Bike IN 08.2021

INDIA’S NO. 1 TWO WHEELER MAGAZINE, BY FAR! ` 100

VOLUME 17 ISSUE 01 AUGUST 2021 WWW.BIKEINDIA.IN

EXCLUSIVE RIDE

DUCATI
PANIGALE
V4 SP Menacing

but friendly

TErXiuCmLpUhSSIpVeeEdITNriDplIeA12T0E0SRTS

TESTED: Suzuki Hayabusa TESTED

PUBLISHING TVS iQube
Yamaha FZ-X
Aprilia SXR 125
Bajaj Pulsar NS125

RIDDEN

KTM 890 Adventure

INTERVIEW

Kerman Framna

TECH FEATURE

Hero Glamour Xtec &
Maestro Edge 125

TRAVELOGUE

BMW G 310 GS to Mahabaleshwar

/bikeindia @bikeindia /bikeindia /bikeindia www.bikeindia.in













Publisher’s Note

The
Fuel
Dilemma

A S WE ENTER OUR 17TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION, THE INDIAN ECONOMY IS STILL RECOVERING FROM
the second wave of the pandemic. With the threat of a third wave on the horizon, the outlook for the
next six months is still cloudy. The automobile industry, often considered to be the barometer of the
health of the economy is also in a challenging situation.

High fuel prices have made owning any automobile an expensive affair. More than 60 per cent of

the price of fuel is in the form of taxes and blaming the oil producing countries is a deliberate

distraction. Over the last two years, the government has raked in over Rs 2 lakh crores as fuel taxes

and risks killing the goose that lays the golden egg. Rising fuel prices will inevitably have an impact on inflation and

therefore on the economy. A reduction in taxes is imperative.

The fuel policy of the government is also a confused work in progress. Ethanol is not the solution for two-wheelers and
most of the bikes on the road will not accept fuel with high levels of ethanol. Also, ethanol will encourage sugarcane
cultivation ( a lot of our politicians will benefit from this) and sugarcane depletes groundwater levels severely.
Concessions announced by a few state governments may help public transport vehicles and two-wheelers but the setting
up of infrastructure for pure electric vehicles is still in its infancy. Immediately, we see some scope for electric two-
wheelers, especially scooters, but this sector is seeing a lot of new untried players who will have to prove themselves to
survive in the long run. Merely importing kits from China and assembling them is not going to work.

The media industry has also had an extremely challenging eighteen months. We are deeply grateful to our advertisers,
readers and staff who stood by us during these difficult times. Hopefully, better times are round the corner.

8 Bike India August 2021 www.bikeindia.in

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Welcome

Forging Ahead in Trying Times Bike India Magazine, S. No. 261/G.L.R. No. 5,
East Street, Camp, PUNE 411001. India,
THIS MONTH BIKE INDIA CELEBRATES ITS 16TH ANNIVERSARY. IN 2005, WHEN A NASCENT Email us at: [email protected]
publishing house was embarking on a challenging journey, we had to take a call as to
whether we would do what every other publication was doing and start an auto magazine Editor Aspi Bhathena
that covered everything from two-wheelers to trucks or bring out a dedicated bike Executive Editor Sarmad Kadiri
magazine. While cars normally grab the limelight, motorcycles tend to be given a Copy Editor Deepak Upadhye
stepmotherly treatment. How many times do you see a motorcycle enjoying a prominent MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley
display on the cover of an automotive magazine? International Contributors Roland Brown, Adam Child ‘Chad’
Principal Correspondent Jim Gorde
For the past 16 years, we have given two-wheelers the prominence they deserve and Senior Correspondent Anosh Khumbatta
even today Bike India remains the only dedicated two-wheeler magazine in the country. Correspondents Joshua Varghese, Zal Cursetji, Azaman Chothia
Art Director Ramnath Chodankar
The country is going through a difficult time what with the COVID-19 pandemic creating Head Design & Production Ravi Parmar
Designers Santosh Wadhai, Sandeep Naik
a havoc for the economy wherein people are not able to carry on their business in the Senior Photographer Sanjay Raikar
6WDȧ 3KRWRJUDSKHU Apurva Ambep
normal manner. To make matters worse, the government keeps increasing the cost of fuel, Production Supervisor Dinesh Bhajnik
Administration Executive Francis Daniel
petrol now being priced at Rs 107 per litre and diesel at Rs 96 per litre. The cost of petrol Publisher Marzban Jasoomani
Associate Publisher &
hits the ordinar whereas General Manager (North & East) Ellora Dasgupta
Mentor & Special Advisor Hoshang S Billimoria
the ordinary citizen has to pay from his/her own pocket.
MARKETING HEAD OFFICE
The editorial staff is in the limelight riding and testing
motorcycles and scooters, but working behind the scene are the NEXT GEN PUBLISHING PVT. LTD.
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MUMBAI 400013. India. Mob No.: +91 932 154 6598
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Chanchal Arora (North and East)
Team headed by the only Indian to have raced at the Isle of Man TT
We don’t just test bikes, we build them ourselves too BENGALURU: Unit No. 509, 5th Floor ‘B’ Wing,
In case there is a problem in a bike, we don’t just find faults; Mittal Towers, MG Road, Bengaluru-560001, India
we suggest appropriate solutions Tel: +91 80 66110116/17 Fax: +91 80 41472574
Our technical know-how makes our reviews that much General Manager Girish Shet (South)
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2006 We built the 2016 We built the 2017 We built a race replica of the Chennai-600018, India Tel: +91 44 42108421, 42175421
Yamaha Gladiator Bajaj Pulsar AS200 Harley-Davidson Street 750
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10 Bike India August 2021
HYDERABAD: Srinivas Gangula, Territory Sales Incharge
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Views and opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of
Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd. Next Gen Publishing does not take responsibility
for returning unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other material. All material
published in Bike India is copyright and no part of the magazine may be reproduced
in part or full without the express prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed by Marzban Jasoomani, Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd.,
7UDGH :RUOG WK ȧRRU & ZLQJ .DPDOD 0LOO &RPSRXQG
Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (West). Mumbai - 400013.

Published by Marzban Jasoomani,
Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 608, Trade World,
WK ȧRRU & ZLQJ .DPDOD 0LOO &RPSRXQG
Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (West).
Mumbai - 400013.

Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd,
1-1-60/5 RTCX Roads, Hyderabad - 20.

Published at Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd.,
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www.bikeindia.in

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#BIkers BY FAR! ` 100

Send in Your Pictures with #BIKERS to: EX
/bikeindia [email protected]
F

EXCLUSIVE RIDE

DUCATI
PVA4NSIGPALEMbuetnafrciienngdly

ETrXiuCmLpUhSSIpVeEedINTriDplIeA12T0E0SRTS

TTYABVEapaSmSrjaiiTaQjiahPEuauSbDXlFesRZar1X2N5S125

RKTIMDD89E0NAdventure
IKTHNMeEeraTrmCeoEsHaGtRnrloaVFFmrEEIadEAomgWuTenrU1aX2tR5ecE&
TESTED: Suzuki Hayabusa

TRAVELOG ahaba eshwar
BM

We’ve completed
16 YEARS at BIKE INDIA,
and YOU, our READERS, are
the FUEL that drives us forward.
Your SUPPORT is the most VALUABLE
component of BIKE INDIA magazine,
and we can’t THANK YOU enough.
So here’s a tribute to YOU

— the amazing #BIkers.
May our bond grow ever

STRONGER.
Ride hard, RIDE SAFE.

12 Bike India August 2021 www.bikeindia.in



BY FAR! ` 100

Contents F
August 2021 / Volume 17 / Issue 01 R

8 Publishers Note EXCLUSIVE RIDE
10 Editorial
12 YOU DUCATI
16 Readers Write PVA4NSIGPALEMbuetnafrciienngdly
18 Ignition
134 BI GBU ETrXiuCmLpUhSSIpVeEedINTrDplIeA12T0E0SRS

42 Ducati Panigale V4 SP TESTED

A sharper, menacing but more engaging superbike YABapamralajiahPauSXlFsRZar1X2N5S125

50 KTM 890 Adventure RKTIMDD89E0NAdventure
IKTHNMeEeraTrmCeoEsHaGtRnroaVFFmrEEIadEAomgWuTenrU1aX2tR5ecE&
KTM’s middleweight ADV gets a bigger twin TESTED: Suzuki Hayabusa

58 TVS iQube TRAVELOG ahabaleshwar
BM
TVS’ first electric scooter is to be taken very seriously
REGULARS 42
64 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
FIRST RIDE
The big, bad Triple just got bigger and better
TESTED
72 Suzuki Hayabusa
50
The third-generation of the iconic hyperbike
FEATURE
80 Yamaha FZ-X
SPORT 64
The new scrambler-like 150 is a unique offering
www.bikeindia.in
84 Bajaj Pulsar NS125

The Pulsar name hits the 125-cc street-bike arena

88 Aprilia SXR 125

The smaller “maxi-scooter” is an interesting addition

28 Hero MotoCorp Tech

Hero’s popular two-wheelers get a modern twist

34 Book Review

Murali K Menon’s The God Who Loved Motorbikes

36 Travelogue: BMW G 310 GS

BMW Motorrad’s baby GS heads to Mahabaleshwar

92 Interview: Kerman Framna

The “King of the Ghats” speaks to Bike India

96 Interview: Dr Akshay Singhal

An interesting chat about alternative battery tech

98 Scooters Head to the Mountains

A cool group of ladies takes on the mountains on scoots

103 Power Personalities

The head-honchos of our two-wheeler industry

114 Buying Pre-owned

What to look for ahead of being a bike’s second owner

120 TVS Young Media Racer Programme

Our newest recruit hits the track for the first time

122 MotoGP: Assen

A recap of all the action from the Assen TT

126 Indomitable Racers

The most memorable racing comebacks revisited

132 WSBK: Donington Park & Assen

Everything that went down in World Superbike

14 Bike India August 2021



Readers @bikeindia /bikeindia /bikeindia /bikeindia
Write [email protected]
S.No. 261/G.L.R. No. 5, East Street, Camp, Pune 411001.

NOTE: Dear readers, thank you for the large number of responses! However, we request you to send them
in a proper format. Firstly, please ensure that your messages/queries are part of the e-mail body itself,
and not an attachment. Only pictures, wherever necessary, may be sent as attachments. Secondly, please
mention the subject in the subject line. For example, if your e-mail is for the ‘Readers Write’ column,
please mention READERS WRITE in the subject line. Otherwise, your mail could land up in the spam bin.
This will ensure that your e-mails are published regularly.

– Editor

Nostalgia for the Fury an official tour and found the Hybrid Tech? Bulletproof Commuter
motorcycle missing. Turned out
Loved Sarmad Kadiri’s article that my father had sold the Fury Yamaha launched the Fascino with For a daily usage of 150 km
on the Royal Enfield Fury. I owned off without my permission. I even hybrid technology. How does it work? and budget of Rs 70,000 which
a 1987 model with the rubberized reached out to the buyer who Srivignesh Gujare motorcycle should I buy? My
paint on it. I bought it from an promptly refused to return the requirements are good fuel
elderly gentleman who had motorcycle. To date my search for Dear Srivignesh, efficiency, comfortable ride, and
managed to do 8,000 kilometres a Fury continues but I have not had Yamaha claim that in addition to low maintenance.
over 10 years and warned me of any luck as yet. an integrated starter-generator, Karan Rangwar
the ridiculous power it could Aravind Sethuraman the scooters have also been
bring to the table. Had the bike equipped with an electric motor. Dear Karan,
for over six years and covered Dear Aravind, This motor is supposed to assist We would recommend a motorcycle
over 80,000 km. Experimented Thanks for sharing your story. the engine during starts from in the 125- to 150-cc segment
everything then possible with it. These classic bikes never fail to standstill and to climb inclines for a but there are none within your
Had a couple of major accidents ignite nostalgia. Great to know maximum of three seconds. Strictly budget. So, choose between the
as well but we survived everything. you are still riding and keeping speaking, this is not a hybrid power Hero Splendor Plus, Hero Passion
One day, I came back from your passion alive. All the best! unit but it features an automatic Pro, Honda CD110 Dream, and TVS
start-stop function. So, more of a Radeon. We have been using a TVS
mild-hybrid than anything else. Radeon in our long-term fleet for a
couple of years now and it has been
a trouble-free experience for us.

Top 3 Questions about TVS i-Qube

Questions about the @vophs_rongphar asks: What is the range from a single charge and
Bajaj Pulsar NS125 how many hours does the battery need to get fully charged?

@kwin006 asks: What are the The scooter takes nearly 8.5 hours to charge fully (on the portable
tyre sizes? charger, not the one TVS install for you) and returned a range of
The motorcycle has tubeless Eurogrip around 53 km during our real-world range test.
rubber at either end. The front is an
80/100-17 while the rear is a 100/90-17. @saurabhsays asks: Why are TVS so
slow in adding more cities for the i-Qube?
@p1_hajare asks: Which one is best? The Bajaj Pulsar 125 or the NS125?
For the everyday commute, the Pulsar 125 will do but the NS125 is an option if Since this is the first electric scooter
you would like a little bit of sportiness too. from TVS, they have a carefully
planned launch schedule. It will first be
@abhishek_xavier asks: How does it handle? launched in all Tier I cities followed by
The NS125 is an agile motorcycle and is easy to handle. It does a good job of Tier II ones.
handling the urban chaos too.
@_saifuddin45 asks: Is it value for money?

Yes. For the price and the product’s
quality and usability, it is certainly value
for money.

16 Bike India August 2021 www.bikeindia.in



Ignition
All the latest happenings in the world of two-wheelers

18 Bike India August 2021 www.bikeindia.in

www.bikeindia.in Track-only

KTM RC 8C Revealed

Only a lucky 100 stand the chance of buying the
ultra-lightweight, bespoke track weapon KTM
have ever launched for the public

K TM HAVE LAUNCHED A BESPOKE TRACK-ONLY MODEL, THE RC 8C SUPERSPORT, OF
which only 100 units will be made. These are meant to carve and blitz racetracks.
Designed and developed in partnership with Kramer Motorcycles, customers
would get the closest thing to a race bike.

Well, it is a race bike. The 140-kilogram lightweight machine is powered by a 128-hp,
889-cc LC8c motor, also seen in the 890 Duke R, but with a greater focus on drive out
of corners. The fuel-injection system developed by Dell’orto does its tech wizardry to
accurately adjust the fuel mixture for each cylinder. You even have a five-inch TFT AIM

MXS 1.2 RACE dashboard that stores all data into the AIM RaceStudio for later study.
Switchgear promotes functions such as wet and dry mapping, engine braking

adjustments, and pit-lane limiters, to name a few. Rider set-up is another aspect that
the KTM RC 8C addresses, allowing owners a multitude of different adjustments to a
number of components. Everything from triple-clamp offsets, ride height settings,

and suspension settings to steering head angles can be tweaked to each owner’s
preference.

Wheels are Dymag UP7X forged aluminium units draped in Pirelli Diablo
Supersport slicks and stopping will be carried out by Brembo Stylema units with
290-millimetre and 230-mm units at the front and rear respectively. Functional
bodywork with carbon, Kevlar, air-scoops, and winglets make the new 2022 KTM RC

8C a true “ready to race” Austrian, but with only 100 on sale, so getting a view of
one might prove to be a little difficult.

