2013 Kawasaki Ninja 250R revealed

Kawasaki fans might have a reason to cheer has the company recently revealed the official photos of 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 250R on the Kawasaki Japan Website. Although complete technical details/specifications are still awaited, we are sure about the fact that Bajaj would definitely want to bring it to India.

The 2013 model of Ninja 250R now looks like the ZX-10R, featuring revised angular bodywork with large slotted vents and a floating mount windscreen. The front turn indicators are now clear lens and housed in the fairing. A set of new alloys with 140mm rubber at the rear, a chiselled tail and new exhaust system complete the set of cosmetic changes.

According to information available on company website, Ninja 250R will possess a new DOHC Parallel Twin engine with new pistons, crank cases and cylinders. Kawasaki claim that the low and mid range torque have been boosted for this bike, though they haven’t revealed the power and torque figures. An optional for various markets digital fuel injection system also makes its debut in the Ninja 250R. ABS is also available as an option now with Kawasaki claiming it to be the world’s smallest unit

The best part thought is the all new digital and refreshed console the new model incorporates. We still remember that majority of the people in India thought the old 250′s console was a bit out-dated, well that has been given a major cosmetic boost and looks amazing. The available colors for the new Ninja include Lime Green, Lime Green/Ebony (special edition), Passion Red, Passion Red/Stardust White (special edition), Ebony/Metallic Moondust Grey (special edition) and Pearl Stardust White.

Although no official declarations as to what price of new Ninja 250R should be but considering 2012 prices which stand at $4,199 (Approx 2.34 lakh INR), it is estimated that Kawasaki will be pricing the 2013 model in the same bracket.

Honda VFR to feature world's first twin clutch for bikes

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it has developed the Dual Clutch Transmission, the world's firstfully automatic motorcycle dual-clutch transmission for large-displacement sport bikes.

The new transmission provides riders with a sporty riding experience, combined with easy operation and superior transmission efficiency, which delivers fuel economy equal to or better than a conventional manual transmission. The new VFR large-displacement sport bike equipped with the new transmission will be released in Europe and North America in 2010, with sales to commence in Japan at a later date.

This world's first motorcycle dual clutch transmission features a light, compact design that allows it to be combined with existing engines without substantial layout modification. Further, the new transmission delivers the precise acceleration control which riders require thanks to electronic control technology that helps ensure smooth, seamless gear changes. In order to respond to rider demands in a broad range of situations, the transmission is equipped with three operating modes, including two full-auto modes (D-mode for regular operation and S-mode for sporty riding); and a 6-speed manual mode, which delivers the same shift feel as a manual transmission. Honda intends to gradually expand the deployment of the new transmission to more and more of its large-displacement motorcycles, particularly sports models destined for use in traditional large motorcycle markets.

The new transmission features a dual clutch transmission configuration in which independent clutches are employed for the odd gears (1st, 3rd, 5th) and even gears (2nd, 4th, 6th), respectively. The two clutches operate alternately to effect gear changes. For example, when changing from 1st to 2nd gear, the computer detects the up-shift and engages 2nd gear, then releases the 1st-gear clutch while engaging the 2nd-gear clutch to achieve a seamless gear change. While some existing dual-clutch transmissions arebulky, the new system employs original technologies such as dual input shafts, an innovative in-line clutch design, and concentration of hydraulic circuitry beneath the engine cover to achieve a compact design. Compactness and lightness is further enhanced through the use of a simple shift mechanism design based on that of a conventional motorcycle shift drum. Optimised shift scheduling achieves fuel economy equal to or better than that of a fully manual transmission, enabling Dual Clutch Transmission to deliver both sporty riding and environmental performance combined.

It's official now. Kawasaki Ninja 250R is finally hitting the roads in India. Bajaj Auto has confirmed the launch date of the bike as 6th and 7th of October. The Bike will first be launched in Pune and subsequently across India. We are expecting a price tag of under 2lakh OTR Pune, but Bajaj Auto may just pull a surprise on all its rivals by pricing the bike even lower. Stay tuned for more updates, and trust us to bring you the ride report of the baby Ninja before anyone else!