Bajaj ordered to pay for false mileage claims, Hero Honda to focus on rural india

Bajaj ordered to pay for false mileage claims:

Auto giant Bajaj Auto has landed in trouble for its "misleading and deceptive" ads as a consumer court has asked it to compensate a scooter owner whose four-stroke scooter gave him an average of 34 km a litre as compared to the company's claims of 74 km a litre.
Holding the auto-major guilty of causing "mental agony and harassment," Justice Kapoor directed the company to pay Rs 15,000 to city resident Karan Pal Singh, the owner of the scooter.

I wonder if anyone has any complaints about XCD not delivering 109 kmpl. Or does it?

Read more:- ET

Hero Honda to focus on rural India:

Pawan Munjal, MD of Hero Honda, told TOI that rural market would be a special focus area for the company as it is looking at new growth areas to maintain sales momentum in a shrinking market. As part of its strategy, Hero Honda is mapping the demographic landscape to formulate region-specific modules to tap customers at a very local level. Munjal added that the company is tieing up with new partners, including local cooperative banks and financing units to have a robust financial model.

Read more:- TOI

Pulsar Mania- Awesome TV Commercial of Bajaj Pulsar

Mind blowing, superb, awesome, unbelievable ..... (other such adjectives).

Must watch.


Wish I could have done a few of those stunts

The video is aptly called Pulsar Mania. The video is the talk of the town and every body is discussing about it. All I get to hear is "have you seen that ad?", "wow", "awesome" and well also this "ads like this should be banned".

Well the last comment was by my mom for obvious reasons ;-)

In a country like ours where people see "KRISH" and jump from their buildings, anything can happen.

But again I would say hatts off to Bajaj and team.

Details about the video as uploaded by Dharam on youTube:-
Bajaj Pulsar has defined the performance bike category in India. Ever since its launch, Pulsar's communication too has always focused on building a distinct identity and attitude for the brand. After it's last "FreeBiking" campaign aired in April 2007, this new campaign is the most spectacular the brand has ever done. Tagged as "PulsarMania", the campaign demonstrates the Pulsar's power, aggression and grace in a never seen before manner. Shot in Cape Town, the stunt team comprises the best riders across the world including AC Farias (World No.2), Matte Griffin etc.

Client: Bajaj Auto Ltd.
Agency: Ogilvy & Mather, Mumbai
Creative Team: Abhijit Avasthi, Manoj Shetty, Rajneesh Ramakrishnan
Production House: Velocity Films, South Africa
Director: Lourens Van Rensburg
Music: Paul Norwood, Audio Militia

Related:-
Yamaha's New Gladiator Type SS & RS
Yamaha Gladiator Type SS/RS TV Commercial
Honda CBF Stunner new 125 cc motorcycle from Honda
Yamaha to introduce DiASil cylinder in India
Yamaha Gladiator Type-SS Promo Video
TVS Flame 125cc to be relaunched with single spark
Details of new Bajaj XCD Sprint

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

Kawasaki superbikes to be available in India

Friends we have another great news after the Yamaha YZF-R15 and this one is even more exiting. The Kawasaki bikes would be soon available in India in the Bajaj Auto's Probiking showrooms. The first one to be launched is none other than the Baby Ninja 250R. Detailed Technical specifications of the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R here.
ET:-

Bajaj Auto Ltd, the country's second biggest bike maker, today entered into an agreement with Japan's Kawasaki for bringing the latter's high-end motorcycles into India. Among the bikes being considered are Ninja 250, sports roadster ER6n, another sports bike Ninja ZX6R, and Z1000 Vulcan Cruiser, company officials said at the Auto Expo here. The new bikes would be sold through Bajaj Auto's Probiking showrooms across the country.

The 250cc parallel-twin, 6 speed, 30 bhp Ninja250R will be imported as CKD and will be assembled here in India. This mean lower duties will be applicable as compared CBU which will help keeping the final costs low. According to senior xbhp members who spoke with officials, the bike can be expected mid2008 and will available in the price range of 1.9 to 2.2 lakhs at the Bajaj pro biking showrooms in major cities across India.

So cheers friends, start saving for your dream machines. All your prayers are about to be answered soon.