August 2021 Bike India 19

IgnItIon

BMW C 400 GT May Yamaha YZF R15 Image: courtesy abhinav Bhatt
Come to India Soon v 4.0 Incoming

BMW MoTorrad IndIa’s InsTagraM handle recenTly FeaTured The grapevIne has Been aBuzz posT a spy vIdeo oF WhaT seeMs To
a teaser video of a scooter or, to be BMW-precise, an “urban Mobility” be the upcoming yamaha yzF r15 version 4.0 being tested on Indian roads.
product and it is headed our way. The video was shot from the inside of a moving vehicle and the bike wore
camouflage, so not many details are visible.
The c 400 gT is a proper maxi-scooter, quite unlike the usual fare. as is
evident from the photograph, the gT has a relaxed riding position. Motive From the rear, the bike appears unchanged in terms of design but the
force comes from a 350-cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve, single-cylinder engine fairing in the front seems to sport major changes. We can expect to see
that is expected to dish out 34 hp at 7,500 rpm and a peak torque of 35 nm the r15 version 4.0 updated with a new front fairing that is inspired by
at 5,750 rpm. according to BMW, the c 400 gT is capable of a top speed the recently launched r7 and sport sleek led units with a led projector
of 139 km/h; an experience that has been limited to a handful of riders in headlamp in the middle.
India.
The r15 version 4.0 is expected to use the same 155-cc single-cylinder,
even though the c 400 gT is headed our way, that number is not going liquid-cooled engine capable of putting out 18.6 hp at 10,000 rpm and a
to swell much because we expect it to be priced at a hard-to-swallow rs peak torque of 14.1 nm at 8,500rpm. This engine should come with a six-
12-14 lakh. regardless of that, the thought of cutting through the air at speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch as standard. We may expect
triple-digit speeds while maintaining a deck-chair posture is tempting some new features which we will know about when the bike is launched.
enough to test-ride one, is it not? currently, the bike is priced at rs 1.54 lakh (ex-showroom), so we may
expect a slight price hike in the new model.
More Details: Bajaj
Pulsar 250 www.bikeindia.in

The Bajaj pulsar 220F Is ready For The neXT chapTer WITh The neW
pulsar 250. The soon-to-be-launched semi-faired motorcycle is likely to be
called the pulsar 250F.

recent spy pictures revealed that the new bike would sport an led
projector headlamp with boomerang-shaped led drls on either side. The
test mule also had wide rear-view mirrors positioned on the front fairing
and a rather tall windscreen, while the sleek led turn indicators seem to
be inspired by the kTM range. at the back, the 250 gets the familiar twin-
strip led tail-lamp.

The pulsar 250F will be powered by an all-new 250-cc engine which
won’t be based on the kTM powerplant. The new single-cylinder unit is
expected to produce 25 hp and will come equipped with oil-cooling. The
highlight of the engine is expected to be vva or variable valve actuation,
similar to the one seen on the yamaha r15. The tech that allows the valves
to actuate with different timing (and lift), depending on the engine rev,
which, in turn, helps improve power delivery at the low end and at higher
revs.

In order to keep the cost in check, Bajaj have opted for a relatively
simpler system which promises not just to improve performance but also
enhance torque delivery and even improve fuel efficiency. even the chassis
is all-new and not the perimeter frame seen on the pulsar ns range. The
pulsar 250F is expected to get 17-inch alloy wheels, telescopic forks, a rear
monoshock, and disc brakes at both ends.

We expect the pulsar 250F to make an entry around september, just in
time for the festive season, its price estimated to be rs 1.60 lakh.

20 Bike India August 2021

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IgnItIon

SnippetS Ride Vision Motorcycle Safety Tec

New Scram 411 Incoming spark MInda’s parTnershIp WITh rIde vIsIon May BrIng aI-enaBled collIsIon
avoidance Technology (caT) to the domestic two-
royal enfield will sooon introduce the new scram 411, wheeler market. The advanced rider assistance
a road-biased scrambler version of the himalayan. systems (aras) in the market today are too
What sets it apart is the absence of a windscreen and expensive to be offered on mass-market two-
fork gaiters and different tank extensions. There aren’t wheelers. even then, the entry-level aras tech in
any tubular tank braces, and the headlight will be play has a few creases that need to be ironed out.
held in place by conventional brackets. In most cases, it boils down to the fact that they do
The big change, however, will be a smaller front wheel not provide all-round, 360-degree protection. That
which, instead of the standard 21-inch, could be a is exactly what we hope will be addressed with this
19-inch unit with more road-friendly rubber. The bike
will come with a single-pod instrument cluster with a partnership.
Tripper navigation pod, similar to the Meteor 350’s. ride vision’s aras promises to provide 360-degree protection to the motorcycle rider at all
The scram 411 could be priced more aggressively than
the himalayan models. There should be more subtle times. It uses two small high-definition cameras at either end of the motorcycle to transmit
differences to go with the styling too. Will the 411-cc footage to the ecu. a patented algorithm detects and notifies the rider of impending collisions
single be tuned to punch out more power? Will there in real time.
be an alloy wheel version too? We shall find out soon.
ride vision 1 is hard-wired to the motorcycle’s battery and it starts when the motorcycle
Bajaj-Triumph Project Delayed is started. With a 360-degree field of view, this aras is capable of detecting multiple threats,
including forward collision, blind spots, merging, and rear collision threats. These notifications
The launch of the all-important début Bajaj-Triumph are conveyed to the rider without drawing their attention away from the road. a strip of
motorcycle has been pushed further. now, instead of leds located within the motorcycle’s mirrors flash to warn the rider of a potential situation.
2022, the 200-250-cc motorcycle will be unveiled in alternatively, users can also opt for audio warnings.
2023 due to the ongoing pandemic.
Though the prototypes are already ready, the new Impressive as it sounds, the ride vision 1’s highlight is none of these things. From what we
delta variant of covId-19 has given rise to travel know thus far, this life-saving system is expected to be available for the same price as a gopro,
restrictions between the united kingdom and India. making safety a more accessible proposition for a wider range of two-wheeler riders. We will
since the uk-based Triumph engineering team bring you more news about its Indian launch as we receive it.
haven’t been able to travel to India to have a closer
look, the project has been delayed by another six to Electric Jawa on the Cards?
nine months.
as reported elsewhere in these columns, Bajaj are classic legends, which owns brands like jawa and Bsa, are working on fully electric
developing a new 250-cc engine for the upcoming vehicles also, apart from developing future Ic models. like others, the two-wheeler
pulsar 250F and reports suggest that the new Bajaj- maker wants to keep up with the evolving market. The company could also seek some
Triumph cruiser could employ this single-cylinder air- knowledge sharing with the majority stakeholder, Mahindra & Mahindra, who have years
cooled unit. We can’t wait to hear more about this. of experience in the ev space and noteworthy presence in Formula e racing.
The firm’s electric intentions were officially confirmed by ashish joshi, ceo, classic
Two New Benelli Models legends, who said in a media interaction that electrification is a “very natural
by Year-end progression”. last year, the company announced that it would set up an r&d facility in
coventry, uk, for the electrification of Bsa motorcycles. It won’t be surprising to see
Benelli India are looking at strengthening their the jawa electric prototype roll out of the British r&d centre. like the current jawa
line-up after the recent launch of the 502c, the models, the new e-bike will continue to sport retro styling, which is the company’s core
power-cruiser-style motorcycle. The Italian brand is business strategy. We expect to see the test mule later this year, with the official unveiling
looking at a couple of new motorcycles and one of expected to take place not before 2022.
them is expected to be the TnT 302s.
The compact and relatively affordable offering is
one of their most popular models and is expected
to attract many customers in India too. The TnT
302s sits below the Imperiale 400 cruiser, which is
currently the brand’s entry-level model in India.
Benelli could re-introduce the latest version of
the popular TnT 600i roadster too. The previous
generation model was lapped up by the Indian
audience thanks to its approachable pricing,
muscular design, and the goosebump-inducing in-
line four soundtrack.
along with the new models, Benelli also plan to
expand their network in our country further.

22 Bike India August 2021 www.bikeindia.in



IgnItIon Launches

Ducati Multistrada V4 and V4 S

The Ducati Multistrada V4 and V4 S are here Everything from radar-based assistive cruise 50-mm diameter stanchions and an adjustable
and cost Rs 18.99 lakh and Rs 23.10 lakh (ex- control to blind-spot detection and safety monoshock at the rear. The Ducati Multistrada
showroom) respectively. features, the new bike is set to shake up the Indian V4 S is equipped with semi-active Marzocchi
premium adventure touring segment. In India, suspension controlled by the Ducati Skyhook
The Multistrada V4 comes with Ducati’s the radar system will be a standard fitment on the Suspension (DSS) Evolution system. The Ducati
stunning 1,158-cc V4 Granturismo motor Multistrada V4 S and will not be available on the Multistrada V4 is lighter than the 1260 L-twin
which has garnered major smiles all across the Multistrada V4. variants and thus it promises to be a sharp
motorcycling world. The engine puts out 170 hp handler. The motorcycle will be available with
at 10, 500 rpm and 125 Nm of torque at 8,750 rpm. Both versions come with 19-inch wheels at the spoked wheels, straight from the factory and
This is the most powerful variant in the Multistrada front and 17-inch ones at the rear, shod with Pirelli colour options include the Ducati Red for the V4
range and is additionally full to the brim with the Scorpion Trail tyres. while the V4 S comes in options of Ducati Red
latest tech from Ducati. The company claims that and an Aviator Grey colour as available in foreign
it’s the world’s first bike to feature a front and rear Taking care of the suspension duties on markets.
radar rider-assistance technology. the Ducati Multistrada V4 is the Marzocchi
mechanical suspension with adjustable fork with

