World’s Fastest Car Bugatti Veyron launched in India at Rs 16 cr

The benchmark for luxury cars in the country just got higher with Volkswagen Group company Bugatti Automobiles today launching its super premium sports car 'Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport', with price starting at Rs 16 crore, the most expensive car to hit the Indian roads.




"Bugatti has been doing well in America, Europe and the Middle East. Now we see India as an emerging market for us, hence we have decided to bring the car to India," Bugatti Automobiles Sales Market Manager (Middle East, Europe and India) Guy Caquelin told reporters here.















The most extreme car in the world is finally here. If you think you are one among the highest and the mightiest, you can now buy this extreme car in India! Exclusive Motors of New Delhi will be the partner of the company in importing the beauties. The 1000+bhp car is the most exclusive, the most powerful, and one of the most expensive cars in the world. Powered by an 8-litre W16 monster, the car accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in about 2.5 seconds and is capable of crossing 400km/h if you could manage to find that sort of an open stretch anywhere in the world.

Although Bugatti or VW or Exclusive Motors have not confirmed the news, the appearance of the address of Exclusive Motors on Bugatti’s official website as one of its official partners is proof enough for us at the moment. Exclusive Motors also imports Lamborghini and Bentley cars in India.

India is a blooming market for luxury goods manufacturers, and Ferrari plans to follow Bugatti by shipping over its California hardtop convertible sportscar. Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Land Rover are already selling in India... and selling quite well, as the number of Indian millionaires continues to grow.

If you do live in India, are in fact a multi-millionaire and are on the fence as to whether a Veyron belongs in your garage, we think you should re-read our First Drive of the Grand Sport. Case closed.

New Kawasaki Z1000 is going to keep us up at night

It's October once again. Soon, children all across the country will be in a sugar-induced frenzy, young women will apply the prefix "sexy" to professions that have no business endorsing skimpy work attire and all of the major networks will proffer an array of neutered horror flicks for one night only. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Kawasaki has gotten into the spirit of things with its advertisement for the new Z1000. The company has employed one of the most terrifying weapons in the arsenal of horror movies for the spot: the creepy voice over of a little girl.

Throw in a little shaky hand-cam work and you've got an ad that's sure to give your therapist plenty of billable hours in the near future. Hit the jump to have a good look at the video for yourself. Just don't call us when you hear the whisperings of Kawasaki-possessed children in your sleep tonight.

New Honda Unicorn CB Unicorn Dazzler Price , Review In India

Latest new Honda Unicorn CB Dazzler has been launched by Honda in India. You can see new Honda Unicorn CB Dazzler’s price, review and specification below. Honda CB Dazzler is Honda’s third consecutive good looker motorcycle after Honda CB Stunner and Honda CB Twister. CB Unicorn Dazzler looks stupendous which attract the people, most to bike lovers.

New Honda Unicorn CB Dazzler Price, review and specification in India



Unicorn CB Dazzler has tried and tested Unicorn’s 149.1cc four stroke engine with a hotter cam profile to up the power quotient to 14.2 bhp. Dazzler has 17 inch alloy wheels and this crucially alters the gearing. It has five speed transmission, digital instrumentation, and rear disc brake. The Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler will give a mileage of 60 kmpl. It has 150cc air-cooled single cylinder powerplant. The Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler is available in four colours armour gold metallic, pearl siena red, pearl nightstar black, sword silver metallic.

"We plan to sell 120,000 units of CB Unicorn and CB Unicorn Dazzler in the first year.” - explained Mr. N. K. Rattan, Operating Head, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd, during the new product presentation We plan to sell 120,000 units of CB Unicorn and CB Unicorn Dazzler in the first year.” - explained Mr. N. K. Rattan, Operating Head, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd, during the new product presentation

Apart from that launch, Indian bike lover will see more launches and upgraded version of old horses in India that includes Suzuki Zeus and Yamaha YZF R125. Meanwhile, Other leading player in the Indian auto market, Bajaj Auto has recently launched a new version of Bajaj Discover with 150cc engine capacity, is priced at Rs. 46,000(ex-showroom-Delhi).

New Bajaj Pulsar 220cc-DTSi: Price India

Bajaj Pulsar 220cc DTSi is Bajaj's latest power bike in the market. Though the Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSi looks very close to the previous 220 DTSi Fi, the improvements are significant for any biker.
Bajaj Auto launched its much awaited upgraded version of Bajaj Pulsar 220cc on June 23, 2009. The Company has claimed that the New Pulsar 220 DTSi is the fastest bike in India. The bike can reach top speed around 144-150 kmph, which is really good in comparison with other bikes of the segment. The changes made in this bike are the all-black engine, black alloy wheels and most importantly new carburetor instead of fuel injection, which makes the bike more different from the older version. The Pulsar 220cc retains the same old type digital speedometer with front faring slightly changed. The tyres of New Pulsar 220 cc are wider. The bike has an all-black treatment with black forks, swing arm, alloys and engine paint. Other visual tit-bits are chiseled 3D graphics, a redesigned console background and revised clip-on handlebars. Power output has been pegged at 21.04PS @ 8500rpm, and the torque remains the same at 19.12Nm.

Engine
The new engine shares the same dimensions as the 220 DTS-Fi, but now breathes through a 32-mm venturi carburetor with an auto-choke feature. In addition, the intake port in the cylinder head has been modified, along with higher lift and duration cam. A larger resonator and catalytic converter are also used to increase performance. The higher engine performance has been matched to a modified 5th gear ratio, to make the New 220 Pulsar, 'The Fastest Indian Bike'. Apart from featuring new engine parts, the 220 cc bike also has better gearbox with reworked gear ratios, stickier rubber, better suspension, more powerful brakes and larger oil cooler.

Design And Comfort
The 2009 Edition Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSi may not have any drastic design changes, but it surely looks quite different from its predecessor. Wheels and engine are in a rich shade of black. Raised3D graphics on the tank are also a big plus. The bike comes with many new age features like auto choke, clip-on handle bar, split seats, engine oil cooler, fuel and battery charge indicators, etc. It also uses temperature based ignition mapping system through which the ignition timing is optimized to achieve good start, quick warm-up and outstanding torque. It is definitely an ideal machine for those who love to zoom with the raw power and thrill.

Bajaj Pulsar 220cc DTSi Features Include:

1. India's biggest 32mm Ucal UCD 32 venturi carburetor

2. Torque-19.12 Nm at 500 rpms more than the fuel injected version.

3. While the piston and cylinder dimensions are the same as the DTS-Fi, the piston now comes in a graphite based Malycote material which significantly reduces friction between the piston and the cylinder walls and improves engine efficiency.

4. The combustion chamber now has an oval shaped roof ensuring maximum combustion even with lower air-fuel ratios.

5. There has been a radical increase of 33% in the cooling area again improving overall efficiency.

6. The new ignition system comes with engine temperature sensors built into the cylinder head to glide over difficult patches without any loss of torque.

7. The bike now has an auto choke to prevent starting failures in cold climate, a common problem of carbureted bikes.

8. The clutch assembly is new and supplied by FCC Riko.

9. The gearbox has been radically overhauled and improved.

10. The soft compound tubeless tires provide super road grip and guard against puncture related issues.

11. The Bajaj Pulsar 220cc DTSi also comes with a catalytic converter sufficient to meet the standards of soon to be enforced Bharat Stage 4 Pollution Norms.

Bajaj Pulsar 220cc DTSi has excellent mileage, powerful road grip, superb acceleration, fastest speed, - its time to go riding the Bajaj Pulsar 220cc DTSi.

Bajaj Pulsar 220cc DTSi Price in India: Rs. 70,000 (Ex Showroom Price Delhi)

Bajaj Launched New Discover 150 in India

Bajaj is taking no chances of loosing its position in the market. The Bajaj Discover got an upgrade in looks as well as the engine, which will be the same as the Pulsar 150cc engine. The new Discover will exist along the Pulsar 150cc, just like what HH did by putting the CBZ and the HUNK in the same category.

The Discover gets the P150's engine which will produce 14.1 PS @ 8500 RPM and torque of 12.3Nm @ 6500 RPM. Unlike the Discover 135, the engine and wheels are not painted black, but in silver. The black can be used later, as an excuse of an upgrade, or use it as a sports version of the Discover 150.



The Discover gets an all new style. A new aggressive healight with the indicators in an unusual place just blow the corners of the headlight. The side gets a stylish black plastic which goes well with the theme of the bike. At the rear LED lights are used and gets a sporty mudguard, propably an inspiration of the HH Hunk. The aim was to build a bike which people required a less sporty and agressive look, but a modern look. But the Pulsar is for bikers who require the sportiness and style to show off. The Discover 150 proved to be a very good looking bike.

