Wednesday, 29 May 2013

New Bajaj flagship, Pulsar 375 revealed- Trendz @ AutoCar


India’s most loved sportsbike is about to get bigger, racier and better than ever before. It’s still some months from production ready, with Bajaj presently focussing on introducing the exciting KTM 390 Duke, but it's known that the team at ‘**Ahead’ (Bajaj R&D) is working to ready a neatly faired-in, approximately 375cc all-new Pulsar that will debut across India towards the end of this year.


The big, new and faired-in Pulsar shall aim to be a bold new segment driver when it hits Indian roads, by offering biking enthusiasts here a level of style and performance never previously available with any Pulsar. The new Bajaj flagship is styled to draw eyeballs, its mean Yamaha YZF-R1-resembling dual-headlights peering out in the set of detailed frontal images available with us and our own exclusive rendering. Clip-on handlebars will be standard, as will be plenty of lightweight alloy parts, and expect a sporty, compact cockpit layout, with comprehensive, nicely laid out instruments and Bajaj-typical good quality switchgear. The new Pulsar will make a purposeful and mean-looking sportsbike, as can be seen in its tastefully sculpted tank and body cowls, as well as split seats.

This upcoming larger capacity Pulsar will share its basic, four-stroke and single-cylinder engine platform with the KTM 390 Duke, so expect a full complement of close to 45 aggressive horses, with ample modern technology packed in, including a liquid-cooling system, four-valve equipped head and a six-speed, close-ratio gearbox, apart from an array of other goodies. Final drive will be via an exposed chain running back down the left of the motorcycle, and expect a compact, sporty exhaust system. The big Pulsar’s engine will be tailored to suit its new role and having recently ridden and experienced the 390 firsthand, you can expect a refined, rev happy powerplant that will deliver blistering performance for the class, with urgent acceleration and a top speed in excess of 150kph.


This sporty new Pulsar will use smart alloy wheels and standard telescopic fork front suspension, while a monoshock will do duty at the rear. The spy pictures imply the bike will deploy a steel, multi-spar frame, supported by an elliptical section steel swingarm at the rear. Single, drilled and petal-type disc brakes will do duty front and rear, offering good heat dissipation, while an ABS brake system will be offered with this bike, as already on the KTM 390 Duke.


Even as more details remain under wraps, you can safely expect this Pulsar to offer all and more in terms of a stylish, affordable Indian sportsbike, with a rich specification list and quick turn of performance.

(http://www.autocarindia.com/News/343845,new-bajaj-flagship-pulsar-375-revealed.aspx/3)

Thursday, 16 May 2013

TVS Apache RTR 180 - @ TopGear



TVS is still a few years from launching its new-generation Apache, so to keep the current crop of buyers from moving to the Pulsar 200NS, this facelift is their stop-gap measure.

So, there’s sporty bits like magnesium-finish suspension and brake calipers. And decals and fake carbon fibre panels sprinkled all over to further evoke racing aspirations.

If you want flashier paint jobs, we suggest you look at the lesser RTR 160 – the 180ABS is only available in black and white. If you chose the 180 over the 180ABS, there’s a grey option as well. Definitely the most talked-about feature on the RTR is the LED daytime running lights, which TVS has been flaunting in its commercials.

In the city, the existing horses are adequate and you’ll rarely find the 180 underpowered. Out on the highway, though, you immediately sense the need for a sixth gear. This not only limits the RTR’s top speed, it also affects highway cruising speed. When you hit the triple-digits and want to stay at a steady 110kph, the engine’s revving too high and sounds stressed.

We managed a top speed of 121kph on our run, which matches the older bike. The fuel run was also similar, with the 180 returning 34.6kpl. The RTR 180 ABS is pegged at Rs 82,000 (on-road Mumbai). That’s 4,000 more than the outgoing model, but given all those design revisions, you shouldn’t mind that price hike.

The numbers
177.4cc single-cylinder, 17.3bhp, 15.5Nm, Top speed:121kph. Economy: 34.6kpl, Rs 82,000 (on-road, Mumbai)

The verdict
Looks better, but we're still waiting for the ‘all-new’ beast.

(http://www.topgear.com/india/our-bike-reviews/itemid-52?id=1149)