Yamaha YZF R15 will be launched on June 14 2008

Yamaha YZF R15 will be launched on June 14 2008 at the Irrungattukottai Race Track.

A lot of 500 bikes will be delivered to the folks who first booked them. They will also get to ride the bike on the race track.
According to the info the bike will have power of 17bhp as opposed to 18 to 20bhp expected earlier.

On road price of Yamaha R 15 is about 1.04 lakhs rs. Update:Yamaha YZF R15 specifications, features, pictures

Yamaha YZF R15 will be available in Black and Blue colors.

More info stay tuned.

Related:-
Videos of Yamaha YZF R15 and FZ
Yamaha YZF R1 and MT01 launched in India
Yamaha YZF-R125 VS Honda CBR125 VS Kymco KR Sport
Details of new Bajaj XCD Sprint 125cc and Discover 150cc
Yamaha's New Gladiator Type SS & RS
Yamaha at Auto Expo 2008
Kawasaki superbikes to available in India

Details of new Bajaj XCD Sprint 125cc and Discover 150cc

Earlier post:- New Bikes from Bajaj in 2008

Bajaj had earlier announced that they would be launching 3 new 2 wheelers this year at the Auto Expo and so they did: the new 125cc scooter Blade, 125cc XCD DTS-i Sprint and Discover Dts-i 150cc.
But sadly no other models publicly displayed by Bajaj, so all the rumors about possible Pulsar upgrades, a new 300cc etc are still rumors for now.

Discover Dtsi 150cc

Picture of new Discover Dtsi 150cc

Bajaj seems to be strategically raising bar as far performance and displacement is concerned. The XCD Dts-si 125cc offered the features of a 150cc, performance of 125cc and yet a fuel efficiency equal to, if not better than the 100cc bikes at the same price.
With the 125cc becoming the new 100cc, the next logical step was to graduate the existing 125cc buyers towards 150cc and thats were the new Discover 150cc comes in. The pricing is not yet know but it could be anyone's guess that it would be priced competitively in same range as the other 125cc bikes by rival manufacturers. The Pulsar 150cc Dts-i would continue to be a premium and more sportier option in the 150cc segment.
Personally i expected that the Pulsar 150cc would also receive some upgrades to tackle the challenge offered by the new HH Hunk and Apache RTR, but who knows that just might happen soon.

Technical specifications of the Discover DTS-i 150:-
150cc Dts-i engine
14.1PS @ 8500r.p.m
12.3 NM @ 6500r.p.m
Digital Speedometer
New side panels and tail.
Integrated Turn indicators on the tank cowl.

XCD 125 cc DTS-i Sprint

Picture of new XCD 125 cc DTS-i Sprint

If you always felt the XCD was a no fun commuter bike, then yes may be you were right to some extent. The new XCD Sprint looks far more aggressive and sporty than the XCD Dts-si. The XCD Sprint is Bajaj Auto's answer to the 3 valve TVS Flame which so far looked good in comparison with the XCD. The new XCD Spring with its all new 4 valve DTS-i engine pumps out 12.5 ps, the best in the segment. The XCD Sprint gets a front disc brake for more control over the added power and rear Nitrox shock absorbers which should improve the ride quality to great extent. The new XCD Sprint build on XCD platform would co-exist with XCD DTS-si and cater to the people who prefer a bit more sportier 125cc without sacrificing too much fuel efficiency.

Technical specifications of the new XCD 125 cc DTS-i Sprint:-

Engine: 125cc 4 valve DTS-i
Max power: 12.5PS @ 9000r.p.m
Max torque: 10.3NM@ 6500r.p.m
Nitrox rear suspension
17-inch alloy wheels
Front Disc Brakes
Digital Speedometers
Radical led tail light
New side panels and sharp tail design
Tank cowl and new Head Lamp design

Thanks to MG_Biker1806 from xbhp for allowing me to post the pics originally taken by him during the Auto Expo.

