Thursday, April 23, 2009

Imported Bikes In India

Bikes are a great passion among Indian men. The high-performance, stylized bikes are being purchased despite their exorbitant price, by boys, especially in their youth. Though often much talked of, imported bikes likes Kawasaki and Suzuki are seen on roads in much lesser number than Hero Honda and Bajaj Bikes. Indian bikes are more commonly seen or roads, whereas the Imported bikes, because of their heavy price, remain only with the rich businessmen and sports persons. The reason such bikes are being imported and not produced in India is because Indian manufacturers are not yet ready to launch such automated, futuristic high-speed bikes. Though Hero Honda has produced some revolutionary bikes like Hero Honda Passion Plus, Karisma and CBZ, Suzuki Hayabusa and Yamaha bikes are often been imported to India, keeping in mind their wide demand. Few impressive Imported Bikes in India are:

Suzuki Hayabusa: It’s a sport bike introduced by Suzuki in 1999. After that Suzuki developed various Hayabusa bike versions like Suzuki Hayabusa 2007, Suzuki Hayabusa 2008 and others. All are till date famous for their high speed and engineered build.

Kawasaki Ninja: This is a revolutionary, high performance, impressive bike that is revered by the bike aficionados in India. Mainly the prerogative of rich kids and sports freak, the Kawasaki Ninja (ZX12R) has 1199cc DOHC, liquid cooled 4-cylinder engine that gives 178 bhp. The speed stability and comfortable handling experience makes Ninja a challenging and adventurous riding experience. Its popularity can be judged from the fact that celebrities like Salman Khan stylishly ride it on the roads. The price has been high, but even this has not been able to steal thunder from this stylized bike.

Yamaha R15: The Yamaha YZF R15 is a revolutionary bike launched in 1998. With an inflated price of (average) Rs.90,000, it became an instant hit in the national market. More than performance and mileage, the YZF R15 is famous for its killer looks. Prior to Yamaha R15’s entry to Indian Automobile industry, Hero Honda Charisma and Bajaj Pulsar had captured the roads, but after the curtains were raised, Yamaha R15 managed to absorb all the attention.

The Imported Bikes can make a pretty good hole in your pocket, as you have to pay heavy duties/taxes too, but if you have the money to buy them, these bikes are worth the hype and price.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Bike Helmet Safety

It was a year or so ago, but I can’t forget about the news story I saw on television about the bike helmet. I can’t remember the show, but I think it was 20-20. What it had to say about the helmets was interesting, and once someone said it, it was not all that surprising. However, it was not something most would realize on their own though it made a lot of sense. They said it was not always safer to wear a helmet while on a bike, and the reason made a lot of sense.

They did some experiments and came to the conclusion that drivers are not as careful around riders that are wearing a bike helmet because they assume they are more advanced riders. Those without a helmet will find cars giving them a lot of room when they go by, but the ones with a bike helmet got about half of the space, if that. The reasoning behind this is that the helmet signifies experience, and that means drivers don’t have to be careful. That’s not true, but that seems to be the unconscious thought for more drivers.

Does that mean that most should not wear a bike helmet? Certainly not, especially when it comes to children. They should always have one because there is nothing funny or easy about a head injury. Some parents think their children should take their bumps and bruises, which is true for the most part, but they should always have their heads protected when riding a bike. It might not be cool, but it can save a life.

When buying a bike helmet, think about function before style. I have looked at them, but have yet to buy one because my daughter does not ride very often. However, if friends start coming around to ask her to go riding, she will be wearing a bike helmet. I have noticed that some are better than others, and this is one thing you may not want to buy from a discount store. For the reassurance that you are buying something that will work if an accident were to occur, get your helmet from a sporting goods store. That way you know you are getting a better quality item. If you don’t have such a place near you, you can get them online. You can also look for recommendations online to see what other parents think are the best brands and styles.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Mountain Bike Racing

Who can race?
Everyone! Most mountain bike race events are divided into different categories: gender, age and ability. So even if you are just beginning to love the sport or if you have been riding for several years, there is a race for you.

Who organizes the race?
Many of the best mountain biking races for beginners are organized by local communities. And most participants can be your friends and neighbors. How many joins this race? Depending on its popularity – maybe 30 or 100. The good thing about community-organized races is that they are less competitive as they are often participated by average riders like you. So if it is your first time to join a race, this is a good starting point.

Check with your local bike shop and bike websites to find if there are race events nearby.