Benelli Hero Glamour Xtec
502C Hero MotoCorp have launched an updated variant of the Hero
Glamour, called the Xtec, priced at Rs 78,900 (drum brake variant) and Rs
Benelli have 83,500 (disc brake variant), both prices ex-showroom, Delhi.
introduced the
502C middleweight The Xtec has received new features and connectivity as well as updates
cruiser priced at to the styling. To keep up with modern-day features, the Glamour Xtec now
Rs 4.98 lakh (ex- gets integrated USB charging, Bluetooth connectivity with call and SMS
showroom). It will be available initially in two colours alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation along with Google Map connectivity.
only: matte black and matte cognac red. The low-slung
sport-cruiser stance of this motorcycle is complemented by design The new dashboard features a gear position indicator, Eco mode,
elements such as a large LED headlamp, a distinct floating tail section, and tachometer, and real-time mileage indicator (RTMi). The bike is powered
a muscular fuel-tank. by the same 125-cc, BS6-compliant engine that puts out 10.8 hp at 7,500
rpm and a peak torque of 10.6 Nm at 6,000 rpm. As for safety, the bike is
Powering the bike is the familiar 500-cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin now equipped with a side-stand visual indication and a side-stand engine
engine that does duty in the TRK and Leoncino models. This power unit is cut-off. It also features a bank-angle sensor that switches off the engine in
mated to a six-speed transmission and dishes out 47.5 hp at 8,500 rpm and case of a fall. In terms of styling, the bike has been given an LED headlamp
a peak torque of 46 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Suspension duties are handled by an and an H-signature position lamp. There is also a new colour option on
upside-down telescopic fork at the front (136-mm travel) and a telescopic offer.
coil spring unit at the rear (50-mm travel). Benelli have scored high in the
braking department by equipping the front end with dual 280-mm disc
brakes while the rear is managed by a 240-mm single disc brake.

Bookings for the Benelli 502C are now open on the company’s website
for a token amount of Rs 10,000.

24 Bike India August 2021 www.bikeindia.in



IGNITION

5R\DO (QȩHOG WR *R (OHFWULF More EVs from TVS Motor

ROYAL ENFIELD ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES MAY NOT BE FAR AWAY BECAUSE TVS MOTOR ARE RAPIDLY SCALING UP THEIR ELECTRIC VEHICLE GAME
Eicher Motors are working on a range of electric bikes to cater to the after the success of the iQube e-scooter. The company officials stated
growing demand. However, the company will not stop the production of that EV adoption in India is being accelerated through significant policy
interventions and rising fuel costs. The two-wheeler major has already set
motorcycles based on existing internal up a dedicated vertical for EVs and committed Rs 1,000 crore to establishing
combustion engine platforms. The new a separate and scalable EV facility.
range of e-bikes is expected to be sold in
India and in international markets. As of It’s also official that the company will be launching EVs ranging from five
now, Royal Enfield sell motorcycles in the kW (6.8 hp) to 25-kW (34 hp) to cover the commuter and premium segments
range of 350- to 650-cc and are also working
on a number of new models. along with products
for the commercial
Recently, Siddhartha Lal, Managing space and shared
Director, Royal Enfield, revealed that since the EV segment is gaining mobility space.
momentum with positive policy action, the Indian two-wheel brand is Currently more
strategically working on developing a range of premium electric vehicles to than 500 engineers
keep up with the changing times. are working on
design and concepts
Lal further mentioned in the Annual Report of Eicher Motors that the for launching EV
company aims to develop a comprehensive environmental, social, and products both
governance (ESG) vision and that electrification is a part of it. for domestic and
international
The company has also made improvements in its energy consumption markets.
and waste management systems. Two of its manufacturing units have been
certified water positive while the company is working steadily to increase its
renewable energy component as well.

New Brand-name for Bajaj EVs EV Charging in Less
Than 15 Minutes
THE INDIAN MOTORCYCLE GIANT IS WORKING TOWARDS ESTABLISHING A
whole new subsidiary company to take on the electric drive the world is WITH LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES ALREADY BEING CONSIDERED IMPRACTICAL
striving for. There hasn’t been a name tagged to the new subsidiary yet, but for large-scale application by those within the industry, it’s only a matter
production will be made on two-, three-, and light four-wheeled vehicles. of time before the post-lithium era, spoken about by leading technology
giants, becomes a reality. Log 9 have been working on enhancing electric
Investment figures showcase numbers of up to Rs 100 crore for the new mobility for the past three years, continually developing technologically
project, which, though it may seem like a huge amount, would only be the advanced power storage and power generation solutions designed for
start of the new venture. Electric vehicles are indeed the future of transport specific platforms in a bid to push for faster EV adoption. Their new rapid-
the world over, with numerous manufacturers investing time and money charging batteries should help this cause greatly.
into the process for cleaner and greener means of travel.
The new rapid-charging batteries are the first-ever fast-charging two-
In addition, exorbitant fuel prices have played their role with and three-wheeler energy storage solutions in India using super-capacitor
consumers who have started looking for more affordable means of technology. They take less than 15 minutes to charge for a range of more
travel. Governments, too, have been offering huge incentives to both than 60 kilometres. More importantly, they also last for 15 years or more,
manufacturers and consumers building and purchasing electric and hybrid thus lowering the lifetime running cost considerably.
vehicles, which does play a major role as well.
These packs offer up to five times more peak power, resulting in
Currently, Bajaj Auto have the Chetak as their only electric offering that increased load-bearing capacity and acceleration. They are also safer in
competes with the likes of the TVS, Hero, Ather, the upcoming OLA scooters, terms of fire- and impact-
and a few more. An exciting time for electric motoring. resistance compared to
lithium-ion batteries. Log
26 Bike India August 2021 9’s battery packs promise
a true range of more than
70 km for two-wheelers.

Large-scale pilots have
already commenced
in partnership with
companies such as
Amazon, Vogo, Shadowfax,
and Delhivery, among
other key fleet operators.

www.bikeindia.in

One Lakh Ola Electric Hero MotoCorp EV
Scooters Booked Cannot be Called ‘Hero’

WHEN BHAVISH AGGARWAL, CEO OF RIDE-HAILING MAJOR OLA HERO MOTOCORP HAVE BEEN RESTRAINED FROM USING THE ‘HERO’
Cabs, announced that their first electric scooter could be booked for brand name for any electric vehicle as a consequence of a family
an initial amount of Rs 499, over a lakh of buyers logged on to the settlement from 2010 which gives the rights solely to Hero Electric.
company website to reserve a piece of the new EV. The settlement that occurred between Pawan Munjal, who heads Hero
MotoCorp, and his nephew Naveen Munjal’s Hero Electric might slow
The buzz is that the e-scooter is likely to have a range of around down Hero MotoCorp’s progress in the electric sector.
150 km and will be able to charge from 0 to 50 per cent in about 18
minutes, which would be enough for a 75-km range. The electric Naveen claims that his family received “global rights over the Hero
scooter is likely to be equipped with a non-removable lithium-ion brand name in perpetuity for electrics.” Naveen specifies that only his
battery which should take about six hours to charge fully from your family has the right to use the Hero brand for green vehicles — two-,
home electric outlet. Performance is expected to be of industry three- or four-wheelers — either for personal or commercial use.
standard, which should translate into 0-45 km/h in less than four Although the settlement gave global rights to Hero Electric for green
seconds and a top speed of close to 80 km/h. These numbers should technology, there is no prohibition on other clan members who can enter
make the Ola Electric scooter a decent city ride. the electric space with a different brand-name.

The Ola Electric scooter will be offered in 10 vibrant colour options, In the current state where Hero MotoCorp have invested huge sums in
including matte black, matte pink, yellow, white, red, silver, grey, and contemporary EV businesses, the branding the company will use for their
bright blue. Alloy wheels and front disc brake are part of the package upcoming electric vehicle this year is clad in ambiguity. On the positive
too. The electric scooter will also boast of a fully digital console, side of things, Hero Electric is “open to anything” and as Naveen Munjal
key-less start through your smartphone and the Ola Electric app, and plans to aggressively expand business, he mentions that the company
ample under-seat storage which seems capable of accommodating is open to partnerships even within the family as the family relations are
two helmets. cordial but the business interests have still to be looked after.

Ola Electric will launch the electric scooter in the coming months,
the expected price being Rs 1 lakh.

Maharashtra Gives EV Adoption a Boost

THE 2021 MAHARASHTRA ELECTRIC VEHICLE for the largest share of incentives, as the brings the total incentive benefit up to Rs 25,000.
policy is a revision of the policy that was government expects them to make up 10 per With road tax and registration cost removed
introduced back in 2018 with the aim to make cent of all new vehicle registrations in the state
the state the highest producer of battery- by 2025. The state has laid down guidelines that from the picture, the on-road prices of EVs will
powered electric vehicles in India. The state will offer a subsidy to the customers buying come closer to their ex-showroom cost. There’s
government is looking at EVs to make up 10 per the first one lakh electric two-wheelers. These also a scrappage incentive of Rs 7,000 on offer.
cent of all new vehicle registrations by 2025. It customers will be eligible for an incentive of Rs To save buyers the trouble of co-ordinating with
has announced that EVs will be exempt from 5,000 per kWh of battery capacity. This incentive government offices to receive their subsidy, all
road tax and registration charges and has also limit goes up to Rs 10,000, which is twice the of the incentives will be handed directly to the
rolled out a Rs 930-crore policy that will be valid previously announced cap of Rs 5,000. manufacturers of these vehicles. Manufacturers
till 31 March 2025. of e-two-wheelers will additionally receive an
Furthermore, there is an incentive of Rs 15,000 incentive of up to Rs 12,000 if they provide a
As part of the revised Maharashtra EV policy for an electric two-wheeler with a three-kWh minimum five-year warranty on the battery and
2021, electric two-wheelers currently account battery pack bought before December 2021. This an assured buyback scheme.

www.bikeindia.in August 2021 Bike India 27

Feature

The Xtec is a Hero Glamour that has www.bikeindia.in
received some electronic trickery that
bridges the gap between the smartphone
world and motorcycling.

28 Bike India August 2021

Built-in Mobile Charger HERO GLAMOUR XTEC FEATURES

Bluetooth Connect

Navigation Assist oother ride in City Traff

Sm ic

THE HERO GLAMOUR XTEC IS THE
most modern variation of the Glamour
yet and it comes loaded with features that are
in demand for the new-age rider. In terms of connectivity options,
the Xtec is the top-spec motorcycle in its category and has introduced
some revolutionary features to the segment. Before we write about the
motorcycle’s technology highlights, some attention must be given to the latest
styling elements. The new Glamour features a refreshed front end that is dominated
by an LED headlamp. The motorcycle’s strong lines then flow back to the muscular
fuel-tank, complementing its popular character. Furthermore, Hero have also introduced
new split alloy wheels and they go rather well with the overall design of the Glamour Xtec.
The Xtec’s party pieces begin at the instrument console. Now the rider gets all the information
they need from a fully digital console that boasts of a revamped take on the typical instruments
that include a speedometer and a fuel gauge. The inclusion of a clock is another useful addition
that will prove particularly useful to everyday city commuters. The best part is that the console is
Bluetooth-compatible (a first-in-segment feature) as well. Once paired to a smartphone, the
Glamour Xtec is capable of supporting turn-by-turn navigation. This window is integrated into the
instrument console and relays crisp and precise information from your smartphone. This is one
feature that will prove to be crucial especially for new riders and those who have moved to a new
city. Additionally, the Xtec is also equipped with side-stand engine cut-off and a bank angle
sensor. So, maybe, you have had a long day and all the navigation has drained the phone’s
battery. What now? Thankfully, Hero have given it some thought as well and equipped the
Glamour Xtec with a built-in mobile charger.
The Hero Glamour Xtec will draw power from a 124.7-cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine
that develops 10.8 hp at 7,500 rpm and a peak torque of 10.6 Nm at 6,000 rpm.
Gear-shifts are handled by a five-speed transmission and Hero claim that their
AutoSail technology will significantly improve the motorcycle’s traffic-handling
prowess, making it a breeze to ride on congested roads. Another vital change
in the mechanical department is the new longer-travel telescopic fork
that should improve the motorcycle’s ride quality over poor
surfaces. All of this could be yours for Rs 78,900 for the
drum brake variant and Rs 83,500 for the disc brake

model (both prices ex-showroom).

Split Alloy Wheels LED Headlamp

Powerful 125-cc Engine Muscular Fuel Tank

www.bikeindia.in August 2021 Bike India 29

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Intel SRR4, Bengaluru Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, Himachal Pradesh

FPSO Armada Sterling, Bombay High

Shapoorji Pallonji And Company Private Limited: SP Centre, 41/44, Minoo Desai Marg, Colaba 400 005
Tel: 6749 0000 Website: www.shapoorjipallonji.com

Feature

The Maestro Edge give it
customers what they want
with new smartphone
connectivity options.

HE BOFFINS AT HERO
decided that similar
advancements should trickle
into their scooter line-up as
well and a wave of the stuff
has hit the popular Maestro
Edge 125. In addition to improvements in
technology, the Maestro also benefits from a
refreshed design. The cutting-edge styling
comes from eye-catching aesthetic elements,
including masked indicators and fresh
colours with dual-tone graphics, and they go
well with the Maestro’s sharper front end.
The scooter also receives the “HConnect”
smartphone connectivity solution which is
among the cutting-edge mobile solutions in
the segment. The features are as follows.

32 Bike India August 2021

VEHICLE START ALERT: The user is HERO MAESTRO EDGE 125 FEATURES

immediately notified when there is an In case you were wondering, yes, the
unauthorized ignition start. An enhancement Maestro also gets turn-by-turn navigation like
in vehicle security. the Glamour Xtec. Looks like the Hero Maestro
Edge ticks all the right boxes in terms of the
TOPPLE ALERT: Emergency contacts receive modern age of digitally connected scooters.

an alert if a mishap results in the scooter The Maestro Edge draws motive force from a
toppling over. Helps in scrambling emergency 124.6-cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine that
services faster. churns out 9.1 hp at 7,000 rpm and a peak
torque of 10.4 Nm at 5,500 rpm. Other notable
GEO FENCING ALERTS: The scooter’s mechanical features include a disc brake at
the front with the safety of Hero’s IBS and a
movements outside a pre-defined geographical telescopic fork that performs suspension
area prompts a notification. Ideal for monitoring duties at the front. To make life easier for the
riders who have a fixed routine. rider, the Maestro also sports some thoughtful
additions, including external fuel-filler cap,
TRIP ANALYSIS: This provides trip i3S technology, and tubeless tyres.

information for the past six months, including The price of the Hero Maestro Edge begins
the routes taken, time travelled, distance at Rs 72,250 and goes up to Rs 79,750 (both
travelled, and the like. prices ex-showroom).

DRIVING SCORE: Analyze and improve your HERO LOCATE: Records the

riding by referring to the behavioural-pattern scooter’s last-parked location and
based score. Could lead to riding patterns that provides navigation support using
improve fuel-efficiency. Google Maps. Wander into congested
parking location more confidently.
LIVE TRACKING: Tracks the scooter in real

time, showing the route and current speed as
well. Addresses safety concerns rather well.

SPEED ALERT: Cross a set speed limit and the

app notifies the registered
mobile number. Yikes!

TOW AWAY ALERT: Unauthorized

movement of the scooter is
immediately notified. Essentially, the
first step to prevent vehicle theft.

August 2021 Bike India 33

Book Review

For The
Love Of
Motorbikes

A local god in a village in Kerala
falls in love with motorcycles
and leaves his mundane

existence to travel the world
on every bike he can lay his
hands on

Story: Sarmad Kadiri
Photography: Sanjay Raikar

HIS IS ONE IMAGINATIVE FANTASY TALE insatiable thirst of purchasing a slew of motorcycles with the help of his
meant for motorcycle lovers and has all the ingredients to close aid, Kutty. Employing some rather unconventional ideas, KK
take them on one crazy ride. Written by the noted journalist, manages to raise money with the help of a few mortals to quench his
Murali K Menon, a self-confessed petrolhead himself, this motorcycling desires. We get a taste of KK riding and falling in love with
wacky story revolves around Kandakarnan Swamy (KK), a bikes such as a used Royal Enfield Bullet, Jawa 250, and Yamaha RD350.
revered deity living a mundane life in a village in Kerala. But he has Bitten by the motorcycle bug, KK heads to the UK and Europe to grind
almost human-like thoughts and desires and does not even possess any the foot-peg feelers off some more iconic bikes, including a Brough
godly powers, apart from not being visible or audible to the average Superior, a Matchless Silverstreak, a Ducati 250 Mach1, an Ariel Red
villagers. Things start to get interesting when KK spots a Norton Hunter, and a Moto Guzzi V7 750 Special, just to name a few.
Dominator and falls helplessly in love with the machine. As luck would
have it, the owner of the Norton, Koman Kutty, is an agnostic and what Things reach a crescendo when KK starts to yearn for the almost
is even funnier is how our holy deity convinces the man to teach him to magical Velocette Venom Thruxton HT, claimed to be the “greatest
ride. In a couple of weeks, KK becomes a pro rider and the story evolves motorcycle ever”. As the events unfold, the story begins to tighten its grip
as the Lord spirals down the world of motorcycles. on the reader. This book in meant for those motorcyclists who daydream
As expected, KK gets hooked on to the joy of riding and so begins the of riding these timeless beauties and this ludicrous tale gives them a
chance to live that dream.

34 Bike India August 2021 www.bikeindia.in



Travelogue

Adventure

Fills the

Soul

With the G 310 GS, adventure can be found
anywhere. Even at a place that is meant for

a peaceful weekend getaway

Story: Azaman Chothia Photography: Apurva Ambep

36 Bike India August 2021 www.bikeindia.in

BMW G 310 GS

www.bikeindia.in August 2021 Bike India 37

Travelogue

e have been living in a new Above:
world ever since the pandemic changed Looking at the GS
many aspects of our day-to-day lives. The from any angle
last couple of months trapped at home on will leave you
account of another lockdown did get really awestruck
frustrating and little did i know that things were going to take
a turn for the better very soon. The next day as i arrived at the The ride to Mahabaleshwar spans over 120 km from Pune
office, a bMw g 310 gS wrapped in the special black and and covers various terrain including highway, some twisties,
yellow “40 Years of gS” anniversary edition colours was sitting and a fair share of bad roads on the way. The day began with
pretty in the Bike India garage. pleasant weather as i headed out on the bike early in the
i jumped at the first chance and convinced my editor to let morning. The route to exit Pune is via the Katraj Ghat and that
me borrow the motorcycle for the weekend. The special part is where i got my first dose of the twisties on the g 310 gS.
about living in Pune is that it is surrounded by beautiful Katraj Ghat might not be the cleanest place with garbage
mountains on all sides and the best part being that they are not dumped all over, and is always flooded with slow-moving
too far away. i chose to visit Mahabaleshwar as i had heard it traffic, too. The climb and following descent were effortless as
had recently opened up to the public, with the easing of the wide handlebar allowed for easy manoeuvrability through
restrictions imposed due to the pandemic and, so, it made for the tightest of corners and the engine was always ready for
quite an adventurous visit. times when i needed to get around and ahead of the slow
traffic in the way. The g 310 gS may look like a considerably
38 Bike India August 2021 large motorcycle but it becomes one with a rider as soon as
they swing a leg over it and set off. even with my short stature,
the bike was not intimidating and this friendly nature of the
g 310 gS made it all the more fun on such a trip.

www.bikeindia.in

The first stop was for breakfast around 25 km into the ride at Above: BMW G 310 GS
the first misal joint that we found open on the highway. as i A trip on the
got down to eating, the rain came pouring down, violently, GS would be an open stretch of tarmac on the highway.
and it was now time to gear up for a wet highway ahead. a incomplete The next part of the route went through one of my favourite
combination of the suspension setup, brakes and the Metzeler without some
Tourance tyres made for an engaging highway ride as the bike off-roading, set of twisties — Khambatki Ghat. This is a wide stretch of
soaked up all the bumps and undulations from the road wouldn’t it? tarmac with traffic travelling only one way and with flowing
surface while providing high levels of grip. This is the part of turns through to the end of the mountain pass. There is a
the route where a lot of distance can be covered quickly and i stunning view from the top but, with roads like these, i was
was able to achieve a top speed of around 156 km/h when i got concentrating more on carving corners. luckily, by the time
we reached this point, we had passed the rainy sections and
were back to dry roads. after a few corners, it was evident
what a good handling machine this motorcycle is. There is no
worry about the pegs scraping in any of the corners with the
higher ground clearance. This gave me the confidence to
effortlessly flick the bike from one side to another with it being
extremely stable and planted through the flowing corners and
put a wide grin on my face. Until this section came to an end.

The next part of the route passed through wai. This is a
small town and the route leading through it consists of a
narrow straight road with a few bad sections along the way.
This was the second-last part of the route before we got to the
last ghat that would lead us straight to Panchgani. This is
where i stood upon the pegs to stretch myself while i
continued cruising with ease. For a few moments, when traffic
came to a sudden stop, all the bike needed was one finger on
the front brake as it came to a halt. From here on it was just a
little while before we were getting to our hotel that was located
in Panchgani.

The baby GS catches eyes just like
its larger siblings wherever it goes,
especially in this rad colour scheme

www.bikeindia.in August 2021 Bike India 39

Travelogue

The last part of the route is the wai Ghat, a narrow two-lane Above: The helipad was scattered with gravel and around it was
road with oncoming traffic, that spans a distance of 15 km. as The GS made its some slush and an off-road trail that headed downhill. From
one gets higher, one can begin to admire the views from the way through all there, i would have had a great view of the mountains as it was
top. Overtaking on this part of the route is tricky as the road is that was thrown at high altitude, but everything was draped in fog as far as the
narrow and has unpredictable oncoming traffic. all the g 310 at it eye could see. The weather started to get gloomier and it was
gS needed was to be kept in its mid-range where it was happy Above right: just a while before it began to pour down again. although, i
to climb with a good amount of power left in reserve for a Slipping, sliding did spend a good amount of time at this location, and i feel i
quick overtake on the straights. Most of the turns on this part and jumping at made the most of the day.
of the route are not very sharp so the bike can easily be the helipad that
straight-lined through the corners while keeping an eye out for we visited There have been opinions on the bike’s details. Many
oncoming traffic. would like the option of spoked wheels compared to the alloy
wheels on the bike but, to be completely honest, they took a
My stay was arranged at the Prospect hotel. it is a property beating and felt like they would live to fight many more
that features antique cottages surrounded by greenery, has some intense off-road sessions. The dual-purpose tyres kept the
of the tastiest and unique food, friendly staff, and a peaceful bike stable under all conditions and it was really forgiving at
atmosphere for a perfect weekend getaway. i would recommend times when i lost control of a slide in the gravel. a light kerb
this beautiful property to anyone visiting, who hasn’t already weight of 175 kg makes the bike easy to push and pull around
checked it out, for their next stay in Panchgani. This hill station
is all about relaxing, visiting the various points in the mountain even while sitting on it with my legs tip-toeing on
and, of course, relishing some strawberries with cream. the ground.
however, this time out, our trip turned out to be very different after a long day of riding in all sorts of wild
compared to what we had been expecting. even though the conditions, we stopped at bagicha Corner.
place had been opened up, most of the points, restaurants, and This is quite a famous location and,
tourist attractions there were still not open to the public.
right: Mahabaleshwar, the lip-
even after the 120 km of riding to get there i was not tired smacking food makes you relish every
or fatigued, thanks to the comfortable and plush ride offered meal; overeating is common
by the g 310 gS, so i headed out to explore soon after
freshening up at the hotel. The owner of the Prospect hotel www.bikeindia.in
was kind to tell me about a location just a few kilometres away
where we would get a good chance to have some fun with the
bike. we were accompanied by a friend of the owner to a
secluded spot that had a helipad surrounded by an old off-
road track. You can’t ask for more when you have an
adventure motorcycle at such a location. it was time to slip,
slide and jump around the place and further explore the
capabilities of the bMw g 310 gS.

40 Bike India August 2021

Above & Left: BMW G 310 GS
Prospect Hotel is
a unique and luckily, was one of the restaurants that was open to enjoy a
beautiful meal. it was currently not the season for strawberries so our
property in the desert had frozen strawberries with cream rather than fresh
midst of greenery strawberries. One of our last stops that day, as the wind got
stronger and the weather more chilly, was at a small road stall
A combination of the serving street-style ‘butta’, or roasted corn-on-the-cob. The
suspension set-up, brakes and night came to an end with a lip-smacking meal served to us at
the tyres made for quite an our hotel and we seemed to have made the most of the day
engaging highway ride even with most of the attractions around being shut.