Related:-
What is DTS-i ,DTS-Si and DTS-Fi?
New Bikes from Bajaj in 2008
Pictures of Bajaj Small car: Lite
Yamaha's New Gladiator Type SS & RS
Yamaha at Auto Expo 2008
Kawasaki superbikes to be available in India
Yamaha YZF R15 and FZ unveiled at Auto Expo
Bajaj Auto to resurrect two stroke Bikes
Tvs Flame launched at 45,000 ex-showroom Chennai

Yamaha YZF R15 and FZ unveiled at Auto Expo

Yamaha YZF-R15 a Legend is born.

In the winter of 2008, a new force strikes in the sports bike world, the Yamaha YZF-R15. A unique 'no compromise' machine for road riders ready to accept the challenge of the racetrack. A machine, like all other Yamaha R series , that comes with racing DNA and the spirit of competition living in every component.

Update:-Yamaha YZF R15 will be launched on June 14 2008
Update2:Yamaha YZF R15 specifications, features, pictures


Picture of the YZF-R15
Yamaha has switched gears as far its strategy in India is concerned. Yamaha is all set to reestablish itself as a performance motorcycle manufacturer and carve a niche for itself. After the launch of YZF-R1 and MT-01 last month, Yamaha unveiled the all new 150cc YZF-R15 and Fz at the Auto Expo in Delhi. This is history in making. The YZF-R15 also known as the Baby R1 / mini R1 is clearly the best looking bike in the country and is designed on the lines of the YZF-R series.

Videos of Yamaha YZF R15 and FZ

Picture of the YZF-R15 from Auto Expo
Specifications and Features of the YZFR15:-

• The YZFR15 is an all new supersport model with a newly designed 150cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC single-cylinder, 4-valve fuel-injected engine on a Deltabox frame.
• BHP 16 to 20 BHP (not yet confirmed)
  
• Top speed 140kmph
• Expected price: 85000 to 90000
  

Other striking features:-

• Full body Aero Dynamic Fairing.
• With six-hole type injector. ECU and sensors backed fuel mixture to maximize the combustion at any rpm.
• Liquid cooling with high efficient compact Radiator to maximize the Stability and Performance.
• Flash surface dual Head Lights.
• High Rigidity Deltabox Frame.
• Link Type Monocross.
• Front and Rear Disk Brake.
• 4 Valve Combustion Chamber Adopted.
• Hemispherical Combustion Chamber with centered plug layout.

Expected launch date around Mid 2008

Macho Street Fighter FZ:
Picture of the FZ from Auto Expo
Pictures originally taken by Ashish, thanks to him for permitting.

Features:-
150cc extremely agile motorcycle ideal for city riding.
DNA from Yamaha FZ1 (1000)
Tough looking front forks
Naked design
Big center Mass
High contrast and Rugged shaped body
Mid ship silencer
Tough Chasis
Wide tyres

Expected launch date around Nov 2008

Related:-
Videos of Yamaha YZF R15 and FZ
Yamaha's New Gladiator Type SS & RS
Yamaha at Auto Expo 2008
Kawasaki superbikes to available in India
Yamaha YZF R1 and MT01 launched in India
Yamaha YZF-R125 VS Honda CBR125 VS Kymco KR Sport
2008 Yamaha Raider 1854cc V-twin
Details of new Bajaj XCD Sprint 125cc and Discover 150cc

New Bikes from Bajaj in 2008

At the Launch of the Bajaj small car : Lite, Bajaj announced launch of Bajaj also said it will launch three two-wheelers in the executive and premium segment during 2008. The company would launch two motorcycles XCD 125 cc DTS-i Sprint and Discover 150 cc DTS-i and one scooter 125 cc Blade within this year.
Picture of Bajaj Blade.

The XCD 125 cc DTS-i Sprint is expected to be performance upgraded version of the XCD with Nitrox suspension in the rear, 17-inch alloy wheels, and Disc Brakes.

The Discover would get a bigger 150cc heart, lean, athletic, muscular styling with power packed performance. Now with the discover graduating to 150cc, I guess the Pulsar 150cc would also get another upgrade. Bajaj cant just stop one of its best sellers. In fact i expect all the Pulsar siblings to get an upgrade at the Auto Expo, something we will figure out in couple of days.

