Whatever happened to the Altius Scimitar Diesel motorcycle?

If there is a motorcycle a lot of Indian motorcycle touring enthusiasts will be looking forward to see at the upcoming 2012 Indian Auto Expo, it is the Altius Scimitar diesel powered dual purpose motorcycle. Weeks ago, I did a Pune-Bangalore-Pune run on my Pulsar 220S. Over a round trip spanning close to 2,000 kilometers, the motorcycle returned around 35-40 Kmpl with speeds hovering around 110 Kph throughout the trip. The cost of petrol for the trip came up to over INR 3,500.

Altius Scimitar 670cc Dual Purpose Diesel Motorcycle

On another note, a Ford Figo Diesel or Maruti Swift Diesel driven at 100 to 120 Kph would have returned 20 Kmpl, translating to roughly around the same fuel expenses for the Pune-Bangalore-Pune road trip since diesel continues to be much cheaper than petrol. No I’m not suggesting dumping two wheels and freedom for a cage. Far from that, the point here is, diesel power can be a worthwhile alternative to petrol powered motorcycles.

One such alternative gave a fleeting appearance earlier this year, leaving many of us smacking our lips in anticipation. The Altius Scimitar diesel engined motorcycle is a dual purpose motorcycle that was to be assembled and sold in India through a firm founded by ex-Hyundai and Tata executive, B.V.R. Subbu. Ever since the announcement many months ago, the Altius Automotive website shows no sign of life even as the 2012 Auto Expo impends.

With less than two months to go for what could possibly be India’s grandest motoring spectacle, one can only hope that the Altius Scimitar diesel dual purpose motorcycle will make it to Indian shores and make an appearance at the exposition. The Altius Scimitar is powered by a 670cc, single cylinder, indirect injection diesel engine putting out 33 Bhp of peak power and 53 Nm of peak torque.

This engine is touted to give the Scimitar some blistering acceleration of a nought to hundred run in under 10 seconds and a top speed of 150 Kph. Fuel economy is a claimed 45 Kmpl at constant 90 Kph. The Altius Scimitar could be priced at around INR 1.75 Lakhs. Almost the perfect tourer, isn’t it? We can only hope that this very promising motorcycle sees the light of the day.

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November 25, 2011 | By Jay Prashanth · Tags:

Comments

3 Responses to “Whatever happened to the Altius Scimitar Diesel motorcycle?”

Shailendra Singh Rajawat on November 26th, 2011 12:38 pm

I think this is very great bike
jim on November 26th, 2011 1:52 pm

This would only make the Indian Govt angry and have them rethink of adding more tax on Diesel which would have its adverse effect…
salim on November 27th, 2011 10:53 am

it should be with 300cc common rail variable geometry turbo charger.

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