Issue2

Complimentary Ncell Car Air-Freshener with this issue

Mangsir 2068 NOV / DEC 2011 Issue 2 NRs. 100

nepal

RIDE TO THE FAR WEST WISHLIST: KTM IN KTM TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CAR RUNNING LONGER BIKE DIY: CHANGING OIL

UPDATED BUYING GUIDE

TESTED:

HYOSUNG GT250 NAKED AGGRESSION

HONDA BRIO

DOES IT REALLY LOVE YOU BACK?

YAMAHA FZ-S IFTED FACEL AND VED IMPRO LIKE US ON

FACEBOOK

www.autolife.com.np

THE MISS NG LINK

AUTOLIFE

Here to stay......

Issue 2 Publisher Softrock Media Pvt Ltd Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal T: 977-01-4415746 Regd. 84553/068/069

Ajay Dhoj Thapa Co-founder / Executive Editor Shraddha Rajbhandari Executive Director Editorial Ajay Dhoj Thapa Ayush Dhaubanjar Ankit Shakya Shraddha Rajbhandari Supported by: Ashutosh Shrestha, Deep Rana, Swopnil Jung Karki Design Creative Head - Ajay Dhoj Thapa Designer - Rama Shrestha (Hada) Photography Ayush Dhaubanjar Ankit Shakya Monish Mulepati Sohyal Karki Sanat Dangol Photo Editor Ajay Dhoj Thapa Marketing Experts Ayusha Brenda Abhi Pre Press Qualitech Tripureshwor, Kathmandu T: 01-4261314 / 4256396 Printing Print Point Printing Press Dhobighat, Lalitpur T: 01-5551916

General enquiries: hello@autolife.com.np

F

irst of all a big ‘thank you’ to all our friends, family, clients, supporters, well-wishers, and above all our dear readers for a tremendous response and appreciation that has been showered for our first issue.

We are determined to work harder in our upcoming issues and exceed your expectations. So thank you once again for having your belief in us.

In this issue, we have stepped up and carried out three reviews: two test rides – Hyusung GT250 and Yamaha FZ-S, and a test drive of the Honda Brio, the latest edition to the auto scene in Nepal. Our test team has thoroughly enjoyed doing each of these reviews and have put together some awesome photography, layouts and content for you. Other features this month include AL Wishlist, updated Car and Bike buying guide, riders’ log to the far western region of Nepal, tips and tricks that help to extend the life of your vehicle and few words of thought from our well wishers in our testimonial section. We’re hopeful that our readers will certainly admire the Oil Change DIY guide and our tips for Safe Riding, especially the way the article has been conceptualized and presented.

So, do keep writing to us. Signing off until the next issue...

The Editorial Team Autolife is an automotive magazine (CDO Regd 213), published 12 times a year by Softrock Media. All rights reserved in respect of all articles, illustration, photographs, etc published in Autolife Magazine. The content of this publication may not be reproduced on whole or in any part in any electronics or print form, in any language, without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, who cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.

Editorial enquiries: editorial@autolife.com.np Ads and marketing enquiries: marketing@autolife.com.np

Autolife has a dedicated review team for all test drives and rides. We research, study, plan and execute our tests and publish our real experience without any influences. We have our loyalty towards our readership and are not biased or inclined towards any specific brands or services. All advertisement insertions are a part of our marketing campaign, due to their relevance with the magazines content; and published only after authorization from clients or their respective media agencies.

CONTENTS

N o v E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

36

TEST DRIVE

TESTS

24 Hyosung GT250

Naked Agression

36 Honda Brio

Does it really love you back?

50 Yamaha FZ-S

Improved and Facelifted

24

FEATURES

TEST RIDE

22 The Highest Showroom in Nepal 66 AL Roadtrip to the Far West

Read inside and easily make the trip yourself

66

FAR WEST

INITIATIVES

32 Bike Safety

Riding Safely

46 Car Safety

REGULARS

GARAGE

12 Motoring Updates

80 Car Maintenance

How to keep your car running longer?

82 Bike Maintenance

DIY guide on engine oil change

84 Buying used cars?

Things to consider and guidelines to follow

88 Technical Jargons

Texting while driving?

All technical terms explained

News and Scoops from the Auto Industry

58 AL Wishlist

This month - KTM

78 Subscriptions 60 AL Promotes

KGarira?

62 Gadgets & Technology

50

TEST RIDE

64 Fun Stuffs

Road playlist - DJ Ashutosh Gamer’s Zone - Deep Rana

86 Auto Trader

Marketplace for second hand cars and bikes

90 Complete Buying Guide

A full listing of cars and bikes available in Nepal

AUTOLIFE

TESTIMONIALS

Saurabh Jyoti Director - Jyoti Group / President - NADA

The true measure of the progress of the automobile industry is reflected by the maturity and professionalism of the Auto Journalists. This helps create a wider understanding and awareness amongst the masses. Mobility is an essential part of a modern society and helps a nation to be more productive and efficient.

As an upcoming and promising Auto magazine, one must realize its responsibility to readers and strive to provide unbiased and correct information to readers, so that they can gain knowledge and insight in their area of interest. This area of journalism is relatively new in Nepal but the scope for growth is tremendous. So wishing you the best for the future.

Ashish Shrestha, Executive Chairman Leon Motors Private Limited - Authorized Distributors of Mitsubishi Motors

I had always thought that Autolife magazine which was to be launched would be just the same kind of auto magazines which are published in the market. I was very much surprised of the quality and auto content that it obtained.

To be honest, it is one of the most professionally organized auto magazines in the Nepalese market.

I am very much positive that due to the quality of the magazine, it has surely raised the bar. Keep up the good work!

“I would like to congratulate Autolife for being the first English Auto magazine in Nepal. The content provided is great. Good going and good luck” Udeep Shrestha Turbo Motors - Ducati Nepal

We are very much grateful for all the positive feedbacks, comments, suggestions and criticisms received for our first issue. We will move forward keeping hold of it all and pledge to improve with every forthcoming issue.

Autolife is a thoroughly passion driven project and fueled with your constant support and participation, we will stop at nothing.

So do keep sending us your reviews, questions and doubts regarding the magazine.

“Ground breaking initiative in automobile magazine segment in Nepal.. All the best for the future” Alok Josee, DGM Batas Brothers Motors Pvt Ltd - Authorised Dealers of FIAT and Hyosung

Many Thanks!!

Autolife Team editorial@autolife.com.np www.autolife.com.np Facebook - Autolife Nepal

AUTOLIFE

TESTIMONIALS

Letter of the month

from Ashish Rajbhandari, Auto Land Great work guys. I really loved the magazine...Now Nepal has a magazine, which is on international level... I liked the complete do it yourself guide. Its good for beginners.

Advice: Next time you guys can write when to change the engine oil. You can give the mileage... When to change the clutch plate..

How to prevent it.... etc.Technical jargons is helpful.

Shree Gurung, Party Nepal Congratulation to Autolife and best wishes from our side.. We loved the Rider’s Diary and hope it will help explore the beauty of Nepal and inspire youngsters to travel around. Plus the Buyers guide could be a must have for the buyers. Looking forward to its success.

Suraj Deuja Just had look thru the issue...first thing I’d like to point out is...this doesn’t look & feel like domestic work, don’t get me wrong here it’s so good and the quality of materials & photography are a real treat.

The balance maintained in the content is good, really enjoyed the pics from the Frankfurt auto show to the detailed coverage of the NADA auto show…I’m saying this coz, the Gallordo & Veyron are definitely eye candies but what’s the use even if detailed coverage were done…

NADA was to be the centre stage and it is!!!

I went thru the review of the Fiesta and CBR 250…good words and coverage of the rides; my only gripe is regard to the info about the engine. Whenever I go thru, this section of the review I like to see the teardown of the engine and then that info put down in normal English (not all of us are technical people). You need to convey us what the auto makers are saying and letting us know what & how much of it is applicable in real life.

Nishan Joshi Awesome description of vehicle. But, picture presentation is not so impressive.

Dipen Shrestha Rider Finally got a copy from big mart city center... enjoying reading roadtrip to mustang... nicely written & awesome photography.... : )

All the best..!!

Abhishek Man Shrestha Email: amshrestha04@gmail.com

Being an avid motor sports fan and an hardcore biker i have always been reading foreign automobile magazines for a long time now. But i felt all these magazines and articles don’t relate quite well to us Nepalis. I always felt a dearth for our own Nepali automobile magazine. I wished there was a magazine or some newsletter where we could share and learn our own experiences and expertise. A place where we could learn about the local automobile scene in Nepal. U made this possible so thank you and kudos to you all. Hope u bring more interesting articles, reviews and stories in the further issues like you did in the first issue. By the way your first issue was rocking, especially the road trip to Mustang. I am already planning for a road trip there with my biker buddies. Wish you all the best for the future and eagerly waiting for the next issue....happy riding

MOTORING

ENTRY LEVEL AUDI TT LAUNCHED

CAR UPDATES

Wish Audi was here too

A

udi has launched a new entry-level Audi TT coupe for 2012 at £24,070 in the UK. The new Audi TT 1.8 TFSI Coupe gets the 1.8 litre turbocharged engine previously only available in the Audi TT roadster. The engine delivers 158bhp and 250Nm of torque. The car is available with either a standard six-speed manual or optional 7-speed S-tronic twin-clutch transmission, and with optional Sport or S-line trim specification. Audi claims the car with the twin-clutch gearbox will top out at 225kmph.

Sport models get 17-inch alloy wheels, electronic climate control, leather and Alcantara combination upholstery and a Concert audio system with iPod connectivity. While S line models feature 18-inch alloys, lowered S line sports suspension, a short-shift gearbox for manuals, S line detailing and xenon headlights. So much happening with Audi and it’s sad that we still do not have the brand here in Nepal.

ALL NEW BMW 3-SERIES REVEALED

T

he all-new BMW 3-series was revealed at a special event in Munich. The roomier, faster and more economical BMW 3-series saloon will go on sale from next February, with the highlights including a new soft-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine. Known internally as the F30, the new 3-Series is new from the ground-up, has been four years in the making, and is tasked with continuing BMW’s dominance over key rivals such as the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-class and Volvo S60. Visually, the new 3-series leans heavily on the latest 5-series in a bid to provide BMW’s two best-selling models with a more unified appearance. Holding true to a front-engine, rear-drive layout, the new 3-series will initially be sold with the choice of three engines in four models – the 320d, 320d Efficient Dynamics, 328i and 335i. Further models will follow in quick succession, including the 318d, 330d, 325d and 335d, next March. The new 3-series will introduce three new trims – Sport, Luxury and Modern — to complement the usual ES, SE and MSport.

BMW also plans to set up an engine plant in India, which should allow the carmaker to price the new 3-series more aggressively. But Indian sales are likely to commence soon after right-hand-drive versions are made available only towards the middle of 2012.

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE Concept to Reality unscathed

A

new Land Rover is big news, especially when the new Land Rover is the smallest, most fuel-efficient Land Rover ever built. Meet the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, with base prices starting from $43,995 in the US markets. This vehicle is being made available in both 5 door and 3 door forms.

12

NOV / DEC 2011

Three trims are being offered for the 5 door SUV -Pure, Prestige and Dynamic. The Evoque 5 door in its Pure trim gets cruise control, Terrain Response off-road system, 17 inch alloys, Xenon headlamps, an 11 speaker touch screen audio system, and leather seats with electric adjustment for the front passengers, climate control, keyless go, panoramic sunroof and paddle shifters as standard. The Prestige variant adds exterior styling kit, keyless entry and 18 inch alloy wheels to the package. The top of the line Dynamic trim in addition gets perforated leather seats and a sporty

interior and exterior styling kit. The 3 door will be offered only in the Dynamic trim and gets 2.0 liter 240 PS turbo petrol, while the 5 door makes do with a 2.2 liter 190 PS turbo diesel. Both the engines are mated to a 6 speed auto transmission.

All wheel drive is standard across all variants.

The all new Range Rover Evoque has already reached India and is being sold from the Jaguar Land Rover Corporate Showroom in Mumbai. Range Rover’s currently being a very popular vehicle among our elites too, we hope somebody imports one soon enough. www.autolife.com.np

HYUNDAI EON IN INDIA The Santro’s successor

H

yundai India has launched its all-new baby hatch, the Eon, at a competitive price tag of IC Rs 2.69 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base D-Lite variant. The Eon has been launched in six variants: D-Lite, D-Lite (O), Era, Magna, Magna (O) and Sportz; designations similar to those of the company’s i10 and i20 models. All variants come with an efficient 814cc, 55.2bhp, threecylinder petrol engine, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The company claims the Eon will return

a segment-topping 21.1kpl. The top-of-the-line Sportz variant, at IC Rs 3.71 lakh, has a host of big-car features over and above what the lower variants offer – driver airbag, keyless entry, front fog lamps, bodycoloured mirrors and door handles, and metallic finish on the steering wheel. The new model is expected to raise the bar for the small-sized cars in India by offering a plethora of features usually found on larger cars.

New Volkswagen Beetle

Third time lucky…

T

Hyundai Motors has invested around Rs 900 crore in the development of the Eon and has set an annual sales target of around 1.5 lakh units.

he new Volkswagen Beetle has been launched and will cost from £16,490 in the UK markets. Initially three trim levels on two engines have been offered from launch – a 104bhp 1.2-litre TSI and 1.4-litre TSI producing 158bhp - with two more engines to follow later. Trim levels include Beetle, Design and Sport, with air conditioning and DAB

radio standard across the range. Entry-level cars are available with a 1.2-litre unit and seven-speed DSG transmission only. Mid-spec design models are offered with DSG or a six-speed manual ‘box in 1.2 and 1.4-litre guise and 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, front fog lights and a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel. Range topping Sport versions include 18-inch alloys and additionally tinted windows, cruise and climate control, sports seats, parking sensors and gloss black door mirror housings. Only a six-speed manual box mated to the more powerful engine is available here. Compared with the outgoing model, prices of the new car are a bit upwards. Later in 2012, a 104bhp 1.6-litre TDI Blue Motion Technology, 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI and 2.0-litre TSI with 197bhp will join the new line-up along with the option of a six-speed manual gearbox for the 1.2-litre TSI model.

BEAUTY SPA FOR YOUR CAR...

A

uto Spa Pvt. Ltd. was officially opened for public service on the 11th of November 2011 in Metro Mall, Uttar Dhoka, Lazimpat. Auto Spa Pvt. Ltd. is the first detailing center in Nepal, dedicated to automobile beautification and preservation. The company claims to use the best car care products, machines and equipments approved by most automobile manufacturers of the world. And with their personnel trained in the latest techniques and operation of sophisticated machines, they assure that the customers’ treasured possessions will always look good as new.

Auto Spa Pvt. Ltd. offers Extensive Exterior Cleaning to give their customers a clean, shiny and sparkling car; Intensive Interior Cleaning to remove dust, dirt, stains and even odors; Paint Refinement and Coating that gives the cars brand new appearances; Nano Glass Coating www.autolife.com.np

for crystal clear visibility; Anti Glare Treatment to minimize glare and Underbody Rust and Corrosion Treatment that deadens road sounds and prevents chipping due to stones. Customers can also purchase car care products here to maintain their car in showroom condition.

We at Autolife would like to commend and welcome this one of a kind service innovation into Nepal’s auto industry and we wish them all the best.

NOV / DEC 2011

13

MOTORING

GEELY’S MINI CROSSOVER

CAR UPDATES

To be here by year end to hit the Nepali roads by the end of this year. SAU will be introducing three variants of the mini crossover and the basic variant is expected to cost around NPR 1.5 million.

S

aakha & Universal Automobiles (SAU), the authorized distributor of Geely vehicles for Nepal, is all set to introduce their latest mini crossover – The LC Cross. The LC Cross is expected

The crossover is styled like a mini SUV. Powered by a 1.3L L4 16V DOHC engine, the Geely LC Cross delivers a maximum power of 85bhp at 5000 RPM and a maximum torque of 110Nm at 5200 RPM. Equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission system, the car can reach a top speed of 165 km per hour. Features like steering lock, anti-theft lock, side fourdoor anti collision beam, rear spoiler with high mounted brake lamp, roof luggage rack, children safety lock for rear door and visible reverse radar add up to the car’s safety features. Other features of the car include hydraulic booster steering gear, manual air conditioner, black instrument desk, 4-spoke steering wheel, front and rear power windows and CD player with MP3.

Kia Ray city car revealed

K

ia has revealed these first images of its new ‘practical and innovative’ Kia Ray city car. The A-segment Ray will be sold in its Korean home market in spring 2012 and will cost from around £7000. Powertrain options remain unclear, but the 1.0-litre three-pot and 1.25-litre four-pot from the Picanto could be strong contenders.

Externally, the boxy Ray city car features the firm’s signature chromerimmed radiator grille. New headlamps house LED daytime running lights. For ease of entry, the Ray also features a rear sliding door on the passenger side; a conventional rear door is used on the driver’s side. At the back of the micro-MPV, the Ray gets LED lights and vertical bumper reflectors. Although Kia does not plan to sell the Ray in Europe, it is possible that other Asian markets will receive the car.

Tata Sumo Gold launched

T

ata Motors has launched an updated version of its popular MUV Sumo, called Sumo Gold. The Sumo Gold gets a slightly updated look and new powertrains. There are two engine options, a BS-4 compliant CR4 Turbo motor that churns out 84bhp and 25.5kgm of torque and, according to Tata, delivers a fuel economy of 14.7kpl. The second engine option is a BS-3 compliant 3-litre DI motor that is good for 69bhp at 3,000rpm and 23kgm of torque at 1000 to 2000rpm.

Exterior styling tweaks include a mildly tweaked front grille, headlamps and fog-lamps while the interior gets a leatherwrapped steering wheel and updated switches for HVAC and power windows. The Sumo Gold comes in four variants - GX, EX, LX and CX - along with a warranty of 3 years or 1,00,000km, whichever is earlier. Prices start at IC Rs. 5.23 lakhs onwards.

14

NOV / DEC 2011

DELOREAN DMCev Back to the Future

A

n electric-powered version of the classic DeLorean DMC-12 could reach production within the next two years. A prototype version of the car, currently known as the DMCev, has been created by the DeLorean Motor Company (Texas), which has no connection to the original DeLorean Motor Company, but in 1997 acquired assets and factory stock from the longdefunct manufacturer. The DMCev replaces the DeLorean’s original V6 power plant with an electric motor that produces the equivalent of about 260bhp. A 0-100 kmph time of less than five seconds is claimed, as well as a range of 100-160 km. Many of us born around the 1980’s can surely remember looking at the DeLorean in the “Back to the Future” movie franchise and thinking it to be the most awesome car in history. The DeLorean still looks good today and would be as a collector’s item for the Back to the Future fans. www.autolife.com.np

Skoda Rapid

RENAULT UNVEILS PULSE

R

enault took a big step towards becoming a serious player in the Indian small car market by revealing its all-new hatchback. Known as the Pulse, this car is a mildly altered version of Nissan’s rather clever Micra and will start selling from January 2012. Under the hood, the two are basically the same. They share the same lightweight V platform chassis, the same basic suspension, the same gearbox and the same set of engines as well. These include a 1.2-litre three-pot petrol motor and a 1.5 turbo diesel. What Renault has altered are the looks. While the basic architecture of the car - with its large arched roof and big cabin - remains, Renault has changed the nose dramatically. The front end is now much sharper looking, with its raised, crisply styled lights, almost Hyundai-like hexagonal grille and a typical Renault matt-black centre section. The rear has been mildly altered and Renault says there could be an even sportier version of the car on the cards too. The interiors of the Pulse however are almost identical to those of the Micra, right down to colours and shades. The Pulse will be built at Renault-Nissan’s Chennai plant alongside the Micra, and Renault is expected to price it at a slight premium over the Nissan. One of the big selling-points of the Pulse will be that it will be offered with a longer 2+2 warranty than the Micra.

Production begins rapidly

S

koda Auto India has begun production of its much anticipated entry level sedan, the Rapid. This will give Skoda the head start and a way to reduce waiting list of their Skoda Rapid as well when they officially launch the sedan later. The new offering from Skoda is expected to start from IC Rs.6 lakhs for the base version in Petrol to IC Rs. 9 lakhs for the top-end diesel. As for the engine, the Rapid will sport the same engines as the Vento, that is, 1.6 litre petrol and a 1.6 litre diesel. In addition to the engine options, you also can choose between a manual and an automatic transmission. Rapid is the first car from the brand which has been designed, keeping in mind the special needs of Indian customers and will be exclusively manufactured in India.

Happy Birthday Chevrolet!

C

hevrolet completed its 100 years on 3rd November 2011. Since its introduction in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet and GM founder Billy Durant, the company’s largest brand has come a very long way.

In the space of 100 years, more than 200 million Chevrolets have been sold across the world. A new Chevrolet was sold every 6.65 seconds in the first half of 2011. Last year alone, one in every 1,619 people on our planet bought a Chevrolet vehicle. In 2010, Chevrolet sold a record 4.26 million cars and trucks globally and that pace has accelerated with 2.35 million Chevrolets sold in the first six months in 2011. These amazing statistics have made Chevrolet’s iconic bow tie amongst the most famous marquees in the world.

From its humble origins as an allAmerican brand, Chevrolet has become a true global vehicle nameplate. Chevrolet cars and trucks are now sold in more than 140 countries across the globe. Last year, more than half of Chevrolet’s sales took place outside the U.S. Befitting its www.autolife.com.np

founder who was a car racer, Chevrolet too has a proud motor-sports heritage. It won the World Touring Car Championship for the second year in a row in 2011.

Leading the way for Chevrolet are highgrowth markets like India and China.

Chevrolet’s passage to India began in 1928. The flagship brand captured a devoted following in India too like in other countries in the world. After an absence of several years, Chevrolet returned to India for good in 2003.

Chevrolet is now the fastest-growing vehicle nameplate in India. In 2010, India was Chevrolet’s eighth-largest market. With its growing portfolio led by the Chevrolet Beat Diesel, Chevrolet can expect to continue to move up the chart in the short term.

Chevrolet has steadily established itself in India and the neighbouring countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan without compromise. Vijay Motors Pvt Ltd, established in 1998 is the sole distributor for General Motors for Nepal. Nepal now has Sales and Service outlets in Biratnagar, Pokhara, Butwal

and Nepalganj, with soon to be opened outlets in Chitwan and Birtamod as well.

General Motors India has research and development, design, vehicle and power train engineering, supplier development state of the art vehicle and power train manufacturing facilities, dealer network and all of these bonded with their unmistakable culture. GM India has been playing an important role in the success of Chevrolet.

Chevrolet promises to keep up the established good work and products and drive to an even more glorious future as it enters its second century.

NOV / DEC 2011

15

MOTORING

AL TRIBUTE: RIP MARCO SIMONCELLI

SPORTS UPDATES

Death of a legend in the making... and fell to his right, with the bike’s wheels continuing to grip and throwing him into the path of Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi. The 24-year-old Simoncelli had his helmet knocked off in the accident and laid motionless on the track after the impact.

The race was red flagged immediately, and cancelled a few minutes later when it emerged that Simoncelli was in a critical condition. He died soon afterwards.

M

arco Simoncelli succumbed to his injuries after being involved in a horrific crash in the MotoGP race at Sepang Circuit in Malaysia on 23 October, 2011. The Italian lost the front end of his bike on the second lap of the race

In a moving moment at the next race, all Moto GP riders paid their respects to Marco Simoncelli before the final round of the World Championship. Simoncelli’s Number 58 bike, ridden by former world champ and close friend Kevin Schwantz, led a procession around the Valencia circuit alongside competitors from all three categories of the championship. The tribute lap ended with a two-minute firecracker salute on the grid, where 2000 people stood to pay their respects. In another fitting tribute, the Misano World Circuit has adopted a new name in tribute to the late motorcycle racer and owners have announced that it is being renamed Marco Simoncelli International

Circuit. The MotoGP racing number 58 too has been officially retired in his honour.

A promising Italian rider, Simoncelli had advanced just last year to the top-tier MotoGP series. A force to be reckoned with in the Italian Minimoto Championship in the late 90s, he won the European championship as well as several World Championship races in the 125cc class for Aprilia and took the 250cc World Championship for Gilera in 2008. Riding for the Gresini Honda team, he had just taken a second-place finish in his earlier race in Australia. It’s though unfortunate that even with all the safety measures and protective equipment used on the racing scene, accidents still happen and the fatality cannot be predicted. This is the dark side of automobile racing. But racing is what Marco loved and he definitely must have enjoyed every minute of his racing career. Marco was no doubt a rising star in the GP scene and a champion in the making. It’s sad to see such talent leave at such a young age. Our heartfelt condolence goes out to his family, friends and fans. CIAO ‘Super Sic.

RED BULL F1 AT THE HIGHEST ROAD Does the unthinkable, again!!

T

he Red Bull Racing Team are somewhat used to bringing F1 cars to places you’d least expect. Through their Running Showcar program, they’ve taken F1 to the streets of many cities around the world and driven it on everything from frozen lakes to beaches. Tackling the Khardung La however, made those other stunts seem somewhat sedate in comparison.

The Khardung La road in India winds its way up to a staggering 18,380ft.

Arguably the world’s highest driveable road, it’s probably the last place you’d expect to see a Formula 1 car. The Khardung La pass is located 37km from the city of Leh in India.

Driving a Formula 1 car up such a treacherous road isn’t a straight forward affair. The altitude caused

16

NOV / DEC 2011

a few issues for the team, with the engine requiring extensive remapping.

The car was also raised to its maximum ride height which, being a Formula 1 car isn’t exactly high. Driving the Red Bull Formula 1 car was Neel Jani, a Swiss racing driver of Indian descent.

The team had oxygen supplies and an ambulance on standby in case the air became too thin for Jani. But the Red Bull F1 car wasn’t able run a small portion at the end of the pass, as the bumps and pot holes were simply too big. For this section, the F1 car was loaded onto a truck.

It must have been such a strange sighting for the folks up there. And no doubt hearing the throttle buried on a Formula 1 car was something they won’t be forgetting any time soon.

www.autolife.com.np

VETTEL CROWNED F1 CHAMP Red Bull gives you ummm... titles!!

S

ebastian Vettel is world champion again. Red Bull’s Vettel wrapped up the 2011 world title at Suzuka, Japan as McLaren’s Jenson Button saw his hopes end despite winning the Japanese Grand Prix. The German finished third behind Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso predictably took the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship with four rounds still to go. At 24 years and 98 days, Vettel is the youngest double champion in history. After an enthralling race on Suzuka’s figure-of-eight circuit, Vettel joined the list of champions, which includes Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Damon Hill, who have been crowned in Japan and becomes only the ninth driver to take back-to-back titles.

Sebastian Vettel then won his tenth race this season at the Korean GP, handing Red-Bull Renault its second consecutive Constructors’ Championship title.

Vettel pulled out an early lead at the Korean grand prix, after overtaking pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton on the first lap. Vettel went offtrack to match Schumacher’s record of 13 race win in a season, after losing out in the second last race of the season at Abu Dhabi.

STONER WINS 2011 MOTO GP It was evident with those gravity defying cornerings

C

asey Stoner wrapped up his second MotoGP World Championship title by winning at the Australian Grand Prix for a fifth successive year. With his only title rival Jorge Lorenzo unable to start following the injuries he sustained in his warm-up crash, Stoner only had to finish sixth to win the championship.

However, from pole position, the Honda rider had no intention of merely riding for points. He built a four-second lead by lap four and was in a class of his own. Stoner’s ninth win of the year which came on his 26th birthday - gave him his second championship after 2007 and also marked Honda’s first riders’ title of the 800cc era. Stoner’s victory also handed Honda the 2011 MotoGP Constructors’ title, with two rounds still remaining.

This year is the last of the 800cc engine capacity before an increase to a 1000cc limit in 2012. In taking the 2011 crown, Stoner also becomes only the fifth rider to have won premier class titles with two different manufacturers; the others

being Giacomo Agostini, Valentino Rossi, Geoff Duke and Eddie Lawson.

He has been on pole 11 times during

2011, which is a new record for most poles in one season in the MotoGP four-stroke era.

Mahindra’s 2012 Moto3 challenger

I

ndian outfit Mahindra Racing unveiled its new Moto3 challenger, the MGP30 at the MotoGP season finale at Valencia’s Ricardo

www.autolife.com.np

Tormo Circuit. Earlier this year, Mahindra became the first Indian company to enter MotoGP. The Mahindra MGP30 has been developed in conjunction with specialist two-wheeler design firm Engines Engineering. The package, liveried in red and white, features a tubular steel frame and aluminum swing arm. The Mahindra-homologated 250cc, single-cylinder engine has been developed in conjunction with Oral Engineering. Mahindra Racing’s 20-year-old British rider Danny Webb capped an exciting first day in the paddock for Mahindra by recording a stunning pole position. It was the Indian team’s first-ever and historic for being the last ever World Championship 125cc pole.

Ladies and gentlemen, watch out! The Indians are coming.

NOV / DEC 2011

17

MOTORING

APRILIA’S HYPER SCOOT

BIKE UPDATES

A melted and remodeled RSV4!!

A

prilia has unveiled its new maxi-scoot – the SRV850 at the EICMA show in Milan. The Aprilia SRV850 might just be the new most powerful scooter in the world. This hyper scooter easily blurs the line between scooter and motorcycle. It’s basically an updated, facelifted version of sister-company Gilera’s GP800. The front fairing is all new, however, and features styling very much reminiscent of Aprilia’s RSV4 superbike.

Aprilia states that the SRV 850 will have an 850cc v-twin engine putting out 75 bhp and 76Nm of torque. The SRV has the same basic rolling chassis as the GP800 with a twin beam chassis and a motorcycle-style swing arm and chain final drive. The SRV 850 appears to have a slightly larger motor, together with small bumps in horsepower and torque, as well as much more attractive bodywork.

If the GP 800 chassis specs are anything to go by, the SRV 850 will feature a 16” front wheel and 15” rear. Beefy 300 mm dual front

disc brakes should haul down this extremely fast (by scooter standards) machine.

THE NEW BMW S1000RR The best gets better

I

t’s barely been two years since BMW released its S1000R Superbike and they’re already giving the motorcycle its first technical update. The 2012 BMW S1000RR features chassis, electronic and aesthetic updates. Since it already pumps out 193bhp which

is in excess of 20 more horsepower than other bikes in its class, it’s no surprise that the German power sports giant decided to leave its liquidcooled 999cc Inline-Four unchanged. What has changed is the way you access all of those ponies.

The 2012 S1000 RR retains the distinctive twin face look, but a slimmer tail fairing, slightly redesigned side cowl and different exhaust system do freshen up the design. The German firm has given the electronic systems an overhaul with a more sophisticated traction control system, improved ABS and the instrument cluster has more functions. They have modified the suspensions too. The upside down fork and the spring strut feature a new internal structure and the geometry has been modified with new values for the steering head angle, offset, position of the swing arm pivot, fork projection, and spring strut length. The engine speed display has been redesigned for better readability. The new colour line-up includes: a combination of racing red & Alpine white and new Sapphire black metallic.

DUCATI MONSTER 795

Tailor made for Asia only. Yeah !!

D

ucati has finally revealed its low-cost motorcycle especially developed for the Asian market, the Ducati Monster 795. This is the first launch for Ducati outside Europe highlighting the importance of the Asian market.

The 795 is based on 696 model chassis and running gear but features the same 803cc motor available in the Ducati Monster 796. This helps it produce an identical power of 87PS. It’s a hybrid of the 696 and 796. The other major changes that keep the price in check are the double sided swingarm and narrower 3-spoke alloy wheels. According to the Ducati website, the motorcycle is currently available in Thailand, China, India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore. However, there is no word on the official price and availability in Nepal yet. But since the motorcycle 18

NOV / DEC 2011

is assembled in Thailand with a few parts sourced locally, we expect a considerable drop in the pricing. www.autolife.com.np

HERO IMPULSE 150

KTM UNVEILS FREERIDE 350

Hum Mein Hai Hero... Sing it aloud and ride !

The only easy going humble KTM

I

ndia’s largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp finally launched its first ‘Hero’ branded bike after the break-up of Hero Honda last year. The company is positioning the new 150-cc bike as a dual purpose bike that can be used for both normal commuting as well as off-road adventure. ‘Impulse’ has been priced in the Indian market at IC Rs.66,800 (ex-Delhi showroom).

Considering the dual purpose of the bike and the features it has, this comes at a slight premium compared to other normal 150-cc bikes. The Hero Impulse 150 is based on the Honda NXR 150 Bros and the only change in the Impulse 150 is that it bears the Hero logo and Impulse name. Other than these stickers, it is exactly same as the Honda NXR 150 that is currently sold in the Brazilian market. So, in terms of looks and styling, the Hero Impulse 150 is different in comparison to other 150cc bikes available in India and it is first-of-its-kind bike by an Indian bike manufacturer.

Hero Impulse 150 is powered by a four stroke 149.2cc air-cooled single cylinder engine, which generates maximum power of around 13.2 bhp with maximum torque of around 13.6 nm. The bike will be available in 5 shades: Black, Vibrant Blue Metallic, Sports Red, Leaf Green Metallic and Vibrant Orange.

K

TM, the world market leader for Enduro motorcycles has unveiled the Freeride 350. This is a motorcycle that has all the same genes as every KTM competition Enduro bike but is still quite different.

The aim was to create a bike on off-road wheels that could master the same challenges as a KTM EXC, but with significantly less effort and energy. At merely 99 kg, the Freeride 350, is an invitation to all those who have until now had no contact with this fascinating sport. The 350cc four-stroke power plant is said to boast 24 horsepower delivered via fuel injection and a slim, noise-reducing double pipe exhaust system. Of course, one of the biggest surprises is the composite aluminium frame design that is like nothing else we’ve ever seen from KTM. The Freeride 350 will be formally introduced at the Milan, Italy EICMA Motorcycle Fair this month, and should be available to consumers in spring of 2012.

NEXT GEN TVS APACHE’S Coming soon

T

he TVS Motor company’s flagship models, the Apache RTR series bikes are a popular choice with Indian enthusiasts, and for good reasons. Born with the solid foundation of racing heritage, the affordably priced RTR’s, 160 and 180 represent the best of both worlds, engineered to be relaxed enough to ride on a daily basis, yet still providing riders the thrills of exciting performance and sharp edged handling. The RTR 180 to its credit remains to date one of India’s select few motorcycles to provide riders the additional safety of ABS assisted brakes.

The Apache RTR’s are easily the best looking motorcycles from TVS, which is soon to be taken to the next level. Expect the shortly upcoming RTR variants to sport more contemporary, revised styling, while retaining all their sought after value-for-money features including a heady blend of performance, with good handling and adequate comfort. The new RTR should enter TVS

www.autolife.com.np

showrooms around with the next few months from now, and we don’t expect to see too much more than what is already offered by these bikes in terms of extra engine capacity or performance. But a refreshing take on the entire styling and design would be a welcome approach.

NOV / DEC 2011

19

MOTORING

Ducati 1199 Panigale

BIKE UPDATES

Insanity has a new name

D

ucati has unveiled the long-awaited 1199 Panigale Superbike alongside its entire 2012 range at the 2011 EICMA show in Milan. Ducati holds a special place in the superbike world of melt-your-retinas speed, and the introduction of the company’s new 1199 Panigale ensures that the Italian manufacturer won’t be giving up that spot any time soon. The Superquadro twincylinder engine generates 195 horsepower, which should be enough to propel the 165kg machine to well past the brink of sanity. The Panigale also benefits from a monocoque frame and the first electronically adjustable suspension on any superbike anywhere. That’s not the only technology on board; a GPS-based data acquisition system will track your performance. That little trick is a first for production motorcycles in general. Ducati has been kind enough to roll in the latest-generation sports ABS system, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Electronic Suspension, Ducati Quick-Shift, Ducati’s new race-derived Engine Brake Control and Ride-by-Wire all programmed into the seamless electronic rider assistance.

The package is expected to cost $17,995 for the base model, while S trim nudges the MSRP to $22,995. The top-of-the-line S Tricolore will fetch a more heart-stopping $27,995.

2012 KTM 690 DUKE Tool of urban destruction

K

TM finally unveiled the 2012 KTM 690 Duke.

With 90% of the bike being completely brand new, KTM says the new 690 Duke brings the Austrian company back to its street-naked roots, with an offroad influence of course. Accordingly, at the heart of the KTM 690 Duke is a 690cc LC4 single-cylinder thumper that puts out a crushing 70bhp and 70Nm of torque, while the whole motorcycle package weighs only 150kg (without fuel). Further refining the LC4 single-cylinder motor, KTM has created a new cylinder head, and added a dual-ignition system & ride-by-wire throttle for the 690 Duke. Anti-lock brakes have also been added and braking power comes from a Brembo radially-mounted caliper with a single 320mm brake disc, while suspension is handled by KTM subsidiary WP, and consists of fully-adjustable 43mm front forks,

and a fully-adjustable rear shock.

KTM is continuing its use of a Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame; while overall, the Austrian company has built the 690 Duke to be more durable on the road and more affordable to own (both in price and maintenance) for consumers.

The KTM 690 Duke is your typical Kiska-polished hooligan machine that looks like it would be a blast on any favorite back road, or in the city.

Gets streaks of more make-up

T

aking a cue from its successful Babelicious Collection, TVS Motor Company has launched the all black TVS Scooty Streak with attractive graphics to complement the uber-cool and trendy youth that this model is targeted at.

The new TVS Scooty Streak has slightly lower contoured seat, which gives the bike better ergonomics, comfort and ride quality. It comes with broad anti-skid tyres that provide

20

NOV / DEC 2011

NEW TVS SCOOTY STREAK enhanced wet braking stability and is equipped with an external fuel fill at the rear for refueling.

The bike is fitted with a mobile charger and a lockable front glove box to store handy items.

The sharp headlamps, LED tail lamps and contemporary styling take the Scooty Streak into a different league making it one of the most stylish scooters. TVS Scooty Streak is available in five different contrasting graphics scheme offering an even more edgy and exciting appeal. www.autolife.com.np

KTM 200 DUKE SPECS REVEALED Bring it on…

K

TM and Bajaj Auto have lifted the lid on specifications for the upcoming trendy and radically styled KTM 200 Duke. The Duke comes powered with a 200cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke, four valves, liquid-cooled and fuel injected engine. Its kerb weight of 137kg will make the 200 Duke considerably lighter than every Indian rival in its class, and 25bhp of peak power makes for a solid power-to-weight ratio of 182.4bhp per ton. Expect a close ratio, six-speed, one-down, five-up shifting transmission. The 200 Duke will carry the bulk of its weight low, including an under-slung exhaust system that sits just below the swing arm pivot section, to keep centre of gravity down for optimal handling. It also comes with 150mm travel suspension front and rear, with tough 43mm

upside down forks in front and a monoshock rear system, complemented by an ultra lightweight, inverted die-cast alloy swing arm. Sporty, low profile tyres will wrap around 17 inch rims front and rear, a 110 section in front and substantial 150 section rear unit. Brakes are a 300mm disc in front gripped by four-piston, radial mounted callipers and a 230mm disc at the rear.

The exciting and top drawer technology enriched street bike is all set for an India debut within a few months from now. Bike will be launched in India at the 2012 Auto Expo. While Bajaj hasn’t made an official statement of the Duke 200’s price tag, a logical estimate would peg it somewhere between IC Rs 1.2 to 1.35 lakh in India.

NEW MV AGUSTA’S The 675 brothers

L

ong awaited, the MV Agusta F3 and Brutale 675 finally showed itself at Eicma. These models are very important for MV Agusta with debut in the mid-size naked segment. The powerful three-cylinder engine with counter rotating crankshaft delivers 128 bhp and the lightweight chassis stops the dry weight at only 173 kg on the MV Agusta F3. Brembo callipers and ultralight wheels come as standard equipment. The new Brutale 675 also uses the same three-cylinder

675cc but the engine has been deeply revised, to adapt it for a smoother ride on the road unlike its supersport twin. The power drops to 115hp at 12,500 rpm, but this number still places the Brutale 675 at the top of its category. The new Brutale 675 is equipped with the same incredible electronic package MVICS (Motor &Vehicle Integrated Control System) of the F3, which includes Ride-by-wire, 4 engine map and 8 level traction control.

NEW MAHINDRA DEALER IN TOWN

S

G Global has acquired the dealership of Mahindra motorcycles for Nepal. The subsidiary of Shanker Group re-launched the brand on Nov 3 after taking over from the previous dealer. The company has opened two new showrooms at Teku and Naxal to sell Mahindra two-wheelers. The dealers appointed by Mahindra´s previous dealer will continue to sell the products and SG Global is also appointing new dealers across the country to expand Mahindra´s presence in Nepal´s two-wheelers market. To begin with, SG Global will continue selling the three different models of Mahindra -- Rodeo, Flyte and Duro - in the Nepali market. It has reduced price of Rodeo by Rs 4,000 as compared to prices fixed by the previous dealer. It has slightly increased the price of Duro, but has kept the price of Flyte unchanged. Rodeo will cost Rs 159,000 in the

www.autolife.com.np

Nepali market, while Flyte and Duro have been priced at Rs 151,900 and Rs 145,900 respectively.

NOV / DEC 2011

21

E

ATUR E F E F I AUTOL

NEPAL N I M O O R W O H S T S THE HIGHE

- Ankit Shakya

O

The government opened the roads to Jomsom for public use back in 2005 but till today travelling up there by road makes people think twice owing to the harsh and unforgiving terrain. But now, as you touch base in Jomsom, the newly opened Bajaj Showroom should not be difficult to notice. At 2800m above sea level, this is the highest altitude to have an automobile showroom in Nepal. The new outlet “Mustang Automobiles” was jointly inaugurated on 10th November 2011 by Shekhar Golchha, Executive Director of HH Bajaj, and Sanjay Saraswat, General Manager of Bajaj Auto India. Bajaj customers can now easily avail overall sales, service and spares parts for Bajaj motorcycles in probably the highest altitude automobile showroom in the world. As long as you are up here on a Bajaj motorcycle, you will not have to worry about the possible breakdowns with help at just a stone’s throw away. Also considering the fact that service and sales will be available at the same pricing as the nearest other dealer, owning a Bajaj motorcycle for the locals up there makes a good proposition.

It’s a very brave move by the company to establish a showroom in an area that is devoid of any access to tarmac for at least a 100kms. With such initiatives, vehicular activities are bound to increase on the forsaken roads and this should encourage the government to further develop good roads in the area wherever it’s possible. The locals too could find a quicker way to indulge in commercial activities without any second thoughts on owning a motorcycle. There is no doubt that road infrastructure along with vehicular services 22

NOV / DEC 2011

“

Bajaj customers can now easily avail 3S service at probably the highest altitude automobile showroom in the world

“

nce upon a time, flocks of children used to yell and rejoice at the rare moments of getting to chase those few vehicles that graced the beaten paths of Nepal more than half a century ago. As the vehicles disappeared leaving behind a thick cloud of dust, the children would eventually give up the chase. Back then it was considered the ultimate luxury to travel in a motor operated vehicle.

Today automobiles no longer remain just a luxury. It has become more of a necessity. Whether be it the car, motorcycle or the public transport; the working man needs a vehicle for transportation. People around the cities have begun to depend on their vehicles to earn their bread and butter. The dusty roads around the cities have been replaced by asphalt and the children have stopped the chase. However, the story remains the same as you move further into the rural areas. Road accessibility along with the number of vehicles decrease drastically and village children still flock together to chase the occasional vehicle. Thankfully, things do seem to be changing and steadily rural areas are being facilitated with roads and vehicular services.

is a crucial factor for the steady development of any area. More initiatives like these would encourage and inspire many people to indulge in business and jobs around their own local areas.

Now this open invitation of calling upon motorcyclist to easily access the area without any worries might be criticized by avid trekkers. Many will argue that the inception of wheels into the mystical area will kill the raw beauty of the area. But how long could you really keep an area underdeveloped and disconnected just for the sake of trek tourism in this fast paced world? What’s more amazing is the fact that most of us who petition against such developments are the ones who ride/drive around the city, have unlimited access to all the modern aspects of electricity and enjoy our city life. So how can we still wish to keep the people of these places away from any such modern services, just for the sake of our selfish motives of enjoying a raw trek around the region maybe once a year? With proper regulations and laws around the area, its beauty could be preserved in such a way that both tourism and commerce will flourish. Its high time people in these rural regions had their share of economic development too.

Though it cannot be predicted how sales will be up there at the moment, the Bajaj dealers here in Nepal definitely deserve a huge pat in the back for making such a bold move and providing the modern 3S service available at such a staggering altitude. We hope this goal of making their service available in every corner where Bajaj motorcycles are ridden, at the same cost will go on to serve as an inspiration. AL www.autolife.com.np

AUTOLIFE

TEST RIDE

THE NAKED PLAYER

IN THE CITY 24

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

Words - Ayush dhaubanjar Photography - Ankit Shakya

Hold on before you start imagining wild stuffs. Motorcycle with little or no fairing and limited bodywork, are appropriately termed as Naked Bikes. So relax, as we will be talking only about the Hyosung GT250 and nothing more... www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

25

Back in 2005, Kinetic Engineering Ltd. in collaboration with Hyosung Motors Korea launched the Kinetic Comet GT250 in India. I first came across the Comet on the back cover advertisement of an Indian auto magazine during the final years of my schooling in Darjeeling and fell instantly in love with it. Then and there I decided that once I got home, I would ask dad to get myself one if I secured distinction in my ICSE (SLC equivalent) exams. But sadly the bike was available only in limited numbers and failed to make its entry in the Nepalese market after running out of stock in India. To top it all, I didn’t score a distinction.

Fast forward six years and I am finally aboard its successor, the 2011 Hyosung GT250 and reviewing it on the roads of Nepal. So do I still look forward to fulfil that teenage dream? Read on...

26

NOV / DEC 2011

Hyosung is not a new brand to Nepal. Hyosung Motorcycles used to be sold here in Nepal around a decade ago. But then, only a custom cruiser was available and it had become a popular model. Sadly, the previous dealer ceased to exist after a couple of years, being unable to meet to the after sales service. But good news this time around is that Batas Brothers Motors of Batas Organisation has taken up the authorized dealership for Nepal, which is also the authorized dealer of Fiat and Eicher vehicles in Nepal. So with years of experience in the automobile sector, countrywide sales network, an excellent record of sales, service and spares, Batas Motors as a competitive business house should be capable of providing a satisfactory ownership experience. Hyosung’s product line-up now includes various models up to 678cc and the company has established itself into developed markets such as Australia, Northern Europe, Canada, and the United States. Today Hyosung brand of motorcycles is a well-known name within the international motorcycling community.

www.autolife.com.np

Many of you must be already wondering why we reviewed the GT250 naked model rather than the GT250R sports model. Firstly the standard naked model is a more practical and rideable motorcycle for Nepal rather than the sports model that can be tiring to ride on our traffic congested roads. Secondly both share the same technical bits and the only difference between the two is that the naked lacks the R’s aerodynamic full fairing and double-disc front brakes. Thirdly, yes I am a bit biased towards naked motorcycles. The 250R sure looks far lot better and chiselled with its legendary Ducati 999 and 2000-era Suzuki GSX-R inspired styling. But the GT250 is no less muscular. It is priced at Rs. 70000 cheaper than the sports model and in the long run will be cheaper to maintain especially after a fall with less breakable plastic parts like the R’s expensive headlight unit and engine fairing. Many updates to the first generation GT250 Comet have given a new face to this competent all rounder.

“ The GT250 is a breath of fresh air for the 250 classes in Nepal with its naked and aggressive stance ”

www.autolife.com.np

The 2011 GT250 is without doubt the best looking naked bikes in its class. Styling is a strong quality on the GT. Up front, an all-new angular and sporty semi-faired headlight houses a primary halogen and secondary twin running lamps but provides for minimum wind protection. The GT’s instrument cluster looks robust and is up-to-date with a digital speedo, analog tachometer, dual tripmeters, clock, fuel gauge, various indicators and offers adjustable backlighting.

Unlike the R model, the naked version has upright handlebars instead of clip-ons and they’re angled to provide a rather comfortable riding position. Combined with a neutral foot peg placement that sits just slightly rearward of the saddle, it makes for a pleasant riding position. The well-sculpted fuel tank on the twin spar steel frame with the sweet non-adjustable 41mm inverted front forks and beefy tyres add to the visual finesse and make it look like a solid performer. The Hyosung GT250R comes standard with a 300 mm front disc setup using twin-piston callipers and a single 230 mm disc at the rear. The design of the tail section is elegant with well cut out comfortable seats and a sharp LED clear tail light overlooking the 2 into 1 aluminium and stainless exhaust system. The GT250 is a breath of fresh air for the 250 classes in Nepal with its naked and aggressive stance. As far as styling goes, it looks and feels like a bigger cc bike. You could be forgiven for assuming the GT250 sticker on the tail to be a misprint!

The reason for this being that it is housed in a chassis similar in size to the larger Hyosung GT650 bike.

Forward motivation comes from the same 249cc air/ oil-cooled V-Twin as seen in the R model. The Hyosung V-twin engine was designed in Japan by a team consisting of engineers who have previously worked in the research and development teams of Suzuki.

It’s graced with dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and has electronic fuel injection. It’s mated to a five-speed transmission. The strong and powerful two-cylinder engine puts out a competitive 28.2 horsepower at 10500 rpm and 22 nm at 8000 rpm. All told, this package has pretty impressive figures that fall directly between its more well-known rivals, the Honda CBR250R and Kawasaki Ninja 250R. On paper the GT250 is quite a competent performer, with much lower grunt than a Ninja 250 and more top-end poke than the CBR250R.

NOV / DEC 2011

27

AUTOLIFE

TEST RIDE

“ The 2011 GT250 is without doubt the best looking naked bikes in its class

“

Seated on the saddle, you can feel that the ergonomics are spot on and the bike puts the rider in a nice, sporty but upright stance, which feels just right and comfortable. The GT250 comes with EFI for a smooth performance, low emissions and an easy start regardless of the weather.

After turning the ignition on, the EFI whirs to life and it is recommended to wait till the whirring stops before thumbing the starter. As the V-twin fired up, it was quite disappointing to hear a regular beat coming from the exhaust. I had expected a lively V-twin rumble considering the twin-engine set-up but my expectations were short lived. Maybe an aftermarket free-flow exhaust system could provide some aural enhancement and have the GT roaring in all its glory. The side-stand sensor is an interesting bit that cuts off the engine when the stand is on, as well as when the stand is taken out in gear. The engine needed some revving to launch the bike and you may have to slip the clutch a bit for a quick start. A bit more grunt low down would have been appreciated and it’s only after 2500 RPM that the bike begins to leap forward like a cheetah. And then, most of the power is stacked away in the upper reaches of the rev range. The clutch is light and the five-speed gearbox feels slick and notch-free. Vibration is relatively minor due to the perfect primary balance of 75-degree V-Twin. The massive brakes at the front and back though sufficient for a 250, initially lacked the feel and power.

But by the end of the test I could sense greater feel and improved power, likely due to the pads needing some running-in on this fresh bike which had just done only 40km in the odometer.

“ It’s only after 2500 RPM that the bike begins to leap forward like a cheetah “

28

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

The bike handles well with the handlebar providing adequate leverage and makes the bike easy to steer while on the move. The upright riding position is comfortable and gives great visibility in traffic. It should make a good set of wheels for commuting in the city and the occasional touring. But the GT250 could be a pain for the averagely short Nepalese riders to back off from standstills owing to its relatively high 790mm seat height. My only qualms about the GT’s street riding capabilities is the higher turning radius which require riders to make more back and forth effort while taking short U-turns and around tight gullies. The GT’s stock suspension setting is firm and provides enough stability through the corners. Neither shock units feature adjustment, except for preload tweaking in the back.

The chassis is happy being slung around high speed bends and the 110/70 (front) and 150/70 (rear) tubeless Shinkos are grippy enough, though feels a bit cold and hard at times. With ground clearance of 175mm one can also easily glide through the potholes like on the commuter bikes. It also handles two-up riding better than expected in spite of accommodation for pillion passenger being perched a bit high. Ultimately, the GT250 claims a mileage of 25kmpl allowing about 400 km range from its 17 litre fuel tank. So the GT250 has the performance, comfort and economy be it for city commuting or long distance rides and makes for a worthy bike.

“ GT is a delight for darting between vehicles in traffic and exploding through winding highway roads

“

Overall, I am pleased with the Hyosung GT250. Of course the sports GT250R is there if you want more styling and performance, but for a more practical and comfortable machine on the street, the GT250 is the right choice. The GT is a delight for darting between vehicles in traffic and exploding through winding highway roads. It does deliver impressive performance right in line with the other players in its category but sadly doesn’t cost the least like in the western markets.

If you are looking for a 250cc bike and 6 lakhs in cash is not an issue, then it is worth taking a look at the Hyosung. Had it been the cheapest 250 is the market, hell I would have got myself one eyes closed !! AL

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

29

AUTOLIFE

30

TEST RIDE

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

ENGINE Type

DOHC 8-valve 75째 V-Twin

Cooling

Air / Oil cooled

Displacement 249cc Bore x Stroke

57 x 48.8

Compression Ratio

10.3 : 1

Max Power

28.2Bhp @ 10,500rpm

Max Torque

22Nm @ 8,000 rpm

Fuel System

Electronic Fuel Injection

Lubrication

Wet Sump

Starting System Electric Emissions

Euro 3 compliant

Gears

Constant Mesh 5 Speed

Clutch

Wet Multi-plate

Final Drive Chain

FEATURES Frame Type

Perimeter Double Cradle

Overall Length

2095mm

Overall Width

780mm

Overall Height

1,120mm

Wheelbase

1435mm

Seat Height

790mm

Ground Clearence

175mm

Dry Weight 153kg Front Suspension

41 mm USD Cartridge Forks

Rear Suspension

Monoshock / Adjustable Preload

Front Tyre

110/70-17

Rear Tyre

150/70-17

Front Brake

Semi Floating 300mm Single Disc

Rear Brake

230mm Single Disc

Fuel Tank

17 Litres

WARRANTY Warranty

www.autolife.com.np

2 years / 20,000km

NOV / DEC 2011

31

AUTOLIFE

INITIATIVE

BIKE SAFETY

RIDING SAFELY

THE CHEAPEST INSURANCE POLICY

M

otorcycles are fast and evoke a sense of raw freedom the moment you see one. The only thing that comes to your mind when aboard one is ripping the beauty through the roads and talking to the wind all along the way. In this world of imagination where we ride, we tend to forget that there are certain safety tips that we should strictly follow to ensure a safe journey. Riding motorcycles can be a lot of fun, but it can be equally dangerous as well. There are several things you as a rider can do to help avoid accidents. Most of the things you can do, involve simply being aware of what is going on around you. Safely riding a motorcycle requires awareness and the ability to make instant decisions. Having some of these tips in mind while you ride will increase the likelihood of your being able to get yourself out of a situation that could otherwise be dangerous when faced unprepared.

So here’s how you could stay safer on the motorcycle: Before you hit the roads make sure your motorcycle is in top-notch condition and will not give up on you.

Always leave home well geared with a proper helmet strapped on and other life saving riding gears. Be well versed with the functioning and nature of the motorcycle you are riding.

Make the best use of your rear view mirrors (RVM).

Update yourself from time to time with the road traffic condition. Use the RVM before making any manoeuvres, when suddenly braking and while overtaking and cutting into other vehicles’ lane. For occasions like making a turn, always incorporate your RVM observations with the required side signals a considerable time and distance ahead of your action, to warn the vehicle behind you.

32

NOV / DEC 2011

Always keep a watch on your speed. This does not mean slogging through the road at 10km/hr. That experience would be of course similar to the one you have while walking. What you should do is be confident that, at the speed you are riding, you are capable enough and will have time to react to the obstructions on the road. Make sure your speed isn’t a threat to other road users. Don’t try to act Valentino Rossi on gullies!

Be wary of the vehicles in front, besides and behind you, especially the public transports. Watch out for vehicles at intersections, always maintain enough distance to save yourself from kissing the rear of vehicles, watch out for those true Gorkhali pedestrians who leisurely cross the road without the slightest fear of the speed you approach them at and animals who have no idea where they are. Slow down and let them pass rather than being adamant and trying to be the first one to cross the path. Why, because in the end the crash usually ends up heavy on your pocket and life. So why take the risk?

www.autolife.com.np

Overtaking is one of the things that can give you immense satisfaction while riding your motorcycle. But never cut in front of the vehicle you overtake too early mainly at high speeds. Avoid overtaking near junctions and bends. Make sure you position yourself well and do not fall in the blind spot of larger vehicles like trucks and buses. Be on the watch-out when you overtake stationary vehicles on the road for there could be some person or vehicle coming up front trying to get to the other side.

You have probably already heard this from your loved ones nearly a million times. Here we go again. Never ride a motorcycle under the heavy intoxication and influence of alcohol and drugs. Please cut the crap that when driving drunk you are actually more confident or more cautious.

It’s only a hallucination and a psychological gut feeling.

Alcohol and drugs only provide delusions and massively cuts down on your reaction time.

Remember that these basic tips definitely do not guarantee that you will never crash. In a place like Nepal, even if you are extremely safe it is likely that another reckless road user will bring you down. But preparing yourself for some of the dangers is a great way to help prevent them from happening. So ride to live and not live to just ride...Stay safe!

www.autolife.com.np

Be extra careful if you are riding at night, especially during the weekend when several drunk drivers and riders go about recklessly zooming down the road with the superior feeling of being the only ones on the road.

Make sure all your lights are functioning properly and you are well-noticed in the dark.

Do not give in to road rage and try to “get even” with another rider or motorist. Remember the road is not the place to race and never let your biker ego get the better of your ability. Know your personal limits. Also when someone is tailgating you from behind, either speed up to open more space or let them pass.

Stay totally focused.

Lastly always be cautious when you have a pillion on board.

When riding recklessly, your pillion either has their butt clenched in fear or his heart is already in his mouth. So it’s actually a lie when they tell you that they were having fun.

Riding a motorcycle recklessly can sure be one of the greatest feelings on earth but feeling guilty for the murder of your loved ones after a careless accident isn’t one of them.

NOV / DEC 2011

33

Shikhar’s

Vehicle Insurance

covers

• Accidental damage of the vehicles • Third Party Liability • Personal Accident of the driver and the passengers

W

ith congested roads everywhere, work pressure and time bound, we move on to our destination each day in our vehicles. How safe are we in such situations? Especially this is an important point to consider when we are in the roads of Nepal. So, auto insurance popularly known as Vehicle Insurance can help us during an unseen road event. Auto insurance covers both the damage of the vehicle and loss of vehicle by fire, lightning, explosion, earthquake, flood and inundation, storm & landslide, theft, etc, along with the accident of the driver and passengers. It also covers the third party liability generated due to the vehicle accidentally.

In cases where all the above mentioned risk is covered, it is known as comprehensive policy. But one can choose for all the risk or any one of them as per the requirement.

However, third party liability is the compulsory one. The amount of premium for vehicle insurance is tariff based and depends mainly upon the cubic capacity and the value of the vehicle.

For many of us vehicle is still a luxury and a huge damage or loss of the vehicle would mean huge investment loss that will take years to recover. Especially if one buys the vehicle on loan facilities, the loss would be enormous.

Head Office

Shikhar Biz Centre Fifth - Seventh Floor, Thapathali, P.O. Box: 11133, Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone No: 4246101, 4246102 Fax No: 977-1-4246 103 E-mail: info@shikharinsurance.com

AUTOLIFE

TEST DRIVE

From HONDA with LOVE ‘It loves you back’. Seriously, that’s what Honda has claimed in its marketing campaigns of the Brio. We drive it up to the lord’s abode at Swayambhu to check for ourselves if it truly is the lovey-dovey type.

36

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

raphy : Words & Photog AL Review Team

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

37

AUTOLIFE

TEST DRIVE

The Brio is the latest small and affordable car from Honda which has been designed especially for the Asian markets. It is Honda’s first serious attempt to capture the bubbling hatchback segment and hatchbacks being a popular life saver and revenue generators for the auto dealers, the Brio could stand to be the new bread and butter model of the company. With already established contenders such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Chevrolet and Ford in this class, it is a very important model for Honda’s line-up. For generations Honda has been delivering almost everything that a customer looks for in a car. But this time apart from the power, reliability and joy of driving, Honda claims to have given an additional touch of ‘LOVE’. So our review team took the small wonder for a quick city spin around Kathmandu to see for ourselves if it really loved us back.

38

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

EXTERIOR STYLING The Honda Brio when seen at first glance is an instant head turner for an entry level hatch. It’s got all the right curves and just the right shape to grab your attention. Up front the Brio is graced with a wing type chrome grill which has become a trademark of sort on most of Honda’s new models. The cat eye headlamps with integrated turn lights in them look chubby and shapely. The front bumper of the Honda Brio is low slung with a lot of curves on it and the air dam is an all black affair with integrated oval fog lamps placed on them.

Measuring just 3.6 metres in length with a turning radius of 4.5 m, the Brio makes for an ideal city car. At 930 kg, it’s also considerably lighter than a lot of its competitors. Look at it from the side and you will notice the crisp aerodynamic lines with the upward angle of the windows. Short rear spoiler and edge shaped bumper are said to provide optimized air flow and reduce the under body turbulence respectively.

Adding more character to the side profile are the electronic wing mirrors and pronounced wheel-arches which do not look empty even with the those puny 14-inch alloy rims.

The rear is the most sensational part of the Brio’s design with triangular tail lamps on either side. The glass hatch sure invites that hate it or love it judgement but no doubt provides a distinct and futuristic identity to the Brio on the road. For those who have doubts over the safety of the frameless glass lid, Honda insists that the rear frame has been

sufficiently stiffened for safety, and adds that the Brio has cleared all Japanese crash tests. Sadly, the glass hatch gets no defogger, leave alone a wiper. The full glass hatch provides great rear visibility from the inside and keeps the cabin well-lit even on a gloomy day. But you might want to be more careful when parking the Brio in an isolated area with your entirely visible valuables on the boot being an open invitation to the kleptomaniacs. Overall, the fit and finish is excellent and so is the paint job. The Brio’s design is rather unique and has some facets that make it cute and cuddly mostly for the fairer sex.

In short the Honda Brio is one of the best looking in the hatchback segment with a sporty and trendy styling on the outside.

“ The full glass hatch provides great rear visibility

from the inside and keeps the cabin well-lit even on a gloomy day

“

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

39

40

NOV / DEC 2011

“Brio feels amazingly spacious in spite of its compact dimensions

“

INTERIORS & TECHNOLOGY The Brio in the highest trim, comes with twin airbags, ABS, alloy rims, fog lamps, all four-power windows, central locking, keyless entry & engine immobilizer, a USB/aux-in stereo system and stereo controls on the steering and electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors. As you move inside, the Brio feels amazingly spacious in spite of its compact dimensions. The interior has a two-tone theme, dominated by light beige. There aren’t too many distractions on the dashboard in the name of features. The dashboard is a scooped out unit which provides for a comfortable legroom. Apart from the glove box there are also a number of cubby holes to store all sorts of stuff on the go. The chunky steering wheel fits neatly into the driver’s hands and the basic AC controls and 2-din music system with USB and Aux support fill up the mid section.

www.autolife.com.np

www.autolife.com.np

“ Good fit and

quality plastics used gives the interior an upmarket feel

“

Strangely, the stereo is positioned and angled towards the front passenger, away from the driver. This could be an area of complaint on the variants without the steering mounted audio controls. The dashboard layout looks different and bears the Honda signature – no frills, focused on practicality and uncluttered. Good fit and quality plastics used, gives the interior an upmarket feel. The triple analog 3D instrument meter gets the usual RPM gauge, speedometer, multi-trip meter with fuel-efficiency display and hazard displays. A notable function is the ECO lamp which glows when the Brio is being driven in fuel-efficient driving mode. This works as per the driver’s inputs, the vehicle’s speed and the gear to show if the car is running in economy mode or not. The seats at the front are bucket-type and the thinner seat backs enable for knee-room for the rear passengers. But Honda hasn’t put the seat height adjustment option for the driver which could be a concern for short drivers in terms of visibility. There is plenty of legroom at the back, and the rear seat is pretty substantial and comfortable. The rear power window switches are of the toggle variety and looks a generation old. The boot space is just about okay for this class with 175 litres of deep space. Unfortunately no split seats are available at the rear and the seats fold completely.

NOV / DEC 2011

41

42

NOV / DEC 2011

“ Behaves quite well in

the city traffic with the engine offering a decent amount of low end power

“

DRIVE QUALITY Powering the Brio is the tried and tested 1.2-litre i-Vtec motor from the Jazz. It makes 88 bhp@6000 rpm and 109Nm of peak torque at 4600 rpm. The powertrain on the whole is identical and the only difference is the gearing and ECU parameters. The motor is good enough to propel the Brio to 60 kph in about 5 seconds and by our rough estimation, should get the car to 100 kph in just under 13 seconds given the road. However, the 1.2 i-VTEC lacks low-end grunt.

There is enough low end juice but if you really want to enjoy the motor, it is best done either pedal to metal or when using the right and accurate gearshift to keep the engine on the boil. While driving uphill to Swayambhu, the sporty gear knob had to be occasionally downshifted to deliver a smoother drive. But it behaves quite well in the city traffic with the engine offering a decent amount of low end power to make your way through the slow moving traffic.

www.autolife.com.np

www.autolife.com.np

compact dimensions, “ The short wheelbase, small turning radius and light controls make the Brio a very easy car to pilot within dense urban traffic

“

The midrange is punchy and the Brio is good fun when it comes to the higher end of the rev meter. The light steering and clutch add to the city appeal. Its power steering is light, easy, surprisingly well weighted and pretty direct.

The compact dimensions, short wheelbase, small turning radius and light controls make the Brio a very easy car to pilot within dense urban traffic. Couple those with the huge rear view from the Brio, and you have a car that’s easy to back off even in the tightest of roads. The chassis is balanced, and the Brio can be huge fun on the corners too. For the front suspension, there are the regular McPherson struts while for the rear suspension, there is a torsion beam in the shape of a H. This Honda is stiffly sprung and in this very state of tune, it doesn’t manage to scrape the pot holes or speed bumps either. The brakes are also fantastic units. The brakes are adequate for fast runs, while pedal feel and modulation are notable. All in all the hatchback is right up there with the rest of its clan.

The claimed ARAI fuel efficiency of 18.4 kmpl might not be class leading for a hatchback sporting a 1.2 litre engine but it should keep the fuel efficiency minded customers sort of happy. Driving the new Honda small car in city traffic, empty straights and windy uphill roads, we found that the Brio has a fairly wide power band to handle all these conditions.

NOV / DEC 2011

43

AUTOLIFE

TEST DRIVE

ENGINE

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Type: SOHC i-VTEC No. of Cylinders: 4 No. of Valves: 16 Displacement: 1198cc, i-VTEC Fuel Type: Petrol Maximum Power: 88 Bhp @ 6000 rpm Maximum Torque: 109 Nm @ 4600 rpm Transmission: 5 Manual Top Speed: 170kmph Fuel Consumption: 18.4kmpl.

Warranty: 1year or 20000km

Length: 3610 mm Width: 1680 mm Height: 1500 mm Wheelbase: 2345mm Ground Clearance: 165mm Tyre Size: 175/65 R14 Suspension Front: McPherson Struts Suspension Rear: Torsion Beam Axle Brakes Front: Disk Brakes Rear: Drum Kerb Weight: 920kg Seating Capacity: 5 Fuel Tank: 35L

PRICE: Starting from Rs 20.99 Lakh

44

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

FINAL VERDICT The Brio is near about the perfect hatchback in all respects and offers a lovely combination of driving dynamics, interior space and fuel efficiency. The only downside being that Honda does not have a diesel variant on tap with the competitions offering diesel variants and petrol prices endlessly spiralling upwards. But the fact that the Brio comes with the Honda brand value and reliability can easily tilts the odds in its favour. As far as pricing goes, the top end fully loaded V variant retails for Rs 25.99 Lakhs and the lowest E variant will cost you 20.99 Lakhs only. There are other two variants in between and all come with a 1 year or 20,000km warranty. Colour options include Energetic Blue, Rally Red, Urban Titanium, Alabaster Silver, Taffeta White and Crystal Black Pearl.

So does the Brio have what it takes to go head-to-head against the best in its class? Yes, it does. Though we still can’t confirm about the Brio loving us back in that short affair, one thing is sure. Take the Brio in red and you will definitely fall in love.

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

45

H I

CAR SAFETY

A matter of LOL or OMFG?

olding out a conversation with the top of your friend’s head while he/she is texting someone else is no fun.

It is even more annoying when all you get is a grunt or a single syllable in reply. This is because texting is distracting. You have to read the text you received, absorb the text in your mind, contemplate a witty reply (or at times an emotionless LOL), look at the keys and coordinate your fingers at hyper speed to type your witty or emotionless LOL before finally hitting send. That is a whole list of things to do, and concentrating on anything else while texting is difficult.

Remember the voice that annoys you while texting an urgent reply? That is your friend having a conversation with the top of YOUR head.

A Recipe for Disaster Now that we have established how distracting texting is, let us get to the point. Texting and driving is a recipe for disaster.

Humans have not evolved enough to carry out so many activities at the same time, safely that is. Finding yourself inside the tailpipe of a truck because you were too busy texting your girlfriend on a busy road will definitely ruin your day.

There are all kinds of distractions in cars, from music menus to onscreen maps. All have the potential to distract. Is texting really

Words: Ajay Dhoj Thapa & Ankit Shakya

that much more dangerous? And if so, why?

Texting while driving has a particular power to distract because it is an activity that has visual, manual and cognitive components. It requires drivers to look at something other than the road (taking the driver’s eyes off the road for 4-5 seconds), do something other than handle the wheel and think about something other than driving the car. In other words, texting involves three categories that involve major driver distraction.

The most stunning fact, that most of us were oblivious to, is that texting and driving is even more dangerous than drinking and driving. No wonder drinking and driving gets a rap while texting and driving goes unscathed. With a legal limit of 0.03% blood alcohol level, drunken driving is strictly regulated... well it is regulated. However, it is very difficult to keep track of drivers using a cell phone while driving. Text drivers do not swerve randomly like drunk drivers however this just means that they are that much more unpredictable. Tests show that, they

Texting and driving is “ even more dangerous

than drinking and driving

“

AUTOLIFE INITIATIVE

I AM DRIVING HOME. WHAT R U UP 2 ?

46

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

LoL

will more likely ram a car from behind than drunk drivers will. An experiment where a car was rigged with a red light to alert drivers when to brake, tested how long it takes to hit the brake when sober, when drunk at 0.08% (Nepal’s legal rate 0.03%), when reading an e-mail, and when sending a text. In a deserted road strip, driving at 110kmph, the unimpaired took 0.54 seconds to begin breaking, 4 more feet before breaking when inebriated, 36 more when reading an email and a whooping 70 feet more when sending a text. That is a whole lot of asphalt when you are pushing 100 kmph on the Arniko Highway where people and cows appear magically in front of you from thin air. Posting: “Driving to Nagarkot for a kick ass time” on Facebook while driving is not necessary. Someone else commenting “Me too!!!!” on it is downright ludicrous.

Sadly, the highest proportion of cell phone related motor accidents that turn out fatal involves drivers under the age of 20. Texting is a fad amongst youngsters, everyone’s doing it. Researches show that drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. Talking on a cell phone while driving can make a young driver’s reaction time as slow as that of a 70 year old. Since youngsters are already labelled for performing irresponsible activities, let’s try and not add another badge to the already overwhelming collection. Text responsibly.

Act Sensibly So, what can drivers who are constantly bombarded with phone calls and texts do to stay safe while driving? Put the phone on silent. If you have just left home after a heated argument with your spouse, slandering messages and phone calls may be inevitable. And it is only human to immediately grab your phone when it goes off. Therefore, the best bet to be safe is to put it on mute when you enter your car. If certain calls and texts are too important to leave unattended, pullover to the side of the road -SAFELY- and answer it. Do not risk your’s and everyone else’s lives by trying to juggle too many things while driving.

Is Technology the Fix? What are automakers doing about it? One is an effort to make communication safer by converting text messages to voice messages that the system reads to the driver. That’s a feature available in Ford’s Sync system (available in the new Ford Fiesta).

Sync lets drivers reply with a voice call, or they can text back one of 15 generic responses by pushing a few buttons. The other approach to texting adopted by automakers is to warn www.autolife.com.np

on a cell phone while “ Talking driving can make a young driver’s reaction time as slow as that of a 70 year old

“

I’m texting while driving

customers that it is dangerous to take their hands off the wheel to tap out messages. GM’s OnStar connected-driver system is testing technology that would read Facebook content and text messages to drivers, and let them use voice commands for message replies or Facebook status updates. As in the Sync system, drivers could also choose to pre-set a text response to incoming messages. This way the drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road.

Also, software makers are scrambling to make applications that block texts and phone calls while driving. Most cellphone safety measures such as voice dialing and hands-free headsets were focused on keeping drivers’ eyes on the road. But now, Safe Driving Systems Corp. is building a system that takes over a cellphone’s display when its owner starts driving. Calls and text messages are received but can’t be accessed, though users can place emergency calls. The system includes an electronic “key” that is installed in the car and emits a bluetooth signal that disables the keypad while the car is running.

Another advance is being made by Vancouver-based Aegis Mobility Inc. It is developing DriveAssist, a software program that uses a phone’s GPS to detect when it is moving at driving speed and intercepts incoming calls and texts. It also blocks outgoing messages, which owner can override to make emergency calls.

We cannot put enough emphasis on the importance of safety here, or lack thereof. Nothing is worth putting your, or someone else’s life at risk. Reaction time is crucial when driving, especially at high speeds. Moreover, with texting doubling your reaction time, a split second negligence can cost a life. We implore you to act responsibly. For heaven’s sake, the texting can wait. Or simply pullover for a second if it is that damn important. Just imitate the microbus drivers who seem to find no harm in dropping off, or picking up a customer at a blind curve. Or just get to where you are going and tend to your cell phone there. If waiting 15 minutes can save your life why not? AL

NOV / DEC 2011

47

50

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

51

Words - Ayush Dhaubanjar Photography - Ayush / Ankit Shakya

Yamaha FZ-S

T

he FZ has been a head turner on the roads ever since it was launched back in 2008. As if it wasn’t already enough, MAW recently launched the Yamaha FZ-S with cosmetic upgrades and few improved tweaks in the engine with an added much called for kick-starter. So read on as Autolife gets it alive and kicking... with three days of extensive riding.

One look at the newly face-lifted FZ-S in the black and green combo and the first thing that comes to my mind is the Hollywood movie, ‘The Green Hornet’. As I got aboard the bike, I could not help but let my imagination run wild. If a Bollywood remake of the movie was ever to be made, this bike could definitely be the perfect vehicle of choice for the protagonist to chase the local goons around the narrow streets and gullies. The Indian FZ heavily borrows design cues from its stunning looking big brother, the FZ-1 and is hence equally dazzling to look at. To say that the Yamaha FZ can be easily mistaken for a European standard motorcycle wouldn’t be an understatement. The FZ16 was a looker and instantly called for attention when it was launched. Designed to show minimum gaps and following a solid theme, the FZ16 was sculpted by old Yamaha partners, GK Dynamics of Japan. The FZ series along with the R15 has been the lifesavers for Yamaha India and brought it back to its RX glory days when they were experiencing a rapid market slump.

“To say that the Yamaha FZ

“

can be easily mistaken for a European standard motorcycle wouldn’t be an understatement

Today, it’s still not possible to lose focus when you’re looking at the newly coloured Yamaha FZ-S. It is both shapely and eye-catching. With its emphasis on consistently delivering innovation and novelty to its valued customers, India Yamaha Motor has introduced new colour variants on the FZ-S. Vibrant colours adorn these muscular machines along with new logos and graphics to match the changing tastes of the discerning customers. After much research on colours and customer preferences, Yamaha has introduced four new colours for FZ-S – Golden Streak, Competition White, Black Cyber Green and Yellow Streak. The overall idea is to have freshness in the product category, which is in line with the company’s promise to give newness to its customers.

Therefore, what you get apart from the new colour combinations are a blackened exhaust cover and a kick starter.

52

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

When other manufacturers are dropping the kick lever from their bikes, Yamaha has surprisingly gone “backwards” and put the odd looking kick lever catering to the demand of the customers. The placement is a bit ugly on the refreshing design but that should do the trick for most of those FZ riders who compromise on their regular battery and electric check-up. The same wide and conical front headlight with a small city light at the bottom stare forward from below the FZ’s LCD instrument bay. The instruments include an impressive rev counter, speedometer, fuel gauge and dual tripmeter. The engine starting signal and digital RPM adds to the spirit of innovation. It has a splendidly sculpted 12litre fuel tank but the fuel-filler cap sadly still lacks a pivot point. The FZ-S comes with a stylish engine cowl, constructed with vents to direct and scoop airflow straight to the engine and spark plug. Other impressive details comprise alloy footrests for the rider and pillion, neatly executed rear grab-bar, mid-ship exhaust, mud guard integrated rear lights and a clever rear tyre hugger. The bike deploys a city-friendly, broad and a relatively low-set handlebar and the switchgears on the handlebar have a solid, built-to-last feel. A useful engine-kill switch is part of the package, as is a handlebar-mounted choke lever on the left.

Yamaha claims that the latest FZ-S is powered by an improved and newly designed 153cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder, 2-valve engine. Though the max power output of 14Ps and a max torque of 13.6Nm are still the same on paper, we did notice some improved tweaks in the engine over the three days of extensive riding. The initial pick-up has been improved with an updated carburettor and there is minimum vibration even in the higher RPM’s. This engine does its job coupled with a smoother five-speed gearbox. Flawlessly spaced gear ratios with a well-weighted clutch that leave little room for enhancement allows the rider to ably utilize the bike’s good low and mid-range power nature. Another thing that uphill ascents now hardly require quick downshifting was significant. Performance is nimble enough for a 150cc engine and it has a very user-friendly wide power band.

“ The initial pick-up has

been improved with an updated carburettor and there is minimum vibration even in the higher RPM’s

“

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

53

54

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

The wide handlebar makes this Yamaha perfectly suited for stress-free city cruising as well as faster highway riding. But the hand grips are on the harder side and it is recommended to switch to better and comfortable aftermarket ones. The Yamaha uses a usual diamond-type, single downtube tubular frame that houses the engine. A clear plus over its rivals is the FZ’s firm 41mm front forks, that are able to condense 130mm. A Monocross rear suspension unit provides 120 mm of wheel travel at the rear and inhibits bottoming while riding with a tandem passenger as well.

The FZ comes with a 267mm front disc-brake and rear drum unit that works in tandem to pull the bike along carefully from speeds. Its chunky, tailormade radial, tubeless and unique compound 100/80 and 140/60 section MRF tyres work wonderfully to provide massive traction and a steady and planted feel. The FZ offers ideal straight line steadiness and excellent high-speed cornering manners at all times. The FZ-S’s competent handling dismisses meandering hilly sections with ease. During our test runs, it also surprisingly rained in the middle of nowhere in winter and comparatively it felt more confident and planted in the wet surface. The FZ-S feels just as comfortable and inspirational off road as it does through the corners and straights. The amalgamation of the FZ-S’s comfy upright riding stance, well-padded seat, wide handlebar and beefy radial tyres works beautifully.

During our three day run, the FZ-S returned a mileage of 40km to a litre, which is very much appreciable for the power that impressively drives the massive radial tyres.

To sum it up, the FZ-S does make sense for riders looking for a bit more attention for the money they pay. The FZ-S is also a good learners motorcycle, especially for college students who are looking for both power and styling at an affordable price. This freshening up of the FZ line-up should keep the FZ fans happy and the new colour scheme sure turns heads on the streets. But, it’s time Yamaha India gave the FZ a major overhaul with the 250cc market catching up fast in India.

The next time the FZ is given an upgrade I hope it’s much more than cosmetic changes. A 250cc engine with rear disks, projector headlights and upside down forks on the same styling provided with a practical Yamaha pricing would easily seal the deal for enthusiasts like me. With such powerful features and more green colours, the bike could actually serve as a good city bike for Seth Rogen in the Hollywood sequel of ‘The Green Hornet’, which is of course if both are ever going to be made. But you never know. Regardless, we love the new look!! AL

“ The FZ-S feels just as

comfortable and inspirational off road as it does through the corners and straights

“

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

55

Engine Engine type Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC Displacement 153.0cc Bore & Stroke 58.0 × 57.9mm Compression ratio 9.5:1 Maximum output 14Bhp @ 7500 rpm Maximum torque 13.6 Nm @ 6000 rpm Starting method Electric & Kick Lubrication type Wet Sump Fuel Supply Carburetor Clutch type Wet, multiple-disc Primary/secondary reduction ratio 3.409 / 2.857 Transmission type Constant mesh 5-speed Gear ratio 1st=2.714 2nd=1.789 3rd=1.318 4th=1.045 5th=0.875 Cylinder layout Single Cylinder Battery 12 V, 5.0 Ah Chassis Frame type Diamond Suspension (front/rear) Telescopic/ Swingarm Wheelbase 1,334mm Brake type(front/rear) Disc/Drum Tire size (front/rear) 100/80-17 / 140/60-R17 Headlight 12 V, 35/35W Caster / trail 25 degree/ 101 mm Dimensions Overall Length × Width × Height 1,973 mm × 770 mm × 1,090 mm Seat height 790 mm Wheelbase 1,334 mm Minimum ground clearance 160 mm Kerb weight 135 kg Fuel tank volume 12 liters Engine oil volume 1.2 liters Price Rs 2,14 ,900 56

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

BLACK CYBER GREEN

NEW COLOR VARIANTS COMPETITION WHITE

GOLDEN STREAK YELLOW STREAK

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

57

AUTOLIFE

WISHLIST

I

n ‘Autolife Wishlist’, we focus on automobile brands that we wish to see in the roads of Nepal. Definitely, taxes are sky high in the country, but on a lighter note, it definitely does not kill anybody to make a suggestion.

K

ronreif Trunkenpolz Mattighofen… So does that name ring any bells? I bet not. Ladies and Gentlemen, that is the full name of one of the most famous motorcycle manufacturers in the world, we popularly know as KTM. Forget about memorizing the complex full name; first try getting the pronunciation right and that too in Austrian accent! Never mind, let’s stick by its abbreviation KTM, by which the company brands itself around the globe. Today KTM dirt bikes have a global presence. In the international scene, whether you are weaving through trails, riding the dunes or hitting the MX track, you are bound to see a blur of black and orange tearing it up. KTM has a large and impressive range of models on offer for almost any type of rider out there.

THE FUTURE IS ORANGE KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and moped manufacturer founded in 1934 by engineer Hans Trunkenpolz in Mattighofen. It started out as a metal working shop and it wasn’t until 1953 that KTM began the production of motorcycles. Only in 1954 with just 20 employees, KTM began producing motorcycles at the rate of three pieces per day. Then in 1955, a businessperson named Ernst Kronreif became shareholder of the company and on acquiring a sizable portion of the company it was then renamed Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen, which stands for - the two founders’ names and the place where it all began. In an interesting turn of events in November 2007, Indian two-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto acquired 14.5% stake in KTM Power Sports AG, parent company of KTM Sportmotorcycles and by May 2011, Bajaj Auto acquired a 39.03% stake. KiskaDesign, a Salzburg-based design firm designs KTM’s awesome motorcycles and is responsible for the overall branding for KTM; including the design of the vehicles, shops, exhibits and printed material. Ever since the early years of motorcycle production at KTM, almost all components for the motorcycles are built in-house.

KTM manufactures most of its models for extreme off roading, be it competition or cross-country. You throw sand, gravel, a river, mud or snow and KTM’s range of motorcycles will easily chew and spit

58

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

out those surfaces. KTM dirt bikes have become a competitive force not only in the enduro and trail scene, but also around the motocross track. KTM dirt bikes have been crossing the finishing line first in many international events including the excruciatingly difficult Paris-Dakar Rally, proving their engineering brilliance in the enduro scene. Though KTM is most commonly known for its rugged off road motorcycles, in recent years it has also expanded into street motorcycle production. The brand has been enjoying its fair share of success in the Supermoto and Superbike competitions. Another notable feat by KTM is the production of the X-Bow, an insane but innovative sportscar and the only fourwheeler manufactured by KTM. KTM machines evoke a lot of excitement the moment you see it.

Personally I think orange is a not so appealing colour, but KTM never fails to amaze me with their official colour combo of Orange, Black and White on each of their bikes. KTM motorcycles could be priced a bit higher than its competitors, when it finds its way into Nepal, but quality does come at a price. Practically talking, KTM’s range of motorcycles also seem much more rideable on our forsaken roads. You could easily tackle the numerous off road sections with the robust KTM Enduro and ATV models, rule the streets with the über cool KTM Supermoto and extremely naked Duke series or make the road trips to unimaginable places around the country in the indestructible Adventure range. KTM has a huge line up of its competition motorcycles that are sold as ‘ready to race’ models. However, that might seem useless for Nepal with no international level racing competitions organized in the country, unless you want to frame it in your garage. It is their two-stroke ranges, which are cheaper, and the most exciting to ride, but sadly two-strokes are no longer road legal in Nepal, stating emission threats. The playful handling of KTM’s motorcycles is legendary and promises to offer unparalleled riding pleasure. Moreover, KTM are showing no signs of fading away in the near future!

Good news is that, with their tie up with Bajaj Auto, KTM has been eyeing the booming Indian automobile market and this increases the chances of riding relatively cheaper KTM’s in Nepal too. In addition, with the Indian launch of the much-awaited KTM Duke 200 around the corner, we could soon find KTMs in Kathmandu.

In fact, with the same abbreviation as our capital, most of the ignorant ones will have to be constantly reminded that KTM isn’t really a locally assembled or manufactured bike. Nevertheless, until that day arrives when we have a KTM showroom somewhere down in Kathmandu, check out the pictures of some of the latest models on offer for you to drool over... AL

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

59

AUTOLIFE

PROMOTES

VINTAGE CAR AND BIKE SHOW

BY

I

n 2007, KGarira kicked off by managing and promoting events in Nepalese communities in Sydney. Today KGarira is working on making itself globally known by producing and promoting events that attract audiences from all over the world. In addition, with their most recent attempt with ‘Kathmandu Fashion Parade’ KGarira is definitely making its mark on the Nepalese audience.

Coming to the point, we have good news for all you auto enthusiasts, come November 26th 2011, Kgarira is organizing a Classic and Vintage Car and Bike Show, to commemorate the glorious history that Nepal has had about the automotive industry. It is a one of a kind event, which is certain to entertain the hungry auto-maniacs with its display of an array of the vintage machines of Nepal.

With Nischal Bajracharya, Dipesh Ghale, and Shoki Shakya on the controls, Kathmandu should be gearing up for quite an event.

Here is what Shoki Shakya, co-organizer of the event had to say to our Autolife representative Ankit Shakya regarding the upcoming exhibition.

Venue : St. Xaviers School Ground Date : 26th November Time : 10am to 5pm Price : Rs. 100

AL: With the better part of the population opting for new and technically advanced automobiles, what made you decide on a vintage car and bike exhibition?

Shoki: I take it that you have already heard about the government levying a tax raise on old (vintage) cars and what not. And for vintage enthusiasts their possessions are not just a means of transportation but something much more. It doesn’t seem fair that people who own vintage cars have to go through all the extra trouble to hold on to their possessions. Cars are usually more than just a car; it’s a part of your life, especially if you have it for such a long time. We want to make people realize the actual value of the vintage cars, so we are petitioning against the government’s decision regarding the vintage cars.

AL: As a normal pedestrian passing through your exhibition, what can I expect to see if I decide to drop by?

Shoki: All cars and motorbikes on display will be dating before the 1980s dating back to 1927. The registration to participate in the show is free. The classic Toyota that was first seen in Kathmandu as a taxi cab will be making an appearance (think of the yellow taxi cab Checkers in New York, that’s what I want for the Toyota), there are a number of Fords and more. We will also have band performances, bingo and Splash Football as well as food stalls and other attractions.

AL: Vintage cars have its own niche market in many foreign countries and are highly maintained and valued. So, are you getting any vintage cars from abroad to display in the show?

Shoki: No, nothing from out of the country. And hopefully if this event is successful, next year we will try to route the Peking to Paris Vintage Car Rally that took place in 1997 from here.

AL: Does that mean we can expect to have this show as an annual happening?

Shoki: Yes, definitely if all goes well. We are trying to get the Beatle rally started from here as well.

AL: I have a really old and retired Honda CG resting in my yard; can I register that for the show?

Shoki: If it’s from before 1980 you can, and tell your saathi bhai as well.

AL: But I doubt if my CG has enough oomph left in it to rumble back to life.

It’s probably the same case with most vintage “old” vehicles. So what about them?

Shoki: If it’s completely scrap material, we will take photographs and create a photographic story, which tells people about the car and when and how it was brought in. But till now we have 42 vehicles that are in moving condition and we are sure that there are plenty more who will be eager to join in by next year.

60

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

AL: What kind of response are you expecting from this show?

Shoki: Hopefully this will be a success like all of the other KGarira events. This show has been postponed so many times before due to bad weather and other complications, but this time we are powering through and will make it a great event.

AL: It is difficult to expect smooth sailing when you plan something this big in Nepal. Has there been any other obstacle for the show? Queue entrance: government limitations.

Shoki: None till now, but we do want to exhibit the vintage cars that are in the Narayanhiti palace right now. That would definitely be a crowd pleaser and we are requesting the Ministry of Culture.

AL: Do you have any particular vintage car on your wishlist at the moment?

Shoki: The Datsun 510 (he answered before I completed my sentence). I’ve had it on my mind for quite some time now.

I heard someone in Sanepa has it. I also like the Mercedes 108.

potential to become a vintage classic provided they are not scrapped for metal. But I think the boxy old Land Cruiser, maybe the Toyota Crown, Pajero… maybe the Land Rover 110.

AL: The show definitely seems like a potential crowd pleaser. Is there something else that you would like to add regarding the Vintage Auto Show?

Shoki: Well we have vehicles coming from Kendra B. Shah, Nepal’s acclaimed car collecter; Dinesh Shrestha and other well known vintage car enthusiasts. Also, we are inviting Sainla Dai (Chetra Raj Singha) who is one of the first mechanics of Nepal known to restore vintage cars. We also have a separate section for car enthusiasts that will feature the MR2, a couple of FTOs and other cars.

The Classic Vintage Car and Bike Show is definitely worth anticipating, especially for auto enthusiasts like us who live breathe and dream auto. See you at the St. Xaviers School Ground. AL

AL: It looks like you’ve always had a thing for vintage cars.

Why such a soft spot for vintage cars?

Shoki: Yeah, probably because my dad collects them.

AL: Which modern machine do you think would be treasured in the future as a vintage classic by today’s generation?

Shoki: If you look in the dictionary, vintage is defined on the basis of years or a period of origin, so all vehicles have the

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

61

Gadgets & TECHNOLOGY Drivemocion LED Car Sign Car gadgets make your driving experience more convenient, a little more fun and not to forget, flashy. Take a look at some of the cool gadgets that we think would definitely come in handy while driving. Although not all of these gadgets are currently available in the Nepali market, they are easily available abroad and you can get them through various sources if you want them in your car. Not only do we believe that these gadgets are aptly suited for our traffic conditions, they seem extremely useful and great fun.

If you’ve ever wanted to communicate with a fellow driver but prefer to avoid all human interaction, here’s the gadget for you. Drivemocion makes a whole line of LED-light “expressive car message signs.” Depending on the model, available word messages include THANKS and BACK OFF, and emoticons include happy, sad, angry, and goofy faces, as well as a flirty face with heart-shaped eyes. There’s even a digital version of a favorite gesture normally made with a single hand digit.

Price: Rs. 2500 approx.

With cars getting faster and the environment getting rougher and number of accidents and calamities rising, the SOS CarMate is quickly becoming standard safety equipment.

Handier than your best friend when you’re stuck in a situation on the road, the SOS CarMate comes with these 6 lifesaving features: •

A specially designed Hammerhead easily breaks your car’s shatter proof windows (that are made of toughened glass) in a single hit, A Protected Razor-Sharp Blade cuts through seat-belts while in an entrapment, An Airbag Puncture Spear aids quick escape after a crash, A Loud Whistle calls out for attention when you seek it most, Distress Lights inform passersby’s of a situation, An LED Torchlight comes in handy at anytime to search in the dark spots in and around your car.

• • • • •

TFT Mirror Monitor with Rear-View Night Vision Camera This anti-glare rear-view mirror is really a 7” monitor capable of showing live video from a license-platemounted night-vision camera. When reversing into tight spots, your rear view mirror ‘automagically’ converts into a screen with a night vision view of what’s behind you. How cool is that? It can also be used as a monitor for a DVD player or a video game.

Price: Rs. 16000 approx.

It comes with a magnetic mount bracket that holds the tool firmly in place and can be placed within reach of the driver.

Plus, it’s compact, light weight and ergonomically designed making portability and use effortless.

Price: Rs. 1300 approx.

SOS CarMate Worn around the wrist of the driver, the device uses motion together with reaction time to determine whether or not the driver is suffering from fatigue, and if the indication is positive, the bracelet vibrates and the driver can take precautionary steps to improve his condition before he is all set to hit the driver’s seat again.

GoPro HD Motorsports HERO Camera The 1080 pixel HD HERO is an “on board video and still photo racing camera,” says the GoPro website.

The rugged camera can be mounted to helmets, cycles, cars, planes, jet skis, boats and other vehicles, whether the intention is to document a road trip, record proof of extreme driving exploits, or have a personal record of mishaps.

Price: Rs.21000 approx.

Price: NA Alert Driver Fatigue Wrist Device 62

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

Apps for your Autolife Car Minder Plus

iPhone

Car Minder is an application for managing all your car maintenance needs, logging repairs and tracking fuel economy.

Keep track of multiple cars, services and repairs. Keep track of oil changes, tyre rotations, and other maintenance tasks for all your cars. Never have to wonder again when your car needs it’s next oil change or the last time you replaced those squeaky windshield wipers. Detect potential problems early by tracking your fuel consumption. This app definitely helps to prolong the life of your car.

Autolife suggests - Use Car Minder to get the most out of your vehicle.

Features Manage Multiple Cars Manage Multiple Services for Each Car Repair Log for Each Car Gas Log for Each Car Service Intervals for Mileage and Date

BTW – this is also great for motorcycles!

aCar

Lights indicating services that need attention Maintain Complete Service History Store notes for each Car, Service and Service Record Miles/Kilometers and Gallon/Litre Options Optional Built-In Services to help you get started Notification when services are due soon or overdue Graph Fuel Economy over time Email Vehicle Service and Repair History Reordering of Cars In-App Help Configurable Service Warning Ranges Multiple ways to calculate Fuel Economy Option to not have a mileage or monthly service interval (just leave it as 0)

TRY IT and let us know @

hello@autolife.com.np hello@autolife.com.np

Android

An all-in-one application to track and manage your car: maintenance, fill-ups, fuel mileage, expenses, business trips.

Features Time and mileage based service reminders: Engine Oil, Air Filter, etc Multiple units: MPG, gal/100mi, mi/L, km/gal, L/100km, km/L Multiple vehicles support Powerful searching and filtering Thorough statistics for your vehicle [Pro!] Localized and translated into the following languages: German, Spanish, French and Italian [Pro!] Charts for fill-ups, services, expenses and trips [Pro!] Data import from various sources

[Pro!] Manual and automatic data backup/restore [Pro!] Export records to Excel compatible CSV format [Pro!] Export statistics to Excel compatible CSV and browser viewable HTML formats Move to SD-Card support (Android 2.2 and later)

Keywords car, vehicle, fuel mileage, gas mileage, fill-up, fillup, maintenance, service, expense, trip, mileage, fuel, gas, track, tracker, manager, management, mpg, cost, statistics, report

www.autolife.com.np

TRY IT and let us know @

hello@autolife.com.np hello@autolife.com.np NOV / DEC 2011

63

road playlist

of the month - DJ Ashutosh

F

inal Goodbye is the song dedicated to Marco Simoncelli from Autolife team. One of the best racers and a wonderful human being in Moto Gp scene. May your soul rest in peace and this is the Final goodbye.... You will be missed.....

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Final Goodbye Wet The Bed Party Beyonce ft. Andre 3000 Without You I like girls Deuces

7. Bottoms Up (Feat. Nicki Minaj)

Rihanna Chris Brown Ft. Ludacris Kanye West David Guetta Coolio Chris Brown Featuring Tyga & Kevin McCall Decues Trey Songz

8. California love 2pac 9. Mehbooba Mehbooba Sholay 10. Aati Kya Khandala Ghulam 11. Jaba ma puge 60 Mt.8848 12. Chudaina Timro Mayale Nepsydaz 13. I like it Enrique Iglesias 14. The Only Thing That Looks Good Bryan Adams 15. Numb-Encore LinkinPark

Gamer's Zone THIS MONTH

F1 2011

Game review by Deep Rana

Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360 & PC (Tested on a PS3) Available at : Suwal, Lazimpat Price : PS3 - Rs 5,000; Xbox 360 - Rs 250; PC - Rs 150

The graphics are superb in their every detail First of all, let me stress that F1 2011 is a simulator and not an (games like these are arcade racing game; so do not expect (though you can always what HDTVs are made try) to be taking a corner, whilst drifting, at 100 miles an hour for), the sounds are and expect to emerge unscathed (à la Fast and the Furious). immaculate to the Odds are you will find your magnificently detailed Ferrari extreme (turn volume spinning off on to the gravel, or worse, find the tyre barricade up here), the weather patiently waiting to take a chunk off your shiny red nose. effects are simply magnificent, the speed is palpable and ultra Building on from last year’s British Academy Video Games Award smooth, and everything else comes together perfectly giving you unparalleled control. When the race is over, you get a very winner for sports (F1 2010), F1 2011 features the customary impressive victory animation, and this really does give you a terrific updating of driver roster, cars, rules change, and addition of sense of achievement and you even get to be interviewed by the new circuits, as you would expect at the least. The menus are press. Just this alone makes you want to try that bit much harder basic to begin with, but functional, and do not detract from the to win. You may think that F1 2011 has a short life span of just one experience. There are four options: Single Player, Multiplayer, Proving Grounds (practice) and the Options. For gamers in Nepal, or two seasons, but the fact that it takes several seasons before you get invited to drive for a team like Ferrari guarantees numerous the Multiplayer option is rarely used (except for split screen sleepless nights and regretful mornings in class or office. mode), so a game has to have a heck of a Single Player mode, and believe me, F1 2011 does not disappoint. The single player Some people have commented that this is only for F1 fans that have career mode is so much more thought-out than usual racing a good knowledge of the sport. That is often used as a criticism, but games, and you really do get the sense of starting from the to be honest, the level of difficulty in F1 2011 and the depth of the bottom - to rise majestically as a champ only after showing a F1 experience appear to have been coded flawlessly. There is no significant degree of talent. If you choose to do so, you also get handholding, no ‘driving school’, no stunts or other silly things like to tune the car with a simple slider, or tweak the car and finethat, just pure, frenzied, exhilarating F1 action. Definitely one for the tune it to perfection in the hope of gaining that extra 0.01 of a collection. second to pip Mr. Smug Hamilton to P1.

64

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

Powered by AUTOLIFE

ROADTRIP

RIDE TO THE

FAR WEST The Road Less Travelled

Words : Ayush Dhaubanjar Photography : Ayush, Sohyal, Monish

Riding to places that are not frequented, always bring immense pleasure to me. So this time around I decided to revisit the less talked about far western region of Nepal, Mahendranagar. I had last been there as a 10 year old when my dad drove us in our rugged and reliable Maruti Van during one of the family road trips. However, for most part of the trip I remember dozing off in a deep slumber, even with the frequent pot-hole jerks failing to wake me up. So all I remember of the far western trip back then was passing through the huge Karnali Bridge. That was it!

Fast forward fifteen years, and the far western side of Nepal is still an understated tourist destination in the country. Even when the idea of a roadtrip springs up, the landmarks of the far west are rarely even considered. But, I wanted to relive those past moments and refresh my memory. So, it was a very carefully planned ride till the far western motorable tip of Nepal ranging almost 2000km to and fro. As always, I found companion in my touring partner Sohyal Karki and my cousin Monish Mulepati who happily agreed to be a part of the tour. The three of us riders on our Bajaj Pulsars geared up with the enthusiasm to compensate the comforts of home for nine days on the road. We left home with the determination to have extreme fun, but still be safe and get back at our doorsteps all in one piece. In a place like Nepal where there is a dearth of strict road rules and regulations, you never know what surprise may pop up on the next corner.

So, here is how it went...

66

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

DAY 1 We set off from Kalanki at around 9am in the cold winter morning and rode out of the valley with the tripmeter reset to zero, and Kathmandu gradually blurred from our rear views mirrors. As we passed the valley exit point at Nagdhunga and rode down the bumpy curves towards Naubise, I couldn’t help but recollect memories of all those previous rides under the visors of my helmet. After the 20km downhill run till Naubise we took the Tribhuwan Highway diversion towards Hetauda. Then we rode uphill towards Daman, a beautiful hill station boasting of one of the most splendid panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range in Nepal. With 70km in the tripmeter we made it to Daman and stopped by for the much needed breakfast on our empty stomachs. Sadly the views we had were nothing close to fantastic courtesy of the cloudy morning. After a hearty breakfast, we continued downhill towards Hetauda through the already traversed hairpin bends, which first ignited my love for the corners and twisties. But just as I was beginning to enjoy the corners I was confronted with a puncture in the front tyre and I was pretty sure there were no signs of any garage until the next 30kms to Hetauda. So instead of leaning into the corners I was taking it slow, trying my best to prevent the wobbly tyres

from offering me a crash. I had to ride on the flat tyre for around 15km until I came across this empty three wheeler tempo who finally agreed to transport the bike till the next garage for Rs.350. It was indeed a sight to watch for my fellow tourers who were laughing their asses off seeing me and the bike cramped into the tempo that was screaming away at a breakneck speed of 25km/hr or so. After half an hour we reached Hetauda and straight away headed for a late lunch with the bike dropped at the nearby garage so as to save time. The afternoon sun was already dipping into the horizon and we decided to make the first stop for the night, 80kms away at Narayanghat. As we moved on, I was blessed with another puncture in the same tyre just a few kilometres from Hetauda. Not again! Luckily this time help was just nearby and in order to avoid any more trouble, I decided to have the troublesome tube replaced with a new one and we sped away to Narayanghat with the three bikes in tandem plying on the deserted Mahendra Highway. We reached Narayanghat at 6pm and after a typical Nepali dinner; we reviewed our ride plans for the next day and hit the bunkers for the night after accomplishing 215km on Day 1.

“ The afternoon sun was already dipping into the horizon and we decided to make the first stop for the night ”

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

67

DAY 2

68

NOV / DEC 2011

“ Due to the extremely foggy

conditions we decided to wait till the weather cleared “

The earlier night we had planned to leave by seven in the morning.

But due to the extremely foggy conditions we decided to wait till the weather cleared and rode out only a couple of hours later.

Having already seen much of Narayanghat and Chitwan on previous visits, we didn’t bother to look around and continued to ride ahead.

We stopped by for breakfast at Daune, a 65km uphill ride from Narayanghat through the twist and turns, under foggy conditions which at times offered zero visibility. The weather cleared as we rode downhill towards Butwal. We had plans to visit Lumbini, but decided to cancel riding to the birthplace of Lord Buddha due to time constraints, and also because it was a diversion from our proposed route. Being a new riding route for me, this was from where the fun was going to begin. We continued riding and stopped ahead at Bhalubang, 100km far from Butwal, for lunch. Till Bhalubang it was a ride around the hills with moderate road pitch conditions and after that began the straight ride through the plains.

It was fun to zoom through the tarai straights with minimum traffic movement on the road. When riding towards Kohalpur from Lamahi we came across this wonderful stretch of road that ran through the forest and was almost arrow straight for about 20kms. Speeding across this stretch made me realize the power my bike lacked and how I wished I had come here in 600cc supersports. With the experience of having ridden/driven across almost the entire length of the country, I wouldn’t be wrong to assume that stretch en route Kohalpur to probably be the finest piece of straight tarmac laid in Nepal. Courtesy of our frequent photography breaks we made it to Kohalpur pretty late at 6pm and were still a good 70km far from out hotel at Bardia. Under the low light visibility of our motorcycles, it became pretty much difficult to keep track of the unknown road in the darkness, with jungles on both sides and no sight of any human civilization. So we stuck together riding in tandem and maintained a moderate speed making sure none of us was left behind to the mercy of the wild animals lurking in the jungle. After riding 60kms from Kohalpur in the absolute darkness, we finally reached Amreni and took the 13km gravelled diversion road into the Bardia National

Park. This 13km ride was indeed frightening considering we were riding through a dense jungle with imaginations of all sorts of wild animals probably greeting us on the road. After all that goose-bumps and road bumps, we reached our resort for the night after riding nearly 420km.

We got ourselves the cosy cottage rooms at the Bardia Jungle Cottage, freshened up, and chatted by the fireside discussing the plans for the next day as we waited for our dinner. For the next day, we planned on a jungle walk around the national park, as it was the best way to see the wildlife and nature up close and confirmed our stay at the hotel for the next night too. We were now about 635km far from the capital. Over to Day 3. www.autolife.com.np

“ It was soothing to take a

morning stroll around the clean and green jungle boasting of various flora and fauna, for commotion and pollution cursed Kathmanduties like us

“

DAY 3 Bardia National Park is a protected area in Nepal, established in 1988 and is the largest and most undisturbed wilderness area in Nepal’s Terai region. We woke up at 8am to a peaceful morning in the jungle. It was soothing to take a morning stroll around the clean and green jungle boasting of various flora and fauna, for commotion and pollution cursed Kathmanduties like us. After a heavy brunch and brief orientation on the basics of jungle walk by our designated guide, we entered the national park for our jungle walk. Once into the jungle we started fantasizing on our possible reactions on encountering upon a tiger or some wild animals ahead of us. But as it turned out, it was a very rare case to spot the tigers. We even waited by a popular spot near the riverbank for nearly an hour, hoping the tigers would come to quench their thirst but later had to give up on our hopes of spotting the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. We www.autolife.com.np

did though get close enough and spotted some fresh tiger paw marks and lots of tiger poop as the guide claimed. So all we managed to spot during the jungle walk was a hibernating python and some deers jumping here and there. Maybe it was the constant ruckus we were making as we marched along, that scared the animals away. So feeling unlucky and disheartened, we satisfied ourselves with the pictures of the spotted tigers that were hung on the walls of the hotel. Nevertheless it was soothing to take a walk around and be off the saddle without numb butts for a day. Having walked for five straight hours we ate a scrumptious dinner cooked on a wood fire oven like horses, and crashed away for the night bearing the agony of the hyenas constantly laughing away in the jungle as if they were having some joke sessions.

NOV / DEC 2011

69

DAY 4 Today we woke up with much excitement as we were finally going to reach our destination and set foot on the western border of Nepal and India at Mahendranagar. We bid the shy tigers a goodbye, rode out of the jungle and hit the highway.

Just after 30kms into the ride we came across Nepal’s engineering marvel, the Karnali Bridge at Chisapani. The 500m long cable-stayed single tower Karnali Bridge was completed in 1993 with support from the Japanese and during the time of its construction was one of the longest cable stayed bridge in the world. It’s sad to not see such level of infrastructure developments happening anymore. After some photo session at the site and trying out the fresh fried fishes, we then crossed the Karnali River and continued towards Mahendranagar. It was nostalgic to pass through the bridge again, which is the only vivid memory I had of the previous childhood roadtrip.

By the afternoon we made our touchdown at Mahendranagar after a nonstop 130km ride from Chispani. The place was bustling with people and vehicular movement just like any other border town. Just for a sense of achievement we rode over to the Indian border across the Tanakpur Dam crossing

70

NOV / DEC 2011

and checked out another Nepalese engineering marvel, the Dodhara Chandani Suspension Bridge. It was an amazing sight to come across the magnificent 1.5km long bridge which is one of the world’s longest pedestrian traffic suspension bridges.

The first impressions of the bridge were an instant reminder of a miniature version of the popular Golden Gate Bridge at San Francisco. I was amazed to learn that such a structure even existed in Nepal. The bridge links the only island of Nepal, a border village of Chandani Dodhara with the rest of Nepal.

The very sight of the bridge made riding almost 800kms from Kathmandu truly worth it. Though it was a pedestrian bridge, motorcycles were allowed to pass through, and we did not miss that opportunity. We then checked into Hotel Opera at Mahendranagar which I must say served good food with excellent service. Even the rooms were considerably cheap for what was on offer. I would blindly recommend the hotel if you are ever in Mahendranagar.

www.autolife.com.np

DAY 5 For the next day, the hotel set us up a jungle safari around Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, interestingly on our motorcycles itself. It was fun riding through the jungle on our motorcycles but we hardly managed to spot any animals. Even the few deers, peacocks and wild boars that we spotted resting in the jungle, would run away. I believe it was the noise from our motorcycles that played spoil sport in chasing away the animals. I wonder what would have happened if we had shown up in the jungles on thundering Royal Enfield’s? Luckily, when we hit the flat grasslands in the jungle we managed to spot herds of swamp deer (Barasingha) feeding on the grass far away.

There were nearly hundreds of these horned deer and thankfully, they were oblivious to the noise of our motorcycles. So in the end, the jungle safari on motorcycles was worth it after all. We then got back to the hotel, had our lunch and checked out for the return leg of the journey. It was already late in the afternoon by the time we moved out and decided to spend the night at Nepalgunj which was about 200km far from Mahendranagar. We reached Nepalgunj at around 8pm and decided to ask around for the location to a good hotel rather than looking around on our own, which turned out to be a bad idea. So we spent the night at this certain hotel which was recommended by most of the shopkeepers as a popular hotel in Nepalgunj. The rooms weren’t satisfactory but we decided to check in anyways since we were tired and didn’t want to go about looking for hotels again. Only later into the night we realized the kind of hotel it turned out to be with people flowing in and out late till the night. So that was what popular meant in Nepalgunj. I guess we should have asked for a ‘good’ hotel.

DAY 6

www.autolife.com.np

“ It was fun riding

through the jungle on our motorcycles but we hardly managed to spot any animals

“

Thankfully we didn’t get ourselves in the midst of some police raid and checked out of the hotel before the sun was out. We were to ride towards Palpa for the night, still a good 300kms away. Now having already been familiar to the route, we sped across the flat track highway without much stops in between. It was exciting to be speeding back on the arrow straight roads from Kohalpur. We soon reached Butwal and after a quick lunch moved uphill towards Tansen, Palpa. The weather changed from humid to relatively chilly as we approached the hill station of Tansen. After the straight roads, it was thrilling to be back to the mountain roads charging through the corners. We reached Tansen by the evening and finally found our hotel through the town’s maze of steep, narrow and winding alleys lined with Newari style houses. We dined at the Nanglo Bakery Cafe outlet in Tansen and ate to our content all those delicacies we had missed in the past five days.

NOV / DEC 2011

71

DAY 7

72

NOV / DEC 2011

“ The ancient palace was set on a

massive rock bed at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River with a huge main building surrounded by layered gardens, stone walls and small shrines

“

We got up early, rode around Tansen and spent some time relaxing to the winds blowing at the popular Batasi Danda in Srinagar. But due to the foggy weather we missed out on the scenic views of the snow capped mountain ranges from the hill top. Since we pretty much had the entire day, we decided to pay a visit to Rani Mahal at Rani Ghat. This palace was built in 1892 by Governor Khadka Shamsher in memory of his wife Tej Kumari, and is often called the Taj Mahal of Nepal. The hotel suggested us to trek but we stubborn minds started our bikes and rode off. Only later into the ride towards Rani Mahal, we realized why we were told to trek to Rani Mahal. The road was in pretty bad shape and we had to bear the brunt of serious off roading for around 15kms, frequently having to cross deep streams. It was a challenging ride and in the end we still had to trek for half an hour as the road wasn’t actually entirely rideable. It was tiring getting there but the effort was worth it after witnessing the grandeur of Rani Mahal.

The ancient palace was set on a massive rock bed at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River with a huge main building surrounded by layered gardens, stone walls and small shrines. Bringing the construction materials to the site must have definitely taken a lot of effort considering the lack of a proper road even back then in the remote area.

It’s however sad that it is such a magnificent monument and the government does not admire it. The palace seriously needs to be properly conserved and renovated to preserve its beauty. We then got back to Tansen, packed up and immediately left for Pokhara. It was almost dark by the time we set out and it was going to be a 125km long night ride through Syanja into Pokhara.

After dodging several night bugs and constantly wiping off the splattered bugs on the visor, we reached Pokhara at 9pm in the night. We dropped our baggage at the hotel and spent the evening unwinding ourselves at Club Amsterdam in Pokhara, listening to the good selection of songs being played by the local band.

www.autolife.com.np

DAY 8 All of us had already seen much of Pokhara on our previous visits and decided to cut short our sightseeing of Pokhara. But no matter how many times one has visited Pokhara; you can never get enough of the Lakeside. So we spent a while relaxing and killing time on the banks of the mesmerizing Fewa Taal before getting back on our saddles. We had a very fulfilling American breakfast and set out to visit the ancient capital and kingdom of Gorkha, which was 115km down the Prithvi Highway. We soon reached Khaireni and after filling ourselves with steaming momos, we took the 20km diversion from the highway to Gorkha. Gorkha is a picturesque hill- town that has a rich history of its own and is the home of our legendary Gurkha soldiers. We visited the Gorkha Durbar which was a steep uphill ride from the bazaar area. It used to be the dwelling of King Prithvi Narayan and his ancestors. The Durbar was a humble yet quite impressive complex of a temple, fort, and a palace built in the Newar style. We were supposed to get back home after the Gorkha visit but none of us really wanted to return back to Kathmandu. So we decided to spend one last night in Bandipur and rode 20km back to reach the diversion that leads to Bandipur. We took the uphill and windy road to Bandipur and reached the picturesque town by the evening.

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

73

DAY 9 Bandipur is a hilltop settlement in Tanahu District of Nepal famed for its preserved and old time cultural atmosphere. The town is a living museum of Newari culture and people here seem to live centuries apart from the rest of the country. After a morning stroll around the cobbled town which was almost deserted, we got our motors running for the disappointing journey back home. But just as I was about to ride off, the worst I had expected happened again. I had earned myself a hat-trick puncture.

With no motorcycle garages in Bandipur, I again had no option but to transport my bike down to the nearby garage on the highway. This time we found a Mahindra Jeep to transport the bike who happily fleeced me of Rs.500 for a 15km ride. We reached the garage soon enough and hit the road back home recollecting all those awesome memories of the 9 day ride into the wilderness. We had our lunch at Malekhu and sluggishly climbed back the hill from Naubise behind heavily loaded TATA trucks all the way to Kathmandu.

The far western region of Nepal sure might not appeal to many like the various breathtaking mountainous regions of Nepal. Also the nearly 2000km journey is not an easy roadtrip to execute. But it’s one of the best ways to see the country beyond Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara. The region may be highly ignored but it offers one of the best wildernesses environments in Nepal, with the massive and undisturbed areas of the Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and Bardia National Park. It is also worth riding or driving all the way there just for witnessing the very few engineering marvels of the country and experiencing one of the best motorable roads in the country. There is just so much to see on the route which instantly captivates you and introduces Nepal up close and personal. It’s nevertheless sad that in spite of all these places of interest, the far western region still has not received it’s due... AL

* all distances in km

When To Go October-March

How Much To Take Rs. 800 per day excluding fuel costs. Fuel Pumps are available at frequent intervals along the route.

T HE V ESPER C AFE´

Good food, Good cheer, Good times

Contact Vesper Cafe Pulchowk, Lalitpur.

Phone : +977-1-5548179 Email : info@vespercafe.com

4 GREAT REASONS TO

SUBSCRIBE TO AUTOLIFE 1. Get 12 months issue for the price of 10 (NRs. 1,000/- for 12 months) 2. Receive your magazine before it hits the stands

3. Never miss an issue 4. Get Autolife delivered to your doorstep

TO SUBSCRIBE Call

+977-1-4415746 9818538108

Call Timings

Monday to Friday 10 am – 6 pm only

Email

subscribe@autolife.com.np

OR Simply complete our online form at

www.autolife.com.np

AutoLife Nepal

@AutoLifeNepal

GARAGE

CAR MAINTENANCE

How to keep your car running longer M

any of us want to keep our cars longer. But how is it possible?

What will it take? Here are a few car care tips for you to implement.

1.

Keep all the fluids and oils clean and topped up. The fluids are vital for your car and over time, they evaporate, leak and lose their quality, so change as needed and top up when the level is low.

2.

3.

Watch for early signs of potential problems. Leaks, irregular noises, difference in the engine performance, occasional sputtering, grease splattered on the wheels, different feel of the brake pedal - these are the types of early signs that indicate a problem that needs to be taken care of. Deal with the problems as they appear, before they get worse.

4.

5.

Rustproof your car body if you live in the rust belt area. When there is constant humidity and salt on the roads during winter season it is hard to prevent corrosion.

If your vehicle has been rust proofed, there is a better chance that your car won’t be corroded in a few years. The rustproofing also protects the electric wiring underneath the car.

Wash your car regularly as the corrosion starts in areas, where moisture accumulates.

If the car is clean, it dries up faster. Wax your car occasionally - this will keep the paint finish looking shiny longer. Wax also protects the body panels from corrosion.

8.

80

Drive smoothly. The full-throttle acceleration will cause many parts of your car to wear faster. The same with the hard braking. If your daily commute involves only short trips, take your car on a highway once in a while. Driving only short trips without letting the car to warm up fully is hard on your engine.

Regularly lubricate door hinges and locks, as well as the hood, trunk lid or tailgate hinges and locks. Without lubrication, the hinges will corrode and wear out fast. If you have a minivan, clean and lubricate the sliding door rails as well.

6.

7.

Pay attention to your car’s instrument panel. Do check for warning lights like “Check Engine” “Low oil pressure” or “Brake warning light” while driving, and notice if the engine temperature rises higher than normal. Have the problem diagnosed before the engine overheats.

NOV / DEC 2011

Touch up any stone chips, scuffs and scratches in the car paint before they get corroded. Once the bare metal inside the scratch is exposed, it will rust, and it will be a lot bigger repair to fix corroded spots. www.autolife.com.np

9.

Clean your windshield wipers regularly. When you wash your car, make sure to wash under the wipers. Often small particles of sand are trapped under the wipers and when you turn them on, your windshield gets scratched. Those are small scratches, but they will cause that annoying glare when driving at night. If you see the wiper rubber split at the edges, change the wipers, as once the rubber disintegrates, the metal part of the wiper will scratch the windshield. Replace windshield wipers at least once a year.

10. Keep the interior of your car clean and dry. If water is spilled on the floor, dry it up

quickly. Similarly, if you notice rainwater getting inside, fix the leak immediately. Use a barely moist towel to clean the car interior.

11. Check the engine oil regularly and change it as often as recommended. This will keep your engine running smoothly. It is best to use good quality oil.

12.

Keep your engine from overheating. When the engine overheats, many things can go wrong from seals and gaskets to piston rings and the cylinder heads. Check the engine coolant level regularly. If you notice that the engine temperature rises more than usual, take care of the problem as soon as you can. If you notice that the coolant level drops, have your cooling system checked for leaks. If abundant coolant leaks out, the engine will overheat. For the same reason, keep the front of your car’s radiator unobstructed, so the air can flow freely to cool the coolant in the radiator.

13. Change the spark plugs at recommended intervals. Spark plugs easily tend to wear out and get contaminated. Worn or contaminated spark plugs can cause problems such as poor gas mileage, lack of power and even ignition coil failures.

14. Change the air filter regularly. An old air filter can rip through allowing the unfiltered

air enter the engine. The dirt and sand particles coming with unfiltered air damage the airflow sensor, cylinder walls, pistons, etc. When you replace the air filter, make sure it is installed properly for the same reason.

15. Check tyre pressure regularly as under-inflated tyres wear faster and will cause poor

fuel economy. Over-inflated tyres cause the suspension and steering components to wear faster. If you notice that your car tyres wear unevenly, have the wheel alignment checked. Improper wheel alignment also causes increased wear of suspension and steering components. AL

For all your maintenance and workshop queries, email us at hello@autolife.com.np and we will get the guidance for you.

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

81

GARAGE

BIKE MAINTENANCE

DIY: CHANGING YOUR

ENGINE OIL

The engine oil is one of the most important components for an engine. It lubricates as well as cools the engine at higher temperatures and increases its life and performance.

In order to maintain the bike at top notch condition, the oil must be changed periodically either as recommended by the manufacturer or depending upon the type of oil used. Changing

the oil is a basic skill that every biker should have. Doing it on your own can sure save you some money but more over, you can learn about your beloved machine, and give back some love and care for all the times it has selflessly served you.

Here’s how you do it:

Things you will need: • • • •

Your motorcycle of course Engine Oil A Funnel Some basic tools (Usually provided with the bike’s toolkit): Spanner, Screwdriver etc Some space to work in comfortably, preferably some place that can withstand a messy floor

•

From your Wallet: • •

Castrol Power 1 4T 15w40 (1ltr) = Rs 535/Plastic Funnel

= Rs 15/Total = Rs 550/-

LETS START Remember, hot oil flows much better.

So go for a five minute easy ride and then pick a spot to work on your bike.

Get your tools within arm’s reach and park your bike in double stand in the designated space at your home. (Do take permission from your mom/ wife/landlord, because you will most definitely end up with a mess!)

Make sure the engine is not steaming hot and open the nut marked in red with the help of the spanner. Place a container under the loosened nut to collect the used oil, remove the nut and let the oil flow out into it. The oil drain

82

NOV / DEC 2011

nut is usually found in the same spot on most motorcycles and is identical. The oil will come out hot and fast so be careful! After it has fully drained out, put in on side stand to remove the remaining drops.

www.autolife.com.np

Then put the bike back on double stand and screw the nut back into its place.

Make sure it is properly tightened, but don’t over tighten it. Open the inlet, from where you can top up the oil. Place a funnel securely as shown in the picture.

(CAUTION: DO NOT start the engine before the oil is refilled). Slowly pour in the half of the manufacturer recommended capacity and stop to check the level with the dip stick or through the oil level window. Then add as necessary. You don’t want to overfill the oil! It adds undue pressure on the seals in your engine and can lessen its life.

Check the oil level. Make sure the oil rests between the minimum and maximum level. Remember that on motorcycles you have to have it straight up and not on the side stand, to check the level.

Start your motorcycle and let it run for a while so that the oil circulates around the engine. Tadaa… You are done! Strap on your helmet and get back to riding mode.

Don’t forget to have a look at the mess you made and clean it up before your mom sees it. Hell hath no fury than the scorn of a mother upon a messy floor!!!

WARNING: If you are unsure about doing any of the above mentioned steps, then please do not try to be the smarty pants to still attempt the task. Get help from a motorcycle technician or a mechanically-minded person to clear the doubts regarding your ability. If you still do not have the confidence then its best you left the task to the nearby garage. Start with easy tasks and build up your skill level gradually.

www.autolife.com.np

Do send us your feedback about this DIY. Also feel free to send us any of your motorcycle related DIY that you would like us to feature in our magazine.

editorial@autolife.com.np Words: Ankit Shakya Photography: Sanat Dangol

NOV / DEC 2011

83

Buying Used Cars ?

Words: Ankit Shakya

B

uying a car is a huge step forward for your lifestyle, but a pretty big setback for your budget. It is an investment. Weigh the investment with its returns, the convenience and ease, and make the correct decision. Listen to the advice others have to give to you, especially the ones who have bought used cars in the past. Consult trusted and proper mechanics. But ultimately, the judgment lies in your hands. Make a good decision and you travel in style and luxury, make a bad decision and you may spend less time behind the steering wheel and more time under the bonnet. The following pointers will aid you in making a proper decision before buying a used car.

Set Your Budget

Find the right Car

Let’s face it; if you didn’t have to set a budget, you would buy a brand new car. Figure out how much you are willing to spend. This includes not only the cost of the car, but also considerations such as registration costs, annual tax payment (which is incremental in accordance to the age of the car), and the basic running costs like fuel, regular servicing and insurance premium. If you are taking a loan, setting a proper budget is of even more importance.

Decide on what type of car you want. Browse cars by body type, make or price to find out which make and model suits you best. The type may depend on your character, personality, the size of your garage or the depth of your wallet. It may be difficult to find the exact car you want when it comes to buying used cars so have a range of options in mind. Spread the word.

Let your friends and relatives know that you are looking to buy a used car. This is one of the best ways to get hold of one, especially if you don’t have a particular model in mind and are willing to choose from a range of options. Also, check the latest car news to see if a new model is coming. This can reduce the price of previous variants when it arrives.

Do your Research Notice how your mom/wife asks around each shop within a 10km radius before deciding on buying a handbag. Learn from her. It’s important to have a thorough look at what’s out there before buying a used car. To get an idea of a model’s current market price, spend some time searching used car ads in your local newspaper, or even online. Go to places that sell used cars to find out about the prices first hand. It is a big investment and you do not want to travel in a car, which leaves you in fear of coming to a complete halt around the next bend.

Be wary if you find a used car where the price is much lower than the market suggests it should be. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

84

NOV / DEC 2011

Contact the Seller Once you get hold of the seller, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Here are few questions you can ask: • • • • •

How long have they had the car?

Why are they selling it?

Has the car ever been damaged?

What condition is it in?

Does it have any ‘bad habits’?

If the seller is a private party rather than a dealer, always try to go to their home address. Don’t arrange to meet them somewhere. Take a printout or copy of the seller’s advertisement with you to check that details like that of the odometer numbers are accurate.

www.autolife.com.np

Comprehensive Check Make sure you have a thorough look over the car yourself, and best of all, have a mechanic or technician you trust check it out properly. It could save you thousands by revealing mechanical problems unseen to the untrained eyes. Here are a few pointers for the physical inspection of the car: • Always look at the car in full daylight, never in the dark or in rain. It could conceal body marks, dents, rust and other defects

• Check the gaps between the body panels are equal, if they’re not, the car could have been refitted badly, or may have been in a crash • Make sure the seatbelts work correctly, the steering wheel and dashboard are bolted on correctly, the front seats move properly and all switches work • Start the car with a cold engine, which will make it easier to reveal problems like poor starting or too much smoke Test Drive

• Check under the car, the bonnet and the interior carpet for rust and signs – such as welding marks, which may show the car has been in a crash

After a thorough inspection of the car, go for a test ride. On the test drive, go through the following check list:

• Under the bonnet, look for signs of oil leaks on top of the engine, and underneath. Use the dipstick to check the amount of oil. If the level is low, the owner hasn’t been looking after the car properly, also look around the oil filler cap for a white mayonnaise-like substance - this is an indication of a damaged head gasket which can be very expensive to repair

• Before you set off, turn the steering wheel from one lock to the other to make sure there is no screeching, banging, or knocking

• Take a look at the tyres to make sure they’re in good condition • Get down in front of each front wheel and look along the length of the car. Both front wheels should be directly in front of the rear ones, if they’re not, it could mean the car has been in a crash and ended up with a slightly twisted or ‘crabbed’ chassis

• To test the handbrake, pull it on and then try to drive off very gently. It should hold the car back • Listen for strange noises from the engine, and don’t let the seller distract you by talking or turning up the radio • Drive on as many different roads surfaces as possible, this should not be such a difficult task to perform in the raggedy roads of Nepal • Use all the gears, and check that the gear change is slick and smooth • Make sure the clutch pedal ‘bites’ between the top and middle of the pedal’s travel • Check if the breaking is up to par.

Negotiate the Price

udget Set your b search Do your re ght car Find the ri e seller Contact th aylight ar in full d c e th t a k Loo ns Rust & sig Check for ges - Oil Leaka

dition - Tyre con

gnment - Wheel ali s

y damage vious bod re P

truments riors & ins te In

Test drive the price Negotiate ent and paym Paperwork

www.autolife.com.np

The price is the price, but there is often leeway for bargaining. For instance, you can pick a weakness and work on it. Calculate the costs of repairing the faults and deduct it from the stated price and negotiate using the faults as leverage. Ask the seller what their best price is, make a lower offer and then say nothing. They can either turn you down, accept your offer or name another price closer to yours. Just say nothing until he bids his lowest price, but do accept it before the point where he decides to not sell his car to you.

Paperwork and Payment After you are sure about sealing the deal, make sure all the paperwork is in order. Ask for the original versions (never photocopies) of everything, these include the registration papers, papers proving cleared tax payments, service history etc. Availability of proper documents will make the legal aspect of transferring the car to your name from that of the seller much less of a hassle than it can potentially be. AL NOV / DEC 2011

85

AUTOLIFE

AUTO TRADER

A

uto Trader is our regular section where we will feature used second hand vehicles that are up for sale in the market. This could also be the best advertisement platform available for private sellers to sell their cars or bikes and reach out to the most potential buyer all around Nepal. Selling a car or a bike is really a piece of cake as long as you meet the right buyer and we ensure to find you one through our readers.

hot deal Chevrolet Aveo Year Engine Type Mileage used Condition Price Negotiable Contact

– 2006 – 1599 cc – Petrol – 21000 KM – Good – Rs 18,00,000 – Yes – 9851114823

Vehicle buying and selling is not just a trade but also an exchange of Taste,

Passion and Lifestyle.

So

hot deal Swift vxi Year Engine Type Mileage used Condition Price Negotiable Contact

– 2006 – N/A – Petrol – 55000 KM – Good (Minor scratches) – Rs 15,20,000 – Yes – 9841847186

CAR/BIKE to sell?

Call us on 9818538108

hot deal Nissan Sunny FE Year – 1998 Engine – 2000 cc Type – Diesel Mileage used – 102000 KM Price – Rs 15,00,000 Negotiable – Yes Contact – 9851113139

hot deal Tata-Indigo Year Engine Type Mileage used Price Negotiable Contact

86

Do you have a

NOV / DEC 2011

– 2003 – 1500 cc – Diesel – 76198 KM – Rs 9,30,000 – Yes – 9841033617

and reach out to the most

POTENTIAL BUYERS Benefits • Most affordable pricing to sell your vehicle • We link the seller and the buyer directly • Cut down all the middleman costs and commissions.

• Get true value of your vehicle

www.autolife.com.np

Send us your CVs to : hello@autolife.com.np

TECHNICAL

JARGONS

W

hen it comes to technical aspects, it turns out that we either have zero knowledge or whatever little knowledge we have happens to be a myth. So read below and technically enhance your knowledge by understanding the real meaning behind these basic automobile terms. Know your cars and bikes better with these minute efforts of ours. You can then continue the ranting, but this time with more confidence.

DISPLACMENT OR CC OF AN ENGINE The total volume of air or air-fuel mixture that an engine is theoretically capable of drawing into all cylinders during one operating cycle.

It is generally expressed in litres or cubic inches. It should be kept in mind that more CC (Cubic Capacity) doesn’t always necessarily mean more power. There are various other factors, which have to be taken into consideration too.

BRAKE HORSEPOWER (BHP)

DYNAMOMETER (DYNO)

The measure of an engine’s horsepower on the dynamometer without considering the loss in power caused by the gearbox, generator, differential, water pump, and other external factors like wind drag.

Practically horsepower delivered to the power-driven wheels of a vehicle is usually less than at the engine in real road conditions.

A machine for measuring the force, torque and power of an engine that can be used to calculate the mechanical power or horsepower produced by an engine.

TORQUE VS POWER TACHOMETER It is a gauge on the speedometer console that denotes how fast an engine is spinning. The measurement is usually expressed in revolutions per minute (RPM).

ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT The ECU is an electronic unit that controls and determines the optimum settings for the fuel injection system, ignition timing, and the idle speed control system, based on information from the various input sensors. The ECU also interrupts the operation of the air conditioning and EGR systems, and controls power to the fuel pump.

It consists of an 8-bit microprocessor, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and an input/ output interface. It is possible to remap or modify your ECU for improvement in performance of the vehicle with the help of modification experts.

COMBUSTION CHAMBER A cylindrical chamber where air-fuel mixture fed by the carburetor/fuel injector is ignited using a spark plug to generate pressure high enough to push out a piston.

88

NOV / DEC 2011

Torque (NM) is the force that an engine can apply at rotating the driven wheel, which defines how fast your vehicle will pick up speed. Torque can be arranged in different RPM ranges based on what the riding or driving application is. In off-road vehicles most riding/driving is done at low or mid RPM range, so max torque is in that range. In superbikes and sports cars, when riding/driving on leveled stretches, the engine will keep boiling easily and require torque up in higher RPM range to attain top speeds.

But it is not enough if the engine only develops lots of torque. It should be able to spin up the wheel to good RPM’s quickly to travel faster. This is where power or acceleration comes in. Power (BHP) is work done in unit time. The faster you have to travel, the more power you will need. So Torque without Power obviously gets you nowhere with the whole purpose lost since you can’t get to higher speeds. And power without torque? There’s lots of power but it will take you forever to speed up. You could probably even hit the speed of light, but you should live long enough. Thus one does not live in isolation of the other.

CARBURETOR An apparatus that mixes fuel with air in the right proportions before feeding the mixture into the combustion chamber.

RPM Revolutions Per Minute is the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis.

It describes how fast the pistons in an engine are spinning. It is also referred to as ‘revs’.

REDLINE It is the maximum number of revolutions per minute an engine can run before damage occurs. The name is derived from the actual red line manufacturers typically put on the speedometer. As an engine safety device, a rev limiter is also placed in the electronic circuitry to prevent the engine from over-revving.

ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM It is a system that injects fuel under pressure into the engine’s combustion chamber and includes an electronic control unit to time and meter the fuel flow. Fuel injection system replaces carbureted system.

It releases and adjusts the fuel to yield an air/fuel mixture assuring engine operation well matched with emission requirements, optimum fuel economy and overall vehicle performance.

SPARK PLUG A device that uses electricity generated by an alternator to produce a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture inside the cylinder of an engine. www.autolife.com.np

ALTERNATOR

VALVE

CYLINDER HEAD

A rotating device connected to the engine which when rotated by the engine, generates electricity to power the spark plugs, headlights and also to recharge batteries.

It is a mechanism that can be opened or closed to allow or prevent the flow of a liquid or gas from one place to another.

Most internal combustion engines use intake and exhaust valves to allow fuel/air mixture into the cylinders and to exhaust burnt gases.

It is the removable part of the engine that attaches to the cylinder block directly above the cylinders. The head is cast from aluminum or iron and houses the combustion chambers, the intake and exhaust ports, spark plugs and much or all of the valve train. It has oil and water passages for cooling and lubrication.

PISTON A partly hollow cylindrical part closed at one end, fitted to each of the engine’s cylinders and attached to the crankshaft by a connecting rod. Each piston moves up and down in its cylinder, transmitting power created by the exploding fuel to the crankshaft.

BALL JOINT A flexible joint consisting of a ball within a socket. Ball joints act as pivots that allow turning of the front wheels and compensate for changes in the wheel and steering geometries that occur while driving.

It is responsible for transferring the steering inputs towards the front wheels.

TRACTION CONTROL Traction control helps provide smoother and more controlled acceleration by reducing the amount of wheel spin during slippery conditions. Traction control utilizes the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system and is usually activated only at low vehicle speeds in commercial vehicles.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE Often confused with Four-Wheel Drive (4WD), this drive system features four full-time active drive wheels to reduce wheel slippage and provide greater driver control over the vehicle.

All-Wheel Drive automatically splits engine torque between the front and rear wheels as needed, improving on-road traction in unfavorable road conditions. Unlike Four-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive is an on-road system and is not designed for off-road use.

It is operational at all times, and requires no switches, lights or visor instructions for system operation. www.autolife.com.np

LIQUID COOLING Also known as ‘water cooling’, this system includes a radiator and fluid to cut down heat. Liquid is constantly circulated between the radiator and engine cylinders when the engine is operating and a small fan has a cooling effect on the liquid passing through the radiator. Watercooled engines are less likely to overheat, compared to air-cooled engines.

SUPERCHARGERS AND TURBOCHARGERS Both superchargers and turbochargers are forced induction systems. They compress the air flowing into the engine so that the engine can stuff more air into a cylinder. More air means that more fuel can be stuffed resulting in more power from each explosion in each cylinder.

That is why a turbo/supercharged engine produces more power overall than the same engine without the charging. In a supercharger, there is a belt that connects directly to the engine for generating power. A turbocharger, on the other hand, gets its power from the exhaust stream.

The exhaust air runs through a turbine, which in turn spins the compressor. A supercharger can provide boost faster than a turbo and over a much broader engine rpm range. However, the disadvantages of supercharging are higher power demands, more mechanical noise and more complex control requirements.

AERODYNAMICS Aerodynamics refers to designs that have as little air resistance as possible to achieve greater speeds in a vehicle.

Wind tunnels aid manufacturers in their development of improved aerodynamic models, which result in the different configurations of windshields, fairings, bodywork and other components.

EXHAUST MANIFOLD It is the network of passages that gathers the exhaust gases from the various exhaust ports and routes them toward the catalyst, the muffler and the exhaust system.

ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) A component added to a vehicle’s braking system that detects and prevents wheel lock-up under harsh braking with the help of speed sensors.

The system rapidly modulates the brakes to prevent skidding, allowing the driver/rider more braking control and increased driving/riding safety.

DIESEL ENGINES A diesel engine uses heavier weight components than petrol engines to handle higher compression ratios.

Typically, diesel engines run with greater efficiency and higher torque than similar size petrol engines. These attributes lead to better fuel economy and towing performance. Diesel engines do not have spark plugs or carburetors. Instead glow plugs are used to preheat air in the cylinders to ensure easy starts. Once the engine is started, compression heats the fuel in the cylinders for combustion.

SPOILER An aerodynamic device, normally on the rear of a four-wheeler, which changes the direction of airflow in order to reduce aerodynamic drag. A spoiler either reduces drag or creates a downward force on the car. It is called a spoiler because it spoils the normal airflow over the car.

AFTER-MARKET

CRANKSHAFT

It refers to any items or accessories you buy that are not from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Basically a rotating axle that transfers power from the pistons in an engine to the gearbox.

NOV / DEC 2011

89

NEW CAR BUYER’S GUIDE

TECHNICAL

Sunroof

Bluetooth

Fog Lamps

Leather Seats

Steering Adjust

Climate Control

Remote Locking

ABS

Airbags

Top Speed (KMPH)

Torque (NM)

Power (BHP)

Gearbox

Cubic Capacity (CC)

All prices listed are as per NADA’s latest release

Price (NRs)

Updated November 2011

EXTRA FEATURES AND SAFETY Bama Motors Pvt. Ltd, Thapathali, KTM Tel: 4226655 | 4223022

Chery Models A1 1.3L

17,99,000 1297 5M 82 114 155 N Y N N Y N Y N N

QQ3

15,45,000

Tiggo 2.0AMT

34,00,000 1971 A 123 168 160 Y Y Y N Y N Y N Y

812 5M 67 90 130 Y Y Y N Y N Y N N

Vijay Motors Pvt. Ltd, Naxal, KTM Tel: 4414158 | 4433025

chevrolet Models Optra Magnum 2.0 LT

41,25,000 1991 5M 119 314 190 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N

Aveo 1.4 LT

28,80,000 1399 5M 92 127 165 Y Y Y N Y Y Y N N

Beat 1.2 LT

23,50,000 1199 5M 80 108 150 Y Y Y N Y N Y N N

Spark 1.0 LT

19,50,000

Captiva 2.0 Automatic + LTZ

63,00,000 1991 5A 148 320 175 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N

Aveo UVA1.2 LT OPTN

24,70,000

Cruze 2.0 LTZ VCDI

61,90,000 1991 5A 148 327 200 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

Tavera LT-L8 NEO-2 8 SEATER

38,20,000 2499 5M 78 186 125 N N Y N Y Y Y N N

995

1150

5M

5M

63

75

90

110

145

160

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Y

-

N

Y

N

Y

N

N

N

N

Hansraj Hulaschand & Co Pvt. Ltd, Maitighar Tel: 4239641 | 4231985

Daihatsu Models Terios Super DLX

48,50,000 1495 5M 103 140 NA Y N Y N Y N Y N N BATAS Motors Pvt. Ltd, Gairidhara Tel: 4004644 | 4004645

fIAT Models Linea 1.3 JTD 90HP Dynamic

36,65,999

1248

5M

86

203

155

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Punto 1.2 8V Emotion

27,32,999 1172 5M 67 96 175 N Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Go Automobiles Pvt. Ltd, Thapathali, KTM Tel: 4244254 | 4257001

FORD Models Everest 2.5 VRAA

64,00,000 2499 5M 105 330 155 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

Fiesta 1.5 TDCi Diesel Titanium+

41,50,000 1499 5M 90 204 NA Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N

Fiesta Classic 1.6 Lxi Duratorq

24,50,000 1399 5M 67 160 155 Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N

Figo 1.2 Petrol Titanium

22,49,000 1196 5M 71 102 NA Y Y Y N Y N Y N N

Ranger 2.5 TD IDI 4wd Deluxe

37,00,000 2499 5M 81 266 NA Y Y Y N Y N Y N N

GREAT WALL

Himchuli Auto International, Kupundole Tel: 5520764 | 5521730

Models Florid 1.5L VVT

19,95,000 1497 5M 103 138 160 Y Y Y N Y N Y N N

Wingle 5 2.5TCI SLX

27,50,000 2499 5M 107 300 140 Y N Y N Y Y Y N N Syakar Company, Kantipath Tel: 5549741 | 2383223

HONDA Models

90

Accord 2.4 MT

78,50,000 2354 5M 180 222 225 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N

City S MT

38,50,000 1497 5M 118 146 175 Y Y Y N Y N Y N N

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

Bluetooth

Sunroof

Leather Seats

Steering Adjust

Climate Control

Remote Locking

ABS

Airbags

Top Speed (KMPH)

Torque (NM)

Power (BHP)

Gearbox

Cubic Capacity (CC)

TECHNICAL

Fog Lamps

NEW CAR BUYER’S GUIDE

All prices listed are as per NADA’s latest release

Price (NRs)

Updated November 2011

Y

N

N

EXTRA FEATURES AND SAFETY

Models Civic 1.8S 5MT

58,00,000

1799

5M

130

172

205

Y

Y

CR-V RVSI

76,00,000 1997 6M 167 218 180 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N

Jazz

34,50,000 1198 5M 89 110 175 Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y

HUMMER

Y

Y

Y

Y

Saakha and Universal Automobiles, Tinkune

Models H3

NA

3699 5M 242 328 NA Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y Laxmi Intercontinental, Tripureshwor Tel: 4101556 | 4101557

HYUNDAI Models Accent GL

29,95,000 1399 5M 94 124 170 N N N N Y N Y N N

i10 Magna

19,35,000 1086 5M 66 99 140 N N Y N N N Y N N

i20 Asta 1.4 D

28,95,000 1396 6A 90 220 160 Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y

Santa Fe GLS with Sunroof

72,95,000 2199 6M 194 420 210 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

Santro GL+

17,35,000 1086 5M 62 96 NA N N N N Y N Y N N

Sonata GLS

53,95,000 1998 6M 165 198 NA Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

Tucson GLS

60,95,000 1995 6M 177 382 NA Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Choice Motors, Lazimpat Tel: 4441080 | 4441081

JONWAY Models UFO

28,25,000 1584 5M 100 135 150 Y Y Y N Y N Y N Y Continental Associates Pvt. Ltd, Tinkune Tel: 2054003 | 2054004

KIA Models Cerato 1.6L

36,99,000 1591 5M 123 156 NA Y Y Y N Y Y Y N N

Picanto 1.2L EX 11 m/t

22,75,000

Rio 1.4L EX 5dr

27,49,000 1399 5M 94 125 NA Y N Y N Y Y N N N

Sorento 2.2L Diesel

66,99,000 2199 6M 197 421 NA Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

Soul 1.6L

36,99,000 1591 5M 124 156 NA Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N

Sportage 2.0 EX Diesel M/T

51,49,000 1998 6M 177 392 NA Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

1086

5M

64

97

NA

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Agni Incorporated Pvt. Ltd, Uttar Dhoka Tel: 4414626 | 4414628

MAHINDRA Models Bolero SLX

28,20,000

2523 5M 63 180 NA N N N N Y N N N N

Scorpio VLX 4WD

48,55,000

2179

XYLO E8

38,60,000

2498 5M 112 240 135 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

5M

120

290

150

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

CG Automobiles, Jhamsikhel Tel: 5547165 | 5547166

MARUTI SUZUKI Models Alto Lxi

13,99,505

796 5M 46 62 140 N N N Y Y N N N N

Alto K10 Vxi

16,89,350

796

A-Star Zxi

21,18,750

998 5M 67 90 160 Y Y Y N Y N Y N N

www.autolife.com.np

5M

67

90

145

N

N

N

N

N

Y

NOV / DEC 2011

Y

N

N

91

N

N

Sunroof

Bluetooth

Leather Seats

Steering Adjust

Fog Lamps

NEW CAR BUYER’S GUIDE

TECHNICAL

Climate Control

Remote Locking

ABS

Airbags

Top Speed (KMPH)

Torque (NM)

Power (BHP)

Gearbox

Cubic Capacity (CC)

All prices listed are as per NADA’s latest release

Price (NRs)

Updated November 2011

EXTRA FEATURES AND SAFETY

Models Eeco STD 7Seater

16,69,010

1196

5M

73

101

NA

N

N

N

N

N

Y

N

Grand Vitara MT

70,00,000 1995 5M 164 225 175 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

Ritz VDi

25,69,620 1248 5M 75 190 NA N Y Y N Y Y Y N N

Swift VDi

25,97,870 1248 5M 75 190 160 N Y Y N Y Y Y N N

Swift Dzire ZDi

30,49,870 1248 5M 75 190 160 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N

SX4 Zxi

33,19,940 1586 5M 102 145 175 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N

Wagon R Vxi

19,21,000 1061 5M 64 84 NA Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Zen Estilo Vxi

18,95,010 1998 5M 64 84 150 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N

800 Std

10,67,850

796 4M 37 59 NA N N N N Y N N N N Padma Shree Pvt. Ltd, Gyaneshwor Tel: 4435688 | 4435631

Mazda Models BT-50

48,50,000 2499 5M 140 330 NA Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N

Mazda3 1.6MT

51,75,000 1598 5M 103 145 NA Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Leon Motors Pvt. Ltd, Shantinagar Tel: 4622074 | 4622485

MITSUBISHI Models ASX 4WD GLX

79,00,000 1998 6CVT 150 197 190 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Lancer EX GLX

66,00,000 1998 6CVT 150 197 200 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N

L200 Sportero 4WD 48,00,000 2477 NA 135 NA 175 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Double Cab L300 Minibus L

38,00,000

2477 5M 75 150 120 N Y NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Outlander

84,00,000

2360 6CVT 170 226 190 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Pajero GLS 3.0 V6

1,30,00,000

2972 5M 185 267 175 Y NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Dugar Automobiles Pvt. Ltd, Balaju Tel: 4362992 | 4350912

NISSAN Models Navara LE

42,00,000 2488 6M 175 403 170 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N

Sunny 1.6EX

35,00,000 1597 5M 110 148 NA Y Y Y N Y Y Y N N

Tiida Sedan M

38,00,000

X-Trail LE

85,00,000 1995 6A 150 320 185 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

1598

5M

110

153

170

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Nemlink Int’l Traders Pvt. Ltd, Sanepa Tel: 4006528 | 4410323

PERODUA Models MYVI SX

22,95,000 1298 5M 86 116 NA N N Y N Y N Y N N

Viva 850

16,25,000

PROTON

847 5M 53 76 NA Y N N N Y N Y N N Constant Business Group Pvt. Ltd, Naxal Tel: 2297455

Models Savvy

92

NOV / DEC 2011

21,50,000 1149 5M 74 NA NA N N Y N N N Y N N

www.autolife.com.np

NEW CAR BUYER’S GUIDE

TECHNICAL

Sunroof

Bluetooth

Fog Lamps

Leather Seats

Steering Adjust

Climate Control

Remote Locking

ABS

Airbags

Top Speed (KMPH)

Torque (NM)

Power (BHP)

Gearbox

Cubic Capacity (CC)

All prices listed are as per NADA’s latest release

Price (NRs)

Updated November 2011

EXTRA FEATURES AND SAFETY Skoda M.A.W, Thapathali Tel: 4216835 | 4268788

SKODA Models Laura 1.8 TSI

51,90,000

1798 7A 118 250 225 Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y

Yeti Elegance Petrol 52,90,000

1968 6M 140 320 210 Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Constant Business Group Pvt. Ltd, Naxal Tel: 2297455

SSANGYONG Models Korando Active AWD

47,75,000 1998 5M 175 360 180 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

Rexton

57,75,000 2696 5M 160 340 180 Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y

Kyron

47,75,000 1998 5M 140 310 NA Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y

Actyon Sports New

35,00,000 1998 5M 140 310 NA Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y

Vijay Motors Pvt. Ltd, Naxal, KTM Tel: 4414158 | 4433025

Subaru Models Forester

75,50,000 2498 5M 170 230 NA Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N Sipradi Trading Pvt Ltd, Teku Tel: 4250610 | 4250612

TATA Models Aria Prestige

51,95,000 2179 5M 138 320 NA Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

Indica V2 Xeta GLS

15,95,000 1193 5M 64 100 145 N N N N N N N N N

Indica Vista Quadrajet Aura

26,95,000 1248 5M 75 190 160 Y Y Y N Y N Y Y N

Indigo CS LE TDI

24,00,000

1396

Indigo Manza Quadrajet 90

30,40,000

1248 5M 90 200 NA Y Y Y N Y N Y Y N

Nano LX

11,88,000

624 4M 35 48 105 N N N N N N Y N N

Safari Dicor VX 4WD

46,95,000

2179

5M

138

320

NA

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Sumo Grande MK II

34,95,000

2179

5M

120

250

140

N

N

N

N

Y

N

Y

N

N

Sumo Victa DI Turbo

26,50,000

2956

5M

70

223

175

N

N

N

N

Y

N

Y

N

N

Xenon XT 4WD

29,60,000

2183 5M 138 320 160 N N N N Y N Y N N

5M

69

135

165

N

N

N

N

N

N

Y

N

N

United Traders Syndicate, Sinamangal Tel: 4478301-5

TOYOTA Models Avanza F651RM

39,95,000

1298 5M 90 120 150 Y Y Y N Y Y Y N N

Corolla ZRE141R

73,70,000

1598 5M 104 145 170 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N

Fortuner KUN51R

83,90,000

2928 5M 160 343 170 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

Land Cruiser Prado 1,54,60,000 2982 5M 129 343 170 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Dual AC Land Cruiser GX

21,906,000 4461 5M 214 430 190 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

Rav 4 Auto

93,15,000

2362 5M/4A 167 224 NA Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

NA

1298 5M 86 120 NA Y Y Y N Y Y Y N N

52,50,000

1298 5M 86 120 NA Y Y Y N Y Y Y N N

Yaris HB

Yaris Sedan

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

93

NEW CAR BUYER’S GUIDE

TECHNICAL

Sunroof

Bluetooth

Fog Lamps

Leather Seats

Steering Adjust

Climate Control

Remote Locking

ABS

Airbags

Top Speed (KMPH)

Torque (NM)

Power (BHP)

Gearbox

Cubic Capacity (CC)

All prices listed are as per NADA’s latest release

Price (NRs)

Updated November 2011

EXTRA FEATURES AND SAFETY Pooja International Pvt. Ltd, Panipokhari Tel: 4006605 | 4006606

VOLKSWAGEN Models Beetle AT

NA

1595 6A 115 172 NA Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y

Jetta 1.9 Trendline D

NA

1896

5M

108

250

190

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Passat 2.0 Trendline D 66,25,000 1968 6M 140 320 210 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Manual Polo 1.6 Highline P

28,45,000

1598 5M 103 153 185 Y Y Y N Y N Y N N

Tiguan TDI Diesel AT

76,50,000

1968

6A

138

320

NA

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Touareg 3.0 D Auto 1,14,00,000 2967 6M 222 500 220 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Full Opt Vento 1.6

36,75,000

ZOTYE

1598 5M 103 250 185 Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N

Constant Business Group Pvt. Ltd, Naxal Tel: 2297455

Models Zotye Nomad II 1.5L 24,50,000

1500 5M 105 135 145 N Y N N N N Y N N

if you ride and drive l

ike

w o r r o m o t o n 's e ther

THERE WON'T BE Safety Initiative

NEW BIKE BUYER’S GUIDE

Anna Lifan

Mileage (kmpl)

Fuel Tank (Litre)

Dry Weight (KG)

Ground Clearance (MM)

Wheelbase (MM)

Height (MM)

Length (MM)

Top Speed (KMPH)

Gears

Torque (NM)

Power (BHP)

Cubic Capacity (CC)

All prices listed are as per NADA’s latest release

Price (NRS)

Updated November 2011

Annapurna Lifan Company Pvt. Ltd Teku, Tel: 4241521

Models

COOL BOY

DUE

N/A

1,55,500 149.4 13.5/8500 8.5/7500 5 95 N/A 830 1680 250 120 10.5 50 99,900

97 5.5/7500 6.6/5000 4 N/A N/A 750 1208 140 95

4 70

Gipsy

1,85,900 196.9 16/8000 13.8/6500 5 100 N/A 830 1350 240 125 10.5 45

Royal

1,09,900 97.2 6/8000 6/6000 4 80 N/A 760 1320 160 110KG 12 70

Desire

1,06,900 107 6.6/8500 7.5/5000 4 N/A N/A 750 1255 140 90 4.5 65

apollo

Universal Super Impex Jyatha Tole, Tel: 4227337 Models Orion RX 250T

3,05,000 249.4 17.5/7500 18/5500 5 105 N/A 930 1420 280 118 8 35

Orion RX 250M

3,05,000 249.4 17.5/7500 18/5500 5 105 N/A 880 1420 280 118 8 35

Bajaj

Hansraj Hulaschand & Co. Ltd Teku, Tel: 4220094 | 4261200 Models

Avenger

2,39,900

219.89 19/8400 17.5/7000 5

120 N/A 710 1475

169

140

14

35

Discover 100 DTS-Si

1,42,900 94.38 7.5/7500 7.85/5000 5 90 N/A 800 1305 165 108 8

Discover 125 DTS-Si

1,58,900 (Disk) 124.6 11/8000 10.8/5500 5 N/A N/A 800 1305 165 1,53,900

110

8

Discover 150 DTS-Si

1,67,900

144.8

13/7500

12.75/5500

5

110

N/A

800

1305

115

8

65

Platina 100

1,19,900

99.27

8/7500

8/5500

4

90

N/A

805

1275

160

100

13

75

Platina 1,38,900 125 DTS-Si

124.58

9.5/7000

11/5000

4

100

N/A

785

1275

160

100

13

65

N/A

800

1325

170

110

8

65

165

80 N/A

Pulsar 135 LS

1,69,900

134.66

13.5/8500

11.4/6500

5

115

Pulsar 150 DTSi

2,05,900

149.01

15.06/9000

12.5/6500

5

115

N/A

785

1320

160

120

15

55

Pulsar 180 DTSi

2,19,900

178.60

17/8500

14/6000

5

120

N/A

785

1345

165

130

15

50

Pulsar 220F DTS-I

2,44,900

220

21/8500

19/7000

5

135

N/A

795

1350

165

140

15

45

Pulsar 220S DTS-I

2,34,900

220

21/8500

19/7000

5

135

N/A

795

1350

165

140

15

45

DAELIM

AKU Nepal Enterprises Kalimati, Tel: 4288339 | 4286018 Models Roadwin 150R

Roadwin R250 FI

N/A 4,95,000

Demak

150 15/10600 12.5/8400 5

120 N/A 780 1380

150

135

249 23/9000 19/8000 5 140 N/A 780 1380 150 160

15

N/A

15 N/A

Agni Incorporated Pvt. Ltd Uttar Dhoka, Tel: 4414626 Models Cougar 250

3,95,000

249 19/7500 N/A 5 N/A N/A 760 1480 140 140 14 40

2,38,000

150 13/8500 10/7500 5 N/A N/A 840 1380 270 120 8.5 50

DMX-R

DUCATI

Turbo Motors Trading Naxal,Tel: 4435720 Models

www.autolife.com.np

Hypermotard 796

17,50,000

803 81/8000 74/6250 6 200 N/A 825 1455 N/A 155 12.5 N/A

Monster 696

16,00,000

696 80/9000 69/7750 6 N/A N/A 770 1450 N/A 160

15

N/A

Monster 796

17,50,000

803 87/8250 79/6250 6 220 N/A 800 1450 N/A 167

15

N/A

NOV / DEC 2011

95

Fuel Tank (Litre)

Mileage (kmpl)

Dry Weight (KG)

Ground Clearance (MM)

Wheelbase (MM)

4

N/A

N/A

N/A

1280

150

100

10

N/A

UFO 0150

1,56,500

149.6

8.5/7500

9.2/6000

Auto

80

N/A

N/A

1275

135

100

5

N/A

Xpression Plus+

1,48,994

124

10.5/8500

8.4/7500

5

N/A

N/A

N/A

1280

140

100

15

N/A

Price (NRS)

GLOBAL

Height (MM)

6.5/6000

Length (MM)

7.2/8000

Gears

97

Torque (NM)

1,25,000

GLOBAL

Power (BHP)

G-100

Cubic Capacity (CC)

All prices listed are as per NADA’s latest release

NEW BIKE BUYER’S GUIDE

Top Speed (KMPH)

Updated November 2011

Jai Shambu Automotives Pvt. Ltd Ravi Bhawan, Tel: 4289933 | 4277049

Models

Hartford

International Motor Pvt. Ltd Teku, Tel: 4265336 | 4265337

Models

VR 150H

2,89,000

149

13.5/8500

12.5/7500

5

103

N/A

860

1375

280

115

12

45

VR 200H

3,44,000

197

19/7500

15/6000

5

105

N/A

860

1375

290

130

12

30

Hero

Syakar Company Ltd Kantipath, Tel: 4225377 Models

Achiever

1,78,900 149.1 13.2/8000 12.8/5000 5 110 N/A 800 1290 160 125 12.4

60

1,86,900 (Old) CBZ X-TREME 1,95,900 (SD) 149.2 14.2/8500 12.8/6500 5 110 N/A 800 1325 145 135 15 60.25

2,03,900 (DD)

CD Dawn

CD Deluxe

Glamour

1,09,900 1,19,900 (Kick) 1.24,900 (Self)

1,59,900(DRS) 1,77,900(DSS FI)

Hunk 1,91,900(SD) 2,01,900(DD)

97.2 7.2/8000 7.5/5000 4 85 N/A 790 1230 165 100 10.5 70 97.2

7.2/8000

7.5/5000

4

95

N/A

790

1230

165

100

10.5

72

124.8

9/7000

10.35/4000

4

95

N/A

775

1265

150

115

15

72

149.2

14.2/8500

12.8/6500

5

110

N/A

795

1325

145

135

12.5

50

1355

150

135

15

45

1350

160

145

15

48

Karizma DSS

2,36,900

223

16.5/7000

18.3/6000

5

125

N/A

Karizma ZMR

2,91,900

223

17.5/7000

18.3/6000

5

130

N/A

795 795

Pleasure 1,38,900 102 7/7000 7.8/5000 Auto 80 N/A 750 1240 125 95 10 50

Splendor NXG

1,42,900

97.2

Splendor +DRK

1,38,900

97.2 7.4/8000 7.2/5000 4

85 N/A 775 1230 160

110 10.5

60

Splendor Pro

1,42,900

97.2

90

Super Splendor

1,54,900

124.7 9.13/7000 10.35/4000 4

7.7/7500

7.6/7500

7.6/6000

8.04/4500

4

4

100

N/A

N/A

100 N/A

Honda

785

1230

160

100

10

77

775

1230

160

100

11

60

775

1235

150

110

12

75

Syakar Company Ltd Kantipath, Tel: 4225490 | 4226314 Models

Activa

109

8/7500

8.8/5500

Auto

90

N/A

765

1238

145

100

5.3

55

Aviator 1,55,900 109 8/8000 8.82/5500 Auto 85 N/A 790 1256 145 95 6 52

CB Shine 1,66,900(Drum) 1,71,900(Disk)

124.6

10.3/7500

10.9/5500

4

100

N/A

790

1265

175

110

11

80

CB Twister 1,55,900(Drum) 1,63,900(Disk)

109

9/8000

9/6500

4

95

N/A

800

1262

180

100

8

70

CB Unicorn

2,02,900

149.1

13.2/8000

12.8/5500

5

115

N/A

790

1340

180

135

13

60

CB Unicorn

Dazzler

2,09,900

149.1

14/8500

12.8/6500

5

120

N/A

780

1328

162

125

12

55

CBF Stunner

1,78,900

124.7

11/8000

11/6500

5

100

N/A

790

1271

173

120

10

60

1,49,900

102

7/7000

80

N/A

762

1235

145

100

6

50

4,50,000 (Non ABS) 5,15,000(C-ABS)

249

25.3/8500

23 7000

6

155

N/A

780

1370

145

150

13

35

156

18

20

19

20

Dio

CBR 250R

7.8/5500 Auto

CBR 600RR

20,50,000

599

118/13500

66/11250

6

240

N/A

820

1369

135

CB 600F Hornet

16,99,000

599

102/12000

63.510500

6

210

N/A

800

1435

135

96

1,50,900

CB 1000R

NOV / DEC 2011

183

21,99,000 999 125/10000 100/8000 6 240 N/A 825 1445 130 213 17 15

www.autolife.com.np

Fuel Tank (Litre)

Mileage (kmpl)

Ground Clearance (MM)

Wheelbase (MM)

Height (MM)

Length (MM)

Top Speed (KMPH)

Gears

Torque (NM)

Power (BHP)

Price (NRS)

Dry Weight (KG)

NEW BIKE BUYER’S GUIDE

All prices listed are as per NADA’s latest release

Cubic Capacity (CC)

Updated November 2011

120

12

N/A

135 11.5

N/A

Models NXR150 BROS

N/A

XR250 Tornado

N/A

149.2 14/8000 13.6/6000 5 N/A N/A 830 1353 245 249 23.3/7500 23.7/6000 6

140 N/A 880 1427 281

Hyosung

Batas Motors Pvt. Ltd Gairidhara, Tel: 4004626 | 4004627

Models

GT250N

5,99,900

249

GT250R

6,70,900

249 26.35/9000 21/6750 5

GT650N

10,65,900

GT650R

26.5/9000

21/6750

5

150

N/A

830

1435

175

160

17

N/A

155

160

17

N/A

647 72/9000 61/7250 6 190 N/A 790 1435 185 200

17

N/A

11,10,900

647

72/9000

61/7250

6

200

N/A

830

1435

165

200

17

N/A

RT 125D

4,49,900

124.5

13.5/10000

11/8000

5

N/A

N/A

790

1350

230

135

7

N/A

RX 125D

4,32,900

124.5 13/8500 11/8000 5 N/A N/A 850 1425 295 130

7

N/A

RX 125SM

4,56,900

124.5 13/8500 11/8000 5 N/A N/A 825 1430 275 130

7

N/A

160

17

35

100

6

45

150 N/A 830 1435

Kawasaki

Hansraj Hulaschand & Co. Ltd Teku, Tel: 4220094 | 4261200

Models

Ninja 250R

7,49,900

249 32/11000 22/8200 6 160 N/A 790 1400 135

Mahindra 2 Wheelers

Shrestha Intl. Trading Concern Teku, Tel: 4251202

Models

Duro Rodeo

N/A

124.6

N/A

124.6 8/7000 9/5500 Auto 85 N/A 760 1245 155 106 4.5 45

PIAGGIO

8/7500

9/5500

Auto

85

N/A

PIAGGIO

770

1290

155

Anna Automobile Pvt. Ltd Teku, Tel: 4229855

Models

BYQ125

N/A

126.3

9.7/8500

8.6/7000

4

N/A

N/A

N/A

1295

180

115

14

45

Citypard 150

N/A

149

11.7/8000

11/6000

5

N/A

N/A

870

1400

150

115

14

45

N/A

90

6.5

50

iShine 100

96.21

N/A 6.81/6000 Auto N/A N/A N/A 1340 130

Rieju

Tunche Trans Himalayan Trading Concern Bhrikuti Mandap, Tel: 4268169 Models Marathon 185

N/A

125

15

20

6

115

Marathon 185 Pro

N/A

125

15

20

6

120 N/A 870 1395 n/a 115

6.5 N/a

Marathon 450

N/A

449

N/A

N/A

5

N/A N/A 900 1485 N/A

8.5

N/A

230 N/A

Tango 250

N/A

870

1395

N/A

115

115

6.5

N/a

N/A

N/A 5 N/A N/A 840 N/A N/A 100 5.5 N/A

Royal Enfield

Dugar Brothers & Sons Pvt. Ltd Balaju, Tel: 4362992

Models Classic 350

4,11,000

346

20/5250

28/4000

5

N/A

N/A

800

1370

140

170

13.5

N/a

Classic 500

4,95,000

499

27/5250

41.3/4000

5

130

N/A

800

1370

140

170

13.5

N/a

Electra Twin Spark

3,95,000

346

20/5250

28/4000

5

115

N/A

800

1370

140

170

13.5

N/a

N/A

346

18/5000

32/3000

4

100

N/A

760

1370

140

150

14.5

35

N/A

346

20/5250

28/4000

5

115

N/A

770

1370

140

170

15.5

35

STD350 UCE

Thunderbird Twin Spark

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

97

Mileage (kmpl)

Dry Weight (KG)

Ground Clearance (MM)

Wheelbase (MM)

780

1250

160

110

6

N/a

1,63,888

124

10/8000

10/7500

Auto

N/A

745

1255

120

110

7.8

N/a

Suzuki

Height (MM)

N/A

Length (MM)

Auto n/a

Gears

9.8/5000

Torque (NM)

8.5/7000

Power (BHP)

124

Cubic Capacity (CC)

1,59,888

Price (NRS)

Fuel Tank (Litre)

NEW BIKE BUYER’S GUIDE

All prices listed are as per NADA’s latest release

Top Speed (KMPH)

Updated November 2011

Ganesh Enterprises Kamalpokhari, Tel: 4422818 | 4423444 Models Access 125

AN 125HK

90

GN125H

1,61,888 124 12/8000 10/7500 5 110 N/A 735 1280 175 107 10.3 35

GS150R

2,07,888 149.5 13.8/8500 13.4/6000 6 110 N/A 790 1340 160 135 15.5 60

GT125 CD Slingshot

1,62,888

124

8.5/8500

10/6000

5

100

N/A

790

1265

160

115

12

60

B-King

N/A

1340

181/9500

146/7200

6

240

N/A

805

1525

120

235

16.5

N/A

Burgman 400

N/A

400 34/7300 36.3/5800 Auto 150 N/A 710 1585 125 210 13.5 N/A

GZ250

N/A

249

20/8000

18.7/7000

5

N/A

N/A

680

1450

125

140

13

N/A

DR200SE

N/A

199

15/8500

17.7/7000

5

N/A

N/A

810

1405

260

115

13

40

Hayabusa

N/A

1340

197/9800

154/10200

6

296

N/A

805

1480

120

220

21

15

GSR600

N/A

599

93/12000

65/9600

6

215

N/A

785

1440

130

185

16.5

20

GSX650F

N/A

656

85/10500

62/8900

6

240

N/A

770

1470

125

220

19

20

GSX-R600

N/A

599

125/13500

68/11500

6

265

N/A

810

1400

130

180

17

15

TVS

AIT Pvt. Ltd Teku, Tel: 4253661 | 4261330 Models Apache RTR 160

2,05,886

159.7

15.2/8500

13.1/6000

5

120

N/A

790

1300

180

120

16

50

Apache RTR 180

2,18,881

177.4

17/8500

15.5/6500

5

125

N/A

790

1326

180

120

16

45

Scooty Pep+

1,26,390

87.8

5/6500

5.8/4000 Auto

75

N/A

740

1230

135

90

5

55

Scooty Streak

1,34,922

87.8

5/6500

5.8/4000

Auto

80

N/A

740

1230

135

90

4.7

55

Star City 110

1,41,928

109.7

8.2/7500

8.1/5000

4

90

N/A

790

1240

165

95

16

67

Jive

1,52,889

109.7

8.4/7500

8.3/5500 Auto

95

N/A

780

1260

165

95

15

65

Wego

1,53,906

109.7

8/7500

85

N/A

770

1275

150

100

5

40

8/5500

Auto

Yamaha

Morang Auto Works Teku, Tel: 4261160 | 4268252 Models

Enticer DLX

98

1,75,900

123.7

11/8000

10.4/6500

4 n/a

N/A

710

1375

140

105

13.5

N/a

Fazer

2,21,900

153

14/7500

14/6000

5

115

N/A

790

1335

160

130

13.5

45

FZ-16

1,99,900

153

14/7500

14/6000

5

115

N/A

790

1335

160

125

12

45

FZ-S

2,14,900

153 14/7500 14/6000 5 115 N/A 790 1335 160 125

12

45

SS 125

1,69,900

123

11/7500

10.4/6500

5

110

N/A

795

1295

155

110

13

70

SZ-R

1,84,900

153

12/7500

12.8/4500

5

105

N/A

802

1320

165

120

14

50

1,74,900

153

12/7500

12.8/4500

5

105

N/A

802

1320

165

120

14

50

YBR 110 Alba

1,40,900

106

7.5/7500

7.8/6000

4

100

N/A

795

1290

173

115

13

65

YBR 125 DX

1,58,900

123

10.8/7500

10.4/6500

4

105

N/A

795

1300

180

115

13.5

60

YZF R15

2,92,900

149.8

17/8500

15/7500

6

135

N/A

790

1290

160

120

12

42

SZ-X

NOV / DEC 2011

www.autolife.com.np

www.autolife.com.np

NOV / DEC 2011

99

c Softrock Media 2011