Related:-
2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
Yamaha YZF R15 and FZ unveiled at Auto Expo
Details of new Bajaj XCD Sprint 125cc and Discover 150cc
New Bikes from Bajaj in 2008
Suzuki to launch power bikes in India
Yamaha YZF R1 and MT01 launched in India

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

Pictures of Bajaj Small car: Lite

Bajaj Auto Ltd on Tuesday unveiled its 'Lite' concept car in New Delhi, two days before the launch of Tata Motors' Rs 1 lakh car at Auto Expo.
The car looks pretty much on the lines of zen Estilo.

The front bumper is huge and seems a bit out of place on the ssmall car.
The gear shift seems to have found a completely new place. The instrument console is mounted in the center like that on The Spark.
The rear is not very appealing. Interiors are very basic.
Pictures of Bajaj small car Lite

The small car will be manufactured in collaboration with Renault and Nissan but Bajaj made it clear that it will not be for Rs 1 lakh. Although the product is ready in its prototype form the production version has a target date of 2010.

The exact price and specifications are not known yet. The car is expected to be available with both diesel and petrol engines and would confirm to all the emission and safety norms. Considering the fact that Bajaj is known for having a good R&D with foucus on performance, reliability and economy, we can expect that the car will be both fuel efficient. The car is completely designed and developed by Bajaj and negotiation are on with Renault and Nissan for further technical inputs and support in the production of the car. Bajaj also expects to use their network to sell the car in overseas markets. The car will be manufactured at the Bajaj facility at Chakan.

There is no news of any innovations or any patents for the small car yet ;-) We know that Tata Motors' Rs 1 lakh car will be having quite a few patents for the technology used. In couple of days at the Auto Expo we will see how the 2 cars compare to each other.

Source Rediff, teambhp

Related:-
World's cheapest Car
Update:-Pictures & details of Tata 1lakh car Nano.
1) New cars expected on Indian Roads.
2) Honda Jazz
3) Hyndai Pa
4) Volkswagen Passat now in India
5) Skoda India launches new Laura Ambiente
6) Hyundai i30
7) i10 gets excellent reviews
8) Maruti all geared up to launch Swift sedan
9) Pictures of new A-Star
10) Skoda Fabia launched in India

BS Motoring awards 2008

BS Motoring awards 2008, the oldest automotive awards in the country were recently declared and following are the winners:-
Hyundai i10 won the Business Standard Motoring Car of the Year 2008 award. It had a stiff competition from Mahindra Renault Logan, Chevrolet Spark, Maruti Suzuki’s SX4, the BMW 3 and 5 Series and the Volkswagen Passat.

Hyundai earlier won the COTY awards for the Santro in 1998 and the Getz in 2005.

The recently launched i10 has set a new bench mark in the small car segment with its build quality, ride, handling, driveability, comfort, safety features, fuel efficiency and yet a very competitive price.

The Bajaj XCD redefined the entry level bike segment in the country. Offering the best of technology and features at an extremely affordable price impressed the juries and won the Bike of the year award for the XCD. The XCD faced competition from TVS Apache RTR160, the Pulsar 200 & Pulsar 220.

Winner in the other categories were as follows:
Chevrolet Spark: Business Standard Motoring Best Value Award 2008.
Mahindra Renault Logan: Business Standard Motoring Jury Award 2008.
BMW 325i: Business Standard Motoring Performance Car of the Year 2008.
Volkswagen Passat: Business Standard Motoring Premium Car of the Year 2008.
TVS Apache RTR 160: Business Standard Motoring Performance Bike of the year 2008.
Kinetic-Sym Flyte: Business Standard Motoring Scooter of the Year 2008.

Update1:- Created a poll for Car of the Year and Bike of the Year (Right hand side panel)
So please kindly select the Car and Bike you think are winner, also leave comments as to why you think they deserve to win. We will have our winners just before the Auto Expo where most of the awards are likely to be announced.

Update2:- Poll now closed. Here are the results:-Click

Earlier poll:- Most preffered bike in 150cc segment.

Bajaj Auto to resurrect two stroke Bikes

Bajaj Auto is all set to resurrect the 2 stroke motorcycles in the country. Riding them was great fun especially the rx100 and Suzuki shogun. The two-stroke engines were very successful in the past due to its higher torque and faster pickup but eventually were put on a hold for being unable to meet the pollution norms.

After the recent success of the gasoline direct injection (GDi) technology in its three-wheelers the company is likely to introduce the GDi technology for its two-wheeler products in 100 - 125cc range in the next few months. The Gdi technology used in its 3 wheelers by Bajaj, has emissions lower than the one which run on CNG and also provide upto 33% better fuel efficiency. News reports also say that Bajaj is working on combining The GDi with Dtsi technology for the two wheelers.

What is gasoline direct injection (GDi)?
Gasoline Direct injection or GDi is a variant of fuel injection employed in modern two- and four- stroke petrol engines. The gasoline is highly pressurised, and injected via a common rail fuel line directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder, as opposed to conventional multi-point fuel injection that happens in the intake tract, or cylinder port. GDi enables stratified charge (ultra lean burn) combustion for improved fuel efficiency and emission levels at low load.

What is DTS-i ,DTS-Si and DTS-Fi?

What is exactly DTS-i ,DTS-Si and DTS-Fi? Is it a real technological break through or just some techno-jargon used for marketing?

Lets first take a look at how a 4 stroke engine works.

Conventional 4 stroke Engine- intake/induction stroke compression stroke power stroke exhaust stroke The cycle begins when the piston is furthest away from the crankshaft. On the first stroke (intake/induction) of the piston, as the piston descends it reduces the pressure in the cylinder, a mixture of fuel and air is forced, by at least atmospheric pressure, into the cylinder through the intake port. The intake valve then closes and the following stroke (compression) compresses the fuel-air mixture. The air-fuel mixture is then ignited, by a spark plug, at approximately the top of the compression stroke. The resulting expansion of burning gases pushes the piston downward for the third stroke (power) and in the fourth stroke (exhaust) the piston pushes the products of combustion from the cylinder through an exhaust valve or valves.DTS-i Engine - DIGITAL TWIN SPARK ignition engine has two Spark plugs located at opposite ends of the combustion chamber and hence fast and efficient combustion is obtained. The benefits of this efficient combustion process can be felt in terms of better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. DTS-i Engine can be further tuned to deliver exhilarating performance as in DTS-FI or exceptional mileage like in DTS-SI as claimed by Bajaj. The use of twin spark plugs has been around for decades mostly in the engine of Alfa Romeo, Honda and on large capacity Ducati engine etc. Bajaj however have patented the technology for small capacity engines. DTS-Si Engine - Like DTS-i the engine has 2 spark plugs, but, instead of conventionally positioned straight ports, the offset positioning of the ports generate high swirl and turbulence of the air fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This results in highly efficient combustion that further results in exceptional mileage. Like the mother DTS-i technology, the DTS-Si technology is a patented technology developed by Bajaj Auto R&D. This technology is used by Bajaj in its recently launched 125 cc Bajaj XCD. Recently, Bajaj Auto was in the news for accusing TVS Motors, long-standing rivals of patent infringement on the DTSi technology. TVS countered by threatening to sue Bajaj Auto for libel. DTS-Fi- DTS-Fi stands for "Digital Twin Spark Fuel Injection", a ‘Bajaj Patented Technology’. In fuel injection the conventional carburettor has been replaced by injector which injects fuel in to the engine in a spray form based on the instructions of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) which is a part of the Engine Management System EMS. The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is microprocessor based and is the brain of the fuel injection system. It processes information sent by various sensors and instantly determines optimum fueling and spark timing for various engine operating conditions. The ECU contains detailed information of the engine's characteristics from which it picks the necessary data for commanding both fueling & spark timing. The main advantages of Fuel Injection are: a. Increased power output for same cc. b. Better low end torque. c. Lower fuel delivery & optimisation of spark timing. d. Improved cold start, quick warm-up and excellent response to sudden acceleration. e. Lower emission levels. f. Self detection and communication of fuel system malfunctioning if any. ExhausTEC ExhausTEC stands for Exhaust Torque Expansion Chamber, a Bajaj Auto trademark. The technology involves use of a small chamber connected to the exhaust pipe of the engine to modify the back-pressure and the swirl characteristics, with an aim to improve the low-end performance of the bikes. This was attempted in response to the issue of a reported lack of low-end response in Bajaj's single-cylinder four-stroke engines. The ExhausTEC technology is claimed to be highly effective in improving the overall engine response, especially the low-end torque characteristics. This enhanced performance is claimed to come at no loss of top-end performance or engine smoothness.

