Next Generation Pulsar To Be Launched On 30th : BikeAdvice |  |
- Next Generation Pulsar To Be Launched On 30th
- Yamaha Fazer Review & Road Test
- Alpinestars’ New Jacket T-GP Plus
- New SZ-R & SZ-X with New Colours and Kick Start
- TVS Launches 2012 Edition of StaR City
| Next Generation Pulsar To Be Launched On 30th Posted: 26 Jan 2012 06:22 AM PST
Original Source: Next Generation Pulsar To Be Launched On 30th from BikeAdvice.in I don't remember waiting for such a long time for the launch of any bike like what's happening with the Pulsar series. The date is finally revealed for the launch and it is 30th of this month (January). Wait with your fingers crossed as I update you with the live happening right from Mumbai from the launch spot.
The venue for the launch is Hotel ITC Grand Central in Mumbai. I'm very sure that the expectations for the next generation Pulsars keep rising as time pass by. We don't have any clue as such on what are the engine variants with which they'll be launching this whole new breed of bike.It's been 10 successful years for Bajaj started dealing with the Pulsar brand of Motorcycles. It in fact became a kinds youth icon in India, which is the reason for its success in the Indian market. Overwhelmed by the success here, Bajaj also started exporting the Pulsar series to various other markets which include Indonesia and Singapore to name a few and the best part of the story is that they are equally success out there as well Now, what make the expectations for the next generation Pulsars grow so high? This time it's not a typical facelift or an upgrade which Indian bikes are used to. According to what Mr. Bajaj said in an interview, the next generation Pulsar is gonna be based on a whole new [platform and the technologies incorporated will be the best in class. Also, there are rumours and speculations that these Pulsars will make use of the technology and might also be based on the KTM platform. True? No? Let's wait to see the reality. Stay updated with BikeAdvice on 30th as we get you all the happening live to your computer screen. Regards, |
| Yamaha Fazer Review & Road Test Posted: 25 Jan 2012 11:42 PM PST
Original Source: Yamaha Fazer Review & Road Test from BikeAdvice.in All across the globe, Street bikes has got its own fan base and so has the sport bikes for itself. Yamaha holds a pre – dominant position when it comes to both these kinda bikes. Think of street bikes and FZ series will be the first one to strike the gong in your mind. For the sport-bike category, it has to be the inevitable YZF – R15. (What else can one think of other than this?)
But, ever wondered how will a street bike look if it bears a fairing which is basically derived from that of a sport-bike? It'll be resembling the Indian bike which talks about the 'Touring Spirit'. Put your collars up for a while if you guessed it right. It has to be the Yamaha Fazer. The bike sees no change across its entire body and heart (the engine) which is all inherited from the FZ-16 which became a massive hit in the sub – continent by attracting great fans towards the company. Also, the Fazer marks the beginning of a whole new segment by targeting specifically the long distance tourers. First ImpressionThough, the Fazer doesn't boast of a monstrous look unlike most other European bikes, you need to look at it with an artistic touch to get a glimpse of its macho starring monstrous looks. Our Photographer Sharat tried too hard to get the click in the most appealing angle (as a result of which he made me divert the traffic for him for about 15 min or so!). Finally after puff and pants, I should say that he has indeed been successful to an extent in his attempt. Historic attempt, Oh well that's just way too much!
The headlamp fairing is what catches your attention on the first sight when taking a look from the front angle. The dual lamp small fairing is the cut down version of the R15's fairing and matches just perfectly in the given space. For a true macho and an aggressive look, twin lights will always assist in getting the effect accomplished ad the Fazer is a live example for it. Actually, I'm the right guy to comment about the Fazer's looks. You know why? I've never been personally impressed so much by the FZ-16 or the FZ-S for that matter. And that's because I always have a greater affinity and bonding towards sport-bikes. But, I found the Fazer very appealing with a mutual composition of both these looks.
