While Mahindra’s official website continues to show us ‘Coming Soon’ greeting message I thought of taking a second review at Mahindra’s latest offering, 300cc MOJO which seems to be based on Malaguti MR250.
Whatever you will read in the forthcoming lines please note that I HAVE NOT considered the Royal Enfield’s, liter classes and CBUs/CKDs and anything over 2 lakh rupees in India.
HISTORY: If we peep back a few years when 2 strokers gave way to more efficient 4 strokers, new manufacturers kept coming and offering those volume selling 100 odd cc bikes. Let’s chuck Indian manufacturers for the time being and talk about the more experienced, more powerful Japanese.
To start with, Yamaha, the makers of legendary RD and RX series of bikes were dumbstruck with 100cc Cruxs and Liberos till a change of guard took place at the top level and we witnessed some fine machinery in the form of technically supreme R15 and ravishing looker FZ. The R15 did set some benchmarks of its own and it still continues to be an untouched avenue for its competitors.
But moving away from Yamaha, Honda, the ‘always safe playing shrewd company’ started with 150cc giving us bright hopes that very soon we would be able to see some of the fine machinery they are famous for in the foreign world; but sadly the cc ladder in place of moving up has descended to 100ccs! In fact, with an existing collaboration with the volume churning, entry segment concentrated Hero Honda, already selling like crazy, almost everyone expected Honda to travel the way up as they might not want to advent to a region they are already present in. Another whizz, Suzuki has also kept itself limited to 150ccs. Simply because it is a huge risk involved in case the whole concept of bringing in a BIG bike fails, foreign manufacturers have always desisted themselves from offering what the biking aficionados always wanted.
To the contrary, Indian manufacturers took the lead and offered some fantastic products. The max which we have in India currently in single cylinder form is the 220cc 21PS Pulsar 220 from Bajaj Auto which incidentally is the Quickest and Fastest straight line production bike in the country today. It was Bajaj which broke the 20PS jinx which we were struck to for many years together. And here we have another Indian company coming in and pitching a product which I am sure would have set pulses racing for every performance biking enthusiast, Mahindra, the company and MOJO the product!
Mahindra which has set true benchmarks in the 4-wheeler UV (Utility Vehicles) segment, acquired the ailing Kinetic Motors and forayed into the World’s second largest 2 wheeler market. We have already seen the 250cc marvels in the form of limited-edition Kinetic Aquila and Comet which were brought in by the collaborator Hyosung in limited numbers as CBU’s.
MOJO – The Product
I always expected Mahindra to come up with new 100/125/150cc offerings as all the other companies do. But Mahindra did not want to be called as ‘just other’ company. They were courageous to even think on those lines and had those guts which propelled them to start proceedings with a product which is not set to add any significant numbers to the sales tally.
Taking a closer look at MOJO brings in a lot many questions in my mind, which I am sure, would settle down with time. Let me pen down a few glaring features of the bike first.
MOJO Features Review
Engine: The ‘beast’ as Mahindra puts it, churns out 26 BHP of raw power churning out 24Nm of colossal Torque from its 292cc Single Cylinder, 4 Valve, Liquid Cooled, DOHC, Fuel Injected engine…a first in India!
Ducati Energia EFI: The Electronic Fuel Injection system has been borrowed straight from Ducati Energia based in Bologna, Italy which is also shared by World renowned racing bikes… a first in India!
Inverted Shock Absorbers: Shod directly from Paioli of Italy, they are not wrongly put on the MOJO, as Mahindra also says, USD (Upside down) or Inverted Shock Absorbers are generally used on Racing bikes…. a first in India!
Tires: MOJO comes equipped with a gigantic 150mm wide rear radial tubeless tire making it the broadest tire to be used in India. The front is 100mm wide. And that’s not all, the pics displayed depict that the bike is loaded with a Pirelli Sports Demon!….a first in India!
Rear Suspension: MOJO’s rear cushioning is taken care by Gas Charged MonoShocks….. a first in India!
