Tuesday, March 12, 2013
BIking Unity and Our View
“A new day a new Hope” this is the thought that any biker here in Nepal has concerning the scenario in stunting sector here in Nepal. I too thought the same way when I started stunting with few inches of stoppies and several wheelies. It was like I was born to do so and I thought that this was what a bike was made for but I was wrong, reciprocate of that I was established wrong with the uprising biking world here in Nepal. Many bikes were launched that surpassed the bike that I owned and since guys like posing, we could see many stoppies and wheelies in social networks and all. I was dismayed but thought of that day when the day had a new hope where I could do somewhat what I thought kept me going. But that all faded with the time. That’s how I gave up. Going back in time to those good old days when we, bunch of guys used to carry out stunt practices, it was more or less a practice yet an attempt to try and do some tricks on our bikes replicating the videos that we used to dig up from youtube.
Yes the biking scenario is changed and changed for good but I as a president of a motorcycling club do not feel sheltered with this rapid change in the biking society, because deep within I recon that this day might change and go to other club’s behalf. Yes it is definitely viable and harsh. We all talk about brotherhood yet individualists make this pride of ours too hard to attain. Sleep with this question in your head; Am I good enough to deserve what I’ve achieved? And where do I stand? I’m sure the answer would be, Yes, surely I do and Number 1. It’s sad but a hard known truth that I’ve learned. I’ve heard it somewhere that,”Accomplish and look back you see struggle but look to your side you might be alone”, I don’t what to be that person.
Unity is a must now and there must be a shovel in Nepal who would dig out all the bikers and riders and stunters and place them in one spot and make a peak out of it. Make a peak so that we could proudly say, “I lie somewhere in that peak” yea we need a landmark where we could embark and remark about our milestone that we’ve created on the way. This I say not being a biker but an individual who thinks that every bikers needs to revere each other and respect their views. Its not about the length of your wheelie but about how you land it and respect the machine you ride and the tarmac you stunt on. It’s not about the height of your stoppie but about the height of your attitude that makes people boo. Definitely we all bikers are friendly as shit and cool and have same view but none stand ahead to change something that you actually know must be changed.
Now it’s high time to change and adapt ourselves from the harsh surrounding around us. Any change that makes us stable and count would be great and yes I will be in it and with it. Now is not the time to fight with each other yet to act and act in a group. “keep up the pace you’d win the race” we need to keep our heads up and march to the common goal of ours and that is to establish stunting as a motor sport and reach there and be the one taking a part, joining hands to do so then a kid trying to roll a stopie would see at you with a reverent eyes and make you his hero. Then and then only your parents would think that the bike they got for you made you someone the society respects as a athlete and not the other way around.
Guys lets brainstorm and make a solid game plan and the game between bikers versus idealists of this nation who thinks youths are a tool to political achievement can be won and won for good. Then and then only we can say Yes we’ve accomplished, Yes we’ve done it. Till then this retired stunter says work for perfection and we shall overcome, paint the world with your skills and thoughts.
Niraz
Team President
Team CrypticZ
CBR 250R Review
Finally the day was fixed. The time was fixed and every thing ready to GO. I was anxiously waiting for the day, THE DAY of the ride. It almost felt like the day I was about to go to the showroom to see the ride for the first time and get its key to ride it. The thing going thru my head was just overwhelming. Finally the day arrived and we few guys from the Riderzsyndicate family were invited for the test ride of the mighty CBR 250R. Few weeks back I had the opportunity to pillion ride a CBR 600 and then test ride a CBR 250 on the very same day but I think that short time spent with the slender beauty just made me want more. Even in real life, I don’t know if you guys have any temptation of a certain things but believe me when I say this I was tempting for the day to completely take this baby for a spin. So the grueling wait began, prior to this ride we were about to go for a ride in between as well but the darn rain washed away the golden moment that could’ve arrived sooner but fate had its own course and so it did happen on a sunny and tiring day like this day. When a rider intermingled with a brand new factory transplanted piston on to a 250cc cylinder and it was pumping my heart faster.
Thanking god and gearing up we took the heavy key…the key was about few grams in weight but the joy of a test ride made it all heavy and huge. Placing me over the CBR’s saddle was just overwhelming. Swiftly going over the dial and turning the ignition on and watching the meter go zoooo and all the indicators lighting created this Sci-Fi movie themed space rocket effect. The Fi engine made this vibration in such a way that for a second it made me check for my cell phone just to be sure. My first smile was having the seat on the saddle of a CBR but now another thing made me smile again, an engine on/off switch…Man that gets handy on the go. Having ridden a Honda bike for quite a while I do know the importance of that same simple red switch which makes the magic. I must say, thumbs up to the Honda just to make that magic happen.
Well being a fresh import the bike, it did have this important feel on the streets. A few glances here and a few there, some head turns and zoom there I go. Funny even a 250cc’d bike can get that attention in the road…and hell yea I loved the attention. Honda always had that edge over a normal commuter vehicle, it had that accessibility and ease while on road and yes I must say they kept the legacy going. The short city ride up until Balkhu made me realize that Yes this bike DO streets. Minor humps don’t even matter and the potholes kind of goes somewhere else, gliding through the streets and frantic traffic made me go all smiling and surprised all the way, Surprised, because it had that pull when going through the third gear, not that sudden like on a sport but just enough to spill your pillion rider’s coffee…given if S/He would grab some. A short traffic signal made me go a different way just to go a bit further, the everyday chaotic traffic now seemed like going down for maintenance. It almost felt like a perfect traffic cutter, with that 25Bhp you could easily overtake a passing four wheeler with ease, not to mention the gear shifts…you remember shifting it on to 2 and next thing you know you are out of gears and sometimes you even just gear up just for a sake of it. I mean the gear ratio is OK but you don’t actually get that space to shift up and so you go all up with it just to put the gear up…if not to go faster then to hear the engine go to a different musical note. The well designed exhaust made that sound which was almost like music to my ears and shifting the gears made that music more melodious. The fresh new heart (piston) now pumping a 250cc bike was at its best going over 60 Km/h and I could not even feel like I’m doing 60. The fared body cuts off the air just as so much to make you feel all comfortable, not necessarily to lean on the corners and bends.
Well enough with the literary stuffs and joy words from me and on to the real deal that you’d all been waiting for and believe me, you must be smiling at the end of this. Either by the fun of it or by the judgment’s that I’ve made and I repeat this is not the impression of a Profound Biker, just a enthusiast.
Note: I can't comment on the overall power output of the bike at this point, whereas 25 Bhp@8500 in the spec sheet is impressive enough. Having not yet taken the engine anywhere close to the RPM range (11-13K) where things happen on these 250cc machines. Once the engine has reached the broken-in phase, and if I happen to get a hold of it, I'll be posting the follow-ups with impressions on that aspect. Stay tuned.
SUSPENSION:
Well after having ridden few of the bikes prior to this ride the suspension did not surprised me that much. The suspension was quite fairly executed in this bike. Few potholes didn’t even mattered to this bike yet could get some real shock when exiting a bump. The bike tend to throw the amount of pressure in case of exiting humps on a speedy lane.
The bike goes great on a steady stretch no problem on that. The bike I rode was a C-ABS so it did had that edge and that extra punch which made braking fun. On a sudden braking the suspension tends to make you lean forward whilst applying front brakes. I loved the way bike react, it felt almost like going to pop a stoppie on speeds.
HANDLING:
Like I mentioned earlier, we had a mighty sunny day and that made some difference in handling. With the hot tarmac and huge rear 140/70-17 radial rubbers made all that difference. The handling seemed fine to me.
The bike did some fine cornering on some sharp bends and leaning inside the curves never felt better then with a CBR 250R.
RIDER POSITION:
The feel of seating upon a CBR 250R is good. It had this On top of the bike feel (kind of like sport bike feeling)
For low speed maneuvering and general control over the bike this position made it a lot easier. The bike is not that tall so that I feel no problem to those riders who are not that gifted in the Height department.
For an average rider 5’11” (Its my height) the knee lean should be approx 77 degrees and the forward lean should be 26 degrees. On a few hours long ride it didn’t felt like I was holding my weight upon the handlebars. The weight was distributed well onto my thighs and on to the lower end of my body. I didn’t make me loose my energy from my wrists, little more fatiguing for the more casual rider or commuter might not be surprising depending on the rider.
TRANSMISSION:
The shifting on the CBR 250R wasn't bad, but it definitely will not give you a solid notice when notching up and down between gears. Granted this bike is very new at this point, a minimal foot pressure is required to make gear changes, combined with a very precise feel when the next gear engaged is surely enough to put a smile on your face.
CLUTCH:
One of the behaviors I'd gotten used to on the previous generation bike, was the "lurch" that was often experienced when dropping the bike from neutral into 1st gear …especially when cold. It was an issue where the fiber and metal plates had a habit of wanting to not totally disconnect, despite the clutch being properly adjusted and pulled in fully.
I was pleasantly surprised that the new bike clicked into 1st gear without so much as nudge; despite the bike being barely warmed up in the showroom before heading out. Nice!! Besides that, Honda’s do have some swell clutches, which makes the gear shifts pleasant.
BRAKES:
Well as I said earlier C-ABS are renowned for its braking world wide, not only a precise braking but a effective and well executed and safe braking system. The NISSIN brake hub which is used in the CB1000R and CBR’s (sport bikes) does also indicates on a world class braking system acting up upon those discs to make you and your ride safe. 296mm front discs made the braking even fun.
Upon few occasions it even made me lazy to apply rear brakes when I could get that pull with the front brakes and the shock upon the front suspension made it all really pleasant. Though applying only front brakes is not advised.
SOUND/EXHAUST:
Ok the sound from a 250 cc’d engine is quite satisfactory. Not that loud as you all might expect but going in high speeds around 100 Km/h it does ring that bell, the sound then can be doing some pretty fine screaming. The sound note is not that much of a masculine typo but you might surely get the punch out of it, besides what more you can expect from a single cylinder motorcycle.
I was satisfied with the sound and appreciated the exhaust. The exhaust no matter how hard you try comes back into the picture. Overall in this bike, the exhaust might be the main thing that attracts the most eyeballs, even if its not best…we must appreciate the sleek look it gives to the design.
WEIGHT/FEEL:
Though the spec sheets indicate around a 359 pounds weight for the 2011 model, I suspect a portion of that was not entirely true, it got to be light…not only the bike feels light, it makes the maneuverability even sweet. It’s easy to bend the bikes in the corners and swiftly exit from them in a knee down’s.
Well I’m not much of a Moto GP star myself but what the heck, I did tried for some knee downs and god it feels great to see some higher double figure numbers in the odometer and bending down in the corners.
This bike does do high speeds.
INSTRUMENTATION:
In this area it was a bit of a gain/lose situation. The gain was the analog RPM level gauge (which I like!). The loss is the absence of an actual water temperature gauge, being replaced by an idiot-light.
The other noticeable things in the instrument cluster is the tachometer; with the digital display. It did showed the temperature and that was nice whereas, the clock and some other noticeable dials were really looking nice on it. .
Like I said earlier a engine on/off switch was a good move by the Honda and besides that my concern was just that it runs the headlights on battery only and the headlights can be left on even before starting the engine, this might be problematic at times, besides that the instrumentation were good for me.
QUALITY:
OK for quality, thumbs up for Honda. The design was good even though the bike was manufactured in India the piece did have that swell feeling with respect to the original concept. After closely inspecting the bike in the showroom before hitting the streets made me realize that each and every part were fitted in just the right place and in right order, I must say a thorough thought out by Honda..
Riding down the streets made me realize that the bike did deliver some pretty solid feel, nothing waggling and going off the momentum. Every part was acting as a whole and going great with the flow. A pillion rider riding behind you also would not make you lean into the handlebars and that is also a plus point for me.
CONCLUSION:
Ok let me sum up the ride review this way, after the ride I did not wanted to handover the keys back to the showroom and ever ride back my bike again…Does that make sense??
HONDA CB600F HORNET REVIEW
We are used to growing up as a kid gluing to those stupendous monsters made in foreign lands far far away yet we managed to get to know about them and dig them up from the World Wide Web. Those days even the now common Ninja were a huge hit, we all grew watching them over the forums and the Google search engines. Back then had it been possible to make those bikes not just a dream but ride on them we all would be more than glad to let go of our treasured
possessions. Speaking of which, did you or did you not jumped nearly a feet when the daunting Hornet’s advert Got wings will fly hit the prints? Back then I still remember as I jumped in excitement turning the newspaper in a local tea joint. Did you know that the Got wings will fly concept was so good that Indian Honda too used it for some brandings in Delhi as well?
Well the yellow Hornet got the number one spot in my wall poster’s list back then. Then I thought to myself that one day I’d ride you! Today my fortitude as a kid is complete. The talk is about the triumphant Riderznepal.com’s Honda CB600F Hornet ride review. The bike is a winner both on the streets and on the tacks. Hornet is the naked divergent off Honda’s stable. Users all-around have claimed it to be the excellent handler and performer no matter what the terrain throws at it.
Biking here In this forbidden kingdom (recently self proclaimed Federal Democratic Nation) is at its early stage and recently there is this considerable amount of advancement. Some legendary models are now-a-days posing in the streets bearing the red and white registration plate. Still the scenario is so and so similar to the dark days, bikes come and go yet the super sport experience is for the ones with big pockets. I for one too thought the same thing until the bike frantic turned test rider turned reviewer salutation of mine came into exercise. On this special review I’d explain the basic knowhow about the super sport and its technicalities based upon the feel.
Firstly, the bike needs no five star tag from me since it’s proven it’s agility and stamina in the roads amongst the world mass yet it’s not wrong to say that I found on this bike somewhere close to perfection. The bike comes with the naked look giving it an edge on to the engine heating scenario. The bike heats quite as much and with its 4 cylinder 100.58 HP (73.4 kW)) @ 12000 RPM, and that too fired up with a PGM-FI electronic fuel injection heat is the point you will for sure opt out.
