| Vroomers and shakers | |
| Aabhas Sharma / New Delhi June 20, 2009, 0:03 IST | |
There's no need now to customise your ordinary street bike - the superbikes are finally here. Aabhas Sharma hears them roar.
 For years, biking enthusiasts have complained about the lack of quality superbikes in the country. That often led to intense customisation of regular bikes like Pulsars or Splendors. But now there is no need for an enthusiast to go in for a customised Suzuki because he can easily pick the original.
Bike lovers in India have never had it this good, especially those who crave mean machines like Hayabusas and Fireblades. India’s motown, over the last 12 months or so, has seen some of the fastest bikes riding on our roads. So much so that you will be spoilt for choice.
Here’s the low-down on some of the best superbikes available in the country.
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HONDA CB1000R
Rs 10-13 lakh
SUZUKI HAYABUSA
Rs 11 lakh
DUCATI SUPERBIKE 1098R
Rs 48.03 lakh
YAMAHA SUPER SPORTS YZF-R1
Rs 10 lakh-plus
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Honda
The Japanese auto giant is the latest to enter the market with its two offerings — the CB1000RR Fireblade and the CB1000R. Priced at Rs 13 lakh and Rs 10 lakh respectively, these bikes combine power, speed and style in a manner which will completely bowl you over.
Boasting a 999 cc, four-cylinder engine with a peak power of 178 hp, which can go up to 13,000 rpm, the CBR1000RR has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a close-ration six-speed transmission, and Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI). These bikes will be imported from Japan. They are sure to attract a lot of eyeballs as they burn rubber on Indian roads.
Not many people actually spend so much money on a bike, but it’s always good to know that if, someday, you do want one, you know where to find it.
Restaurateur Riyaz Amlani, whose passion for bikes is well known, is excited by the availability of these superbikes. “I think it’s a segment which will see a lot of growth in the country,” he says.
Suzuki
Suzuki, launched its cult bike Hayabusa, along with the Intruder, in India in late 2008. Both these bikes are seen as ultimate machines, and are known for their powerful engines and style. Powered by a 1,340 cc in-line four-cylinder engine, the Suzuki Hayabusa is priced at around Rs 11 lakh and boasts of a top speed of around 390 kmph!
Ambika Sharma, national head of Jagran Solutions, has a Honda 600 cc and is keen to shift to a Hayabusa soon. Sharma is part of a superbikers club, and says that this bike will lead to more bike clubs mushrooming all over the country.
Ducati
Until a few years ago, Ducatis could only be seen in Hollywood movies. Now you can see them on Indian roads. The company has brought four models into the country, priced between Rs 10-50 lakh.
The Ducati range of superbike models stretches from 696 cc to 1,198 cc. The motorcycles launched for the Indian market are the 848 cc Ducati Superbike (Rs 21.77 lakh), the 998 cc Ducati Monster S4RS Testastretta (Rs 22.63 lakh), the 1,098 cc Ducati Superbike (Rs 25.61 lakh), the 1,078 cc Ducati Hypermotard 1100S (Rs 20.72 lakh) and the 1,198 cc Ducati Superbike 1098R (Rs 48.03 lakh). So you will be spoilt for choice if you pick a Ducati!
Yamaha
Yamaha was one of the first big names to launch its range of superbikes in India. Now it is looking to consolidate its position in the segment. The Super Sports YZF-R1 and the Torque Sports MT01 are the two bikes which Yamaha currently has on sale in the country. Priced above Rs 10 lakh, these two bikes have slowly gained popularity. “The idea is to familiarise bike lovers with the concept of superbikes, as they are not easy to handle or maintain,” says a Yamaha India spokesperson.
Maintenance will be the biggest challenge for all the companies in the superbike segment. Though most claim that they have a special services division dedicated to the superbikes, it remains to be seen whether, after the initial hype and craze, they will be able to deliver. After all, a superbike cannot be repaired by your local mechanic. However, Amlani says that these bikes don’t give much trouble and thus maintenance is less of an issue.
Indeed, bike lovers can now rejoice at the multiple options they can choose between. Their biggest problem will be where to take their superbikes for a ride — because if you actually want to enjoy them to the fullest, you need plenty of open roads with good quality surfaces and little traffic.
Happy and safe riding!
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