Dani Pedrosa will undergo an operation in Spain today to repair a double break in his right hand following a high-speed crash on the opening day of 2008 MotoGP testing in Sepang.
Further medical examinations in Spain revealed the Repsol Honda rider had broken two bones in his right hand, suffered in a fireball crash on the first afternoon of testing in Malaysia.
Pedrosa was due to have a plate and screws inserted in the hand, and in a big blow to Honda's pre-season preparations, the triple world champion could be ruled out of action for three to four weeks.
That will keep him out of action until the Jerez session next month, but Pedrosa is fighting to try and be fit enough to ride back in Sepang in just under two weeks time.
Should he fail to have recovered enough strength in the damaged hand, he will miss eight days of winter testing in a serious blow to Honda and Michelin's development plans ahead of the 2008 season curtain-raiser in Sepang on March 9.
The relatively little-known (at least here in the States) Padova Motorcycle Show saw Moto Morini unveil two new models utilizing a version of their 1187cc, 87° v-twin engine. The Scrambler and 1200 Sport each have a six-speed transmission and a claimed 117 horsepower.
The Scrambler appears to ride on fairly aggressive dual sport tires, while the Sport has dedicated street rubber in the familiar 17-inch diameter size. Production of the two models is expected to begin before Summer.
There had been lot of speculations about Suzuki coming out with smaller GSXR series and now, it seems, that they are indeed working on the smallest Gixxer of all : the GSX-R125.
MCN magazine carried a feature in the 3rd Jan issue. Here is how the bike may look (pic taken from MCN site)
"The new water-cooled motorcycle will mimic the style and design of the rest of the GSX-R family, but with learner legal power and an easier ride.
The motorcycle is already complete – the design team are currently deciding on the final colour scheme, ready for launch in the second half of 2008.
The GSX-R125 will face stiff competition when it arrives in the UK – the four-stroke learner sports market is booming, with more machines going on sale in 2008."
More news on the bike coming soon. Watch out. Suzuki is also looking at getting the 250cc GSX-R and will rival the likes of the Ninja 250R.
You may also want to read about Yamaha's new 150cc for India here and here
Auto major, Bajaj Auto is believed to be scouting for an European firm after buying a minority stake in Austria`s KTM and announcing a distribution alliance with Japanese cult-bike maker Kawasaki.
The two-wheeler maker is in talks with the UK`s Triumph Motorcycles. Talks are said to have reached a more decisive phase now and indications are that Triumph may be open to offloading some equity stake to Bajaj in a bid to enter the Indian market.
Earlier this week, Triumph`s export manager Nick Bloor had said his company is keen to establish presence in India.
We told you about Triumph's plans for India (see) and now things do seem a little clear on how we can expect the Triumph Rocket III here!
Imagine a motorcycle that is just as comfortable carving canyons as it is eating up miles of highway and back roads on a long distance tour. That kind of adventurous versatility is distinctly delivered by the 2008 Buell Ulysses XB12XT.
The new Buell Ulysses XB12XT model was introduced today as the second model in the Buell Ulysses family of adventure sportbike motorcycles, which possess the handling and soul to own every corner. Read more onewheeldrive
Here is a detailed post on the new 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R.
The Ninja 250R saw its first major change last year (called the 2008 Ninja 250R). The new look baby Ninja really looks one of the best looking bikes to be launched last year. While the older version sold for around USD 3000, the new one sells for USD 3500 (or around 1.3lakh indian rupees)
SPECIFICATION * Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin * Displacement: 249cc * Bore x stroke: TBD * Compression ratio: TBD * Maximum power : 32PS (31.56 hp) at 11,000rpm (USA AND CANADA) * Maximum power : 30PS (29.59 hp) at 10,500rpm (EUROPE Model, India gets this one) * Maximum torque: 21.7Nm (16 ftlb) at 10,000rpm (USA AND CANADA) * Maximum torque: 21.0Nm (15.5 ftlb) at 8,500rpm (EUROPE Model, India gets this one) * Cooling: Liquid * Carburetion: Keihin CVK30 x 2 * Ignition: TCBI with digital advance * Transmission: Six-speed * Final drive: O-ring chain * Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel * Wheelbase: 1390mm(NA Model) - 54.72 in * Rake / trail: TBD * Front suspension / wheel travel: 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / TBD * Rear suspension / wheel travel: Uni-Trak with aluminum linkage / Preload Adjustable * Front tire: 110/70-17 IRC * Rear tire: 130/80-17 IRC * Front brake: Single 290mm hydraulic petal disc with two-piston caliper * Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with two-piston caliper * Overall length: 2080mm - 81.88 in * Overall width: 710mm - 27.95 in * Overall height: 1115mm - 43.89 in * Seat height: 780mm - 30.70 in * Dry weight: 151kg - 332.89 lbs * Fuel capacity: 18 liters - 4.755 gal * Color choices: Lime Green, Ebony, Passion Red, Candy Plasma Blue
While 30bhp may not sound too much, but it is enough to push the bike to around 165-170km/h on the speedometer with a 0-100km/h timing of just 5.75seconds!
