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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Royal Enfield plans launches, capacity ramp up

After a record sales year in 2011, iconic Bullet manufacturer Royal Enfield Motors intends to ramp up its production capacity further due to strong order book amid long waiting periods. The company also has a strong pipeline of new launches that it plans to roll out beginning second quarter of the present calendar year.

The company, part of Eicher Motors, recorded a volume growth of 42 per cent at 74,626 units in 2011 and also achieved its target of monthly production and sales of 7,000 bikes by the end of calendar year 2011. With demand continuing to outpace supply with waiting periods of over six months, the company intends to ramp up the production capacity to over 8,500 units a month by the end of 2012. “Our intent is to grow well above 90,000 units in the present calendar year,” Venki Padmanabhan, CEO, Royal Enfield Motors told Financial Chronicle.

With increasing demand from several locations across the country, Royal Enfield has also embarked on widening its reach and improving after sales services. “We have added new dealers in poorly represented markets as most of our customers have to drive over 100 kms for good service support. Last year, we crossed over 200 dealers across India. All the new dealers are investing heavily in sales and service infrastructure (service bays), and we have set up two repair technician training facilities in Chennai and Chandigarh for equipping the dealer’s staff in servicing the new Bullets sporting our new engine platform (unit construction engine) besides older iron barrel motorcycles. We have also increased our spare parts supply to the market considerably, he said.

In addition to production and dealer ramp up, the company is also charting new launches beginning middle of this year. It will launch its Thunderbird 500 motorcycle, which was showcased at the Auto Expo, in May or June. With this, it hopes to strengthen the brand position further in leisure motorcycling in the country. The next launch is that of the Cafe Racer and is expected during the first quarter of next year. “In our opinion the reintroduction of a classic racer is a new segment in India and response of its preview at the Auto Show was overwhelming,” said Padmanabhan.

“Exports will be a key focus area with significant ramp up visible from 2014-15 onwards and their contribution is expected to grow over 10 per cent from the present six per cent.
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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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Bikes to be Launched in 2012 with Price

Check out the bikes to be launched in the year 2012. Few bikes have already been launched and released and to mention few, KTM Duke 200, Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS and others.

Bike	launch date	Price
KTM Duke 200	Jan 2012	Rs.1.2L
Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS	Jan 2012	Less than 1L
Hyosung GT250R	May 2012	Rs 2 - 2.5L
Ducati Diavel	Jan 2012	Rs 27,00000
Ducati Monster	Feb 2012	Rs 500,000
Hero Motocorp Maestro	Mar 2012	Rs 40,000
Piaggio Vespa Lx	Jan 2012	Rs 55,000
Royal Enfield Classic	Apr 2012	Rs 100,000
Suzuki Skydrive	Mar 2012	Rs 45,000
Tvs Rockz	Mar 2012	Rs 50,000

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Bajaj draws first blood: Mocks Hero’s products in latest Discover ad

Bajaj Auto is gunning straight for the jugular of the world’s largest motorcycle maker, Hero MotoCorp, with a brand new televisio Ad campaign for the Bajaj Discover 125 DTSi commuter motorcyle, called “chalta nahin, daudta hain”. In the Ad, owners of Hero MotoCorp’s different commuter motorcycles are lined up and asked about their motorcycles. Almost all of the Hero MotoCorp motorcycle owners are shown being apologetic about their Hero MotoCorp motorcycles, sounding almost wistful about their rides. Here, watch it for yourself.

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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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NO MAJOR TVS APACHE RTR PERFORMANCE UPGRADE IN 2012

The current scene:
The competition is coming up with compelling stuff tugging at the purse strings of the enthusiast biker in India. Yet, TVS Motors, an Indian motorcycle maker known for its continued focus on racing, both on road and off it, isn’t planning to come up with a major upgrade to its flagship motorcycle, the TVS Apache RTR series.

The Apache RTR series of motorcycles were developed with inputs from TVS’s racing program and have been excellent handlers with crisp throttle response to boot. Though TVS has upped the ante with a on-off ABS system on the flagship RTR180, the time is ripe for a major upgrade.

