and are worried about aftersales service, you don't need to worry. Kawasaki will send mechanics over to your garage to ensure timely servicing of your bike.
And just to top it off, Kawasaki ended the launch hinting at the possibility of yet another supersport bike being launched next month. Wonder what could that be?
Honda CBR300R unveiled
UPDATE: Honda reveals specifications, power up to 30bhp
Remember we told you about a Honda CBR300R in our September issue this year? Well, seems that we were wrong, and right in a way. As we like to brag about what we did right, let's go for that bit first. Yes, the Honda CBR300R was in the pipeline and will be unveiled to the public on October 17th at the China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition (CIMAMotor) in Chongqing, China.
As for the bits where we were a little off-the-mark – the CBR300R won’t look like a 250R clone as we had predicted. Instead, it ditches the Y-shaped headlight design of the 250R for an aggressive twin headlight cluster of the CBR500R and the rest of the CBR family. The other noticeable difference is the cylindrical exhaust that replaces bulky triangular-shaped exhaust of the 250R.
For the juicy bits. The 286cc engine will make 30bhp and 27Nm of torque, 4bhp and more than 4Nm of torque over and above the existing motor's output. As far as pricing goes, we think Honda will price the CBR300R at almost the same price as the 250R – thanks to KTM’s aggressive pricing strategy.
The real noodle-scratcher is will the Honda CBR300R come to India? The answer - of course it will! When? For that we might have to wait for the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo to know more.
As for the bits where we were a little off-the-mark – the CBR300R won’t look like a 250R clone as we had predicted. Instead, it ditches the Y-shaped headlight design of the 250R for an aggressive twin headlight cluster of the CBR500R and the rest of the CBR family. The other noticeable difference is the cylindrical exhaust that replaces bulky triangular-shaped exhaust of the 250R.
For the juicy bits. The 286cc engine will make 30bhp and 27Nm of torque, 4bhp and more than 4Nm of torque over and above the existing motor's output. As far as pricing goes, we think Honda will price the CBR300R at almost the same price as the 250R – thanks to KTM’s aggressive pricing strategy.
The real noodle-scratcher is will the Honda CBR300R come to India? The answer - of course it will! When? For that we might have to wait for the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo to know more.
Launched: Mahindra Centuro
The 110cc feature-packed commuter bike can now be yours for Rs 45,000. Our full report...
Because, and only because you didn't have enough 110cc commuter bike options in India right now*, Mahindra Two Wheelers have launched the Centuro motorcycle to fulfill India's budget dreams.
The 106.7cc Centuro is priced at Rs 45,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), with Mahindra promising a healthy five-year warranty. This puts the Centuro up against the likes of Honda Dream Yuga and Hero Passion motorcycles. The Centuro shares the same 8.5bhp producing, MCi-5 motor as the company’s Pantero motorcycle, which went on sale earlier this year. However the engines in both motorcycles are tuned differently and sport a different intake and ignition system.
Let's just say the Centuro is essentially a more premium version of the Pantero, with the major difference between the two being the Centuro’s host of features, which have never before been seen on an 110cc commuter motorcycle in India. These include a unique instrument cluster that houses a tachometer and digital readouts for speedo, odo and trip meters respectively; service indicator and even a distance-to-empty reading. A stand-out feature of the Centuro is its multifunctional (car-like) flip key with 96-bit encryption, meant to prevent theft. This key functions the follow-me-home lights that stay on for while after the key is removed from the ignition, flashing lights with an alarm that aids locating the motorcycle in crowded parking lots, and a LED torch on the key to help find the ignition slot in case you’ve parked in a low-lit area.
The Centuro is currently offered as a single option, with no additional variants. Finally, Mahindra also teased the launch of the Mahindra Mojo by March 2014.
Launched: Honda Activa-i scooter
Priced at Rs 44,200, the Activa-i is an entry-level scooter targeted at the youth
Ever wondered what would happen if the Activa was put on a strict diet and two months of rigorous fitness regime? The result would be the Activa-i – a scooter that’s slimmer than the Activa and with a lean physique.
