Tag: Motorcycle

40 Years, Two Wheels, One Legacy: The BMW GS

The technological marvels~ BMW GS models are the reason everyone’s been buzzing about BMW Motorrad. The enterprise celebrates 40 years with these models since its first launch of R 80 G/S in the autumn of 1980. It was a legendary concept that brought a revolution in the industry of motorbikes and gave explorers a better chance to discover the world without setting a foot on the ground. Derived from the combined terms – Gelände/Straße (German for Off road/On road), the BMW GS motorcycle made even the most secluded parts of the world explorable on two wheels! 

According to the BMW Motorrad Corporate Communications, the BMW Motorrad is known to have sold 1.2 million BMW GS models. A huge number, isn’t it? These flawless and dynamic wonders on two wheels have proved themselves in every aspect including racing. Did you know that the French racing driver, ‘Hubert Auriol’ won the 1981 Paris-Dakar rally aboard the BMW R 80 G/S? The bike is not just assembled mechanical components; it’s an emotion. Its riding dynamics, off-road mastery, comfort and robustness are the major reasons why it has become a sensation in today’s world.  

The legacy of the BMW R 80 G/S was carried forward when the enterprise launched its successors in the following years. In 1993, the first-ever single-cylinder BMW F 650 ‘Fundoro’ was launched with different dynamics and boxer engines. BMW Motorrad also went to great lengths while launching the BMW R 1100 GS with a Four-valve technology and a tele lever. The product was equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for the first time. 

Riding these bikes tends to bring a unique sense of joy to the riders, with a promised sense of luxury and comfort. Another fascinating milestone was set when the F 650 GS and F 800 GS models were launched with the high-torque 2-cylinder in-line engine and torsionally stiff tubular frame. In 2010, BMW Motorrad paid tribute to GS models by painting the special models in Motorsport corporate colors. The whole industry took a huge leap with the release of light-weighted BMW G 650 GS, and stood out as an exceptional gem among its competitors.  

With ‘old being gold’ as always, the retro-themed R NineT models in 2013 had their moments. The models reflected the 1980 style along with modern technology in the most classic way. Also, in the year 2017, the F 750 GS and the F 850 GS were completely redesigned with the aim of providing more power to the engine. The BMW ShiftCam technology was used for the very first time in the autumn of 2018 with the aim of providing more power, reducing fuel consumption and emission values, making it a perfect ride to discover all the remote parts of the world on just two wheels.  

BMW claims that any novice or veteran can enjoy the rides specifying that the models released by their enterprise are the perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sustainable technology. So, what are you waiting for? With a further promise of providing high degrees of refinement, sportiness and luxury, the BMW Motorrad is set to celebrate its 40-year anniversary. The bikes are easily recognizable with the signature blue-white roundel icon on the gas tank! 

 

 

Honda Africa Twin: The definition of off-roading renewed!

If you are into luxury vehicles but like to take them off the road, this motorcycle could be your dream come true. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd has officially begun the delivery of the latest iteration of the Africa Twin Adventure Sports. It is the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer’s flagship adventure-tourer and is the first 1000cc ‘Make in India’ model by Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India.

The motorcycle is also the company’s first BSVI-compliant big bike in India. It was first launched in 2017 and has since garnered over 200 customers in the country. Its latest iteration was launched in March 2020 by Ricky Brabec (Reigning 2020 Dakar Rally World Champion from Monster Energy Honda Team).

Honda has made the 2020 Africa Twin better than before, making it smaller, slimmer and 5 kg lighter. This delivers 12 percent more peak power, 11 percent more peak torque and 10 percent increased power to weight ratio. It also gets cruise control via Throttle by Wire (TBW), as well as wheelie control, rear lift control and 3-stage cornering lights. The motorcycle also gets a bigger engine, new lightweight chassis, new electronics and new suspension units. Other updates include a bigger 24.8-litre fuel tank, 5-stage adjustable windscreen and heated grips. Honda has also equipped the motorcycle with Apple CarPlay, which can be accessed via a 6.5-inch MID TFT touch screen.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Starting the BSVI era of its premium motorcycle business, Honda introduced the brand new 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports in March this year. We are pleased to announce the first delivery to the proud #TrueAdventure lover. The 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports takes the ‘go anywhere’ spirit one step ahead. So, pack your bags & get ready as #TrueAdventure is back!”

