Hero MotoCorp shows Leap hybrid scooter

World leading two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp has showcased a concept model of their hybrid scooter.

The battery and petrol run scooter is made to target the entire spectrum of young riders to working professionals. In order to push the environmentally friendly two wheelers, the company will build this hybrid scooter tapping into the synergy of Hero Electric, a 100 percent subsidiary of Hero Group. The project is to be finished by a mix of in-house R&D and international experts in days to come.

Its early days for now, and Hero MotoCorp tell us that production dates for the ‘Leap’ are yet to be finalized.

TVS radeon bike to be launched soon

After a rather silent 2011, TVS Motors is readying itself for an onslaught on the market with a renewed vigor. At the auto expo, the company announced plans to launch four new products this year. These will include a new 125cc executive commuter motorcycle in June 2012.

The Victor name is also destined to make a comeback, after a hiatus of four years, in the form of a 110cc motorcycle which is expected to go on sale on November or December this year. For the scooter segment, TVS will introduce a 125cc scooter to join the current range. The scooter is expected to go on sale in November.

The big news though is that TVS will introduce a hybrid scooter, Qube which was showcased at the last Auto Expo, in June 2012. An initial test launch of 200 scooters will take place initially. A full commercial launch is expected to take place in 2013. Although technical details are scarce, what we do know is that the Qube will be powered by a 100cc engine and Lithium-ion batteries.

The current cost per unit for the hybrid scooter stands between Rs 65,000 to Rs 70,000, which is as much as some motorcycles. With a test launch TVS wants to gauge how much more are buyers willing to pay for new technology over the current crop. The Qube is expected to return close to 70kmpl in city riding conditions and will also have reduced carbon emissions. The scooter will also have two ride modes, namely Economy and Power. As the names suggest, the engine and electric motor work in tandem to either provide the best economy or acceleration.

Ducati Monster 795 is here

Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati has unleashed their Monster 795 in India at an asking price of Rs 6,99,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The 795 has been developed specially for Asian countries, and comes equipped with an 803cc engine synchronized to a 6-speed gearbox. It’s Desmodromic valve train equipped engine makes a maximum power of 85bhp at 8250rpm. Adding to the good news for super bike enthusiasts, the Monster 795 can be booked with immediate effect, although deliveries shall only commence post March 2012.

Although affordable for a Ducati, and a step in the right direction, the Monster 795 could have been priced even more competitively in a segment which is fast filling up with many able rivals.

Mahindra 2 Wheelers' Auto Expo plans

Mahindra 2 Wheelers will showcase its 2012 Moto3 bike and launch the Duro DZ scooter in Delhi at the Auto Expo 2012.

Mahindra racing ended third in the Constructors’ Championship in its debut 2011 season. It had taken the covers off its new 250cc Moto3 entry for the 2012 season earlier in Valencia. This will be the first time that the bike will be unveiled in India.

Mahindra has already launched the Duro DZ in South India and this will be the official launch of the bike in the nation’s capital.

Speaking on the upcoming Auto Expo, Anoop Mathur, President, Mahindra 2 Wheelers said, “The Delhi Auto Expo is the perfect platform to unveil Mahindra Racing’s new Moto3 challenger, the MPG30 (pronounced three-oh). Similarly at Mahindra Two Wheelers, we have significantly enhanced our technological capabilities to introduce high performance two wheelers like the new Mahindra Duro DZ scooter that we have recently launched in the South.”

Suzuki reveals Auto-Expo plans

The upcoming Auto Expo in Delhi will see the Japanese bike-maker showcase its international range of sport and touring bikes. This includes the Hayabusa, Intruder M1800, GSX-R1000, GSR750, DL650A (V-Strom) and RMX450Z. The Indian range will be showcased too, with models like the SlingShot Plus, the GS150R and the Access 125 scooter. Also at the Expo will be the newly launched Intruder M800, which comes with an 805cc fuel-injected liquid-cooled, 8-valve V-Twin powerplant.

For visitors who wish to know more about each product, there will be a special interactive touchscreen stand that will impart product details. And that’s not all. The stall will also host Paintjam, a theatrical art performance by the internationally acclaimed improvisational speed-painter Dan Dunn.

The theme for Suzuki Motorcycle is titled ‘APNA WAY OF LIFE’. This focuses on consumers at an individual level and also shows how a customer relates to the Suzuki Motorcycle product in daily life.

Harley Davidson at Auto Expo

Harley-Davidson India has revealed its plans for the Auto Expo 2012, which will see it showcase some of its stock as well as customised motorcycles.

The bikes will be displayed in an industrial warehouse-type setup. The stall will also have Harley’s range of merchandise, including apparel, riding gear and accessories. It will also display its range of MotorClothes and its Pink Label range, a Harley-Davidson clothing and accessories line that supports breast cancer research throughout the world.

In addition to all this, visitors will also get an opportunity to interact with Ray Drea, VP of styling and design as well as Frank Savage, Manager of Industrial Design for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. 

Harley-Davidson India currently offers 15 models in its motorcycle line-up, available through six authorised dealerships.

Ducati Riding Experience subscriptions for 2012 open

Italian motorcycle maker Ducati has now opened subscriptions for its 2012 Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) events. Open to beginners and race-track specialists alike, the DRE will take place at some of Italy’s famous circuits with a complete fleet of Ducatis. Participants can use the opportunity to perfect their riding skills, thanks to the presence of some highly qualified professional instructors. Beginners can also learn how to ride a bike in the safe riding conditions here. Three-time World Champion and race icon Troy Bayliss will supervise the advanced track courses for 2012 aboard the all-new 1199 Panigale S.

Participants enrolling in the ‘Basic’ course will ride on a Monster 796 in the wide-open space of the circuit’s paddocks, while ‘Intermediate’ course riders will be aboard the Hypermotard 796, Monster 1100 ABS and the Multistrada 1200. Expert riders looking to enhance their track-riding skills can enroll in ‘Racing 1’ and ‘Racing 2’, where they will be riding the 848 EVO, while the Troy Bayliss Academy and ‘Master Racing’ course will use the 1199 Panigale S.

More information on the courses and subscriptions can be found at dre.ducati.com

Ducati Riding Experience calendar

• 18-19-20 April - Adria Circuit

• 29- 30 May - Mugello International Circuit

• 18-19 July - Imola Circuit

• 4-5 September - Misano World Circuit

• 18-19 September - Monza Circuit

Work underway on new BMW R 1200 GS

BMW Motorrad is readying a major upgrade to its top-selling R 1200 GS adventure touring motorcycle, which is still as far away from launch as 2013.

The final GS is similar to the model illustrated here, and shall sport revised, modern styling with a sharper, more aggressive snout apart from other substantial cosmetic changes. Refreshed instruments and an altered, adjustable wind deflector will be a part of the new model, and you can expect a big jump up in features, apart from a bi-colour seat.

Amongst the more major changes will be the GS ditching its signature air-cooled engine for an all-new liquid-cooled, Boxer twin, with the driveshaft mounted on the left of the motorcycle, the opposite side as on the current model. Although engine capacity remains a question mark, the cylinder intake ports will come in from above instead of behind and the exhaust pipes will also have new routing.

The new go-anywhere GS can be expected to enjoy a host of electronic rider assist functions, including electronic suspension control, plus an ABS brake system, for which the new front brake calipers will be radial mounted.