Targeted mainly towards the youth and first-time buyers, the Activa-i (trying to sound cool like an iPhone) will be Honda’s entry-level scooter, sitting below the Dio in Honda’s product hierarchy. Based on the bigger Activa, the Activa-i differs in terms of styling. It gets a slimmer front apron with integrated front indicators, and when viewed from the profile it looks like one of the e-bikes available in the market. The rear end styling is all new and it also sports a wheel hugger.
There are no prizes for guessing what engine powers the Activa-i. Like the rest of the Honda scooters, the Activa-i too is powered by the same 4-stroke, 109cc HTE engine that develops an identical 8bhp and 8.74Nm. This light-weight personal compact scooter gets features like Combi-braking system, tubeless tyres, maintenance free battery and 18-litres of underseat storage space.
Priced at Rs 44,200 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Activa-i comes with a claimed fuel economy of 60kpl.
Honda launches limited edition paintjob for the CBR250R
And there's a tasty-looking, limited-run Repsol option as well...
If you've always wanted to ride something fairly similar to the RC213V MotoGP bike ridden by Repsol Honda riders Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez, this is probably as close as it gets - Honda has unveiled a handful of new paint options for the CBR250R for 2013, and you can have one draped in the iconic Repsol Honda livery.
Instead of offering a choice of red, silver or black, Honda 2 Wheelers will now let you choose from a total of five colour schemes, which include red, black, white, Pearl Heron Blue (Tricolour on the Fireblade, remember?), and this rather smashing Repsol paint scheme. It's not the first time Honda has offered this paint option on one of its motorcycles - the Unicorn had it too - but it does look pretty neat on the CBR.
Unsurprisingly, there are no performance upgrades, so the 250cc single-cylinder motor still puts out a healthy 26bhp and 22.9Nm of torque. Just about enough go to match the show, then.
The Repsol-liveried CBR250R is a limited-run variant (available only till October this year), and will be available only as the range-topping, Combined Anti-lock Braking System (C-ABS)-equipped model. Priced at Rs 2.21 lakh (on-the-road, Mumbai), this Repsol CBR is priced tantalisingly close to the bike of the moment, the KTM 390 Duke, which was, by pure coincidence, launched three days ago. A paintjob cool enough to lure you into Honda showrooms, or is there really no replacement for some Austrian displacement?
Instead of offering a choice of red, silver or black, Honda 2 Wheelers will now let you choose from a total of five colour schemes, which include red, black, white, Pearl Heron Blue (Tricolour on the Fireblade, remember?), and this rather smashing Repsol paint scheme. It's not the first time Honda has offered this paint option on one of its motorcycles - the Unicorn had it too - but it does look pretty neat on the CBR.
Unsurprisingly, there are no performance upgrades, so the 250cc single-cylinder motor still puts out a healthy 26bhp and 22.9Nm of torque. Just about enough go to match the show, then.
The Repsol-liveried CBR250R is a limited-run variant (available only till October this year), and will be available only as the range-topping, Combined Anti-lock Braking System (C-ABS)-equipped model. Priced at Rs 2.21 lakh (on-the-road, Mumbai), this Repsol CBR is priced tantalisingly close to the bike of the moment, the KTM 390 Duke, which was, by pure coincidence, launched three days ago. A paintjob cool enough to lure you into Honda showrooms, or is there really no replacement for some Austrian displacement?
First ride: KTM Duke 390
Fresh from Austria, here's the riding impression of the maddest little Duke yet. And it's here now!
Holding your breath for the KTM Duke 390? So was I. And I've just gotten off the Duke 390 after our ride in KTM's home country, Austria. And as you can imagine, it's a lot of fun. But how much fun, exactly? Does it offer more - much more - than the Duke 200? Will it change the game in India? Does it make sense to sell your 200 and buy this one? The answer is... wait for it... YES!
