46- the bike blog !: June 2008

Monday, June 30, 2008

F1 drivers' standings

Formula 1 standing - Drivers

Pos.	Driver	Team	AUS	MYS	BAH	ESP	MCO	CAN	USA	FRA	GBR	GER	HUN	TUR	ITA	BEL	JPN	CHI	BRA	Pts
1	Kimi Räikkönen	Ferrari	10	6	6		1	4	5	10	10		8	8	6	10	6	10	10	110
2	Fernando Alonso	McLaren	8	10	4	6	10	2	8	2	8	10	5	6	10	6		8	6	109
3	Lewis Hamilton	McLaren	6	8	8	8	8	10	10	6	6		10	4	8	5	10		2	109
4	Felipe Massa	Ferrari	3	4	10	10	6		6	8	4	8		10		8	3	6	8	94
5	Nick Heidfeld	BMW Sauber	5	5	5		3	8		4	3	3	6	5	5	4		2	3	61
6	Robert Kubica	BMW Sauber			3	5	4			5	5	2	4	1	4		2		4	39
7	Heikki Kovalainen	Renault		1		2		5	4		2	1	1	3	2	1	8			30
8	Giancarlo Fisichella	Renault	4	3	1		5			3	1						4			21
9	Nico Rosberg	Williams	2			3							2	2	3	3			5	20
10	David Coulthard	Red Bull				4						4					5	1		14

World Superbikes » Neukirchner defies odds for Misano win.

Monday, 30th June 2008

Max Neukirchner fights off the might of Ducati and Yamaha to take his second win of the season at Misano.

Max Neukirchner has moved up to second in the World Superbike standings after scoring a surprise second career victory at Misano.

Having qualified down in tenth place, Neukirchner had merely hoped to make some inroads on the dominance shown by Ducati and Troy Corser's Yamaha in qualifying, but made the most of a good start to find himself in the right place at the right time when the leaders began feuding amongst themselves.

Still, Neukirchner's performance will go down as more than opportunistic, the young German picking off his rivals methodically to assume the lead of the race on lap 17 and romp home for a convincing, if somewhat surprising, victory.

Indeed, given the circuit's reputation for favouring the ‘torquey' Ducati, Neukirchner was delighted to top the podium for the second time this season on the Alstare Suzuki.

"I am very happy to win my second race and the feeling was very good - especially as I had started from the third row of the grid,” he said. “I was patient and just worked my way up through the field and once I was in front, I knew I could win.”

Neukirchner was not so happy with his result in a less frantic second race after being unable to make such significant progress up the order, despite not having changed the bike from the first race.

“We didn't change anything for race two, so I am a bit surprised why I couldn't do as well. The tyre was the same, but it didn't work the same way. I didn't make a good start so there was always going to be some work to do, but I was losing time exiting the turns and it was hard to pass some of the other riders.”

Nonetheless, Neukirchner was satisfied to now be classed as Troy Bayliss' chief title rival after leapfrogging Carlos Checa into second in the standings.

“At the end of the day, I am happy because I am second in the championship and not so many points behind the leader."

Now 49 points in arrears of Bayliss, it raises the question of how the championship order would have looked for Neukirchner had he been able to complete his victory back at Valencia...

World Superbikes » Xaus shows off his Sunday best.

Monday, 30th June 2008

Ruben Xaus produces one of his best ever World Superbike performances with a first win of the season at Misano - no doubt impressing future employers BMW.

Ruben Xaus celebrated the news that he will defect to BMW in 2009 with his first World Superbike victory of the season at Misano.

Xaus, Misano World superbike ,SBK Race 2 2008

A superb end to a weekend that arguably saw Xaus prove his most competitive since the season opener in Qatar, the Spaniard also led a first 1-2 result of the year for the Sterilgarda Ducati outfit.

Coming just days after revealing he will end his relationship with Ducati at the end of the season in search of greater success with the newcomers BMW, Xaus was on top form during the first race after leading briefly.

However, once in front he couldn't do much to restrain a charging Max Neukirchner and Troy Corser, Xaus eventually having to settle for fourth behind Troy Bayliss as well. Still, fourth was at least his best result since the first round at Losail.

Nonetheless, Xaus remained positive for the second race and after taking an early lead over Bayliss and Corser, held on for his first win since Valencia in 2007. Managing it in front of his adopted home crowd, Xaus was thrilled with the result.

“Today's win is special to me: I fought against the rider I have learnt more from, a hardcase as only Troy Bayliss can be. I did it in Italy in front of the people which I consider to be ‘my' followers and I gave a big result to my team.

