Original Source: New TVS 125cc Motorcycle in 2012 – Radeon? from BikeAdvice.in

TVS Latest 125 cc Bike

India’s fourth largest two wheeler manufacturer, TVS Motors will launch a new 125cc motorcycle to boost its motorcycle sales in 2012. The latest motorcycle from TVS is expected to hit the showrooms in the month of July or August. The company aims to regain its lost market share in motorcycle segment with the launch of this new 125cc bike. In the financial year 2011-12, TVS Motors lost its third position to HMSI (Honda Motors and Scooters India ltd.)

Mr. HS Goindi, president marketing, TVS Motor said in an interview with CNBC TV 18 that, they are coming out with an executive level bike with 125cc engine, which will be launched around July-August. He also said that the new motorcycle will fill up their motorcycle portfolio and will help them to grow their motorcycle business in India. He admitted that Jive did not perform as per the expectation due to relatively lower market size.

It seems that TVS Motors will launch Radeon 125DX motorcycle which was displayed at Auto Expo 2012. The motorcycle looks decent and it comes with disc brake. It is expected that, the motorcycle will have class leading fuel efficiency and very competitive price tag.

TVS Radeaon 125DX Price in India

We will post the pricing details of the 125cc motorcycle as soon as we get an update on it. So keep following us.

-Mahavir Kothari

Original Source: Hyosung GT250R India Tech Specs: Review Coming Soon from BikeAdvice.in

It’s been quite a while since we have done a review here at BikeAdvice and this is to say that we are back. I’ve always been fascinated by the way the Kawasaki Ninja250 stands out in the Indian crowd. But, the bike has not so far seen a competitor on the Indian roads.  Though we’ve the CBR250 in the Indian market, it did not manage to eat up the Ninja’s sales just for the fact that the former houses a single cylinder engine and the latter a twin engine. Two is always better than one, right?

Now, here comes the final competitor to the Baby Ninja. The best part about Hyosung as a brand is the fact that it is the only competitor for both the Ninjas in India. As part of BikeAdvice team we’d Saad reviewing this bike in Pune. While he is working on the report, we felt it’s not fair to keep our dear readers waiting. So till then check out the tech specs and the forum thread given above.

Technical specifications of the Hyosung GT250R.

ENGINE:

Engine Type : V-Twin
Cylinders : 2
Engine Stroke : 4-Stroke
Cooling : Oil Cooled
Valves : 8
Valves Per Cylinder : 4
Valve Configuration : DOHC
Compression Ratio : 10.2:1
Starter : Electric

TRANSMISSION:

Transmission Type : Manual
Number Of gears : 5
Primary Drive : Chain

WHEELS & TIRES:

Front Tire : 110/70 R17 54H
Rear Tire : 150/70 R17 69H

BRAKES:

Front Brake Type : Dual Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brake Type : Hydraulic Disc

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS:

Wheelbase : 1435.1mm
Fuel Capacity : 17 litres

Stay tuned till we get back to you with the full review of Hyosung GT250R.

Regards,
Naren.
Team BikeAdvice

Update:

Excited about this bike? check out more exclusive pictures before anyone else at our Forums.

Original Source: Indian Bikes Sales Figures for April 2012 from BikeAdvice.in

Hero Motocorp.

Hero MotoCorp India’s no. 1 two wheeler company has posted growth of 6.66% in the month of April 2012 compared to April 2011.  The company has sold 5,51,557 units of two wheelers in the month of April 2012 compared to 5,17,099 units of two wheelers sold in the month of April 2011. On the month on month basis the sale is up by 4.40%. The company has sold 5,28,290 units in the month of March 2012. The figure of 5,51,557 is the highest ever in company’s history, the last time record is for 5,49,625 units in September 2011. The company aims to sell 7 million two wheelers this year.

Bajaj Auto

Country’s second largest two wheeler maker, Bajaj Auto has reported growth of 9.64 % in the month of April 2012. The company has sold 3,42,324 units of motorcycle in the month of April 2012 compared to 3,22,235 units in the month of April 2011. The company exported 1,69,010 units in the month of April 2012 up by 6.69% compared to 1,58,482 units in the month of April 2011. On the month on month basis sales is up by 13.79%. The company sold 3,00,848 units in the month of March 2012. The company’s total sales stood at 3,81,590 units in the month of April 2012 up 3.89% compared to 3,67,309 units in the month of April 2011.  The company aims to sell 4.5 million motorcycle this year.

