Auto Expo 2008

Yogesh Sarkar January 18th, 2008

Bajaj Auto and Kawasaki has long history dating back to mid 80s and now Bajaj Auto and Kawasaki plan to take it one step further with Bajaj Auto retailing few of Kawasaki’s international lineup in India in near future.

Amongst the motorcycles being considered for India launch, recently redesigned Kawasaki Ninja 250 is amongst the front runner. The 250cc liquid cool baby ninja develops an impressive 30ps at 10500rpm. Apart from that, ER-6n, Ninja ZX-6R, Z1000 and Vulcan are likely to be released in India through Bajaj Pro-Biking showrooms.

Here are the photographs and specifications of the Kawasaki motorcycles that Bajaj is hoping to bring to India:

Kawasaki stall at AutoExpo 2008

Kawasaki Ninja 250 (click to enlarge)

Specifications:

Engine: 249 cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel twin
Maximum power: 22.2KW (30 PS) @ 10,500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 21.0 Nm {2.14 Kgf/m} / 8,500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 11.6:1
Fuel system: Fuel injection: 28 mm x 2 (Keihin) Dual throttle valves
Ignition: Digital
Transmission: 6-Speed
Cooling: Liquid
Frame: Tube diamond, steel
Front Tire Size: 110/70-17
Rear Tire Size: 130/70-17
Front Suspension: 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Rear Suspension/wheel travel: Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with gas charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload
Front Brake: Single 290mm petal disc
Rear Brake: Single 220mm petal disc
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 liters
Dimensions (L x W x H): 2,080mm x 710 mm x 1,115 mm
Seat Height: 780mm
Wheelbase: 1,400 mm
Ground clearance: 135mm
Dry Weight: 152 kg

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 (click to enlarge)

Specifications:

Engine: 903cc, 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, 4-Valve Cylinder Head, V-Twin
Maximum Torque: 60.8 lb.-ft. @ 3,700 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel Injection: EFI with dual 34mm Keihin Throttle Bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Electronic Advance
Transmission: 5-Speed
Final Drive: Belt
Front Suspension: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Rear Suspension: Uni-Track® swingarm / 4.1 in.
Front Tire Size: 130/90-16
Rear Tire Size: 180/70-15
Wheelbase: 64.8 in.
Front Brake/Rear Brake: 272mm hydraulic disc/242mm hydraulic disc
Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.3 gal.
Seat Height: 26.8 in.
Overall Length: 97.0 in.
Overall Width: 39.6 in.
Overall Height: 41.9 in.
Dry Weight: 557.9 lbs.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (click to enlarge)

Specifications:

Engine: 599 cc Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Maximum Torque: 40 lb ft @ 11,500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 13.3:1
Fuel Injection: DFI® with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles, two injectors per throttle body
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
Transmission: 6-Speed
Frame type: Aluminum perimeter
Front Tire Size: 120/70-ZR17
Rear Tire Size: 180/55-ZR17
Wheelbase: 55.3 in.
Front Suspension: 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with top-out springs, stepless rebound damping, stepless compression damping, fully-adjustable spring preload
Rear Suspension: Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with gas-charged shock, top-out spring and pillow ball upper mount, dual-range (high/low-speed) stepless compression damping, 25-way adjustable rebound damping, fully-adjustable spring preload
Front Brake Type: Dual 300mm petal-type rotors with four-piston, four-pad calipers
Rear Brake Type: Single 210mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper
Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.5 gal.
Seat Height: 32.3 in.
Dry Weight: 368.2 lbs.

Kawasaki Z1000 (click to enlarge)

Specifications:

Engine: 953 cc, 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4-Valve, 4-Cylinder
Maximum Torque: 72.8 lb/ft @ 8,200 rpm
Compression Ratio: 11.2:1
Fuel Injection: DFI with four 36mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles, ultra-fine atomizing fuel injectors
Ignition: TCBI Digital Advance
Transmission: 6-Speed
Final Drive: X-Ring Chain
Frame Type: Backbone, high-tensile steel tubes and cast aluminum engine sub-frame
Front Suspension: 41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless rebound damping and adjustable spring preload
Rear Suspension: Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with gas-charged shock, stepless rebound damping and adjustable spring preload
Front Tire Size: 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire Size: 190/50 ZR17
Wheelbase: 56.9 in.
Front Brake Type: Dual 300mm petal rotors with radial-mount four-piston calipers
Rear Brake Type: Single 250mm petal rotor with single-piston caliper
Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.9 gal.
Seat Height: 32.3 in.
Overall Length: 82.3 in.
Overall Width: 30.7 in.
Overall Height: 41.9 in.

Official press release from Bajaj Auto on the eminent launch of Kawasaki motorcycles.

Bajaj and Kawasaki today announced an agreement to bring in Kawasaki’s big bikes into India. This is in continuation of their strong partnership from the mid 80’s when the first technical collaboration for motorcycle development was signed. This technical collaboration which continued since then, went a step further in 2004 when Kawasaki commenced distributing Bajaj bikes in the Philippines.

Now the partners bring Kawasaki big bike to India.

Amongst the bikes being considered for the launch is the recently launched Ninja 250. This product designed by Kawasaki for the United States, Europe and Japan is powered by an eight-valve DOHC liquid cooled 250cc fuel injection engine developing 30 PS at 10,500rpm. Combined with the 6-speed transmission the Ninja 250 is a matchless performer. In addition to the Ninja 250, other big Kawasaki bikes that are being considered for the domestic market were on display at the Bajaj Presentation in hall no. 3 at the Aut0-Expo in N. Delhi. These include the Sports Roadster the ER-6n, Super Sports bikes the Ninja ZX-6R and the Z1000, and the Vulcan Cruiser.

The Kawasaki bikes would be retailed through the chain of hi-end Bajaj Probiking showrooms. The company had kick-started the Probiking initiative in 2005 with the launch of the Pune showroom. Today ten Probiking showrooms are operational with presence in all major markets with ten more to go on-stream by end of Fiscal 2008. Designed for professional bikers the showrooms house state-of the art interactive terminals and offer prospective “Probikers” a chance to test-ride the bikes on specially designed Indoor Dynamometers.

Kawasaki, Japan will also provide the necessary service training and parts back-up to ensure that the hi-performance bikes are in peak conditions and fully live up to the expatiations of the Probikers.

Mr. Shinichi Tamba, President of the Kawasaki Consumer Products and Machinery Company comments, “India is a very important market for KHI and Bajaj us a strong partner. The Indian marker is in the cusp of progressing to bike bikes and Kawasaki is highly regarded in this segment. Soon the “flying K” and the “Kawasaki Green” will scorch the Indian roads.”

Commenting on this effort, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto said, “Both Kawasaki and Bajaj have synergized their strengths to widen the portfolio in respective markets. The domestic consumer can now experience the power of bike biking while the Kawasaki customers in the Philippines are already experiencing the range of Bajaj products for the past few years. We are in discussions to extend the Philippine business model to other countries as well.”

The good times are indeed rolling for both Kawasaki and Bajaj.

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• Auto Expo Updates , Bajaj Auto , Kawasaki , Motorcycles
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Yogesh Sarkar January 16th, 2008

Since Bajaj Auto’s stall contained motorcycles from its own stable as well as from KTM and Kawasaki, I would be writing the review in a three part series each devoted to individual manufacturer to ensure that each gets it due coverage.

Bajaj now owns 20.89 percent share in KTM and intends to not only develop motorcycles for Indian and global market jointly with KTM. Bajaj is also planning to launch KTM’s range in India through its Pro Biking showrooms; here is the official press release from Bajaj Auto on this matter:

Bajaj today presented a range of KTM bikes at its stall in the Auto-Expo 2008 some of which will be progressively introduced in the Indian market. These models will retailed through Bajaj’s Probiking showrooms in key markets across the country.

The vehicles that are being considered for the domestic market were on display at the Bajaj Presentation in Hall no. 3 at the Auto-Expo in N. Delhi. These were the rally tested 690 Supermoto, the superior street bike the 690 Duke, the powerful 990 Adventure, the light and agile 250 EXC-F and the ultra-precise performer the 990 Superduke.

Bajaj Auto also announced the increase in its stake in “KTM Power Sports AG”, Europe’s second largest sport motorcycle manufacturer to 20.89%. Earlier Bajaj had taken a 14.5% stake in KTM through its 100% Netherlands subsidiary-Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV with Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto Ltd. being inducted on the board of KTM. Bajaj has funded the current stake increase from its internal accruals. The co-operation agreement with KTM covers product development, technology, vendor sourcing and distribution.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Stefan Pierer, CEO, KTM said, “We see this as a long-term partnership with Bajaj auto and we are very positive about it. This cooperation with Bajaj is a great opportunity to strengthen the KTM Group in its sustained growth strategy in a global environment.”

Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto Ltd., added “This partnership is also another step in our globalization strategy. KTM’s sharp brand positioning, differentiated designs, and hyper performance have inspired us to increase our stake in this participation. We are delighted with this opportunity to co-develop a range of products for both KTM and Bajaj brands and also excited by the prospects of introducing KTM products in India and South East Asia, as also to access the European market via KTM.”

The alliance with KTM covers joint development of street bikes for both Indian and overseas markets. The partnership will also jointly develop a high-performance, water-cooled engine platform for 125 and 250 cc bikes. Bajaj Auto will also take up distribution of KTM products in South Asia.

Through this cooperation with Bajaj, KTM would extend its product portfolio for the future with a 125cc street product line, in addition to the present 1190cc, 990cc and 690 cc platforms developed and manufactured in Austria.

Here are the photographs of the KTM section of Bajaj Auto stall.

My personal favorite, KTM 990 Adventure (click to enlarge)

Technical specifications:

Engine: 999 cc, Twin cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
Bore x stroke: 101 x 62.4 mm (3.98 x 2.46″)
Performance: 72 kW @ 8500 rpm
Max. torque: 95 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Starter: E-Starter
Transmission: 6 gears, dog-clutch engagement
Fuel Mixture Generation: Electronic fuel injection
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Suspension travel front/rear: 210 / 210 mm (8.27 / 8.27″)
Front brake: 2 x Brembo two piston, floating caliper, 2 x floating brake disc 300 mm (11.81″)
Rear brake: Brembo single piston, floating caliper, floating brake disc 240 mm (9.45″)
ABS: Brembo two channel ABS
Tires, front/rear: 90/90-21″; 150/70-18″
Wheel base: 1570 mm (61.81″)
Ground clearance (unloaded): 261 mm (10.28″)
Seat height: 860 mm (33.86″)
Fuel capacity: approx. 22 Liters (5.81 gal)
Weight (dry): approx. 199 kg (438.7 lbs)

KTM 990 Super Duke (click to enlarge)

Technical specifications:

Engine: 999 cc, Twin cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
Performance: 88 kW @ 9000 rpm
Max. torque: 100 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Starter: E-Starter
Transmission: 6 gears, dog-clutch engagement
Fuel Mixture Generation: Electronic fuel injection
Front brake: 2 x Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper, 2 x 320 mm (12.6″)
Rear brake: Brembo single-piston floating caliper, brake disc 240 mm (9.45″)
Tires, front/rear: 120/70 ZR 17″; 180/55 ZR 17″
Wheel base: 1450 mm (57.09″)
Ground clearance (unloaded): 150 mm (5.91″)
Seat height: 850 mm (33.46″)
Fuel capacity: approx. 18.5 liters (4.89 gal)
Weight (no fuel): approx. 186 kg (410.05 lbs)

KTM 690 Duke (click to enlarge)

Technical specifications:

Engine type: 654 cc, Single cylinder, 4-stroke
Performance: 48 kW @ 7500 rpm
Max. torque: 67 Nm @ 5500 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.8:1
Starter: E-Starter
Transmission: 6 gears, dog-clutch engagement
Front brake: Brembo 4-piston radially bolted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm (12.6″)
Rear brake: Brembo single-piston floating caliper, brake disc Ø 220 mm (8.66″)
Tires, front/rear: 120/70 R 17″; 160/60 R 17″
Wheel base: 1472±10 mm (57.95±0.39″)
Ground clearance (unloaded): 155 mm (6.1″)
Seat height: 865 mm (34.06″)
Fuel capacity: approx. 13.5 liters / 2.5 liters reserve (3.56 / 0.66 gal)
Weight (no fuel): approx 148.5 kg (327.4 lbs)

KTM 690 Supermoto (click to enlarge)

Technical specifications:

Engine type: 653.7 cc, Single cylinder, 4-stroke
Performance: 47 kW @ 7500 rpm
Max. torque: 65 Nm @ 6550 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.7:1
Starter: E-Starter
Transmission: 6 gears, claw shifted
Fuel Mixture Generation: Keihin EMS with EPT (Electric Power Throttle)
Suspension travel front/rear: 210 / 210 mm (8.27 / 8.27″)
Front brake: Brembo 4-piston fixed radial caliper, brake disc 320 mm (12.6″)
Rear brake: Brembo single-piston floating caliper, brake disc 240 mm (9.45″)
Tires, front/rear: 120/70-17″; 160/60-17″
Wheel base: 1460±15 mm (57.48±0.59″)
Ground clearance (unloaded): 260 mm (10.24″)
Seat height: 875 mm (34.45″)
Fuel capacity: approx. 13.2 liters / 2.5 liters reserve (3.49 / 0.66 gal)
Weight (no fuel): approx. 152 kg (335.1 lbs)

KTM 250 EXC-F (click to enlarge)

Technical specifications:

Engine type: 248.6cc, Single cylinder, 4-stroke
Compression ratio: 12.8:1
Starter/Battery: Kickstarter/E-Starter / 4 Ah
Transmission: 6 gears
Carburetor: Keihin MX FCR 39
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Suspension travel front/rear: 300 / 335 mm (11.81 / 13.19″)
Brakes, front/rear: Disc brakes 260 / 220 mm (10.24 / 8.66″)
Tires, front/rear: 90/90-21″; 120/90-18″
Wheel base: 1475±10 mm (58.07±0.39″)
Ground clearance (unloaded): 380 mm (15″)
Seat height: 925 mm (36.42″)
Fuel capacity: approx. 9.2 liters (2.43 gal)
Weight (no fuel): approx. 105.7 kg (233 lbs)

There was also KTM riding gear on display, which most probably would be sold along side the KTM motorcycles in India.

One motorcycle I surely missed was the 640 Adventure; hopefully Bajaj Auto would launch it as well, since I personally feel that 640 ought to be perfect for touring the small trails in interior Himalayas.

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• Auto Expo Updates , Bajaj Auto , Motorcycles , ktm
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Yogesh Sarkar January 15th, 2008

Hero Honda took the ultra conservative approach for Auto Expo 2008 and decided to only showcase its current production vehicles, barring a Honda Africa Twin and a XLR 125, which were glued to a rotating pole with water flowing over the plastic shield (see below).

With 12 new models slated for launch over the next 18 months i.e. one new model every 90 days, they could have certainly done well with creating buzz for their about to be launched products by displaying them at the Auto Expo or at least have tried to appeal to the bikers with some kind of a theme like Royal Enfield did with touring. However it seems Hero Honda is over confident on its current market share and seems to believe that people will buy what ever they launch.

Honda Africa Twin and Honda XLR 125 (click to enlarge)

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• Auto Expo Updates , Hero Honda , Motorcycles
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