“After having come close to the podium several times and got the fourth position four times, I wanted the win and I powered to all my determination to get it. The second start has been the worst of the day but I have immediately recovered.

“Then, in the last part of the race, I felt I was able to get a good result, I recovered on the heading duo, I passed them and then I got my win.”

Sunday, June 29, 2008

2008 Himalayan Odyssey kicks off

The fifth edition of the ‘Himalayan Odyssey” kicked off on 28th June. Himalayan Odyssey is an annual event organised by Royal Enfield offers the best way to the ‘ Enfield ‘ biker lovers from different parts of the country to put their wheels, hearts, spirits and beats together with the mighty Himalayas to experience the lofty mountain ranges from the saddle of a motorbike. Since this kind of organized drive to tune the riding skills are little in the country, riders across india rushes to register their spot in Himalayan Odyssey. RE awards the places based on a zonal format on a first come first serve basis. The 15-day adventure ride will traverse about 2500 kilometres in some of the roughest terrains, breathtaking corners, and highest mountain passes in the world. Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Eicher Motors Limited, flagged off the first leg of this Odyssey from historical India Gate in New Delhi.It’s a ride which we have been organizing for last five years. It is the soul of Royal Enfield because before this the riders used to go on their own to Himalayas enjoying the ride. What we said that we are going to organize it in such a manner in which they (Riders) enjoy it more, where the organization is good because in the middle of the hills you don’t get very good organisation. So here we have back up trucks, we have mechanics and the people who know the trip very well and we have the best riders in the country who are accompanying these people, said Lal. From last year an exciting new section on the return leg from Keylong to Amritsar was introduced in Himalayan Odyssey. Since the safety is the main concern, the main pre-requisite for participation is that the bikers have to be physically fit. The organizers have been working on this to get our bikes and everything set up. To meet the emergency situation the organizers has ensured that a doctor is always at hand on demand.

In the 2008 Himalayan Odyssey two lady bikers are participating. “I have participated last year in this rally too. My last year’s experience has encouraged me to participate this year too and I want to have that experience this year too. Last year I made a lot of new friends and I’m expecting to make a lot of new friends this year too. Besides this every day is a new day in the rally and I want to experience a new challenge which comes with each day”, said Snigha. The Himalayan Odyssey will conclude in New Delhi on July 12

To know more about the participation visit http://www.royalenfield.com/app/IN/odyssey/faq.asp

To know the itenary of the 2008 Himalayan Odyssey http://www.royalenfield.com/app/IN/odyssey/itinerary.asp

Mahindra’s Scorpio Hybrid

Yet another first information report

Auto manufacturers can no longer produce gas guzzlers. The rising crude oil price makes the buyers across the world to think twice before buying a gas-sucking behemoth particularly SUVs. Even the American started hating SUVs and switch to hybrids. Alternative energy is the need of the hour and Fuel cells will be the only power source for future automotives. But starting from the membrane to the fuel (H2) to the electrodes problems associated with fuel cells is far from over. Auto majors across the world are spending millions and millions of dollars for developing fuel cells and electric vehicles. For the present, manufacturers have opted for hybrid vehicles to make the product affordable. Hybrids reduces the dependency on fossil fuels significantly. Unlike the past when Indian manufacturers are reluctant to accept changes. Now they embrace new technology with ease and want to be in par with leaders and compete with them.

An India maker which came into automotive business by assembling willy’s jeeps imported from United States is going to sell Indian made SUV’s in USA next year. Mahindra which wishes to be the Indian Land Rover will take on Toyota, Ford and Honda in United States in 2009. Mahindra is making a superior scorpio to suit the emission and safety norms. But Mahindra makes something more than scorpio to lure US customers. What is called Scorpio Hybrid which is an important product for Mahindra’s US game plan. This is India’s first Hybrid SUV and we got some exclusive information on the vehicle.

The new hybrid scoprio will look more like a regular scorpio, the powertrain is completely new. It uses diesel-electric parallel hybrid. Mahindra hybridized the scorpio with the help of FEV an internationally recognized powertrain and vehicle engineering. Mahindra scorpio hybrid operates in four modes. You see first pictures of operation of scorpio Hybrid and automatic transmission at vicky.in before anyone in the world.

