www.flickr.com
|
Hyosung, according to MCN, is all set to reveal the sexy-looking RX450SM Supermoto (eyes right; image from MCN) and the new GT650X, a sharp-looking new 650cc naked bike, um, sort of like the new-improved Comet 650. The pic is from MCN and you can read more about these bike at MCN's website. Oh, and if you badger Kinetic enough, they might, they just might bring'em down...
Check out this awesome, awesome trip log hidden in the forums at ADVRider.com. And thanks to the chap on BikeNomads (site | yahoogroup) who originally posted the link (sorry, I've managed once more to forget my yahoo password and can't log in to check... apologies.)
The trip log is pretty fragmented, so I am posting a series of links (in order to allow you to hop from 'chapter' to 'chapter' without having to read the various comments (mostly appreciative comments, some information on local customs/ethnicity etc) between the actual posts...
Post 1 | Post 2 | Post 3 | Post 4 | Post 5 | Post 6 | Post 7 | Post 8
Post 9 | Post 10 | Post 11 | Post 12 | Post 13 | Post 14 | Post 15
Post 16 | Post 17 | Post 18
Excerpt:
Disclaimers:The longer we ride the more intense it gets. The sand is so thick and waterlogged it's hard to believe. At one point the drag pulls me down until I'm in 1st gear with the throttle wound to the stop. The motor don't rev out though. It sits in the fat part of the torque curve. The bike bellows like a wounded animal and it kills me.
It just kills me.
No motor should be abused like this. It goes on for a good hundred metres. And there's nothing you can do. I'm on the pegs, murdering the bike and moving at just above walking pace. If I tap off for just a second I'll be stuck, with no way to get going again. And if I get stuck I get fucked. It turns into a refrain in my head that I can't control: "If you get stuck here, you get fucked here".
French site, motomag.com have this, a French road test of the fuel injected 500cc Bullet.
Click the links to access the translated version (I think Babelfish does a better job than Google's Language Tools for the moment, but Babelfish won't let you link to the translated version directly...)
Heads up from The Bike Chronicles of India
This is for all serious motorcyclists out there. A friend who organises track days has just informed me that he is organising his next track day at the Kari Motor Speedway on December 8 and 9, 2007. The track day is solely for bikes. This chap has a reputation for setting up great, organised and safe riding days and I emphatically recommend spending the Rs 1750 (that's all) you need to book a place.
Also note that final discretion on whether your participation is accepted or not rests with the organiser. The price includes medical facilities at the track, lunch on both days and track time. Transport to and from the track, petrol and any maintenance and/or parts are not included. These pics are from a previous track day (see a track day report here).
Track days are the safest way to learn to ride better, smoother and faster. Anand is an ex-club racer from the USA and will be more than happy to help you improve. Full kit is highly recommended.
Ideally, go with a plan. Tell Anand when you get there that you intend to improve which one or two aspects of your riding. Be clear on this. Work on something specific, like say, braking, or body position or whatever. Having a plan will help you gain more from your time there.
Please contact Anand Dharmaraj at dharma400[at]gmail[dot]com or call him at +91-98800-18662 (Bangalore number).
Here are two useful track day tips pages: Motorcycle Race Track Tips | Motorcycle Track Days
I was going to say something about this simple, short but pretty informative videos I found at Motorcycle News Videos|YouTube, but hey, the post title's pretty succinct...
1. What happens in a motorcycle accident
2. What happens to a helmet during a crash?
3. How to fit a helmet properly
4. How to reduce helmet noise
5. Can I put stickers on my helmet
Just so the chain remains complete, here is the Bajaj-KTM press release with the three images that came with it...
KTM and Bajaj Agree Upon Joint Projects
The Second largest European sport motorcycle manufacturer KTM Power Sports AG, and the Second largest Indian Motorcycle manufacturer Bajaj Auto Ltd, announced wide-ranging cooperation on Monday 5th November 2007.
Development of engine and vehicle platforms
The KTM Group provides the know-how for the joint development of high-efficient watercooled 4-stroke engines (125-ccm and 250-ccm), which provide KTM the basis for street motorcycles in the new street entry segment. The joint developments will also be available as basis for Bajaj-products.
Through the cooperation with Bajaj, KTM extends its product portfolio for the future with a 125-ccm street product line, in addition to the present 1190-ccm, 990-ccm and 690-ccm platforms developed and manufactured in Austria. With the introduction of the new EU driving licence which allows riding of 125-ccm motorcycles with a car driving licence in all EU member States, KTM will be in a position to offer innovative premium entry models in the street segment.
Natural hedging-potential for KTM due to sourcing of entry motorcycles in India
The sourcing for the production and the assembling of these new models in the street entry segment will occur in India. Thus the KTM Group is able to develop a natural hedging potential for its USD-exposure in the future.
Strengthening of the KTM sales structure in South – Eastern Asia
Bajaj takes over, the distribution of KTM products in India and further countries in South – Eastern Asia. Through this cooperation KTM opens up the Asian region and receives new opportunities for the sales of the entire KTM-product portfolio.
Sustained growth in the future
The publicly listed Bajaj Auto Ltd. has emphasized the strategic importance of these projects through the acquisition over the capital markets, through its 100% Netherlands subsidiary – Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV - of an interest of 14.5% in KTM Power Sports AG.Stefan Pierer KTM CEO welcoming Bajaj participation said:
“The Executive Board of KTM Power Sports AG appreciates this measure and sees in the cooperation a great chance to strengthen the KTM Group in its sustained growth strategy in a global environment.”
Commenting on the co-operation, Bajaj CEO Rajiv Bajaj said:
“KTM’s sharp brand positioning, differentiated designs, and hyper performance have inspired Bajaj to invest in this participation. Bajaj is delighted with this opportunity to co-develop a range of products for manufacture by Bajaj for both KTM and Bajaj brands. Equally Bajaj is excited by the prospect of introducing KTM products to India and South East Asia, as also to access the European market via KTM.
Bajaj is confident that this co-operation represents a long term win-win situation given the entirely complementary and conflict free nature of the partners in brand positioning, market presence, product plans and supply chain structure“.
About KTM Power Sports AG
KTM Power Sports AG is a worldwide leading manufacturer of power sports vehicles. With Products – in Motocross, Supermoto, Enduro classes and with On road bike products like Super Duke KTM is a strong brand in Europe and The United States. KTM has won more than 136 World Championship titles and seven times the Rallye Paris-Dakar. The operation core company, KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG, develops and manufactures competition off-road and street motorcycles. KTM-Sportcar AG builds the light-weight sports car X-Bow, KTM’s first step into the automotive field. With more than 1,930 employees, the KTM Group earned revenue of Euro 566.1 Mio. (INR 32 Billion) in fiscal year 2006/07. Over 23 sales subsidiaries distribute KTM products to their 1,400 independent KTM dealerships worldwide.
KTM is a Vienna Stock Exchange listed Company with market capitalisation of Euro 390 million (INR 22 Billion). KTM is a Group Company of Cross Industries AG, indirectly owned by & managed by Messrs Stefan Pierer and Rudolf Knunz. The Cross-group’s other businesses include racing motorsports systems, composites, etc
Further information about the KTM Group is to be found at www.ktm.com.
About Bajaj Auto Ltd.
Bajaj Auto Ltd, is India’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer and ranks among the top five motorcycle producers in the world. In the fiscal year 2006-07 Bajaj produced and sold about 2.38 million Motorcycles and over 320,000 automotive 3-wheelers. Its Motorcycle brands the Bajaj Pulsar DTSi, the Bajaj Discover DTSi, the Bajaj XCD DTS-Si are extremely popular in India, South & South East Asia, Africa and Latin & Central American Countries. Bajaj exported over 440,000 units (over 16% of its production) in 2006-07. Bajaj achieved consolidated revenues of Rs 166 Billion (Euro 2.9 Billion). Automotive segment accounted for 57% of Revenues, Financial Services 40% and Investment & other activities the balance. Consolidated net profits for FY 07 stood at Rs 12.5 Billion (Euro 220 Million) Bajaj’s shares are listed on Bombay and National Stock Exchanges of India and its GDRs are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Bajaj has a market capitalisation of INR 245 Billion (Euro 4.3 Billion).
Bajaj Auto is the flagship of the Bajaj group of Companies. Bajaj Group’s other interests include Life & General Insurance (Joint Ventures with Allianz of Germany), Retail Financing, Steel and Electrical Appliances. Mr Rahul Bajaj, Chairman of Bajaj Auto heads Bajaj Group of companies and also serves as a member of the Upper House of Indian Parliament. Mr Rajiv Bajaj is Managing Director & CEO of Bajaj Auto Ltd.
Further Information about Bajaj Auto Ltd. is to be found at www.bajajauto.com.
Bajaj has been advised in relation to its investment in KTM Shares by Asian Capital Partners Group, Hauser Partners & Raiffeisen Centro Bank AG.
