Triumph has decided update the Daytona 675 Triple for the 2009 season with a host of modifications to improve the bike’s already class-leading handling and performance.

The only three-cylinder bike in its class now weighs 3kg less and develops 3PS more power than its predecessor!

The latest specification 675cc three-cylinder engine utilizes a 450rpm higher rev limit than the 2008 model, while the hydraulic cam chain tensioner and higher ratio first gear have jumped straight from the race kit to become standard equipment for the road. The new, 2kg-lighter exhaust system, recalibrated fuel injection and revised cylinder head, with new valves and a modified combustion chamber, contribute to a power plant pumping out 128PS and revving to a 13,950rpm redline. A new magnesium cam cover also contributes to the weight-saving and, as a further benefit to racers and track day enthusiasts, Triumph will be adding a ‘plug and play’ quick shifter to its genuine accessories range.

The Daytona 675 comes equipped with top of the line suspension and brakes. The fully-adjustable 41mm upside down forks and rear monoshock unit both benefit from highly sophisticated high and low speed damping control, allowing riders to set their Daytona up with maximum accuracy. New radial-mount Nissin monobloc brakes give even greater levels of stopping power and rider feedback, and new wheels give significant savings in unsprung weight and help the bike change direction more easily. The latest Pirelli SuperCorsa SP tyres have been specified for their outstanding levels of both grip and feedback.

The 2009 Daytona 675 has also been restyled, with a new cockpit, headlamp and screen and would be launched with two color options, Jet Black and Tornado Red in December.

2009 Triumph Daytona 675 wallpaper (right click and save as)

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With petrol prices up and inflation touching a new high, it’s time when even the enthusiasts ride a bit conservatively to get better mileage from their steeds. So here are five simple tips that you can use to improve your motorcycle’s fuel economy.

• Maintain recommended air pressure in tyres: This is one of the simplest things, yet is overlooked by many, by maintaining manufacturer recommended air pressure in your tyres; you ensure that there is minimal rolling resistance and acceleration and braking is happening at the optimal level to help increase fuel efficiency. Remember tyre pressure should always be checked when the tyres are cold i.e. at the beginning of your commute/ride.
• Don’t ride aggressively: One of the sure fire way to ensure you don’t get good mileage is to ride aggressively. By accelerating and braking hard, you are not only increasing wear and tear of engine and brakes, you are also wasting precious petrol. So avoid the urge and try to accelerate and brake in a more linear manner.
• Maintain your motorcycle: Nothing kills fuel efficiency more than a poorly maintained motorcycle, not to mention that by skipping out on regular maintenance, your motorcycle is likely to develop serious problems which would cost you more in the long term.
• Don’t ride with the brake engaged: Quite a few people have the tendency to keep their feet on the rear brake paddle while riding, and this slightly engages the rear brake. While you might not notice this, however even slightly engaged rear brake would increase the friction and would not only cause the brakes to wear out soon, but also lower your fuel efficiency. One way to combat this is by either increasing the brake travel (amount of distance it needs to be pressed before it engages) or getting paddle adjusted to ensure it is slightly below your feet.

Last but not the least:

• Shut off the engine at traffic signal: Another simple yet effective way to improve mileage is to shut off the engine when ever you have to stop at the traffic signal or anywhere else for more that 20-30 seconds. If you keep the engine running, then you are wasting petrol since it is still being consumed and you are not moving any further! With the electric starters now becoming a common sight, switching off your engine at the traffic signal makes even more sense now!

Just by following these simple tips, you can improve your bike’s mileage by up to 10-15%. If you have similar tips on how to improve mileage, please do share them with rest of us in our forums.

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Bajaj Auto is planning to launch two new 125cc motorcycles in this quarter. With the festive season around the corner, Bajaj Auto is bullish about good sales figures this quarter and new models should provide the boost it needs.

One of the motorcycles expected to be launched during this quarter is the Bajaj XCD DTS-i Sprint.

Showcased at the 2008 AutoExpo, XCD DTS-i Sprint is expected to be launched with a 4-valve 125cc 4st engine producing a respectable 12.5bhp.