Huge Discs: MOJO comes equipped with country’s largest 320m front discs with Petal designed plates straight from J Jain’s Spain. Rear also gets 220mm discs….. a first in India!
RVM mounted LED turn indicators: Quite a car-like feature this! MOJO comes equipped with two set of front turn indicators, one regular pair near the front headlamps and the more contemporary pair mounted in the RVMs.
BAFFLERS?
I am left perplexed at a few not-so-clear points and I list them for you to scratch your heads over as well. And if you have the answers, please share with all of us:
Question 1: Why peak power at redline: Mahindra claims that the bike produces its peak power at 8500rpm which also happens to be the starting point for the ‘redline’ as marked on the speedo. The tacho has been calibrated till 11k rpm and where will the cutoff play spoilsport..? More technically, over square engines generally have higher revving (red lining) characteristics against what is projected in this MOJO avatar?
Question 2: Double Silencers: Single cylinder, single exhaust..then why dual silencers? Until Mahindra provides a technical reason; I am forced to believe that it is done more to enhance the looks, proportion and mass centralization of the bike rather than any technical functionality. Furthermore, an added silencer adds that all unneeded weight as well which obviously has adverse effects on both performance and mileage.
Question 3: ECU Remappable: I don’t’t know much about the kind of ECU used here. Is it re-mappable? If yes, it’s a rider’s joy!
Question 4: Misleading Identity: Remember the first teaser ad where the bike was being shown on a race track? A tagline ‘Tested in Italy, coming to India’ also added that ‘sporty’ feeling in our minds. However, wide handlebars open chested seating posture, not-so-rearset footpegs and in fact the complete geometry nulls the ‘sporty-bike-like’ character of the bike. Add that to the company’s officials calling this bike as a ‘modern cruiser’.
MOJO, Finally:
It’s a different design as we all already feel. Getting used to it will definitely lend more followers to this bike. One thing I am sure of is that the ‘Looks’ of the bike will take time for us, Indian’s, to accept but they would grow with time certainly. Moreover success or failure of this bike will definitely reveal the exact maturity levels the Indian market has grown into. More curiously, I am super excited to feel that we have a bike which is expected to breach the 150kmph speed mark in India under 2 lakhs. I am furthermore very much interested in the on-road behavior of this bike.
We hear that MOJO, which means ‘the art of casting magic spells’, has been coined by Mr Anand Mahindra himself. Now will the bike be able to cast that expected magical spell in the market remains to be seen. But what this courageous step from Mahindra has done is; created a stir in the ‘those who care’ companies and is definitely a stepping stone towards making India a more developed and mature market. BikeAdvice will come with all more and a detailed Mahindra Mojo review & test drive report as soon as we are given a chance to. Till then keep glued to BikeAdvice.in.
- Saad Khan
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
it is fully loaded…but a proper sports look or proper street bike look would have done wonders in india…..as thr is still no 300cc….but sadly this design will be hardly acceptable to any…it like dream whipped off…..sad
after i scratched my heads as per your request, all i could dig up regarding the double silencer is an assumption that, its a 300cc “single” cylinder which should put out all the exhaust gases in one stroke (if it had been V twin, then exhaust would come out in two parts in propotion of 150cc). Now as you have told that the redline 8500rpm is the max power rpm. Too high it seems. when the bike is driven at its max power i.e 8500rpm then it need to chunk out all its huge volume of exhausts which could increse the backpressure if it had been only 1 silencer, hence they might have included two silencer.
you may ask y enfileds have only one silencer when its has a 350cc “single” cylinder engine. Because its max power comes at 5250 rpm, which is approx 3100 rpm lesser. hence when run at max power, its gonna put out lesser exhaust gas than MOJO.
Second assumption is that, i think they might have used catalytic converter on both the exhasut, hence the emission norms can be easily met (Reason: CATCON needs time to neutralise or react to exhaust gases, by spitting the volume, more amount of volume can be treated with cat-con to lower the emission values) i hope everyone would be aware that BSIII norms are being followed this year onwards.
That my assumtions, if something is wrong, kindly intimate, i ill update my knowlege aswell
Very bad design. This is the worst bike I have ever seen. Shame Mahindra.
I second that…. not that bad… but still BAD….
Waiting for a Road test desperately.
they have put Saree Guard as per indian norms .. while releasing the bike … i dont know how they will put it and how much it spoils them…
worst design i ever saw
shame mahindra
The name of the bike is a joke. Imagine saying I just came on a Mojo.
I too am quite upset with the looks of the bike for the steep price tag it carries. I believe that the ex-showroom price is 1.75L. This is quite high. With higher CC than Ninja 250 it still lacks in power output. Those black levers are not so appealing. It should have had aluminium clutch and front brake levers instead. I would prefer to go with the baby Ninja 250 even if it is a lakh more.
It’s a gay bike
Yea, truly looks so…
Indian consumers are not mature enough to understand the design aspect and it takes time to get used to the naked look of the bike who are used to the century old looks of splendor and boxer which may turn out to be a turn off for most of the buyers..If we look at the major components, most of them are India’s first and lot of thinking has gone into the design of each of them.According to me they have done a great job by getting this bike to the market and take Indian consumers to the next level of biking.
thanx u r ri8 all cmnts upwrd 2 u cant feel like us!!!! GRT JOB MAHINDRA bike desighn 4 nxt level.
hey crct frnds !!!
indian biking touching the nxt level
naked and thats why sexy !!!!
dude india probably has one of the biggest markets for motor bikes!!
thts why more and more foreign companies are investing in india in the 2 wheeler segment!
so u cnt just question the taste of the indian consumer!
its a personal choice dude…..i personally think this is bull shit!
maybe u think this is the finest design!
just keep the indian consumers outa it……dey have a choice….a taste and the foreign companies are (have to) catering to it!!!!!!
mahindra……two thumbs down for this!!!!!!!
Lets wait to see what will it look like practically, on road. In pictures at least, its’ look really doesn’t attract people to it…
if one have to like anything on basis of maturity, then Morgan Freeman would be framed as the sexiest person on earth, not Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise.
And 2lakhs for 24bhp..ehh..RE 500 is better with its enormous torque and good power figure at 1.5L. Richie Rich got Ninja as an option.
absolutely right bro…
Im always found of new technology and new designs in Bikes and i found this “Mojo” its great one to use in India. Thanks Mahindra.
u y rit friend
yamaha FZ S is better then mojo
abe cartoon atleast see wht the diffesence is stupiid !!!!
u cant even compare fz with pulsar apache 180
The Features offered on Mojo is great.But the design lacks substance.The name Mojo doesnt sound right if they had intended to make a aggressive bike.
ya this is the new thing like scorpio m-hawk but I think that the front dics brake it has to be taken to right side it show nice but is the compet to HH zmr;220 pulsar you think it will compet to all this I hope your bike is to be huge selling bike of the year thank you.
plzzzzz it has a gud luk i loved it …….nice one mahindra.!!!
Hi Dude thats a nasty and an hectic taste dude i wonder what kind of wife u will choose.
@Vikram: I can live with saying “I ride a Mojo”, I can never ever catch myself saying “I ride a HUNK”.. LOL Hero Honda is such a “Faggot” of a company.. Lets all ride our HUNKS tonight.. ROFL…
@Tuhin: So if two silencers will split the air and make it easier for the catalytic converter to neutralize the gas you’re in fact saying that each silencer has a catalytic converter, inside it? Correct me if i’m wrong but isn’t that ridiculous.. Even cars have just one catalytic converter.
Hi Nikhil,,, very funny comment about the riding the Hunk… so homoerotic… this should be added to the long list of Marketing gaffs over the years..
The reason for catalytic converters in both silencers is because the exhaust goes out of both. There would be little point in the cat being in one and not the other!? Some cars have only on cat because there is space for it between the engine and the exhaust(s). As a bike is too small there is no extra space between the exhaust manifold and the silencers.
Maybe its a 4 valve cylinder….2 intake valves n 2 exhaust valves….so separate outlets for separate exhaust valves giving 2 separate exhausts..they must be doing this 4 just looks….
whtevr i really like this bike with a new design
n with both looks and uses of cruise and sports bike
a real new invention in india auto bike market
and guys think about this does any of the indian bike company has introduce its bike with the efi designed by ducati or tested in itlay
its looks good on road in comparing of othr same segment bikes
even price is good
300 cc in 1.75 lk with every thing
n think abt ths
2.75 lk for ninja 250 cc with outdated analog meter
what will you do with a digital speedo? Foolishness at its height. You think the Ninja is overpriced coz it has analogue speedo? Get a job dude
Kudos to Mahindra for the Guts…!
all good thumbs up for the new stuff and jus waiting for a test ride and book it jus let us know when its on cheerz
My dreams are devastated when I look at this bike. I was hoping for something more like a sports bike which its not in reality. Indian Youngster will not at all are going to accept this design at a cost of Rs.1,75,000.
Well…. reading info on Mojo has been fun so far…. I must say it’s been hated a lot even before anyone has seen it by their eyes….. as far as my opinion is concerned, I know Mahindra was never that curious to manufacture a state of the art looking machines but indeed when it comes to endurance, their machines always topped the charts in strength and performance… maybe mileage would be a drawback but there are other things too to an engine… let’s see how MOJO proves itself.. but I have to admit, Mahindra has really got the guts to price that bike that high with a lot of unconventional stuff.
great initiative from Mahindra.. each and every parts tells us that it is completly derived from sports bikes… like inverted froks.. frame.. etc
mahindra…..plz say gud buy to automobiles….n make sum toys fr kids in village….
That’s a pathetic design choice for a market like India. It’s neither a duo-purpose, nor a naked street. Looks like something right out of District-8. For a 300cc, 25+bhp, this is a let down!
The design of Headlamp is like a frog eyes….others just ok….bt its nt even comparisn to pulsar….so i think it wont rock the market…
Looks ho to Yamaha Fazer jaise!
behold…….. lest anyone try to put that bike on a deep crater on indian roads… its shod with a PIRELLI… any damage to the tyre , and you would end up paying for your life for it… lols…
“We hear that MOJO, which means ‘the art of casting magic spells’, has been coined by Mr Anand Mahindra himself”
Are you serious? You should look up the meaning of “MOJO” before posting such incorrect information. It means libido and not the art of magic spells. On top of that you say its coined by Anand Mahindra. Gimme a break, the word “Mojo” has been around from the time Hippies were smoking weed in the 70′s.
this is wat i was waiting for desi powerfull and naked
clearly one of the worst looking bikes ever to be released …. the headlamps look really good tho.
i took one look at the radiator and the first thing that came to mind was “plastic overkill”
mahindra shouldve come up with a more feasible design if they expect to sell a bike at that price.
peace…
most of them are saying that its worst/some -ve comments ,its a bike with funky looks (a jeans of funky ,is not good to see but its looks attractive when it wears )
lets wait to hit on roads and then we leave our -ve comments .
i really thank to M&M to to introducing a bikes in india .
i think it rule in this segment,
y u people r just going after da look… mahindra is offering a bike wid 300 cc at just rs 175000!!! isnt dat great…!!! keep it up mahindra…
adventerous offering from mahindra the design is somewhat funny maybe the europeans might like dont know about us indians.not too sure if enough work has gone into the making of this machine.looks like a hurried efffort from mahindra to get noticed as abike maker.probably not intrested in selling too many but definitely want some attention
I wouldn’t be too sure about the ” hurried effort” part cause they are offering 4 years warranty and to me thats a major selling point. That talks a lot about their confidence in their product. I don’t need a bike that looks good. I need a bike that lasts. This looks to me like it’ll last……………time will tell.
Hope they haven’t used that awful scorpio suspension as a baseline for this bike.
nice look…………….i am very proud to say its our india bike.
It’s not worthy.My cycle is looking cool than mojo..
Check this out..
I got this preview directly from mahindra’s website..
http://www.mahindra2wheelers.com/product_mojo_overview.php
Overview
Repeat to yourself – This is not a supercar. It is only a motocycle that feels like one.
It’s the powerful ideas inside the Mojo that really give this bike its car –like traits. Like an engine with DOHC technology and 4 valves for better, more efficient combustion. The revolutionary Ducati Energia Electronic Fuel Injection system that knows exactly how much fuel is needed, when. And of course, an advanced liquid cooling technology you’ll find in the most modern cars. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. You’ll also find India’s largest petal disc brakes and radial tyres on this vehicle. And a seriously intimidating design that’s nothing like you’ve ever seen on Indian roads. All this, built on the shoulders of the decades old Mahindra legacy.
300 cc, liquid cooled engine:
Brace yourself for the thrills of this single cylindered, 300 cc powerplant. It makes this vehicle without doubt the purest, most direct expression of riding on Indian roads. Propel yourself to top speed in just a few riveting seconds. And leave insignificant rivals behind as you scream past to glory. Of course, the advanced liquid cooling technology keeps this hot head under control at all times. A very common feature, in cars, that is. It doesn’t just deliver better cooling efficiency, but allows for a smoother, more powerful and more streamlined engine.
DOHC technology with 4 valves:
The nimble, responsive power of this engine comes courtesy of the double overhead camshafts that are at work inside. They facilitate the installation of additional valves result in better combustion. Giving you more firepower to burn up the road.
Ducati Energia EFI:
It is the brains behind the captivating rush the Mojo delivers. This state-of-the-art fuel injection system has been borrowed straight from the core of World Championship racing bikes. Its microprocessor calculates in real time, the air-fuel mixture required for optimum vehicle performance. For example, on a gradient, it senses the engine losing power. As a response, more fuel is injected into the combustion chamber to sustain the momentum. The result: greater performance, greater mileage and a greater thrill.
Inverted shock absorbers:
Forgive yourself for thinking they are fitted wrong. After all such suspensions are rarely seen on any bike. In fact, you’ll find them only on the purest racing breeds. Unlike the regular suspensions, these ones are equipped with inverted forks. So the heavier components are directly supported by the pivot and not the wheels. This leads to a sturdier suspension and stable yet responsive driving dynamics.
Gas charged Monoshock rear suspensions:
Indian roads, meet your worst nightmare. This single rear shock absorber has the uncanny ability of making rough terrain virtually nonexistent. How? Trenched into the core is a special gas chamber that’s capable of altering the effective spring rate and dampening as per the demands of the terrain. Giving you physics-defying stabilisation and surgical precise handling.
Radial calliper breaking technology:
Now, stop with authority. With disc brakes that are fortified with radial callipers similar to that in cars. This technology is responsible for the total elimination of the torsion flex problem that is usually caused by conventional callipers. The outcome: the conversion of smooth potent acceleration into a smoother braking sequence. Within milliseconds.
Tear drop design:
Nature is imbued with the fundamentals of aerodynamics. And nature is the very essence of the Mojo’s design. This bike is sculpted in the shape of a tear drop, a form conducive to extreme speeds, it is so streamlined, it cuts through the wind at angles that minimize any resistance. It’s probably why this design is adopted by superbike manufacturers across the world.
Double barrelled exoframe:
Perhaps no other bike on Indian roads symbolizes the essence of naked like this one. Just one look and you’ll notice how the Mojo has been stripped down to the bare essentials. Observe how the twin tubular frame juts out from either side in a seriously intimidating fashion. Giving it the road presence of an exotic muscular car.
Twin retro headlamps with pilot LED’s:
Retro meets ultramodern in the Mojo. With twin headlamps that think they are floodlights. They ooze style from every pore. Elegantly accommodating a pair of advanced LED pilot lamps right above. These bulbs are stingy when it comes to power consumption. And generous when it comes to illumination. So the next time you venture into the night, you’ll venture out into the day.
Dual Exhausts:
The Mojo is all sport. Its exhausts are like rocket tails rearing to take you into orbit. One on each side, they bear a shocking resemblance to every superbike you’ve ever drooled over. But these exhausts don’t just beef up the already dominating looks. They allow for faster release of gasses, improving engine performance. And introduce you to the true sound of exhilaration.
