New Suzuki Inazuma 250 to debut in India by second half 2012.

 The Japanese motor expert Suzuki is planning for an entry in the premium sports bike market of India by debuting its New Suzuki Inazuma 250cc by second half  2012. Suzuki with its Indian partner Maruti has a good market in Indian car markets, but hasn't created an impact in the two wheel category. Being a tough competitor for its fellow Japanese rivals Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha in foreign soils, Suzuki has decided deliver the same same in India too.

Suzuki was expected to bring in the GW250 to India, but the latest reports suggest that the auto major will introduce the Inazuma 250cc bike in India which looks ninety percent similar to the GW250. Well, there has not been much of details about the Inazuma 250cc floating in the net but the hint that it is similar to the GW250 has helped us in guess works.

The Suzuki Inazuma 250 is naked which gives us a good picture of its power house, the engine. Like the GW250, Suzuki Inazuma 250 will have a DOHC 250cc parallel twin engine. The peak power and torque capacities of the vehicles aren't known yet. As of now,  GW250's maximum power of 26 Bhp and 24 Nm of torque is expected to be delivered by the Inazuma 250.

Suzuki  brings its Inazuma 250 as a direct competitor to Honda CBR 250 ,Kawasaki Ninja and the recently launched Hyosung Comet GT 250R.
Though being a late contender in the sports commuter category in India, Suzuki will have an EDGE over its two existing rivals Honda and Kawasaki. If Suzuki manages to fix a price that falls below Honda CBR 250R and Kawasaki Ninja 250R, combat would become all the more interesting. Suzuki will bring the Inazuma 250 as the premium sports bike in India and entry level sports bike in foreign markets.

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New Honda CBR150R vs Yamaha YZF-R15 V2.0 : Game On.

Honda surprised us in a very sweet way, when it unveiled the CBR150R at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo.
Honda has definitely upped its ante in the 150cc segment and this bike will go in head to head competition with the currently popular Yamaha R15. Yamaha launched the latest version of the R15 last year, called R15 Version 2.0. Here we quickly take a look at how does both these bikes feature and would the CBR150R really give a tough time to the R15 Version 2.0.

Technical Specifications :
Honda's new CBR150R comes with a Twin Tube frame construction Diamond, while the Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 2.0 brings the delta box.

Honda's new CBR150R machine type carries CS150RE, Liquid-Cooled, 4-Step, DOHC, single-cylinder 149.4 cc, and the diameter measures 63.5 x 47.2 times. 11,0:1 compression ratio engine. Machines capable of burst power up to 17.55 hp at 10,500 rpm engine speed and maximum torque of 12.66 Nm at 8500 rpm. Supply of power and torque output is channeled to the rear wheels through a 6-speed transmission.

Honda's new CBR150R supported tank capacity 13.1 liters of fuel supply and injection system (PGFM-FI). Rival Yamaha YZF-R15 V2.0 given ammunition type Liquid-cooled engine, 4-Step, SOHC, single cylinder 149.8 cc, and the diameter measures 57 x 58.7 times. 10,4:1 compression ratio engine. Machines capable of burst power up to 16.76 hp at 8500 rpm engine speed and maximum torque of 15 Nm at 7500 rpm. Supply of power and torque output is channeled to the rear wheels through a 6-speed transmission.
Yamaha YZF-R15 V2.0 supported tank capacity 12 liters of fuel supply and injection system.

From the technical data is visible if on paper, Yamaha YZF-R15 will excel at the lower and middle engine speed. This is not apart from the character-type SOHC engine and under square (57 x 58.7), which incidentally makes more pull evenly from under the engine rev up the middle. It is also seen from the torque output of the Yamaha YZF-R15 V2.0 that is superior to 15 Nm at a lower engine speed 7500 rpm . Thus from these technical statistics we can say that ,
Power is a bit more in the CBR150R but when it comes to torque Yamaha R15 wins with 15Nm at 7,500rpm while CBR150R manages only 12.66Nm at 8,500rpm.

There is little difference in weight of both bikes with CBR150R weighing 138Kgs and R15 weighing 136Kgs. Ground clearance is bit more in CBR150R with 190mm while in R15 its 160mm only. Another important factor is the rear seat in R15 which is not suitable for long rides specially in India while the one on CBR150R is nice with grab rails.

