With the entry of the new Hero Xtreme 200R, the rivalry in the 200cc streetfighter territory has spiced up. The new Hero is welcomed by challenging rivals in the segment like TVS Apache RTR 200 and Bajaj Pulsar NS200. Here's how the battle turned out to be on paper. Hero MotoCorp has unveiled its Xtreme 200R in India. The motorcycle might be late to the party but is shows the company's plans to step into the premium motorcycle segment and the Xtreme 200R can be seen as a baby step towards the same.
The 200cc streetfighter segment has seen a decent growth in the last few years, all thanks to the newcomers and the arising interest among the buyers. The entry of the new Hero Xtreme 200R to the party makes a case for a spec comparison with two of its most challenging rivals TVS Apache RTR 200 and Bajaj Pulsar NS 200. The interesting part is, all three motorcycles have been promoted to the 200cc territory after their younger avatars tasted popularity.
The TVS Apache RTR 200 is the oldest in this battle while the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 ABS version has been launched just a few months back. The KTM Duke 200 has not been included in this comparison as it is priced significantly higher than the three motorcycles here. So, here is which one of the three motorcycles takes it to the top spot and which one bites the dust.
Hero Xtreme 200R Vs TVS Apache RTR 200 Vs Bajaj Pulsar NS200 Design And Styling The latest entrant to the segment Hero Xtreme 200R is comparatively humble in terms of design when compared to the two of its rivals here. The motorcycle definitely looks bolder than its younger sibling and the integration of a monoshock at the rear offers it a substantial change. The TVS Apache RTR 200 is the brawniest of the three and it stays true to the aggressive Draken concept that was shown at Auto Expo 2014.
Thanks to the sharp lines and edges, the motorcycle looks quite futuristic and numerous people have purchased it just because of the way it looks. Last, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 also has an aggressive styling and the sharp headlamp section upfront with twin positioning lights is one of its prime visual highlights. The motorcycle gets split step up seats that look sporty and the rear tyre hugger acts as another visual highlight.
Hero Xtreme 200R Vs TVS Apache RTR 200 Vs Bajaj Pulsar NS200 Engine Specifications The new Hero Xtreme 200R sources its power from a 199.6cc, single cylinder, air-cooled engine mated to a five-speed transmission. The engine is good for churning out a maximum power output of 18.1 hp along with a peak torque of 17.1 Nm.
The TVS Apache RTR 200, in comparison has a 197.7cc, single cylinder, oil-cooled mill mated to a five-speed transmission as well. The mill is being offered with both, carburetor and fuel injection and latter has comparatively better outputs than the former. The carbureted engine makes for a better case in this comparo which makes out 20.23 hp of power and 18.1 Nm of torque.
Last but definitely not the least, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 sources its power from a 199.5cc, single cylinder, liquid-cooled engine mated to a five-speed transmission system. The power and torque figures stand at 23 hp and 18.3 Nm. Hence, the Pulsar NS200 takes the lead here when it comes to engine specs.
Hero Xtreme 200R Vs TVS Apache RTR 200 Vs Bajaj Pulsar NS200: Braking, Suspension And Tyres The Hero Xtreme 200R has been assisted with 37mm telescopic forks up front along with an eight step adjustable monoshock at the rear. The TVS Apache RTR 200 gets a similar set up with KYB monoshock at the rear. The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 has a gas charged monoshock at the rear while the front set up is the same. The Hero Xtreme 200R comes assisted with a 276mm disc brake upfront along with a 220mm disc brake at the rear.
The Apache RTR 200 gets 270mm petal disc brake up front along with a 240mm petal disc at the rear. The Pulsar NS200 gets the biggest front disc at 280mm while at the rear, it has been fitted with a 230mm disc unit.
All three motorcycles get a single channel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking) for safe and effective braking. The Hero Xtreme 200R comes with 100/80-17 front and 130/70-17 rear tyres. The TVS Apache RTR 200 comes fitted with 90/90-17 front and 130/70-17 rear tyres. Lastly, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 rides on 100/80-17 and 130/70-17 size tyres on the front and rear respectively.

