Royal Enfield loves to tell a story, and this time, the story takes us back to 1948. Thats the year this brand got into the world of Trials racing, with the 350cc trials bike. And now, it has revived the same concept in India, through two bikes the Bullet Trials 350 and the Bullet Trials 500. Both bikes are meant to look retro, cool, rugged and have been launched to pay homage to Johnny Brittain a legendary trials rider from England. So, to make us experience the world of trials racing and also understand the Bullet 500 Trials, Royal Enfield developed a series of courses at 19 Degrees North at Lonavala. One glance at the Bullet 500 Trials, and youll see that its not the regular Royal Enfield. The combination of khakee green frame and the presence of single seat gives it out. Then theres also the luggage rack that brings out the ruggedness of the motorcycle, along with the utilitarian aspect. The large upswept exhaust might look hideous at first, but as times pass by, it gels well with the concept of a soft-roader.
Suzuki has committed to developing its motorcycle range in the 150+ segment. They already have the Gixxer streetbike and the Gixxer SF, its fully faired sibling. The cruiser format is represented by this, the Intruder. The name as well as the styling is derived from the M1800R, the cruiser that among other things, had the widest rear tyre on a production motorcycle when it was launched. The Intruder shares its powertrain with the Gixxer a 155cc 14.6bhp motor powers the rear wheel via a five-speed gearbox. Fuel injection is available as an option. The rear tyre is the widest in the segment, at 140mm, and that feeling is echoed when you sit on the motorcycle those tank extensions make the Intruder feel a whole lot wider than it is, and it thus feels like a whole lot more motorcycle as well. The seat is also a lot wider than a standard seat, but it is very low as well, offering confidence and comfort to the cruiser aficionado. The Intruder does look odd from certain angles that tail lamp and surround echoes the GSX1300R Hayabusa, but most people will not pick that for design inspiration to begin with. The exhaust design looks great from a distance but close up the daylight behind the mesh at the tip doesnt look good. However, if a modern 150cc cruiser is what youre looking for, you cant currently do better than an Intruder on looks or handling.
Sitting at the top of the current 110cc Honda scooter lineup in India, the Aviator gets the same engine that powers the Dio and the Activa. The 109cc single cylinder air-cooled engine churns out 8bhp at 7000rpm and maximum torque of nearly 9Nm at 5500rpm. With the Honda Eco Technology (HET) the scooter has a company claimed efficiency of 60kmpl. The Aviator is sold in three variants in India. The base model has steel wheels and drum brakes. Next, you can opt for alloy wheels but you still get drum brakes. Finally, you can get a front disc brake with alloy wheels. All three offer CBS combined brakes as standard. For 2018, the Aviator also gets an LED headlamp, a metal muffler heat shield, and two hooks for bags. Also added to it is the four-in-one key slot for the ignition, which unlocks the seat from the ignition key slot itself. There is a new paint scheme for 2018, a red shade, bringing the total to four colours.
The Honda Dio received a facelift for 2017. Apart from a BS IV-compliant engine, the new Dio gets a slew of cosmetic updates and new paint schemes to boost its visual appeal. Cosmetic upgrades for the new Honda Dio include two white position lamps on the front apron and an LED strip on the handlebar. The rear section also gets a re-designed tail lamp, although it isnt an LED unit. A wider seat makes it more comfortable for the rider and the pillion, while a mobile charging point under the seat improves convenience. The Dio also gets four new dual-tone paint schemes with new decals to improve the visual appeal. Auto headlamp on (AHO) feature is also offered. A DLX variant has been added to the 2018 Dio range. It offers three new paint schemes, an LED headlamp, and a part-digital instrument cluster. Powering the Honda Dio is the same 109cc single-cylinder engine that delivers 8bhp and 9Nm of torque through a CVT transmission. The Dio rides on a bottom-linked front suspension and a rear monoshock. The 10-inch wheels of the Dio are shod with tubeless tyres. The drum brakes at the front and the rear are offered with Hondas proprietary combi braking system.
Honda launched the Cliq in India and is Honda's most affordable automatic scooter targeted towards the rural and semi-urban market. The Navi-based Cliq borrows mechanicals and styling bits from the Activa 4G as well. The scooter gets faux carbon-fibre finish on the plastic panels, but in different colours. It gets a handlebar like a motorcycle despite being an automatic scooter. The headlight and the indicators have been positioned in the front apron like the Honda Dio. The analogue instrumentation includes a speedometer, odometer, a fuel gauge and other indicators. The surrounding area of this instrumentation console also gets the same pseudo carbon fibre finish. Like some of the side body panels, the Cliq's exhaust unit also bears similarity with the one seen on the Honda Navi. Keeping in mind the utilitarian features, Honda has equipped the Cliq with an optional luggage rack. The wide footboard can accommodate some luggage, but the lack of hooks is a disappointment. Otherwise, storage space has been generously provided despite the compact dimensions. The 14-litre under-seat storage easily houses a half-faced helmet. It also gets a USB charging point. Then, another highlight is the scooters Ceat's block pattern tyres, offered as standard to take on the rough roads easily. The Honda Cliq comes powered by the same 109.19cc air-cooled engine, which does duty in the Honda Activa as well as the Honda Navi. This mill is capable of producing 8bhp of maximum power at 7,000rpm and 8.94Nm of peak torque at 5,500rpm. This powerplant comes coupled to a CVT gearbox. With a kerb weight of 102kg, the Honda Cliq weighs same as the Navi and is 6kg lighter than the Honda Activa 4G.
The CB Shine is a 125cc commuter motorcycle developed by Honda for the mass market segment. The Shine caters to a segment of buyers who are fine with understated looks but expect respectable performance and efficiency. This, coupled with Hondas refinement and reliability, makes the Shine a solid all-round package. The CB Shine gets graphics that run all over the fuel tank and a 3D Honda emblem on the fuel tank. The motorcycle gets a diamond frame chassis and is powered by a 124cc single cylinder air-cooled engine. The engine churns out 10bhp at 7500 rpm and 11Nm at 5500 rpm and is mated to a four speed gearbox. The CB Shine gets conventional suspension with preload adjustment for the rear, along with 18-inch wheels. You can get your CB Shine with either a front disc brake or a drum brake. A combined brake system (CBS) is an option for both, and will become standard fitment by April.
The Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi is the top of the line motorcycle in the Gixxer range of premium commuter bikes. Powered by a fuel-injected version of the 155cc engine, the Gixxer SF Fi is aimed at the youth looking for a stylish and technologically advanced commuter bike. The Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi retains the sculpted fuel tank and the rear panels from the naked Gixxer, though it now gets a full-sized fairing. Styled to resemble the bigger GSX-R superbikes, the fairing has been aerodynamically shaped to improve the motorcycles touring capabilities. The aggressive riding position, fat tyres and the stubby exhaust give it a sporty character. The Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi is built on the single downtube frame. It is powered by the same 155cc single-cylinder engine that is used in the rest of the Gixxer range, though the fuelling is now taken care of by an electronic fuel injection system. The Gixxer SF Fi gets the same power output as its carburetted sibling 14.6bhp and 14Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed transmission
The GSX-R series is what truly defines Suzuki. The first a 750cc rolled out over three decades ago. It was followed by an 1100 and then in the year 2001 came the 1000cc. The engine capacities, the styling, and the technology might have changed over the years, but the focus for the brand has remained constant: Any motorcycle that carries the GSX-R nomenclature must be track-focused. It might not be savage or mad or be the epitome of technological breakthroughs, but a GSX-R must handle; it must brake; and it must feel completely at home on a racetrack. No surprise then that we are at Kari Motor Speedway to ride the latest generation GSX-R in both the standard R1000 and R1000R forms. You can read about the pricing and specs of these bikes by clicking on their names. And we expect the world from these GSXRs for it has taken Suzuki nearly a decade to come out with this 6th generation model. Whats more, its now claimed to be the most powerful, hardest accelerating and cleanest running GSX-R ever built.
The RM-Z250 isnt road legal it is a purpose-built dirt bike that is intended for use solely as a recreational tool and to hone dirt riding skills. As such, the company does not release power and torque figures, preferring to say instead that it is accessible and suitable for its nature. What they will let us know, though, is that it is a 249cc single-cylinder fuel-injected DOHC water-cooled engine, that it weighs 106kg, and that it has 345mm of ground clearance. The frame, swingarm and suspension are all optimised for the application. It is available only in yellow, and since it isnt road legal, dont expect accessories like a headlamp, turn indicators or a horn. Wheels are standard-for-dirt sizes 21 inches in front and 18 inches at the rear. The tyres are dirt tyres. The RM-Z250 competes directly with the Kawasaki KX-250F.
The Mahindra Mojo is now available in two variants, and the XT300 is the higher-spec version of the two. It distinguishes itself over the UT300 by providing upside down front forks, a dual muffler exhaust system, fuel injection for the engine, and Pirelli tyres that provide great grip and handling. The XT300 is targeted at customers who want a touring machine but dont prefer the conventional formats like cruisers or adventure tourers to go on long rides. It competes with the likes of the Bajaj Dominar 400 ABS and Royal Enfield Himalayan.
The Mahindra Gusto 125 is the flagship model in Mahindras line-up of scooters. Built on the same platform as the 110cc Gusto, the Gusto 125 comes equipped with a bigger and more powerful engine to help it take on the likes of the Suzuki Access 125 and the Honda Activa 125. The Mahindra Gusto 125 looks identical to its younger sibling in terms of looks and styling, though it does get a host of dual-tone paint schemes to set it apart from the Gusto. The Gusto 125 is powered by a 125cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine. This engine develops 8.5bhp and 10Nm of torque, through a CVT transmission. The Gusto 125 engine comes with M-TEC technology, which is targeted at bumping up the performance and the usability of the scooter. The Gusto 125 gets drum brakes at the front and rear and sports 12-inch tyres for better stability. It rides on telescopic front suspension and rear monoshock. Just like the standard Gusto, the Gusto 125 comes equipped with a height-adjustable seat, flip-key and guide lamps. The Gusto 125 is available with four paint schemes orange rush, bolt white, monarch black and regal red.
The new Gusto is Mahindra Two Wheelers first global scooter offering. It has been designed and developed at the brands R&D centre in Pune. Like every other Mahindra offering, the Gusto features a wide array of new-age technology features. Designed with the help of European engineers, the Gusto boasts of a distinctive, bold new design. It is Indias first scooter to offer a height adjustable seat. Thanks to this innovative feature, both tall and short riders can effortlessly ride the scooter by simply raising or lowering the seat height. Other segment-first features include a remote flip key, find-me Lamps, guide lamps, halogen head lamp with LED pilot lamps, front kick and a quick storage compartment. The Gusto is powered by an 110cc M-TEC engine featuring a stronger crankshaft and bearings, high inertia magneto, high energy HT coil to deliver superior power, efficiency and reliability. The scooter rides on large 12-inch wheels, front telescopic suspension with air springs and hydraulic rear suspension. The Gusto is available in two variants - Vx and Dx. It competes with other 110cc scooters including the Honda Activa, Suzuki Lets and the TVS Jupiter. In a few months time, besides the Indian market, Mahindra may sell the Gusto in international markets including South Asia, Latin America and Africa
The Dream Neo is the most affordable motorcycle in Honda Indias range. Being a Honda, the built quality of the Neo is slightly better than the competition. The bike looks very similar to the Dream Yuga, only the graphics are different and it has a more basic tail section. The Dream Neo derives power from the very refined 110cc Honda motor good to deliver 8.25bhp and 8.63Nm of torque. Like the competition, the engine is mated to a four-speed gearbox (all-up pattern) and has drum brakes both at the front and rear. The Dream Neo has an eight-litre fuel tank, with Honda claiming an efficiency of 74kpl. It is available in three variants, wherein the base version gets spoke wheels and kick start while the premium version gets button start and alloy wheels. It is positioned below the Dream Yuga to compete with the likes of Bajaj Discover T, Mahindra Pantero and the Hero Splendor.
The Hero Maestro Edge is the most premium model in Heros lineup of scooters. It represents a giant leap for Hero MotoCorp as it is one of the first completely new products to be launched by the Gurgaon-based two-wheeler manufacturer since it split from its long-time joint venture partner - Honda. Apart from the Maestro moniker, the Maestro Edge doesnt share a lot with the standard scooter. It has been built as a completely new product, with the focus on good looks and performance. It is powered by a brand new engine jointly developed with Austrian automotive firm AVL. This 111cc, single-cylinder air-cooled engine delivers 8bhp and 8Nm of torque through a CVT transmission. Hero MotoCorp claims an efficiency of 64kmpl for the Maestro Edge, which should make it one of the most fuel-efficient scooters in the market. The Maestro Edge has a host of features like USB charging, underseat storage lamp, engine immobiliser, external fuel lid and an linked braking system. The instrument cluster gets a completely new design with an integrated digital display. The silencer gets an elegant titanium finish for the cover while the tail lamp is an LED unit, and the grab handle is a single piece. It gets a host of practical touches like a front luggage hook, a massive 22-litre underseat storage compartment and a front storage box.
The Hero Duet is a unisex 110cc scooter positioned between the Pleasure and the Maestro Edge. It is one of the first new products developed independently by Hero MotoCorp since its split with long-time joint venture partner Honda. The Duet is being promoted as a family scooter. The metal body is beautifully moulded into a very modern and dynamic shape, which makes it one of the best-looking scooters in the segment. At the front, the headlamp and the turn signals have been integrated into a single unit on the handlebar, while the V-shaped chrome strip on the front apron adds a modest amount of bling. The black floorboard, seat and the grab rail contrasts beautifully with the funky paint schemes. The Hero Duet is based on a new platform and is powered by a new 111cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. This engine delivers 8bhp and 8Nm of torque through a CVT transmission. It gets telescopic suspension at the front and a spring-loaded hydraulic damper in the rear. The Duet rides on 10-inch metal wheels and 90/100 profile tubeless tyres. It comes with the innovative combi brakes, with drum brakes at both ends.
The YZF-R15 changed the 150cc segment in the Indian market the way the CBZ did when it was launched. It was an everyday motorcycle that could genuinely be used as a trackday tool. The second version of the R15 traded practicality for more focused performance, but the advent of the KTM RC200 meant that a far better performance was available for the sportbike enthusiast at a similar price. The R15 Version 3.0 reduces that gap significantly with technology. On the list is an engine with a few more ccs, but featuring variable valve timing which takes the maximum power output to nearly 19bhp with a nominal decrease in torque which is now spread over a wider rev range. It also gets all-LED lamps and an all-digital LCD instrument cluster that displays a wealth of information, including when the Variable Valve Actuation switches to the different camshaft profile. While the global model gets goodies like upside down forks, the Indian version features conventional telescopic forks in order to keep costs in check. The pillion seat seems to be positioned a little lower, at least visually, which should address some of the pillion complaints. The rear side panels have a Ducati Panigale-style gap which looks attractive when viewed from behind. Grab handles for the pillion have also been cleverly integrated, which was given a miss in the Version 2.0. The motorcycle features disc brakes at both ends and is now equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard equipment
`The FZ is the model that revived Yamahas fortunes in India, and since its launch it has been the gold standard for the 150cc sporty commuter, as far as sales figures are concerned. It offered a number of new technologies like radial tyres and a fuel tank that was centralised, at the time of its launch. It is also one of the pioneers of fuel injection, having made the entire FZ range FI at a time when the competition was still depending heavily on carburetted variants. The next generation of the FZ-S is here, and it is not a major update. Single channel ABS has been added, which is compulsory from April 2019 onward; an LED headlamp, and the instrument cluster has white backlighting. The fuel injection has been tweaked to offer better midrange but the peak power output remains the same at 13bhp and 12.8Nm. The split seat has strangely regressed to a single seat, despite the overall design becoming a little more aggressive
The MT-15 is a naked streetbike from Yamaha that is based on the companys MT series. The MT-15 shares most of its underpinnings with its fully-faired sibling, the YZF R15 V3.0. It features a transformer-style front fairing with an LED projector headlamp, sculpted tank with tank extensions, a wide handlebar and a petite tail section. The MT-15 features Yamahas Deltabox frame that has been derived from the flagship R1 superbike. The street naked is powered by the same 155cc single-piston liquid-cooled motor with VAA technology that does duty in the R15 V3.0. The motor is tuned to produce 19bhp of max power and 14.7Nm of peak torque. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed unit. For cycle parts, the MT-15 comes equipped with telescopic forks up front and a monoshock at the rear mounted on to a box-type swingarm. For braking, the motorcycle employs disc brakes at both ends but with only single-channel ABS for the front. Available with it chose of two colours, Metallic Black and Dark Matt Blue, the MT-15 faces direct competition from the KTM 125 Duke in India
The Fascino is Yamahas lifestyle scooter in the Indian market. The scooter sports a neo-retro design language with its main target buyers being the urban youth. The Fascino gets a distinctive appearance due to its curvy styling which flows right from its front fender to the tail lamp. It also sports bits of chrome on the bodywork and mirrors to accentuate its retro characteristics. The scooter features a large 21-litre underseat storage capacity which is good enough to accommodate a full-face helmet. Apart from that, the Fascino also gets a cubbyhole in the front apron that is capable of holding a mobile phone and a hook under the front end of the seat. It is powered by an 113cc air-cooled single-cylinder Blue Core engine that produces 7bhp at 7,500rpm and 8.1Nm of torque at 5,000rpm. This unit is mated to a continuous variable transmission (CVT). The scooter rides on 10-inch wheels with 90/100 section tyres on both ends. Conventional telescopic forks at the front and a link-type suspension at the rear take care of suspension duties. The Fascino gets 130mm drum brakes for both ends. While the company doesnt offer a disc brake for the front even as an option, it does come equipped with Yamahas Unified Braking System. The scooter weighs 103kgs and gets a 5.2-litre fuel tank capacity. The Fascino is available in seven colours- Sassy cyan, Dazzling grey, Beaming blue, Dapper blue, Glamorous gold, Season green and Darknight. It competes against the Honda Activa-i, Honda Dio, Hero Maestro Edge and TVS Jupiter
Yamaha launched the YZF-R15 S for the Indian market based on the customer feedback. The Japanese manufacturer claims that there were many consumers who wanted to buy R15 version 2.0, but were put off because of the uncomfortable rear seat. The single-piece seat on the R15 S is more comfortable for the pillion rider than the raised step seat on the standard bike. Mechanically, there are no changes in the R15 S. The bike continues to be powered by the same 150cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. This mill produces 16bhp at 8500rpm and peak torque of 15Nm at 7500rpm and is mated to a six-speed gearbox
