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 220 or Karizma FI

In last couple of years we have observed a clear shift from 100cc to 125cc / 150cc bikes and 150cc to 180 to 220cc performance oriented bikes. Altough the first question a average Indian commuter asks while going for a new bike is "Average kitna hai?" (whats the fuel economy), the priority for our Desi-Biker has now changed. He expects power, performance, riding comfort, features and technology. This is surely a welcome sign and as the demand for such bike grows we will surely see world class bikes being imported or manufactured in India.

Recently i have received lots of queries like:

Hi,
I got your e-mail id from the confused programmer website.
I am about to buy a bajaj pulsar 220 in jan 2008.But some of my friends and some information on the internet suggests that a few indian bike manufacturers are taking over some european giants like ducati,triumph,etc.
Since i have a budget of around 1.5 lakhs and this is the only bike i will be using for a long time i want to make a good investment.can you pls let me know if actually any of these deals might work out and could launch a bike in 2008 in my budget.And pls let me know if my choice of going for a bajaj p220 is good or not or should i go for the new karizma f1 or others if any pls suggest.
I hope you will reply soon.
-Yours sincerely,
Ishan M.

So question usually the question is Pulsar220 vs Karizma FI and in this case we are also considering any future launches from Ducati,Triumph, KTM, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki.

Following are few points that we all can consider before making any decision:

• Karizma Fi is not yet launched and there is no confirmed news from anywhere that it will ever be launched.
  
• The Pulsar 220 Dtsi is by far the best Indian bike we have right now and much more advanced and powerful than any other bikes including Karizma R. (Keeping aside the Bullets and Kinetic Comet).
• Bajaj was earlier in talks with Ducati and Triumph, but no updates on that.
  
• Bajaj recently acquired a 17% stake in KTM. 250cc to 990cc bikes like super duke would be available in pro biking showrooms from mid next year. But these would be purely imports and imports attract a duty of 105%. Even the 250cc bike from KTM is expected to cost 2 lakh upwards.
• Yamaha R1 which costs about 5 lakhs in the foreign market will costs 11 lakhs here. Harley Davidson has dropped its plans for India because of such high import duties. So any bike like Yamaha YZFR125 / Ninja 250 / CBR 125 will all cost 3lakhs+ in India even if imported by any of the Indian company. No company has any confirmed plans of jointly manufacturing them in India.

So Bajaj definitely have plans of manufacturing bikes 300cc to 600cc with tech from KTM and Kawasaki but i don't see anything hitting the roads in next 2 years at the very least.


Related Links:-
1)Bajaj Pulsar DTS FI 220cc
2) 2008 Honda CBR1000
3) Super Bikes Comming soon
4) Yamaha R1 and MT01 in India
5) 2008 Kawasaki Ninja250R
5) Yamaha YZF-R125 VS Honda CBR125 VS Kymco KR Sport
6) Harley Davidson
7) Bajaj acquires stake in KTM
8) Bajaj chasing Ducati, Triumph
9) Bajaj likely to acquire Triumph

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

Limited edition Splendor Plus

Bajaj has tried to redefine the entry level bike segment with its 125cc XCD. This was realy a welcome move, thought that yes may be we have started going in the right direction, started to see a shift from 100 to 125 and from 125 to 150+ , till i read this:-

NEW DELHI: India's largest two-wheeler maker Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML) today launched a limited edition variant of its 100 cc motorcycle Splendor Plus priced at Rs 41,250 (ex-showroom Delhi), to commemorate sales of two crore bike units in the country since its inception in 1982.

The company plans to manufacture only 50,000 units of the limited edition variant of Splendor Plus which would sport various added features such as black body colour, silver mono tone stripes, black five spoke alloy wheels, a black engine and matching chain cover.

I guess HH would never let go the 100cc segment. I guess what they want to say is thanks for all the all the support and appriciation that the Indian comuter has shown towards the 100cc for over 2 decades. You like 100cc? Here you go, take some more.

"Brand Splendor holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians for over a decade now. Through the launch of this bike, we would like to thank each of our customers and present to them the special edition commemorative Splendor," Hero Honda Managing Director & CEO Pawan Munjal said.

Source The Economic times

The Hindustan Times claims:-

Hero Honda, the country's largest motorcycle maker, on Monday rolled out a new bike 'Splendor NXG' in the deluxe segment as it seeks to consolidate its market share in India.

The company launched two variants of 'Splendor NXG' with spoke or cast wheels carrying a price tag of Rs 40,990 and Rs 41,990 (ex-showroom Delhi).

So whats it a new Plus or a new NXG? I am not bothered much, but will update tomorrow morning after confirming.

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

More discounts by Hero Honda, suzuki, Yamaha

Well folks after the discounts on Platina and cd delux...
here is more :-

Taking the price war to executive motorcycle segment, India's largest two-wheeler maker Hero Honda has discounted price of its latest offering - Splendor NXG by Rs 2,400.

According to dealer sources, the discount is restricted only to the NXG model and not on other variants of the Splendor range. Post discount Splendor NXG would now be available for Rs 38,550 (Ex-showroom Delhi).

Though repeated attempts to contact Hero Honda officials failed, sources said the company has started offering a discount of Rs 2,400 on Splendor NXG from Friday to boost volumes in the segment dominated by rival Bajaj Auto Ltd.

Suzuki Motorcycle India, which retails two 125 cc motorcycles - Zeus and Heat, is also offering free petrol worth Rs 3,500 with every purchase to achieve its festival season target of selling 10,000 units a month.

"We had introduced a similar scheme in Kerala during Onam which received a good response from customers. The scheme is now being extended to buyers across India (except Kerala) and is valid till November 15," SMI Vice President Atul Gupta said.

Similarly, Yamaha Motor India (YMI) has announced a maximum discount of upto Rs 10,000 on every purchase of its motorcycles - 125 cc Gladiator and 106 cc Alba.
As per the festive season discount scheme, the company would offer a minimum discount of Rs 3,000 on every purchase while giving an additional exchange bonus of Rs 3,000. It would offer a scratch card on every purchase with Rs 3,000 as assured discount.

TVS Motor Co is giving two gram gold on every purchase of its 100 cc Star City to take on competitors Bajaj and Hero Honda which had last week discounted prices of their entry-level bikes.

While Bajaj is offering a discount of Rs 4,000 on its 100 cc bike Platina, Hero Honda had started offering a Rs 2,020 discount on CD-Deluxe to celebrate sales of 20 million motorcycles in the country since its inception in 1984.

source the ET

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

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