Harley Davidson Street Rod 750 Review

Photo Courtesy: Harley Davidson India

Harley Davidson one of the best-known bike makers who was used to making highway muncher. But now they have come out of their comfort zone to make a sports bike. It will be a total sports bike without any difference in looks and I think it actually worked.

The street 750 has been redesigned to make street rod 750. Now it looks shorter and sharper and sportier. The back part of the bike has been completely changed and looks much better than before, and in front, the headlamp has got a new cover and looks really good.

The instrument cluster has remained same and covers all important details. There are new tyres which are fattier and add sportiness to the looks. The best angle to look at this bike is from the side and side-back angle.

SPECIFICATION

ENGINE 

ENGINE                                                High Output Revolution X™ V-Twin

DISPLACEMENT                                749 cc

Maximum Torque                                 62 NM @ 4000 rpm

Maximum Power                                  68.4hp @ 8700 rpm

COMPRESSION RATIO                    12.0:1

FUEL SYSTEM                                         Mikuni Twin Port Fuel Injection, 42 mm bore

EXHAUST                                           Black two-into-one exhaust

DIMENSIONS

LENGTH                                              2,130 mm

SEAT HEIGHT, UNLADEN               765 mm

GROUND CLEARANCE                    205 mm

RAKE (STEERING HEAD)                27(DEG)

TRAIL                                                  99 mm

WHEELBASE                                     1,510 mm

TIRES, FRONT                                   120/70 R17 M/C

TIRES, REAR                                      160/60 R17 M/C

FUEL CAPACITY                               13.1 l

OIL CAPACITY (W/FILTER)             3.1 l

KERB WEIGHT                                  238 kg

CHASSIS

WHEELS, FRONT TYPE                      Black, 7-Split Open Spoke Cast Aluminium

WHEELS, REAR TYPE                     Black, 7-Split Open Spoke Cast Aluminium

BRAKES, CALIPER TYPE               2-piston floated front and rear

Photo Courtesy: Harley Davidson India

Performance and Ergonomics

Let’s talk about performance, even though street rod is 5kg heavier then the street 750 while driving it you won’t feel the weight so you can say that the street rod can handle its weight well. And it has nice linear power, even while cruising you will be relaxed and smooth and you will never feel it under power while overtaking.

Even in the city, it’s easy to manage, even in traffic. It’s not like this has been designed only to rule the roads if you ever feel like going on track it will not disappoint you rather it will surprise you.

It has got wide drag style handlebar which makes it easy to change direction. On both sides, you can lean this bike to more than 40 degrees with ease. You will never feel that you’re making this bike do what it does not want to as it is Harley Davidson version of the sports bike and it is new for you.

Tyres suspensions are not borrowed from street 750, both are new tyres and have good grip and suspension and are stiffer. Even though the suspension has got bit stiffer to make it sportier, and it doesn’t mean it will be uncomfortable on bad roads or bumps, it is really well set up. The angle of the front wheels had been increased and the wheelbase has been shortened making it agile this thing loves to corner even with the weight and high center of gravity.

There is just one main problem, heat dissipation, the rider can feel the heat even though it has a big cooling system. The position of foot breaks and gear has been moved bit back to make seating posture a bit sporty so for the first time riding it might feel awkward, but once you get used to it, it’s comfortable even for the pillion rider the seats are comfortable even though the seat size has been reduced a bit.

Price: 6,62,000 INR (ex-showroom)

Photo Courtesy: Harley Davidson India

Final verdict

Looks and design: 9/10

Specs & features: 8/10

Dynamics & performance: 8/10

Safety & quality: 8/10

After-sale service: 7/10

There are so many people who are confused between cruiser or sports, and bike Harley Davidson has given you the best choice.

It is a great bike and is good value for money. As it is Harley Davidson version of the sports bike, everything has been done in a great way.

Best combination of cruiser and sports, that’s what we can say about Harley in a sentence.

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BMW 5 SERIES REVIEW

Photo Courtesy: BMW India

When we hear the name BMW, the first thing that comes to our mind is the circle cut into 4 segments with blue and white shades inside another circle.

What else we think about?

A German automobile company, headquartered in Munich, which has Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc. as its subsidiary, and many more.

BMW  (Bayerische Motoren Werke in German/ Bavarian Motor Works) is a German multinational company which currently produces automobiles and motorcycles.

Today we’re going to talk about the BMW 5 series.

BMW launched its 5 series 7th generation in India in June 2017. The 7th generation looks much sharper than before. BMW 5 series is a modern business sedan with some sporty touch; you can see that in its looks.

Photo Courtesy: BMW India

SPECIFICATION

ENGINE        

       

Type                                             4-cyl, turbo-petrol (P)

Cubic Capacity (cc)                      1998cc (P)                       

                                                     1995cc (D)

                                                      2993cc (D AT)

Max Power (hp @ rpm)                252hp at 5200rpm (P)

                                                     190hp at 4000rpm (D)

                                                      265hp at 4000rpm (D AT)

Max Torque (Nm @ rpm)              350Nm at 1450-4800rpm (P)

                                                     400Nm at 1750-2500rpm (D)

                                                     620Nm at 2000-2500rpm (D AT)

TRANSMISSION  

             

Gearbox Type                               Automatic

No of Gears                                  8

BODY

Front Tyre                                    245/45 R18

Rear Tyre                                     245/45 R18

DIMENSION

Length (mm)                                4936mm

Width (mm)                                  1868mm

Height (mm)                                 1466mm

Wheelbase (mm)                          2975mm

Looks and Design

It has got its all new fresh look, new headlamps to new tail light even from the side-view, it’s stunning. These new headlamps extend from centre grill to the outer edge and the tail light has been stretched a bit wider, which helps to enhance the sporty touch.

The car looks elegant, smart and gorgeous from any angle and same goes for the interior. Interior of 5 series is so much better than the previous one and it’s so elegant and luxuries. The entire car, when touched, feels good; it feels like proper BMW’s finished product.

The I Drive display is bigger and is provided with better graphics. Even the instrument cluster is fully digital but the combination of analogue and digital is so nicely put together. It has got Harman Kardon surround system and the quality of sound is so rich and accurate.

It has also got 4 zones air conditioning by which each one in the car can have temperature and other settings be customized as per their requirement. All the seats are made from Nappa leather with the perfect fit and finish with an elegant touch.

Ambient interior lighting extended with Mood lights including six selectable light designs which make interior looks good even at night.

For years this car has been the bestselling car in this price range in many countries.

Photo Courtesy: BMW India

The Tech and Ergonomics

It is not just about the looks and feels, 5 series is packed with technology.

For starters, 5 series has got the small touchscreen on the key using which you can park your car in tight spaces which comes under parking assistance. It does not just end there, it has also got surround view including top view PDC with linear guidelines, and by using all these the car can park itself automatically and perfectly by calculating all the perimeters.

It has also got BMW heads-up display on which you can see the speed and maps. It has even got wireless charging which can charge 2 phone simultaneously and wirelessly connect to the I drive system. The I drive system can be operated using touch gesture or by voice.

In the front portion of the car, it has got grills which are there just not for show but for a purpose. It has active wings which help in directing airflow and reducing the drag coefficient to 0.22 (well that’s very hi-tech to understand :P).

Photo Courtesy: BMW India

Performance and Drive Quality

Now let’s talk about dynamics, performance and ride quality of the car.

The first imprecision of 5 series (7th generation) will be that it is a bit more inclined towards comfort then sports. But BMW says that ‘it is a business class sedan first and then a sports sedan’.

But those are just first impression we get when we drive. When driving at low speeds, it soaks out bumps and gives pure luxury comfort ride until you hammer down.

It has got multiple driving modes, in 520d you have only 3 modes sports, comfort and eco-pro, but in 530d you have one additional mode, that is called the adaptive. In adaptive mode, the car understands you’re driving behaviours and pattern and maximizes it.

They have tried to make the car as light as possible using lightweight materials and in the process, they have lost 100 kg in the latest version compared to the older one, and as less always means better performance, you can expect more.

Dynamics of the car is really well, and on a twisty curvy road, the car feels agile and sharp. Even in the straight line, it can hit 0-100kph in 6 seconds. It has also got launch control system, wow!

Photo Courtesy: BMW India

Price: - 62, 71,238 – 77, 87,764 (INR)

Final verdict

Looks and design: 9/10

Specs & features: 9/10

Dynamics & performance: 9/10

Safety & quality: 9/10

After-sale service: 8/10

This car is a gem, not just in looks but in all aspects. If you have a budget close to its price, you should buy it.

At last, you can say, it is the best blend of luxury and sports car.

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Kawasaki Z250 Review

Photo Courtesy: Kawasaki India

Old or young, a lion still has claws!

Kawasaki is one of the most known brands in the world, especially for its superbikes. Kawasaki was having the title of ‘producer of fastest motorbikes’ for many years, and even now if you search for the fastest bike in the world you can see the name Kawasaki in the top 5 list; may be on top 3.

On Dec 2014 Kawasaki launched its most affordable bike the Kawasaki Z250, and on April 2017 they re-launched its better version with a facelift.

Now all youngsters are curious about this bike, especially who like push bikes to their limits on the road. Those who care about the looks and style are keen on the launch of every Kawasaki versions.

Well in this review you are about to have a different news about this model, different from its predecessors.

Is this bike is good or bad; fantastic or a turn off for riders? Read further to know about the final verdict.

Photo Courtesy: Kawasaki India

Specifications

On Sale                              Now

L/W/H                                2010/750/1025mm

Wheelbase                          1400mm

Fuel tank capacity              17 litres

Kerb weight                       168kg

Engine layout                     Four-stroke, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled

Displacement                     249cc

Power                                 31.1bhp at 11000rpm

Torque                                2.2kgm at 10000rpm

Specific output                  124.9bhp per litre

Power to weight                185.1bhp per tonne

Gearbox                             6-speed, 1-down, 5-up

Front suspension                Telescopic forks

Rear suspension                Monoshock, box section swingarm

Front brake                        290mm petal disc

Rear brake                         220mm petal disc

Wheels                               5-spoke alloy

Rim size (f-r)                     17inches

Tyre size (f-r)                    110/70 x 17- 140/70 x 17inches

Looks and Design

First of all guys, the looks!

It’s really awesome. It is definitely from the Z family. It has that same aggressive headlamps and stance that you can see in Kawasaki Z800. If you look closer, the front and sides are similar to Z800 but not exactly same, well, a bit low on aggression.

From the back side, you might think it as Ninja 250R as the rear end is almost same as 250R. Overall, the bike looks great and it is for the big boys.

The instrument panel looks awesome as I guessed and has a sporty and aggressive feel. The big analogue rev indicator the middle in which a red line starts past 12.5 rpm and a small panel at the right bottom side. All these setups look really good and in place, and the headlamps gives good illumination for the road.

Photo Courtesy: Kawasaki India

Dynamics and Performance

Let’s talk about dynamics and performance. Z250 has got the same chassis as that of Ninja 250R, and Ninja 250r delivers good handling and the same can be said about the Z250.As Z250 got shorter wheelbase than that of Ninja 250R, you can say that it's much better than Ninja 250R in handling. It’s more agile then Ninja 250R, and it can make you feel like you have enhanced driving skills.

As most of its parts are borrowed from Ninja 250R, even the engine which has been detuned which is a liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine producing 32bhp at 11 k rpm, and a torque of 21 at 10 k rpm.

It comes with a six-speed gearbox which is good, and once it passes 7k rpm, the engine really comes to life. This engine really loves to be revved and revved, only then this bike feels sporty.

But the performance is not that impressive. When looking at the price, the performance is not up to our expectations. It doesn’t come with ABS, which is a big negative. Even though the suspensions have been softened but without compromising the agility, still it's not that comfortable on the seats.

The seating position is not that comfortable especially for long rides, and the pillion seat is also not that comfortable.

There is no slipper clutch still that’s not the big concern as the gearbox is good. Even the tyres which are given as standard are not doing justice to the bike’s superb handling. This bike is best suited for a curvy track or smooth highway where it can rev.

Price:- 3,78,000(INR)

Photo Courtesy: Kawasaki India

Final verdict:

Looks and design: 9/10

Specs & features: 6/10

Dynamics & performance: 8/10

Safety & quality: 8/10

After-sale service: 7/10

I am not going to recommend this bike as this one is not worth the money you pay for. It should only be bought by the people who are looking for style and require handling and brand name and not comfort and performance.

I would suggest you to either increase your budget and buy ninja 300R or other brands bikes. You can also wait for Ninja 250R.

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Audi A4 review

Photo Courtesy: Audi India

Now let’s talk about the ‘Horch’, oh yes horch.

Horch is the Latin word for Audi; well what does Audi means?

The company’s name Audi is based on the Latin translation of the Surname of the founder August Horch. In German ‘horch’ means ‘listen’, and, when we translate it to Latin, it becomes ‘Audi’.

The 9^th generation of Audi A4 came in 2016 with petrol version, and later we saw the diesel version in 2017.

It is a line of compact executive car manufactured in Germany since 1994. Being a member of Volkswagen group, and having 11 production facilities in 9 countries worldwide, Audi is one of the most preferred luxury cars in the world.

Photo Courtesy: Audi India

Specification

ENGINE
Torque to Weight Ratio (Nm/tonne)	250Nm at 1500-3500rpm(P) 400Nm@1750-2500rpm(D)
Hybrid type	1395cc, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder with direct injection(P) 2.0-litre 188bhp 16V TDI (D)
Power	150hp at 5000-6000rpm(P) 188bhp@4200rpm(D)
TRANSMISSION
Gearbox Type	Front-wheel drive
No of Gears	Seven speed dual-clutch automatic

EFFICIENCY
Tank size (lts)	54 litres
Mileage	17.84 kmpl(P) 18.25 kmpl(D)
BODY
Weight (kg)	1450kg
Rear Tyre	225/50 R17

SUSPENSION
Front	Independent, five-link with anti-roll bar
Rear	Independent, five-link with anti-roll bar
STEERING
Type of power assist	Electric

BRAKES
Anti-lock	Yes
Dimensions
Length (mm)	4726mm
Width (mm)	1842mm
Height (mm)	1427mm
Wheelbase (mm)	2820mm
Boot Capacity (Lts)	480 litres

Photo Courtesy: Audi India

Looks, Design and Interior

If you have noticed, you would be aware of the fact that, Audi’s designs are always elegant and a bit aggressive. It looks pretty and aggressive at the same time. Headlamps are sporty and classic, and you can see a thin line on both sides connecting the headlamp and tail light, which looks really sexy.

When it comes to stylish interiors, Audi has never disappointed us. They have really done a good job in the looks as well as the quality of the interior. Leather seats, which are well positioned and supportive. Back seats are spacious and comfortable, easily accommodating 4 people. Though one more person can hop in the rear seat, it will lessen the comfort of everyone.

Photo Courtesy: Audi India

Tech and Ergonomics

Air conditioning is very good, with the system which adjusts the temperature according to the angle of the sun and combined with 3 zone AC control, you feel like home.

Audi’s digital instrument cluster which they call the virtual cockpit is nicely arranged with all information. It also has 12.3-inch infotainment system that’s crisp, precise and functional. It doesn’t look fancy but it’s elegant.

The dashboard is good, it has got really long AC went. Interior of every Audi is really a looker, combined with its elegant sharp looks.

Photo Courtesy: Audi India

Performance and Driving Experience

Let’s now talk about performance.

Audi has really disappointed us in the petrol variant, it’s just 1.4 litter Skoda Octavia engine which produces a mere 150 bhp, not even close to its competitors. While diesel engine has 180 bhp as its acceptable and good to compete in the market.

A4 is a bit slow in acceleration but, the weight has been decreased and the new 7-speed dual automatic gearbox is amazing. The A4 that are launched in India will have more ground clearance but, it has not affected the dynamics of the car.

It feels short footed and sharp, cornering feels good and in dynamic mode the weight of the steering wheel gives confidence.

But Audi was not planning to play a sports car card and then to gets criticized in the performance department. That’s why they decided not to give powerful engine. What they have done is, giving it refinement and comfort, but not at the expense of driving experience. It’s not sporty but it’s not that bad unless you put the foot down to get some power.

While trying to go fast you can feel the car is a bit under-powered and as you pass 4000rpm, performance doesn’t match the sound (means the acceleration is increased the sound increases but the speed doesn’t increase) even in dynamic mode the rev is held till red line but this doesn’t help you can even hear it inside the car which can be really annoying.

 And overtaking can be a bit underrated at high speed. But until you stay soft with the accelerator it will please you well. The cabin is well finished and well damped.

Photo Courtesy: Audi India

Price: 52,27,473-59,21,248 INR (ex-showroom)

Final verdict

Looks and design: 9/10

Specs & features: 8/10

Dynamics & performance: 7/10

Safety & quality: 9/10

After-sale service: 8/10

It’s a great car to be with and it can be called a semi-luxury sedan, and not for people who are looking for acceleration and top speed. If you want comfort quality and dynamics, Audi A4 is your car.

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