1) Mahindra scorpio hybrid Motor assist mode: Both the combustion engine and electric motor simultaneously power the vehicle.

mahindra scorpio hybrid

2) Mahindra scorpio hybrid Generator mode: Combustion engine powers the vehicle while charging the batteries during partial load conditions.

mahindra scorpio hybrid

3) Mahindra scorpio hybrid Regenerative Braking mode: Part of brake energy wasted as heat is recuperated using the e-machine as a generator into battery

mahindra scorpio hybrid

4) Mahindra scorpio hybrid Motor Idle Charging mode: if the battery state of charge is lower than the threshold, the combustion engine recharges the battery while idling.

mahindra scorpio hybrid
A 2.2 Liter, I-4, second generation diesel common rail engine producing 113bhp of maximum power and 270 Nm of peak torque is under the hood of the hybrid scorpio. Assisting the m-Hawk engine is the electric motor which produces 40bhp. The combustion engine, the electric machine and the automatic transmission are coupled together through a mechanical torque converter. Mahindra and Mahindra earns the credit of making India’s first automatic transmission. The six speed automatic transmission is a fully electronic control system and simplifies the regular gear system to just four operations - parking,reverse,neutral and drive.

mahindra scorpio hybrid,india

Honda 2008 city - Pictorial Preview

When reporters asked about the new city Takedgawa, Honda’s MD said he has no idea. Unlike other manufacturers, Honda never reveal anything about their future products. But we all know the new city is cooking when the all new Honda jazz is out.

Honda new city: The current city is based on the previous generation Jazz and is more a hatch with a boot rather than a sedan. The front heavy design makes it look ugly at some angles. The 2008 Jazz or Fit on which the new city is based has a less boxy look, with a plunging nose and upswept waistline. From the spy shots of new city, it seems that the new city inherits the same. Thailand is the major market for the city family and in the local market it has to compete with Toyota’s vios. The sharp radical design is gone. Bland look is in. The new city looks bulky from the front with large stepped grille. The hood lines flows through the grille to large front bumper which houses the large fog lamp inserts. Except for the sleek headlamps everything is big. But never put aside this kind of styling, this kind of design often makes the car spacious and easily tops the list of chauffeur driven cars. Also unlike the current city the boot gels well with the car.

new honda city

Honda 2008 city: All our future cars will feature ABS,aitbags,G-CON body and i-Vtec engine” said Takedgawa, Honda’s MD at the Auto expo. Hcnce the 1.3 liter Jazz’s i-VTEC engine which cranks out 100 PS of max power at 6,000rpm and 127Nm of max torque at 4,800rpm and an 1.5 liter Jazz’s i-VTEC engine whcih makes 120 PS at 6,600rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,800rpm will get under the hood of the new city. A continuously variable transmission may also be offered for the new city.

new honda city,india

Honda 2008 city: Though the sales of the current city is still strong even after the advent of SX4 from mighty Maruti Suzuki. But as a company policy Honda will replace the existing one with the new city. The new city is expected around the festive season. Spy shot by Arjun Warty of Team bhp.

new honda city,india

Harley Davidson to partner Royal Enfield

When west meets east

Harley Davidson the american cult bike maker may finally relent from its policy of building Harley’s only in US. In 2007, under a quid pro quo between US and indian Government, India Government relaxed the import policy to facilitate import of super bikes of capcity over 800cc while the US Government allowed the entry of Indian mangoes. But the high import duty on CBU (Completely Build Unit) continues to haunt Harley Davidson. Harley has several times expressed his displeasure on high import duty. It also heavily lobbied for the duty cut. But the Indian Government never budged to its demand. In the meanwhile, Yamaha and lunched their superbikes ranging from Rs10 lakh to Rs50 lakh to lure high profile indian customers. Realising the other’s move, it seems Harley has finally decided to assemble bikes in India. (CBU attracts 110% duty while the CKD attracts only 60%) Harleys will be imported as CKD units and assembled hers. The latest buzz Harley Davidson is looking for a local partner. Who may be the best mate for Harley other than homegrown cult bike maker Royal Enfield. Yes, the big ‘H’ may tie up with big ‘R’ of motor industry to sell bikes in India. “India imposes a duty of 60% on heavyweight motorcycles which, coupled with the tax rate of 30%, creates a significant barrier for our entry into the Indian market. Harley-Davidson continues to seek a solution to the barriers. We are in the process of laying the groundwork for a possible entry into the Indian market should those barriers be lifted,” a Harley Davidson spokesperson said.

Formula 1 » Australian GP loses support of local council.

Start, Australian F1 Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, 16-18/3/ 2007,

Saturday, 28th June 2008

Australian Grand Prix receives a fresh blow as Melbourne's local council argues it does not benefit the country, despite suggestions that a new deal to take the race through to 2015 is all-but signed and sealed.

The Australian Grand Prix – a mainstay on the Formula 1 calendar since 1985, firstly in the South Australian state capital of Adelaide and now in Melbourne's Albert Park – has come in for severe criticism as its future remains up in the air, with claims that local residents have ‘had more than enough' and that the race ‘does not benefit' the country.

There has been considerable debate over the event's future for a number of months, with no guarantee that its current contract – set to expire in 2010 – will be renewed. F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone is demanding that the race be held at night in order to capture greater European viewing audiences, a move circuit promoters have repeatedly insisted is not a viable option.

The cost of welcoming the grand prix – including the fee payable to Ecclestone's Formula One Management company – has risen steadily each year, climbing by a staggering $8 million AUD (£3.9 million) from $33 million AUD (£15.9 million) in 2006, funded by Victorian taxpayers.

Indeed, the race is now running at a considerable loss, even if the state government has pointed to clear economic benefits generated by the kudos of staging a Formula 1 event, in terms of visitors, publicity and widespread international television exposure.

In a new twist, however, the local Melbourne council which hosts the race has crucially withdrawn its support and is asking the Victorian state government to get rid of it, arguing that the grand prix ‘does not benefit Victoria as a whole' or the rest of the country.

“After 14 years, residents have had more than enough,” City of Port Phillip mayor Janet Cribbes stressed in a statement. “Why should they have to suffer the noise and the inconvenience of a car race in a park, a race whose public price tag blew out to $41.3 million AUD (£19.9 million) last year? It simply doesn't stack up on economic, social or environmental grounds.

source:crash.net

MotoGP » Stoner vs. Stoner, sympathy for Rossi.

Saturday, 28th June 2008

MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner annihilates Dutch TT opposition. Mistake by Valentino Rossi puts Australian back in title contention.

Casey Stoner was feeling nervous before Saturday's Assen race, but only because he knew it would take a mistake by him to lose the Dutch TT.

The reigning MotoGP world champion has been in unstoppable form since an engine management breakthrough at the post-Catalunya test, resulting in a commanding victory last Sunday at Donington Park.

Qualifying at Assen had seen Dani Pedrosa and Valentino Rossi get surprisingly close to Stoner, but the young Australian always felt his race pace was untouchable - and so it proved.

After passing Pedrosa at the end of the opening lap, Stoner guided his Desmosedici to a 11.310secs victory over the Repsol Honda rider.

"We knew we had the pace to win today but sometimes coming into race day that can make you even more nervous because you know the only thing that can go wrong is yourself!" said Casey.

"I was also worried about the weather and after watching the 125 race I thought it would be typical to start raining whilst I was in the lead. Thankfully that wasn't the case and I was able to get out front, put my head down and concentrate on doing the times we've been doing all weekend in dry conditions," he added.

The Australian's third victory of the year means he is now 29 points from Pedrosa, who is also the new world championship leader after Valentino Rossi fell on the opening lap in Holland and could only manage eleventh.

Rossi is now 25 points in front of Stoner, having been 45 ahead of the #1 at the start of the race.

"I'm sorry Valentino crashed because this isn't necessarily the way I wanted to recover points on him, but at the end of the day we've had our fair share of bad luck this year too and racing is an unpredictable game," stated Stoner. "Now it seems fortune is favouring us but more than that I've really got to take my hat off to Ducati and to my team. They've been doing such a good job over the past few races to get us back on the pace again and make us consistently competitive, so I want to say 'thank you' to all of them."

MotoGP » Stoner vs. Stoner, sympathy for Rossi.

The reigning MotoGP world champion has been in unstoppable form since an engine management breakthrough at the post-Catalunya test, resulting in a commanding victory last Sunday at Donington Park.

Qualifying at Assen had seen Dani Pedrosa and Valentino Rossi get surprisingly close to Stoner, but the young Australian always felt his race pace was untouchable - and so it proved.

After passing Pedrosa at the end of the opening lap, Stoner guided his Desmosedici to a 11.310secs victory over the Repsol Honda rider.

"We knew we had the pace to win today but sometimes coming into race day that can make you even more nervous because you know the only thing that can go wrong is yourself!" said Casey.

"I was also worried about the weather and after watching the 125 race I thought it would be typical to start raining whilst I was in the lead. Thankfully that wasn't the case and I was able to get out front, put my head down and concentrate on doing the times we've been doing all weekend in dry conditions," he added.

The Australian's third victory of the year means he is now 29 points from Pedrosa, who is also the new world championship leader after Valentino Rossi fell on the opening lap in Holland and could only manage eleventh.

Rossi is now 25 points in front of Stoner, having been 45 ahead of the #1 at the start of the race.

"I'm sorry Valentino crashed because this isn't necessarily the way I wanted to recover points on him, but at the end of the day we've had our fair share of bad luck this year too and racing is an unpredictable game," stated Stoner. "Now it seems fortune is favouring us but more than that I've really got to take my hat off to Ducati and to my team. They've been doing such a good job over the past few races to get us back on the pace again and make us consistently competitive, so I want to say 'thank you' to all of them."

MotoGP » Assen - Race results.

Saturday, 28th June 2008

Full race results from the Dutch TT at Assen, round nine of the 2008 MotoGP World Championship.

Valentino Rossi fell on the first lap and rejoined in last. Nicky Hayden ran out of fuel on the exit of the final turn, handing third to Colin Edwards.

Dani Pedrosa now leads the world championship standings by four points from Rossi, with Stoner 29 points behind Pedrosa...

1. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 42min 12.337 secs
2. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (M) 42min 23.647 secs
3. Colin Edwards USA Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 42min 29.462 secs
4. Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team (M) 42min 32.814 secs
5. Andrea Dovizioso ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP (M) 42min 39.683 secs
6. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team (M) 42min 40.945 secs
7. Chris Vermeulen AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 42min 44.667 secs
8. Shinya Nakano JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 42min 47.229 secs
9. James Toseland GBR Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 42min 50.903 secs
10. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Alice Team (B) 42min 51.154 secs
11. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team (B) 42min 58.362 secs
12. Toni Elias SPA Alice Team (B) 43min 0.550 secs
13. Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 43min 11.931 secs

DNF:
Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 11min 41.383 secs
Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda MotoGP (M) lap 1
Alex de Angelis RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) lap 1

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

MotoGP » Donington Park: Race results.

Sunday, 22nd June 2008

Full race results from the British Grand Prix at Donington Park, round eight of the 2008 MotoGP World Championship.

1. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 44min 44.982 secs
2. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team (B) 44min 50.771 secs
3. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (M) 44min 53.329 secs
4. Colin Edwards USA Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 44min 57.660 secs
5. Andrea Dovizioso ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP (M) 44min 59.783 secs
6. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team (M) 45min 0.672 secs
7. Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team (M) 45min 3.178 secs
8. Chris Vermeulen AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 45min 6.648 secs
9. Shinya Nakano JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 45min 14.336 secs
10. Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 45min 26.012 secs
11. Toni Elias SPA Alice Team (B) 45min 29.408 secs
12. Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda MotoGP (M) 45min 31.181 secs
13. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Alice Team (B) 45min 33.713 secs
14. Ben Spies USA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 45min 34.573 secs
15. Alex de Angelis RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 46min 7.168 secs
16. Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 46min 15.003 secs
17. James Toseland GBR Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 45min 32.234 secs

DNF:
John Hopkins USA Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 24min 18.021 secs

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Yamaha to open biking lifestyle showrooms

Road-D.com.

Bike showrooms are not just for selling bikes but for selling emotions. Yes,this culture is fastly catching up in India two wheeler industry. Yamaha Motor India has launched their first new-age lifestyle company owned store, ‘Bike Station. Already Royal Enfield has a similar setup and only few weeks back we reported you that Bajaj plans to convert its probiking showroom into a lifestyle store. This kind of stores will not only give a bond between the maker and the customer but also the necessary margin.

Coming back to Yamaha, the japanese manufacturer has already raised eyebrows by showcasing two new 150cc bikes at the auto expo. Through this Bike Station, Yamaha will build its true Yamaha image in India. Designed to provide a complete biking lifestyle experience,’ ‘Bike Station’ presents a complete range of accessories to fulfill the needs of a modern biker.While the store exhibits an entire range of latest bikes from Yamaha, there is an apparel and accessories section displaying quality, stylish and trendy clothing like Jackets, T-shirts, Jeans and accessories like bags, mugs, gloves, key chains. “The rationale behind the unique concept of ‘Bike Station’ is to create a new culture of biking lifestyle, which Indian youth is looking for, and to achieve the highest customer satisfaction in the industry.” ‘Bike Station’ is our latest offering to gen-X, which would provide an insight into the complete gamut of Yamaha’s offerings.” remarked Mr. Takahiro Maeda Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Yamaha Motors India. He further added that ‘Bike Station’ would not only sell bikes, apparels and accessories but would also provide ambit of services such as video games and internet surfing, thus creating a one-stop store for the needs of today’s youth.” Yamaha Motor India plans to set up 10 such concept stores in 2008 covering cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Lucknow. The company would infuse the synergies of ‘Bike Station’ into its existing dealer network by 2010 in a phased manner both in terms of appeal and experience.