KTM RC390 specs and images revealed

KTM hasn't seized to amaze us bike maniacs with the launch of Duke 390 quoted as The Orange Hooligan for the sheer power to weight ratio which is almost reminiscent of 2012 Aston Martin Vantage and the price at which it was launched brought tears of joy.

So after all these drama one may assume that it may take a while to a bring a beast of a bike to market but with KTM RC390 being put into entourage of bikes of having huge fan following. KTM RC390 will be lauched at International Motorcycle Exhibition (EICMA) which will take place in Milan, Italy from November 5th.

Based on its older sibling KTM RC8 the RC390, afully faired version Duke 390 does has some unique features to distinguish like the BMW inspired front fascia, edgier design of the fuel tank, new under belly exhaust design and overall a radical look that you expect from KTM.

Side View of KTM RC390

The Half fairing with exposure the orange powder coated trellis frame does give you the trademark aggressive styling and the whole design is more or less on par with the Duke 390. The RC390 also gets clip-on handlebars and KTM have moved back the footrests and the pedals by a notch.

KTM RC390 Front Fascia

With all the full fairing the bike weighs 8kgs more the Duke 390 and has got a shorter wheelbase compared to the regular 390 which results in greater maneuverability helped by the steering head angle of 66.5 degrees.

Top View of KTM RC390

Powering the RC390 is the same 375cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 45 PS and 35 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed gearbox as mentioned in my earlier blog. The RC390 is expected to be a bit more expensive than the Duke 390.

KTM RC390 Rear End

So KTM enthusiasts gear up for more mind boggling bikes because this is determined to make an impact and rule the market of mid displacement engine bikes which is for now conquered by the Japanese giants. 

Rajputana Customs bringing in Americana flavor into normal Indian motorcycles

Now this blog aren't for the ones who think that motorcycles like the 'Splendors' and 'Passions' are better motorcycles than the invincible 'Enfields'. This blog isnt for the ones who take a first look at a bike and ask "Mileage kitna deti hai ?".

This blog is for the ones that love the sweet thumping snorkeling sound coming out of the exhaust of the bike, the petrolheads who love smell of leather of the seat and the jackets, the ones who wants to ride to let their inner rebel out and dont give a damn of what the world thinks of them once the rushing winds hits your face as you ride.

These type of feelings comes from the motorcycle like the Choppers, Bobbers, Cafe Racers. Sadly us Indians are always introduced to motorcycles that has got no personality and all it has to offer is 'Mileage'!

But the scenario is changing now and finally we are understanding the true motorcycle culture with establishments of custom motorcycle shops that can transform a simple motorcycle to something that will enhance your personality and raise you from the other minnows.

While there are many wannabes in this custom motorcycle industry, 'Rajputana Customs' is name that is worth mentioning. Their customs means only to respect the motorcycle, respect its culture and not fool around with gimmicky plastic parts that is just a blob to the eye.

Founded by Vijay Singh who belongs to Jaipur, he started his enterprise by showcasing his first bike 'Original Gansgter' at the Delhi Expo 2010 which raved up some awesome reviews and from there it was no looking back for his brand.

Now the his brand has a platoon of custom motorcycles to showcase like the Uno, Laado, Nandi, Lightfoot, Chingari, 8ball, Bittoo, MP=40, my personal favourite Gulail and many others. You name the style of the bike and they will make it for you.

Original Gangster

They specialize not only modifying existing Enfield bikes but making bikes from scratch to suit your style.

There are other high profile custom motorcycle builders out there but to me Rajputana Customs has managed to keep the essence of Americana into the bikes more than anybody else. Their philosophy of design speaks for itself with simple yet elegant craftmanship which is hard thing to achieve. Their custom design will leave you awe struct and drooling for a ride the minute you see them.

Light Foot commissioned by John Abraham

For me these bikes bring the true inner unique you from these stereotypical dull tasted society when you ride on these beautiful pieces of craftmanship and you will be the envy for the ones who when often sees a car or bike ends up asking "Kitna Deti Hai?"

Gulail

Take a bow Vijay Singh because your brand fabricates some of the finest custom motorcycles in India.

Do send in opnions, any suggestions, advice will be appreciated.