But well, according to TVS’s notification about their 2012 plans from our sources, the Hosur based two wheeler and three wheeler maker has not made any announcement regarding the launch of an upgraded Apache in 2012. Therefore, it might still be sometime before the Apache gets a engine capacity bump up. TVS Apache enthusiasts had been expecting a bigger engined Apache in 2012 as the competition now has a range of motorcycles between the 200-250cc category with more to come in 2012. Think, KTM Duke 200 and the all new 2012 Pulsar to name just two.

TVS focussing on commuter segment bikes:
At the ongoing 2012 Auto Expo, TVS seemed to focus more on the bread-and-butter entry level commuter segment with an indigenously developed automatic gearbox, that can find application in engine capacities ranging from 100cc to 250cc. TVS also claims better fuel economy from this automatic gearbox, which is quite creditable as automatic gearboxes are usually known to reduce fuel economy. Going forward, expect a range of TVS motorcycles and scooters featuring the automatic gearbox technology although the Apache series might still retain the manual gearbox due to the inherent sportiness associated with manual gearboxes.

We, for our part can hope that TVS hastens its 200cc plus motorcycle plans to stay relevant in the Indian high performance premium motorcycle segment as there are a slew of 200-250cc motorcycles lined up for the coming months!

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New Honda Dio 2012 Launched at Rs 42,632

Honda Dio, during its launch before 8 years in India, created a new generation of followers for its unique design and styling. The 102cc scooter raised the standards of scooter design in India, even much better than the top selling Honda Activa.

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Next Gen Bajaj Pulsar Reveal On 30th Jan, On Sale In March 2012..

Ten years after the first Pulsar twins made their debut, Bajaj Auto is now ready with an all-new Pulsar that will be unveiled on the 30th January 2012 in Mumbai.

Bajaj Auto has confirmed the unveiling of the next generation Bajaj Pulsar . The company will unveil the next generation Pulsar, which has been hotly anticipated for quite some time now. The unveil will happen at Hotel ITC Grand Central in Mumbai at 2 PM

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YAMAHA R15 Version 2.0 VS YAMAHA R15 Version 1.0

If they are coming straight at you there is little chance you’ll be able to tell apart the R15 V 1.0 from the newer R15 V 2.0. From the rear however, it is a totally different story. You can be forgiven for thinking they’re two different bikes entirely. The most obvious and the most eye-catching difference is the tail of the new R15, which resembles that of the R6. The new R15 now sports a split seat design, with the pillion’s seat considerably higher than the rider’s. Coupled with the rear fender assembly and the beefy tyre that customers desired for so long, the new R15 is that much closer to looking like a full-fledged supersports-bike.

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Honda Releases CBR250R in ‘Tri Color Pearl Heron Blue’

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India unveiled the refreshed Honda CBR 250R, India's most awarded motorcycle of 2011 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

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TVS showcases RTR 250 FX off-roader

TVS bikes at the 2012 Auto Expo include the RTR 250 FX an off-roading machine which takes the center stage at the indian bike maker’s exhibit.

TVS RTR 250FX bike for the display during 10th Auto Expo at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

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CB UNICORN DAZZLER GETS NEW PAINT JOB

The CB Unicorn Dazzler from Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd gets a new Deluxe variant that comes in two options of dual tone colours, namely the ‘Black & Grey’ combo and the ‘Pearl Sunbeam White & Red’ combo. They deluxe versions also get new graphics. Engine and other specs remain the same and the update is a pure cosmetic one.

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2012 Auto Expo - Hero Motocorp unveils 3 new models

India’s Hero MotoCorp, which recently separated from Japan’s Honda, has announced the launch of two motorcycles and a scooter, a scooter 110cc Maestro, the 110cc Passion X Pro and the 125cc Ignitor. All three models have been launched under the new Hero brand name.

During the launch, Pawan Munjal, managing director and chief executive officer, Hero MotoCorp said,

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