Monday, May 18, 2009

SUZUKI GS150R





DRIVE ME CRAZY.........!!!!

"Armed with world’s first eco-mode-equipped engine rpm indicator, the new bike has a unique GSX-R-derived engine rpm indicator lights that provide indication to the rider about the optimum up-shift timing.

Moreover, sporty style headlight, with built-in positioning light inspired from Suzuki international super bike, GSX-R, gives GS150R a very distinct and muscular look.

The bike also boasts of a super sleek, streamlined aerodynamic shaped LED Tail Lamp and Integrated Rear Turn Signals based on GSX-R styling, which takes the style quotient to the next level."

So Whats' New in the New Suzuki GS150R..??

6 Gears

"Engine rpm indicator lights" 





Looks:


The GS150R actually is a proportionate and handsomely styled motorcycle. But don't get me wrong when I say that this design should probably have come 3-4 years back.

Yamaha FZ16 definitely makes a biker sit up and ogle at it more than once..

This design (GS150R) should probably have come 3-4 years back..

Maybe the bike would look distinctive in the flesh..

In 2008, the Yamaha FZ16 has shown what impact "Distinctive Styling" can make on bikers/consumers.. both the Yamaha FZ16 and the Suzuki GS150R makes 15 Ps max. power. But then the Yamaha (FZ16) definitely makes a biker sit up and ogle at it more than once.

The other hand the Suzuki GS150R has Styling elements which can be traced back to current India 150 cc bikes. For example, the "Rubber Gaiters" on the front forks shout Pulsar 150/180 (the current Pulsar 150/180 has dumped the rubber gaiters though). Even the headlamp which actually mimics the look of the headlamps from Suzuki's International lineup of SuperSport Bikes and Superbikes, actually end up looking very much like the ones from the Bajaj Pulsars. The Front fairing does features pseudo air scoops though.



The side and tail panels also aren't very distinctive in design and kind of reminds me of the Honda Unicorn. The tank, footpegs, exhausts, rear and front fenders, black painted alloys and engine covers all somehow give away a feeling of deja-vu.. at least by looking at the pics/photos of the GS150R. Maybe the bike would look distinctive in the flesh.


Equipment Levels

The GS150R comes with a Digital Speedometer and a Tail Light which comes equipped with LEDs. The turn indicators on the rear are integrated with the tail light unit (much like the ones on the CBZ Xtreme). The GS150R gets 6 gears which would be the second Indian Bike to feature one after the Yamaha R15.



Price:

The GS150R would be priced at Rs 59,000 (ex-showroom Delhi), which would be on par with the current 150 cc motorcycles sold in India (Except the Yamaha FZ16 and R15)

The GS150R is avilable for booking right now but would be delivered in January 2009. One can visit Suzuki Motorcycle India's website for more details.

COLOURS AVAILABLE:



SPECS:

  GS150R SPECIFICATIONS

 Dimensions And Dry Mass
 Fuel Tank Capacity (L) 15.5
 Overall Length (mm) 2,095 
 Overall Width (mm) 775
 Overall Height (mm) 1,120
 Wheelbase (mm) 1,340 
 Ground Clearance (mm) 160 
 Seat Height (mm) 790 
 Dry Weight (kg) 134 
 Curb Mass (kg) 149


 Engine
 Type 4-stroke, Air-cooled, SOHC
 Bore x Stroke (mm) 57.0 x 58.6
 Displacementn (cm3) 149.5
 Max Power 13.8bhp@8,500rpm 
 Max Torque 13.4Nm@6,000rpm
 Compression Ratio 9.35:1
 Carburetor BS26 with TPS
 Ignition CDI
 Transmission 6-speed (1-down, 5-up) 
 Starting Electric & kick 

 
Suspension
 Front Telescopic, Coil Spring, Oil Damped 
 Rear Swingarm Type Coil Spring, Oil and Damped 

 
Brake
 Front Hydraulic single disc 
 Rear Drum 

 
Tyre Size 
 Front 2.75-18 42P 
 Rear 100/90-18 M/C 56P

HONDA CBF STUNNER 125


Honda's (HMSI) turn to surprise us with the launch the "CBF Sports Concept" (on August 6, 2008) which was first shown at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2008. Christened as the "CBF Stunner", it has been given the same look as the "CBF Sports Concept" albeit with a toned down paint scheme.

Often criticized previously for producing efficient but undesirable motorcycles, it looks like Honda has hit the nail on its head this time. Since its launch, I have seen quite a number of CBF Stunner plying on the roads of New Delhi and the NCR region

Looks:

The Stunner indeed manages to look stunning for a 125 cc motorcycle. With a "Karizma like" fixed half fairing, the CBF Stunner appears like a motorcycle from a bigger segment. The CBF Stunner also sports 17" tubeless tyres which is a first for the 125 cc segment. The CBF Stunner features Split Seats to further enhance the sporty image.

The Speedometer assembly is an all analog affair. Considering the sporty turnout of the motorcycle, the absence of a tachometer is felt here. An interesting feature is the position of the choke lever which is positioned "along with" the speedometer assembly. Personally I find the position of the choke a bit odd and outdated.

The CBF Stunner comes with three options of "Kick Start-Drum-Alloy", "Self Start-Drum-Alloy" and "Self Start-Disc-Alloy".


Engine, Power, Performance

The Engine of the CBF Stunner has the same specs as that of the 125 cc Shine. But the stunner does feature 5 gears compared to the 4 gears which the shine comes with.


Colors:

The CBF Stunner is currently available in the following colors:

With Disc Brakes and Stickers.


Yellow

Red

Silver

Black

With Drum Brakes and without Stickers


Red

Black

Price:

The CBF Stunner is presently priced accordingly (in Delhi)..

Kick-Drum-Alloy: Rs. 47,085 (Ex-showroom) Rs. 49,365 (On Road) delhi
Self-Drum-Alloy: Rs. 49,834 (Ex-Showroom) Rs. 52,200 (On Road) delhi
Self-Disc-Alloy: Rs. 51,667 (Ex-Showroom) Rs. 54,090 (On Road) delhi




Honda CBF Stunner, Technical Specifications:

Engine
Engine type: 4 stroke, Air cooled OHC single cylinder

Displacement: 124.7cc

Max power: 11bhp @ 8000rpm

Max Torque: 11Nm @ 6500rpm

Starting system: Kick/self

Gear shift pattern: 1 Down - up

Headlamp: 35/35W 12V Halogen


Chassis


Front suspension: Telescopic hydraulic fork

Rear suspension: 3 step spring loaded hydraulic shock absorver with recangular box type swing arm

Front tyre: 80/100-17″ 46p (tubeless)

Rear tyre: 100/90-17 55p (tubeless)

Front brake: 130mm drum (optional 240mm disc)

Rear brake: 130mm drum brake


Dimensions


Length: 2012mm

Width: 734mm

Height: 1113mm

Wheelbase: 1271mm

Ground Clearance: 173mm

Fuel tank capacity: 10 liters (2 liter reserve)

Kerb weight: 129kg


INTERESTING SHOTS:


.

TVS APACHE RTR 160


Name: Apache RTR (2008) 
Type: Sports
Top Speed: 118kph
Fuel Consumption:
City 42.00
Fuel Consumption:
Highway 52.00

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement: 159.7cc
Engine: 4 stroke, Single
Maximum Power: 15.2bhp@8500rpm
Maximum Torque: 13.1nm@6000rpm
Gears: 5 Speed
Clutch: Multiplate Wet
Bore: 62
Stroke: 52.9
Cylinder Configuration: NA
Engine Block Material: NA
Chassis Type: Double Cradle
Cooling Type: Air Cooling
Carburetor: NA
0 to 60: 5.56 sec.

DIMENSIONS
Length: 2020.00 mm

Width: 730.00 mm

Height: 1050.00 mm

REVIEWS

Impressive..!! That’s how I would describe my Test Ride experience on the TVS Apache RTR 160. But before I rave more about the new Apache RTR, let me narrate my previous experience on an Apache 150.

  • Previous Apache 150 Experience:


     The first impression of the Apache RTR 160 after my test ride was, “It’s gonna beat the CBZ Xtreme and the Pulsar DTSi 150..!!” I could hardly find anything on the Apache RTR 160 that I did not like I once rode an Apache 150 for about three hours in the congested bowels of Bangalore. The bike belonged to a friend of mine. It was a relatively new bike with just 2,000 odd kms on the odometer.

    Apache 150: Positives

    Looks: The Apache 150 was always handsome looker.

    Build Quality: The build quality of the bike was in fact among the best in the country.

    Handling: Riding the Apache through the congested streets of Bangalore was a dream on the Apache 150. The bike was extremely flickable.

    Apache 150: Negatives

  • If you are tired of watching too many Pulsars
  • Don't like the styling of the CBZ Xtreme
  • Want goodies like digital speedo
  • Need something more powerful than both the Pulsar 150 or the CBX Xtreme,
  • think no further and get yourself the TVS Apache RTR 160

    Vibrations:

                     The bike had decent power and got ahead of the traffic with ease. But in spite of being a relatively new bike, the engine was extremely unrefined. Vibrations crept in the Apache 150 at a very low rpm of around 2000-2500 and kept on increasing as the engine was revved more. The vibrations made me feel like I was driving an old and ill-maintained 2-stroke bike.

Stupid Riding Position:

                                                The riding position on the Apache 150 was quite uncomfortable for me. I had to shift every time to get myself in a comfortable position. The handlebar on the Apache 150 was positioned low, mimicking the handlebar of the Pulsar but the foot pegs were set forward instead of what should have been slightly rear set. So in the end the riding position on the 150 was “Neither Commuter Friendly, nor Sporty”.

Bike looked/felt small:

                                              The Apache 150 had the smallest wheelbase among the 150 CC’s. This made the bike an ideal choice for heavy traffic commute but it also made the bike look and feel small. The front of the bike also felt light especially with a pillion.


Apache 150 Verdict:

                                         After riding three hours in the streets of Bangalore on the Apache 150, I felt a sharp pain on my butt due to its stupid riding position. Moreover the vibrations from its unrefined engine had left me extremely unsatisfied.


Now let us come back to the latest RTR experience of mine…



If I had to sum up my RTR Test Ride experience it would be, “Impressive”..!! Most of the flaws of the Apache 150 have been ironed out. The RTR felt like an entirely new bike. It is definitely much better and improved than the Apache 150 (which now has been discontinued).


But also be prepared for a probable 5 km/litre less mileage than the Apache 150

RTR Looks:

  •                      The RTR looks almost similar to the 150. The bike still retains the tank and body panels of the 150. But a few new features have been incorporated in the RTR, which has made an already handsome bike look even more gorgeous now. The RTR features..
    A stripe on its body (a la Ford GT), which runs from the front mudguard to the tank and finally to the tailpiece


  • A 270 mm petal shaped front disc
  • The engine of the Apache has been also given an all black treatment along with the alloys and exhaust
  • A small engine guard finished in body colors is nestled at the bottom of the engine
  • The side panels have a matt black plastic finish instead of the earlier body colored ones
  • The RTR also sports a Digital Speedo like the Pulsar
  • The tail lamp now incorporates bright LEDs
  • A split grab rail 
  • Clip on adjustable handlebars
  • Aluminium finish brake levers
  • Toe operated Gear Shifter

The wheelbase of the RTR has also been stretched to 1300 mm from its previous 1260 mm. The RTR now looks smashing and definitely is one of the best looking bikes in the country.

Riding Position:

                                The RTR now has rear set foot pegs. Along with the low handle bars it translates into a very sporty riding position. After the Pulsar DTS-I 200, I would rate the riding position of the Apache RTR 160 as the sportiest. Compared to the “Stupid” riding position of the Apache 150, I found the riding position of the RTR very comfortable. I did not get the chance to adjust the handlebars of the RTR (it has two settings), but I just loved the sporty riding position of the RTR.

Engine/Performance:

                                           Smooth, powerful and definitely an improvement over the Apache 150. I did not get to rev the RTR much but the engine remained smooth with out any significant vibrations till 5000 rpm.

The engine of the RTR is now an oversquare 160 cc compared to the earlier 150 cc square engine. The spec sheets also claim an increase in max power from its earlier 13.5 Bhp to 15 Bhp ( the highest in the 150 cc segment in India). So does that makes the RTR the new king of Indian roads in the 150 cc class (or near about the 150 cc class)..??

The first impression of the Apache RTR 160 after my test ride was, “It’s gonna beat the CBZ Xtreme and the Pulsar DTSi 150..!!” I did not put the RTR on a drag strip, but the RTR did feel faster and a bit more powerful than the CBZ Xtreme or the Pulsar DTSi 150.

Exhaust Note:

                               I have to make a special mention of the exhaust note of the Apache RTR 160 here. The matt black exhaust can of the RTR makes one of the most gorgeous two wheeler music in India. Unlike most of the present crop of bikes which sound slighty better than the "whirr" of the scooty pep, the RTR has a Soul Soothing "Bass" to its exhaust note reminiscent of the first generation Pulsar (but softer than the first gen Pulsar).

Gear Box:

                     Slightly clunky, but ok.

Handling:

                    The Apache RTR no longer feels or handles like a small bike anymore. The extra 40 mm on the wheelbase has done its trick. The bike now feels stable even with a pillion behind. Stability around corners was great.

Ride Quality:

                           The ride quality of the RTR was a little bit hard. It was not exactly uncomfortable but wasn’t exactly plush either. But this actually aided in improving the handling of the bike.

Brakes:

                 The front brakes did the job of bring the RTR to a stop pretty well. No complaints here.

  • Apache RTR 160 Verdict:

    Positives:
  • Previous flaws of the apache 150 have been ironed out
  • Sporty riding position
  • Smooth and Powerful engine
  • Bike looks and feels and handles like a bigger bike now
  • Stable and predictable handling


    Negatives:

                                I could hardly find anything on the Apache RTR 160 that I did not like. But then here are a few, which I think could have improved.

The Ride quality is a bit hard

Foot peg sub frame finished in black (Too much of black. A silver/aluminum finished sub frame would have given a nice contrast look)

The RTR might still feel small for taller guys (Wheelbase is still 20 mm shorter than the Pulsar 150)



Conclusion:

                         I liked the Apache RTR 160 very much. It looks handsome, has excellent build quality, a sporty riding position, smooth engine and good handling. It definitely is more powerful than the Pulsar 150 and the CBZ Xtreme and still is priced similar to the Pulsar.

In fact I see no reason why I should not go ahead and put my money on the RTR.

If you are tired of watching too many Pulsars, don't like the styling of the CBZ Xtreme, want goodies like digital speedo and need something more powerful than both the Pulsar 150 or the CBX Xtreme, think no further and get yourself the Apache RTR 160.

But also be prepared for a "probable" 5 km/litre less mileage than the Apache 150. After all you can't defy Laws of Physics.



YAMAHA FZ-S


THE UPGRADE OF YAMAHA FZ16, WITH JUST MERE COSMETIC UPGRADES & PAINT SCHEME. ONLY THE PICTURES AS SPECS ARE THE SAME AS FZ16. 

COLOURS:

YAMAHA FZ-16 (LORD OF THE STREETS)


LORD OF THE STREETS

In this country?s motorcycle history a new chapter begins. A masterpiece is born. While inheriting the quality of the famous brand, the FZ16 was also born to revolutionize the era and carry out a mission. Its appearance more than any other, overflows with dynamism and originality. The running performance is brimming with thrust that overpowers all others. This quality solely belongs to YAMAHA?s advanced technologies. The FZ16 takes attention away from others on the road as it makes its personality felt. Lord of the Streets -FZ16- You will be drawn to this machine that in the next era will become the king of the streets.

"LORD MAKES NEW RULES"
The rider?s will is spread to the handle, the body and then the engine giving birth to unprecedented torque. This force is truly dynamic. Due to minute calculations and overcoming major challenges, an ultimate body balance has been produced. The agile running performance is extremely exciting. The superior performance brings riding feel, which when you ride provides you an emotional high. Thus this is unique not only for the rider but also a source of great fascination to the onlooker. With the FZ16 you have the sensation of ruling the streets to your heart?s content.

"LORD TAKES OVER"

Each and every part of FZ16 has been designed with a lot of detailed attention and careful thought. This ultimate degree of perfection means even the slightest feature has not been overlooked. Only YAMAHA ensures this kind of craftsmanship. The rider and the machine share a feeling of oneness, and from different angles the impression is different. This is particularly because the finest components have been used in its precise manufacturing. The FZ16 possesses both a rough and brutish expression as well as a certain subtlety. This high quality masterpiece will without doubt become a rage for the next generation.

REVIEWS:

To start off this bike has striking presence. The looks of this bike will be a major reason for its success. We all know that the Pulsar 150 isint as great a bike as its sales figure suggests, its engine is not as refined either compared to the Unicorn but it does sell and how! One of the main reasons for the Pulsar 150 to sell so well is, it looks the part and the FZ16 makes the Pulsar look like a bike from last generation. After looking at the FZ16, i can confidently say that the bike is Definitely Male.

Just like the Yamaha R15, the FZ16 has been wind tunnel tested for better aerodynamics. The engine is air cooled and uses a carburetor. A FI version would have made this bike really more desirable but then Yamaha had to price it sanely too. However the bike does ride pretty well.

There is good amount of low end grunt, something which is missing in the R15. Though power of 14PS doesn’t speak much, its the torque which is worth talking about. 13.6NM @ 6000 RPM means this bike pulls very well from any RPM. There is very good throttle response and the bike will nudge 120kmph which is the norm in the 150cc segment. Yamaha claim an unrealistic mileage of 50kmpl. Expect 40kmpl under normal riding conditions.

The fat front forks, mono cross suspension and the fat tires ensures that the FZ16 rides very well. You hardly feel a bump and is thus suited for our roads, which are well poorly made. Although the bike looks all muscles, it handles pretty well. Change of direction is quick and the wide handle bars makes the riding position almost spot on. Braking is good and gear shifts are smooth but not as good as the R15, which is in another league.

 I really didn’t like the instrumentation on the FZ16. The tacho needle is small and makes it difficult to read. Otherwise too the instrument cluster is a wee bit small for our liking and for a bike which looks so big and butch, i really don’t know why Yamaha compromised on better instrumentation. The bike also has no kick start (ala Pulsar 220), similar fuel tank capacity as the R15 (12 liters) and weighs just 127 kgs (dry)

To sum up the FZ16 is a fantastic machine, it is worth the money and is certainly our pick in the 150cc segment. However Yamaha could have made it better, all those fat tires and forks need a bigger engine, perhaps a FZ20 should be launched by Yamaha to quench the performance hunger in us.

 SPECS:

ENGINE

Engine type Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve
Displacement 153.0cm3
Bore & Stroke 58.0 × 57.9mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Maximum output 14PS / 7500 rpm
Maximum torque 14 N.m / 6000 rpm
Starting method Electric starter
Lubrication type Wet sump
Carburetor type BS26
Clutch type Constant mesh wet multiplate
Ignition type CDI
Primary/secondary reduction ratio 3.409 / 2.857
Transmission type Return type 5-speed

CHASIS
Frame type Diamond
Suspension (front/rear) Telescopic / Monocross
Wheelbase 1,335mm
Brake type(front/rear) Hydraulic single disc / drum
Tire size (front/rear) 100/80-17 / 140/60-R17

DIMENSIONS
Overall Length × Width × Height 1,975mm × 770mm × 1,045mm
Seat height 790mm
Wheelbase 1,335mm
Minimum ground clearance 160mm
Dry weight/Curb weight 126 kg / 137 kg
Fuel tank volume 12 liters
Engine oil volume 1.2 liters

FEATURES

ENGINE

"Air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder 153cc engine"



A newly designed 153cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder, 2-valve engine with a max.output of 14 Ps and a max. torque of 14 N.m., characterized by its breathtaking pick up and featuring an electric starter.

SUSPENSION

"Monocross suspension adopted"



A Monocross rear suspension unit provides 120 mm of wheel travel, while optimized oil and damping valve specs help ensure agile running performance and handling. It inhibits bottoming while riding with a tandem passenger as well as providing a very comfortable ride.

MUFFLER

"Exhaust efficiency, sound and concentration of mass"



To give a sense of volume to the machine, an external diameter of 35mm is adopted in a two-layer type exhaust to minimize the effect of heat on the pipe. The layout features a large-volume primary character on the underside of the crankcase. The muffler is an irregular shaped tapered type mid-ship muffler.

REAR TYRE

"India’s first “140/60-17” size radial tyre (rear)"



The rear tyre is India’s first radial tyre with a 60% aspect ratio. Both the front and rear tyres on this model are tubeless type that are less susceptible to sudden flattening should the tyre be punctured.

DISC BRAKE

"Large-diameter front disc brake adopted"



At the front, a large Ø267mm disc brake is adopted. The two-pot caliper makes full use of the outer perimeter of the disc to provide strong stopping power. The optimized specs of the operational parts provide a high-level of balance, excellent initial braking performance and good operational touch.

FRONT SUSPENSION

The inner tubes on the front fork are the first large Ø41mm units adopted on a motorcycle made in India and the stroke is a generous 130mm. With the front assembly dimensions, they provide good shock absorption. The good damping characteristics during acceleration and braking contribute to increasing stability.

HEAD LIGHT

"Multi-reflector headlight adopted"



The bulb’s illumination and the type of light unit employed gives greater freedom of design. This creates an aggressive-looking front view and the transparent lens gives this unit a highly stylish image that accentuates the character of the model’s ride.

FUEL TANK

"12-liter fuel tank with uniquely styled plastic resin cover"



The steel fuel tank with a plastic resin outer cover takes advantage of the freedom of shaping that plastic provides, giving the tank cover a powerful shape with modulations suggestive of the muscular body of an athlete.

LCD METER

"Full LCD meter"



The meters on the FZ16 are installed in a Full Liquid Crystal Display. The speedometer, tachometer, trip meter, fuel gauge and other indicators are set in optimum position to keep the field of vision clear. Also, the engine starting signal is an example of the spirit of innovation.

SUM UP

Whats Kool 
Looks amazing
Rides very well
Engine has good grunt
Attention to detail
Fat tires
Good pricing


Whats UnKool 
Unimpressive instrument cluster
Pillion seat too small for humans

COLOURS: