2015 UM DSR Hypersports — Ummm so what is it?
Spy shots of the 2015 UM Motorcycles DSR Hypersport were out on the internet when it was spotted testing in Pune. Clearly, the American manufacturer will launch the motorcycle in India and are probably testing their models for homologation and development. But who are UM Motorcycles and what makes the Hypersport rather quirky-cool and a viable option for India?
UM Motorcycles has a fairly recent history dating back only to the early 2000s when a certain Mr. Octavio Villegas Llano, patriarch of the Villegas family, founded the company in Miami. They specialize in manufacturing low capacity, affordable motorcycles for the masses. Naturally, developing markets are the target. India being one such market, has recently seen a high inflow of international manufacturers who offer international as well as India-specific products. UM Motorcycles uses engines ranging from 100cc to 250cc, which puts it in the meat of the fiercely competitive commuter and entry-level sportsbike segment. So what sets them apart?
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This is UM Motorcycle’s Xtreet, a 223cc, 17bhp single-cylinder bike which UM might bring to India[/caption]
Take for example the DSR Hypersport itself. This, by design, is inherently a motard/supermoto — a dirt bike with road-spec tyres. Motocross riders started putting sportsbike tyres on their dirt bikes so that they could use those bikes on the road, as knobblies aren’t suitable for road use. The result was a bike which utilised the stronger long-travel front suspension and upright riding position to traverse difficult terrain and at the same time is as fast as sportsbikes on tarmac.
Such bikes are hugely practical for India, where the concept of using motorcycles as a lifestyle product is just picking up and motorcycle touring has become popular in the last decade. Also, not many can afford to maintain two or more motorcycles for differing usage. A motard proves to be a versatile product given the varied road conditions across our country and also have the ability to ride to work on a Monday after a weekend ride out of the city.
Hero’s Impulse is one of the first products to be made available in the 150cc category and has been received well. But the old-school design coupled with an underpowered engine doesn’t spell for exciting performance all around. While Hero is said to be working on a 250cc Impulse, UM Motorcycles could steal the limelight away from them if they launch the DSR Hypersport in the very near future.
The Hypersport employs contemporary styling of today’s motards with a raised front fender, flared tank extensions, extended grab rails with provisions for tying luggage, upswept exhaust, an extended seat et all. But wait, that’s not all. What sets it apart are the cycle parts used on the motorcycle. Upside-down front forks complete with fork protectors, 265mm petal discs up front and a 220mm at the rear, LED DRLs on the headlamp, tail lamp and innovatively on the fuel tank as well, increasing visibility and safety. Additional features include blind spot mirrors built into the side view mirrors, which again is an innovative addition for added safety. The tyres are filled with sealant, making them resistant to punctures just in case you decide to go off-the-beaten path. There are selectable riding modes on offer which can be chosen depending upon the required performance and the fueling is adjusted accordingly. And, in a world first for this segement, a USB charger is available to power up mobile devices on the go, a feature that’ll be greatly appreciated in today’s day and age of i-everything. A sump guard comes as part of the standard equipment too.
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The 2015 UM DSR Hypersport is contemporarily styled and, boasts of unique features and high-spec cycle parts[/caption]
Performance comes from a choice of three engines on offer, of which the smaller 125cc should be left out for the higher 199cc and 223cc engines as UM wants to position themselves as a premium player in the Indian market. The latter are fuel-injected engines employing a 5-speed gearbox. The air-cooled 199cc engine develops 14.75bhp at 7500rpm and 15Nm of peak torque at 6000rpm, while the air- and oil-cooled 223cc motor develops 17.27bhp at 8000rpm and 16.86Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Looking at the specs alone, these engines won’t deliver explosive performance but can be easily compared to the Hero Karizma which has similar figures from the Honda derived 223cc engine. The gearing will determine how the power is ultimately delivered.
UM is in talks with Indian companies to localise 50–90 per cent parts, reducing the final cost of the product and also helping with distribution and service. So, a stylish, practical, contemporary product with thoughtful innovations at a competitive price point ranging between Rs 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh — sound like a recipe for success.
