2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650R coming to India soon

The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650R is all set to hit Indian roads, sooner than you can think. After the success of the Ninja 650R last year, Bajaj Auto is all set to roll out the updated 2012 edition that was launched internationally last year.

Updates are only visual though, with no changes to the liquid-cooled parallel-twin cylinder engine, and power output remains unchanged at 72PS, while maximum torque rating stands at 66Nm.

The Ninja 650R does get a new, wider front fairing though, with redesigned headlights and air vents on the side, new fuel tank, seat and an edgier rear end.

Expect the new 650R in India to be priced higher than the outgoing version, closer to the 6-lakh rupee mark.

Interestingly, as we write this we also learn that the 2013 model of the Ninja 650R gets ABS as an optional feature. Bajaj Auto, are you listening?

TVS Phoenix to be launched in India soon

Earlier this year at the Auto Expo, TVS had showcased many motorcycles and scooters with the promise of launching four new products in 2012. In what appears to be a leaked video preview of its new executive commuter, the Phoenix, the company appears to be ready to fulfill its first promise.
From the video, it is clear that the Phoenix bears a strong resemblance to the Radeon concept shown at the Expo. It also looks to have equipment levels at par with the competition – front petal disc brake, digital instrument cluster and an all-black engine and crankcase along with alloy wheels.
First amongst the segment features include LED pilot lamps(similar to the new Apache RTR series), hazard warning system, service due indicator and an engine kill switch.

The Phoenix will use the 124.8cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine from the Flame. It will produce around 10.5PS of power and 10Nm of torque. 4-speed manual gearbox will handle transmission duties. It will be in showrooms shortly and is expected to be priced slightly lower than the competition.

2012 Yamaha Ray launched at Rs 46,000 in India

Yamaha officially enters the Indian scooter market with the launch of the Ray. It is priced at Rs 46,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Billed as a scooter for girls, Yamaha has gone all the way with the idea putting together not just the scooter but a rider training program for women as well as an assembly line which is operated entirely by women for the Ray.

The Ray was shown first at the Auto Expo and more recently when Yamaha announced that actor Deepika Padukone was to be the brand ambassador for the product.

The official spec is an automatic scooter powered by a new 113cc engine that makes 7.1PS at 7500rpm and 8.1Nm of torque. Torque should be excellent from the under square engine and the peak torque is at a low 5000rpm.

The company claims a 0-60kmph time of 12s and a fuel efficiency of 62.1kmpl.
At 104kg, this is a light scooter and should have good performance. Yamaha also promise excellent reliability and economy. The chassis spec is top notch, including telescopic forks up front, 130mm drum brakes and 90/100-10 tyres.

The scooter will be available in six colours, pink, black, blue, burgundy, purple and grey. Yamaha will have more women representatives in the showroom to help prospective Ray buyers.

Yamaha say the seat height, the design of the centre and side stands were all created with women in mind to ensure the scooter is easy to get on to, easy to deal with and easy to ride.

Yamaha intends the Ray to compete in the fast growing scooter market, taking a targeted 20 per cent market share by 2016. Yamaha currently is working towards bringing online its new Chennai plant by January 2014.

Yamaha wants to be selling one million units by 2014. 2016 will see two million units, says the company.

Yamaha announced that it would be able to make 2.8 million units by 2018 and its products will be for India as well as for the export market.

Domestic car sales down by 5 pc, bikes dip by 19 pc in September

New Delhi:

Domestic car sales declined by 5.36 per cent to 1,57,536 units in September 2012 compared to 1,66,464

units in September 2011. According to the data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers

(SIAM), motorcycle sales last month fell by 18.85 per cent to 7,53,693 units, from 9,28,716 units in
September 2011.

Total two-wheeler sales in September 2012 decreased by 12.92 per cent to 10,69,069 units from

12,27,662 in August 2011. However, total sales of commercial vehicles rose marginally to 70,683 units,

from 70,658 units in the year-ago period, SIAM said.

Total sale of vehicles across categories registered a dip of 9.43 per cent to 14,18,134 units last month, as

against 15,65,757 units in September 2011, it added.

Harley-Davidson Fat Bob launched in India at Rs 12.8 lakh

Harley-Davidson India has been at the forefront of expanding its product line up in the country over the past two years. The manufacturer has now launched its latest CKD offering in the country, the Fat Bob, priced at Rs 12.8 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.

A member of the Dyna family, just like the Street Glide Custom and Street Bob that were launched a few months back, the Fat Bob is the sixth Harley to enter the Indian market via the CKD route. Its pricing slots the Fat Bob between the Street Bob and Street Glide Custom, which are priced at Rs 10.1 lakh and Rs 11.65 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi respectively.

The Fat Bob is styled like most other Harleys, but its twin round headlamps give the motorcycle a very distinct identity. The name Fat Bob comes from the fat front end of the motorcycle, consisting of thick front forks and a meaty 130-section tyre. The engine is the same 1690cc, air-cooled V-twin motor seen previously on other members of the Harley family. The engine produces a healthy 135Nm at a lowly 3500rpm and is mated to a six-speed transmission. ABS is on offer as an option.

The bike, in five different colours, will be available at all nine Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country.

Renault Captur crossover unveiled

Renault has unveiled in what can be called as the production ready version of the hugely popular Captur Concept.