These videos show the earlier Ninja 250. The new one will only perform better!
Compact size, exceptional personality and a low price tag highlight Kawasaki's new Ninja 250R quarter-liter performer. Considering how much fun it is to ride and the fact that it's the only 250cc sportbike sold in the U.S., it's no wonder the Ninja 250R has been a strong seller for over a decade. Its successful blend of a rider-friendly engine, easy-to-operate chassis and supersport styling worthy of its Ninja moniker, this model was developed to offer real world performance to riders of all skill levels and goes to show that good things do come in small packages.
LOOKS: If we were to rate the looks of the new bike on a scale of 10, we would definately give it a 10. And 5 for the old one! That lovely fairing from the bigger Ninja 650R, good looking upswept exhaust, pillion seat cover, petal discs, awesome alloys, everything lends it own bit to make this 250R look the best in its class but a HUGE margain!
ENGINE: We also know the engine has been retuned a bit, and although detailed technical specifications have yet to be announced, but the new machine’s power is expected to be in the region of 45bhp – with the firm saying owners will be surprised by power at high revs. The old one did top the 100mph (160 km/h) mark and this one will atleast do 110 mph (176 km/h). Acceleration wise, the old Ninja 250R shamed quite a few sports car, with a 0-60mph (96km/h) timing of 5.75 secs and a 14.6 sec quater mile timing. We can only expect the new one to do this better. To support the above fact, we have come to know that dual overhead camshafts have been revised and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system is in place for more low and mid-range torque from the dual-carbureted 249cc DOHC parallel twin-cylinder engine. Add in refined intake and exhaust ports for improved off-idle response and smooth power delivery. Also, reduced engine noise via an automatically adjusting cam chain tensioner. As of now, we dont have pictures of how the new Ninja 250R's instrumentation will look like. Stay tuned for more!
BODY WORK, RUNNING PARTS, OTHER FEATURES: The 250R's new fairing and windscreen not only look great, they deliver improved wind protection for a wide range of riding situations. This lightweight sportbike is loaded with even more rider-friendly features such as an easy-to-read instrument panel and positive neutral finder. A natural riding position and comfortable ergonomics combined with its lightweight handling, easy controllability and improved throttle response make the 250R a pleasure to ride on city streets.
* Also new for 2008 are larger 17-inch wheels that offer great handling and improved stability. * A larger 290mm front brake rotor is gripped by a powerful 2-piston caliper to provide a healthy dose of stopping power with a responsive feel at the lever. Like Kawasaki's other sport models, the Ninja 250R is fitted with petal discs for efficient heat dissipation.
The simple formula of providing easy-handling agility, lightweight responsiveness, and low ownership costs make the Ninja 250R a force to be reckoned with in the entry-level sportbike category.
Bajaj may be looking at giving the bike a completely new digital console
This is how the old version looked like!
Info and pics : taken from random sites and http://2008ninja250r.blogspot.com
We had told you about the KTM RC4 last year KTM RC4, and here are some more details on the bike then
The RC4 is not the top priority no doubt, but still, it is a big project for KTM. The RC4 is not just about putting low bars and a fairing on the 690 Duke.
On the track, the bike is just 2 seconds a lap slower than 600cc supersports bikes. It has a 230km/h (142mph) top speed and a new version of the engine pumping out 78bhp. The prototype weighs 132kg only, so that means it will be easy to ride! yes, the power at 78bhp is less, but a low weigh of just 132kg means the power to weight ratio will be good.
What is probably bothering KTM is if people will be willing to shell out high money for such a bike...
Auto Expo 2008 has a lot of surprises. Lot of you must have missed the little Triumph stall with the massive Rocket III taking center stage.
Speaking to Peter Huckin, Export Sales Co-ordinator, it seems like that we may see bikes from Triumph going on sale in India very very soon. As of now, according to him, they will enter India on their own. Heres wishing them all the best :)
UPDATED : THE BIKE HAS BEEN LAUNCHED. SEE MORE HERE
We had told you about the new Ninja 250 on 28th September last yr (CLICK)
Yesterday at the Bajaj-Kawasaki conference at the ongoing Auto Expo 2008 in New Delhi, India, the guys at Bajaj somewhat confirmed that this bike goes on sale in India before Diwali.
-The all new 2008 Ninja 250 has a 250cc parallet twin engine, good enough for 30bhp. -The bike takes around 5.5 secs to hit 100km/h, which is in the league of Porsches!! -The engine is mated to a 6speed 'box and hits a max of around 165-170km/h -The bike will be imported from Thailand, and knowing that the FTA (Free trade aggrement?) allows stuff to be imported into Indian from some countries including Thailand means that we can very well expect the Baby Ninja to be priced below the 2lac mark : The bike looks hot, is more than fast for India. Yea, times are rocking for us now
Bajaj tied up with KTM some time back. In short, the benefits will be that we might get to see the RC8 (yes, thats what they said at the conference yesterday) and the 690 (Duke or the Motard) in India soon.
The Bajaj - Kawasaki conference will be today. Stay tuned. I will update the blog as to what we Indians might be able to go and buy ( I so hope its the Ninja 250!)
Well, the news had come out to us some time back but we thought it would be better for Auto Expo to be the platform for Yamaha to launch their new 150cc babies for India.
The D day was yesterday at Auto Expo, one of the biggest Auto shows, which takes places in New Delhi, India.
A little background : Yamaha in India sells 100cc (8odd bhp) and 125cc (12 odd bhp) bikes. Things havent being too good for them but yesterday, they blew everyone away. Here is what will be on offer
1. The Yamaha R15
Based on the YZF-R1, the R15 is : -150cc engine -With Fuel injection -Liquid Cooled, 4 valves per cylinder -Around 20-22bhp -Will weigh around 125-130kg only -6 speed gearbox.
Let the pictures do the talking then. PS : most of you readers are from UK. i believe the CBR125 and the YZ-R125 put around just 15bhp, right? Wont you want one of these there then?
2. Yamaha FZ150
This bike is based on the FZ1000 (The Fazer 1000). Looks too good (some of us choose this over the R15). But it may be a little down on power (just like the FZ1000 is down on power than the YZF-R1), but then the torque may be good. Here are some pictures:
This years Dakar Rally has been cancelled due to a direct security threat from terrorist organisations. Earlier today the rally's organisers (Amaury Sport Organisation) announced that there had been "direct threats against the race issued by terrorist groups". This follows the killing for four French tourists in Mauritania on the 24th December.
The Rally has run uninterrupted since 1979 and includes trucks and cars as well as the hundreds of motorbikes. Although individual stages have been cancelled in the past this is the first time the whole event has been pulled.
The ASO said, "Following several consultations with the French government - in particular the ministry of foreign affairs - and taking into account its firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally".
You can listen to the latest news direct from the Dakar camp by tuning into Rally RADio
Remember, we had told you about the KTM X-BOW way back in September 2007 CLICK
Well, it will be at the Autosport show. KTM Powersports AG has confirmed that its new X-Bow sportscar will be exhibited at the Autosport International Racing Car Show starting on 10 January.
The lightweight, high-performance X-Bow marks motorcycle manufacturer KTM's groundbreaking move into the four-wheeled market, and will be presented to UK driving enthusiasts for the first time finished in the new optional 'Gleaming White' bodywork.
The Autosport Show appearance will mark the KTM X-Bow's fourth major show outing following its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show last year, its appearance at the 2007 Middle East International Motor Show in Dubai - where it was voted one of the event's 'Top Attractions' by visitors - and its more recent showing at the Bologna Motor Show, in Italy.
With customer orders for X-Bow exceeding expectations, series production of KTM's newcomer is scheduled to commence with a run of 100 limited-edition 'Dallara Series' models.The special 'Dallara Series' will feature extra equipment to boost the car's track-day potential.
Subsequently, KTM will produce up to 1000 X-Bow sportscars per year at its new dedicated four-wheeled Centre of Excellence manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria.
The Autosport Show takes place at Birmingham's NEC from 10-13 January, and visitors will be able to see the new KTM X-Bow on Stand 9450 in Hall 9.
When we saw the retro CB1100F at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, it looked like much more than a concept. With its engine acting as a stressed member of the chassis, and its engine an all-new air-cooled design (that allows air between the two middle cylinders of the inline four), this looked a lot like a future production model.
MCN in England is reporting that the bike will go into production in 2009, and will immediately be available in the U.S. market that year.
Yes, the time has come. With Yamaha launching the YZF-R1 and MT-01 last month, Suzuki too plans to get not only the high end machines, but also CKD (completely knocked down) kits of smaller capacity bikes to India.
CKD : CKD means completely knocked down kits. In this case, the bikes are assembled here in India. CKD, as compared to CBUs (completely built units, like the R1) attract a much lower custom duty and hence CKDs are cheaper.
While everything will be revealed at the upcoming Auto Expo 2008, here is what may make it to India.
1. Suzuki RMZ-450
Racing (dirt and tarmac) is picking up in India. I was at the final round of the MRF Supercross in Bangalore, and there was this guest rider, Mitch, from Canada on a Suzuki. He just thrashed everyone left, right and center! Suzuki may want to mark its presence with the 450 RMZ in India. The bike is powered by a four-stroke 450cc mill. Read more about the bike HERE
2. Suzuki GS500
The GS500 has been living on for ages. Over the years, the Japanese giant has made some changes, the most striking one being the full fairing version, called the GS500F. We think that they should get the fully faired version for India. The 51bhp engine is good enough to push the bike upto an indicated 180km/h given the road with a 0-100km/h timing of around 4.5 secs. Not bad at all! The bike returns around 20-22kmpl in city. The USP will be low pricing. The 500F sells for USD5199 in USA. As a CKD bike, with less duties, the bike can be priced as low as 3.5 lacs ex-showroom in India!
3. Suzuki GSR600 Suzuki made us happy with the B-King and the GSR600 is nothing but a baby B-king with a smaller 600cc engine. The GSR600's heart is a 599cc, 16-valve, fuel-injected, in-line four-cylinder - which has been ripped from the 2005-spec GSX-R600, which makes it quite a potent little beastie indeed. The engine punches out close to 100bhp! Read more HERE
We expect the bike to be priced at around Rs 4.5 lacs (ex-showroom again...)
Cross your fingers, lets hope the Auto Expo has good news for us!
Yamaha India has been in the news for sometime now. Starting with them getting into troubled waters with their 100cc and 125cc small bikes, to the sales declining. But, recently, we bikers were shocked to see the company come out with two of their best bikes in India. You can now go ahead and purchase, yes, legally, a superbike in India. The YZF-R1 and the MT-01, are now officially on sale in India.
Priced at Indian Rs 10,50,000 (exshowroom, going to 12,00,000 with all taxes), the bikes arent cheap. In USD terms, thats $30,000 on the road!!) These are bikes were already sold in the grey market, but were not legal, what with most of them being imported as parts. Such bikes sold for around Rs 9,50,000. Im sure people wont mind shelling out that extra money for peace of mind now.
One of the biggest automotive shows in Asia, the Auto Expo, will take place from 10-17th Jan 2008 in New Delhi, Capital of India. Lets hope Yamaha gets some (more powerful than their 100/125cc bikes currently on sale) better for India. We know they have something up their sleeves. 9 days to go before they let the cat outta the box, then? We are Yamaha.....
