11. TURBOCHARGED Nov'21_issue

ANAND ALSO JOKES THAT HE WAS ABLE TO IMPROVE HIS DRIVING SKILLS TRYING TO TAME HIS ALMOST UNDRIVEABLE 130PS FIAT RACE CAR not just racing but building race cars as well. Anand’s for MRF! This, besides winning multiple races in the engine-swapping prowess soon became well-known Formula Maruti class. His association with MRF soon and in fact during one of the races at Sholavaram, he led to Anand preparing rally and race cars for them. even helped fix one of his competitor’s Ford engine Soon, Anand’s engineering expertise caught the eye – he rebuilt the cylinder head using a Fiat 125 head! of homegrown giants like Mahindra and Tata Motors. Anand also jokes that he was able to improve his Offshoots of his collaborations with Tata Motors were driving skills trying to tame his almost undriveable projects like the mid-engined Indica Silhouette and 130PS Fiat race car. It also made him realise that an Super Nano, besides which Anand has been offering engine is not the only important part of a race car engineering solutions to many OEMs and engine and the realisation led him to focus on bits like the manufacturers. suspension and brakes. Anand rues the fact that the JTP projects couldn’t Anand tried his hand in the Formula Maruti, be taken forward. He says he even wanted to have an an open seater race car engineered by the late S SVO version – like the Special Vehicles Operations Karivardhan, who is quite literally known as the father that Jaguar Land Rover have. He had also readied kits of Indian motorsport. Anand set the fastest lap time for the Tiago and Tigor JTP that would bump power and drew the attention of MRF Racing, who offered output to 125PS – up from the 114PS they offered! him a drive the very next day in a Formula 1600 car. Anand even tells me with pride how he learnt to He went on to win four Formula 3 championships build engines back in the 1980s when his father September 2021 www.turbocharged.in 51

{ FEATURE } and grandfather were into building and supplying TOP: One of the many engine testing rooms at automotive diesel engines for cars like the Hindustan Jayem Automotives. ABOVE: Anand explaining Ambassador and Premier Padmini. They even had how the family business developed over the their own foundry, which gave Anand an opportunity years. BELOW: Anand (L) with a young Narain to experiment with engines and try various things. It Karthikeyan, who Anand has worked closely with wasn’t just about race cars for him but trying to learn a lot in terms of engineering. That was the time when engineering and technology weren’t as advanced as today. But his grit and also in a way the accessibility to things given his family background helped and Anand was able to make strides. With Tata Motors he had to first demonstrate his company’s engineering prowess, Anand tells me. He states that for manufacturers, excellence in motorsport alone isn’t enough and that they also want to see the kind of infrastructure, processes and engineering expertise. And this is something that reflects at the Jayem Automotives HQ in Coimbatore where I met Anand for this story. Entering the premises, it felt like I was at one of the manufacturing units of any world-class automotive manufacturer! But he certainly loves fast cars, which is evident from the race cars he has built - not only single seaters but even the 'JA Motorsport Inde 2.0', a two-seater car for track day, powered by 2.0-litre Renault Sport engine mated to a Hewland FTR six-speed gearbox! That said, looking at the kind of world-class racecars he has built, it’s a little hard to believe motorsport is only a part of Anand's operations. Besides offering engineering and R&D solutions to OEMs Anand is also making strides in electric mobility (I hope he's building an electric Nano!). And despite all there is to him and everything that he has done, J Anand is unbelievably soft-spoken and very simple. So simple, that you probably won’t believe has a Ferrari 488, a Lotus and a 911 in his garage that he drives on weekends! Above all else, it’s his passion, technical expertise and deep understanding of everything automotive that truly makes him our Hero! HE HAD ALSO READIED KITS FOR THE TIAGO AND TIGOR JTP THAT WOULD BUMP POWER OUTPUT TO 125PS – UP FROM THE 114PS THEY OFFERED 52 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

LOOKING AT THE WORLD-CLASS RACECARS HE HAS BUILT, IT’S A LITTLE HARD TO BELIEVE MOTORSPORT IS ONLY A PART OF ANAND'S OPERATIONS November 2021 www.turbocharged.in 53

[ FEATURE ] WORDS HALLEY PRABHAKAR PHOTOGRAPHY GAURAV CHANDRASHEKAR GAME CHANGERS Maruti 800 SS80 Going back in time as we get behind the wheel of the original, first generation Maruti Suzuki 800 this month! 54 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

Few cars have been influential enough to made it a 100 percent government-owned company help the automotive industry in a market and as a result, Maruti Udyog Limited was born. The evolve. One such car though has to be the vision to see more people, especially the middle- Maruti 800 that gave birth to the modern class own cars was becoming a reality. automotive era in India. Almost four decades ago the 800 was all-new and a The government however had to partner with a huge departure from options that were foreign manufacturer. A team headed to Europe and essentially cars from the 1950s. But how zeroed in on the Renault 18, but a decision was taken did a Japanese car make it to India back to first ask prospective buyers what they would want then? from a car. Market surveys showed that Indian buyers were looking for low-cost, fuel-efficient, modern It began when Sanjay Gandhi envisioned car and reliable vehicles. Boxes the Renault didn’t quite manufacturing in India. This led to the formation tick. This is when Maruti officials flew to Japan to of Maruti Limited as that was the pre-liberalisation attend the Tokyo Motor Show where compact Kei era when foreign manufacturers couldn’t invest. cars with engines displacing between 650cc and However, his untimely death meant the company was 800cc from Daihatsu and Suzuki caught their eye. going to shut shop. This is when the then PM, Indira Daihatsu responded, but Suzuki wasn’t as interested Gandhi stepped in and made sure the government as the team they met was from engineering and not acquired assets of the company (primarily for sales. sentimental reasons) by an Act of Parliament. This Luckily, a Suzuki executive was in India in 1982 to November 2021 www.turbocharged.in 55

[ FEATURE ] ABOVE: The Maruti SS80 looks comically compact today. It is also fun to drive, despite its age! BELOW LEFT: Unlike new-age cars, the lock for opening the SS80’s hood sat on the hood itself. BELOW RIGHT: The car here is a DX, a rarity, and came equipped with an air-conditioner too! 56 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

meet TVS for a motorcycle partnership and read a news TOP: The steering wheel rim was thin and well, article about the Government looking to partner with a there was no power assist back then either. manufacturer. The rest, as they say, is history. By 1983, ABOVE: Four-speed gearbox was known for its kits from Japan arrived in Gurgaon and the first-ever slick, precise shifts, unlike some of the cars back Maruti 800 was delivered by the PM herself. The car was then and added to the joy of driving essentially an updated 1982 Suzuki Fronte, powered by a 796cc, three-cylinder F8B motor, Suzuki’s first four stroke engine ever. The original 800 is a classic and isn’t a common sight today though, as it was replaced by the second generation Maruti Suzuki 800 in about three years. The engine put out 37PS, but a kerb weight of just 570 kilos meant the power-to-weight ratio was better than heavyweights like the HM Ambassador and Premier Padmini. Many doubted the little Maruti would be sprightly, but it proved them wrong. The chassis can handle a lot more though, which is why I am planning to work on my own SS80 – more on that soon! The SS80 is a treat to drive, as it feels like a proper analogue car. It was also known for its compact footprint. Back then nobody was used to hatchbacks and then there was the SS80 that wasn’t just a hatchback but one that gave India its first front-engined, front-wheel-drive car! Surprisingly, despite the compact footprint it also offered space for four adults. In fact few cars today let the driver reach out to all four corners of the car like the SS80 did! Another advantage was its ease of driving that allowed first time drivers to get introduced to driving.

[ REVIEW ] ABOVE: The boxy design is timelessly classic and The steering wheel is thin-rimmed and a manual one so looks very appealing even four decades later. calls for extra effort at slow speeds but feels effortless BELOW: Notice the ‘Maruti Udyog Limited’ and and almost go-kart with lots of feedback as you go SS80 name on the engine plate. Only the glass faster. The SS80 ran on skinny tyres but was fun to drive panel on the tail gate opened to access the boot and was even used in motorsport events. The front suspension is a MacPherson type while the rear uses a solid axle for leaf springs. Another first were standard disc brakes up front. The Nissin units may have been great back then, but those used to the 800 from the 21st century will miss vacuum-assisted brakes. I grew up with an 800 as well as Dad’s first car was a 1991 SB308, the SS80’s successor, but I prefer its boxier and simpler design. Chrome window liners, the Japanese design and glass tailgate made it a lot more aspirational. The last few cars that are part of the SS80 club like this one, finished in New Zealand Brown, make sure the ‘Made in Japan’ parts like lamps and seats are retained. The turn indicator caps have faded only slightly in 37 years! And it’s the DX version that’s rarer – it featured air-conditioning, tinted windows, stereo and even seatbelts! The 800 was an instant hit and put India on wheels and was even a status symbol. From the middle class to celebrities, everyone wanted it. 1,20,000 customers paid an advance when the company opened bookings in 1983 and the waiting list was as long as three years! The 800 not just changed the way Indians looked at cars but also changed the industry altogether. Very few cars can stake claim to such greatness, no? 58 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

TAKE T WO ALL ABOUT TWO-WHEELS The Pulsars are back and we have ridden them! Ducati’s sportiest Multistrada is out along with two new Scramblers. We welcome the riding season with the mental 208PS Ducati Streetfighter V4 S, Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special, Ducati Monster, Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup race bike, KTM RC 200, Hero Maestro Edge 125 and TVS Jupiter 125 November 2021 www.turbocharged.in 59

[ TAKE TWO ] THE PULSAR IS BACK! 20 years after the first-gen Pulsar, Bajaj has hit the reset button WORDS BENJAMIN GRACIAS The year was 2001. Bajaj had launched its first performance motorcycles – the Pulsar 150 and the Pulsar 180. The smaller Pulsar 150 ushered in affordable performance to the masses. It featured muscular bodywork, a spunky motor and a surprisingly affordable pricetag. Its larger 180cc cousin was a proper hooligan and one of the most powerful Indian motorcycles of its time. Together these two motorcycles started what would become more than a name. Over the years the Pulsar name turned into a brand associated with affordable performance. Both motorcycles found a connect with the performance-starved masses and did quite well. Six years later, Bajaj introduced the Pulsar 220F. Besides fuel-injection, it featured several firsts for an Indian motorcycle like a rear disc brake and clip-on handlebars. The Pulsar 220F went on to become the most favourite and one of the best-selling motorcycles among the Pulsar brand. One and a half decade later, the Pulsar 220F soldiers on, carrying the mantle of the largest Pulsar. The Pulsar as a brand was such a 60 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

no-brainer that my first motorcycle was a first- CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The two-valve air and oil-cooled generation Pulsar 150 and its replacement seven engine format has been retained; It gets a larger 300cc years later was the Pulsar 220. Over the years the rotor which should improve braking; Tail lamps are similar Pulsars received a host of updates and spawned an to the Dominar; The Pulsar 250s also get a tank mounted army of variants going all the way down to 125cc USB charger; It features the same semi-digital instrument powertrains. Two decades later though, the Pulsars, console format as before but offers more data such as especially the flagship Pulsar 220 was getting long gear position, range and distance-to-empty in the tooth and desperately in need of a revamp. For 2021, Bajaj has hit the reset button with the Pulsar. For starters, the 250cc Pulsars are completely new motorcycles and have been built from the ground up. There are two variants on offer - the F250 and N250. This approach allows the Pulsar to compete against a vast array of 200cc and 250cc motorcycles. The new bodywork carries the familiar Pulsar 220 silhouette but is larger and looks more premium thanks to the use of floating panels and curved panels. One striking feature of the Pulsar 220 was its projector headlamp that was the brightest in its segment and a few segments above as well. The Pulsar 250 twins carry forward the projector lens format and add LED lighting to the mix. In fact, the motorcycles feature all-LED lighting now. The semi-digital instrument console format with the large tachometer has been carried forward as well but carries additional information such as gear position indicator, range and distance-to-empty readouts. The all-new 249.07cc, two-valve, fuel-injected air and oil-cooled motor is more oversquare than the Pulsar 220’s unit. It delivers 24.5PS and 21.5Nm, 4.1PS and 2.9Nm more than the Pulsar 220. It is mated to a five-speed gearbox and gets a slip and assist clutch as well. The Pulsar 250 gets a new tubular frame as well as a new monoshock. Underpinnings have been beefed up as well with wider 100/80 – 17 front and 130/70 – 17 rear tyres and larger 300mm front and 230mm rear discs with single-channel ABS. Coming to the value part, the faired Pulsar F250 is priced at ` 1.4 lakh while the naked Pulsar N250 retails for ` 1.38 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom). That makes the new Pulsars one of the most affordable 250cc motorcycles available here. We can safely say that the new Pulsar 250 twins continue to offer affordable performance to the masses. Like the previous Pulsars, we expect the new Pulsar 250 twins styling and features to filter down to the smaller Pulsars in the coming months. October 2021 www.turbocharged.in 61

KING OF THE MOUNTAIN The Ducati Multistada V4 Pikes Peak looks set to conquer the mountain again It gets its name after the world-famous Pikes Peak hillclimb race which Ducati has tasted quite a bit of success on, especially the Multistrada. For 2021, it features a new 2021 Desmosedici GP inspired Pikes Peak livery above the familiar Multistrada V4 bodywork. Other sporty bits include a low smoked visor, gold anodised fork legs, two-tone black and red seat and carbon fibre bits and bobs around the motorcycle. It gets Marchesini forged aluminium rims that are 2.7kg lighter and help shed four kilograms over the Multistrada V4 S. The 1,160cc, 170PS Granturismo V4 motor and electronics has been left untouched save for a new Race riding mode. Underpinnings include a more aggressive riding position and 17-inch wheels with sportier road tyres. The Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers feature brake pads from the Panigale V4 while its Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension gets an “event-based” mode, similar to the Panigale V4 S and the Streetfighter V4 S. NEW SCRAMBLERS The Urban Motard and the Tribute Pro usher in new avenues of motorcycling For 2021, Ducati has introduced two new motorcycles in its Scrambler lineup — the Scrambler 800 Urban Motard and Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro. The former brings in the supermoto format into the Scrambler mix with 17-inch spoked wheels at both ends wrapped in Pirelli Rosso II tyres, a higher set front fender, a textured seat and side number plates. The larger Tribute Pro pays homage to Ducati’s first scrambler introduced in 1971. Based on the Scrambler 1100, the Tribute Pro features a yellow paintjob, retro Ducati logos, round mirrors, brown ribbed seat and 18-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels. Both motorcycles retain the same powertrain and underpinnings as their 800cc and 1100cc counterparts. 62 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

[ TAKE TWO ] ELECTRIC COLLABORATION TVS Motor and Tata Power come together to set up an electric charging ecosystem As part of the MoU, the TVS and Tata Power will set up electric vehicle charging infrastructure for two-wheelers across India. The plan also includes deploying solar power technologies at select TVS Motor locations and the installation of AC charging network and DC fast-charging network. TVS iQube customers will also get access to the existing charging infrastructure by Tata Power across the country through the TVS Motor customer connect app and Tata Power EZ Charge app. Tata Power has a wide network of AC and DC chargers with over 5,000 home chargers and 700 public chargers in more than 120 cities across India. The collaboration will help TVS expand the presence of the iQube Electric scooter in over 25 cities within the next few months. The electric scooter is currently available in Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Kochi, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Surat, Vizag, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. [ LAUNCHES ] (All prices ex-showroom, New Delhi) KTM RC 125 KTM RC 200 ` 1.82 lakh ` 2.09 lakh The KTM RC range receives a generational The RC 200 receives the same updates update with a large fairing, larger brakes as the RC 125 with the addition of a with dual-channel ABS, LED headlamps Supermoto ABS mode. The new 13.7-litre fuel tank is larger than the previous 9.5 and a larger fuel tank. The bigger updates litres and should allow for better touring are a new split trellis frame and revised range. Its 199.5cc motor delivers 26PS and 19.5Nm. The new updates should ergonomics to make it more road-friendly. make the RC’s more road-friendly. Its 124.7cc motor delivers 15PS and 12Nm and gets a larger airbox and a new radiator.

[ LAUNCHES ] TVS APACHE RTR 160 4v BMW C 400 GT (All prices ex-showroom, New Delhi) ` 1.15 lakh - ` 1.21 lakh ` 9.95 lakh Updates include a new LED headlamp, BMW’s C 400 GT maxi-scooter is currently three ride modes, a radial rear tyre and the most expensive scooter on sale in India. While the price might seem exorbitant for an updated instrument console that a 350cc (yep, that’s right!) scooter, you do includes a gear position indicator and TVS get a full-sized scooter that is comfortable and feature-packed. In case you were SmartXonnect on top variants. There is wondering, the motor delivers 34PS and also a Special Edition variant which gets a 35Nm. Quite less for a 214kg scooter no? Matte Black paint scheme, red wheels, new TRIUMPH STREET SCRAMBLER seat pattern and adjustable levers. ` 9.95 lakh DUCATI MONSTER For 2021, the Street Scrambler does not ` 10.99 lakh - ` 11.34 lakh get much in the form of updates save for three new colours (Urban Grey, Matt The next-generation Monster features a Khaki/Matt Ironstone, and Jet Black), a radical departure from its predecessor and new ribbed seat, an aluminium number board and a new heel guard. It still it starts with the exclusion of the trellis remains a good option if you are looking frame. It features a Panigale V4-inspired for serious off-road thrills. monocoque chassis that also helps in reducing overall weight by a massive 18kg! Add a larger 937cc Testastretta L-twin motor and that’s quite the recipe for fun. 64 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

MADE IN INDIA JACKET & PANT. DREAM SPORTING GEAR www.turbocharged.in 65 6 M.G. Road, Camp, Pune 411001 www.dreamsportinggear.com Sales Enquiry 9850089258 / 7722037636 / 9130010115 [email protected], O n l i n e s t o r e : w w w . p l a n e t d s g . c o mNovember 2021

HERO XPULSE 200 4v HERO XTREME 160R STEALTH EDITION ` 1.28 lakh ` 1.17 lakh A new four-valve head should give the XPulse 200 4v more top-end The only major update to this special edition variant is the Matte Black paint performance. Power output is up to scheme. Other minor updates include a 19.1PS and 17.35Nm, 1PS and 0.9Nm more revised instrument console with brightness than before. It also gets a new oil-cooler, adjustment and a gear position indicator; and an integrated USB charger. updated gear ratios, new seat profile, brighter LED headlamp and new graphics. TVS JUPITER 125 HERO PLEASURE+ XTec ` 73,400 - ` 81,300 ` 69,500 - ` 71,100 The all-new Jupiter 125 features a longer floorboard and seat than the 110cc Jupiter. Besides a new Jubilant Yellow shade, It also gets a fuel tank mounted below the the Pleasure+ XTec gets a projector LED floorboard and an underseat storage large headlamp, a first for the 110cc segment. enough to park two ISI-certified helmets. Its semi-digital instrument console now The all-new motor gets an integrated features smartphone connectivity that starter generation and start-stop tech. displays incoming calls and messages. The powertrain remains unchanged though. (All prices ex-showroom, New Delhi) 66 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

[ TAKE TWO ] TYRES DECODED V Sivaramakrishnan, CTO of TVS Shrichakra Ltd. discusses the R&D behind making Eurogrip tyres What are key areas of focus for TVS Eurogrip while before we launch a new product. These are a designing two-wheeler tyres? complex set of tests carefully developed by our Test We focus on handling, durability and grip as primary Methods Development Group which simulates real- performance features followed by fuel efficiency and life application conditions. Typically, it takes us six comfort. months of rigorous indoor and outdoor accelerated tests before the product is approved internally for With India’s varied surface and climatic challenges, launch. what factors influence your product goals the most? The main factors influencing the product goal are How long or extensive are track tests as opposed to the bike category (commute, sport, supersport) and indoor tests? dominant customer usage behaviour. We are privy We use concurrent engineering concepts in indoor to the fact that the tyres should deliver optimal and outdoor tests. Track tests for driveability, wet performance under different climatic and road and dry grip and such typically take two to three days conditions. for a given set of specifications. Indoor durability tests can take more than a week. Track durability How does TVS Eurogrip’s ‘Compound Technology’ tests can take months. set itself apart from the competition? We have a state of the art Materials Research and Will India see more advanced on and off-road tyres Compound Development labs where we work on from TVS in the near future? cutting edge projects in collaboration with our Yes. Very soon, we will launch our range of on and materials supplier in identifying new materials off-road tyres globally. that improve performance with respect to wet grip, rolling resistance and wear. We have also developed and patented nano materials that are used to reduce air permeability and our trademark Air Seal technology is an outcome of this research work. As of today, we have 17 patents filed. With your products internationally tested and certified, do you have plans on manufacturing sports bike tyres as well? We do make zero-degree steel-belted radial tyres rated for speeds of over 270kmph. These are currently used in sports bikes and Indian racing circuits. How long does a tyre take to complete an entire cycle of testing before it is market-ready? We have several validation procedures internally October 2021 www.turbocharged.in 67

[ REVIEW ] WORDS ABHAY VERMA PHOTOGRAPHY GAURAV CHANDRASHEKAR D U C AT I STREETFIGHTER V4 S It’s the second most powerful motorcycle I have ridden till date and it’s bonkers to ride! 68 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

ntil not long ago 200PS on a naked can scare myself. motorcycle was considered insanity. But With 208PS on offer this is the second most then someone decided it would be a good idea to not detune the engines on the powerful motorcycle I have ever tested after the superbikes these nakeds are derived from, 214PS Panigale V4. The bike looks sinister, wearing create street-focused 200PS projectiles and a shade of matte black paint called ‘Dark Stealth’. Quite apt. The headlamp design draws inspiration Uelevate the status of litre-class nakeds to from the face of the ‘Joker’, while the biplane wings ‘supernakeds’. Effectively, the 200PS wars make for a very distinctive appearance. The engine moved from racetracks to the streets. sits tightly packaged below the tank and it’s all so And when Ducati unveiled the Streetfighter V4, I felt compact, it is hard to believe there’s a V4 engine in 208PS on a naked motorcycle weighing under 200kg there. My favourite design bit though is the rear end sounded outright ludicrous. The Streetfighter V4 is as the single-sided swingarm, 200-section tyre and essentially the stupendously impressive Panigale V4 tail piece make the Streetfighter look stunning. So sans the fairing and thus one of the most aggressive while the front looks brutish, the bike looks gorgeous high performance motorcycles on the planet. It’s from the rear, like a Ducati should. been a long wait but finally, here I am, riding the higher specced Streetfighter V4 S to see how much I 208PS, a 14,500rpm redline and a kerb weight of 199 kilos can only mean ridiculously quick acceleration. DUCATI STREETFIGHTER V4 S Engine: 1,103cc, V4 liquid-cooled Power: 208PS @ 13,000rpm Torque: 123Nm @ 9,500rpm Gearbox: Six-speed Weight: 199kg Price: ` 20 lakh onwards ex-showroom November 2021 www.turbocharged.in 69

[ REVIEW ] Anywhere above 3,000rpm is easy to scare yourself ABOVE: There’s a rider aid for almost everything silly and I barely needed to cross 7,000rpm. That’s on the Streetfighter V4 S. BELOW: Feeling like a because the peak torque of 123Nm is delivered at just MotoGP rider is easy, anywhere, anytime given 9,500rpm, which is nuts because that’s more torque the cutting-edge electronics than litre-class superbikes, at significantly lower revs! So on most occasions you don’t need more than 50 percent of the engine potential. In fact I was running out of road almost every time I tried to cross 10,000rpm. And even then I was only scratching the surface because roughly beyond 8,000rpm is where the Streetfighter goes truly ballistic. And unless you’ve bumped up wheelie control levels it’s almost impossible to keep the front wheel grounded in the first three gears. But when pulling intentional wheelies, the Streetfighter can be quite the entertainer. The precise fueling gives an exact feel of how much throttle is needed while wheelie control does its thing and the bike continues accelerating on the rear wheel! The electronics are the same as the mighty Panigale V4 and they have your back a lot more than you think. The rider aids make you look like a MotoGP rider while doing all the hard work. You have 70 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

BELOW LEFT: The face is inspired by the ‘Joker’ while biplane wings add to the distinctive looks. BELOW RIGHT: The five-inchTFT display is straight off the Panigale V4 and is a class act THE PEAK TORQUE OF 123NM IS DELIVERED AT JUST 9,500RPM, WHICH IS MORE TORQUE THAN LITRE-CLASS SUPERBIKES, AT SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER REVS November 2021 www.turbocharged.in 71

[ REVIEW ] ABOVE: Massive 330mm rotors and Brembo more acronyms and more levels to choose from than Stylemas are the bomb. BELOW: After the first most other high performance motorcycles. Wheelie few minutes of riding, the Streetfighter might just control and cornering ABS are the most basic of them need you to pull over to gather your thoughts! all perhaps. For instance, if you’re up for drifting it, the Streetfighter is also equipped with Slide Control, which once you muster the courage, will make you look like a motorcycling God. The S gets exclusive bits like lighter, forged Marchesini wheels and electronically damped Ohlins suspension, besides Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa 2 tyres. With it being a derivative of the Panigale V4, the Streetfighter’s superbike rivalling dynamics are hardly a surprise. In the right hands, the Streetfighter V4 S will show a clean pair of heels to a superbike, even on track. But that’s not what the Streetfighter is intended to do. It’s intended to take the Panigale V4’s fight to the streets and it does that bloody well. It feels as nimble as a middleweight in traffic or when flicking it from side to side. And unlike the Panigale, you also get lots of leverage from

IT IS INTENDED TO TAKE THE PANIGALE V4’S FIGHT TO THE STREETS AND THE STREETFIGHTER DOES THAT BLOODY WELL the taller handlebar. The upright seating position the way back home when I gave the throttle an armful makes the Streetfighter comfortable, while the seat of twist at under 100kmph in third gear, the rear is roomy and plush. Then there’s the brakes. Like wheel spun and the tail stepped out momentarily. always, the Brembo Stylemas feel akin to hitting a The Streetfighter makes you want to crack the brick wall and bite is sharp but progressive and Race throttle open, ride it hard, get the front wheel up and mode even allows you to pull stoppies. scare yourself so you can grin like an idiot after that. All that, without the cumbersomeness of a litre-class I categorise fast motorcycles as ones that are superbike. The standard version retails at ₹ 20 lakh fun and ones that scare you. The Streetfighter V4 ex-showroom while the S costs ₹ 23 lakh. For the is borderline insane. Exploring its limits is next to price you get one of the most powerful motorcycles impossible for most riders. For instance, I thought I in the world, one that brings MotoGP tech to the had somewhat understood it after a full day of riding streets. Reason enough to sign that cheque? including lots of wheelies and what not. And then on November 2021 www.turbocharged.in 73

[ REVIEW ] WORDS ISHAN LEE PHOTOGRAPHY GAURAV CHANDRASHEKAR Bajaj Pulsar F250 and N250 There’s no school like the old school. Or is there? BAJAJ PULSAR N250 / F250 Weight: 162kg / 164kg Engine: 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled Power: 24.5PS @ 8,750rpm Torque: 21.5Nm @ 6,500rpm Gearbox: Five-speed Price: ` 1.38 lakh / ` 1.40 lakh ex-showroom 74 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

Feeling nostalgic about motorcycles is a feature-rich. That raw element is disappearing. So, tricky business. It is a fleeting pulse of while the N250 and F250 are brand new motorcycles emotions in our constantly changing lives. with an all-new look, they somehow offer a fresh Like remembering your high school crush, breath of familiarity, like my favourite hoodie after it’s nice to drop in but it’s pointless to stay. dry cleaning. For the old-school boys, there are And that’s where I find myself with the all- hints on both motorcycles that tell you, yes it’s still a new Bajaj Pulsars, the F250 and N250. Two Pulsar. For the new kids, it offers a fresh look while new Pulsars with two decades of familiarity decluttering their riding experience. Wearing a half- but by now, I’ve seen a few things. Starting fairing, the F250 feels like a better throwback to the out as a motorcycling enthusiast, the Bajaj Pulsar 220F than the AS200. The N250 on the other hand was one of few names to choose from. It gave legions dresses up for a classic streetfighter look. With a of bikers a platform to explore what was capable on broad face and swooping fly-screen, I see the F250 two wheels and with the right skills, on one. So, for looking good on highways and B roads, while the the new Pulsars, Abhay and I felt it was only right N250 manages a more flashy urban role. The new that we each choose a Pulsar that called out to us the LED projector setup is both modern and classic. The most. The stunt rider in him chose the N250, while I frosty DRLs on the N250 looks striking and is a clean chose the F250 because of my history with the 220F job, it’s a good progression from the old wolf eyes. and down the rabbit hole of nostalgia we went! Stunters liked the Pulsar’s minimal look and big I feel entry-level motorcycles are getting a little too tank because they could do more and break less. With November 2021 www.turbocharged.in 75

[ REVIEW ] the new tank however, Abhay looked oddly comfortable ABOVE: The braking system is from Grimeca, in the saddle pulling wheelies like in the good old days. a European firm and subsidiary of Endurance. The large 18-litre tank on the 220F offered a touring BELOW: The new tubular frame and wide tyres range of at least 500kms, which meant exploring help the Pulsar stay planted around corners more between fuel stops. The new one may only belly 14-litres now but with an ARAI certified 39kmpl, we’re back in touring territory. And, this is common on both just like the familiarity you get from the Digi-analogue instrument cluster. The new split seat is a genuine step up from the old 220F, for rider and the pillion both. In fact, with a lower saddle height of 795mm, the approachability of these motorcycles is better now and it does not compromise the familiar rider triangle. At least on F250. The low handlebar on the N250 feels a little awkward. The tail section holds a clean, Dominar inspired look. While we lose the iconic sharp tail section, the split taillight design that’s as iconic has been retained. The short and stubby exhaust looks a little similar to the one on the RS200, though this one is a double-barreled can and offers a sweet throaty sound. Objectively speaking, the new floating body panels, textures and rims work for the 76 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

THE NEW TANK MAY ONLY BELLY 14-LITRES NOW BUT WITH AN ARAI CERTIFIED 39KMPL, WE’RE BACK IN TOURING TERRITORY! November 2021 www.turbocharged.in 77

[ REVIEW ] ABOVE: The new Pulsars feature a semi-digital ‘fresh look’ these Pulsars are chasing. These motorcycles console that offers clear readability and are pure are available in two paint schemes — Racing Red and fun to redline. BELOW: Both Pulsars now come Techno Grey. It would have been a proper throwback if equipped with a handy mobile charging port Bajaj offered them in black and blue as well. Unlike the NS, AS and RS era, the OG Pulsars weren’t singularly obsessed with power, handling or styling, they were about having enough of each. Being broadminded like that is something I felt the NS era lacked. But, that’s not the case on these new Pulsars. I think what made the new Pulsars super special was that I was riding with Abhay again after almost 15 years. Right from the word go, we were riding like we both used to together, back in the early 2000s! And that’s hard to do if that hardware is not familiar, almost like switching from IOS to Android. We jumped them, he wheelied them, he bypassed the single-channel ABS and even pulled stoppies, we went flat out and had some sideways fun! That’s not all though. The new Pulsars have evolved significantly and the chassis and suspension setup really makes them feel very nimble and confident 78 www.turbocharged.in NJuolvye2m0b2e1 r 2021

THE MOTOR OFFERS FAMILIARITY WHILE FEELING VERY SMOOTH AND REFINED to push harder. This newfound agility lets you My favourite part of this motorcycle is the new make directional changes quicker than before and 249cc, oil-cooled single-cylinder motor that puts staying leaned in is a cinch. When a brand says its out 24.5PS and 21.5Nm. Pulsars haven’t strictly been products have evolved, it is always a little dicey for about numbers. They were known for their grunty the enthusiast. Any new offering can take away the bottom-end and midrange performance which made good bits just as much as the bad ones. However, the riders very throttle happy. The N250 and F250 here new tubular frame that uses the engine as a stressed certainly offer that same old-school feel while also member and the new monoshock iron out the long improving the top-end performance. The motor due updates the old Pulsars required. These Pulsars offers familiarity while feeling very smooth and maintain a familiar wheelbase of 1,351mm and refined. Clutch action at the lever is very light. Gears an overall softer suspension setup, as seen in the slot in perfectly. It’s all an evolution over what we’ve 220F. The new and larger 300mm front brake from known the Pulsars to be, while not moving away Grimeca offers good feedback. I though would like from the base template of enthralling riders. dual-channel ABS and maybe a switch to turn it off at the rear wheel. Told you, nostalgia can be dicey! The new engine merges characteristics of the 220F that I so dearly loved, to the modern feel and November 2021 www.turbocharged.in 79

[ REVIEW ] ABOVE: With more bottom and mid-range grunt, peaky delivery of the NS200 that Abhay is fond of. Here wheelies can be almost effortless! BELOW: The you’ve got a very even spread of torque across the rev iconic split LED taillight design has been retained range, which is what makes it so sweet. So be it exiting and LED turn indicators add to the premium feel corners or slicing through traffic, the bottom end and midrange make it very easy. And I managed to clock about 138kmph down the main straight at the test track, which tells me triple-digit highway cruising should be easy. And to address what many thought would be concerning - no, it does not really need a sixth cog. Gear ratios on the five-speed transmission are spaced well enough to not warrant a sixth gear and the engine feels unstressed even when cruising on the highway. Years later both Abhay and I are very different people. But riding these Pulsars felt like having a drink at our local pub. There’s new paint on the wall, better chairs, even the china looks new. But, this isn’t an old place under new management, it’s the old guys keeping things fresh with changing times. We loved the vibe and 80 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

the experience it offered, but nostalgia is only a fleeting pulse. Old may be gold but some of the new is also needed. A full LCD console would have been nice. For a fresh update, a little modern touch of creature comforts would have been nice. Dual-channel ABS and perhaps some extra travel in the suspension department would have been nicer too, at least on the F250. To sum it up though, the Pulsar N250 and F250, priced at ` 1.38 and ` 1.40 lakh ex-showroom respectively are excellent propositions for new entrants to the world of performance motorcycling, without needing to burn a hole in their wallet. At these prices, these Pulsars are more affordable than several other 250s in the market, its own cousins included. It ticks a lot of boxes too and in effect, does the new N250 and F250 have what it takes to carry the Pulsar legacy forward! THE NEW PULSARS ARE EXCELLENT PROPOSITIONS FOR NEW ENTRANTS TO THE WORLD OF PERFORMANCE MOTORCYCLING November 2021 www.turbocharged.in 81

[ REVIEW ] WORDS ABHISHEK WAIRAGADE PHOTOGRAPHY GAURAV CHANDRASHEKAR, ASIF ZUBAIRI DUCATI MONSTER Almost three decades into inception, the revered Ducati seems to be treading a completely new path! 82 www.turbocharged.in Noveber 2021

DUCATI MONSTER Engine: 937cc, V-twin, liquid-cooled Power: 111PS @ 9,250rpm Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm Gearbox: Six-speed Weight: 188kg Price: ` 10.99 lakh ex-showroom The first-ever Ducati Monster debuted radically different too! Does the new Monster have 29 years ago. It was powered by the 900 it in itself to take on the burgeoning mid-weight Supersport engine borrowed from the naked class, without forgetting its grassroots? range-topping 851 and came with bare Ducati India invited us to the Buddh International necessities that we have always associated Circuit to find out. with the Monster. A round headlamp, trellis frame, exposed underpinnings The Monster has its intentions very clear and that and minimal bodywork; the recipe has is, to appeal to the entry-level Ducatisti. You already been the same for decades and quite know that a lighter machine is not just faster but popular, with 3.5 lakh units being sold to date. easier to live with too. The focus therefore has been However, for 2021, Ducati has decided to throw on losing the additional kilos that the Monster 821 away the blueprints. The formula is still the same managed to gain over the years. Combined weight although Ducati has taken inspiration from not just savings is a whopping 18kg! The traditional steel the Supersport 950 but also the Panigale V4. This trellis has been replaced with the ‘Front Frame’ means, there’s no trellis frame and the design is which itself is 4.5kg lighter. It joins the steering and the forks to the front of the engine, just like on Noveber 2021 www.turbocharged.in 83

[ REVIEW ] ABOVE: Familiar twin-stacked exhaust styling has the Panigale V4 and hence the name. It gets a GFRP been retained. BELOW: The 188kg kerb weight (fibreglass plastic) subframe which saves another 2kg. makes it telepathic to push around Ducati has even managed to get rid of 4kg of unsprung mass thanks to a lighter swingarm and wheels. The motor itself has been lifted straight out of the Supersport 950, saving another 2.5kg over the 821’s, despite packing in extra cee cees. Power output stands at 111PS although the torque rating is super impressive at 93Nm. The gains aren’t much with just 2PS over the 821 although the motor has been tuned to deliver power in a linear fashion but more on that later. Now, looks are subjective and it’s a rather touchy subject especially when it comes to something as iconic as the Monster. All I can tell you is that, in the flesh, it seems to be a rather pleasing motorcycle. It’s not just about the design though; this time around, the Italians have taken the ‘function over form’ route which is surprising! One look at the Monster and you know that you’re getting all the bike you deserve 84 www.turbocharged.in Noveber 2021

especially for the extra monies being paid over its TOP: The higher handlebars and low footpegs adversaries. Paint quality is staggering and panels make the riding position quite accomodating. are tightly held. It must’ve been difficult to integrate ABOVE: The new headlamp is the only element in indicators in such a tidy design and Ducati seems to the whole design that’s unlike a Monster have taken help from the parent company here. Audi- esque LED sweeping indicators definitely add to the premium appeal without hampering the design. Then, there are the neatly tucked twin exhausts. Ducati could’ve gone the Triumph or KTM way by mounting a large single can but instead, they’ve chosen to make it look appealing although they didn’t really have to! Similar story continues with the instrument cluster and switchgear as well. All other manufacturers must learn a thing or two from Ducati for the integration is seamless and so much easier to operate than other fancy TFTs we’ve seen in the past. On the track, we were told to stick to Sport mode for obvious reasons although I made it a point to try out the electronics in every possible way. Leaving the pits, I already knew that it is a spirited motor. It has the same characteristics of the L-twin Ducatis. The motor asks to Noveber 2021 www.turbocharged.in 85

[ REVIEW ] TOP: The sleek turn indicators feature Audi- IT’S A RATHER LIKEABLE esque LED sweeping lights. ABOVE: Crisp TFT MOTOR WITH OOZING instrument console offers a crisp and seamless CHARACTER THAT MAKES layout. BELOW: Besides the radially-mounted YOU REV IT TO THE Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers, the Monster LIMITER, BUT NOT AT THE gets a radially-mounted master cylinder COST OF TRACTABILITY FOR SURE be revved. The power delivery is buttery smooth and there are no lumps of torque; just clean, usable power all the way till the rev counter goes orange. There’s an unmistakable feeling of riding a Ducati. There’s something in the way the machines talk to you, be it the L-twin bassy growl or Ducati’s thrifty nature when it comes to anti-vibration materials. It’s a rather likeable motor with oozing character that makes you rev it to the limiter, every single time but not at the cost of tractability for sure. The riding position is beginner-friendly with a low, 820mm seat but it’s down to the footpegs and the handlebar. The pegs feel a bit too low and the bar is very high. Seat is narrow and the fuel tank is wide with recesses to get hold of with your knees. There’s an inherent playfulness to the way the Monster handles. The suspension isn’t adjustable and is a confusing aspect in the overall package. Don’t get me wrong, it is impeccable at both ends and would work wonderfully well on streets I imagine. Here on the track though, it felt slightly lethargic especially when pushing it to the limits at C12 which is a fast left-hander. The middleweight naked segment has machines like the Triumph Street Triple R, Kawasaki Z900 and more. The new Monster reeks of quality and checks every single box to be a real Ducati, without sacrificing on former glories. Ducati seems to have played a gamble by binning the trellis frame but that’s an indicator of the Monster’s importance in the lineup. With a starting price of ` 10.99 lakh ex-showroom, it may seem like an expensive proposition but it’s not. The Street Triple R is affordable by over ` 1.5 lakh but it does not feel as characterful or exquisite. The bottom line is that the Monster has always been special, across generations and the new one does not buck the trend! 86 www.turbocharged.in Noveber 2021



{ REVIEW } WORDS BENJAMIN GRACIAS PHOTOGRAPHY ROSHNI MANGHANI H A R L E Y - DAV I D S O N STREET GLIDE SPECIAL We try one of Harley-Davidson’s biggest motorcycles on for size HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE SPECIAL Engine: 1,868cc V-twin, air-cooled Power: NA Torque: 163Nm @ 3,000rpm Gearbox: Six-speed manual Weight: 375kg Price: ` 31.99 lakh ex-showroom 88 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

“ B en, how much of a problem will it be to off chrome and in my opinion, the Street Glide move the bike?” asks Roshni as she preps Special wears it well. The chrome is well balanced her camera for the shoot. Such is the and relegated to the bottom half of the motorcycle perception when one sees the Street Glide allowing you to take in that deep red paint scheme. A Special for the first time. It is one of the highlight of the 2021 model is the dinner plate-sized largest motorcycles in the Harley-Davidson headlamp aptly named Daymaker. It features huge lineup and in India. Admittedly, even I was LED elements that make day of night and is great apprehensive about riding the Street Glide Special. I even for highway rides after dark. have always preferred lightweight motorcycles and am one who thinks weight is the antithesis of quick I reckon past midnight is the best time to ride the progress when it comes to two wheels (and four). At Street Glide. The next to non-existent traffic lets you this moment though, after four days of living with revel with the large Milwaukee-Eight motor. This one it, I have no problems lining up the Street Glide gets the larger 114 V-twin that displaces a staggering for Roshni to do her magic. In fact, the only times I 1,868cc.Onpaper,apeak torqueof168Nmisdelivered have felt the Street Glide Special’s 375kg kerb weight at 3,000rpm but in the real world, you get a healthy is while taking it off the centre stand or executing amount of shove all across the rev range. Despite really tight U-turns. Being seated just 690mm above the size and weight, it can be blisteringly fast if you the ground helps too, making it easier to navigate in are brave enough. Just ensure you have ample room traffic or the parking lot. to slow down because you know, momentum. That As Roshni clicks away, I can’t help but stare. said, the brakes do a fantastic job of shedding speed. Imposing looks aside, it is an attractive looking It is not the performance though that gets you. It motorcycle. Very few motorcycles are able to pull is the sensation of having a massive motor ahead of you that almost feels alive. Harley-Davidson has November 2021 www.turbocharged.in 89

[ REVIEW ] ABOVE: With relaxed riding position and comfortable seats, you can spend all day riding. BELOW LEFT: Car-like dashboard includes an array of dials and a large 6.5-inch touchscreen console. You even get a small glovebox beside the console. BELOW RIGHT: Fairing mounted speakers are weather proof and properly loud 90 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

done well to eliminate the shakes from the Milwaukee ABOVE: True to its name, the dinner-plate sized Eight motor but thankfully has retained some of the Daymaker headlamp makes night of day with its good vibrations. It sounds fantastic too. At slow speeds, array of LED projector units the exhausts emit an understated baritone which turns into a sweet characteristic V-twin roar at high revs. After dark is the best time to ride the Street Glide as during the day, in traffic, the large V-twin makes its displeasure felt with its low-speed throttle snatch, an understandable trait as the fuel injection has to intermittently feed two massive lumps at low speeds. However, riding the Street Glide Special in crawling traffic feels like trying to tame a Bronco. As we reach Lavasa top, Ishan is inquisitive about its handling traits. “Does it turn at all?” He asks. It does and surprisingly well for its size. I reckon the low centre of gravity and sheer weight helps the Street Glide Special defy the laws of physics. Around corners, the tyres do not just grip the tarmac, they punch down with the force DESPITE THE SIZE AND WEIGHT, IT CAN BE BLISTERINGLY FAST IF YOU ARE BRAVE ENOUGH November 2021 www.turbocharged.in 91

[ REVIEW ] THE TYRES DO NOT JUST GRIP THE TARMAC, THEY PUNCH DOWN WITH THE FORCE OF A SILVERBACK of a Silverback. The cornering clearance is surprisingly ABOVE: Besides massive 320mm Brembo brakes, it good too and it handled all of Lavasa’s hairpins while gets Reflex Defensive Rider Systems like cornering scraping its exhausts maybe twice. electronic linked ABS and cornering traction control just in case you overcook it in a corner With the chilly morning air getting to me, I reach out to one of the two large panniers to retrieve my warm jacket liner. Being a practical guy, I have always been a staunch proponent of saddlebags much to Abhay and Ishan’s annoyance as both prefer their motorcycles to have a cleaner look. Even these two approve of the sleek design of these panniers. In fact, with the Street Glide Special, Harley- Davidson has gone for the Bagger look, a popular custom motorcycle culture in America. The Bagger scene is a wild one with custom bike builders creating one-off specials that easily cost upwards of 50,000 US dollars. These motorcycles feature custom paint jobs, swooping streamlined bodywork and panniers, trick air suspension, 26-inch front wheel and massive 92 www.turbocharged.in November 2021

TOP: Both panniers offer a combined 71 litres of speakers. They are a sight to behold, like the one here. storage space. ABOVE: The 1,868cc V-Twin offers a The Street Glide Special gets a music system. Called tractor-rivalling spread of torque. BOTTOM: The tail lamp is integrated into the turn indicators the Boom! Box GTS, it is a large 6.5-inch touch screen infotainment system that you can hook up to your smartphone for calls, navigation and music. It gets two large weatherproof speakers on each end of the front fairing. To say that it is loud is an understatement. Even with the volume low, the music is crisp enough to attract attention while waiting at a signal. The setup feels almost car-like. That, I feel, is the premise of the Street Glide Special. To offer car-like comfort and features. One example is the seats, one of the most comfortable seats out there and on which you can spend hours riding. It even gets hill-hold control and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Heck, you get a proper dashboard with an array of dials and mirrors inside the fairing. At ` 31.99 lakh, even the pricing is on par with premium cars. You buy it to make a statement. Riding this motorcycle is like signalling your arrival via large neon signs. The Street Glide Special is not a motorcycle you can ride on a daily basis. The ride isn’t plush, the large V-twin detests crawling in traffic and after prolonged riding, the heavy clutch will leave your forearm sore. For me though, the Street Glide Special justifies being special when shown the open highway. However, it makes you want to take it to that special place where you can cruise into the night at triple-digit speeds with the Boom! Box blaring songs by AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. Isn’t that special?





[ REVIEW ] WORDS ISHAN LEE PHOTOGRAPHY GAURAV CHANDRASHEKAR KTM RC 200 New look, who dis?

KTM RC 200 Engine: 199.5cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled Power: 25PS @ 10,000rpm Torque: 19.2Nm @ 8,000rpm Gearbox: Six-speed Weight: 159kg Price: ` 2.09 lakh ex-showroom T he anxiety of change is real, especially city. With the 2021 iteration, KTM has tried to find a with things that are dear to us, but, better balance between form and function. The new seven years is a long time and change is RC 200, therefore, packs in a lot more than just a inevitable, sometimes even necessary. fresh look! Meeting the new KTM RC 200 felt like meeting an old friend in Lavasa for The new RC 200 is no longer as sharp and edgy some hot laps and knee downs. But, after as the old model, but pictures do not do justice to seven long years, this motorcycle is all- the new styling. KTM’s MotoGP race bikes have new and neither am I the same. With a always inspired its road-going RC’s design language track test ahead of us, it is time to catch up the old and explains the reason behind the new curvy fashioned way- leathers on, visor down and throttle bodywork. The new RC 200’s fairing neatly integrates wide open. The all-new styling on the 2022 RC 200 did a compact cluster of DRLs, indicators, brighter LED not affect me as much as it did the hardcore loyalists mono-pod headlamp finished off with wider mirror on the Internet, despite owning a first-generation RC stems. Other changes include a larger 13.7-litre fuel myself. The old design language was iconic. While the tank, large LCD instrument console and higher-set naked KTM Dukes got a fresh avatar a few years ago, adjustable clip-on handlebars. I feel an important the RC range remained the same with mechanical update is the new handlebar setup. At it highest updates in between to keep it fresh. And as happy setting, your lower back and wrist feel a lot less as the RC was around corners, its committed form strained than before. I may sound geriatric, but in made it uncomfortable for touring and riding in the stop-go-traffic, a more comfortable riding position makes a world of difference. The new seat design Noveber 2021 www.turbocharged.in 97

[ REVIEW ] promises improved overall comfort while bidding farewell to the iconic cowl-shaped pillion seat. This new arrangement with a flatter pillion seat and larger grab-handles may upset the fanboys, but it’s all smiles for the pillion. In theory, good range, sufficient power and comfy seats make good weekend motorcycles. That said, as this was a track test, testing longer saddle times in urban conditions is still pending. While sensibility seems to be the main theme for these new RCs, on the go, the essence of the original has been retained. The Bajaj test track offers a mix of technical corners and a long straight. This gives me an opportunity to put the motorcycle through its paces and gauge the performance of its new WP Apex forks, the split trellis frame, and the overall revised ergonomics. The RC 200 remains composed even at times when I am not. Its predecessor was famous for its approachability and I feel, this one is too. KTM says it had to shed the unsprung mass on the RC to offset the weight gained from the new features and additional fuel the new, 98 www.turbocharged.in Noveber 2021

larger fuel tank holds. As a result, the new RC 200 still ABOVE: New LCD display is similar to the KTM weighs the same 159kg as its predecessor. The handling 250 Adventure and quite legible on the move. feels quite familiar to the previous-generation model. BELOW: The RC 200 offers a relaxed and more An almost similar wheelbase of 1,347mm, allows upright riding position thanks to its higher set the RC 200 to still move with a sense of purpose. The clip-on handlebars suspension setup feels firm up front and soft at the rear. Quick directional changes on the track are just as easy as before and the motorcycle feels pretty forgiving around some of my questionable racing lines. However, I expect the new 43mm WP Apex forks with 130mm (extra 10mm) of wheel travel will offer a plush ride in the city as well. The highlight here has to be the new and bigger 320mm front disc. The new braking combination offers good bite and feedback and should allow for more confidence around twisty roads. You get dual-channel ABS as standard, including the ‘Super-Moto’ mode seen on the larger Dukes sold here. This allows me to hang the rear sideways for a little extra cornering drama. The MRF Revz-C tyres also handle the cornering and braking load fairly well. The liquid-cooled, 199.5cc single-cylinder motor BEING PATIENT WITH THIS DESIGN WILL HELP YOU APPRECIATE THE RC 200 A WHOLE LOT MORE! Noveber 2021 www.turbocharged.in 99

[ REVIEW ] ABOVE: Folding brake pedal to reduce the remains unchanged from the 2020 BS6 version and chances of it snapping off in case of a fall. continues to deliver the same 25.8PS and 19.5Nm as BELOW: We love the fact the RCs continue to before. Some might say that the generation update feature MotoGP-inspired livery should have brought more power. With a 40 percent larger airbox, KTM says the torque curve has improved. On the track, the RC 200 feels rev-happy through the gears. However, I did find a bit of a flat spot around 7,000rpm. The dip disappeared just shy of 9,000rpm, after which we are back in business all the way to its redline. The throttle is smooth and power comes in fairly evenly and in a more predictable manner. KTM claims the new RC 200 will accelerate from standstill to 60kmph in 4.2 seconds and 100kmph in 11.7 seconds. As for the top speed, I saw 140kmph on the back straight. That’s pretty good performance for a 200cc motorcycle and with the longer riding range seems like a good proposition for beginners. Most first motorcycles in life aren’t meant to be perfect, they’re meant to be fun which the first- generation RCs were! The new KTM RC 200 remains just as fun to ride as its predecessor. Now it is a wee bit more comfortable as well. 100 www.turbocharged.in Noveber 2021