For the first time, Honda has launched the Africa twin with the option of a manual gearbox. While the original Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) unit gets the Darkness Black Metallic colour, the new manual option gets a Pearl Glare White colour. Honda is also offering genuine accessories such as top box, visor, quick shifter, main stand, rally step, engine guard, front fog light, and a smoked wind screen for both the variants.

If you are looking to go for dedicated off-roading, the DCT variant poses as a better option, simply due to the option of changing gears with your hands. This will help the rider shift gears when it is not possible for him to reach the footpegs, such as while water wading. Other riders who wish to enjoy all the benefits of the motorcycle without shelling out extra can opt for the manual transmission option.

The Africa Twin has already set the benchmark as a potent off-roader in India. Now, with a relatively cheaper alternative of the manual transmission, the motorcycle is expected to garner a larger audience, especially fans of the manual gearbox. It commands an ex-showroom price tag of Rs 15,35,000, while its DCT counterpart sells for Rs 16,10,000 (ex-showroom).

Indian FTR 1200 – Review | Flat Tracker For The Streets

Flat Track racing is one of the most popular racing formats in America. Indian Motorcycles, who also claim to be the first motorcycle manufacturers of America, have been tearing up the flat tracks with their FTR 750 flat tracker, a purpose-built championship-winning motorcycle. Indian, decided to get an FTR for the street, as the Indian FTR 1200 and here is our experience of riding it on the streets.

 

The Indian 1200 FTR has the looks that could kill, especially for people who love naked and raw styling. While the riding experience has been amazing, here are the ride impressions put together for this beast of a motorcycle.

 

 

It looks very raw and edgy, clearly replicates the Flat Track racing motorcycles with its aggressive-looking stance, a short tail section and Flat-Track tyres. The overall design is elegant but minimal. A bare trellis frame, fat rubber, golden shocks on both ends. LED lighting shows the way while a fully 4.3-inch digital touchscreen instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity makes it very modern.

The engine is a 1203cc, 60-degree V-Twin engine which is liquid-cooled. It makes 120 BHP of power and 120 Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The burble from the engine is quite muffled at low revs but throaty when revved hard and the bike feels very lively after around 5000 rpm. Drop the clutch and it very patiently crawls which helps you make it through the city traffic. The engine tends to get very hot in crawling traffic. The suspension setup comes to form SACHS, USD forks on the front and the rear is mounted with a mono-shock, both of which are fully adjustable. Braking power is courtesy of Brembo M4.32 callipers and dual discs on the front and a rear single pot calliper from Brembo shaving speeds instantly when needed.

Three rider modes viz Rain, Road and Sport can be selected via the touchscreen. In the track mode, one can choose to disable the Traction Control and ABS. Cruising on the highway was not an issue as the engine can hold high speeds upwards of 120 km/hr with ease. The safety net includes ABS, Traction Control and an IMU that aids the cornering ABS. The Pro Taper handlebars are wide enough to make you feel like sitting on a flat tracker while the short rear fender with integrated grab rails accentuates the overall appeal. The switchgear quality is very premium and the overall fit and finish of the FTR are superb.

 

 

Handling is amazing on the FTR 1200 and it is very nimble even with its 230 kgs of kerb weight. The seat height of 840mm could be a challenge for some shorter riders. The gearshifts are on point with the neutral being the easiest to find. The 12.9-litre tank under the seat actually is small for this gas guzzler that could make long-distance ride have frequent fuel stops. The slipper clutch makes the clutch-pull almost feel like a 150cc commuter.

Well, this Indian, is what not the other Indians are. It gets out of the typical Indian cruiser silhouette and makes a new identity for itself. You will end up spending Rs. 15.99 lakhs (ex-showroom) for this Flat Tracker for the street, but be wary, you will have a wide smile each and every time you ride it.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Engine:  1203cc, 60-Degree V-Twin
  • Power: 120 Bhp
  • Torque: 120 Nm
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Gearbox
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