Staring at the bike is the best feel as I think. The bike has this hulky look (only the color was golden). The upgraded look on these bikes notably is the exhaust placement and some major facelift over the years since its first production back in 1998 in Europe. The bike has this unique feature which is embedded inside the key of the super sport. Meaning the bike’s key is the key to the bike and furthermore it is that combination without which the bike can wake up but cannot walk, in simple words the HISS (Honda Ignition Security System) ensures that the key should be present in the ignition to start. This is Honda's unique, electronically controlled security system. A chip in the original ignition key recognizes signals from the Engine Control Unit and sends a special ID verification signal. If the signals do not match, the engine will not start. There is also an Anti-Theft Ignition Switch. The main switch also operates the seat opener and the fork lock. A shutter over the key hole prevents tampering and theft and helps to ensure that your favorite motorcycle is always waiting for you when you return. Sweet! This sport is BIG and smart. Also the ignition is based upon Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance system. Nudging the ignition is pretty smooth and the slight flip turns the ignition on, the meter goes on the start mode and somewhat like the pulsar’s meters behave the look on its cockpit is similar.
After the battery startup one needs to make sure if the bike is in neutral. No one must like to take chance with these bikes and I don’t think you would want it other way. Well saddling up is a bit easy on these bikes, your legs swing doesn’t matter, I am 5’11” no sir no problem for me. The gear position and the brake foot peg might seem familiar to the ones riding modern day bikes since it is a bit laid off feel. Though I was amazed to learn that the Hornet’s saddle to feels normal in comparisons to some RR’s. You feel like saddling upon some lower cc’d bikes. Going thru the indicator controls are fair and not that cryptic. Turn the engine cut off switch on, give the soft self start push and the bike goes vRoOoM. Then and there the temptation of getting it on the triple figure speeds might anguish one yet my suggestion would be to take it easy, these babes like some respect. Putting the bike on gear is the best feeling you’d ever have. A loud thud sound notifies you that it is ready to race and the nimble jerk makes it a bit more subtle. Revving up is easy with this baby, it makes a mellow yet boisterous sound upon ceasing at a standstill. First few minutes in motion is amazing how these bikes act with the throttle. The throttle repose is good. I mean it is in direct unison with the thought in your head till the hands squeezing the gas in the combustion chambers. The key is well the best feel when you get your hands onto them and that too makes the feel of the ride even more joyful. Stumbling upon the bike in the parking lot makes you wonder that you are about to be in that bike and the feel of the ride is gonna be one helluva experience.
First things first, these bikes can do pretty good speeds in the first gear yet revving more is not advised. This breaks the gear ratio and in turn heats up the bike pretty harsh resulting clutch plate wearing off too, so make a decent gear change. Sometimes the clutching might seem hard since this one had that stiff character but one getting to know it better you will be amazed. The gear shifts might startle you if you happen to shift the gear incorrectly, the bike suddenly gives this kinda stallion demeanor, meaning it gives this thrust in the pull resulting a bit of zerk. When that happens, do not forget to clutch in, you wouldn’t want to let the tamed partner go wild.
Braking is top notch since it s SHOWA doing all the friction. The braking in this particular bike bears 296 mm (11.7 inches) on the front and 240mm (9.4 inches) in ABS(optional). Considering the weight of 198.0 kgs the suspensions handling them are fine I say, 41mm inverted telescopic fork, 120mm axle travel on the front and on the rear monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload, 128mm axle travel taking in the lags off the bike. The wheelbase of 1,435 mm seems perfect enough. The turning ratio gives this ease in city and heavy traffic. I happen to maneuver the bike pretty swell inside the valley with the pillion on as well. Which brings me to the major advantage on a hornet, the pillion don’t give you added on weight cutting off the sprains in your palm and that too without the clip on handlebars the bike is easy to maneuver with the pillion on.
Shifting thru the gears and the feel of the gears feels immense and the weight to the volume ratio of the vehicle is huge hence resulting the ride a bit lumber making you loose that special confidence in the first boost. The bike is welcoming enough and hence later on in the process of ride you can get aquatinted with the ride. Then first thing came into my head was to shoot off in the driveway through the parking slot but sadly I lost the momentum and hence rear tire notified me of my rush throwing some dirt off the lot. The notification was acknowledged and hence I quickly pulled it off and managed the pull. The first few moments made me realize that the bike is a tamed beast which needs the constant consideration. Making swift turns doesn’t surprise you as well. Nudging the gear up makes you realize how the bike can scream yes even with the stock exhaust made for nimble howling. The revs up to 5000 to 6000 RPM’s makes one realize the nasty speeds this baby can do though the intimidation of the speed can make you revv up crazy but this bike can sweep one off the seats if in case rode hot headed.
With respect to the recently set up Arniko highway speed limit and the directive I was in dilemma to either speed up or not but after few kilometers and the swift speeds in matter of fraction of seconds made me realize how it needs to break the barriers. Then, the exquisite and lavish feel made my biker intuition scream on the top of the tower like crazy. An ample push down the throttle makes you go zoom and we do cherish that feel.
One notable incident too happened that day, the story is that upon returning there were some hoodies riding in a group and after noticing a big bike amongst them the attention was drawn to the Hornet. I thought to myself that they must be envying the ride but in reality they were bunch of lunatics. My theory was proved when they overtook me and made a formation before me winging me upon overtake and then riding crazy zig zaging ahead of me. I smiled at their idiocy and then made a quick flip of the accelerator and let go of the clutch, overtook them riding inside of their little formation. I thought to myself that after the realization that this bike is no match for them they would not bother me, yet they were behind me trying to overtake. I let them. After a while and after a lot of kollywood style riding and intimidation I was bored and then hoped on a BIG leap and hence gave the gas a good rev (now I was sure that there were no cops around with their toys) blasting through them I did a swift 140km/hr and kept the pace steady reaching somewhere close to high triple figure. I could see them get smaller in my rearview mirror which was priceless. Then they must’ve realized how these toys don’t mean no joke.
Well wrapping up the review, the short 50kms ride was over yet my ears were craving for more and then after the ride walking off the bike was the saddest part. Sluggishly I went down the gears and nudged down to neutral. Still the sound note was exquisite. I did not want the sound to cease yet finally I gathered up the courage and pressed the engine cut off button.
That was the feel which I could never forget, shutting down the now hot ride.
P.S: You need demo? Just visit this link.http://www2.honda.com.br/CB600FHORNET/#/oua-o-ronco-do-motor
possessions. Speaking of which, did you or did you not jumped nearly a feet when the daunting Hornet’s advert Got wings will fly hit the prints? Back then I still remember as I jumped in excitement turning the newspaper in a local tea joint. Did you know that the Got wings will fly concept was so good that Indian Honda too used it for some brandings in Delhi as well?
Well the yellow Hornet got the number one spot in my wall poster’s list back then. Then I thought to myself that one day I’d ride you! Today my fortitude as a kid is complete. The talk is about the triumphant Riderznepal.com’s Honda CB600F Hornet ride review. The bike is a winner both on the streets and on the tacks. Hornet is the naked divergent off Honda’s stable. Users all-around have claimed it to be the excellent handler and performer no matter what the terrain throws at it.
Biking here In this forbidden kingdom (recently self proclaimed Federal Democratic Nation) is at its early stage and recently there is this considerable amount of advancement. Some legendary models are now-a-days posing in the streets bearing the red and white registration plate. Still the scenario is so and so similar to the dark days, bikes come and go yet the super sport experience is for the ones with big pockets. I for one too thought the same thing until the bike frantic turned test rider turned reviewer salutation of mine came into exercise. On this special review I’d explain the basic knowhow about the super sport and its technicalities based upon the feel.
Firstly, the bike needs no five star tag from me since it’s proven it’s agility and stamina in the roads amongst the world mass yet it’s not wrong to say that I found on this bike somewhere close to perfection. The bike comes with the naked look giving it an edge on to the engine heating scenario. The bike heats quite as much and with its 4 cylinder 100.58 HP (73.4 kW)) @ 12000 RPM, and that too fired up with a PGM-FI electronic fuel injection heat is the point you will for sure opt out.
Staring at the bike is the best feel as I think. The bike has this hulky look (only the color was golden). The upgraded look on these bikes notably is the exhaust placement and some major facelift over the years since its first production back in 1998 in Europe. The bike has this unique feature which is embedded inside the key of the super sport. Meaning the bike’s key is the key to the bike and furthermore it is that combination without which the bike can wake up but cannot walk, in simple words the HISS (Honda Ignition Security System) ensures that the key should be present in the ignition to start. This is Honda's unique, electronically controlled security system. A chip in the original ignition key recognizes signals from the Engine Control Unit and sends a special ID verification signal. If the signals do not match, the engine will not start. There is also an Anti-Theft Ignition Switch. The main switch also operates the seat opener and the fork lock. A shutter over the key hole prevents tampering and theft and helps to ensure that your favorite motorcycle is always waiting for you when you return. Sweet! This sport is BIG and smart. Also the ignition is based upon Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance system. Nudging the ignition is pretty smooth and the slight flip turns the ignition on, the meter goes on the start mode and somewhat like the pulsar’s meters behave the look on its cockpit is similar.
After the battery startup one needs to make sure if the bike is in neutral. No one must like to take chance with these bikes and I don’t think you would want it other way. Well saddling up is a bit easy on these bikes, your legs swing doesn’t matter, I am 5’11” no sir no problem for me. The gear position and the brake foot peg might seem familiar to the ones riding modern day bikes since it is a bit laid off feel. Though I was amazed to learn that the Hornet’s saddle to feels normal in comparisons to some RR’s. You feel like saddling upon some lower cc’d bikes. Going thru the indicator controls are fair and not that cryptic. Turn the engine cut off switch on, give the soft self start push and the bike goes vRoOoM. Then and there the temptation of getting it on the triple figure speeds might anguish one yet my suggestion would be to take it easy, these babes like some respect. Putting the bike on gear is the best feeling you’d ever have. A loud thud sound notifies you that it is ready to race and the nimble jerk makes it a bit more subtle. Revving up is easy with this baby, it makes a mellow yet boisterous sound upon ceasing at a standstill. First few minutes in motion is amazing how these bikes act with the throttle. The throttle repose is good. I mean it is in direct unison with the thought in your head till the hands squeezing the gas in the combustion chambers. The key is well the best feel when you get your hands onto them and that too makes the feel of the ride even more joyful. Stumbling upon the bike in the parking lot makes you wonder that you are about to be in that bike and the feel of the ride is gonna be one helluva experience.
First things first, these bikes can do pretty good speeds in the first gear yet revving more is not advised. This breaks the gear ratio and in turn heats up the bike pretty harsh resulting clutch plate wearing off too, so make a decent gear change. Sometimes the clutching might seem hard since this one had that stiff character but one getting to know it better you will be amazed. The gear shifts might startle you if you happen to shift the gear incorrectly, the bike suddenly gives this kinda stallion demeanor, meaning it gives this thrust in the pull resulting a bit of zerk. When that happens, do not forget to clutch in, you wouldn’t want to let the tamed partner go wild.
Braking is top notch since it s SHOWA doing all the friction. The braking in this particular bike bears 296 mm (11.7 inches) on the front and 240mm (9.4 inches) in ABS(optional). Considering the weight of 198.0 kgs the suspensions handling them are fine I say, 41mm inverted telescopic fork, 120mm axle travel on the front and on the rear monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload, 128mm axle travel taking in the lags off the bike. The wheelbase of 1,435 mm seems perfect enough. The turning ratio gives this ease in city and heavy traffic. I happen to maneuver the bike pretty swell inside the valley with the pillion on as well. Which brings me to the major advantage on a hornet, the pillion don’t give you added on weight cutting off the sprains in your palm and that too without the clip on handlebars the bike is easy to maneuver with the pillion on.
Shifting thru the gears and the feel of the gears feels immense and the weight to the volume ratio of the vehicle is huge hence resulting the ride a bit lumber making you loose that special confidence in the first boost. The bike is welcoming enough and hence later on in the process of ride you can get aquatinted with the ride. Then first thing came into my head was to shoot off in the driveway through the parking slot but sadly I lost the momentum and hence rear tire notified me of my rush throwing some dirt off the lot. The notification was acknowledged and hence I quickly pulled it off and managed the pull. The first few moments made me realize that the bike is a tamed beast which needs the constant consideration. Making swift turns doesn’t surprise you as well. Nudging the gear up makes you realize how the bike can scream yes even with the stock exhaust made for nimble howling. The revs up to 5000 to 6000 RPM’s makes one realize the nasty speeds this baby can do though the intimidation of the speed can make you revv up crazy but this bike can sweep one off the seats if in case rode hot headed.
With respect to the recently set up Arniko highway speed limit and the directive I was in dilemma to either speed up or not but after few kilometers and the swift speeds in matter of fraction of seconds made me realize how it needs to break the barriers. Then, the exquisite and lavish feel made my biker intuition scream on the top of the tower like crazy. An ample push down the throttle makes you go zoom and we do cherish that feel.
One notable incident too happened that day, the story is that upon returning there were some hoodies riding in a group and after noticing a big bike amongst them the attention was drawn to the Hornet. I thought to myself that they must be envying the ride but in reality they were bunch of lunatics. My theory was proved when they overtook me and made a formation before me winging me upon overtake and then riding crazy zig zaging ahead of me. I smiled at their idiocy and then made a quick flip of the accelerator and let go of the clutch, overtook them riding inside of their little formation. I thought to myself that after the realization that this bike is no match for them they would not bother me, yet they were behind me trying to overtake. I let them. After a while and after a lot of kollywood style riding and intimidation I was bored and then hoped on a BIG leap and hence gave the gas a good rev (now I was sure that there were no cops around with their toys) blasting through them I did a swift 140km/hr and kept the pace steady reaching somewhere close to high triple figure. I could see them get smaller in my rearview mirror which was priceless. Then they must’ve realized how these toys don’t mean no joke.
Well wrapping up the review, the short 50kms ride was over yet my ears were craving for more and then after the ride walking off the bike was the saddest part. Sluggishly I went down the gears and nudged down to neutral. Still the sound note was exquisite. I did not want the sound to cease yet finally I gathered up the courage and pressed the engine cut off button.
That was the feel which I could never forget, shutting down the now hot ride.
