Polaris Dominates the 10th Desert Storm Rally

Polaris India Pvt. Ltd. – a wholly owned subsidiary of Polaris Industries – the world leader in off road segment, emerged winner at the 10th Desert Storm Rally bagging the first prize in the Moto Quad category of the Desert Storm 2012 Rally with RANGER RZR S 800 side-by-side. The vehicle finished first with an amazing lead of 1 hour 40 minutes leaving the competitors in the category far behind.

Polaris India participated the Desert Storm Rally for the first time with its powerful off – roaders, RANGER RZR S 800 side – by – side and Sportsman 550 EPS (Hunter) in the Moto Quad category with two teams, Raj Singh Rathore behind the wheels of side by side RZR S 800 and Rahul Soni riding the powerful Sportsman 550 EPS.

Commenting on the win, Mr. Pankaj Dubey, Managing Director, Polaris India, said, “This victory is very special for us since this is our first official entry in the grueling Desert Storm Rally. The achievement underlines the incredible capabilities of our off-road vehicles and their stellar performance in Motor Sports. Polaris is best known for its powersports vehicles, which handle unforgiving terrains with ease and offer the smoothest rides even in extreme conditions. Desert Storm is an apt platform for Polaris to showcase the sturdiness and the amazing capabilities of Polaris off roaders”.

The notable thing here about Polaris vehicles is that they did not require any kind of servicing or modification during the continuous stretch of five days of the Rally unlike most of the participating vehicles. The Polaris vehicles truly stood the test of unmatched performance, safety & reliability.

The annual Desert Storm rally, known as India’s longest and amongst the toughest motor events was flagged off from New Delhi on February 20, 2012 and concluded on February 25, 2012 in Ahmedabad. The rally traversed across Delhi – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Barmer – Bhuj – Rann of Kutch – Ahmedabad covering some of the most difficult and challenging terrains of northern and western India. The participants competed on the TSD (Time Speed Distance) format to cover the distance of over 3,500 kms in a span of six days, culminating in Ahmedabad on February 25.

Hero MotoCorp to Buy Minority Stake in Eric Buell Racing

India’s largest two wheeler company Hero Motocorp. will buy a minority stake in US motorcycle firm Erik Buell Racing (EBR) for an undisclosed amount according to news reported by Economic times.  The deal is likely to happen in the early next financial year. Hero Motocorp did not disclose any deal terms which they are planning to negotiate.

Hero MotoCorp MD and CEO Pawan Munjal said. “We have a flexible free-flowing pact with EBR, which would be developed into a equity partnership. The move is aimed at securing uninterrupted technological support from the US racing motorcycle maker once associated with iconic brand Harley-Davidson. By buying a stake, Hero can have a higher say in the US marquee firm and use the partnership to get a foothold in overseas markets. As we turn global, which is our long cherished aim, EBR is a strategic fit that will help us gain traction in overseas markets. We are open to all options as we move into being a diversified automotive company.”

EBR chief promoter Erik Buell said “We would look forward to have both technological alliance and partnership with Hero Moto-Corp in the future. A marriage would lead to huge synergies in the long-term. EBR has an annual capacity of 15,000 units. Hero has not ruled out more such partnerships.”

It seems that Hero Motocorp. is now aggressively acquiring stake in foreign companies to develop its own R&D technologies. Such deals will give company access to technologies which are difficult to develop in short period of time. Also, such foreign companies are available at fair price while Hero Motocorp is a cash rich company and has lots of extra fund to deploy. Such deals are also giving an opportunity to access foreign market which would be more difficult in the absence of partner.

Bajaj Auto Recalls Pulsar 220

Bajaj Auto, the name that has made itself familiar along the length and breadth of the nation by virtue of its brand – Pulsar is on a fast recall mode for the Fastest India bike – Pulsar 220. The company has detected a faulty part which leads to starting problem in the bike.

The company’s dealers said a problem with the starter relay on the Pulsar 220 had prompted Bajaj Auto to go in for the part replacement. However, it is to be mentioned that this recall covers not all the units. It is only for selected number of units that are despatched from a particular batch.

Bajaj Auto’s two-wheeler unit president K Srinivas said, “At Bajaj Auto, quality improvement is an ongoing process as we recognize that no product, however good, is ever perfect. Towards this purpose we continuously monitor the in-use quality of our products well beyond their two-year warranty period… Recently, a non-conformance in the starter motor relays of some of our motorcycles has come to our notice.”

The company refused to give out the details of the number of units that would be covered as part of this recall which is taking place at this juncture. Mr. Srinivas added that all the dealers have been informed about this recall. Also, inspection process is on if there are other brands of bikes that’s been facing this particular problem.

Bajaj Auto dealers are in touch with customers and have even sent them SMSs. Officials at the workshops said that the part will be changed free of cost and the process will take around 15-20 minutes.

So, it is better that PulsarManiacs owning P220s keep checking their SMSs for any news from the company or your dealer and get the replacement done by just sparing half an hour of your time.

But the question to be answered here is the same old one. Should we take it on the positive front that companies are ready to recall their products owing to their faults and getting it done replaced at free of cost or should we blame the auto giants that inspection quality is not upto the mark? Leave your comments in the form of words below.

KTM To Bring Merchandise into India

The Austrian bike maker KTM, known for its range of street bikes all across the globe had recently launched its first model for India – Duke 200 in the capital city.

Hyderabad, the city which is known for its vast number of bikers and bike enthusiasts saw the opening up of a new KTM store, through which the Duke will be sold in the city. This marks the revealing of the Duke to the southern part of the country in a phase by phase manner as planned by Bajaj Auto.

“The response to the introduction of the bike known for its rustic features and yet refinement, has been very encouraging. There is also demand for these bikes in tier II and III cities, where we plan to grow the dealerships from 32 now,” representatives of KTM said.

Mr Prakhar Muktibodh, Area Sales Manager, KTM South, said that the market for such bikes is estimated at 2,000 a month and is poised to grow with more youngsters upgrading to this category. Currently, KTM, Yamaha and Honda are offering bikes in this category.

KTM is also known for its wide range of merchandise and apparels that it offers in many of the nation it operates. The company is planning to bring its array of jackets and other set of riding gear into India at this point of time. “The KTM brand has a wide range of accessories and parts that go well with bike lovers. As a part of expanding the business in India, we are set to bring in these merchandise, including jackets, gloves and helmets,” Mr Prakhar said.

Mr Amit Pawar, Zonal Manager of Bajaj Auto Ltd, said: “The aspirations of young bike lovers is changing and their expectations too. They now want all the features of naked bike in a regular street bike. This means, we will have to offer them what they want with new models.”

Let’s hope that this bike does a great business for the company thereby marking the opening up of an all new brand in India.

Royal Enfield reports 42% growth in 2011

Royal Enfield, the iconic motorcycle manufacturer has registered growth of 41.94% du ring the year 2011 compared to year 2010 according to companies press release. The company sold total units of 74,626 units compared to 52,576 units sold in the year 2010. In spite of registering 42% growth the company is still not in position to fulfill local demand and some of its models are commanding waiting list of 6 months. Further, the company expects the momentum to continue for the year 2012 as well due to strong order book for the year.

Educating on the numbers posted by Royal Enfield, Mr Siddhartha Lal said, “Royal Enfield has recorded a volume growth of 42% with 74626 units being sold in the calendar year 2011. We have successfully achieved our target to produce and sell 7000 motorcycles per month by the end of calendar year 2011.

Royal Enfield also carries forward a very healthy order book to 2012. The capacity expansion plans for Royal Enfield is progressing as planned and the production at the new plant will start by Q1 2013.”

“At the 2012 Auto Expo, Royal Enfield previewed the all new Thunderbird 500, fitted with the Unit  Construction Engine and a host of design enhancements. With this new product, Royal Enfield has again upped the ante in leisure motorcycling which we have been pioneering for over half a century in India. Royal Enfield also showcased a range of well crafted, meticulously detailed, purpose built motorcycle gear at the Auto Expo. The Royal Enfield accessories both add flair and enhance the riding experience. The collection includes biker apparel, bike and riding accessories”, he added.  .

It is also planning to launch Thunderbird 500 in the year 2012. It’s second plant in the area of SIPCOT Industrial Growth Centre, Oragadam, Tamilnadu will become operational by first quarter of 2013 which will enhance its capacity to 1,50,000 units per annum. Looking at current trend it seems that it will need to further enhance its capacity in the year 2014 itself.

Yamaha Fazer Review by Sarvesh

It was 6th of October 2011, just four months ago, I woke up that morning all excited yet nervous, the day Had Finally come, the day I had been waiting for, for so long. When it striked had researched so much, had searched so much about her, had already rejected a few and finally chosen her to be.

Looked at my mum who looked sheepishly at me, and wasn’t sure why was I excited, why did I wake up early and why was I forcing my dad to take me to her, she knew that I knew that she would arrive on this day, but that wait for a month over the waiting period was killing me. It was Dussehra, and my Mom had Scheduled the date to be on that Auspicious day, My dad went further into makin the day auspicious by setting up a time for delivery.

Never had I Eaten my food as fast as I did on that day, finally me and my dad sat in our car and went ahead to get my beauty. I remembered the Day When I actually thought of getting myself a bike was after my dear old Activa, owned by my dad broke down while riding and I had to push her for around 3kms to get to my house.

And while in the car a Unicorn passed by, my first choice, wanted a Japanese machine for myself and so after trusting upon Honda Activa, it was Honda Unicorn, Booked it from Panvel in January 2010 to reduce the waiting period by 3 months which came down to 9 then, but then over the next 4 months dad decided to increase the Budget, and that’s when the search for a Meaner machine Began.

Research, forums and tests of Yamaha FZ-S, Fazer, Apache RTR 180 andPulsar 220, but Japanese Machines is what I wanted then zeroed on FZ-S, went to the showroom where I was now going to collect her from, and that’s when my eyes fell on the White Yamaha Fazer, how beautiful it looked gleaming in the sun, the White and silver with the new graphics and the Fazer Graphic placed on the tank made her look wonderful, my dad immediately asked the price of this Beauty and well booked it while I was still admiring her color outside the showroom.

And Well there were no more changes even though it crossed the budget a bit but no compromise could have been made for this beauty, but there was one problem, the delivery date, the bike was going to be in the showroom within a week told the sales guy, n my mom told them keep her in the showroom we would collect it on the 6th of October, Dussehra, Damn I said, the bike would be in the showroom all paid for and I get to ride her a month from then.

So that’s why I was so excited so happy and so escatic about this day I had uselessly and hopelessly waited for this day, the “haath laga par muh na aaya” situation was finally gonna change. I got out of the car, and walked through 10 other people who were awaiting their bikes arrival, and there along with a few 10 FZ’s and FZ-S’s stood alone my babe, My Fazer.

Got the Paper work done and from then till now its been a hell of a Ride. The Japanese as I knew build the most durable strong and powerful bikes in the world and well the Fazer proves it. The looks of the bike have taken cues from its 1000cc variant and well I have noticed a lot of fazers but the White ones looks a lot like its big daddy.

The bikes a tourer and is meant to be cruised but, a pull on the throttle and the bike zooms to great speeds in no time, without much of engine noise or vibration, the power of Yamaha gleams through the sunlight while riding this mean machine. Never got the opportunity in its four month old lifespan, but I know she will just prove all the points which Yamaha says in later years. Wont be explaining the Specs and details but can tell what I think about the bike.

Performance

Yamaha name stands for performance, The bike being a cruiser and not a racing machine gives out enough power on low vibrations and engine noise. The bike Cruises beautifully around the speeds of 60-70 on highway. The bike feels the best in performance when driven on the 5.5k to 6.5k rpm reaching the speeds of 90kmph easily, after which it becomes a drag to reach 110, the maximum I could achieve was 115, but the bike still had something left in her. While Cruising the bike in the speeds of 4.5-5.5krpm feels the best. The bike makes no noise and the engine feels the happiest here. The bike is fun to ride in the 3rd gear, smooth is the word, bikes have a certain special gear and for Fazer it’s the 3rd.

Aerodynamics

Though I don’t know much about this area, but would like to tell you that the bike Owns here, the bike is designed in a way to keep the air pressure move away from the bike, and the face of the rider, thus making it an easy cruiser also the downforce acting on the bike is excellent keeps it stuck to the road, so its not just the tyres which do wonders.

Handling

The bike handles beautifully while cruising on highways as well as through the city traffic, the bike is light in weight and so can be easily cut through traffic. The long handlebar makes the bike comfortable to ride and even new riders find easy to curve it. The fairing at first can be a problem making it look as if it cant go through gaps or turn a 360 in a small area, but it does, and one gradually understands it.

Seating

The seats are pretty comfortable, even for pillion riders, one can slip a bit on the sloping pillion seat but, on which bike does that not happen, the riders seat gives the bike a sporty look and the well placed foot pegs make sure that one doesn’t hide the looks of this Babe.

Overall Look of the Bike

As said picks up cues from its big daddy, the Fazer 1000, but has the body below the fairing of the FZ series. The bike looks all Macho and young, and the dual eagle eye lamps give an sportsbike kinda look to the bike. The bikes Newly placed Graphics and new color variants have made the bike and state of the art kinda machine. The Color I like the most is White as I own it.

Other then White the Black and silver looks great. The Fazer sticker on the Tank makes the bike look more filled than its predecessors. The Yamaha logo emblem on the side fairing panel and the back of the bike gives the bike a full new meaning. And the looks that one gets on the white model are excellent. Always remember people never look at you coz your face is covered with a helmet it’s the bike wooing the chicks n jaw dropping the males.

Fuel Efficiency

A no buy if you think about fuel efficiency, buy a splendor instead. The bike gives a decent 37-42kmpl. But given the performance and the feel of the machine it’s a Buy Factor.

The ‘P’ Factor

Price is always the main factor. If you are a fan of cruisers and non naked bikes this ones for you and spend that lil bit more to be content for your life. The Bike costs around 86,000/- on road in Mumbai, but the bike is worth every penny. There are options like Apache RTR 180, Pulsar 220 in this price range, but if one needs durability and performance trust the Japanese.

Conclusion

The bike is for those who still believe in the old school cruising long distance biking to be the real thing. If your looking for racing machines its not for you. It’s a value for every penny spent and so if your planning to buy in Cruising spirit well what are you waiting for Run To The Outlet Book It. And those who own it, well ride safe, be safe.

P.S. I am still awaiting a call from The Honda guys in Panvel about my booked Unicorn its been a year and 3 months now.

Yamaha Motor Thailand Looking for Joint Venture in Burma

Yamaha Motor Thailand, a subsidiary company of Yamaha Motor Corporation in Thailand is planning to form a joint venture in Burma with the help of a group of investors. Yamaha Motor Thailand decision comes in response to Burma’s new policy to attract overseas investment. The company is in discussion with its parent company Yamaha Motor Corporation over its business strategy involving production, distribution and prospect for Burma. The company expects to produce 10,000 motorcycles in the first year of operation.

Yamaha Filano in Thailand

Yamaha Thailand has been authorized to take care of Laos and Combodia too. The company has successfully sold 20,000 units in Comboida 10,000 units in Laos last year. The company is now aiming to explore the market of Burma. Burma has seen spike in motorcycle sales and Yamaha wants to capture larger pie of sales. Yamaha has projected aggressive growth plan for the ASEAN (Association of South East Asia Nation) region in the year 2012, it is going to launch several new products and expand its dealer base in ASEAN region.  For example it aims to increase its market share in Thailand to 35% by launching new models and increasing dealer number to 653 in the current year.

Last year there were total 60 million motorcycles sold worldwide. Yamaha expects that the global motorcycle market to reach 80 million units by the year 2020. The major growth will come from the Asian region which includes countries like China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam etc. Yamaha expects to reach 10 million units sales by 2015.