The small fairing is cut at the right place just ahead f the fuel tank's projection which doesn't affect the position of your leg in any matter. I really like this designing. The graphics are also bare minimal and are cool enough to ideally match the bike's looks. The wind protector above the fort fairing is another style quotient here. Though, it is undersized it does its work brilliantly. Bangalore Wheels, the Yamaha dealer in Bangalore had offered us the Limited Edition Midnight Black series for our review. This is a masterpiece from the company where aesthetics meets the touring spirit perfectly. As you can see, the rims are matte gold in color with the graphics too in the same color. Cool enough to attract any passer – by in the signal or along heavy traffic. What is Fazer worth of?
Yamaha India website bring the adage of Fazer to display right out there. It states
This is more than enough to be on familiar terms with what category does the Fazer actually fit itself into ideally. EngineLet's first discuss about the heart of the Fazer, which is nothing but its engine. Its 153cc engine is derived from its sibling FZ-16 without undergoing any tuning for any sort of performance. As with the case of all Yamaha engines, the Fazer also is a zero vibration bike and possesses no engine vibes.
So, no worries on that aspect. The engine doesn't get exhausted fast with puffs and pants when you rev her up as much as you can. The engine is more frugal and you get to understand it right in the first ride (if you really notice it keenly). The 153cc ' -cooled' engine is ideal along all kinda roads and makes the bike an efficient handler. The detailed spec list along with that of engine details will be posted towards the end of this post. HandingHandling of the Yamaha Fazer has nothing much to talk about. She is not at all a bike meant to be used in a track and hence if you expect such a kind of decent performance, she would greatly be pacified in satisfying you. The bike handles extremely well in the power band of around 5500 to 6500 rpm. This band will be able to glide the bike in a speed of around 90 kmph without any strain to the engine. No vibes, no hard pulling nor no roughness. Probably, that's what the bike is designed for. This is what a guy taking this bike for a long trip would in turn expect from a bike like the Fazer.
Rev it up a little more and the engine starts expressing its unhappiness. But, you gotta be happy that it doesn't express it in the form of engine vibes. That's the best part about the Fazer. Absolutely no vibes. But, you need to rev her up so damn hard and hold it for a long time and that's when you'll find her touching a max speed of 119 kmph which is the max. speed she is able to attain. I tried touching 120 but in vain. But, still this is a decent figure for a 150 cc touring bike and one has to be happy and is forced to stay satisfied with it. Riding ImpressionAs I took this bike for a ride along the NICE road on the outskirts of Bangalore, I was able to get the feel that she can sustain comfortably for along rides, than compared with the usual and tiresome city rides. On the first note, the handle – bar is pretty wide thereby creating a comfortable riding position and I really found it very useful as we opened her throttle along the open highway. This is something I feel should be a part of all bikes designed for touring purposes.
The mono – shock suspension in the rear does its work brilliantly. As you cruise, this offers an ease of ride which I was able to feel clearly and if you've a pillion on your back, then this would make your ride even more enjoyable. Ride the Fazer in the 3rd gear and you'll enjoy the way she responds back for your throttle. Every bike will have one gear which is the fun to ride and as mentioned, it is 3rd for the Fazer.
But, it becomes very clear that this is not the kinda bike that can be used on the tracks owing to its bulkiness, not in terms of weight but in terms of its size. SeatingThe seating position of the Fazer is no different from that of the FZ series. It is comfortable for both highway cruises and for the city commutes, which is where the Fazer stands a class apart. As with the case of other bikes, the seats are not slippery which prevents you from having a comfortable ride.
The split seat concept is not implemented but there is a considerable difference in height between that if the rider and pillion and this is again not too high making the entire concept uncomfy.
However, lean forward of tuck – in position becomes tough in getting used to in the Fazer, there is a fact that this is not the bike of that kinds, which I'm constantly mentioning for your knowledge. PerformanceThere is usually a mindset amongst us that tourers will not be able to deliver great performance. But, it depends on the way we're gonna handle her. Agreed that it cannot perform to the greatest but one has to agree that Fazer doesn't underperform when compared with its rivals.
In fact, it is pretty better than many other rivals in the 150cc segment. Apart from that, there's not much to discuss about the bike's performance here. In short, you can expect same kinda performance what you get outta the FZ-16 or the FZ-S. HeadlampsHere comes the interesting fact about this bike. The main notable difference between the FZ-16 (and the FZ-S for that matter) and the fazer is the twin pod headlamp and its fairing which covers it. Any bike would obviously look great with twin headlamps and the Fazer is not gonna be any exception with this fact. In fact that's what the best part about the Fazer is. But, guess what's the funniest part here? You can't turn on both the lamps together. Yes, you seriously can't do that. That turns out to be a minor flaw. (Or major you call It as).
Yamaha need to upgrade this feature in the Fazers soon. Among the two lamps present, one comes alive when you turn on the low bean switch and the other exclusively for high beams. This concept is unlike the way the headlamps of the R15 work.
I don't understand the concept of keeping one light dummy and the other active. High time for a change in this aspect and let's hope Yamaha hears us and incorporate this change in the next breed of bikes. Instrument ClusterAgain, not much to discuss as this is inherited from its siblings. It's a fully integrated digital cluster with absolutely no pinch of analog elements surprising us. It has a Fuel-meter, Odometer and the Tachometer combined in an overall package with the Speedo.
You also have the Tripmeter out here. It looks as a great package for a bike like fazer which is targeted for the long tourers. BrakesThe Fazer comes equipped with disc brakes at the front and the conventional drum brakes for the rear tyre. The front single hydraulic disc does its work brilliantly without a flaw. Brakes in Yamahas have never been an issue worth concern till date. However, it's high time for the Fazer to be fitted with rear discs as well.
Every other bike in this segment competes with discs for both the tyres and this is a point where Fazer lacks. But, as I say this I should also tell you the fact that the drums handle far better than the way its other competitors handle. There are companies (and this is not the apt place to mention the name) from companies where the discs handle worse than the drums. There's no sense of dissatisfaction with the rear brakes. However, it's a suggestion which needs to be heard as we talk about this here and needs to be implemented at the fastest possible time frame. About The Midnight SpecialLet's also have a few words here mentioned here about the 'Midnight Special' edition of Fazer which is basically a limited edition one. This deserves a special place as you can't get this bike now even if you love it to the core of your heart. There were only 1000 bikes produced as part of this limited edition series and Yamaha stuck on to the figure seriously. What makes this bike unique from the others is the pinch if matte gold color which you find here and there. For instance, the entire graphics in this bike is golden color based which makes it really stand apart, not from its competitors from other brand but from its own color schemes.
As you can see in the pics, both the alloy wheels are matte gold powder coated without much fanfare. That is something which attracted me towards this bike. This color scheme is available not only for the Fazer, but also for the FZ-16 and the FZ-S range of bikes. The toolbox cover also has the term 'Midnight Special' written on it with an attractive macho font. Then you've a small metal strip in the fuel tank where the unique number of your bike is engraved. This makes the bike more special and admirable irrespective of how many ever years you keep this bike for yourself. The final admiration is the autograph of India's most admired biker and Bollywood star – John Abraham on the headlamp fairing. Hardcore fans of JA would love possessing one of this limited edition bikes. TyresIf it's any bike in the FZ series, then there has to be a paragraph exclusively dedicated for the tyres of these bikes. The rear tyre is the highlight for this mean bike. The dimension of the rear tyre is '140/60-R17' which makes it one of the widest tyres offered on an Indian bike.
The tyres are tubeless which came in handy for us as we met with a punctured rear tyre along 30 kms off the city limit. The tubeless tyres enabled us to reach till the puncture-wallah ad then get it done. For a bike like Fazer which is designed to cater the needs of tourers, tyres like this would indeed be a boon at times of emergency. Excellent road – grip is what these set of tyres offer and the confidence level within you goes way too to the fore when you've such implausible tyres on your bike. The dimension of the front tyre is 100/80-17 which again does its job executed perfectly without a flaw. MiscellaneousThere are few other points also to be mentioned here. This is one of the few bikes n the 150cc category which still comes with a kick – starter. Absence of this option has become a hot topic of discussion these days in BikeAdvice forum. For such guys who has got an obsession towards kick – start, this is one of the best option you've here in the market.
Then the next point is that here are absolutely no LEDs coming anywhere in the picture. Neither the turn indicators nor the tail lamps are installed with LED lamps.
To mention a word about the gearbox, it is a five speed one which is truly crisp with smooth levers which enables better ride quality and also enhances the same to a greater extent. The grab- rail is indeed one of the coolest looking in the market. Though, it's been quite some time we've this in our market, it still looks spanking new which is the prime plus for this bike
Last but not the least, the exhaust talks a tone about the bikes looks. The small yet bulky exhaust has become the identity for this entire series of bikes. The note arising here is sharp and enjoyable. Acts as a style quotient as well, apart from differentiating itself in the battle without losing out itself on the long run. Fuel EfficiencyFor a 153cc bike like the Yamaha Fazer, all that you can expect is a decent figure of 40 – 44 kmpl practically as the Fuel Efficiency. With a heavy rise in city traffic these days, the Fuel Efficiency naturally tends to see a dip.
Color schemesYamaha Fazer is available in four color schemes as of now. The schemes being Competition White, Black Cyber Green, Lava Red and the list would tend to become incomplete without mentioning Midnight Black. The bulky body of the Fazer is capable to bear all these paintjobs on her and is able to carry them well. None of the colors really looks odd on the Fazer. Note that Midnight Special scheme is not mentioned in the list. PriceComing to 'P' factor, the Fazer is made to bear a price tag of INR 74,500 which is the Ex- Showroom price in the city of Delhi. This is marginally expensive for a 150 cc bike. However, taking into consideration the big bike feel which it offers, the amount is worth investing upon. Conclusion
It is indeed nice to see bikes like Fazer, which are designed to satisfy the inner self of true bikers who believe in the fact that bikes are for long rides. On an overall package, if you want one bike which should be made use of across all kinda lanes, be it city roads or open highways, this is the bike you need to go for . One thing that neds to be assured here is that you certainly get value for the bucks spent here though it is commented to be priced high by many riders. Rating: ★★★★☆ I've tried my max to cover almost everything about this bike and I assume that I've been quite successful in my attempt as well. All that I expect is that my readers should sit back and enjoy the review. Credits
Regards,
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| Alpinestars’ New Jacket T-GP Plus Posted: 25 Jan 2012 10:56 PM PST
Original Source: Alpinestars' New Jacket T-GP Plus from BikeAdvice.in Riding jacket has now become an integral part of a rider's apparel now and its demand in India is seeing a rise in demand which is indeed a good sign for the bikers. AlpineStars is a name that is synonymous with riding apparel out here.
The company offers a wide range of protective motorsport gear for motorcycle, car and bicycle racing, apart from its fashion apparel line which draws heavily from its involvement in sports. With an active focus on motorsport, the brand sponsors protective gear for some of the top international riders in road and offroad racing. These include stars such as Mick Doohan, Randy Mammola, Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa, Marc Marquez, and the reigning world champions from WSB and MotoGP – Carlos Checa and Casey Stoner. 2012 Alpinestars T-GP Plus Air Jacket makes its special Indian debut through Dream Sporting Gear commonly known as DSG, off the shelf bearing a price tag of INR 9900. The world’s most popular protective motorcycle apparel brand Alpinestars is out with its 2012 range of goodies for bikers, and amongst those is a textile jacket that breaks new grounds for our riding conditions. Designed especially with India in mind, the new T-GP Plus Air Jacket has made its debut in the country through Dream Sporting Gear, even before it has been introduced in international markets. The T-GP Plus Air is an abrasion resistant summer mesh jacket constructed from 600 Denier Polyester Fabric, with a focus on the Indian biker’s constant need for ventilation inside his riding gear. The non-absorbent mesh also ensures quick and easy drying. Of course, it comes with CE certified Alpinestars Bio Armour for the elbow and shoulders, and 3D foam padding at the back to ensure rider protection in the worst situations. High-tech and convenient, the jacket carries the popular T-GP styling language forward into this year’s collection with the large and aggressive embroidered Alpinestars logo at the front. For now, you can have it any colour as long as it’s black. The jacket also brings never-before affordability from the cool and coveted brand. Priced at Rs 9,900 it is one of the most affordable products from Alpinestars in India, and its aptness for our weather adds a big dollop to its value for money. The jacket is available at DSG’s official and partner outlets in Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Cochin. The following are the standout features of this T-GP Plus Air:
Conceptualized in 2005 and established in the year 2006, Dream Sporting Gear, or DSG as it is known by its loyal customer base, is India’s first and premier riding gear company. Apart from dealing in some of the best riding gear brands from around the world, DSG has also been dealing in its self-branded gear since 2006, being market leaders ever since. www.planetdsg,com is the establishment’s popular online store – the first in India – which is being used by riders in small and large towns for their riding safety. Alpinestars products figure in DSG’s current range, which is now available off the shelf in five cities viz, Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Cochin. Regards, |
| New SZ-R & SZ-X with New Colours and Kick Start Posted: 25 Jan 2012 10:53 PM PST
Original Source: New SZ-R & SZ-X with New Colours and Kick Start from BikeAdvice.in Yamaha has been known for its performance bikes across the globe and in India they are the only name which strikes the mind if you want a high performing bike. But, it tried its hands on a powerful commuter bike for the Indian market with its SZ series of bikes.
Yamaha has given a minor upgrade to the existing line up of SZ series. The SZ – R & SZ – X has been launched with new colour schemes and there is also an additional feature added. Guess what? Kick start feature has been added.The SZ – X is now available in three colour schemes which are Red, Black and Silver. The last colour mentioned here is really impressive and looks cool on this bike. Talking about the SZ – R, it is again the same three colours here as well. However for the SZ – R, the air scoops fitted onto the side of the fuel tanks are silver except the silver colour scheme where is gets replaced with a kinda opera gold colour. When it comes to the SZ – X, it adapts single colour schemes all across and boasts of no separate colour for the air scoop.
I had already posted a comprehensive test ride review of SZ-R. It is a decent performing bike and I like the way it really handled.
Here is a brief spec list of the SZ – R Overall Length × Width × Height : 2050 x 730 x 1040 mm Regards, |
| TVS Launches 2012 Edition of StaR City Posted: 25 Jan 2012 10:50 PM PST
Original Source: TVS Launches 2012 Edition of StaR City from BikeAdvice.in TVS had strived hard and worked for years together to position its Star brand of motorcycles as a Fuel – Efficient city commuter and one has to agree to the fact that the South India based company has been considerably successful to a very greater extent. The Star City has proved out to be the leader in the 110cc segment in the Indian sub – continent.
For the first time, TVS Star City will now be available in a new executive segment features such as dual tone body colours, an all – new stylish headlamp and will hit the market in six new colour combinations. Another executive segment feature would be the inclusion of clear indicators. New refreshing dual tone graphics will include 'Electric Green', 'Bold Blue', Red Blaze, 'Gold Spark', 'Silver Strike' and 'Crimson Flash'. Mr. H S Goindi, President–Marketing, TVS Motor Company commented, "This new motorcycle is a winning combination of executive class features and vibrant styling. The backing of high fuel efficiency and toughness will make TVS StaR City a much sought after motorcycle." TVS Star City Displayed at Auto Expo 2012
The engine of the new TVS StaR City makes use of TVS Motor Company's indigenous revolutionary CVTi (Continuous Variable Timing Ignition) which facilitates superior pickup and boosts performance without compromising on mileage. This is achieved through a unique combination of swirl and tumble motion that generates very high in – cylinder charge motion, almost three times more than the conventional port designs. Under standard test conditions and as per ARAI certification, TVS StaR City returns a mileage of 83.9 kilometers per litre. The base version TVS StaR City 110cc starts at INR. 38,650/- (Ex – Showroom) with a five – year warranty asserting high quality assurance for the product. All black alloy wheels, elegant styling and a comprehensive backlit speedo add to the style quotient of the new TVS StaR City. The bike is also equipped with an econometer by way of which the rider can ensure optimal Fuel Efficiency. High quality ride handling and easy manoeuvrability augmented by high performance shock – absorbers make the TVS StaR City a tough yet powerful motorcycle that can be ridden with ease on any terrain. Regards, |
Alpinestars is an Italian protective gear manufacturer established in 1963. It has been at the forefront of technical developments in motorsport safety clothing since its inception.
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