H Touring Bikes
Posted by livingdocustyle on 2018-05-25 17:40:15
Tagged: , karen davidson , Harley Davidson , Harley Davidson India , India , kolkata , harley , west bengal , launch event , store launch , riding , rider , automotive photography , automotive , event photography
President-elect Trump stated on Tuesday that the US would introduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian products due to the high tariffs imposed by New Delhi on American goods. Experts suggest that India might need to reassess its import duties on specific items and could offer increased market access for certain American imports to alleviate Trump’s concerns.
Previously, the US has raised concerns regarding the high import duties on Harley Davidson motorcycles, as well as limited access for medical devices, equipment, and dairy products in India.
Officials assert that India’s most favoured nation (MFN)-weighted average import tariff is relatively low, approximately 5-6%. While select agricultural products encounter higher tariffs, even those are significantly lower than the rates outlined by the World Trade Organization (WTO). They note that most countries, including the US, apply elevated tariffs and various non-tariff barriers on agricultural goods. For instance, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, cereals, food preparations, and oils in the US face tariffs as steep as 130-190%.
One insider mentioned that any thorough evaluation of the impact or necessary measures can only occur after the Trump administration officially takes over on January 20.
Experts suggest that New Delhi has the option to impose retaliatory tariffs or approach the WTO while advocating for a strategic response.
“It makes sense to reconsider certain products for tariff adjustments to address US concerns,” remarked one expert who preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the issue. While tariffs are bound by WTO commitments or linked to MFN status rather than being country-specific, there is an opinion that a measured approach could be taken when evaluating the product list traded between India and the US.
“It is unfeasible for India to implement country-specific tariffs, as that would violate the most-favoured nation (MFN) principle,” stated Ajay Sahai, director general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).
Sahai believes that India can revisit certain tariff lines and strategize accordingly, even if it results in a slight duty loss on some products.
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Top 5 most budget-friendly 400cc motorcycles in India. | Image: Republic
At ZigWheels, we had the exciting opportunity to take part in the Harley-Davidson X440 Flat Track Race during India Bike Week (IBW) 2024. This race served as our first real experience with flat track racing and also proved to be quite an eye-opening experience.
A few weeks ago, I attended the TVS Ronin Drift-R school, where I learned fundamental skills for riding on the flat track. This enlightening experience significantly enhanced my road riding abilities.
Landing the chance to participate in the Harley-Davidson X440 Flat Track Race at IBW 2024 thrilled me. It was an opportunity to apply what I had learned previously, and as someone who had never raced before, I was eager to see how I’d perform.
For this event, we rode the uniquely modified Harley-Davidson X440. This bike featured numerous alterations in both its design and mechanics. The headlight was removed, replaced with a racing number plate.
The standard seat and subframe were swapped out for foam padding and a sleeker rear end. Additionally, several mechanical modifications were made; for instance, the front brake was taken off and the original footpegs were replaced with ones suitable for off-roading.
One feature I particularly appreciated about this build was its resemblance to the Harley-Davidson XR750. Overall, the modifications were executed exceptionally well, making the bike feel like an authentic flat tracker.
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The race track was a 160m oval, considerably shorter than the 250m circuit I had previously experienced. This smaller size posed unique challenges, particularly due to the reduced straightaway lengths.
The intensity of the race increased as we approached the corners at a much faster pace. The bike was well-equipped to handle the conditions, but I couldn’t help wondering if I was truly prepared for this challenge.
The flat track race was quite different from my expectations. Instead of having all eight journalists racing simultaneously, we were divided into four pairs. This structure meant that the race became a series of one-on-one match-ups, with the winners progressing to the next round. This format allowed me more space to maneuver on the track.
One principle I adhere to is that “competence breeds confidence.” Before the race, I felt quite self-assured. However, once the competition began, it quickly became evident that my confidence was not supported by the necessary skills.
Getting eliminated in the first round made it clear where I truly stood in terms of my abilities. I managed to get a couple of things right, but there were also many mistakes.
During my prior track experiences, I focused on three critical areas: vision, body positioning, and throttle control. However, I overlooked the importance of choosing racing lines, which was a significant factor in my performance.
When riding on roads, we think about lines for safety against oncoming traffic. In contrast, in racing, the objective is to find the optimal path to maximize speed and minimize lap times.
I attempted to approach the corners from a middle line into an inside line, exiting toward the outside. This habit stems from road riding, where it allows a better view of oncoming traffic.
However, during racing, the dynamics are entirely different. On the flat track, where double apex turns are involved, choosing the right lines is crucial. Ideally, I should have approached wide, taking the first apex closer to the center of the track and the second on the inside.
One of the most significant lessons I learned from participating in the Harley-Davidson Flat Track Race is that there’s always more beneath the surface. This is especially true in flat track racing.
To the casual observer, it may appear to be a simple race around an oval track, but once you find yourself on the bike, your perspective shifts dramatically. The insights gained from this experience have highlighted areas of my skills that require improvement.
If you’ve been contemplating trying flat track racing, my advice is straightforward: just do it. The experience will significantly enhance your road riding abilities.
On Tuesday, Harley-Davidson, the renowned American motorcycle manufacturer, introduced its inaugural fully-electric motorcycle in India.
The Harley Davidson Livewire is equipped with a 15.5 kWh lithium battery and features a permanent magnet electric motor that delivers 78 kW or 104.6 bhp of power, along with a peak torque of 116 Nm. As an electric vehicle, it offers all its torque right from zero rpm. This gearless motorcycle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds!
The large battery provides an impressive city range of 225 km and a highway range of 142 km. It can be fully charged in just an hour using a DC fast charger.
This motorcycle features seven riding modes, including four pre-installed options: Road, Rain, Sport, and Range. Additionally, three fully customizable modes allow users to tailor the acceleration rate, brake regeneration, throttle response, and traction control settings to their preferences.
The global launch of the motorcycle is anticipated for late 2019 or early 2020, with specific dates for India expected to be announced afterward. In the USA, the price is set at $29,799, while it is projected to fall within the range of Rs 40-50 lakh in India.
The India Bike Week 2024 showcased a variety of stunning motorcycles, but two Harley-Davidsons in particular captivated onlookers with their exquisite paint designs. The Harley-Davidson Electra Glide and Deluxe Soft Tail models, named Jatayu and Sampati, narrate the epic tale of the Ramayana, illustrating the journey from the birth of Lord Rama to his triumph over Ravan.
These remarkable Harley-Davidson bikes are the pride of friends Mr. Chirayu Bhatt (Jatayu) and Mr. Vijay Devnani (Sampati), who hail from Jaipur.
The narrative of the Ramayana begins with the younger brother, Jatayu, represented by the Harley-Davidson Deluxe Soft-tail. The front fender showcases scenes from the tale, starting with the birth of Lord Rama and culminating with the ‘Seetaharan.’ The rear fender vividly portrays the moment when Jatayu sacrifices his life fighting Ravan in an attempt to save Mata Seeta.
The tale continues with Sampati, the elder brother, represented by the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. On its front fender, Sampati recounts the story of Jatayu’s valiant attempt to rescue Mata Seeta from Ravan, while the entirety of Lord Rama’s victorious journey and his coronation as King of Ayodhya is beautifully depicted in the bike’s artwork.
Both motorcycles are adorned with lavish golden and glittery paints made from real gold. Custom helmets have also been designed for each bike, emblazoned with the names Jatayu and Sampati and featuring their likenesses crafted in gold at the back. The bikes come with beautifully painted panniers on either side, each inscribed with two shlokas from the Ramayana.
The Electra Glide is now equipped with a stylish two-in-one exhaust that not only elevates its look but also improves ground clearance. It has undergone several enhancements, including an upgrade to a larger 21-inch front wheel, replacing the previous 17-inch model. The Electra Glide also incorporates active air suspension to raise the bike height, facilitating smoother rides over speed bumps and rough patches.
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The owners mentioned that the inspiration struck them during a ride, at which time both bikes were completely stock. They aimed to showcase their bond and brotherhood uniquely while celebrating Indian culture. Rather than choosing Lord Rama and Lord Lakshmana, they selected Jatayu and Sampati to symbolize brotherhood in a distinctive way. This choice also resonates with Harley-Davidson’s original logo featuring a bald eagle. They collaborated with artist Mr. Gopesh Bhatt, who completed the project in just two weeks.
The paint jobs on the motorcycles alone cost Rs 15 lakh, while the custom exhaust and additional modifications incurred an expense of Rs 12 lakh, bringing the total for modifications and custom work to Rs 27 lakh. On the road, the Harley Deluxe Soft-tail has a price tag of around Rs 25 lakh, and the Electra Glide is priced at approximately Rs 44 lakh. Therefore, the overall investment for this extraordinary project amounts to nearly Rs 1 crore! It’s a staggering sum!
Harley Davidson X440: This motorcycle boasts an impressive and powerful engine, capturing attention in the Indian market with its top-notch quality features. If you’re a fan of motorcycles like Bullet and Royal Enfield or are considering a purchase, this new model offers an excellent alternative with remarkable features and options for enthusiasts.
When discussing the mileage and features of this motorcycle, it’s clear that the Harley Davidson X440 comes equipped with premium attributes, including a video meter and a digital instrument panel, both delivering exceptional performance. This motorcycle offers a mileage of approximately 29 kilometers per liter of petrol.
Focusing on the engine performance, this motorcycle is powered by a 448.48 cc engine, featuring liquid cooling technology along with a 6-speed manual gearbox and dual-channel ABS system. It delivers a maximum output of 35.86 bhp and is equipped with a disc brake braking system and tubeless tires.
Regarding the pricing of this motorcycle, it starts at approximately 240,000 INR in the Indian market, going up to 270,000 INR. If you’re interested in financing, you can visit your nearest showroom to inquire about EMI options for the motorcycle.
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