Top Speed

TVS Apache RTR 160 Hyper Edge

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Tue, 29 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Despite carrying a rather long name, the TVS Apache RTR 160 Hyper Edge performs just like its name - with an edge.

First released in 2007, the Apache RTR 160 has received a number of upgrades leading up to its current state. And in the five years that it’s been in existence, it’s chalked an impressive list of features that certainly bears noticing.

In terms of styling, the Apache RTR 160 Hyper Edge was designed to reek of attitude, thanks in large part to the fluid racing stripes, the luminous rims, and the race crouch mirrors that epitomize its RTR racing pedigree. Smart-looking aluminum foot pegs also add a touch of class to the bike while the new look silencer canister makes a bold statement to anyone who sees it out on the road. The clip-on handlebars also allows you to be able to bank the bike better, allowing you to play with the curves like nobody’s business.

As far as the engine is concerned, the Apache RTR 160 Hyper Edge comes powered by a 4 stroke, 159.7 cc, single that produces 15.2 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 13.1 Nm at 6,000 rpm. It may not look like much, but those numbers are more than enough to get you where you need to go in style.

Find out more about the TVS Apache RTR 160 Hyper Edge after the jump.

TVS Apache RTR 160 Hyper Edge originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 29 May 2012 16:00 EST.

Ducati 125 Sport

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Before the Ducati 175 broke into the scene, the Ducati 125 Sport was the quintessential early Ducati single. Fast forward to today’s time, and the now classic bike has become the perfect machine for vintage events anywhere, including the Motogiro d’Italia.

But back then, the Ducati 125 Sport was in a league of its own, weighing only 221 pounds and featuring a 124 cc SOHC single engine that produces 10 horsepower and mated to a four-speed transmission. The 125 Sport was capable of hitting a top speed in excess of 70 mph, and when combined with a design that’s as streamlined as any Ducati bike ever built, it was the perfect on-the-road companion for all those merry joy rides.

This particular 1955 Ducati 125 Sport - CN: DM125S/7564 - comes with a two-tone red and white paint finish complete with a distinctive scalloped fuel tank, signature clip-on handlebars, and fully restored chrome finishes.

Expected auction price at the RM Auction sin Monaco was around €3,500 - €4,500, which is around $4,500 - $5,800 based on current exchange rates. Actual selling price was $4,545.

Ducati 125 Sport originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 23 May 2012 18:00 EST.

Ducati 860 GT Polizia

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT

If you want to talk about a true one-of-a-kind classic Ducati, it doesn’t get any better than the Ducati 860 GT Polizia. On the same vein that the American police rode Harley-Davidsons for years, its European counterpart used Ducatis.

This particular 860 GT Polizia, which was put on auction at the 2012 RM Auctions in Monaco, was built on a 750GT frame, with 750 tanks and side covers. In addition, it carried a powerful 864 cc SOHC V-twin engine that was mated to a five-speed transmission.

As a 1981 model, this 860 GT Polizia - CN: DM750S/755495 - was used by the Bologna Police Department and came with a windshield, leg shields, and side panniers, as well as a black paint and chrome finish.

Its condition is still impeccable even after all these years, and is highlighted by a relatively low mileage considering its age and the purpose it was used for (patrolling the mean streets of Bologna, Italy back in the 80’s).

Expected bid price for this 1981 Ducati 860 GT Polizia was pegged at around €4,000 - €6,000, which is about $5,200 - $7,800 based on current exchange rates. Actual selling price was $10,606.

Ducati 860 GT Polizia originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 23 May 2012 17:00 EST.

Ducati 450 Desmo Scrambler

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT

It’s hard to imagine that Ducati has been building bikes for as long as they have. But for all those years in production, you’re bound to get a number of models that have become classics in their own right.

Take the 1973 Ducati 450 Desmo Scrambler for example.

With the anticipation of Ducati’s desmodromic valve gear back in the late 60’s, coupled with the success and popularity of the Ducati Scrambler, it figured that the two would somehow be tied-up together to create a completely new bike. That’s when the Ducati 450 Desmo Scrambler was born.

With the technology being fitted into the bike, the 450 Desmo Scrambler became a must-have purchase for Ducati enthusiasts back in the day, in large part because of the bike’s impressive performance credentials, highlighted by a 16.6-second time through the quarter-mile. On top of its performance characteristics, the 450 Desmo Scrambler was also fitted with an individual speedometer and Veglia tachometer rather than the headlight-mounted unit sometimes seen on 250-cc and 350-cc models.

The model that was auctioned off at the 2012 RM Auctions in Monaco carries the chassis number DM450S/466142. It’s an unrestored model in good condition with a two-tone, black-and-yellow finish with a 436 cc Desmo single engine mated to a five-speed transmission.

Bidding price for the bike was expected to hit €8,000-€10,000, which is around $10,400 - $13,000 based on current exchange rates. Actual selling price was $12,121.

Ducati 450 Desmo Scrambler originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 23 May 2012 16:00 EST.

TVS Scooty Wego

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:00:00 GMT

The TVS Scooty Wego will go where you go. Play on words notwithstanding, TVS’ latest scooter matic is set to launch in the Indian market with the hopes of competing against heavyweights, Honda and Yamaha.

So does the TVS Scooty Wego have what it takes to be a contender in the market? To answer that, you need to understand what this scooter has to offer.

In terms of styling, the Scooty Wego offers the kind of look that makes it a worthy contender to the joint title of Honda and Yamaha. It comes with a Balance Technology Body that not only offers unique styling, but also makes for better riding, handling, and maneuverability. The lighting configuration of the Wego features a multi-reflector halogen headlamp and an LED set-up on the rear. Moreover, aluminum materials were also used on the engine while the Wego’s 12" velg matches up well with its Japanese rivals, which uses 14-16" velg.

At the heart of the Scotty Wego is a 100cc, one-cylinder OHC engine that produces a respectable 8 horsepower at 8,000 RPM and 8Nm of peak torque at 5,500 RPM. This engine is mated to a Vmatic transmission.

For all intents and purposes, the TVS Scooty Wego will not have the same recognition as its counterparts from Honda and Yamaha. But when it comes to straight up value, the Indian scooter is as good an option as you can have.

Find out more about the TVS Scooty Wego after the jump

TVS Scooty Wego originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 23 May 2012 15:00 EST.

Ducati 900 S2

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT

The Ducati 900 S2 was built on the joint platform of the 900 Darmah SS and the 600SL Pantah, with the latter supplying the body work of the bike.

The reason for doing so centered on Ducati’s decision to rationalize its production lines at that time. To their credit, though, they still managed to make a bike that not only looked good, but performed up to the standards of its predecessors.

The Ducati 900 S2 is powered by an 864 cc SOHC Desmo V-twin engine that’s mated to a five-speed transmission. It was also offered with either electric or kick-start options, as well as being fitted with 40-mm Dell’Orto carburetors.

Aesthetically speaking, the 900 S2 was also the picture of attraction - the bike was given a bevy of color options, including bronze with yellow, orange and red stripes, or red and black.

The Ducati 900 S2 that was present at the 2012 RM Auctions is an original model, one that was once displayed in a museum. Expected bidding price for the bikes go for around €5,000 - €7,000, which is about $6,400 - $9,000 based on current exchange rates. Actual selling price was $5,303.

Ducati 900 S2 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 23 May 2012 14:00 EST.

Ducati 450 Mark 3

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 GMT

The Ducati 450 Mark 3 was born when the wide-case engine was first introduced in 1968. Not only did this new technology pave the way for bikes like the Scramblers and the Mark 3 Sports to become legendary bikes, but it also gave Ducati plenty of options on where to use this new engine.

In the case of the 450 Mark 3, its arrival in the market in 1969 provided customers an opportunity to enjoy the wide-case engine, not just with the 450 cc, but in either 250 or 350 cc displacements altogether.

But this is all about the 450 Mark 3, which not only came with the aforementioned engine, but also carried an extra gusset along the top tube like Spaggiari’s racer, which featured a wider chain and sprocket and slightly longer Marzocchi forks. On top of that, the bike also featured a new type of Dell’Orto square-slide VHB 29 carburetor while the bullet silencer was replaced by the cut-off Silentium type. In the end, the Ducati 450 Mark 3 became a bike that not only looked the part of a true hardcore cafe bike, but also performed like one too.

The model that was offered at the 2012 RM Auctions in Monaco is an original - CN: DM450M3/700368 - with a Rosso Rubino paint and some splashes of patina, which shows its age. The expected bid price was around €3,000 - €4,000, which is around $3,900 - $5,200 based on current exchange rates. Actual selling price was $6,818.

Ducati 450 Mark 3 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 22 May 2012 20:00 EST.

TVS Jive

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:00:00 GMT

TVS has a certain panache for building some very interesting bikes and it’s no more evident than their new Jive sports bike.

The styling of Jive is pretty impressive and it certainly belongs to the current generation bikes out on the market. The sleek, aerodynamic look adds some attitude to its profile while the added graphics, the dual stitch cover, and the black alloy wheels all make for a saucy road runner.

More than just its looks, the TVS Jive is also the embodiment of a people-friendly bike. Its simple controls allow even novice riders to enjoy it. The Jive is also powered by an impressive 110cc engine that comes with an innovative T-Matic technology and an automatic clutch that allows for easy drivability.

