Awesome concept bikes

1. Honda CB750: This 2015 Honda CB 750 is a predecessor to the 1970s-80s CB. The frame and body is a unibody contstruction combining carbon fiber, aluminum, and titanium. The concept is designed independantly from Honda by a talented 'Igor Chak'. This eco-ride is powered with a four-cylinder liquid hydrogen engine and has a six-speed dual-clutch transmission with electronic lurch and traction control. We might see the bike in production albeit with a Honda Petrol engine.

2. Yamaha Tesseract: Displayed at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, This bike actually has four wheels excluding it from the list of motorcycles even though its purely one. Recent patent filings indicate that Yamaha may actually intend to build something like this for production. Powered by an electric hybrid liquid-cooled V-twin, the Tesseract promises ample torque and a top speed that will be theoretical everywhere but a racetrack, and when at rest, the machine will remain upright without the need for a stand via a dual arm-lock system.

3. Moto Guzzi De Guisti: Hailing from the Olevano Romano, east of Rome, Italy, Paulo De Giusti has designed some of the most striking Moto Guzzi concept motorcycles that we've ever seen. Inspired by the old Moto Guzzi productions single cylinder bikes’ style, designer Paolo De Giusti has designed three Naked bikes that flaunt their extra good looks and green credentials. Designed to be romantic is the “900 SD Big Mono Naked” that uses diesel/electric engines and comes in the red and the black models. It uses a single cylinder 903 cc with direct injection and turbo diesel engine that makes it ideal for fast riding. This would be placed in a carbon fiber and aluminum frame that uses the motor and fuel tank as stressed members.

4.  Subaru Kickboxer: Subaru knows how the car industry is crowded and the company might be looking into alternatives including two wheelers.Designer Ian McElroy has envisioned a Subaru motorcycle that runs a horizontally-opposed boxer engine, something only few motorcycles currently run.  The Subaru Kickboxer Motorcycle Concept is a street beast with muscles on muscles, thanks to its uniquely set 4 cam, 16 valve engine.  The front and rear wheels feature single-side swingarms, giving the chassis a floating effect from the vehicle’s left side.  The design itself is futuristic, chromed to the nines and appearing like nothing else on the road today.  This Kickboxer looks more like a weapon than a motorcycle. The engine for the layman is sourced from Subaru's WRX series.

5. Kawasaki ZX-10R Vannesson Concept: If it aint raw and green, it ain't a Kawasaki. Imagined and illustrated by Jérôme Vannesson from MotoRevue, the bike is pure motorcycle design nirvana. The Kawasaki ZX-10 impression attached with the tail of a hornet, traces of an RC8 or YZF-M gives the bike an angular racer look that is very eye-catching.

6. KTM Stunt/ Race 125 : With a controlling stake owned by Bajaj Auto, A lot has begun to happen at KTM. The KTM 125 Project is said to be the start of a full series of new small-bore machines targeted at young riders. So far, KTM has introduced prototypes of a naked bike in Stunt and Race versions. KTM continues to expand its street lineup with attractive models for young riders – a smart move for creating life-long customers.

7.  Bimota SB9: The daredevil amongst all companies, Bimota has literally put out concepts on sale from time to time. The Tesi and 500V-due are the prime examples. But since emerging from Bankruptcy the company has not had that wild edge it was once known for. Here comes the SB9 motorcycle. It is ok to scream oohs!! and aahs!! coz Bimota is more of a boutique biker maker than a manufacturer. They source their parts from major bike companies around Europe.