Currency rate 1 Euro = 56.88 INR
Here is the official press release on the Xenitis Rock100... My previous post on the bike is here
Global Automobile’s Rock100 - Revolution in Automobile Industry in IndiaGlobal Launches Rock100 the Lowest Ever People’s Bike in India @ Rs 19,990/- with Milage of 125KM/Litre
Global Automobiles, A Xenitis Group company heralds Automobile Revolution in India with the launch of Rock100, the People’s Bike with Lowest Ever Price and never before Mileage by any 2-wheeler in India.
Within 7 months of 2-wheeler factory inauguration, Global is all set to storm into 2-wheeler market in India with the launch of 100 cc Bike with 125 km/litre Mileage and Lowest Ever Price at Rs 19,990/-Designed and developed completely by Global Automobile R & D , Xenitis aims to introduce a revolutionary product that offers unprecedented combination of never before Maximum Mileage, High Performance and Lowest Price Point.
The People’s bike is all poised to create automobile revolution in India with highest ever penetration in rural, semi urban and urban areas.
Mumbai, November 7, 2007: Xenitis Group is all set to herald Automobile Revolution in India. In keeping with the promise of national roll out of 2-wheelers within 6 months, Global Automobiles Pvt Ltd, A Xenitis Group company, the first 2-wheeler manufacturing company in Eastern India has unveiled the much awaited People’s Bike @ Rs 19,990/- in India.Christened “Rock100”, the 100 cc Motorcycle will catch the fancy of 2-wheeler enthusiasts with its unbelievable Mileage of 125 km /litre and mass affordability factor. Designed and developed completely by Global Automobiles R & D, Xenitis group is committed to provide a Revolutionary People’s Bike that can be availed by common people across the country.
Rock100 is featured with 4 Stroke Engine, Electronic Self Start and Kick Start Facility, Tachometer, Gear Indicator, Aerodynamic Headlight with Halogen Bulb, Sporty Indicators and much more. Global Automobiles has set up the first 2-wheeler manufacturing factory of eastern India in Hooghly District, West Bengal in February, 2007 inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharya. “Xpression” the first 2-wheeler from the stable of Global Automobiles was launched in April, 2007 in the august presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister. Within three months of launch of Xpression, the next to follow was the Xpression Plus a product extension in 125 cc category was launched by Global in August, 2007. Both these feature rich performance bikes with fuel efficiency registered enviable sales figure across Bengal through 200 dealer points. Global also ventured into Northeast and made its presence strong there as well.Speaking on the occasion, Santanu Ghosh, Chairman & MD, Xenitis Group [in pics on/with the motorcycle] commented, “We are going aggressive for an all India launch of this revolutionary Rock100 the 100 cc performance motorcycle at lowest ever price point by any 2-wheeler manufacturer in India. This will cater to the requirement of the common people of our country. There will no more be an out of reach 2-wheeler for anybody in the country. Rock100 will also be a rocking product in the remote areas where finance is not available and also will keep the 2-wheeler market steady even without depending on retail financing. We do believe that sub 20 K bike would bring in automobile revolution in India. We are confident to carve a niche for ourselves in the 7.6 million 2-wheeler market with our state-of-the-art technology, affordable pricing and strong distribution channel”.
Rock100 is a 100 cc bike with a robust masculine look complemented with unmatched style and excellent performance. Rock100 is featured with 4 Stroke Engine, Electronic Self Start and Kick Start Facility, Tachometer, Gear Indicator, Aerodynamic Headlight with Halogen Bulb, Sporty Indicators and much more. The Lowest Ever Price Point @ Rs 19,990/- and the Maximum Mileage of 125 km/litre are the two factors that would enable bike to penetrate into the mass market across the country.
“Our 2-wheeler factory has the capacity to churn out 3.6 lacs 2-wheelers annually. Today the company has taken order booking of 1.6 lacs 2-wheelers to be supplied till March 2008 from all India distributors and booked a sales turnover of Rs 400 crores for the current financial year. The company has also got confirmed export enquires from Middle East, Russia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and some African countries”, added Ghosh.
Hey all, here're the full specs for the new Bajaj Avenger 200 DTSi. If you are seeing some pics in this post, they're from Bajaj's website.
Bajaj Avenger 200, DTS-I
ENGINE
Type : 4 stroke, Air and Oil cooled, SOHC, Single cylinder, S.I. Engine
Displacement: 198.8 cc
Cylinder arrangement: Vertical
Maximum Power: 17.51 bhp*/Ps (12.88 KW) @ 8000 rpm
* bhp stands for brake horse power in Metric units and not British units. It can also be denoted as Ps or CV in the Metric System
Maximum Torque: 16.78 Nm (1.71 Kg-m) @ 6000 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 67 x 56.4 (198.8 cc)
Compression Ratio: 9.5 : 1
Carburettor: UCAL Mikuni BS29
Valve train: SOHC 2 Valves
Valves per cylinder: 2 Valves
Power to weight ratio: 113.7 bhp/Tonne
Starting: Electric Start only
Idle speed: 1400 ± 100
Ignition: Digital C.D.I with Load Sensing & non-contact TPS
Ignition timing: Variable ignition maps
At Coinciding Mark: NA
Full advance: NA
LUBRICATION
Oil pump type: Positive displacement Rotor type
Oil filtration: Primary Strainer & Centrifugal Filter
Air filtration: Wet Foam type
Engine oil capacity: 1.2 ltr
TRANSMISSION
Clutch: Wet multiplate
Primary reduction: 3.47 : 1
Final reduction: 2.71 : 1
Transmission:
Gear:
Ratio kmph/1000rpm
1st 26.09
2nd 17.73
3rd 13.00
4th 10.20
5th 8.69
CHASSIS
Type: Double cradle down tube
SUSPENSION
Front: Telescopic Forks 140 mm Stroke
Rear: 5-way adjustable, ‘Spring in Spring’, Hydraulic Shock Absorbers, Wheel travel 90 mm
Castor angle: 34 °
Trail length: 120 mm
BRAKES
Front: 260 mm Hydraulic Disc
Rear: 130 mm Drum
Brake fluid: NA
WHEELS AND TYRES
Rim size (Front): 1.85’’ x 17’’
Rim size (Rear): 2.75’’ X 15’’
Tyre size (Front): 90/90 X 17”
Tyre size (Rear): 130/90 X 15”
ELECTRICALS
Battery: 12 V 9Ah, MF type (Maintainance Free)
Magneto: AC Generator
Ignition system: Digital CDI with Load sensing
Spark plug: 2nos CHAMPION RG4HC
Spark plug gap: 0.6 ~ 0.8 mm
Head lamp: AC, 60/55 W
Tail lamp: 5 W
Stop lamp: 21 W
Speedometer: Mechanical type
Fuel Gauge: Tank mounted, Mechanical type
Turn signal lamp: 21 W X 4
Fuse: 10 Amps
SERVICE DATA
First inspection: 750 kms
Service interval: 5000 kms
Cylinder compression: 12kgf/cm2
Engine oil grade: 20W50 API SJ/ JASO MA
Engine oil capacity: 1.2 ltr
Oil filter change: Every service interval
Oil change interval: 2500 kms
Valve clearance: 0.05 IN & EX
Intake: 0.05 IN (in cold)
Exhaust: 0.05 & EX (in cold)
Tyre pressure:
Front (solo/pillion): 1.5 kgf/cm2
Rear (solo/pillion): 1.75 kgf/cm2
Fuel tank capacity: 14 litres
Reserve: 3.4 litres
Useable reserve: 2.8 litres
COLOURS Blue, Red, Silver, Black
DIMENSIONS
Length: 2195 mm
Width: 750 mm
Height: 1070mm, 1300mm (with Windshield)
Wheelbase: 1475 mm
Saddle height: 710 mm
Ground clearance: 169 mm
Minimum turning radius: 2540 mm
WEIGHTS
Kerb weight: 154 kg
Max. payload: 130 kg
Weight distribution
Kerb (F/R): 66.5 kg/ 87.5 kg
Laden (F/R) NA
WARRANTY 2YEAR/30,000km
PRICE EX-SHOWROOM
Pune, 62,620/-, Mumbai 64,890/-
Enjoy gambling? Or want to enjoy it and know nothing about it? There's a website you should know about. A website that helps you select the right online casino. I am talking about top usa online casinos. The website is free to use, and is simple to navigate. Just click to see the list of online casinos, their payouts and ratings, it's that easy. Click to visit! The top ten list is also ranked by professional poker and blackjack players, just in case you need an expert opinion.
The criteria used for the ratings? The bonus offered by the site, customer support, payout rate, deposit options, graphics and ease of use. You can quickly and simply choose the right option for you. Finally, you will get a complete review on the online casino website which may help you pick!
A simple, free website that helps you reach a fast and informed decision, what more could you ask for really? Start your jackpot hunt today, click that link!
|
BW
 |  | 
|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |
