Delhi to Marsimek La : DAY 6

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DAY6: LEH - MARSIMEK LA - LEH

The previous night, we all sat outside our hut gazing at the star lit sky. It was a spiritual experience : close to 2-3 degrees, songs playing on the phone, none of us spoke - just soaked ourself in this beautiful calm place.
I wanted to hit the road to Marsimek la - my reason for this trip. Only Ravi on the fuel injected Pulsar 220 agreed to come along. We decided to hit the road at 7am, while others would have breakfast and head back to leh by 10am or so.

I couldnt get up at 7am, instead Ravi and I left at around 8am for the road to Marsimek la. For this, we had to first hit the Army camp at Phobrang, a ride of around 15km on smooth tarmac roads.

The road to Marsimek la from the lake (taken while lookin back)


Phobrang is where things got difficult for us. As i had left before Ravi did, i stepped into the camp to get permission to ride ahead. The officers were just not willing to listen to my insane demands. Their own army trucks had difficulty going up plus the fact that the Tibet border was just miles away didnt make matters easier. Somehow, after half an hour, they gave us the nod!
We removed our entire luggage, reduced the tyre pressure and started the final 20km ride. This was what i had waited for the last 5 days.
The road, err, path initially wasnt difficult. Just a dirt path cut across the big mountain side. We kept the bikes at around the 30-35km/h mark. No soul in sight, just two mad bikers going upto Marsimek la!

This is how the path starts

Isolation at its best!


You start wishing for a vehicle at every curve.. but are disappointed

Soon, the path became worse and steep. The bikes were now running and in 1st and 2nd. Speeds dropped to 20km/h. I even gave a lift to a local gypsy guy who was searching for this herd of wild horses. We even saw wild Himalayan marmots. We had still not come across any other person or vehicle.

Soon, ahead of us lay numerous rocky paths. It seemed the army trucks had made their own road - shorter, though steeper. Their off-road tyres (and 4x4) meant they could do it. I however made a mistake of taking one of these shortcuts. Oh boy - it was tough. The bike at over 17000feet just wudnt climb such shortcuts. I had to literally paddle the bike up! Ravi in the meatime, with an advantage of the FI literally flew past me.

It took us a good 30min to ride the last 5-6km. Finally we could see the top. But it started becoming dark. it was hardly 12noon - but soon i could see tiny flakes running in air. it was snowing - at close to 18000feet. WTF!

Ravi's bike made it up - i could see him waiting at the top. Mine just kept dying. The engine felt breathless. I had to get off the bike, rev it, burn the clutch and push it up so many times. I couldnt breathe. the air was super thin. I gave up - sat next to my bike, touched it and begged - come on, just 500m more. Do it, for my sake. She responded - it was like man and machine working hard to make it upto the top. I was panting like a dog, pushing it up and the last few hundred meters. It was getting super cold as well. finally, we made it and i saw the sign - M MEKLA (Masimek la as we know of it).


I didnt know wat to do - i put the bike on the side stand, and fell to the ground. it was overwhelming. My breath fogged up the visor. Tears almost rolled down my eyes - i had made it. We had made it. to 18640 feet.
My watched showed 18460 but i didnt care. this was as high as it gets thru dirt / rocky steep paths. AMS started sinking in - my head was aching though snow flakes had disappeared.

At the top


Walking to the bike...


Thanking it...

And posin for Ravi's cam



Ravi and i hugged each other, took some snaps and started the ride back. one hour, 20km later we were at Phobrang.

The ride back

Finally got some company!



The Army guys were surprised to know our puny machines with road tyres made it up. They offered us hot tea which we just cudnt refused... It was close to 2pm and we still had to reach Leh. It was time to head back, speed up and catch up with the other guys... Day 6 had been etched deep inside my heart forever...

Suzuki Hayabusa and Intruder tested

Bike India January 2009 issue is loaded.
Read the first ever test of the Suzuki Hayabusa and Intruder in India. We also go one step ahead and ride Intruder and its international rivals right here in India. Plus, first ride of the Ducati 1198 and new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R .

On stands by saturday.
Also see Bike India's website HERE and be a part of the official Bike India orkut community HERE

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Triumph threemotard

Speculations - nothing is set in concrete just now, but someone has had the creativity to invent the traces of what an eventual Triumph Maxi Motard, the threemotard could look like.

The starting point of this rendering is the muscular Speed Triple with a new, convincing style. It is a slimmer bike both front and rear, and with the virtual absence of a headlight to show off its pure sports style. The bike is characterized mostly by a full tank and almost Dragster look.

After the KTM Supermoto, BMW Megamoto and Ducati Hypermotard, this could be the UK’s representative in this segment - an attractive idea which we think will tickle the fantasy of Triumph fans.

We found this on Italian Triumph website triumphchepassione.com. The threemotard is based around the company's Speed Triple street bike.

Source: twowheelsblog.com and blogtriumphchepassione.com

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Riding to 18640 feet!

More on the Kymco Quannon 150

Guido of dealernewsblog rode the Kymco Quannon 150 recently. This is what he had to say

KYMCO’s recently released Quannon 150 sportbike (MSRP $3,449) is destined for U.S. dealerships during the second quarter of 2009 as an early-release 2010 model.

The bike, released for Euro markets last year, is powered by a 149.3cc air-cooled four-stroke four-valve kymco_quannon150 engine producing 14 hp. Physically, it’s not much smaller than Kawi’s Ninja 250R. People will recognize it as being more diminutive than a 600-class machine, but not by much.

I had the chance to road test the Quannon earlier this year. I stand 5′9″ and found the ergonomics quite hospitable. At a standstill I was comfortably flat-footed with bent knees. Once underway, the clip-on-like handlebars and slightly rear-set foot pegs supplied equal comfort with a sporty feel.

The bike has an extremely short first gear (something I also noticed during a recent test of the India-made 160cc TVS Apache RTR) but a quick shift out and through the next four gears supplied more than enough forward thrust to propel me confidently down the 55 mph county roads on which I was riding.

Twisting the throttle to stop, the speedometer showed a top speed of 68 mph in normal riding position; in full tuck I saw an indicated 72 mph.

I’m confident this little runabout could be a big hit with consumers looking for a simple yet flashy intra-city commuter. And, aside from the forthcoming TVS and some untested New Asian units, KYMCO will pretty much have the market cornered.

I often hear from old timers who say “It’s a lot more fun to travel quickly on a slow bike than slow on a fast bike.” I couldn’t agree more.

SOURCE: dealernewsblog

SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Type…149.3cc air-cooled four-stroke four-valve
Bore/Stroke…..62×49.5
Ignition….Electric
Gearbox…5 Speed
Chassis…Steel
Front Suspension…Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension…Mono shock
Front Brake…Single disc
Rear Brake…Single disc
Front Wheel/Tire…110/80-17
Rear Wheel/Tire…140/70-17
Dimensions (LxWxH) …81”x28.5”x46.2”
Seat Height…31.5 in.
Wheelbase……53.3 in.
Fuel Capacity…3.6 gals.
Estimated MPG…70-75 MPG
Weight…299 lbs.
Available Colors…Blue/Graphite or Red/Graphite
Warranty…Two Years



Here is a video of how the Kymco Quannon 150 looks like


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Kymco 2010 Yager 200i

The guys at MotorcycleDaily also got to ride Kymco's scooter for the US market. Here is what Gabe Ets-Hokin wrote

I also rode the scooter Kymco introduced, the 2010 Yager 200i. It mixes ultra-modern styling with a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 175cc Single, dual disc brakes and a 3-gallon gas tank. I got to ride it from Kymco USA's headquarters in Spartanburg, SC to run an errand about 15 miles away, all on a fast-moving interstate. The Yager 800i was more than up to the task; it got up to almost 75 mph indicated, and would actually hit the rev limiter on downhill sections (Kymco told me they would adjust the gearing). Despite the smaller wheels (13-inch in front and a 12-inch in back), it was very stable at high speeds, but steered like a scooter: fast. I was pretty impressed with it, and for $3499, I think it's a bargain.

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Kymco Quannon 150 for US market

Kymco Quannon 150 for US market

We told you about the Kymco KR 125 way back in August 2007 (click HERE and HERE)

The same Korean company is now heading to USA. They recently showcased their 150cc bike, the Quannon 150. Powered by a 14bhp engine, the guys at MotorcycleDaily seemed quite impressed.

Kymco Motors, known for their comprehensive lineup of scooters, introduced their second motorcycle to the USA market at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show on December 5th. The Quannon 150 is an aggressively styled sportbike with a four-valve, 149cc Single producing a claimed 14 hp. It weighs in at a claimed 299 pounds.

I had a chance to briefly ride this bike this spring, and I was impressed, if not blown away. It's a roomy and comfortable bike that's very easy to ride, with a low seat (it measures 31.5 inches but feels lower because it's so narrow) and very light feel. I rode the 125cc version-a popular size for licensing reasons in other markets-and it felt slow, about the same as a 50cc two-stroke sportbike like the Aprilia RS50 or Derbi GPR50. But I could wind it out to about 60 mph (indicated), which means it's more than adequate for around-town riding. Brakes and suspension were up to the task as well, and if you expect responsive steering from a lightweight bike with a 53.3-inch wheelbase, you won't be disappointed. With all the basic hardware (disc brakes, 17-inch wheels, four-valve motor and sturdy frame) standard, it could become a big deal in mini roadracing. It's listed as a 2010 model and there's still no word on when it will be available, but MSRP is set at $3449. Too bad it didn't get a liquid-cooled 250 motor (or even a liquid-cooled 175; see below) - then it would give Kawasaki's best-selling Ninja 250R something to fear

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ALSO READ
Kymco Quannon 150 - HERE and HERE

Delhi to Marsimek la : Day 5

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Most riders plan a trip to Leh without including the beautiful Eastern Ladakh. I was glad we did.
Before leaving our hotel, I took some snaps of this lovely place


Chanderjeet had brought books and stationary to be distributed to school kids. So before leaving for Eastern Ladakh, we visited a near by government school.



We had to back-track to Karu, from where we left the Leh-Manali highway and took a left towards Chang-La pass.

The roads were fairly good, with the last few km being quite steep. Finally, reached Chang la pass which is the third highest mountain pass in the world.

My watch showed the elevation to be 17800 feet. Read more about my watch HERE

We carried on towards our night stop, the Pangong Tso lake. Roads were still quite good. Infact, there was hardly any traffic around. We came across this small pond next to the road and decided to stop for a while...

Carrying on, we were eagerly wanting to take a stop for lunch. Finally found this lovely place next to a small stream.


We were aware of a stream notorious for overflowing. The ascent after it was quite bad too. Pushing the bike up at such elevations took our breath away. No doubt, it was difficult to handle a fully loaded bike on such a path



Finally, we reached the Pangong Tso lake - a paradise. One of the biggest fresh water lakes in the world stretching for hundred of kilometers. 1/3rd of this lake is in India, the rest in Tibet. We rode all the way to the point till where our permits allowed. This 20km was a nightmare!



Finally, we came back to the starting of the lake where we took a small hut next to a dhaba for or night stay. Six mattresses with blankets for Rs 600. A view of the lake was free!!





The next day would be by far the best riding day of my life. All the way upto 18640 feet. Log coming up......

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2009 KTM RC8 ridden

The good guys at motorcycle-usa rode the latest 2009 KTM RC8

The superbike world keeps getting bigger, as European marques move in on the Japanese market. KTM, Europe’s second-largest manufacturer, has literally made its superbike bigger with the release of a higher-spec version of the RC8 at the EICMA 2008 Milan Bike Show.

The new RC8R, the second version of KTM’s inaugural superbike, ramps up the performance factor with a larger engine. Increasing the bore from 103 to 105mm (same 69mm stroke) bumped up displacement for the 75-degree V-Twin from 1148 to 1195cc. The compression ratio also spiked, jumping from 12.5:1 to 13.5:1.

To read the whole article, jump to the motorcycle-usa article HERE

IN THE MEANTIME READ THESE...
HONDA AND YAMAHA TO SELL ELECTRIC BIKES BY 2010
STUNTING ON THE INDIAN 180CC BIKE
THE YAMAHA YZF-R15 GOES TOURING

2009 Suzuki Boulevard M90 (Intruder)

Middleweight?

That's the question I had in my mind at the press introduction for the new Boulevard M90 that Suzuki calls a middleweight performance cruiser. With a 90 cubic-inch (1462cc) V-Twin and 723 pounds of claimed wet weight, it's hard to accept as a "middleweight" anything. But Suzuki (and its customers, speaking through focus groups) needed something in a muscle cruiser (hence the "M" moniker) to fit between the 805cc M50 and 1783cc M109R.

The M90's 52-degree motor has the same 96mm by 101mm bore-and-stroke figures as the classic-styled C90 model, but it's actually a whole new design. The engine's designer, Kenta Suzuki (no relation) usually works on sportbikes, and his stamp is evident with liquid cooling, four-valve heads, forged aluminum slipper pistons and other high-performance traits. Heavy flywheels, offset crankpins and torque-heavy low-end tuning make sure the rider knows he's on a cruiser.

The chassis is similarly unique. The bodywork is smooth and flowing, with a strong family resemblance to its M109R big brother. Like the 109, it also gets a fat back end, terminating in a widest-in-class 200mm rear radial. The front end gets dual 290mm brake discs, paired with two-piston sliding-pin calipers. The 43mm inverted fork is a cartridge unit (albeit non-adjustable), and the concealed rear shock works through a linkage. Like every Boulevard model (except the old Savage, aka the S40) the M90 gets the shaft, literally, at least in terms of final drive.

READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE AT HERE

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Harley Davidson XR1200 launched in US

According to a dealer announcement, the Harley Davidson XR1200 will be released in the U.S. at the IMS show in Long Beach, California December 5th. Scott Parker and Kenny Coolbeth will be on hand for autographs and introduction. Looks like a total of 750 will be available.

XR1200 - DOM 1LA619 $11,079
Vivid Black $10,799

XR1200 - CAL 1LA639 $11,179
Vivid Black $10,899

Pre-orders can be placed for the first 750 models between 21 Nov 08 until 15 Dec 08 or when the first 750 models released have been claimed.

I guess Harley was listening after all. If you want one, it’s time to get to your Harley dealer with your checkbook.

Thanks to Chris for sending the first tip!

From: Badweatherbikers and thekneeslider

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Delhi to Marsimek La : Day 4

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Day 4 : Leh - Khardungla - Leh

We had pushed ourselves in the last three days and deserved a break today. The plan was to ride to Ktop and back, relaxing and enjoying Leh in the evening. I had already spoken to 4-season holidays for the permits in advance.

After a wholesome tasty breakfast at the hotel, we left for Ktop by around 9:30am. We had to take the road from the main bazaar area. Surprisingly, such an important road start from a small bylane, going thru some houses, and then widening up as the inclination started. We were soon above the city, and had a fantastic view of the snow peaks for almost the whole way


The roads were quite good. Infact, i think Ktop is overrated. It may be the highest motorable road in the world, but after doing the Manali-Leh route, Ktop seems as a piece of cake!

An army convoy going to Ktop



We slowed down as the convoy had stopped. There was a small jam, but we all managed to find our way...to Ktop!


I have read other people's account of GPS readings showing less than what the welcome board claims. Even my watch showed only 17820 feet


We spent around an hour there. Purchased t-shirts and mugs (i regularly use both!) and raised a toast to our ride with tea and maggi.

Riding back was fantastic, as we constantly had a lovely view of the city, and the snow peaks

The road going down to leh


The evening was spent lazing around the town. Walking, walking and walking. Also tried local street food, and retired for the night by 10pm. Next day would be a tough one...

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