The reloaded scooters in 2011

     I posted this topic mostly for my friend Ajitha. She wants to buy a new scooter and she asked me about that. So I suggested some of these scooters, but she didn't know about these. So I posted here, some of that photo and reviews. Well I hope, after reading this she will take a correct decision.

     Scooters are two-wheeled vehicles that are unique in the fact that the engine is usually under the seat and directly attached to the rear axle. This allows the rider to not have to straddle the engine but puts a limitation on rear suspension quality. Scooters, in contrast to many other classes of motorcycles, have bodywork to conceal all the mechanicals. These make for great runabouts in the city and are amazingly prevalent in Europe and Asia.  In 2011 the most scooter manufactures are trying to retouch their trump-cards. Here we are looking about the Honda Activa, Mahindra Duro and Tvs Wego.

TVS WEGO

TVS Motors has always been wanting some action in the burgeoning Indian automatic scooter market. So, the Hosur based manufacturer has gone ahead to finally launch the TVS Wego. Though we’ve been used to pretty ordinary styling from TVS Motors in the recent past, the scooter manages to look pretty contemporary. Powered by a four stroke, 110cc engine pushing out 8bhp @7500 rpm, the TVS Wego is squarely aiming to topple the current market leader, Honda Activa. More importantly, the maximum torque output is 8NM@5500 rpm and it is the torque figure which will be of more relevance to the average Ram, Shyam or Ghanshyam. The 8Nm should be able to propel the Wego to respectable performance numbers as it weighs in at a light 105 kilos. The telescopic front forks suspending the 12 inch wheels promise a decent ride across the Indian moonscape. The rear suspension uses the industry standard, unitary spring loaded design. That said, the Wego does look solidly engineered just as most of TVS’s other products. And, does the Wego have enough ammo to topple the mighty Honda Activa? That, only time will tell. Meanwhile, the blokes at Vicky.in have already managed to take a spin on the TVS Wego. You might want to check that out as well. 

MAHINDRA DURO

The Duro designed to fulfill the transportation needs of the entire family without compromising on features.  The Duro gets you and your family to your destination in safety and comfort.  It has the longest wheel base among scooters for greater stability on rough roads, and it’s ergonomically designed with a wider seat and more legroom. It features extra-large brakes and a chrome-plated exhaust fender to protect your legs.  And it has a handy grab rail for your co-passenger. The Duro is tough and high-performance. Its robust 125cc engine is paired with a long-lasting battery to give you instant startup and a powerful drive. But no matter how fast you cover ground, the Duro’s extra-large fuel tank and excellent fuel efficiency mean you won’t be visiting the fuel pump too often. With a vibrant choice of colors, sleek and sporty styling, and trendy displays, the Duro delivers high value-for-money family transport.  Take a look at the 2010 NDTV Profit Car & Bike Scooter of the Year.

HONDA ACTIVA

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has introduced two new colour shades for the Activa Scooter.  The Activa can now be bought in six different colors with the introduction of the Orchid Blue and Armour gold (Grey, red, black and white are the other shades). Silver and purple colors have been discontinued.  The launch of the two colors took place at the 2010 Relio Quick auto Mall in Bangalore, a few days ago.

Pictures....

Honda Activa

Tvs Wego

Mahindra Duro

Earthquake in Japan 11-March-2011

A massive 8.9-magnitude quake hit northeast Japan on Friday, causing dozens of deaths, more than 80 fires, and a 10-meter (33-ft) tsunami along parts of the country's coastline. Homes were swept away and damage is extensive. As more images of this historic event become available, they will be added below.

 

Houses are swept by a tsunami in Natori City in northeastern Japan March 11, 2011.

 

 Houses are swept by a tsunami in Natori City in northeastern Japan March 11, 2011.

 

Houses, cars and other debris are washed away by a tsunami in Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture, northern Japan, after strong earthquakes hit the area Friday, March 11, 2011.

 

A massive tsunami hits the coastal areas of Iwanuma, Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, March 11, 2011.

 

The oncoming tsunami strikes the coast in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, March 11, 2011. The biggest earthquake to hit Japan in 140 years struck the northeast coast on Friday, triggering a 10-meter tsunami that swept away everything in its path, including houses, cars and farm buildings on fire.  

 

People watch the aftermath of tsunami waves covering a port at Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture, northern Japan, after strong earthquakes hit the area Friday, March 11, 2011.

 

Buildings are damaged by a tsunami following an earthquake in Iwaki City, northeastern Japan March 11, 2011.

 

 Houses swept by a tsunami smoulder near Sendai Airport in Japan March 11, 2011. There were several strong aftershocks and a warning of a 10-meter tsunami following the quake, which also caused buildings to shake violently in the capital Tokyo.

 

Houses are in flame while the Natori river is flooded over the surrounding area by tsunami tidal waves in Natori city, Miyagi Prefecture, northern Japan, March 11, 2011, after strong earthquakes hit the area.

 

Cars and other Debris swept away by tsunami tidal waves are seen in Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture, northern Japan, after strong earthquakes hit the area Friday, March 11, 2011.

     

Cars and airplanes swept by a tsunami are pictured among debris at Sendai Airport, northeastern Japan March 11, 2011. There were several strong aftershocks and a warning of a 10-meter tsunami following the quake, which also caused buildings to shake violently in the capital Tokyo.

 

Houses are swept by water following a tsunami and earthquake in Natori City in northeastern Japan March 11, 2011. There were several strong aftershocks and a warning of a 10-meter tsunami following the quake, which also caused buildings to shake violently in the capital Tokyo.

 

Natural gas containers burn at a facility following an earthquake in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo March 11, 2011.

 

Natural gas storage tanks burn at the Cosmo oil refinery in Ichihara city, Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo March 11, 2011.

 

Natural gas storage tanks burn at a facility in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo March 11, 2011.

 

A building burns after an earthquake in the Odaiba district of Tokyo Japan March 11, 2011.

 

Buildings burn after an earthquake near Sendai Airport, northeastern Japan March 11, 2011.

People take shelter as a ceiling collapses in a bookstore during an earthquake in Sendai, northeastern Japan March 11, 2011.

 

Buildings burn following an earthquake in Yamada town, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, March 11, 2011.

 

A fire burns at a passenger terminal at Sendai Airport after the airport was swamped by a tsunami in northeastern Japan March 11, 2011.

 

A road is blocked by a landslide near Iwaki City in northeastern Japan March 11, 2011.

 

A massive tsunami sweeps in to engulf a residential area after a powerful earthquake in Natori, Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan March 11, 2011. 

 

Sendai Airport is flooded after a tsunami following an earthquake in Sendai, northeastern Japan, March 11, 2011.

 

Boats are swept by a wave after a tsunami and earthquake in Asahikawa city March 11, 2011.

 

A whirlpool is seen near Oarai City, Ibaraki Prefecture, northeastern Japan, March 11, 2011.

 

Vehicles are crushed by a collapsed wall at a carpark in Mito city in Ibaraki prefecture on March 11, 2011 after a massive earthquake rocked Japan.

 

An aerial shot shows vehicles ready for shipping being carried by a tsunami wave at Hitachinaka city in Ibaraki prefecture on March 11, 2011.

 

This aerial shot shows the tsunami tidal waves moving upstream (left side) in the Naka river at Hitachinaka city in Ibaraki prefecture on March 11, 2011. 

Thanks to

Mr. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic