TVS Apache RTR FI video

The above is a video link of the TVS press launch of the models.
And here are three screen shots of one of the new bikes ( fuel injected RTR / FLAME)

Triumph Hurricane 1300 ? 320 km/h ? Read on!

The time of the ground-to-ground missiles has perhaps returned. Undoubtedly, urged on by the Japanese and transalpine supersonics (Kawasaki ZZR 1400 and GTR 1400, MV Agusta F4 1000 312 R and Suzuki GSX 1300 R Hayabusa), the brits from Triumph are working on project Hurricane 1300 (what a cheesy name!!). 
According to sources, this project had been initiated long back but was put to sleep to take on other projects including Rocket 3, Speed Triple, Tiger 1050 and Street Triple, but no ones complaining as these products have only made Triumph richer. But, Triumph is
back to working on the 1300 Hurricane (actually sporting a 1275cc engine with around 200 horses!) to make it compete with the ZZR 1400 / new Busa, and nudge the 200mph / km/h mark.

The above picture is obviously  a photoshop work but sources believe this is how the bike will 
look.
Also, heres another picture of the project bike...

Fuel Injected ( FI) TVS Apache RTR is here!

TVS Motors, the country's third largest two-wheeler manufacturer will be coming out very shortly with the TVS Apache FI, yes, fuel injected Apache RTR. This is apart from other new models like the completely new 125 cc motorcycle FLAME, an all new 110 cc StaR City an electric variant of the Scooty.

They also have come out with petrol, CNG and LPG versions of a three-wheeler passenger vehicle that will compete with the Bajaj group, the only player in that segment.

The new three-wheller


According to Venu Sirnivasan, chairman and managing director of TVS, 'This is the first step to make the announcement of TVS as a young Indian multinational company. We have done significant amount of hard work in the last three years and now 2007 will mark the emergence of new TVS'.

The new models will hit the road by November.

The new electric Scooty Teenz has been built on the same platform as the earlier two-stroke version of the scooterette. The EV will sport imported electric motor and is expected to reach a top speed of 40 kph and would be capable of a maximum range of 50 km per charge. The scooterette will come in three motor power variants.

TVS have really taken the market by storm, first the RTR, now its FI version and not to forget the 125cc FLAME which has a  CCVTi (controlled combustion variable timing intelligent) engine. The engine has been developed in collaboration of AVL of Austria and TVS expects to manufacture about 35,000 units a year

The Star city has been given a new paint scheme, while the Flame has a headlight resembling
 the current crop of 100-110cc bikes, especially the Yamaha Alba

Coming back to the RTR, the bike already smokes the 150cc segment easily (Apache RTR Blog) and fuel injection will make it perform even better, including, most probably better fuel economy too! The upgraded bike, with electronic fuel injection, in the new variant has enabled TVS to boost peak power of this recently launched bike. While pricing has not been announced, this variant is expected to be about Rs 5,000 more compared with the non-FI model.
On the looks front, there is a new paint scheme and two tone paint job, which makes the bike
 look even better Great going TVS...

Buell 1125R road test , first ride and video links

Links to ride reports on the 1125R

Motorcycle Daily

Motorcycist Online

AMADIRECTLINK

Cycle World

Motorcycle.com



Heres are some Video links of the Buell 1125R














The Buell 1125R:
The Buell Motorcycle Company is set to break the convention of the superbike category with the Buell 1125R. Rooted in the core design principles and character that have defined Buell motorcycles for 25 years, the 1125R offers power, handling and agility. The Buell 1125R joins the XB as a distinct Buell motorcycle platform. The Buell 1125R will be in showrooms soon, for sale at US $11,995.

