Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Bikes to ride on car technology :Technology News

Hero Honda launches model with this fuel-enhancing system, Bajaj to follow suit

Sanjiv Kumar

New Delhi: Bikes are all set to zoom off on a brand new road in technical terms. Leading two-wheeler firms are going to phase out the good, old ‘carburettor engine’ range and, instead, use fuel-injection (FI) technology in view of tighter emission norms in the country.

But the innovation does not come cheap. There may be a premium charged for the FI technology which offers superior and consistent engine performance with improved drivability, lower emissions, enhanced fuel economy and extended engine life.

Hero Honda first to change gears

Market leader Hero Honda has introduced fuel-injection technology in 125cc bike Glamour FI priced at Rs 49,990 (base model) and Rs 53,990 (with disk brakes) and will charge Rs 5,500 extra over the existing range of Glamour for FI.

It also has real time mileage indicator for achieving optimum mileage. “We will phase out Glamour with carburettor engine if the new technology takes over in terms of volume sales. Gradually, we will introduce FI across all our bikes,” Hero Honda Managing Director Pawan Munjal told Mumbai Mirror.

Technology already in use abroad

FI technology is already prevalent in many countries. In India, it is in use in cars and Japan-based Honda Motor Company is offering it in two-wheelers. Hero Honda’s Munjal said the company is introducing FI in lower segment to achieve larger volumes. “As volume peaks, prices of FI-loaded bikes will also fall,” he said, adding that Hero Honda has already dispatched the new FI bikes to 180 dealers and they would soon be available in the market.

Bajaj running a close second

Bajaj Auto is all set to roll out the 230 cc Pulsar DTS-FI but with a higher price tag. According to auto experts, rivalry among automobile manufacturers is eventually good for the customer as healthy competition leads to new technologies and pushes companies to challenge themselves and others to offer better products at lower prices.

“This is the technology of the future for all two-wheelers, with India going for tighter emission provisions. Many more motorcycle makers have to infuse FI in their product range,” they added.

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home