The Discover 150 gets many features compared to the 135cc. Its got a digital speedometer, which is getting quite common these days and self start and a handlebar which many wont like. They have used the lights at the rear like the ones on the XCD 125 and the indicators like the ones in the TVS Flame .

Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme Review

I was very excited today morning because I was going to test drive the legendary Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme. On the first look, I was really astonished! The bike looked really cool! It was in fiery red colour and not many bikes in India have this colour.

The bike has very little resemblance to the old CBZ, the headlights got a completely new design. However this is a small disappointment to CBZ lovers because the new ones do not look as good as the old one and also looks a little small for a bike of this size. The first thing that one would notice in this bike is the indicator lights.

Both the back and front indicators merge with the main lights and it looks really nice and unique. The side part of the bike also got a significant face lift. The coloured body part connects as a single line from the tank to the tail lights and is very nicely contoured. Another feature which adds to its cool looks is the grip handle bars for the pillion rider… standing out as two individual horn like bars, it adds to the uniqueness of CBZ. Also the silencer is new and improved.

How does it perform?

When I took the bike for a test drive, the first thought that came up in my mind was ‘wow! this bike feels just like the Hero Honda Hunk’, then after checking the specifications, I noticed that both Hunk and CBZ have the exact same 149.2 cc Engine. So you can see Hero Honda Hunk Review for more information about performace of CBZ because both hae the same engine! The old CBZ had a 156 cc engine, but did not have the pickup and mileage as that of the present engine. Definitely Hero Honda has made some improvement in the engine for this new CBZ Xtreme. It is also claimed that this new model gives a better mileage than the old one, but I cannot be sure of that unless I hear from a real user of CBZ.

Features: The dash board has 3 dials, one for the speedometer, one for the rpm indicator and another for the fuel indicator… all of them descend in the order of the size… looks nice doesn’t it? The shock absorbers do not have the Gas shock absorber unit as it is advertised in Hunk and other bikes, but I would confidently say that it does not make the slightest difference in ride quality.

How does it stand out?

One of the biggest advantages that this bike has is the CBZ brand name. CBZ has been one of most passionate bikes for a very long time… the name alone is worth a price tag. CBZ was adopted from CBR, which is a very famous 600cc bike in foreign countries. The indicator lights and rear grip bars also make it unique because no other bike in the country has such a feature.

Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme comes in 5 great colours: Sports Red, Candy Blazing Red, Boon Silver Metallic, Black and Vibrant Blue Metallic.

Specifications:

Engine: Aircooled single cylinder 4 stroke OHC
Displacement: 149.2 cc
Maximum Power: 10.6 KW (14.4 PS) @ 8500 RPM
Maximal Torque: 12.8 N-m @ 6500 RPM
Gear Box: 5 Speed
Brakes: 240mm Front Disc and 130 mm Rear Drum
Tires: Front: 2.75 x 18 – 42P, Rear: 100/90 x 18 – 56P
Fuel Capacity: 12.3 Litres (+ 1.5 Ltrs Reserve)

Yamaha India Launches Yamaha YBR 110cc Bike

Adding to its portfolio of impressive and successful motorcycle models, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. unveiled its new motorcycle, Yamaha YBR 110 (pronounced as YBR One ten) in the Indian market. Yamaha YBR 110 comes with a decent yet stylish design and is targeted at middle income class people who want to have a stylish and comfortable commuter bike.

Speaking on the launch, Yukimine Tsuji, CEO & Managing Director, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. said, "After successfully launching our bikes in the 150cc segment, we have now launched a commuter motorcycle YBR 110 which is stylish and has good ergonomics for comfortable day to day commuting. We have been studying the entry level market and wanted to launch a new bike at an affordable price and that would give satisfactory mileage. Like other Yamaha bikes, YBR 110 carries Yamaha DNA of Performance, Innovation & Design. We are confident that we will replicate the success of our premium segment bikes with the launch of all new YBR 110 in entry level space."

The bike has a stylish & brighter multi-reflector headlight for better visibility in night and its wind tunnel aerodynamic silhouette designed cowl has character lines that convey a sense of sharpness. Yamaha YBR 110 has modern fit & finish with easy reading instrument console including a fuel meter. Sharp graphics & grab rail add to the overall sporty style and character of the bike.

While the chiseled look, broad well-contoured fuel-tank gives a trendy modern look, the side panel and the tail cowl design showcase strong expression of down-force movement, and provide a visual display of sporty character. The bike's broad and comfortable seat design is such that it makes the ride fatigue-free for the rider and the pillion. The ideal ergonomics of seat, handlebar, riding posture, knee recess on the petrol tank are all designed for comfortable riding. Yamaha YBR 110 suspension’s characteristic of rebound damping along with fast and slow compression is very well suited for Indian road conditions.

The result is excellent handling, ride comfort and resistance to bottoming even in tandem riding. The twin cradle down tube type frame has optimum strength, rigidity balance and outstanding longitudinal & lateral stability resulting in excellent handling characteristics. As Yamaha bikes are known for durability and low maintenance, these specs rightly fit with the ad punch line of YBR 110 which is "Mazbooti aisi ki chalti jaaye".

Yamaha YBR 110 is priced at Rs. 41,000/- (Ex-Showroom, Delhi) and will be available in 3 colors - Black, Red and Black & Red combination.


Yamaha YBR 110 Specifications

Engine
Engine type: Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC
Displacement: 106 cc
Bore & Stroke: 49.0 × 56.0 mm
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Maximum power: 7.6PS / 7,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 7.85N.m / 6,000 rpm
Starting system: Self
Lubrication : wet sump
Cylinder layout: Single cylinder
Clutch type: Multiplate wet type
Ignition system: C.D.I
Gear box: 4-Speed Constant Mesh
Gear ratios: 1st=3.000, 2nd＝1.687, 3rd:=1.200, 4th=0.875

Chassis
Frame type: Double cradle type-Tubular
Front suspension: Telescopic Hydraulic
Rear suspension: Ajustable, Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Front brake: Drum
Rear brake: Drum (130mm Dia)
Front tyre: 2.75 X 18″ 4PR
Rear tyre: 3.00 X 18″ 6PR

Dimensions
Overall length x width x height: 2,000mm x 730mm × 1,050mm
Kerb Weight: 123 kg
Wheelbase: 1,290mm
Minimum ground clearance: 173mm
Engine oil volume: 1.1 liters
Fuel tank capacity: 13 liters

Source: India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd

Honda new CBF Stunner PGM-FI

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has launched its CBF Stunner PGM-FI in New Delhi today. Targeted mainly at youngsters in the age group of 18-24 years and promoted with the punchline ‘Absolute Sensation Reprogrammed’, the CBF Stunner PGM-FI has borrowed its ques from CBR1000RR image. Priced at Rs. 64,630 (ex-showroom-Delhi) and slated for first week of June, 2009 release for the market, it will be available in two colours - CBR Red and CBR Silver Metallic.

Powered with a 125cc air-cooled four-stroke self-start engine, the new model will deliver a power of 11.6 bhp@8000 rpm. The PGM-FI technology has greatly contributed towards increasing the efficiency, top speed and engine power and is expected to give a mileage of 65 km per litre as compared to 60 km per litre delivered by the earlier Stunner. Even the top speed of 100 km/hour can be enjoyed by biking enthusiasts.

Another new feature of the CBF Stunner PGM-FI is its environment - friendly approach as it will bring down the emission levels to one-tenth of the existing emission norms in India. According to the company, the New CBF Stunner PGM-FI requires less maintenance because of its viscous air filter and maintenance-free battery. Among the other attractive feature of CBF Stunner PGM-FI include: Bank Angle Sensor, Premium 3-D Emblem, Handle Weight and the premium key.

“We have always believed in delivering best products after thoroughly understanding the needs of customers. Honda has always aspired to be a company that the society wants to exist. With the launch of every new product, we aim to proceed ahead in our three core areas - Safety, Environment conservation & Expansion of Fun,” says Shinji Aoyama, president & CEO, HMSI.

“CBF Stunner is already established as the most affordable sporty bike for the youngsters. CBF Stunner PGM-FI will expand the fun-biking culture in the country & want to set new standards for bike enthusiasts. This bike will be available by 13th June, 2009 in all India. We plan to sell 1.25 lakh of CBF stunner in year 2009-10,” explained N.K. Rattan, Operation Head, Sales & Marketing, HMSI, in his presentation.

Aston Martin Plans to Sell Luxury Sports Cars in India

Aston Martin, the world renowned luxury car brand from Britain is gearing up to enter the Indian market. The luxury car brand is in talks with various dealerships across India, in a bid to appoint suitable dealers. The talks are still in a budding stage and a spokesperson from Martin’s headquarters in Warwickshire, England said, "We are actively looking at the Indian market."

Aston Martin is also considering options of models to be launched in India as the time is opportune, for the burgeoning luxury car market in India. Deepesh Rathore, managing director with business analyst IHS Global Insight said, "The luxury car market is tilted to fresh arrivals as the buyer in this segment, is always looking for exclusivity". He added, "Hence there will always be potential for a new player entering the market."

The year 2008, was a fruitful one for luxury car makers, as India was the only market that ended on a positive note with a promise of brighter prospects. 2009 was fairly successful too and Aston Martin intends to make hay while the sun shines on the Indian shores.

Refreshing or Revolting: 2011 Porsche Cayenne

Porsche's second-generation 2011 Cayenne SUV takes more than a few styling cues from the Panamera sedan.

From the exterior to the new interior, the 2011 Cayenne design team clearly used the new Porsche four-door as inspiration. Does the new SUV feature more appealing styling than the sometimes-awkward looking first-generation model? Let's take a look.

The headlights are rounder than before and show a resemblance to the Panamera. The three-part lower grille on the 2011 model more seamlessly integrates LED daytime running lights and isn't as imposing as on the 2010 Cayenne. That SUV had an off-putting grille, but from the side view, the changes aren't dramatic.

From the rear, it's more Panamera. The rounder LED taillights take up more space on the tailgate, which has a bar of chrome at its bottom plus a black lower fascia for more contrast.

Inside, we can't help but mention the Panamera connection when talking about the 2011 Cayenne's center stack of buttons (or the steering wheel). The dual grab handles for driver and passenger remain, but the air vents are vertical and now trimmed in silver. Overall, the look is modern and should hold up well aesthetically 5 to 10 years from now
.
Would you agree? What do you think about the Porsche Panamera's design? Tell us in the comments section below.

Last week, the 2011 Jaguar XJ met with mostly positive reviews except for the odd blacked-out C-pillar. "This car wears the new look better than the XF," said narebman. "I'm not sure about the C-pillar treatment. I'm sure there are some over-stuffed artsy types that could break it down for me but I just don't get it. It certainly wouldn't stop me from buying one though.

Zuleonreal liked it too: "If this car were a woman, I would ask for its number."

"Absolutely refreshing," said ktkof09, "except...the black C-pillar."

General Motors draws on global designers for the new Chevrolet Corvette

For the first time, General Motors studios across the world have submitted design studies for the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette.

Late last year, Ed Welburn, GM's vice president of global design, invited GM's 10 styling studios to submit design proposals.

Some "were absolutely phenomenal," Welburn said. "There is a lot to pick from. The direction that we take is very important, and the decision has not been made."

Global input on the Corvette's design is one of several steps GM is taking to attract buyers in Europe, where the car has little appeal, and young U.S. buyers who favor imports.

"We have challenges in the States with the Corvette," Welburn said in an interview at the Geneva auto show. "The average age of the customer is really rising."

The current average age of a Corvette buyer is 54, according to the Power Information Network, a unit of J.D. Power and Associates.

Corvette sales are in a tailspin. Last year 13,934 were sold in the United States, down 48 percent from 2008.

The current Corvette debuted in the 2005 model year. Prices range from $49,880 for the base coupe to $107,830 for the ZR-1. Both prices include shipping.

A redesign is due in two to three years, industry sources say.

Corvette critics often cite the sports car's size, saying it looks big. They also point to what they say is a cheap-looking interior.

Welburn admitted the interior has a problem: "The execution, materials selection--it's got to be a much better interior. Our customers desire that."

Welburn said today's Corvette is about the same size as the Porsche 911, but the styling makes it look bigger. "We have to develop a design that feels trimmer, meaner, to go along with the incredible performance that the car has," he said.

In addition to styling, content, pricing and marketing strategy are under discussion, he said.

"It is a key time in the development of the Corvette," Welburn said. "There is a lot of debate and a lot of study on the bandwidth of Corvette."

But, he added, "It can't mutate into something that gets so far away from Corvette that it is no longer a Corvette."

Maruti Cervo Priced Between Rs. 1.5 Lakh to 2 Lakh

Maruti 800 will soon be replaced with its revamped version - Maruti Cervo. Maruti Cervo will be viable for sale in India, after April 2010, when the new emission norms come into force. Maruti claims that the new car would give stiff competition to all the other existing and upcoming small car models in India.

