[apachelongbow]

Originally Posted by aravind.anand

A small amount of vibes do add a lot of character to biking. This I realized after a riding weekend, where me and my best friend hired a Harley and a Continental GT. The Harley was smooth and fast - but felt scooter-like. The GT still lingers in the memory.

That said, we know that the KTM 390's engine is a smooth one, and going by what Bajaj did to KTM's 200cc engine to adapt for their Pulsars, I guess the CS400 would have a smooth, relaxed engine.

Slightly OT, but which Harley did you find smooth? I rode the super low and the fat Bob quite a bit and both vibrate horribly akin tractors. Most uncomfortable bikes to ride for over 100kms at a stretch.
Vibes must be a slight tingle on the footpegs or the bars at certian speeds, the entire helmet dancing on my head at 120kmph is not vibes its a heavy drilling machine at work.
I am sure the cs400 will have a relaxed smooth engine with bare minimum vibes if any. It's ok if Bajaj lowers power from the duke's frenetic high rpm to a much more usable lower range in interest of cruising.

[aravind.anand]

Originally Posted by apachelongbow

Slightly OT, but which Harley did you find smooth? I rode the super low and the fat Bob quite a bit and both vibrate horribly akin tractors. Most uncomfortable bikes to ride for over 100kms at a stretch.
Vibes must be a slight tingle on the footpegs or the bars at certian speeds, the entire helmet dancing on my head at 120kmph is not vibes its a heavy drilling machine at work.
I am sure the cs400 will have a relaxed smooth engine with bare minimum vibes if any. It's ok if Bajaj lowers power from the duke's frenetic high rpm to a much more usable lower range in interest of cruising.

I was riding the Street 750 - and found neither vibes, nor the characteristic Harley sound. So it went down as a rather unremarkable experience.

I too wish Bajaj brings down the power to around 36-38 PS and also brings it down the rev range for maximum usability. The KTM, though amazing is not my cup of tea due to its frantic nature. Which is why I bought a used CBR250R last year, despite knowing it is quite dated in the market.

Looking at how Bajaj mellowed down the KTM's 200cc mill, I am awaiting the CS400 with high hopes.

[payeng]

Originally Posted by aravind.anand

I was riding the Street 750 - and found neither vibes, nor the characteristic Harley sound. So it went down as a rather unremarkable experience.

And come to think of it.. it is those burly air cooled models with the "characteristic" sound and vibes that are the most lusted after... Defnitely it appears that Smoothness and Refinement are probably just for Hype/Discussion sake.

Originally Posted by aravind.anand

I too wish Bajaj brings down the power to around 36-38 PS and also brings it down the rev range for maximum usability. The KTM, though amazing is not my cup of tea due to its frantic nature. Which is why I bought a used CBR250R last year, despite knowing it is quite dated in the market.

Looking at how Bajaj mellowed down the KTM's 200cc mill, I am awaiting the CS400 with high hopes.

The mellow down / mature nature of the 200 cc mill on duty on the Pulsar 200NS/AS200 is more to do with the taller gearing.. the KTM's are intentionally kept short geared for the frenetic ride experience.

I expect the gearing on the CS400 to be of taller/relaxed nature to give the bike a more mature ride/character.. to go with its mature big boy looks.

[schitre05]

While surfing youtube came across this video by Autocar professional in conversation with Abraham Joseph of Bajaj Auto during Auto expo 2014

Major take away point is that the engine is a ground-up development by Bajaj with its triple spark technology and not a KTM duke 390 drag and drop job.
however I have a feeling that there would be certain KTM inputs in building this ground-up
Have a look

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY-T-gqImrs

[payeng]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDmDdPG-4pk

Video on C&B Show. The CS400 is featured towards the end.

[man_of_steel]

Originally Posted by payeng

Video on C&B Show. The CS400 is featured towards the end.

USD forks. Rejoice!

[payeng]

Originally Posted by man_of_steel

USD forks. Rejoice!

The video is a few months old. Don't think USD forks feature in the final package. The recent spotted test bikes had conventional (but look fat ones) forks.

Even with conventional forks the bike still looks handsome to me.

[payeng]

Latest Spy Shot: Looking Good

[bansal1987]

Originally Posted by payeng

Latest Spy Shot: Looking Good

Wow that's a fantastic spy pic. Are those USD's there ??
Most of the concept elements have been retained and the bike looks supercool for sure

[rambo1o1]

Originally Posted by bansal1987

Wow that's a fantastic spy pic. Are those USD's there ??
Most of the concept elements have been retained and the bike looks supercool for sure

Those look like normal Forks ,not USD.

I have the RS200,which is quite a good bike but i hope bajaj provides a vibe and rattle free xx400 ,and hopefully they dont carry forward the RS200 weird taillight to the SS400

[payeng]

Originally Posted by rambo1o1

hopefully they dont carry forward the RS200 weird taillight to the SS400

I don't think Bajaj is testing the SS400


What I am very happy is getting to see the ABS rings on the wheels.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Has a very meaty stance and substantial size compared to the Duke 390. I'm liking it. Glad that dual channel ABS is there.

What about the tyres? Doesn't look like Zapper range to me.

[bansal1987]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Has a very meaty stance and substantial size compared to the Duke 390. I'm liking it. Glad that dual channel ABS is there.

What about the tyres? Doesn't look like Zapper range to me.

Well going by the spy picture that has been shared, the tread pattern for the tires looks very similar to the one that was on the concept bike. That if you look closely is a MRF REVZ FC1/FC combo. The same combination comes in the Duke 200. It would be safe to think this is the tyre combination that the CS 4oo would be getting.

Attaching an image of CS 400 concept tire (front and back). If you look closely you can see MRF FC/FC1 written on the tires

[Frankazoid!!!]

Spotted again! Here's hoping Bajaj launches it in June!

http://www.motoroids.com/news/upcomi...ed-once-again/

[sagarpadaki]

Hope they launch it soon with dual channel ABS. Will be a perfect replacement for my aging Pulsar 180 UG3. Knowing Bajaj, spares will not be a problem and will be reasonably priced. For me , more than the power, it is the dual channel ABS that will be of significance.

Frankly, i am tired of waiting for Honda CBR300R and i do not think Honda will launch it here. They are happy with sticker jobs! This Bajaj will stir up the competition for sure