HMSI                                                                                            

India’s largest scooter manufacturing company Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Ltd reported growth of 45.53% in the month of April 2012. The company reported sales of 1,98,831 units in the month of April 2012 compared to 1,36,622 units in the April 2011. On month on month basis the company’s sales is down by 9.82%. The company sold 2,20,487 units in the month of March 2012.

Motorcycle sales stood at 81,427 units in the month of April 2012 up by 32.37% compared to April 2011 where it sold 61,514 units. The company reported 32.37% jump in sales of Scooter. The company sold 1,17,404 units of scooter in the month of April 2012 compared to 75,108 units in the month of April 2011. The company aims to sell 2.8 million units this year.

TVS Motors

TVS Motors has posted growth of 4.49% in the month of April 2012. The company has sold 1,71,551 units in the month of April 2012 compared to 1,64,183 units sold in the month of April 2011. Total sales stood at 1,74,455 units in the month of April 2012 up by 4.00% compared to 1,67,744 units sold in the same period last year. On the month on basis the company has reported sales de growth of 4.84%. The company has sold 1,80,274 units of two wheeler in the month of March 2012.

Domestic sales stood at 1,51,181 units in the month of April 2012 up by  6.75% compared to 1,41,619 units sold in the month of April 2011. Export stood at 20,370 units in the month of April 2012 down by 9.72% compared to 22,564 units sold in April 2011.  Motorcycle sales stood at 67,966 units in the month of April 2012 down by 2.31% compared to 69,573 units sold in the month of April 2011. The company targets 8-10% growth this year.

Yamaha India

Yamaha India has reported sales growth of 6.11% in the month of April 2012 compared to April 2011 on the back of strong demand in export market. Total sales stood at 36,581 units in the month of April 2012 compared to 34,476 units last year in the same period. The company reported month on month basis sales de growth of 12.67%. The company sold 41,866 units in the March 2012. Domestic sales stood at 26,944 units up by 4.37% compared to 25,817 units in the month of April 2012. Export stood at 9,637 units in the month of April 2012 up by 11.30% compared to 8,659 units in the month of April 2011. The company aims to sell 6.3 lakhs units this year including export.

Suzuki Motorcycles

Suzuki Motorcycle India reported growth of 4.34% in the month of April 2012 compared to April 2011. The company’s total sales stood at 30,635 units in the month of April 2012 compared to 29,362 units in the month of April 2011. The company reported degrowth of 12.87% compared to the month of March 2012. The company sold 37,336 units in the month of March 2012. The company aims to sell five lakh two wheelers in this year.

Mahindra Two wheelers

Two wheeler company Mahindra Two Wheeler reported growth of 6.62% in the month of April 2012 compared to April 2011. Total sales stood at 10,791 units in the month of April 2012 compared to 9,558 units in the month of March 2012. Month on Month basis the company’s sales is down by 20.07%. The company sold 12,750 units last month.

Royal Enfield : Please refer to Royal Enfield reports 42% growth in 2011  post for Royal Enfiled sales performance.

Summary:

The start of the financial year 2012-13 is not encouraging enough. Total 1.34 million units of two wheelers sold in the month of April 2012 compared to 1.21 million units of two wheelers in the same period last year registering growth of 10.56%. Month on month basis the Indian Motorcycle industry has grown just 1.67%. The growth of all the two wheelers companies has come down to single digit except HMSI and the trend will continue for the first half of the year.

-Mahavir Kothari

Original Source: Pulsar 200NS Launching in Maharashtra next week [New Pulsar 2012] from BikeAdvice.in

When the first time Bajaj Auto revealed Pulsar 200NS, thrilled bike enthusiasts in the country began waiting for Pulsar 200NS to hit the showroom. Bajaj Auto first declared that it will launch Pulsar 200NS sometime in April. However, the motorcycle has not hit showroom till date. But, the wait for Pulsar 200NS is over now. According to Rajiv Bajaj’s exclusive interview with CNBC TV-18, Pulsar 200NS will hit the showroom in Maharashtra in the next week. The company will launch Pulsar 200NS in phased manner and it is expected to be available countrywide by the month of July.

