Gear zone

When it comes to iconic motorcycle brands, Triumph is a name that commands respect and admiration. With a legacy spanning over a century, Triumph has consistently delivered machines that blend classic design with modern performance. Enter the Triumph 400, a bike that embodies this tradition while bringing something fresh to the table. A Brief History of Triumph Motorcycles Before diving into the specifics of the Triumph 400, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate the rich heritage of the Triumph brand. Founded in 1902, Triumph has been at the forefront of motorcycle innovation and design. From the legendary Bonneville to the rugged Tiger series, Triumph motorcycles have made their mark in both popular culture and motorsport. The Triumph 400: Overview The Triumph 400 is positioned as an entry-level motorcycle that aims to attract both new riders and seasoned enthusiasts looking for a versatile and stylish machine. It strikes a perfect balance between performance, comfo...

For motorcycle enthusiasts who crave the perfect blend of performance, comfort, and versatility, the BMW S1000 XR stands out as a quintessential machine. It’s a bike that has managed to carve out its own niche, seamlessly blending the thrilling dynamics of a sportbike with the practicality and comfort of a tourer. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the BMW S1000 XR a remarkable ride. Design and Aesthetics:   The BMW S1000 XR is a sight to behold. With its aggressive stance, sharp lines, and distinctive asymmetrical headlights, it commands attention. The bike’s design speaks volumes about its dual nature. The fairing and windscreen are designed to offer optimal aerodynamic efficiency, reducing drag and enhancing high-speed stability. The high-set tail section and sculpted fuel tank give it a sporty demeanor, while the ergonomically designed seat and upright riding position ensure long-distance comfort. Engine and Performance:   At the heart of the S1000...

The Bajaj Pulsar N250 is a wonderful sport commuter package for the biker who wants a machine which can offer both practicality and fun. The N250 is happiest dealing with a mix of city and highway usage say in the ratio of 80-20. The Pulsar N250 is powered by an air & oil-cooled 249cc single-cylinder engine putting out 24.2 BHP @ 8,750 rpm and 21.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm. The compression ratio is a relaxed 10.3:1. The 2-valve engine has fantastic low-end and mid-range usability in the urban environment. First gear is short, while second is relatively tall. However, this doesn't affect acceleration from low speeds thanks to the brilliant low-end tractability of the engine. Third and fourth gears are short, while fifth gear is configured relatively tall to cater to highway cruising. A sixth gear is missed sorely as it could have aided highway cruising at lower revs. The engine tends to run out of steam at higher revs in general, but by and large, the N250 can take...

The KTM 250 Duke has evolved into its third generation, and it's gotten all mean-looking. And with that, it has also matured as a motorcycle with rider aids that were previously only restricted to the 390 range. Not that the 250 Duke needs them, but it now becomes more approachable and manageable for a rider graduating from the commuter class. It’s laden with features like a bi-directional quickshifter, dual-channel ABS with a supermoto mode, a 5-inch LCD instrument cluster with a 4-way switch cube, and then some more stuff, which we will get to in due course. While the price has gone up marginally over the Gen 2 model, the bragging rights have certainly gone up by leaps and bounds. 2024 KTM 250 Duke design The new Duke 250 only looks as menacing as the new 390, but that’s not to say it isn’t wild. Major styling differentiators are the paint schemes and the lack of LED DRLs on the headlight cowl. Apart from that, you would be hard-pressed to distinguish one from the oth...

When it comes to adventure touring bikes there are plenty of options, in the Indian market that cater to different preferences and riding styles. Among these choices the Suzuki V Strom SX 250 stands out as an option in your list of adventure touring motorcycles. Additionally we will also compare it with two other popular models in this category- The Royal Enfield Himalayan and Hero Xpulse 200 4v. 1.Engine performance and efficiency: Featuring a 248cc, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine, the Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 offers a harmonious blend of power and fuel efficiency. Its torque curve and seamless power delivery guarantee a pleasurable riding experience, be it on or off-road. Additionally, the fuel injection system enhances the engine’s efficiency, ensuring optimal fuel consumption for extended journeys. 2. Comfort and Ergonomics: Comfort is paramount for long-distance touring, and the V-Strom SX 250 excels in this aspect. It offers a comfortable upright riding position, we...

Some motorcycles are just extremely special. Not only because they are exceptional performers, but also because of what they offer the rider and what they do for the industry by setting trends and pushing the competition. This in turn gives the buyer a lot more choice and choice is always great. The KTM 390 duke is one such motorcycle. When it launched in 2013, it introduced us to a level of performance that was just unfathomable for the times. A hooligan was the best way to describe the bike and everyone loved it for that. Then the Gen-2 came and it's stricter emission norms that would choke kTM into taking away all of that essence that made the bike so special. But with the Gen-3, 2024 KTM 390 Duke, KTM promises us that they have resurrected the hooligan.  2024 KTM 390 Duke design The KTM 390 Duke has always been radically styled. Quirky, bright and sharp are some of the adjectives that would be used to describe the aesthetic of the bike. The 390 and in tu...

The launch of Royal Enfield's latest product - the Shotgun 650, was clearly missing the anticipation and buzz that Indian and global motorcycle enthusiasts had, for the company's long awaited Himalayan 450. The media reviews of the Shotgun 650 have been largely positive and revealed that with the new bike, Royal Enfield has addressed some of the shortcomings of its cousin, the Super Meteor 650, though the two motorcycles seem to be positioned to attract very different target segments. When I saw the invite for the unveiling of the new Shotgun 650 at the company's store in Bangalore, I didnt want to miss out on the chance to check out the motorcycle. My initial impressions were that with each new bike launch, Royal Enfield is steadily improving its fit and finish levels. This looks and feels like a proper premium motorcycle, except for one little aspect, which I will come to in a bit. If you tell your envious neighbour that your Shotgun 650 cost Rs 6 L, he isnt g...

The Hero Xtreme 125R  was launched at the Hero World Day 2024 event at Hero MotoCorp’s Center of Innovation and Technology or CIT in Jaipur. This is Hero’s attempt at creating a premium 125cc commuter that is supposed to take on the likes of the TVS Raider and even the Bajaj Pulsar NS125. But Hero says that the Xtreme 125R is supposed to have a distinct sporty personality similar to its larger 160cc siblings. So naturally we took it for a short spin on the CIT’s handling track to find out if there’s any truth to Hero’s claim. Design But first, let’s talk about the design. It might be called the Xtreme, but looks it nothing like the Xtreme 160. That's thanks to a massive bikini fairing with its wide headlight that’s got two LED projectors built in. It almost feels like it could have come from Hero’s recent tie-up with Zero Motorcycles, and some are even comparing the way it looks to the Ducati Streetfighter V4.  As you move down the motorcycle, you have ...

Bajaj has finally launched the Pulsar NS400Z in India at Rs 1,85,000 for a limited period. The biggest Pulsar shares the same 373cc engine as the Dominar 400 but is Rs 45,815 more affordable.  It is available in India in 1 variant and 4 colours with high end variant  Pulsar NS400Z is powered by a 373.27 ccbs6-2.0 engine which develops a power of 40 PS and a torque of 35 Nm. It has Disc front brakes and Disc rear brakes. The weight of Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is 174 kg and comes with a fuel tank capacity of 12 L. The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 could get a new variant soon. Going by what Rajiv Bajaj has said in a recent interview, here’s what we expect. Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Engine: The Pulsar NS400Z shares the 373cc single-cylinder engine from the Dominar 400 that delivers a peak output of 40PS at 8800rpm and 35NM at 6500rpm, paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch. The bike has a 12-litre fuel tank and gets a claimed top speed of 154kmph. Bajaj Pulsa...