YAMAHA FZ-S 2013 .. stylish macho fighter in new costumes !

Yamaha Motor India seems to change costumes of their bike every now and then. Last month R15 got new colours and now its the turn of their most selling bike FZ-S. Yamaha gives FZ 4 new colours.


FZ-S highlights the style quotient and has more flesh to flaunt with purely European international design like new colours & graphics, aerodynamic chiseled windshield, stylish & sporty carbon pattern meter console, and more aggressive looking headlight. The new FZ-S is for stylish and attention seeking Macho man. FZ-S scores high in looks not only in its segment but beyond and is designed to satiate the need for style and fashion by riders. Etched with style and geared to today's fashion conscious customers, FZ-S is a fusion of machismo and fashion. FZ-S overflows with dynamism and originality. The running performance brims with thrust that overpowers all others with its unprecedented torque. Dubbed as "Lord of the Streets," FZ-S is designed and engineered with the potential for active and even aggressive enjoyment of around-town street riding and styling that brings pride of ownership and makes any rider look like they own the road. With the Triple Macho concept projecting the Muscular silhouette, muscular body parts and muscular chassis, FZ -S is an object which reflects visual expression of performance on the streets.

The New colours are the following : 

Fearless Black

Glory Gold

Raging Red

Tempest Blue

Their will not be any increase in price of the bike :)

Honda Launches CB TRIGGER 150 in India ! Price - Specs - Pictures

As expected HONDA launch the new CB TRIGGER 150 in India today. The bike will take on HERO HUNK , PULSAR Series , TVS APACHE and the lights of YAMAHA FZ.The bike is more or less acting as a sequel to the Unicorn Dazzler model. The launch of CB TRIGGER 150 would most probably be curtains for Dazzler.Powering the new Honda CB Trigger is a 150cc, single cylinder, air-cooled engine with a max power output of 13.81 BHP@ 8500 RPM and 12.5Nm@ 6500 RPM. The company claims that the new bike can stretch a litre of unleaded to 60 kms.

The 137kg (kerb weight) CB Trigger uses a single downtube, tubular steel frame and rectangular section swingarm. Suspension is telescopic forks in front and a monoshock at the rear. The bike comes with tubeless tyres, front (80/100 x 17 inch) and rear (110/80 x 17 inch). The CB Trigger riding position is upright and comfortable, with wide and tall set handlebars. Disc brakes are provided front (240mm) and rear (200mm), with a combined braking (CBS) system offered as optional, this would act as an extra force and will reduce the braking distance.

This is not the CBR 150 Streetfire as doubted by early reports. The bike reflects Dazzler  and it can be called as the Dazzler in a new costume.The CB Trigger gets 6-spoke alloy wheels. Much of the bike including its engine and frame are all finished in black. The new Honda provides a fully enclosed drive chain for optimal protection from harsh Indian riding conditions, at last they understand the Indian Customers.There's also a maintenance free battery. The CB Trigger taillight is a smart looking, little bit similar in style to the Suzuki GS 150.

The bookings will be open from May and Honda will reveal the price at that point of time. I believe that the bike will be priced between INR 75,000-80,000 OTR. The bike is available in 3 variants.

• CB Trigger Standard features front disc brake
• CB Trigger Deluxe features front and rear disc brake
• CB Trigger CBS features front and rear disc brake with Combi Brake System

Thanks & Regards
Abey Daniel Abraham

RIDE SAFE

Yamaha YZF R15 V2 Owners Review ... "Its I versus Me" - Jeffin Thomas

Yamaha's Style icon R15 v2 !

They say history repeats as the three tuning forks that Yamaha have as their logo seems to be resonating in clear frequency, though a bit sharper and louder as the years go by. As we know, the tuning forks symbolize unity in technology, production and sales, which in turn musically translates to unification in melody, harmony and rhythm. It generally deciphers all three must work together in unison for better functionality.

The YZF R15 v2 is a perfect example. I have always been a Yamaha fan beginning from the  RX series. I eagerly waited to be 18 to get my license and convince my Dad to get me a bike. Surprisingly the only demand he had was that get your license. I could not wait to legally be eligible to ride :p.