The engine:


The Buell 1125R Helicon engine is a new 1125cc DOHC V-Twin, the first liquid-cooled engine to power a street-legal Buell motorcycle. This compact, 72-degree engine is the result of a collaboration between Buell and BRP-Rotax, a leader in the development and manufacture of advanced engines for recreational products whose engines are already widely used by companies such as BMW and Aprilia. The Helicon engine was designed to Buell specifications and is exclusive to Buell. It will be manufactured in Austria by BRP-Rotax. The most-powerful street-legal engine ever offered by Buell, the Helicon engine is rated at 146 crankshaft horsepower, and is designed to deliver optimised usable power, with a broad powerband across its 10,500 rpm range. Its V-Twin design retains the styling and character that has always defined the Buell riding experience.


Official Buell press release
EAST TROY, Wis. (July 8, 2007) – The Buell Motorcycle Company is set to break the convention of the superbike category with the Buell 1125R, an all-new, liter-class motorcycle that delivers an artful balance of street and track performance. Rooted in the core design principles and character that have defined Buell motorcycles for 25 years, the 1125R offers power, handling and agility that will take its owner to a new level of riding experience. The Buell 1125R joins the XB and Blast as a third and distinct Buell motorcycle platform. The Buell 1125R is expected to arrive in Buell dealerships in late 2007.

"We designed the 1125R from the rider down," said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. "The 1125R takes Buell to a new level of performance, while continuing to embrace the fundamental Buell principals of motorcycle design and offering a great motorcycle riding experience."

The Buell 1125R riding experience derives not just from its power, but from a carefully considered combination of engine performance, precise-and-agile handling, advanced aerodynamics, and superior rider environment and control, all packaged with distinctive styling that leaves many of the motorcycle's mechanical components exposed.

New V-Twin Muscle
The Buell 1125R Helicon engine is a new 1125cc DOHC V-Twin, the first liquid-cooled engine to power a street-legal Buell motorcycle. This compact, 72-degree engine is the result of a collaboration between Buell and BRP-Rotax, a leader in the development and manufacture of advanced engines for recreational products. The Helicon engine was designed to Buell specifications and is exclusive to Buell. It will be manufactured in Austria by BRP-Rotax. The most-powerful street-legal engine ever offered by Buell, the Helicon engine is rated at 146 crankshaft horsepower, and is designed to deliver optimized usable power, with a broad powerband across its 10500 rpm range. Its V-Twin design retains the styling and character that has always defined the Buell riding experience.

The engine is cradled in a new Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC) with massive, rigid aluminum spars that double as the fuel reservoir. The new 1125R sticks to the three tenants of the Buell Trilogy of Technology – chassis rigidity, low unsprung weight and mass centralization – to deliver race-inspired agility and handling. The all-new front fairing and radiator cowling was developed using the latest computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to provide superior aerodynamics, rider comfort, and efficient air flow to longitudinal radiators and a ram-air intake system.

The front wheel is supported by 47 mm inverted forks. A new Buell ZTL2 front brake features an eight-piston caliper based on the brake developed for the Buell XBRR racing motorcycle. A smooth-shifting six-speed transmission is mated to a new HVA (Hydraulic Vacuum Assist) Slipper Action clutch that uses engine vacuum to boost clutch-lever action and to provide a "slipper" effect when the engine is down-shifted at speed. A new underslung muffler has dual brushed stainless steel outlets.

The Buell 1125R offers an athletic riding position. Quiet Zone aerodynamics are achieved by managing air flow around the rider for enhanced performance and comfort. The toe levers on both the brake and shift foot controls are adjustable to match rider foot size. The instrument cluster features a large analog tachometer and a digital speedometer, plus an Onboard Diagnostic Information System (O.D.I.S.) screen and other interactive features. The fairing shape is inspired by the Buell XBRR and features six-bulb headlamps. LED turn signals are integrated into the mirror housings.

The Buell 1125R is available with Midnight Black bodywork, Diamond Blue wheels, Diamond Blue frame and swingarm, and Fusion Bronze engine trim.

Brutality of Bihar cops / mob once again

Yes, I dont generally post such things here but this episode of mob brutality and Bihar (Bihar is a state in India known for all this) police's act of wrong usage of power and brutality against  Mohammad Aurangzeb alias Saleem of Nathnagar town, Bhagalpur district, about 150 km from the state capital Patna.

The gruesome videos are already doing the rounds of Internet. 
For all you readers (from outside) this will be shocking to say the least but then this is the reality, and does happen in many parts of India. Its a shame!









You can also read more here :
Yahoo News

Rediff news

Indianmuslims.info

2008 / 2009 Yamaha V-max launch updates

LATEST UPDATE - CLICK HERE



Why 2008 / 2009 in post headline? Well, here is what Yamaha sent to its dealers in the US :

Dear Yamaha Motorcycle Dealer,

At both last year’s Dealer Meeting in Las Vegas and select Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows, a Star Motorcycles V-Max Concept model was shown to gauge consumer response and acceptance. We are pleased to inform you that further development of this concept model will continue from our factory during the year ahead and be assured that we will do our best to keep you informed of its progress during this time.

Thank you and best wishes for continued success,

Bob Starr

General Manager, National Communications Motorsports Group Company

One thing is for sure that the new V-max is for real. But sadly, it looks like we will have to wait till 2009 to see the new V-max in showrooms, up for grabs!

2008 Kawasaki Z1400 spy pics : SCOOP!

We had told you about the 2008 Kawasaki Z1400 here Z1400 sketches some time back.
The pictures are out now and this is how the beast will look like!

The new Z1400 follows in the same foot-steps as the current breed of Z series from Kawasaki. The front cowling however has an all new design, plus the aerodynamical front mudguard is taken over from its faster and faired donor. A new 4-2-4 exhaust makes it stand out from the other Z's. To Z or not to Z will be a valid question in 2008.



Source: Raptorsandrockets!

The Indian quater-litre segment in 2008

Come 2008, and this is how the Quater-litre class will look like in India.

1. Hero Honda Karizma



The bike that started it all way back in June 2003. It went a cosmetic makeover a couple of months back. Priced at Rs 82,280 (Pune), the sales are still going strong.

Heres a look at the specifications:

Engine: Air Cooled, Single Cylider, four stroke, OHC
Capacity: 223cc
Max Power : 16.8bhp/17ps @ 7000rpm
Max Torque: 18.35Nm @ 6000rpm
Power to weight ratio: 112bhp / tonne
Carb/FI : Carb
Gearbox: 5 Speed
Brakes (Fr) : 276mm dia single disc
Brakes (Rr) : 130mm drum 
Suspension (Fr) : Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers
Suspension (Rr) : Swing arm, 5 step adjustable
Tyres (Fr) : 2.75 * 18 (alloys)
Tyres (Rr) : 100/90 * 18 (alloys)
Fuel capacity: 15 L
Length: 2125mm
Height:1160mm
Width: 755mm
Wheelbase: 1355mm
Saddle height: 795mm
Kerb Weight: 150kg


2. Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSFi



No doubt, one of the most over-hyped bikes in the Indian two-wheeler history. But Bajaj is still not offering the bike all over India, neither is it meeting the demands of the customers, what with waiting period running into months! The bike sells for Rs 86,615 (Pune)

Here is a look at the specifications then..

Engine: Air Cooled, Single Cylider, four stroke, SOHC
Capacity: 220cc
Max Power : 19.8bhp /20.06ps @ 8500rpm
Max Torque: 19.12Nm @ 6500rpm
Power to weight ratio: 132bhp / tonne
Carb/FI : FI
Gearbox: 5 Speed
Brakes (Fr) : 260mm dia single disc
Brakes (Rr) : 230mm dia single disc 
Suspension (Fr) : Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers (130mm)
Suspension (Rr) : Swing arm, 5 step adjustable
Tyres (Fr) : 90/90 * 17 (Tubeless on alloys)
Tyres (Rr) : 120/80 * 17 (Tubeless on alloys)
Fuel capacity: 15 L
Length: 2035mm
Height:1140mm
Width: 750mm
Wheelbase: 1350mm
Saddle height: 795mm
Kerb Weight: 150kg