Bikoholic verdict :

To measure the functional as an urban vehicle with a level of congestion and traffic flow "stop and go" high, it seems Yamha YZF-R15 V2.0 is more fitting as an option. Besides the issue of a lower purchase price, at least there is an excess of this Yamaha lineup, the posture is more petite. Although for the affairs of a little less maneuverable than its rivals.

While the new Honda CBR150R with posture and weight are a bit more gambot more fitting as a lifestyle vehicle or night life, where traffic is not too dense. Thus the rider can feel a powerful performance in a lap top. Or as an option as a vehicle short and medium distance touring. Sensation on the new Honda CBR150R will be more valued for the winding road full of bends or straight line that takes a long pull. Moreover, the support device front brakes are superior to its rivals.

So now the question now arises is whether CBR150R  better than the R15. Yamaha fans disagree that no 150cc Indian bike is a threat to Yamaha r15 due to its aggressive & beautiful styling with colorful side fairing & also the fact that Yamaha launched new colors for R15 version 2.0 at the Auto Expo 2012.

Talking about the Mileage and Top Speed of these two beasts , both the bikes deliver around 35 to 40Kmpl depending upon how you ride or maintain it and top speed around 135Kmph. But one factor in which Yamaha R15 V2.0 scores is its pricing ,there is difference of INR 10,000 in price of both bikes. Yamaha R15 costs around Rs.1.7L ex-showroom while Honda CBR150R is almost Rs.10,000 costly and the cost is Rs.1.16L ex-showroom
The game in the 150cc segment has just got more interesting !

Now is your turn to determine dreams and needs between the two ...

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2012 HONDA CBR 150R LAUNCHED AT A PRICE OF INR 1.16 LAKHS, EX-SHOWROOM DELHI

Honda motorcycles have surprised all the motorcycle enthusiasts in India by unveiling CBR150R at the 11th Auto Expo. They have also unveiled 7 other new model line-ups which will be made available in India very shortly.

With two-wheeler segment witnessing a boom in the Indian market, all firms are trying to put their best foot forward. In order to tap the growing market the two-wheeler giant Yamaha planned to roll out Yamaha R15 Version 2.0′s jugular.

Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India in response have rolled out the  2012 Honda CBR150R premium sports motorcycle  at a price of INR 1.16 lakhs,ex-showroom Delhi . Honda had unveiled the 2012 CBR150R motorcycle at the Auto Expo 2012 at New Delhi.

CBR150R shares its looks with CBR250R and seems to be a younger sibling of the bigger capacity CBR250R. Honda CBR150R as of now has positioned itself as an entry level sports touring motorcycle in South East Asia markets.

Honda CBR150R is powered with a liquid cooled, DOHC four valve 150cc four stroke engine which is quite similar to that of CBR250R. It churns out a peak power of 18PS and a peak torque of 13Nm unlike CBR250R that produces 19.5 Bhp and a peak torque of 17 Nm.

If we have a look at the peak power it ought to be higher than R15 which poses a peak power of 17 Bhp. The kerb weight of CBR150R is 138 kgs that makes CBR150R 2 kilograms heavier than the R15.

Honda CBR150R however flaunts few advantages when compared to the R15 that would surely grab the attention of the prospective buyers. The advantages that give CBR150R an edge over R15 are namely that it adds more comfort in day to day conditions and for touring and the pillion seat.

For all those who are looking for a stylish, elegant, fully faired motorcycle to solve daily commuting purpose and touring purpose on the weekends Honda CBR150R would surely catch your eye.

After Hero and Honda split up, Honda is working hard to bag the no.1 spot in the Indian two wheeler industry and we feel that they’re going in the right direction.

With the official price of the bike revealed  at INR 1.16 lakhs,ex-showroom Delhi , the CBR 150R has been priced competitively to lure the customers . Also its on the similar price line as that of the Yamaha R15 version 2.0 .
Its going to be one hell of a battle by these two Japanese giants !!!

Honda CBR 150R specifications

Honda CBR 150R top speed

New CBR150R Honda vs Yamaha YZF-15 V2.0

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Honda CBR250R Street Fighter Custom

It has been truly said, where there is a will, there’s a way. Well here comes another example to prove the saying from Jakrata. A marine expert by profession and also a doctor Mr. Rudi Hutagalung decided to go a little off track his professions and decided to create something new or something with his own touch.
No matter its commuting or touring, Rudi prefers higher displacement bikes which are more fun to ride than the scooters. Rudi, at first was hooked on to the Kawasaki Ninja 250R but then went for the new Honda CBR 250R as it’s more affordable compared to the Kwacker and comes very close in terms of performance; also it is the newer of the two.
Rudi after acquiring his new possession, the CBR 250R decided to make a few changes to its looks. Near Rudi’s residence is Tauco Custom, a workshop renowned for bringing extreme modifications on bikes.

Rudi wanted to get rid of the fairing of his CBR 250R and go for a minimalist or naked looks though still keeping it somewhat true to its roots, i.e he basically wanted a Street Fighter.
The headlamp has been taken from a Yamaha Byson (FZ16 in India). A few changes have been made to the handlebar to provide for a more comfortable riding posture.
Alteration to the ride height have also been made to keep touring comfort in mind says Rudi.

A compact side fairing panel has also been created which is a trademark of the customization. Made from a 0.8 mm thick galvanized plate it is aerodynamic as well as light weight.
With his new CBR Street Fighter the creator wants to set an example for other modifiers who should go ahead taking inspiration from Rudi’s Street Fighter and improvises and experiment.

SHOULD HONDA CONSIDER SUCH CHANGES IN CBR 250R AND BUILD A STREETFIGHTER VERSION OF THE CBR250R?

Since, by going naked the  Honda CBR250R could easily shave of a few kilograms of unwanted plastic off the motorcycle, while also being able to pass on the benefits to the motorcycle buyer in the form of a quicker, lighter motorcycle which is a few thousand rupees cheaper than the fully faired version. A Honda CBR250R streetfighter version priced at about INR 1.3 - 1.35 lakhs could just be the right competition to the KTM Duke 200 , considering that the Duke 200′s price of INR 1.17 lakhs(ex-showroom) is introductory and bound to go up in the coming months.

Indian automobile sector is going through leaps and bounds at the moment . With the naked segment gaining momentum should honda consider these changes ??
I think we should leave that to Honda to decide whether to come up with any naked version of CBR 250R or to retain the fully faired ones!!!
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Honda CBR 150R Ad featuring Casey Stoner from Repsol Honda Team

Honda is all set to launch the CBR 150R in the Indian market . The launch of CBR 150R is scheduled for March 2012 and as reported by us earlier, the bike was showcased at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo. The guys who find the baby Ninja’s price tag to be unreasonably high and the R15 to be quite mundane, will now have an option to hit the nearest track on this new baby CBR Honda CBR 150R will take on the likes of the Yamaha R15 and KTM Duke 200 to some extent. The bike is expected to be priced around Rs. 1.17 lakhs. The bike is also very important for Honda as it will help the company to make its hold firm in the 150 segment.

So what kind of ad do you expect from the Honda? We expect that CBR150R will have the same advertisement which Honda made for South East Asian market. This advertisement shows that Casey Stoner(Moto GP racer) rides the CBR150R on race track (With some part of City). The advertisement means to convey the message of CBR150R’s outstanding race track capabilities. There are more chances that Honda will show this advertisement in India as Yamaha YZF R-15 is marketed as perfect race track 150cc motorcycle available in India.

The bike is equipped with a 150cc, four-stroke, four-valves and liquid cooled engine. The new CBR150 is the first motorcycle in the 150cc segment to get Honda’s patented PGM-FI technology.

In India we had seen such track oriented ads by TVS when they were launching their then flagship motorcycle the Apache RTR 180 and it did wonders among teenagers .We have also seen the Yamaha TV commercial in which R15 is shown in its full glory on a race track and we expect Honda to use this commercial to market the upcoming bike in India. Honda by this ad is trying to grab the attention of youths who for the time being prefer the yamaha r15 series in the 150cc segment for track like racing experience .

There is a fierce rivalry in the 150 cc segment This is a definitely a reason to cherish for Indian bike enthusiasts as the rivalry is ultimately going to benefit them only.
 Let’s see how Honda and Yamaha will compete in India.

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Honda to launch the 2012 brand new Honda CBR 250R 'PEARL HERON BLUE TRIPLE TONE COLOR' by the end of this month.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India had unveiled the refreshed Honda CBR 250R, at the recently concluded Delhi Auto Expo 2012.
Honda entered the high performance 250 cc segment with its first affordable global sports motorcycle, Honda CBR 250R in March 2011. Since its introduction, the motorcycle received overwhelming acceptance among customers and critics.
We had notified you about the new paint job on the 2012 Honda CBR 250R , and here it is !
The 2012 Honda CBR 250R with the Pearl Heron Blue triple tone color will be the latest addition to the CBR 250R’ range for the Indian market. Incidentally, this color has already been available in the international market for quite a while now. Currently, the Honda CBR2 50R is available in three dual tone colors, red, silver and black. The new color will come at a premium of INR 1,500.

In this new color a combo of blue and white is made with a touch of red in it. The upper part ie the upper half fairing along with the tank is blue in color. Whereas the remaining part of the fairing as well as the rear cowls are white in color. Red color stickers run through the body and the front mudguard is also red in color.The production of the Honda CBR 250R in the new pearl heron blue color has already begun at Honda’s Indian manufacturing unit and a launch in the end of February is likely. Apart from the new color, we don’t expect to see the CBR 250R get any other major addition or facelift as the motorcycles is barely a year old in the Indian market. If anything, we hope that Honda shores up the quality levels on the CBR 250R.

The first generation of CBR 250R sold in India came with a long list of defective parts, which Honda replaced free of cost through a recall in late 2012. While the newer batches of the CBR 250R are said to be free of the kind of quality issues that plagued models from the previous batch, quick availability of spare parts for the CBR 250R remains a concern. With the second phase of the new plant at Tapukara, Rajasthan now functional, we hope that Honda manages to put the parts issue behind it. Currently, the Honda CBR 250R is available in ABS and Non-ABS variants.
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Garware Hyosung 250cc to debut in India by first half 2012

Garware-Hyosung will launch its 250cc motorcycle in India, probably the Hyosung GT250R in, by 2012. Garware motors in collaboration with JV Partners SV Motors will bring in the the Hyosung GT250R to India along with the Garware-Hyosung GT650R. Hyosung GT250R will be assembled in the company's Wai assembling plant located near Pune

The super-bike has been modified for the Indian roads in order to get the ARAI certification. Noise reduction, saree guard inclusion and other changes have been made to get the certification done.

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Honda CBR 250 R Akrapovič Exhaust

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Bajaj Auto launches 'KTM Duke 200' at Rs 1.18 lakh

The country's second-largest two-wheeler maker Bajaj Auto today launched a sports bike, 'Duke 200', from Austrian partner KTM's portfolio and said it plans to roll out three more products in as many years.

KTM has announced the pricing for its much awaited Duke 200!
Yes, hold your breath - it's been launched at a killer introductory price of Rs 1.17 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) price tag and that clearly undercuts its immediate competition, the Honda CBR 250R by a whopping margin.

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The race of the superbikes: Honda CBR250R Vs KTM Duke 200

CBR250R is a 250 cc bike equipped with traditional CBR qualities like performance, dynamic behavior and perfect ease of use. The CBR250R is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding riders. Honda said that the concept behind developing CBR250R was ‘Sport Quarter for One World’.
CBR250R has been on the Indian roads now for a while and as fared pretty well among the Indian bike enthusiasts.

Will it be possible for the CBR 250R to hold its prowess against the tech-laden KTM Duke 200?



Engine and Transmission:

The Honda CBR250R is equipped with 249.4 cc, 4 storke, DOHC, 4valve water cooled engine. With the Bore x stroke size of 76 X 55 mm, CBR250R is able to produce massive power of 26.4 bhp (18.7KW) which peaks @8500 rpm and maximum torque of 22.9Nm produced @7000 rpm.

