Hysoung GD250N vs KTM Duke 390 vs Royal Enfield Continental GT vs Suzuki Inazuma

Hyosung GD250N vs KTM Duke 390 vs Royal Enfield Continental GT vs Suzuki Inazuma

The Naked Bike shootout 

TATA ZEST

TATA's new Sedan rival : ZEST

Tata ZEST

Tata Motors India launched ZEST, its latest sedan rival into Indian markets. The car is sharing it's basic DNA with Indigo. But apart from the basic shape, the car is all new from inside-out. The logos are the only thing in the ZEST which tells that it is a tata. The Humanity-curves in the Zest is refined to another level. The sling-shot line in the car is connected all way around. The car is very defined and the build quality is nothing like normal Tata. The quality standards have increased drastically in the Zest.

Killer instinct meets elegance in the Zest. An avant-garde design philosophy makes it beautiful to look at, while also providing an incredible, connected driving experience - A true sports sedan as Tata says. 

It is the only car in the segment to feature Bi-xenon projector headlamps. The new design philosophy is  visually appealing. The quality is exceptional. It seems as if this is the beginning a new era for Tata morors.

Tata ZEST Interiors

Interiors is where the Zest really stands out. Though the car looks very compact from outside, the interiors are premium finished and extremely spacious. The leg-room and head-room won't disappoint anyone. The car comes handy with many of the features like the Harman touchscreen multimedia system, which seems to be from a class above.The NVH levels in Zest is even better than Honda Amaze. The Harman audio system provides decent performance. The music system hosts various functions. This system can be paired with your phone via Bluetooth, it has a voice recognition software, it can read text messages in your phone aloud, it also operates climate control parameters from the display, it hosts parking senser view, etc,... 

Main Features:

• Revotron 1.2 L Turbocharged MPFi engine with multi-drive mode
• First-in-class F-tronic diesel AMT

Projector Headlamps

• Daytime running lights (DRL)

• LED tail lamps
• New Signature front grille
• Harman touchscreen multimedia system

Steering mounted controls

• Voice recognition and SMS readouts

The car is provided with two engine options, 1.2L Revetron T Petrol and 1.3L Quadrajet Diesel. The diesel engine has no much changes other than the addition of a new F-tronic AMT transmission (Quite similar to that in Maruti Celerio). 

Its the first time ever in the segment to come up with a 1.2 Liter Turbocharged petrol engine. The Drive-modes - ECO,CITY & SPORT are also a first in class feature. The drive modes are developed in conjunction with Bosch and it's quite impressive. Each mode makes a huge difference and can be felt immediately. The car is by default in city mode every time you start. The Eco mode has mellow throttle response and good low down torque can be felt. The City mode is a balance of Eco and Sport modes. It enables to ride comfortably and be in higher gears as well. The throttle response is sharp in this mode. The sports mode lets you use the power completely from the engine. The throttle response is sharp and very responsive. The gear indication in the center console tells you to shift gears up and down accurately.

The Petrol engine produces 84bhp and 140Nm torque while the Diesel produces 89bhp and 200Nm torque.

The Quadrajet diesel engine is not completely new as the Revetron. This is the same engine that has been firing up the Vista, Manza, Swift, Linea, etc,...Tata has tried to make significant changes in this engine. The engine has now become more responsive. The diesel version though is not as refined. The Zest is the cheapest diesel automatic out in our markets.

Tata Zest Specs

Verdict:

The Zest is Tata's beginning for a new era with better build quality, technology, features, premium quality , etc,... The car is very well engineered and is unlike any previous Tata models. The interiors, ride quality and refinement is excellent. Many of the features in this car are from a class above. This is the best value for money car in the segment and comes handy with AMT transmission.

For more log onto :Powerdrift review of Tata ZEST

Hope this helps... Stay updated...

Budget Sports-Bikes in India : Pulsar 220 vs Karizma ZMR vs CBR150R vs R15 v2.0

Bajaj Pulsar 220 vs Hero Karizma ZMR vs Honda CBR150R vs Yamaha R15

Bajaj Pulsar 220 vs Hero Karizma ZMR vs Honda CBR150R vs Yamaha R15 - Specs and features

This is a comparison going on in India for the past few years. But in 2014, the competition gets tighter as Hero upgraded the Karizma ZMR and the Pulsar 220 also gets slight cosmetic changes as well.
The 220 is the oldest in terms of design but still scores high as it is the cheapest and yet the most powerful of the lot. It is a value for money bike. Though 220 has the highest performance figures, you'll be amazed that in a drag race as well as in a track day test, the ZMR will always be ahead of the 220. This is because of the easy revving engine, more and better torque in lower rpm and the better initial performance in the Karizma. The CBR and R15 are best for the looks and for riding in tracks where you can take them into corners with ease.

Bajaj Pulsar 220
The 220 is a proper Indian sports bike which is priced extremely well by Bajaj. It is the cheapest bike in the competition and yet the most powerful as indicated by performance figures. It has a unique sporty design and the 2014 version comes with sporty racing stripes as well.

Bajaj Pulsar 220 2014

The 220F is the only carburated bike in this comparison. It comes with an oil cooled 220cc engine. The bike is designed for speed and performance and is good for dragging in a straight line dash. Though the tires are big and chunky, you cannot take this bike into corners as the main stand of the bike will be kissing the roads even before you notice. The seating position is sporty and yet is not a pain in the back. Fuel economy is decent as it is not a commuter. The small fairing makes it difficult to race beyond 100 kmph due to high wind blast. The rear-view mirrors are not so functional but the overall ride quality is good. The engine is very smooth and refined. The silencer makes a sporty pleasant noise as well. Overall, the bike is a very good value for money package.

Hero Karizma ZMR

Hero Karizma ZMR 2014

The Hero Honda Karizma is the first proper sports bike above 150cc in India. It was launched in 2003 and was the most stunning bike in India at the time. The bike is not a pure sports bike like the rest. The Karizma is intended for high-speed highway cruising in India. The ride quality is brilliant !!! Many will not be satisfied by the looks of the 2014 model. Hero has recently joined hands with American Sports-bike manufacturer Erik Buell Racing and Hero Karizma is said to be designed by EBR. This bike resembles Buell's flagship model 1190RS, but to be frank, the bike doesn't look half as good. 

Hero Karizma ZMR and EBR 1190RS

Despite the looks, the Karizma is a very good package. It has a great performing Honda motor (Karizma has the tried and tested, but slightly detuned version of 223 cc SOHC oil-cooled engine from the CRF230 series of enduro/MX/supermoto bikes that are sold in the USA and South American markets) The engine produce peak power at very low rpms as compared to the other bikes in the segment which means that the Karizma has the best initial performance. The ZMR also comes with fuel injection and an oil cooled engine. The bike looks from certain angles, the taillights whish are borrowed from Buell's bikes,certainly looks apart. The wider tires and clip-on handlebars adds to the style as well as functionality. The power has beeb increased from 17.7 bhp to 20 bhp and the torque has been increased from 18.35Nm to 19.7Nm, an update of 2.4 BHP and 1.35 Nm (torque is even higher than the Pulsar 220).

Hero has now given the ZMR a half chain case, the rear sports a bigger 120 section tire for improved grip.

If you are pleased by the looks of the new Karizma, you won't be disappointed by the performance or economy of this bike and this certainly is a good choice.

Honda CBR150R

Honda CBR150R

The Honda CBR150R is one of the best looking 150cc bikes in India. It has a 149.4cc liquid cooled, fuel injected engine which chokes out 17.57bhp @ 10500rpms and 12.66Nm @ 8500rpms. The engine, is though very refined, lacks power. It delivers peak power only at 10500 rpms and the torque is even lower than Honda Unicorn (12.8Nm) which is very disappointing. The initial performance is very poor in this bike. The CBR150R weights 2 kgs more than R15 too. Everything apart from the underpowered engine is great about this bike. The ride quality is good. The brakes are enough to stop this bike at any speeds. The looks resembling the elder sibling CBR250R and the sporty decals does the job very well.

The biggest problem with the baby CBR is its price - around 1.33 lacks on-road, which is the highest in the segment. Also, this is the least performing motorcycle in the lot too. So I personally won't  prefer buying this bike.

Yamaha R15 version 2.0

Yamaha R15 version 2.0

The YZF-R15 version 2.0 – is a 150cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke fuel injected bike. The R15 version 2.0 has undergone changes in the specs of the Engine Control unit (ECU), drivetrain unit, a long aluminum swing arm, wider front and rear tires (radial tire for the rear), split seat, LED taillights and new-design middle cowl & tail cowl. R15 v2.0 is the sportiest bike in the segment and is as aggressive as the its elder siblings - R1 and R6. 

The bike is best suited for single person as the pillion seats may be a pain in the back. The liquid cooled, fuel injected engine delivers a decent power of 17bhp @ 8500rpms and 15Nms @ 7500rpms. The Delta box frame lets you throw it into corners with ease. It is the lightest bike in this comparison too. The ergonomics are best suited for track performance than for dragging in a straight line dash. The R15 is certainly better than CBR150R in terms of performance. YZF-R15 version 2.0 is equipped with a linked type monocross suspension that delivers a comfortable ride and a cushioning performance that is less prone to bottoming out.

Verdict

If performance is what you are looking for, the Karizma ZMR and Pulsar 220 will make you smile. The Pulsar 220 is definitely a better value for money package than ZMR. But ZMR offers better initial  performance and build quality. If sporty looks and track performance is all that matters, then R15 is the best buy. I can't make out what makes CBR better if it is !!!

Hope this helps... Stay updated...

HX250R vs CBR 250R vs RC390 vs Ninja 300 SE vs R25

(It's my First time blogging... Sorry for the mistakes if any... )

This is a comparison between five of the most anticipated entry level sports bikes in india... Almost all the specs and features of these bikes are listed... Hope these will help those who are planning for any of these...

Personally I prefer the KTM RC390 since it is the most powerful and will be priced very well by KTM... The RC390 has the biggest engine in the segment, but still the engine is only a single cylinder. Like the Duke 390, RC390 will also be having features like ABS, Metzeler Tires, WP suspension, Trellis Frame Chassis, etc,...

If value for money and and service facilities are considered, the HERO HX250R is the best choice... For the first time Hero has launched a Sports bike with premium features like ABS, Pirelli Sport Demon Tires, Under-seat exhaust, etc... The Buell DNA is clearly visible in the design of HX250R... The bike is truly matching International quality measures... Also HX250R is the lightest bike in the competition making it very high in Power-to-weight Ratio...

If you are a Honda fan, the CBR will definitely please you... The looks resembling the elder sibling CBR1000RR... Powering the 2014 Honda CBR 250R is the same 249cc, single-cylinder as seen on the previous model, but it has been tinkered with to increase its power output. Honda claims that the gear ratios have been changed to better suit the new dynamics of the engine. Still the CBR is the least powered bike in the segment.The wheelbase of the 2014 Honda CBR 250R has been increased to 1,378mm from 1,367mm and the bike tips the scale at 164kg (167kg older bikes weight).
No changes have been made to the bikes suspension or brakes and like the previous model, ABS will be optional.

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 SE 2014 comes equipped with optional ABS, one which the ninja fans has been waiting for long... The bike is priced around 3 lacks which is highest in the segment, but you won't regret since the Baby Ninja has decent performance and exceptional build quality in the class. The bike comes packed with a 300cc parallel twin engine,  ABS, Petal disc brakes, FCC assist clutch, Kawasaki air management system, etc...

Youths in India have been waiting long for the launch of Yamaha's new flagship model model in India: The R25...  The R25 bears the Yamaha's racing DNA and has a new 249cc parallel-twin High Revving engine which chokes out 36BHP@12000rpms and 22.6Nm torque @ 10000 rpm which is impressive...   R25 is a sport-bike that you can ride every day. Even with its revvy character, the R25 will be easy to ride on a day-to-day basis. The R25 features a narrow valve angle and high compression with sophisticated engine architecture for superior performance.

Hope this helps... Stay updated...