Sunday, January 24, 2010
The Wait is Over - Sporty 110cc Honda Bike - CB Twister Launched
0 comments Posted by varunpatel at 8:45 PM
A day after the launch of Bajaj Pulsar 135 LS, Honda India has launched the much talked about new 110cc bike - The "CB Twister". Previously it was expected to be launched at the Auto Expo 2010. The bike looks very sporty and aggressive in terms of looks and styling. It seems the designers had high end super bikes of Honda while designing the CB Twister.
The fuel tank of CB Twister looks like reworked CBF Stunner's tank and also the red shock absorbers at the rear have been carried as it is from Stunner. The headlight has been made very agressive and gels very well with the stylish air scoops. Honda has already promised it won’t compete with splendors and passions but a niche bike in the commuter segment. The CB Twister boasts some never seen before features in this segment bike including six spoke mag alloys, front disc brake, stylish exhaust design, split grab rails, open chain and high quality paint. CB Twister has been launched at a very competitive price which is Rs. 42000.00 (Ex-Showroom New Delhi) for the basic model which features kick start and drum brakes.
The 110cc engine of Honda CB Twister generates maximum power of 9 Bhp at 8000 rpm with maximum torque of 9 Nm @ 6000 rpm which are more or less same like we have seen in New Honda Aviator & Honda Activa. Also the instrument cluster of CB Twister is all analogue like other entry level Honda bikes on sale in India which seems to be very outdated in comparsion to other bikes in market like we have the New Pulsar 135, TVS Flame & Bajaj XCD 135 - all comes with digital cum analogue instrument cluster.
Shades Available & Variants of Honda CB Twister
Honda CB Twister is available in 5 Shades:
- Pearl Night Star Black
- Pearl Fujy Blue
- Pearl Amble Yellow
- Candy Comic Green
- Pearl Siena Red
Honda CB Twister is available in 3 variants:
- CB Twister Self Drum which comes with drum brakes and self start
- CB Twister Self Disc which comes with front disc brake and self start
Main Features of Honda CB Twister:
Screenless Front Cowl - Take style to the next level with a Screenless front cowl that enhances aesthetics and gives you the best performance.
Instrumental Panel - Get the best of the both worlds with a combinatory instrument panel
Floating Side Cowl - Pursue the law of aerodynamics with the stylish floating side cowl that gives you the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Muscular Tank - Bring out the beast in your with curves that ooze power.
109cc Honda Engine - Empower yourself with the cutting edge 110cc, 9 bhp engine that gives you a smooth ride with a mileage of 70kmpl*, so your joy rides never stop. Based on Indian mode – Internal Honda driving mode based on various simulated actual driving conditions.
Trendy Wheels - CB Twister equipped with a 240mm Front Disc Brake for efficient control, tubeless tyres in the front and rear for better performance and cornering and V-shaped alloy wheels for enhanced aesthetics.
Viscous Air Filter - A new technology that cuts down on maintenance and gives you a hassle free ride
Maintenance Free Battery - With no topping up and leakages you never have to worry about it, ever again.
Short Muffler and Sharp Rear - A trendy compact muffle and sharp rear with short tail that adds style to your ride and Honda has made sure it’s short and sweet.
Half Chain case - Flaunt your insides with a half chain case that reveals the latest trends.
Press Release - Honda CB Twister
According to HMSI’s official release, “Living up to the style aspirations of Indian two-wheeler customers, CB Twister offers style, unmatched performance, good mileage and convenience at an affordable cost. The new age styling of the bike is. The screenless layered front cowl, eye-catching headlight, floating side cowl, muscular fuel tank, sharp rear with short tail, multi reflector tail lamp, short muffler and half chain case makes the bike style icon in the segment.”
The bike is equipped with maintenance free battery & viscous air filter for more convenience. Strictly adhering to the BS-III norms which will come into effect from April 2010, CB Twister would be one of the most environment-friendly bike. The screenless layered front cowl, eye-catching headlight, floating side cowl, muscular fuel tank, sharp rear with short tail, multi reflector tail lamp, short muffler and half chain case makes the bike style icon in the segment.
“Honda has been able to achieve the significant milestones because of its focus on developing products that meet the expectations and aspirations of the customers. Honda has continued to introduce innovative models with advanced technology and attractive features that are also environment friendly,” Masahiro Takedagawa, operating officer, Southwest Asia Honda Motor Co. and president & CEO, Honda Siel Car India & Honda Motor India.
“We will continue to provide exciting products & lead the expansion in each two wheeler segment. The CB Twister meets the new age customers’ demand specially ‘value for money’. The bike is a perfect combination of new age style and unmatched performance with economy. With the latest cutting edge technology, the bike is bound to expand the 100-110cc segment further.” - Shinji Aoyama, president & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd.
“The CB Twister will be available to customers by end of February 2010. With never seen before in the segment new age style, unmatched performance, economy of 70 kms /litre (based on internal Honda test ride mode that is close to actual city riding conditions), we expect to sell 2.20 lack units in the year 2010 -11,” explained during the new product presentation by N. K. Rattan, operating head, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Sunday, January 6, 2008
It doesn’t happen every other month but at times, you just know when a bike is destined to strike a high note. Hero Honda did it with its CBZ a few years ago and we think Bajaj’s Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi has the trappings of becoming a similar landmark bike in India. We first sighted the 220 at the Auto Expo last year, rode it for a few laps for our August 2006 issue and since then couldn’t wait to get our hands on one for a road test. But does this much-awaited bike successfully translate strategy to become a sought-after motorcycle? :
Design,Engineering And Interiors:-
Pulsar ancestry is clearly visible in the new 220cc DTS-Fi. But what strikes the eye is how cleverly the bike hides its 150kg bulk. Bajaj’s latest creation is compact and will look just right to the average Indian rider. The voluminous front fairing packs away ample tuck-in area and houses a set of vertically stacked headlights that are clearly the best yet on any Indian bike. Twin 55W projector low beam and 70mm parabolic high beam transform inky nights into day, helping keep nasty surprises on the road at bay.
On the flip side, the attractive fairing-mounted mirrors reflect little other than the rider's elbows. The backlit switchgear feels perfect to the touch and is totally contact-free, also featuring self-cancelling turn indicators. Grips and brake and clutch levers are adequate. Look ma, no bulbs! Only amber-coloured LEDs are used for the instruments, dominated by a large analogue rev counter. A contact-free digital speedometer drive displays precise speeds in a digital read-out. An engine-redline flasher strobes out its communication when the bike is over-revved; the same light doubles up as a low-fuel warning icon.
Bajaj has persevered with the same tank on the 220, adding embossed decals and a tank pad. The stepped seat is adequately padded for both rider and pillion and ends in a smart two-piece grab bar. Angular side panels and a smooth tail fairing add panache, as do strips of nifty LED brake warning lights.
While a massive stainless steel and alloy silencer go a long way in adding zing to the 220’s presence, lightweight alloy is used liberally for its rims, steering head, footrest-mounts and fuel-filler lid. The new Pulsar offers a little under-seat storage cubby that can be unlocked via a cable release located under its lockable side panel.
Performance,Fule Economy And Handling:-
Turn the ignition and you instantly hear a typical twin-spark hum. This 220cc motor lives sans a kick-starter and is Bajaj’s first fuel-injected bike. A battery-saving feature trips a circuit when the self-starter is engaged for too long. Also, the headlamp shuts by default when the starter engages.
DTS-Fi, an acronym for Digital Twin Spark-Fuel injected, implies the marriage of twin spark plugs and fuel-injection within its four-stroke cycle engine. Running two valves, the Pulsar DTS-Fi engine is air-cooled and circulates oil to an oil-cooler to further control temperature. Bajaj's largest powerplant employs roller bearings for the rocker arm pivots and camshaft interfaces, as well as an ExhausTEC chamber to beef up low-down power. This bike is amongst India’s most powerful with a healthy 20bhp developed at 8500rpm. Maximum torque of 1.95kgm twists out at 6500rpm.
The Pulsar DTS-Fi uses a sweet-shifting five-speed, one-down-and-four-up gearbox complemented by a well-weighted clutch. Feel through the sporty toe gear-change lever — which may not go down well with commuters — offers just the right resistance. A significant feature on the DTS-Fi is an exposed ‘O’ ring sealed drive chain that comes with all links pre-lubed and sealed for good reliability and long life.
Fuel injection technology is the raison d’etre for the bike’s fabulous throttle response and wafer-crisp power-delivery throughout the power band. The exhaust note is soft, yet throaty near idle, but can get alarmingly raucous when revved hard. Engine flexibility is fantastic, the bike pulling cleanly away in top gear from speeds as low as 23-25kph. Not that many riders will be able to ride at those speeds for the Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi is a bike that constantly tempts you to pull out a whip and whack it hard.
The Pulsar DTS-Fi can thunder past 60kph in 4.42 seconds and whiz past 110kph in only 18.79sec. Top whack is an impressive true 131kph. It’s a bike that comes into its element the moment rpm climbs over 6K and is at ease cruising between 100-115kph. Speedometer error is negligible.
The DTS-Fi’ got an unabashedly sporty riding position with low clip-on handlebars and decidedly rear-set footrests. And, it’s built to seat a rider high that will please shorter riders. The DTS-Fi uses substantial forks, a twin-member tubular frame and an elliptical swingarm mounted on needle roller bearings. Gas-charged twin shocks are used at the rear. Chunky MRF tubeless tyres —90/90 x 17 inches in front and 120/80 x 17 inches at the rear — are as good as they get.
The bike belies its 150kg kerb weight, flicking through tight corners with ease. It’s planted and stable even around the 100kph mark. Ride quality is pleasantly plush without any sign of wallowing, while cornering manners remain neutral and safely predictable at all times. Which brings us to the super brakes — a potent front 260mm disc complemented by a 230mm rear disc.
Fuel economy and performance never go hand in hand. So one cannot expect to own a bike as quick as the Pulsar 220cc DTS-Fi and yet expect wallet-friendly behaviour. Nevertheless, the latest Pulsar delivers 37.7kpl in crowded city-riding conditions. At speeds around 80kph on the highway, the bike returned 36.2kpl.
VERDICT 9/10 STAR:-
Striking styling, more features than we could imagine, a crisp and potent 220cc fuel-injected 20bhp motor, as well as solid handling make the new Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi a bike that only happens once in a while in India. The Pulsar DTS-Fi offers it all, and then some more, with only one question tucked away for now. Reliability is this question to which only time holds the key. Bajaj’s latest creation is priced well too and earns India’s most desirable motorcycle tag.