Second model would likely be positioned toward the bottom of the 125cc market in an attempt to entice more 100cc motorcycle owners to switch to the 125cc segment.

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Dodge Tomahawk was a concept vehicle from the car manufacturer Dodge. Even though it looked somewhat like a motorcycle made to break the land speed record, it had four wheels and thus belonged more to the category of Quads and ATVs, than Motorcycles.

Only 10 of these 8275cc, 500hp beasts were ever sold by Dodge and that too for a whopping US$ 550,000 each (Rs. 23,100,000)!

While the Dodge Tomahawk was assigned to the pages of automobile history, a little known motorcycle company from China, KMD Powersports, decided to produce an ATV based on the Dodge Tomahawk, christened the K-007:

Dodge Tomahawk:

KMD K-007

This 149.6cc Chinese ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) costs a mere US$ 1,400 (Rs. 59,000) i.e. one can buy ~392 of these for the price of one Dodge Tomahawk and while it might not have as much power or for that matter, be as fun to ride as the Tomahawk, we believe it will manage to get as many second glances as the original thing!

While we don’t endorse such blatant act of design theft, we have to but wonder at the imagination and ingenuity of these Chinese manufactures, who try to make their little vehicles every bit as good as vehicles from around the world, if not in performance and quality, at least in design and looks department.

KMD K-007 Technical specifications:
Engine type: GY6 engine, fully automatic, single cylinder, 4-stroke, forced air-cooled
Engine displacement: 149.6
Bore x stroke (mm): 57.4 * 57.8
Max. power (Kw/r/min): 8.0/8000
Max. toque (N.m/r/min): 9.0/5500
Fuel tank capacity: 7L
Start mode: electric start
Tires (front/rear): 12 x 3.5-10
Transmission mode: chain
Brakes (front/rear): dual hydraulic disc / hydraulic disc
Shift speed type: CVT
Suspension(front/rear): independent double hydraulic shock/ hydraulic shock
Length x width x height (mm): 1710×700x750
Seat height (mm): 530
Top speed (km/h): 100
Max. load: 100kg
Carton dimensions: 176x 50 x 68cm
N.W.:/G.W.: 125kg/135kg

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Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), one of India’s leading automotive companies, today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the acquisition of business assets of Pune-based Kinetic Motor Company Ltd. (KMCL). The acquisition will be done through a New Company to be formed. (New Co.). The consideration for the acquisition is a sum of Rs. 110 crores (subject to closing due diligence) plus 20 percent stake to KMCL in the New Co. M&M will hold the balance 80 per cent of the equity.

The deal will enable Mahindra to design and market a range of scooters, value engineered motorcycles and high-end motorcycles for the Indian and global markets, helping it establish a robust, end-to-end two-wheeler business in every segment of the industry.

“The acquisition of business assets of KMCL is a defining moment in the history of Mahindra as it will give us an opportunity to emerge as a full range player with a presence in almost every segment of the automobile industry. KMCL is a strategic fit with our overall two-wheeler strategy. The strong in-house design and development competencies provided by Mahindra Engineering Services (MES) and the recent acquisition of Italy-based design house, Engines Engineering, coupled with KMCL’s expertise will enable us to assume a significant position in the rapidly growing Indian and global two-wheeler market. I am also delighted to announce that Mr. Anoop Mathur, President Designate, Two-Wheeler Sector, will spearhead this new venture” said Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group.

“KMCL is a company with a rich heritage spanning more than three decades. Over the years, we have introduced several new concepts such as the Luna and India’s first gearless scooter which have revolutionized the two-wheeler industry. Hence, we are delighted to associate with Mahindra, another pioneering automobile company with a rich legacy which will add long term value to the business and take it to greater heights,” said Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Managing Director, Kinetic Motor.

Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani will be a Non-Executive Director in the new company. Within the overall two-wheeler strategy, scooters will form M&M’s entry point into the Indian market and will be an important part of the company’s overall two-wheeler product portfolio. There are several macro environmental trends which make the scooter market especially attractive to Mahindra. These include a younger, more affluent customer base with a significant number of empowered women and increased scooter demand in tier-2 cities and small towns. M&M is strongly positioned to cater to this demand, given the company’s significant presence and brand equity in these markets.

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