Spy pics of Next-gen Bajaj Discover

Avid Autocar India reader, Ninad Kashikar has just clicked these early & detailed spy pictures of an undisguised, next generation Bajaj Discover undergoing testing. However, the new bike will not replace the current Discover, but will instead be sold alongside it.

As seen in the pictures, the new Discover gets a comprehensive styling makeover. The new front headlight cluster now has minor chrome inserts, & although revised, this new design does show off its Discover family lineage.

A big change on the new, approximately 125cc Discover is a gas filled mono shock rear suspension system, a premium feature that is unheard of in the Discover segment. The Discover 125 will compete head on with the likes of Hero MotoCorp's Splendor motorcycles, Honda's CB Twister, Stunner & upcoming Dream Yuga, TVS's StarCity commuter bikes as well as all other rival 125cc bikes currently sold in India.

Expect Bajaj to launch their new discover very shortly.

Carmaker Audi buys bikemaker Ducati for 1.12 billion USD

German luxury carmaker, Audi, has agreed to buy Italian bikemaker, Ducati, for a sum of 1.12 billion USD. Audi will also inherit all of Ducati’s current financial liabilities.

Volkswagen owned Audi were earlier negotiating with Ducati owner Investindustrial to buy out the Italian exotic bike maker, but it has now culminated to a deal. The marriage of the two automotive giants fits well with Audi’s ambitious ‘Project Eagle,’ aimed at elevating VW to becoming the world’s largest auto manufacturer.

Earlier, Andrea Bonomi, Investindustrial head had stated that Ducati was looking for a world class industrial partner for its future growth & wanted to sell the iconic brand for one billion Euros.

The purchase will make Ducati the 11th brand in VW’s portfolio. Ducati sold 42,000 motorcycles through 2011 & commands a nine percent share in its segment. The company has been making all the right moves over the past few years, launching segment leading motorcycles like its versatile Multistrada 1200, the Diavel power cruiser & 1199 Panigale race replica.

First Look of New Vespa LX 125

The Vespa brand enjoys a history in India, as erstwhile collaborators with LML making geared scooters that were popular at one time. Like all good things however, the LML JV was dismantled in 1999, Piaggio having setting up a spanking new manufacturing unit at Baramati in 2007.

Piaggios first scooter here, the LX 125 is set to launch on schedule later this month. The Vespa LX 125 is an automatic, retro looking scooter, paying tribute to the original 1946 Vespa with retro styling. It’s a compact vehicle, with plenty of rounded curves & a cute, headlamp, flanked by chrome rear view mirrors. The front apron sports a centre cowl, reminding of scooters from the past, apart from a chrome grille that houses the horn. The front apron is otherwise clean & smooth, incorporating a set of tall, rectangular indicators. An angular front mudguard guards the front suspension & five spoke alloys.

The LX employs a rounded instruments cluster with a speedometer, fuel gauge, low fuel warning light, tell tale lights & a digital clock. Switchgear looks modern. Inside the apron sits a petite glove box, capable of gobbling up a few knick knacks. There’s a ridged footboard below. The seat seems wide, & should provide comfort for both, riders & their pillion. A large under seat storage bay is present. Behind the seat sits a functional looking grab handle, while the LX 125 rear end is smartly contoured, retro but simple with an edgy stop lamp & turn indicators. Its all metal body should endure the LX 125 with robustness, as opposed to most Indian plastic body scooters of today. Fit finish & quality on the scooters to leave Baramati remains a question mark.

The LX 125 for India will deploy a 124cc, four stroke, fuel injected, air cooled single cylinder engine. 125cc is a favourite displacement for Vespas, the famous firm having often given their vehicles similar capacity engines over six decades. Peak power output is 10.7bhp at 8250rpm, while maximum torque produced at 6500rpm is 0.97kgm. An automatic CVT transmission, coupled with decent power & torque should endure the LX 125 with ample performance & convenience in Indian traffic conditions.

The scooter uses a load bearing steel chassis with welded structural supports holding its engine in place. Front suspension is a single side, linked arm with hydraulic shock absorber & coil spring, while at rear sits a hydraulic monoshock. The LX 125 uses a purposeful 200mm front disc brake, with a conventional 110mm drum behind.

Pricing is yet to be announced, & shall hold the keys to the LX 125’s success in India. Indication point at premium positioning, so expect the LX 125 to cost a bit more than its competition. Has the Indian scooter market evolved enough to accept a premium scooter like this? Are Indians prepared to shell out the extra buck it takes to make lifestyle statements aboard scooters?

Time, & the Autocar India road test will tell the truth.

New BMW’s affordable GS is for India

BMW is readying the F650 GS from its ever popular adventure family for launch in India. The name could lead you to think back to the mid nineties, when another BMW, the big single engine powered Funduro, launched here courtesy the Hero group. The F650 GS is however a very different animal as compared to the Funduro, that was a bike ahead of its time. Unlike the Funduro’s big single, Rotax developed engine, the GS’s trellis frame holds a more potent, four stroke, liquid cooled, 798cc parallel twin motor that is shared with the 85bhp F800GS. Power for the F650 GS is although capped at a milder 71bhp.

At idle the F650 GS’s fuel injected BMW powerplant settles into a smooth rhythm with a muted, bass rich exhaust beat. The saddle of this near 200kg motorcycle is considerably high, enough to make the bike feel a shade daunting at first. But get it off the stand & going, & you find yourself towering above everything else on the road in a really commanding position. This confidence inspiring seating position will work its charm on you fairly quickly, as the light action, cable operated clutch makes it easy for a rider to tap deep into the parallel twin engine’s smooth & uncomplicated performance.

Our brief test ride proves the GS is a capable work horse, ever willing to trot slowly without kicking up a fuss. The BMW is flexible enough to allow you to pull smoothly forward from a patient 30kph in third gear without any stuttering or fuss. Start using your right wrist with enthusiasm however, & the GS transforms into a stallion, breaking into a thundering gallop in a flash. 71bhp of creamy smooth power & a healthy 7.6kgm of torque prove really rewarding to use, ample whether in the city or gunning the F650 GS out on the highway.

The versatile motorcycle’s wide handlebar & comfy upright riding position makes it easy to ride & maneuver around on our crowded roads. It comes as no surprise the GS’ telescopic front suspension & monoshock rear setup are capable of thundering over the worst surfaces with complete authority. It feels as though the F650 GS barely registers any of India’s commonly found lumpy tarmac or potholes, making this a truly ideal motorcycle for daily use in our demanding conditions. Ride quality remains remarkably flat always, with as much comfort on offer as possible despite such varying road conditions. Another praiseworthy asset to the F650 GS is it maintains all this solid composure despite when riding with a full size adult as pillion.

While BMW’s off road enthusiasts may bemoan a conventional chain being used for final drive instead of a shaft, & alloy wheels (17 inch front & 19 inch rear wrapped with capable, German Metzeler rubber) the GS is more than capable of handling any terrain you dare to ride over. The ABS brakes felt reassuring, this important safety feature certain to reduce the stress of riding this new motorcycle.

The baby GS is a well rounded motorcycle that can be ridden daily, & everywhere, provided the standard seat height of 820mm doesn’t scare you away. The F650 GS goes on sale in May 2012, backed by the proven after sales & service care provided by Navnit Motor’s, BMW Motorrad’s Mumbai based importer. The ABS equipped F650GS is expected to launch at an attractive Rs 8 10.5 lakh on road price in Pune.

Two wheeler prices may go North

In a show of insufficient support to India’s flourishing private sector, the Government Of India’s Union Budget 2012–13 proposes hiking two wheeler excise duty from ten to twelve percent; an inexplicable move that can only trigger price hikes across the industry, as two wheeler manufacturers are left little choice but to pass their increased cost burden on to buyers.

The government has meanwhile also failed to provide relief to what are already sky high import duties levied on imported motorcycles brought in as completely built units (CBU), semi knocked down (SKD) &ncompletely knocked down units (CKD), unreasonably choosing to keep duty unaltered for these products, with 60 percent duty absorbed by the Government on every CBU model, &n30 percent for all CKD bikes.

Ducati has unveiled the Monster Diesel.

Italian bike manufacturer Ducati has unveiled a restyled Monster 1100EVO called the Monster Diesel. The Monster Diesel gets a coat of army green paint in matte finish with black treatment for its prominent trellis frame, exhausts, wheels & front forks, while the front brake calipers are now yellow. Ducati has also launched a collection of slim fitting biker jackets, various apparel & accessories. The Monster Diesel will be available at Ducati stores globally from this July.

New Honda CBR150R Bookings are now open

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has commenced bookings for the CBR150R, simultaneously beginning production of the bike at Manesar.

The Japanese two wheeler major aims to roll out a first batch consisting of approximately 750 bikes by the end of March 2012. The CBR150R is powered by a 149.4cc, four stroke, single cylinder engine which delivers 18bhp. The bike features a six speed gearbox & will be offered in four colours.

Though pricing remains undisclosed, we expect the latest CBR bike to be attractively priced within Rs 1,20,000. Meanwhile, Honda sales counters continue to bustle with 43,000 bookings accumulated for the new Dio scooter, in the six weeks since its launch.

Yamaha's first Scooter The Ray Launches by diwali

India Yamaha Motor plans to launch their first scooter, the Ray by Diwali. Displayed as a prototype at the Auto Expo, the stylish, small capacity (100-125cc) scooter targets the fairer sex.

Roy Kurian, national business head, India Yamaha Motor has stated ongoing capacity expansion at Yamaha’s Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh) factory shall conclude this year, following which Yamaha’s yearly production will reach one million units from six lakh units today. Yamaha is simultaneously scouting for land in the south to put up another manufacturing facility.

Review and first ride of new Ducati monster

Almost a quarter of a million Monsters have sold around the world since its 1993 introduction. So, how many of the next quarter of a million Monsters are to be powered by Ducati’s new Monster 795 for Asia? A quick ride brings us closer to the answer.

Ducati isn’t beating around the bush. The Monster might be the most affordable Ducati in Asian markets by a fair margin, but it’s still no less a Ducati by any yardstick. Instantly recognisable as a Monster, the 795 is manufactured in Bologna & assembled in Thailand, with stringent quality control ensuring it lives up to Ducati’s standards of quality  &  fit finish.

The 795 is a hybrid; a combination of two existing Monsters. The chassis of the entry level 696 offers convenience for shorter riders thanks to a lower seat height. Repositioned handlebars (sourced from India!) ease the forward lean ergonomics  &  the foot pegs are likewise repositioned. At the heart of the iconic motorcycle sits the 803cc, Desmodromic valve train equipped motor from the Monster 796. Ducati knows this combination is best suited for Asians  &  Indians. A double sided alloy swingarm helps keep costs competitive.

The lower seat makes shorter riders feel at home immediately,  &  the bike is furthermore manageable thanks to its 167kg weight. Wide handlebars provide good leverage, 

and the V twin engine outputs a familiar Ducati throb with strong midrange grunt on tap. The Monster blasts to an indicated 94kph in first gear, 138kph throttle pinned to the stop in second while third is good for near 180kph. There’s no shortage of performance from this 87bhp powerplant. And the wholesome package of superb dynamics  &  potent brakes makes it effortless tapping into  &  getting to grips with the Ducati’s sporty genes on the right road.

The Monster 795 aims to be exciting  &  practical. While handling is light  &  easy, the engine sometimes feels snatchy at low speeds  &  prefers being left on the boil. And this could be a bit of an issue if you want your Monster to commute to work in Mumbai city traffic every day. Keep its engine revving high on the highways  &  now you’ve got a better idea of where the 795 can truly excel. Ride quality is pliant  &  capable of soaking in the bumps with a sporty firmness.  Despite its altered seating position however, the Monster is still not the most ideal long distance touring motorcycle, as its stance remains sporty  &  can extract a toll on an unfit lower back.

No, it may not feel quite at home in every surrounding, but the Monster 795 has its heart in the right place. Performance, styling  &  the India introductory Rs 5.99 lakh price tag make it pretty tempting. We hear this is just the first salvo fired towards India from Bologna & simply can’t wait for what’s next.  

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 5.99 lakh

Engine

Fuel	Petrol
Type	803cc, L-Twin cylinder, 2 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled
Bore/stroke	88x66mm
Power	85.82bhp at 8250rpm
Torque	7.95kgm at 6250rpm

Transmission

Type

6-speed

Dimensions

Wheel base

1450mm

Chassis & Body

Weight	167kg
Wheels	3-spoke light alloy 3.50x17, 3-spoke light alloy 4.50x17
Tyres	Front-120/60 ZR 17 Pirelli Angel ST, rear-160/60 ZR 17 Pirelli Angel ST

Suspension

Front	Marzocchi (43mm upside-down forks)
Rear	Progressive linkage with preload and rebound Sachs adjustable monoshock

Test ride and full review of New Hero MotoCorp Impulse

The Hero MotoCorp's new Impulse is the 1st bike to wear a Hero MotoCorp badge & the company has boldly gone ahead to kick start a new on-off road segment with the bike.

The motorcycle looks piece. It's long & black mudguard is like a beak, above which there is a high headlamp. Wide handlebars come with knuckle guards to keep mud far from your hands when riding in rough, while just behind, the fuel tank comes clad with the large scoops. As every go anywhere bike must be, the bike is tall with a high seat that purposefully pulls over the tank. The Impulse has come with a big LED tail light.

Powering the Impulse there is a 149.2cc, 4 stroke, air-cooled & single cylinder engine, which generates 13.2bhp of power & 1.36kgm of torque. The Impulse uses a 5-speed gearbox which shifts smoothly in the universal, 1-down, 4-up pattern. This engine offers a good low & mid range punch.

The Impulse is no poser. You get a massive 245mm ground clearance which comes armed with long stroke front suspension & a special high pressure gas charged rear damper. To improve the ground clearance, its exhaust loops around engine before exiting besides the pillion seat. The metal brake operating pedal is having a serrated finish which offer's a maximum grip in the muck. The rear sprocket have a solid plate which prevents the chain from slipping when riding through a rough terrain. The Impulse uses a high tensile steel which ensures that this chassis & swingarm are more stronger than the conventional bikes.

A highlight to the new Impulse is a sense of confidence that you can take on any terrain astride the motorcycle. A good upright riding position & wide handlebars which give the bike very comfortable seating position & make it much easy to steer. The double cradle frame is a robust & it aids handling. Capable suspension & meaty tyres tackle indian roads as well. On a smooth test track the Impulse feels sure footed, quickly changing the direction with a forgiving feel that soon gives the rider enough confidence to start sliding the motorcycle.

Off the road, a big 19 inches front rim easily clambers over the obstacles. The bike is effortlessly able to soak in a beating & its 17 inches rear rim with a 110/90 Ceat rear tyre offers a enough purchase.

The bike is undoubtedly well suited to our roads. It can tackle college trips or office commutes over the pathetic roads without batting the eyelid, just as easily doubling up as a leisure bike to chase dirt trails with. The Impulse is sure to hold much appeal for urban as well as rural bikers with its fun, hardy & a confident nature.

The company has priced the motorcycle well at Rs 66,800 (ex-showroom,New Delhi) & the bike enters Indian showrooms from last week of October onwards.

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 66,800 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Engine

Fuel	Petrol
Type	149.cc single-cylinder, air cooled, four stroke
Power	13.2bhp at 7500rpm
Torque	1.36kgm at 5000rpm
Power to weight	98.5bhp per tonne

Transmission

Type	5-speed, 1 down, 4 up

Dimensions

Length	2100mm
Width	820mm
Height	1160mm
Wheel base	1360mm
Ground clearance	245mm

Chassis & Body

Weight	134kg
Wheels	wire spoke
Tyres	Front 19inch, rear 17inch

Suspension

Front	Telescopic forks
Rear	Monoshock

Performance

0-20	1.07
0-40	2.67
0-60	5.59
0-80	10.44
0-100	21.07

New upgraded Dio Scooter launched bye Honda

Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India has launched the new Dio scooter. Dio now have a updated 110cc engine & Honda’s global moto styl.

New  Dio is powered by the identical 110cc engine that powers the Honda Activa and Aviator scooters. It develops 8bhp at 7,500rpm (1bhp more than the outgoing model) and 0.88kgm of torque at 5,500rpm. The motor is equipped with a latest cutting edge techno which help Dio to achieve a mileage of 55kpl, up by 15% than earlier Dio.

In addition, Dio also have Honda’s Combi brake feature which ensures the improved braking efficiency & riding stability. It is also the first Indian scooter that sport tubeless tyres. Other updation is increased leg space & wider seat for comfortable ride experience. Honda has tweaked Dio’s overall styling also; it get new frontal design which, according to Honda, “expresses dynamic & youthful moto scooter look”, a new 3D emblem & a elegant tail lamp.

Speaking on the occasion,Mr. NK Rattan, VP  Sales and Marketing of HMSI said, “The increased convenience & comfortable riding position of the new Dio will appeal to both style conscious young males & females. It is very affordable & it will be available by February end.”

New Dio is priced at Rs 42,362 (ex-showroom, Delhi) & is available in  5 colours i.e. sports red, matt axis grey, pearl sunbeam white, candy palm green & leblon violet.

Bajaj Has revealed the new pulsar 200NS

Bajaj has unvieled a latest generation of the iconic Pulsar Bike, an brand new 200cc motorbike, dubbed it as new Pulsar 200NS (it mean "Naked Sports").

This bike uses a new liquid cooled, 199.5cc  4-valve, carbureted engine with a new triple spark plugging system which is coupled with a 6 speed gearbox. The new engine produces 23.18bhp at 9500rpm & 1.86kgm of torque at 8000rpm. Bajaj company claims that this new Pulsar is capable of 0-60kph in 3.61sec and 0-100kph in 9.83sec.

The chassis are steel fabricated, twin-spar and a perimeter type frame, with a rectangular type tube section swingarm which offers over 3 times the lateral stiffness of the existing Pulsar 220. It also employs a gas filled monoshock suspension & under a belly mounted exhaust, which keeps center of gravity very low. The bike comes with a petal type disc rotors front and rear, measured 280mm and 230mm, with a  17 inch alloy wheels and tubeless tyres at both ends.



See Bajaj Pulsar image gallery 

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. K Srinivas who is the President-Motorcycles of Bajaj Auto said, "Pulsar has now celebrated a 'Decade of Dominance' with 10 years of leadership in the Indian performance motorcycle market. The Pulsar 200NS showcases the next leap in technology and design and will set the standard for others to follow. We believe that 2012-13 will be an exciting period where Bajaj Auto will excite customers both here and abroad."

The next generation Pulsar 200NS will be on sale till April 2012 and Bajaj has also announced that the pricing shall stay under Rs 1 lakh.

Latest pictures of new Bajaj Pulsar