3. Yamaha YBR 250 / Fazer 250




Everyone has seen the bike at the Auto Expo 2006 in New Delhi and everyone is waiting for it too. The bike sells for roughly double the cost of the YBR 125, which is very much like the Gladiator 125 sold in India. Hence, if Yamaha does manufacture the bike locally in India, it will cost around Rs 1,00,000. Yes, it is a little more than the Karizma and Pulsar 220, but then the bike is a proper 250cc machine. And for a lot of buyers, the tuning fork logo matters a lot.

Onto the specifications then:

Engine: Air Cooled, Single Cylider, four stroke
Capacity: 249cc
Max Power : 20.6bhp /20.9ps @ 7500rpm
Max Torque: 20.5Nm @ 6500rpm
Power to weight ratio: 135.5bhp / tonne
Carb/FI : FI
Gearbox: 5 Speed
Brakes (Fr) : 282mm dia single disc
Brakes (Rr) : 130mm dia drum
Suspension (Fr) : Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers (115mm)
Suspension (Rr) : Mono-shock, 120mm travel
Tyres (Fr) : 100/80 * 17 (Tubeless on alloys)
Tyres (Rr) : 130/70 * 17 (Tubeless on alloys)
Fuel capacity: 19.2 L
Length: 2025mm
Height:1065mm
Width: 745mm
Wheelbase: 1360mm
Saddle height: 805mm
Kerb Weight: 152kg

4. Honda CBX Twister 250 / CBF 250



Last but not the least, sources from the industry are also hinting at the high possibility of Honda coming in with their naked quater litre bike, the CBF 250, also known as the CBX 250 Twister in Brazil. The expected price will be in the Fazer 250's category, ie, around Rs 1,00,000

Onto the specifications then:

Engine: Single Cylinder - Air-cooled 4-stroke 4-valve DOHC
Capacity: 249cc
Max Power : 20bhp /20.2ps @ 8000rpm
Max Torque: 22Nm @ 6000rpm
Power to weight ratio: 131.5bhp / tonne
Carb/FI : Carb
Gearbox: 6 Speed
Brakes (Fr) : 276mm dia single disc
Brakes (Rr) : 130mm dia drum
Suspension (Fr) : Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers (130mm)
Suspension (Rr) : Mono-shock, 100mm travel
Tyres (Fr) : 100/80 * 17 (Tubeless on alloys)
Tyres (Rr) : 130/70 * 17 (Tubeless on alloys)
Fuel capacity: 16 L
Length: 2030mm
Height:1050mm
Width: 745mm
Wheelbase: 1370mm
Saddle height: 780mm
Kerb Weight: 152kg

While the Honda and Yamaha 250s have a higher power to weight ratio than the Hero Honda and Bajaj machines, the Indian machines have an advantage when it comes to pricing. But then, as I wrote earlier, there are bikers out there who will be willing to pay extra for that tuning fork logo on the tank, and for owning a Honda machine. Whatever, one can safely expect these bikes to compete with each other next year. Yes, we have waiting for a long long time, and it all seems worth it!

Yamaha RZ50

While generally surfing through Yamaha's Japan website, I came across this little screamer, the RZ 50!

2-strokes are still being produced in certain parts of the world, and was I delighted when I this, oh yeah, I was!
The 50cc engine pumps out no less than 7.1 bhp of power, and going by the light weight of the bike, it should easily smoke the 125cc 4stroke bikes in India!
The bike sells for 284550 Japanese yen, which equates to 1,00,000 Indian rupees or US $ 2456. 

