Bajaj Platina launched

Hi, all. This is the full text of the Bajaj Platina's release press release. The motorcycle is destined to fill the gap between the entry-level motorcycle CT100 and the 125cc commuter, Discover. Here goes:

All New Motorcycle redefines benchmarks
in the 100cc segment

Mumbai, 8th April 2006: Bajaj Auto Ltd, India's premier two-&-three-wheeler automobile company today introduced the "Platina" which is all set to redefine current benchmarks in the highly competitive 100cc motorcycle market.

At first glance, the most striking thing about the new Platina is its unique styling. The new Platina in gleaming Platinum silver colour comes with sleek chrome graphics, chrome streaked blade design side panels, matt finish black silencer with chrome heat shields to turn heads around. The Alloy wheels, the annular chrome rings housed in a sporty console with the graphite-tint engine and transmission complete the stylish package. The MFR lens and clear lens blinkers further makes the world glow. This is certainly an exclusive package that overshadows other options.

The Platina further has the best of technologies to ensure superior comfort and performance. The motorcycle comes with the unique SNS suspension and ExhausTEC engine, to deliver class leading 8.2 bhp power and extraordinary mileage of 108 kmpl (under standard test conditions).

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. S Sridhar, VP Marketing (Two Wheelers), Bajaj Auto Ltd said, "The launch of Platina will redefine current standards & will further strengthen Bajaj Auto's presence in the large 100-110cc segment. Our R&D team has ensured that Platina will delight our customers with superb style, excellent performance and exceptional mileage. This bike has the potential to redefine the consumer expectations and segment volumes for the company. This new launch will certainly help us to continue to outpace industry growth in 2006-07 "

The base version of the Platina is priced at Rs 34,000/- while the hi-end version with alloy wheels is available for Rs.36,000/- (both ex-showroom Delhi). This package of style, performance and value offers a unique combination to the 100 cc motorcycle customers.

Bajaj Auto is by far the market leader in 150cc+ 'Performance' segment of motorcycles with 61% Q4 market share contributed by the Pulsar DTS-i twins and Avenger DTS-i. The Discover DTS-i also leads the 125 cc segment with 45% market share in Q4 2005-06. The Platina joins the highly successful Discover and CT 100 in the 100-110cc class to aim for a dominant share in this segment as well. end

The press release did not have the full specs, so here they are:

Bajaj Platina

ENGINE
Type : 4 stroke, Air cooled, SOHC, Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement: 99.27 cc
Maximum Power: 8.2 bhp*/Ps (6.03 kW) @7500
Maximum Torque: 8.05 Nm (0.82 Kg-m) @4500
Bore x Stroke: 53 x 45
Compression Ratio: 9.5 : 1
Valve train: SOHC 2 Valves
Valves per cylinder: 2 Valves
Power to weight ratio: 73.21 bhp/tonne
Starting: Kick Start

CHASSIS
Type: Single down tube with cradle

SUSPENSION
Front: Telescopic Forks 125mm Stroke
Rear: 'SNS', 5-way adjustable, Hydraulic Shock
Absorbers, travel 100mm
Castor angle: 27 degrees

BRAKES
Front: 110mm/130mm Drum (Alloy wheel version)
Rear: 110mm/130mm Drum (Alloy wheel version)

WHEELS
Tyre size (Front): 2.75 X 17"
Tyre size (Rear): 3.00 X 17"

DIMENSIONS
Length: 1994 mm
Width: 751mm
Height: 1086mm
Wheelbase: 1277mm
Saddle height: 805 mm
Kerb weight: 112kg

WARRANTY
2 year/30,000 km with optional extendable warranty of 1 or 2 years

PRICE
Ex-showroom Pune: Rs 34 & 36,000 (spoke/drum and alloy/disc variants)

Updated | Bajaj DTS-Si: My take

What is swirl?
Swirl, in the sense of combustion, is an effect that is usually engineered to act on the air-fuel mixture as it enters the combustion chamber. By a variety of means, the mixture is made to 'rotate' around the spark plug inside the chamber. Swirl is considered to be a good thing because it leads to turbulence.

What is turbulence?
Swirl is a pretty smooth looking thing (when you see false-colour velocity plots, that is), but like all things smooth, it does not last. As the piston comes up during the compression stroke, it breaks the swirl, officially called decay. When swirl decays, you get a random motion of the mixture called turbulence. Turbulence is good because it removes the opportunity for the air fuel mixture to separate and produce inefficient and variable (across cycles) combustion. Turbulence, and the great mixing of the air and fuel droplets also leads of fast burning, clean burning, and hence efficient flames. In essence, turbulence leads to cleaner, more complete combustion. In the context of engines, turbulence is a great asset at lower revs. Making the mixture swirl takes time, and reduces the amount of mixture you can pump into the chamber. So when revs come up, engine builders prefer smoother flows and higher volumes. In essence, if you wanted a superb high-rev punch in the motor, you'd be working towards greater flow rather than turbulence.

