Poll: Vote for the ‘BikeAdvice Motorcycle of the Year’ : BikeAdvice

Poll: Vote for the ‘BikeAdvice Motorcycle of the Year’
Upcoming Motorcycle Launches in 2012
Three Perfect Bikes of 2011 in the 650cc Segment

Poll: Vote for the ‘BikeAdvice Motorcycle of the Year’

Posted: 27 Dec 2011 12:15 AM PST

Original Source: Poll: Vote for the ‘BikeAdvice Motorcycle of the Year’ from BikeAdvice.in

From this year onward BikeAdvice will issue ‘motorcycle of the year award’ to the manufacturer who has created the most awesome bike.

We invite you to vote for this award. The award will be solely based on our reader’s votes. We have 15 bikes nominated for this award. These bikes have been chosen on the basis of various factors such as brand image, market acceptance, performance etc. This award is not restricted to the bikes launched in 2011… however, bikes launched several years ago have not been included.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

If you feel that a particular bike should be included in the list, just let us know in the comments below.

Regards,
Deepak & Naren

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Upcoming Motorcycle Launches in 2012

Posted: 26 Dec 2011 08:21 PM PST

Original Source: Upcoming Motorcycle Launches in 2012 from BikeAdvice.in

There are few days left in 2011. A year in which we saw many launches ranging from 100cc to 1200cc. Most of the launches were seen in 250cc segment and above which is a symbol of India's rising economy and consumer spending. Harley Davidson launched its Sportster Forty Eight (48) and Fat Boy Special. While Ducati launches several models like Daivel and Monster.

ESTD (Interglobe Established Products Private Limited) launched its Holister, VYRUS and GrinnalL (these are basically Triumph, customized motorcycle). BMW launched its S1000RR and R1200GS. Suzuki Motorcycle India launched Intruder M800.

Kawasaki Ninja 650R and Hyosung 650GTR and ST7 were launched in 650cc motorcycle segment. We saw launch of Honda CBR250R, an iconic motorcycle from Honda in 250cc segment. Yamaha launched its flagship brand YZFR-15's version 2.0.

Hero Motocorp launched India's first off road and on road motorcycle, Hero Impulse. Bajaj Auto launched its Bharat Motorcycle (rural motorcycle) Boxer 150M and Discover 125cc and TVS Motors launched Max4R Lx targeted to rural segment.

More or less, this year did not see any new great launch in 100-150cc segment. We can say that this is the year of performance bikes for India. So how about 2012? Is it going to be same? Well, 2012 will be the most exciting year for Indian bike enthusiasts. We are going to see new models in each category and each segment. We will see most of the new models in Auto Expo which is going to start on 5^th January 2012. We have made a list of potential launches in 2012. We have divided two segments scooter and motorcycle. Motorcycle is further divided in to two categories up to 250cc and above 250cc (Superbike segment).

Motorcycles: 100cc-250cc Segment

Bajaj Auto - Next Generation Pulsar Series

The most awaited launch of 2012, next generation Pulsar. Bajaj Auto is going to launch next generation Pulsar to celebrate its 10^th Anniversary. Next generation Pulsar range is mix of KTM Duke and Pulsar 135LS platform. The next generation Pulsar series may start from 125cc or 150cc and can go up to 250cc. Next generation Pulsar will have 4-vale, DOHC, liquid cooled, Fuel injected engine based upon DUKE platform and will have diamond frame which is seen on Pulsar 135LS. Styling will be heavily drawn from Pulsar 135LS. Next Generation Pulsar will get Monocross suspension for the first time and larger disc brake with 10 spoke alloy wheels. It is expected launch in the first week of January 2012.

KTM Duke 200: The second most awaited launch of 2012. KTM Duke 200 will be first off road sports motorcycle offering from Bajaj Auto. DUKE 200 will be powered by 4-valve, liquid cooled, DOHC single cylinder engine which will have power to weight ratio of 200bhp/tonne.

It will have Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame with steel sub frame. KTM Duke 200cc will have top notch quality parts with a high performance engine. It is expected to launch in the first week of January 2012.

Next Generation Discover

Surprised! Yes next generation Discover will find its way on Indian roads in the year 2012. Next generation Discover will have class leading fuel efficiency with class leading ergonomics. Although there is no detail out from Bajaj Auto yet, we expect it to have 4 valve DTSi engine with a new look. We expect Bajaj Auto to launch next generation Discover by the end of 2012.

Hero Motocorp

Hero 250cc: After separating from Honda Motor Corporation of Japan, Hero Motocorp is planning to launch a 250cc motorcycle in the 2012. Hero 250cc will be the most expensive and most powerful motorcycle from Hero Motocorp. It will be developed by its own R&D facility with the help of Japanese consultant. It will have Hero's two traditional qualities like the newest design and a competitive price tag. It is expected to launch in the second of half of 2012.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooters India ltd (HMSI)

CB100: Honda is all set to launch its first 100cc motorcycle targeted to mass market. Although the name is not announced, going by Honda trend we have christened it CB100. The motorcycle will be developed on the CD series engine basis with improved look and design. It will have more fuel efficient engine compared to current CD series engine and a competitive price tag in order to take on Splendor. CB 100 will be showcased in Auto Expo 2012 and will be launched around April or May 2012.

CBR150R: Honda is impressed by sales of CBR250R in India. CBR250R has received an overwhelming response from Indian bike enthusiasts. However, the price is still out of reach for masses. In order to bring the prices further down, Honda may launch CBR150R in India. Honda CB150R has same looks and designs as CBR250R the only difference is 150cc engine which produces maximum power of 19.5 bhp and torque of 17Nm. We expect Honda to launch CBR150R in India by the second half of 2012 with a competitive price tag to take on YAMAHA YZF-R15.

Garware Motors (S&T Motors Co. Ltd)

Hyosung GT250R: S&T motors co. ltd. and Garware Motors are bullish to make India as a production hub for S&T motors for motorcycles that are exported to Asia and Middle East. The company has plan to launch GT250R in India in 2012. GT250R has 249cc, oil cooled, DOHC 8-valve, 75° V-twin engine which generates maximum power of 26.27 bhp and maximum torque of 21.04Nm. We expect the price to be more competitive as the company will gradually shift the production to India in phased manner. GT250R is expected to launch by March 2012.

Mahindra Two Wheelers

Stallio: This year we will see re-launch of Satallio. Satallio, a 110cc motorcycle launched by Mahindra two wheelers in the year 2010 and the company halted its production in the same year due to gear box problem. The new Satallio will have improved engine and gearbox and expected to launch around March 2012.

Suzuki Motorcycles

Suzuki 100cc: Suzuki Motorcycle is planning to launch 100cc motorcycle in India. The new 100cc motorcycle will be targeted to mass segment. This motorcycle will have competitive price tag and newly designed engine which is developed keeping in mind Indian continent. The 100cc motorcycle will directly compete with Hero's 100cc offering. We expect company to launch this model in the February or March 2012. We also expect company to showcase this motorcycle in Auto Expo 2012.

Suzuki GW250CC: Any idea about Suzuki GW250cc motorcycle? This motorcycle was presented in CIMAMotor 2011 (China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition. This motorcycle is developed for China.

This motorcycle has fair chance to come in India because of its production base, China. As far as cost concern Suzuki can definitely price it competitively since it has made this motorcycle for one of the most competitive country. The GW250 has taken design cues from Suzuki B-King and naked Hybusa. It has 248cc parallel twin, liquid cooled, fuel injected engine. Considering its parallel twin engine we consider this motorcycle as third most exciting offering of 2012. We expect Suzuki Motorcycle to launch this in later half of 2012.

(Image Yamaha Fazer 250)

India Yamaha Motors (P) ltd.

FAZER 250: Yamaha has established itself in premium segment in India and we expect the company to launch 250cc motorcycle this year. There is wide speculation that the company may launch Fazer 250cc this year. Fazer 250cc has 249cc, four stroke single cylinder, 2 valve OHC oil cooled engine which produces 21 bhp power and 20.7 Nm torque. Fazer 250 has very basic engine and seems to be developed on SZ platform.

The motorcycle will have competitive pricing as it does not have any extraordinary technology. However, it has Yamaha's traditional quality of superior engine performance, long term durability and superb handling. We expect this bike to be launched around mid of 2012.

TVS Motors

Apache Velocity: What kind of new upgrade will TVS Apache will have? The answer is Apache Velocity. Apache Velocity concept was displayed in Kakarta Motorcycle show. The most special thing about Apache Velocity is its look. It has most stunning look in 150cc segment. It will have the same engine with improved performance. Going by Apache series, this will be a value for money offering in premium segment. We expect the company to launch it by Jun 2012.

Rockz: Tvs Motors is also planning to launch a classy yet stylish moped this year christened as Rockz. Rockz has 125cc engine with 9.8 bhp power and 9.8 Nm torque. Rockz will be launched at estimated price of 45,000 and it is expected to launch around March 2012. Read: TVS Rockz Spied

- Mahavir Kothari

P.S. Scooters and Superbike list will published in upcoming parts

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Three Perfect Bikes of 2011 in the 650cc Segment

Posted: 26 Dec 2011 07:23 PM PST

Original Source: Three Perfect Bikes of 2011 in the 650cc Segment from BikeAdvice.in

There are always a set of bikers who prefer the 600 – 650 cc segment. I should in fact agree to the fact that I abide by this mind-set as well to a certain extent. Bikes falling under this segment are perfect all – rounders and I do mean this when I insist this point. The reason is very practical. These bikes are capable of being used to the maximum for both the purposes – Touring and for Racing. A rider can usually get the best of his control when dealing with these kinda bikes.

2011, as a year saw four new launches in the 650 cc segment and one has to agree to the actuality that all the four bikes were show – stoppers which is an additional point to be mentioned at this point of time. The four bikes here were Hyosung GT650R, Hyosung ST7, Kawasaki Ninja 650R and Hyosung GT650N. Now, let's just get a quick glimpse on three best performing bikes as we travel along this post.

Hyosung GT650R

This was one of the first two bikes to enter the Indian market with a 650 cc bike. The presence of GT650R across the globe made it easy for the company to enter here with the same product. The initial craze on this bike by the Indian bikers turned out to be the major plus point for the company. The seating position offered it the perfect sport bike look and feel which made the riders assume that it's gonna be a great track machine. The 650 cc engine was bliss to riders who wanted to push their bikes hard. However, Hyosung GT650R failed to take up to its fullest potential in the Indian market owing to a few reasons. The build quality of the bike failed to impress the riders who had big expectations in mind. The bike's handling was not at par with the other global competitors. The hefty price tag which was tied along the bike's neck proved out to be the prevalent blow for the manufacturer.

But still, Hyosung managed to get decent sales figures in India for the reason that they did not have competition initially. This segment proves to be a monopoly for them atleast for a couple of months till the next player got into the scene.

Kawasaki Ninja 650R

Put your collars up for yourself if you'd guessed it right that the player mentioned in the last paragraph was none other than the Kawasaki Ninja 650R. I'd again covered this launch event live for Bajaj's plant in Chakan, Pune as the company invited us for Ninja's unveiling ceremony.

The Ninja 650R had two major advantages which made it easy to get into the market with assured returns and great projection figures. One was the brand reputation that Kawasaki had and the other being its affordable price tag. There's not much to chatter and gossip about this bike. The name 'Ninja' talks for it. A splendid touring machine with great track capability made it the choice of riders who wanted to get their hands on a 650 cc bike with no much thought put about it. The engine was more refined that its counterpart and the handling was again terribly good and these two factors were exactly what a rider expected from a bike in this segment. The Kawasaki Signature Green colour of the bike has always been an add – on for the bike's great going not just in the Indian market but all across the planet.

Hyosung GT650N

It did take some time for the Hyosung to understand that their pricing strategy is affecting the brand's reach in the Indian market. Hyosung launched the GT650N, naked form of its sport bike GT650R. Though the looks were bare with the fairing completely removed, it was observed that the charm of the machine still looked unaltered. Asian markets do have a slight preference to the street bikes and India has been no exception to this actuality. The engine remains untouched which is derived from its sibling GT650R. For touring and other related purposes, this is one of the best choices that the rider gotta consider in the present market scenario.

Hyosung decided to use this bike as the 'life – line' for the Indian market. Guess what it did? There was heavy discount offered for this bike which it still on and the reduction will hold valid only for riders who are booking their bikes in the month of December. The price was brought down to 3.80 lakhs, Ex – Showroom which sounds ideal for a 650 cc bike. To add on to this, the GT650N was recently for the 'Best Import Bike of the Year' award. Isn't that great?

So these were the three bikes in the 650 cc segment which did a great job in the year 2011. For bikers who are impressed with this segment, this year proved out to be 'The Best' with four new bikes marking their entry into our market. Time for us to roll on guys.

Happy Biking Folks!

Regards,
M.Naren.
Author – BikeAdvice.in

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Tuesday, December 27, 2011