Latest news with #LAMS
NZ Autocar
2 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Royal Enfield Bear 650 Review
So when I went to pick up the Royal Enfield Bear 650, the chap tasked with the handover commented, 'I've done 80km over the weekend and fell in love with it.' Which of course you take with a grain of salt, given the guys sells these. But remove the hyperbole and it's clear he liked it. Then really doesn't surprise either because from the outset when the Interceptor (great name) and Continental dotted down six years ago, they kicked off an uptick, a surge even, in Royal Enfield sales. Why? Because they're good and great value. And with their popularity they've just been adding to the 650 twin line-up ever since. There's now a Cruiser, a Classic, the natty looking Shotgun 650 and this, the Bear 650. There's even talk of another coming, in the form of the Himalayan 650, the adventure bike of the range. They've been so successful for the brand that Royal Enfield is now selling over a million bikes per annum. Not that it is all down to the 650s; their single-cylinder offerings are even more important for overall numbers. The Indian brand, which has seen a lift in quality as well as numbers, is now a serious force to be reckoned with. It claims global leadership in the middleweight sector. So now there's this 650 beastie as well, another sharp looker that's as happy doing soft-road stuff as it is plying sealed thoroughfares or commuting. Plus it has the retro look to match, with round lights at each end, a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear, and spoked rims for that authentic Scrambler look. The one you see here is the 249 model, the most expensive in the line-up (price differs according to paint jobs which is the usual RE way). And the number refers to a famous desert race that took place 65 years ago. For roughly 40 years the Big Bear race was run in the California desert. And the last was won by a 16-year-old, 'Fast Eddie' Mulder who beat over 700 others to the finish line after 240km of hard-out racing. He, of course, was riding a Royal Enfield. So the Bear – in miniature on the tank – was the logical name for the latest addition to the 650 twin line-up. With its Scrambler styling it has the look that just seems to stop people in their tracks. Or maybe it's the 249 race plate that does that. With white bodywork and green frame, it really does look tasty. The one I picked up was brand spankers. And I couldn't for the life of me work out how to change the dash layout. It was pretty much blacked out initially, with no numbers for the rev counter and just a digital readout of speed. Eventually, after mussing with the left bar set-up lever, I discovered that pushing it up led to the main menu where we could then select the classic screen with a proper rev counter, and a few other trip data on offer. Like instantaneous fuel use that suggested around 20-25km per litre on the open road ( 4.2L/100km overall). Not bad for a bike that wasn't run in and features no air protection. Range is around 250km from its 13.7L fuel tank. The engine is LAMS legal, and has undergone a bit of a rejig for the Bear application, with no less power (35kW) but a bit more torque, up by 8Nm to 57 in total, thanks mainly to its two-into-one exhaust. Gearing is a shade shorter too, so 100 uses around 4300rpm in sixth. Put another way, 4000 is 90km/h, 4500 is 108 and 5000rpm is 120. Throughout this rev band, which is the one you use primarily out of town, the engine is virtually vibe free. And with the added torque it will pull cleanly from 2000rpm, which is 50km/h in top, handy for urban work. Best power is above about 4500rpm but good torque is on tap from 3000rpm. Compared with the last RE we rode with this engine, the Shotgun 650, the Bear 650 is noticeably quicker. That's because it carries rather less bulk (214 vs 240kg) and has shorter gearing and more torque. That makes it almost a second quicker on both performance criteria, and managed an ABS stop from 100 in 38.46m, pretty nifty for something with a single two-piston disc up front and dual purpose rubber. The front brake, caliper by Bybre works okay on its own but adding the rear, this genuinely slows well. ABS is switchable (back wheel) for off-road riding. A few other points. Unlike some tall off-road ready bikes, the seat height on this is 830mm, and it's no effort to swing a leg over. The riding position is easy with high and wide bars, and midmounted pegs. While the seat looks good, the comfort wanes some after an hour or so of riding but there's generous room for two. For learner riders and those more experienced, the handling on road is a gas. There's oodles of ground clearance and this tips into corners virtually by just weighting the pegs. Suspension is extended travel – for GC of 184mm – and fixed up front, with Showa forks while the preload adjustable long travel rear springs seem set just a bit firm at their softest, no doubt optimised for off-road work. So best to avoid the big hits on road or weight the pegs in anticipation where possible, as they can be jarring. For off-road work primarily, you'd probably want to check out the Himalayan 450 but for a mix of the two and mainly road work, the twin will be a better overall option. Bear 650 is around $2k more expensive. The dash features a tripper unit for navigation, all within the main screen, and nav is possible via Bluetoothing your smartphone. There's a USB outlet up front for device charging too. The dual-tone horn is strong, and lights are LEDs all round. We appreciated the span-adjustable levers, lightweight and positive six-speed gearbox and clear instruments, once we'd found the classic layout. Each RE we ride just seems to be better in build quality too. Our particular 249 model goes for $11,890. However, the start price is $11,490. So love at first ride? It will be for some. Gotta love the price point too. For us, after a few hundred kays, love is perhaps a big call but it's certainly a great LAMS machine (that never feels nobbled like some do), and a competent all-rounder. Royal Enfield Bear 650$11,890 0-100 km/h 5.93s 80-120 km/h 4.79s (138.4m) 100-0 km/h 38.46m Speedo error 98 at an indicated 100km/h Engine Capacity 648cc Format Air-cooled / fuel-injected / IL2 Max power 35kW@7150rpm Max torque 58Nm@5150rpm Cylinder head SOHC / 8v Gearbox 6-speed Drivetrain Chain final drive Suspension front 43mm USD forks, unadjustable Suspension rear Twin shocks, preload adjustable Brakes front Twin-piston calipers, 320mm discs Brakes rear Single-piston, 270mm disc Safety systems ABS Tyre size f-100/90B19, r-140/80B17 Tyre type MRF Nylorex Wheelbase 1460mm Seat height 830mm Rake/trail 26.1° / 117mm Fuel capacity 13.6L Measured weight 214kg Weight distribution f-103kg / r-111kg
