TVS Flame 125SR

TVS Motors has launched the Flame under a new name, but the new Flame SR125 will omit the controversial twin-spark plug technology over which the Chennai-based company is locked in a two-year old legal battle with rival Bajaj Auto. The Supreme Court had issued an interim order allowing TVS to continue producing the Flame but had restricted the company from marketing them. The order comes on the back of an interim stay from the Madras High Court that had in effect Okayed TVS’ plans to manufacture Flame.

Bajaj claims that Flame will be an infringement of its patented twin-spark plug technology. TVS has countered this arguing that it is an old technology and that Bajaj had no patent claim over it.

Design

Cosmetically the Flame SR125 comes with a new graphics, color schemes accompanied by a fatter rear tyre. It embraces the contemporary black theme and borrows the headlamp, front fender, attractive rear view mirrors, body colored shock absorber springs and special engine cowl from its big brother apache.

SR125 is packed with exciting features like attractive body graphics, alloy wheels, disc brake at the front, electric start and handle bar weights to control vibrations. It has been designed to capture attention in one go. The bike has been given a contemporary urban look by having a black theme. Much of its features like headlamp, front fender, attractive rear view mirrors, body colored shock absorber springs and special engine cowl are designed like the Apache.

Engine & Features

The engine’s produces maximum power of 10.5 Bhp at 7500 rpm with maximum torque of 10 Nm at 6000 rpm. It has sporty Delta Edge exhaust that is not just a styling element but also to deliver the smoothest of sounds, lowest emissions and excellent performance.

It features an analogue speedometer but other gauges such odometer, digital clock, fuel gauge, mileage meter are embedded in the digital console. The sporty deltaedge exhaust is not just styling element but also to deliver the smoothest of sounds,lowest emissions and excellent performance.

It also sports a neat lockable, water-bottle-sized cubby hole ahead of the tank, which will prove really useful in daily use. The plastic tank adornments incorporate the indicators and complete the look, but they have their own utility value too. TVS Motors also say that the enhanced engine now has lower NVH and ’significantly’ enhanced low and mid range performance and lesser noise.

The disc brake version is priced at 47,550/- ex-showroom comes in dual tone colours of red and blue along with an all black edition and is available at all TVS dealerships across the country. However, for those not wanting in the disc brake, the bike is also available with drum brakes.

Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme

New CBZ Xtreme has all the Hero Honda hallmarks - engine refinement, slick-shifting smooth gearbox, top-of-the-class vibration isolation, low engine noise and quality components. The headlamp and fairing combo looks relatively simple and straightforward except for two features. The turn indicators, which are usually stalked and stick out on either side, have been integrated into the headlamp housing. The New CBZ Xtreme now has clear lens for the indicators. A new tinted cowl adds to the improved aerodynamics and cuts the glare on the bike's instrumentation for the rider.

The X-Treme's instrument cluster is also very different incorporating circular gauges of varied sizes. There are analogue gauges, including an engine-rpm meter, a speedometer and fuel gauge, in addition to high beam, turn and neutral indicators. The large fuel tank of the New CBZ X-Treme is shapely and seems to have borrowed a few lines from the Ambition. Tall riders will appreciate generous knee recesses built into the fuel tank. Body side panels at the side of the new bike become chunkier and more muscular as they meet at the broad tail lamp at the rear.

With the crisscrossing lines of these panels and the deep knee recesses in the fuel tank, the New X-Treme's side profile is clearly its strongest, most admirable angle. The tail lamp cluster features a segmented stop and brake light section with the turn indicators built into a single unit that wraps around the brake light's bottom side. LEDs have been used replacing the conventional bulbs. The new cbz xtreme now has clear lens for the indicators like the front indicators. The bike's wheelbase at 1,325mm is only a shade lesser than the Pulsar's. The ground clearance is an adequate 145mm. 18-inch mag wheels are offered at the front and the rear of the bike. While the front features a 2.75-inch regular tyre, the rear tyre is 100/90 in size, which has been combined with a Tuff-up tube for the added advantage of a relatively puncture-free performance.

The only sore point about New CBZ Xtreme is the front looks which looks very small. With a proportionately small front fairing and headlamp, the bike's front does not exude the kind of aggression that would be liked by buyers in this segment. And also some buyers may not like the dual color combination for alloys. Rest apart, it is a very good 150cc bike and CBZ fans will love it!!