Lightweight alloy wheels:
This bike has superbike written all over it. It comes fitted with racing style alloy wheels to maximize the oomph of the vehicle. They are lightweight yet strong, and dissipate heat much faster, resulting in superior performance.
Digital display:
Want to know how you are doing? The sophisticated display console will be glad to help. It gives you all the vital stats with deadly accuracy. Like speed, fuel gauge, rpm and time. In fact, it even tells you when to shift gears. And comes with a cool blue backlight that looks really hot.
India’s largest petal disc brakes:
To minimize human error, we maximised the margins. These massive 320 mm disc brakes are India’s largest. With a petal design that makes them self-cleansing in nature. It allows them to remove dust, mud particles and water off the surface automatically. Resulting in flawless braking under any conditions. These brakes also dissipate heat faster, have a longer life and come with radial calipers to further enhance performance. So while you’re able to thunder down the road, stopping is lightning fast too.
India’s widest rare tyres with tubeless technology:
It’s another first from this bike, 150 mm wide, rear radials that literally hug the road. They deliver rock solid stability, no matter what the speed. They are also tubeless, eliminating any chance of a high speed blowout.
LED tail lights:
Danger comes without warning. But the news of your braking won’t. The Mojo’s advanced LED tail lights are visible from miles away. Giving the traffic in your rear view mirror ample time to stop.
Mirror mounted indicators:
Here’s a feature that’s straightaway a departure from the ordinary. And a big leap towards safety. Indicators that are mounted on the back of the rear view mirrors. They’re easily visible to the traffic but hard to stop staring at.
Specifications Specs for the Dealer & Press Meet
Sept / Oct 10
Overall length x width x height in mm 2100 x 830 x 1270
Seat Height in mm 820
Wheelbase, in mm 1450
Minimum ground clearance 150
Kerb Weight ( with 90 % fuel, Tools etc) 160
Engine Type Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, 4 Valves – Direct Drive, SI
Displacement 292 cc
Bore x Stroke 78 mm x 61.2 mm
Compression Ratio 11 : 1
Maximum Power 19.3 kW @ 8500 rpm
Maximum Torque 24 N.m @ 7000 rpm
Starting System Self Start
Ignition System ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
Fuel Tank Capacity in liters 15.5
Transmission Type / Gear Box Constant Mesh, 6 speed
Frame Type Twin Tube Exposed frame in Steel, Shining yellow painted; Diamond Frame
Wheel Type Alloy Wheel
Rim Size (Front / Rear) Front 2.75 x 17”;
Rear 4.00 x 17”
Tire Size (Front / Rear) – Tubeless 100/80 – 17” (Front) 150/60 -17” (Rear)- radial
Brake Type (Front / Rear) Disc 320 mm (Front); Disc 220 mm (Rear);
Suspension Type (Front / Rear) Inverted fork Telescopic hydraulic-damped (Front);
120 mm stroke Horizontally mounted Mono Shox; air + hydraulic damping. (Rear)
Battery 12V, 9 AH; Maintenance Free
Head Lamp Twin Beams; 35W / 35W X 2; Halogen Bulb (Multi Reflector Type)
Marker / Pilot Lamps 4 LED’s each side, above twin beam Head Lights
Tail Lamp LED based (with 12 LED’s)
Looks a copy or some lift-off from Ducati/Aprilia/Cagiva 100cc. BUT – this one Mojo is gonna rock on performance.
160 kgs kerb wt – more than 25 horses and huge torque! That’s 50% more than the new 350cc Bullet twin spark and nearly same as the new 500cc bullet and with 200cc lower engine displacement on the Mojo! That’s cool.
Now, it looks like “race me” and if you can, you should. And those on Pulsars, Hero Hondas, Enfields, Unicorns, TVS and others can look ahead at the new Mojo and say “Hoodibaaba!”
SriGuru
i think it’s a different one but the price is not at all competitive…
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