Sure, it looks the same. But who cares? Especially after you've twisted the throttle to the stop and rowed through the gearbox to hit 100kph in less than six seconds. And then go on to blast past 165kph with an enthusiasm that thrills you. The Duke 390 is a mad little thing. Uses its 44 horsepower and 35Nm to raise hell quite well, it does.
And when you get to the corners, the madness continues. The Duke 390 weighs less than 150kg with fuel (139kg without fuel), so throwing it around is never a problem. Moreover, the 110/70 front and 150/60 rear Metzeler tyres are perfect partners in crime for the suspension and brakes. Together, they keep raiding your adrenal glands till they're dry.
When we do ride it in India (which we will very soon), we'll have the perfect picture - on Austria's smooth roads, the Duke felt stiff but comfortable. For India, the suspension will be tweaked and it'll be interesting to see how that turns out. And it has been priced at Rs 1.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Rest assured, the Duke 390 is all the madness you've been waiting for. You may breathe now. Phew.
The numbers
373.2cc, 43bhp, 35Nm, 6-speed, steel trellis, 110/70 (front tyre), 150/60 (rear tyre), 11 litre fuel tank, 139kg (without fuel), Rs 1.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Holding your breath for the KTM Duke 390? So was I. And I've just gotten off the Duke 390 after our ride in KTM's home country, Austria. And as you can imagine, it's a lot of fun. But how much fun, exactly? Does it offer more - much more - than the Duke 200? Will it change the game in India? Does it make sense to sell your 200 and buy this one? The answer is... wait for it... YES!
Sure, it looks the same. But who cares? Especially after you've twisted the throttle to the stop and rowed through the gearbox to hit 100kph in less than six seconds. And then go on to blast past 165kph with an enthusiasm that thrills you. The Duke 390 is a mad little thing. Uses its 44 horsepower and 35Nm to raise hell quite well, it does.
And when you get to the corners, the madness continues. The Duke 390 weighs less than 150kg with fuel (139kg without fuel), so throwing it around is never a problem. Moreover, the 110/70 front and 150/60 rear Metzeler tyres are perfect partners in crime for the suspension and brakes. Together, they keep raiding your adrenal glands till they're dry.
When we do ride it in India (which we will very soon), we'll have the perfect picture - on Austria's smooth roads, the Duke felt stiff but comfortable. For India, the suspension will be tweaked and it'll be interesting to see how that turns out. And it has been priced at Rs 1.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Rest assured, the Duke 390 is all the madness you've been waiting for. You may breathe now. Phew.
The numbers
373.2cc, 43bhp, 35Nm, 6-speed, steel trellis, 110/70 (front tyre), 150/60 (rear tyre), 11 litre fuel tank, 139kg (without fuel), Rs 1.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Sure, it looks the same. But who cares? Especially after you've twisted the throttle to the stop and rowed through the gearbox to hit 100kph in less than six seconds. And then go on to blast past 165kph with an enthusiasm that thrills you. The Duke 390 is a mad little thing. Uses its 44 horsepower and 35Nm to raise hell quite well, it does.
And when you get to the corners, the madness continues. The Duke 390 weighs less than 150kg with fuel (139kg without fuel), so throwing it around is never a problem. Moreover, the 110/70 front and 150/60 rear Metzeler tyres are perfect partners in crime for the suspension and brakes. Together, they keep raiding your adrenal glands till they're dry.
When we do ride it in India (which we will very soon), we'll have the perfect picture - on Austria's smooth roads, the Duke felt stiff but comfortable. For India, the suspension will be tweaked and it'll be interesting to see how that turns out. And it has been priced at Rs 1.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Rest assured, the Duke 390 is all the madness you've been waiting for. You may breathe now. Phew.
The numbers
373.2cc, 43bhp, 35Nm, 6-speed, steel trellis, 110/70 (front tyre), 150/60 (rear tyre), 11 litre fuel tank, 139kg (without fuel), Rs 1.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Delhi’s first KTM Orange Day turned out to be a huge success with KTM owners and fellow bikers exploiting the true potential of the Duke 200. While riders and enthusiasts alike enjoyed the KTM racing experience, they also got to feast their eyes on KTM’s flagship superbike, the 2013 KTM RC8 R, that was unveiled by Indian racing legend Dilip Rogers and Ishwinder Khurana, DGM, Probiking.