Source Bajaj Auto
Motorcycle engine wikipedia

Discount on Platina extended till December

Earlier post: Discounts on Bajaj Platina and CD Delux.

The festive season at Bajaj is still on and so is the discount. Bajaj has extended its festive season offer of Rs 4000 discount on 100 cc bike Platina till December.

The company had slashed price of its Platina by Rs 4000 as a festive season offer pricing it at Rs 30,000. I must say that its quite a good deal.

"There has been a tremendous response from our customers on the Platina festive offer. We have extended this offer till the year end so as not to disappoint our committed customers,"

Bajaj Auto GM Marketing Amit Nandi said.

The company said demand upsurge continued after festive season with an estimated 50,000 customers waiting to buy the Platina and 20,000 numbers waiting for the newly launched 'XCD 125' DTS-Si. To meet this sustained demand the company is rapidly ramping up the production for XCD to 75,000 per month, it said adding the discount on the Platina also met with a good response resulting in a waiting period of 15 days or more at several dealerships even post the festive season.

Will both Platina and XCD doing so well, it surely seems to be a festive season for Bajaj.

Source ET

Bajaj Pulsar 200 pictures and technical specification

Bajaj Auto, the pioneer in performance biking has further extended the portfolio with the launch of the new 200 cc ‘Pulsar’ DTS-i in New Delhi today. The latest offering has set new benchmarks in technology, performance, and styling to address the needs of a growing segment of pro-bikers.
Picture of Bajaj Pulsar 200 Dtsi

The new Pulsar has many firsts to its credit. It comes equipped with an Oil cooler, which helps control engine oil temperatures at sustained high speeds and rpms, thus ensuring more stable engine oil viscosity. The 200cc DTS-i engine generates 18 Ps of raw pulsating power to provide riding excitement to performance hungry bikers. This makes the Pulsar 200 the most sporty and stylish powerhouse on two wheels to pace the Indian roads.
The Bajaj Pulsar 200 DTS-i’s higher sportier stance with greater chassis rear inclination is supported with some of these technologically advanced features.

• A lowered Headlamp/Fairing assembly alongwith a high tail-end, giving it an aggressive, ready to pounce stance.
• An all Stainless Steel silencer with a Aluminium muffler can for genuine sporty looks and long life.
• Large Ø 33 mm Front forks for muscular looks and to take care of the extra suspension and braking loads.
• Large Ø 260 mm front disc for strong and predictable stopping power.
• A unique Auto Switchover feature comes into play incase one of the two Headlamp filaments stops functioning.
• A unique Battery Energy Conserving feature ensures a fixed delay after 3 continuous cranks.
• All new ‘Blue tinged’ bulbs for the main headlamp and parking lamps. These emit strong ‘White’ light for a distinctive look.
• Sleek, Twin row, Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for the tail and brake lamp ensures “Zero Maintenance”. and a long battery life.
• Backlit, Non-Contact type, Soft-touch Handlebar Switches.
• Self-canceling Indicators that switch off when the turn has been completed and the handlebar comes to a ‘straight ahead’ position with a pre-set automatic switch off function, even if the turn has not been undertaken.
• Smooth, positive, virtually friction-free gearshift feel with new shifter assembly, an integrated over-shift preventor, and shift forks with rollers mated to a change drum.
• A Low Maintenance Battery with a unique venting valve, drastically reducing electrolyte loss and therefore reducing frequency of routine maintenance.
• Black paint theme carried over to the front fork legs, the rear shock absorbers, and the swing arm, in addition to the engine, for deadly looks.
• High performance exposed ‘O’ ring Drive chain for running in dusty conditions, providing for clean uncluttered looks and commensurate with the bikes image.

Technical specifications of Bajaj Pulsar 200 Dtsi

Technical Specifications
Engine	Type	4-stroke, DTS-i, Oil cooled
	Displacement	198.8 cc
	Max Power	18 Ps / 13.25 Kw
	Max Torque	1.75 kgm / 17.17 Nm
Suspension	Front	Telescopic forks 135 mm stroke
	Rear	Triple rate spring, 5 way adjustable, gas charged NitroX shock absorbers
Brakes	Front	260 mm hydraulically operated disc brake
	Rear	Mechanically expanding 130 mm drum type
Tyres	Front	90/90 x 17” Tubeless tyre, shod on aluminium alloy wheels
	Rear	120/80 x 17” Tubeless tyre, shod on aluminium alloy wheels
Fuel Tank	Full	15 Lts ( 2 liters of usable reserve)
Electricals	System	12V AC + DC
	Headlamp	35/35W clear lens type with 2 pilot lamps
Dimensions	Wheelbase	1345 mm
	Weight	145 Kg

Source:-
Bajaj press release

Related Links:-
Bajaj Pulsar 200 cc AutoCar 2006
Mumbai to ladakh Solo on Pulsar 200

Bajaj Pulsar 300cc Dts fi pictures and Technical specifications

Friends unfortunately there is no such thing as Bajaj Pulsar 300cc Dts fi. Its a Hoax and i haven't yet got any confirmation on any of the official websites or any news source. This is just a piece or art some one came up with using their photoshop skills.

Update:- No updates on Pulsar 300cc even in the Auto Expo, but good news is Kawasaki superbikes to be available in India including Ninja 250R.

Pictures of Bajaj Pulsar 300 cc Dts fi:-
Its been about more than 6 to 7 months when i first received the picture of Bajaj Pulsar 300cc Dtsi in mail and apparently the bike was also available in 4 to 5 different colors. Now how difficult is that? And since then almost a million times i have seen it on blogs, forums and mail forwards from my friends, who were thrilled to share this breaking news with me. It was made clear on quite a few instances by the Bajaj officials that the 300+ cc segment would be built on a new platform altogether and wont be based on the Pulsar. I believe Bajaj will source some tech from Kawasaki for the high end engines or even KTM for that matter. But we will have to wait for that.
Here is the picture of Honda CB 600F Hornet (If you are thinking about the silencer being on the wrong side, sorry folks i flipped the original image to prove the point. The silencer is indeed on the right side.)

Technical specifications of Bajaj Pulsar 300cc Dts fi:-

Design:-
P200 fuel tank and body.
Engine:-
P200 Dtsi
Wheels:-
Honda Hornet Black Alloys with Discs at both rear and front.
HeadLight:-
Honda Hornet
Suspensions:-
Inverted shocks at the front and Monoshock at the rear. Honda Hornet
Available colors:-
Red, blue, silver, golden, red, black (all possible Photshop colors)
Launch Date of Bajaj pulsar 300 cc Dtsi:- Never (Definitely not for the one in the picture above)

Related:-
What is DTS-i ,DTS-Si and DTS-Fi?
Tvs 180 cc & 200 cc with ABS expected soon.
Kawasaki superbikes to be available in India

Bajaj Auto buys 14.5% in KTM for Rs 300cr

Earlier posts:-
Bajaj chasing Ducati, Triumph
Bajaj likely to acquire Triumph


Bajaj Auto has bought 14.5% stake in European sports manufacturer KTM for Rs 300 crore, reports CNBC-TV18.

Bajaj and KTM will jointly produce 125 cc and 250 cc bikes. Bajaj says this equity investment will not impact its ongoing relationship with Kawasaki. This arrangement will see bajaj auto and KTM working together to 3 -4 models in the 125-250 cc categories. 20,000 units of the bikes co-developed by bajaj and KTM will initially be exported to Europe and will be rolled out in the first half of 2010

KTM stake was bought through Bajaj Auto's Netherlands subsidiary. KTM is Power Sports leading manufacturer of power sports vehicles and has strong brand presence in Europe and United States. It offers more than 23 motorcycles, ranging in engine size from 50cc to 950 cc and is the largest non-Japanese off road motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

Source Money control

Todays Hindustan Times also says that around May 2008 Bajaj would launch 450cc + Bikes from KTM.
So lets wait and watch. cheers

You may also find the following intresting:-
1) 2008 Honda CBR1000
2) Super Bikes Comming soon
3) Yamaha R1 and MT01 in India
4) 2008 Kawasaki Ninja250R
5) Yamaha YZF-R125 VS Honda CBR125 VS Kymco KR Sport
6) Harley Davidson
7) Bajaj acquires stake in KTM

Bajaj XCD selling XCDingly well

In spite of the news of some problems with the XCD, Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) on Sunday said it has sold 65,000 units of its 125 cc DTS-Si bike XCD within the first 50 days of its launch.
"As much as half of XCD 125 volumes are coming from competition, a majority of them being 100cc users. XCD 125 is a compelling package that 100cc customers are finding very difficult to resist," BAL General Manager (Marketing) Amit Nandi said.
BAL is also ramping up production of XCD from the present 50,000 units a month to 75,000 units a month by November, the company said in a statement.
The company has been saying that it wants to exit from the 100 cc by offering customers a better product which clubs the features of both 125 cc and 150 cc motorcycles.
XCD 125 is the company's main weapon in exiting the high volume, low-margin 100 cc segment.
Source The Economic Times.




Personally i feel that the XCD is an amazing VFM, looks far more modern and feature rich as compared to its 100cc rivals. The xcd loses to the Yamaha Gladiator , Discover in performance and ride quality but beats then in pricing.

Overall its a package that average Indian commuter would find hard to resist. But definitely not for a young and adventurous Biker.

Follwoing are few figure of the xcd vs Gladiator vs Splendor.

Fuel efficiency XCD vs Gladiator vs Splendor nxg
From the nov issue of Overdrive

Bajaj xcd (highway / city / overall) kmpl
65.3 73.6 71.52

Yam. Gladi (highway / city / overall) kmpl
76.4 68.1 70.2

Splendor (highway / city / overall) kmpl
68.75 73.21 72.08

xcd 9.6ps@7000rpm
gladi 11 ps@ 7500rpm

Note:-
Before you call this bullshit and ask how can xcd return better average in city than on highway, let me clarify. The xcd is most fuel efficient in the range of 40 to 45 (as per the mag) and the fuel efficiency of xcd drops above 60. 90 being the top speed. Now the question is can you ride a bike in any city forget the metros, at a constant speed of 40 ??

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

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

Further problems with Bajaj Bikes : Bajaj XCD

After the much over hyped broken front forks in Bajaj Pulsar 200, followed by a recall of the bikes sold earlier, it was the Bajaj Kristal that was recalled after it developed a fuel-pump problem that led to engine knocking. As if this was not enough now its the latest offering in 125 cc segment The XCD has developed problems.The company has contacted customers who bought the 125cc XCD to replace faulty electronic components for self start and head lamps along with a part of ‘noisy’ centre-stand.

This is surely adding to quality issues raised against Bajaj products. In spite of providing some technological break thorough, Bajaj has to seriously concentrate and get these resolved if the want to compete in the market and regain the number 1 position.

Update :-
Bajaj XCD is selling xcdingly well.

Update:-
Bajaj Auto refutes XCD 125 problems
Trading Markets quoted Amit Nandi, general manager for marketing at Bajaj Auto, as saying: "We have not received any such complaint in the product but if some part was damaged during transit the company can replace the component as the bike comes with a two-year warranty."

Indicating that it was not a case of recall, Rajiv Bajaj, managing director of Bajaj Auto, admitted the possibility of a particular case somewhere.
Source

Discount on Platina and CD Delux

Update:- More discounts offered by Yamaha, Suzuki, HH

After the discounts on cars like spark and santro the bikes are next in line.
Country's second largest bike maker Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) today reduced the price of its 100 cc bike Platina by Rs 4,000 to push sales during the upcoming festival season.

Platina would now be available for Rs 29,990 (ex-showroom) as against the existing Rs 33,990.

"We have cut prices to counter competition in the segment during the festive season," BAL GM Marketing Amit Nandi told the media.

Hero Honda has also announced a discount of Rs 2,020 on its entry-level bike CD Deluxe to celeberate sales of 20 million units in India.

"On the occassion of 20 million bikes, we are offering an opportunity to non-owner of two-wheelers to own entry-level CD Deluxe at a special benefit of Rs 2,020.

This gesture is a part of our 20 million milestone celebration," a Hero Honda spokesperson said.

Source

Bajaj likely to acquire Triumph

Earlier posts:-
Read Here and here

A formal announcement of a possible brand acquisition is likely during Auto Expo, the annual automotive show hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in the Capital in early 2008. Bajaj Auto is in the fray to buy Triumph, a premium bike maker in the UK.

"Bigger bikes will need to be developed and we understand that most of this market for bigger bikes will be outside the country. And therefore, an acquisition of a recognised brand makes sense. It is likely to be a complete takeover or a majority stake buyout," said Rajiv Bajaj, managing director, Bajaj Auto.

A big-ticket European brand like Triumph will not only put Bajaj products in the premium lifestyle range in India, but also help it expand to developed markets where such bikes tend to dominate. Mr Bajaj said the decision not to pursue Ducati was partly influenced by the fact that the company was in loss-making mode. “I don’t think it makes business sense to buy a struggling brand. While the brand may have the recognition, it is difficult to work around other problems,” he explained.

The acquisition of a marquee brand will also shape Bajaj's future product portfolio. Broadly, the plan is to keep the Bajaj brand focused on the 125-600-cc segment.

Bajaj Auto's thrust on exports is likely to continue, and the company has no plans to establish a manufacturing base abroad or produce bikes catering particularly to export markets. "A BMW does not change a single spring when it is sold in other export markets, and that's the power of the product. I do not think it is profitable to design products for key export markets," said Mr Bajaj.

I hope this acquisition goes through successfully, keeping my fingers crossed.

Source The ET

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1) 2008 Honda CBR1000
2) Super Bikes Comming soon
3) Yamaha R1 and MT01 in India
4) 2008 Kawasaki Ninja250R
5) Yamaha YZF-R125 VS Honda CBR125 VS Kymco KR Sport
6) Harley Davidson
7) Bajaj acquires stake in KTM

Bajaj avenger DTSi 200cc launched

Prev post and pics

Bajaj Auto Ltd has launched new 200cc motorcycle 'Avenger DTS-i'.

The Avenger 200 DTSI is priced at 64,830 (ex-showroom New Delhi) will be available at exclusive 'Pro-broking' showrooms across the country.

BAL already has a 180 cc version of Avenger DTS-i. The new Avenger now comes with an oil cooled engine capable of generating a top-speed of 115 km per hour and an optional international standards windshield option, it added.

This will further strengthen Bajaj's position in the premium bike segment. The ride quality of the bike is again superb and comfortable just like the earlier version. The new engine pumps out 17.51 @ 8000rpm and have amazing torque of 16.78 Nm @6000rpm.

Bajaj Avenger 200 Dtsi technical specifications:-

Engine	Type	4-stroke, DTS-i, Oil cooled
	Displacement	198.8 cc
	Max Power	17.51 Ps / 12.88 Kw @ 7000rpm
	Max Torque	16.71 Nm @ 6000rpm
Suspension	Front	Telescopic forks 140 mm travel
	Rear	Triple rate spring, 5 way adjustable, hydraulic shock absorbers
Brakes	Front	260 mm hydraulically operated disc brake
	Rear	Mechanically expanding 130 mm drum type
Tyres	Front	90/90 x 17 49p tyre
	Rear	130/90 x 15 66p tyre
Fuel Tank	Full	14 Lts ( 3.4 liters of usable reserve)
Electricals	System	12V AC + DC
	Headlamp	60/65W
Dimensions	Wheelbase	1475 mm

Bajaj avenger 200cc coming soon

The bike that started it all in India, a new segment cruisers. The day when bikers started to "Feel like God" on roads. The bajaj avenger. And now the avenger will soon be available in a 200cc version the same engine thats in p200 with some minor changes.
Power should be around 18 bhp and more torque and the other noticeable change is fuel gauge on the tank. We will have to wait till the other changes are known. The bike should be in the showrooms by the festive season of Navratri / Diwali.
Pics courtesy Hellraiser
and
Riot-reporter


Th old ad:-

I wonder what the new ad would be.