The next morning i checked out from the hotel and headed
out early from Panchgani to visit the market in
Mahabaleshwar. The road between Panchgani and Mahabi,
as Mahabaleshwar is popularly referred to, is a distance of
around 20 km and makes for a great ride with beautiful
scenery around. while entering Mahabi, there is a stunning
view of the venna lake. The ride back was a more challenging
one as we decided to leave in the afternoon and take a new less
travelled route heading back down. This was usually the time
the weather suddenly changes from bright and sunny to heavy
showers. The leD headlight is a new addition on the bS6
model and provided great vision even in the foggiest sections
on this narrow route going downhill; with the pouring rain
accompanying us all the way to the bottom.

This trip surely did make me want to own an aDv, what
with the current situation of broken roads in our country. also,
how could i forget to mention that the baby gS catches eyes
just like its larger siblings wherever it goes, especially in this
rad colour scheme. even with most of the tourist attractions
shut around Mahabi, my craving for adventure was fulfilled on
this journey. This ride after the lockdown was a much-needed
getaway and the g 310 gS accompanying me for the journey
was the cherry on top.

www.bikeindia.in August 2021 Bike India 41

First Ride

MFoorgnAivsitneg r

Ducati have made “special” iterations of their
superbikes since the first SP version of the iconic
851. However, it is also, for most of us, simply a
poster bike: a dream designed to be as extreme
as possible. The Euro-5 SP features some of the
technology of the Superleggera, but with a more
usable 1,103-cc V4 instead of the rev-happy 999-cc
race-derived Superleggera power unit. Here is our

first impression following a first ride

Story: Adam Child ‘Chad’ Photography: Jason Critchell

42 Bike India August 2021 www.bikeindia.in

Ducati PAnigAle V4 SP

www.bikeindia.in August 2021 Bike India 43

First Ride

44 Bike India August 2021 STM EVO-SBK dry clutch
made from aluminium billet.

In racing, the dry clutch
reduces the effectiveness
of engine braking during
aggressive down-changes.
The final drive is via a 0.4-kg
lighter chain with a 520 pitch

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Ducati PAnigAle V4 SP

am lucky, I know. I have been at 13,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), with peak torque at 124 nm at 9,250 rpm. I
professionally testing bikes for 25 years and I still have ridden the v4 and v4S extensively on track and never headed for home
get a buzz from riding every day. but every so often, afterwards wishing I had had more power, even at theatres of speed like mugello or
there is a special day. I get excited, like a child bahrain’s International circuit where they launched the 2020 model.
before christmas, counting down the days with
excitement and anticipation. In fact, on the road, its performance is almost too much — do you really need over
200 hp in a lightweight chassis? when you throw a leg over the SP, look down at its
It takes a special bike or trip to do this — and carbon wings, watch the revs dramatically rise and fall with every blip of its ride-by-
Ducati’s Panigale SP is just such a motorcycle. I wire throttle, it is hard not to feel a little intimidated. but Ducati have thankfully
first saw it earlier this year and have been waiting to thought of that.
get my hands on one ever since. luckily, Ducati
loaned me SP number 29 for the week, which coincided with There are four simple riding modes: Sport and Street for the road and Race a and
a heatwave in the united kingdom. Dry, warm, and sticky Race b for the track. Interestingly — and partly key to the Ducati’s surprising ease of
roads plus a Ducati SP — heaven! use on the road — is a reduction in torque in the lower gears in all modes apart from
moreover, despite a limited production run, prices start at a Race a. It is only when you flick into Race a that you get the full flavour and soon
more affordable £32,295, that is, Rs 33.26 lakh (if you can call realise all those Italian horses want not so much to run as to stampede.
that affordable).
I set out to write this road test without mentioning things even in Street mode, the SP feels quick. The first big handful of throttle took me by
like soul, character, and beauty and I hoped to avoid a cliché- surprise. you think it is accelerating hard, then it just keeps going and going and revs
ridden gush about Ducati styling, too; but neither can be on to a staggering 14,500 rpm. It feels like there is no mechanical friction, the revs
done. look at the SP… take a moment… it’s stunning. (and power) rising seemingly without limit or resistance and doing so accompanied
There are machines like bmw’s m 1000 RR in the market by a clattering, thunderous Ducati v4 exhaust tone.
that can match the SP in terms of performance and price, but
few that can match its intrinsic appeal and desirability. I do not when you first ride the SP, you instinctively change gear early because you are
know if it is because of the history of Ducati and its accelerating so fast and assume you are close to the red-line, especially if you grew up
shimmering Italian glamour — I cannot put my finger on it riding Ducati twin, but you are not. keep in the gear longer, let it rev to the peak
— but the Panigale SP overloads the senses, builds power at 13,000 rpm… and it is breath-taking.
excitement, and makes you feel like a teenager on a first date.
The SP is one of those bikes that freezes time. a quick look- There is no need to use the dry clutch; instead, tap the quickshifter and, once you
over extends to a 30-minute stare. Those carbon wheels, that have processed the first few gears and are into full power in fourth gear, you are at
brushed aluminium fuel-tank borrowed from the R model,
Stylema R brake calipers from the Superleggera, the mcS, rIght: The same
and remote adjustable brake lever… I love them all. check out, Desmosedici
too, the multi-adjustable billet aluminium foot-pegs. It is Stradale as
strange to feel an instant emotional attachment to an object, housed in the V4S
especially one that I have only borrowed, but I do with the SP. and V4; 214 hp
That is what makes this Ducati so special. at 13,000 rpm
The SP has been designed primarily for the track, but, and 124 Nm
unlike the R and Superleggera versions, the SP is targeted at at 9,250 rpm
“average” riders, not retired racers and the like and, unlike the
aforementioned v4s, is euro-5 compliant. This means that
despite having a dry clutch, it does not rattle like the bikes of
old — 851 SP anyone! — and at low revs the bark from the v4
is even a little subdued.
Power output is the same as the lower-spec and much
cheaper Panigale v4 and v4S, which were tweaked for euro-
5 this year. apart from that new dry clutch, the 1,103-cc
Desmosedici Stradale 90-degree v4 remains unchanged.
all right, the SP engine has not been injected with a full
dose of Ducati corsa ferocity, but it is still impressive: 214 hp

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First Ride warp speed and going directly to jail — it is that quick.
To ride the SP at full throttle you need either to be on track
46 Bike India August 2021
or live on the Isle of man. even at some tracks, I would
probably still opt for Race b mode or even Sport. The
reduction in torque in the lower gears does not make the bike
slower; it just gives the rider aids an easier time. Reducing

power and torque in lower gears is a trick most race
teams have been using for years.
meanwhile, Race a turns up to a rock concert
drunk and then stands next to the speaker all night

before throwing the television set out of the hotel
window and driving the Roller into the pool — I love it! For
pictures and for the purpose of this test, I was “forced” to turn
off the rider aids and ride in this hell-raiser of a riding. So set,
the SP is simply a race bike with mirrors and even those lovely

carbon wings cannot control the endless wheelies,
especially at low speeds — and when I say low speeds,
I mean below 160 kilometres per hour.
but, like the v4 and S, the SP has a split
personality, which makes it relatively calm in the
Street and Sport modes (which also change the multiple
evo 3 rider aids; more on that later). you can pop to
the shops, no problem, take it easy on a sunny afternoon

and happily cruise down the motorway, but if you poke it with
a stick and flick it into either race mode, it will bite back.

The big talking point is the lightweight five-spoke carbon
wheels, which save 1.4 kilograms over the v4S and 3.4 kg over
the base v4. now, 1.4 kg might not seem much, but this is a
huge saving in unsprung weight. The Ducati Panigale v4 has
always been a light bike, easy to turn and handle, but now it is
even more so. The difference is not especially noticeable at
road-legal speeds, but at race speed during fast direction
changes, the SP flicks effortlessly from knee-down left to
knee-down right. a few times I gave the SP too much input
effort and turned too tight, hitting the apex too early. a 1,103-
cc v4 should not be this easy to turn.

like the v4S, the SP is equipped with electronically

Above: Öhlins NIX-30 forks,
Öhlins TTX36 rear shock, and
Öhlins steering damper controlled
by the second-generation Öhlins
Smart EC 2.0 system.
rIght: Brembo Stylema R front
brake caliper, with Brembo MCS
front brake pump with remote
adjustment

DUCATI PANIGALE V4 SP

India SPEC TALK

Ducati Panigale V4 SP

Price: Rs £32,295 (Rs 33.26 lakh)
ENGINE
Configuration: Water-cooled 90° V4
Valve-train: Four valves per cylinder
Displacement: 1,103 cc
Bore x Stroke: 81 x 53.5 mm
Compression Ratio: 14.0:1
Fuelling: Ride-by-wire, two injectors per cylinder
Maximum Power: 214 hp at 13,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 124 Nm at 9,250 rpm
Clutch: Dry, hydraulic, slipper
Transmission: Six-speed
CHASSIS
Type: Aluminium
Front Suspension: Öhlins NIX30 43MM fully adjustable
electronic, 120-mm travel
Rear Suspension: Öhlins TTX36 fully adjustable electronic,
130-mm travel
Front Brake: Twin 330-mm discs, four-piston radial mounted
Brembo Monobloc Stylema R caliper with remote adjuster
Rear Brake: Single 245-mm disc, two-piston Brembo caliper
Front Wheel: 3.50 x 17, carbon-fibre
Rear Wheel: 6.00 x 17, carbon-fibre
Front Tyre: 120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP
Rear Tyre: 200/60 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP
Rake/Trail: 24.5°/100 mm
Wheelbase: 1,469 mm
Seat Height: 835 mm
Ground Clearance: 125 mm
Tank Capacity: 16 litres
Weight: 173 kg (dry), 194 kg (kerb)

controlled (EC) Öhlins NIX 30 forks and TTX36 rear shock We have only briefly mentioned the ABOVE: The
and even the steering damper is a Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronic rider aids, which, apart from being SP is equipped
system. This system is mighty impressive and allows you to the very latest EVO 3 system, are easy to access with the Ducati
electronically personalize its settings, but I found the road via a five-inch TFT dash and simple to adjust. Data Analyser
settings to be almost faultless. Bumps, fast corners, changes The electronic toys at your fingertips are EVO (DDA) with a
in the surface, and hard acceleration… the Öhlins took it all. cornering ABS and traction, slide, wheelie, GPS module.
It is worth mentioning that the Pirelli Supercorsa SP tyres engine brake, and launch control; not forgetting Essentially a
complement the bike perfectly. In admittedly perfect the standard up and down quickshifter and Öhlins electronic telemetry system
British summer weather, they provided endless grip. On suspension. which stores
some very bumpy back roads I would have liked a little more trajectories, rpm,
plushness, especially at low speeds, but as the pace picked up The pre-set riding modes dictate the amount of computer throttle position,
and the suspension worked harder, they matched the SP’s intervention and, to be honest, on dry roads with grippy engine rpm,
intentions perfectly. Pirelli rubber, the wheelie control was the only rider aid brake pressure,
working overtime (despite the carbon wings doing their best and rider aids.
Historically, some older EC suspension systems lacked feel, to reduced wheelies). A very clever
but this certainly is not the case with the SP. I was hitting system that
familiar sections of road at speed and had great feedback. I But on track or in less favourable conditions, these rider aids enables you to
could keep leaning and carrying ever-more corner speed, are the Ducati’s ace card, especially for less experienced hands. compare laps and
knowing I had the very latest rider aids on hand to keep me In the wet, especially on the road, cornering ABS is a godsend. corners in detail
safe. In fact, I cannot remember the last time I rode on the And even if you intend to ride the SP on the track only, you
road and had so much knee-down fun. The SP encourages will quickly discover the benefits of one of the most effective
you to lean further, release the brakes, and carry more speed suites of electronic support available in the market. Imagine
— highly addictive, if not fully legal. the final session of the day when you are feeling tired and the
rear tyre is going off: just flick into Race B or Street mode and

www.bikeindia.in August 2021 Bike India 47

First Ride

You think it is accelerating hard, then it
just keeps going and going and revs on to

a staggering 14,500 rpm

the SP will run with more intervention and reduced torque in fundamentally changed the Panigale bodywork, making it Above: SP-only
the lower gears but you will still be having fun — and be wider and taller. The SP also comes with very trick billet livery, “Winter
putting in some fast lap-times. aluminium adjustable pegs which can be moved for comfort or Test” matte black
sporty riding. The ergonomics are not as bad as you would with red detailing
The SP shares the impressive braking set-up as the expect either and it is one of the roomier superbikes in the and a brushed-
Superleggera, which I rode last year at mugello. The brembo market; very un-Ducati like. In the softest suspension mode, I aluminium fuel
Stylema R front brakes are incredible, race-spec brakes, which was pleasantly surprised by the comfort on the motorway and tank, inspired by
are faultless on track. There is also a remote span adjuster that the clocks are easy to read and navigate, with multiple trips, the Ducati Corsa
is very trick, easy to use, and comes in useful surprisingly km/l (both average and instant), and even ambient air bikes used in pre-
often. I prefer a closer lever around town and further away temperature. with its substantial screen and that relatively season testing in
during fast riding and the remote adjuster allows you to easily wide bodywork, you could embark on some serious miles, MotoGP and SBK
change the span on the move. with the mSc levers, it also though you would soon be wishing for a plusher seat. rIght: Form and
looks trick and caught everyone’s eye when they looked function co-exist.
closely at the SP. and lots do… Sadly, however, that is where the compliments end. That is what
The brushed-aluminium fuel-tank feels and looks lovely but, makes this one
It is easy to get carried away talking about carbon wheels, at only 16 litres capacity, the SP needs fuel every hour or special
racing Stylema brakes, and a brushed-aluminium fuel-tank, every 130 km. nobody buys an exclusive superbike and
but, at the end of the day, you have to live with and ride your worries about km/l and tank range, do they? but fuelling up
SP. Practically speaking, it is not bad. In 2020, Ducati
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48 Bike India August 2021

every 145 km or so is a pain, especially if you are riding Ducati PAnigAle V4 SP
somewhere remote.
Above: Five-spoke carbon wheels saving 1.4 kg over the V4S and
Ignoring the fuel range for a moment, Ducati have done 3.4 kg over the standard V4 — which equates to 26 and 46 per cent
everything possible to reduce the heat from the back cylinder less inertia
reaching the rider, yet your inner legs get cooked. In heavy rIght: Billet
traffic and 30 degrees celsius heat, it was almost unbearable, aluminium foot-pegs
especially on the left side. with carbon heal
plate and articulated
The dry clutch is designed for racing and is heavier than brake and shift
standard and it makes neutral harder to find. Down from pedals to minimize
second, up from first — it is in there somewhere — and I have the risk of breaking in
never experienced this problem with the standard Panigale. the event of a slide.
Finally, the price… and SP is not cheap and getting hold of a The gear selector can
limited-edition is going to be hard work. be quickly reversed
to race shift
Despite my gripes about everyday life with an SP, I still
want one. I have never dated a supermodel — they are not
generally attracted to balding, 5’ 7” britons who drive a van
— but I imagine their stunning looks may come with
expensive habits and a tendency towards the temperamental.
That is the SP. when your legs are on fire, you cannot find
neutral and you are wondering why you cashed in your
pension to buy one, but you will catch your reflection in a
window and nod in approval. yes, I made the right decision.

Ducati claim a non-professional rider will lap faster on the
SP version than on the dedicated homologation special R
version, as it is easier to ride. I agree with that; the SP is
forgiving, thanks to lighter wheels, a less race-focused race
engine, and impressive electronic rider aids. The SP is simply
an easier way to ride fast while still looking factory good.

on the road, you do not need remote span-adjustable
levers, carbon wheels or a limited-edition “winter Test” livery
— nor the bike’s number machined on to the headstock —
but if you had the money, you would. I, for one, do not care
about the tank range and I will not bother with neutral at the
lights and if my testicles set on fire, who cares. Just look at it,
the Ducati I mean.

It is breathtakingly fast — mind-blowing, in fact — and
the handling is unbelievable. I will stick my neck out and say
that it is possibly the finest handling road bike available in the
market at the moment and certainly in the top three. I never
tired of the looks, it attracted admirers like seagulls to a
fishing boat. It is a future classic and one I certainly did not
want to give it back.

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First Ride

WELCOME

50 Bike India August 2021 www.bikeindia.in