Best Buy Bikes - Just to Help you to identify your bike

Dear Friends,

It is not new to get confused to choose a bike in India whose automobile market is well diversified. Even when everybody says that it is easy to choose a bike but definitely it is not. To be frank i have noticed many of them including my colleagues who just bought a bike because of his uncle's word suffered a lot with it and sold it within six months for the price which made me to feel for him.

While choosing a bike one should think about three major factors, they are:

1. Physical ability
2. Usability
   
3. Maintainability

Physical Ability: refers to the ability to drive the bike. Usually these factors can be easily met as a tall person will know that he can't drive a short bike and short guy will not choose a tall bike. even when some people make wrong decision, the probability of the people who make wrong decisions on physical ability factors will be less than 2%. So this factor need not be considered as a priority factor.

Usability: refers to the usage of the bike. In detail, how the rider's traveling patterns will be? Generally, people choose bike by their external appearance. But that is not fair. The Patterns of your usage requirements play a vital role here. (e.g: A professional reasonable doesn't need more than a 100cc motor cycle if he travel for short distance say within 10Kms, But it depends... because a merchant who need to travel 100 - 150kms a day will also choose a 100cc bike for him for good mileage). So we have the options to choose but choosing your option will be influenced only by you.

Maintainability: refers to the level of care a rider pays to his/her bike. more than 50% of the people forget this or not aware of this factor. let us consider a person who bought a fuel efficient 100cc bike and use to travel for 150kms daily, he needs to change his engine oil more frequently (once in 1000Kms), bike needs to serviced every month so as to improve the life of the bike and quality of the bike. else the characteristics of the bike will soon begin to fade out. If he had chosen a bike with engine capacity of 150cc or more, he might not have to worry much about the bike provided proper maintenance plays a role there also but not as frequent as e have to do for a 100cc bike.

Hope you got the important points to identify a right bike for you, we will discuss on the Best buy bikes in the next post.

Cheers!!!

Indian Bikes - Segment Width increases

As per the current scenario in our Indian Automobile Industry especially the motorcycle segment is itself increases its width and in volume. Each segment bike has Economy and Performance range with in it. (Say100 cc segment which is meant for Economy has also got performance range included in it)

The change in the market segment is actually based on the requirements of the people of India who actually have varied taste in choosing their bikes.

Initially 100cc segment bikes ruled the roads in 90's. But later 2000 every thing started to change and the new era has begun. Pulsar, CBZ, Karizma are one among them who increased the demand for performance bikes.

However, today the trend has been changed and people look into performance even for the 100c bikes, this can be understood by the overwhelming response for the CB Twister. Very soon we'll be analyzing the best bikes that were released in the market recently.

Cheers!!!

Yamaha - invading Indian Market

Yamaha is all set to start it action to invade Indian market. After getting 44% increase in sales of bikes particularly from performance set of motorcycles R15, FZ16 and Fazer.

Yamaha now wanted to conecentrate on the lower end motorcycle and for the same reason yamaha is all about to launch two new variants - SZ and YBR to revamp the 100cc and 125 cc segment motorcycle sales.

Currently the 100cc segment of Yamaha has Alba, Libero and G5 to which the newer and hotter YBR is going to enter with its fine tuned engine for rugged performance to manage heavy loads concentrating the rural market more.

Yamaha SZ will replace the Gladiator which was one among the respected 125cc motorcycle. So the successor will need to have all the qualities of the Gladiator and Yamaha was more cautious with that. Apart from that a more sportier look which will further enhance the youth to go for the SZ without any second thought.

Gladiator was ruling the 1st position in the 125cc motorcycle performance until the launch of CBF Stunner Fi from Honda.

But Gladiator had the best price for the performance and fuel efficiency it provided.


Lets see whether the new variants increase the sales of the Yamaha is true.

Cheers!!!

Best 100cc Bike - Performance

As discussed, 100cc segment bikes with the Economy its clear. Now considering the performance the order will be shuffled.

The Performance here will refer to the Top speed, Pickup and stability of the bike. Also the price would be analyzed.

We already know the details of the 100cc segment bikes that are going to be considered in my previous post. so let me get directly into the focus.

In terms of Higher cubic capacity and Higher output power and torque, Honda CB Twister gets the first position. Its unique engine design was built such that there is only less vibrations even when the bike is above 70Kmph of speed. the bike's price was just 42K (ex-Showroom - Chennai)

Followed to Honda Bajaj Platina comes to rule, with 99.3 cc engine , the bike gives out amazing output power and torque. The wonderful thing is that the bike is very cheap less than 40K and crossed 1Lac mark for the company within 2 months of time after its release to the market.

Yamaha Libero G5 occupies the third position, even the though the data were lower, because of the bigger engine capacity, the bike gives comfortable performance at higher speeds. The price is also placed at (42K to 45K) which is quite affordable

Next comes Passion Pro, Discover and TVS Star. Discover and Passion pro easily defeat TVS Star in all means but not in the consistency. Passion Pro which was the upgraded engine failed in terms of controlling noise. Where as TVS Star with its ability to control noise even above 70Kmph. Discover also loses to TVS Star in this fact. But Discover defeats both the bikes with its top speed which is obtained as a result of its better aerodynamics.

So this is the Order for Performance:

1. CB Twister
2. Platina
3. Libero G5
4. Passion Pro
5. Discover
6. TVS Star

So the award for

Best performing 100cc segment Bike is Honda CB Twister:

Cheers!!!

Best 100cc segment Bike - Economy

It gives me immense pleasure to make a review about the 100cc bike segment which is in matured stage (moreover we can call it is in Declining stage) which ruled the Motorcycle segment since 1986 and retained for nearly two decades.

Even now the craze for 100cc bikes has not been reduced that much among the commuters who expect mileage and comfortable riding.

Ooh!!! still the tiny engines has a separate market in India according to foreigners. but we could proudly say even with a tiny engine we enjoy a lot in terms of performance too which has been a special point in the current market situation.

Lets get into our comparison:

The Top bike manufacturers in the 100cc segment are HeroHonda followed by Bajaj, TVS, Yamaha and Honda

Hero Honda with its Passion Pro (latest version of 100cc bike) now leads the sales as well as the sturdiness of the bike makes its to be more economic. The Bikes output power and Torque are more satisfactory and ensures that it is worthy to be praised as a good bike.

Next comes Bajaj Discover 100cc (over taking its predecessor Platina in terms of mileage and gets the next position). The Discover even though built for mileage and ensure top end mileage, the bike also carries a powerful engine which makes the bike fastest in 100cc bikes.

Then comes the TVS Star winning almost in every aspects good mileage, Good performance, Good looks, etc... But the only thing is it has bigger tanks which is also a pros when we speak about traveling long distances.

Yamaha with its Libero G5 and Alba, the same engine in different dresses. Even though the engine size is bigger compared to other bikes, the output power and torque are less comparatively. also it has the heaviest bike category (ranging from 125 to 132kgs)

Honda CB Twister latest launch from Honda. The bike easily wins the other bikes in terms of Top Speed, Pickup and Styling etc...

So in terms of Best torque(Pickup), the order of the bikes falls like this:

1. CBTwister - 109cc - 9nm @6000rpm
2. Platina - 99.3cc - 8.1nm @4500rpm
3. Passion Pro - 97.2cc - 8.05nm @4500rpm
4. Discover - 94.3cc - 7.85nm @5000rpm
5. Yamaha G5 - 106cc - 7.85nm @6000rpm
6. TVS Star - 99.7cc - 7.5nm @5000rpm

Even though the torque was best in bikes, the engine cubic capacity has to be considered for the mileage. So from the Engine Capacity is inversely proportional to mileage and Engine torque at lower rpm is directly proportional to mileage.'

So in the Mileage concept, the Beat bikes order will be:

1. Discover - Smallest Engine, Lesser weight but with better torque (Best Mileage = 85kmpl+)
   
2. Passion Pro - Upgraded engine with carefully designed for torque (Best Mileage = 80kmpl+)
3. Platina - Second best torque produced, the bike's design ensures free flow travel with then bike (Best Mileage = 80kmpl+)
4. CB Twister - Topper in Torque, but engine cc is bigger hence mileage = 75kmpl+)
5. TVS Star - All time star - strong performance (Best Mileage =75kmpl +)
6. Yamaha G5 - Best Mileage (70kmpl +)

Finally,

The Economic 100cc Bike award goes to Discover 100

Cheers!!!

The All New Honda's CB Twister 110cc sports

Honda CB Twister is a sports addition to the existing current 100cc market dominated by the Hero Honda.



