Driveblog

Ducati has unveiled the Monster 795, an ‘Asia special’ motorcycle that is an aggressively priced version of the world’s best-known naked bike. The 795 will be priced significantly lower than the Monster 796 already sold in India, but will retain all the Monster DNA, thanks to being assembled at Ducati’s new Thailand plant.   Don’t think of the 795 as a cheap Ducati though. The Italian manufacturer plans to retain quality standards in terms of design, engineering and performance on the new bike. Motorcycles built in Thailand will be designed and engineered in Italy, their engines to be brought in from the Borgo Panigale factory, Bologna. Assembly of motorcycles in Thailand will be entrusted to Ducati-trained technicians and subject to the highest quality standards, with major use of European components.   The Monster 795 deploys a triple-parabola headlight and digital instruments with a cascading rev counter reading upto 12000rpm. There’s a handy stopwatch function that can be...

Bajaj Auto has announced they will unveil the latest Pulsar model in early December 2011. Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj has revealed “The new Pulsar will be 100 percent brand new and will come with technology better than the current DTS-i”. Importantly, he also added, “The new technology is the next level for motorcycles, not just the next level for Bajaj.” While refraining from divulging further detail on the new technology used by the new Pulsars, Rajiv Bajaj has said this will first debut on all the new Pulsars, after which the Discover products could benefit the same. The runaway success Pulsar brand originally launched in November 2001, so next month marks its 10 th  anniversary. The second quarter of FY12 has been particularly good for Bajaj Auto, which sold a million motorcycles for the first time, a rise of 16 percent over the same period last year. Likewise, a 44 percent gain in exports has kept their sales numbers up to register an overall 17 percent gain. Bajaj ...

Garware Motors has added a third motorcycle to their Hyosung range in India. The new Hyosung GT650 N which is essentially a GT650 R without its front fairing. The GT650 N is available with a new design headlamp, and floating instrument cluster. The bike has an exposed chassis, as well as taller handlebars that should help it maneuver more easily. The GT650 N’s 647cc engine is identical to its sportsbike sibling, producing 76.2bhp of power and 6.1kgm of torque. Its lighter weight, torque laden midrange and taller handlebars should make the GT650 N better suited for daily duties than the GT650 R. Garware Motors has launched the Hyosung GT650 N at a price tag of Rs 4.39lakh, (ex-showroom Delhi). 

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, on Monday launched its first motorcycle under the new “Hero” brand name, providing an all-new riding experience for its customers this festive season. The company started despatches of the 150cc “Impulse” – the country’s only dual-purpose on-road-off-road bike, thereby launching an entirely new segment in the Indian two-wheeler market. The launch of “Impulse” creates a new experience in the Indian biking industry. Impulse comes with the power of the 150 cc engine, loaded with versatile features including  nitrox-gas filled mono-shock rear suspension which ensures a smooth ride on roughest of terrains, high ground clearance with large front wheel with stud-type tread pattern tyres and large front disc brakes which lets the rider traverse any road or any stretch. Anil Dua, Sr. Vice President (Marketing & Sales), Hero MotoCorp said, “Impulse - the first model to be launched under our new brand identity – is not j...

Bajaj Auto has reportedly introduced the launch of the ‘Boxer' 150cc in the domestic market. The new model has been positioned as the ‘Bharat' bike designed for use on all kinds of terrain. R Chandrasekar, GM – Marketing and Sales, Bajaj Auto Ltd was quoted as saying, “This launch is a part of our strategy of providing relevant differentiated products to meet the needs of a variety of consumers. A significant segment of consumers in the smaller towns need a powerful, rugged utility bike. The Boxer has been designed as an “SUV on two wheels” to specifically meet their requirement."  According to reports, the vehicle costs  Rs.  43,009 – and a customer can now own a 150 cc at the price less than that of most 100cc bikes.

Yamaha India’s out with a spanking new version of the popular YZF-R15 sports bike, now rechristened YZF-R15 Version 2.0. Yamaha has spruced up the looks of the bike with a slightly revised fairing, tail cowl and new LED brake lamps. The tail end also gets a new number-plate holder and a split mudguard for the rear tyre. Yamaha has been receptive of market feedback by equipping the new bike with a thicker 130mm rear tyre that goes a long way in enhancing the bike’s looks. Its impact on fuel economy is something we will verify shortly. A split seat, new silencer design and stylish 5-spoke split alloy wheels are also part of the makeover. The bike will be available in red, blue and black paint options. Mechanical changes to the motorcycle include an updated ECU and modifications to the drivetrain for improved acceleration and top speed. Engine dimensions and specifications, however, remain unchanged. The engine, carried forward from the outgoing model, is a single-cylinder, four-valve, l...

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) has launched updated versions of the Aviator and the CBF Stunner. The new Aviator will be available in two new shades-Berry Purple and Sunbeam White. There is no hike in the price and it will continue to be priced at Rs 45,300 and Rs 50,400 respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi). It comes with 12-inch light-weight alloy wheels, large multi-reflector halogen headlamps, sweeping-style side indicators, body colored grab rail and a multi-reflector tail lamp. The new CBF Stunner will now sport new shades like Candy Palm Green and Black. It will come in a self-disc-alloy version and it’s priced at Rs 54,509 (ex-showroom, Delhi).  It comes with integrated front body cowl, muscular fuel tank, sharp rear design, sporty under-cowl, hydraulic 240mm front disc brakes and tubeless tyres for the front and rear. The two products from (HMSI) in their new shades will be available from end-September, 2011.

Hero MotoCorp’s new Maestro looks sober, with smooth, conservative lines that will be appreciated by a wide audience. Large body panels surround its exterior, a rounded front mudguard and clear lens indicators mount flush on either side of its raked front apron. Mirrors on the Maestro are bi-colour. A bold headlamp and wide, easily read instruments are seen, the speedometer dominating this region with an LCD information screen. A ‘service due’ indicator is standard, as is a digital fuel gauge. Switches and levers are the standard scooter equipment Indians are familiar with, including push-to-cancel indicators while the Meastro offers dimpled palm grips, bar end weights and a manual choke. The ignition key slot is shuttered. This is a scooter with ample storage space, a large and lockable storage recess provided just below the handlebar apart from its under-seat bay and flat floorboard where a bag-hook is present.  The Maestro has a broad rear body panel that leads to its brake-lig...

A specialised body for promoting sustainable development of the Indian auto sector, dubbed the National Automotive Board ( NAB), is expected to be set up by the end of this year.  The Department of Heavy Industry is working on a proposal for establishing the board.  "NAB is likely to be set up in December this year. It will act as a facilitator between the government and the industry, promote research and development activities and have a larger role in developing skills for the growing automobile sector," a Department of Heavy Industry official said.  Besides, it would act as a think-tank for the government, especially for the growth of hybrid and electric vehicles in the country, he added.  The board will have members from the Department of Heavy Industry, Planning Commission and from various ministries, including road transport and highways, science and technology, environment and forests. Besides, there would be scientists and industry representatives on the boa...

Hero MotoCorp launched a new off-road bike called Impluse.  The new 149.2cc motorcycle which develops 13.2bhp at 7500rpm. A sign of things to come, the new bike shows us the fresh face of Hero as it treads a bold new path, entering the hot and relatively unexplored on-off road motorcycle segment in India, we’ve often longed to see filled. An apt motorcycle for Indian roads that remain in terrible condition all year round, Hero MotoCorp’s Impulse sits tall on a long travel telescopic front suspension, with a monoshock rear suspension and spoke wheels, as commonly associated with these rugged, go-anywhere motorcycles. This Hero is tough, with massive body panels including a high floating front mudguard, and large overhangs extending ahead of its big, high set fuel tank. Instrumentation is trendy. The four-stroke engine is carburreted, with a single cylinder and air-cooling, its silencer and heat shield running the entire right length of this bike under its seat. You get a five-spee...

World number one two-wheeler company, Hero MotoCorp revealed its bold new face and logo, along with one new bike and another scooter at a gala, superstar-studded mega event in London. Performing on stage were Shahrukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, tennis legend Boris Becker, F1 veteran David Coulthard, star Indian music composer, A R Rehman and rap singer Akon.

  US cult bike maker Harley-Davidson on Thursday announced the launch of 'Fat Boy Special' model in India priced at Rs 19.7 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). This model will be imported as a completely built unit and will be available across all Harley-Davidson dealerships in addition to the 14 Models Currently   available in the 2011 line-up, Harley-Davidson India said in a statement. Commenting on the launch Harley-Davidson India managing director Anoop Prakash said, "We are now launching the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Special, offering a special take on the motorcycle that embodies Harley-Davidson's rich heritage." In addition to its existing partnership with ICICI Bank, the company has now joined hands with HDFC Bank for a broad spectrum of services including consumer financing, dealer financing and banking services, the company said. "This arrangement will help more motorcycle enthusiasts realise their dream of joining the Harley-Davidson community," Praka...

 H ero Honda Motors on Friday said it has changed its name to Hero MotoCorp following the exit of its erstwhile Japanese promoter, Honda, from the company. The company is also in the process of introducing a new global brand identity in London next month. "Hero Honda Motors Ltd was on Friday formally renamed as Hero MotoCorp Ltd. In the run-up to the unveiling of its new global brand identity, the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer received the necessary statutory approval from the Registrar of Companies on Friday for the changeover to the new name," the company said. Earlier last month, the shareholders of the company had approved the changing of the name. In March this year, the company had hired global brand and innovation specialist Wolff Olins to create its new brand identity. A part of the Omnicom group, Wolff Olins was mandated to work on the new brand identity in its totality, including the brand architecture, name, logo and positioning. Lat...

  LML plans to re-enter the booming motorcycle segment with its four-stroke 100cc and 125cc bikes that it had stopped manufacturing over five years ago when labour unrest led to a lockout at the factory. The company also plans to enter the gearless scooter market and launch products for both local and overseas markets. Apart from a 125cc gearless scooter, the company is also planning for an India-first 200cc geared scooter. Already launched in the export market, this 200cc scooter will be a lifestyle product for a niche market. Before its sabbatical in 2006, LML had a range of bikes from the Adreno FX 110cc to the Freedom, the latter with four variants from 110cc to 125cc. LML’s strategy for scooters is premised on different positioning as well as looks. It hopes to keep the pricing at a par with competing products. LML’s USP has been its multi-utility and metal-bodied geared scooters for niche buyers. Its plans are to expand its product range with a new 150cc Select 4, four-stro...

Austrian sports bike maker KTM today said it will launch its first motorcycle, jointly developed with Bajaj Auto Ltd , in India at the Auto Expo to be held in the capital early next year.  The company, in which Bajaj Auto holds nearly a 40 per cent stake, had already launched its first co-developed bike in Europe in March this year.  "During the Delhi Auto Expo next year, we will be launching the first 200-cc Duke bike in India," Cross Industries AG CEO and also the CEO of KTM Sportmotorcycle AG , Stefan Pierer, told reporters here.  The bike will be produced at the Pune facility of Bajaj Auto, he added.  When asked about the company's sales target in India, Pierer said: "We expect to sell 25,000 to 30,000 units in India in the first year of launch. After one year, we will launch the 350-cc Duke in India."  KTM had launched the 125-cc 'Duke', developed jointly with Bajaj Auto, in Europe in March this year.  "We have already sold nearly 7,000 units...

Eicher Motors on Tuesday said its two-wheeler division, Royal Enfield, will set up a new manufacturing facility at Oragadam, near Chennai, with an initial installed capacity of 1.5 lakh units per annum by March, 2013. The proposed 50-acre facility is likely to see a total investment of up  to Rs 350 crore over the next five years. Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa on Tuesday officially allotted land for construction of the plant at the Oragadam SIPCOT Industrial Park, near Chennai. "We have received the letter for the land from the state government. We will start construction immediately after getting the possession. We should be ready with the plant by the first quarter of 2013," Eicher Motors Managing Director and CEO Siddhartha Lal told PTI.  With addition of new capacities, the company will be able to reduce the waiting periods of its bikes. It is currently about 6-8 months.   [Source:hindustantimes.com]

Car sales in the domestic market continued to slow down with two of the top three firms,Maruti Suzuki India and Tata Motors, reporting decline in sales during June this year.  The second largest carmaker Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), however, posted increase in sales along with Volkswagen, Toyota and Mahindra & Mahindra.  Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) reported 3.8 per cent decline in sales in the domestic market to 70,020 units in June from 72,812 units in the same month last year.  During the month, the company suffered a 13-day long strike at its Manesar plant, where it mainly produces Swift , DZiRE and SX4. The firm suffered a production loss of 12,600 units due to the strike.  Tata Motors also reported 20.91 per cent decline its domestic total passenger vehicles sales at 21,993 units in June as against 27,811 units in the same month last year.  On the other hand, HMIL said its domestic sales grew 11.1 per cent to 30,402 units in June this year f...

After mulling over its decision to enter the burgeoning Indian two-wheeler market for a considerable time, iconic British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph is finally on the verge of launching its comprehensive range of motorcycles in India. While finishing touches to the final game plan are still underway, the first Triumph motorcycles will shortly reach India as Completely Built Units (CBU). Expect the famous bike maker’s initial offerings to include their impressive 1,050cc, three-cylinder Tiger and Sprint models, the timeless twin-cylinder 865cc Bonneville, the massive 2,294cc Rocket III, 675cc Daytona sportsbike and the Speed Triple Street models. [Source:autocarindia.com]

Indian motorcycle major Bajaj Auto is expanding the network of its exclusive showrooms of premium bikes - Probiking - to neighbouring countries. The company has Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on the radar in its upmarket expansion plan. "We have a small Probiking facility in Nepal, we will  upgrade this," said Eric Vas, president, new projects, Bajaj Auto. "We plan to set up one in Bhutan too. We will explore opportunities in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as well." Bajaj has 32 Probiking outlets in 30 cities in India. The company has plans to add at least a dozen more to this list. Apart from the the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and 650R, which retail for Rs 3 lakh and Rs 4.57 lakh respectively in India, it is likely that a few more Kawasaki models will grace the Probiking showrooms. The company also retails its own home-made premier bikes, the Pulsar 220 and the Avenger, through Probiking outlets. Once KTM bikes come to India, they too will be retailed through Prob...