Not everyone can afford 1,000 cc superbikes, what with the cheapest ones costing close to a million rupees. While most of us simply give up on our superbike dreams due to the exorbitant costs involved, one man decided that he wouldn’t. Meet Riddhesh Vyas, of Rajkot – Gujarat, who built himself a 1,000 cc, four cylinder chopper. It took him 8 long years to put his dreams into two wheeled reality, part by part. And it’s called the Ridd.
What’s the Ridd all about? The Ridd is a 1,000 cc chopper that Riddhesh built with a lot of hand-made parts. Apart from the 1,000 cc, four cylinder engine, the hydraulic systems and tyres, everything on the bike’s said to be hand-made. It’s styled to be a chopper, with kicked out front forks, a long wheelbase, a total length of about 9 feet and relaxed ergonomics. The custom ride has massive street presence, and weighs a considerable 400 Kgs. Despite not having a formal degree in engineering or design, Riddhesh pulled off this bike building feat thanks to his extensive experience in the metal working industry. The man has a metal business, and this experience allowed him to fabricate parts for the Ridd. Here’s a short video that explains how the Ridd came about. A bike nut, Riddhesh began nurturing his passion for two wheels by servicing his motorcycles by himself. This hands-on experience helped him while building the Ridd. The man also noted the best features of high end bikes, and implemented them on his custom build. Some such features are the hydraulic clutch, single side swing arm at the rear and a swing arm based suspension system for the front end. The bike can hit a top speed of about 170 Kph.
How much? Over the 8 years that it took for this project to translate from dream to reality, Riddhesh claims to have spent about 8 lakh rupees. While that’s a considerable amount of money, the sheer joy of finding your creation in the Limca book of records is priceless. Yes, this bike has made it to the record books as India’s first hand-made superbike.

It's been an eventful year till now for Bajaj Auto with the launch of the new Dominar, followed by the 2017 edition of its Pulsar range. The Indian two wheeler maker is now gearing up to introduce a much talked about offering - Pulsar NS160 - and was caught testing across the country recently. Sources close to Bajaj have told Carandbike that the Pulsar NS160 launch is scheduled to take place towards the end of July this year and will be the seventh Pulsar to go on sale from the company.

The newest Bajaj Pulsar NS160 (Naked Sport) has been on sale in a host of markets for a while now including Nepal and Turkey. The bike maker aims to position the 160 NS as a premium offering to compete against the Suzuki Gixxer, Honda CB Hornet 160R and TVS Apache RTR 160 in the segment. Do note that the Pulsar NS160 will not be a replacement to the aging Pulsar 150 in the company's line-up. The model is Bajaj's bestselling motorcycle from the Pulsar range, registering over an average of 30,000 units every month, and the demand won't be going down just yet.

In essence the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is made to look like a smaller version of the Pulsar NS200 that was relaunched earlier this year. The 160 NS also uses a perimeter frame, while the engine is an all-new 160.3 cc oil-cooled unit. In the international markets, the motor is tuned for 15.2 bhp and 14.6 Nm of peak torque, paired to a 5-speed gearbox. Expect to see similar power figures on the Indian model as well.

Royal Enfield, world’s oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, has collaborated with four custom-building companies: Inline Three, TNT Motorcycles, Bull City Customs and Bombay Custom Works to produce 4 custom motorcycles for motorcyclists who are looking for ways to flaunt their style and eccentricity.

With this association Royal Enfield’s best selling models: Classic 500 and Continental GT have been curated into distinctive custom-motorcycles reflecting the spirit of personalisation. Celebrating this collaboration, Royal Enfield has also introduced a refreshed collection of gear inspired by these uniquely crafted motorcycles.