Frankly speaking I fell for R15. Even thou the V1 did not please me completely with its rear styling the V2 was Love at first sight for me. I had to wait over 3 months, beacuse of the number of bookings in its early phase.

Now coming to the serious matter , my little beauty has completed 16000kms in an years time. It has not given me any hindrances rather than the occasional body pain that is inevitable after a long drive. I receive an average mileage of 40kmpl in highways and 34kmpl in cities. Seriously speaking no other bike convinced me enough than R15, mainly beacuse of its unmatched styling :)

The First Ride

Dramatically the day the bike was promised to be delivered was exactly on the day of my final exam :( . I did not want to leave the bike in the showroom for even a single day again, since it has been a long 3 month wait. After finishing my exams as early as I could traveled all the way to Cochin, about 200kms from my home to take home my cutie pie :). As you expect I did not have a great first day , I felt it pretty difficult to manuover R15 through the cities. The gear felt stiff as it is early days that added to the difficulty. The time I reached home I felt real pain on my palms and back as the riding position of R15 is not as easy as you think it is. But once you get adjusted it feels a hell lot better. Registering the bike was the best part for me , I am a big time Valentino Rossi fan , what better number to get for my cutie than 46 ! yes KL-37 B - 46 ! :)

                                            

  

Riding Comfort & Engine

The bike rides really well but is bit stiff, and if you are used to riding commuter bikes than you will definitely feel that difference.The seating position is really awesome,style wise, once you are on the seat it looks like that it was especially made for you and one gets adjusted in the seat very well , but the issue I face every now and then is the pains I get in the palms and back . Yes the bike is very easy to handle and corner , but not really the bike that suits long drives or even crowded city rides. The linked type monocross suspensions do their job really well, it feels bit stiff but yes the cutie pie absorbs them very well. After ZMR I  think R15 gives you the best of road presence very similar to a moto GP rider. Get some cool gear on and u bet that eyes will catch you. The engine is a creditable one. Not much to boast of but its is superbly tuned and produce nearly 17bhp. The bike feels powerful enough with 17bhp and ride is good at the same time.The throttle response is very nice unlike the version 1 of R15. The engine is fuel injected and this means no cold start issues. 99.99 % of the times, the bike starts in one go, no matter what the conditions are. The ECU has been tweaked in this version to better suit the traffic, and you can feel the significant increase in low end torque when compared to v1. The liquid cooling ensures no matter how much or how harsh you ride, there would be no signs of overheating.The bike loves being revved. May it be an open highway or bumper to bumper traffic, the bike does not feel suffocated. The smooth gear shift’s adds more points towards the pleasure of riding it. Somehow or the other the engine tends to get a little tired. My personal opinion without knowing the technical explanation is that a 150cc engine working hard all the time ?? hmmm may be that's the cause. I nearly missed out on the pillion rider point. To be frank the pillion seat is not practically usable. However, the mono shock does not have any sort of adjustment option. Since this is a track machine, it does not take potholes too well. I hope Yamaha improves this in the future. Many hesitate to come with me for a long drive as pillion. City Traffic becomes a nightmare for the pillion rider and many a times braking hard in cities with pillion rider has given me memories that I really dont want to remember again. Hope you got the point ;) .Advantage that I feel with R15 is that , the bike is like a rock. Not even a hint of vibration whatever speed you go. Tremendous handling ability is the best part. Its gives me the confidence to take on any corner without disturbing the brakes.

Top Speed & Braking

The bike as you all know is extremely light and agile and with a peak power output of 17 PS, it can really take off with its top end torque, which is insane once you cross the 6000 RPM mark. The aerodynamics and the fact that the bike has been designed in a full-fledged wind tunnel are easily noticeable once you crouch behind the visor. At around 3000kms I have hit a top speed of 136kmph. Braking is top class , the best in the segment. I have experience of riding the FZ-S too which offers confident braking. So I feel that Yamaha specially concentrate on the braking part and has delivered it to perfection in the R15 V2.

Service , Maintenance & K&N

All is well so far . INR 650 - 800 as service cost. Major replacement was that off the front and back brake pads at around 13000kms. That cost me around INR 2500 . Good quality service is another trademark that you always receive from Yamaha. Now coming to the  K&N part of it. The bike lacks initial pick up , just like how a sports bike should be. But I needed to gain a bit more beacuse once I was packed to Banglore for my studies I needed that bit more power up front to cruise through the traffic. So went ahead with the plan of installing the filter at 8000kms. Now the bike has got that extra bit that helps me to storm through the traffic every now at then. The filter and the installation costed me INR 2000.

Fuel Consumption

As mentioned earlier I get an average mileage of 40kmpl . The worst mileage I have received is 29kmpl. I was in a hurry :D . Best mileage is 43 kmpl. Followed the universal policy "Slow and steady wins the race". But you cannot repeat that once too often with R15 in hand.

Instrument Cluster & Lights

The Instrument Cluster is beautiful.It is simple and decent, consisting of an analogue tachometer and a digital speedometer. The white back-light is very pleasing to the eye at night and makes the display quite readable. The headlamps to me is disappointing. I am planning to switch to HID's that would look good and also help me with a clear vision at night.

Verdict

I am satisfied with R15 , this little beauty is for people who need style more than anything. But if you are one who rides that extra bit I dont think it would be a good choice. This is the only real sports bike available in the Indian Market at a budget reach :)

Turn On's

• Has the best looks
• Liquid cooled Engine
• No Vibrations
• Efficient Braking
• Quality Tyre's
• Quality Service

Turn Off's

• Pillion comfort will have to be compromised
• Lacks bottom end torque
• Frequent gear changes required especially in traffic
• Not at all recommendable for city use , it can be a pain at times
• Does not take potholes well , its a track bike than a Indian road bike
• Headlights are dissapointing 

Slow and Steady wins the race :) Drive  Safe :)

Thanks and Regards
Jeffin Thomas

Please Post Your Suggestions & Comments


>>Lifeon2wheelz<<
Fly Safe !

Mahindra PANTERO .. the new 110cc Commuter !

Mahindra , may it be the two wheelers or the four wheelers seems to like the wild an extra bit. They bring out a Cheetah in the SUV segment (XUV 500) and now a Panther in the commuter segment (PANTERO). The company claims that the all new PANTERO, resulting from the scrapped STALIO project is a bit more than a commuter.

A steadfast commuter bike that doesn't encourage power but instead empowers the average motorcyclist with higher savings and overall satisfaction, we find out if the Pantero is ready to take on the other 100cc motorcycles.The commuter market is in the process of evolution, and the recent launches of ‘premium commuters’ is testimony for that fact. The Indian commuter buyers seem to want as much out of a 110-125cc motorcycle as they can, it seems. Consider this scenario – college guy wants to buy a bike on a tight budget. He doesn’t need a 150-200cc bike either. That leaves 125cc and below (if you don’t consider Bajaj – they seem to have an entry for every 5cc after 100) :p. These bikes typically give good mileage, can deliver good low to mid range power for slow traffic, handle decently and are comfortable enough for potholed roads. But should it look and feel boring just because it has a 110cc or a 125cc motor? I don’t think so. The college guy is right to ask, “What else?” And companies like TVS, Mahindra & Mahindra and Bajaj are answering the “what else” with digital speedometers, flashy decals, LED pilot lamps, alloy wheels and a few more of their ‘unique’ features. One of the most recent motorcycles to be marketed as a premium commuter is Mahindra and Mahindra’s Pantero, which also has an almost simultaneously launched more feature laden sibling – Centuro . Now this isn’t Mahindra’s first launch in this segment. The Stallio was launched in 2010 and following alleged gearbox problems, Mahindra had to stop production.The risk factor that Mahindra has challenged is that the failure of Stalio will hold a negative image in the mind of the customers. It would surely take a quality product to change this perception. The answer from Mahindra is Pantero !

More than design and styling a prospective commuter buyer would really want to know about the Engine and Economy , So lets start with it first..

Engine & Performance

The new Pantero is poweredby a 110cc Mci-5 (Micro Chip Ignited 5-Curve) engine capable of producing 8.6PS of power at 7,500rpm. There is a confident feeling realising that the Pantero has a M&M engine.The  bike is cost friendly and registers 0-80km/h in 13.83 seconds.The Pantero can register a top speed of 92kmph, even though the bike is not fast but has got enough gas to dash through the city trafiic and get you on time. Pantero has good low end torque  but the excessive engine noise, high speed rattle and the languid self start feature proves there’s plenty of work remaining on the Mahindra Mci-5 technology.

Fuel economy is the real talking point of this bike. The bike is efficient enough to deliver a mileage of 64kmpl in cities and 70kmpl in highways.

Design & Ride Comfort

Personally I dont like the bike design , but being a 100 cc commuter, style is only one among those secondary factors.Well, it isn’t quite different. Not at least where the body is concerned. Most of the design elements, like the front cowl, the muscular lines along the body, have been carried forward from the Stallio. But on top of the basics, Mahindra Two Wheelers have laid down some good decals on the tank and rest of the body. The sticker work is just right, neither too flashy nor too frugal – enough to make the Pantero look ‘young’. The rest of the body has been almost entirely doused in matte black, from the 5-spoke alloy wheel, the protective rail, the engine, the muffler and the black plastic body panels. The heat guard on the silencer and the foot pedals are in chrome. The Pantero has a locker box on the right hand side of the bike, under the tank, unlike most other new entrants which have been going with an under-seat space for papers and a small first-aid kit. One thing that I like is the matte plastic tank protection laid down by default. Quite often, bags, belts and other paraphernalia scratch the part of the tank that meets the seat. 

First among the premium features on this bike is the digital speedometer, which is right out of the Rodeo RZ. The Pantero also comes with an analog speedometer option, which doesn’t look too bad either. The digital one sports a tachometer too, along with the usual speedo and odo. The headlamp is accompanied by white LED pilot lamps, another feature that is becoming common as a ‘premium’ feature. The tail lamp is an LED console.

If I highlight one thing that justifies the name of the bike is its stability .The bike is easy maneuverable through corners and through traffic. Riding comfort is its comfort zone. The suspensions aren’t really radical – coil-springed telescopes at the front and 5-step adjustable coils at the back. But with that setup, the shocks soak up bumps and potholes quite efficiently. The upright seating position, comfortable seat and the amply wide handlebars make up for a very comfortable commute. But Mahindra could have really improved the braking. The braking is a fear factor in Pantero. A little more efficiency in the 130mm front and back drum brakes would have made a difference.

A BUY OR NO BUY ?

A doubt that many would have on Pantero is that whether the bike is a face lift of Stalio? The answer is No. Then people might ask does this bike has the guts to take on Twister and Passion Pro. Hmmmm I would say Yes. The Twister is kind of a peppy bike where as Passion offers best braking in the class with very poor ride quality. So the Pantero with its excellent ride quality and a 70kmpl average mileage could just be the player that Mahindra could bang on. If quality service is maintained this could be the much awaited brake for Mahindra to peek into the growing two-wheeler segment in India.

The Pantero will be available in 4 variants, Self Start/Alloy Wheels/ Digital Console, Self Start/Alloy Wheels/Analogue Console, Kick Start/Alloy Wheels/Analogue Console and Kick Start/ Spoke/Analogue Console. There would be three colours available, black, silver and red, each with a varied choice of decal colours to go with.

The Pantero is priced at INR 44,690 ( ex-showroom price , Chennai).

Mahindra Pantero 110 CC Specifications : 

Engine: 4 stroke engine, Air cooled SI engine Displacement: 106.7 CC 

Power: 7 Bhp @ 7500 rpm 

Torque: 8 Nm at 5500 rpm Start 

Type : Electric Start & Kick Start

Gears: 4 speed 

Battery: Electric Start 12V / 6Ah 

Maintenance free Tough frame Cluth : Wet Multi Plate 

Brake: Front, Rear Drum Stroke : 52.4 x 49.5 mm 

Speedometer : Digital/ Analog

Head Lamp : 12 v 35w/35w - Halogen 

Tail Lamp : LED 

Wheels: Alloy Weight: 125 Kilograms 

Tank/Fuel Capacity: 13.7 liters 

Dimensions : 2000 mm X 720 mm X 1050 mm 

Super DUKE 200 .. Kiirus tuned street fighter review !

The beginning..

The beginning of bringing street fighters of India started off with Duke. I mean the real street fighter with huge amount of the torque in the low end. Even though we’ve had bikes with the street fighter look I guess it will be Duke running away with the price. The Yammie FZ even though comes from its one of the best street fighter brothers the FZ-1, FZ 16 lacks much torque in the initial. So according to me and many others, we would crown the Duke 200 as the best street fighter till date in Indian Market.

KTM (Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen) – seriously I can’t remember this name! I’ve took this name from Wikipedia couple a number of times. Whatever basically an Austrian company. Their legacy has been motocross and supercross. In recent years they started production of street fighters. Basically all the motocross and street fighters need the same kindaf thing. Loads of torque pumping in the mid-range and low-end. The Duke badging has been a great name in the worldwide bike market, and it came into India a bit late. Still, we have it here as the best.

The stock Duke 200 with 25bhp bosses around light weight and with a very peculiar sound, compared to the whole of other bikes. At first there was only this color with plenty of Orange in it, which is KTM’s flagship color. Now we other colors too. The total appearance of the bike is uber cool, a pure urban street fighter with bold headlights and a very light diet looking bike.

     

“Superduke 200” - the transformation !

It was when we made a club here in Trichur that I met Vivek, a chap from the holy Guruvayoor. He owned a stock Duke. We interacted through the club, and I had a plan of some performance parts at that time. I shared the thought with him and he too planned some. One fine day he started off with everything.

Started off with remapping the E.C.U. He performance tuned it in Kiirus, in Mumbai. They are pretty much a good tuning company, and the E.C.U tuned was really worth the 10 k he paid. At first the fuel cut off rev limiter was at 10,500 rpm. The remapped E.C.U has a cut off at 11,700 rpm. It’s the maximum rpm that the stock cylinder valves and valve springs can handle. There is a fuel increase in each rpm and hence more power. Solid power. Nearly 1-2 bhp claims the manufacturer and yes it does makes the difference.

Then, went on to an exhaust. Unlike the exhausts for R15s, the exhausts for 200 cc and above are costly. He took a Leo Vince Sbk evo II exhaust for his bike. Leo vince has a variety of exhausts. They have GP corsa, cobra, sbk etc. With the best duct size and the best power increase is the sbk series. Its not available for 150cc. It offers nearly 3-4 bhp gain on the dyno. That was the best mod where he gained plenty of power right from the idle rpm. There was an awesome difference in that bottom end. There are 3 DB killers to meet with the sound pollution norms. You can get 9 combinations of different exhaust notes from the exhaust. With all the 3 DB killers removed there is plenty of power and a screaming sound.

Even though there was fuel control and exhaust on the bike, the intake was stock. He searched for the best air intake filter, and found BMC air filters now brought to India by Red Rooster Performance is the best with widest fin gap. So he installed a stock replacement air filter. Now there was the best combination of mods. Fuel control, exhaust and intake. All the mods nearly made the bike around 30+bhp. Since single cylinder engines doesn’t give much results on the dyno where the bhp is checked, roughly its more than 30bhp.

Still not satisfied. He plans a race cam and bigger sprockets for acceleration and all this will bring down 0-100km/hr in less than 5 secs! That’s whooping performance. Now it clocks 100 nearly in 7 secs. It can beat many out there.The bike also has bit of beauty upgrades like orange frame. It looks like bigger dukes like the 390. It has a projector headlights along with HiD. Day time runnig lights(DLR) on ornage hand guards. Roots security system.This is it with the orange beasts specs.

Riding experience

To be frank, as we in lifeon2wheelz always are, the bike gives you immense confidence to cut out and overtake and near misses. The best for city. You can beat anyone in a city dash. Such is the initial acceleration the bike. Take the bike to rpm above 10000 rpm and you can see a power wheelie in every gear. Prominent power wheelies in 2^nd gear shift. I’ve personally clocked 148km/hr on the way to Bengaluru. The owner himself has clocked a 152km/hr. Since the bike is naked and there is a hell lot of windblast, we couldn’t push the bike to more limits, else I guess it can easily clock a 155-160km/hr around in the red line.

