The new petrol price would be effective from mid night tonight.

It was his 40th win since joining Yamaha in 2004, meaning that over half of his premier-class wins have come with the Japanese factory.

His team-mate Jorge Lorenzo finished a strong second and had a milestone of his own to celebrate as it was the fiftieth podium of his career. Like Rossi, The Mallorcan has now finished on the podium in all but one round this season. Yamaha Tech 3 riders Colin Edwards and James Toseland made it four Yamahas in the top six after finishing fourth and sixth respectively.

The eight-time World Champion got a strong start from pole and was second at the end of the first lap, passing Casey Stoner soon after to take a lead which he never relinquished. With his M1 and Bridgestone tyres working perfectly throughout, his race pace was even better than he had shown in practice and he gradually stretched his lead from Lorenzo in the latter stages of the race to seal his historic victory. The 30-year-old Italian and his fan-club joined forces on the slow-down lap to unroll a 25-metre banner which pictured every one of his 100 wins, spanning a career which began when he was 17 years old.

Lorenzo had a poor start and lost several positions in the early melee, leaving him to fight his way back to the front in the early laps. It took him until lap five to come through to second but by then Rossi had opened up a gap of nearly 1.5 seconds. The 22-year-old looked to be closing on his team-mate a little at mid race distance but in the latter stages he began to lose a bit of confidence in the front and was happy enough to settle for second and an important 20 points.

With Stoner finishing third today the championship standings remain tight at the top – Rossi leads on 131 points, Lorenzo is second on 126 and Stoner is hard on his heels with 122. The MotoGP paddock now heads directly to California and Laguna Seca for round eight in a week’s time.

Valentino Rossi, “This is a very emotional moment and for sure I will remember this 100th victory for the rest of my life. When I reached 70, 100 seemed a long way away but here I am and it has been great, great fun getting here. It is down to so many people, like Jeremy and my guys who have been with me for ten years and all of the team who always give 100% and always give me the best bike possible. Especially however I have to thank the friends who have been with me my whole life and my father Graziano, who won here in Assen 30 years ago when I was a baby, and my mother Stefania, because they have always supported me. It’s great to reach this moment here at Assen because it’s the ‘Cathedral’ of motorcycle racing and the most historic track we go to. Today was a perfect race – I got a great start and my bike was incredible which meant that my pace was very strong. In fact I think it was better for everyone’s hearts not to have another last-lap battle like in Barcelona! I had a good advantage from Lorenzo in some parts of the track and it was a great ride for me. Now I have 100 wins and I’m only the second rider to arrive at this number, but Agostini still has 22 more and for me he is still the greatest. 100 is a great result but the atmosphere in our team is wonderful and the motivation is still as high as ever – we want to win a few more races together yet!”

2009 MotoGP Holland results:
1. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team 42′14.611
2. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team + 5.368
3. Casey Stoner (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team + 23.113
4. Colin Edwards (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 + 29.114
5. Chris Vermeulen (AUS) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP + 33.605
6. James Toseland (GBR) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 + 39.347
7. Randy De Puniet (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP + 39.543
8. Toni Elias (SPA) San Carlo Honda Gresini + 39.774
9. Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team + 39.823
10. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP + 40.673
11. Alex De Angelis (RSM) San Carlo Honda Gresini + 46.010
12. Marco Melandri (ITA) Hayate Racing Team + 57.777
13. Sete Gibernau (SPA) Grupo Francisco Hernando + 1′05.366
14. Niccolo Canepa (ITA) Pramac Racing + 1′09.897
15. Yuki Takahashi (JPN) Scot Racing Team + 1′09.930
16. Gabor Talmacsi (HUN) Scot Racing Team MotoGP + 1′25.099
NOT CLASSIFIED
Mika Kallio (FIN) Pramac Racing 1 Lap
Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Repsol Honda 16 Lap
Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda 22 Lap

2009 MotoGP Championship Standings:
1. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team 131
2. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team 126
3. Casey Stoner (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team 122
4. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Repsol Honda 69
5. Colin Edwards (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 67
6. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda 67
7. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 55
8. Marco Melandri (ITA) Hayate Racing Team 54
9. Chris Vermeulen (AUS) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 53
10. Randy De Puniet (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP 51
11. James Toseland (GBR) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 38
12. Toni Elias (SPA) San Carlo Honda Gresini 31
13. Alex De Angelis (RSM) San Carlo Honda Gresini 29
14. Mika Kallio (FIN) Pramac Racing 26
15. Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team 25
16. Sete Gibernau (SPA) Grupo Francisco Hernando 12
17. Niccolo Canepa (ITA) Pramac Racing 12
18. Yuki Takahashi (JPN) Scot Racing Team 8

Developed in collaboration by Yamaha Engineering Corporation and Daytona in Japan, the race kit would comprise of ECU, High lift cams, full exhaust system, special alloy sprockets, adjustable back steps, larger petal disc brakes, master brake cylinder, and stainless steel brake hose.

India Yamaha Motors is planning to introduce the performance race kit in the month of September, for track use only, in order to promote motor sports in India. Speaking to the press, Mr. Sanjay Tripathi, Division Head Product Planning & Brand Management, India Yamaha Motor said, “Racing kit parts are developed using valuable experience gained from MotoGP & World Superbike racing and Yamaha wants to provide its customers in India with the same thrill and feeling of racing instinct. Also with the launch of these kit parts we want to encourage safe racing culture in India.”

We feel this is the step in the right direction and would not only provide budding racers in India access to high quality aftermarket performance parts, it might just prompt other Indian motorcycle manufacturers to get interested in motorsports as well.

While the details are sketchy on whether or not it would purely be a cosmetic upgrade or a substantial one with heavy engine upgrades and tweaks (especially considering the launch of the new Pulsar 220 DTSi) and maybe even the introduction of fuel injection to 223cc heart of the ZMA.

Whether it is 2009 Hero Honda Karizma Fi, heavily tweaked carbureted Karizma or one with only a facelift, you can surely catch all the updates and action on Indiaon2wheels, so make sure to subscribe to our email updates to find the latest news on the upcoming Karizma and other motorcycles…

The new Flame comes with the conventional single spark plug setup, instead of the controversial twin spark technology, which had been a bone of contention between TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto.

Flame SR125 comes with a 125cc, 3 valve engine with CC-VTI technology to improve low and mid range performance and has been developed by AVL Austria.

Speaking at the launch of TVS Flame SR125, Mr. H. S. Goindi, President Marketing, TVS Motor said, “The TVS Flame SR125 comes with significantly enhanced low and mid range power delivery and better noise, vibration and handling (NVH) characteristics. The revolutionary Controlled Combustion Variable Timing Intelligent (CC-VTi) technology provides an advantageous combination of power and mileage backed by stunning looks.”

TVS Flame SR125 is priced at Rs. 47,550 ex-showroom Chennai and would be available in red and blue dual tone colors and also in an all black edition.

TVS Flame SR125 press release

TVS Motor Company today announced the availability of its 2009 Flame model in the market under the brand TVS Flame SR 125. The new commuter motorcycle is loaded with a host of exciting features that has been further enhanced to delight its customers.

According to H S Goindi, President Marketing – TVS Motor Company, “The TVS Flame SR125 comes with significantly enhanced low and mid range power delivery and better noise, vibration and handling (NVH) characteristics. The revolutionary Controlled Combustion Variable Timing Intelligent (CC-VTi) technology provides an advantageous combination of power and mileage backed by stunning looks.”

TVS Flame SR 125’s well proven engine is propelled by a three valve, CC-VTi technology which ensures better pickup with optimum mileage and power. Developed with AVL Austria, this 125 cc, three valve engine is tuned to the ideal tumble-swirl port combination such that city riding on this machine is really smooth and comfortable. The engine’s hi-tumble reduces the need for constant gear shifting while the swirl port returns optimum mileage. The TVS Flame SR 125 is equipped with an electric start, weighs about 123 kgs and fires a single spark plug. The bike has a top speed at 95 kmph and churns out 10.5 bhp @ 7500 rpm.

“One of the visible changes in the TVS Flame SR125 is the wider rear tyre. It is a category first. This impressive rear tyre, which has been a clamor by our customers, ensures better road grip and enhances the bike’s looks. Futuristic styling with refreshing new graphics deployed in this motorcycle gives it best-in-class appeal.” Goindi adds.

TVS FLAME SR 125 boasts of several style statements including stylish headlamps with two position lamps and embedded turn signal lamps which give the bike a sporty finish. The 240 mm front disc brakes are complemented with a chic triangular exhaust that is not only unique but also enhances performance and delivers the smoothest of sounds and low emissions. The bike flaunts an elegant backlit digital console that prominently displays the first of its kind intelligent mileage indicator (IMI), low fuel warning and service indicator. The rear end of the bike sports a dual lens tail lamp that is first in its class. TVS Flame SR 125 is the only Indian motorcycle to be equipped with a gadget boot which provides the facility of on-tank storage.

“The disc brake version is priced at 47,550/- ex-showroom comes in dual tone colours of red and blue along with an all black edition and is available at all TVS dealerships across the country. However, for those not wanting in the disc brake, the bike is also available with drum brakes. ” Goindi said.

Bajaj Auto’s new 220cc mill now supports a UCAL UCD 32 venturi carburetor with auto choke and produces one horsepower more than its fuel inject predecessor. Even though amount of torque produced remains the same, it now comes slightly higher up the rev range at 7000rpm. Which should lead to slightly slower roll on figures, compared the earlier fuel injected one, though should still be within acceptable range.

However this is a small price to pay for a motorcycle which costs Rs. 30,000 less than the Yamaha R15 and yet produces more power and has better acceleration and top end figures and at the same time, gives much better mileage!

Apart from the new engine parts, the new 220 DTSi also receives an all black engine treatment, better gearbox with reworked gear ratios, stickier rubber, better suspension, more powerful brakes and larger oil cooler.

Speaking at the launch of the new Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSi, Bajaj Auto’s CEO Mr S. Sridhar said, “We have been continuously evolving our Pulsar range to provide our customers state-of-the-art product with unmatched performance and technology. The new 2009 edition Pulsar 220 has further raised the bar in the performance segment by becoming India’s fastest production bike.’

Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSi press release

Bajaj Auto Ltd., today announced the launch of the 2009 Pulsar 220 edition. With it’s launch, Bajaj Auto has raised the bar in performance biking segment quite a few notches higher – the Pulsar 220 has now evolved to become the fastest Indian with an amazing top speed of 144km/hr.

The new 220 gets the performance boost with 32 venturi carburettor, the bigest ever used in India. In addition, the intake port in the cylinder head has been modified, along with higher lift and duration cam. A larger resonator and catalytic convertor is also used to increase performance. The higher engine performance acheived has been matched to a modified 5th gear ratio, to make the new Pulsar 220, ‘The Fastest Indian’.

Aimed at the performance bikers who are looking for a thrilling ride experience, this bike comes with many power packed features – auto choke, clip-on handle bar, split seats, engine oil cooler, fuel and battery charge indicators, etc. It also uses temperature based ignition mapping system through which the ignition timing is optimized to acheive good startability, quick warm up and outstanding torque.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. S.Sridhar, CEO – 2-wheelers, Bajaj Auto Ltd. said – “We have been continously evolving our Pulsar range to provide our customers state of the art products with unmatched performance and technology. The new 2009 Pulsar 220 has further raised the bar in the performance sengment by becoming the ‘India’s fastest production motorcycle’.”

He further added, “We have been the market leaders by far in the premium segment of the motorcycle market, and now with the launch of the 09′220 seres, we will further strengthen our foothold.”

With 21.04PS of power, sporty styling, long feature-list and a price of Rs.70,000/- ex-showroom, it is a very compelling package for the performance bikers, who will find it hard to resist this fastest Pulsar ever produced.

The Bajaj Pulsar 220, 2009 edition will be manufactured at the Chakan plant and it will be available with 4 color opions to choose from.

2009 Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSi specifications:

Pulsar 220 DTSi Engine
Type: Single Cylinder, 4 stroke-air cooled.
Bore(mm)xStroke(mm): 67×62.4
Displacement: 220cc
Valve per cylinder: 2
Fueling: Carburetor – UCAL UCD 32
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Max. Power (Ps@RPM): 21.04@8500
Max. Torque(NM@RPM): 19.12@7000
Starting: Electric

Pulsar 220 DTSi Transmission
Clutch: Wet multiplate
No.of gears: 5
Gear Shift Pattern: 1-down, 4-up
Primary Reduction: 3.47 (66/19)
Final Reduction: 2.571 (36/14)

Pulsar 220 DTSi Chassis, suspension and tyres
Type: Double cradle down tube
Suspension (front): Telescopic, 130mm
Suspension (rear): Nitrox, with 90mm travel
Front Brakes: Disc, 260mm
Rear Brakes: Disc, 230mm
Tyre (Front): 90/90X17″ (Soft Compound, tubeless)
Tyre (Rear): 120/80X17″ (Soft Compound, tubeless)

