GearHeads India - Blogs http://gearheads.in/blog.php GearHeads, Indian Automotive Forum discuss all about automobiles. en Wed, 22 May 2013 06:49:56 GMT vBulletin 60 http://gearheads.in/images/misc/rss.jpg GearHeads India - Blogs http://gearheads.in/blog.php Classic tale of Royal Enfield........ http://gearheads.in/entry.php?765-Classic-tale-of-Royal-Enfield Tue, 21 May 2013 09:24:27 GMT The journey began in the year 1851, when an Englishmen, George Townsend set up a neddle making shop in Hunt end, Redditch. During this time , the bicycle was still being developed and Townsend’s nascent company began tinkering . After experiencing financial trouble , her sold his company to the Edie Manufacturing Company, which released the first “Enfield “ bicycle in the year 1892. The following year Royal Enfield trademark slogan “Built like a Gun” appeared. In the year 1899 they started producing quadricycles with De Dion engines with heavy bicycle frame. In the year 1912 for the first time was introduced a Royal Enfield Model 180 sidecar combination with a 770 cc V-twin JAP engine. It was raced successfully at Brooklands.
In 1911, prior to the outbreak of the 1st world war, Enfield added the word "Royal" to its name. They supplied large numbers of motorcycles to the British War Department and also won a motorcycle contract for the Imperial Russian Government. Enfield used its own 225 cc two-stroke single and 425 cc V-twin engines. They also produced an 8 hp motorcycle sidecar model fitted with a Vickers machine gun.
During World War 2, The Enfield Cycle Company was called upon by the British authorities to develop and manufacture military motorcycles. The models produced for the military were the WD/C 350 cc side valve, WD/CO 350 cc OHV, WD/D 250 cc SV, WD/G 350 cc OHV and WD/L 570 cc SV. One of the most well-known Enfield’s was the Royal Enfield WD/RE, known as the Flying Flea, a lightweight 125 cc motorcycle designed to be dropped by parachute with airborne troops.
In 1921, Enfield developed a new 976 cc twin, and in 1924 launched the first Enfield four-stroke 350 cc single using a JAP engine. In 1928, Royal Enfield began using the 'saddle' tanks and centre-spring girder front forks, one of the first companies to do so. Even though it was trading at a loss in the depression years of the 1930’s, the company was able to rely on reserves to keep going. In 1931, Albert Eddie, one of the founders of the company, died and his partner R.W. Smith died soon afterwards in 1933.
As well as motorcycle manufacture, it built other equipment for the war effort such as mechanical "predictors" for anti-aircraft gunnery: the manufacture of such high precision equipment was helped by the constant temperature underground.
After the war the factory continued, concentrating on engine manufacture and high precision machining. After production of Royal Enfield motorcycles ceased, the precision engineering activities continued until the final demise of the company.
Royal Enfield motorcycles had been sold in India from 1949. In 1955, the Indian government looked for a suitable motorcycle for its police and army, for use patrolling the country's border. The Bullet was chosen as the most suitable bike for the job. The Indian government ordered 800 350 cc model Bullets, an enormous order for the time. In 1955, the Redditch company partnered Madras Motors in India in forming 'Enfield India' to assemble, under license, the 350 cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle in Chennai . Under Indian law, Madras Motors owned the majority (over 50%) of shares in the company. In 1957 tooling equipment was sold to Enfield India so that they could manufacture components.
Royal Enfield India is still manufacturing in India and is being sold in India and is also being exported to Europe as well as America and Australia. Recently Royal Enfield has undergone a major retooling particularly in the engine department going from carbureted cast iron engines to twin spark unit construction engine on all its models with EFI available on their flagship 500cc model. This retooling has sparked such an interest in these bikes that they have started double shifts at the plants.

 ]]> maadyy http://gearheads.in/entry.php?765-Classic-tale-of-Royal-Enfield Pulsar 150 UG4.5 completed 11000kms http://gearheads.in/entry.php?764-Pulsar-150-UG4-5-completed-11000kms Fri, 17 May 2013 04:38:10 GMT
I am a proud owner of Pulsar 150 DTSi. It is a OCt '13 model, clocked 11k kms in 6.5 months.

A bit of background: The story starts on23rd October 2013. I was delivered a shining Black P150 . Earlier I was using Discover 125. I wanted a new bike with all papers clear in Mumbai. As traffic is pretty strict here and also I wanted to go for touring.

After buying, I got the fuel lock. The bike was very peppy and stable but heavy , making it just like I wanted. Feeling like driving a truck on my first drive. Tried once and attained 120 KMPH indicated, before running out of road.

I changed the tyres for atleast 5 times now and finally I am settled now with my current set of tyres.

The downside was I felt the top-end had become blunted/restricted. The bike wasn't free/happy beyond 100kmph, though it did go upto 110 kmph whenever I took it. I never ventured beyond. The sweet-spot was cruising at 70-80kmph all day long, with no vibrations and a sweet burble behind you. Experimenting with tyre helped me to learn a lot about the behavious of the bike. And also helped me to settle it down firmly at a speed of 103-106 km regularly without any trouble or problem.

Performance:

Acceleration is good but was a bit in-sufficient for the new-gen 150cc bikes. But I am happy with it. It lacked a bit of top-end but I used it in the 70-80kmph range and the bike had quite a punch.

Handling:

The bike is very stable on the highways and wasn't much affected by the cross-winds. Corners were never its forte and you need not to plan before approaching a tight corner. Though the bike is heavy with clip on handle bar it offers a pretty good handling in heavy office traffic of mumbai.

Braking:

The front disc is a life saver for me on several occasions and were pretty much adequate for me. The rear brake was also fine. Panicky situations didn't bring any drama.
Tyres also comes into play along with brakes. Something which led me change my stock tyres when my biky was only 1.5 months old. I tried Pirelli, Ceat, Michelin, Dunlop, TVS. Pirelli is the best but I couldn't keep hold of it due to some mis understanding, though my cureent set of Dunlop and TVS are going good and provided
Fuel Efficiency:
Now the best part. My biky returns anything between 50-56 kmpl in city and 60-65 kmpl on highway. To be noted: I use heavy throttle and like ripping the bike in the city.

No parts change done till date.
]]> maadyy http://gearheads.in/entry.php?764-Pulsar-150-UG4-5-completed-11000kms Hyosang GT650R http://gearheads.in/entry.php?763-Hyosang-GT650R Fri, 17 May 2013 03:55:08 GMT The GT650R has received a restyled nose that looks sharper and aids aerodynamics. Bulbous air dams seen on the previous model have now been scaled down to look much sleeker and more with the times.... The GT650R has received a restyled nose that looks sharper and aids aerodynamics. Bulbous air dams seen on the previous model have now been scaled down to look much sleeker and more with the times. The single headlight unit is now V-shaped and the wind deflecting visor is also more rounded, for better wind protection at high speeds. The GT650R is equipped with a refreshed instruments console, now including a digital speedometer and bold analogue tachometer, along with the usual array of warning lights. The LCD panel also displays a fuel gauge and temperature meter. The rider’s palm grips are comfortable and the control switches are nicely placed. The GT650R comes equipped with an adjustable front brake lever, although it is noted that the adjustment dial for this feels rough and not as smooth to operate as required. The GT650R has a massive 17 litre fuel-tank with restyled side body panels and a sharp tail fairing. Its seat is smartly designed and matches the sporty appeal of this motorcycle. An elongated exhaust canister adds to the GT650R’s macho image. The GT650R gets new three tone colours, a mix of red, black and white. Machined alloy bits on the bike compliment its overall appeal, but quality and plastic fit-and-finish around the dash and indicators are rough, with jagged edges that deserve to be better on a motorcycle that belongs to this upmarket segment. ]]> maadyy http://gearheads.in/entry.php?763-Hyosang-GT650R <![CDATA[How frequently do you check the air pressure of your car's tyre???]]> http://gearheads.in/entry.php?750-How-frequently-do-you-check-the-air-pressure-of-your-car-s-tyre Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:36:05 GMT I used to check my Swift's tyre air pressure once in a month. How frequently you check your car tyre air pressure?
Is there any ideal time interval for that?? ]]> Vimal http://gearheads.in/entry.php?750-How-frequently-do-you-check-the-air-pressure-of-your-car-s-tyre A detaling workflow for a newbie DIY detailer http://gearheads.in/entry.php?749-A-detaling-workflow-for-a-newbie-DIY-detailer Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:37:20 GMT Workflow for exterior care (body & wheels):

Dust off = Jopasu (large) duster
Wash = Meguiars NXT Car Wash + Muc Off wash mitt
Dry = Meguiars Water Magnet
Clean = Meguiars Ultimate Polish (UP)
Seal = Meguiars NXT Tech Wax
Wheels = Meguiars Hot Rims All Wheel & Tire Cleaner
Maintain = Meguiars Ultimate Quick Wax (UQW)

Daily (when in a rush):
Dust off with a duster + Wipe using damped MF towel

Daily (regular):
Wash with only water + Dry

Weekly:
NXT wash + Dry + Maintain

Monthly/Bi-Monthly/Quarterly:
NXT wash + Dry + Clean + Seal
Wheels


Workflow for interior care (Door panels, vinyls, seats, carpets):

Dust off = Jopasu (mini) duster
Clean = Armorall multipurpose auto cleaner (MPAC)

Bi-weekly:
Dust off

Monthly:
Dust off + Clean

__________________________________________________ _____________

Thanks to Gearheads detailing forum and specifically fordfan for all the help
__________________________________________________ _____________ ]]> keerthi http://gearheads.in/entry.php?749-A-detaling-workflow-for-a-newbie-DIY-detailer Corporates, Television and Social Responsibility http://gearheads.in/entry.php?748-Corporates-Television-and-Social-Responsibility Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:33:42 GMT Social issues and our awareness / responsibilities towards them are demonstrated at various stages in various ways. Satyamev Jayate, a high profile program by Aamir Khan is one example of same. I... Social issues and our awareness / responsibilities towards them are demonstrated at various stages in various ways. Satyamev Jayate, a high profile program by Aamir Khan is one example of same. I work in a private organization and these offices feel obliged to do something towards society as well. Thus they carry multiple such programs in various forms. In Cognizant, its termed as “Outreach”. In IBM, it has many names, one such name is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

I personally detest Amir’s program. While I can go ahead and write another blog explaining why, let’s not bring any of that here. About the social responsibility of corporates, I guess, it runs the way corporates run themselves. I have been part of Social Responsibility branch of both the companies I have worked with, and my experiences with them both have been unsatisfactory. One program of CSR was to launch an album, money of which will go into an orphanage. For album launch, there were celebrities invited – stage shows done, booklets – pamphlets printed, in fact the album itself was recorded by one celebrity Music Composer, with a portion of song sung by orphanage kids. It was a great program and CSR promoted it very nicely all over the place. I was engaged with this program for a while. All the people who carried the program got recognized well in the company and their yearly appraisal got a positive bite too. Music composer got a bit of publicity, the orphanage got promotions as well. Need not to mention, it was anyway a healthy orphanage with grants coming from multiple places.

At the end of this entire exercise, I guess everything happened except fulfilling to social responsibility. The needy orphans are still out there looking for help.

This was just one example and by no means, I am trying to undermine the work these corporates are already doing. At least they are doing something, albeit, to which section of society, that could be a separate question altogether.
Social reach or addressing social issues is a vast topic. There are hundreds of institutions / ashrams running all over the place to assist the needy. Sometimes, I end up feeling that these institution and funds used by them is more than the orphans or needy people in society. Well, I guess I might have been extreme in my criticism – but then, I guess I’ll go with my point.

There was another television program that I wanted to mention – its in Hindi and airs on Sony Television named “Crime Patrol”. It’s a reality show which dramatizes the real life criminal and social incidents of our regular life. I am not sure – but I guess there must have been other competitor programs available on other channels too. One that I know of is called “Savadhan India”. Well, I won’t delve much into the other programs – and strictly talk about Crime Patrol. If you’ve not seen it – I strongly recommend you see it on YouTube. I have been following this program from last 2 years or so and I have massively impressed with it. If not all, I must have seen 70% programs of it in last 2 years. I did follow some of the episodes of “Satyamev Jayate” – all of it seemed were inspired (more sober way of saying copied from) Crime Patrol.

This is one program where I find true reflection of our society. Not only the good points – but the bad ones as well. The realistic appeal of the show – the way the actors act, director’s approach to the script – technical team of it – all of them just are of top notch standards. The stories it captures are of different variety to focus on our social issues and address them in a very noble way. Currently it is hosted by Anoop Soni – a great actor and anchor, whose depth in voice and hard-hitting statements on social issues go a long way in creating an impact on you.

It talks about various topics of our society, right from Human trafficking to extra marital affairs, Drug issues to Sex Abuse, petty criminal topics to political crimes, love affairs to family disputes, feticide to dowry problems, Khap Panchayat issues to education troubles, you name it and you’ll have it nicely covered in this program. One of the most popular topic it had covered was of “Baby Falak” - I had seen it and it was a master piece.

A special mention of its actors is required. The actors of the series are not the popular ones – they were not picked from other popular serials. All of them were new faces when I saw the program first, this I guess was done to keep the costs down. Those actors now have gone places – some of them have appeared in movies too. One of them was seen acting as a doctor in Hollywood flick – “The Best Marigold Hotel”. The actors feel so real on screen that you easily and quickly relate to the character they are playing.

Police is mostly shown in positive mode and some of works accomplished by police in few stories make you wonder – where the heck are these police guys? They demonstrate exceptional presence of mind and good investigation techniques to work their way around. One issue I have started to find off late is their attempt to divide a single episode story into two or three episodes. Not sure what could be the reason for this – may be lack of stories / time or fund. Also, some of the episodes I have started to find redundant or incomplete as well – I guess in order to bring the story quick, they aren’t waiting for the judicial process / investigation to complete.

All in all, it’s a great attempt from a television program to bring forth the social issues and do it in a very convincing way. The honesty of the program and its technical team is commendable. The way stories are shot is good too and actors do a fine job in portraying the character they are supposed to. I just hope it continues the good job its doing right now for months and years to come. ]]> rksingh1 http://gearheads.in/entry.php?748-Corporates-Television-and-Social-Responsibility Car Bulb Finder Guide - Indian Cars http://gearheads.in/entry.php?747-Car-Bulb-Finder-Guide-Indian-Cars Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:14:03 GMT A car has different types of bulbs headlamps (or high beam, low beam), tail lamps, fog lamps, indicators, interior LED&#39;s, etc.

It is extrmemely difficult to replace them or buy a new one if you donot know what type of bulb(H1, H4, H11, HB4, etc) you need for each.

Here is a link that I found to be extremely helpful esp for Indian cars:
http://blog.carware.in/2012/11/car-b...ars-guide.html

Although it provides accurate guide for Philips bulbs, in general holds good for most other brands. It is also advisable to look it up in your car manual to be sure. Hope this helps. ]]> CarCareCrazy http://gearheads.in/entry.php?747-Car-Bulb-Finder-Guide-Indian-Cars Someone Looking to Verify the VIN No of Your Car http://gearheads.in/entry.php?746-Someone-Looking-to-Verify-the-VIN-No-of-Your-Car Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:32:55 GMT Hi

After searching found a free website from where we can verify the actual manufacturing Month & Year of any car, and its Working.. The Link is as given below..

http://www.myvehicledetails.com

The Information it is providing is as below..:icon_idea:

Manufactured In:
Manufactured By:
Model:
Engine:
Manufacturing Month:
Model Year:
Plant:
Sequential Number:

Thought it might help others who is searching for this like me.. ]]> Deb http://gearheads.in/entry.php?746-Someone-Looking-to-Verify-the-VIN-No-of-Your-Car <![CDATA[Dent & Scratch Removing Equipments - Car Care]]> http://gearheads.in/entry.php?745-Dent-amp-Scratch-Removing-Equipments-Car-Care Fri, 08 Mar 2013 07:05:59 GMT
Quote Originally Posted by smartdebabrata View Post
Hi All
As I love my machines and know there are so many peoples like me, want to know is there really any mechanism / equipments available in market whick can remove the dents & scratches from car? if yes the how much it's costs and where it is available?

As I believe everybody feels bad when his / her dream machines found some dents / scratch on it which really hearts.. :( so this post will help all of those lovers who are suffering from their struggles to remove Scratches / dents

Also Please provide some help information so we can take care of the car's by ourselves like polishing the car e.t.c

Thanks in Advance
]]> Deb http://gearheads.in/entry.php?745-Dent-amp-Scratch-Removing-Equipments-Car-Care Figo OE system in Fiesta 2009 http://gearheads.in/entry.php?743-Figo-OE-system-in-Fiesta-2009 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 05:08:57 GMT Hi Friends, Is it possible to fix a figo OE system in a 2009 model fiesta? Do we need to do any majar work in fixing them in fiesta? Please suggest me. Thanks in advance. Richard Hi Friends,

Is it possible to fix a figo OE system in a 2009 model fiesta?
Do we need to do any majar work in fixing them in fiesta?
Please suggest me.

Thanks in advance.
Richard ]]> Richard Fenelon http://gearheads.in/entry.php?743-Figo-OE-system-in-Fiesta-2009 <![CDATA[Key Chains & Emblem]]> http://gearheads.in/entry.php?742-Key-Chains-amp-Emblem Sat, 02 Mar 2013 19:22:05 GMT Hi Friends,

I just got a thought of making keychains and emblem for Gearheads. I would like to know your valuable comments so that I can go ahead with plan.

Thanks & Regards,
Richard
7667705778 ]]> Richard Fenelon http://gearheads.in/entry.php?742-Key-Chains-amp-Emblem Pro ice installer in hyderabad needed for top end setup. http://gearheads.in/entry.php?739-Pro-ice-installer-in-hyderabad-needed-for-top-end-setup Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:40:32 GMT
Quote Originally Posted by k.subhas@gmail.com View Post
Hello Guys... i am looking for the best installer for my ICE in my SANTRO. I have got 1 D-Class mono amp with 1600W RMS of HIFNOICS, One 4 channel 2000W amplier, JBL MKII series 4000W SUBWOOFER, 10FARAD Capacitor, a set of 460W 6"X8" rear side Pioneer speakers 400W 4" front speakers set and finally a PIONEER's latest BT Headunit. Do you know any excellent installer from Hyderabad who can configure these all ? I have not heard of any one who has installed the ICE with a capacitor.
Please help. Desperate to get all hooked up in the car.

Regards,
Subhas
k.subhas@gmail.com
]]> k.subhas@gmail.com http://gearheads.in/entry.php?739-Pro-ice-installer-in-hyderabad-needed-for-top-end-setup Coast to Coast Drive 2012 http://gearheads.in/entry.php?737-Coast-to-Coast-Drive-2012 Tue, 01 Jan 2013 13:34:11 GMT Jatinder Jeet: Coast to Coast Drive 2012 ]]> JJB http://gearheads.in/entry.php?737-Coast-to-Coast-Drive-2012 Yamaha Rx135 Restoration http://gearheads.in/entry.php?732-Yamaha-Rx135-Restoration Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:54:40 GMT Hi Friends,

I have sent my bike to garage for paint and restoraotion.
It includes following activities,


  1. Farrari red color for tank and side panels,
  2. Chassis hard and acrylic coat.
  3. Silver coting for all aluminum parts.
  4. All new and original yamaha monograms.
  5. All new rubber footings.
  6. hard cromium platting.


Please suggest me if I can add/modify anything to look my bike stunning.
Attached Thumbnails
]]> manoj.khairnar24 http://gearheads.in/entry.php?732-Yamaha-Rx135-Restoration TVS Apache. Dindugal to Chennai - 450 kms, Chennai to Sivakasi 580 Kms. http://gearheads.in/entry.php?730-TVS-Apache-Dindugal-to-Chennai-450-kms-Chennai-to-Sivakasi-580-Kms Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:52:28 GMT Just wanted to share with the people who might do something like this in future.!!

Total Fuel - Topped up for 2500 Rs (500 Rs X 4)

Fuel Efficiency - Didn't care. (Not that Im moneyed but that my annual running is very low < 6000 Kms Nearly all of them long rides). Trusted it not to go below 30 Kmpl.

Time :

From DIndigul to Chennai - 7.5 Hours ,

Started By 22-10-2012 9pm(Yes, Night) and then was riding till 4am reaching Velachery, Chennai.
Raining all the time. Was wearing a good rain coat, But still got drenched.
Took a 45 min break for a midnight meal and then three 10 min stops.

Suggestions and Criticisms welcome.

From Chennai to Sivakasi - 9 hours
Started by 28-10-2012 1pm (noon) and rode till 10 pm reaching Sivakasi.
Took one 45 min meal stop and five 10 min stops. ]]> commuter http://gearheads.in/entry.php?730-TVS-Apache-Dindugal-to-Chennai-450-kms-Chennai-to-Sivakasi-580-Kms