The most distinguishable feature of the Jive is the absence of the clutch lever, which gives a hands free gear shift experience. This motorbike can be ridden by almost all people who have a sense of balance since there is no need for manual clutch-gear coordination while they are shifting.

All told, the TVS Jive’s combination of looks, reasonable power, and drivability makes for a perfect recipe to satisfy its owners.

Find out more about the TVS Jive after the jump.

TVS Jive originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 22 May 2012 19:00 EST.

Ducati 450 Scrambler

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Go back to the 60’s in Italy and ask what kind of motorcycle was in vogue back then. Chances are, a majority of the people you ask will say "Scramblers."

As one of the most popular wide-case single bikes at the time, the Ducati 450 Scrambler was, for all intents and purposes, a true road warrior on two wheels. It wasn’t intended to be used for off-road competition and in addition to the 450 version, it also came in 250 cc and 350 cc trims. The only reason why the 450 Scrambler didn’t carry a 500 cc engine was because the crank throw wouldn’t clear the gearbox.

Nevertheless, the 450 Scrambler still packed plenty of punch to go along with an impressive frame that included an extra gusset along the top tube like Bruno Spaggiari’s racer, a wider chain and sprocket, slightly longer Marzocchi forks, and a silencer that was changed in 1969 to the cut-off Silentium type.

The Ducati 450 Scrambler - CN: DM450S/467407 - that was auctioned off at the 2012 MTM auctions in Monaco remained in unrestored condition, complete with its original yellow painted body and alloy wheel rims. Expected bidding price for the bike ranged from €3,000-€4,000, which is around $3,900 - $5,200 based on current exchange rates. Actual selling price was $7,955. Well done!

Ducati 450 Scrambler originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 22 May 2012 18:00 EST.

TVS Flame DS 125

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT

When the controversy between Bajaj and TVS came to an end with the new judgment and the agreement from the Madras high court for allowing the re-launch of the TVS Flame DS 125, it marked the first step in bringing the bike out on the Indian roads.

The TVS Flame DS 125 comes with a similar design and look of its predecessor with some modifications in the form of a new elegant black theme. But with its own styling cue, the TVS Flame DS 125 still carries a few features similar to its elder brother, the Apachi, including the design of the headlamp, fender, rear view mirrors, body colored shock absorber springs, and the special engine cowl.

Despite all that, the TVS Flame DS 125 is still as unique a bike as you can get on the Indian market, particularly because it’s the first motorbike in India that comes powered with a 3 valve CC VTi (controlled combustion variable timing intelligent) engine.

Other features of the TVS Flame DS 125 include a 240mm front disc brake, which is complemented with a unique triangular delta edge exhaust that delivers the smoothest sounds, lowest emissions, and also the most excellent performance. The TVS Flame DS 125 also supported by neatly – lockable storage, a water-bottled-sized storage in front of the tank, which will be useful for a rider’s everyday use.

Find out more about the TVS Flame DS 125 after the jump.

TVS Flame DS 125 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 22 May 2012 17:00 EST.

Hero Honda Pleasure

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Hero Honda Motors Ltd comes up with some pretty amusing names for their new line of scooters. None more so than the Hero Honda Pleasure.

We’re not quite sure what the name implies, but we’re not about to argue with these guys. According to Honda, the Hero Pleasure is a bike that has been especially designed for young ladies, with the design of the bike reinforcing that idea.

For instance, the Pleasure has been adorned with exciting body graphics, as well as body colored rear view mirrors, a rear grip, a stunning tail-light and a multi-reflector headlight, and a stylish meter console. What’s more, the scooter also has a large under-seat box, a wider seat, an inner rack, a luggage hook, and extra leg room that will ensure the rider never runs out of space.

On top of its stylistic appeal, the Hero Honda Pleasure also boasts of a 100 cc air-cooled, 4-stroke single cylinder OHC engine that produces around 6 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 7.85 Nm of peak torque at 5,000 RPM and mated to a gearless transmission.

The Hero Honda Pleasure is loaded with a host of attractive features. It’s not claiming to be a powerful scooter, but where it lacks in ponies, it certainly makes up for in style, something a lot of young ladies won’t have any problems compensating for.

Find out more about the Hero Honda Pleasure after the jump.

Hero Honda Pleasure originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 22 May 2012 16:00 EST.

TVS Apache RTR F1 160

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Some people prefer bikes that are just oozing horsepower. Others prefer a bike that looks like a stunner without carrying all that output. The TVS Apache RTR F1 160 is part of the latter.

And that’s a good thing.

The Apache RTR FI 160 is clearly a head turner that comes with magnificent features and a fuel injection technology that gives the bike better fuel efficiency. In terms of design, the bike offers plenty of new features, including bull-horn grab rails, sporty rear set foot pegs, petal disc brakes, and a digital speedometer that allows the rider to experience a truly exceptional ride.

To attract even more attention, the Apache RTR FI 160 has an absolutely perfect seating position and well positioned rear sets. The Apache RTR FI 160 also offers two seating positions for both roads and tracks.

Inside the heart of the Apache RTR F1 160 is a 159.7-cc fuel injected engine that produces a maximum power of 15.7 horsepower @ 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 13.1 Nm at 6,000 rpm.

All told, the Apache RTR F1 160 is a bike that may not carry all the performance credentials, but it does look spicy, which is half the battle.

Find out more about the TVS Apache RTR F1 160 after the jump.

TVS Apache RTR F1 160 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 22 May 2012 15:00 EST.

Ducati XL350 Pantah

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni) — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Alongside the 500, 600, and 650 Pantahs in the early 1980s was a range of 350s specifically produced for the Italian market to accommodate a tax break for motorcycles below 350 cc. The 350 XL was one of Ducati’s parts-bin specialties and essentially a 500 SL with a 600 TL handlebar fairing and higher handlebars. More was sourced from the SL Pantah than the TL, including instruments, instrument panel, and rear-set foot-pegs.

The 350 engine was a downsized 500 SL, with smaller valves (33.5 mm inlet and 30.5 mm exhaust). The Dell’Orto carburetors were smaller (30 mm), and there were new camshafts. The lower end, including the five-speed gearbox and wet cable-operated clutch, was identical to the later 500 SL, and the exhaust system was Silentium. The power was still a healthy 40 horsepower at 9,600 rpm. The 350 XL chassis was also very similar to the 500 SL, with gold FPS wheels, Paioli suspension, and small 05-series Brembo front brake calipers. Attractively styled in red and black, the 350 XL was capable of around 170 km/h. The 350 XL offered here is in excellent original condition, with nice paint and chrome.

The Ducati XL350 Pantah was estimated to bring in between €3,000-€5,000, but it actually brought in €585, which is about $745 at the current rates.

Ducati XL350 Pantah originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 17 May 2012 09:00 EST.

Ducati 750GT

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:00:00 GMT

One of the biggest winners at the 2012 RM Auctions in Monaco was the Ducati 750GT.

First introduced to the market in 1971, the 750GT was the personification of a flash-bang Ducati. It was flashy, to say the least. The first examples of the 750GT came with silver painted frames with the tank and side covers finished in a colorful blend of metallic colors that included gold, lime green, bright blue, or red.

Colors notwithstanding, the true highlight of the 750GT was its 748 cc SOHC V-twin engine that was capable of hitting top speeds in excess of 120 mph. The surest sign that Ducati went and invested a whole lot in the 750GT was because of the laborious and painstaking detail they took just to build one.

The construction of the engine was so precise that it took up to eight hours to assemble one unit, making sure that all the bevel-drive gears and bearings were correctly set up. If it was a racing engine, Ducati would take two days to build one. Initially, the bike’s sales lagged until Paul Smart won at Imola in 1972 with the 750GT, beating some of the best manufacturers this side of the galaxy. As a result, the 750GT became a legend of sorts, with Taglioni even saying that its engine was the best he ever designed.

As for the Ducati 750GT that was offered at the RM Auctions, that one came in excellent overall condition with superior paint, chrome details, and even the early Amal carburetors. The 750GT sold for a staggering €38,025 ($48,800), a price that’s miles north of what the estimated €12,000 - €15,000 ($15,400 - $19,000).

Ducati 750GT originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 16 May 2012 19:00 EST.

TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Big things are in store for the Indian motorcycle market, thanks to Indian bike maker TVS. That’s because the company is launching its new product, the TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS.

TVS claims that the Apache RTR 180 ABS is the first bike in the Indian market to come equipped with Anti-Lock Braking System, a technology that will now allow its customers to take advantage of the new technology.

But more than just being ABS-ready, the Apache RTR 180 was designed to be a looker, and for all intents and purposes, it is one. For starters, racing GT graphics adorn the bike, providing a look that exudes racing sophistication. The luminous rims and the race crouch mirrors are also part of the bike’s set-up, highlighting the bike’s RTR racing pedigree. Bull horn grab rails have been ergonomically designed to aid the pillion rider in holding on tight while a superbike-style rear fender comes with a replaceable and functional mud flap and a dual texture seat to provide a comfortable seating arrangement.

Powering the Apache RTR 180 is a 177.4 cc 4-stroke engine that produces 17 horsepower @ 8,500 rpm and 15.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm.

Find out more about the TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS after the jump.

TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 16 May 2012 18:00 EST.