The all new Maruti Cervo will have a 660 cc engine, embedded with 54 bhp, power. Maruti Cervo will be launched as a 5-door car model and it will be the cheapest offering from Maruti Suzuki. Maruti Cervo also features 4 speed auto gearbox, a K6A DOHC engine with VVT and Bluetooth capability. The interiors will resemble that of Maruti Swift with enough head space, leg room and comfy boot space. Maruti Cervo is likely to hit the Indian market in the second quarter of the year. And Maruti car lovers will have to wait while the company plans to release final pictures of the car and its interiors.

Priced at Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh, the all new Maruti Cervo is set to hit Indian roads and create ripples in the small car industry. It is slated to be the perfect challenger to Tata Nano; currently the cheapest car in the world.

Honda 599 First Ride

Honda brings the latest version of its hugely successful Hornet 600 Euro-model to the States

Five years ago, Honda decided to enter the "middleweight standard" market in Europe by slipping a softened-up version of the CBR600F3 motor into the frame of the budget-oriented Hornet 250 model. The resulting Hornet 600 became a huge sales success overseas, with Honda selling a gazillion of the reasonably priced bikes.

The middleweight Hornet's astounding popularity even gave rise to its own brand-specific racing series, the Hornet Cup.

Now Honda is looking to spread that enthusiasm stateside by bringing the Hornet--rechristened the 599--to the U.S. market. The new middleweight is aimed at a rapidly growing category currently dominated by Suzuki's SV650: the "bang for the buck" class.

The 599 only has a few changes from the tried-and-true Hornet platform. A redesigned fuel tank holds an additional liter of fuel (now 4.5 gallons), and the different shape repositions the rider 15mm forward for better weight distribution. The seat itself has been revamped for greater comfort, and suspension damping rates were firmed up for a more sporting attitude. The engine gets new tuning specs (with the California model utilizing a catalytic converter), and the single round headlight boasts a computer-designed, die-cast aluminum reflector with dual bulbs to improve lighting.

The aforementioned Hornet platform utilizes the 599cc inline-four cylinder from the CBR-F3, but employs smaller 34mm carbs (remember those?), longer intake tracts and extended exhaust head pipes to boost low and midrange power. The chassis is a steel mono-backbone frame that hangs the engine as a stressed member, with an aluminum swingarm out back. The 41mm conventional damping-rod fork and single shock are suitably bare-bones in design, with the fork lacking any adjustment and the shock having only spring preload adjustability. Rolling stock is decently sized, however, with 17-inchers in 3.5-inch width up front and 5.5-inch width out back, both shod with Michelin Pilot Road radials.

Braking duties are handled by twin 296mm discs grabbed by two-piston calipers in front, and a single 220mm disc with a single-piston caliper in the rear.

Our one-day exposure to the new 599 was spent in some of the many twisty canyon roads surrounding Los Angeles that we use for testing. Considering its budget oriented componentry, we were a bit apprehensive at first about flogging the little Honda through twisty pavement; but we were pleasantly surprised to find that the 599 can easily hold its own. Despite the nonadjustability of the suspension components, chassis and wheel control were excellent up to an eight-tenths pace (and we seriously doubt that any potential 599 buyers will approach that level), and handling overall was very agile (a short 55.9-inch wheelbase mates to a tight 25-degree steering-head angle), yet stable--a nice combination for this bike's intended audience. Acceleration from the CBR-F3-based engine was more than adequate, with good, usable power from 6000 rpm up to approximately 11,500 rpm, where the party starts to tail off, and the engine's smooth off-throttle response reminded us why we still like properly dialed-in carburetors.

High marks were also given for the brakes and tires. The 296mm discs and two-piston calipers provided enough power and feel to slow the 599 with ease and control, and the Michelin Pilot Road tires provided all the grip one could need, with very good ride quality.

We were quite impressed with Honda's new 599, and its concept of simplicity means the bike's performance can be had for only $7099. However, the 599 faces some stiff competition in the form of the $5899 Suzuki SV650 and the $6499 Yamaha FZ6. A "Bang for the Buck" comparison is surely looming over the horizon....

HONDA 599

Suggested retail price: $7099

ENGINE
•Type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC inline four
•Displacement: 599cc
•Bore x stroke: 65 x 45.2mm
•Compression ratio: 12.0:1
•Induction: Four, 34mm flat-slide CV carburetors
•Transmission: 6-speed

CHASSIS
•Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Road
•Rear tire: 180/55ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Road
•Rake/trail: 25 deg./3.9 in. (98mm)
•Wheelbase: 55.9 in. (1420mm)
•Seat height: 31.1 in. (790mm)
•Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal. (17L)
•Claimed dry weight: 401 lbs. (182kg)