[ Sajith M ]

Yamaha has just launched the YZF-R1 in India :-)

At about 12,00,000 (INR) it might be a bit expensive but I would not let that stop me from dreaming. Available in Bangalore at Orion Motors, #518, Hosur Road (Opposite to Forum Mall)

This is being brought to India via the CBU route which means Yamaha could have been selling this for about 500,000 (INR) on-road had it not been for our very greedy government asking for more than half my money as taxes/levies/duties :-(

Now if only I could get a (very) good hike that would let me buy this baby… Ah!

Posted under: On The Road , Bikes
Tagged with: India, Yamaha, YZF-R1

As mentioned earlier the Hero Honda managed to beat Bajaj in introducing Fuel Injection bikes. But what the hell, I am anyway not going to buy Glamour and the new Pulsar 220 is probably a more likely buy for me.

The disappointing news first: Its a 220cc engine and not a 250 as was expected. And it can give you a top speed of only 135kmph (I would have been happier with at least a 150kmph). But anyway, hope that there would be an upgrade soon that would be capable of a 100mph (161kmph).

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure :-)

Also, check out this video (NDTV Car and Bike Show). Thanks to Suthin for sending me this video.

Here are the specifications for the 220 pulsar that we should be seeing soon:

Engine
Cylinder : Air Cooled, 4 Stroke Sohc
Valve Train: 2 Valve
Displacement: 220cc
Starting: Electric Start only
Ignition/fuelling: Fuel injection (DTS-Fi)

Performance
Max. Power: 20 bhp
Max. Torque: 1.95 kgm
Top speed: 135 kph
Fuel economy: 50 kpl (i would expect more like 35-40)

Transmission
Gear Box: 5 Speed Constant Mesh

Electricals
Battery: 12V 9Ah
Head Light: Ellipsoidal projector 55W/parabolic 55W H7
Tail Light: High intensity LEDs

Suspension
Front: 37 mm Telescopic Hydraulic Type 130 mm travel
Rear: Ellipitical section Swing Arm With twin Hydraulic Gas-charged Shock Absorbers; 101 mm travel

Brakes
Front: 260mm Disc Type
Rear: 230mm Disc Type

Tyres
Front: 90/90-17 tubeless
Rear: 120/80-17 tubeless

Dimensions
Kerb Weight: 150 kg
Wheel Base: 1,350 mm
Length: 2,035 mm
Width: 750 mm
Overall Height: 1,140 mm
Ground Clearance: 177 mm
Tank Capacity: 15 l

Posted under: On The Road , Bikes

Hero Honda has launches its first Fuel Injection Bike – Glamour FI. This also makes Hero Honda the first indian manufacturer to have a Fuel Injection bike.

Bajaj too had been in the fray for first indian bike with Fuel Injection, but Bajaj is looking at entering the slightly higher market segment (200-250cc) and the bike would be available only be the last quarter to 2006 and likely to be priced at about 80 to 90 thousand rupees (INR)

Hero Honda on the other hand has launched this bike sqaurely at the lower end of the market (125cc). The prices are 49,990 for the standard model and 53,990 for the deluxe model (electric start and front disk brakes) ex-showroom Delhi. Hero Honda Glamour FI will feature Honda’s first 125 cc PGM-FI Engine (Programmed Fuel Injection)

The bike has a 124.8cc engine, 2 valves, providing 9 bhp (7,000 RPM) and a maximum torque of 10.35 NM (4,000 RPM)

Overall, the bike has the same ratings for maximum power and torque, and looks same as the old one (equally silly and pathetic)

Posted under: On The Road , Bikes

I expected Pulsar DTS-FI (250cc) to the be the first one. But looks like Hero Honda has managed to beat them by launching the Glamour-FI (125cc)

Posted under: On The Road , Bikes