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Latest photos of Yamaha FZ 150.

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Photos taken by Aryan @ Xbhp.com . Please get permission from him before using these photos .

]]> http://blog.neo999.com/auto-expo-08-bajaj-pulsar-220-dtsfi-chrome-and-black-version/feed/ 71 http://blog.neo999.com/two-strokes-may-strike-back-bajaj-again/ http://blog.neo999.com/two-strokes-may-strike-back-bajaj-again/#comments Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:04:52 +0000 nEo http://blog.neo999.com/two-strokes-may-strike-back-bajaj-again/ Another new attempt to take share of the two wheeler market by Bajaj Auto ! They are planning to re-introduce two stroke bikes in Indian Market. First of all Two strokes are all about higher torque , faster pickup and better vehicle stability due to the smaller engine.Then, why any company is not selling two stroke bikes in india? The reason is the strict(Yes it is! Emission norms are strict in India compared to many developed countries) emission norms in India. Two strokes are notorious for the pollution it creates. But what made Bajaj to introduce two strokes again in a country with such strict restrictions? Its the GDi . GDi stands for Gasoline Direct Injection . The technology is superior with increased mileage and substantially less emission compared to older two strokes. This technology was invented 60 years back during World War 2 to use in war planes. Later it was developed and polished by giants like Bosh and even Mercs for four stroke car engines.

The benefits of direct injection are even more pronounced in two-stroke engines, because it eliminates much of the pollution they cause. In conventional two-strokes, the exhaust and intake ports are both open at the same time, at the bottom of the piston stroke. A large portion of the fuel/air mixture entering the cylinder from the crankcase through the intake ports goes directly out, unburned, through the exhaust port. With direct injection, only air comes from the crankcase, and fuel is not injected until the piston rises and all ports are closed.

Bajaj has already launched Three wheelers with GDi engine .The engine also meets the stringent emission norms with 50% lower carbon monoxide ((CO) and 25% lower hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides (HC+NOx) .

As said in economic times by a senior Bajaj Auto executive -

“It is a big leap in the two-stroke technology and we are working to get it on our bikes and other two-wheelers. The gasoline direct injection (GDi) engine has substantially lower emissions than even alternate clean fuels like CNG and LPG. Additionally, it has lower operating costs than four-stroke technology that currently dominates the bike market.”

Bajaj Auto is likely to customize the GDi technology for its two-wheeler products in the next few months. The two-stroke engine had been a success in the past due to its higher torque (power), faster pickup and better vehicle stability due to the smaller engine. In GDi technology, the fuel is injected through a common rail fuel line directly into the engine’s combustion chamber where it is completely burnt unlike the conventional carburettor-run two-stroke engine which leaves out unburnt fuel and results in higher emission.

If that happens, i am sure that we still have a large section of youth who loves to hear that two stroke sound! Count me also!

The alliance with KTM covers joint development of street bikes for both Indian and overseas markets and will complement Bajaj Auto’s efforts to hammer out a deal with another European motorcycle brand, Triumph.

- Economic Times

is generally a dirt/offroad bike maker , and if bajaj successfully allies with Triumph, we may see another face of Bajaj with dirt and power bikes.Already strong in Indonesia and Brazil , Bajaj is now eying European Market.So , now Bajaj can sell KTM bikes here as well as KTM will promote Bajaj bikes in Europe and US. We have to wait and see how our Pulsars will be treated by Europeans.

The supposed Model to be launched here : “Mika Kallio KTM 125″ an 125 cc road bike.

 The bike looks aggressive and is a hot selling model in EU. The price will be a question. Even though its 125 cc , the price will be above 80ks

Err..I was sure that it will be another hoax! And seeing the picture of so called BajajPulsar 300cc , i confirmed it. But i should say , it really looks great even though its a photoshopped image.

Pulsar 300 Fake

Currently there are many versions of these photoshopped images claiming that they are pulsar 300cc.

Currently Bajaj has no ‘Official’ Plans to release a 300cc Version of Pulsar Series.Who ever started this hoax by editing this picture , i admire him for his creativity.

]]> http://blog.neo999.com/pulsar-300/feed/ 84 http://blog.neo999.com/150-cc-feature-comparison-hero-honda-hunk-bajaj-pulsar-150-tvs-apache/ http://blog.neo999.com/150-cc-feature-comparison-hero-honda-hunk-bajaj-pulsar-150-tvs-apache/#comments Tue, 23 Oct 2007 22:55:11 +0000 nEo http://blog.neo999.com/tech/150-cc-feature-comparison-hero-honda-hunk-bajaj-pulsar-150-tvs-apache/ Technical Specifications

TVS

Apache

Rs. 60643.00

Bajaj

Pulsar 150 DTSi

Rs. 62615.00

Hero Honda

Hunk

Rs. 55000.00

Engine 147.5cc 149.01 cc, 2 Plug 149.2cc Power 13.7ps@8500rpm 13.50ps@8500rpm 14.4ps@8500rpm Torque 12.3nm@6000rpm 13.90nm@6500rpm 12.80nm@6500rpm Weight 136.00 kg 137.00 kg 143.00 kg Fuel Tank 16.00 15.00 12.40 Wheelbase 1260.00 mm 1330.00 mm 1325.00 mm Top Speed 112 kmph 113 kmph - Brakes Petal Disc 240mm Front Disk 240 mm Dia Front Disc Fuel Economy 54 kmpl 52 kmpl - Features ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Fuel Guage Yes Yes Yes Self Start Yes Yes Yes Tacho Meter Yes Yes Yes Trip Meter Yes Yes Yes Stand Alarm No Yes No Alloys Yes Yes Yes                         ]]> http://blog.neo999.com/150-cc-feature-comparison-hero-honda-hunk-bajaj-pulsar-150-tvs-apache/feed/ 100 http://blog.neo999.com/hero-honda-hunk-specification-and-photos/ http://blog.neo999.com/hero-honda-hunk-specification-and-photos/#comments Fri, 19 Oct 2007 21:40:55 +0000 nEo http://blog.neo999.com/tech/hero-honda-hunk-specification-and-photos/

Hero Honda Motors Ltd. (HHML) on Wednesday rolled out its fourth offering in the 150 cc motorcycle segment — Hunk — with a starting price of Rs. 55,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The earlier offerings in the premium segment are: 156 cc CBZ Xtreme, 150 cc Achiever and 225 cc Karizma. At present, the company has a 15-20 per cent share in the premium bike segment.

Two versions of Hunk, kick-start and self-start, are being offered. While the former carries a price tag of Rs. 55,000, the later will be available for Rs. 57,000.

Already talks about it and specially its name, Hero Honda could have used some better name. Well, Hunk is still, if you look into dictionary then it is a very manly word.

This machine has almost similar power and torque to CBZ xtreme, ie. 14.2bhp at 8500 rpm and 12.8 nm at 6500 rpm. Then engine displacement is 149.2 cc . And the engine is set to have tumble flow.(like swirl, but vertical). If I understand correctly, that should have boosted torque. Maybe the torque curve sits higher everywhere, but has the same peak.

Lets talk about other things of the HUNK, ie. its look and fairing and its styling.

First thing you will note that it has gas charged, adjustable rear shok absorber, it is I think first in Hero Honda Bike. One thing I loved about CBZ from beginning was its saddle position, it just made you sit so sporty that you feel like GOD on road. .. here in Hero Honda Hunk, saddle position is nice so it feels so sporty while sitting on Bike.

Front Disc brake is fine, I wished if they could have increased its size as TVS did in Apache RTR 160, it looks so nice and somohow makes feel bike more powerful (physcologically).

Looking over design, the bike has over all a big look as we had with CBZ xtreme. This time grab rail is single piece ie not like CBZ xtreme which as splitted one looked really cool. One thing I noticed here that they wanted to bike to look shorter and sporty and hence you can see on back that they have kept seat little shorter though ideally should stretch a bit more, anyhow it is looking unique.

What I think that there was something missing in CBZ xtreme and Hero Honda thinks that to compete with Apache RTR and new pulsar, they should work around and hence we have “Hunk”.

It has body coloured leg gaurd, I have seen first in Hero Honda bikes and rather in any bike yet. another nice thing about design is its fairing covering the tank, it really makes it feel big, sit over and it is really big. Headlamp is good but again could have better in design. I don’t know why Hero Honda people can’t create a appealing front look but its satisfactory this time.

As most part of bike is gray so other color create different look than whole gray bike. As you look in above pic, the bike is in red colour but touch of Gray , black makes it appealing.

Looking at the meter console, we have no digital instruments there, looks like Hero Honda wants to make it traditional style manly stuff, only raw power. After all, you can’t feel the adrenaline in those digital meter as you feel when the niddle spindle over the meter .. wraoommmm…

Image Courtesy – rearset.blogspot.com

Fuel consumption is said to same as CBZ but with little improvement.But the thing is , if some one asks you whats your ride, you may have to answer as – “I ride Hunk !”

Is’nt that wierd? Unless you are a gay? Hero Honda guys should have worked much more on naming a bike!

Note : All pics here are taken from hero honda site . Except one which i took from rearset.blogspot.com > please pay a visit to his superb motorcycling blog

THIS IS MY TAKE ON THE RIDE OF MY NEW PULSAR 220CC FROM PUNE TO MUMBAI

well starting with the probiking showroom..well the treatment and procedure was good..the probiking ppl definately make u feel priviliged…first they spent time in explaining me how important road saftey is coz since the bike is overpowered and its a one of a kind etc etc…then the fun began..they brought the bike out from the basement..it was glistening black..oooh the first look gave a huge smile on my face..trust me it was an achievement getting the most awaited bike ever..then those guys spent 15 to 20 minutes explaining me all about the fuel pump and ecu and alll…and then he handed me the keys..oh man i should tell u that was one hell of a rush..so i got on to the bike ..hit the switch and trust me i was on an all time high..well a little bit of city traffic and i hit the highway…and now the fun had only begun…doing abt 57kmph i was cruising along..the engine purrred as i ripped through the air..easily overtaking trucks buses and other slower and less important vehicles..the road presence of the bike is really of gigantic proportions..one flick of the head light and on comming traffic would just give way..the throttle response was just tooo good..making life very easy..with a steady wrist the bike just revved at 4k rpm…the riding position makes u feel u r astride a bike which is built to give the rider every comfort as well as give u 100% control…as i was travelling from pune to lonavala the 57 km stretch made me realise that here is a bike which has excellent fit and finish and is surely built to take u long distances with utmost comfort…the bike has really nice road grip even on dusty surfaces..inching my way i realised one thing that the bike gives u an incurable itch to hit the throttle and take the bike to its limit..but at the very same time i realised all that it took for me to get the bike and besides no true bike lover would want to hurt a new piston..so after a very composed and calm ride i reached lonavala..here i took a stop and gave the bike some time to cool off..after a nice 15 mins i got on and again hit the road ..this time i was in for an experience i had never imagined i could have got from an indian make bike or should i say a “bajaj pulsar”…the ghats i supposed is a very feard terrain because of its edgy inclines and serpantine curves..but trust me guys it was the most enjoyable stretch of road ever..the downhill journey felt like a roller coaster ride but the only difference was the coaster was very powerfull and i had control of it hehe …the turns and the breaking was just effortless..not even for a moment did i feel that i was descending down at 50kmph and at an inclination of a good 60 degrees..and just when i had begun enjoyin i realised i had reached “khapoli” (town at the bottom of the ghats)

i agin took a halt there and had this strong urge of going back up and doing the ghats all over again..but then i was time pressed so had to move on..from there again the ride was simple and sooner then i thought i was nearing vashi…realising that i am now again going to be bothered by the veryy irritating bumper to bumper mumbai traffic..and so with the innumerable redlights and traffic jams i made my way home ..only to have had the remenescence of wind blowing through my visor and my bike giving a quiet whistle of agreement that yesss i finally have the most sexiest indian bike…

well about the bike…its a nice 220 cc and the most important factor its a fuel injected 220 cc…the ride i guess i none like an indian bike till date..the clutching and gear shifting is soft..the riding postion i mentioned earlier i great..the head lamps are powerful..the firing sounds very husky and is pretty distinct..the overall make of the bike is neat..the engine responds flawlessly..over all i should say that the bike is WORTH EVERY RUPEE AND PLEASE DONT EVEN THINK OF BUYING ANY OTHER BIKE …

the only problem is that this bike is not ment for new riders and as the company says the 220 is surely a probiking experience.

The Commerce Ministry today notified that import of motorcycles up to 800 cc engine capacity or above subject to compliance to Euro III emission norms.

Individuals, firms and original equipment manufacturers with service networks would be allowed to import these bikes.

The relaxation followed an agreement reached at the India-US Trade Policy Forum meeting here.

“We have reached an agreement… now Harley Davidson motorcycles can be imported while Indian mangoes will be available in the US markets,” Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath said.

“Indian mangoes are only a few days away from the shipment,” US Trade Representative Susan Schwab said.

The king of fruit has not been allowed to enter the US market due to various non-trade barriers and the last hitch of radiation testing is being addressed. A radiation testing facility is being set up in Mumbai on a cost-sharing basis.

Though bikes in India have to meet strict norms, Harley Davidson and other motorcycles of higher engine capacity have been given a liberal treatment. But they would have to meet at least Euro III norms.

The government has done away with the need for conducting homologation checks for these bikes. These tests are essential to see if imported vehicles meet Indian regulations. In place of this, test certificates of accredited agency will suffice.

In the past, India had taken a tough stand on import of Harley Davidson, citing the American bike maker’s inability to meet emission norms here.

The cruiser is considered a ‘must-have’ for the rich and the famous across the world.

Although, Harley will sell its bikes in India, it has maintained that the bikes will not be manufactured anywhere outside the US so as not to dilute its ‘Made in America’ exclusivity.

“The company’s overall promotional budget for 2007 will go up by 20-25 per cent as compared to that of last year’s. We have spent between Rs 1-2 crore on Pulsar’s new advertisement,” Bajaj Auto Marketing General Manager Amit S Nandi said here today.

Bajaj, which sold 39,675 units in 2006-07, would have a production capacity of 3.5 million bikes by 2007-08, he said.

The company, which claims to have 60 per cent market share in 150 cc and above segment, is coming up with an executive bike by next quarter. “The new bike will be in 100-150 cc range and will be priced in the affordable segment,” Nandi said.

The 200 cc bike, which was launched in the country in February, would soon be exported by the year end. “The export of the new Pulsar should happen this year itself,” he said.

When asked about the expected sales of the 200 cc bike, targeted at 18-24 year age group, he said, “The growth in sale might be good but not exponential.”

The 200 cc targets metropolitan markets and the northern part of the country, he said. Bajaj’s 200 cc new advertisement has been shot in Malaysia but given a Latin American look.

Admitting that sales in 100 cc segment had slowed down in March, Nandi said, “Sales in 125 cc have been good but not in 100 cc. But still we are not planning to exit the 100 cc market at present.”