The Blade DTS-i comes in at a time when the 125cc scooter segment has registered a growth and the motorcycle sales were falling. The 125cc scooter segment has now become exiting with recent additions from Suzuki and Kinetic in form of the Access and Flyte. The Blade will have sporty styling with a powerful 125cc, 4-valve DTS-i engine, 12-inch alloy wheels, and Disc Brakes. The Blade DTS-i will have a Front Fuelling system to offer great convenience to the rider at the Petrol Pumps.

Source: Money Control

Related:-
What is DTS-i ,DTS-Si and DTS-Fi?
Details of new Bajaj XCD Sprint 125cc and Discover 150cc
Pictures of Bajaj Small car: Lite
Yamaha's New Gladiator Type SS & RS
Yamaha at Auto Expo 2008
Kawasaki superbikes to be available in India
Yamaha YZF R15 and FZ unveiled at Auto Expo
Bajaj Auto to resurrect two stroke Bikes
Tvs Flame launched at 45,000 ex-showroom Chennai

Suzuki will launch performance bikes at Auto Expo

The Indian power bike segment is hotting up. Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), a 100% subsidiary of Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corporation, is all set to introduce premium-powered bikes between 125-175cc in the country. The bikes will be exhibited in the upcoming Auto Expo 2008.

“India is a major market for our parent company. We had introduced bikes in the mass market category (100-125cc) under the brand name Heat and Zeus. We are now ready to introduce premium-powered bikes in the country,” Suzuki Motorcycle India vice-president (sales and marketing) Atul Gupta told ET. The company will launch the bikes in April.


Read the full story on the ET.

Update:-
The company will display the, v4 powered Biplane, which was showcased for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show last month.

Related:-
Honda will launch 125cc and 150cc Bikes at Auto Expo.
Maruti Suzuki to show case new concept A star at Auto expo

Hero Honda Hunk H3 television comercial and teasers

After the teasers of the Hero Honda Hunk H3, the Television commercial is now out and seems like Hero Honda has finally managed to get their own definitely male bike. The television advertisement is definitely much better than the teasers, which for some reason i found out of context.
Here is Teaser 1 as uploaded on you tube by Checkerbon





Teaser 2 uploaded by Payeng


And the Tv comercial uploaded by Payeng(http://indian2wheels.blogspot.com/)


For pictures and technical specifications of the H3 (Hero Honda Hunk, howz that name? sounds cool right just like R1)
Check here

Most prefferd bike in 150 - 160 cc segment

A poll that i conducted on the blog for a week. It was Bajaj Pulsar 150 dtsi vs Apache RTR 160 vs hero Honda Hunk vs CBZ Xtreme.

Following are the results:- votes (%)

Bajaj pulsar 150 Dtsi	37 (26%)
Apache rtr 160	50 (35%)
Hero Honda Hunk	30 (21%)
Cbz extreme	25 (17%)

Total votes : 142

So Apache RTR 160 wins
Bajaj Pulsar 2nd
Hunk 3rd
CBZ xtreme 4th

The poll is closed but you can post your comments here, which of the above bikes is better than the rest and why.

I will soon have a review / comparison of the above bikes on the blog.

You may also find the following intresting:-
1) Apache RTR 160 EFi
2) Hero Honda Hunk 150 cc
3) TVS Flame 125
4) Bajaj XCD 125

Hero Honda Hunk 150cc finally launched at 55,000

Earlier post about the hunk

The country's largest two-wheeler maker Hero Honda on Wednesday launched its 150cc bike 'Hunk' at a starting price of Rs 55,000 (at ex-showroom Delhi).
UPDATED:
The company that started the 150cc performance segment in India with the CBZ has now launched two variants of the Hunk, kick-start and self-start.This was no surprise as the CBZ xtreme that was launched about 11 months ago was not very successful in the segment where as The achiever was a big flop. After the CBZ and Karizma, Hero Honda was struggling with the design of their bikes which were not appealing to our Desi bikers. But this time It appears that they have done quite a decent job With the Hunk150cc.

Pictures of Hero Honda Hunk :-
Hero Honda Hunk in Blue color
Hero Honda Hunk in Silver color
A steeped seat proves a sporty riding position for the rider.
Hero Honda Hunk in red color
The gas charged shox, a first on a Hero Honda should definitely improve the ride quality. Note the big grab rail, would have looked much better with a split grab like the one on Apache rtr or CBZ x .The bike will be available in four colours - black, blue, red and silver.
pics courtesy http://rearset.blogspot.com

No digital console, a bright red chrome rimmed analog console with a tacho and a fuel gauge.

