Honda EV-Neo is a proper scooter for India

Every automobile manufacturer is thinking about the social responsibility and are significantly trying to cut down on the carbon emission. The phase of increasing oil prices and the concern for the environment are forcing automobile manufacturers to think about the future aspects regarding these concerns.

Might not translate into sales volume, but electric vehicles are gaining popularity in the Indian market as well as the other parts of the world, And to cast a spell, Honda is working on its electric EV- Neo scooter which they are currently testing in Barcelona, Spain.

What is the Honda EV-Neo scooter?

The scooter is targeted at the urban population as a low cost and flexible transporting solution. It uses a Lithium-ion battery with a 2.8kw motor which takes about 3.5 hours to full charge the battery. With a rapid charger you can even charge it in 30 minutes and that gives the range of 34km at 30km/hr on a level ground.

Why are they testing the Honda EV-Neo in Barcelona?

Barcelona City council and RACC, Spain’s leading Automobile Club along with Honda are doing research and development in Barcelona. Motorcycle accounts to 30% of all vehicles in Barcelona which makes it an ideal destination for testing. On similar grounds, Indian market is also on the same marketing pattern. It will be a success in the Indian market as well because Honda is one of the largest two wheeler manufacturers in the country and has the technology ready. There are many brands that operate with electric two-wheelers, but no one apart from TVS has really made a realistic effort to make in roads.

Why should they test the Honda EV-Neo in India?

The electric vehicles has zero emissions and have a huge appeal since the climate change awareness in the country. Foundations like TERI are working on these issues and have also earned a Noble prize for that. India as a developing nation is one of the largest two wheeler market in the world and the electric vehicle is a great alternative. Not only EV-Neo is a compact solution for the congested roads in India, but affordable as well.

Speculation – Is VTR 250 the Honda KYZ for India ?

A few months ago IMB had reported that Honda Motorcycles & Scooter India (HMSI) is planning on launching a250cc bike in India and its codename was KYZ.

There are news going around the internet these days on Honda planning to launch their VTR250 but one should not be surprised if Honda launches a fresh model for the Indian market having the technology borrowed from any of their exisiting 250cc bike from the international market.

Honda VTR250 for India?

Honda VTR250 price

The 250cc segement is the least exploited segement in India till now, the only option available is the Kawasaki Ninja. The cost which is the most important factor for any premium bike in India will play a major role this time too but to surprise everyone the 250cc from Honda is expected to be priced under or around 1.5 lakh rupees.

Honda VTR 250 for India

The VTR250 is a V-Twin and the maximum power output can be anything around 30ps with maximum torque of around 22 Nm. Remember that Honda will consider re-tuning the bike so that the element of fuel economy isn’t completely destroyed.

Another thing to look out for is if this bike from Honda would be a naked or a fully faired bike. I would love to see a fully faired 250cc bike instead of a naked bike.

The launch date for tis bike could be around Diwali as Honda would want to take full advantage of the festive season mood in India. If this is the case then we dont have to wait for long.

Honda VTR 250 Video

Honda VTR 250 Specifications

Model Name – VTR250
Engine Type – Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC Vtwin
Bore & Stroke – 60 x 44.2mm
Compression Ratio – 11 : 1
Displacement – 250cc
Ignition – Computer-controlled fully transistorised with electronic advance
Carburation – PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Starter – Electric
Transmission – 5 speed
Final Drive – O-ring sealed chain
Dimensions (mm) – 2,070 x 725 x 1,055 (LxWxH)
Wheel Base (mm) – 1405
Seat Height (mm) – 775
Ground Clearance (mm) – 155
Fuel Capacity (litres) – 12.4 litres (including 2-litre reserve)
Front Tyres – 110/70 17M/C (54H)
Rear Tyres – 140/70 17M/C (66H)
Front Wheel – Z-type cross-section 5-spoke cast aluminium
Rear Wheel – Z-type cross-section 5-spoke cast aluminium
Front Brakes – 296mm single hydraulic disc with dual piston caliper and resin mould pads
Rear Brakes – 220mm hydraulic disc with single-piston caliper and resin mould pads
Kerb Weight (kg) – 161kg (F: 77kg; R: 84kg)
Warranty Period – 12 Months
Max. Carrying Capacity – 336kg
Loaded Weight – 340kg (F: 114kg; R: 226kg)

Honda VTR 250 Features

Monoshock hydraulic damper at the rear
Low lying seat that improves rider confidence
Chamber-less muffler with oxygen sensor, pre-catalyser and main catalyser that keeps the environment green
Liquid cooled 4-stroke Dual Overhead Camshaft 90° V-twin gasoline engine.
PGMFI (fuel injection) takes help from 6 sensors placed in and around the engine to control ignition timing and fuel injection.

BlackBerry smartphones under attack by Zeus (Trojan)

Trend Micro, a security solutions provider, claimed that they have found a Trojan that is very much capable of exploiting your BlackBerry smartphone. The Trojan called Zeus seems to target specifically the SMS feature of the Blackberry. Basically a Trojan, sometimes referred to as a Trojan horse, is a non-self-replicating malware that appears to perform a desirable function for the user but instead facilitates unauthorized access to the user's computer system. In this case it’s a cell phone. The Trojan maybe in the form of an application, once installed sends a confirmation message to the hackers that transmitted the Trojan, to signal that it is ready to receive commands. Once the Trojan sender or the hacker sends a confirmation message, the Trojan can view, delete and forward SMS’s, block calls, change the administrator on the device and block phone numbers. It sends all data on the phone to the hacker in the event that it gets shut down.

Earlier attacks by a similar Trojan were seen on Symbian and Windows Mobile operating systems. Mr Amit Nath, Manager of Trend Micro India and SAARC said, "As more users access the Internet from the expanding pool of devices, web-based threats will continue to grow in size. The growth of smartphones and faster data speeds will also increase the possibilities of infection. As criminals devise ways to make money out of exploiting mobile technologies, mobile users will grow extremely vulnerable."

Now is a good time to get those antivirus softwares for you cell phones people, and be sure to not install uncertified applications.

A long wait is approaching to end as Bajaj-KTM is looking to launch new bike in India in upcoming year

bajaj-ktm bikesThere have been many rumors regarding the collaborative product but recent official talk about the bikes is that the price-tag of the motorcycle will be over ₹ one lakh. The range of street bikes will feature engines of capacity 125cc and more. The launch is somehow definite in the cities of Europe by the end of this year and the welcome season of 2011 will be the time for India to host some launches from the team. Bikes will be sold through Bajaj Autos Pro-Biking showrooms.

It is news that the first launch from Bajaj-KTM will have a price tag over ₹1, 00,000. But not sure whether that bike will have an engine of 125cc or over 200cc. That shall continue remaining mystery for we people. Hope to see much powerful and superior bikes over those which we have we have already available in the market these days.

Another news from the team is that they are going to launch a series of imported bikes from KTM in Indian market in the upcoming years. This will definitely boost competition with Kawasaki which is looking to launch powered bikes in Indian market. The only similarity between Kawasaki and KTM will be the partner Bajaj Autos, India.

Words From Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Autos

“Whatever product will be out in the market will be at a very significant premium as against brands like the Pulsar. Else, what is the use of bringing such a product?”

I personally wish to see a bike with displacement over 250cc and power more than 20bhp from the Team. And would like to know the expectations from my readers. Please state your views in the comment box below!

Overview of Yamaha SZ

Go To : Yamaha SZ colours looks specification 360 View

Overview of Yamaha SZ

Yamaha wants to achieve its target of capturing 10% market share in the coming years by riding on volumes. The Japanese bike maker has been successful in capturing the imagination of the youth by producing performance oriented bikes likes the R15 and FZ series. The firm has now 3 models under SZ series that would excite the masses who are looking for a reliable commuter bike. The models are:

- Yamaha SZ- Yamaha SZ-X

- Yamaha SZ-R

Design of Yamaha SZ

Yamaha SZ has a nice and beefy front fairing, racy paint/graphics and sporty rear styling with a bold exhaust.  The shape of the tank and side panels seems to be inspired from the Yamaha FZ. In fact from the photos the SZ seems to look muscular and "well fed" than the Honda Dazzler. However, the concept sans the disc brakes because Yamaha Motors India wanted to price the SZ aggressively. Yamaha SZ competes with the likes of Bajaj XCD 135, Hero Honda Hunk, Suzuki Zeus and Honda Unicorn.

The rear design of Yamaha SZ looks interesting with the split tail lamp design, the grab rails appears budget though. The bumped up fuel tank in a very different design is surely heart throbbing and the comfortable shoe shaped seat in the bike offers pleasant riding experience. The small windshield in the new Yamaha SZ also catches your eyes. The presence of five spoke alloy wheels make the difference from other bike on roads. But the design of Yamaha SZ-X looks much better than the SZ because the SZ-X gets dual tone graphics and paint scheme plus it also gets fuel tank covers for sporty looks.