Why race?
Racing improves your riding skill and makes you a better rider. Racing gives you a goal, which drives you to perform better than in casual biking. It improves your focus on the road. Since you dare to ride as fast as you can, it increases your reaction time to every bend, corners, rocks and dips. Also, knowing that the race is coming up, you eat and prepare better.

How much does it cost?
Entry or registration fee for community mountain bike race usually costs between $10 and $35. This usually includes t-shirt. Regional races are a bit higher. Often, gift certificates and bike gears are given and prizes.

Speaking of prizes, awards are given in all categories like Women 30-39 Beginner, Men 30-39 Beginner, Men 30-39 Expert, Men 40-49 Beginner etc. So there are several chances of winning. When they speak of the "depth", it means the number of places that is awarded for a particular category. If the awards are "five deep", that means prizes are given from first up to fifth place.

Either way, it is not about the prize but for the fun of biking.

What are the rules?
Know if you should be "self-supporting", meaning you have to provide everything you need during the race from water supply to repair tools. If not, ask if you can share tools and inner tubes with your teammates or other rides. Also, check if you can munch powerbars while riding or get water-bottle from your pit-crew as turn a lap. These are important details to know.

There are unwritten, non-technical rules in mountain biking race. First, do not mess with other riders. Do not block. Do not draft (riding directly behind another rider and use him as shield block the air). Do not endanger another rider. The aim of the race is fun and camaraderie so do not spoil it by kicking someone else's bike or throwing an empty water-bottle to other competitors.

What to prepare?
Be physically fit. Get stronger. Ride more often. Run the course at least once before the race to familiarize the terrain. Register in advance. Pack everything you need a night before.

On race day, arrive an hour early. This gives you time to rest, mingle with other racers and do some final check with your bike (do not change major parts on race day unless it is completely necessary). After the race, hang out with other racers, cheer for the late finishers, wait for the awarding and recall the day's event.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Bike World

Motorbikes are considered heartthrobs in the automotive world. Bikes are conventional, and normal bikes are used by ordinary, middle-class people who cannot afford to buy themselves a car. It would not be an overstatement that 90 percent of people who step into their professional lives and start earning buy a motorbike as a means of transportation. They can take their feet off the ground and flutter away on their vehicles.

These motorcycles are economical in many ways. Some third world countries have started producing their local scooters and bikes so that almost any person who manages to save a little amount of money can afford a scooter easily.

This goes for countries that are on their way towards development. Motorbikes are not hard to assemble and there are people who have managed to build their very own bikes.

It does not consume as much fuel as cars do and they can easily adjust themselves between cars in the parking lot!

It is hard to categorize bikes because now the ordinary Yamahas are beginning to come in the markets with the same features as those of trail or heavy bikes. Not exactly the same but a lot of features are being installed in all kinds of bikes. They are now more comfortable and smooth to ride on.

Bikes are of numerous types. An ATV drift has become dominant over the past few years. In ATV, there is a raptor 700R GYTR edition; its key features are much more advanced. It is appealing for bike lovers as it has special graphics system, all new skid plates and more powerful engine that can make this bike race in all sorts of riding environments. It is capable of riding smoothly in deserts, dunes and even thick woods. It is basically a sports bike and it is used in bike racing and over the years it has earned the reputation of the best racer in the world.

Such bikes are expensive and belong to the sporting world. They used to be rather plain featured as we have seen the trail bikes that come with extra shocks and special wheels. The latest bikes have no comparison; they are a complete package. Their bodies are light weight; they have bigger, smoother, comfortable cushion seats. And their over all performance is much more satisfying than people could imagine. Motorbikes are a joy to ride.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

An Amazing New Sports Car




Here is a truly amazing new sports car – the KTM X-Bow. It is amazing in the way it looks, the way it is made and in its performance. So what is so special about the way it looks? Well, it has open wheels, with cycle type fenders, but you can hardly see them. At the front there is a big cowl which hides the wheels, but beneath that is a narrow chisel nose that is the front of the body, the engine being behind the cockpit.

On top of the engine is a curved cowl that acts as a cover, and provides some downforce at speed. Then, twin radiators are mounted each side of the engine, just behind the cockpit, where they partly conceal the engine and rear wheels. If you look from the back, you can see the rear suspension and a big muffler across the back with the exhaust coming straight out. This mufflers acts as a safety crash member, taking the impact in a crash.

One more thing that is different: the instruments and controls are all mounted in the hub of the steering wheel.

Austrian, with mid-engined layout

So who has produced this unusual sports car? KTM, the Austrian maker of high-performance off road motor bikes. Like KTM motorcycles, the X-Bow is a hot performer, without any creature comforts, and has shaken up the sports car world.

It has a carbon fiber body, made in Italy, which is one reason why this is a lightweight car, although not as light as the Lotus 2-11 or Caterham CSR, two competitors.

What is normal about it? Well, like the Lotus Elise, Exige and 2-11 sports cars the engine is mounted cross-wise in unit with the transaxle behind the cockpit, an arrangement which allows the use of a power train of a mass production front-drive car. In this case, the power train is the Audi two-liter turbo unit, developing 240 bhp.

All about performance without any frills

Like the Caterham and Lotus 2-11, the KTM X-Bow is all about performance. It can reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and 100 mph in 8.5 seconds, which puts it up in the supercar category. For example, The acceleration is faster than the Audi R8, Jaguar XKR or Porsche Carrera S. It is matched by some other ultra-lightweight super sports cars like the Lotus 2-11, and is a little slower than the Caterham CSR, which reaches 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Even so the performance is remarkable.

In some respects, the KTM X-Bow seems inspired by the Caparo T1, although it is slightly heavier and has half the power. Overall, the KTM X-Bow is an amazing addition to the sports car world.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R Crotch Rocket





The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R motorcycle is a top-of-the-line crotch rocket. As one of the most popular crotch rockets or sport bikes in the motorcycle category it is probably most well known for its speed. It came into this world in 1999 and with ongoing testing it was the fastest production motorcycle in the world.

It enjoyed an excellent reputation among sport bikes however in 2000 the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers decided that they would have to change some of the specs. They were worried about the regulation that was bound to happen among various governments and they didn't want to have any problems.

So in 2001 and the following years through 2008, they added what is called a timing retard to the fifth gear and a rev limiter. This changed the maximum speed to 186 mph from the 198mph that was enjoyed on the earlier model.

It has six gears however most will keep it in third pretty much for tooling around town and up to 60 mph on the local tracks.

The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R has a cool 3-way switch on the right handle bar. Choices are - one for full power and response and the other two switches reduce action and output.

And of course - it's a crotch rocket so you're going to be sitting close to the ground. It sits a little lower than some other models and the bars are not as narrow. But most crotch rocket lovers like this.

The translation of Hayabusa from the Japanese language is peregrine falcon. Thee peregrine falcon can travel faster than 200 mph. This Suzuki motorcycle certainly meets that definition.

In 2008 the crotch rockets or sport bike competition soared when the BMW K120S and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R were brought to the marketplace.

Suzuki is no longer called the GSX1300R in some countries because Suzuki dropped it and they call it simply the Hayabusa.

The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R can go a quarter mile in 9.62 seconds at 149 mph. It can go from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds and from 0-180 in 15.9 seconds.

The 2009 models come in white and silver, black and gray, black and gold and silver and gray. In 2008 the Hayabusa sold for $12,000 or so. Although now, individual deals can be made with local dealers. And if you're lucky enough to find a used Hayabusa that's not all beat up, that's good too and can save you a lot of money.

So if you're thinking about buying a Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R sportbike you'll get a high performance motorcycle - sport bike or crotch rocket that you'll be proud to own, do endless motorcycle stunts and wheelies and love to ride! But don't buy this crotch rocket - motorcycle as your first bike. Repairs can be expensive and one spill can end up causing a lot of damage. Get a used older bike and practice on that unless you're an experienced rider now.

Manufacturer: Suzuki 
Model: GSX-1300R
Engine: Liquid-cooled, inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC 
Displacement: 1298 cc 
Bore and Stroke: 81.0 x 63.0 mm
Carburetion: Keihin EFI, 46 mm Throttle body
Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh, wet mulit-plate
Wheelbase: 58.5 in (1485 mm)
Seat Height: 31.7 in (805 mm)
Rake/Trail: 24°/3.8 in (97 mm)
Fuel Capacity: 5.8 gal (22 L)  
Oil Capacity; 3.7 qt (3.5 L)
Front Tire: 120/70ZR Bridgestone Battlax BT56 Radial
Rear Tire: 190/50ZR-17 Bridgestone Battlax BT56 Radial
Peak Horspower at crank: 180 hp @ 9800 rpm
Measured Peak Horsepower at wheel: 165 hp @ 9400 rpm
Peak Torque 102 ft-lbs @ 7000 rpm
Claimed Dry Weight: 474 lbs (215 kg)
Measured Wet Weight: 540 lbs (245 kg)