Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition : BikeAdvice |  |
- Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition
- Yamaha R15 V2 – First Impressions by Naren
- HMSI Launches Refreshed Aviator and CBF Stunner
- New Yamaha YZF R15 Version 2.0 – What Has Changed?
| Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:32 AM PDT
Original Source: Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition from BikeAdvice.in The world of premium bikes is never on halt as each day there is some or other development happening around us. Just the other day we at Bike Advice gave you the details regarding the new R15, and now it's time for some international news relating to Ducati Diavel. Ducati Diavel is probably one of the most good looking bikes from the global manufacturer i.e. Ducati. Ducati has always been contributing to the global events and this time is no exception. Ducati is all set to mark the partnership between their company and AMG with rolling out Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition which will be the center of attraction of the AMG stand at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The special edition is going to make its debut in Frankfurt as a dedication to the Ducati AMG tie up. The collaboration between these two giants has taken a great shape as the Special edition Diavel will feature style and power. The Special edition bike is based on Diavel Carbon but also features special AMG five spoked wheel styling carbon-fiber lateral radiator grills with aluminum trim, AMG sports exhaust system with engraved end-caps and AMG-style horizontally ribbed seat upholstered in alcantara. Therefore, one can say that this new special edition monster is more or less the mixture of features from both the partners. All in all, Ducati is all set to take their partnership with AMG to new highs with this new marvel. Also one interesting thing about Diavel AMG is that it features engine which is engraved with the initials of the engine technician who worked on it. As far as the looks go, Diavel is far better than its peers since it has got all the looks and graphics that can keep bike lovers on the edge of their seats. The bike is dressed in matt black carbon fiber bodywork with white glossy stripes all over it with trellis frame, giving it a much attractive look. Also it sports AMG logos on the wheels seat, exhaust end-caps and laser-engraved on the air-duct panels and either sides of the fuel tank. Ducati will open to tasks orders for this marvel at Frankfurt for early deliveries in 2012. In addition to the bike, Ducati will also arrange other accessories like matching helmets and leather add-ons for the buyers. Share on FacebookRelated posts: |
| Yamaha R15 V2 – First Impressions by Naren Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:27 AM PDT
Original Source: Yamaha R15 V2 – First Impressions by Naren from BikeAdvice.in It was really great to be one of the very few who have taken the glimpse of the newly launched Yamaha YZF-R15 V2.0. Let me share how the bike exactly looks like and what Yamaha Motor India claims about the bike.
At the first shot, the bike looks really cool and it is very visible that the bike has underwent major cosmetic surgeries in order to make it even hotter than the current model. Unlike most other companies, to whom upgrades mean just a change in paintjob or graphic designs, Yamaha has really taken the pain to come up with the next version of its flagship model. The front half of the bike is almost the same except the alloy and the side fairing. I'll come to the alloy wheel a little later. Regarding the side fairing, there is a slight change in the way the air vents are placed. The company claimed that this would aid in improving the resistance value by as much as 4 per cent compared with the existing model, which in turn will improve the performance of the bike. The rear part is entirely fresh and is damn appealing. The rear part of the bike along with the rear set is pushed up which gives a feel that the rear seat is actually swinging freely. Yamaha claims this seat to me slip resistant. There is also a storage compartment under the rear seat and the lock for it is visible clearly, but it is not (at all) odd in terms of looks. The mono-shock at the rear looks very sexy with this modification even though it existed in the old one too.
The grabrail is removed from the rear seat, which assists the machine in offering a perfect sport bike look which is the exact kind of image with which Yamaha wants to project the R15 Version 2.0. The excellently designed LED tail light adds to the brilliance of the design. A very look at it would reveal the fact that is derived from the R6. I, being a big fan of R6's design admired this new version to the core.
The swing arm is completely made of aluminum which aids the company in claiming to be India's first 150 cc bike to house an aluminum swing arm. This will help the bike when being used in race tracks during cornering. One fact I didn't like in the bike was the usage of saree guard. But, as Indians we don’t have any options and we'll be forced to have them fitted on the bikes, irrespective of it spoiling the design or not. There is also a small metal piece that is fitted onto the exhaust which displays 'R15'. What made me wonder was the fact that every single change that this bike is incorporated with is visible just on the first sight. Brilliant work mates! The way the end of the exhaust appears is also new.
In one of my earlier review about the current model, I'd mentioned that the bike badly needs a wider rear tyre. I was relieved seeing the wider tyre at the rear as the bike passed me to the stage. The 130/70 radial tyre adds to the stability of the bike. The front tyre has also become fatter by 10 mm with the new 90/80 radial tyre.
The 5 spoke alloy with double spokes looks not so impressive, but doesn't spoil the look of the bike from any side. This is another new addition to the new version. Apart from the looks, Yamaha also claims that the performance will have an edge compared to the existing model with the installation of new ECU and a drivetrain. In order to comment on this, we'll have to get our hands on this bike which will reveal the truth. There was a question put forth to Mr. Roy Kurian, National Business Head of IYM which was, "On what basis did you come up with this new version?" He said, "The customers of the current model were satisfied with the front half of the bike, but they felt that there existed a scope for improvement at the rear."
Three colour schemes of these bikes were displayed at the stage. Out of the three, the one with Sunset Red share is truly an eye catcher. A close observation of this bike will reveal the fact that there is a dual colour scheme employed. The white paintjob is amazing, especially at the rear where the space between the rider's seat and the rear seat is painted in white. Oh Baby! That's still in my eyes. We'll try our best to get a ride on this new model – Yamaha YZF R15 Version 2.0 as soon as possible so that we can update our dear readers about the performance too. Regards, Related posts: |
| HMSI Launches Refreshed Aviator and CBF Stunner Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:26 AM PDT
Original Source: HMSI Launches Refreshed Aviator and CBF Stunner from BikeAdvice.in Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) has unveiled the latest version of two of their existing products. The Honda Aviator and the CBF Stunner are the two brands that has undergone upgrades this time. Both these brands needed an upgrade badly as they had not undergone any facelifts, off late.
Basically, mere colours and graphics are introduced thereby giving a cool look to the most expensive scooter in the country and to the sporty bike. The standard variant of the Aviator is priced at INR 45,300 and the Deluxe variant at INR 50,400 respectively, Ex-Showroom Delhi. The Aviator is different from the other scooters in the market owing to its masculine design and above all the deluxe variant with the disc brakes. Honda Aviator was earlier available in 3 colours namely Rebel Red Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black and Monsoon Grey Metallic colours. Following the upgrade, Honda has introduced Berry Purple and Sunbeam White as the new colours for the scooter. Coming to the Honda CBF Stunner, the company has come up with 2 new colours and graphics on them. Talking about the colour schemes of the Stunner, the 125 cc bike is now available in additional schemes of Candy Palm Green and Black as the new colour. The Candy Palm Green resembles the Balck with Cyber Green scheme of the Yamaha FZ series of bikes and the company's Touring bike – Fazer. The CBF Stunner is available with a price tag of INR 54,509, Ex-Showroom Delhi for the higher end variant with disc brakes and electric start options. However, it seems that these 2 new colours will be made available only for the carburettor variant and will not be available for the FI variant. Commenting about this, Mr. N.K. Rattan, Vice-President (Sales & Marketing), HMSI said in a statement, "With changing lifestyles, Honda will aggressively expand and meet diversified needs of Indian customers. We are sure that customers will appreciate the refreshing look of new Aviator and CBF Stunner." Regards, Related posts: |
| New Yamaha YZF R15 Version 2.0 – What Has Changed? Posted: 06 Sep 2011 10:09 PM PDT
Original Source: New Yamaha YZF R15 Version 2.0 – What Has Changed? from BikeAdvice.in After a lot of hide n seek, we now have the new r15 version 2.0 in front of us. The day I saw the first scoop pics, I was surprised about this move from Yamaha and was scratching my head as to what 'new' would Yamaha pump in this already way advanced product. However, this move clearly reflects that Yamaha wants a bigger pie of the segment. You have already been busy reading the blog server space since a few days, spare this one more as I try to understand what exactly has seen the dustbin and what is coined in.
1. Name: Yamaha would call this bike as YZF-R15 version 2.0 to keep a proper distinction in the market vis-à-vis the outgoing model, though the decals and badges on the new variant would still be 'R15'. 2. Engine: Sporting the same 149.8cc single cylinder liquid cooled SOHC engine, version 2.0 still produces exactly 17PS of maximum power at the same 8500 rpm & 15 Newton meter of torque at the same peak point of 7500 rpm which are the most disappointing factors for majority of people from the 'dissatisfied' list.
However, good news is that Yamaha has employed a new Engine Control Unit (ECU) along with a new drivetrain to enhance the straight line as well as high speed acceleration of the bike. Yamaha also promises superior performance, better throttle response and an improved clutch operation. Secondary reduction ratio has been altered as well. It is 3.133 for version 2.0 which was 3.000 for the older model. Primary ratio remains unaltered at 3.042 3. Aluminum Swingarm: In comes India's first long aluminum swingarm which has a truss structure to enhance rigidity and is designed to curtail wayward movements to boost stability.
Also, if noticed carefully, the chain adjustment assembly towards the end of the swingarm is also new. R15 was already a benchmark in handling in India. And if these enhancements have increased it, we have an even better track machine in our hands. 4. Split Seats: As if this has become a trademark in high powered bikes; Yamaha splits the seats of the new model into two. I hope it provides slightly better rear support to the rider. It comes with an anti slip seat cover which resists slipping sitters forward. The underside of the rear seat also provides a small storage compartment for holding small tools, documents and can be opened from the keyhole provided in between the two seats.
5. Increased Seat Height & Riding posture: The seat height of the new bike has been increased by 10mm – from 790mm to 800mm. The riding posture also seems to be slightly more open chested and easy on the rider. 6. Omission of Grab Rails: The R125 like tail doesn't house any place for grab rails; and with those forceful forward biased rear seat, I see a big grin on every boys face!
7. New design alloys: The newly designed thin 5 dual spoke alloys look upmarket and probably also help in shedding some grams of that flab.
8. Overall Body Changes: The rear has been completely redesigned and bears a resemblance to R125. The wider and pointed tail is beautifully crafted and the rear portion is lifted. Number plate assembly and redesigned exhaust are also given a more sportsbike look. Mudguards & saree guards, I guess are forcefully put to adhere to Indian norms. Similar to Pulsar 135LS, but look way better on this bike. Redesigned middle cowl also adds character to the bike and gels well with the overall flowing theme of the new design. 9. LED Tail, Dual Horn: The small white ending, illuminates in red LEDs. Also, the new bike comes with more audible dual horns.
10. Wider tyres: Curtailing all misconceptions and also to add that extra glamour, Yamaha decided to shed off its 100 section extremely grippy rear tyre. And shod is a wider 130mm Radial tyre with a 70mm wall (in place of 80 for the older bike). The front tyre has also become fatter by 10mm and is now 90/80 in place of 80/90 of the previous iteration. However, Yamaha has not mentioned anywhere that this would be of the same soft compound which constituted the leech-like rear rubber of version 1.0. All the display bikes were shod with MRF rubber during launch. 11. Disc: Also, a larger 220mm diameter rear disc brake has been put to duty to tame the wider tyre. 12. Colors: Version 1.0 was available in Yamaha Blue, Sunset Red, Midnight Black and launched later Impact Yellow. For the version 2.0 you have the option of choosing from Racing Blue, Midnight Black and Sunset Red with probably Impact Yellow kept for a future launch. Black and Red really look phenomenal on this bike.
13. Increased Weight: Sadly, with all these enhancements, R15 has gained a meaty 5 kilograms in weight which would not please an enthusiast. The version 2.0 is 136kgs compared to 131kg of older version. 14. Increased Wheelbase: Wheelbase has seen an increment of 55mm and is now 1345mm wide as compared to 1290mm of the outgoing model. According to specs shared by Yamaha, version 2.0 stands 25mm shorter @ 1970mm compared to 1995mm of older version. Width and height remain same at 670mm & 1070mm respectively. 15. No ABS model as an option as was speculated. 16. Price: The most important aspect! Yamaha has increased the price of the new model by approximately 6-8k ex showroom and hence this bike would be dearer by around 10k than the outgoing model. R15 Version 2.0 is priced at Rs 1,07,000 ex showroom New Delhi. R15 has put on 5kgs of extra weight and along with those wider tyres, things do not look very performance/mileage friendly. Maximum power and torque have remained the same. And still Yamaha claims better performance? Yamaha has tinkered with the power/torque curves of this bike as I assume. There might be a better torque concentration towards the lower rpm band to reduce that powerlessness feeling under 7k rpm and probable sprocket play for a better top end.
Nonetheless, things will become clearer when we get the bike in our hands. All in all this seems to be a very nice upgrade and people who are dissatisfied must understand that R15 was a bike which was launched way ahead of its times 3 years ago and still we do not have a single bike which can compete technically with this one. I am completely satisfied with whatever Yamaha has done till now. My apprehension is more towards the pricing. This (although) little price increase might inch them slightly closer to probably the arch rival – Honda's CBR250R. Although, R15 is still more track focused but not many weigh two bikes this way in India. Well, a lot has been demystified, a lot remains to be unfolded which only a test ride can expose. We, at BikeAdvice would try to lay our hands on the bike ASAP to come up with a nice detailed test report. Keep happy, Keep revving! - Saad Khan Share on FacebookRelated posts: |
The entry of the bike to the stage itself was very stunning. Unlike the regular stripping the cover on the bike to reveal it, the company tried the new method of making 3 guys in full racing suites to ride the 3 different coloured bike onto the stage from the other end of the hall.
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