Mahindra launches Centuro at Rs. 45,000

Mahindra 2-Wheelers has launched its Centuro commuter bike at a competitive price of Rs 45,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Closely following their Pantero, the Centuro is Mahindra’s next assault on the 110cc segment, a relatively more up-market bike. The Centuro brings a lot of features to the segment for the first time, as Mahindra hopes to attract the attention of the Indian two-wheeler buyer.

The Centuro uses the same engine as the one found mounted to the Mahindra Pantero, launched earlier this year. The unit is a single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled engine having a displacement of 106.7cc, putting out a maximum power of 8.4bhp at 7500rpm and peak torque of 0.87kgm at 5500rpm. The engine is mated to a 4-speed gearbox.

The comprehensive instruments panel offers an analogue tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, trip meter, clock, service-indicator, economy-mode indicator and a distance to empty read-out. The Centuro offers a flip-to-open 96 bit encrypted key, making it impossible to start using a duplicate key. This key also enables riders to flash their motorcycle headlight when they want to locate it in the dark. The helpful ‘follow-me’ function keeps the headlight illuminated a while after the ignition is switched-off to show its rider the way when it is dark.

The Centuro is held together by a twin downtube frame, using telescopic fork front suspension and adjustable shocks at the rear, bolted onto an old fashioned tubular steel swingarm. The motorcycle seats its rider in an upright riding position, as required by a city-commuter like this. The Centuro comes equipped with drum brakes.

Ten new two-wheelers will be launched by Mahindra over the next year. The first 10,000 Centuro bikes are being offered at an introductory price of Rs 44,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Even with its competitive pricing, the Centuro will face stiff competition by rival motorcycles including Hero’s Passion series, Bajaj’s Discover 100T and Honda’s new Dream Yuga.

Specifications

Engine

Fuel                                         Petrol

Installation                              106.7cc, single cylinder, air-cooled, four stroke

Power                                      8.4bhp at 7500rpm

Torque                                     0.87kgm at 5500rpm

Power to weight                      70bhp per tonne

Transmission

Gearbox                                  4-speed, 4-up

Dimensions

Length                                     2031mm

Width                                      735mm

Height                                     1111mm

Wheelbase                               1265mm

Ground clearance                    173mm

Chassis & Body

Weight                                    120kg

Wheels                                    5-spoke alloy

Tyres                                       2.75 x 18- 3.00 x 18 inches

Suspension

Front                                       Telescopic forks

Rear                                        Twin shocks, tubular swingarm

Brakes

Front                                       130mm drum

Rear                                        130mm drum

[Image source: The Hindu]