Since the Duke is a street fighter it has a short speed gear box, with quick shifting of gears. You see triple digits on this bike considerably fast( stock ). Again, as a streetfighter the bike lacks torque in the top end. I feel after around 9000 rpm there is considerable death of torque. Till that the bike is just awesome.

Overall the “orange venom” is really the best of streetfighters.

Thanks & Regards
Angilo Poruthur
RIDE SAFE

A giant 'LEAP' by Hero Moto Corp ! Hybrid Scooter - LEAP

It is perhaps the most famous phrase ever uttered by a human being, a form of words which instantly summed up the meaning of an extraordinary moment in the history of the human race. "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

Hero Moto Corp is on the verge of recreating this words in the 2 wheeler industry.Hero's aggressive plans for the future are evident as they showed up a a concept that will soon turn to reality and possibly dominate its class.Hero had earlier unveiled a new hybrid scooter prototype at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi.The Hero Leap runs on a series hybrid power train with the battery-powered electric motor providing most of the power and the gasoline engine acting as a range extender, charging the battery and supplying power when the battery runs low. Hero claims fuel economy of up to 100 km/l, which translates to an eye-popping 235 mpg.The Leap Hybrid scooter while being a concept presents a new direction for Hero’s future products, which could use the hybrid technology developed in the Leap concept. Hero has applied for three international technology patents and 9 design registrations for the Leap hybrid concept.

As you may see the scooter looks very purposeful and smartly designed. With disc brakes and long telescopic forks up front it should display good handling also.Unveiling the Concept scooter here today, Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero Moto Corp  said “As its name signifies, the ‘Leap’ is indeed a leap in terms of advanced technology not just for us but also for the Indian two-wheeler industry in general. For us, it is indeed a ‘Leap’ into future in terms of our ability to bring technologically-superior products in keeping with international standards. Although this is currently at a concept stage, we intend to take it forward to be able to produce it commercially in the near future.”

If launched, the Hero leap will be the most fuel efficient scooter in India and will be considered as a revolutionary model. Being a concept model, the price of Hero Leap in India might be slightly on the higher side, but while considering the benefits during long run, Leap will be the order of the day. Stay connected to get more updates on hero Leap hybrid scooter.

KINETIC MOTOR COMPANY INDIA .. I am back !!!!

Pune-based Kinetic Motors (KMCL) has completed the process of its merger with its auto component producing sister concern Kinetic Engineering (KEL). The Bombay High Court in its final hearing approved the merger of KMCL with KEL and final order will be received within 15 days, the two companies, which is promoted by Firodia family, said. "The amalgamation intends to consolidate synergies including enhanced financial strength and flexibility leading to strengthening and alignment of various stakeholders’ interest, reduction of cost and value creation for the stake holders", stated the company. As a result of the merger, the stake of the promoters in Kinetic Engineering would stand at 53% from a current stake of 57%. The balance of shares will be held by public and financial institutions. Since the sale of its two-wheeler assets to a new company majority owned by Mahindra & Mahindra in 2008 Kinetic Motors was reduced to a shell company. From its earlier stake of 20% Kinetic Motors' stake in Mahindra 2 Wheelers (M2WL) presently stand at 12%. This 12% stake translates to 61,200,000 shares of Rs 10 each valuing it at Rs 61 crore. M&M holds 88% stake in M2WL. The merger culminates the restructuring activity undertaken by the Kinetic group to streamline its manufacturing and engineering entities towards a focused player in the automotive systems and components business with powertrain systems as its focal point.

KEL also announced the extension of its conversion /redemption of US$ 18 million FCCB till February 2014 which received Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval within a YTM of 5.83% set as per Mid Swap ratio benchmark. KEL had approached its bondholders, who also consented to the restructuring by extending the tenure of the FCCBS by a 100% votes cast in favour of the restructuring through Clearstream voting system. Restructuring envisages extention of the tenure for conversion/redemption by an year and without the change in conversion price as was fixed @ Rs 156/- per share at the time of issue of FCCBs. Current market price of the KEL scrip is also around Rs. 120. KEL further announced the appointment of Mr. Harjit Bhatia as an additional director on the Board of Directors of the Company, replacing Mr. Santosh Senapati.

So all these hints that the company that once commanded the scooter market may make the most waited comebacks.