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Simple ways to get better fuel efficiency without you having to be adept at the mechanics that power your two wheeler, so that you can drive past the fuel pump more often than you stop there.

1. KEEP THE PRESSURE ON- Driving with optimal tyre pressure makes a huge difference to your two wheeler’s fuel efficiency. Reduced tyre pressure means increased contact area between the tyre and the road. As a result friction between the rubber of the tyre and the road increases, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Over-inflated tyres will mean a lower consumption, but at the cost of grip and ability to disperse water on the road. Make sure the tyres are inflated at the manufacturer recommended levels and you’ll be fine. And don’t forget to check them once a week, always in the morning.
2. SMOOTH OPERATOR- Be as smooth as possible with the two wheeler’s controls. Treat the accelerator and the brake pedals with respect. Rough speedy acceleration and sudden brakes might be more fun on the road but harms your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
3. CONSOLIDATE TRIPS- Two short trips will inevitably consume more fuel than one that is slightly longer. This is because your two wheeler consumes extra fuel each time you crank the engine. Combine as many trips as possible to keep fuel efficiency high. As a bonus, you’ll also be saving on traveling time.
4. KEEP IT SHUT- A two wheeler’s fuel efficiency has a lot to do with how it parts air on the move. In other words, aerodynamics. High speeds can impact fuel efficiency and result in the tank draining out quicker due to increased drag.
5. ALL GEARED UP- Shift to the highest possible gear without the engine knocking. A two wheeler consumes more fuel in lower gears when accelerating. If the engine’s not pulling, shift down instead of pressing the throttle. Shifting up at 2,000 rpm (1,500 rpm for diesel) gives the best mix of speed and economy. On an automatic with manual shift, short shift to save fuel.
6. Avoid Over-revving- Over-revving can affect mileage negatively. Hard acceleration consumes more fuel. Hence, if you are willing to improve two wheeler mileage and save fuel, try to accelerate slowly and gradually.
7. Use Gears Correctly- Changing gears correctly is essential to ensure high mileage. This applies to both manual and automatic transmission two wheelers. Use gears at the correct speed, which will help save fuel.
8. Check Wheel Alignment- Misaligned two wheelers can adversely affect two wheeler mileage and fuel economy. Incorrect alignment can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10%. Also, it can affect tyres as it would wear prematurely. Symptoms like a vibration in the steering wheel can result in uneven tyres, further leading to reduced two wheeler mileage. Hence, look closely at your tyres or visit any garage to ensure the tyres are properly balanced and aligned.
9. Leave the Air-Con Turned Off- Unless it is a very high temperature outside, do not turn on the two wheeler aircon unnecessarily. Excessive usage can put a lot of strain on the engine and consume more fuel (especially at low speed). This is applicable for heated windscreens, demisters, etc.
10. Maintain an Optimal Speed Limit- The list of tips to improve the mileage of a two wheeler includes maintaining an optimal speed limit as specified in the vehicle manual. As per research, driving at 80 mph uses up to 25% more fuel than 70 mph.

Engine Oils are the most essential commodity in the running of your vehicles after fuel. It is this lube that keeps your engine running smoothly. But there are some specifics that every person using engine oil should know about. After all the marketing jargon that is thrown out to you about the oil’s performance and its capabilities, it all comes down to the basic technical specifications which we are going to explain to you here. We are not going to talk about the types of engine oils (that is a completely different part of the discussion), but we are going to check out the engine oil grades and what they mean.

If you check out any of the engine oils in the shops or online, you will be able to see one thing in pretty bold letters among everything else and that is a ‘W’ rating. You will be able to see numbers like 10W30, 20W50, 0W30, etc. which refer to Multigrade. These are the actual numbers that you have to consider while buying your engine oil because all the manufacturers recommend a certain grade of engine oil and these numbers are the actual grading system.

In the grading system of engine oils, (let’s consider 10W40 for example) the letter “W” stands for Winter and the number preceding the W is the low temperature count. That is the value which denotes the “low temperature performance of the engine oil”. For the engine oil to perform, it has to hold on to a certain viscosity level for optimum performance and so when the temperature fluctuates, the engine oil viscosity tends to get affected.

The low temperature rating starts from 0Wxx which is suitable for very cold climatic conditions with sub-zero temperatures. Here the 0Wxx oil holds its working viscosity even at such low temperatures. Though using this oil in hotter areas will not cause any problems to the engine but practically it is quite useless to use this oil as the real benefit of the oil will not be evident.

Coming to the hotter areas, the number following the W, (in our example is 40) is the number which determines the suitability of the oil performance in hotter temperatures. This also depends on a number of factors like engine revving, atmospheric temperature and engine cooling system. In the engine the temperature can reach over 100 degrees Celsius, and engine oils tend to lose their viscosity and get thinner if the temperatures go beyond their specified rating. This is the reason why most of the manufacturers recommend a certain grade of oil for a smooth running of the engine depending on the engine performance.

So if you have a high revving engine that heats up quite a lot, then a low rating of high temperature gradient will make the oil thinner and hence cause engine damage due to improper protection and high friction. Hence for that reason higher grade oil is more beneficial so that the oil holds its viscosity even at higher temperatures and provides the best engine performance.

So to sum everything up, the engine oil grading system has a low temperature and high temperature rating provided to choose the oil from as explained above. Though it is always better to stick to the engine oil recommended by your manufacturer, but if you are willing to change to some other brand of engine oil, always make sure to get the recommended grade of oil and only experiment when you are sure about your usage. For example; if you reside in a very hot climatic condition you can always use engine oil with higher temperature rating, like if you are using 10W40 oil you can go for 10W50 oil grade for better results.

Yamaha Motor India has recently launched an updated version of the MT-15. The MT-15 is essentially a naked version of Yamaha’s R15 and the two tend to share a lot of components. After the bike’s debut in India back in 2019, we now get the Version 2.0. The R15 was treated to an update not too long ago and now the MT-15 has been launched in its Version 2.0 avatar as well. Here are 5 things you need to know about this new update!

More color options

While Yamaha has not changed the styling of this naked streetfighter, they have introduced new color options. While the bike was already available in the Ice Fluo-Vermillion and Metallic Black, it can now also be seen dressed in Cyan Storm, Racing Blue colors. The Cyan Storm especially looks like an eye-catching scheme. You get an LED headlamp and taillamp assembly along with a single-piece saddle. The graphics on the panel flanking the fuel tank have changed slightly.

New hardware

Just like the Yamaha R15 V4.0, the MT-15 Version 2.0 also gets an updated front suspension. It used to get right-side-up forks earlier but now they have been replaced with USD forks. The top part of the forks has been painted in gold and does catch the eye of the beholder. Also, the box-section swingarm has been replaced with what Yamaha calls a ‘MotoGP inspired Aluminum swingarm’. This should help the bike maintain better composure when attacking corners.

New instrument cluster & connectivity option

Another small upgrade comes in the form of a new negative LCD instrument cluster and the capability to pair your smartphone with the bike. Just like some other Yamaha two-wheelers in the market, one can now use the Y-Connect app to pair their smartphone with the motorcycle using Bluetooth. This gives the rider access to functions like call & SMS alerts, fuel consumption stats, last parked location and more.

Same engine & gearbox

One crucial component that has not changed is the engine. This new iteration of the MT-15 also draws power from the same 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor found in the previous bike. Power and torque figures remain identical at 18.1bhp and 14.1Nm. However, we do not find this to be a problem as this 155cc engine has impressed us on many occasions and is enough for people to have a fun outing on the MT-15 V2.0. This engine also comes mated to the same 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch.

While riding your bike around the vicinity, even a small issue such as a flat tyre can leave you helpless. Imagine being stranded outside city limits with a non-functional vehicle! This is not only frustrating but also pretty dangerous.

With roadside assistance cover in bike insurance, you can rest assured during such uncertain times! By opting for this add-on cover, you can avail a host of services whenever your two-wheeler dies on you. All you need to do is call up your insurance provider for assistance and you shall soon receive help.

Roadside assistance in bike insurance is an add-on cover that you can purchase separately for enhanced coverage. We all have been through times when our vehicle gave up in the middle of nowhere without any help around. During such times, you can make use of the two-wheeler roadside assistance cover to get your motorcycle back on the road. Right from flat tyres and battery issues to towing facility and fuel delivery, the breakdown cover in bike insurance has got your back!

Here are some key perks of having 24×7 roadside assistance add-on cover with your bike insurance plan:

• Offers Instant Backup

While on a road trip or on your way to an important meeting, the last thing you would want is your two-wheeler to break down. Instead of hunting for a nearby garage or a mechanic to help you out, you can fall back onto your add-on cover. The 24×7 roadside assistance cover is a lucrative backup to have in the event of an unfortunate incident.

• Provides Cost-Effective Coverage

The breakdown cover is an affordable option to maximize your coverage. Furthermore, such features are not covered by your insurance policy, making it a beneficial purchase!

• Grants Peace of Mind

Wouldn’t your road trip be a bit more relaxing when you have roadside assistance against mishaps? Knowing that your bike insurance policy has got your back in the event of untoward incidents is highly comforting.

Let’s go through the inclusions of emergency roadside assistance cover in bike insurance:

• Towing Facility

If your motorcycle is damaged to an extent where it cannot be repaired on the spot and must be taken to a garage, the towing facility shall come in handy. With a roadside assistance cover, you can easily contact your insurer to get your bike towed to the nearest garage for repair work.

• Tyre Issues

In case of tyre issues experienced on the road, the insurance provider shall arrange a mechanic to help you out. If the problem cannot be resolved with a spare tyre, your bike will be taken to the garage.

• Spare Bike Keys

It is common to misplace and lose your bike keys, never to be seen again. However, you can rest assured with your roadside assistance cover! The insurer will help you with the delivery of spare keys without any trouble.

• Emergency Fuel Delivery

Forgetting to refuel your tank before a trip can happen to the best of us! But as you know, roadside assistance cover simply arranges for an emergency fuel delivery so that you can get back on the road.

• Battery Problems

Incurring battery issues can be quite worrisome when there’s no way of re-starting your vehicle. However, your insurance provider shall easily assist you during such times and cover the expenses.

• Minor Bike Repairs

Your two-wheeler doesn’t have to incur major issues for you to call upon the roadside assistance cover. Even minor bike repairs are included in the add-on so that you can carry on without a hitch.

• Accommodation Feature

You might find such a benefit available under the 24×7 bike roadside assistance cover in case you are stranded due to vehicle repair. The insurance company shall cover the cost of accommodation. However, there might be some terms and conditions applicable for you to avail this feature.

• Pick and Drop Facility

If your two-wheeler has to be taken to the garage for repair, the insurer can arrange for a pick and drop facility. Thus, you will be taken home from the location where your motorcycle incurred issues.

• Breakdown Support Over the Phone

If your vehicle breaks down due to minor mechanical errors, you can avail free telephonic assistance and fix the minor problems then and there.

Yamaha always keeps updating and providing you with the latest and best riding experience. Yamaha Motors has announced that it has developed a prototype of the EPS (Electric Power Steering) steering support system for motorcycles as a new rider aid contributing to improved motorcycle stability and agility.

The newly developed EPS is a technology falling under the Transforming Mobility focus area of the Company’s Long-Term Vision of ART for Human Possibilities. Yamaha Motor is carrying out development of the system seeing it as a technology not only for transforming mobility for greater fun, safety, and comfort but also as one connected to resolving societal issues in uniquely Yamaha ways.

The EPS steering support system employs sensor technologies that differ from those in power steering systems for automobiles and other four-wheeled vehicles. Utilizing a magnetostrictive torque sensor enables the system to function as a steering damper and provide assisted steering, thereby contributing to a motorcycle’s stability, improving agility, reducing rider fatigue, and more. Yamaha Motor aims to equip EPS on various motorcycles in order to provide a wide range of riders with greater motorcycling fun, safety, and comfort.

The Company plans to use the wealth of data acquired through use in the harsh environment provided by top-level motocross competition to accelerate the system’s development and refinement.

Electric Power Steering (EPS) Main Features

◼ Magnetostrictive torque sensor

The system uses a magnetostrictive torque sensor, which has a proven track record with our electrically power-assisted bicycles, to detect torque. EPS works as

1) a steering damper while providing

2) assisted steering for the rider.

The steering damper feature counteracts the outside forces sent to the handlebars from changes in the road surface and the like and functions primarily at high speeds. The assisted steering complements handlebar inputs in line with the rider’s intentions and mainly functions at low speeds. These two features together achieve assistive intervention that still feels natural for the rider.

◼ Compact and lightweight actuator

Developed a compact and lightweight actuator (device that converts electrical signals into physical movement) for motorcycles with an eye on install

There’s still a direct connection between the bars and forks, so ultimate control is still in the hands of the rider because they say it can tell the difference between inputs at the bars and external influences on the steering – assisting one while counteracting the other.

Yamaha aims to equip EPS on various motorcycles and it wouldn’t be a surprise to find this on Adventure bikes for example where rider aids like cornering sensitive ABS, traction control and active suspension are already common-place. From there it would not be a giant leap to imagine it could work on dual-sport or off-road bikes.

Yamaha says that the initial, motocross version of the setup does most of its assistance at low speeds, when you’re likely to use larger movements of the bars, and as you go faster it turns its focus to its second role as a steering damper. Because it can tell the difference between rider inputs and external forces, the steering actuator can counteract bumps or road surface changes that might try to change the bike’s course. In competition, the result should make the bikes less physical to ride, leaving the rider with more strength and stamina at the end of races. Yamaha says that despite the system, the bikes still feel natural to the riders. Motocross is just the start. It’s clearly compact enough to fit virtually any bike and existing machines wouldn’t need a ground-up redesign to incorporate it. On superbikes, it could easily become a natural next step from the sort of active steering dampers already in use, but for the future, the addition of an electric actuator controlling steering angle opens the door to many other possibilities.

ABS on motorcycles prevents wheel locking and increases stability. Motorcycles are, by nature, less stable than four-wheeled vehicles. Braking too hard can destabilize a motorcycle and lead to either the front or rear wheel locking, causing the bike to overturn or slide. Alternatively, failure to brake hard enough can result in a rider failing to avoid a crash.

ABS uses speed sensors on both wheels to accurately determine wheel speed as well as sensors to determine when a wheel is about to lock. ABS adjusts the braking pressure accordingly to prevent the wheel from locking and assists with maintaining the stability of the motorcycle. In many circumstances, ABS has been shown to reduce braking distance. Motorcycles with ABS technology have been shown to be involved in fewer crashes on the road.

 This kind of braking system comprises three parts, namely ECU kit, Brakes and Wheel Speed Sensors. It is usually installed on the rear wheel. These speed sensors are mapped in such a way that they keep monitoring the possible lock-up of the wheel. So, the sensor is, in turn, connected to the Electronic Control Unit, which allows the wheel to roll for some distance and lock in regular intervals of time. This is how ABS works in bikes.

This one-of-a-kind technology helps the passionate bikers to ride amidst all conditions. ABS usually comes with disc brakes, but it cannot be installed with drum brakes.

The main advantage of ABS is that it prevents the biker from falling or skidding. There are some passionate bikers, who have taken up stunts as their profession. Whenever they do stunts like a stoppie, ABS comes into play. Well, ABS is not recommended for dirt bikers as they usually drift when they go on the circuits. MotoGP riders use the slipper clutch and when they lean on the curves, ABS comes into play as they continuously rip the vehicle with the brakes.

 Considering the number of accidents that are taking place in today’ scenario, the manufacturers have started implementing ABS in bikes as well for the betterment of road safety. Even though it is expensive, the technology has been working efficiently irrespective of all terrains.

• ABS could reduce the rate of death and severe injury from motorcycle crashes by 31%
• only around 20% of new motorcycles come with ABS as standard
• at the current rate of ABS motorcycle sales, this technology has the potential to save 22 lives between now and 2025

This figure could rise to 35 saved lives if ABS is made standard on all new motorcycles from 2018.

Yamaha Motor has announced the introduction of the “color customization option” for its range of MT 15 motorcycles in India. The company’s new campaign is launched at the backdrop of various customers giving the thumbs up to the recent launch of the Ice Fluo-Vermillion color in MT 15, a popular variant which is currently available for booking. The company aims to entice a set of younger customers, with these attractive and new color customization options. The campaign named “Customize your Warrior” which is in line with the company’s brand strategy will be launched from November 20 across the country.

Available only for the new purchases from the date of launch, the new Yamaha MT-15 aspirants can avail the option of building colors for their MT-15 by choosing from 11 unique combinations. The campaign will be launched from 20th November on the official website of Yamaha India. The vehicles will be made by Yamaha, based on the order received from the customers. According to Yamaha, the delivery will start from Jan 2021. However, the yellow color wheel model’s deliveries will start from Mar 2021. With this campaign, Yamaha MT15 will be available in 14 unique colors, out of which 3 existing standard colors will be readily available at the dealerships and for 11 new color combinations customers can place orders with India Yamaha motor through its authorized dealers.

The Yamaha MT-15 mounts a 155 cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve engine, which comes paired to a 6-speed transmission. This engine from Yamaha is a fuel-injected engine along with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system on a Delta box frame. With all this, the Yamaha MT-15 is capable of triggering an agile and strong-feeling acceleration along with its handy A and S clutch and single-channel ABS.

Today’s customers look for a variety and diverse range of color combinations which suit their style statement. Yamaha will always try to introduce new biking experiences to our customers and offer excitement to them with products & services that exceed customer expectations. This step has been taken considering the feedback from the customers and in the future, we will come up with such options which are in line with our brand direction “The Call of The Blue”.

Yamaha Motor India has kickstarted the year 2022 with the launch of its updated FZ-S series. The new 2022 Yamaha FZ-S FI has been launched in India. Moreover, the motorcycle is now also available in a new range-topping Deluxe variant. The 2022 Yamaha FZ-S Deluxe gets new color schemes, new graphics on the body panels, LED turn indicators, and more. 

Some of the cosmetic changes in the FZ-S that enhance the appeal of the motorcycle are that the motorcycle now gets an LED tail lamp and its standard variant is offered in two color shades, namely Matte Red and Dark Matte Blue. The new Deluxe variant, on the other hand, gets an LED tail lamp, LED turn indicators, new body graphics, and coloured wheels. Both the variants of the FZ-S are also offered with Bluetooth connectivity as standard.  

The new Yamaha FZ-S FI Deluxe is offered in three color schemes. They are Metallic Black, Majesty Red, and Metallic Grey. The former two-color shades also get a new dual-tone brown and black coloured seat. The mechanicals of the motorcycle remain unchanged. Powering the new Yamaha FZ-S is the same old BS6 compliant 149cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine. 

This motor churns out 12.2 hp of maximum power at 7,250 RPM and 13.6 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 RPM. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. For suspension duties, the motorcycle gets telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock absorber at the rear. The braking duties are performed by disc brakes at either end and it gets a single-channel ABS too. 

Features:

1. The Negative LCD instrument cluster panel has a black background and white lettering. Digital speedometer, bar-style tachometer above, and a fuel gauge are constantly displayed, along with ABS warning lamp while the odometer, Trip 1, Trip 2, F Trip, clock and others can be selected for display. There is also an ECO indicator to enable more fuel-efficient riding.
2. The lower engine fairing has been introduced to reduce mud and dirt splatter. The under cowl has been designed to enhance the sporty look of the bike.
3. Easier to control while enhancing the economy at the same time. Makes the power-to-weight ratio just enough to keep you zipping.

Design:

1. The two-level seat has an excellent feeling of fit and cushioning that works well with an upright, relaxed riding position. The cushioning material has a suitable degree of firmness and is paired with a seat material that offers superb fit to provide a steady ride and comfort for both the rider and pillion rider.
2. Signal your unique identity with unmissable front and back LED flashers – a perfect mash-up of style and safety. Leave a bold trail for others to follow with the all-new, high visibility LED tail light.
3. New coloured wheels add a flamboyant dash of style to your street presence. Grab attention wherever you go!
4. The glossy chrome plating in selected parts creates a premium, exclusive image and enhances the street presence of the motorcycle. The 3D emblem enhances the premium look of the bike.
5. The LED headlight provides excellent visibility over a wide range with very little unevenness. It uses a reflector with ideal light projection, and separate bulbs for high and low beams.
6. A midship muffler, with its advantages of mass concentration, weight reduction and shorter length, is adopted. The design of the muffler protector is such that it further enhances the sharpness. The Muffler sound is bold.