Specs out for the new 2014 Hero Karizma R and ZMR

The taste of higher displacement engine bikes at an affordable price was first introduced for the 'Middle Class' Indians by Hero Motor Corp. with Karizma which then the bike to buy. But sadly the 'Charisma' from Karizma got fizzled out by the introduction of aggressive mouth watering lineup of bikes from its long time rival Bajaj christened Pulsar.

Pulsar not only ate the market of Hero but also is now the undisputed champion in this section. So Hero's solution to this problem, partner yourself with a bike company having the racing pedigree 'Erik Buell Racing' and bring a new badass motorcycle to bring back the charisma into Indian market, RIGHT!

Well the initial impression does tell you the opposite with out of league styling and with power specs disclosed will leave you desiring for more from Hero's flagship bike. The styling of front fascia adapts the typical vertical twin headlamps from the Erik Buell Racing EBR 1190 RS but screams hard of wooing the Pulsar fans which dons pretty much similar styling. The rear suspension is the same twin spring ones which seems out of style as the mono shock suspension seems standard now a days for premium segment bikes. However the taillamps are new and unique and probably the saving grace for Hero when they put the 'NEW' tag to this bike.

New Karizma R Three Quarters

The Karizma R will be powered by the air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke, 223cc engine producing 19.2 PS and 19.35 Nm of torque. In comparison, the older model produced 17.2 PS and 18.35 Nm of torque. Thanks to the power boost, the 0-60km/h acceleration time has improved from 3.8 seconds to 3.6 seconds.

New Karizma ZMR Front Fascia Picture Credit: MotorBeam

The Karizma ZMR draws power from the same single-cylinder, air-cooled, 223cc engine. However, where the R gets a carburetor, the ZMR is fuel-injected and as a result boasts power and torque figures of 20 PS and 19.7 Nm respectively. Again, this is an improvement from the earlier 17.8 PS and 18.35 Nm of torque.

The New Karizma will be put on market at a projecte price of Rs. 1.10 lakhs which place itself into competitors like Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS and Yamaha R 15 which are frankly speaking are far more superior in styling and power.

It will be interesting to see if Hero’s attempt to break into this section pays off and if it is able to pull buyers away from the likes of Bajaj and Yamaha. My impression is Hero Motor Corp. are better off selling smaller displacement engine bikes as they have a lot of catching up to do in this segment.

Send in your opinions about my post, any advice, suggestions will be appreciated. 

Chevrolet Beat facelift test mule spotted in India

Come 2014 and General Motors (GM) are determined to up the ante in India with the launch of facelifted version of their best selling model in India 'Chevrolet Beat'. Next year’s Indian Auto Expo is a possible launch venue for the compact car that’s available in petrol, CNG and diesel engine options. A test mule of the Chevrolet Beat has been spotted in India.

New Front Fascia of Beat

GM has been suffering from the recent slump of sales in Indian market and are desperate to get back into the race and the most effective way of to make an impact is by revamping their best selling model 'Beat'.

GM made its best effort to hide the new features in the car camouflaging probably the whole car but the car gurus are predicting the car to resemble the newly launched South African version. While the US version of the 2014 Beat gains automatic headlamps and a CVT automatic gearbox, the South African version shows a larger number of cosmetic changes.

New Rear End of Beat

Since the Beat is due for a major facelift in India, the South African model is a better bet for the Indian market. Many of the following changes, already available on the South African model, are likely to make it to the Indian version of the 2014 Chevrolet Beat facelift,

• Redesigned front and rear bumpers
• New headlamps
• Revised front grille
• ORVMs with integrated turn indicators
• Redesigned alloy wheels
• Refreshed tail lamps and side skirts
• Revised exhaust tip
• Chromed hatch handle
• Rear roof spoiler
• Optional decals for bonnet, roof, roof spoiler and hatch lid
• New seat fabric
• Refreshed center console

Under the hood, status quo could be maintained. The 1.2 liter-80 PS petrol engine and the 936cc-triple cylinder turbo diesel engines are likely to be carried over. The petrol engine also gets an LPG dual fuel option. All three engines are tried and tested units in the Indian market.

Side view of Beat

The automatic transmission is finally trending in the young Indian market and the big dogs in the industry are bringing the option into their major selling models and the CVT option wont hurt much for GM India along with the standard 5-speed option. After the launch of the Sail U-VA hatchback, sales of the Beat have taken a beating. The facelifted model could turn things around for this funky looking car whose design evokes an equal share of grins and groans.