[Skyline GT-R]

From what i heard in the news both Hero & RE are in talks with the same engine manufacturer near Chennai (probably Greaves as mentioned before)

If these deals click is it going to be the next National Engine of India (Succesor of 1.3 MJD?)

I hope not because the Apes & Alfas are giving me enough headaches with the earth shattering noise.

[Abhi2902]

from what i understand, tata nano is coming up with a 600-700 cc DiCOR engine with turbocharge. this should be enough to convince that there are diesel engines which are small, with less vibration and efficient.
Honeywell has developed the world's smallest turbo systems for, while Bosch will fit the smallest common rail direct injection (CRDi) system.
given the size of a nano, i would say even if we can plonk the nano engine on a good chassis it should do the trick.

Abhi

[georgev]

if it is a diesel unlike those heavy what we have seen in India so far on the Enfield chasiss , I like to see light bikes which a normal person can handle will be nice and will see some numbers also.

[jeepster]

The Track T800CDI
Dieselmotorcycle Made in the EU

THE FACTS
Track T800CDI
MSRP: -------------£15,000
Engine: ------------799cc, six-valves, liquid-cooled inline three-cylinder, turbo-charged diesel
Transmission: ------Continuously-variable transmission.
Fuel System: -------Common rail fuel injection
Power (claimed):--- 45 hp
Final Drive: --------Shaft
Front Suspension: --WP upside-down 48mm fork
Wheelbase: --------1610mm
Brakes:------------ Front Dual Disc, 310mm diameter/Rear Single Disc, 265mm diameter
Wheels:------------ Front 1.85 in: 21 in./Rear 4.25 in: 17 in.
Length: ------------2450mm
Seat height (adjustable): 780/900mm
Fuel: ---------------22.5 liters
Weight:------------ 220kg (fluids, no fuel)
Colors: -------------Silver, black or white

[GTO]

Originally Posted by bj96

Weighty (firmly planted), good torque, relaxed ride, diesel economy what more a tourer needs? Current RE 500CC offerings cost about 1.6L. Add another ~50k to it, throw in a little turbo charger and DI... you have a recipe for success.

Originally Posted by dustom_99

These days diesel is the new fuel,giving gas guzzlers run for its money in all parameters.

In cars, yes. That's because all the common-rail engines we love are proper 4 cylinder units. I think the biggest challenge for a diesel bike will be controlling the vibrations inherent to engines with lesser cylinders.

[Ashley Nair]

The diesels planned by HERO and RE will be pucca commuter machines and nothing else. Whatever be the technology( HERO and RE are not famous for rocket science technology, anyway) a SINGLE CYLINDER engine WILL sound like an Ape/Vikram/Minidor.Offcourse it will have excellent low end torque and mileage but these generator/pumpset engines just won't do for a motorcycle.

Engine: ------------799cc, six-valves, liquid-cooled inline three-cylinder, turbo-charged diesel

Something like this will be good but when you can buy a Maruthi for that price, will you by a motorcycle?

[svsantosh]

Originally Posted by GTO

I think the biggest challenge for a diesel bike will be controlling the vibrations inherent to engines with lesser cylinders.

Brrr.!!! Tell me about it... My used to vibrate like crazy. Each month I used to re-torque the whole bike apart from myself

[gthang]

Originally Posted by GTO

In cars, yes. That's because all the common-rail engines we love are proper 4 cylinder units. I think the biggest challenge for a diesel bike will be controlling the vibrations inherent to engines with lesser cylinders.

Common rail diesel engines only fixes the clatter and noise due to ignition (injection). The high compression ratio, heavier than normal pistons, and heavier block problem will still exist, regardless of number of cylinders.

A 3 cylinder or 5 cylinder might counter it to some extent, but I doubt that RE or Hero will go that route.

[jeepster]

some twin cylinder diesel Enfields from various parts of the world.

source DieselBike.net The Original Diesel Motorcycle website.

[cpbopanna]

Originally Posted by rr_zen

For Hero, I guess this will be a critical move as they are all set to part ways with Honda now.

Getting into the old Bullet (Diesel) territory would be indeed (mis??) critical for Hero after parting with Honda.

Instead of going forward like TVS (after splitting up with Suzuki), this step would surely be retrograde!!

[zulfi hansi]

Originally Posted by Gansan

Was there not one more manufacturer, with the brand name of Sooraj?
The Enfield diesel Bullets used the Greaves-Lombardini engine. They ran almost on just love and pure air, according to Dilip Bam!

Dilip Bam, where is he now?
He had also said that its cheaper to run than walking!!!!
I still remember that from his review of the diesel bullet in Auto India.

[zulfi hansi]

@ Jeepster, now that was a good find.
I wonder when someone in EU can think to use a diesel motor on a multi terrain bike like this, it should be much easier to build it in the chopper/cruiser bike frame, more scope to employee vibration elimination engine mounts etc,. I strongly feel India should come up with our own take on the cruiser (like HD in USA) and with diesel subsidized it only makes sense.

[Gansan]

Originally Posted by zulfi hansi

Dilip Bam, where is he now?
He had also said that its cheaper to run than walking!!!!
I still remember that from his review of the diesel bullet in Auto India.

Ha ha! He said all that and much more! I was a regular subscriber to Indian Auto Journal (remember it?) and then to AI and loved his articles!

There is a thread on him in TBHP. Search it out.

[bluevolt]

A reliable diesel bike would be excellent as the petrol prices have really shot up in recent times. Let's see what manufacturers have for us in future.

PS - I had seen a CNG converted CBZ in some magazine sometime back, so I think CNG as an option also exists.