2012 Pulsar 200NS Price in India

He said that Pulsar 200NS will be priced just under Rs. 1 lakh and the company is aiming to produce 2,500 units in the month of June and then the company will produce it according to demand from the month of July. The export of Pulsar 200NS will start from the month of August. The company expects to sell around 10,000 -15,000 units a month after 2-3 months period.  In another interview, Rajiv Bajaj said that the current Pulsar series will be continued and the company will launch a new Pulsar every year from now onwards.

As we know that Bajaj Auto and KTM are developing an engine with the capacity of above 350cc, one can hope that the next Pulsar will incorporate bigger engine and with every passing year the engine capacity will be increased.  It is also interesting to see how Pulsar 200NS will be received in the export market. Pulsar 135 LS is a big hit in the export market and it is very well received in Asia’s most competitive and technology advanced market Indonesia.  The same is expected with Pulsar 200NS. However, only time can tell us the true story.

More Pics and tech specs of Pulsar 200NS.

Video Preview of the new Pulsar 2012 Bike is available here.

-Mahavir Kothari

Original Source: Yamaha All Set To Open Its New Motorcycle Production Facility in Tamilnadu from BikeAdvice.in

Tamilnadu has been the paradise for all car manufacturers but not many two wheeler manufacturers were having presence there. Though, TVS and Royal Enfield have their plants, there wasn’t any other two wheeler company that was planning its production unit in the state. Now, the latest company to open its new two wheeler production facility in the outskirts of Chennai is Yamaha.

India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Company, Japan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the government of Tamil Nadu today approving the construction and operation of a new two-wheeler factory in the state.

The new facility will join the currently operating factories of India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. (IYM) at Surajpur (in Uttar Pradesh) and Faridabad (in Haryana) to meet the rising demand for two – wheelers in India. The new factory is to be constructed on a 440,000 square meter area in an industrial park in Vallam Vadagal on the outskirts of the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Construction of a factory facility with a total floor space of approx. 114,000 sq. meter is scheduled to begin in September 2012, with completion and start of operations scheduled for January 2014. According to plans, the new factory will employ 1,800 people and have an annual two-wheeler production rate of 400,000 units at the start of operations. Production capacity will then be increased in stages to a level of 1.8 million units annually by 2018, at which time employment is expected to reach 6,500 people.

The forecast for the total investment in the new factory and facilities is approx. Rupees 1,500 Crores over the period of next five years.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & Managing Director, India Yamaha Motor said, “We are very pleased with this development as this is in line with YMC’s medium-term management plans of enhancing local production levels to meet the demand growth in emerging markets such as India and their export markets. The Indian two-wheeler industry has witnessed much growth in the last few years, attributable to increased disposable income levels among a rapidly expanding middle class. We expect the industry to attain 20 million units level by 2016 when we are targeting to sell 2 million units and achieve 10% market share.”

“We would also like to thank all the concerned Tamil Nadu government departments, especially Guidance Bureau which had extended its complete support to this project by facilitating as a true single window body”, he added.

The new factory will employ a “theoretical-value-based production” concept that operates on a system of completely synchronized manufacturing of parts and assembly of complete two-wheelers. Furthermore, the new Chennai Factory will be the first in the Yamaha Motor group to have a “vendor park” in its nearby vicinity that will bring together the production operations of main external parts suppliers, thus enabling complete synchronization of external supplier parts production as well. This system will reduce losses in the areas of production management and distribution to extremely low levels in the overall engineering, manufacturing and marketing process, and make the new production base a highly efficient and profitable plant.

The Indian two-wheeler market has continued to grow year by year thanks to factors such as the country’s stable political and economic conditions. In 2011, two-wheeler demand in India exceeded 13 million units, making it the world’s second largest market. For India Yamaha Motor as well, aggressive introduction of new models in the 150cc+ deluxe & premium motorcycle segments have contributed to a strong growth in domestic sales and exports. Total units sold grew from 380,000 in 2010 to 520,000 in 2011, and 23% year-on-year growth to 640,000 units (Domestic: 450,000, Exports: 190,000) is projected for 2012. Forecasts for the next medium-term management plan beginning in 2013 see annual sales of Yamaha two-wheelers exceeding the one million unit mark.

