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BMW, Honda, Yamaha join hands for rider safety tech.

BMW, Honda and Yamaha are working together on technology that will warn motorcyclists of hazards on the road

Honda, Yamaha and BMW have announced that the three companies are working together on technology that could be life saving for motorcycle riders.

The three manufacturers are collaborating to evaluate and develop systems to warn motorcyclists of hazards on the road.  These systems will allow bikes to communicate with other vehicles so riders have advanced warning of changing road conditions, accidents and traffic behaviour.

The technology is called Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) and Honda, Yamaha and BMW’s collective program is called ‘Connected Motorcycle Consortium.’ Now, the three manufacturers are looking at others to join them in developing this technology for motorcycles.

The C-ITS is an umbrella term for technology that allows vehicles to communicate with each other and give road users early warning of hazards or conditions. These could include vehicle-to-vehicle warning systems that can alert drivers of an impending collision.

According to a press release, ITS systems designed for cars cannot simply be transferred to motorcycles. Due to the limited space available, electronic systems have to be smaller and be resilient to water, dust and vibration.

Since motorcycles exhibit different driving dynamics, software development and algorithms need to consider special requirements.

The new cooperation was announced on October 6, 2015 at the ITS World Congress in Bordeaux, France, the world’s largest event for intelligent transport systems and services. The three partners also encouraged other motorcycle manufacturers to join the consortium so as to further increase safety in powered two-wheelers.

Courtesy : Zigwheels


Oct 09, 2015
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Mahindra Mojo Test Ride Review.

We ride the new Mahindra Mojo from Bangalore to Coorg, with the sole aim to find out whether it lives up to the tourer motorcycle tag endowed on it
What is it?

The Mahindra Mojo has to be among the most highly anticipated new launches of 2015 and it was a rather long wait for many motorcyclists. The Mahindra Mojo was first showcased in 2010 with huge fanfare and was unveiled by Bollywood star Aamir Khan. It was kind of a revolutionary motorcycle in 2010 as Indian buyers hadn’t been exposed to such a combination of powerful motor and top notch cycle parts. But Mahindra wasn’t able to capitalise on the initial hype and it took them five years in developing the motorcycle (it was last showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo) before launching it. Much water has flowed under the bridge since then and even the Mahindra Mojo has undergone cosmetic and mechanical updates before hitting production. Also, in these five years many new sub-300cc motorcycles have entered the Indian two-wheeler market to make the task on its hand even more difficult. Have Mahindra Two Wheeler missed the bus in spending five years in developing the Mojo or was the wait worth it? Well, we get you the answer..

Mahindra Mojo review static

Looks that matter?

Styling is a personal preference, some people like a particular design while others loath it. On an individual note I am not a huge fan of the styling of the Mahindra Mojo and if I was asked to define the design in one word, it would be quirky. The bug-eyed twin headlamp is reminiscent of the Triumph Street Triple and above it sits the LED DRL’s. The windscreen along with the entire headlamp casing has been redesigned and although it’s a huge improvement with respect to the one seen on the concept bike, it still doesn’t flow well with the overall design.

Mahindra Mojo review rear static

The alloy wheels, sculpted fuel tank, belly pan and the radiator shrouds endow the Mojo with a muscular appeal. The petite tail section is simple and uncluttered. Another interesting design detail is the employment of gold colour on the beefy USD forks, swing arm and ribs (twin pipes running below the fuel tank) do a good job in balancing the design to a certain extent. In flesh, the large dimensions of the Mahindra Mojo endow it with visual mass and it did turn many heads wherever we went. The chunky exhaust muffler is a bit old school in its form but it flows well with the overall design. However, I still would have preferred a single unit as it’s a single-cylinder offering and thereby would have reduced the overall kerb weight. The Mahindra Mojo employs a semi-digital instrument console with a plethora of details on tap. But on the go, the size of digital display felt a bit small and one needs time getting used to it. Switch gear quality along with fit and finish is very impressive and Mahindra engineers should be commended for their effort.

How’s the performance?

Powering the new Mahindra Mojo is a 295cc displacement single-cylinder motor churning out 28PS at 8,000rpm and peak torque rating of 30Nm at just 5,000rpm. The powerplant feels refined with a strong mid-range which has been specifically tuned for highway cruising. Acceleration isn’t brisk as the power is delivered in a relaxed manner. The Mahindra Mojo feels happy cruising at speeds between 110 to 120kmph. Post this speed, the engine feels a bit strained and there is considerable wind blast. We feel a tall windscreen should have been offered as an optional extra. High speed stability is also impressive as the bike felt rock solid at triple digit speeds and an aspect that will be highly appreciated by touring oriented bikers. The 6-speed gearbox performed spot on offering positive shifts.

