Bajaj Auto To Invest $150 Million in Indonesia : BikeAdvice

Bajaj Auto To Invest $150 Million in Indonesia

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 02:06 AM PDT

Original Source: Bajaj Auto To Invest $150 Million in Indonesia from BikeAdvice.in

Off late, all Indian 2 wheeler makers has been either venturing new markets outside the sub continent or strengthening their presence out there. Bajaj Auto, which is India's second largest two wheel maker is more likely to set up an assembly plant in Indonesia in with the view of increasing its market share in South East Asia, which is the world's third largest two wheeler market. This fact makes every company to mark their presence in this part of the globe.

The report states that the Pune based firm is looking to spend $150 million which equals a whooping INR 675 crore to set up the facility. The report quoted Tomotaka Ishikawa, president and director of PT Bajaj Auto Indonesia (PT BAI) as saying that the plant, which would be the company' first major facility outside India and shall be ready by late 2013. The proposal would be approved if the Indonesian unit keeps monthly sales above 3,000 units. The Indonesian media quoted Ishikawa as saying "My target is that by the end of the year we will be convinced to have a complete knock-down operation in Indonesia.''

However, there was no comment from the company's side when asked if the investment will bring a new plant or upgrading the existing plant which assembles Semi Knock Down (SKD) parts.

PT Bajaj Auto Indonesia (PT BAI), on which Bajaj Auto holds a stake of 98.94 per cent assembles 3 successful brands of Bajaj, not only in the Indian market but outside India too.

"The Customs duty rates for SKD and CKD (completely-knocked down) operations have been reduced by five per cent from December 2010 by the Indonesian government. With the addition of Pulsar 135 and Pulsar 220 to the model line-up and increased local sub-assembly operations, the subsidiary would be in a position to reduce its losses in 2011-12," stated Bajaj Auto in its annual report. PT BAI has accrued a loss of Rs 92.17 crore since it began operations in 2006-07. Last year, it posted a loss of Rs 9.35 crore.

Just to prove how successful is the company in Indonesia, here is a small data. Last year, the firm sold 81 per cent more bikes in Indonesia at 21,586 units, compared to 11,954 units in the corresponding previous period.

Regards,
M.Naren.
Author – BikeAdvice.in

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New Yamaha FZ-S Review By Anup Shaji

Posted: 02 Sep 2011 10:32 PM PDT

Original Source: New Yamaha FZ-S Review By Anup Shaji from BikeAdvice.in

Hi Bike Lovers, I'm Anup Shaji from Kottayam (Kerala). I want to share a short ownership review of my new bike Yamaha FZ-S Cyber Green 2011 edition. Bikes was my passion since my childhood. My dad had a Hero Honda CD100 at the time of early 90's. I learned bike riding on that during my 8th standard itself.

After completing my +2 studies I took my license. From that moment I keep telling my dad that I need a bike. But as usual like everyone's parents they also opposed it. And I kept dreaming of a new bike. During the second year of my degree course, dad gave a hint about buying a bike for me. From the very next day I keep searching for new Indian bikes and came across the BikeAdvice website and I became a regular reader of the site.

Once I went 2 the Yamaha Showroom nearby with my friend for servicing his Gladiator and I got my eyes on the FZ-16 Black. Love at first sight! With its stunning looks and muscular body, It broke into my heart. It knocked out the Bajaj Pulsar 180 from the first preference bike in my mind. Years passed and finally, after completing my degree my dad kept his promise and agreed to book a bike for me.

I've gone through almost all reviews and comparisons in several websites and from BikeAdvice I came to know that Yamaha is going to introduce new versions of FZ-S. I was extremely attracted to the New Black-Cyber Green variant because I prefer black for the bike of my dreams. I rushed into the Yamaha Showroom and asked the details about the new variants and its onroad price.

The executives didn't knew much about new variants and he said that it will only hit the showroom in the upcoming month. That made me a little disappointed, but hoping for the best I booked the new variant. Now whole things turned upside down, dad wants a bike which will be delivered the most earliest. I convinced him that it's the best bike and it won't disappoint us. After two weeks, I've got a call that my bike has arrived.

On 24-5-2011 I got my hands on my new ride. It cost me 76000/- on road. Now let's get into real play! New FZ-S has no technical changes as the old one except the Kick Starter. I don't want to say much about the technical things because it has already explained here more than once. The following things I have written is on my own point of view.

Looks

+Points

The new variants helps a lot to stand out from the crowd of all old FZ-16's and FZ-S's.
New Flame Graphics is definitely a head turner.
Widest tyre among Indian Bikes.
Yellow monocross gets its attention.
Full Digital console with orange backlight.
Macho Plastic Resin fuel tank adds muscular look.
Bigger and tough front fork looks cool.
Best looking bike in the 150 segment.
It surely reclaims the Streets with new looks!

-Points

Position of number plate
Rear view mirrors looks like as built for bicycles.

Perfomance

+Points

Although it is a 150 segment bike, we can feel the power of a 180cc engine.
Great response to the throttle in low speeds (Below 70Km/Hr).
Super smooth engine.
Low end torque helps to cruise easier in heavy traffic.
Perfect bike for the city cruising.
Can reach 0-60 in less than 6 sec, reach 90 as a piece of cake!.
Centre mass concentration is awesome!. Easy zigzag driving and cornering.
Less gear shifting, we can go @25Km/h in fifth gear.

-Points

Above 90+ it needs more time for attaining greater speed.
Sound of engine is not very impressive, extra silent at normal speeds.

Handling

+Points

Wide rear tyre=more grip.
Front Disc Brake (267 mm) large diameter have strong stopping power.
Monocross suspension provides stable riding experience.
Wide handlebars and riding position give more balance.

-Points

Rear brakes are not upto the mark. (But it does the job combining with front disc).

Comfort

+Points

Rider has comfort in seating.
Less gear shifts gives less mess in riding.
The position of switches are easy to operate.
Kickstart is a blessing! (My friend's opinion who has the old version of FZ).

-Points

Pillion rider suffers a lot (If its a lady).
Wide tyre throws dirt all over the pillion rider and rear side of the bike.
No clock in the console (Almost all new bikes have it).

Some Additional Points

I've crossed 2300 Kms,(1st service done) from the very beginning I'm getting a mileage between 38-40 Km/L.
I've reached upto 109 Km/hr Top speed with my friend as a pillion rider.
Periodic chain lubrication is needed for good performance.
I've filled nitrogen in tyres and maintaining correct pressure.
If you take care of this bike, it will serve you better. Go for it and get ready to Rule The Streets!

I hope everyone liked my write up. I am neither an extreme biker, nor an excellent writer. So kindly forgive me if I said anything wrong and for the typo errors. Do comment on my post.

Anup Shaji

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Saturday, September 3, 2011