KTM will be showcasing the 1190cc RC8 R across its showrooms for enthusiasts to take a look at. The RC8 R’s twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine develops 175.3PS of power and 123Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a hydraulically operated Anti-hopping clutch.
A tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel is powder-coated to provide a lightweight and rigid frame to complement the bike’s racing heritage that has been derived from the KTM RC8 Super Cup one make racing competition. Weighing in at just 184 kgs the 2013 KTM RC8 R is lighter than both the Yamaha R1 and Suzuki Hayabusa giving the Austrian that crucial power to weight ratio over its Japanese rivals.
KTM will be launching the RC8 R superbike in India as a CBU in the near future.
TVS BMW partnership gets going
It is finally official - BMW and TVS will work together to make a range of motorcycles below 500cc for the new evolving nature of motorcycling, not just for India but for the global markets. Then as now, Adil Jal Darukhanawala has the gen on the new exciting two-wheeled entity
BMW and TVS have inked a technology agreement whereby the two would partner to make a range of motorcycles in India designed and engineered by BMW. This brings to a head the intense discussions underway since the last year and a half with the German bike maker trying to find a foothold for lean low cost manufacturing in Asia just as Ducati and Triumph have embarked on the same in Thailand in recent years.
However, unlike the other two European bike marques from Italy and England respectively who have gone in without any local Asian partner, BMW’s move is in diametrically opposite as it has sought a partner to spearhead its intent for the low cost emerging markets. For quite a long while BMW Motorrad had been searching high and low for a partner capable of large volume production along with high consistent quality and after months of discussions and evaluations, the German car and bike maker was pretty impressed with the Hosur-based bike maker’s technical acumen, attitude and approach to two-wheeler manufacturing.
It is very early days yet but the deal envisages TVS to manufacture a range of motorcycles and scooters below 500cc for a completely new genre of motorcycles which would be sold not just in India and Asia but all over the world. This signifies the changing face of motorcycling as we have been advocating for a long time. It is not about hyper machines capable of splitting the atoms and zipping at the speed of light. Rather it is a back to basics creed where easy handling, pleasure delivering smooth torquing machines in decent displacement sizes help deliver an all new feel to riders across all ages.
That this sort of performance will yet be stylish and modern but without punching a big hole in the pocket is why the likes of Honda, Kawasaki, Bajaj and KTM have already shown their hand with just such an interpretation of this concept and with Triumph expected to come up with a 400-500cc twin made in Asia for the world, BMW’s move to rope in TVS as a low cost manufacturing outpost is just the right way forward for both partners. Quite natural this because not only product development but also product manufacturing costs have made manufacturing a very costly game in Europe and this more than anything else along with the new age “small on displacement, big on performance” mantra made it imperative for BMW to search and then zero in an Indian/Asian partner and TVS fits the bill very well.
Many did think that the way forward to a low cost BMW motorcycle would have been via the Husqvarna brand which BMW owned till about a couple of months ago but the new thinking within the corridors of power in Munich has dictated that there would be a whole new range of entry level bikes sporting the blue and white propeller logo and that while they would be competitively priced, they wouldn’t be low rent. To many it might seem as if this is an entirely new arena Munich is wading into but the fact remains that it has been present in this segment before as well. If one cares to look at its model portfolio through the ages, it had made single and twin-cylinder machines in capacities ranging from as low as 200cc and 250cc respectively!
BMW’s technical agreement with TVS will see the duo work together on the development and production of a range of two-wheelers with engine capacity under the half-litre mark. It has been quite clear that in recent times, the lack of a strong technology partner had been perceived rather painfully for TVS but the might of BMW could help revive its fortunes. Related: BMW to link up with TVS via its Husqvarna brand?
Kawasaki Ninja 300 India launch preview
A worthy successor to the iconic Kawasaki Ninja 250R, the all-new Ninja 300 radically changes the sport touring image that its predecessor has had for over two decades. So what has changed on the baby Ninja? We bring you all the information on what is new and how!
India Kawasaki Motors, Kawasaki’s Indian subsidiary is geared up to bring in the machine onto Indian shores on April 10th 2013. So while we are desperately waiting to get our hands on the new motorcycle, here is all that is new on the Ninja 300. One look and it’s obvious that the blokes at Kawasaki have worked hard on giving the youngest Ninja a serious makeover. The sophisticated and gentleman-like aura of the Ninja 250R has been replaced by a far more appealing and aggressive design that oozes sportiness and speed like never before.
Amalgamating form and function, the new compact design of the machine has been sketched keeping in mind the revised placing for the radiator fan, which helps in redirecting hot air away from the rider, a major problem faced in hot weather regions like India. Improvements are not merely cosmetic but run deeper into the skin of the new Ninja 300. The new machine gets a revised liquid-cooled fuel-injected 296cc parallel twin cylinder engine that boasts a longer stroke, new aluminium die-cast cylinder which is lighter by 600gm, new cylinder head as well as a new 2-into-1 exhaust system tuned for better sport performance and even torque delivery.
Churning out a total of 39PS of power at 11,000 rpm and 27Nm of torque at 10,000rpm, the new Ninja 300 promises to be quite a thriller with a rather impressive weight figure of just 174kg (ABS). A lot of weight saving has been achieved thanks to liberal use of aluminium, for instance the lightweight supersports style foot pegs. Kawasaki has really raised the stakes as the Ninja 300 gets some really top scoring tech-bits like race-bred FCC Assist & Slipper clutch mechanism for back-torque limiting as well as a high-end ABS unit. The 140-section rear tyre too is bigger on the Ninja 300 against the 130-section found on the Ninja 250R. Phew! That’s a lot of upgrades and admirable ones which present the newKawasaki Ninja 300 with sure-footing in the burgeoning 300-400cc segment.
Hero-EBR developing 250cc sports bike
Hero MotoCorp along with partner EBR is developing a 250cc sports bike that is scheduled to be unveiled at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo
Almost two years after breaking up with Honda and with the erstwhile Japanese partner now fast and furiously on its trail, Hero MotoCorp is pulling out all stops towards unveiling its first indigenously-developed motorcycle - an all-new 250cc sports bike - at the next Auto Expo in 2014.
The motorcycle is being developed in collaboration with Hero Moto's American technology partner Erik Buell Racing (EBR), two persons involved with this closely-guarded project who did not want to be named told ET.
One of those persons added: "Hero is determined to showcase to the world its capability and competence in bringing world-class products with superior technology on its own in quick time. It is currently working on several models ranging from low-engine displacement to higher-powered motorcycles and scooters. However, the first bike on a new platform to hit the market will be a 250cc motorcycle."
A group of young and highly-skilled engineers from Hero Moto's R&D centres in Gurgaon and Dharuhera have been stationed at the EBR centre at East Troy in Wisconsin, US for the past several months, and are working very closely with EBR engineers on this project, the persons close to the project said. The high-powered 250cc bike with cutting-edge technology and next-generation styling has been jointly conceptualized, designed and developed by Hero and EBR engineers.
"While the initial development is being done at the EBR centre, the complete development and manufacturing of the bike will be done at Hero's plants in India," said a source.
2012 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Prototype
After it was previously teased, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R Prototype was finally revealed at the EICMA show.
The new model is the first functional concept ever developed by KTM and comes with a sharp design language and a strong 180 hp engine.
The bike is based on the KTM Super Duke and is powered by the same LC8 unit found at the KTM 1190 RC8 R. The two-cylinder engine is combined with a set of light steel pipes and a single-sided swing arm. As far as suspensions go, the prototype is fitted with upside-down forks with gas pressure reservoir, and a directly linked rear shock.
Perhaps it goes without saying that the KTM 1290 Super Duke R Prototype also comes with racing wheels, racing brakes and racing tires. The bike’s backbone is a trellis frame made of chrome molybdenum steel combined with a single sided aluminium swing arm.
Hit the jump for more information on the KTM 1290 Super Duke R Prototype.
Press release
Before glimpsing the fascinating future of the Super Duke, a short flashback: in 2005, the first pure street twin with the name Super Duke rolls out of the KTM halls and changes the world of motorcycles. Extremely agile and muscular, the bike lives up to its name – an unmistakable machine, with an aggressive sound, a bike to fit no pre-conceived notions and keeping out of no competitor’s way. Over the years, the Super Duke gets even hotter. Its power increases – as does its fan community.
The success of this uniquely dynamic motorbike confirms the veracity of KTM’s commitment to the Naked Bike, opening the door for further models. The merciless street fighter becomes the leader of a veritable pack of exhilarating bikes – all of them light, pure, top quality, and all without fairings. In 2011, KTM hits the bull’s eye of the small displacement segment with the 125 Duke. Almost 10,000 motorcyclists hop up, by no means just beginners.
Just a year later, KTM stages another energetic escalation with the upgraded entry-level version 200 Duke, and puts the latest LC4 generation of the 690 Duke onto the grid – with well-known ingredients for maximum riding fun; with plenty of Single thrust at minimal weight; but also with more practicality, thanks to Drive-by-Wire and ABS. Another year later, there comes the athletic 690 Duke R, while at the same time, the brand new 390 Duke makes ready – a reasonable fun bike that will bring incredible enjoyment to riders all over the world.
Everything possible So far, so good: 125, 200, 390, 690 and 990 cubic centimetres. But things don’t need to end there, even if nobody can make a case for more displacement purely based on rational considerations. Rather, it’s about enjoying power in abundance, about crazy acceleration, about tires screaming for mercy, about pushing the limits of physics.
The world of KTM. The world of the new Super Duke
Super Duke Onepointthree At the EICMA 2012, KTM showcases the prototype of the future 1290 Super Duke R – a machine whose entrance needs no explanation and which shouts the very essence of the KTM philosophy unfiltered into the world’s face through two open megaphones. The creators of this concept are not about complying with regulations and legal provisions. They are about showing what happens when the best technicians, designers and riders are unleashed in Mattighofen.
The developers started with another hefty rebore of the RC8 R engine in order to give it maximum punch. Around this two-cylinder elemental force, they fitted a tight suit tailored from light steel pipes, completing the chassis with a single-sided swing arm and the finest suspension components from the WP Suspension prototype development, as well as racing wheels, racing brakes and racing tires. To this they added the finest carbon parts, countless working hours, and spilled sweat by the bucket.
More sweat, more commitment, then finally, cheers. Job done. Rollout in Milan.
Wide open throttle
The best news comes last: KTM is already working on the production version of the 1290 Super Duke R, with that same enthusiasm. A good reason to look forward to 2013 – to the first press testride on the new Super Duke R.
Specifications
- Engine: liquid cooled V-twin based on RC8 R with Drive-by-Wire
- Displacement: more than ever
- Power and torque: very, very much
- Electronic assistants: ABS and traction control – stoppie and wheelie protection disengageable (of course)
- Top speed: depends on the rider’s courage and figure
- Frame: Trellis frame made of chrome molybdenum steel
- Swing arm: single sided aluminium swing arm
Suspension components:
- WP prototypes – upside-down forks with gas pressure reservoir, directly linked rear shock
- Wheels and tires: aluminium wheels with slicks
- Brakes: front and rear Brembo racing callipers
- Weight: incredibly low
so nic
ReplyDeleteThe RC200 shot past 90kph without any trouble on Bajaj’s 1100m long straight, flying onwards all the way into its electronic rev limiter in top gear. At this point you find yourself clipping along at an indicated 135 kph, displayed on a compact, somewhat crowded, sporty LCD instruments bay. The RC200 is a fun track day motorcycle, best suited to people who want to avail of a bike with thoroughbred, track focused ergonomics and strong performance for the class.
ReplyDelete