The rear panel looks like apache a bit but has a clever two tone scheme and it appears as if the short tail exposes the frame. The silencer and side panel are borrowed from Karizma. The headlight resemble the Achiever and the rear mudguard from pulsar and has a supporting frame from inside to prevent it from rattling. Overall looks a lot more muscular much better than CBZ xtreme. The bike has to be seen in flesh and look much better than that in the pics.

The hunk has the same engine as that of the CBZ extreme pumping out same power.

The kick-star would be available at Rs 55,000, the company would charge a premium of Rs 2,000 for the self-start model which is priced at Rs 57,000.

The technical specifications of the Hero Honda Hunk 150 cc :-
Technical Specification
Engine : Air Cooled, 4 - Stroke Single Cylinder OHC
Displacement : 149.2 cc
Max Power : 10.6 Kw (14.4 Ps ) @ 8500 rpm
Torque : 12.80 N-m @ 6500 rpm
Bore x Stoke : 57.3 X 57.8 mm
Carburettor : C. V Type
Ignition : AMI - Advanced Microprocessor Ignition System
Gear Box : 5 Speed Constant Mesh
Type : Tubular, Diamond Type
Suspension :
Front- Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers
Rear- Rectangular Swing Arm with 5 Step Adjustable Gas Reservoir Suspension - GRS
Brakes :
Front- Disc: 240 mm Dia Disc - Non Asbestos Type
Rear- Drum: Internal Expanding Shoe Type (130 mm), Non Asbestos Type.
Rim Size :
Front- 18 X 1.85, Alloy Wheel
Rear - 18 X 2.15, Alloy Wheel
Tyre Size:
Front- 2.75 X 18 42P
Rear-100/90 X 18 - 56P (With Tuff-up Tube)
Battery : 12V -7 Ah
Head Light : 12V - 35 / 35 W = Halogen Bulb (Mulit Reflector Type)
Tail Lamp : 12 V - 5W
Stop Lamp : 12V - 21W
Turn Signal Lamp : 12 V - 10W x 4 nos, Clear Lense, Multi reflector Type.
Fuel Tank Capacity : 12.4 Ltrs
Reserve- 2.2 Ltrs (Usable Reserve)
Length : 2080 mm
Width : 765 mm'
Height : 1095 mm
Wheel Base: 1325 mm
Saddle Height : 795 mm
Ground Clearance : 145 mm
Kerb Weight : 143 Kg (Kick) / 146 Kg (self)
Note :- The technical specifications of 150cc Hunk are exactly same as that of CBZ xtreme. The over all weight has gone up by 3 kgs.

The next interesting would be to compare the Hunk with Pulsar 150 and Apache rtr 160.
Do come back for Pulsar 150 Dtsi vs Apache Rtr160 vs Hero Honda Hunk Vs CBZ Extreme.
And also for my test drive and review of Hero Honda 150cc Hunk.

You may also find the following intresting:-
1) Apache RTR 160 EFi
2) Hero Honda Hunk 150 cc
3) TVS Flame 125
4) Bajaj XCD 125

Hero Honda Hunk 150 cc coming soon. News confirmed

Update:-
The bike is launched now. Click here for more details and pictures of hero honda HUNK

Had read a lot about this in various forums and communities but was really hard to believe and was thought of as another rumor. But it has been confirmed that Hero Honda is actually going to launch the 150cc Hero Honda Hunk. The bike would have a great design and a black engine. The engine would be torquier and have twin headlamps like CBR125, twin discs, split seats and an analog yellow speedo.

The company wants to have a presence in the premium bike segment(125cc+). The company already has 150 cc CBZ extreme and with the Hunk Hero Honda would be in a better position to battle it out with pulsar150 and Apache rtr. The Hunk is expected to be priced very competitively.

We will have to wait and watch till the exact specifications and pictures of Hero Honda Hunk are revealed. But this truely looks like a kick ass product from HH stable.

The expected launch date is around october 17th. :-o just 3 days to go ???

News source the ET