NZ Autocar
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Triumph Trident 660 Triple Tribute Edition is inbound
Triumph Motorcycles has unveiled the 2025 Trident 660 Triple Tribute Edition. This bringing race-inspired flair and various tech upgrades to the middleweight roadster. There's alliteration aplenty too. Following the original Triple Tribute released last year, the latest version sharpens the formula. It adds more performance-focused features and a racy new look. The 2025 Trident Triple Tribute retains the same 660cc triple-cylinder engine, in this instance not LAMS legal. It is tuned to deliver 60kW at 10,250rpm and 64Nm of torque at 6250rpm. The motor is Euro 5+ compliant and provides a signature triple soundtrack. This is enhanced by improved engine mapping and a slick six-speed gearbox. Standard is Triumph's quickshifter for clutchless up- and downshifts. New for 2025 is the addition of Sport mode. This joins Road and Rain modes to tailor throttle and traction control responses. The Trident also gains Cornering ABS and Cornering Traction Control, thanks to IMU-based inputs. The aim is to boost rider confidence and prevent loss of control while cornering. Cruise control is now standard too, enhancing comfort on longer rides. The special edition features Sapphire Black bodywork accented by Cobalt Blue and Diablo Red graphics. The latter are a nod to the TT-winning 'Slippery Sam' Triumph Trident. A '67' race number, a compact black flyscreen, a sculpted aluminium belly pan, and Diablo Red wheels complete the styling package. Suspension comprises Showa SFF-BP 41mm USD forks, and a preload-adjustable rear shock. Both are tuned for a mix of comfort and control. Michelin Road 5 tyres provide all-weather grip. Up front, Nissin two-piston calipers and 310mm discs handle braking duties. Key data show up on a full-colour TFT screen. This supports the My Triumph Connectivity System for phone, music, and navigation integration. Practical touches include an 805mm seat height, slim tank, wide handlebars, and a 190kg wet weight. These features help make the Trident accessible and friendly for a range of riders. Triumph also offers over 30 accessories for the Triple Tribute. Owners can add protection, luggage, tech upgrades, and styling touches. Options include heated grips and bar-end mirrors. All accessories are part of Triumph's two-year, unlimited mileage warranty. The MY26 Trident Triple Tribute arrives here in full-power specification, with pricing announced closer to launch. With 16,000km service intervals and Triumph's renowned build quality, the Trident aims at those wanting a stylish, sporty and versatile middleweight motorcycle designed for everyday use.
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
SSC results reflect progress in digital pedagogy introduced for children with special needs in A.P., says inclusion specialist
In a world that often underestimates them, Children with Special Needs (CwSN) in government schools are rewriting the narrative. Equipped with determination, resilience and the right support, they have begun to taste the fruits of academic success, thanks to use of innovative digital tools they have mastered under expert guidance deployed by the Samagra Shiksha wing of the School Education Department. This year's SSC Board results unfold inspiring stories of students who have put up a good show by moving beyond labels and demonstrating their true ability. Kuruba Ishwarya has scored 90.8 %, Yalagaturi Lokesh Chowdary ((86.0 %), Derangula Kumar Babu (85 %), Dasari Chamundeswari (84 %), Madiga Anji (74.6 %), Madde Drona (70 %) and Avula Amarnath (69 %), all of them are visually challenged, while Safaru Sanath Kumar with growth hormone deficiency, has scored 88.8 % marks in the SSC public examination. 'In 2022, when we introduced digitally accessible pedagogy, there were no text books available in digitally accessible formats and someone had to read out for the visually challenged students,' recalls Ram Kamal, Senior Advisor on Inclusive Education to Samagra Shiksha, Andhra Pradesh. LAMS He says in the academic year 2023, a student Chaitrika who has low vision, scored the highest marks (82%) while last year, Bhargavi, an orthopaedically challenged student, secured 85%. Attributing the progression to use of digitally accessible textbooks and effective use of the Learning and Assessment Management System (LAMS) that allows educators to create, store and manage various learning materials, including online courses, videos, documents and interactive elements besides Vedantu's online tuitions, Mr. Ram Kamal says this year's highest score has touched 90.8 % and the best part is that a majority of the children with special needs have crossed 85% marks. 'Every mark they have scored on their own, by writing their exams independently, without anybody's assistance,' he adds. Under LAMS, students are provided learning content such as digital textbooks, according to the academic calendar in text, videos, audio podcasts, quizzes, multiple choice and descriptive questions based on the assignment pattern. Mr. Ram Kamal explains that the many EdTech sites that provide quality education content, do not provide entire curriculums of the educational Boards or carry out quality assessments and log data of the students in an accessible format. 'Accessibility, scalability, personalisation, collaboration, analytics and tracking, and resource management based on an AI engine is the core of LAMS, which stores a plethora of centralised educational resources, including subject-wise materials, multimedia content, assessments, and learning activities, making it easier for instructors to organise and manage their subjects,' he says.