Mahindra Mojo review cornering shot

Tell me about riding dynamics?

Seating posture on the Mahindra Mojo is just perfect given its touring specific DNA. Raised handle bars and centre-set foot peg wouldn’t appeal to buyers looking for a sporty riding stance. But the above configuration makes the riding posture extremely comfortable. Another factor that hikes the comfort quotient is the saddle which is large and contoured while being properly cushioned too. Having ridden the Mojo for around 350km through varying terrains and climate conditions we can say that riding comfort is top notch.

Mahindra Mojo brake

Another aspect where the motorcycle excels is ride quality. The Mahindra Mojo employs USD forks and monoshock unit at the back. The Mahindra Mojo absorbed bumps, potholes, broken surface with aplomb and definitely has among the best ride quality in its segment. Handling though isn’t its forte.

Mahindra Mojo review action image

If you are looking at a corner craving machine we will suggest looking somewhere else. But if you want to take the sweeping bends the Mojo does a good job and the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres play a vital role in the above. But I felt the front of the Mojo a bit heavy and one has to muscle the bike from one corner to another. The raked out USD forks provide good stability but misses out on agility as we found out on the traffic infested streets of Bangalore

Any other details?

The semi-digital console has a plethora of details and among the interesting bits is the fact that the rpm indicator displays the exact rev at which the rider shifted the gear. There’s also provision to check 0-100kmph acceleration and the top speed recorded while the addition of shift light is welcome. The switch gear is backlight in an amber shade. The fuel tank capacity is a humongous 21 litre which should result in a full tank range of around 600km which will be extremely beneficial while touring. The Mahindra Mojo employs petal disc brake at front and a convention disc brake at the rear. Braking performance is impressive with great bite from the callipers but we would have appreciated better progression through the levers. ABS has been given a miss but Mahindra officials confirmed that it would be made available in the near future. The twin exhaust muffler is for aesthetics and we must add that the exhaust note is throaty and loud.

Mahindra Mojo reviewaction shot

Target audience?

The Mahindra Mojo is squarely pitched at riders who prefer touring and that is visible in its dynamics. As a touring option it ticks all the correct boxes. But what remains to be tested is reliability in the long run. But given our experience with the Mahindra Centuro it shouldn’t be worrisome. And we would go on to say that it might attract few of the prospective or current Royal Enfield Classic 350 owners. The Mahindra Mojo offers everything what the Classic 350 has on tap and more but where it loses out and the most difficult task on hand is to come close to Royal Enfield’s aspirational value. We might see many matured born again bikers on a tight budget opting for the Mojo as it has tons of features, relaxed powerplant and comfortable riding dynamics.

Final call:

The Mahindra Mojo is a honest attempt and does great justice to its touring dynamics nature completely. The refined motor, comfortable riding dynamics supple ride quality and loaded parts bin makes it a great motorcycle for long distance riding. But the task on its hand isn’t easy as the five year delay means buyers in this segment have loads of options to choose from. Also Mahindra Two Wheelers doesn’t have the dealer network spread and the trust as its rival brands command. Pricing will be a key aspect for the success of the Mahindra Mojo. Because as a product it’s impressive given the goodies it has on offer but buyers in this segment are price sensitive and one cannot discount that fact. 

Oct 09, 2015
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TVS-BMW G 310 revealed.

The Stunt variant exposes exciting upcoming TVS and BMW streetbike platform.
We have been closely tracking the first TVS and BMW bike, starting with our April 2014 scoop giving out a near 300cc single-cylinder engine followed by a January 2015 report which captured the exciting TVS BMW streetbike’s form 
 
Now, BMW has just taken the wraps off the motorcycle in São Paulo, at South America’s largest motor show, showcasing a Stunt G 310 concept bike, that’s closely related to the streetbike. The final street-going production motorcycle from BMW and TVS will look similar to the Stunt G 310 as pictured, and is looking set for debut at the EICMA Motor Show in Milan, mid November. Here you can expect BMW to introduce a European-spec streetbike, while the bike that reaches India later, under the TVS umbrella could offer market-specific differences, as well as altered badging.
 