Additional Features in New CBZ Xtreme:

•Clear Lens for turn indicators.
•New Body Graphics and X-treme logo.
•Combination of odd looking Orange & Black Alloys.
•New three colour scheme.
•Diagonal Styling colours.
•Dual tone rear view mirrors
•New visor & headlight with chrome trims.
•Brushed aluminum side cover scoops.
•Carbon matt finish console and new dial design.
•Matt silver Handlebar.
•Handle bar holder cover with X-treme logo

Bajaj Discover 100cc

Discover was launched with a 110 cc engine, till Bajaj got into the illusion that 100 cc segment was dying in India. Accordingly the Discover was upgraded to 125 cc and later fitted with a 135 cc mill. Till recently there were rumours that a bigger 150cc Discover was in the pipeline. As Bajaj India had announced earlier that will be launching a new motorcycle each month for 6 months beginning January 2009 but till now none of them is actually a new bike!! All of them are mere cosmetic version of existing models:
1) Platina got the engine from XCD 125 with minor cosmetic changes.
2) XCD got the engine from Discover with minor cosmetic changes.
3) Facelifted Discover 135 with minor cosmetic changes.
4) Facelifted Pulsar 150 which got the looks of Pulsar 180.
5) Facelifted Pulsar 180 which got the looks of Pulsar 200.
6) And Recently, Bajaj took a step backwards by removing the Fi (Fuel Injection) technology from their flagship model Pulsar 220.
Now, Bajaj India has launched New Discover 100 & according to Bajaj they have launched a 100cc bike to compete with Hero Honda Splendour & Yamaha Crux. But they don't understand that this will not help them in boosting sales. People want new models and latest designs.
Bajaj has set a new record with Discover 100
Bajaj India has set a record of sorts by selling 5,00,000 units of the Discover 100 in a matter of 225 days. The 100cc Discover has also carved a leadership position in West Bengal and the entire North-East region by becoming the highest selling motorcycle in the overall two-wheeler category. The company was unable to meet demand in February and there was a stock-out situation in some dealerships. The company has already ramped-up production from the earlier 75,000 units to 1-lakh units per month to meet demand.
Main Features Of New Discover 100:
- Electric Start
- Alloy wheels
- Auto choke
- LED Tail Lamps
- Twin pilot lamps
- Maintenace free battery
- 5 Speed Gearbox
- Second Generation DTS-Si 2.0 Engine
- Gas charged rear suspension
- Twin pod instrument panel
The new engine is a 100 cc DTS-Si (Dual Twin Spark Swirl Induction) 2.0 engine, which is claimed by Bajaj Auto as world's most fuel efficient engine. The newly revised DTS-Si engine features a completely redesigned oval pent roof combustion chamber and port geometry along with Bajaj’s twin spark technology for the most complete combustion.
The frictional losses have been reduced by using Molykote piston and a special coating on the valves which eliminate carbon formation. Bajaj’s ExhausTEC system also been refined to deliver even more torque at lower rpm’s. According to ARAI Discover 100 returns a fuel efficiency figure of 89kmpl. Under standard condition, fuel efficiency is expected to be around 125kmpl higher than the XCD 109kmpl. Bajaj is yet to get the ARAI figures under standard conditions.
Discover 100 uses telescopic forks at the front and gas charged nitrox suspension at the rear. Ride quality is superb with nitrox suspension and softer seats soaking up the road shocks and bumps well. The 1305mm wheelbased bike uses drum brake at the front and the rear. The tubular dual cradle structure and the rectangular, box section swing arm.at the rear offers a nimble character.
New Discover 100 is available in 5 shades:
- Black Green
- Black Red
- Black Blue
- Red
- Blue
New Discover 100 has been priced very competitively at Rs. 43,000.00 for the self start model. It is also available in kick start option which is priced at Rs. 41000.00

Bajaj Pulsar 220

Bajaj India has come up with another facelift, this time it is their flagship bike - Pulsar 220. The new Bajaj Pulsar 220 F is reported to the fastest Indian bike ever built. Bajaj team has successfully reached the top speed of 144 kmph and thus made the bike as the fastest bike in the country . New Pulsar 220cc's gear ratio is optimized to achieve the top speed. Also Pulsar 220 F has been priced very competitively to its main rivals - Yamaha R15 & Karizma ZMR.
Bajaj has also launched the Street version of Pulsar 220 which has been priced around Rs. 3000/- than the Faired verison. Click here for more details of Bajaj Pulsar 220 S
Though Pulsar is not technically advanced like R15 & ZMR but if you compare the price then Pulsar 220 F is much better option. Pulsar 220 F is also more powerful with 21 Bhp on tap in Comparison to Karizma ZMR's 17.6 Bhp and Yamaha R15's 17 Bhp. So, if you wanna pay less for more power then simply go for New Pulsar 220 F.
Engine Of New Bajaj Pulsar 2200 F
New Bajaj Pulsar 220 F gets all new 220cc oil cooled carburetored engine with 21 Bhp of power at 8500rpm and 19 NM of torque. Other changes to the engine insides include new combustion chamber, all new port geometry for optimized thermodynamics, new valve coat material to eliminate cardon formation, new design short skirt lower friction piston, an all new camshaft and 33% larger oil cooler.
Pulsar 220 F gets the performance boost with 32 venturi carburettor, the bigest ever used in India. In addition, the intake port in the cylinder head has been modified, along with higher lift and duration cam. A larger resonator and catalytic convertor is also used to increase performance. It also uses temperature based ignition mapping system through which the ignition timing is optimized to acheive good startability, quick warm up and outstanding torque. Pulsar 220 F features the standard five speed gearbox with one down and four up pattern.
New Bajaj Pulsar 220 F looks better and smart than the outgoing model. It features all the ‘all-black’ theme like the recently launched new pulsar 150 & 180. Starting from the forks, swingarm, wheels and engine are all in a rich shade of black and that makes the bike look much leaner and meaner. It is the most stylish bike available in India after the Yamaha R15 & Karizma ZMR. Though it resembles its siblings in most sense the voluminous front fairing and the fairing mounted mirrors distinct the new Pulsar 220 F from others.
It comes with six spoke alloy wheels, stylish body panels, clear lens indicators and exposed chain. It offers a little under-seat storage cubby that can be unlocked via a cable release located under its lockable side panel. The new Pulsar 220 F also get the new 3-D graphics, redesigned console background and slightly revised clip-on handlebars. The tachometer face has also changed, while both front and rear brake callipers are now finished in gold.