Applauding the efforts of the custom builders, Samrat Som, Head, Royal Enfield Apparel & Accessories Business at Royal Enfield said, “Royal Enfield has always been the preferred canvas for those seeking motorcycle-nirvana through the custom route. Collaborating with the custom builders is the brand’s way of celebrating a motorcycling inspired way-of-life; a life that values timeless aesthetics, simple essential use of technology and the spirit of the relaxed explorer. We applaud the efforts of these custom builders for creating ingenious artworks with our motorcycles which are a clear representation of quirkiness on roads. And with our refreshed collection of gear and helmets inspired by these motorcycles we assure our riders of a unique riding experience which goes far beyond just motorcycles.”

Owing to the simple design and engineering of Royal Enfield motorcycles, the four custom builders took the collaboration to create idiosyncratic motorcycles. Further building an ecosystem of form and expression around motorcycles, they also appreciated Royal Enfield’s idea of introducing a gear collection inspired by the customized motorcycles.

While India has become the largest two-wheeler market in the world, Royal Enfield still remains the consistent favourite of this community of custom-builders & aficionados. The four custom builders have followed unique themes to resonate with the expressive generation of India which includes bold melange of colours, chrome accentuation, concoction of copper with wood and the blending of metal with leather.

The new collection includes t-shirts, RE denims and cargo pants, helmets, gloves, belts, badges and boots. The newcollection will be available at conventional as well as specialty sales channels of Royal Enfield which includes existing dealerships, company stores, exclusive gear stores (EGS), online gear store (OGS) shop-in-shop (SIS) and e-commerce portals Flipkart and Myntra.

Royal Enfield has collaborated with four custom-building companies including Inline Three, TNT Motorcycles, Bull City Customs and Bombay Custom Works to fuel offer customers with custom built motorcycles. With this association Royal Enfield’s models such as the Classic 500 and Continental GT have been curated into custom motorcycles reflecting the spirit of personalization. On the occasion, Royal Enfield has also introduced a refreshed collection of gear inspired by these motorcycles.

The four custom builders have followed unique themes to resonate with the expressive generation of India which includes bold melange of colours, chrome accentuation, concoction of copper with wood and the blending of metal with leather.

Coming from varied backgrounds, Inline Three, TNT Motorcycles, Bull City Customs and Bombay Custom Works have created a life and living around motorcycles. Building an ecosystem of form and expression around motorcycles, they appreciated Royal Enfield’s idea of introducing a gear collection inspired by the customized motorcycles.

The new collection includes t-shirts that feature prints of the custom built motorcycles over the chest, which can be paired with RE denims and cargo pants. A refreshed line-up of helmets inspired by the motorcycles in chrome, carbon and coloured finishing has also been introduced. Accessories like gloves, belts, badges and boots finish the complete ride ensemble. The new collection will be available at dealerships, company stores, exclusive gear stores, online gear store, shop-in-shop and e-commerce portals such as Flipkart and Myntra.

Speaking on the occasion, Samrat Som, Head, Apparel & Accessories Business, Royal Enfield, said, “Royal Enfield has always been the preferred canvas for those seeking motorcycle-nirvana through the custom route. Collaborating with the custom builders is the brand’s way of celebrating a motorcycling inspired way-of-life; a life that values timeless aesthetics, simple essential use of technology and the spirit of the relaxed explorer. We applaud the efforts of these custom builders for creating ingenious artworks with our motorcycles which are a clear representation of quirkiness on roads. And with our refreshed collection of gear and helmets inspired by these motorcycles we assure our riders of a unique riding experience which goes far beyond just motorcycles.”

NEW DELHI: Customisation has always given motorcycle enthusiasts across the globe a way to showcase their creativity. 'My kinda bike' has been the guiding philosophy behind modifying a motorcycle. India, though, was slow to ride the bike customisation wave. But that is soon set to change with leading motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield tying up with designers and giving them a platform.

"Royal Enfield sees custom builders as key members of our community because they have invested their whole life with motorcycles," Samrat Som, Head, Royal Enfield's apparel & accessories business told TOI.in.

The company's store in Delhi's Khan Market hosts four customised bikes with customisation details and name of the company which has modified these beasts. From minor changes to altering the entire frame, chassis and engine of a Royal Enfield, the showroom is a biker's delight.