KTM Duke 200 is powered by 199.6 cc, four-stroke, Single cylinder, liquid cooled, 4 Valve DOHC engine which generates maximum power of 25.47 bhp (19 KW) @ 10,000 rpm and maximum torque of 19.93Nm (14.7 foot-pound) @ 6,800 rpm.

The most special thing about the KTM Duke 200 is, it weighs only 126.4 Kg against the 167 Kg CBR 250R, however, this is dry weight, and the Kerb weight should be around 136 Kg.  This translates into power to weight ratio of 201.5 bhp / tonne (dry weight) and 187.28 bhp / tonne for Kerb weight. By far this numbers are very much ahead compared 163 bhp tonne of Honda CBR 250R.

The fuel delivery is handled by Honda’s patented PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection system) which ensures smooth and precise fuel delivery result more power with less fuel consumption whereas KTM has made this engine extremely fuel efficient in comparison to CBR250R. KTM Duke 200 has got Bosch Electronic fuel injection system.


Chassis and Suspension :

Chassis:
The CBR250R got twin spar steel diamond frame.Honda chooses steel frame which is stiffer than aluminum,the higher level stiffness of the frame has improved stability and handling qualities of new CBR250R whereas Duke 200 has got the Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame of Duke 125 with steel sub frame.The frame is made up of large number of short steel (or aluminum) tube welded together to form a trellis. It is easy to manufacture and extremely strong as well.
Suspension:
The new CBR250R got hydraulic 37mm fork as a front suspension which offers travel of 130mm the rear got Pro-Link Monoshock suspension which offer 104mm travel whereas the Duke's front suspension is of an inverted 43mm fork which travels up to 5.9 inches (150 mm) while the rear got monoshock suspension with 5.9 inches (150 mm) travel.

Tyres and Brakes:

Tyres:
The new CBR250R got new tires and rim from its larger CBR series to ensure firm road grip in any condition. The front got rim size of 2.75 x 17 inch with tire size 110/70 x17 the rear got 4 x 17 inch rim size with tire size of 140/70 x 17 whereas the Duke 200 has got wheelbase of 1360 mm which makes handling much easier. It has got 17 inch rim size. The front tyre size is of 110/70*17 while the rear tyre size is of 150/60*17 which makes road grip firm and enhances traction control.


Brakes:
The new CBR250R got 296 mm disc with dual piston caliper for the front brake while the rear brake got 220 mm disc with single piston caliper. But the Combined-ABS system will come as option on CBR250R. The C-ABS version is 4Kg heavier than the non C-ABS version.
The Duke 200 has got disc brake at both front and rear. The disc brakes were developed with world’s renowned brake company Brembo. The front has got 300 mm disc brake while the rear got 230 mm disc brake. The braking power is excellent.
Honda is known for making safest vehicle in the world and that’s what Honda proved in case of CBR250R
So it has definately an edge over the Duke in terms of braking.

Styling and Instrumentation panel :

Styling:
Honda CBR250R has the front-biased fairing which is a trend in Japan,the full fairing proves comfortable for the driver side and weather disturbances.The muscular tank and sharp rear tail look like derived from its larger sibling CBR1000R
The styling of KTM Duke 200 is inspired from its larger siblings. Despite this the bike weighs only 126.4 Kg (278 pounds). It has got 11 liter fuel tank. The seat is 31.9 inches (810 mm) above from the ground. The bike got monster look with styling equally biased from all the side rather than Japanese forward bias style.
CBR really gives a run for money to the other bikes in this segment.

Instrumentation panel:
The new CBR250R got brand new multifunction LCD instrumentation panel with a blue backlight which include speedometer, rpm meter, engine temperature, fuel gauge, clock and odometer really looks modern and futuristic.,
The Duke got a stylish and attractive instrument cluster which comprises of fuel gauge, speedometer, turn indicators, trip meter etc. with an orange sort of backlight . Handle bar of Duke 200 is very stylish and comfortable to drive, this bike is also offered with stylish bumpy fuel tank which enhances the overall looks
The thing to notice in KTM Duke is that the digital display is difficult to read unlike the CBR250R.

Lap timer:
The KTM  Duke 200's 0-60 kmph time is 3.3 sec while its 0-100 kmph time is 9.2 seconds whereas CBR 250R's 0-60 kmph time is 2.7 sec while its 0-100 kmph time is 8.76 sec.
So regarding lap times , CBR250R is faster than the Duke 200.

Price :
The Honda CBR250R comes at a  price of  INR 1.5 Lakh ex-showroom for the non C-ABS version whilst KTM Duke 200 is  priced at INR 1.18Lakhs. Ex-showroom in India.

Bikoholic verdict :
KTM 200 Duke is a special motorcycle, just as comfortable puttering around town as a zippy commuter bike or being thrashed while you attack your favorite section of twisty tarmac. KTM and Bajaj have certainly found a sweet spot which can be seen from their sales figure. Bajaj  sells around 1,000 units of KTM Duke 200 every month, thats really awesome figure !

Does the Indo-Austrian KTM 200 Duke has all the trappings of quickly becoming a best-in-class 200cc street motorcycle ????
Let us know in the comments section below !!

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Honda CBR250R bags the Indian Motorcycle Of The Year 2012 Award

The Honda’s light weight, stable chassis, and strong brakes mean the CBR250R can tackle out of town
sorties with vigour, while in city traffic its manoeuvrability and single-cylinder economy make it a commuter king.
The Honda CBR250R raises the bar in many aspects with regards to affordable performance motorcycling for the masses complimented by the right safety features. It’s the sort of bike that performance nuts in India had been waiting for, and was amongst the favourites of the jury

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Honda Cbr 150r top speed

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2012 Auto Expo - Honda launches VT1300CX and 2012 Fireblade

Honda showcased their two superbikes, the VT 1300CX and 2012 CBR1000RR Fireblade.
This is the textbook definition of a 'massive onslaught'. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Ltd (HMSI)  has launched the VT1300CX chopper in the country! It does look like the works and Honda emphasises on the fact that while it's a true chopper, it's still very much a textbook Honda - reliable, efficient, functional and built to the best quality standards. The press note also mentioned something about 'spending more time on the road and least in the garage' though we don't know who that was targeted at.

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Honda launches CBR150R at the Auto Expo 2012

The biggest surprise of the Auto Expo 2012 was the launch of the Honda CBR150R. The CBR150R has light and compact DOHC engine which produces a peak power of 18PS at 10,500rpm and peak torque of 12.6Nm at 7500rpm. The bike has a twin tubular frame which increases stability. The engine is liquid cooled and has fuel injection. The bike will have front and rear disc brakes, mono-suspension and wide front and rear tubeless tyres. It also has an advance O2 sensor and air inductor to reduce the emissions.

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2012 Auto Expo - Honda unveils 7 new models

Honda unveiled 7 new models at the Auto Expo 2012 against the 3 new models launched by  Hero Motocorp giving them a tuff competition in this segment.

If Hero MotoCorp is agressive in its strategy then Honda, the daddy of Hero seems to be even more aggressive. If Hero can only launch Honda’s models then Honda is capable of launching it’s international models in India

Out of these 7 products, 5 are for the Indian market and 2 are international imported bikes.

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Cbr 250r vs Ninja 250r - Clash of the titans

The Kawasaki Ninja 250R was already a world- acknowledged 250cc class favourite when Bajaj Auto introduced it in India in 2009. No direct competition meant the Ninja has enjoyed a monopoly in the quarter-litre segment for all this time
After ruling the 250cc territory for over two decades, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R has finally got a challenger in the form of the new Honda CBR250R.
Will it be possible for the old hand Kawasaki to hold its own against the tech-laden young Honda?

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Honda CBR 250R - To known the unknown

The CBR250R reveals a mature side to this multinational company, who’s put on its thinking cap to conjure up a practical bike for daily use that’s also affordable.

The attractively faired CBR250R looks a full-size bike. This sporty quarter-liter motorcycle resembles Honda’s VFR1200F, also sporting a mass-centralized stance. The front fairing extends down to shroud its engine bay, and a curved visor provides ample high speed wind protection, wrapping around a sporty cockpit

The motorcycle business has evolved a full circle at Honda. It brought the world high-tech bikes, higher-tech bikes, superbikes and then pushed the envelope to supersports, this giant punching through every barrier of motorcycle development along the way.

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