That's a comparison between the torque curves of the Platina and the well, Exceed (DTS-Si). See the massive extra torque available at low revs? That's the swirl effect, so to speak

That's a comparison between the power curves of the Platina and the well, Exceed (DTS-Si). See the extra power available at all revs? No replacement for displacement.

This curve was plotted by mounting the motor on a dyno and turning it over using a measurable force. The lower the force required, the less effort is needed to turn the engine over, meaning that friction losses are lower. The DTS-Si, as you can see, has a much lower curve.

What has Bajaj done?
Bajaj calls their new engine platform DTS-Si. DTS you know, Si is Swirl Induction. The company says DTSi, the Pulsar/Discover technology is evolving. The performance end of the evolution is DTS-Fi, which has debuted on the 220. The efficiency/economy end of that evolution will be held up by the DTS-Si engine.

Now stay with me. The old DTSi engine was simple. If you looked at the piston from the top down and marked the placement of the intake and exhaust valves and the two spark plugs, you would, more or less, get two lines perpendicular to each other. Think high flow, large bore, two quick burning flames. The DTS-Si offsets the valves and plugs. Instead of the two perpendicular lines, the valves and plugs 'alternate' in the four quadrants that the lines have dissected the circle into. The intake charge, therefore, enters the chamber, bounces off the bore wall and yes, swirls around.

Audi direct injection engine, FSI, uses an evolution of this. They inject the fuel directly into the chamber and the intake valve only lets in air. As the air swirls around the chamber, fuel is injected at the right time. At part loads (which is the majority of the time), the air is 'separated' into two layers. The layer around the spark plug is loaded with fuel and the outer layer is effectively 'dry.' When the plug fires, the outer air insulates the burning mixture reducing heat losses to the cylinder walls and reduces some of the overlap losses that happen from mixture escaping into the exhaust manifold while both the valves overlap.

That's the swirl part. Displacing 125cc, the motor is new from the ground up. Bajaj has made it really light (the 125cc motor is 1.5 kg lighter than the 100cc Platina engine and some 6 kg lighter than the 125cc Discover's) and use a number of ideas to reduce friction too. Think light, slippery motor. The motor's no economy-weenie either. While Bajaj do claim a substantial 9.5 bhp (that's more than all the 100cc bikes it will compete with and above or equal to most 125s as well), it also returns 109 kpl under standard test, which is 1 kpl more than the Platina. And Bajaj claim just over 1 kgm as the peak torque at 5,000 rpm which is impressive, especially when you see how far over the Platina torque curve this is, and how much the difference is.


This is a model of regular single-spark combustion


This is a model of DTS-Si combustion

What's the bike like?
The motorcycle will be called Exceed, although the exact spelling has yet to be announced. Xceed? EkSeed? I don't know. Like the engine, the bike will be sleek and light. Bajaj say that the low-end torque (14 kph is possible in top gear, it is said) makes the rideability stunning and all of those riders who like snicking into top gear early are going to be floored by the torque spread. Oh and this is not the Sonic.

This graph shows the evolution of the market share of 125+150cc segment and whatever's below that. Also, right at the bottom are the growth figures for April to July 2007, all together, 100cc and 125-150cc.

What's this mean to you?
When Bajaj said they wanted out of the 100cc game, they meant that they wanted the 100cc customer to have a more juicy alternative. 2 bhp more, more economy and similar price, in my book is juicy. Remains to be seen how more zing the styling will bring. The Exceed will be all new and probably be launched in September, first week would be my guess.

Bajaj say that while they sell 50,000 units of the Platina every month, the product basically breaks even and adds little or nothing to net revenue. Bajaj currently have nothing in what you call the top of the entry-level or bottom of the executive commuter segment and that's a crucial, crucial hole the Exceed will plug. The motorcycle will cost Bajaj roughly the same as the Platina to make, but will sell for approximately Rs 40,000 ex-showroom, which will mean the 6,500 extra bucks are pure profit and some taxes. Bajaj say that Discover 112 sales are pretty low, so any cannibalisation would be more or less ignored. Any upgrades from the Platina, obviously, will be welcome. The Exceed, if it proves popular and takes up substantial Platina sales, could replace the Platina.


Why is this bike significant?
Once more, Bajaj is taking the competition on by moving the playground. If all the claims come good, then once more, Bajaj will gained a couple of bike lengths by cleverly using technology. Swirl is not a new idea. But using it to produce a motorcycle that is defined by its economy is something no other Indian manufacturer has done. If the Exceed is successful, Bajaj will become less sensitive to the fickle entry level market. When sales cross 30,000 units, Bajaj say that the Exceed will also significantly boost market share. As Bajaj say, they are number two despite leading both the 125 and 150 segments (50 per cent market share across the segments!), and this is bike that they hope will fix the rest of the imbalance.

Related posts

• Bajaj DTS-Si: The TVC
• Press release: Bajaj DTS-Si unveiled
• Bajaj Sales: Still falling, but no worries

Bajaj's new Pantnagar plant

Bajaj opened production at their third plant (fourth if you count Akurdi) today, with a Bajaj Platina. Here's the full low down:

Bajaj Auto Commissions New Plant at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand

Highlights

• Greenfield plant adds 1-million motorcycle capacity;
  commences Platina production.
  
• Minimalistic Plant to represent lowest cost manufacturing
  facility of global quality.
  
• Integrated mother Plant-vendor cluster structure to serve
  as overseas Plant model.

Mumbai, April 9, 2007: Bajaj Auto Limited today inaugurated its Greenfield Plant with a planned capacity of one million motorcycles per annum at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. Built on a total area of 65 acres with the balance 155 acres allocated to the vendor cluster, the Pantnagar facility would be Bajaj Auto's fourth Plant & first Plant outside Maharashtra. The unit has a plant area of 40,000 sq mtr and will employ 600 line engineers who have been trained at Chakan for 3 months.

In a pioneering manufacturer – vendor partnership, the Bajaj Auto Pantnagar Plant will be supported by manufacturing facilities of 16 auto component vendors in the immediate proximity. A part of the land area allocated to Bajaj has been taken up by vendors to set up dedicated facilities to ensure seamless integration with the mother Plant resulting in phenomenal manufacturing efficiencies.

These cluster suppliers will meet 75% of the component requirement of the new Plant. They would be operating as the extended factory of the core Bajaj Auto mother Plant. Systems and processes would make this unit the ultimate “lean” unit in terms of manufacturing efficiency. All supplies from shops and suppliers will be on e-Kanban. The Pantnagar Plant is a compact focused manufacturing facility, which despite being the lowest cost production unit would adhere to the highest global quality standards. This new manufacturing concept is expected to yield 10 times the productivity of other comparable 2-wheeler units.

This partnership will see manufacturing and supply of Key components including Speedometers from Pricol, Front Fork and suspension from Endurance, Lighting systems from Lumax, Plastic and Electrical components from Varroc, Control switches and Ignition systems from Minda group and frames from JBM, in the vicinity of the new Bajaj Auto Plant.

Another landmark has been broken in terms of the investment required to create a plant with a capacity of 1 million vehicles annually. Bajaj Auto has directly invested only Rs. 150 crores in this new manufacturing unit for an investment cost of merely Rs.1500/vehicle, a benchmark perhaps unequaled elsewhere. This will enable one of the shortest payback periods for any Plant globally.

The current Plant built up on 30 of the 65 acres retained by the company has a planned capacity of 1 million units, which can be progressively expanded to 3 million vehicles. This Plant would be completely independent of the other three manufacturing Plants of the company. As such, the Pantnagar Plant is the proving ground for this new focused manufacturing concept, which could then be carried over to international markets in the future as well.

Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Auto who inaugurated the plant said, “We wish to compliment the Uttarakhand State on its excellent investment environment. This is our first manufacturing foray outside Maharashtra, with the best of manufacturing technology and processes. I am proud to inaugurate this new plant which sets new benchmarks in automobile manufacturing.”

Bajaj customers will now also enjoy the Excise and Income tax benefits from the new Pantnagar Plant, which coupled with superior production efficiencies enables the company to aggressively re-price the Platina. The Bajaj Platina is now available at Rs. 33,000/- ex-showroom as against Rs. 36,000/- earlier.

Said Mr. S Sridhar, VP (Marketing & Sales), Bajaj Auto, “These new standards in manufacturing efficiency together with the incentives for new investment in Uttarakhand has enabled Bajaj Auto to reduce the cost of production and offer even better value to its customers. The best-selling Bajaj Platina, which has already sold seven lakh bikes, post its April 2006 launch, will be the first product to roll out of our new Pantnagar plant. This additional capacity will enable us to meet the demand for the Platina.”

Added Mr. S Sridhar, “Over 50 per cent of our domestic two-wheeler sales comes from the northern and eastern regions. Our Pantnagar plant will also enable us to faster meet the needs of our customers in this region.”

Bajaj Platina offers a phenomenal value package for two-wheeler consumers, with its 108 kmpl mileage and a 4 years extended warranty, apart from some great features including a superior SNS suspension, premium Chrome Graphics & Alloy Wheels.

Festive season not ending for Bajaj

Press release from Bajaj...

Festive season goes on for Bajaj.

• Demand upsurge continues for Platina and the XCD (Exceed) 125 DTS-Si
• Platina festive offer extended till December 2007

Mumbai 23rd November 2007: The festive season beginning with Navratri and ending with Diwali as expected saw a massive demand jump for the range of Bajaj Motorcycles. So much so that many dealerships ran out of stocks of the Bajaj Platina and the recently launched XCD 125 DTS-Si. However, what is hugely encouraging is that this demand upsurge continues even post the festive season with an estimated 50,000 customers waiting to buy the Platina and 20,000 numbers waiting for XCD 125 DTS-Si.

Bajaj Auto’s newly launched XCD has proved to be a huge hit with the customers with 100,000 bikes to be on road within three months of launch. To meet this sustained demand the company is rapidly ramping up the production for XCD to 75,000 numbers per month. The attractive price-off on the Platina has also met with a stunning response resulting in a waiting of 15 days or more at several dealerships even post the festive season.

According to Amit Nandi, GM Marketing Bajaj Auto, “The XCD’s compelling package of outstanding fuel efficiency, 125cc performance and fresh-new styling has received very high degree of consumer acceptance across the country. Our ability to sell is only constrained by our inability to produce more. On the basis of the market response and sales growth, ‘XCD’ is proving to be a ‘knock-out-performer.”

Added, Amit Nandi, “There has been a tremendous response from our customers on the Platina festive offer. The bike offers unbeatable value at an ex-showroom price of Rs30,000. We have extended this offer till the year end so as not to disappoint our committed customers.“

The Festive period it seems does not end for Bajaj.

Bajaj XCD 125 versus TVS Flame: Clarifications

I think some clarifications are needed. I've been monitoring this thread at yahoo/bajajpulsar and from whatever I've read, not everyone is clear about the XCD and Bajaj's intent behind the bike. So I thought I'd post some clarifications.

1. DTSi was supposed to boost power and mileage. Now you have S also, so where is the extra power?
   
   The S(wirl) is designed to promote the speed and efficiency of combustion (as in speed up and clean up events inside the combustion chamber) at part throttle loads. That means, the DTS-Si motor is burning best at less than full throttle riding, when the engine is not heavily loaded. Why is this crucial, because the average entry-level rider (actually, this probably applies to almost everyone) does not spend any significant time at full throttle. So, the S is designed to boost efficiency and not power, which is why Bajaj says 109 kpl from a 125cc engine is pretty significant. Why 109 kpl? That's 1 kpl more than the Platina's standard-test claim, and I think, that's the exact message going out – more than Platina.
   
   Extra power? Who said anything about extra power? Bajaj clarified during their press conferences that the S' benefits lay in torque and efficiency, while the F (Fi) was where the tuning for more power would be done. Also, if you look at the specs, the engine's pretty much a square configuration (bore and stroke are nearly identical). Given that almost all of Bajaj's other engines are oversquare by varying degrees, that's another sign that Bajaj never inteded for the XCD DTS-Si to be a really high-power machine. As you may have noticed from the DTS-Si launch curves (they're XCD curves), the bike has a massive, massive torque advantage over the Platina, and a still considerable, but not quite so towering advantage over almost all the 125s at lower revs. I'm not just talking the peak torque here, I'm talking the of the torque at 1500-2500 rpm kind of the low-down torque. In fact, the only motorcycles I can think of which sport similar torque curves are the Suzuki Heat and Zeus, which have torque peaks at an unlikely 4,000-odd rpm.
   
   
2. BAL is claiming performance comparable with other 125s...
   To some extent, that is imaginable. The Super Splendor class of 125s make 9.5 bhp, which is exactly what the XCD makes. So, will it outperform the Disco or the Gladiator?
   
   No, and that isn't the point. Bajaj's point simply, is that despite the high efficiency, the XCD still has the guts to clean out clocks in the 125cc segment – not the intention, really but a definite possiblity. On the other hand, the XCD's real enemies are the Splendor-class machines (which are priced almost exactly the same) and lower bikes (Platina, CD-Whatever etc). Among this lot, its faster, quicker, more frugal, and more feature loaded by a fair margin. Those who scoff at the claims that the Exceed sorry, XCD, has 150cc class features, it isn't an empty claim. The XCD does have the goodies, right? Like the digital speedo, LED lights etc. Also, I think a standard electric start is a first in the entry-level segment, in the sense that there is no kick start only variant.
   
   
3. Comparisons with the Flame
   The TVS Flame 125 is a sticky topic that keeps running around and around. Before I bring the XCD into this, lets get a few things very clear. The TVS Flame 125 is without a price at the moment, and has not been launched. TVs is likely to miss the festive season burst and will probably launch it after Diwali. The TVS Flame claims 10.5 bhp, peaking at 8,250 rpm and 0.98 kgm at 6,250 rpm. The TVS Flame weighs 121 kg (kerb).
   
   All right. First, TVS clearly announced that the Flame will compete in the 125cc segment. And Bajaj clearly announced that the XCD would compete with the entry-level bikes, and any cannibalisation from the 125cc segment (or conversion of rivals, for that matter) would be welcome. That means, the Flame will directly compete with the Shine, Zeus, Gladiator, Super Splendor, Glamour, Discover pantheon. But not with the XCD. On the other hand, the XCD may draw some sales from this lot also. However, the markets never work that clearly, right? So yes, I expect that there will some spill over in both directions.
   
   So, how will the performance compare? The XCD makes 1 bhp less, and the power peaks one thousand rpm earlier. On the other hand, the Bajaj makes 0.2 kgm more, 1250 rpm earlier. In riding terms, this should mean that the Bajaj will have the advantage in acceleration for a short while before the Flame kicks in properly and takes off. On the other hand, the XCD also happens to be 9 kg lighter, which isn't a difference you can laugh off. That kind of a weight difference should mean that the XCD will keep up longer with the Flame than the curves would suggest. Of course, this is all pure speculation, since I've only actually ridden the XCD. In practice, on the open road, the XCD will feel out of breath at higher speed cruising, while the Flame will feel fine. In the depths of traffic, this could be reversed. Again, the gearing will play its part, and this is purely speculative guesswork.
   
   Be that as it may, in this light, the price difference between the XCD and the Flame might actually work to the Bajaj's advantage. The XCD is priced at Rs 41,000 ex-showroom and the Flame should come at about Rs 45,000 ex-showroom, if it is to remain in the segment ballpark. On the other hand, while the XCD merely looks fresh, sharp-ish and all right, but the Flame does look very, very neat... Yes, this is going to be a close-run thing.

Related links:

• Bajaj XCD 125: Ridden!
• Bajaj XCD 125: Launch release (includes tech specs)
• TVS Flame: Fire starter
• TVS Flame: stunning... & a storm-bringer too
• Bajaj DTS-Si: What it cannot do
• Updated | Bajaj DTS-Si: My take
• Bajaj DTS-Si: The TVC
• Press release: Bajaj DTS-Si unveiled
• TVS Star City 110: Up grade

Platina review

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.

Bajaj release: Sales, May 2007

This release just came in from Bajaj. The release below is in Arial,
my comments below are in this font

Motorcycle Sales - May	2007	2006	% Change
Motorcycles	167,008	196,120	-15
Total two-wheelers	169,327	199,426	-15
3 WHEELERS	24,110	24,029	0
TOTAL 2&3 WHEELERS	193,437	223,455	-13
Exports out of the above	49,203	32,179	53

1. Owing to the 22% fall in the sales of 100cc motorcycles, the motorcycle industry as a whole de-grew by 13.4%.
   
   
2. On the other hand, the 125cc+ motorcycle segment recorded a relatively healthy growth of 10%.
   
   
3. These contrasting trends reinforce our strong conviction that the industry will shortly witness an increasingly rapid shift away from underperforming and overpriced 100cc motorcycles to 125cc+ motorcycles offering far greater value in both design and performance.
   
   
4. Bajaj continued to lead the 125cc+ motorcycle industry with approximately 45% market share in May 2007. It does so largely by virtue of just two products: the Discover DTS-i and the Pulsar DTS-i. This reflects both a strong brand position as well as a favorable cost position.
   
   
5. With the launch of an all new non-100cc 4-stroke motorcycle in FY08Q2, Bajaj expects to catalyze this impending industry shift, thereby improving both its profitability as well as its market share. This all new motorcycle platform will be based on the extremely fuel efficient development of Bajaj’s DTS-i technology called DTS-Si, i.e. Digital Twin Spark Swirl Induction, for which an initial capacity of 50,000 motorcycles per month is currently being established at Bajaj Waluj.
   
   
6. Bajaj 3-wheeler sales continue to be steady while export growth maintained its robust momentum.
   
   
7. Bajaj has been selected for the EEPC All India Export Awards for its sterling performance in exports in FY07.

Year Till Date 2007-08

Motorcycle Sales from April to May	2007	2006	% Change
MOTORCYCLES	331,312	384,638	-14
TOTAL 2 WHEELERS	335,019	390,390	-14
3 WHEELERS	48,470	45,188	7
TOTAL 2&3 WHEELERS	383,489	435,578	-12
Exports out of the above	101,129	63,894	58

The idea of a new DTS-Si, Digital Twin Spark Swirl ignition is interesting. Given that it will be a non-100cc four-stroke (which nixes the idea of an Orbital tie-up, direct injection two-stroke, for now at any rate) with this new technology. While no details are available yet (obviously), one can only guess, so let us make some guesses then, eh?

