Hero Honda Karizma ZMR Fi

Hero Honda has finally launched the much awaited tourer bike - Karizma ZMR Fi in Indian Market. Karizma ZMR will be sold along with old Karizma model, Hero Honda has decided not to phase out Karizma R and sell both the models side by side. They don't want to end the competition for Apache 180 & Pulsar 220 as Karizma R is priced around Rs. 80,000.

The stance remains the same as the old Karizma which is still considered to be the best touring bike in India with smooth, refined and relaxed Honda engine at the helm. The major and much needed change is addition of programmed fuel injection (PGM-Fi) in the engine. Additionally it also gets disc brake at the rear, gas charged rear shock absorbers, little increase in power and torque. Hero Honda also started giving teaser advertisement on leading TV channels in which they show few glimpses of New ZMR's front fairing, headlight and tail light. And now they have started full commercial of Karizma ZMR featuring Hrithik Roshan. He drives the ZMR through water and dodges few tornados. ZMR looks quite stunning in white shade in the commercial with ZMR sticker in red shade. To view the TV commercial scroll down this review to images and videos section of Karizma ZMR.

Design & Style Of Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

In terms of looks the most visible change is heavy looking full front fairing with a lot of snazzy graphics with 'ZMR' stickers. Though it seems a liitle bit overworked and give Karizma ZMR a plasticky look. The designers at Hero Honda 'R&D' must have been a fan of Suzuki Hayabusa!! As far as new features are concerned the New Karizma ZMR gets all new headlamps with integrated blinkers and new tail lamps which are now LED ones.

The fit and finish is quite good, there are no panel gaps and paint quality is awesome. The rear view mirrors have been mounted on the front fairing a.k.a Yamaha R15, which is the best part of the facelift and it gives Karizma ZMR a very aggressive look if viewed from front. But the main problem is if you view the bike from side - the front doesn't gel with the slim looking rear. Hero Honda should have made the rear end a bit heavy to match it with the heavy front fairing. All in all, New Karizma ZMR looks much better than the outgoing model which started looking very outdated in comparison to the Yamaha R15, Bajaj Pulsar 220, TVS Apache RTR 180 & Honda CBF  Stunner Fi.

Instrument Cluster & Features  Of Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

The Intrument cluster is best looking part in Karizma ZMR. Insert the key and you are greeted with a long scrolling message which ends with "Bon Voyage Fly Safe". The display is now full digital including the tachometer which has been designed in round shape under a horizontal digital display which looks very cool especially at night.

 

The display also shows real time fuel consumption which is very helpful in maintaining good mileage. Other tell n tales include the speedometer, trip meter, fuel indicator, clock and rev counter. The switchgear remains the same and, in true Hero Honda fashion, there is no engine kill switch. The instrument cluster features dual colour illumination - the tachometer is lit in white while the rest gets an orange backlight.

10 New Design Features Of Hero Honda Karizma ZMR:

1. Full Front Fairing
2. Split Clip On Handle Bars
3. Split Rear Grab Rails
4. Mirrors Mounted On The Fairing
5. New Rear Mud Guard 
6. New Headlamp & Tail Lamp Which Is Now LED
7. Rear Disc Brakes
8. Turn Indicators Mounted On Front Fairing
9. New Graphics
10. Slightly Reprofiled Body Work

Engine & Top Speed Of Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

New Karizma ZMR Fi is powered by the same 223cc engine but has been altered by Hero Honda engineers, now it gets fuel injection which has increased the maximum power to 17.6 Bhp at 7000 rpm which is up by 0.6 Bhp and maximum torque has been increased by .15 Nm which is now 18.35 Nm @ 6000 rpm.

Hero Honda has claimed top speed of 126 kmph and 0-60 km in 3.7 seconds in its official brochure but it is still slower than the current fastest bike in this segment - The Pulsar 220, which has top speed of 144 kmph. Also I expected much more power and torque from the altered Fuel Injected engine, Karizma ZMR should have been atleast touching around 20 Bhp with 21-23 Nm torque.

The PGM-Fi system is equipped with a 12 hole fuel injector, 16 bit ECU and 6 high-tech sensors to scan the engine operating parameters like air pressure, air temperature, and engine temperature to ensure the optimum air / fuel ratio under dynamic conditions. An advanced vertical oil cooler provides efficient cooling to the high performance engine and the IACV (Idle air control valve) ensures idle stability and smoothens response to throttle changes.

13 New Technical Features In Hero Honda Karizma ZMR:

1. PGM-Fi: Programmable Fuel Injection 
2. 16 Bit ECU Processor For Rapid Digital Fuel Injection Mapping
3. Oil Cooled Engine
4. 12 Hole Fuel Injector For Better Atomization Of Fuel
5. Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Which Provides Different Fuel Mixtures At Different Temperatures
6. Intake Air Temperature Sensor Which Senses The Intake Air Temp To Determine & Supply The Optimum Air To Fuel Ratio
7. Throttle Position Sensor Which Detects Throttle Opening & Provides Input To The ECU
8. Crank Position Sensor Which Senses The Position & Time At Which Fuel Needs To Be Injected In Relation To Crank Angle
9. Oxygen Sensor Ensures Correct Air Fuel Ratio For The Catalytic Convertor
10. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
11. Idle Air Control Valve
12. Gas Charged Shock Absorbers
13. Rear Disc Brake

Shades Available In Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Hero Honda Karizma ZMR Is Available In Following Five Shades:

- Pearl White
- Moon Yellow
- Panther Black
- Sports Red
- Vibrant Blue

In my opinion Karizma ZMR looks best in Blue shade which gives it a bigger and meaner look. In yellow and red shades it looks a bit plasticky and down grade. Hero Honda has also introduced white shade with the launch of Karizma ZMR. The autorised dealers have started taking bookings of New Karizma, I visited a autorised dealer, they said that you can choose a shade and book your bike but the deliveries will start in first week of November.

TVS Apache RTR 180

TVS Motors has come up with another variant of Apache - The RTR 180.  Apache RTR has been very well recieved by bike enthusiasts and the new RTR 180 is going to take a step further with more powerful engine and some interesting additions in design. The bike retains the basic lines of the current RTR & comes with all the high tech features: digital speedometer with top speed, 0-60 timer, trips, and other extra functionality plus stunning looks. Apache RTR looks best in its class and has been priced very competitively in comparison to other bikes in its segment.

Engine & Performance Figures Of Apache RTR 180

The Apache RTR 180 is powered by a 177.4cc engine which generates 17 Bhp of maximum power with 15.5 Nm of maximum torque. The new 177.4cc mill is a bored out variation of the 160cc mill, and has a longer stroke too. The new engine still remains an oversquare unit, but not so much so as the 160. Power is up by 1.3 Bhp to 17 Bhp and the new engine produces 2.4 more units of twisting force at 15.5Nm. The peak power is produced at 8500 rpm, similar to RTR 160, though the peak torque is now produced at 6500 revs.

The aerodynamic air scoops add to the design plus it ensure Air is directed towards the engine unit to help better cooling efficiency. TVS claims the new apache RTR 180 to reach 60kmph from standstill in 4.15 seconds and top speed as 125kph. Here is a comparison of Apache RTR 180 with Yamaha R15, Karizma ZMR & Bajaj Pulsar 220. Though the class of Apache RTR 180 is a segment lower than the other three bike in terms of engine capacity but Apache 180 generates 17.3 Bhp of maximum power which is in the league of the other three bikes.

Looks & Styling Of Apache RTR 180

The TVS Apache 180 adorns a new graphic scheme to distinguish itself from its smaller siblings, with RTR emblazoned boldly on the tank scoops. The front forks and the gas reservoirs for the rear shocks are now painted in a new golden shade and the clip-ons have a new RTR 180 emblem at the centre. Stylish alloys, unique grab rails, classy silencer, larger & sharp lined fuel tank, all these elements combine perfectly to give Apache RTR 180 a sporty eye-catching looks. Apart from the New White tachometer the rest of the instrument cluster is same like the RTR 160 with Digital blue backlit Speedometer. The rear is also same with LED tail lamps, re-styled silencer and CBZ X-treme type split grab rail.

Ride & Handling Of Apache RTR 180

New Apache RTR 180's wheelbase is longer than the old Apache RTR 160 by a good 400mm, making it substantially more stable and confidence inspiring than its earlier iteration when leaned over. RTR 180 feels more stable and planted both in straight line as well as around bends. The engine fairing design shows the amount of detailing gone into its development plus add into aerodynamic design.

It employs a forged brake lever and gear lever set which delivers great looks and also lighter in construction. It also comes with removable rear fender - a first in its class. The riding posture on the RTR 180 is forward set up one which brings a huge difference in ride quality. A pillion rider will also feel more comfortable sitting on a RTR because of its forward set foot pegs and elegantly designed unique grab rails. RTR's specially developed race crouch mirrors provide better angle and safety besides looking great too.

Main Features Of TVS Apache RTR 180 :

- Digital Speedometer which looks very cool especially at night.
- Petal shaped disc brakes which not looks good but also helps in better braking.
- Bigger RTR sticker on the tank scoops - the main sign to know that this is a RTR 180.
- Naked chain cover which gives it a true racing bike touch.
- LED tail lamps - looks good but TVS should have changed it - the same one is featured in Apache 160's.
- Clip on handlebar for various positions.
- Service and battery indicator.
- The digital display has a feature to test the top speed achieved.
- You can also test your 0-60km/h timing on the digital display.
- RTR 180 logo near the clip-on’s
- A wider rear tyre
- New white back light for the speedometer

Suzuki Hayabusa

The Suzuki Hayabusa (or GSX1300R) is a hyper sport motorcycle made by Suzuki since 1999. It immediately won acclaim as the world's fastest production motorcycle, with a top speed of 188–194 miles per hour (303–312 km/h).

Hayabusa 隼 is Japanese for Peregrine Falcon, a bird that often serves as a metaphor for speed due to its vertical hunting dive, or stoop, speed of 180 to 240 miles per hour (290 to 390 km/h), the fastest of any bird. In particular, the choice of name was made due to the fact that the peregrine falcon preys on blackbirds, which reflected the intent of the original Hayabusa to unseat the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird as the world's fastest production motorcycle.Eventually, the Hayabusa managed to surpass the Super Blackbird by at least a full 10 miles per hour (16 km/h).

In 2000, fears of a European regulatory backlash or import ban led to an informal agreement between the Japanese and European manufacturers to govern the top speed of their motorcycles at an arbitrary limit.Therefore, model year 2000 and later Hayabusas, as well as their competition, are electronically limited to 300 kilometres per hour (186 mph).

The media-reported value for the speed agreement in miles per hour was consistently 186 mph, while in kilometers per hour it varied from 299 to 303 km/h, which is typical given unit conversion rounding errors. This figure may also be affected by a number of external factors,as can the numbers for horsepower and torque.

The conditions under which this limitation was adopted led to the Hayabusa's title to remain, at least technically, unassailable, since no subsequent model could go faster without being tampered with.Thus, after the much anticipated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R of 2000 fell 4 mph (6 km/h) short of claiming the title because of being speed-restricted, the Hayabusa secured its place as the fastest standard production bike of the 20th century.This gives the unrestricted 190-mph 1999 models even more cachet with collectors.

Besides its speed, the Hayabusa has been lauded by many reviewers for its all-around performance, in that it does not drastically compromise other qualities like handling, comfort, reliability, noise, fuel economy or price in pursuit of a single function. Jay Koblenz of Motorcycle Consumer News commented, "If you think the ability of a motorcycle to approach 190 mph or reach the quarter-mile in under 10 seconds is at best frivolous and at worst offensive, this still remains a motorcycle worthy of just consideration. The Hayabusa is Speed in all its glory. But Speed is not all the Hayabusa is."

Suzuki GS150R Features,Specification

Suzuki GS150R Features:

150cc Engine with a new design: The 150cc engine of GS150R has been designed with a focus on acceleration performance in the low-to-mid range speed, which is most important in city riding. This ensures that you always enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride with the new Suzuki GS150R.

 

Engine balancer technology: In other motorcycles, vibration generated from inside the engine by the vertical motion (inertial force) of the piston and rotating motion (centrifugal force) of the crankshaft, is transmitted through the handlebars, seat and footpegs to the rider. The engine balancer technology in Suzuki GS150R seeks to minimize such vibration in order to deliver a more comfortable riding experience. Moreover, the balancer system is quipped with balancer-driven gear fitted with a rubber damper for reducing the impact noise generated by its meshing with the balancer-driven- gear.

Digital Speedometer with dual modes: Presenting the world’s first eco-mode-equipped rpm indicator. The unique GSX-R-inspired engine rpm indicator glows to give an indication to the rider about the optimum up-shift timings. The latest unit features a new, selectable two-mode (Eco & Power) function to cater to a wide range of riding needs and conditions.

Sporty Style Headlight: The stunning powerful headlight of GS150R with built-in positioning light is inspired from Suzuki’s international Superbike GSX-R. it has been designed to give GS150R a very distinct look.

LED Tail Lamp & Integrated Rear Turn Signal: The super-sleek, streamlined aerodynamic shaped LED tail lamp and integrated rear turn signals based on the styling of GSX-R takes the style quotient to the next level.

Suzuki GS150R Specifications:
Engine Type: Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC
Bore x stroke (mm): 57.0 x 58.6
Displacement: 149.5cc
Max Power: 13.8bhp @ 8,500rpm
Max Torque: 13.4Nm @ 6,000rpm
Compression ratio: 9.35/1
Carburetor: BS26 with TPS
Ignition: CDI
Starting: Electric and kick
Transmission: 6-speed (1-down, 5-up)
Tyre front: 2.75-18” 42P
Tyre rear: 100/90-18 M/C 56P
Brake front: Hydraulic single disc
Brake rear: Drum
Fuel tank capacity: 15.5 liter
Overall length: 2,095mm
Overall width: 775mm
Overall height: 1,120mm
Wheelbase: 1,340mm
Ground clearance: 160mm
Seat height: 790mm
Dry weight: 134 Kg
Curb mass: 149Kg
Colors: Candy Max Orange (YME), Metallic Flint Gray (YUB), Candy Dark Greenish Blue (YML) and Pearl Nebular Black (YAY)

Bajaj Pulsar 135 LS Review,Pics and Road Test.

Bajaj India has launched the much awaited New Bajaj Pulsar 135 LS (Light Sport). As per the speculations made Pulsar 135 LS features the same headlight as seen in the XCD Sprint Concept shown at the Auto Expo, 2008 in New Delhi. Bajaj had recently launched the updated versions of Pulsar 150, Pulsar 180 & Pulsar 220. Also the Pulsar 200 was discontinued recently, so the main reason of launching Pulsar 135 LS is that they want to eat into the sales of Honda CBF Stunner.

Pulsar 135 LS has been launched with a price tag of Rs. 51000.00 (Ex-Showroom) which is very reasonable in comparison to the features on offer and also the 135cc engine is more powerful in comparison to the engine of XCD 135.

Design & Styling of Bajaj Pulsar 135 LS

Styled aggressively, the motorcycle draws styling cues from its elder siblings in the Pulsar range, but sports a freshly-styled fuel tank with chiseled lines and fresh tank flanks. The headlamp unit sports a bikini fairing with sharp, rakish lines and looks futuristic. The sleek rear-panels give way to a two-piece split grab rail on the split type seat. The footrests are slightly rear-set, and make for a sporty riding position in combination with the two-piece handle-bars.

- All New Design For Fuel Tank Like We Have Seen On The XCD Sprint Concept

- New Design Air Scoops - Again From XCD Sprint Concept

- New Design For Alloy Wheels - Black Matt Finish Mag Wheels

- New Digital Instrument Console

- Restyled Headlamp & LED Tail Tamp - From The XCD Sprint Concept

- Sharply Styled Turn Indicators - Like We Have Seen In XCD 135

- New Exhaust Design

- Sporty Split Seats & Split Grab Rails

- Sporty Rear With High Stance & Sporty Mud Guard

Engine Of Bajaj Pulsar 135 LS - World's First 4 Valve DTS-i Engine

According to Bajaj the 135cc DTS-i engine in Pulsar 135 LS is the world's first DTS-i engine to feature 4 valves. This engine generated maximum power of 13.5 PS at 9000 rpm with maximum torque of 11.4 Nm at 7500 rpm. It has been designed for better performance than regular a 2-Valve engine. Combined with the revolutionary DTS-i (Digital Twin Spark-ignition) technology which maximizes combustion to deliver enhanced power and superior mileage with low emissions, the Pulsar 135 LS has one of the most efficient production engines ever.

1. More Power: The 4 valve provides for a greater intake and exhaust area resulting in more power, almost equivalent a 2 valve 150cc engine.

2. Sustained Top End Power: The light-weight character of the four smaller valves (as opposed to two heavier valves), which allow the engine to effortlessly rev to an eye-popping 10,500 rpm.

3. Sporty Ride: Given the wider rpm band, the engine can be revved hard and high in each gear resulting in a genuine sporty ride.

4. More Mileage: Established superiority of DTS-i blended with 4 valve not only enhances the performance but also returns a very good fuel economy - 68.1 km/l certified by ARAI.

5. More Green: Comfortably meets BSIII regulations.

Shades Available & Price Of Bajaj Pulsar 135 LS

Bajaj Pulsar 135 LS is available in two shades:

- Wine Red

- Midnight Black

Ex-Showroom price of Pulsar 135 LS is Rs. 51,000.00 which seems to be very competitive in comparison to its main rival - Honda CBF Stunner - which is low on features in comparison to Pulsar 135 LS. But one thing Bajaj should consider that this is not a good strategy to discontinue products and then again launch it with smaller engine or bigger engines in some cases. And also Pulsar has a very good brand image among young buyers - there was no need to launch Pulsar with a 135cc engine - it is expected to get mixed reactions from Pulsar lovers. Instead they should have launched a new bike with XCD's engine, if they wanted to spoil the sales of Honda CBF Stunner. Though Pulsar 135 LS will be a instant hit as it a tru value for money bike but in my opnion Bajaj should sell only two models of Pulsar - The Pulsar 180 & Pulsar 220. And Discover should have only model - Discover 150 with Pulsar's 150cc engine. They have already phased out the XCD 125 which is a very good move. XCD is only available with 135cc engine.

PRESS RELEASE - BAJAJ AUTO LAUNCHES THE PULSAR 135LS TO LEAVE TRAFFIC JAMS BEHIND!
First of its kind Light Sports bike launched in India - New Delhi, December 9, 2009: Nothing takes away more from the pleasure of biking, than the biggest bane of urban life – traffic! Unending jams, errant drivers and potholed roads turn every ride into a battle, leaving the rider hassled and exhausted. Wouldn’t it be great to have a light, yet zippy set of wheels, something that would let you carve up traffic like a hot knife through butter? The all new Pulsar 135 LS (Light Sport), the first of its kind in India, is designed to do just that. This bike is designed to add a whole new dimension to the motorcycle market by creating a new Light Sports segment.

The Pulsar 135LS is powered with a state of the art 4-valve DTS-i engine delivering 13.5 Ps power. With its chiseled lines and aggressive stance, a sporty split-seat, aluminum clip-on handlebars and a host of other features this power packed 135cc Pulsar delivers performance comparable to other 150-cc. The light kerb weight of only 122 kg gives it a great Power-to-weight ratio of 110.6 Ps/tonne to make it optimum balance of agility and comfort to maneuver hustle-and-bustle of urban traffic. 

Equipped with a light-weight yet rigid frame, aided by gas-charged Nitrox shock absorbers at the rear, the Pulsar 135LS is well up to the challenges thrown by the urban jungle. It delivers class-leading top-end power, due to its 2-inlet and 2-outlet valves and ample pulling power in the low and mid-range. This is possible due to the light-weight character of the four smaller valves (as opposed to two heavier valves), which allow the engine to effortlessly rev to an eye-popping 10,500 rpm (electronically limited). And since safety is paramount on any Pulsar, DC lighting and a 240mm disc brake up front comes as standard.

According to Mr. S Sridhar, CEO 2-Wheeler, Bajaj Auto, “The Pulsar brand has been strongly associated with creating the sports segment in this country and our vision is to make India a country of bikers from a country of commuters. The new Pulsar 135LS is attractively priced and leads the charge in democratizing the thrill of biking and accelerating the growth of sports segment in this country.”

The bike will be manufactured from the Chakan Plant and will have a capacity of 35000 bikes per month.

Road Test

Overall, the XCD 135 manages to look really handsome and definitely more up market than its predecessor. Just riding around town, we were overwhelmed by the amount of attention and stares the bike managed to draw from people on the road.

Engine/Performance:
Now this is one aspect of the new XCD 135 that really had us floored from the moment we hit the starter button. While its 10.2 PS of power is comparable to that of its competition from the Honda stables, the 11.58Nm of torque its 135cc DTS-Si mill produces makes it the undisputed leader in its class. All this torque manifests itself in the bike's roll-on acceleration figures, which are significantly better than any of its competition. Even in outright acceleration, the bike managed to get from a standstill to 60km/h in 6.81seconds, which is again, among the best in its class.
Impressive as the figures might be, they alone are hardly a very important aspect of XCD 135. What's more important is what these figures translate into - and that is a bike which has excellent pull and can manage to lug a fair amount of load around rather easily. Even after piling up nearly a 175kg load on the bike (in the form of two of our staffers), it proved itself to be just as perky to ride around the city.

The extra fifth cog is really a blessing in the way it is tall enough to allow effortless cruising once out of stop-and-go traffic, and also a top speed of 102.03 km/h. The ratios of the other four gears have also been revised to optimally use the improved torque of the engine, and the bike is extremely refined and easy to ride in any traffic conditions our roads can manage to throw at it.

The bike now comes shod with better Eurogrip tyres on both ends, a 2.75 x 17 at the front and a 100/90 x 17 at the rear (which is the same profile that comes on some bikes which have almost twice the cubic capacity of the XCD). In any case, the new rubber really improves the handling of the bike. It still feels neutral like its predecessor, but manages to feel much more planted. Where the old bike, at times, felt slightly flimsy while leaned over through a corner, this one manages to inspire a huge amount of confidence in the same situation.

Cruising in fifth gear on the highway at about 60-65km/h saw the XCD cover 71.5km in a litre of petrol. Considering the bike will spend three-quarters of its time zipping around on congested city roads and the remaining one-quarter on wide open highways, it should give a overall combined fuel mileage of 64.67 kmpl, which is no small feat for a bike that feels so perky to ride in any gear.