Bikes News

ajaj Auto has been updating its Pulsar range since late last year with cosmetic tweaks and the mandatory addition of ABS. The latest model to join the line-up is the 2019 Bajaj Pulsar 180F as per the leaked images, which is the new semi-faired motorcycle from the manufacturer. The source suggests that the new Pulsar 180F is priced at Rs. 86,500 (ex-showroom), which makes it about Rs. 2500 more expensive than the naked version. As most of you will recognise it, the Pulsar 180F is essentially the Pulsar 180 with the 220F bodykit. The update brings more value to the Pulsar 180, further differentiating it from the Pulsar 150 that recently received the update of twin-disc brakes along with new colour options and the entry-level Classic variant. Bajaj though is yet to officially announce the new model, but we expect the launch in the coming weeks.

The 2019 Yamaha FZ V3.0 ABS was launched last week and the motorcycle gets a host of upgrades for the new generation version. The changes are cosmetic yet substantial and bring a refreshed look to the 150 cc offering. However, a lot of Yamaha enthusiasts including us were disappointed with the engine not receiving any major upgrades. The FZ is already one of the lesser powered options in its segment and a power update was expected with version 3.0. While it's been a no show this year, Yamaha is indeed working on a more powerful version of the FZ that will be hitting the showrooms sometime next year.

World's largest manufacturer of two-wheelers, Hero MotoCorp has set up its new research and development (R&D) centre - Hero Tech Center Germany GmbH. The new facility is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hero MotoCorp and is located in Stephanskirchen near Munich. The new German R&D centre will be working on collaboration with Hero's Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The Hero Tech Center Germany will be under the direct supervision of Dr. Markus Braunsperger, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Hero MotoCorp and will be the epicentre for the company's motorsport activities.

Following the spotting of a camouflaged test mule of the upcoming Yamaha MT-15, we have now come across some specifications details about the motorcycle as well.

Polaris-owned Indian Motorcycle has registered a new bike name 'Indian Renegade' in the US. The new name joins the 'Raven' moniker that was recently registered by the biker maker with the US Patents and Trademark office as 'Motorcycles and structural parts therefor'. It's not clear at the moment which Indian motorcycles will be using the new names. That said, it's rumoured that the Raven name will be used on a motorcycle based on the FTR 1200.

The 2019 Bajaj Dominar is one of the more awaited models for the new year and the bike maker will be introducing a comprehensive set of upgrades on the all-new models. While a lot of the changes will be mechanical, the 2019 Dominar could get the new paint options as well. The motorcycle was recently seen in the shade of bright green while rolling out of the assembly line. It's not confirmed though if the colour will be available in India, the Dominar is already offered in the green shade in markets like Russia and this could be the export version being produced. If Bajaj Auto does intend to offer this shade in India, it will certainly be a stand out colour over the standard options.

The 2019 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT ABS now comes with new graphics, hazard lights and side reflectors as part of the changes for the new model year.

One out of every four superbikes sold worldwide in 2018 was a Ducati Panigale. However, overall Ducati sales worldwide slipped by 5 per cent in 2018.