But hasn't Royal Enfield arrived late into the picture? "I don't think so. This is the right time for us to enter this field," said Som. "Even today, a lot of people are buying Royal Enfield to express something about themselves - whether it's a spirit of exploration, riding or one that makes them stand apart from the crowd."

The designers too shared their vision behind choosing Royal Enfield. "The simple design, engineering and manoeuvrability of Royal Enfield motorcycles creates an open canvas for us to play with, modify and beautify," said Naveen Nandal from TNT Motorcycles, one of the companies Royal Enfield has tied up with.

Big American biking brands like Harley-Davidson have now entered India and have been giving people various options to customise their bikes. So, what does Royal Enfield think about that? "I think there's a big difference us and other OEMs. The customisation there happens only from within a set. The beauty of our custom programme is that it's fuelled by the community," said Som.

Customising a bike takes a few months, depending on the changes you suggest to bike modifiers. And there is no package deal. You can ask just for the handle bars to be changed, or a custom seat cover to be installed. The price will be decided accordingly. "Suppose you have a bike which you use for long rides or even commuting daily, after some time you feel you want a fresh look. So, you can decide to customise your bike and you are good to go," said Som.

"A few years ago, people wanted motorcycles that were just visually appealing and have a striking stance on the road. With the evolving technology trend, 'Performance Driven Design' is taking shape wherein functional customisation of motorcycles is equally important as the aesthetic styling. Now people are keen on style with performance. Customers come to us with a layout in mind and the toughest part is to manage to meet their design expectations along with the providing them with a functional machine," said Reginald Hilt from Bull City Customs.

But there's a word of caution: Royal Enfield will withdraw the warranty from a new bike if its engine or frame are altered. So, you need to choose your customisation options carefully.

The accessories and apparel department of Royal Enfield, which also handles customisation, is fairly new but has created a lot of things and exciting range of products to entice bikers. From riding jackets, to gloves, to boots and t-shirts, the company has everything on display. And all these things are created keeping in mind the Indian weather and riding conditions.

Royal Enfield is currently focussing on youth and the urban market, but is confident that customisation will make inroads deeper in India too.

"Motorcycle customisation is still a very small market in India due to lack of awareness and inhibitions of the larger audience. The market penetration is limited to hardcore motorcyclists and passionate road trippers who ride on daily basis. However, the market is expected to grow given the trend of personalisation and free expression is catching on," said Shail Seth from Bombay Custom Works.

It is rumoured that the new twin-cylinder engine will have a displacement of 750cc and will share the basic construction with the 350cc motor as seen on the popular Royal Enfield Classic 350. Also Royal Enfield engineers have selected a parallel-twin layout as it requires lesser space and as we can see it gets easily accommodated in the Continental GT’s frame. The new motor will also feature an external oil-cooler similar to the Himalayan’s powerplant as liquid-cooling would have bumped up the price. The engine will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox. 

Recently Royal Enfield boss man, Siddarth Lal, had earlier said that the new engine will not be restricted to only one motorcycle and we feel that the Himalayan which uses the same frame as the Continental GT could also get equipped with the 750cc mill. This should be good news for prospective Himalayan customers who felt that the current engine ran out of breath on the open highways and wished it had more grunt. Given the fact that the bike has been spotted on so many occasions, it seems that the new Royal Enfield twin-cylinder bike is in its final stages of testing and could be launched by late 2017 most likely at the EICMA motorcycle show in Italy. 

To understand the Monster 797, you need to understand the strategic importance of an entry-level bike for a motorcycle brand. These bikes make brands more accessible to amateur riders. And if a rider hooks on to a brand early on in his riding career, he is likely to stick with it for a long time, if not all his life.

This is where the Monster 797 comes in. After the 795 and the 796 were discontinued, the onus of being the entry-level Ducati fell on the Scrambler. While the Scrambler is cool in its own right, its styling isn't for everyone. The Monster 797, at Rs. 7.77 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), is positioned a smidge above the Scrambler in terms of price, but will effectively serve as the entry-level bike in Ducati's sports bike range.

'Entry-level' implies more than just a relatively affordable price tag; it also implies that the bike is easy to ride. To that end, Ducati's engineers have done their best to make the 797 as rider-friendly as possible. First up, let's talk dimensions. The Monster 797 is quite compact for an 800cc bike, with a low seat height of 805mm and short wheelbase of 1,435mm, and not to mention light, with a dry weight of 175kg. Then comes the ergonomics. The foot pegs are placed lower down compared to the 821 and the handlebar is made wider to provide a more comfortable riding position.

At the heart of this Monster is an 803cc, L-twin Desmo2 engine, with maximum power and torque output of 75hp at 8,250rpm and 68.9Nm at 5,750rpm, respectively. Ducati engineers restricted the horsepower to 75hp and flattened the torque curve to evenly distribute the torque throughout the rev range. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox, which drives the rear wheel via chain drive. The gearbox is fitted with an APTC clutch that serves slip and assist functions. The suspension setup consists of inverted 43mm Kayaba forks up front and a pre-load and rebound-adjustable Sachs monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are carried out by 320mm semi-floating discs with 4-piston monobloc Brembo calipers up front and a single 245mm disc with a single-piston caliper round the back.

The electronics package on the 797 is skimpy at best. Apart from the Bosch ABS, this bike is devoid of any other form of electronic interference. Even the 797+ gets no extra electronic wizardry; it does get a tiny windscreen and rear seat cover though.

While this 'entry-level' move has forced compromises in the performance section, there has been absolutely no compromise in the looks department.

The 797 does have all the makings of a legitimate entry-level Ducati – it's gorgeous, well-engineered and accessible. What's most endearing about it, though, is its simplicity, and in that sense, it really does hark back to the 1993 Monster; it is, in fact, a testimony to Miguel Galuzzi, the man who created the first Monster. When asked about his then-considered-odd creation, he said, "All you need is a saddle, tank, engine, two wheels, and handlebars."

Ducati India has temporarily discontinued the Monster 821 and the Scrambler in light of the ban on the sales and registration of BS-III vehicles. Both these motorcycles were making use of engines which did not comply to the Bharat Stage IV or BS IV emission norms. The BS IV emission norms came into effect from 1 April 2017. As a matter of fact, many premium bike manufacturers including Ducati were offering discounts on their BS III stock of motorcycles before the emission norms came into place.

In case you were looking to buy either of these motorcycles, fret not, because the company will be bringing in the Monster 821 by the end of 2017 while the BS IV Scrambler should be on sale in the next couple of months. This is because the recently launched Ducati Monster 797 has the same engine which is on the Scrambler, an 803 cc L-twin motor. The ideal thing to do would be to launch the BS IV Scrambler along with the Scrambler Desert Sled and the Scrambler Café Racer in the coming months.In case you were looking to buy either of these motorcycles, fret not, because the company will be bringing in the Monster 821 by the end of 2017 while the BS IV Scrambler should be on sale in the next couple of months. This is because the recently launched Ducati Monster 797 has the same engine which is on the Scrambler, an 803 cc L-twin motor. The ideal thing to do would be to launch the BS IV Scrambler along with the Scrambler Desert Sled and the Scrambler Café Racer in the coming months.

Also, the idea of taking the Scrambler off the market for a bit will allow Ducati to push the Monster 797 aggressively in the market as it is the most affordable model from the Italian manufacturer in India, at present. The engine makes 74 bhp and 69 Nm of torque. The Monster 797 is priced at ₹ 7.77 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Along with the Monster 797, Ducati India also launched the Multistrada 950, which is a slightly toned down variant of the all-action Multistrada 1200. The Multistrada 950 gets a 937 cc engine from the Hypermotard and makes around 113 bhp and 96 Nm and is fitted with all the electronics one could think of. The Multistrada is priced at ₹ 12.6 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).