Factory Customs: Indian two-wheeler industry scene

The TVS Apache RTR and the new Honda Unicorn Moto GP edition, two motorcycles battling it out in the 150cc segment to grab today next gen youth as the consumer. Same goes for the revised Hero Honda Karizma, with great sticker job and the little engine fairing/guard making it look awesome in certain color combinations. Things have been moving at a very rapid pace in the motorcycling segment now : the competition is heating up, which only means better looking bikes for the consumer. All the three bikes in picture above have been doing good, and going by their success, it seems we might have more options to choose from. At this particular, point I would like to discuss about a very prospective bike for India, which looks hot and runs quite well too, the Honda CBR 125R.


It is offered in the usual fare of colors plus the Repsol paint scheme option is also available. The bike looks like a scaled down big Fireblade, the seating stance is sporty, comes with a host of goodies like front and rear disc brakes, alloy wheels, a 6 speed 'box, and advanced technology like Fuel Injection too. A little known fact is that the headlights are a direct carry over from the CBR 1000RR Fireblade!

The 125cc FI engine pumps out 13 bhp and 10.6 Nm of torque. The light weight of the bike gives it a power to weight ratio of 102 bhp per tonne, which equals the likes of the Pulsar 150 and CBZ Extreme. Reports on the internet show that the bike is good for a true speed of 115km/h, again bang in the middle of the 150cc class.

The CBR 125R has great looks, and decent performance to keep up with the 150cc class, but advanced technology features like FI and goodies like headlights from the Fireblade, rear disc and the likes make it an attractive buy.

What about the pricing then? Honda sells the naked commuter CG 125 for £1999 in UK. The Shine 125, sold in India, with alloys and fairing sells for Rs53,000 and so its safe to estimate that a CG125 look alike would sell for around Rs51,000 in India. The CBR 125R is priced 35% more at £2699. Simple calculations show that if Honda were to manufacture the little CBR in India, they would sell it for Rs68,000 on the road, a super price considering what all it comes with. The Hero Honda Glamour FI sells for Rs62,500, and who wouldn't mind spending another 5,500 bucks to own and ride a real CBR? Makes sense then?

PS: 40 Indian Rs = 1 US $
82 Indian Rs = 1 UK £

2007 Kymco KR Sport

Companies from South East Asia never fail to impress me. From Hyundai in the four-wheeler industry to Hysoung when it comes to motorcycles. And now Kymco. We all know they make good lil scooters, which actually sell well in countries like Italy and this new 125cc bike, the KR Sports, is all set to change the way people look at Kymco.

First impression when you see the bike is as if its a modified CBR 125R. Koreans were known to copy automobiles well and now Taiwanese have done it too. In fact, Kymco have made the KR look better than the CBR, and I personally think this has been possible with the use of wider tyres (110mm front and 140mm at the rear) and a wider looking fairing up front.

Engine and performance wise though, the KR is nowhere near the CBR. The 125cc runs a carb instead of Fuel Injection on the CBR, and pumps out 12.8 Bhp and 9.9 Nm of torque as compared to 13bhp and 10.6 Nm for the CBR 125R. The difference isnt huge but when you consider that the KR weighs around 15kilos more, runs 110mm front and 140mm rear tyre, the performance surely takes a hit. The true top speed for example is 104km/h , around 10km/h less than what the CBR manages. But what is interesting is that the company claims that top speed is limited to 104 by the rev-limiter. Now, why such a thing?

Anyways, pricing has always been the Korens trump card, with the KR retailing for £300 less than the CBR 125R at £2399.

More information at KYMCO KR SPORTS

Christini's AWD motorcycle

Its true that 4*4 cars/jeeps have an edge when it comes to hardcore offroading and dirt bike racing is still predominantly fought out on single-wheel-drive vehicles that spin up, fishtail and slide wildly across rough terrain. But now the All Wheel Drive (AWD) revolution is coming to the motorcycle world too with Yamaha and KTM having done significant work with hydraulic front-wheel-drive systems, and when new ideas like this successful all-mechanical AWD kit from Christini hit the mainstream, dirt bike riding will never be the same again.