Bajaj Avenger

Bajaj Avenger is a cruiser bike from the stable of Bajaj Auto. Bajaj Avenger is modeled along the lines of Kawasaki Eliminator as it draws the styling and other design cues from Bajaj Eliminator which had an air-cooled, single cylinder Kawasaki engine. This bike from Bajaj Auto offers the ultimate cruiser experience to the rider. With high stability and long cruising delights, Bajaj Avenger DTSi offers wider saddle seat, special backrest besides the Bajaj trademark 200cc powerful DTSi engine.

Looks & Styling
Bajaj Avenger is steeply angled and offers long travel front suspension, smooth matt-finished triple clamp, clutch and front brake levers and chrome finished rear-view mirrors and bar-end weights. These features lend Bajaj Avenger DTSi the appearance of a vintage cruiser.

Control & Comfort
Talking of control and comfort- Bajaj Avenger is amazingly comfort as it offers the rider a unique experience with its extra long wheelbase; couch-style seating that allows the rider a feet-up, almost lazy seating position and a comfortable, unhurried pace. Bajaj Avenger's massive 1475 mm wheelbase and heavy handlebar provide it excellent straight-line stability. The Avenger's long-travel suspension at the front and non-adjustable, hydraulic shock absorbers and coil springs at the rear result in a very comfortable ride.

Engine & Performance
Bajaj Avenger engine is equipped with Bajaj patented DTSi technology that is known for optimum combustion and giving out better performance. The new Bajaj Avenger DTSi features a modified engine of Bajaj Pulsar 200. It delivers 12.88 kW (17 hp) @ 8000 rpm. Avenger boasts of a top speed of 114 km/h and reaches 0-60 km/h in just 5.18 seconds and 0-100 km/h in 20.03 seconds.

Mileage and Economy
The DTSi engine of Bajaj Avenger gives a mileage of about 40 kmpl in city conditions, which is pretty good considering Indian rods, traffic and the 200 CC engine.

TVS Apache

TVS Apache is an exciting offer from TVS. A powerful blend of contemporary design and engineering, TVS Apache is superbly styled with fantastic finish. The mighty machine has sleek finish with lines that flow smoothly and seamlessly. Having a muscular design theme, TVS Apache has arrow shaped headlamp and fairing combo. OverDrive, BS Motoring and Autocar named it Bike of the Year 2006. BBC Top Gear named it Design of The Year 2006 for Two Wheelers.

Looks and Styling
The specially designed headlamp along with triangular front mudguard impart it an aerodynamic look. The large 16-litre fuel tank imparts TVS Apache's front a heavy look. Due to the elongated tank design and the lower height, the centre of gravity is closer to the ground.

Build features of TVS Apache include a matt-black finished alloy wheels, aluminum die-cast sub-frames, dual cradle chassis, six-spoke, rectangular-section swing arm for the rear wheel and a straight, and low-set handle bar. When one rides the bike, the design brings him in a lean-forward position. The bike is available in colors like Classic Nero, Fiery Rojo, Pure Azul and Burnished Argent.

Control and Comfort
Salient features regarding control and comfort in the bike are Light weighted and sporty rearset foot pegs, Racing GT stripe which epitomizes the RTR FI 160 racing pedigree, Forged brake lever which is lighter in construction and having great looks, Split grab rails that ensures optimum mix of design and functionality, Silencer designed with details and sound engineering, Engine fairing that saves the RTR engine from elements and harsh riding conditions, Black alloys which are Light weight and can cope up with the tough surfaces, and Aerodynamic air scoops directs air towards the engine unit to help better cooling efficiency.

Engine
TVS Apache is powered by a 147.5cc engine, which produces a peak power of 13.5 bhp at 8,500 rpm. The engine has innovative features such as intake and exhaust resonators for better low-end torque; high voltage spark plug that produces a longer flame front, which also ensures that spark duration lasts as much as six times longer; RCF Technology that enables all gear start; and low friction roller cams and a constant velocity (CV) carburetor resulting in better fuel efficiency. The bike gives the mileage of approximate 55km/l.