To keep pace with this current growth in demand, plans have been implemented to boost the existing factory’s annual production capacity of 600,000 units to One Million units on an investment of approx. Rupees 750 crores in 2012. However, another major leap in production capacity will be needed to meet the projected growth in demand. With the completion and start of operations at the new Chennai Factory and the increased production capacity of the existing IYM production bases (Surajpur, Uttar Pradesh/Faridabad, Haryana), India Yamaha Motor will have a combined two-wheeler production capacity of 2.8 million units by 2018.

Here is the overview of the India Yamaha Motor “Chennai Factory” as released by the company.

Location : Vallam – Vadagal Industrial Park, Tamil Nadu, India
Investment Value : Approx. Rupees 1,500 Crores
Site Area : 440,000 m2
Factory Floor Space : 114,000 m2
Start of Operations : January 2014
Business : Manufacture of Two-Wheelers Production
Capability : 400,000 units (at start of operations in Jan. 2014)/ 1.8 Million units (2018 Plan)
Employees : Approx. 1,800 (at start of operations in Jan. 2014) / Approx. 6,500 (2018 Plan)

Cheers,
Naren
Team BikeAdvice.

Original Source: Hero Motocorp’s Performance During the FY’2012 from BikeAdvice.in

Hero MotoCorp Ltd. (HMCL) has reported record results for the Financial Year 2012 – the first complete financial year since embarking on its solo journey. Solo as the company decided the break the tie up which existed with its erstwhile Japanese competitor – Honda.

Fueled by its landmark sales of over 62,35,205 units in this fiscal, the company registered a total  turnover (Net Sales & Other Operating income) of Rs 23579 crores, as compared to Rs.19,397 crores reported for the last fiscal. The company reported profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 2378.13 crores and an operating margin of 10.69 per cent, in the fiscal. The company’s PAT in the previous year (2010-11) was Rs 1927.90 crores.

Riding on its highest ever quarterly sales of 15,72,027 units of two – wheeler, the company’s total turnover (Net Sales & other Operating Income) in the Q4 of FY’12 grew to Rs. 6035 crores, a growth of 11.95 per cent over Rs. 5391 crores, recorded in the corresponding quarter in last fiscal. EBIDTA margin for the quarter stood at a healthy 15.33 per cent.  The strength of the operations and the resultant strong financial position translates into a dividend payout of Rs. 45 per share.

Regarding this performance, Dr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, Hero MotoCorp Ltd, said, “The financial year 2011 – 12 has been a phenomenal and exciting year for us. This was our first full year since we began our solo journey and we have created a record by selling more than six million two – wheelers during this period. It amply reiterates the kind of trust our customers repose in us and our products. We are committed to keep bringing such innovative products for the customers across segments and provide them the best of after-sales service.”

Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd., said “FY’12 was a year when we demonstrated not just our intent and vision for the future, but also our ability to consistently deliver. Even as we successfully made the transition to a new brand identity, and created an anthem for the country’s youth with the “Hum Main Hai Hero” campaign, we went on setting new industry benchmarks. It gives me sense of satisfaction to see that we are successfully playing our small role in the progress of our country. Even as the rest of the world was talking about an economic slowdown, we added over 62 lakh new two-wheelers on the country’s roads in just 12 months.

Foraying into the Exports

As we, at  BikeAdvice has been reporting for a long time, HMC is very seriously considering the idea of foraying into the export market. Here is what Mr. Munjal had to say about this. “We are, however, not going to rest on our laurels. We are raising the bar to bring in technologically-advanced two-wheelers with value-added features. We are actively looking at new markets in Africa, Latin America and other parts of the world to expand our global footprint. Our exports to some of these markets will commence in the first half of this fiscal. And to be able to meet growing demand for our products, we are also adding capacity at our three existing plants. We will also be soon announcing the details of a Parts Centre to cater to our rising volumes. And while all these initiatives take shape, we will also be adding about 400 more touch points this year to our already large distribution network. Undoubtedly, FY’13 is certainly going to be yet another action-packed year for us at Hero.”

During this year, the company also managed to get into few alliances for the development of new vehicles and for the existing line – up as well. Hero MotoCorp forged alliances with the US – based Erik Buell Racing (EBR) and Austria – based AVL to quickly scale-up and supplement its own in-house R&D capabilities and engine technologies. Through the strategic partnership with EBR, Hero MotoCorp also made its debut in the exciting world of international motorcycle racing, by participating at the AMA Pro Racing National Guard Superbikes Championship in the US.

In order to partially off-set the rising input costs, Hero MotoCorp has raised prices on most of its products in the range of Rs 500/- to Rs 1000/-. This new pricing has been in effect from 2^nd of May.

Talking about the new product front, Hero MotoCorp launched two new models in addition to few refreshes during the year. “Impulse” which is the first Hero branded bike introduced an entirely new segment in the Indian two-wheeler market, the “off-road on-road” segment. The company also launched a new 110cc scooter “Maestro”, further strengthening its steadily growing presence in the gearless scooter segment.

During the Auto Expo in Delhi in January early this year, Hero MotoCorp showcased a concept Hybrid scooter – “Leap”. It also unveiled a 110cc Passion X Pro and a thrilling new 125cc bike, Ignitor – to be launched in the domestic market over the next few months.

Taking forward its association with sports, Hero MotoCorp sponsored the men’s and women’s hockey qualifying events for the London Olympics 2012. The event, titled “Hero FIH Road to London” and held in Delhi in February, saw the Indian men’s hockey team qualify for the London Olympics.

Adding to its illustrious list of young achievers as brand ambassadors, Hero MotoCorp brought on board current heartthrob of Hindi cinema Ranbir Kapoor during the year.

Hero MotoCorp received a slew of awards for its performance and products during the year. “Impulse”, the first Hero-branded motorcycle and the country’s first on-road-off-road bike, was adjudged the “Bike of the Year” at the ET Zigwheels Awards and BS Motoring Awards 2012. The trans-roader also won the “Motorcycle of the Year (up to 150 cc)” at the NDTV Car & Bike Awards 2012, at the ET Zigwheels Awards, and also at the Car India & Bike India Awards.

Hero MotoCorp also received accolades for its highly-innovative rebranding initiative. This initiative won the CNBC Awaaz-Storyboard special commendation for “Effective Rebranding of a New Corporate Entity” at the CNBC Awaaz Consumer Awards 2011. The company also won the “Most Recommended Two-Wheeler Brand of the Year” award at the same awards.

Let’s wait and watch the way the company would perform in the coming financial year where it has got bunches of new plans to go ahead with.

Regards,
M.Naren.
Team BikeAdvice

Original Source: KTM Duke Submerged in Water, Will it ride through? from BikeAdvice.in

KTM Duke Exhaust Submerged in knee depth water

When we first time saw the KTM Duke underbelly exhaust, everybody doubted about its performance in rainy reason. I was also surprised that would it be able to perform well in India, where you have to ride your motorcycle in knee deep water in a rainy season. However, the below video can show you the power of KTM Duke’s Underbelly Exhaust. Pulsar 200NS also has the same exhaust so we can assume that it will be as powerful as KTM Duke’s Exhaust.

Discuss this KTM Duke test with other Bikers in Bikeadvice discussion community.

Original Source: Honda Motorcyles launches Dream Yuga Priced at Rs. 44,642 Ex-showroom from BikeAdvice.in

New Bike - Honda Dream Yuga Price: INR 44,642

HMSI (Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India ltd.) has launched today its mass market motorcycle Dream Yuga. Dream Yuga has been priced at Rs. 44,642 Ex-showroom Delhi for base version which is bit higher than what market was expecting. Dream Yuga has been positioned slightly below the CB Twister motorcycle which is available at Rs. 45,140 Ex-showroom Delhi.  HMSI aims to sell 3,00,000 units of Dream Yuga in the current financial year.  As reported earlier Honda has also announced Akshay Kumar as its brand ambassador for India.