While the hydraulic system on the Yamaha received high praise for its handling, climbing and traction advantages, it sapped significant power from the rest of the bike, leading to lukewarm reviews. And here is where Market minnow Christini comes in : a new system that suffers virtually none of the power loss of the Yamaha and KTM’s hydraulic systems. Using a set of gears and drive shafts mounted through the frame, triple clamps and forks, Christini claims they have developed a system that saps less than a tenth of one horsepower from the engine as it works.

Christini's patented mechanical All Wheel Drive system delivers power from the motorcycle transmission to the front wheel through a series of chains and shafts. There is no energy-robbing hydraulics involved.  The lightweight all-mechanical system works similar to that of AWD systems found on four wheeled vehicles. The AWD system (powering the front wheel) is driven at a slightly lower rate than the rear wheel (approximately 80%). Under optimum traction conditions, the rear wheel is actually driving faster than the front AWD system. One-way clutches within the front hub allow the front wheel to freewheel under these conditions. At this point, the AWD system is effectively passive. Though the front AWD system is turning, it is not actually transferring power to the front wheel. When the rear wheel loses traction, the drive ratio, relative to your forward speed, changes. The AWD system engages, transferring power to the front wheel until traction is reestablished at the rear wheel.

The way the front system works is like pedaling a bicycle down hill. You are pedaling, but because of gravity (acting like the rear drive) the bike is traveling faster than you are delivering power. When you get to the bottom of the hill and slow down (similar to what happens when the rear wheel spins), you will begin to power the bike again.

An added benefit of AWD is that the front wheel does not want to wash out. When a front end tucks, the wheel stalls, stops turning, and begins to push. With the AWD system, as soon as the wheel begins to stall, power is delivered to the front wheel, forcing it to turn. With the front wheel under power, it is nearly impossible to wash out the front end.

Here are pictures which will help you understand the system better


Power runs via chain from the secondary countershaft sprocket up to a gearbox located on the frame.



Power is converted to a drive shaft running under the tank to the modified steering head


Counter rotating bevel gears located within the head tube transfer power to the lower triple clamp.


The lower triple clamp contains a small chain and sprocket system that drives two counter-rotating drive shafts.



The specially coated drive shafts are telescopic and incorporate linear ball spline bearings. They are counter rotating to eliminate torque effect. They run the length of the fork to the front hub.




The Christini AWD front hub is equipped with one-way clutches allowing the wheel to transfer power when needed, and freewheel when not in use.

Triumph offers accessories for Speed Triple 675

Those looking at owning the 2008 Triumph Speed Triple 675 now have a host of accessories to choose from.
Triumph has just unveiled after-market options for the bike. Here are a few pictures of the same :

Yoshimura cans now available for 1098S, GSXR-1000, 2008 B-King, 2008 Hayabusa etc

Yoshimura cans are now available for a huge range of superbikes as well as ATVs ( LT-Z90 , DS450 etc)

2007 Suzuki GSXR 1000:



The options include Single Side Full Systems, Single Side Slip-On Systems and Dual Slip-On Systems. For more information, see Yoshimura for 2007 GSXR 1000

Yoshi systems are also available for other bikes including the B-king, Ducati 1098S, Suzuki GS500F series etc.

Last but not the least, the 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa :



No doubt, the king is back and Yoshimura have their systems ready for this monster too. 



More details at Yoshimura for 2008 Hayabusa.

Kawasaki Versys is now available in USA

The popular Versys, which won the hearts of many a motorcycle journalists around the world is now available in the states for sale as a MSRP of $6899.

The bike was launched by Kawasaki last year for sale in Europe & Canada and ever since bikers in America wanted one too.

The price of $6899 is very compititive when compared to bikes in its class. The Yamaha FZ6 for instance sells for $6849, but Canadian and Europian motorcyclists already swear by the verstality of the Versys.

The liquid cooled FI engine is good for pushing the bike to 120mph/192kmh and return an economy of close to 20km/litre or 200-220miles from its 19litre tank.

For more info on the bike, see
Via Michelin

Cycle World

Inter-Bike

Motorcycle.com

AMADIRECTLINK

SPOTTED: A 250/400cc bike under test

A 400/600cc bike was seen under test, heavily camouflaged, near Bangalore yesterday

TVS have their manufacturing plant in Hosur near Bangalore (hint hint..). I m trying to get more information, including pictures of the same. According to the source, who was travelling in a Honda City, the bike was heavily camouflaged using some kind of cloth material. Now, I had seen the Karizma camouflaged the same way back in 2003 before its launch and this is also the policy followed by other manufacturers around the world for hiding the bike from spying eyes. The bike looked quite big, on the lines of the Pulsar 220 but wasnt fully faired. This may hint at a naked bike coming our way. The bike sported black alloys and tyres wider than say the Pulsar 200 / Pulsar 220. 

What ever the case, things are surely running hot in the Indian two-wheeler market.

Stay tuned for more

LML making a come back into the two-wheeler industry.

Tempted by the recent revival of the scooter segment in the country, the beleaguered Lohia Machines (LML) has re-entered the domestic market after 14 months with its Vespa brand of geared scooters. The Kanpur-based manufacturer launched its 150cc Vespa brands -- NV SPL and Select II - with an on-road price of Rs 35,000 in New Delhi this week, traditionally its biggest market. The company used to sell around 1,000 units a month in the Capital before it went out of production in February 2006.

LML has started operations with two dealers in New Delhi and is targeting sales of 500 units in the next few months. The lone player in the geared scooter segment, LML is keen to grab its old market what with scooter sales showing positive growth in the past few months.

Scooter sales rose 17 per cent during April-July to 344,006 units. A senior LML executive said, "We have had a good response till now. There have been substantial queries at our two dealers for both the variants, and a few have translated into sales. We expect to hit the sales target (of 500 units) in the coming festive season.

The success of the scooter business would help us launch other products in future." LML resumed partial operations in April with the export of geared scooters to Egypt, West Asia and Africa, besides Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It exported 16,000 units till July-end and is targetting another 50,000 units during this fiscal. The success at the export front and the initial healthy response in the domestic market has encouraged the company to gradually enter the National Capital Region in the second phase next year.

LML had stopped production at its Kanpur plant in February last year due to financial problems. The plant has an installed capacity of 3 lakh scooters & 2.4 lakh motorcycles. The company is now registered with the Board for Industrial & Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) and has submitted a revival plan with a strategic investor and fresh capital investment.

"We are facing a severe financial crunch. The aim to export scooters and market them in the domestic market is to generate some working capital and tide over the financial crisis. Fruitful discussions with investors are on and some positive results are expected by early 2008," said a senior LML executive.

LML, which was once the fifth largest player in the motorcycle segment, does not plan to re-enter that lucrative and mass-volume market before its operations are revived entirely due to the massive investments required in the plant. It had five motorcycle models in the domestic market before February 2006.

Rough ride
LML had stopped production at its Kanpur plant in February 2006 due to financial problems. The company is registered with BIFR and has submitted a revival plan.
LML resumed partial operations in April 2007 with the export of geared scooters.
The lone player in the geared scooter segment, LML has started operations with two dealers in New Delhi.

Official Word from Honda on the Condition of Miguel Duhamel

Roadracer Miguel Duhamel, who suffered injuries during a practice session last week, is still banged up, but recovering fast. Here is an official press release from American Honda :

Torrance, CA: American Honda's Miguel Duhamel has been released from a Georgia hospital and is currently recuperating in Montreal after suffering injuries during a testing crash at Road Atlanta last week. Duhamel, who was third in points for the 2007 AMA Superbike championship at the time of his crash, suffered a broken rib, punctured right lung, collapsed left lung, a lacerated liver and sprains to both ankles and knees. He is currently getting around on crutches, and plans to see specialists and begin physical therapy as soon as possible.