Pulsar 220 DTSi Dimensions
Overall Length: 2035mm
Overall Width: 750mm
Overall Height: 1165mm
Wheelbase: 1350mm
Ground Clearance: 165mm
Saddle Height: 795mm
Kerb Weight: 150kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15 litres, with 3.2 litres reserve (2.2 litres usable reserve)

Pulsar 220 DTSi Electricals
Battery: 12V, 9Ah, Full DC
Head Lamp: Low – Projector Lamp, 55W, High – Ellipsoidal Lamp, 55W
Tail/ Stop Lamp: LED Type
Horn: DC, 2

Pulsar 220 DTSi performance
Max speed: 144kph (claimed)

Price: Rs. 70,000 (Ex-Showroom Delhi)

The new Pulsar 220 is expected to be the fastest production motorcycle in India with a top speed of 140kmph, which is 15kmph faster than its predecessor and 10kmph faster than Yamaha R15.

Bajaj is also expected to reduce the price of the all new Pulsar 220 by up to Rs.15,000!

Make sure to check back on the 23rd of June, as we get you all the info on the all new fastest production motorcycle in India…

TVS Apache RTR 180’s sporty, chiseled looks and unmatched performance-packed superior engine technology, take it to a different league making the bike a Class leader in terms of acceleration, performance, styling, ride handling and stability.

Developed to aggressively take on urban environments and encourage the occasional detour, the TVS Apache RTR 180 is an innovative blend of revolutionary technology and sporty design. Instant acceleration integrates with the aerodynamic design to combine into a brilliant power-to-weight ratio that increases the motorcycle’s performance and handling abilities. Weighing 137 kgs, the bike is designed for optimal performance off the line, in sharp turns and while navigating urban obstacles.

The Apache RTR 180’s oversquare engine is programmed to whip up an astonishing 17.3 PS making it one of the most powerful bike in its class on Indian roads. The bike has a top speed of 125kph with a 0 to 60kph timing of just 4.15 seconds, making it one of the fastest motorcycle in its class. The TVS Apache 180 RTR is embellished with a distinguishing graphics scheme, the RTR emblem inscribed prominently on the tank scoops. Stylish alloys, unique grab rails, chiseled fuel tank, front and rear petal disc brakes seamlessly coalesce to make the Apache RTR 180 a spectacular and sporty motorcycle.

The ergonomically designed rear set aluminum foot pegs (sporty ergonomics), adjustable split handlebars and sculpted seats allow exceptional control and maneuverability of the bike and are sure to thrill discerning performance seekers.

The bike boasts of a digital console with service due reminder, clock, dual trip meter, adjustable clip on handlebar and mono tube inverted gas filled shocks. The titanium black engine with engine faring, LED tail lamp, new turn signal lamps, race crouch mirrors, new rear fender and a sound engineered slick silencer give the bike a great sporty appeal.

The Apache RTR 180 is equipped with both electric and kick start and comes in three stunning colours, including an all new pearl white, titanium grey and black. The bike is priced at an introductory Rs 63990/- ex showroom Delhi and is immediately available in TVS dealerships across the country.

TVS Apache RTR 180 Specifications:
Engine capacity: 177.4cc
Engine type: single cylinder, air cooled 4st
Max Power: 17.3bhp @ 8500rpm
Max Torque: 1.58kgm @ 6500rpm
Gear box: 5 speed constant mesh
Fuel system: carbureted
Front brake: 270mm petal disc brake
Rear brake: 200mm petal disc brake
Front suspension: Telescopic hydraulic fork
Rear suspension: gas shocks
Front tyre: 90/90 x17
Rear tyre: 110/80 x 17
Height: 100mm
Length: 2085mm
Width: 730mm
Ground clearance: 180mm
Kerb weight: 137kg
Fuel tank capacity: 16 liters

According to TVS Motor, Apache RTR 180 can do the 0-60kph sprint in just under 4.15 seconds and go on to touch 125kmph top speed.

TVS Apache RTR 180 would initially be available in pearl white, titanium grey and black color.

While the 178.6cc Bajaj Pulsar produces 17.02PS @ 8500rpm and 14.22Nm of torque at 6500rpm, TVS Apache RTR 180 manages to produce 17.3PS of power at 8500rpm and 15.5Nm of torque at 6500rpm, from its 177.4cc oversquare air cooled heart.

Full specifications, price and photographs of the TVS Apache RTR 180 would soon be posted on IO2W, till then enjoy this Apache RTR 180 advert: