BIKE India Julio2014

INDIAS NO. 1 TWO WHEELER MAGAZINE, BY FAR!
VOLUME 9
ISSUE 012
JULY 2014
` 90
WWW.BIKEINDIA.IN
EXCLUSIVE RIDE
YAMAHA MT & YZF-R
One for the road,

one for the track
FIRST RIDES
Hyosung GT250R Honda VFR 800F BMW S 1000 R
PUBLISHING
EBR 1190RX
FOLLOW THE TIGERS TRAIL FROM K2K: PUNE TO RANN OF KUTCH
THE RIGHT LINE

IN INDIA SOMETHING SERIOUS NEEDS TO HAPPEN
for the authorities (or, for that matter, ordinary people) to wake up to
the danger. For instance, the attack on Mumbai showed us how
vulnerable we were to being attacked from the sea. For a little while
people were up in arms and the security was beefed up, but now we
are back to square one.
The road accident that killed Union Minister Gopinath Munde
has received an immediate reaction from our new transport minister,
Nitin Gadkari, as he is looking at the lawless traffic situation in the
country and is going to change traffic rules. Not only do the rules
need a change, but also how the RTO (Regional Transport Offices)
issue driving licences. The most important issue is strict
implementation of traffic rules, levying of hefty fines and
impounding the licences of habitual offenders. I hope this action
does not die down with time.
Last month I was in Port Blair, which happens to be unspoilt
naturally and traffic-wise. It is a part of India, but there is one big
difference between the mainland and the island: everybody obeys
traffic rules right from stopping before the zebra crossing to
respecting traffic signals.
The Indian economy should improve in the near future with
a stable government and that will help a turnaround in the
two-wheeler market which has been flat for most of last year and
the first half of this year. Many of the Indian manufacturers are
looking to export their products to the South American and African
markets to counter the Indian slowdown.
ASPI BHATHENA EDITOR
BIKE India Magazine, 401B, Gandhi Empire, 5th Floor,

2 Serene Estate, Kondhwa Road, Pune 411 040. INDIA
Tel: +91-20-32930292 / 3 Fax: +91-20-26830465
Email us at: bikeindia@nextgenpublishing.net
EDITOR Aspi Bhathena
ASSISTANT EDITOR Aninda Sardar
COPY EDITOR Deepak Upadhye
EDITOR AT LARGE Navroze Contractor
MOTOGP EDITOR Mat Oxley
INTERNATIONAL CONTRIBUTORS Roland Brown, Glynn Kerr
CORRESPONDENTS Ravi Chandnani, Gaurav Nagpal
STAFF WRITERS Sridhar Chari, Piyush Sonsale, Jim Gorde,
Rommel Albuquerque, Harket Suchde, Sayem Parvez Syed
ART DIRECTOR Ramnath Chodankar
SENIOR DESIGNER Ravi Parmar
DESIGNERS Varun Kulkarni, Santosh Wadhai, Shubham Rohatgi
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Sanjay Raikar
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DPPI
PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE Dinesh Bhajnik
ADMIN. EXECUTIVE Roshni Bulsara
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & HEAD PRODUCTION
Atul Bandekar
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Hoshang S Billimoria, Aspi Bhathena,
Navroze Contractor
PUBLISHER Marzban Jasoomani
MARKETING HEAD OFFICE
Next Gen Publishing Ltd.
2nd Floor, C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills Compound,
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Printed by Marzban Jasoomani
Next Gen Publishing Ltd., Trade World, C-Wing, 2nd Floor,
Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel(W),
Mumbai 400013.
Published by Marzban Jasoomani
Next Gen Publishing Ltd., Trade World, C-Wing, 2nd Floor,
Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel(W),
Mumbai 400013.
Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd,
1-1-60/5 RTCX Roads, Hyderabad - 20.
Published at Next Gen Publishing Ltd.,
Trade World, C-Wing, 2nd Floor,
Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg,
Lower Parel(W), Mumbai 400013.
EDITOR Aspi Bhathena

Member
JULY 2014
PUBLISHING
www.bikeindia.in
YOU have
SUPPORTED us for
NINE YEARS and are still the
MAIN REASON for this humble effort of ours.
WE, together with YOU, have made BIKE INDIA
the LEADING two-wheeler MAGAZINE in the
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You can now get your pictures in this section by
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You can still send them by e-mail to
bikeindia@nextgenpublishing.net
10
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
CONTENTSJULY 2014
REGULARS
8
10
14
16
18
26
28
30
32
Editorial
You
Letters
Technomail
Ignition
Did You Know
Motoware
How to...
Your Trips
IGNITION
Ducati Monster 821

Second liquid-cooled Monster from
Borgo Panigale
40
BMW Concept Roadster

Radical new avatar from Bavaria to
keep Boxer legacy alive
Honda VFR800F
An excellent bike just got better. We
take it for a spin
YAMAHA
/ YZF-R12
MT-125
NO
T THI
S
A
O
B
EMPT Y
and the
MT-125
Yamahas 5 in Barcelona
We rode
F-R12
ort
eration YZ Here is the rep
new-gen
tly.
en
rec
Heros New Heroes

Karizma R and ZMR arrive packing
two more horses
50
68
Hyosung GT250R
The Koreans new clothes
EBR 1190RX
Erik Buell is back
FEATURES
34
84
Z, SEBAS
MARTINE
ND BROWN
STORY: ROLA Y STERN
& HENN
MONTERO
FRANCESC
below
ROMERO,
the centre,
tacho at
with a bar
appearance shift lights.
this MT was
-low 810 mm
a pair of gear 15 horses to play with ppy hooligan
SIO
but not superof wet weight
With only be a raw, wheelie-ha its
APHY: ALES
kg
a moderate
to
PHOTOGR
slim seat is d, but with just 138
within
standstill.
geable at too, as never going big brothers, but of fun. Yamaha
of the old
off the groun effortlessly mana
to be in
er instead
bike like its limits it was plenty ULPDJHVRWKH
e
brake callip
the Yam feelsfeels like a good place slightly raised
biting a single
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entre tour
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room
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you reach
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bar that giveswith foot-rests that
disc of unch looks very sharp, with ct style,
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The MT gs, but its own distin LED
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clutch
position in r and further forwa
the
low-effort
its larger siblinan aggressively anglemuch larger
cutaways;
slightly highetop yoke has neat
by
phone-like
(doubtless either side
enhanced
s on
YZFs. The ment panel has a smart
and by large
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l instru
digita
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desig
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so the
than strictl
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I
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haft and clutch
to stay at
bled cams mum output had s a fraction more
Maxi
there
125, is assem
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KTMs Duke
licensing
s
pean rival,
my is
most point
trouble to
fuel econo r is
MT- Euro .
torque at
taken great notably
moto
Yamaha claim
has naked
in India
however,
ble,
ss of Yama
RPM, and over 10 per cent. The YZFs twinthe
Yamaha have, costs as low as possi and newthe
by
s
iven the succe07, and the fact that in
ved
ction
impro
that retain letely new,
the MT
lar
a chassis
keep produ development of
09 and MT- also been popu
t that the
t but is comp forks in place
bolted into
has
far the
)
by combining R125, to the extenchassis are
frame layou
YZF-R125 t years (it was by
l
YZFspar steel upside-down (USD a four-piston
m
ets in recen bike in 2013), the arrivas
generation es and most of their ped version
with 41-m al 33-mm legs, and
many mark
revam
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the letter
ls engin
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mode
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UKs top-s
The powe liquid-cooled unit,
125-cc single predictable as
ad,
identical.
ed-down
s SOHC,
of a stripp
cylinder-he
not so much ise is that the
of the YZF
ding new
name was
MT in its
mods inclu
the only surprin Europe but is
featuring
Perhaps,
inevitable. not only developed its closest
MT-125 was ced in France, while
being produ
FIRST RIDES
5
/ YZF-R12
MT-125
YAMAHA
ST RIDE
FIR
New Yamahas
Dope on quarter-litre Yam, plus some
62
BMW S 1000 R
:HULGHWKHUHQHGVXSHUELNHWXUQHG
naked roadster
JULY 2014
india.in
www.bike
.in
india
www.bike
44
JULY 2014
45
44
Yamaha MT-125 and YZF-R125

Two exceptional bikes: one for the street, the other for the racetrack
74
Design Trends
The Tigers trail continues
and this time we head to the
lions den in Gujarat and
beyond, to the Rann of Kutch
Vespa S-cape
Exploring the cool back waters of Kerala
from the back of an Italian wasp
78
BACK END
96
104
108
112
116
12
JULY 2014
Isle of Man TT 2014

MotoGP France
MotoGP Italy
WSBK Donington Park
Motorsport News
TVS Star City+

Two wheels for the stylish commuter
www.bikeindia.in
#dainese
Dainese: providing people with head to toe protection in dynamic sports.

This was the objective with which Dainese was founded, a mission it has pursued right from the start on racetracks around the world
with help from the greatest racers. Lino Dainese, the companys founder and president, began his adventure back in 1972 after
returning from a motorcycle trip to London, where for the first time hed admired English bikes and registered surprise at the suits
the riders wore: little more than leather sheaths without any protection at all. This was his first perception of the needs to improve
motorcycle riding gear and to introduce a modern and efficacious concept of protection. From Giacomo Agostini to Valentino Rossi,
Dainese has played a key role in the motorcycle world by working together with the champions on the invention of new products
like the back protector and the knee slider or the evolution of existing products with the introduction of innovative technologies and
materials. In 2010, Dainese presented D-air, the intelligent protection for riders born from the application of special air bags around
the riders body. Ten years of study, experiments, and testing led to the optimization of the D-air Racing model for racetrack use and
the D-air Street model for use on public roads.
Dainese is the company behind head-to-toe protection that integrates the various components of motorcycle apparel with protection
and optimizes performance and weight. From head to toe, to be exact.
The first official Dainese store in India is now open, offering a wide selection of the Dainese motorcycle collection and AGV helmets range.
D-Store Bangalore
Shop 123A, 1st floor Orion Mall | Brigade Gateway | Bangalore 560 055
Tel. +91 80 2218 7676 | sales@dainesedstore.in | www.dainese.com
LETTERS
KNOW SOMETHING THAT THE OTHERS DONT?
BIke India welcomes the views of its readers. Pen down any witty, logical or informative idea that hits your brain, and mail it
to: BIKE India, Next Gen Automotive, 401B, Gandhi Empire, 5th Floor, 2 Serene Estate, Kondhwa Road, Pune - 411 040, India.
Fax:+91 20 26830465
Email: bikeindia@nextgenpublishing.net
SUGGEST THE RIGHT

TOURING BIKE
I request you to suggest to me a touring motorcycle
below Rs 2.2 lakh. My primary concerns are
comfort, handling, vibe-free cruising at 70-100
km/h, safe braking, and illumination. My decision
will depend solely on your advice.
Vaisakh, Thiruvananthapuram
STAR LETTER
Hello, Vaisakh,
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FIRST BIKE SHORT-LIST
First of all, kudos to you for bringing us
Indias number one biking magazine!
,DPDERXWWRJHWP\oUVWELNHDQGKDYHVKRUW
listed the Honda CBR 250R, KTM 390 Duke,
Kawasaki Ninja 300, and Hyosung GT250R. I
want to know when the RC 390 is expected to land
in our showrooms. Similarly, is there an update on
the Harley-Davidson Street 500? Please advise me.
Shashank S J, by e-mail
Dear Shashank,
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A NOTE FOR OUR VALUED READERS

Dear Readers,
Thank you for the large number of letters! However, we
request you to send them in a proper format. Firstly, please
ensure that your letters are part of the e-mail itself, and not
an attachment. Only pictures, wherever necessary, may be
sent as attachments. Secondly, please mention the subject in
the subject line. For example, if your letter is for the Letters
column, please mention LETTERS in the subject line. If it is a
technical query to be answered by us, please mention
TECHNO MAIL and so on. Otherwise your mail could land up
in the spam bin. This will ensure that your letters and queries
are published regularly.
EDITOR
14
JULY 2014
MADE FOR EACH OTHER

I would like to share with my
favourite magazine a beautiful poem written
by my aunt, Naina Nair, expressing the
love that myself and my bike share. It was
given to me on my birthday. I thought this
would be the best way to thank my aunt
and show her how much it matters to me:
AN AWESOME TWOSOME
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Sharad Shyam, Bengaluru
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www.bikeindia.in
TECHNOMAIL
GOT A QUESTION OR A PROBLEM?
Write to BIKE India, Next Gen Automotive, 401B, Gandhi Empire, 5th
Floor, 2 Serene Estate, Kondhwa Road, Pune 411 040, India.
Fax:+91 20 26830465
Email: bikeindia@nextgenpublishing.net
BIGGER CARBURETTOR
FOR THE PULSAR
I am an avid fan of Bike India and have been

following your magazine since 2009. I have also
written a number of letters to you. This time,
however, I am not writing a fan letter. I want
some technical information about my Bajaj
Pulsar 150. I have read many Technomail
questions wherein people have asked about
how they can improve the performance of their
ELNHV,WRRLQWHQGWRGRVRPHPRGLoFDWLRQVWR
my Pulsar 150, which I bought recently. I want
to go for a bigger carburettor, but I have no idea
as to how it can be done. Please advise me.
Arjun Rai, Delhi
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DROP IN FUEL EFFICIENCY
I am really unhappy with the fuel
HIoFLHQF\RIP\0DKLQGUD5RGHRVFRRWHU,
have tried explaining the problem to the
showroom people but they dont have a clue as
to what could be wrong. Earlier, I used to get
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gone down to 30-35 km/l. Please advise me.
Vaibhav Pandey, Dehradun
16
JULY 2014
WEVE GOT THE ANSWER
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ROYAL OIL LEAKAGE
I am a proud owner of a 2012 Royal
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However, I spend a lot of time and money
quenching its thirst for oil. I have tried
replacing the gasket several times. It runs
without any leaks for a few days, but after that
its back to square one. I even asked a few
mechanics in my area to help me out with the
problem, but they simply laugh at me and say
that its a Bullet, so itll leak no matter what I
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bikes or is it just my bike? I sometime feel as if
I have invested like a fool in a motorcycle this
expensive. Please help me.
Pratik Sharma, Pune
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WHEEL REPLACEMENT
I recently bought a second-hand
Honda Unicorn which was not in a very good
condition. It came with spoke wheels and the
rear wheel is slightly bent and the front one
needs some work, according to my mechanic. I
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alloy wheels of the new Unicorn on this older
model. I also found out that the new one
comes with a wider rear tyre. Do I need to
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there any changes in the engine of the old
Unicorn and the new one? Please advise me.

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SOFT-COMPOUND TYRES
I am not a
regular reader of Bike
India. Recently I came
across one issue of
your magazine and
found that you have a
section wherein you
help people with
technical queries.
Hence this letter.
,RZQD+RQGD&%55DQGWKHW\UHVRQ
my bike have started wearing down. I would
like to change them, but I am not able to get
the standard tyres. One of my friends
suggested that I should go in for softcompound tyres. I have no idea about what
that means. How are soft-compound tyres
different from regular tyres? Please advise me.
Pravin Rao, Bengaluru
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www.bikeindia.in

!"#"$% &
IGNITION
WELCOME
JUNIOR
Ducati unveil their latest mid-level Monster, called the 821 because of its
Hypermotard connection. This new beast from Borgo Panigale looks
quite ravishing and has a very menacing personality. Here is a little bit
more about the new monster on the block
18
JUNE 2014
THE DUCATI MONSTER IS PROBABLY THE

most successful motorcycle from Borgo Panigale
because for more than two decades the Monster has
had a solid fan following in Italy and also all over
the world. Last year at EICMA, Ducati launched
the most modern Monster yet with liquid cooling
and other cool stuff. In 2014, the company has
unveiled yet another gorgeous motorcycle: the
Monster 821.
It has a beautiful silhouette, sculpted by the
artists at Ducati. The fuel-tank has always been
the highlight of the Monster line-up and here it
is chiselled to perfection as it takes centre-stage
in this masterpiece. The Trellis frame too works
its magic in drawing your eyes towards the new
7HVWDVWUHWWD/WZLQZKLFKDOVRSRZHUVWKH
Hypermotard. The perfectly curved pipes of the
2-1-2 exhaust also elevates the overall visual appeal
of this Monster. The tail section, as always, is
minimal, sharp and drop-dead gorgeous.
The 821 looks exactly the same as big brother, the
1200, but keen Monster fans will be able to notice
the missing single-sided swing-arm because the 821

features a conventional swing-arm. Apart
from that, however, it is very hard to distinguish
between the two.
This new Monsters heart is the humble
7HVWDVWUHWWD/WZLQERUURZHGIURPWKH
Hypermotard. However, it now produces 112
PS and 89 Nm of torque, slightly more than in
the Hypermotard. A six-speed gearbox transfers
this power to the rear wheel. Braking duties are
shouldered by 320-mm rotors with radial-mount
Brembo four-pot callipers. Other things include
footwear from Pirelli, eight-level traction control,
ABS, ride-by-wire throttle, Ducatis push-button
riding modes and a dry weight of just 167 kg.
Ducati have disclosed only a few details of the new
Monster 821, but we are certain that at the upcoming
World Ducati Week the company will give more
information about the 821. But one thing we can tell
you for sure is that this new Monster is headed to
India and we expect Ducati to price it smartly if they
want it to win hearts in this country as well.
Exhaust end-cans simply look beautiful
The new powerplant is liquid-cooled and produces 112PS
www.bikeindia.in
www.bikeindia.in
JUNE 2014
19
IGNITION
NEW-LOOK
PULSARS FROM
BAJAJ
SCRAMBLING BACK
DUCATI ARE ALL SET TO HARK
back the 1960s by launching a modern-day
incarnation of the famous fun machine, the
Ducati Scrambler. In the 60s the Scrambler
craze was at its peak and even today you can
oQGDQXPEHURIHQWKXVLDVWVZKRVLPSO\DGRUH
the Scrambler.
However, the 2015 Ducati Scrambler will be
a lot different from the original thing. Unlike
the single-cylinder motor Scramblers of the
60s, which made these zippy lightweight
machines so much fun to ride, the modern

Scrambler will get an air-cooled L-twin,
probably the smaller air-cooled unit from the
Monster family.
Ducati have not divulged any information
apart from the name of the motorcycle, but at the
upcoming World Ducati Week we expect the
company to reveal more about the Scrambler. A
formal launch will take place later either at the
biggest motorcycle show on earth, the EICMA,
or at the Intermot show in Germany.
BAJAJ AUTO HAVE INTRODUCED

the Pulsar trio in a new avatar, with more
exciting colour schemes for the Pulsar 150,
180 and 220 DTS-i.
The Pulsar brand has been doing well and
remains the most popular performance brandname in India, with the 150, 180, 220 and NS
200 forming a sizeable chunk of the Indian
performance bike market. With the new look
DTS-i Pulsars, the company hopes to keep the
momentum going.
We expect to see a smaller Pulsar NS as well
as the larger SS 400 in the near future. The CS
400 Cruiser Sport concept unveiled at the
Auto Expo generated more than its fair share
of hype and became a highly talked-about and
anticipated model.
BMW MOTORRAD CONCEPT ROADSTER

TO KEEP THE BOXER-TWIN
tradition alive BMW Motorrad have come
up with a new concept motorcycle, called the
Roadster. BMW Motorrad unveiled this new
concept at the famous Concorso dEleganza
Villa dEste, held on the beautiful shore of Lake
Como in Italy.
Last year BMW Motorrad took the wraps
off the NineT, a retro motorcycle with a modern
twist. BMW commissioned the NineT to
the young custom bike builder and designer,
Roland Sands, but for the Concept Roadster, all
the design work was done in-house by BMW.
This time, instead of a retro motorcycle the
designers penned a gorgeous, modern-looking
motorcycle that has a perfect blend of form and
function. This naked concept features a BoxerTwin that is completely dipped in black. It is
the centre-piece of the whole design, and, on
SDSHUWKHoJXUHVORRNSUHWW\GHFHQWWRR7KH
power output stands at 125 PS and torque at 125
Nm. The whole design has a very aggressive
aura about it, be its sharp lines or the minimalist
body-work or the low front end and high rear
end. Everything on the bike looks smart and
even at standstill it appears to be fast. It is
20
JUNE 2014
GHoQLWHO\DYHU\EROGVW\OHVWDWHPHQWE\
BMW Motorrad.
Will this concept go into production? Well,
it is too early to comment on that, but looking at
what the company did to the R NineT,

we are sure that the Concept Roadster
might just become a radical new toy from
BMW Motorrad.
www.bikeindia.in
IGNITION
TVS WEGO GETS AN UPDATE

TVS RECENTLY LAUNCHED A
refreshed version of their popular scooter, the
Wego. To keep the buzz alive about the Wego,
796KDYHoWWHGWKHUHIUHVKHGYHUVLRQZLWKD
digital console that features an econometer.
Apart from the digital console, the Wego also
gets tubeless tyres, a new exhaust can and also

parking brake. And completing the new look are
the new graphics and dual-tone paint scheme.
TVS have already begun selling this new
Wego and the price starts at Rs 46,410
(ex-showroom, Delhi).
HERO REFRESH THE KARIZMA

HERO MOTOCORP
recently launched the 2014 version
of their popular 223-cc motorcycle,
the Karizma and ZMR. The earlier
Karizma, almost one-and-a-halfdecade old, had a simple design
yet it managed to win many hearts.
The designers at Hero have given
the new Karizma a very dramatic
look, which will certainly invite
some criticism from the hardcore
enthusiasts.
Anyway, the 2014 Karizma
features a new fairing that has
stacked twin headlamps and
integrated blinkers, a new belly
pan, fenders, whole mid- and rear
section, split seat, grab-rail, chain-
cover, handlebars, console, slightly

wider tyres and exhaust heat
shield. However, Hero did not
play around with the engine much
as most of it remains unchanged,
except for a slight power boost.
The 223-cc motor now develops
19.2 PS of power and 19.35 Nm of
torque.
If you wish to buy the refreshed
Karizma, you will have to shell out
Rs 83,158 (ex-showroom, Pune)
for the Karizma R and if your heart
desires the ZMR, which has got
all the above mentioned changes
plus a full fairing, then you will
have to spend Rs 1,04,986
(ex-showroom, Pune).
NEW YAMAHA BIKES IN THE OFFING

THE YZF-R25 HAS CREATED QUITE
a stir since its recent launch in Indonesia
and it will surely make its way to India.
However, weve learnt from sources that
Yamaha Motor India may launch the bike
ZLWKDQ,QGLDVSHFLoFFFVLQJOHF\OLQGHU
engine with about 30 PS instead of the 36-PS
parallel-twin motor. Yamaha will manufacture
22
JUNE 2014
the bike in India and the single-cylinder

FRQoJXUDWLRQZLOOKHOSWKHPDFKLHYHPRUH
competitive pricing against its direct rival, the
Honda CBR 250R.
Chassis, cycle parts and equipment will be
same as the bike shown in Indonesia and the
Indian launch is expected next year.
On the other hand, the wait for the
updated FZ-S naked bike is almost over.

The company proposes to launch the fuelinjected FZ-S in India next month. This bike
has a refreshed styling that will give it a new
OHDVHRIOLIHDQGDoJKWLQJFKDQFHDJDLQVW
the upcoming Suzuki Gixxer 155. However,
ZHKHDUWKDWWKHUHZRQ
WEHDQ\VLJQLoFDQW
changes in engine capacity and performance.
www.bikeindia.in
IGNITION
BMW S 1000 R LAUNCHED IN INDIA

FIRST SEEN AT THE EICMA
show last year in Milan, the BMW S
1000 R is Motorrads latest offering in
the four-cylinder, litre-class segment.
BMW Motorrad launched it in India
UHFHQWO\ZLWKDSULFHWDJRI5VODNK
(ex-showroom, Mumbai).
This crazy-looking motorcycle is a
naked version of the companys fully
dressed, track-ready missile, the S 1000
RR. All BMW did was take off the
fairing and clean up the edges to make it
look as mean and aggressive as the fully
faired RR. So it retains the asymmetrical
headlamps (although the positioning
of individual lamps is now swapped),
the sharp tail section and the trademark
VKDUNoQVMXVWDIWHUWKHUDGLDWRU
Basic powertrain is the same as in
WKH55EXW%0:KDYHoUHGDIHZ
horses to make it more manageable
than the sports bike. The 999-cc inOLQHIRXUWKDWGHYHORSV36LQWKH
RR now produces 160 PS to propel the
R forward. Torque output, however,
remains the same at 112 Nm. Most
of the other components such as the
transmission, frame, much of the
suspension, tyres, wheels and brake
callipers are exactly the same as on the
RR. What has changed, however, is the
steering head angle. The R has an angle
of 65.4 whereas the RR has one of 66.
So if you wish to splurge on a naked
motorcycle that has the thrills of a sports
bike, then head to the nearest BMW
Motorrad dealership to book one. Go to
3DJHIRURXUoUVWULGHLPSUHVVLRQ
NEW LOGO, COLOUR SCHEMES

THE ICONIC MOTORCYCLE
EUDQG5R\DO(QoHOG (RE), now
sports an all-new identity. Every
QHZ5R\DO(QoHOGPRWRUF\FOH
which goes on sale from this
month onwards is set to adorn
the motorcycle brands new RE
logo across its various models.
The new logo looks fresher, more

vibrant and contemporary while
rigidly holding on to its Britishmotorcycling roots. The new
monogram has been inspired by
WKHLFRQLF5R\DO(QoHOGZLQJVRI
the early era as well as a new crest
which still carries the Made Like a
Gun tag-line.
5R\DO(QoHOGKDYHDOVR
introduced an array of new colour
schemes across the model range,
which includes the Thunderbird
DQGFUXLVHUVDQGWKH
&ODVVLFDQGPRWRUF\FOHV
Both the Thunderbird variants
DQGDUHQRZVHWWRVSRUW
three new colours Lightning,
Stone and Marine. The Classic
YDULDQWVZLOOIHDWXUHoYHQHZFRORXU
schemes. The Classic 500 is now
available in Tan, Black and Silver,
DQGWKHLQ/DJRRQ$VK%ODFN
and Silver.
SUZUKI LETS LAUNCHED

SUZUKI MOTORCYCLES
India Limited have launched a
110-cc automatic scooter, the Lets,
at an introductory price of Rs
45,606 (ex-showroom, Pune).
Aimed at the urban youth in
the 18-22 age-group, the scooter
is meant to tap the growing
personal scooter segment where
the demand for sophisticated,
HIoFLHQWFRPIRUWDEOHDQGFRVW
effective yet aspirational twowheelers is on the rise.
The Lets features a 112.8-cc
four-stroke, SOHC, two-valve,
air-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
Mated to a CVT (continuously
variable transmission), the
powertrain puts out 8.7 PS at
24
JUNE 2014
7,500 RPM and nine Nm of

maximum torque at 6,500 RPM.
6X]XNLFODLPDQ$5$,FHUWLoHG
IXHOHIoFLHQF\RINPOFRXUWHV\
the companys introduction of
Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP)
technology wherein engineers
have worked on several crucial
elements of the engine to reduce
mechanical losses.
www.bikeindia.in
TRIUMPH EXTEND
DEALERSHIP NETWORK
TRIUMPH, THE FAMOUS
British motorcycle marque, recently
RSHQHGWZRQHZGHDOHUVKLSVLQ
,QGLD7KHFDSLWDOFLW\LVQRZ
KRPHWR7ULXPSK'HOKLZKHUHWKH
company has set up an excellent
IDFLOLW\WKDWFRQIRUPVWR7ULXPSK
V
global dealership standards. It
IHDWXUHVDZRUOGFODVVVKRZURRP
space and also has a dedicated
VHUYLFHDQGDIWHUVDOHVDUHD
$ORQJZLWK'HOKL7ULXPSK
DOVRRSHQHGDQHZVKRZURRPLQ
southern India in Chennai, called
+DUERXU&LW\7ULXPSK7KLVQHZ
dealership is also based on the
FRPSDQ\
VLQWHUQDWLRQDOVWDQGDUGV
and features a consultation lounge,
DGLVSOD\DUHDVDOHVGHVNDQGDIWHU
sales bay. Triumph Motorcycles
,QGLDDUHORRNLQJIRUZDUGWR
opening more dealerships in the
near future.
MAHINDRA GROUPS BIG STEP IN THE US

IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXPAND THEIR
footprint in the United States of America,
the Mahindra Group recently inaugurated
WKHLUoUVWHOHFWULFWZRZKHHOHUIDFLOLW\LQ
$QQ$UERXU0LFKLJDQ7KLVQHZIDFLOLW\
ZLOOFKXUQRXW0DKLQGUD
VoUVWHOHFWULFWZR
ZKHHOHUFDOOHGWKH*HQ=HZKLFKZLOOEH
available in the US market.
7KLVQHZHVFRRWHULVGHVLJQHGVSHFLoFDOO\
for the urban environment and its compact
GLPHQVLRQVPDNHLWDYHU\JRRGFLW\UXQ
about. It has a range of 48 kilometres and
the top speed is also 48 km/h. Because of
the limited top speed, many of the states in
the US do not require the rider to have a
WZRZKHHOHUULGLQJOLFHQFHPDNLQJLWPRUH
DSSHDOLQJWRDZLGHYDULHW\RIDXGLHQFHV
0DKLQGUD
V$QQ$UERXUIDFLOLW\FXUUHQWO\
has a capacity to produce 9,000 units per
annum, and it can produce up to 20,000 units
depending upon demand.

$ORQJZLWKWKHHVFRRWHUIDFLOLW\0DKLQGUD
also inaugurated the Mahindra North
$PHULFDQ7HFKQLFDO&HQWUH01$7&ZKLFK
ZLOOEHWKHUHVHDUFKDQGGHYHORSPHQWIDFLOLW\
IRUWKHFRPSDQ\
VIXWXUHSURGXFWV7KLVIDFLOLW\
currently employs 40 engineers. It is located
in Troy, Michigan, and is responsible for
SURYLGLQJHQJLQHHULQJDQGH[SHUWLVHDVZHOODV
vehicle prototyping capabilities.
KTM RE-CALL
390 DUKE
KTM RECENTLY ANNOUNCED
a UHFDOORIWKHLUODWHVWFUD]\VWUHHW
PDFKLQHWKH'XNH7KLVUHFDOOKDV
been necessitated by a misalignment
of the locking plate on the primary or
front sprocket. KTM have found out
that in the long run the locking plate
PD\PLVDOLJQZKLFKLQWXUQPD\FDXVH
some damage, though no incidents have
been reported as yet. All the KTM 390
Dukes manufactured before March 2014
DUHEHLQJUHFDOOHGIRULQVSHFWLRQDQGLI
QHHGEHWKHIDXOW\SDUWZLOOEHFKDQJHG
by the dealership free of cost.
www.bikeindia.in
JUNE 2014
25
DID YOU KNOW
BETAMOTOR
Italian manufacturers specialising in off-road motorcycles
Compiled by: Piyush Sonsale
Like many motorcycle manufacturers

round the world, Betas origins lie in
bicycle production. The company started out as
a handmade bicycle maker based in Florence in
the year 1904 and was named as Societ
Giuseppe Bianchi at the time.
In 1948, the company switched to
motorcycle production to tap the growing
demand of cheap motorised transport due to the
post-War situation in Italy. The company was
re-named as Betamotor, where the Beta is an
acronym devised from the two letters of the
names of its two heads at the time, Enzo Bianchi
and Arrigo Tosi.
%HWD
VoUVWPRWRULVHGWZRZKHHOHUWKH
Cervo 48, was a bicycle with an engine
mounted in the frame. In 1948, they launched
26
JULY 2014
the Cigno, which was a more evolved motorcycle

featuring a double-cradle frame, telescopic front
forks, rear shock-absorbers and a 48-cc engine.
Engine capacity went up to 125 cc with
the Ital-Jap 125 of 1950, which had a
pressed steel girder fork, and went up further to
175 cc during that decade. Beta also launched
various motorcycles such as the Astro 98,
Mercurio 150, Folgore 175 and Orione 200 in the
1950s that had a single-cylinder four-stroke
engine.
The following decade saw the start of
in-house engine production and along
with new bikes Beta also ventured into various
forms of motorcycle sport such as hill-climbing
and road racing. From the 1970s, the company
has focused on off-road motorcycles and
increased their involvement in off-road sport

such as motocross, enduro and trials, which
serve as the test bed for the development of new
motorcycles. Betas involvement in motor sport
has earned them seven Trial Outdoor World
Championships, six Trial Indoor World
Championships, seven European
Championships and over 100 national
championships all around the world.
Beta launched a new range of enduro
bikes in 2004, powered by KTM engines,
DQGPDGHVLJQLoFDQWLQYHVWPHQWVLQSURGXFW
development and motor sport. By 2010, they
oQDOO\GHYHORSHGWKHLURZQIRXUVWURNHHQGXUR
HQJLQHHQVXULQJVHOIVXIoFLHQF\7RGD\WKH
company has trials and enduro bikes along with
dual sport motorcycles and scooters in its line-up
and has a global presence.
www.bikeindia.in
MOTOWARE
RACERS CORNER
We bring you the cool new range of apparel from Suzuki
and Kevin Schwantz as well as a gripping tale of the Isle of Mans
popular event: the scooter rally
KEVIN SCHWANTZ COLLECTION
LAUNCHED BY SUZUKI
Kevin Schwantz, arguably one of
the most popular racers ever, has
teamed up with Suzuki to deliver
a variety of items that have been
designed by the legend himself.
He has won the GP 25 times with
Suzuki. All items bear his iconic
number 34 and are available in

his signature red-and-black
colour scheme with a high-quality
golden stitching and in a range of
sizes and prices. The
merchandise is now available
online at www.suzuki-gb.co.uk.
SCOOTER MANIA!
Recollections of the Isle of Man International
Scooter Rally
A new book by Steve Jackson
takes a comprehensive look at
the Isle of Man Scooter Rally, an
annual event that has
successfully been organised for
20 years. The book traces the
history of the Rally from its
inception to the present and has
28
JULY 2014
exclusive images, interviews

and content from the Manx
Press archives. The book has
been created with direct
involvement of teams from
Lambretta and Vespa and offers a
concise history of scooterings
longest running event.
www.bikeindia.in
HOW TO...
...ACHIEVE GOOD MILEAGE

As fuel prices keep rising and bigger and better bikes enter the market, the one question everyone asks
is, Kitna deti hai? how much do you get (in terms of mileage)
Compiled by: Rommel Albuquerque
Getting good mileage from a bike depends

equally upon the rider as well as the machine. For
example, a Yamaha FZ should give a mileage of
about 43 km/l if the bike has been taken care of in
terms of maintenance. But, say, rider A is getting
only 35 km/l and rider B is getting 55 km/l on the
same bike. That 20 km/l difference is because the
two riders have different riding styles.
to slow down, ease off the throttle so

that you slow down in time and dont have to
use the brakes
at which youll get the best mileage. Try and

keep the speed within that range; its the
engines sweet spot
When overtaking, always look

far ahead and come out of your lane a
bit to get a good view of whats in front. Only
once you are 100 per cent sure, you can
overtake easily
Tyre pressure is also very important for

achieving good mileage. Always
maintain the correct tyre pressure as per the
manufacturers recommendations
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you save

fuel and money:
Start the engine only once you are in
the direction you want to take. The
little fuel you save each time you start the bike
will amount to a lot over time
Dont use lower gears unnecessarily and

VZLWFKRIIWKHHQJLQHDWWUDIoFVLJQDOV
Every few weeks check the

chain tension and make sure the chain
is well lubricated
When you know its time to shift gears,

shift. Shifting up instead of overrevving the engine reduces strain on the engine
and saves a lot of fuel
When possible, always park your bike

in a shade
Some bikes have a green band on the
speedometer which displays the range
Maintain a log-book and ensure you

get your bike serviced regularly. Check
that the wheels turn freely, the engine oil is
topped up or changed and brake oil is at the
recommended level
,I\RXVHHWUDIoFDKHDGRI\RXRUD
situation wherein you know youll need
30
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
YOUR RIDES
SEND US YOUR PICS!
Dear Readers, Email your pictures to bikeindia@nextgenpublishing.net with the subjext line Your Rides or Your Stunts.
Readers, please note, all stunters should wear full-sleeved shirts and complete protective gear if they want to get their pictures
published in this space
Who We Are: Diganta, Gokul and Amar of Dibrugarh, Assam

Riding: Two Honda CBR 250R motorcycles
The Route: Dibrugarh to Nampong and back
LAST WINTER TWO OF MY

friends and I decided to undertake
a journey that we had been
considering for a long time. We
had a destination in mind, we had
our bikes ready and we were
raring to go.
We set out on 21 December on
our Honda CBR 250R bikes with
Nampong in Arunachal Pradesh as
our destination. The diversion from
Makum on NH 38 led us through
Digboi, Margherita, Ledo, and
/HNKDSDQLoQDOO\DUULYLQJDW
Jagun. From Jagun we continued
towards Jairampur according to
our schedule. At Jairampur we
were issued an Inner-line Permit
,/3E\QG$VVDP5LpHV
which allowed us an entry into
Arunachal Pradesh.
32
JULY 2014
As we rode on, we came to the

town of Duda, where we stopped
for a while and roamed about,
taking in the natural beauty and
visiting the Second World War
Cemetery as well as the Botanical
Garden. We were amazed by the
abundance of such breathtaking
beauty as well as the historically
VLJQLoFDQW6WLOOZHOO5RDG$VZH
continued our ride, we reached the
famous Hamilton Bridge. Upon
crossing it, we found ourselves in
Namgoi, after which we reached
our destination, Nampong, having
ridden 158 kilometres.
The famous Pangsau Winter
Festival is held at Nampong every
year. Nampong is a small,
picturesque town located near the
Hamilton Bridge and is only 12 km
away from the international border

with Myanmar. The town was
given the sobriquet of Hells Gate
by the Allied soldiers during
World War II.
As dusk fell, we had to leave this
picturesque town and begin our

ride back home. As we reached
home, we had covered a total
distance of 318 km on our bikes.
The motorcycle trip will stay in our
memory for ever.
www.bikeindia.in
All Images Copyright: Diane Morett
FEATURE DESIGN TRENDS
LIGHTNING STRIKES
AT THE QUAIL
The road-going LS-218 electric superbike

from Lightning Motorcycles made its
preview at the 2014 Quail Lodge event
All design is a compromise, and yet the whole process is a frustratingly impossible battle of trying to
achieve perfection. All this makes us designers really easy to live with, says GLYNN KERR
/LJKWQLQJ&(25LFKDUG+DWHOGZLWKWKH/6
34
JULY 2014
ESIGNERS SEE THINGS

slightly differently from other human
beings. When we look at a man-made
object, we may appreciate the beauty, but mostly
we see the imperfections. Its our job to work on a
design until all those imperfections have been
ironed out in a perfect world that is. In reality,
were mostly working against the clock, and
within limited resources or budgets. There are
physical constraints, such as ergonomics,
legislative requirements and the shape of the
mechanical base were working around. And, of
course, the people youre working with, including
the chap whos paying the bill (and in one earlier
case, his 10-year-old son), may have their own
ideas about how things should turn out. All
design is a compromise, and yet the whole
process is a frustratingly impossible battle of
trying to achieve perfection. All this makes us
designers really easy to live with.
So the unveiling of the Lightning LS-218 at
the Quail Lodge Motorcycle Gathering in

Carmel Valley, California, on 17 May, held both
a tense anticipation and a certain amount of
trepidation for this particular designer. The last
time Id seen the bike was two weeks earlier,
unpainted and with plenty of work still to be
done. But the team had done a great job
oQLVKLQJWKHELNHLQWKHVKRUWWLPHUHPDLQLQJ
and the bike was sitting resplendent on the grass
at the Quail when I arrived. No matter how long
\RX
YHEHHQLQWKHEXVLQHVVWKHoQLVKHGELNH
always looks slightly different from how you
HQYLVDJHGLWZKHQLW
VOEVRIFOD\VRWKHoUVW
few minutes were spent taking in the reality
before instinctively starting a short-list of
FKDQJHVZHQHHGHGWRPDNHRQWKHoQDOPRGHO
The prototype unveiled at the Quail is a preview
of the main model launch due later this summer,
so theres still room for some minor tweaking.
The LS-218 is a full-power street-legal
development of Lightnings successful race
www.bikeindia.in
DESIGN TRENDS
7KH/LJKWQLQJUDFHELNHDORQJVLGHWKH/6
Lovely Matchless-engined Morgan three-wheeler from 1936
/LJKWQLQJ&(25LFKDUG+DWHOGGHVFULEHVKLV
product to visitors
-LPDQG*O\QQGLVFXVVPRGLFDWLRQV
to the prototype
The Quail Lodge attracts a variety of visitors
www.bikeindia.in
An impressive display of early Harley-Davidsons from the collection of ex-fairing designer

and manufacturer, Craig Vetter
JULY 2014
35
FEATURE DESIGN TRENDS
0HHWWKHWHDP7KDWVH[*0VWDIIHU-LP6KRRNDW
WKHFHQWUHZKRKDQGOHGWKHFOD\PRGHOOLQJDQG
/LJKWQLQJ&(25LFKDUG+DWHOGRQWKHULJKW7KH
JHQWOHPDQRQWKHOHIWKDGVRPHWKLQJWRGRZLWK
the design
THE LS-218 SPECS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

TRANSMISSION: None. Direct drive motor.
SUPERBIKE MOTOR: IPM liquid cooled 150 kW+ 10,500
RPM electric motor. This generates an equivalent of 200 PS
and 228 Nm of torque.
Battery Pack
THE BATTERY PACK OPTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. 380V 12 kWh battery pack good for
160-190 km per charge*
Lightning Motorcycle exclusively uses the most powerful
and safest best of breed batteries currently available.
*HQH%URZQIURP&RORUDGREURXJKWWKLVUDUHDQGLPPDFXODWH+5'3\WKRQ6SRUWZKLFKZRQWKH%HVW
RI6KRZDZDUG
CHARGING TIME: Thirty minutes on a quick charger

or 120 minutes on level two charger.
WEIGHT: 225 kg
Suspension
FRONT SUSPENSION: hlins FGRT inverted fork,
NIX30 cartridge internals, TiN surface treatment, billet
aluminium radial calliper mountings. Fully adjustable spring
preload, compression and rebound damping.
Believed to be the only surviving examples of

about 200 units commissioned by the Winchester
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built by the Merry Company of San Francisco
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tail-pipe solution
REAR SUSPENSION: Billet aluminium swing-arm

with linear hlins TTX36 Shock and linkage system,
adjustment for preload, ride height, high and low speed
compression and rebound.
BRAKES: Dual Brembo 320-mm disc,
Brembo radial-mount forged four-piston callipers.
Two Brembo T-Drive 320-mm Fully-Floating Rotors.
Two Brembo GP4-RX CNC Radial Callipers.
REGENERATIVE BRAKING: User programmable.
Wheels and Tyres
(FRONT): Marchesini forged magnesium 3.5 x 17,
120/70ZR17
WHEELS AND TYRES (REAR): Marchesini forged
magnesium 6.0 x 17, 190/55ZR17
SEAT HEIGHT: 32 inches
36
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
DESIGN TRENDS
Jay Bretts unique and imaginative Sub G1

three-wheeler
Ardito was a short-lived Italian manufacturer that

produced various small-capacity motorcycles from
1951 to 54. This 125-cc model is from 1953
What to do with those three RD engines youve had lying around the garage for years
Some imaginative lightweight specials

from S-Works
Unusual cable-operated gear indicator on this

1954 Triumph Terrier
www.bikeindia.in
bike, which won at Pikes Peak last year against

some world class gasoline-engined bikes. It also
holds the world land speed record for an electric
motorcycle, with a 350-Km/h one-way best on
the Bonneville Salt Flats; hence the model name.
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have broad acceptance from the motorcyclist
community, we need to provide design,
performance and value that competes head to
head with the best gasoline motorcycles on the
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race-proven technology to market and pursue our
Collectible Ducati 750 F1 in unusually

clean condition
Tasty Honda-engined Rickman from 1975
The 2014 Quail Lodge Motorcycle Gathering

offered a perfect mix of rare motorcycles, hazy
sunshine and a few hundred devoted enthusiasts
win in the market place.

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latest streamliner powered by twin Rocket III
engines producing over 1,000 PS. Guest speaker
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JULY 2014
37
ADVERTORIAL MAHINDRA CENTURO
Mahindras premium commuter, the Centuro,

has made its mark in the two-wheeler
commuter market for a whole year now.
We look at what makes it stand out
38
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
MAHINDRA CENTURO
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The versatile
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JULY 2014
39
FIRST RIDE BMW S 1000 R
40
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
BMW S 1000 R
ROAD
MISSILE
We experience the BMW S 1000 R super naked in India
STORY: PIYUSH SONSALE PHOTOGRAPHY: ROMMEL ALBUQUERQUE
HE BMW S 1000 R IS ONE OF THE

most sophisticated naked sports bikes in
the world. Launched internationally at the
end of last year, the bike is based on the
companys highly successful fully-faired
superbike, the S 1000 RR, that made its dbut
four years ago. The S 1000 R shares the same
in-line four engine and perimeter frame as the
Superbike, but while the S 1000 RR is a trackfocused motorcycle, its naked sibling has been
developed essentially for the road and can be
equally crafty on the racetrack, though not as
aerodynamic. BMW Motorrads Indian
importers and dealers, Navnit Motors, have
launched the S 1000 R in India and they invited
us to Mumbai to experience the bike.
Unlike other BMW nakeds, the S 1000 R is
an extremely compact motorcycle, though it is
one millimetre longer, 19 mm wider and 90 mm
taller than the S 1000 RR. BMW have increased
the rake angle by 0.6 degrees, so the wheelbase
is longer by 25 mm for better straight-line
stability while the saddle height has been
lowered by six mm. It has a sharp tail-up-nosedown design that more or less resembles the S
1000 RRs if you dont consider the fairing, of
course. However, BMW have carefully
designed the side shrouds and the asymmetric
twin headlamps to ensure that the S 1000 R
looks as quirky as its faired sibling. There is a
dummy V-shaped vent above the headlamps and
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functional air-intake vents are located on both
sides of the tank and have rubber slits that look
like gills. The meter console has an analogue
tachometer dial while rest of the information is
displayed on the adjoining digital screen.
The bike looks exotic thanks to BMWs
unwavering attention to detail. Each and every
component of the motorcycle has the highest
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is equally tasteful. Apart from the matte blue
colour of our test bike, the S 1000 R is also
www.bikeindia.in
available in glossy white or red. And the S 1000

R decals are placed on the tank of the red bike
instead of the side shrouds as on the other two.
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in-line four engine to make it suitable for riding on
public roads. It has a new cylinder-head, reduced
compression ratio (12:1 from 13:1), reworked fourinto-one exhaust and a revised fuel-injection
system. The result is a 33 PS reduction in peak
power output. The S 1000 R produces 160 PS at
11,000 RPM while the torque output remains
unchanged at 112 Nm. However, it is generated
500 RPM lower at 9,250 RPM and BMW have
used softer cams to modify the engines torque
curve for better mid-range delivery.
Even with the reduction in engine
performance, the S 1000 R is no slouch and with
a kerb weight of 207 kg, it has a very good
power-to-weight ratio. To tame the beast, BMW
have equipped it with almost all of the high-tech
electronic and mechanical riding aids they could
think of. The bike we rode had a steering
damper mounted under the headlamps, along

with BMWs Race ABS (anti-lock braking
system) and ASC (automatic stability control). It
also had a ride-by-wire throttle and a slipper
clutch. The fabulous DDC (Dynamic Damping
Control) system borrowed from the S 1000 RRs
HP4 version adjusts the damping every few
milliseconds according to the road surface and
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+DUGqWKDWFDQEHFKDQJHGPDQXDOO\RQWKHp\
via a switch on the handlebar. The DTC
(Dynamic Traction Control) ensures maximum
traction on all types of road surfaces, prevents
wheel spin and has a lean angle sensor for
optimum throttle response when riding through
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delivery to suit the riding conditions. In Rain,
the power output is reduced by about 30 PS and
the throttle response is gentler. In Road, it is
adapted to riding on dry public roads. Dynamic
makes the throttle response even better while
JULY 2014
41
FIRST RIDE BMW S 1000 R

the Dynamic Pro unleashes the bikes full
potential. Apart from these, the S 1000 R also
has a quick shifter for fast gear changes and, for
some more money, they will also add a cruise
control system adapted for motorcycles.
The bike feels even more compact from the
saddle and the wide one-piece handlebar lends
a sporty yet comfortable riding position. BMW
have relaxed the posture further by lowering the
foot-pegs compared to the S 1000 RR and the
814-mm saddle height should suit Indian riders
of average height. After tinkering with the
settings, I thumbed the two-into-one engine
kill/ignition switch and, surprisingly, the engine
came to life with the side-stand still down. The
exhaust was humming as I rode the S 1000 R
cautiously through the residential
neighbourhood of Kharghar in search of a
suitable place to test its capabilities. I slowed
down to a standstill at the start of a straight
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change the suspension setting to hardest and

switched to the Dynamic Pro mode.
As I fed in the clutch and wrung the throttle,
the bike surged ahead instantly with a small
wheelie. The acceleration was blinding and the
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on the meter console as it tried to provide
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howling in the morning air while I shifted up
through the six-speed gearbox with the throttle
pinned and without pulling the clutch lever,
thanks to the quickshifter. I was well past 170
km/h on the digital speedometer before the
front wheel took off in the air. Easing off the
throttle, I brought the wheel down and braked
hard for the upcoming roundabout, quickly
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mechanical aids work in perfect harmony to
control the bike under hard acceleration so the
rider can focus on enjoying the experience. The
massive 320-mm twin front disc brakes (and
the 220-mm rear one which I hardly ever
Lots of lights and a world

of information neatly
layed out on the ana-digi
meter console
Asymmetrical headlamps are similar to the S 1000 RR but wilder
42
JULY 2014
SPEC TALK
B M W S 1000 R
Type
Liquid-cooled
transverse four
Valve
arrangement
DOHC, 16 valves
Displacement 999 cc
Bore X Stroke 80 x 49.7 mm
Comp Ratio
12:1
Max Power
Carburation
Programmable
fuel-injection with
traction control
160 PS at
11,000 RPM
Max Torque
112 Nm at
9,750 RPM
Fuel capacity 17.5 litres

Wet weight
207 kg fully
fuelled
(182.5 kg dry)
Wheel (Front) 3.50 x 17 inch;

cast aluminium
Clutch
Wet multi-plate
slipper
Transmission Six-speed
Suspension
(Rear)
Wheel (Rear) 6.00 x 17 inch;

cast aluminium
Tyre (Front)
Tyre (Rear)
120/70 x 17
inch Pirelli Diablo
Rosso Corsa
190/55 x 17
inch Pirelli Diablo
Rosso Corsa
Suspension
(Front)
Seat height 814 mm
Brakes (Front) Two, Brembo
radial fourpiston callipers,
320-mm discs,
linked system
with ABS
Brakes (Rear) Single-piston
Rake/trail
calliper, 220-mm
disc, linked
system with ABS Wheelbase
Sachs damper,
120-mm
spring travel,
adjustment
of pre-load,
compression
and rebound
damping
(optional DDC
semi-active)
46-mm Sachs
USD telescopic,
120-mm spring
travel, adjustment
of pre-load,
compression and
rebound damping
(optional DDC
semi-active)
24.6 degrees/
98.5 mm
1,439 mm
If you like quiet bikes then look for something else because the stock exhaust
on this one is a howler
www.bikeindia.in
BMW S 1000 R
Raised handlebar makes it road friendly but the

windblast is like a slap on the face on highways
Batman ears! Sharp LED tail-lamp has been

borrowed straight from the S 1000 RR
www.bikeindia.in
tapped) do an equally great job of shedding

speed and have a predictable feel while the Pirelli
'LDEOR5RVVR&RUVDW\UHVDUHVRPHRIWKHoQHVW
one can get. The ABS and DTC can be switched
off manually via a switch on the handlebar; thats
really unnecessary on the road.
I did a few more runs in different modes and
the bike was equally impressive in each of them.
Even in the Rain mode, it felt far from shy. In
fact, I found it more manageable since it did not
wheelie at high RPM.
A nearby stretch of road had a cluster of speed
bumps where I tested the three suspension
modes. The bike soaked up all the undulations
without upsetting the ride when I went over the
bumps at 60 km/h in the Soft mode and there
was no noticeable change in the Normal mode as
well. The third time I went over them in the
Hard mode and it shuddered and kicked my butt
multiple times, forcing me to stand up on the
pegs. That ones for the racetrack then!
BMW have created yet another masterpiece
that joins the club of elite naked sports bikes

such as the KTM 1290 Superduke R and Aprilia
Tuono V4 R ABS. However, the sophisticated
technology it packs in is all very expensive. Add to
it the heavy import duties on CBUs in India and
what you get is the daunting price-tag of Rs 22.83
lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). If you are willing
to shell out more, BMW offer a large collection
of performance parts and accessories for the S
1000 R that probably make it marginally faster but
will certainly shoot up the price by a few more
lakhs. The bike is on sale at all four dealerships of
Navnit Motors (Mumbai, Ahmedabad,
Bengaluru and Mangalore) and I may conclude
by saying that for all its performance and
technology, the S 1000 R is not a practical bike. It
is an everyday sports bike for wealthy enthusiasts
who want to be exclusive.
GEARCHECK
Rider
Piyush Sonsale
Helmet Sparx
Suit
Spidi
Gloves
Boots
RJays
RJays
JULY 2014
43
FIRST RIDE YAMAHA MT-125/ YZF-R125
NO EMPTY
We rode Yamahas MT-125 and the

new-generation YZF-R125 in Barcelona
recently. Here is the report
iven the success of Yamahas naked MT09 and MT-07, and the fact that the
YZF-R125 has also been popular in
many markets in recent years (it was by far the
UKs top-selling sports bike in 2013), the arrival
of a stripped-down 125-cc single with the letters
MT in its name was not so much predictable as
inevitable. Perhaps, the only surprise is that the
MT-125 was not only developed in Europe but is
being produced in France, while its closest
44
JULY 2014
European rival, KTMs Duke 125, is assembled

in India.
Yamaha have, however, taken great trouble to
keep production costs as low as possible, notably
by combining development of the MT and newgeneration YZF-R125, to the extent that the
models engines and most of their chassis are
identical. The powerplant is a revamped version
of the YZFs SOHC, liquid-cooled unit,
featuring mods including new cylinder-head,
camshaft and clutch.

Maximum output had to stay at 15 PS for
licensing reasons, but theres a fraction more
torque at most points below the peak at 8,000
RPM, and Yamaha claim fuel economy is
improved by over 10 per cent. The motor is
bolted into a chassis that retains the YZFs twinspar steel frame layout but is completely new,
with 41-mm upside-down (USD) forks in place
of conventional 33-mm legs, and a four-piston
www.bikeindia.in
YAMAHA MT-125/ YZF-R125
BOAST THIS
STORY: ROLAND BROWN

PHOTOGRAPHY: ALESSIO BARBANTI, JONATHAN GODIN, NICKI MARTINEZ, SEBAS ROMERO, FRANCESC MONTERO & HENNY STERN
radial front brake calliper instead of the old
models twin-pot Brembo unit, biting a single
disc of unchanged 292-mm diameter.
The MT looks very sharp, with clear hints of
its larger siblings, but its own distinct style,
enhanced by an aggressively angled LED
headlight and by large (doubtless much larger
than strictly necessary) air scoops on either side
of the tank. Like the YZF its designed to feel like
a full-sized bike despite its small capacity, so the
www.bikeindia.in
slim seat is a moderate but not super-low 810 mm

off the ground, but with just 138 kg of wet weight
the Yam feels effortlessly manageable at standstill.
That seat feels like a good place to be in too, as
you reach forward to hold a wide, slightly raised
one-piece bar that gives a fairly roomy riding
position in conjunction with foot-rests that are
slightly higher and further forward than the
YZFs. The top yoke has neat cutaways; the new
digital instrument panel has a smart phone-like
appearance with a bar tacho at the centre, below

a pair of gear shift lights.
With only 15 horses to play with this MT was
never going to be a raw, wheelie-happy hooligan
bike like its big brothers, but within its
inescapable limits it was plenty of fun. Yamaha
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Barcelona launch began with a city-centre tour
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VDOVRYHU\ULGHUIULHQGO\ZLWKD
low-effort clutch, glitch-free throttle response
JULY 2014
45
41 mm upside down
forks replace the older
33 mm telescopic forks
and very light, manoeuvrable feel thats ideal for

dodging taxis and dicing with scooters.
What power there is lives mostly near the
9,000-RPM peak, which means plenty of
enjoyable thrashing through the respectably
sweet-shifting six-speed box. Exit a bend with
5,000 RPM on the tacho in the higher ratios, and
the response to a wide open throttle is barely
GHWHFWDEOH%XWLI\RXpLFNGRZQDFRXSOHRI
times till theres 7,000 RPM or more showing,
the Yam picks up speed at an enjoyable if far from
46
JULY 2014
MT-125 gets four-piston

radial front brake that
work well
arm-straining rate, heading for a genuine

maximum of 115 km/h, and with the engines
balancer shaft reducing vibration enough to
make that speed practical.
Keeping up momentum through bends was
manic good fun, and the MTs chassis worked
well enough to add to the entertainment.
Suspension is very basic, with 130 mm of travel
up front and a modest 114 mm at the rear, without
even the option of preload adjustment at either
end. But thats all right at least when youre
Digital instrumentation
looks good and is easy
to read as well
not carrying a pillion because spring and

damping rates gave a respectably good blend of
comfort and control, and the wide bars provided
just the right amount of leverage to make the Yam
pLFNDEOH\HWUHDVVXULQJO\VWDEOH
Michelins Pilot Street tyres gave enough grip
to make use of the ample ground clearance, too,
when we got out of Barcelona on to some
winding roads on nearby Mount Tibidabo. And
my non-ABS-equipped launch bikes four-piston
radial front brake worked well, generating
www.bikeindia.in
SPEC TALK
YAMAHA MT-125 [2014 YZF-R125]
Engine type
Liquid-cooled single
Displacement 125 cc
Comp Ratio
Max Power
15 PS (11 kW)
at 9,000 RPM
Max Torque
12.4 Nm at
8,000 RPM
Clutch
Wet multi-plate
Fuel-injection
Fuel capacity 12 litres

Wet weight
SOHC, four valves
11.2:1

Carburation
Valve
arrangement
138 kg [140 kg]
(126 kg [128 kg] dry)
Brakes (Front) Four-piston

radial calliper,
292-mm disc
Suspension
(Front)
Telescopic, 130mm wheel travel,

no adjustment
Brakes (Rear) Single-piston

calliper,
230-mm disc
Suspension
(Rear)
Monoshock, 114mm wheel travel,

no adjustment
Tyre (Front)
Wheelbase
1,355 mm
Seat height
810 mm
[825 mm]
Rake/trail
25 degrees/
89 mm
Tyre (Rear)
100/80 x 17
inch Michelin
Pilot Street
130/70 x 17
inch Michelin
Pilot Street
enough stopping power without being too

grabby for the mostly young and inexperienced
riders who are likely to be squeezing the lever
DQGZKRZRXOGEHQHoWPRVWIURPWKHDQWLORFN
system that will be an option in most markets,
standard in others).
Other aspects are mostly good, including the
usefully wide and smooth mirrors and the
instrument panel, whose information includes
average speed, trip time and distance to service,
Engine pumps out a
decent 12.4 Nm of max
torque at 8000 RPM
www.bikeindia.in
as well as both current and average fuel

consumption. Info can be toggled from the
handlebar, too, which isnt true even of some
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impressive, with better than 2.8 litres/100 km
possible from the frugal single. So it doesnt
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reduced from the old YZFs.
You cant expect a naked 125 to be especially
practical, but the Yamaha can be made more so
Grab handles are
cleverly integrated into
the tail piece
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crash bungs and Akrapovic silencer to parts
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Those will add to the price, which, Yamaha say,
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Duke (approximately 4,000 in most European
markets). It certainly looks good enough, and,
more importantly, works well enough to challenge
the KTM and become another important part of
Yamahas impressive recent comeback.
Short and stubby
exhaust pipe adds to
brawler image
JULY 2014
47
New R125s sharp face

is now reminiscent of
the YZF-R6
YZF-R125
You could argue that Yamaha had no pressing
need to update the YZF-R125, given that it was
still selling well in some markets after six years
in production. But an integral part of the MT125 project was sharing parts with the fullyfaired model, so after more than 45,000
European sales the YZF is revamped with the
same engine and main chassis components as
the naked newcomer.
That means its updated, 125-cc SOHC
liquid-cooled powerplant is identical to that
48
JULY 2014
Slim tail lamp on the

R125 at the end of an
edgy tail piece is sporty
of the MT; and that it also shares its

twin-spar steel frame, 41-mm USD forks,
slender-spoked 17-inch wheels and four-piston
radial front brake calliper. Along with its new
bodywork, including a full fairing whose
headlamps and central duct are intentionally
reminiscent of the YZF-R6, the updated 125
combines its lower, clip-on bars with slightly
higher, more rear-set foot-rests and a seat that
is 15 mm higher, at 825 mm.
Sharing so many parts with the MT naturally
means performance is very similar, especially in
Rear gets a 230 mm

disc with single piston
caliper
a straight line where theres almost nothing to

split the rev-happy pair. In theory, the YZF,
which weighs two kilos more at 140 kg wet,
might be a fraction slower off the line, before
gaining the edge due to its superior
aerodynamics, which allow a slightly higher true
top speed of 120 km/h.
Whether that difference would be noticeable
in the real world of riders differing weights,
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another matter. A more noticeable difference was
that the YZFs riding position put more strain on
www.bikeindia.in
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Instrumentation is
identical to that on the
MT-125
www.bikeindia.in
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Liquid cooled 125 cc
single cylinder pumps
out 15 PS
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Rake has been
increased to 25
degrees
JULY 2014
49
FIRST RIDE HYOSUNG GT250R
THE FEEL-GO
The Hyosung GT250R now sports a new set of graphics that enliven the bikes sporty styling.
50
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
HYOSUNG GT250R
OD BIKE
We get astride this Korean quarter-litre motorbike
STORY: ANINDA SARDAR PHOTOGRAPHY: ROMMEL ALBUQUERQUE
THE FIRST TIME I EVER GOT ASTRIDE

a Korean motorcycle was over a decade ago. At
the time, superbikes (the likes of which we now
see with increasing regularity on our roads) were
virtually non-existent. Honda, the giant of the
motorcycle world, hadnt even introduced a bike
here in India. All they had were scooters. The
bike in question was Hyosungs Comet GT250.
With its huge fuel tank, V-twin powerplant with
an oil-cooler, sporty riding position, upside
down (USD) front forks, rear disc brake and
single rear shock, the Comet stood out from
everything around it.
Much water has passed under the bridge since
then and with the rest of the world, the Indian
motorcycling scene too has moved on. Today,
barring Ducati and a few other manufacturers of
exotic two-wheelers, pretty much every
motorbike manufacturer worth its salt is present
in India. There are at least two more quarter-litre
bikes available one a single-cylinder, the other
a parallel twin. Things like oil-coolers, rear disc,
and monoshocks are now seen as normal
additions to even mass-produced motorcycles, let
DORQHDQ\WKLQJWKDWKDVHYHQWKHoUVWIHZOHWWHUVRI
the word exotic. In this changed scenario, one
wonders if a Korean 250-cc with such
embellishments that are no longer seen as fancy
can still hold its own.
Surprisingly, the new Hyosung GT250R does
manage to stand out from the crowd, much like
its predecessor, the Comet GT250, did back in
the day. Its distinctive beaky head, that massive
fuel-tank and racy stance all merge together to
endow the bike with a fair amount of road
presence. Youll be sure to grab a decent amount
of eyeballs no matter where you go (except,
perhaps, at a gathering of superbike owners). We
can tell you because we did. Part of the GT250Rs
ability to pull attention also lies in its exclusivity.
<RX
UHXQOLNHO\WRoQGDVLPLODUPDFKLQHQH[WWR
\RXDWWKHWUDIoFVLJQDO7KHIDFWWKDWWKHELNHRQ
test was painted in a vivid shade of crimson only
helped enhance its visual appeal and presence.
The riding posture on the GT250R is on the
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proper crouch, courtesy the low clip-on bars and
WKHUHDOO\UHDUVHWIRRWSHJV,QGHHGoOWHULQJ
WKURXJKVORZPRYLQJWUDIoFFDQEHFRPH
uncomfortable as can a long stretch of highway
riding. Unlike most other sports bikes, this one
JHWVWKHEHQHoWRIDSURSHUVHWRIJUDEKDQGOHV
which is great for the pillion. The pillion seat,
NEED TO KNOW
HYOSUNG GT250R
Engine
Output
Gears
Brakes
Tyres
Price
www.bikeindia.in
249cc, air-cooled, V-twin with oil cooler

28 PS @ 10000 RPM, 22.07 Nm @ 8000 RPM
Five speed, constant mesh
300mm twin disc (F), 230mm disc (R)
110/70 R17 (F), 150/70 R17 (R)
Rs 3.01 Lakh (OTR, Pune)
JULY 2014
51
FIRST RIDE HYOSUNG GT250R

though, is like on any other bike with sporty
intentions perched high. Towards the front,
instrumentation is a digi-analogue unit with the
tacho and the tell-tales being the analogue bit
while the rest of it is all digital. What you cant
help noticing is that this is a well-put-together
bike with good quality switches and levers (the
brake lever is adjustable too).
To ride, this bike is quite stable in a straight
line, even when the speedo indicates triple digits.
It doesnt twitch or do anything to make you feel
nervous. Handling, however, isnt as good with
the bike showing a distinct tendency to
XQGHUVWHHU5LGHTXDOLW\WRRLVRQWKHoUPHUVLGH
in line with its sporty intentions. Rev the 249-cc
75-degree V-twin beyond 6,000 RPM and you
Grips, switchgear and levers are well made.

Switches are easy to reach too. As is the brake
OHYHUWKDWJHWVWKHEHQHWRIDQDGMXVWHU
will be rewarded with a fairly strong pull. The

air-cooled unit, which features an oil-cooler,
eight valves and DOHC, makes a peak 28 PS at
10,000 RPM and 22.07 Nm of torque at 8,000
RPM. Unfortunately, it lacks low-end grunt and
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gearbox for meaningful movement when the
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is a slick shifting unit.
Where the bike truly impresses is when it comes
to shedding speed. Its twin 300-mm dia discs at
GEARCHECK
Rider
Aninda Sardar
Helmet
Sparx
Race Suit Spidi
Gloves
Boots
Frank Thomas
XPD
the front do a phenomenal job of pulling the bike

down from any speed. They feel progressive too,
so that you are always aware of whether the tyres
are at the point where they might lock up. There is
a 230-mm disc at the rear too, but, honestly
speaking, you dont really need that. The front
GLVFVDUHPRUHWKDQVXIoFLHQWIRUVWRSSLQJ,QIDFW
we never needed to touch the rear brake lever at all
over the couple of days that we rode the bike.
The Hyosung GT250R is sold for just over Rs
3 lakh, and, sure enough, you could get a quarterlitre class motorcycle for a full lakh rupees less.
But if you wish to stand out in the pack with a
machine that is good-looking and does
reasonably on all other parameters, then the
Hyosung makes a good case for itself.
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New graphics enliven

the GT250Rs image,
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52
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
VALENTINO ROSSI
CELEBRATES HIS 300TH
GRAND PRIX IN ITALY
July 2014
Subscribe to
Indias no. 1 Two Wheeler
Magazine, by far!
INDIAS NO. 1 TWO WHEELER MAGAZINE, BY FAR!
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JULY 2014
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BIKE INDIA JULY 2014
THROUGH CREDIT CARD
FIRST RIDE HONDA VFR800F
THE BEST
JUST GOT
BETTER
The new Honda VFR800F is still every millimetre a
VFR; its quick, versatile and a blast to ride. We tell
you what its like from the saddle
STORY: ROLAND BROWN STORY: ZEP GORI, FRANCESC MONTERO, ULA SERRA & FLIX ROMERO
62
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
HONDA VFR800F
www.bikeindia.in
JULY 2014
63
HE LAUNCH RIDE HAD BEEN

so good that reaching a conclusion about
the VFR800F should have been easy.
The updated V4 had been fast and fun on
VSHFWDFXODUO\WZLVW\DQGWUDIoFIUHHURDGVQHDU
Alicante. It had handled, stopped and been
comfortable, and with its sharp red suit
gleaming in the Spanish sunshine it had looked
fabulous in the process.
But as I killed its V4 engine for the last time, I
was unsure what to make of the VFR. Yes, it
had been good, but I couldnt help wondering
how much better it would have been if Honda
KDGGHYHORSHGDQDOOQHZHQJLQHDQGFKDVVLV
WKHQDGGHGDWRSTXDOLW\HOHFWURQLFVSDFNDJHWR
make this model as advanced as the VFR750F
that began the line in 1986.
7KDWZDV+RQGD
VoUVWSUREOHPLQ
developing the VFR: its ancestors set the bar
very high. That original V4 was one of
Hondas most important ever models, because
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DOPRVWVLQJOHKDQGHGO\UHVWRUHGWKHoUP
V
reputation following a string of unreliable
bikes, including the VF750F.
Hondas other problem was justifying a major
update. The VFRs popularity fell in the late
VDQGDOWKRXJKWKHPRGHO9)5)
The engine now

produces one PS less
WKDQWKHUVW9)5
64
JULY 2014
with its far from universally popular VTEC

system sold well, it couldnt halt the decline.
These days, with many riders having abandoned
WUDGLWLRQDOVSRUWVWRXUHUVIRUDGYHQWXUHELNHVLW
V
even harder to make the sums add up. So
Hondas development the budget didnt run to
FKDQJLQJWKHFFHQJLQH
VEDVLFOD\RXWRUWKH
frames aluminium main spars.
But theres still plenty thats new. The changes
begin with the look: still unmistakably VFR,
ZLWKWKDWFODVV\VLQJOHFRORXUSDLQWZRUNLQ
white or black as well as red), but now subtly
VOLPPHUDQGVKDUSHUDQGZLWKDQ;VKDSHG
LED headlight that echoes the VFR1200F. Its
Height adjustable seat

is a big welcome
www.bikeindia.in
HONDA VFR800F
leaner, helped by swapping twin side-mounted
radiators for one up front. And its 10 kilos lighter
at 239 kg wet, thanks mainly to a rear sub-frame
in aluminium instead of steel, and a new exhaust
with single silencer instead of two under the seat.
The feel is more sports than tourer, partly
because the riding position means you lean
forward to clip-on bars, albeit ones that are
slightly higher and further back than the
previous models. The screen is sports-bike low
too and theres no adjustment. At least the seat is
now height adjustable, and an accessible 789
mm at its lower level. Its also generously sized,
and equipped with a colour-matched pillion seat
cover plus retractable grab-handles.

The motor remains a 16-valve, 90-degree V4
and is re-tuned for more low-rev performance,
with new cams, revised fuel-injection and longer
LQOHWWUXPSHWV$QHZ(&8PRGLoHVWKH97(&
system to operate more smoothly as it stops one
inlet and one exhaust valve in each cylinder from
opening at low revs, boosting torque by
increasing mixture speed. Peak output is down
by a few bhp, which doesnt sound so bad until
\RXUHDOLVHWKDWWKHoJXUHRI36DW
RPM means this bike is less powerful than the
RULJLQDO369)5)RI\HDUVDJR
Perhaps, the strangest thing is that despite all
Single sided swing-arm

a typical trait of the
VFR
www.bikeindia.in
that it still felt fast enough, at least on those

PRVWO\QDUURZDQGWZLVW\6SDQLVKURDGV7KH
strong low-rev performance is part of the reason
for that, making the bike very easy to ride
quickly. Theres only one engine mode, but that
was enough because it worked very well.
)XHOOLQJZDVpDZOHVVUHVSRQVHWKURXJKWKH
mid-range crisp and strong, and the bikes longlegged V4 feel made it effortless yet engaging.
And theres enough power to make you grin.
The V4 lump stayed smooth enough up near its
530UHGOLQHWRHQFRXUDJHSOHQW\RI
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also shifted very sweetly, with the help of
Single exhaust on the

right side looks good
JULY 2014
65
MASATSUGO TANAKA,
VFR800F Test Project Leader
The V4 is regarded as a very special area of
engineering within Honda, and the VFR is a
special brand. I was very conscious not only of
the VFR history going back to 1986, but also the
more recent V4 history with the VFR1200F and
Crossrunner and Crosstourer, because the V4 is
going to have a long future as well as a long history
within Honda.
We could have given the engine more top-end
power, but the VFR is not all about chasing peak
power. The model has a range of use, including
commuting in town and two-up touring. So we
wanted an engine with more focus on low to
mid-range, and to improve how the VTEC works to
get smooth performance across the whole range.
We also improved the aerodynamics and reduced
weight, which improved performance.
We did have discussions about a new frame,
but the further we went through the planning stages
of development, the more condent we were that
we could get the sporty performance we wanted
without a new frame or engine. We did things like
changing the rear subframe to aluminium, plus the
new exhaust and other work we did to save weight.
All those things meant we were happy to stick with
the frame we had.
We are conscious that other manufacturers
have electronically adjusted suspension, and
technically it is something we could do. But
the priority for the VFR this time was sporty
performance and reduced weight, so we decided
the extra weight of electronic suspension wasnt
worth the trade-off. We think the suspension we
have gives the level of both sportiness and touring
comfort that we needed.
66
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
HONDA VFR800F
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SPEC TALK
HONDA VFR800F
Engine type
Valve
arrangement
DOHC, 16 valves
Displacement 782 cc
Max Power
105 PS at 10,250 RPM
Comp Ratio
Max Torque
75 Nm at 8,500 RPM
Bore X Stroke 72 x 48 mm
Carburation
Electronic fuel-injection
Fuel capacity 21.5 litres
Clutch
Wet multi-plate
Dry weight
Liquid-cooled
90-degree V4
11.8:1
229 kg (kerb)
Wheel (Front) 3.50 x 17 inch;

cast aluminium
Suspension
(Front)
43-mm
telescopic fork,
108-mm travel,
adjustments
for preload and
rebound damping
Suspension
(Rear)
Pro-Link single
shock, 120-mm
wheel travel,
adjustments for
preload (remote
hydraulic) and
rebound damping
Wheelbase
1,460 mm
Seat height
789/809 mm
Wheel (Rear) 5.50 x 17 inch;

cast aluminium
Brakes (Front) Two, four-piston
Tokico callipers,
310-mm discs
with ABS
Brakes (Rear) Twin-piston
calliper, 256-mm
disc with ABS
Tyre (Front)
Tyre (Rear)
120/70 x 17
inch Dunlop
Sportmax D222
180/55 x 17 inch
Dunlop Sportmax Rake/trail
D222
25 30/95 mm
JULY 2014
67
FIRST RIDE EBR 1190RX
68
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
EBR 1190RX
DANCING
TO HIS OWN
TUNE
7KH(%55;WHVWLHVWRD
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:HURGHWKHELNHLQ,WDO\UHFHQWO\
STORY: ROLAND BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY: STUART COLLINS
ITH 185 PS UNDER MY RIGHT

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www.bikeindia.in
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JULY 2014
69

%LJ3LVWRQ)RUNVIURPWKHVDPH-DSDQHVHoUP
are held by a thick top yoke with a transverse
steering damper above it. The magnesium rear
subframe contributes to that low weight. So do
the lightweight, cast aluminium 17-inch wheels
with their very slender spokes. In familiar Buell
fashion the front wheel holds an eight-piston
Nissin front brake calliper and single perimeter
disc, this one enlarged to 386 mm in diameter
and cooled by air directed around the fork leg by
a couple of plastic scoops.
So much of the engineering is typically
idiosyncratic. Whats much less so is the RXs
relatively conventional styling, which lacks the
complex detailing of an MV Agusta or Ducati,
but is respectably sleek and attractive, in
yellow, red or black. Finish seems mostly good
and the fairly tall, thinly padded seat gives a
view of low clip-ons, and a stubby screen
above a colourful electronic display that shows
speed, revs and numerous other functions,
including fuel consumption.
70
JULY 2014
That wasnt an issue at Varano, as the engine

oUHGXSZLWKDEDUNIURPWKHVLQJOHVLOHQFHU
and I prepared to tackle the damp circuit on
shiny new Diablo Rosso Corsas. At least the
Rs advanced electronics package includes a
traction control system, though,
disappointingly, it cant be adjusted on the
move. We set it to 14 of 21, the recommended
rain setting, and I released the rather heavyaction clutch to head out on to the track.
The RX doesnt have ride-by-wire, relying
on a system developed by EBR around a pair
of 61-mm DellOrto throttle bodies, with twin
injectors per cylinder. Theyve done a good job
because throttle response was light, yet even
with those huge pistons thrashing up and down
the bike pulled very sweetly and crisply, both
from around 6,000 RPM in normal use and
when exiting the slower turns, where the lack
of grip and tall gearing meant revs dropped
below four grand.
The traction control system worked well,
allowing some wiggles of the rear Pirelli, but

helping me avoid being launched half-way to
nearby Bologna when I got too enthusiastic
exiting the faster chicane. Occasionally the
system cut in to limit forward progress on the
straights, too, but most of the time the RX found
enough grip as it thundered towards a claimed
top speed of 300 km/h.
More to the point the bike was grunty enough
to feel both quick and easy to ride. It makes at
least 80 per cent of its maximum torque all the
way from 4,500 RPM to the 11,500-RPM redline. Not surprisingly, given its cylinder
dimensions, the RX feels more 1198 than 1199;
lacking the Panigales top-end charge, but hitting
harder through the mid-range, which should be
of value on the street as much as the track. Theres
a bit of vibration at higher revs, which didnt
worry me but might be an issue on a longer ride.
The neat display doesnt have progressive shift
lights, which would sometimes be handy
although the close-ratio gearbox worked
www.bikeindia.in
EBR 1190RX
Thats no sat-nav, its the

modern-day instrument
console on the RX
Remember this? The
frame of the RX brings
back memories from
the Buell era
Exhaust looks
cool, unlike the
earlier models
Braking duties at the
rear are handled by a
208mm rotor and twinpiston Hayes caliper
Nostalgia runs high

on the RX. Just look at
these perimeter rotor
This V-Twin powerplant
uses German
components and
develops a heartpounding 185PS
www.bikeindia.in
JULY 2014
71
ERIK BUELL, CEO, ERIK BUELL RACING

When Buell was closed down so suddenly it was very
disappointing and emotional, but I was really busy, trying to make sure we took care of all the people there.
I had some options, one of which was retirement. But
I discussed it with my wife and decided there was a
lot I still wanted to do. I knew I had a great team of
people, and unnished business.
I had to build a brand-name and I thought,
lets race Buells, lets make race parts for Buells,
and introduce new things. I realised we could build
better motorcycles and also a better business. I
really believed in the guys, and in this out-of-the-box
American thinking. We can bring a lot of freshness to
the motorcycle industry.
We were going to need backing, and I said its
going to have to be an Asian company, because there
are so many motorcycle companies in Asia. And I
wound up falling into a bed of roses with Hero, a very
strong company that also has a culture that ts well
with ours. [Hero, which split from Honda in 2010, is
Indias largest motorcycle rm and builds roughly six
million bikes per annum.]
Pawan Munjal, the CEO of Hero MotoCorp, is an
engineer, so he really understands the product. I was
introduced by a friend, we talked a number of times
and he said, Ive split with Honda, youve split with
Harley. Why dont we share some ideas?
I just love motorcycles, whether theyre sport
bikes or being used as transportation in Africa. I think
theyre much better than cars. Theyre lighter, use
less energy, they use less resources to build them. So
we had a lot of discussions like that and I was very
72
JULY 2014
impressed by how much he knew about high-level

technology, in a way that you might not expect from
someone running a company that makes 100-cc and
200-cc bikes.
Pawan said, I need a concept vehicle and dont
have a lot of time, so we ended up making the Leap
[a prototype petrol/electric hybrid] for Hero, which was
a whole lot of fun. He said, I dont want to run your
business, but we could be a partner you could trust.
And theyre a real strategic investor. [Last year Hero
paid US $25 million for a 49.2 per cent stake in EBR.]
Its no secret that were working on a couple of other
models. [A naked 1190SX, due in August, and a dualpurpose 1190AX, to be unveiled at the Milan Show in
November.] Were a sport bike rm but what that means
is open to debate. A bike doesnt need low bars and a
fairing to be fun. If it can be light, have some performance and technology, thats what makes me smile.
The biggest number of bikes that Buell ever built
in a year was 15,000, and I dont think itll be all that
long before were beating that total. Were never going
to build small-capacity bikes, but it certainly makes
sense to broaden the range and make the most of
what weve developed.
The race team has a lot of potential and its great
to get two American riders [Geoff May and Aaron
Yates] involved in World Superbike. The bike we ran in
Australia was almost a stock street bike, so we have
a lot of potential to improve. Were going to learn a lot
more about the bikes and its great to participate. The
organisers are excited to have us in the series and
were excited to be taking part.
www.bikeindia.in
EBR 1190RX
SPEC TALK
EBR 1190RX
Type
Valve
arrangement
DOHC, four valves

per cylinder
Max Power
185 PS at
10,600 RPM
Max Torque
137.8 Nm at
8,200 RPM
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Clutch
Wet weight
(no fuel)
Wet multi-plate
slipper clutch
Liquid-cooled
72-degree V-twin
Displacement 1,191 cc
Comp Ratio
13.4:1
Carburation
Digital fuel-injection
191 kg
Brakes (Front) Eight-piston

Nissin calliper,
386-mm
perimeter disc
Suspension
(Front)
Brakes (Rear) Twin-piston

Hayes calliper,
208-mm disc
Tyre (Front)
Tyre (Rear)
120/70 x 17
inch Pirelli Diablo
Rosso Corsa
Suspension
190/55 x 17
(Rear)
inch Pirelli Diablo
Rosso Corsa
Wheelbase
1,409 mm
Seat height
826 mm
Rake/trail
22.4 degrees/
96.5 mm
www.bikeindia.in
43-mm inverted
telescopic
Showa BPF,
120-mm
wheel travel,
adjustments
for preload,
compression
and rebound
damping
One Showa
damper,
130-mm
wheel travel,
adjustments
for preload,
compression
and rebound
damping
smoothly enough, and the engine was grunty

enough, that clicking into another cog slightly
early didnt seem to lose time. The lack of a
quick-shifter was slightly surprising. That heavy
hydraulic clutch will be hard work in town, but
for track use the slipper unit worked well. And
unlike Buells, including the 1125R, with their
troublesome Harley-style belts, the RX has chain
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welcome in the chassis, which was very
promising although the track didnt dry enough
to allow a full evaluation. The bike is short and
compact, with a stubby 1,409-mm wheelbase,
but I wasnt cramped despite being tall. In Buell
fashion its steering geometry is racy, with 22.4
degrees of rake and 96.5 mm of trail, which
helped make the bike effortlessly agile through
the slow chicanes.
The Showa suspension was reasonably
FRPSOLDQWDQGKDVSOHQW\RISRWHQWLDOIRUoQH
tuning. Reports from the States suggest the RX is
well up to a more aggressive dry-track pace too.
Better hope so, given that American pilots Geoff
May and Aaron Yates are racing the bike in World
Superbikes this season. Such
KLJKSURoOH5 'VHHPV
bold but typical of Erik
Buell.
Another of the RXs trademark Buell features

that couldnt be fully tested in the damp was the
perimeter front brake, but the single disc and its
eight-pot Nissin calliper gave excellent feel and
more than ample power in the conditions.
(Especially given the lack of ABS, which is due
later this year.) Lets hope the larger rotor and
cooling scoops have cured the old Buells
tendency to warp discs. This set-up certainly
looks a lot more up to the job.
So Erik Buell and his team have more work to
do, but theyve come a long way in creating the
5;%HLQJIUHHRI+DUOH\'DYLGVRQVHHPVWR
have allowed Buell to concentrate on developing
his bikes the way he wants, rather than dancing
to someone elses tune. The Buell 1125R launch
in 2008 was marred by bikes that ran erratically,
ZHUHGLIoFXOWWRVHWXSDQGEURNHGULYHEHOWV%\
contrast, the EBR worked well immediately and
hesitated only when I stayed out too long and ran
low on fuel.
Only putting the RX directly against its closest
rivals will show whether the 1190RX can match
the best from Europe and Japan. But on this
evidence it wont be far away, and it seems very
competitively priced for a bike built in such small
numbers. The RX is certainly the best sports bike
yet from America. Erik Buell might yet face a few
PRUHGLSVLQWKHURDGEXWKH
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V
future has surely never been brighter.
JULY 2014
73
ROAD TEST TVS STAR CITY+
74
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
TVS STAR CITY+
STAR-STRUCK
The TVS Star City+ is set to carry forward the legacy of its
highly popular predecessor, the Star City. Does it live up to
RXUH[SHFWDWLRQV":HQGRXW
STORY: SAYEM PARVEZ SYED PHOTOGRAPHY: ROMMEL ALBUQUERQUE
ACK IN THE YEAR 2005 WHEN

TVS launched the Star City, it proved
to be quite a revolution in the highly
competitive Indian commuter market. The
110-cc motorcycle was praised for its durability,
quality and low maintenance cost, all of which
made it stand out among its competitors. Fast
forward to the year 2014, and the commuter
segment in the Indian market is still the focal
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various two-wheeler manufacturers. With the
ever-increasing competition, the Bengalurubased two-wheeler giant could not afford to rest
on its laurels. Therefore, TVS launched the Star
City+ last month and we were glad to get
astride the bike and to test just how good this
updated version is.
As I was approaching the parked Star City+ to
undertake the road test, I was wondering if this
updated version would live up to its name. At
standstill, the motorcycle is somewhat a visual
www.bikeindia.in
clone of its previous avatar. The bikini fairing is

the most instantly recognisable part of the
commuter, but now it sports a squarish headlamp
instead of the protruding one seen on its previous
avatar, the Star City. The styling on the new bike
is edgier and sharper, which makes it one of the
best-looking commuter motorcycles on sale
today. Black alloy wheels are standard on the Star
City+ and the motorcycle receives an all-black
WUHDWPHQWRQLWVHQJLQHDQGH[KDXVWPXIpHUDV
well. Refreshed graphics and glossy paint-job
make it visually appealing too.

The instrumentation on this commuter adopts
a no-nonsense approach: the simple white
speedometer blends perfectly with the digital
fuel-gauge and trip meters. TVS trademark
economy and power mode indicators are a
welcome addition in the Star City+. Nice
mirrors, a comfortable seat, a decent set of
switches and a distinctive looking rear end with
a prominent tail-light cluster add a feel-good
factor to this commuter.
The Star City+ comes equipped with a
109.7-cc, four-stroke, two-valve, air-cooled,
single-cylinder engine. The engine is extremely
VPRRWKDQGUHoQHGDQGWKHYHUWLFDOO\RIIVHW
single cylinder mill features TVS advanced
C(FRWKUXVW
WHFKQRORJ\7KHPRWRULVDOVRoWWHG
with a Molycoat piston that ensures reduced
friction within the cylinder and better
combustion for improved economy. The peppy
engine features an intelligent ignition system
JULY 2014
75
ROAD TEST TVS STAR CITY+

(TCI), while the spark-plug has been reworked
for improved combustion. Maximum power
available to the rider is 8.4 PS while the peak
torque is 8.7 Nm. When you thumb the electric
starter on the bike (the basic variant features
only a kick-starter) the engine noise and
H[KDXVWQRWHDUHTXLWHUHoQHGDQGWKHFOXWFK
feels quite light. The bike features a four-speed
fairly slick shifting gearbox, typical of a
commuter motorcycle.
Once I got astride the Star City+, I found it
had decent ergonomics with that typical
upright commuter riding position. Featuring a
single-cradle tubular frame and well-sprung
suspension on both ends, the Star City+ rides
and handles well, both in the city as well as on
the highway. The 110-cc mill has very good
low-end and mid-range grunt 0-60 km/h
was done in a respectable 7.6 seconds and it
manages to pull off strongly at the twist of the
wrist. Power delivery is fairly linear at all times
and I was able to max out the bike at 90 km/h.
Even with the increase in wheel-base, its
compact dimensions aid in quick change of
direction while also offering excellent stability
and ride quality. The Star City+ feels planted at
all times, even at high speed, and it also let me
WDNHWKHVZHHSHUVTXLWHFRQoGHQWO\
As for braking, the bike is a decent performer.
Its 130-mm front and 110-mm rear drum brakes
are comparatively better than those in majority of
its competitors, although I strongly feel that

offering a front disc brake would make for a
marked improvement. The current drum options
do their duty without much fuss, especially when
you encounter sudden braking situations while
riding in the city as well as progressive braking in
WUDIoF796KDYHPDGHVXUHWKDWWKHFRPPXWHU
gets its set of sticky rubber, which provide
adequate grip at all times when pottering
through the city as well as riding enthusiastically.
Being a commuter motorcycle, its very
important that the Star City+ shines when it
FRPHVWRIXHOHIoFLHQF\'XULQJWKHFRXUVHRIWKLV
road test, I rode the bike quite extensively in the
city during rush hours and also managed to take
it for a spin on the highway. The bike returned an
RYHUDOOIXHOHIoFLHQF\oJXUHRINPO
So, did the Star City+ manage to beat
its predecessor? It is a resounding Yes from
PH796DVDEUDQGLVZHOONQRZQIRUPDNLQJ
reliable motorcycles, and, in case of this bike, has
worked effectively to iron out the few issues that
were present in the previous model. As a result,
796KDYHPDQDJHGWRPDNHWKH6WDU&LW\DQ
even better and able commuter. If reliability,
YDOXHIRUPRQH\FRPIRUWDQGIXHOHIoFLDQF\DUH
your primary concerns while buying an everyday
commuter, look no further. In the crowded
FRPPXWHUVHJPHQWRI,QGLDWKH7966WDU&LW\
might just be the catalyst bringing about a
FKDQJHRIIRUWXQHIRU796
GEARCHECK
Rider
Helmet
Jacket
Gloves
Boots
Denim
76
Sayem Parvez Syed

Studds
DSG
DSG
Woodland
Wrangler Tough Gear
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
TVS STAR CITY+
SPEC TALK
TVS STAR CITY+
ROAD TEST #144

OVERALL
50,144 (OTR, Pune)
Height 1080mm
Saddle Height
785mm
7KH(FRWKUXVWWHFKQRORJ\QGVLWVZD\LQWRWKH6WDU&LW\DQGKHOSVUHJXODWHWKHRZRISHWUROWRWKH
engine for a proper balance between power and economy, thus catering to both commuter and enthusiast
Ground
Clearance 172mm
Wheelbase 1260mm
Length 1980mm
Width 750mm Kerb Weight 109kg
Battery 12 V / 5.0 Ah, Analogue speedometer,
odometer and Digital fuel guage
The drum brake setup packs a good bite but we

wish it soon gets a disc, at least as an option
7KHUHQHGFFVLQJOHSURYLGHVOLQHDUSRZHU
delivery and helps in commuting effortlessly
The analogue/digital combo is simple and effective.

Notice TVS standard Eco/Power modes
Large, angular mirrors are well-positioned and

provide good visibility at all times

Type
4-str, single
cyl, air-cooled
Displacement 109.7cc
Valvetrain
4 Valves
Ignition
Digital CDI
Starting
Electric+Kick
Bore X Stroke 53.5 x 48.8mm

Comp Ratio
9.2:1
Fuel Supply
Max Power
Carburettor
8.4 PS @ 7000 RPM
Max Torque
8.7 Nm @ 5000 RPM
Power To
Weight
77.06 PS/Ton

Type
Single downtube Suspension
(Front)
Brakes (Front) 130mm drum
Telescopic forks
Brakes (Rear)
Tyre (F/R)
5 step adjustable
hydraulic shock
absorbers
110mm drum
2.75 x17
3.00 x 17
Suspension
(Rear)

Overall *
67 km/l
Clutch
Wet, Multiplate
Highway
76 km/l
Gears
Four
City
64 km/l
Primary Drive Gear
Fuel Tank
Capacity
10 litres
Gearshift
Pattern
All-up
Range
670 km
Final Drive
Chain
* is 75% city riding and 25% highway

140
ACCELERATION
120
100
18.62s
80
7.68s
60
3.31s
40
20
0.61s
TIME, SECONDS
0
2
10
12
14
16
Standing Quarter Mile (0-400m)

ROLL - ON
30-60 km/h
18
BRAKING*
60km/h to standstill
80km/h to standstill
22
24
The all-new front and rear-end of the Star City+ is understated but distinctive from its predecessor
23.16s@84.91 km/h
3rd
11.33s
4th
19.65s
True Speed
31.87 km/h
56.93 km/h
74.93 km/h
90.83 km/h
Indicated Speed
32 km/h
62 km/h
80 km/h
98 km/h
Top Speed
Speedometer error
20
90.83 km/h
29.44 metres / 3.74s

55.82 metres / 5.32s
Performance testing by Piyush Sonsale
www.bikeindia.in
JULY 2014
77
FEATURE VESPA S
LIVIN LA
VIDA VESPA
What happens when two adventurous souls get an opportunity
to discover Gods own country with some much-needed
,WDOLDQDLU"5HDGRQWRQGRXW
STORY: SAYEM PARVEZ SYED PHOTOGRAPHY: ROMMEL ALBUQUERQUE
78
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
VESPA S
www.bikeindia.in
JULY 2014
79
FEATURE VESPA S
80
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
VESPA S
ITH THE ARABIAN SEA TO

the west, the Western Ghats
towering in the east and networked
by 44 rivers, the enchanting State of Kerala
enjoys unique geographical features that have
made it one of the most sought-after tourist
destinations in the world. Thus, when Piaggio
India invited us for a short experiential ride with
the new Vespa S at the gorgeous lake resort of
Kumarakom, I was all smiles for this muchneeded holiday.
7KLVZDVP\oUVWHYHUYLVLWWRWKHVXUUHDOVWDWH
of the gods. I had heard a lot about Kerala
salubrious climate and a long shoreline with
serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald
backwaters, lush hill stations, exotic wildlife,
picturesque waterfalls as well as sprawling
SODQWDWLRQVDQGSDGG\oHOGV,ZDVHDJHUWR
discover this paradise on earth!
We touched down in Kerala on a dark, cloudy
day. The thunder gods were in full swing as the
UHJLRQUHFHLYHGLWVoUVWVSHOORIUDLQ$TXLFNWZR
hour drive took us to our destination: Vembanad
Lake, Kumarakom, where the marketing bigwigs
of Vespa were going to launch the Do you
Vespa? campaign. The essence of organizing this
experiential ride in Kerala for us journos was to
create a much-needed buzz and to throw light on
how Vespa owners are a class apart from other
scooterists the world over.
Vespa scooters greeted us at the Kumarakom
lake resort. It just felt like a crazy carnival of
bright Arancio Taormina (orange) Vespas. There
were Vespa scooters parked at almost all corners
of the resort, a few of them even managed to
attract the lens of my photographer colleague a
Vespa S which was parked on a traditional
Kerala canoe and another that graced the edge of
WKHUHVRUW
VLQoQLW\SRRO
It was a near-perfect setting for the fun evening
that was planned for us. The backwaters looked
scenic and calm during sunset and the stage was
set for an informal press conference on day one as
M V Krishna, VP, Marketing, Vespa India,
greeted us and focused our attention on the giant
screen which showcased the Vespa legacy movie
clip. This was quickly followed by performances
www.bikeindia.in
JULY 2014
81
FEATURE VESPA S
of renowned sand artist Rahul Arya, who
highlighted Vespas rich heritage with his
breath-taking sand-art, and acclaimed
stand-up comedian, Papa CJ, who left us
all in splits with his Do you Vespa? stint.
We had to play the role of a discoverer the
next day so we decided to call it a day.
Next morning, we were greeted by a
clear blue sky and, thankfully, the sun was
out in all its glory. It was a perfect setting
for us. We were handed the keys to our
sporty and stunning Vespa S, and, just like
eager beavers, both of us took off to explore
the serenity of these enchanted backwaters.
We didnt know the local language nor did
we have any guidance maps with us, but
the moment we stepped out on to the
country roads we became instant
celebrities. Children and adults alike were
attracted to the Vespa S; eyes popping all
over the countryside.
The roads in Kerala are mostly two-lane
ones with a lot of buses taking up most of
the space. The roads were a bit wet and
slippery after the previous nights
downpour, but with the Vespas decent
riding dynamics, we had very little to
FRPSODLQDERXW:HZHUHVWLOOoJXULQJRXW
the route in our minds while cruising along
the country road when we came across a
pHHWRIKRXVHERDWVDQFKRUHGDORQJWKH
calm backwaters. These intricately
designed river vessels are simply gorgeous
82
JULY 2014
even when at anchor. I managed to strike

up a conversation with the boatmen and
they gladly allowed us to use their majestic
boats as part of our photo shoot.
As we rode ahead and decided to
wander farther into the lush countryside,
the helpful local people were perfect guides
to us. We came to know about a close ferry
point and decided to follow the trail. On
the narrow, twisting lanes up to the ferry
dock, the Vespa S shone like a star. Its
125-cc mill provided adequate power and
ensured brisk progress, while the ride felt
comfortable at all times even with a pillion.
The front disc brake provided ample
stopping power and the sticky tyres kept
the scooter planted. We soon reached our
ferry and got some great pictures. It was
interesting to see the people not paying

heed to the incoming ferrys hoots, for the
Vespa S had them in its thrall, not to
mention our antics to portray ourselves as
supermodels.
Waving goodbye to the genial local
citizens, both of us were back on the
country road and decided to head back to
our resort. Evening was upon us and there
was a blissful atmosphere, riding on the
URDGQH[WWRWKHSDGG\oHOGVLWVLPSO\IHOW
out of this world. As I was riding back, I
pondered the Do you Vespa? campaign
and the ride that I had just taken part in. I
ZDVDEOHWRDUULYHDWDMXVWLoDEOH
conclusion: the Vespa is not just a scooter,
its a part of ones personality, a style
statement and a lifestyle!
www.bikeindia.in
TRAVELOGUE TRIUMPH TIGER TRAVELOGUE
DASADA
Vadodara
Junagadh
Sasan Gir
Bordi
Dahanu
PUNE
Mahabaleshwar
Ratnagiri
Goa
Udupi
Mangalore
Madikeri
OOTY
Munnar
Thekkady
KANYAKUMARI
84
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
TRIUMPH TIGER TRAVELOGUE
A TIGERS TALE #III
INTO THE
LIONS DEN
The Triumph Tiger 800XC tackles city, coast, highway,
forest and the vast deserted expanse as it heads from
Pune to more of the west coast, the Gir National Park,
and the Rann of Kutch, braving the scorching summer
STORY: JIM GORDE | PHOTOGRAPHY: SANJAY RAIKAR
www.bikeindia.in
JULY 2014
85
HE TRIUMPH TIGER
800XC has been a fantastic
companion ever since we
began our journey from the
very tip of southern India.
Having covered forests and hill stations,
beaches and mountain roads, there
wasnt anything which made the beast
pLQFK$VZHVHWRIIIURP3XQHWRZDUGV
more beaches, we would head west to
Gujarat and the forests of Gir before
oQLVKLQJWKHOHJRIILQWKHYDVWH[SDQVH
that is the Rann of Kutch.
Pune, home to many of us here, can
get rather crowded during the day. Okay,
thats a huge understatement, and that
meant we would leave as early as our
senses would allow, but, before that, we
just had to visit some more must-see
sights. The famous marketplace in the
heart of the oldest part of the city,
0DQGDLLVDOVRULJKWQH[WWRDQLPSRUWDQW
landmark, the Dagdusheth Temple,
which becomes a hub of activity during
*DQHVKIHVWLYDO$QRWKHUSODFHRI
immense interest is Sarasbaug: sprawling
lawns dotted about with trees and
fountains; a nice way to unwind later in
the evening. The street food junction or
chowpatti becomes active then and you
can indulge in a variety of local favourites
86
JULY 2014
from bhel and pani-puri to pav-bhaaji.

However, we had a long way to go, and it
was just a few hours until we hit the road.
In the wee hours of a Saturday
morning, we set off towards Thane. The
highway would only be used so much.
7KLVZDVDPLVVLRQRQHRIoQGLQJ
HQMR\PHQWLQH[SORUDWLRQ7KH7LJHUZDV
primed and ready for the adventure
ahead. It looked forward to taking on the
rough and heading out into new lands. I,
for one, couldnt wait to set all those eager
horses free.
2XUoUVWVWRS'DKDQXDEHDFKYLOODJH
close to the Maharashtra-Gujarat border.
Once you set off, the road takes you along
the outskirts of Mumbai and Thane. The
highway is a joy to tackle, but the sheer
number of trucks along the way can be
annoying, especially with their overtaking
competitions seeing single-digit speeds.
The ghat section going past Lonavla is
quite cool, especially at the time we had
reached there, with sunrise still at least a
couple of hours away. Once on the main
highway, the Tiger opened up and began
sprinting. Some sections offer you the
opportunity to try out some truly
ridiculous speeds, but we refrained from
H[SHULPHQWLQJQRWNQRZLQJZKDWWKHURDG
ahead would have in store for us.
THE SPICE IS RIGHT:

5DZDQGJURXQGVSLFHV
DW'DKDQXFLW\PDUNHW
6RPHWKLQJVK\DERXW
'DKDQX%HDFK
www.bikeindia.in

Where foliage meets
sand - Dahanu Beach
PLACES OF INTEREST
Pune: Saras Baug,
Shaniwarwada, Dagdusheth
Temple, Osho Ashram
Dahanu: Dahanu Fort,
Dahanu Beach
Vadodara: Kirti Temple,
Sursagar Lake, Laxmi Vilas
Palace
Sasan Gir: Gir National
Park
Dasada: Little Rann of
Kutch, Rann Riders Resort
AT A GLANCE
Route:
Pune - Thane - Dahanu Bordi - Vadodara - Sasan
Gir - Junagadh - Dasada
Distance Travelled:
1,320 km
www.bikeindia.in
JULY 2014
87
SOLACE FOUND:
The Kirti Temple in Vadodara
88
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
You are now

entering Vadodara
A watchful eye over
Sursagar lake
IN THE TOOLBOX
Chain lubricant,
Allen keys,
Spanners
GEAR CHECK
Riders:
Jim Gorde,
Harket Suchde,
Ravi Chandnani,
Sanjay Raikar
Helmet: THH
Jacket: Triumph
Pants: Triumph
Gloves: Triumph
Boots: RJays Altitude
www.bikeindia.in
The road to Dahanu requires you to

turn off the main highway and head into
town. The area is famous for its beaches
and plantations. There are acres of fruit
orchards along the way as you head
towards the beach, away from the
highway. The coastal road here is
absolutely beautiful. The water is brown,
taking its colour from the sand. There are
just a few people around and every so
RIWHQ\RXFRPHDFURVVDoVKLQJERDW
docked by the side of a shack. The road
goes up to another beach village, Bordi,
even closer to the State border. Bordi is
DQRWKHUoVKLQJYLOODJHZLWKVRPH
extremely scenic locales. The beach
seems to go on for miles and the sparse
population, everywhere except the busy
village centre with its buzzing
marketplace, means you can actually
relax and enjoy the ride. Ahead is the city
RI6DQMDQKLVWRULFDOO\VLJQLoFDQWIRU
ZKHUHWKH3DUVLVoUVWVHWIRRWLQWKH
country centuries ago. Now we were
headed for Vadodara, and that meant
taking the NH 8, leading to Vapi. The
Kariya lake, just off the coast, makes for a
tranquil halt when the heat gets to you.
However, we were bent on pushing on.
The highways were crowded, but
pRZLQJWUDIoFPHDQWWKDWZHFRXOGSXOO
out some good average speeds. After a
quick lunch stop in Vapi, we continued
down the NH 8. Riding down the
highway late afternoon had hot winds
whipping us head-on. No, astride the
Tiger, they didnt make me break into a
sweat, but the sheer dry heat meant the
temperature was soaring beyond what I
was remotely expecting. We didnt know
then, but there was a heat-wave in
Gujarat. That explained the 44 C
temperature that had to be ridden
through as we passed Surat and left it
behind in a hurry, the heat having
no remorse.
It was almost evening by the time we
saw the exit on the highway signalling
our arrival in Vadodara. The busy
marketplace we went through led to one
of the old gates to the city. It was quite a
structure, and with some policemen
looking on, we managed to get some
quick pictures before heading to the Kirti
7HPSOHDQRWKHUPDJQLoFHQWZRUNRIDUW
Luckily for us, when we got there, the
place was deserted. The sun was
beginning to set and the evening light
made the orange Tiger stand out and
gleam. Our luck carried through to the
hotel, which wasnt too far away from the
temple or the sights wed seen on our way
there. Dinner was an interesting egg

fast-food affair and, apart from the
sweltering heat, we came away happy
with our choice of eatery.
Early next morning, we hit the not-sobusy streets to try and capture the big
Shiva statue situated in the middle of the
Sursagar Lake. Needless to say, it was
quite a sight to watch the sun rise from
behind it. However, we had to scoot
because it was a big day for us: the Tiger
would enter the lions den, but only if we
managed to reach Sasan Gir before 2.30
WKDWDIWHUQRRQ2XUoQDOVWRSWKHQZDV
the majestic Laxmi Vilas Palace, still
used as a palatial dwelling, complete with
peacocks in the yard.
Our route to Sasan Gir would take us
past some of the lesser-used highways,
and that meant long stretches and high
speeds. The Bhavnagar-Pipali highway
also had the Velavadar National Park en
URXWHDQGPDQ\DVDOWUHoQHU\7KH7LJHU
wasnt allowed in at the gate, so I made a
dash towards the salt for some quick
pictures. Seeing the white mountains of
salt over twice my height and a conveyor
belt adding more volume with every
passing second was quite a sight! Pure
rock salt was streaming down, with the
occasional lump rolling down all the way
to the ground. After a quick stop, we
were off, approaching the junction which
would take us either to Bhavnagar or
bypass Amreli. It was getting
XQEHOLHYDEO\KRWVRZHoJXUHGZH
GVWRS
to cool off at the next little town en route,
Chalala. We had a simple lunch of sevtomato curry and rotis, a typical local
lunch, before gunning it towards the Gir
National Park.
Barely after we entered the boundaries
of the reserve, we spotted some deer.
5DWKHUZHPDQDJHGWRoQGVRPHVSRWWHG
deer. The road had turned from a mix of
broken tarmac and rubble to nonexistence, with stones, mud and tracks
forming our path into the forest. Even
though it was hot and dry, there was no
shortage of greenery. The types of trees
around gave the surroundings equal
measures of lush and spooky; many a dead
tree with skeletal branches was there
forming the backdrop, seemingly spying
on us through the foliage. As we made our
way through, we found the place deserted,
save for some jumpy spotted deer and
sambhar, which couldnt be bothered. I
decided to explore the forest a bit, but the
howl from the Tigers triple was probably
enough to warn anything around of my
presence a good bit before I actually got
JULY 2014
89

there. The Tigers tyres offered
commendable grip and the bike felt
absolutely stable. That meant I didnt have
to pay attention to trivial things like
throttle control and grip levels in the mud
I was traversing. After a quick detour, we
were back on track, all set to head into the
lions den. The Lion Safari starts from
7DODOD7KH\KDYHDpHHWRIVSHFLDOO\
adapted SUVs and guides to take you
through the forests in the search for the
elusive king of the jungle. We hoped we
would spot some lions, majestically
basking in the summer sun, although we
did know fully well that it was all down to
chance, and being in the right place at the
right time.
The sun was beginning to set as we
headed out of Sasan Gir hoping to make
the most of daylight. It was still
sweltering as we stopped to cool off in
the shade of some trees. There was
something about the sunset in the
isolation which grew into civilisation
again. There was farmland on either
VLGHRIWKHURDGDQGPRGHUQGD\
irrigation had turned the whole place
into a lush green paradise. I popped my
visor a crack, and the air was warm but
felt soothing. There was no need for
speed. This was serenity being handed
to me on a road I had to take. What
could be better?
The greenery went on for miles, and
soon we spotted human construction and
PDQ\PDQ\EXLOGLQJV2QHRIWKHoUVW
that got my attention was the Groundnut
Research Centre. Yes, a research facility
for groundnuts! I felt quite stoked about
that and realised that agriculture is
something very serious. That was just
what I needed to ponder over as I took
on the curves at high speeds. The
needles vertical, the engine is howling
away, the wind is attacking me and Im
wondering what sort of tests they subject
groundnuts to and if they indeed were
dicotyledons, if I remember my
secondary school science right. Before I
knew it, I was in the middle of the
bustling city centre of Junagadh. After
asking some locals, we checked into the
Leo Resort, which was a stones throw
IURP-XQDJDGK)RUWRXUoUVWVWRSHDUO\
next morning.
Junagadh seemed like a rather pleasant
town at sunrise, and there were hardly
any people about as we made our way
through some narrow lanes to get to the
fort. Historically, Uperkot has been
around since 319 BC, constructed over
two millennia ago. The entry gate is
90
JULY 2014
PDMHVWLFDQGWKHWDOOIRUWLoFDWLRQVKRXVH
several cannons at varying heights.
Looking up at the fort with the sun rising
in the background made me remember
my history lessons and my mind vividly
displayed images of what the battles must
have been like back then.
There is a cobbled pathway which
leads into the fort, revealing more
passageways. Thankfully, the Tiger was
allowed inside for a small fee. As I made
my way in, the road got higher and the
view even more spectacular. Inside the
fort was a road, a normal one, with dirt
and plants on the side. It led up an
incline to a wall overlooking the
ramparts, complete with two more huge
cannons on each side, imported from
Egypt. Just beyond them is the Jama
Masjid. Exploring the many rooms it
holds within its many (140, to be precise)
pillars can take a while. It was easy to
lose track of time as I continued
exploring.
We exited the fort and proceeded
through the city, which was now quite
packed with people and vehicles. The
road out of Junagadh was actually a
narrow street that went through the city
and which would eventually lead us out
on to the long, straight highway 8D
through Jetpur and Gondal. The stretch
from Gondal to Rajkot was a dream:
VSDUVHWUDIoFVPRRWKDQGVWUDLJKWURDGV
and hardly any animal intervention. That
meant only one thing: the Tiger could
stretch its legs and make headway for
Dasada. The triple was up for it and was
very vocal with its happiness. The
acceleration is so brisk, its on open
stretches like these that you can really feel
the horses in the Tiger come alive.
Hitting 80 km/h takes just a couple of
seconds, but its the way the engine pulls
so cleanly in any gear which really speaks
loads about its rideability. Its just as
comfortable pottering about at 50 km/h
in sixth gear, and that has a big part to
play in making it a great bike for touring,
on and off road.
It was almost afternoon when we
arrived at the outskirts of Dasada. Our
destination was a unique resort called
Rann Riders. Id heard a lot about the
place and was looking forward to getting
there. Besides, the temperature was an
unholy 47 C and the sun was glaring
down with an intensity that no one in their
right mind would be comfortable. I am
infamous for having beads of perspiration
take over my forehead while many are
VKLYHULQJLQDQDLUFRQGLWLRQHGURRPVR
BIKE INDIA RATINGS

Triumph Tiger 800XC
Fuel Economy:

Engine:

Transmission:

Chassis:

Performance:

Overall:
This ones on a branch,

not on tap
www.bikeindia.in
TIGER ON THE PROWL:

Gir National Park
Into the lions den, then
Quite the colourful

couple they make
We did feel like we

were being watched
Would you like your
Sambhar mixed?
www.bikeindia.in
JULY 2014
91

this was far from ideal for me. I point out
to my photographer how even the locals
have taken shelter under whatever few
trees were alongside the road. Not an
animal was stirring and yet here we were,
the Tiger running along with its
temperature gauge a tad over half the
distance between C and H.
A simple gate with a signboard and a
wall signal your arrival. The desert-like
heat had got to everyone and we were
irritable and just looking for a break. The
moment we entered the compound,
though, it all changed! Rann Riders was
like an oasis in a desert, quite literally, I
might add. The off-road ready SUVs and
EXVHVWKHVPDOORIoFHEXLOGLQJZLWKWKH
rustic dining area and the hut-like
cottages were a welcome sight after the
miles wed spent in the scorching sun.
Getting the opportunity to stay there was
all thanks to members of our team
visiting the place a few times in the past
few years. Although it was closed for the
off season, the owner had us put up in
two air-conditioned cottages. While
wondering what we could do for lunch, a
soft knock on the door followed by a
quick word telling us that lunch was
ready got us upbeat even more. Finally,
we got to experience the dining area. It
wouldnt be fair to call it a restaurant; the
ambience was far more exclusive and

serene than many a great restaurant Ive
had the pleasure of visiting. There was
even a peacock, the owners pet,
frolicking around and basically just
relaxing on the sofas. A pug, named
Princy, would also become a close
companion over the course of the day.
:HORYHRXUSHWV\RXVHH$IWHUDoOOLQJ
lunch which comprised a surprisingly
extensive menu, we went off for a quick
power nap. The stone pathways, wood
EULGJHVDQGDZLGHYDULHW\RIpRUD
enthralled me as I made my way back to
the hut. This was indeed an oasis. If it

wasnt for the scorching heat, I would
have surely explored every inch of the
place. However, Little Rann of Kutch
was calling, and we would answer that
evening.
Rann Riders had arranged for a guide
to take us to the expansive salt desert,
which was about 40 kilometres away.
We set off at 5.00 pm and made our way
past the little stretch of highway and a
village with the road getting narrower
with each turn we took. Soon the
background began to turn into more
The 140 pillars of

the Jama Masjid
THINGS TO CARRY
Pack light and carry only
the essentials while riding.
For longer trips, you may
require saddlebags, so
select a set specifically
made for your kind of bike.
Strap them down with the
help of bungee cords, so
that they dont move around
when in motion.
Other necessities, like
official papers and gadgets,
can be carried in a tankbag. This way, you have
easy access to them when
you take breaks. Fuel up
the bike at the beginning of
the ride everyday.
Also try and keep your hip
pockets empty to avoid
discomfort over long rides.
A hydration pack can also
be a big help at times.
HEAVY ARTILLERY:
All the way from Egypt
92
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
Trails of dust erupted

behind me and the howl
from the engine was the
sound of freedom. It took
over and all I wanted to
do was go back and forth,
enjoying the endless
expanse
www.bikeindia.in
sand and less vegetation. I was gingerly

making my way over the sand banks
which, once regular, had now turned into
the only terrain. I was so focused on not
toppling with the Tiger that I didnt
realise the elevation changes and the fact
that we were getting closer to the
endlessly sprawling desert of a different
kind. The guide was directing us, going
by mounds of sand and bushes. I
couldnt fathom how well he knew the
place. Soon enough, the salt desert was
all the eye could see: it was land,
background and horizon.
As I came to a stop and got off the bike,
I began to take in where we were.
Cracked mud-cakes with salt topping
were what I would like to describe it as.
Then began the speed runs. There was
not a soul in sight, not a sign of movement,
and, most importantly, no speed limits! I
imagined Bonneville (the place, not the
Tigers sister) and the speed records that
so many have attempted on this
treacherous surface. Increase tyre
pressure. Reduce tyre pressure. Close all
JDSV$OORZJRRGDLUpRZ(YHU\WKLQJ
was tried there, but, here, we werent
about to set any speed records. We were
here for fun, to explore and push our own
limits. And that we would gladly do. It
was hot, and the anticipation had got me
breathless. I couldnt contain myself

standing still and hopped back on the bike
and went far till Sanjay, my photographer,
was but a dot in my visor. Like a heatseeking missile, I opened the throttle and
let the Tiger loose.
The speedo rose to 50, then 80 and I
felt what sort of grip was on offer. There
was very little really. One shift in weight
would mean I was off. Holding a straight
line was everything! As the needle
climbed to 100 km/h, I was gunning for
glory. Trails of dust erupted behind me
and the howl from the engine was the
sound of freedom. It took over and all I
wanted to do was go back and forth,
enjoying the endless expanse. The sun
was setting in the background and Sanjay
ZDVEXV\oOOLQJXSKLVPHPRU\FDUG$V
dusk settled in, we set up our portable
tent. Late-evening shots would be
another experience. Pitch darkness
would soon step in, and millions of stars
would light up the night sky.
It was mesmerising. The Rann. It puts
things in perspective. How minuscule we
are. How large such a tiny dot on a map
can be. How there is much beauty in
everything for those who seek it. How
deep you can go into nowhere and yet
know exactly where you are. Yes, we had
to leave early, and, no, I didnt care.
JULY 2014
93
BI GARAGE
94
COMMUTING
WITHOUT FUSS
NOT JUST ONE

MORE GEAR
AWESOME
ITALIAN
The Mahindra Pantero has been my longterm bike for over six months now, and the
plucky little commuter has become a part
of my daily commute to work and back.
Over this length of time, Ive pretty much
oJXUHGRXWZKDWPDNHVLWWLFNDQGZKHUHLW
falls short.
The positives for me are its massive fueltank capacity of 12.7 litres, and how nimble
LWLVLQWUDIoFGXHWRLWVVL]H7KHULGHTXDOLW\
too is par the course. It isnt a bad-looker
either, and has a very modern digital dashboard, which are also points in its favour.
On the downside, the fuel economy of
around 40 km/l in the city falls short of its
segment rivals. The power from the 106.7cc engine kicks in really late in the rev
range, resulting in slow acceleration, which
makes it feel underpowered, especially
when it has to lug a big built guy like me.
Lastly, the lack of disc brake makes riding,
particularly with the monsoon setting in, a
bit of a challenge.
Overall, the Pantero does what it was
supposed to do, getting me from point A to
point B with the minimum fuss.
HARKET SUCHDE
%HLQJD6X]XNLELNHXVHUIRUWKHSDVWPDQ\
\HDUV,DPUHDVRQDEO\IDPLOLDUZLWKWKHoQHU
SRLQWVRIWKLVPDUTXHDQGDOVRWKDQNIXOWKDW
I did not have to contend with any
mechanical glitches for most of this time).
)LUVWLWZDVWKH7966X]XNL)LHURIRUPDQ\
years, followed by the 125-cc Heat for the
past six years. The Heat, now defunct, is a
oYHVSHHGPRWRUF\FOH7KHUHIRUHZKHQ,
rode the GS 150R, the latest entrant into the
%,ORQJWHUPpHHWIRUWKHoUVWWLPHDIHZ
months ago, I thought that I was graduating
by one gear, for this one is a six-speed
machine. I soon realised, however, that it
was not restricted to just that.
I became alive to the GS 150Rs
superiority in other departments as well,
QRWDEO\HQJLQHUHoQHPHQWDQGKDQGOLQJ
Being a heavier bike than the Heat, it
adheres to the tarmac in a much more
UHDVVXULQJPDQQHU1RZ,DPUHTXLUHGWR
VKLIWGRZQOHVVIUHTXHQWO\HYHQRQD
gradient, on account of its 150-cc engine.
So far so good. I have done about 6,000
kilometres on this bike, and, as I had
anticipated, have nothing to grumble about.
DEEPAK UPADHYE
%DUHO\DIWHURQH9HVSDOHIWRXUpHHWWR
JREDFNLWVVQD]]LHUWZLQFRPHVDORQJ
and brings the smile back on our faces.
While the classic red Vespa LX was a
joy to ride and looked like nothing else
on the road, always being the centre
of attraction, the new VX takes
things further, and just where we
would have liked it to.
The VX brings in MRF Zapper tyres
and a disc brake two very important
additions that vastly improve ride and
KDQGOLQJDQGKHOSWKLVTXLFNOLWWOHZDVS
stop on a dime, or coin. The colour is a
new one too, and it reminds me of a
refreshing drink on a hot day, which is
TXLWHZKDWWKH9HVSDLVOLNHDIWHUDKDUG
days work. Its peppy engine, which is
also among the most powerful scooter
engines in India, can really pick up its
heels and go! Even after all those miles,
there hasnt been a whimper of
complaint and the VX continues doing
what it does best: making every journey
a joy and keeping that smile plastered
on my face!
VARUN KULKARNI
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
BIKE INDIA GARAGE
TRULY MORE
POWERFUL
ABLE
COMMUTER
ON OR
OFF ROAD?
The Honda Activa 125 launch took place

in Mumbai. My colleague and I went to
collect the scooter as it was given to us for
long-term use and my task was to shoot
the scooter for the road test en route to
Pune. The next day I asked my colleague
how the bike was. Seeing the smile on
his face I could make out. He said the
bike was really wonderful. My own longterm bike had just gone back and I
wanted one for my daily commute to and
IURPWKHRIoFH,RSWHGIRUWKH+RQGD
Activa 125.
True to my colleagues experience I
found the Activa 125 amazing. It really
was more powerful than its predecessor.
It handled well and was best when
manoeuvring and overtaking other
vehicles on the road. One thing I
found a little worrisome was its
headlight. The low beams reach was
very feeble. It did not illuminate the road
properly, as a result of which potholes
were not visible at night. However, the
high beam was good. Overall, a good
scooter to live with.
SANJAY RAIKAR
The TVS Phoenix has been with us for

almost a year now and its been treating
me brilliantly ever since. The 125-cc mill
RQWKHELNHSHUIRUPVHYHUVRHIoFLHQWO\
and everyday commuting on the
crowded city roads is a pleasant affair. I
have managed to clock a total of 11,000+
kilometres on the odometer, riding all
over Pune and its environs. Even while
riding on the highway the bike turns
out to be quite a decent performer.
My Phoenix has been rock-solid for
me all these months and I have never
had a major issue with the bike. What is
surprising is that my commuter has only
undergone four services to date, but it
still manages to perform exceptionally
well. The comfortable long seat, decent
VWRSSLQJSRZHUJRRGIXHOHIoFLHQF\
DQGUHoQHGPLOODOOPDNHWKH3KRHQL[D
big hit with my family too.
SANTOSH WADHAI
:H
YHKDGWKH+HUR,PSXOVHLQRXUORQJWHUPpHHWIRUD
long time now and clocked over 15,000 km on it. I know
that isnt much, but those 15,000 km have been a mixture
of mostly rough terrain and a little bit of metalled roads.
The button tyres on the Impulse offer really good grip on
mud, slushy terrain and even sand, but what about when
you are riding on tarmac? Well, I went for a short ride to
Khopoli last weekend to see just how much grip the tyres
would offer me. By the time I reached Lonavla, about 65
km from my house, the tyres were all warmed up and it
was time to tackle some twisties. Open road in front of me,
WKURWWOHJUDGXDOO\RSHQLQJXSKHUHFDPHWKHoUVWOHIW
hander. I leaned in a bit, then came the right-hander, I
leaned in a bit more. By the end of the twisties and a small
bout on the curves that the Pune-Mumbai expressway
had to offer, I reached Khopoli. In typical tradition, I
parked the bike and started sipping a cup of tea as I took a
360-degree walk round the bike. So how much grip did
the tyres offer, how much could this on- and off-road bike
lean? An inspection of the tyres showed a negligible
amount of half a button untouched by tarmac. Half a
button! Leaning the bike around corners was easy and the
bike felt planted. The tyres offered good traction and the
W\UHSURoOHDOORZVRQHWRPDLQWDLQDJRRGJULSHYHQZKHQ
leaned over. So weve now proved this bike is good not
only on rough terrain, but on tarmac as well.
ROMMEL ALBUQUERQUE
www.bikeindia.in
JULY 2014
95
SPORT 2014 ISLE OF MAN TT
THE
DUNLOP
REIGN
CONTINU
It seems that dominating the TT last year
was not enough for Michael Dunlop, who
returned to the Isle of Man this year to
ZLQIRXURIWKHYHPDLQUDFHV$QGWKLV
time his winning streak included the
prestigious Senior TT
96
JULY 2014
REPORT: RAVI CHANDNANI PHOTOGRAPHY: IOMTT.COM
E MAY NOT HAVE WON THE SENIOR TT

last year, but that is not the case this year. Michael
Dunlop not only impressed the spectators with his
Senior TT win this year, but he also lifted the overall TT
championship trophy named after his late uncle and great racer,
Joey Dunlop. We take a look at the youngsters performance at
the 2014 IOM TT and also tell you about other great men who
risk everything for a place on the podium at the worlds oldest,
most prestigious and dangerous motorcycle racing event.
www.bikeindia.in
2014 ISLE OF MAN TT
ES
www.bikeindia.in
JULY 2014
97
Michael Dunlop, the new king of

the mountain, at the start of the
Superbike race on his BMW
SUPERBIKE RACE
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98
JULY 2014
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Michael (centre) shares the podium

with maverick racer Guy Martin and
local hero Connor Cummins
www.bikeindia.in
2014 ISLE OF MAN TT

Uncle Joey and father
Robert Dunlop will be
so proud of Michael
SUPERSPORT RACE ONE

It was quite a dramatic Supersport race for the
whole equation changed as it got under way. The
60.72-km-long mountain course saw Briton Gary
Johnson pilot his Triumph Daytona 675R to
victory for newcomer Smiths Racing team. It was
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DVUDLQDQGIRJSOD\HGVSRLOVSRUW%HVLGHVWKH
Brit was also engaged in a duel with Kiwi rider
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EXWWKHZLQQHUZDVGHFLGHGLQWKHODVWWZRPLOHV
of the race. Bruce and Gary kept swapping the
lead and there was also a time when Gary had
gained a 2.5-second lead on Anstey.
With just two miles to go the gap was just 0.011
seconds when Gary pulled a quick one and
VLPSO\EODVWHGWKURXJKWKHODVWVHFWLRQoQDOO\
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completed the podium in third place.
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during the supersport race wherein 65-year old
%RE3ULFHSDLGWKHXOWLPDWHSULFHIRUUDFLQJLQKLV
favourite event.
Amazing talent: Gary Johnson,

winner of the Supersport race one
Michael Dunlop was fast on the

BMW, but he was equally good on
the Honda in Supersport race two
SUPERSTOCK RACE
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early lead in the race and held on to it for a perfect
win. The Northern Ireland youngster piloted his
%0:PDFKLQHWRWKHFKHTXHUHGpDJZLWK
VHFRQGVEHWZHHQKLPDQGVHFRQGSODFHoQLVKHU
www.bikeindia.in
Dean Harrison. Bruce Anstey rode at a

FRQVLVWHQWSDFHMXVWWRoQLVKWKLUGLQWKHWKLUG
event of the TT week.
The four-lap Superstock race also witnessed
the second casualty of the 2014 TT. Three-time
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crashed at Joeys corner which ultimately resulted
in his death.
JULY 2014
99
Flawless performance by Michael at

this years TT established him as a
legend at the island
SUPERSPORT RACE TWO

This one was an epic race because Michael once
again proved that he has the talent and passion to
enter the record books just like his uncle Joey.
The 25-year-old rider stunned everyone by
winning the second Supersport race, which he
OHGIURPVWDUWWRoQLVK+RZHYHULWZDVQRWDQ
easy win, for his closest rival, Bruce Anstey, was
giving Michael a tough time by being right on his
tail. Michaels exceptional talent allowed him to
keep the lead and win the race with a 10-second
margin. On his part, Bruce did no give up right
till the end, but had to be content with a secondSODFHoQLVK
The race also saw a number of retirements
which helped many riders jump up a position.
Tyco Suzuki rider William Dunlop was running
second for a while, but he slipped into third
position after Bruce Anstey overtook him to slip
LQWRWKHVHFRQGSODFH7KHoQDORUGHUZDV
Michael Dunlop followed by Bruce Anstey in
second and William Dunlop in third. The
Supersport win was Michaels 10th TT win and it
elevated him to the likes of great riders like
Giacomo Agostini, Stanley Woods, Rob Fisher
and Ian Lougher.
Stars of the TT take a moment to

honour Karl Harris and Bob Price,
both of whom died this year
100
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
2014 ISLE OF MAN TT

SENIOR TT
The most awaited race of the TT was a very
exciting one as there was a lot of drama on the
mountain course. Weather conditions were
SHUIHFWIRUWKHoQDOHYHQWRIWKHZHHNDQGWKH
'XQORSEURWKHUVORRNHGTXLWHGHWHUPLQHGWRWDNH
the top two spots on the podium. William led the
charge as the race commenced. He was closely
followed by Manxman Connor Cummins and
Guy Martin in second and third respectively.
Following the top three were Dean Harrison in
IRXUWK0F*XLQQHVVLQoIWKDQG-DPHV+LOOLHU
in sixth. Michael Dunlop, however, was
running seventh.
But Michael did not stay there
IRUORQJ+HSLFNHGXSSDFH
and was moving up the leader
board. By the end of lap one,
he had slipped into the lead
and was charging ahead at
great speed. William, on
the other hand, was not able
to maintain his lead and was
forced down to fourth.
7DNLQJDGYDQWDJHRIWKLV
local hero Connor
Cummins moved up the
chart into second while
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a comfortable third place.
On lap two, Michael and
his BMW S 1000 RR really
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Michael was able to put in a
really fast lap, creating a new lap
record in the process. His average
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also extended his lead to 7.7 seconds
EHIRUHKHSLWWHGIRUWKHoUVWWLPH
Meanwhile, behind Michael, Connor
Cummins had slipped to fourth place with
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Guy Martin was still in third.
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Dunlop, who crashed at Les Graham Memorial,
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Nobles Hospital for immediate treatment.
Michael was still in the lead, but Williams
accident had opened up the second place which
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Martin still remained in number three spot.
www.bikeindia.in
He didnt win it last year, but this

year he simply stunned everyone by
winning the Senior TT
JULY 2014
101
Dean Harrison on his RC Express

racing Kawasaki
Lap four saw Michael extend his lead to 13

seconds, but at the second pit-stop Connor was
able to catch Michael and reduce the gap to 9.5
seconds as he put a very quick lap. By now, the gap
between Cummins and Martin was 10 seconds.
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gap between the two was just seven seconds at
Glen Helen. As the rest of the pack encountered
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Michael was able to pull away from Connor thus
increasing his lead.
By the last lap, Michael had piled up a
comfortable lead of 14 seconds on Cummins,
who was running second. Guy Martin was just
nine seconds behind Cummins during the last
ODS$VWKHFKHTXHUHGpDJFDPHRXWLWZDV
Michael Dunlop was the fastest to complete the
six laps of the Senior TT and claim his fourth
victory of the 2014 TT Championship. This was
also the 11th win of his short TT career. He joined
the ranks of Steve Hislop and Phillip McCallen
by winning the Senior TT and also claimed his
102
JULY 2014
Conrad Harrison and Mike Aylott

ZRQWKHUVWVLGHFDUUDFH
www.bikeindia.in
2014 ISLE OF MAN TT
Morecambe Missile John

McGuinness won the TT Zero race,
his 21st TT win
Dave Molyneux and Patrick

Farrance claimed the top spot in
sidecar race two
www.bikeindia.in
right for the Joey Dunlop TT Championship

Trophy. On the podium Michael was joined by
local hero Connor Cummins, who rode his
Honda Racing machine to a perfect second-place
oQLVKDQG7\FR6X]XNLULGHUDQGFUD]\PDQ*X\
Martin, who claimed his 15th podium by
oQLVKLQJWKLUG
Michael Dunlop was crowned the 2014 TT
Champion followed by Bruce Anstey, who put in
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became the fastest man to lap the Mountain
FRXUVHDWDQDYHUDJHVSHHGRINPK
TT Legend and the second most successful
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among the top 15 in every race he participated.
There was one event where he reigned supreme:
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-RKQWDNHKLVVW77ZLQ:KLOHKHFRXOGQ
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manage the same in other races because of his
wrist injury, he was able to pull up a lighting-fast
lap, setting a new lap record for electric
PRWRUF\FOHV0F*XLQQHVVoQLVKHGVHFRQGV
ahead of team-mate, Bruce Anstey, who gave the

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spot. The third place went to Rob Barber, thus
completing the electric podium.
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$\ORWWWRRNKLVPDLGHQ77VLGHFDUYLFWRU\
Harrison is a TT sidecar regular and has
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7KHVHFRQG5$&6LGHFDUUDFHVDZ'DYH
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and won the second race.
Another exciting class, the Lightweight TT,
VDZ'HDQ+DUULVRQFODLPKLVoUVWHYHU77
victory by leading the three-lap Lightweight race
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VHFRQGVDKHDGRIODVW\HDU
VZLQQHUDQGWKLV
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in the lightweight class was another youngster,
James Cowton.
JULY 2014
103
SPORT MotoGP FRANCE
WHO CAN STOP

THE MARQUEZ
STEAMROLLER?
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SRVLWLRQDQGUDFHZLQDW/H0DQVOHDYLQJKLVULYDOVLQD
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ULGLQJWKDWWKH\GSUHVXPHGZDVVRPHWKLQJ\RXGLGRQFH
HYHU\IHZODSVZKHQ\RXJRWLQWRDFRUQHUDELWKRW
REPORT: MAT OXLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: DPPI
S VALENTINO ROSSI SAID AT

Le Mans, Marc is the only one who
squeezes 100 per cent out of the bike.
And all those riders who thought that they were
already at 100 per cent need to start all over again.
MotoGP Race
Well, at least Marquez made a race of it by
oQLVKLQJWKHoUVWODSGRZQLQWKSODFH,QIDFW
it was Lorenzos lap-one move on the champ that
pushed him off the track at the Garage Vert
hairpin. For the next 12 laps there was fun aplenty
as Marquez pushed to the front.
On lap three of 28 he slipped past Bautista at
WKHoQDOGRXEOHULJKWRQODSoYHKHVQHDNHG
inside Smith into the Esses Bleu, on lap seven he
out-braked Lorenzo into Turn Two and later that
same lap he rode right round the outside of
Dovizioso at the Esses Bleu.
That left the three leaders Rossi, Espargaro
and Bradl some way ahead. But with a clear
track, Marquez broke the lap record and closed
for the kill. On laps 10 and 11 he repeated his Turn
Two pass on Bradl and Espargaro, which left only
Rossi ahead.
The Italian had earlier snatched the lead from
fast-starting Dovizioso and was nearly a second
ahead at one point. But Marquez reeled him in at
the rate of several tenths of a lap until he was
104
JULY 2014
ready to pounce. Rossi saved him the effort by

running wide into the Esses Bleu and gifting the
lead to his pursuer.
Of course, Marquez rued the fact that he
KDGQ
WKDGWRoJKWIRUWKHOHDGk:KHQ,FDXJKW
Valentino, I expected a nice battle, but he made a
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and I enjoyed today because I had to make a lot
of overtakes.
0DUTXH]DGPLWWHGKLVEDGoUVWODSZDVSDUWO\
his fault. I was too relaxed at the start, so many
riders overtook me, including Lorenzo, then I
was too close to him, so I had to go off the track.
After that my eyes were always on Valentino.
By the last lap Marquez had effortlessly
stretched his advantage to 3.4 seconds, but
KHFUXLVHGRYHUWKHoQLVKOLQHWRZLQE\
seconds. Rossi was delighted to be second. In
reality, the seven-time MotoGP king was back to
his very best; after all, if it wasnt for this young
interloper, he wouldve won the race. I am so
happy about my race, said Rossi after his third
VHFRQGSODFHRIWKH\HDUDQGKLVWKSUHPLHU
class podium. When I had Andrea and Bradl in
front, I knew I was faster, so I could take the lead.
I was strong on braking, but I was on the limit
trying to keep Marc behind me. If I hadnt
braked too deep into Turn Nine, I think I
couldve fought with him for a few laps and it
www.bikeindia.in
MotoGP FRANCE
www.bikeindia.in
JULY 2014
105
SPORT MotoGP FRANCE

MOTOGP
POS.
1
RIDER
4403.925
Valentino ROSSI
+1.486
Alvaro BAUTISTA
+3.144
Pol ESPARGARO
+3.717
Dani PEDROSA
+4.077
Jorge LORENZO
+7.088
Stefan BRADL
+11.527
Andrea DOVIZIOSO
+22.103
Aleix ESPARGARO
+22.626
10
Bradley SMITH
+23.108
11
Cal CRUTCHLOW
+25.780
12
Scott REDDING
+39.523
13
Yonny HERNANDEZ
+42.544
14
Hiroshi AOYAMA
+42.736
15
Karel ABRAHAM
+56.644
16
Michael LAVERTY
+114.123
17
Colin EDWARDS
+119.723
18
Broc PARKES
+130.934
19
Mike DI MEGLIO
+134.521
Bautista had one of his best

races in MotoGP
106
TIMING
Marc MARQUEZ
JULY 2014
wouldve been fun. It was too easy for him!

