Suzuki GS 150R Ownership Review

Hi bikers, this is Srikrishna from Chennai. I am doing my under graduation. My love for biking started when I was in my 12th standard. My friends were the main cause of it. I did not know to properly release the clutch and change the gears when I went for the test ride of my first love (The Suzuki GS150R).

The GS was the only bike on which all my thoughts were, when I was towards the end of my schooling days. I used to read Bikeadvice ownership reviews, reading blogs and forums. Many of my friends never knew that there is a Company named Suzuki in India thanks to the terrible Marketing strategy by the japanese giant Suzuki motorcycles india. All my friends were against me as I wanted to buy the GS150R and they never knew its specialities and capabilities.

The Day

On 1/11/11,I along with my sister went to SMK Suzuki velachery and booked the White GS150R. I got it delivered on 11/11/11. People say that we must learn from our mistakes. I will surely say that I have learnt from the mistakes committed by me in the past. YES, I owned an Orange GS150R, Which I sold because of my poor maintainance. But my love for the GS150R had only increased several folds and it made me get the same bike again.

The Run-in period

It is said to be the critical period for a bike. A proper run in is required for every bike. Every owner must read the service manual once he gets his bike delivered,which many of them fail to do. I followed the run in procedure for my beast. I did not cross 4.5rpm during my first 800kms. And have not crossed 6rpm till today. I have run 2700kms approximately.

I have not crossed 80km/hr as I thought there was no need for crossing it in the city and I am very careful with my run-in.In my last bike (Orange GS150R) I had run 14,500 kms. I got very low mileage figures due to my poor maintainance and constant ripping and high speed runs. I achieved a top whack of 119km/hr in doubles with k&n fitted.

Build quality and Reliability

Japanese products are known to built like a gun! There is Quality written all over the GS150R, right from the foot rest to the engine.

Engine and Refinement

The 149cc engine is one of the best in its class if not the best. If anyone says that the unicorn is the most refined 150cc, my advice is that they have to test ride the GS. The Smooth engine and a butter smooth gear box provided in the GS cannot be matched by many of its competitors.

Mileage

If your bike has undergone the proper run-in process, then I assure you that your bike if ridden at 60km/hr to 80km/hr in city will surely give 50 to 55km/ltr, because that is what I have been doing and that is what I get.

Spare Parts

As I said before, there is quality written all over the bike. The parts although are on a slightly costlier side, they are very reliable.

Features

• 6 speed gear box
• Gear indicator
• Digital speedometer with rpm indicator and 3 modes
• Led tail lamps
• Integrated and stylish indicators
• Ultra Refined Engine

The bike is a boon on the highways due to the overdrive 6th gear and the heavy weight which helps in its stability.

Positives

• Toe-heal shifter
• Great mileage figures
• Decent Top speed matching its competitors
• Superb Suspension
• Not over crowded service centers and decent service
• Definitely a Eye catcher and Unique
• Comfortable and wide pillion seat

Negatives

• Very less Re-sale value
• Heavy for some
• Poor marketing
• Tube tyres
• High pillion seat

Verdict

The GS150R may not have a high resale value (like for ex: A Pulsar 150). But it is a bang on the buck product by Suzuki for mature people need a decent 150cc power commuter! The decision is yours.

I would like to thank Deepak Raj (BikeAadvice) For giving me this opportunity to share my views about my bike.

Regards,
Srikrishna

Bajaj Pulsar 150cc Review by Rabindra Mandal

Hi Everyone. Greetings to all readers. So first of all something about myself. I am Sr. Software Engineer (The Word Senior gives a good impression) by profession. But truly speaking I hardly look like one. I am a fitness freak, I love music. I play guitar, I love travelling and I love biking (will share my Biking Experience From Delhi to Rishikesh later). So, lets begin.

This is first time am writing a review or blog. I am a fun loving, adventurous guy and I hardly do writing about my experiences. But, Yes, I remember my experiences and sometimes speak them out to my friends. Now let me put my experiences as review to words in the format asked by Deepak. I must say Deepak is doing a really nice job. I did send some of my problems to him on mail and he suggested me some things and my bike started giving good mileage. So I will discuss them later too. Here we Goo.

Inspiration

Before Inspiration I must say that what came to me was “Need”. Yes Need. In my schooling I was taught in I guess Economics about Need (Necessacity), Comfirt and Luxury. After being grown up (Sorry, wont tell my age) I realized that Defintiions of these three words may remain same but examples vary a lot. For some Bike is a comfirt but for me its a Need.

So after 1 year of my job in Delhi (M still in Delhi) and travelling daily in Bus from home to office and office to back home (It was also nice experience of listening Fms, wathching people specially gals) I started feeling Need of a Bike. Yes Bike, not a two wheeler. I must tell my readers that from very childhood of mine (when I used to love Enfield) I was crazy about Bikes, Body Building, and Guns.

Or I must say Power always attracted me. So I started feeling Need of bike coz of increasing rushes in buses. And it was Summer of 2007 not Summer of 69. Now I started looking for ads and Rates and specifications. Started going through News Papers, and started Googling. I guess every Software Engineer Uses Google. Google is our Best Friend.

So, as I needed Bike not a MotorCycle my search ended on 3 bikes Pulsar, Avenger, Karizma on the basis of looks. Then I found that I Need a bke which looks powerful. So Karizma was dropped from my list Although it was 220cc bike but what it lacked was a powerful look. The Tyres of Karizma were not that broad to give me a feel. So now left were Pulsar and Avenger (both from Bajaj).

Pulsar has a racing bike look and Avenger on the other hand as per me is a good substitute for Enfield and is good for long drives. I Should mention that I Coudnt buy Enfield coz my salary was only 18K approx. And many Bajaj dealers were offering Zero % finance. So on my analysis of my daily schedules and requirements I decided Pulsar coz Avenger is a Heavy Bike, and Long too.

So in trafics of Delhi I preferred Pulsar as at that time I never thought that I will go on long drives on my bike. Now which Pulsar? At that time only 3 variants were there : 150CC, 180 CC and few months back launched 200 CC. And all these variants where different from previous 150CC and 180CC Pulsar like tail lights where replaced with new LED tail Ligths, Some shape mods etc.

I wanted 200CC (coz of its powerfull rear wheels, Stylish Silencer and luks). But after preparing myself, collecting required documents and borrowing Some Downpayment money from my friend Lalit Pandey, we went to showroom. But my bad luck or good luck I dont know Dealer dint have 200CC Pulsar and he said “Pulsar 200CC doesnt have Kick Start.

So it may give problems later”. (I wonder why mostly dealers, shopkeepers criticize the product they dont have? Else who will buy there product?). Anyways Dealer said “180 chalaa kar dekho…ye mast hai” (“take a test drive of 180cc..its cool bike”). So I took a test ride. One assistant became my pillion and gave me the keys. I put the key in the key hole, rotated the key to about 180 degree and Oh wowww… The speedometer RPM niddle moved to the highest RPM and came down.

It always does so when U put ON ur Bike. So started the bike with Self Start (I think Bajaj was the first to introduce it to Indian Market or make it famous) and started the Ride. The place was not smooth and the road offered me was very uneven but Oh My God…Whats this? The Bike is so smooth. I fell in Love with it. I said “Final kar do”.

Went back to dealer, gave him downpayment, necessary docs, some formalties and now the Bike is mine. I drove back 8 kms to home or I must say flew. On the way I filled petrol to tank as it waxs empty, bought some sweets for friends. And now I am happy. For next few days I went trhough specifications given in mannual and recommendations like dont exceed this much speed before 3 months, do this do that etc etc.

I did follow them except for one or two times in curiosity or excitement to know how good is its pick up and at what speed I can drive well. So pick up was good and I took it speed of 80-85 kms/hour at tht time. Later I explored speed upto 110,112,115. So this was how my joruney with my bike started. And with time my love for my bike increased. I call it my girlfriend although its “Definitely Male”. Lets get to next section. I wanna ask one question to Deepak (owner of bikeadvice.in). You always mention that our story or review should be of 300 or 400 words atleast. So my question is do all readers have such time to read all such big reviews?

Regret’s

Well I never had regrets for the person or things I loved. So dont feel regretted of being owner of my Bike coz I love it. But ya sometimes what I feel that it could have beem more better with some enhancements. Its true that no bike is hundred % prefect. Sometimes I felt that fuel efficiency could have been more or pickup could have been more.

As in general, My GF my bike never gave me any problems accept for sometime for 3-4 months when the Reserve knob of my bike used to put my bike on reserve at uncorrect levels. Let me clear it what that means. Suppose Pulsar comes to Reserve when it has around 2 litres of Petrol in tank, but my bike used to do it when I suppose hardly ½ litre is left in tank coz it hardly used to cover 12-13 kms of distance after coming to reserve.

So I told it to service center guys and they corrected it with changing some valve. Apart from that I never faced any such problems. And I wont say that I have regrets for my bike coz at that time when I purchased it it was one of the bests and I feel its still one of the bests. Ya, later on when some sports bikes (Yamaha-R15, FZ16, FZR, Karizma ZMR, Pulsar-220, DUKE, etc) got launched into market I felt bad. I wished to steel some good things from them and put it to my bike.

Like I like Rear wheel of FZ16 and FZR, I liked Front look of R15. I always wish broader wheels for my bike as it shows me power. But in overall all these bikes missed something or I must say I consoled myself with looking it there drawbacks. (in hindi we say “Angoor Khatte Hai”. Means the grapes which u cant eat are always sour.) So to conclude this section I should say I never had regret of being owner of my Pulsar. It never gave me problems on long trips too. Love u my bike.

Previous Bikes

I never had been owner of any bike b4. Ya when I was persuing my B.tech my father purchased one Bajaj Boxer for my younger brother. So I used to ride it sometimes. But my Pulsar is my first Bike which I purchased on my own. So I guess this section wont get much from me. Coz Boxer and Pulsar have no comparisions. Only thing good in Boxer is its mileage as compare to Pulsar.

Details

Well mostly specifications you can get on site of this bike. When I purchased 180CC Pulsar on 10th of Septmeber 2007 it was I remember of 63500/- and with file charges for financing I had to pay 65000/- approx. Mileage, as told by other users of 180CC was around 35-40 Kms/litre. But I always got 42-45 Kms/litre even some times 50-60 km/litre. I regularly check how much distance my bike covers in the amount of fuel I fill. I calculate my mileage in terms of Kms/100 Rs.

Like now in Delhi “speed” petrol (I generally use speed petrol in some petrol pumps its called “xtra premium”) is around Rs 68 point something. So if I fill say 100 Rs petrol then my bike goes around 75 kms approx. (sometimes 80 some times 70) that means 75 kms in 1.41 litres of petrol I guess thats a good mileage and I drive at approxe 60 km/hour speed. Mileage totally depends on the way u drive ur bike and the maintenance. I put it to servicing regularly.

Disk breaks are good. But I have a bad habbit of applying front brakes mostly and coz of that reason my bike skids sometimes. Shape and size wise its a perfect bike for me. If my post gets uploaded on site u will get to see the Cool Pics of my Rishikesh Trip which I covered alone on my bike and will discuss in “Tours” Section which is next I guess. So “Lets Get It On”( its a nice song from Album “DMX” but in Delhi mostly guys call it Dhoom-3 song).

Tours

OK this is my favourite section for now coz I love travelling and I recently had a trip to Rishikesh from Delhi on my SweetHeart Pulsar “Alone”. Oh sorry I was not alone my 2 of best friends were with me “My Bike and My DSLR camera Nikon-D3000”. And first time I enjoy a trip so much that I coudnt express. The reason am writing this review blog or story is My Recent Trip.

It was awesomen and the clicks I Got were so amazing. If My blog gets posted on site U ll get to see the F***ing Awesome trip I got. I wish my blog gets posted on site. Doesnt matter I Win or loose the contest. This trip has given me the Best pic of my life uptil now and thats coz of my bike as the pic will be incomplete if my bike is not wid me in it.

Let me tell you my trip story in short. I have 3 days holiday 18-2-2012 to 20-2-2012. And I wanted to go somewhere (Specially Rishikesh to my favourtie camp). And I wanted to go on bike this time. I have been there 2 times earlier too but on bus. I asked my friends to join me but all had there own reasons for not to go. I dint like the reasons. And they are Idiots.

And am not a kind of guy who forces others to do something. If you are interested then come with me else I can enjoy alone too. Still I wanted atleast someone to join me coz this was my first trip alone on bike and I was a little bit scared too. But when I dint find anyone I decided to go alone. So on 18-02-2012(saturday) After having some breakfast and half bottle beer I started my journey at 7:00 am.

I know its a bit late. So I drove and drove and realized on the way that I have forgotten my DL and RC at home. Cool haan? Still I went on. Dint Rush to high speeds normally 60-70 kms/hour. So it took me 7 hours in total to reach the Camp which included around 270kms of Journey , few breaks for Photography, Fagging (smoking) and navigation (by asking people about the route).

Then I had great time at camp explored some palces in Rishikesh like Neilkanth Temple, Shivpuri, Raam Jhoola, Laxman Jhoola etc. Had showers in fountains. Seen black sky at night full of stars ending into mountains, heard noise of flowing river at night(its an awesome experience for me coz m a nature lover). After enjoying 2 days in Rishikesh I started my journey back for Delhi.

Althoug I didnt want to leave but I had to as Delhi is my work place. So I started my journey back. Although I dotn drive at high speeds but this time on highway I drove at the speed of 113 km/hour at max and for 30-40 minutes my speed was above 85-90 Kms/hour. But I realized that drving at high speeds makes you feel more tired soon coz u have to stress your mind at high speeds as well as your body will be hit by speedy air strokes.

So I had to take a break at a Dhaba. Had some tea n chips. Then drove back to Delhi with some stops for taking pics. Finally reached home. And that Rishikesh Trip Fever is still on me thats why I have written this Long review or blog. I would love to go on such more trips on my bike. Thats all. I guess I should finish it up. Rest my photoes will tell how much I love my bike.

Royal Enfield Classic 350cc Review by Diwagar

Hello Fellow bikers, It’s me again who wrote my first review on my CBR 250Rnow came up with my review on my roomie Chandru’s RE Classic 350. I am very proud to say that I dragged him to the world of bikers, and introduced him this master piece. Initially I was never attracted towards any RE and I never bothered to consider them as it was not my kind of machine. Am more attracted to Sporty than Cruising. It was yet another regular day I was going through blogs and previews about new bikes in India.

Suddenly I came across the launch of RE Classic series in India. I visited the RE site to see what is this new RE’s about. I would say I was lost at that moment. Totally mesmerizing beauty. I was never attracted towards any of the RE I have seen in my period until I see this legendary bike’s look. I still wonder, how this model changed my view on RE’s.

A great Kudos to the designer, who thought of bringing this heritage looking machine back with latest technologies. After seeing the look and specification I spoke to my Friend about this bike casually. It is must to mention that he prefers cruisers over sports bikes. But at that point of time he had a 2nd hand Fiero FX and never thought of getting a new bike.

After seeking the bike’s snaps he too had fallen for it. He finally decided to go for it after couple of days, though it is quiet pricey and also ignoring the regular scolding’s he is going to get from his parents. He went to his native and spoke to his parents and brother about this and none was convinced to get a RE, as in their view RE is mostly used by big shots. They suggested him to go for some other brand if he wants a new bike. He saw couple of them but he wasn’t convinced either to move out of Classic.

Finally once he returned back to Bangalore we both went to the RE showroom for a test drive on 21st Jan 2010. We saw the beast facing us in flesh. It was a classic 500. What a beauty. We asked for test drive and they told they have only Classic 500 and not a Classic 350. We took test drive of Classic 500 for the bike’s posture and comfort and a Thunderbird for the engine performance which got the same engine.

Somewhat we both didn’t like thunderbird because of its riding posture. I must say, we were 100% satisfied with the performance as well, as we were already fallen for Classic series looks. He paid 10K in advance same day and booked it and was told a waiting period of 3-4 months. On-road price was less than 1.1 L while booking and after new budget announcement before delivery he paid 1.18L on-road.

Like others, we used to call the dealer to find out the availability and delivery. RE never kept their words on delivery, they delayed, and promised dates couple of times and finally delivered only on 28th Oct 2010. Yes only after 9 months, after making 100s of calls, blasting them. He doesn’t go to office regularly in his bike because it is too far. It was mostly used by me and his younger brother, who is another roommate.

I will never compare this bike with any other bike, at least in India. It can be compare with few other bikes like ZMR, R15 etc. for the price range. But will that be fair? RE is entirely different bike when compared to any other bike available in the Indian Market. RE has its own market. It is Love it or Hate it kind of bike. It is not the one chose by many.

Neither people will get this just like other bikes. Only RE fans will buy this piece of art. RE got its own charm. People who don’t like RE’s, Trust me guys, u will have 2nd thought after u ride it. It will surely make an impact in you with its ride. I used it continuously for about 4 months while I was waiting for the delivery of my CBR. Now let me present you my observation about this bike.

I took this bike for a small ride though the very first long ride, on 3rd day itself to Nandi Hills, which is about 65 Kms from our place. I kept it under 60 Kmph in run-in, same pain being slow running in run-in time. But I must admit that it was still wonderful. The great torque generated by its engine pulled the bike up the hill just like normal ride on city roads.

Later after run-in we took it to couple of long rides including Nandi hills, Chennai and Madurai. The most comfortable machine for long drives I must say. What a leisured posture, Widest saddles, Bike will not tend to go out of your hand even in 3 digit speeds. Its weight keeps it on road when you ride on any type of roads.

Even riding continuously for more than 100 Kms, when we stop for a break, we never felt as we had a ride in a 2-wheeler. And the pillion seat too, the most comfortable in the Indian bikes. This was confirmed by his mom, my mom and my sister too. Its short body and wider seat makes it most comfortable for ladies. This I could never achieve in my present or old bike.

This is not a bike where you can feel the adrenaline rush, having best 0-60 neither best top speed. Still the way it carries you makes you fall for it. It is people’s dream, passion. It makes one feel proud to be owner of a RE. Once there was heavy rain it was a flyover construction site and people never dare to ride where the road was filled with water.

But being riding a RE, I took it; water was till the top end of the wheel height, and still the bike never felt that. It passed that stretch just like a normal road. That makes RE different from other bikes. At that moment I remembered a line I read somewhere. “Guys you can pull you bike fast; you can reach better top speed. But remember, I can go anywhere“

As others it got its own hitches. First and main thing is the waiting period. RE don’t keep their promise on delivery; neither have they taken it serious about their demand in market. Come on RE, there are lakhs of people dying for a RE, and it’s your waiting period which makes them move to some other brand. Don’t think everyone will wait for a whole year to get a new bike.

It is ridiculous. Same applies for parts too. And RE has to improve a lot in quality parts front. Many areas are prone to rusting. When one make a bike with lot of chrome, they should first think about how to avoid rust.

Now let me summarize the Pros and Cons of this beast.

Pros

• First of all you can proudly say that I own RE. It is a master piece.
• Lot of chrome on this bike, which makes the machine more beautiful.
• The fuel tank comes with Rubber pad for thigh support like heritage models, which not only offers thigh support, but also enhances the look of the bike.
• Classic series is the only RE which comes with split seat with removable rear seat.
• The Rear seat supports are on the rear shock mounts and under the front seat. And it leaves no trace of any seat mount when removed there by enhancing the beauty of this beast more.
• The bike is short and very much comfortable even for people who are below average in height, like me.
• Initially one might feel the bike hefty, but once you are on the move, you will never feel that you are riding a 180KG monster yourself. Thanks to its design and very low center of gravity.
• It got body coloured steel mud guards that looks more beautiful when the rear seat is removed.
• There is a Golden coloured sticker reading “Royal Enfield” just above the tail lamp assembly which looks gorgeous when riding single seated.
• The RE logo with its slogan “Made like a Gun” is on the fuel tank again Golden coloured and no words to describe its beauty.
• People might feel that spokes are out of fashion, but spokes are best for a bike of this kind. Can’t even imagine any type of alloy replacing this beautifully designed spokes.
• Though hefty it is easy to maneuver in city traffic.
• Solid build and hand assembled. It will last for decades together unlike other bikes.
• Heritage beauty, which is unambiguous to Classic series.
• Round Headlights with wonderful power and neatly spread across your path makes it best for city rides as well as long rides.
• The tail assembly is again heritage design with a metal enclosure projecting out of the mudguard holding classic tail and turn indicators.
• The chrome metal cap over the round headlights highlights the heritage beauty.
• The speedo meter console is placed over the headlight embedded in a metal unit, just like 50’s models. Which is very beautiful for this bike.
• Gives a mileage of around 30 Kmpl, which is very good for a 350CC engine. (Heard few saying mileage more than 35 Kmpl also)
• Best bike if you want to carry a lady pillion often who sits one-sided wearing saree or similar dress.
• Best bike if you look hefty (No offence taken please). Because I know you will not like others commenting about you that “Look how small the bike when he is on that”
• The grunt generated by its muffler give a unique feel. There is no other comparison to this, at least in India.
• Best machine for cruising on highways, thanks to the riding posture, wider and soft seats and very good suspensions.
• The rider seat got visible springs which not only looks like heritage assembly, but also acts as a 2nd shock absorber, which enhances comfort.
• Classic series comes with MRF Zappers which is contemporary with RE and far better than the old tires, and it offers excellent grip for this machines pull and speed.
• Very good bike for off-roading. Thanks to its solid build, best in class torque and riding posture.
• Very good kick start mechanism. It ignites in the very first kick itself most of the time and no reverse kicking to worry about.

Cons

• RE dealers are least bothered about the Customers. No proper response when enquiry about the vehicle details and also when enquired about the delivery also they can’t keep their words on delivery date.
• Initially Classic 350 came with normal tire in the front with straight threads, which got very bad road grip. There was no optional upgrade to other tires like Zapper. This point can be eliminated as I have seen now a day even Classic 350 comes with Zapper in front too.
• The stock muffler doesn’t look good, neither the sound is great. RE provides another short muffler with some nice curves which suites best on Classic and sounds great too. But one has to buy this separately as a different accessory as an upgrade. This will end up the owner paying more and having a spare muffler at home.
• Few dealers sell both original spares as well as local made spares and they aren’t informing about this to the customer. While changing the muffler a dealer from Chennai replaced a local made muffler for a lower price. This one we came to know only after talking to some person from RE that the original muffler costs much more that what my friend got for.
• Lack of spares which leaves customer disgruntled. We have a bent handle bar which we are trying to replace for months and whenever we call RE always there will be only one answer “Sir, we will be getting the spare in couple of days”
• Rusting parts. We found a couple of nuts, bolts and the local muffler too getting rust. But it is not much to worry about. Still RE can improve on this front to make their beast look more reliable.
• No plastic parts anywhere on the bike, all made of steel. This could sound better when we think of any accident. But even mud flaps made of steel which collects mud and prone to rust easily.
• Too heavy to handle if you are not ready to bear the weight. If you face flat tire, never think of pulling it to the shop. All that 180KGs will sit firm on the road. The best way around will be try to get a person to fix it in the same place.
• It doesn’t have good pickup. To compare with, even a 150CC bike pulls faster than this. But this is ok for a cruiser like this in my personal opinion.
• It doesn’t have good top speed. Being a 350CC it pulled only till 110 Kmph which I feel very low. At least top speed should have been more.
• Once you cross about 80-90 Kmph you can notice mild vibrations on handle bar, but it is negligible.
• Front disc brakes are good, could have been better to stop a 180 KG monster.
• A rear disc would show some justice. If cost matters, at least should have been kept as optional for some who prefers it.
• Engine shows some heat to the foot area after long run.
• Tail lamp is good enough, still LED would have been better.
• Fuel Injection is not there in Classic 350, it would have increased the mileage to some extent I feel.
• This machine also got cold start issue once in a while when you try electrical during morning, so it is recommended to use kick start.
• Precise fittings are needed in some area light tool box cover. Every time after we open, it takes about a minute or two to get it closed.
• Parts like side stand needs lubrication often, else u can’t use it easily just like other bikes.
• Not easy to hold it in main stand because of its mass. But one can get used to it.
• Electrical units fit and finishes are not up to the mark. Turn indicator switch gets stuck sometimes even after got it repaired in every service.
• It got only analogue speedometer, odometer and an Ammeter. And It lacks Trip meter, tachometer. It would have been better if there was a tachometer in place of ammeter. Still I wonder what can a rider do seeing an Ammeter.

Conclusion

Though I observed so many cons about this bike, (even my friend admits too), he is very much happy about this beast. I would say even I am very happy after driven it for 1000s of Kms. I took it for rides even now too once in a while. One will never regret getting this beast. It makes you feel proud of a RE owner. My friend is a proud owner of this beast and if you have in mind to own a RE, Better don’t ask anyone.

Go and book one for you. You will realize the feel only when you own one. This bike is not for the guys who seek adrenaline rush or who want to be the fastest or for one who is looking for a commuter. This is pride. Own one to get that feel. I know what will go inside one’s mind hearing 10-12 months waiting period. But trust me guys, the wait is really worth for such a classic piece of art.

You could ask me more thru’ comments if I have missed to cover any part in this review. Ride fast/ ride wherever you want to, but remember to be well within your limits and your bike’s limits. Wear safety gears. Have fun riding.

KTM 200 Duke Launched in Bangalore

KTM is now Ready to Race in the Silicon Valley of India which is Bangalore. The KTM store in Bangalore has started the delivery of KTM Duke 200 to the first set of 20 customers. Known for their legendary racing achievements, KTM is Europe’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer and dominates the off-road segment across the world. KTM debuts in India with its premium streetbike brand, the DUKE. The first offering from the KTM stable in India, the Duke 200 would be retailed through a dedicated KTM store (erstwhile Bajaj Probiking Store) at 100 ft road in Indiranagar, Bangalore along with KTM’s famous range of Accessories and Merchandise called KTM PowerWear and KTM PowerParts.

Mr. Amit Nandi, Vice President, Bajaj Auto, said, “KTM is the second largest player in the Europe only next to BMW. The company has emerged as the champion in off – road racing events and posses a market share of above 50 per cent when it comes to the off – road bike segment.”

In a segment crowded with full-faired Japanese motorcycles, the KTM 200 Duke will be the only one sporting the naked streefighter styling that all KTM Dukes, like the Super Duke 990 and the Duke 690, are renowned for. The 200 Duke will be powered by a single cylinder, 200cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, four valve engine which will pump out a peak power of 25bhp and a maximum torque of 19 Nm. Like all KTM’s the 200 Duke has the best–in-class power to weight ratio of 184 Ps/ton thanks to high strength- low weight components of the highest quality.  It features first in class features such as a Trellis Frame, Upside Down forks by European specialists WP, an aluminium swing arm, a multifunction cockpit and many more.

Talking about the Powerwear and the Powerparts which are the company’s official merchandise and accessories range he said, “Apart from bikes, the brand believes in going beyond the bikes which is why KTM concentrates gives due importance on Powerwear and the Powerparts.” He was asked from the media side about these products, he said that a few  of them are available in Pune and all the timer they need is the time they take to bring them here and that’s it. But, he then added that the pother few of them will take a month or more to be stocked in the outlets.

KTM will also organize a few ride trips for its customers which will be at the basic level which involves not much complexity. But at the same time, it is also showing hints of bringing in few of the greatest trips into the sub – continent.

He said, “What India need is a practical bike which is both sporty and fast. The KTM 200 Duke is one such bike. In a segment like this, which is dominated pre – dominantly by Japanese players, KTM becomes the first European brand to get in.”

The KTM 200 Duke will take on the Yamaha YZF – R15V2.0 and the Honda CBR250R as its competitors at this point of time. The competition will of course become intense over a period of time as there’re more companies on the pipeline which will come up with products in this segment.

KTM has emerged as a winner in the Paris – Dhakar rally for 11 consecutive years. This is ‘THE’ most toughest rally on the Planet Earth covering an off – road hostile terrain of 9000 kms. In the recently concluded 2012 rally, 7 out of top 10 riders were in KTM bikes and similarly 15 out of top 20 riders were on their KTMs.

Mr. Amit Nandi said, “We’d started bookings for the KTM 200 Duke in Bangalore by the 1^st of Febraury and the response has been amazing. Practically on the first 5 days, the company managed to sell its 2 – 3 months of its production. ”

Packed with technology and features befitting motorcycles of far higher segments, the KTM 200 Duke has been launched in Bangalore with a price tag of INR 1,19,000 (Ex – Showroom) and INR 1,38,000 (On – Road).

The bike will be made available only in its signature colour which is orange. When made a point that the Duke 690 is available in another colour scheme of green and black, he said that the company has no plans of coming up with another colour atleast for the next 6 – 8 months.

There was also a question posed to him if this bike will sport ABS in the near future and the answer for this question went negatively.

Mr. Pushpchand Chordia, the CEO of Khivraj Motors said “We are delighted to bring the Duke 200 in Bangalore and are very positive about the prospects of KTM in the city. For the world class product we are geared up with the world class sales and service facilities. The state of art showroom is situated at the 100 ft road Indiranagar and the service center is also located at 100ft road Indiranagar near Domlur flyover.”

Mr. Amit Nandi said, “KTM is the only European brand in its segment in India. It has impeccable racing achievements for over 40 Years and will be available in its unique trademark orange colour. The KTM 200 Duke is meant for people who are young at heart and like to be different.”