What’s in no doubt is that BMW’s naked streetbike shall be produced and sold by TVS in India, in closely related form, with BMW technology at its heart, deploying a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder powerplant that will displace close to 310cc. Expect the road-going TVS-BMW streetbikes to make peak power in the region of 35bhp, with fuel injection provided.  
 
BMW has revealed the TVS-BMW G 310 reclines its engine-cylinder backwards, with its cylinder-head having rotated 180 degrees. Although uncommon in India, this has been done to centralise mass close to the motorcycle's centre of gravity, which improves handling. It also allows a short wheelbase with a long swingarm, that shall make the TVS-BMW bikes more nimble.  
 
BMW has shifted induction to the cylinder in front of the powerplant, tucking the exhaust away at rear, in an upright position beneath the rider seat on the Stunt G 310. The streetbike could show off an altered exhaust routing and position. 
 
The new Stunt G 310 shows off a pretty sizeable, chunky tank. Its frame is a tubular steel trellis, with alloy swingarm deployed at rear. Sturdy upside-down telescopic front suspension is seen, with a monoshock at the rear. Expect these new TVS-BMW bikes to become real rivals to KTM’s brilliant Duke streetbikes, with us keeping our fingers crossed that TVS and BMW will deliver on the key count of a more comfortable riding position, relative to the ultra-aggressive, high-performance and really sporty Duke bikes. Also, the new TVS-BMW bikes shall come with disc brake systems front and rear, the front caliper being radial-mounted. ABS should be offered, virtually a given on any bike with the BMW badge.
 
The upcoming Indian Auto Expo in early 2016 shall showcase the precise new TVS streetbikes to be sold in India, which remains of primary importance to enthusiasts here. 

Courtesy : Autocar

Oct 08, 2015
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New 2016 Yamaha YZF-R1S introduced.

The new low-price version gets few mechanical changes, and is slightly heavier than the YZF-R1.
If you wanted to buy a Yamaha YZF-R1, you had two options till recently, the YZF-R1 and the YZF-R1M. However, those looking to buy these, have to walk into a Yamaha showroom with a thick wallet. From next year, if you want to buy the motorcycle, but don't have as big as a wallet, Yamaha seems to have you covered too, because they have introduced a cheaper version, badged the Yamaha YZF-R1S.
 
The Yamaha YZF-R1S isn't exactly cheap too, however the Japanese manufacturer has managed to shave off almost Rs 1.3 lakh from the price of the base R1. Despite this, there are very little differences between the R1 and the R1S. On the front, the multi-spoke magnesium alloys have been replaced by five-spoke aluminum ones, the titanium connecting rods in the engine have been replaced with steel ones, the oil pan and right-side engine cover are now alluminum instead of titanium. The exhaust headers are also stainless steel now instead of titanium. The Yamaha YZF-R1S also reportedly redlines a little lower than the R1, and this could be because of the use of new valve springs. 
 
Yamaha have now made the quickshifter optional, instead of it being offered as standard, but rest of all the hardware remains unchanged. It gets the titanium muffler and the entire electronics package that has a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit and offers traction control, wheelie control, launch control, slide control programs, and ABS.With all the changes, the Yamaha YZF-R1S weighs in a little over 203.2kg wet, which is about 4kg heavier than the R1. It does not even get a separate 'S' badge.
 
This motorcycle should be available with dealers across the globe early next year, and we can only wait and see the if and when of it coming to Indian shores.

Courtesy :  Autocar

Oct 07, 2015
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New Suzuki GSX concept revealed

The GSX concept was revealed ahead of the 44th Tokyo Motor Show.
The internet is abuzz with various motorcycle concepts that have been slated to be revealed at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show. While the motor show is only a few weeks away, some manufacturers such as Honda and Suzuki have already unveiled some rather interesting concepts.

Suzuki has released an image of its concept, which does not reveal much but does seem to carry design cues from the previous GSXs. The manufacturer has said that "this upcoming concept GSX symbolises the high-performance bikes that bear the GSX name. It gives form to Suzuki’s inline-four sport motorcyle-making spirit and evokes a cocoon from which the company’s future sport motorcycle models will be born."

Based on the statement by Suzuki, it would be safe to assume that this concept would lead to motorcycles that could rival the Kawasaki H2R and Yamaha YZF-R1M, or probably their slightly tamed street-legal versions.

Courtesy : Autocar

Oct 06, 2015
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