Behind the two leaders Bautista comfortably
RYHUFDPHURRNLH(VSDUJDURWRVFRUHKLVoUVWWRS
three since Motegi 2012. The result made him the
happiest man on the podium, largely absolving
him of his horrible run of three crashes from the
oUVWWKUHHUDFHVk$IWHUWKHFUDVKHVDQGSUDFWLFH
WURXEOHVDW$XVWLQDQGLQ$UJHQWLQDoQDOO\,IHHO
so good on the bike, said Bautista, who may yet
save his job.
Espargaro was just as happy as the top three,
scoring by far his best MotoGP result after a
steady start to his MotoGP apprenticeship.
Unable to resist the fastest riders he held station
in fourth for some while and fended off a late
charge from Pedrosa, who struggled with a lack
of front grip.
Pedrosa spent much of the race with the offform Lorenzo. Last year Lorenzo was famous for
his lightning starts and his ability to carve
astonishing lap times with a clear track ahead.
Now he seems a little lost if he doesnt have a
FOHDUURDGk:KHQ,
PLQVL[WKSODFHLW
VQRWWKH
same, I struggle to be smooth, said Lorenzo who
also made a settings error in warm-up that cost
KLPUHDUJULSDQGIURQWFRQoGHQFH
Likewise Bradl, who changed his rear
suspension on race morning in search of

more race grip, but found the opposite result.
k,ZDVSUHWW\IDVWZLWKQHZW\UHVEXWDIWHUVL[RU
VHYHQODSV,FRXOGQ
WXVHWKHUHDUyH[SODLQHG
the German.
Dovizioso went backwards after leading the
oUVWWKUHHODSVWRoQLVKHLJKWKVHFRQGVGRZQ
DIWHUDIUDQWLFEDWWOHZLWK$OHL[(VSDUJDUR
V2SHQ
<DPDKDDQG6PLWKk7KHVWRU\LVWKHVDPHDVODVW
\HDUyKHVDLGk7KHVWUDQJHVWWKLQJZDVOHDGLQJ
IRUWKUHHODSV,WULHGWRNHHSoJKWLQJEXWWKHQ,
lost the front and rear many times.
Espargaro was half-a-second down on the
IDFWRU\'XFDWLDWWKHpDJXQKDSS\ZLWKKLVSDFH
and half-a-second in front of Smith. Crutchlow
had a gloomy race in 11th, but at least he scored
KLVoUVWoQLVKVLQFH4DWDUk:HDUHFRQVLVWHQWy
KHVDLGk%XWFRQVLVWHQWO\WRRVORZy
5RRNLH6FRWW5HGGLQJ*2 )81+RQGD
was top RCV1000R rider after improving his
IURQWHQGMXVWLQWLPHIRUWKHUDFH+HEHDWRII
<RQQ\+HUQDQGH]3UDPDF'XFDWL+LURVKL
$R\DPD'ULYH0+RQGDIRUWK(GZDUGV
once again ran into electronics/fuelling trouble
ZKLFKKDGKLPSXVKRYHUWKHoQLVKOLQHLQWK
+D\GHQODVWHGMXVWWKUHHFRUQHUVEHIRUH,DQQRQH
took him out.
Pol Espargaro managed to

save his spot and had his
best MotoGP nish so far
www.bikeindia.in
MotoGP FRANCE
POS.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Moto2
Finn Mika Kallio (Marc VDS Kalex)
won his second Moto2 race in a row.
This time he didnt lead from start to
oQLVK,QVWHDGKHORVWWKHOHDGWR
Simone Corsi (NGM Kalex) in the
early stages and was happy to stay
WKHUHIRUDZKLOHk,WROGP\VHOI
C2ND\FRROGRZQVDYHWKHW\UHV
y
said Kallio. Then when he slowed a
ELW,GHFLGHGWRJRy
Kallio pounced with six laps to go
and then got his head down so no
one could mount a last-gasp attack.
7KHSODQZRUNHGSHUIHFWO\.DOOLR
crossing the line a second ahead of
Corsi to close the points gap on slowVWDUWLQJVHULHVOHDGHUDQGWHDPPDWH
Tito Rabat.
$XVWLQZLQQHU0DYHULFN9LQDOHV
(HP40 Kalex) established a new lap
UHFRUGRQKLVZD\WRIRXUWKMXVWDKHDG
RIWHDPPDWH/XLV6DORPDQGSROH
VWDUWHU-RQDV)ROJHU$*5.DOH[
Miller won the closely fought

Moto3 race to extend his
championship lead
,WVXUHO\FDQ
WEHORQJEHIRUHSXQFKHVDUHWKURZQ
in the 2014 Moto3 championship. This race was
marked by innumerable changes of position in
WKHOHDGJURXSDQGVHYHUDOFROOLVLRQVPRVW
QRWDEO\IRXUFRUQHUVIURPWKHpDJZKHQ(IUHQ
9D]TXH]GLYHGLQVLGHOHDGHU-DFN0LOOHUDQG
had the door slammed in his face. The pair
FROOLGHG9D]TXH]WKURZQRIIOLQHZKLOH0LOOHU
won the race.
,WZDVDUHPDUNDEOHYLFWRU\E\WKH$XVWUDOLDQ
teenager whose KTM was down on the speed
Moto3
RIDER
Jack MILLER
Alex RINS
Isaac VIALES
Francesco BAGNAIA
Alex MARQUEZ
Efren VAZQUEZ
Enea BASTIANINI
John MCPHEE
Alexis MASBOU
Jakub KORNFEIL
www.bikeindia.in
TIMING
4130.582
+0.095
+0.230
+0.487
+0.931
+0.940
+1.026
+1.221
+1.575
+2.173
TIMING
4241.696
+1.015
+1.303
+2.187
+3.619
+3.918
+12.324
+15.552
+17.627
+28.704
Kallio scored his second

consecutive win
Moto3
POS.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Moto2
RIDER
Mika KALLIO
Simone CORSI
Esteve RABAT
Maverick VIALES
Luis SALOM
Jonas FOLGER
Dominique AEGERTER
Thomas LUTHI
Sam LOWES
Franco MORBIDELLI
DJDLQVWWKH+RQGDVHVSHFLDOO\WKDWRIGLPLQXWLYH
Vazquez. On the last lap he twice grabbed the
OHDGIURPWKH6SDQLDUGEUDNLQJODWHUWKDQODWH
k,WZDVDJUHDWoJKWDQGWKDW
VZK\,
PH[WUHPHO\
KDSS\yVDLG0LOOHUZKRZDVMRLQHGRQWKH
SRGLXPE\$OH[5LQV(VWUHOOD*DOLFLD+RQGD
DQG,VDDF9LQDOHV&DOYR.70
9D]TXH]QRWXQNQRZQIRUKLVUREXVWULGLQJ
WDFWLFVZDVPDGDWoQLVKLQJVL[WKk-DFNZDV
FUD]\+HNHSWFORVLQJWKHOLQH,I,KDGQ
W
EUDNHG,ZRXOG
YHFUDVKHG'RUQDVKRXOGJLYH
KLPDSHQDOW\SRLQWy
JULY 2014
107
SPORT MotoGP ITALY
LORENZO
FIGHTS
BACK,
BUT STILL
MARQUEZ
WINS
Jorge Lorenzo arrived at
Mugello knowing that this had
to be the weekend he turned
his season around. Just once
on the podium and nowhere
QHDUDZLQDWWKHUVWYHUDFHV
Lorenzo had won the previous
three races at Mugello and he
ZDVQDOO\EDFNWRIXOOWQHVV
DIWHUWKUHHSUHVHDVRQVXUJHULHV
REPORT: MAT OXLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: DPPI
Lorenzo shows some

sportsmanship in Parc Ferme
108
JULY 2014
HE YAMAHA WORKS WELL

around Mugellos sweeping curves and
high-speed esses, and there was always
the chance that Marc Marquez might be a touch
reticent, following his four crashes during the
2013 Italian GP, including that scary 209-mph
get-off at the end of the main straight.
And then, of course, there was the Valentino
Rossi factor. Contesting his 300th GP and fresh
IURPWZRVWURQJVHFRQGSODFHoQLVKHVDW-HUH]
and Le Mans, the nine-time champ was
GHVSHUDWHWRZLQDW0XJHOORIRUWKHoUVWWLPH
since 2008. And the hillsides were busier than in
years, a sea of yellow, hoping against hope that
their hero could rekindle his glory years at the
track that he had once made his own.
www.bikeindia.in
MotoGP ITALY
MotoGP Race
This race was like a war, with a brief skirmish at
the start, followed by a lengthy lull, before the real
oJKWLQJEHJDQ
Lorenzo won the initial skirmish, after
0DUTXH]EULHp\JRWDKHDGRQWKHoUVWODSDQG
then Marquez shadowed the leader until twoWKLUGVGLVWDQFH$VWKH\URGHDURXQGOLQHDVWHUQ
LWVHHPHGOLNH$UJHQWLQDDOORYHUDJDLQ%XWLW
WXUQHGRXWWREHYHU\GLIIHUHQW:KHQ0DUTXH]
oQDOO\PDGHKLVPRYH/RUHQ]RGLGQ
WMXVWJLYH
XS$ODSODWHUKHZDVEDFNLQIURQWDQGIURP
WKHUHXQWLOWKHFKHTXHUHGpDJWKH\IRXJKWOLNH
FDWVDQGGRJVSXVKLQJWRWKHYHU\OLPLWFXWWLQJ
inside each other and outside each other,
running wide and holding the line, running
ZLGHDQGQRWKROGLQJWKHOLQH4XLWHRIWHQWKH\
both ran wide as they got into corners too hot,
XQDEOHWRWDNHDGYDQWDJHRIWKHLUULYDO
VPLVWDNH
DQGRFFDVLRQDOO\WKH\SDVVHGHDFKRWKHULQWKH
VDPHFRUQHU
/RUHQ]RVHHPHGSUHSDUHGWRGRDQ\WKLQJWR
ZLQWKLVRQHDQGKHPDGHVRPHKHURLFSDVVHV
most incredibly when he sneaked through on the
inside at the Correntaio right-hander when there
VHHPHGWREHQRURRP0DUTXH]PDGHDORWRIKLV
SDVVHVRQWKHORQJVWDUWoQLVKWDNLQJIXOO
DGYDQWDJHRIKLV5&9
VVXSHULRUVSHHGEXWWKLV
ZDVQ
WDRQHVLGHGWHFKQLFDOoJKW+LV5&9
ORRNHGLQFUHGLEO\QHUYRXVDWWLPHVVQDSSLQJLQWR
some scary high-frequency headshakes, while
/RUHQ]R
V0ZDVDSLFWXUHRIFDOP
:KLOH0DUTXH]KDGPRUHWRSVSHHG/RUHQ]R
was ahead for most of the straight, allowing him
WRVWD\WRWKHYHU\ULJKWRIWKHWUDFNZKLFKJDYH
him a better line through the left kink before Turn
2QHDQGIRUFHGKLVULYDOWRWKHRXWVLGHDVWKH\JRW
RQWKHEUDNHV
0DUTXH]PDGHKLVoQDOSDVVPRPHQWVDIWHU
WKH\FURVVHGWKHOLQHIRUWKHSHQXOWLPDWHWLPHDQG
WKLVWLPHKHKHOGoUVWLQWR7XUQ2QH%XWRQO\
MXVW+HUDQZLGHDQGLWVHHPHGFHUWDLQ/RUHQ]R
ZRXOGWDNHDGYDQWDJHEXWKHWRRKDGJRWLQWRWKH
FRUQHUWRRIDVW)URPWKHUH0DUTXH]NHSWWKH
GRRUVKXWDQGVWD\HGDKHDGWRFURVVWKHoQLVKOLQH
VHFRQGVDKHDG
k$QRWKHUYLFWRU\EXWWKLVRQHLVH[WUDVSHFLDO
because that was the hardest race of the year,
EHDPHG0DUTXH]DIWHUKLVVL[WKVWUDLJKWZLQk,
struggled to follow Jorge because his corner
VSHHGZDVVRKLJK+HKDGVRPXFKHGJHJULSLW
ZDVLQFUHGLEOH%XW,ZDVDOLWWOHVWURQJHURQWKH
EUDNHVDQGDOVRRQWRSVSHHGEHFDXVHZHKDG
DGMXVWHGVL[WKJHDUIRURYHUWDNLQJy
/RUHQ]RHQGHGWKHVL[WKUDFHRIWKH\HDUVWLOO
ZLWKRXWDYLFWRU\EXWKHZDVKDSS\WREHEDFN
POS.
MOTOGP
RIDER
TIMING
Marc MARQUEZ
4138.254
Jorge LORENZO
+0.121
Valentino ROSSI
+2.688
Dani PEDROSA
+14.046
Pol ESPARGARO
+15.603
Andrea DOVIZIOSO
+17.042
Andrea IANNONE
+17.129
Alvaro BAUTISTA
+27.407
Aleix ESPARGARO
+41.886
10
Yonny HERNANDEZ
+45.212
11
Michele PIRRO
+45.433
12
Karel ABRAHAM
+45.831
13
Scott REDDING
+45.839
14
Hiroshi AOYAMA
+46.834
15
Colin EDWARDS
+109.554
16
Michael LAVERTY
+117.789
17
Broc PARKES
+135.031
18
Mike DI MEGLIO
+137.501
Lorenzo was on the edge throughout the race

and had many such hairy moments
www.bikeindia.in
JULY 2014
109
SPORT MotoGP ITALY
Iannone was impressive in the rst half but

that soft rear tyre was never going to last
LQWKHoJKW6RZDVKHEDFNWRKLVEHVWHYHU"
k6LPLODUWRWKHEHVW-RUJHIRUVXUHyKHVDLG
k0\SK\VLFDOFRQGLWLRQLVJRRGQRZZKLFK
PDNHVWKHGLIIHUHQFH$OVRZHIRXQGVRPHWKLQJ
ZLWKWKHHOHFWURQLFVWRLPSURYHWKHELNHLQ
EUDNLQJDQGDOVRLQDFFHOHUDWLRQ7KHELNHPRYHG
DORWEXWWKDW
VQRUPDOZKHQWKHUHDUW\UHLVROG
0DUFZDVIDQWDVWLF+HLVDOZD\VVRVWURQJRQ
EUDNLQJEXWWKLVWLPH,FRXOGoJKWZLWKKLPRQ
EUDNLQJZKLFKZDVVLJQLoFDQW7KHWRSVSHHG
GLIIHUHQFHZDVFUXFLDOEHFDXVHKHFRXOGSDVVPH
RQWKHVWUDLJKWy
$VWKHWZR6SDQLDUGVFOLPEHGWKHSRGLXPWKH
FKHHUVRIWKHIDQVZHUHPRVWO\UHVHUYHGIRU
WKHPDQLQWKLUG5RVVL7KLVZDVKLVoUVW
0XJHOORSRGLXPVLQFHDQGWKHFURZGZDV
HFVWDWLFOHWWLQJRIIZDYHVRI\HOORZVPRNHERPEV
DQGpDUHV
$WRQHSRLQWLWORRNHGDVLI5RVVLPLJKWPDNHLW
DWKUHHZD\FRQWHVWIRUYLFWRU\EXWKHQHYHUTXLWH
PDGHXSIRUKLVWKLUGURZVWDUW+HVSHQWPXFKRI
WKHUDFHDURXQGVHFRQGVEHKLQGWKHOHDGHUV
DQGDOWKRXJKWKHJDSFORVHGVOLJKWO\ZKHQ
0DUTXH]DQG/RUHQ]RZHUHWDNLQJFKXQNVRXWRI
HDFKRWKHUKHoQLVKHGWKHUDFHVHFRQGVGRZQ
k,ORVWWKHVPDOOFKDQFH,KDGRIVWD\LQJZLWK
WKHPGXULQJTXDOLI\LQJZKHQ,PDGHWKHPLVWDNH
ZLWKWKHW\UHyVDLG5RVVLk$IWHUWKHVWDUW,ZDV
110
JULY 2014
OXFN\WRJHWLQWRWKLUGSODFHTXLWHTXLFNO\EXW
DOUHDG\WKH\ZHUHVHFRQGVDKHDG,WULHGDQG
WULHGDQGWULHGEXWXQIRUWXQDWHO\WKH\ZHUH
VWURQJHULQWKHHQGRIHDFKODS$Q\ZD\,DPVR
KDSS\WREHEDFNRQWKHSRGLXPDW0XJHOORy
5RVVL
VWKLUGFRQVHFXWLYHSRGLXPOLIWHGKLP
LQWRVHFRQGRYHUDOODKHDGRI3HGURVDZKR
VWUXJJOHGWRIRXUWKZLWKDUPSXPSGHVSLWHSRVW
-HUH]VXUJHU\WRo[WKHSUREOHP$IWHUWKHUDFHKH
UHWXUQHGWR6SDLQIRUDQRWKHURS
7KH6SDQLDUGVSHQWWKHUDFHFRPLQJEDFNIURP
DSRRUVWDUW+HKDGWRSDVV3RO(VSDUJDUR
'RYL]LRVRDQG,DQQRQHEHIRUHVHWWLQJDIWHUWKH
WRSWKUHHEXW,DQQRQHSURYHGDWRXJKQXWWR
FUDFNUHSDVVLQJ3HGURVDRQVHYHUDORFFDVLRQV
EHIRUHKHFRXOGoQDOO\EUHDNFOHDU
(VSDUJDURZRQWKHWKUHHZD\FRQWHVWIRUoIWK
EHWWHULQJWKH'XFDWLVRI'RYL]LRVRDQG,DQQRQH
E\MXVWRYHUDVHFRQG$OYDUR%DXWLVWD*R )XQ
+RQGDZDVDORQHO\DQGRIIIRUPHLJKWKZHOO
DKHDGRI$OHL[(VSDUJDUR1*0<DPDKD
KDYLQJKLVZRUVWZHHNHQGRIWKH\HDUVRIDU
6PLWKZDVWKHoUVWFUDVKHUIROORZHGE\
&UXWFKORZZKRVOLGRIIKLV*3LQWKHoUVW
HVVHVKLVVOLGLQJELNHWDNLQJRXW%UDGOZKRZDV
FKXFNHGYLROHQWO\VN\ZDUGVIRUWKHVHFRQGWLPH
LQDIHZKRXUVDIWHUDVKRFNLQJKLJKVLGHLQ
PRUQLQJZDUPXS
POS.
CHAMPIONSHIP
RIDER
TEAM
PTS.
Marc MARQUEZ
Honda
150
Valentino ROSSI
Yamaha
97
Dani PEDROSA
Honda
96
Jorge LORENZO
Yamaha
65
Andrea DOVIZIOSO
Ducati
63
Pol ESPARGARO
Yamaha
49
Aleix ESPARGARO
Forward Yamaha
44
Stefan BRADL
Honda
39
Alvaro BAUTISTA
Honda
34
10
Bradley SMITH
Yamaha
34
11
Andrea IANNONE
Ducati
34
12
Nicky HAYDEN
Honda
23
13
Hiroshi AOYAMA
Honda
23
14
Yonny HERNANDEZ
Ducati
22
15
Scott REDDING
Honda
21
16
Cal CRUTCHLOW
Ducati
15
17
Karel ABRAHAM
Honda
13
18
Colin EDWARDS
Forward Yamaha
19
Michele PIRRO
Ducati
20
Danilo PETRUCCI
ART
21
Hector BARBERA
Avintia
22
Broc PARKES
PBM
www.bikeindia.in
MotoGP ITALY
Moto2
Tito Rabat (Marc VDS Kalex) won his third race
of the year after making a dogged and successful
SXUVXLWRIHDUO\OHDGHUV-RQDV)ROJHU$*5.DOH[
and Luis Salom (Pons Kalex).
2QWKHoUVWODS5DEDWFROOLGHGZLWK6DORPDQG
nearly ran off the track and at half-distance it
seemed as if he would have to settle for third. But
WKH6SDQLDUGVWHDGLO\FORVHGWKHJDSoQDOO\
JHWWLQJDKHDGIRUWKHoUVWWLPHZLWKIRXUODSV
remaining. I made a very good race because, on
WKHoUVWODS,QHDUO\ZHQWRXWVLGHWKHWUDFNVR,
had a lot of distance to make up, he said.
If Rabat was happy with his latest success
qZKLFKH[WHQGHGKLVSRLQWVOHDGRYHUWHDP
PDWHDQGVL[WKSODFHoQLVKHU0LND.DOOLRq
Moto2 rookies Salom and Folger had just as
much reason to smile.
Five seconds behind them Simon Corsi
(NGM Kalex) won a tight tussle for fourth, a
fraction ahead of Dominique Aegerter
7HFKQRPDJ.DOH[.DOOLRDQG-RKDQQ=DUFR
(Caterham Suter).
-RVK+HUULQ&DWHUKDP6XWHUFUDVKHGRXWRQ
WKHoUVWODSDIWHUTXDOLI\LQJWK
POS.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Moto2
RIDER
Esteve RABAT
Luis SALOM
Jonas FOLGER
Simone CORSI
Dominique AEGERTER
Mika KALLIO
Johann ZARCO
Sam LOWES
Maverick VIALES
Franco MORBIDELLI
TIMING
3945.660
+0.248
+3.600
+8.117
+8.124
+8.214
+8.781
+10.575
+10.912
+16.251
Rabat fought his way to his third victory of

the year and extended the points lead to 22
Fenati celebrates home victory

in Italian ag colours
POS.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
www.bikeindia.in
Moto3
RIDER
Romano FENATI
Isaac VIALES
Alex RINS
Miguel OLIVEIRA
Niklas AJO
Alexis MASBOU
Alessandro TONUCCI
Juanfran GUEVARA
Brad BINDER
Karel HANIKA
TIMING
3946.256
+0.010
+0.010
+0.121
+0.260
+0.359
+0.597
+5.230
+5.353
+5.395
Moto3
This was a typically epic Mugello slipstreaming
race, with a dozen or so riders in the lead group
for most of the 20 laps.
,QHYLWDEO\WKHPDQZKROHGRXWRIWKHoQDO
corner didnt win the race, and the top seven
crossed the line separated by less than six-tenths
of a second.
Once again it was Romano Fenati (Sky VR46
.70ZKRFURVVHGWKHOLQHoUVWVOLSVWUHDPLQJ
past Isaac Vinales (Calvo KTM) and Alex Rins
(Estrella Galicia Honda) to win by just 0.010
seconds. Vinales and Rins dead-heated for
second but Vinales got the nod following a
video replay. Fourth went to Mahindras Miguel
Oliveira, a further 0.121 seconds down.
It probably would have been 10 or 11 crossing
the line within a second if it hadnt been for a
oQDOODSSLOHXSqQRRQHZDVVXUSULVHGZKHQLW
KDSSHQHGqZKLFKFODLPHGWLWOHOHDGHU-DFN
Miller (Red Bull KTM) and three others. Miller
was controversially awarded two penalty points
for the incident.
Fenatis third win in four races moved him
closer to Miller and made him smile. The last
lap is always crazy at Mugello, no? he grinned.
JULY 2014
111
SPORT WSBK DONINGTON PARK
SYKES THE SCRAPPER

The reigning champion was at his best again in front of home crowd
REPORT: PIYUSH SONSALE PHOTOGRAPHY: DPPI
Superbike
Ducatis Davide Giugliano scored his second
6XSHUELNHSROHLQZHWFRQGLWLRQVDWURXQGoYHRI
WKHFKDPSLRQVKLS+LVODSWLPHDWWKHIRXU
kilometre-long Donington Park circuit was
144.903.
DQGPDGHWKHPRYHIRUOHDGRQODS+HOHGWKH
ZD\IRUWKHoQDOWKUHHODSVDQGVFRUHGDVWXQQLQJ
YLFWRU\DWKLVKRPHUDFH%D]oQLVKHGVHFRQG
IROORZHGE\/RZHVDQG0HODQGULZKLOH'XFDWL
V
&KD]'DYLHVoQLVKHGoIWK
Race Two
Race One
Aprilias Sylvain Guintoli made a lightning start
IURPWKHVHFRQGURZDQGOHGWKURXJKWKHoUVWIHZ
corners. However, he was immediately under
DWWDFNDQGVOLSSHGGRZQWRWKLUGE\WKHHQGRIWKH
oUVWODS6X]XNL
V$OH[/RZHVOHGWKHFKDUJHDIWHU
ODSRQHIROORZHGE\.DZDVDNL
V/RULV%D]ZKLOH
$SULOLD
V0DUFR0HODQGULDQG+RQGD
V/HRQ
+DVODPZHUHIRXUWKDQGoIWKUHVSHFWLYHO\
0HDQZKLOH)DFWRU\.DZDVDNL
V7RP6\NHVZDV
VWUXJJOLQJLQWKDIWHUVWDUWLQJIURPVHYHQWK
*XLQWROLPRYHGXSWRoUVWDJDLQE\ODSWKUHHEXW
ZDVEDFNLQWKLUGE\ODSoYHDIWHU%D]DQG/RZHV
SDVVHGKLPLQWKDWRUGHU%D]OHGWKHZD\IRUD
ORQJWLPHWKHUHDIWHUZKLOHKLVWHDPPDWHZHDYHG
his way up steadily. Sykes was in second by lap 17
*XLQWROLZDVWKHUDFHOHDGHUIRUWKHoUVWIHZODSV
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start. Sykes started making his way up the order
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lead by lap 11. From there onwards he set the
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with 159 points each. Sylvain Guintoli is third
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Supersport
Michael V D Mark on the Honda CBR600RR
Hondas Michael V D Mark secured the Supersport

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unable to use the advantage in the race as he slipped
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Above: Tom Sykes on the podium

Right: Factory Kawasaki duo
storming their way to victory
112
JULY 2014
www.bikeindia.in
w w w.elofic.com
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TO PUNE
NDAI: OOTY
RTH WITH HYU
HEADING NO
011 | June 2014

Volume 9 | Issue
CLUSIVE!
CAR INDIA EX
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Sportscar fo
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TESTED
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Mercedes GL6
Jaguar XF 2.0
Audi A8 L
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PUBLISHING
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FEATURE
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5/23/2014 11:22:20
Digital Platform Partners

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ADDING VALUE
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Phone: +91 (422) 423 5000 | Fax: +91 (422) 233 2107
Email: info@roots.co.in | Website: www.rootsindia.com
SPORT NEWS
6XSHU6LFLQ+DOORI)DPH
0DUF0DUTXH]V2IFLDO
%LRJUDSK\5HOHDVHG
THE MUSEO OLIMPICO IN
Barcelona hosted the release of the
RIoFLDOELRJUDSK\RI0DUF
Marquez, three-time world
champion and the youngest ever
rider to win a MotoGP title. This
ZLOOPRVWOLNHO\EHWKHoUVWLQDVHULHV
of books to be written about him.
Not many would be aware of the
fact that before Marc Marquez
became the youngest premier-class
champion, the record was held by
Freddie Spencer.
116
JULY 2014
racings honour after Casey Stoner,

who was inducted into the Hall of
Fame last year at Phillip Island.
Only 21 grand prix riders have
received this honour, legends like
Kevin Schwantz, Kenny Roberts
Sr, and Giacomo Agostini being
among them. In addition to being
the 2008 250-cc World Champion,
Simoncellis record includes 15
pole positions, 31 podiums, and 14
victories across the three grand
prix classes.
The author of the book,

respected Spanish sport journalist
Emilio Perez De Rozas, asked
Spencer to contribute a special
foreword. Spencer (aka Fast
Freddie) was also present at the
Barcelona release along with
Marquez himself and Rozas.
The biography is in Spanish and
an English version will take some
time, so non-Spanish-speaking fans
of the baby-faced champ have to
wait a little longer.
0LFKHOLQWR6XSSO\7\UHVWR
0RWR*3IURP
FRENCH TYRE
manufacturers Michelin will
replace Japans Bridgestone as the
RIoFLDOW\UHVXSSOLHUVWR0RWR*3
from the 2016 season.
Michelin was the
only tyre company to
bid for the two-year
contract after
Bridgestone
announced their exit
at the end of 2015.
Michelin was a
MotoGP tyre
supplier from 1976 to
2008 during which
THE LATE MARCO

Simoncelli was posthumously
inducted into the MotoGP Hall of
Fame at Mugello.
Simoncelli tragically lost his life in
2011 during the second lap of the
Malaysian Grand Prix. Dorna CEO
&DUPHOR(]SHOHWDRIoFLDOO\LQGXFWHG
Marco as a MotoGP Legend at the
Italian circuit in the presence of
Marcos father, Paolo Simoncelli.
Marco Simoncelli is the latest rider
to receive grand prix motorcycle
time they won 26 premier-class

titles. In 2009 MotoGP became a
single tyre supplier series.
Michelin decided not to bid for the
contract at that time
due to lack of
competition in the
control tyre format.
Bridgestone has been
the sole tyre supplier
to the MotoGP class
ever since while
Dunlop provides
tyres to the Moto2
and Moto3 support
classes.
7ZR'LH'XULQJ,VOHRI0DQ77
immediately pulled
THE ISLE OF MAN
out of an appearance
TT (Tourist Trophy) is
on the parade lap of
one of the premier road
the Blue Riband event,
racing events in the
the Senior TT, on
world. It is as
Friday. Tragedy struck
dangerous as it is fast,
again on Tuesday
having claimed more
when three-time
than 200 lives since its
British Supersport
introduction in 1907.
KARL HARRIS
champion, Karl
This year two more
Harris, lost his life in a
racers lost their lives
fatal collision at Joeys Corner
during this fast-paced race. Bob
during the Superstock race.
Price, a 65-year-old car repair man
Their deaths shocked the entire
from Gloucestershire, died in the
Supersport One race near the village community, making competitors as
of Ballaugh. Scott Redding, 21-year- well as spectators re-think about the
harsh realities surrounding this
old British MotoGP rider and a
dangerous event.
close family friend of Price,
www.bikeindia.in
THE
GOOD
THE BAD
& THE UGLY
TWO WHEELER BUYING GUIDE
INDEX
HOW IT ALL WORKS
MOTORCYCLES
118
120
121
122
APRILIA, BAJAJ AUTO

BMW MOTORRAD
DUCATI
DSK HYOSUNG
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
123 HERO MOTOCORP
125 HONDA
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
INDIAN, KAWASAKI
KTM
LML, MAHINDRA 2 WHEELERS, MOTO GUZZI
ROYAL ENFIELD, SUZUKI
TRIUMPH
TVS
VIBGYOR, YAMAHA
COMPETITION BIKES
ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
All the segments

COLOUR CODE
Motorcycles
Scooters
Electric Scooters
138 AVON, BSA, EKO VEHICLE,

ELECTROTHERM
139 E-VO INDIA, HERO ELECTRIC,
SCOOTERS
KABIRDASS MOTOR CO.,
135 APRILIA, HERO MOTOCORP, HMSI
LOHIA AUTO
136 LML, MAHINDRA 2 WHEELERS
SUZUKI
137 TVS , VESPA, YAMAHA
134 SUZUKA
POWERED BY
DEALER FOR APRILIA AND MOTO GUZZI
www.bikeindia.in
JULY 2014
117
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
BI BUY-BOOK NEW BIKES
MOTORCYCLES
APRILIA
www.aprilia.com
MANA
We Say: NA.
Also See: Ducati Monster 795
Mana 850 GT ABS
15.65 lakh 839.9
76/8000
73/5000
218
NA
NA
16
NA

NA
NA
DORSODURO
We Say: NA.
Also See: Ducati Multistrada, Triumph Tiger Explorer
Dorsoduro 1200 ABS
18.07 lakh
1197 130.5/ 8700 115/7200
NA
NA
NA
15
NA

NA
NA
CAPONORD
We Say: NA.
Also See: Ducati Multistrada 1200, BMW R 1200 GS
1200 ABS
1200 ABS Travel
19.60 lakh
21.69 lakh
1197
1197
128/8500
128/8500
116/7200
116/7200
6
6
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
TUONO
We Say: NA.
Also See: Yamaha FZ1, Honda CB1000R, Triumph Speed Triple
Tuono V4R APRC
19.99 lakh 999.6 167/11500 111.5/9500
NA
NA
NA
17
NA

NA
NA
RSV4
We Say: NA.
Also See: BMW S 1000 RR, Honda CBR 1000RR, Yamaha YZF-R1, Suzuki GSX-R 1000, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
R APRC ABS
Factory APRC ABS
20.42 lakh 999.6 182/12500 115/10000

24.73 lakh 999.6 182/12500 115/10000
BAJAJ AUTO
6
6
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
17
17
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
www.bajajauto.com
PLATINA
We Say: Reasonably decent looks mated to the CT100s frugal genes.
Also See: Hero Splendor NXG, TVS Star City, Yamaha YBR 110
Platina 100
118
JULY 2014
44,451
99.27
8.3/7500
8.05/4500
112
9.91
89.5
13
72.25

May 06
www.bikeindia.in
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
DISCOVER 100
We Say: Good commuter, high frequency handlebar vibrations.
Also See: Hero Splendor NXG, TVS Star City, Yamaha YBR 110,Honda CB Twister
Discover 100M (Drum)
Discover 100M (Disc)
Discover 100T
49,698
53,563
56.597
102
102
102
9.3/8000 9.02/6000
9.3/8000 9.02/6000
10.2/9000 9.2/6500
4
4
5
114
114
121
NA
NA
7.5
NA
NA
100.3
9.5
9.5
10
NA
NA
56

NA
NA
Feb 13
NA
NA

DISCOVER 125
We Say: A denite improvement over the previous model in terms of renement and performance.
Also See: Hero Super Splendor, TVS Flame, Honda Shine
Discover 125M
Discover 125 (Drum)
Discover 125 (Disc)
56,744
54,840
57,063
124.6 11.5/8000 10.8/6000

124.6 11/8000 10.8/5500
124.6 11/8000 10.8/5500
4
5
5
118
118.5
118.5
5.96
6.25
6.25
98.45
103.7
103.7
7.2
7.2
7.2
68.25
68.25
68.25

May 14
May 11
May 11

DISCOVER 125 ST
We Say: Modern technology in a commuter however, a bit pricey for a 125cc bike.
Also See: Hero Glamour
Discover 125 ST
62,054
124.6
13/9000
10.8/7000
124.5
6.17
103.76
10
58.5

Oct 12

DISCOVER 150
We Say: Commuter with poke.
Also See: Hero Glamour, TVS Phoenix, Yamaha SZ
Discover 150
59,260
144.8
13/7500
12.75/5500
121
5.79
110.2
63

Jun 10
PULSAR 135
We Say: Nice and nimble, good looks and four-valve technology, a rst from Bajaj.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 150, Hero X-treme, Honda CB Unicorn, CBF Stunner
Pulsar 135 LS DTS-i
65,874
134.66 13.5/9000 11.4/7500
122
5.18
112.1
63.75

Jan 10
PULSAR 150
We Say: Good fusion of performance, efciency and looks.
Also See: Hero X-treme, Honda CB Trigger, Suzuki GS150R
Pulsar 150 DTS-i
74,759
149.01 15.06/9000 12.5/6500
143
5.4
115
15
55

May 10
PULSAR 180
We Say: Great performace, stunning looks and the good ol edgy box. Great value though.
Also See: TVS Apache RTR 160, RTR 180
Pulsar 180 DTS-i
78,325
176.80 17.02/8500 14.22/6000
147
4.98
117.5
15
51

Jun 09
PULSAR 200
We Say: Value for money, a modern bike for under a lakh of rupees.
Also See: KTM 200 Duke
Pulsar NS 200
www.bikeindia.in
94,335
199.5 23.52/9500 18.3/8000
145
3.83
133
12
44.5

Aug 12
JULY 2014
119
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
PULSAR 220
We Say: More power at lesser price translates into great value for money.
Also See: Hero Karizma R, TVS Apache RTR 180, Yamaha YZF-R15
Pulsar 220 DTS-i
90,221
219.9 21.04/8500 19.12/7000
152
4.7
132.5
15
42.25

Jul 09

AVENGER
We Say: Powerful and torquey, great combo of style and value. Pillion seat should have been more comfortable.
Also See: No alternatives yet
Avenger 220 DTS-i
85,224
219.9 19.03/8400 17.5/7000
154.5
BMW MOTORRAD
4.8
118
14
34

Sep 10
www.motorrad-deutschemotoren.in
R 1200 R
We Say: NA.
Also See: Moto Guzzi Griso
R 1200 R
BO
1170
110/7500
119/6000
227
NA
NA
18
NA

NA
NA
R 1200 RT
We Say: NA.
Also See: Kawasaki Ninja 1000
R 1200 RT
BO
1170
110/7750
120/6000
263
NA
NA
25
NA

NA
NA
R 1200 GS
We Say: Arguably the best all-round motorcycle there is.
Also See: Ducati Multistrada, Triumph Tiger Explorer
R 1200 GS
R 1200 GS Adventure
BO
BO
1170
1170
125/7750
125/7750
125/6500
125/6500
6
6
238
260
NA
NA
NA
NA
20
30
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
K 1300 R
We Say: NA.
Also See: Honda VFR 1200F, Suzuki Hayabusa, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R
K 1300 R
BO
1293
175/9250
140/8250
243
NA
NA
19
NA

NA
NA
K 1300 S
We Say: NA.
Also See: Honda VFR 1200F, Suzuki Hayabusa, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R
K 1300 S
BO
1293
177/9250
140/8250
245
NA
NA
19
NA

NA
NA
K 1600
We Say: NA.
Also See: No alternatives. Honda dont have the Gold Wing here yet
K 1600 GT
K 1600 GTL
120
JULY 2014
BO
BO
1649
1649
160/7750
160/7750
175/5250
175/5250
6
6
332
348
NA
NA
NA
NA
24
26.5
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
www.bikeindia.in
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
S 1000 R
We Say: NA.
Also See: Aprilia Tuono V4R, Ducati Streetghter, Kawasaki Z1000, Yamaha FZ-1
S 1000 R
BO
999
160/11000 112/9750
183
NA
NA
17.5
NA

NA
NA
S 1000 RR
We Say: NA.
Also See: Aprilia RSV4, Honda CBR 1000RR, Suzuki GSX-R 1000, Yamaha YZF-R1, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
S 1000 RR
BO
999
193/13000 112/9750
DUCATI
202
NA
NA
17.5
NA

NA
NA
www.ducati.com
HYPERMOTARD
We Say: A tall road bike with handling of a supersports.
Also See: Triumph Tiger.
796
1100 Evo
1100 Evo SP
NA
NA
NA
803
1078
1078
82/8000
96/7500
95/7500
75.5/6250
103/5750
103/5750
6
6
6
167
172
171
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
12.4
12.4
12.4
NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
MONSTER
We Say: Light and nimble, a good buy.
Also See: Yamaha FZ1, Triumph Street Triple
795
796
7.00 lakh
NA
803
803
87/8250
87/8250
78.4/6250
78.4/6250
6
6
167
167
2.86
2.86
NA
NA
15
15
NA
NA

NA
Mar 11

STREETFIGHTER
We Say: NA.
Also See: Aprilia Tuono V4R, Triumph Speed Triple
Streetfighter
Streetfighter S
NA
NA
1099
1099
157/9500
157/9500
115/9500
115/9500
6
6
169
169
NA
NA
NA
NA
16.5
16.5
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
DIAVEL
We Say: Looks big and heavy but is light and nimble.
Also See: Yamaha VMAX, Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special, Triumph Rocket III
Diavel
Diavel Carbon
NA
NA
1198.4 164/9500 127.5/8000

1198.4 164/9500 127.5/8000
6
6
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
17
17
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
MULTISTRADA
We Say: An SUV of motorcycles.
Also See: BMW R 1200 GS, Triumph Tiger Explorer
MTS 1200
MTS 1200 ABS
MTS 1200 S
MTS 1200 T
www.bikeindia.in
NA
NA
NA
NA
1198.4
1198.4
1198.4
1198.4
152/9250
152/9250
152/9250
152/9250
118.7/7500 6
118.7/7500 NA
118.7/7500 6
118.7/7500 6
189
NA
192
192
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
20
20
20
20
NA
NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
JULY 2014
121
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
DSK HYOSUNG
www.dskhyosung.com
GT250R
We Say: 250 V-twin that is dated now.
Also See: Honda CBR 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 300
GT 250R
3.01 lakh
249
28/10000
22/8000
188
4.02
140
17
NA

Jun 12
GT650N
We Say: NA.
Also See: Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Triumph Street Triple
GT 650N
4.32 lakh
647
74/9000
60.9/7500
208
NA
NA
17
NA

NA
NA
GT650R
We Say: A good V-twin sports bike however, a bit costly.
Also See: Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Triumph Street Triple
GT 650R
5.35 lakh
647
74/9000
60.9/7500
215
2.61
NA
17
NA

Mar 11

AQUILA
We Say: The only 250cc V-twin cruiser in India.
Also See: Royal Eneld Thunderbird 500
GV250 Aquila
2.99 lakh
249
26.5/9500 21.7/7000
167
NA
NA
14
NA

NA
NA
AQUILA PRO
We Say: A big improvement over the ST7 and good value for money.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Street 750 and 883 Superlow
GV650 Aquila Pro
5.57 lakh
647
75/9000
62.1/7500
240
NA
NA
16
NA

NA
NA
ST7
We Say: A good cruiser but pricey.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Street 750 and 883 Superlow
ST7
6.47 lakh
678.2 58.5/8000 57.3/7500
244
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
3.09
1674
18
NA

Apr 10

www.harley-davidson.in
STREET
We Say: The rst affordable cruiser with a Harley-Davidson badge.
Also See: Hyosung Aquila Pro GV650, Suzuki Intruder 800
Street 750
4.66 lakh
749
NA
60/4000
218
NA
NA
13.1
NA

NA
NA
SPORTSTER
We Say: Value packed, classic and timeless looking motorycles that proudly boast of their heritage.
Also See: Hyosung Aquila Pro GV650, Hyosung ST7, Suzuki Intruder 800
XL883L Superlow
XL883N Iron
122
JULY 2014
6.91 lakh
7.58 lakh
883
883
52/5750
52/5750
70/3750
70/3750
5
5
260
260
NA
NA
NA
NA
17
12.5
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
www.bikeindia.in
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
NUMBER OF
GEARS
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
ALLOY WHEELS
ELECTRIC START
ABS
TESTED
9.87 lakh
1202
67/5750
98/3200
260
NA
NA
NA

NA
OVERALL
RATINGS
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
XL1200X Forty-Eight
NA
DYNA
We Say: Comfortable, easy to ride and powerful - these no-nonsense cruisers aunt their H-D branding.
Also See: Honda VT1300CX
FXDB Street Bob
11.59 lakh
FXDC Super Glide Custom 13.52 lakh
FXDF Fat Bob
14.75 lakh
1585
1585
1585
75/5250
75/5250
76/5250
124/3250
124/3250
126/3500
6
6
6
305
295
305
NA
NA
2.6
NA
NA
NA
17.8
18.9
18.8
NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
SOFTAIL
We Say: Authentic and original to Harleys, one of their best-selling lines ever!
Also See: Indian Chief, Suzuki Intruder M1800R, Triumph Thunderbird Storm
FLSTF Fat Boy
FLSTFB Fat Boy Special
FLSTC Heritage Classic
17.13 lakh
17.93 lakh
18.67 lakh
1690
1690
1690
78/5250
78/5250
74/5010
130/3000
132/3250
130/3000
6
6
6
330
330
341
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
18.9
18.9
18.9
NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
V-ROD
We Say: As fun to watch as it is to ride - unlike any other Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Also See: Ducati Diavel, Yamaha VMAX, Suzuki Intruder M1800R,
VRSCDX Night Rod Special 24.28 lakh
1247
120/8000
111/7250
302
NA
NA
18.9
NA

NA
NA
TOURING
We Say: Long distance touring at its nest - torquey, immensely comfortable and of course addictive!
Also See: Indian Chieftain
FLHX Street Glide
32.34 lakh
1690
86/5010
138/3500
372
HERO MOTOCORP
NA
NA
22.7
NA

NA
NA
www.heromotocorp.com
HF DAWN
We Say: All the Hero MotoCorp qualities at an affordable price.
Also See: TVS Star, Yamaha Crux, Bajaj Platina
HF Dawn
43,813
97.20
7.8/7500
8.04/4500
109
NA
NA
10.5
NA

NA
NA
HF DELUXE
We Say: Another affordable and quality product from Hero MotoCorp.
Also See: Hero Splendor NXG, Yamaha Crux
HF Deluxe
HF Deluxe ES
HF Deluxe Eco
46,425
49,592
50,705
97.20
97.20
97.20
7.8/7500
7.8/7500
7.8/7500
8.04/4500
8.04/4500
8.04/4500
4
4
4
109
112
112
9.39
9.39
9.39
91.11
91.11
91.11
10.5
10.5
10.5
68.25
68.25
68.25

Jan 07
NA
NA

NA
NA
SPLENDOR PLUS
We Say: Perfect commuter if you can do with the looks.
Also See: TVS Star Sport, Yamaha YBR 110, Bajaj Platina
Splendor Plus
Splendor Plus (Alloy)
www.bikeindia.in
50,080
50,802
97.20 7.40/8000 7.95/5000

97.20 7.40/8000 7.95/5000
4
4
109
109
NA
NA
NA
NA
11
11
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
JULY 2014
123
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
SPLENDOR PRO
We Say: Tried and tested work horse.
Also See: Bajaj Platina 100, Discover 100, TVS Star Sport CVTI
Splendor Pro
Splendor Pro (Alloy)
50,745
53,969
97.2
97.2
7.8/7500
7.8/7500
8.04/4500
8.04/4500
4
4
112
112
NA
NA
NA
NA
11
11
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
SPLENDOR iSMART
We Say: Start-Stop systema rst on two-wheelers and should result in increased fuel-saving.
Also See: TVS Star Sport, Yamaha YBR 110, Bajaj Discover
iSmart
55,346
97.20
7.8/7500
8.04/4500
112
NA
NA
8.7
NA

NA
NA
PASSION PRO
We Say: A Splendor will save you three grand.
Also See: Yamaha Crux, Bajaj Platina, Mahindra Centuro
Passion Pro
Passion Pro ES
53,136
57,303
97.20
97.20
7.8/7500
7.8/7500
8.04/4500
8.04/4500
4
4
116
119
NA
NA
NA
NA
12.8
12.8
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
PASSION X PRO
We Say: NA.
Also See: Honda CB Twister
Passion X Pro
Passion X Pro (Alloy)
58,105
60,218
109.1
109.1
8.7/7500
8.7/7500
9.36/5500
9.36/5500
4
4
113
116
NA
NA
NA
NA
9.5
9.5
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
SUPER SPLENDOR
We Say: Splendor hops onto the executive bandwagon.
Also See: TVS Phoenix, Yamaha YBR 125, Honda Shine, Suzuki SlingShot
Super Splendor
57,703
124.70 9.12/7000 10.35/4000
121
6.99
100.83
13
73.25

Oct 10

GLAMOUR
We Say: The Glamour actually looks much better than the Super Splendor. Worth the extra dough.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 125, TVS Phoenix, Yamaha YBR 125
Glamour (Drum)
Glamour (Disc)
Glamour FI (Disc)
60,995
63,218
71,416
124.70 9.13/7000 10.35/4000

124.70 9.13/7000 10.35/4000
124.70 9.13/7000 10.35/4000
4
4
4
125
129
129
9.64
9.64
8.80
94.9
94.9
94.9
13.6
13.6
12
72.75
72.75
80.75

Sep 05
NA
Aug 06

NA
IGNITOR
We Say: Stunner in a new avatar.
Also See: Honda Stunner, Yamaha YBR 125
Ignitor
124
JULY 2014
66,330
124.7
11/8000
11/5000
129
6.50
100.3
62.25

Oct 12

www.bikeindia.in
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
ACHIEVER
We Say: Every bit a Unicorn, except for the ride quality.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 150, Honda Unicorn, Suzuki GS150R
Achiever
66,518
149.1 13.5/8000 12.8/5000
138
6.25
110.8
12.5
57.5

Dec 05
HUNK
We Say: Stunning looks, efcient engine and good performance.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 150, Honda CB Trigger, TVS Apache
Hunk (Front Disc)
Hunk (Front-Rear Disc)
75,409
78,743
149.2 14.4/8500 12.8/6500

149.2 14.4/8500 12.8/6500
5
5
146
146
5.08
5.08
107.16 12.4
107.16 12.54
51
51

Dec 07
Dec 07

X-TREME
We Say: Pricey but much better than the CBZ and the Achiever. Too skinny at the front.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 150, Honda CB Trigger, TVS Apache
X-Treme
X-Treme Rear Disc
75,125
78,738
149.2 14.4/8500 12.8/6500

149.2 14.4/8500 12.8/6500
5
5
143
143
5.55
5.55
110.8
110.8
12.4
12.4
60.25
60.25

Nov 06
NA

NA
IMPULSE
We Say: Good dual purpose bike.
Impulse
78,132
149.2 13.2/7500 13.4/5000
6.0
6.0
100
11.1
52

Jan 12
KARIZMA R
We Say: The most well-rounded performance bike around. Spares are an issue though.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSi, TVS Apache RTR180, Yamaha YZF-R15
Karizma R
88,844
223
17.0/7000 18.3/6000
150
NA
NA
15
NA

NA
NA
KARIZMA ZMR
We Say: The most well-rounded performance bike gets even better.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSi, TVS Apache RTR180, Yamaha YZF-R15
Karizma ZMR
1.10 lakh
223
17.8/7000 18.3/6000
HONDA
159
4.70
127
15
47.5

Nov 09
www.honda2wheelersindia.com
DREAM NEO
We Say: One of the most fuel efcient bikes in the country.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 100, TVS Star City, Suzuki Hayate
Dream Neo (KS,Spoke)
Dream Neo (ES, Alloy)
47,332
51,674
109
109
8.36/7500 8.63/5500
8.36/7500 8.63/5500
4
4
105
105
NA
7.82
NA
96.5
8
8
NA
72.5

NA
Aug 13
NA

DREAM YUGA
We Say: One of the most fuel efcient bikes in the country.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 100, TVS Star City, Yamaha YBR 110, Suzuki Hayate
Dream Yuga (KS, Spoke)
Dream Yuga (ES, Alloy)
www.bikeindia.in
50,334
54,861
109
109
8.63/7500 8.91/5500
8.63/7500 8.91/5500
4
4
108
108
7.82
7.82
96.53
96.53
8
8
72
72

NA
Aug 12
NA

JULY 2014
125
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
CB TWISTER
We Say: Good styling and performance will be a revelation in the commuter segment.
Also See: TVS Star City, Yamaha YBR 110, Suzuki Hayate
Twister (Drum)
Twister (Disc)
54,409
57,837
109
109
9.1/8000
9.1/8000
9/6000
9/6000
4
4
108
108
6.99
6.99
93
93
8
8
71.25
71.25

NA
Mar 10
NA

CB SHINE
We Say: Low gearing make it really quick through gears. Top speed could have been better with taller gearing.
Also See: Hero Glamour, TVS Phoenix, Yamaha YBR 125
Shine (Drum)
Shine (ES, Drum)
Shine (ES, Disc)
54,184
58,089
61,422
124.7 10.4/7500 10.7/5500

124.7 10.4/7500 10.7/5500
124.7 10.4/7500 10.7/5500
4
4
4
121
121
121
7.04
7.04
7.04
100.4
100.4
100.4
11
11
11
78.75
78.75
78.75

NA
NA
May 06
NA
NA

CBF STUNNER
We Say: A worthy competitor to the Yamaha SS 125.
Also See: Hero Ignitor, Yamaha YBR 125
CBF Stunner
63,413
124.7 11.15/8000
11/6500
128
6.57
100.8
10
61

Sep 08

CB UNICORN
We Say: One of the smoothest mills around. Great ride-handling combo. Almost indestructible.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 150, Hero CBZ X-treme, Hero Achiever, Suzuki GS150R
CB Unicorn
71,407
149.1 13.5/8000 12.8/5500
146
6.10
111.3
13
58.92

Dec 06

CB TRIGGER
We Say: A perfect premium all-rounder for the youth.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 150, Yamaha FZ-S, Suzuki GS150R
CB Trigger
CB Trigger CBS
74,129
84,214
149.1 14.2/8500 12.7/6500

149.1 14.2/8500 12.7/6500
5
5
137
138
6.14
6.14
119
119
12
12
55.70
55.70

NA
Jul 13
NA

CBR 150R
We Say: Rened engine, great handling and riding position but loses out in midrange and bottom performance.
Also See: Yamaha YZF-R15
CBR 150R
CBR 150R Deluxe
1.31 lakh
1.32 lakh
149.4 17.8/10500 12.6/8500

149.4 17.8/10500 12.6/8500
6
6
138
138
4.86
4.86
131
131
13
13
38
38

NA
Jun 12
NA
CBR 250R
We Say: Just the bike for India, a perfect all rounder for city and highway.
Also See: Kawasaki Ninja 300, KTM 200 Duke
CBR 250R
CBR 250R ABS
CBR 250R Repsol ABS
126
JULY 2014
1.69 lakh
2.00 lakh
2.07 lakh
249.6 25.3/8500 22.9/7000

249.6 25.3/8500 22.9/7000
249.6 25.3/8500 22.9/7000
6
6
6
161
167
167
3.47
3.47
3.47
155
155
155
13
13
13
35.75
35.75
35.75

NA
Jun 11
NA
NA

NA
www.bikeindia.in
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
CBR 1000RR
We Say: NA.
Also See: Yamaha YZF R1, Suzuki GSX-R 1000, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
CBR 1000R FireBlade
15.75 lakh 999.6 178/12000 112/8500
199
NA
NA
17.7
NA

NA
NA
CB1000R
We Say: Practical. Both in and out of town.
Also See: Yamaha FZ1, Ducati Monster, Triumph Speed Triple
CB1000R
12.00 lakh
999
125/10000 100/8000
217
2.1
NA
17
16

Aug 09

VFR 1200F
We Say: Effortless mile muncher.
Also See: Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R, BMW K 1300 R
VFR 1200F
BO
1237 172/10000 129/8750
267
2.37
NA
18.5
NA

Dec 10
VT 1300CX
We Say: NA.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Super Glide Custom, Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
VT 1300CX
BO
1312
57.7/4250
INDIAN
107/2250
309
NA
NA
12.8
NA

NA
NA
www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-in
CHIEF CLASSIC
We Say: The rst, no-nonsense step to an iconic brand.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special, Triumph Thunderbird Storm
Chief Classic
26.50 lakh* 1811
NA
138.9/2600
370
NA
NA
21
NA

NA
NA
CHIEF VINTAGE
We Say: A iconic example of American iron.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, Triumph Thunderbird Storm
Chief Vintage
29.50 lakh* 1811
NA
138.9/2600
379
NA
NA
21
NA

NA
NA
CHIEFTAIN
We Say: The only genuine challenger to the Harley-Davidson Touring models.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Street Glide
Chieftain
33.00 lakh* 1811
NA
138.9/2600
KAWASAKI
385
NA
NA
21
NA

NA
NA
www.kawasaki-india.com
NINJA 300
We Say: A true performance bike in India.
Also See: Suzuki GW250 Inazuma, Honda CBR 250R
Ninja 300
www.bikeindia.in
3.73 lakh
296
39/11000 27.5/10000
172
2.56
160 (appr)
17
NA

May 13
JULY 2014
127
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
NINJA 650R
We Say: Most versatile motorcycle.
Also See: Hyosung GT 650R and GT 650N, Triumph Street Triple
Ninja 650R
5.37 lakh
649
72/8500
64/7000
209
2.04
NA
16
NA

Sep 12
Z800
We Say: Aggressively styled streetbike at a hard-to-resist price.
Also See: Ducati Streetghter 848, Triumph Street Triple
Z800
8.73 lakh
806
113/10200
83/8000
229
NA
NA
17
NA

NA
NA
Z1000
We Say: One of the meanest looking streetbikes you can opt for.
Also See: Ducati Streetghter, Yamaha FZ-1, Triumph Speed Triple
Z1000
13.74 lakh
1043 142/10000 111/7300
221
NA
NA
17
NA

NA
NA
NINJA 1000
We Say: Smooth and comfortable mile-muncher.
Also See: Suzuki Bandit 1250S
Ninja 1000
13.74 lakh
1043 142/10000 111/7300
230
NA
NA
19
NA

NA
NA
NINJA ZX-10R
We Say: One of the most rider-friendly litre-class superbike there is.
Also See: Honda CBR 1000R, Yamaha YZF-R1, Suzuki GSX-R 1000
Ninja ZX-10R
17.23 lakh
998
210/13000 112/11500
201
2.10
276
17
NA

Dec 13
NINJA ZX-14R
We Say: NA
Also See: Suzuki Hayabusa, Honda VFR 1200F, BMW K 1300 R
Ninja ZX-14R
18.54 lakh
1441 210/10000 162.5/7500
KTM
268
NA
299
22
NA

Feb 14
www.ktm.com/in
200 DUKE
We Say: First bike to feature updated technology in India including upside down forks
Also See: Honda CBR 250R, Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS
200 Duke
1.44 lakh
199.5
25/10000
19.2/8000
136
3.73
135)
10.5
34.5

Jan 12

390 DUKE
We Say: A bike which loves to be ridden aggressively
Also See: Honda CBR 250R
390 Duke
128
JULY 2014
1.99 lakh
373.2 43.5/9000
35/7000
154
2.46
162
10.5
NA

Sep 13

www.bikeindia.in
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
LML
www.lmlworld.com
FREEDOM
We Say: NA
Also See: Mahindra Centuro, TVS Star Sport
DX
LS
51,545
55,355
109.2
109.2
8.5/7750
8.5/9000
8.6/5000
8.6/5000
4
4
119
119
NA
8.2
98.2
98.2
MAHINDRA 2 WHEELERS
12.5
12.5
NA
51

NA
Sep 13
NA
www.mahindra2wheelers.com
PANTERO
We Say: Improvement over the Stallio but still a long way to go
Also See: Honda Dream Neo, Suzuki Hayate, TVS Star City, Yamaha YBR 110
T1
T4
NA
NA
106.7
106.7
8.5/7500
8.5/7500
8.5/5500
8.5/5500
4
4
120
120
8.66
8.66
93.56
93.56
13.7
13.7
49
49

Mar 13
NA

NA
CENTURO
We Say: A commuter with many innovative features
Also See: Honda Dream Yuga, Hero Passion, TVS Star City, Bajaj Discover
Centuro
Centuro N1
52,990
NA
106.7
106.7
8.5/7500
8.5/7500
8.5/5500
8.5/5500
MOTO GUZZI
4
4
120
120
8.66
8.66
93.56
93.56
12.7
12.7
49
49

Aug 13
NA

NA
www.motoguzzi.com
BELLAGIO
We Say: NA.
Also See: Triumph Bonneville
Black Eagle
940
17.53 lakh
17.68 lakh
935
935
73/7200
73/7200
78/6000
78/6000
6
6
224
224
NA
NA
NA
NA
19
19
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
GRISO
We Say: NA.
Also See: BMW R 1200 R, Ducati Monster, Triumph Speed Triple
8V SE
Sports 8V SE
Sports 8V SE Corsa
18.40 lakh
18.99 lakh
19.27 lakh
1151
1151
1151
110/7500
110/7500
110/7500
108/6400
108/6400
108/6400
6
6
6
222
222
222
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
16.7
16.7
16.7
NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
CALIFORNIA
We Say: A distinct long-distance tourer.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, Triumph Thunderbird Storm
1400 Custom
1400 Touring
www.bikeindia.in
22.48 lakh
24.77 lakh
1380
1380
96/6500
96/6500
120/2750
120/2750
6
6
337
337
NA
NA
NA
NA
20.5
20.5
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
JULY 2014
129
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
ROYAL ENFIELD
www.royaleneld.com
BULLET
We Say: The subtle Eneld makes a come back with a UCE heart.
Also See: No options, as there are no alternatives to a Bullet but a Bullet itself!
Bullet 350
Bullet Electra
Bullet 500
1.10 lakh
1.23 lakh
1.53 lakh
346
346
499
19.8/5250 28/4000
19.8/5250 28/4000
26.1/5100 40.9/3800
5
5
5
180
183
193
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
13.5
13.5
13.5
NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
THUNDERBIRD
We Say: Pseudo-cruiser with a focus on touring.
Also See: None as yet
Thunderbird 350
Thunderbird 500
1.42 lakh
1.81 lakh
346
499
19.8/5250 28/4000
27.5/5250 41.3/4000
5
5
192
195
NA
4.65
NA
NA
20
20
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
CLASSIC 350
We Say: Royal Eneld fuses old world charm with modern retro lines along with a twin-spark 350cc engine.
Also See: There is no other bike like the Classic
Classic 350
1.31 lakh
346
19.8/5250
28/4000
NA
NA
NA
13.5
NA

NA
NA
CLASSIC 500
We Say: A retro-modern motorcycle with a fuel-injected 500cc mill.
Also See: There is no other bike like the Classic
Classic 500
Desert Storm
Classic Chrome
1.78 lakh
1.70 lakh
1.77 lakh
499
499
499
27.5/5250 41.3/4000
27.5/5250 41.3/4000
27.5/5250 41.3/4000
5
5
5
182
182
182
4.75
4.75
4.75
131
131
131
13.5
13.5
13.5
NA
NA
NA

Jan 10
NA
NA

NA
NA
CAF RACER
We Say: Classic British bike which is fun to ride, easy to maintain and affordable too.
Also See: There is no other bike like the Continental GT
Continental GT
2.08 lakh
535
29.1/5100
SUZUKI
44/4000
184
4.11
143
13.5
NA

Dec 13
www.suzukimotorcycle.co.in
HAYATE
We Say: Suzukis answer to the commuter competition.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 100, TVS Star City, Yamaha YBR 110
Hayate
51,899
112.8
8.4/7500
8.8/5000
112
8.26
94.71
68.5

Aug 12
SLINGSHOT
We Say: Stylish commuter equipped with a rened engine.
Also See: Hero Super Splendor, Honda Shine, TVS Phoenix
SlingShot
SlingShot Plus (Disc)
130
JULY 2014
58.873
60,539
124
124
8.6/8500
8.6/8500
10/6000
10/6000
5
5
128
128
7.65
7.65
97
97
12
12
59
59

Oct 10
NA

NA
www.bikeindia.in
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
GS150R
We Say: Well packaged all-rounder from Suzuki.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 150, Hero Xtreme, Honda CB Unicorn
GS150R
79,647
149.5
14/8500
13.4/6000
149
5.46
108
15.5
59.75

Feb 09

INAZUMA
We Say: NA.
Also See: Hyosung GT250R, Kawasaki Ninja 300, Honda CBR 250R
GW250 Inazuma
3.48 lakh
248
24/8500
22/6500
183
4.04
NA
13.3
NA

Mar 14

BANDIT
We Say: Value for money, versatile and practical.
Also See: Honda CB1000R, Yamaha FZ1, Ducati Monster, Triumph Speed Triple
Bandit 1250SA
11.72 lakh
1255
98/7500
108/3700
254
2.19
250
19
15.25

Jul 10
V-STROM
We Say: Capable, but pricey adventure sports tourer.
Also See: Triumph Tiger, Ducati Multistrada, BMW R 1200 GS, Aprilia Dorsoduro
V-Strom 1000
16.91 lakh
1037
100/8000
103/4000
228
NA
NA
20
NA

NA
NA
GSX-R
We Say: Carrying on the Gixxer tradition of high performance.
Also See: Yamaha YZF-R1, Honda CBR 1000R, Kawasaki NInja ZX-10R, BMW S1000RR
GSX-R 1000
GSX-R 1000 Z LE
15.58 lakh
17.93 lakh
999
999
185/12000 117/10000
185/12000 117/10000
6
6
205
205
2.07
NA
299*
NA
17.5
17.5
11.80
NA

Jul 10
NA

NA
HAYABUSA
We Say: One of the worlds fastest motorcycles, ofcially on sale in India.
Also See: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R, BMW S1000RR, Honda VFR 1200F
GSX 1300R
GSX 1300R LE
18.35 lakh
18.95 lakh
1340
1340
186/9600
186/9600
146/8100
146/8100
6
6
236
236
2.3
NA
296*
NA
21
21
15
NA

Jan 09
NA

NA
INTRUDER
We Say: Attention magnet.
Also See: Yamaha VMAX, Ducati Diavel, Harley-Davidson Iron 883, Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
M800
M1800R
M1800R B.O.S.S.
10.95 lakh
18.35 lakh
17.93 lakh
805
1783
1783
53/6000
128/6200
128/6200
TRIUMPH
66/3600
160/3200
160/3200
5
5
5
269
319
319
2.91
2.1
2.1
NA
209
209
15.5
19.5
19.5
NA
13
13

Jan 12
Jan 09
NA

NA
www.triumphmotorcycles.in
BONNEVILLE
We Say: NA.
Bonneville
Bonneville T100
6.52 lakh
7.50 lakh
865
865
68/7500
68/7500
68/5800
68/5800
5
5
225
230
NA
NA
NA
NA
16
16
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
THRUXTON
We Say: NA.
Also See: No alternatives, other than the Royal Eneld Continental GT
Thruxton 900 Caf Racer
www.bikeindia.in
7.61 lakh
865
69/7400
69/5800
230
NA
NA
16
NA

NA
NA
JULY 2014
131
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
DAYTONA
We Say: NA.
Also See: No supersport alternatives yet
Daytona 675
Daytona 675R
11.55 lakh
13.03 lakh
675
675
128/12500 74/9750
128/12500 75/11900
6
6
184
184
NA
NA
NA
NA
17.4
17.4
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
ROADSTER
We Say: NA.
Also See: Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Ducati Monster, Suzuki Bandit 1250S
Street Triple
Speed Triple
8.49 lakh
11.92 lakh
675 106/11850 68/9750

1050 135/9400 111/7750
6
6
183
214
NA
NA
NA
NA
17.4
17.5
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
TIGER
We Say: NA.
Also See: BMW R 1200 GS, Ducati Multistrada, Aprilia Dorsoduro
Tiger 800XC
Tiger Explorer XC
13.65 lakh
20.23 lakh
800
1215
95/9300
137/9300
79/7850
121/6400
6
6
215
259
NA
NA
NA
NA
19
20
NA
NA

O

NA
NA
NA
NA
THUNDERBIRD
We Say: NA.
Also See: Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, Moto Guzzi California, Suzuki Intruder M1800R
Thunderbird Storm
15.07 lakh
1699
98/5200
156/2950
339
NA
NA
22
NA

NA
NA
ROCKET III
We Say: NA
Also See: Yamaha VMAX, Ducati Diavel.
Rocket III Roadster
23.03 lakh
2294
TVS
148/5750
221/2750
367
NA
NA
24
NA

NA
NA
www.tvsmotor.co.in
STAR
We Say: Adds style to your commute without being too heavy on the pocket.
Also See: Bajaj Platina, Hero CD Deluxe, Yamaha YBR 110
Sport
Star City+
Star City+ (ES, Alloys)
46,489
50,144
52,216
99.7
109.7
109.7
7.4/7500
8.4/7000
8.4/7000
7.5/5000
8.7/5000
8.7/5000
4
4
4
95
108
109
9.5
NA
7.68
85
NA
90.8
12
10
10
63
NA
NA

Apr 07
NA
Jul 14

NA
JIVE
We Say: Auto clutch makes it an effortless commuter.
Also See: Honda CB Twister, TVS Star City, Yamaha YBR 110
Jive
53,134
109.7
8.5/7500
8.3/5500
105
8.16
94
15
62

Jan 10
PHOENIX
We Say: A capable commuter.
Also See: Honda Shine, Bajaj Discover 125ST
Phoenix Drum
Phoenix Disc
57,759
59,999
124.5
124.5
11/8000
11/8000
10.8/6000
10.8/6000
4
4
114
116
7.52
7.52
NA
96.4
12
12
NA
63

NA
Nov 12
NA
APACHE RTR160
We Say: Stunning looks, nimble trafc carver and a punchy ride overall.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 180, Hero CBZ X-treme, Honda CB Trigger, Suzuki Gixxer, Yamaha FZ-S
Apache RTR 160
132
JULY 2014
77,149
159.7 15.4/8500 13.1/6000
136
5.04
118.7
16
50

NA
NA
www.bikeindia.in
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
APACHE RTR180
We Say: Great looks, nimble trafc carver with power through the complete rev range.
Also See: Bajaj Pulsar 220, Hero Karizma R, Yamaha YZF-R15
Apache RTR 180
Apache RTR 180 ABS
83,655
95,354
177.4 17.3/8500 15.5/6500

177.4 17.3/8500 15.5/6500
VIBGYOR
5
5
137
137
4.64
4.64
124
NA
16
16
45.25
NA

Jul 09
NA

NA
www.vvehicles.co.in
GALLOP
We Say: NA.
Also See: Hero CD Dawn, Bajaj Platina, TVS Star
Gallop ES (Drum)
Gallop ES (Disc, Alloy)
NA
NA
97.2
97.2
6.8/8500
6.8/8500
6.5/6000
6.5/6000
4
4
87
87
NA
NA
NA
NA
13.5
13.5

NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
HUNTER
We Say: NA.
Also See: Hero Splendor NXG, Bajaj Platina, Yamaha YBR 110
Hunter
NA
124.1
9.8/9000
9.0/8000
120
NA
NA
18

NA

NA
NA
SHARK
We Say: NA.
Also See: Bajaj Discover 150, Yamaha SZ
Shark
NA
142.6 13.05/9000 9.5/7500
YAMAHA
130
NA
NA
14
NA

NA
NA
www.yamaha-motor-india.com
CRUX
We Say: Excellent gearbox, but lacks appeal and doesnt excel at anything else.
Also See: Hero CD Dawn, Bajaj Platina, TVS Star
Crux
43,351
105.6
7.6/7500
7.85/6000
113
9.9
94
11
62.52

Oct 05

YBR 110
We Say: A good alternative for a Hero MotoCorp bike.
Also See: Hero Splendor NXG, Bajaj Platina, TVS Star Sport
YBR 110
50,884
106
7.6/7500
7.85/6000
123
NA
NA
13
NA

NA
NA
SS125
We Say: Big bike feel, great performance. Mid-range torque should have been stronger.
Also See: Suzuki SlingShot, Hero Super Splendor, Honda Shine, TVS Phoenix
SS 125
62,168
123
11/7500
10.4/6500
125
7.2
108.2
13.6
67.5

Oct 10

YBR125
We Say: Rened engine, sporty handling.
Also See: Bajaj Platina 125, Hero Super Splendor, Honda Shine, Suzuki SlingShot
YBR125
57,632
123
10.8/7500 10.4/6500
126
6.41
102.7
13.6
57.5

Dec 10
SZ
We Say: Commuter with a 150cc heart and a 125ccs price tag.
Also See: Hero Achiever, Bajaj Discover 150
SZ-X
SZ-R
www.bikeindia.in
62,981
66,358
153
153
12.1/7500 12.8/4500
12.1/7500 12.8/4500
5
5
132
133
NA
6.48
NA
105.34
14
14
55
55

NA
Oct 10
NA
JULY 2014
133
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
FZ
We Say: The best-looking naked bike in the country; has worked wonders for Yamaha in India.
Also See: Hero Hunk, Honda CB Trigger, TVS Apache RTR160
FZ16
FZ-S
78,203
80,450
153
153
14/7500
14/7500
13.6/6000
13.6/6000
5
5
135
135
5.51
5.51
110.9
110.9
12
12
43.5
43.5

Oct 08
NA

NA
FAZER
We Say: The FZ with a fairing, little underpowered for serious touring.
Also See: Hero Hunk, Honda CB Trigger, TVS Apache RTR160
Fazer
86,096
153
14/7500
14/6000
135
5.51
110.9
12
43.5

NA
YZF R15
We Say: Indian performance biking taken to the next level.
Also See: Honda CBR 150R, Hero Karizma ZMR, Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSi
YZF-R15
1.23 lakh
149.8
17/8500
15/7500
136
4.89
130.3
12
42.2

Dec 11
FZ1
We Say: NA
Also See: BMW S 1000 R, Honda CB 1000R, Suzuki Bandit 1250S
FZ1
10.87 lakh
998
150/11000 106/8000
214
NA
NA
18
NA

NA
NA
YZF R1
We Say: MotoGP derived technology places the new R1 among the best superbikes in the world.
Also See: Suzuki GSX-R 1000, Honda CBR 1000RR, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
YZF-R1
16.56 lakh
998
189/12500 118.3/10000 6
206
NA
NA
18
NA

NA
NA
VMAX
We Say: Ultimate naked street ghter.
Also See: Ducati Diavel
VMAX
25.77 lakh
1679
200/9000 166.8/6500
310
NA
NA
15
NA

NA
NA
COMPETITION BIKES
SUZUKA
www.suzukaracingmotorcycles.com
SRM250 2V
We Say: NA.
Also See: NA
SRM250 AC 2V
SRM250 LC 2V
3.40 lakh
3.45 lakh
223
223
16.3/7000 17.5/5500
16.3/7000 17.5/5500
5
5
115.5
115.5
NA
NA
120
120
6
6
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
SRM250 4V
We Say: NA.
Also See: NA
SRM250 4V
134
JULY 2014
3.65 lakh
250
22.4/8500
20/7000
116.5
NA
135
NA

NA
NA
www.bikeindia.in
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
SCOOTERS
APRILIA
www.aprilia.com
SRV
We Say: NA
Also See: NA
SRV 850
SRV 850 ABS
13.43 lakh 839.3

13.92 lakh 839.3
76/7750
76/7750
76.4/6000
76.4/6000
V
V
249
249
HERO MOTOCORP
NA
NA
NA
NA
18.5
18.5
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
www.heromotocorp.com
PLEASURE
We Say: Great looks and goodie-loaded, this is the ideal jump for the econo-commuter who wants more.
Also See: Honda Dio, Honda Activa, TVS Wego
Pleasure
50,047
102
6.8/7000
7.8/5000
104
12.18
80.9
47

Feb 06
MAESTRO
We Say: A Honda Activa with a plastic body.
Also See: Honda Dio, Honda Activa, TVS Wego
Maestro
56,061
109
HMSI
8.2/7500
9.1/5500
NA
10.37
88.7
5.3
52

Jun 12
www.honda2wheelersindia.com
ACTIVA
We Say: Revised the scooter market and is an improvement over the old Activa.
Also See: TVS Wego, Hero Pleasure
Activa DLX
Activa-i
52,884
49,695
109
109
8/7500
8/7500
8.74/5500
8.74/5500
V
V
109
103
10.8
8.49
89
90
5.3
5.3
53.5
63.5

NA
Sep 13
NA

ACTIVA 125
We Say: More power and big improvement overall compared to its smaller-engined sibling.
Also See: Vespa VX125, Suzuki Swish
Activa 125
Activa 125 Deluxe
63,436
70,085
125
125
8.67/6500 10.12/5500
8.67/6500 10.12/5500
V
V
NA
NA
NA
7.76
NA
92
NA
NA
NA
46.75

NA
Jun 14
NA

DIO
We Say: An Activa with good looks. Pillion foot rest is a pain though.
Also See: Hero Pleasure, TVS Wego
Dio
50,666
109
8/7500
8.6/5500
106
10.49
93
5.3
54.75

Mar 12

AVIATOR
We Say: Positioned for the premium market. Good but expensive.
Also See: Suzuki Access, Mahindra Duro, Mahindra Rodeo, Mahindra Flyte
Aviator (Drum)
Aviator (Disc)
www.bikeindia.in
53,971
59,617
109
109
8.1/8000
8.1/8000
8.8/5500
8.8/5500
V
V
102
102
10.83
10.83
83
83
6
6
52
52

NA
Dec 09
NA

JULY 2014
135
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
LML
www.lmlworld.com
NV
We Say: Going back in time
NV-4S DLX (KS)
NV-4S (ES)
NV LS-4S
44,484*
48,321*
62,048*
147.5
147.5
147.5
8.8/6200
8.8/6200
8.8/6200
11.3/4250
11.3/4250
11.3/4250
4
4
4
116
116
120
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
5.5
5.5
5.5
NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
SELECT
We Say: NA
Select 4 (KS) ex-Delhi
Select 4 (ES) ex-Delhi
47,140
50,978
149.5
149.5
8/5500
8/5500
13.2/3500
13.2/3500
4
4
119
123
NA
NA
NA
NA
MAHINDRA 2WHEELERS
8
8
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA
NA
www.mahindra2wheelers.com
FLYTE
We Say: Zippy and comfortable scooter. Great choice for city commutes.
Also See: Honda Aviator, Suzuki Access
Flyte
NA
124.6
8/7000
9/5000
105
13.02
83.8
41

Oct 07

DURO
We Say: Novas body gets the Flytes engine.
Duro 125 DZ
53,351
124.6 8.11/7500
9/5500
114
8.2
92.8
38.25

Mar 12
RODEO
We Say: Flyte gets a style change.
Rodeo RZ
54,199
124.6 8.11/7000
SUZUKI
9/5500
106
NA
87
4.5
NA

NA
NA
www.suzukimotorcycle.co.in
LETS
We Say: A lightweight 110cc automatic Suzuki
Also See: Honda Activa 125, Mahindra Rodeo, Mahindra Flyte
Lets
50,911
112.8
8.7/7500
9.0/6500
98
NA
NA
5.2
NA

NA
NA
ACCESS
We Say: Really quick and a nimble handler but priced higher than the competition.
Also See: Honda Aviator, Mahindra Duro
Access 125
57,327
124
8.71/7000
9.8/5000
109
7.9
91.8
6.4
42

Dec 07

SWISH
We Say: The Access gets a sporty look
Also See: Honda Dio, Mahindra Duro, Mahindra Rodeo
Swish 125
136
JULY 2014
58,649
124
8.71/7000
9.8/5000
110
7.77
92.6
42.2

May 12

www.bikeindia.in
OVERALL
RATINGS
TESTED
ABS
ELECTRIC START
ALLOY WHEELS
FUEL
EFFICIENCY
FUEL TANK
(Litres)
TOP SPEED
(KM/H)
0-60 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
NUMBER OF
GEARS
Nm/rpm
PEAK TORQUE
PS/rpm
PEAK POWER
ENGINE
CAPACITY (cc)
PRICE
(OTR PUNE)
TVS
www.tvsmotor.co.in
SCOOTY PEP+
We Say: An engine upgrade makes it even more desirable.
Also See: Honda Activa, Honda Dio, Hero Pleasure
Scooty Pep+
44,510
87.8
5/6500
5.8/4000
95
12.2
74
50.67

Nov 05
SCOOTY STREAK
We Say: Styling updates and sticker works gives it a new lease of life.
Scooty Streak
46,619
87.8
5/6500
5.8/4000
96
740
78.4
4.7
51

May 09
WEGO
We Say: A good city runabout
Wego
Wego Disc
53,900
59,600
109.7
109.7
8/7500
8/7500
8/5500
8/5500
V
V
105
105
10.35
10.35
84
84
5
5
40
40

Jan 10
May 13

JUPITER
We Say: Good features and comfort for the price
Also See: Honda Aviator
Jupiter
54,805
109.7
8/7500
VESPA
8/5500
108
9.98
88.78
43

Nov 13
www.vespaindia.com
125
We Say: If you love retro, buy the Vespa
Also See: Mahindra Duro, Suzuki Access, Suzuki Swish
Vespa LX
Vespa VX
73,300
77,700
125
125
10.06/7500 10.6/6000
10.06/7500 10.6/6000
V
V
114
114
9.36
9.36
101
101
8
8
45.25
45.25

Aug 12
Jun 13

S
We Say: Good features and comfort for the price
Also See: Honda Aviator
Vespa S
82,000
125
10.06/7500 10.6/6000
YAMAHA
114
NA
NA
45.25

NA
NA
www.yamaha-motor-india.com
RAY
We Say: NA
Also See: Honda Dio, TVS Wego

Ray
Ray Z
53,306
55,650
113
113
7.1/7500
7.1/7500
8.1/5000
8.1/5000
V
V
104
104
9.48
9.48
86.31
86.31
5
5
42.5
42.5

Nov 12
NA

NA
CYGNUS ALPHA
We Say: NA
Also See: Honda Activa-i, TVS Jupiter, Hero Maestro
Cygnus Alpha
www.bikeindia.in
57,000
113
7.1/7500
8.1/5000
105
NA
NA
42.5

Apr 14
JULY 2014
137
RANGE Km
0-20 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
WHEELBASE
(mm)
POWER
VOLTAGE
PRICE
RANGE Km
0-20 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
WHEELBASE
(mm)
POWER
VOLTAGE
PRICE
ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
COSMIC
AVON www.avoncycles.com
E-SCOOT 207
Top speed: 24 km/h
Tested: NA
Avon E-Scoot
(ex-Delhi)
Avon e-lite (ex-Delhi)
23,280 48V
22,748 48V
250W
230W
65 km
Top speed: 40 km/h

Tested: NA
Cosmic (ex-Bengaluru)
38,000 48V
250W
50 km
ELECTROTHERM www.yobykes.in
E-LITE
SPARK
Top speed: 24 km/h

Tested: NA
Top speed: 45 km/h

Tested: Aug 11
56
50 km
Spark (ex-Delhi)
34,000 48V 1300W
70
4.5
60 km
ELECTRON
Top speed: 25 km/h
Tested: Aug 11
Electron (ex-Delhi)
Electron ER (ex-Delhi)
BSA www.bsamotorsindia.com
22,200 48V
24,000 48V
250W
250W
Street Rider
36,600 48V
250W
1260
75
70 km
NA
NA
70-75
95-100
STYLE
STREET RIDER
Top speed: 25 km/h
Tested: NA
77
81
Top speed: 25 km/h

Tested: Aug 11
Style (ex-Delhi)
25,000 48V
250W
94
NA
70-75
XPLOR
Top speed: 25 km/h
Tested: NA
EKO VEHICLE www.ekovehicle.com

EV-60 ELEKTRIC
Xplor (ex-Delhi)
Xplor ER (ex-Delhi)
31,705 48V
34,204 48V
250W
250W
Strike (ex-Bengaluru)
138
JULY 2014
45,000 60V 1878W 1240
93 9.49(0-30)
250W
1185
75-80
105-110
Top speed: 45 km/h

Tested: Aug 11
60 km
Speed (ex-Delhi)
23,200 48V
NA
NA
SPEED
Top speed: 56.14 km/h

Tested: Mar 09
EV-60 Elektric
(ex-Bengaluru)
93
105
30,500 48V 1100W*
94.6
NA
70-75
STRIKE
EXL
Top speed: 16 km/h

Tested: NA
Top speed: 55 km/h

Tested: Aug 11
50 km
YO EXL (ex-Delhi)
37,500 48V 1800W*
NA
NA
70-75
www.bikeindia.in
EXULT
Top speed: 25 km/h
Tested: Aug 11
EXULT (ex-Delhi)
23,709 48V
250W
1260
90
ELEGANT
24,815 48V
250W
1330
95
Zion (OTR Delhi)
32,990 48V
250W
85 km
74
Photon (ex-Delhi)
40,750 48V 1500W
111
Top speed: 25 km/h

Tested: Mar 09
-
75
Top speed: 25 km/h

Tested: Mar 09
34,250 48V
250W
82
WAVE DX
E-sprint (ex-Delhi)
Cruz (OTR Delhi)
www.bikeindia.in
35,750 48V
38,500 48V
37,997 48V
34,750 48V
250W
250W
800W
250W
105
117
RANGE Km
Top speed: 25 km/h

Tested: NA
K100 LA (ex-Chennai)
27,257 48V
250W
70 km
100 km
NA
NA
60 km
K101 LA
Top speed: 25 km/h
Tested: NA
27,500 48V
250W
NA
NA
60 km
K103 LA
70 km
Top speed: 25 km/h

Tested: NA
Wave Dx (OTR Delhi)
Extra Miles (OTR Delhi)
50 km
KABIRDASS MOTOR CO. www.kabirdass.com
70 km
OPTIMA PLUS
Optima ++ (OTR Delhi)
K100 LA
MAXI
250W
70 km
PHOTON
HERO ELECTRIC www.heroelectric.in

31,750 48V
Top speed: 45 km/h

Tested: NA
Maxi (OTR Delhi)
0-20 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
Top speed: 25 km/h

Tested: NA
90 km
Top speed: 25 km/h

Tested: Aug 11
ELEGANT (ex-Delhi)
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
WHEELBASE
(mm)
POWER
VOLTAGE
PRICE
RANGE Km
0-20 (KM/H)
ACCELERATION
KERB WEIGHT
(KG)
POWER
VOLTAGE
PRICE
WHEELBASE
(mm)
ZION
E-VO INDIA www.evoindia.com
Top speed: 25 km/h

Tested: NA
32,500 48V
250W
NA
NA
75 km
LOHIA AUTO www.lohiaauto.com
E-SPRINT
FAME
Top speed: 45 km/h

Tested: Aug 11
Top speed: 25 km/h

Tested: Aug 11
91
65 km
Fame
22,477 48V
250W
1270
70
NA
60 km
CRUZ
OMA STAR
Top speed: 25 km/h

Tested: Aug 11
Top speed: 25 km/h

Tested: Aug 11
91
75 km
Oma Star
25,495 48V
250W
1230
89
NA
60 km
JULY 2014
139
RNI NO. MAHENG / 2005 / 15682

BIKE India Julio2014

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