Best of Bike News in 2011

Published December 9, 2011
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4 min read

The two-wheeler industry in India may not have showered its customers with a flurry of spectacular launches this year, but the industry as a whole has certainly seen a lot of positives across various sectors. Here is our three page take on the year 2011 for India on two wheels

Aprilia RSV4 &Vespa 125LX unveiled: Piaggio brought in two of its major international two-wheeler brands, Vespa and Aprilia in India for the first time at the 2011 Mumbai International Motor Show. Powered by a 999cc V4 engine, the RSV4 is a thoroughbred performance motorcycle that is set to impress the Indian biking enthusiast. Vespa looks well-armed to achieve its goal with the new LX125 scooter, which perfectly blends modern-day tech to the classical charm of the Vespa scooters.

Honda CBR1000RR 2011 unveiled: Honda unveiled the latest and the most awaited liter class super sport CBR1000RR Fireblade, celebrating 20 years since it was first launched as the CBR900RR. One of the major changes to the new 1000RR is that it uses a multi-function LCD instrument panel with a lap timer, a gear position indicator, plus tachometer with 4 modes of display.

New Bajaj Pulsar range: The new Pulsars will be lighter, faster yet affordable to the average Indian bikers and they will boast quite a few new features that will be seen for the firt time in their respective segments.

Royal Enfield Rider Mania: Royal Enfield owners gathered at the Hill Top Hotel in Vagator, Goa, to celebrate the thump of these retro-beauties and to rejoice the life on two-wheels. Riding from all over the country, bikers from various clubs as well as solo riders make their presence felt at the Rider Mania each year.

M&M and Yamaha India to tie up: Sources told ET Now that the capital infusion in the JV could be between Rs 200-300 crore and Mahindra will pitch in 51 per cent of the capital and Yamaha will bring in 41 percent.

Marco Simoncelli passes away: Italian MotoGP rider, Marco Simoncelli succumbed to his injuries after having involved in a nasty crash at the Sepang circuit for the Malaysian MotoGP.

Kawasaki Ninja 650R Launched: High-capacity bikes have finally started trickling on to Indian streets and Bajaj Auto and Kawasaki's launch of the Kawasaki Ninja 650R gives yet another reason for the celebrations to continue.

Honda to set up third two-wheeler manufacturing facility in India: The company, which recently exited from India's largest two-wheeler maker, Hero Honda, will also double the output of the upcoming second plant at Tapukara in Rajasthan to 12 lakh units by the end of this fiscal.

Hero Impulse revealed in London: Hero MotoCorp launches an on/off-road motorcycle 'Impulse' and a gearless scooter 'Maestro', for India with a gala affair in London.

KTM 200 Duke specifications revealed: 25Ps, 200cc, 6-speed gearbox and then you have the KTM 200 Duke which is all set to fire up the naked affordable bike market here.

Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey 2011: The Himalayan Odyssey, a ride that every Bulleteer longs to go for. It is a 15-day test of riding skill, your thumper and your mind amidst the beauty of the Himalayas.

Hero Honda Motors Ltd. now Hero MotoCorp Ltd: Speculations of Hero and Honda parting their ways was already in the air and the news of Hero Honda Motors Ltd. changing its name to Hero MotoCorp Ltd. already known, the two-wheeler manufacturer received the necessary approval from the Registrar of Companies (RoC) for the name change.

Ducati Panigale Revealed: The 1199 Panigale from Ducati comes with a 1.2 liter engine developing a staggering 192 bhp.

The most expensive two-wheeler: With an expected auction price of $7, 50,000 (Rs. 3.38-crore approx) the AJS E95 Porcupine will be the most expensive motorcycle in the world.

Kingdom of Stunts Pune: Riders came from USA, Australia and Chile and they will showcase some never seen before stunting action with phenomenal air-tricks.

Honda completes exit from Hero Honda: Honda Motor Co has exited Hero Honda completely after selling its 26 per cent stake to a group firm of the Indian promoter family.

Harley-Davidson will not jack up prices of its CKD models: Despite the government hiking import duties on CKD kits to 30% from previous 10%, Harley-Davidson India has said that it will not raise the prices of its two CKD models, the 883 SuperLow and the 883 Iron.

Mahindra Racing enters MotoGP: Mahindra & Mahindra enters the 125cc category in MotoGP, and also made us very proud.