Honda Dream Yuga is powered by 4-stroke, air cooled, 109cc engine which generates maximum power of 9 bhp@8,000 rpm and maximum torque of 9Nm @ 6000 rpm. It comes with 4 speed transmission and self start as an option. The motorcycle offers 72 KMPL in actual riding conditions as per Honda. It has segment first tubeless tyres.  Apart from this, it has maintenance free battery and vicious air filter similar to Honda CB Twister. The motorcycle looks sober and decent.  The motorcycle will come in three variants. The base version of the bike is priced at Rs. 44,642, the mid version is priced at Rs. 46,134 and the top end variant is priced at Rs. 48,125 (All prices Ex-showroom Delhi)

On the launch event HMSI’s President and CEO Keita Muramatsu said “Honda retained the brand Dream as part of a global strategy that was first launched in 1949. This new bike is very economical with better mileage.

Yadvinder Singh Guleria, operating head for sales and marketing at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter said “We want to sincerely increase our market share in India. We need mass-market products to do that. Our ambition is to be number one in market share by 2020.”

HMSI aims to sell 27.5 lakh units in the financial year 2012-13 compared to 21.07 lakhs unit in the last financial year. Dream Yuga is going to play an important role in the ramping up production beside Honda Activa. Dream Yuga’s pricing suggest that Honda wants to take premium of its brand name.  The motorcycle has been priced 10% higher than what we were expecting. The lower price might have done wonder for Honda but let’s see how Dream Yuga will perform in Indian two wheeler market.

-Mahavir Kothari

Original Source: Bajaj Launches Discover 125 ST [Sports Tourer] from BikeAdvice.in

Bajaj has refreshed the Discover completely with a new Discover 125 cc Sports Tourer which has been specifically designed for the commuter segment, it is powered by the DTS-Twin Spark technology which has been introduced for the first time in this category of bikes, according to the press release the new 2012 Bajaj Discover 125 ST delivers 13PS  of power which is highest in the 125cc category without compromising on fuel efficiency.

Bajaj 125 ST Features:

• Five speed gear box
• Sporty styling
• Chiseled muscular fuel tank
• Aggressive fairing with sharp edged headlamp
• Allow wheels
• Monoshock suspension for comfort
• Anti Vibration frame for enjoyable rides
• Petal disc brake for enhanced safety

Technical Features of Discover 125 ST

Clear pictures will be available soon.

Update:

Photos of the new Discover ST 2012:

Full Tech Specs for Discover 125 ST

DISCOVER 125 ST

Engine: 4 Valve Twin Spark Air Cooled

Engine Displacement : 124.6cc

Max.Net Power: 13 Ps @ 9000 rpm

Max.net Torque: 1.1 kgm @ 7000 rpm

Ignition System: Digital CDI

Carburetor: CV type

Starting: Self + kick start

Transmission: 5 Speed Constant mesh

Frame : Semi Double cradle

Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork with Anti-friction DU Bush

Rear Suspension: Nitrox  Monoshock with gas canister

Front Brake: Petal Disc 200 mm

Rear Brake: Drum 130 mm

Front wheel / tyre: New design alloy / 2.75 X 17” 41P Tubed

Rear wheel / tyre: New design alloy / 3.00 X 17” 50P Tubed

Fuel Tank: 10 L

Wheelbase: 1305 mm

Seat Height: 800 mm

Turning Circle Radius: 2100 mm

Ground Clearance: 170 mm

Kerb Weight: 124.5 kg

Max Speed: 105 kmph

System: DC Ignition

Battery: 12V 5AH

You can also discuss about Discover 125ST at our community forum thread with other bikers.

Original Source: 2012 Discover 125 ST Technical Specifications from BikeAdvice.in

Here is another picture of the tech specs from the Bajaj’s Discover 2012 Launch Event, the new Discover 125 ST will be featuring 4 valve twin spark air cooled  124.6 cc engine and sports both self and kick start. Max Net power is 13Ps @9000rpm while max torque is 1.1 kgm @7000rpm.

Keep checking back for more updates from the event.

Pictures of Discover 125 ST 2012 edition are coming soon.