8. Husqvarna Mille 3:  With that takeover by the guys at BMW, Husqvarna has got wings to fly high. This is proven with the Husqvarna Mille 3. The Mille 3 Concept is powered by a fuel-injected 933cc V-3 engine with the cylinders and heads taken from the Husky’s off-road bikes.The steel chassis brings back the classic Husqvarna central "tubone" design, a single-piece tubular form. The double rear beam with aluminium stays is fitted to the outside of the chassis uprights

9. Aprilia FV2 1200: Just like Husqvarna, Aprilia has also increased their level of daring. The Aprilia FV2 1200 is just proof enough. The heart of the FV2 1200 is Aprilia's mighty, 1200 cc, 90° V twin, a power plant that confirms Aprilia's determination to develop high capacity, high technology engines using in-house skills and competence. The minimalist bodywork of the FV2 1200 creates a stunning preponderance of volume towards the front of the bike. The result is a revolutionary, courageous and futuristic look that is destined to form the solid basis for the evolution of Aprilia motorcycle styling.

10 CR&S DUU: The CR&S DUU is a unique model around the world’s motorcycle context. For the first time two motorcyclist excellences are gathered: Italian sporty rolling chassis and design powered by a muscular American big-twin. The American big displacement engine’s attraction, and particularly its muscular torque, doesn’t have any equivalent at all. And for a lot of motorcycles fans, the air cooling system and the pushrod distribution are elements issued from a rich historical past. But it is not a model born only for the huge American open roads. The chassis and its handling performances are much more evolved than what can be thought. These parts have been engineered and designed to warrant a complete riding satisfaction on every kind of  routes, even on fast bends or mountain’s narrow roads. The DUU is an innovative motorcycle, "modular and muscular", with durable materials and components, equipped with a powerful, rugged and reliable engine. 

Special mentions

Moto Guzzi V12

BMW IMME 12

Best motorcycles of all times

1. Kawasaki H2 Mach III and Mach IV (1969-1980): Introduced in 1968, Kawasaki earned repute as the wild driver solely based on these bikes. t was the quickest production motorcycle at the time. When motorcycle journalists expressed disbelief, Kawasaki suggested they take a new H1 to the drag strip. Using a regular production model with only 7 miles on it, Tony Nicosia ran the quarter mile in 12.96 seconds at 100.7 mph (162.1 km/h) for the press to witness. The official figure was 12.4 secs by Mike Wenzel. Updated with more power and better front disc brakes, the H2 Mach IVbecame the undisputed king of the streets, even beating legendary muscle cars of the era such as the Plymouth Hemi Cuda. It was notoriously dangerous, being prone to up-and-over wheelies and speed wobbles. The dangerous handling characteristics arising from its mediocre frame design caused it to be nicknamed the "Widowmaker" by motorcycle enthusiasts of the 1970s.

2. Yamaha RZ/RD 350 (1973-1995): Released following the success enjoyed by the Kawasaki Mach machines, Yamaha launched the Yamaha RD350 (RZ350 in certain markets). The bike had several innovations for the two-stroke machine such as reed valve equipped intake system. The frame of the bike was derived from another Yamaha bike the TZ. Being lower in capacity Yamaha made less power than Kawasaki thus proving a better handler. Some 1979 models also had a larger bored 400cc engine and US dealers are also rumoured to have received 500cc models for a short duration. A liquid cooled model was also launched with the monikers 'LC' which set the Company sales charts on fire. The biked was launched in India under the name 'Rajdoot 350' but cult followers renamed it 'Yamdoot 350' on the lines of Kawasaki 'Widowmaker'.

3.  Honda NSR 500 (1984-2003): Honda was the last of the motorcycle makers to enter the 2-stroke performance segment learning from the drawbacks of the other bike makers. The Honda NSR500 debuted in 1984. The NSR 500 led to Honda winning ten 500cc grand prix races with six in a row from 1994-1999. A 250cc sibling also won six grand prix championships sealing Honda's name in the the racing world at the top. The NSR series was the last of the motorcycles to be retired due to emission restrictions and fuel polictics of the United States. Very few of the 500cc series were available for retail sale and only 250cc models survive.

4. MV Agusta F4 CC(1999-present): It costs an arm and a leg and possibly more to own one of these motorcycles. But the motorcycle that announced the rebirth of MV Agusta is nothing less than a technological and design marvel. Designed by Massimo Tamburini, The F4 is unique with its four pipe undertail exhaust. The engine was derived from the 1990–1992 Ferrari Formula One engine. MV (Cagiva at the time) quickly deviated from the Ferrari design, but they kept one important feature, the radial valves. The F4 engine is unique in the sense that it is the only radial valved motorcycle engine currently in production. With 200 bhp on tap, the bike is not only the most expensive but also the most powerful and most composed to drive on road as well as track. MV Agusts also holds the record for the highest number of limited edition variants. (18 till date). Priced at 100,000 pounds the bike has titanium engine parts.

 5. BMW S1000RR (2009-present)- BMW manufactured 1,000 production models in 2009 to satisfy World Superbike homologation requirements, but expanded production for commercial sale of the bike in 2010. In certain limited edition versions, the bike matches MV Agusta F4CC in performance numbers at a slightly lower price point. The bike has an uneven front fairing design which the German designers say is to facilitate aerodynamics at high speeds. The bike is already a holder of numerous awards and the viral ad for the bike has already crossed a record number on Youtube.

6. Norton Commando (1967-1977)(2006-Present): Winning the 'Machine of the Year' award for five years in a row (1968-1972), Norton was an immidiate rage upon its availability for sale. Based on an older design and engine, it was the surprise hit for the company.  The 750cc engine was borrowed from the Atlas. In 1975, Britain's reducing capital treasuries led to political upheavals leading to bankruptcy of the Original Norton. The company name has since seen many owners in US and the UK finally resting in the hands of Norton Racing UK.  The new machine was built on the basis of the original Commando, with upgraded components and a significantly modified engine.The Commando 961 SS combined traditional Norton cafe racer styling with new technology. This included carbon fibre wheels to reduce weight, a counterbalanced engine, and a chro-moly tubular steel frame.

7.Triumph Bonneville T100 (1959-1983)(1985-1988)(2001-present): The Bonneville from Triumph is one of the oldest surviving motorcycle name in the world. Named after the Bonneville Salt flats used by motorcycle companies for testing and speed record runs, the motorcycle has made a record for itself. The current version, produced since 2001 by the modern successor of the original company, is a completely redesigned and re-engineered evolution of the original design. Since the arrival of the current 'Hinckley Bonneville', produced in Hinckley, the earlier T120 and T140, produced in Meriden, have been referred to as 'Meriden Bonnevilles', to distinguish between the versions.

8. Ducati 999 (1987- Present): Ducati's signature sports bike made humble beginnings in the Ducati 851. The first bike under Cagiva ownership to use Desmodronic head provided this bike with the much needed punch. The 888 saw a bigger engine and electronic fuel injection. The subsequent ducati bikes have won numerous Motorcycle races. Ducati's supersport bike has also won design awards and being displayed regularly at numerous fashion shows.

9. Royal Enfield Interceptor (1960-1970): n 1960, Royal Enfield introduced the first motorcycle bearing the name Interceptor. It had a highly tuned version of the company's biggest engine, the 692cc vertical twin and was only sold in the USA and Canada. The newer 750cc bikes are known for their reliability and torque. The engine cases were beefed up to withstand the increased torque. What sets this engine apart from other contemporary British twins is that the crankshaft was dynamically balanced from the factory which made these bikes one of the smoothest British twin engines ever. The models were sold until the british Subsidiary went bankrupt.

10. Jawa 250/350 (1946-1996)- One of the rare jewels to come from the Russian countries, Jawa's 250cc and 350cc motorcycles were a worldwide success due to their reliability. These were the only models to be produced worldwide under different names even after the companies bankruptcy. Frantisek Janecek began manufacturing Wanderer motorcycles under licence in 1927 in order to diversify the interests of his arms factory. Having bought the tooling for a 500 cc model, in 1929 he rebranded the machine with the name JAWA, derived from the first two letters of the words "Janacek" and "Wanderer". Based on their reliability and capability to run on spirits, the bike was termed 'forever bike, forever value'.

Racing tracks / circuits

1. Nardo Ring: The circuit is located in Nardo, Italy and gains its name from the same.The track length is 12.5kms and is round in shape. The circuit is designed in such a way that the driver can drive at 240kmph (150 mph) while not turning the steering. The Koenigsegg CCR broke the record for the fastest car at Nardo before being beaten by Buggati Veyron  at another circuit.

2. Circuit De Monaco- The most unique race circuit till date the circuit is named after the city. The circuit is laid on the roads of the city. The circuit is mostly used for Formula racing in the month of May. The building and dismantling of the circuit on the city roads takes a total of 9 weeks and is a major source of revenue. The track is also famous for containing both the slowest corner and an extremely fast corner at the same time. The track length is 3.34kms.

3. Indianapolis motor speedway- The circuit is located in Speedway, Indiana, USA. The track is 2.5 miles/ 4.0 kms in length. The circuit is one of the oldest built in 1909 and has a capacity of 400000 making it the largest seating capacity of any racing circuits in the world. Apart from hosting F1 racing for a short duration the track is mostly used for Nascar, Moto GP and Indy car racing events. The starting line is unique in that it is made of bricks.

4. Daytona International Speedway- Daytona circuit is located at Daytona beach Florida and is one of the more beautiful tracks. The circuit is host to Daytona 500 race which is one of the signature races of NASCAR. The track length is identical to Indianapolis at 2.5 miles/ 4.0 kms. The Daytona circuit is also the only circuit to host the F1 power boat racing at the Lake Lloyd situated on the circuit premises itself.

5. Circuit De la Sarthe - Unknown to most people, the Circuit De La Sarthe is located at Le Mans, France. This has led to the circuit being famously called the Le Mans circuit. The circuit is mostly known to host the 24 hours Le Mans GT races. The circuit is one of the longest in the world at 13.6 kms/ 8.46 miles. The Le Mans Motorcycle race and Moto GP motorcycle race are also held here.

6. Silverstone circuit- One of the very few well built tracks located in the UK, the Silverstone circuit is based in Northampshire and Buckingham shire counties of UK. The circuit is 5.9kms / 3.66 miles in length. The circuit has hosted Formula One, Moto GP, WSBK and Le Mans races.

7.Catalunya circuit- The circuit de Catalunya is located in the famed city of Barcelona, Spain. The circuit is 4.65 kms/ 2.87 miles in length. The circuit is responsible for holding the Spanish F1 Grand Prix. The circuit construction was taken place at the same time as construction for Olympic games. Thanks to the extreme testing for R&D that takes place at Catalunya, the circuit is the hot favorite amongst all race car drivers. The circuit has also hosted Moto GP motorcycle races.

8.  Laguna Seca Racing Circuit -is located in California USA. The circuit length is 2.23 miles/  3.6 kms. The name Laguna Seca is Spanish for dry lake. The circuit is so named since it is located on the bed of dried lake. A man made pond has since been added to the venue.The circuit has hosted Can-AM, Trans-AM, American Le Mans, WSBK and Moto GP races. In recent times Mazda has officially sponsored the track renaming it as Laguna Seca Racing Circuit.

9. Sepang International Circuit- Sepang International circuit is located in Sepang, Malaysia, very near to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It is very famous Track for Formula1 and Moto GP races. The circuit is 5.54 kms /3.44 miles long. The Sepang circuit is famous for its very beautifully designed stands and boasts of more than 100000 spectator capacity.

10. Nurburgring- Based near the town of Nurburg, The Nurburgring race track is one of the more widely known racing centers. The old track before Nurburgring was termed as 'The Green Hell' and considered the most demanding circuit in the world. The track is one of the longest at 28.26 kms/ 17.56 miles.

11. Gilles Villeneuve-  Gilles Villeneuve  Racing circuit is a race track located in Montreal, Canada. Unlike most American race tracks, The Gilles Villeneuve race track is the most well maintained and prepared for races such as Formula1, Canadian Grand Prix, Nascar and Grand AM series. After being dropped from the F1 list for 2007, the Montreal GP turned out to be the longest race in 2011. It is also the only circuit to be constructed on an Island on river St. Lawrenece. Before the death of Gilles Villeneuve, the circuit was known as Il Notre Dame circuit. The circuit is 4.36 kms / 2.7 miles long.

12. Yas Marina Circuit- The Yas Marina Circuit is located at Abu Dhabi and holds the race for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Along with Gilles Villeneauve, it is one of the few tracks  to be located on an island. Along with Bahrain International Circuit (The Bahrain International Circuit has been awarded by FIA as the best track to race at for the facilities, design and technology) is the only one of the two race tracks in the Middle East. The circuit is 5.554 km (3.451 mi) long. Abu Dhabi Race track holds the distinction as the only race track to have held a day-night F1 race.

13. Buddh Circuit- The Buddh International circuit is located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. The circuit is 5.141 km (3.194 mi) long. The circuit is has been the most famous for the political corruption and intervention in support of the circuit. The circuit construction has hampered the surrounding areas leading to road jamming, water and electricity problems and pollution. The circuit is a part of the bigger Sports center which is under construction.

14.  Irungattukottai Race Track- Irungattukottai race track is located at Sriperembudur, India. Hence it is also known as Sriperembudur race track. The track is 3.717 km (2.310 mi) long and is the oldest race track in India. It is owned and operated by Madras Motor Sports club.

15. Kari Motor Speedway-The circuit is located near Coimbatore, India. It is 3.2 km (1.4 mi) long. Originally a runway for power gliders, the place was owned by Mr. Karivardhan who was an avid racer on the Indian scene. The racetrack is famous for car and motorcycle testing and various local and sub-continental racing events at held at the venue. JK corporation manufacturing JK branded tyres is a major sponsor of the racing events held at this track.

10 steps to getting the best bargain while buying an automobile

1. Keep two cars on the list to buy: All the cars in the market today are equivalently well built with some being frugal while others better built. It is safe to keep two cars on the list since not all car makers have a dealer near you. Even more convenient if you have two dealers for the same car maker. I was looking to get a Honda Jazz, I was also looking at a Nissan Micra. In Ahmedabad we have Landmark Honda (my previous experience was sad with them.) and a newly opened Emerald Honda. Nissan has only one 'Petal Nissan' though.

 2. Always Test drive the same car you are to buy twice: Usually dealers do not keep all variants for Test Drive. But if you do not get to test drive the same engine/ transmission option you want, just walk away. I wanted to test drive a Hyundai I20 Diesel before purchase. The dealer did not have a test drive car. For Honda Jazz ' gave us a test drive first at our door step and next at their dealership. Also remember to test drive the car on the roads you usually drive on in the way you drive. But, also remember that you do not own the car and you are not racing on the track.

3. Let the Salesperson call you back: Never call back or return to the showroom before the sales person calls you. It is important that the customer is provided with a call back. If the dealership does not call back, they are not bothered with providing you a good service either. I received a call back from Fiat Showroom three months after I had already bought my car. Additionally, letting them follow up shows that you are in control.

4. Keep a track of the bargain you are getting: It is important to understand the current schemes on the car before you even finalize on it. This is necessary for you to know how much you can bargain further. Also do not get book a car after seeing a heavy discount advertisement. It might be an inventory sell out for a new model. If it is then you can go crazy during the bargain. But make sure the car has sold enough to ensure easy spares availability. Maruti 800 went out of sale but the last units were lapped up by the market because spares are readily available. Skoda on the other hand had a 9 month old Fabia waiting to be sold. Another reason is because the car is slow selling. This should not bother if the car fits your requirement. A Tata Indigo Marina is not an everyday car for Tata but buyers who buy them are pretty satisfied. Sometimes competition encourages heavy promotion too. In the end it is always the buyer who wins. But remember that it is the total price you pay that is important irrespective of how big an amount the dealer shows to you. Ask them how much in total you pay.

Additionally, after you have decided to buy the car, ask the sales executive on what further discounts he will provide. For this step, you should be prepared with prices of competing cars in the market and prices from various showrooms. I initially began the bargaining talk by telling the sales person how the Volkswagen Polo petrol is cheaper than Honda Jazz and how he might lose a sale. The sales person wont match the price but it is a nice beginning to getting a bargain. Let him bargain and reduce the price before you show any intent. Once you get to level to of bargain, dish out what the competing same brand dealer is offering. I had a quote from Emerald Honda to show to Landmark Honda before he reduced the price. Do not hesitate to walk to the other dealer for a better bargain. This will take some time but it is worth it if you are looking to save good money. Bargain until both the dealers confirm they cannot go any low and you know there is no more margin for bargain.

PS: White and silver coloured cars are universally best sellers irrespective of the brand or model. Discounts are less on these colours and they also fetch higher resale. If you are planning to keep the vehicle for long and do not care about resale ask the dealer for a different colour to your liking for a better price. I selected a blue colour and I got a further cash discount.

5. Freebies are essential too: Depending on how well the car is equipped, you can begin bargaining further for the free accessories which form an integral part of the car experience. Here is a list of things you can get free or for a subsidized price.

1. Stereo system
2. Additional quality speakers for stereo system
3. Alloy Wheels
4. Glass tint/ Sun film
5. Floor mats
6. Cabin freshener
7. Bumper guards
8. Door protectors
9. Boot parcel tray
10. Teflon coating for body and engine
11. A full tank of gas
12. Extended warranty
13. Audio auxiliary/ iPod/ usb cable
14. Spoiler
15. Body kit
16. Fog Lights
17. Drilled pedal kit
18. Steering cover
19 Seat covers
20 Remote central locking kit.

The list goes on and you should try to get the most out of the deal. Remember, the showroom owner is rich and you are parting with your hard earned money.

6. Select your own car:  The dealer is out to clear his inventory but it is important for the customer to remember that no two cars are built the same. Walk to the stock yard and look for at least two cars units before selecting on one. Check for the manufacturing date. If you got a huge discount, chances are that the sales person will sell you an older dated car. Check the VIN for more information. If you do not know how to read a VIN number just plain ask the sales person to show you car papers reflecting the VIN number. Look for defects/nicks/ or repair jobs. Then select the car you want. Make sure a proper PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection) has been carried out and the car meets the latest emission regulations.

7. Finance options: Many people pay cash upfront while many select Bank loans for depreciation/ tax benefits. For loan options a further loan payout pass on is possible for the customer along with insurance. While the dealership may provide more discount for upfront cash payment. Select the one that suits best. CAVEAT EMPTOR: Banks are white robbed bandits when it comes to loans, select the right financing options from a reputed bank and look where you sign even if they make you sign 500 pages. It is extremely important to note that while availing a loan can help you buy a premium car, it is up to self to ensure that the installments are affordable.

8. Check the documents and the transactions: Check the whole transaction with every minute detail possible. Inspect how and where the discount has been given and how it reduces your total price or adds an extra for a lower price. Seldom do sales persons play around prices to make customer feel they have got a good deal while that is not the truth. Do not go by the ex-showroom and on-road prices listed on the paper by the dealer.

 
9.  ASK  Nothing is as crucial and important. Ask reasons and replies for every single doubt or questions you have. Satisfy yourself that you are getting what you have agreed for.Ask for clarifications if even a single point seems fishy.

10.  Warranty and coverage: A warranty these days is usually part of the deal that you get on the car. While other brands such as Fiat advertised a 24+24 warranty package, Honda has a 4 years warranty in place. Check all the details of the warranty. My Honda Jazz had issues with window linings leading to slow window operation. The four year warranty took care of it.