Instrument Cluster of Yamaha SZ 

The instrument Cluster of Yamaha SZ is very basic. It features analogue speedometer and fuel gauge. It lacks digital speedometer and analogue tachometer which is the latest trend among bikes in this segment but Yamaha India wanted to keep the price under Rs. 50,000 (ex-showroom) so they kept the instrument cluster simple and also excluded disc brake from the feature list.

Engine of Yamaha SZ

- Same 153cc engine which powers the FZ Series

- Maximum power of 12 Bhp at 7500 rpm

- Maximum torque of 12.8 Nm at 4500 rpm

Yamaha SZ is aimed to deliver power with comfort and might sport the 153cc engine from the FZ range. Previously it was expected Yamaha SZ will feature the 125cc engine from the Gladiator series but Obviously seeking buyers who are looking for more out of their commuter bikes Yamaha India decided to plonk the 153cc engine from FZ Series. So what they get is more power, comfort and styling. The engine of Yamaha SZ generates maximum power of 12 Bhp at 7500 rpm with maximum torque of 12.8 Nm at 4500 rpm.

Fuel Economy of Yamaha SZ

Yamaha SZ returns fuel economy/mileage of around 55 kmpl in city driving conditions and 70 kmpl on highway.

Price of Yamaha SZ

- Rs. 49000 (Ex-showroom New Delhi)

Yamaha SZ has been priced at 58,000 rupees(On-Road Mumbai) which is very competitive for a 150cc bike and also it looks very good in comparison to its main rival, the Bajaj Discover 150 .

Shades Available in Yamaha SZ

Yamaha SZ is available in 2 shades - Red & Black.

Press Release: Yamaha SZ, Yamaha SZ-X and Yamaha YBR 125

Yamaha turns biking scene in India hotter with trio launches Unveils all new SZ, SZ-X and YBR 125

New Delhi, August 04, 2010: Buoyed by the success of deluxe and premium segment bikes, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. today unveiled three new bikes - SZ, SZ-X and YBR 125 in a bid to give Indian masses the Yamaha edge of Quality, Performance, & Design. Lending a spark to the occasion was Bollywood hunk and Yamaha’s brand ambassador in India, John Abraham, a passionate biker himself. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Yukimine Tsuji, CEO & MD, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. said, “The launch of SZ, SZ-X and YBR 125 is in line with Yamaha’s true commitment to provide world-class products to its customers. SZ, SZ-X and YBR125 models have been designed and engineered down to the finest details for maximum comfort of the rider. Ideal combinations of Power, Comfort & Style, SZ & SZ-X have been designed with a strong focus on quality and performance. YBR 125, on the other hand, is stylish and has good ergonomics for comfortable day-to-day commuting. We are confident that these bikes will capture the imagination of a whole generation of bikers who are looking for something extra”.

Talking about the company’s association with John Abraham, he said, “Our association with John Abraham has evolved into a strong relationship. Apassionate biker himself, John has added a new dimension to our brand image. As an advisor also, he has given his value-additions towards our company’s initiatives.” Powering the new SZ and SZ-X is an all-new 4-Stroke air-cooled, SOHC single cylinder with 153cc engine that has been tuned for optimum performance i.e. Extra Power in the low to mid-speed range thereby ensuring a stress-free ride on Indian roads. The bikes are equipped with AI System and a large-capacity muffler with catalyzer for cleaner exhaust. The bikes flaunt some cutting edge design structures like the headlight cowl with 3-dimensional slanting line which along with a sporty fender with split look enhances the look of bikes. There is a large capacity 14L fuel tank which gives the ability to go Extra Mile. The long cushioned seat ensures comfortable riding position enabling a straighter back and Extra Comfort while commuting long distances. SZ-X is also equipped with some of the finest technologies like electric starter and a windscreen to cut inward air swirl, thus making a hassle free riding experience for the rider.

Adding to SZ and SZ-X charisma are the sophisticated meter panel, shroud with dynamic image, modern look dual tail lights, full plastic chain case (gives protection from dust & water), robust side cover and 5-spoke cast wheel. The new YBR 125, on the other hand, has chiseled looks and enthralls the commuter with a comfortable riding experience. The bike is targeted towards executive segment customers who want a commuter bike that has a universally accepted design, gives a feeling of solidity & robustness and satisfactory mileage at an affordable price. The bike is equipped with 123cc engine and 4-Speed gear box. YBR 125 will be available in three colors - Red, Black and Black-Red colors. Booking of the bikes will start immediately. With the Yamaha signature all over, the trio SZ, SZ-X and YBR 125 are extremely well engineered, comfortable, stylish and promise to be the best bikes in respective segments.

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