Honda's entry into 100cc segment has made Hero Honda to think about upgrading its bikes. Not only Hero Honda all the competitors did not expect such a move. Well, lets look into the bike.



Even though the bike comes with a name sports, it does not exhibit full features of a sports bike. It has a quite decent looks in its own way so nothing to say bad about using it as a commuter vehicle.



The Performance of the Bike is good, it is able to produce 9bhp @ 8000rpm, which could ensure the bike's performance to the next level.



But still the bike fails in terms of top speed where the bike is meant for a top speed less than 100Kmph(in 500mtrs travel). The 0-60 speed is also not that much better since it needs nearly 8secs to reach 60kmph.



Specifications:

Engine Capacity: 109cc

Engine Type: 4 Stroke, SOHC, Air Cooled

Output Power: 9bhp @ 8000rpm

Engine Torque: 9nm @ 6000rpm

Top Speed : 97Kmph

Fuel Capacity: 8Ltrs

Gear: 4 manual Gears

Weight: 108kgs



Pros:

1. Excellent Looks and Styling
2. Excellent pickup
3. Brand Name: HONDA
   
   

Cons:

1. Top Speed (<100kmph>
2. 4 Gears
3. Analogue cockpit

Ratings: 6.8/10



Cheers!!!

TVS Star Sports - Best 100cc bike in India

TVS Star sports, the 100cc bike from the India's third largest bike manufacturer-TVS. The Bike was launched in 2007 and still it has its own name in the 100cc market segment of bikes. The Bike is specially known for its Excellent style with latest Graphics and the Mileage which stand far above other bikes in its class. The Pickup and top speed is also not the least.

The Light weight body allows the bike to float easily at max.speeds above 80kmph at ease until it is a dry day and not windy.

Specification:

1. Engine Displacement: 99.7cc
   
2. Engine Type: 4-stroke, SOHC
   
3. Output Power: 7.5Bhp @ 7500rpm
   
4. Engine Torque: 7.5nm@5000rpm
   
5. Fuel Capacity: 12Ltrs
   
6. Weight: 100Kgs(dry) / 111Kgs(Wet)
   
7. Gear: 4 Speed
   
8. Top Speed: 92Kmph
   

Pros:

1. Good Styling and Excellent performance
2. Easy to reach 70Kmph, second best in pickup next to platina.
3. More fuel efficient (75kmpl on city)
4. Lesser maintenance cost
   

Cons:

1. Will hate the bike in windy roads
2. Vibrations will be quite more above 70Kmpl

The Bikes was just costing less than 41000.Rs including Registration and insurance. Cheap and also more stylish with good performance.

That's why i called it as the Best 100cc Bike in India.

Cheers!!!

Yamaha RX100: Leader of Indian Bikes

Hope! you might be wondering why I included Old RX100, whose production has stopped by 1996 itself. It might have stopped 10 years ago, but still there is demand for the Yamaha RX100 bikes in India and no body can reject this.

It was the dream bike of all the people who lived in 1980's and 1990's. and still many youths love to have this rocking bike with its aggressive(but noisy) sound of the Engine.

The bike stayed in the Indian automobile production history for 12 years(1984 to 1996), but the name and fame it gained was never underestimated even now.

It is because of the bike's super fast Engine and simple body design for effective handling.

Specifications:

1. Displacement: 98cc
   
2. Engine Type: 2 Stroke, SOHC
   
3. Output power: 11Bhp@7500rpm
   
4. Engine Torque: Info unavailable
   
5. Tank capacity: 10.5Ltrs
6. Gear: 4-Speed
   
7. Weight: 103kgs
   
8. Top Speed: 100kmph
   

Pros:

1. Easy Handling
2. Excellent top speed
3. Best output power which has not been touched by other bike manufacturers even now for a 100cc engine.

Cons:

1. Very small body for people more than 6'.
2. Needs expertise for driving as it is not an simple machine if accelerates to high speed.

Even now!!! Yamaha RX100 rock on indian roads this shows the Quality of Yamaha in 1990's itself.

Kudos to Yamaha!!!Hats off!!!

Cheers!!!

