This concept is not new. Bikes driven with kerosene power was in use during 2nd world war and I have seen one of my neighbor (ex-air force) was riding this bike with GEAR SHIFTING LEVER right from the engine. He also uses aviation fuel sometimes. Definitely options are there. But all these will change the environment with diesel smoke on atmospheric air. Best option is to find a way for Battery powered driven scooters in the long run.
Writer seems to be missing the point. The reason diesel is cheap is because petrol offsets its pricing due the higher taxes imposed on it - essentially petrol subsidizes diesel in India. I can't imagine what will happen if the entire country moves to diesel - who will pay for the subsidy and the environmental damage? The trend now is 80 : 20 in favor of diesel four wheelers and the day is not far when petrol powered vehicles will not be desired any longer.
Pity where only 02percent of kids get education. Its all idiotic products with idiotic companies with all idiotic reasons just loot all money by giving such flimsy arguments being in nexus with looting politicos
If we consider a bike will last 1,00,000 Kms and assume both petrol and diesel versions give same mileage 50 Kms and difference between petrol and diesel price is Rs 35, 100000*35/50 = 70,000. Additional 70,000 for diesel makes sense, that too if the bike maintenance is not going to be more.
How many takers will we have for a 6-7 lakh bikes. None, at least those who are looking for bike that makes economic sense.
I had a diesel bike, a coverted diesel 350 Bullet called Samrat. This was about 15 years back when petrol-diesel diff was not much and petrol cost abt 20 Rs.Well, Smarat was very heavy, difficult to start since we did not have an electric starter. Kick starting was very difficulte specially if there was an airlock in the cylinder. Top speed was around 60-70 kmph and it took ages to reach that speed. But milegae wa abouy 45 kmpl which is good by even todays standards. It had massive pulling power, it could pull a cart stuck in the mud, no limits on the people who sit perch on it. We even used to pump water from the stream and to the fields, sort of multi purpose. I moved on to the city and had to sell her off. Maybe Samrat manufacturers could consider relaunching it again?
Re: What happened to Samrat?
by Ashwin Kempegowda on Jun 06, 2012 12:08 PM
s i believe diesel bullets gave 60 kmpl but it was costly to maintain and too much vibration.