Bajaj has said earlier that it would 'leave' the 100cc playground. The intention was misunderstood and I think the real statement was to compete with the entry-level products, but with a motorcycle that offered a larger displacement and used technology to offer similar economy and greater performance. DTS-Si seems to be it. Swirl in that acronym stands for increased violence on part of the gases as they enter the combustion chamber which tends to speed up and clean up combustion. Google swirl and you will notice that it comes up with the names of many a large manufacturer, including Suzuki. Bajaj could, in theory, add swirl to the already pretty clean and complete DTSi setup and produce an even more frugal motor. Or maintain the same level of frugality (100 kpl under standard conditions is enough, I think).

If (or rather when) Bajaj launches the motorcycle, I would expect to see a snazzy cousin to the Platina overall – which could be the Sonic – with alloy wheels, a 125cc DTS-Si motor and good performance. Another way to produce more economy and performance would be to focus on the weight and make the new machine as light as possible. The current Platina weighs in at 109 kg, even five-seven kgs lower would make a difference.

All of which cannot hide that fact, of course, that sales are slowing. TVS also posted a similar drop in figures and I can't wait for the Hero Honda release that probably says that sales rose by four per cent, bucking the industry trend etc.

Honda Unicorn Riding Impression

Someone wanted a riding impression of the new Unicorn. So here it is.

What an amazing, outstanding, superb, Pulsar thrashing little 150 this has become. The new Unicorn, ladies and gentlemen, is nothing short of outstanding. Hell, I'd go so far as to say the upgraded Unicorn is as different from the old Unicorn as the colour red is from blue.

A quick summary of the new features first. Alloy wheels. Black engine with red Honda text on crankcase cover. Polished fins and a nice new cam cover. Tweaked fairing with chrome strip. New graphics. Chrome on middle body panel a la CBZX or Platina. Ooh, help me up if I swoon.

Going into corners, the sharp touch of chrome in your visor is a treat. It allows you to point the bike better and works as if you had a shiny crosshair to aim at the apex. The alloy wheels now bring the bike up to feature just-below-par with its competition. Why? Because now that Honda has alloys, everyone else has digital tachos, twin pilot lamps, LED tail lamps... Uh oh. The sole Honda USP is the monoshock. Which, the astute among you will note, was exactly what the USP of the old Unicorn was.

At a very fundamental level, I think Honda has miscalculated once more. Once more, the Indian manufacturers have evaded Big Red. I don't how long an aggressive, overachieving giant like Honda can countenance such insolence, but for the moment, I can't see then really reacting in any major fashion. It took then from 2005 Diwali till now to announce these 'major' upgrades... which is the sort of time frame in which people like Bajaj and TVS create new platforms (or two) from scratch.

So, how is it to ride. Same as the old one. Great motor, lovely torquey feel, slightly weak on the top end. Neutral, confident handler, overtly stiff on the ride front until you find yourself a 100 kg wife who agrees to sit pillion with you everywhere. Still a nice bike to ride and still not the best value for money, not the best 150 performer, or the most attractive 150cc buying proposition.

What would I have done? I'd have junked all the plastics for more aggro looks. I'd have the CBZX motor (14.2 bhp) in it. I'd have softened the rear shock just a little bit to make the one-up 150cc crowd happier. I would also have thrown the bikini fairing into the recyclable plastic bin and drawn up a new one. Maybe with twin headlamps. Maybe I'd put twin naked headlamps. And I'd have gone ballistic on the features. And that, was if I were being conservative. If I were willing to stick the old neck out a bit... I'd bump displacement to 180cc, keep the mileage in check, make 15.5 bhp and give everyone a headache. Sadly for you guys, I'm not Honda.

Updated: Yamaha.. Alba?

I've just received some info that says the aforementioned motorcycle will be launched shortly in various Indian cities on various dates and times (I kid you not). But the Pune launch is definitely on April 12. Which, imagine my surprise, was yesterday. In the international market, there appears to be an ATV that is eponymous (always wanted to use that word in my blog... there, done).

From what I can tell, that's the 100cc bike that will hopefully replace the Crux (as opposed to run harder beside it). If the market is anything to go by, expect TVS Star or Bajaj Platina matching or exceeding specs. The Alba will be interesting mostly because it represents the new Yamaha face attacking the old problem – volumes. The Alba should give us a good first hand view of how Yamaha intends to resurrect its Indian operation. If they were to come out and say something on the lines of 'the performance commuter that'll thrash the competition', and offer more power in a trade in for a little economy, I will be in their camp. If it turns out to be another template commuter...

Okay, since I typed that in, I've had a new filling in of information. The Alba will, as I feared, run parallel to Crux. Strike one. Now I'm waiting for the details to come... stay tuned.

And here, is the full press release. Now, this is a fairly hilarious document, so please try and control yourselves. Oh, and since I won't insert any comments below, I'll say my piece here. Strike Two. Strike Three. You're out. Okay sorry, I could not resist, so I've emboldened some of the stuff I found funny.

YAMAHA ALBA 106 – Got It!!!

Indian roads will soon witness yet another style statement by Yamaha Motor India Pvt. Ltd. Ranking amongst India’s leading bike makers; Yamaha today announced the launch of its latest bike – the all new Yamaha Alba 106.

The unique design of Yamaha Alba 106 blends youthful style with thoughtful decency. Overall the bike gives an image of robustness and solidity. Giving it a sturdy, macho image are the muscled tank, well-built side and rear panel. While the exciting graphics with the smooth flowing design give the bike its stylish, super cool looks.

With Alba 106, Yamaha has expanded its range beyond the hardcore bikers’ bikes. As per the company sources, the reasonably priced Alba 106 is a low maintenance bike with high fuel efficiency that enhances its value-for-money appeal manifold.
Since the bike has been designed for daily commuting, special emphasis has been given on shaping it for the maximum comfort of the rider. That is why, Yamaha Alba 106 boasts of new aerodynamic cowl, well-sculptured tank, and broad seat for comfortable riding of the pillion rider too. The ideal ergonomics of seat, handlebar, and knee recess on the petrol tank – are all designed for comfortable riding by giving the right posture to the rider.

Keeping the Indian driving conditions in consideration, Alba 106 has perfectly spaced gear ratio for driving in congested conditions without changing gears repeatedly.

At the heart of the machine is the Yamaha’s ever reliable 106cc engine, which gives good combination of torque and mileage leading to less strain on the engine and therefore longer life. Adding style to Alba’s strength are its super cool features, including the innovatively designed indicators and tail light.

Bajaj XCD 125: Ridden!

I got to ride one for a short distance. I was not really impressed to start with. It felt more or less like a Super Splendor/Glamour/Gladiator/Shine would or should. It didn't feel as fast as a Discover at high revs... no, this bike wasn't for me. Then I parked for a minute and got chatting with this chap. I was parked next to his Splendor, and when I told him that the bike was Rs 41,000 ex-showroom, he remarked that that was roughly what he paid for his bike.

Then it struck me. I was riding a proper 125cc bike that cost as much as his 100cc bike. And mine had a digital dash (fuel, battery, speed, no tacho), LED tail lamps, a neat front number plate that folds flat over bumps (a lever connects to the top of the number plate to the bottom triple clamp. The plate is spring loaded at the bottom. When the suspension compresses, it pushes the plate forward and flat. Benefit? Fairing can be mounted lower. I'm told a patent has been applied for and will bet that the all/most of the next bunch of motorcycles from Bajaj will sport this), standard electric start (yes, standard) and a box/saree guard that isn't lockable but a neat cubby hole nonetheless. To look at, it isn't jaw-dropping, but it is not anonymous and certainly striking. The XCD looks quite eye-catching, especially as an upgrade from the rather ploddy 100-110cc bikes we're used to.

Riding about, I liked the early torque and cruising the stupidly low speeds in ludicrously high gears is possible – should this fuel economy fixation thing be happening to you. The torque curve is flat and high, but I thought the top-end was a bit weak. I'm not completely sure about it yet, but it might just be that the early torque is so much, that it makes the respectable 9.5 bhp top-end look all wilted and all. Could also be that the peak power comes in at an early 7,000 rpm, so when the revs do get up high, you're past the power peak and suffering. But as I said, more on this when I get to properly ride the bike, as opposed to mooch it for ten minutes.

Ride and build quality is good, handling is light and maneuverable. In fact, the bike is remarkably light. At 112 kgs, it should be one of the lightest in the market right now. Which helps both the performance and the mileage aspects. And don't ask me why, but if you're buying one, get a bike that's wearing Eurogrips as OEMs and the Dunlops. There's not much in it, but the Euros, my source tells me, are slightly better.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the XCD as long as I can remember that it's supposed to compete with the Splendor/Platina. Problem is that the XCD is no effortless at being a regular 125 (Super Splendor-Glamour, even Gladiator, I think) that it makes that fact very hard to remember.

Related links:

• Bajaj XCD 125: Launch release (includes tech specs)
  
• Bajaj DTS-Si: What it cannot do
• Updated | Bajaj DTS-Si: My take
• Bajaj DTS-Si: The TVC
• Press release: Bajaj DTS-Si unveiled
• TVS Star City 110: Up grade

Busy be me 3

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

Bajaj Auto 2005-06 results in full

Ever seen a full year's worth of summaries from a major two-wheeler maker? This is the full text of what the full thing looks like. Minus the irrelevant sections like three-wheelers, other assets and subsidiaries (like life insurance and stuff). I haven't tried to simplify what follows for two reasons. 1) it removes the flavour of the original. And 2) I wouldn't know how to. What is EBITDA anyway, eh?

BAJAJ AUTO RESULTS:
FINANCIAL YEAR 2005-06

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Bajaj Auto Limited was held today to consider and
approve the results for the financial year 2005-06.

1. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

• Motorcycles sales – 1.91 million – 32% - well above industry growth of 19%
• 2 & 3-Wheeler sales – 2.28 million – 25%
• Turnover Rs. 81.06 billion: 28%
  
• Operating EBITDA Rs. 13.69 billion – 47%
• Operating EBITDA margin 17.9% – 220 basis points
• Profit before tax Rs. 15.81 billion – 45%
  
• Net profit Rs. 11.23 billion – 47%

2. FINANCIALS
The summary of audited results of Bajaj Auto (not consolidated) is as under:

Rs in million	FY 2005-06	FY 2004-05
Turnover (net of excise	81,064	63,228
Gross Profit after interest but before VRS, depreciation and taxation	17,943	13,208
Compensationpaid under VRS	226	490
Depreciation	1,910	1,854
Profit before taxation	15,807	10,864
Provision for taxation (including deferred tax)	4,791	3,196
Profit after Tax	11,016	7,668
Tax credits of earlier years, prior period expenses, net	217	-18
Net profit for the year	11,233	7,650
Earnings per share (Rs)	111	75.6

3. DIVIDEND
The Board of Directors recommended a dividend of Rs. 40 per share. (400%). The total
amount of dividend and tax thereon amounted to Rs. 4,615 million. Dividend paid in the
previous year was Rs 25 per share (250%).

4. TURNOVER, MARGINS & PROFITS AFTER TAX

• Turnover for the year - Rs. 81.06 billion v/s Rs 63.23 billion –increase of 28%.
• Sales (net of excise duty) - Rs. 74.69 billion v/s Rs 57.24 billion in 2004-05 – increase of 30%.
• Operating EBITDA - Rs 13.69 billion from Rs 9.3 billion in 2004-05 – increase of47%. Operating EBITDA margins improved by 220 basis points to 17.9%.Improvement in margins for the year is due to increase in sales of motorcycles,favourable mix change – higher number of motorcycles in the value and premium segment, higher exports and tighter control over material and fixed costs.
• Profit before tax Rs 15.81 billion – increase of 45%.
• Net Profit after tax Rs 11.23 billion – increase of 47%.
• Pre-tax return on operating capital rose to 174%.

5. SALES

SALES (Nos.)	2005-06	2004-05	Change
Motorcycles	1,912,306	1,449,710	32%
2-Wheelers	2,029,176	1,602,646	27%
3-Wheelers	252,054	222,053	14%
Total	2,281,230	1,824,699	25%
Exports(out of the above)	250,204	196,710	27%

Motorcycles

• Motorcycle sales continue to outgrow the industry – 32% growth v/s industry growth of 19%.
• Market share in Motorcycles improved from 28% in 2004-05 to 31% in 2005-06.
  
• During the year a cruiser bike Bajaj Avenger DTS-i and Bajaj Discover 110cc were launched. Bajaj CT 100 was upgraded with ExhausTEC and SNSsuspension while the Pulsar 180 was upgraded in terms of looks.
• ‘SEGMENT LEADER’ in the performance segment. Bajaj Pulsar twins crossed cumulative landmark sale of ‘ONE MILLION’.
• ‘SEGMENT LEADER’ in the new 125cc category of the value segment. The Bajaj Discover DTS-i sold over 330,000 vehicles during the year. In the valuesegment the new Bajaj Discover 110cc that was launched in December 2005 sold over 113,000 vehicles. To combat the intense competition in the value segment and to set new style benchmarks, a new bike the ‘BAJAJ PLATINA’ was launched in April 2006.
• ‘SEGMENT LEADER’ in the price segment. Bajaj CT 100 sold over‘ONE MILLION’ vehicles in the current year.

3. Two wheelers : skipped!

Exports

• Exports in volumes and value are tabulated in the table given below:

	2005-06	2004-05	Change
Total 2-Wheelers	174,907	130,945	34%
Total 3-Wheelers	75,297	65,765	14%
Grand Total	250,204	196,710	27%
Value Rs in million	8,990	6,949	29%

• Bajaj Auto continues to be the ‘NUMBER ONE’ exporter of 2&3-wheelers.
• Over 100,000, 2&3-wheelers sold in Sri Lanka. Market leader in Central America accounting for over 50% of motorcycles sold.
• Joint Venture Company with majority equity holding to be set-up in Indonesia in Q2/ 2006-07.
• Assembly operations by Distributor in Nigeria established. Significant volumes expected in the coming years considering the one million per annum motorcyclemarket in Nigeria.
• Sales of Bajaj motorcycles in Iran expected to commence from July 2006.

6. NON-OPERATING INCOME: Skipped!

7. ASSOCIATES, SUBSIDIARIES & JOINT VENTURES: Skipped!

Sanjiv Bajaj
Executive Director
19th May 2006

Annexure to Press release dated 19th May 2006. Click here