India's top 100 Bikes

Here is the list of Top 100 Indian Bikes

Old Bikes:

1. Royal Enfield(350cc)
2. Yezdi(250cc)
3. Rajdoot(175cc)
4. Java(250cc)
5. Enfield Diesel (350cc)
6. Yamaha RD350

Bajaj:

1. KB100
2. KB125
3. 4S Champion
4. Caliber
5. Boxer
6. Boxer AT
7. Boxer CT
8. CT100
9. Platina
10. Discover 110
11. Discover 125
12. Platina 125
13. XCD
14. Aspire
15. Wind
16. XCD 135
17. Discover 135
18. Eliminator
19. Pulsar 150
20. Pulsar 180
21. Avenger
22. Pulsar 200
23. Pulsar 220

Enfield:

1. Bullet 350 Classic
2. Bullet 350 ES
3. Bullet Electra(350cc)
4. Bullet Machismo(450cc)
5. Bullet ThunderBird(500cc & 350cc)
6. Bullet 500

Hero Honda

1. CD100
2. CD100 SS
3. CD Dawn
4. CD Deluxe
5. Sleek
6. Splendor
7. Splendor plus
8. Splendor NXG
9. Passion
10. Passion plus
11. Super Splendor
12. Ambition
13. Achiever
14. CBZ
15. CBZ star
16. CBZ Xtreme
17. Hunk
18. Karizma
19. Karizma R

Honda

1. Shine
2. Stunner
3. Unicorn

Kinetic

1. Challenger

LML

1. Adreno

Suzuki

1. Max R 100
2. Ind - Suzuki
3. Samurai
4. Heat
5. Zeus
6. Shaolin
7. Shogun
8. Fiero
9. GS 150R

TVS

1. Max R 100
2. TVS Star(100c)
3. TVS Star Deluxe(100c)
4. TVS Star City(100c)
5. Victor (110cc)
6. Victor GL(110cc)
7. Victor GX(110cc)
8. Victor GLX(125cc)
9. Flame (125cc)
10. Flame Fi(125cc)
11. Fiero (150cc)
12. Apache (150cc)
13. Apache RTR 160(160cc)
14. Apache RTR 160 Fi(160cc)

Yamaha

1. RX100
2. RX135
3. RXG
4. YBX
5. CRUX
6. CRUX S
7. Libero
8. Alba
9. Fazer
10. Gladiator
11. Enticer
12. R 15
13. FZ 16

Indian Bikes Cubic Capacity - Classification

INDIAN BIKES CLASSIFICATION
(in terms of CUBIC CAPACITY)

On the basis of cubic capacity, Indian bikes cfan be classified into Eight Major Classifications.

They are:

1. Below 100cc Bikes
   
2. 100cc Bikes
3. 125cc Bikes
4. 150cc Bikes
5. 180cc Bikes
6. 200cc Bikes
   
7. 220c Bikes
8. 350cc Bikes and
   
9. Above 350cc Bikes

Apart from these classification new Three classification arose in the recent years

They are:

1. 110cc Bikes
2. 135cc Bikes
3. 160cc Bikes

The most expected Classification to enter this group is 250c bikes(Kawasaki Ninja).

Expert review about the bikes that falls under this category very soon.

Cheers!!!

100 cc Bikes - Indian Scenario

100 cc Bikes in India are now being reduced in quality and efficiency of engine is very low.
So it is worth for mileage alone. U cant expect speed and efficiency. I have considered only the top most four 100cc brands.
I have Ranked the four bikes according to the over all performance.
Rank 1. Star
Rank 2. Platina
Rank 3. Passion
Rank 4. Libero

TVS Star gets Rank 1 Because of its Style, Sturdy body and Top speed along with good mileage. The bike goes smooth even it reached 70Kmph. The Bikes over all performance is satisfactory with less maintenance and the spares are also available at a reasonable price.

Bajaj Platina Gets Rank 2 because of its furious pickup and speed. The bike has a very high output power of 8.2 Bhp(Highest of its class). The bike is also the best in mileage.It has to occupy the first place but because of Less quality spare parts it came to second position even when the spare parts are the cheapest.

Hero Honda Passion gets Rank 3 because of its Strong body, Suspension and Sturdy engine. Engine Life and Strong chassis is the plus point of this bike. Mileage has been degraded now a days.Best only if we drive between 45-50 and will be fuel consuming above the speed. But Engine life will be incomparable to any bike.

Yamaha Libero comes fourth because common people consider it as a stranger. But Libero was the best bike for the rural side people with excellent braking, Suspension and Sturdy body building for carrying heavy loads. It would be the better choice for the Students to drive in a 100cc bike similar to a sports bike.