P.S: You need demo? Just visit this link.http://www2.honda.com.br/CB600FHORNET/#/oua-o-ronco-do-motor
Monday, March 11, 2013
Pulsar 200NS Review
It was around 2000may
be I as a kid used to own three M’s Money, Motorbike, and Mobile. Back then
definitely male was a huge hit and I was not an exception who would fall far
away from the tree. Fast forward few years and into the thapathali engineering classes
and surrounded with bunch of Einstein and Frankestines I witnessed the working
of the engine and how diesel and petrol engine differ. Back then I was frankly
psyched to get to know more about the bike (we studied four wheelers engine,
but I comprehend it to the bike’s engine). Just looking at the diagrams and
bits and pieces in unison to make a masterpiece which enables us to get from
point A to B was fascinating. Just in a flick of the wrist one would be
traveling around 100kays per hour and that too in style. I was amazed and
saddened because I was a computer engineering student and hence the surface
knowledge only.
Fast forward now, we
have a whole bunch of the definitely male and that too an impressive lineup.
One after another the part where we witnessed the change and evolution in the
making off the 2012 pulsar was one helluva roller coaster ride. Frankly my old
man had always problem with the brand name pulsar and has been an anti pulsar
guy so I couldn’t get them, of course I couldn’t say no to him when I was
offered to get a bike in that state when the teenager would’ve even settled for
the old kickass CD100.
Back then the bulky and sturdy naked and semi fared head pulsar was the huge hit. I’d say that pulsar has been the company with vision, determination and balls. Had it not been launched then we would still be riding the panzy ass looking bikes like LML for crying out loud. Back then the LML and Pulsar was kind of simultaneously lunched and I was in love with the all black and crisp pulsar and some would argue that LML looks cooler. This gamble from Bajaj which was the brand name just independent from the great old Kawasaki praiseworthy. No wonder the biking market acknowledged the gamble and hence the benchmark pulsar was never challenged unless these modern day’ all sleek and cool looking rides.
Its standardization and constant upgrades made the world know that too much is never enough. If not them, who would be crazy enough to use a digital console and who would come up with those alloy rims, LED’s and whole new tech in suspension as well. Now the NS has been the center of talk since its launch rumors, Bajaj might have been working since the launch of the old 200cc’d DTSI bike. Back then there were rumors that the Bajaj is coming u with the kickass monoshock Pulsar 200, the sophisticated street racing mean machine, the street fighter type pulsar200. The rumors might be true or the Bajaj heard the rumors and thought of actually building the bike. Sure it took time but the NS was finally launched. And boy oh boy the bike looked awesome, millions of hits in Google and YouTube all over. The street fighter looking pulsar was in a jiffy the talk of the town.
Back then the bulky and sturdy naked and semi fared head pulsar was the huge hit. I’d say that pulsar has been the company with vision, determination and balls. Had it not been launched then we would still be riding the panzy ass looking bikes like LML for crying out loud. Back then the LML and Pulsar was kind of simultaneously lunched and I was in love with the all black and crisp pulsar and some would argue that LML looks cooler. This gamble from Bajaj which was the brand name just independent from the great old Kawasaki praiseworthy. No wonder the biking market acknowledged the gamble and hence the benchmark pulsar was never challenged unless these modern day’ all sleek and cool looking rides.
Its standardization and constant upgrades made the world know that too much is never enough. If not them, who would be crazy enough to use a digital console and who would come up with those alloy rims, LED’s and whole new tech in suspension as well. Now the NS has been the center of talk since its launch rumors, Bajaj might have been working since the launch of the old 200cc’d DTSI bike. Back then there were rumors that the Bajaj is coming u with the kickass monoshock Pulsar 200, the sophisticated street racing mean machine, the street fighter type pulsar200. The rumors might be true or the Bajaj heard the rumors and thought of actually building the bike. Sure it took time but the NS was finally launched. And boy oh boy the bike looked awesome, millions of hits in Google and YouTube all over. The street fighter looking pulsar was in a jiffy the talk of the town.
The cb1000R looking
headlight makes the look in this street fighter spot on. The striking color is
awesome and not to mention the style that goes with it. No doubt this is the
best looking pulsar and it not just because of few changes, it’s because Bajaj
came up with the whole new WHOLE NEW bike. The innovation in the suspension
with the gas suspension is amazing. It makes the tail bend a bit more making it
look like about to catapult in action soon. The raised tail also highlights the
new 130/70 tire as well. It’s just that you need to get rid of the tire hugger
for starters. After that the all new tank looks charismatic. The tank is
revolutionized another changed tank not only looks good on the bike but gives
the rider that grip in seating. It also adds to the appeal of the bike. The
digital console too have cone through the change and that too for good, the
digital console was getting a bit monotonous with every pulsar, now for a
change we can see the new full featured and neat looking console.
It demeanor is like
that of the street fighter and I’m not saying this just because we rode the
yellow NS but because this bike has the power and performance up to that mark
as well. The as usual the low and mid range surge in the pulsar’s has been the
thing but with the NS the linear and cold power delivery is not a problem to
the all new liquid cooled 4valve engine. The NS is bared with the 23.5ps of
power and weighs about 145kg that gives it the power to the weight ratio of
162ps/ton. Also it makes 18.2 nm of torque winch kicks in as you rush through
the narrow and shtty roads here. And then there is the new triple spark plug
which might be the best thing beared in this bike, hence making the fueling in
this bike spot on. Miraculously the engine vibration in this pulsar is gone,
not to mention the vibrations but the bike has this raw power sound not like
the earlier sound where you could hear the drive chain making some screeching
and also the tie pit making some part in it.
The brakes on this
bike is another added advantage I say, 280mm front and 230mm rear petal disc
with the floating calipers are in this bike at its best working hard to keep
the rider in the bike intact throughout the rollout. The brake makes you ensure
a safe rise irrespective of the speed or situation you are in. Just be sure to
not squeeze it harder, else you might get an endo and that hurts on the tank
like these bikes. These are not just it what separates the NS to its
predecessors, the thing making it apart is the class it has. From the headlight
ot the tank to the split seat till the rear top. The handling is awesome as
well the soft and smooth with the road, cornering are never this great in
pulsars. The perimeter frame is best as well on this bike. This ensures that
you are aware all along the way and stable in the cornering. The old generation
pulsars made you feel like a bloody meat sack with the vigorous tremors but not
any more astride this bike with the gas powered mono suspension, the suspension
not only handles the twists and turns well but also helps to lower the center
of gravity and also in the weight distribution evenly. This not only increases
the smileage but empowers you to ride like a pro.
The traction in this
bike is good as well, the euro grip tires are at its best as well. The 180/70
front and 130/70 rear are said to work really good in dry and not to mention on
the wet surfaces as well. The extensive test shows that. The bike has this
weird looking tire hugger like I said before which needs to be removed not only
because it looks hideous but also because this makes the dirt land on the
rider’s back, in a country like ours that’s a huge problem. The seating angle
is good, not that much of a lean and not that much of a laid back feel as well
the bike has a perfect arrangement making it possible to handle the clip-ons as
well. It’s been said that the sculpted tank makes you lose that grip when it
comes to the cornering but I personally didn’t felt that need hence the myth is
somehow personal. My 5’9” height was of no problem to the NS. The seating was
also the best of its kind as well. The comfort in the NS is not like the old
generation pulsars.
The underbelly
exhaust is another added feature, the revolution in the motorcycling here after
the Duke. There has been a concern regarding the underbelly exhaust problems
during the rainy seasons. But, by some tests that have been posted all over the
internet and youtube is the proof that there is no problem in going in the
rainy and watery terrains. So this means there has been no problems yet on this
aspect. Well frankly after this revolution people like me who loves to ride and
that too on a fairly cheaper best looking bike like NS. IT would be wrong not
to say that is the by farthest best looking and good bike in Indian market but
also that the price wise it’s the best package as well.
Tips to Wheelie
Decent suspension with good fork seals
Chain in good condition and correctly adjusted
Take up any throttle slack
Decent tyres
A clear, clean and dry straight road.
Once mastered wheelies are best performed:
Abandoned pitch roads.
At a biker meeting when the boys are showing off.
At traffic lights if a bloke pulls up alongside you.
When you feel like it.!!!
Even though these techniques were perfected on the higher cc bikes I have used them on other bikes.
I’ve also used the following technique on most litre class sports bikes including:
Pulser, CBZ, CBZ Xtereme, Apache, Apache RTR, Unicorn, FZ, etc.
It should also work on anything with enough torque, you’ve just have to experiment to find the powerband.
The Instructions:
Select first gear Over-grip throttle so you can get at least three quarters movement in one twist.
Grip the tank with your knees
Steady yourself and cover the back brake.
Accelerate fairly slowly in a straight line up to about 22-25 mph
Do not dip the throttle to compress the forks
Twist the throttle in one fast sharp movement.
The front *will* come up.
At first the bike will just shoot forward but it will start lifting as you gain confidence with your throttle. The secret is to really give it a sharp twist
You’ll find there's about a quarter of an inch of movement which will control the height but this takes practice. When you get it right you will be able to keep it up and even produce a slight nodding movement to wave at other riders. The next stage is snicking through the gears.
It really does work but take care. It also works for most other bikes but you'll have to play around with the revs. When you get it right it looks good. When you get it wrong just don't look.
On a straight level road and in 1st gear.
Gently rev to 15
Open throttle quickly to just 20-30
Close throttle quickly to compress the front forks
At the same time apply back brake. This causes the bike to squat.
Open throttle to 50 at the same time release back brake
Flick the clutch.
The front will come up quite quickly.
An easier way but not as spectacular:
Rev to about 4,000 rpm
Pull in clutch and rev to 7000 (ish) you'll have to experiment to find the best position for your weight and seating position.
Release the clutch very quickly
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