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My friend Keerthi is now selling motorcyclist t-shirts, in addition to his excellent line of motorcycle luggage. The luggage line now has saddlebags, tankbags, bumbags, laptop ready backpacks etc. I've used the saddle and tank bags. They rock. Check them out here
He has sizes from M to XXL (38 to 44) . And the tees are priced at Rs 250, including courier to most places in India. Ready stock. So go on, get one.
These here are the official launch press images of the newest 125cc motorcycle in town, the Yamaha Gladiator. From what I know, this is a motorcycle based heavily on the serene Yamaha Fazer 125, but the motor's a lot more serious, it's firmer on the suspension side and promises to have more character. The full launch release and specs are here (Yamaha Gladiator Launched):
Other posts about
All the 125s: Table
Hero Honda Glamour FI: Release
Yamaha Gladiator: Images Launch Expo photos Expo text Compared to the Shine
Suzuki Heat: Expo text Expo photos Zeus Ride Report
Honda Shine: Mumbai launch TVC criticism Launch Compared to the Gladiator
TVS Victor Edge/GLX: Launch
These photos are from http://www.yamaha-motor-india.com
Here is the official version of the launch, I'm off to
the dealer to get a test ride, report to you soon:
Young Gladiators
Full Gladiator specs from Yamaha:
Performance
Electricals
Suspension
Tyres
I went to a showroom and rode one of them new Platinas. Er... think CT100. It's got the same motor and the same chassis, but instead of the simple CT's tank/panels, they've adorned it with the tank and end piece from the Wind 125. Which, I think, is still made out of their Aurangabad (actually, Waluj) plant for export needs. The sidepanels is the only new bit, and I have to say, it looks pretty good. Since the engine is from the CT100 and metallic steel grey paint has no sound deadening properties, the Platina is pretty rackety. Put the noise aside, though, and you get a quick commuter for your money. I was a bit surprised to hear that the alloys could only be had on the silver bike, which is a bit sad. I think the almost primary colour bright blues and reds would have looks quite handsome with alloy wheels. Oh well. The price is quite a smart one. The Platina (coloured) goes for Rs 41,454 on-road in Mumbai, while the monochrome (heh heh) one is Rs 43,729. That means the two are Rs 1900 more than the CT, and Rs 2700-odd under the Discover 112. Why? Because Hero Honda has no products at that price at all.
Hey, like I told you (here), it's back. And it looks like it packs a new punch. Because it is cheaper!
Yes, the price is Rs 10,000, and now includes two days stay in Delhi at the two ends of the trip, one each. However, please note, fuel is not included. I spoke to the organiser, who tells me, that like last year, they won't say no to couples (married or seeing each other), but two chaps on one bike are a strict no-no. Disco rules apply. It seems after a few days, the chap riding pillion just wants to occupy the seat in the backup car, which is just a strain on the organisers. Fair enough, I say.
The full official notice, with pics is below; A daily itinerary is here
My other Himalayan Odyssey/Leh posts:Sorry chaps, am off for a trip. Will be back monday with exciting news (promise). If I do get net access where I'm headed, I'll try and post up a Platina touch-n-try. So long, then
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Me
Dear
I feel your pain. And from your letter, I think you feel mine. But unfortunately, we stand at the cusp of change. No, really, no bullshit, I mean it. everything points to the leisure/premium segment of motorcycles being the next big thing. The analysts say so, the market says so, industry watchers say so and so does the rising buying power of the average motorcyclist. More important is the fact, that the enthusiasts are getting more and more vocal, their language is getting stronger and I think, the manufacturer's are finally losing the gold-plated dollar signs in their pupils.
But to expect a big bang to open the new era is expecting a miracle. The only company that needs something of that scale is Yamaha, and being Japanese, I don't think they will take such a radical step. Think baby steps. 250 first, 400 tomorrow, 600s soon after.
There are a couple of thresholds we need to cross before we can start swimming in big bikes. The first and the hardest one will be multi-cylinder big ones. You see, our service centres are largely seen as purely mandatory requirements by customers and manufacturers alike. And treated as such. It's a sad situation. I've seen over the years that factory-trained mechanics, increasingly, know nothing more than what they learn - to adjust the air screws on single carbs. A large part of the fear of the manufacturer is what happens when their unbreakable R6 breaks down. Will these screw-turners be able to handle it? The answer, at the moment, is unfortunate and obvious.
So, when Bajaj launches the 225/250, they will open the doors for more sophisticated service requirements with fuel injection. Once service becomes something you can handle (remember, buyer budgets, raw materials and the demand for bigger machines is rising all the time), launching the first multis (I'd say 250s and 400s) should not be a big deal, especially if they're imported fully/partially built.
Which brings us to the second hurdle. Our certification agencies have not really dealt with complex motorcycles so far. They actually devised a set of rules for Comet's tubeless tyres! Once manufacturers start pressuring them for standard rules and procedures for bigger multis, it'll clean up the path, and force customs to work faster with bikes as well.
Once the wall is breached, we're in for a flood. Yes, I know, I can't wait either. But such is the cross we bear.
-rearset
PS
Won't be long now
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