"The impact was extremely hard," said Duhamel, who crashed into the turn 12 wall after losing the back end of his CBR1000RR Superbike. "I went into the wall feet first, then hit my side. I went through the first three rows of hay bales, and then hit the tire wall. I came to an abrupt halt. I thought for sure I broke my sternum because I couldn't breathe. I have one broken rib, but they all hurt. From where I crashed and hit the asphalt to the wall is a short distance - maybe 25 feet or so. From hitting the ground to hitting the wall seemed like it took barely a second. I saw the bike go into the wall and take out the air fence. I remember going through the hay bales, just blowing them up like they were mini shredded wheats. I don't think I had the benefit of hitting the air fence. Mat Mladin and Kevin Schwantz placed extra hay bales there earlier in the day, exactly where I hit, so a big thanks to those guys."

Duhamel will not be competing at the Virginia International Raceway national this month, and is taking his rehabilitation one day at a time. "I'm pretty fearless with broken bones," said Duhamel, "but internal injuries are another story."

"I want to take this time to thank everyone who has called, texted, faxed and visited me at the hospital," said Duhamel. "The support has been amazing. I'll be back out there as soon as humanly possible."

PIC: Performance Bikes

2008 Cagiva Mito 125

Last year Cagiva showed us the Mito 500 concept. Visually it just looks like the current Mito 125, but within was a 500cc single-cylinder engine developed by Husqvarna. The latest we hear is that the Mito 125 will get a new engine and fairing styled like Ducatis 999! That means that Cagiva must have done a deal with Ducati to be able to do that as the old 916 design was a Tamburini design whilst Cagiva owned Ducati, the 999 is a Terblanche design for the "new" Ducati. Cagiva will also launch an all new mid-sized (600-800cc) Hypermoto styled bike featuring a new V-twin engine.

SOURCE: www.raptorsandrockets.com

2008 KTM Supermono 690

There were speculations that the new KTM 690 could very well be a brand new supermono and the rumours are just getting stronger day by day. Raptorsandrocket.com say that it may get a full fairing in the style of the RC8 and it will be big news from Mattighofen if they chose to launch such a sportsbike based on the 690 single-cylinder from 690 SM.
Well, will KTM play it safe with the same engine or will they give it a re-work too? Stay tuned for more...

Japanese biker fails to notice 'missing' leg!

A Japanese biker failed to notice his leg had been severed below the knee when he hit a safety barrier, and rode on for 2 km (1.2 miles), leaving a friend to pick up the missing limb.

The 54-year-old office worker was out on his motorcycle with a group of friends in the city of Hamamatsu, west of Tokyo, on Monday, when he was unable to negotiate a curve in the road and bumped into the central barrier, the Mainichi Shimbun said.

He felt excruciating pain, but did not notice that his right leg was missing until he stopped at the next junction, the paper quoted local police as saying.

The man and his leg were taken to hospital, but the limb had been crushed in the collision, the paper said.

2008 MV Agusta , Brutale 1000

Sketches of the 2008 MV models are out:

2008 MV Agusta F4 600 SS supersport/R - - -MV Agusta have developed its own in-line four 600cc supersport
2008 F4 R312-1098 - - -new bodywork, new 1098cc in-line four engine-200bhp.
2008 F4 1000 - - -new bodywork, similar engine as now.



SOURCE : www.raptorsandrockets.com

2006 Honda CBR600RR Movistar pictures

These pictures were taken recently in Mumbai, India. Although the Honda CBR600RR Movistar came in 2006 and arrived in India months back, I took the pictures this week only...