This Clever Device Makes Your Bike Safer And Smarter

Texting and driving might be bad, but have you ever tried riding a bike through traffic, whilst trying to read Google Maps and texting your girlfriend? You'll probably end up with a wing mirror in the kidneys, if you're lucky. Thankfully, Kickstarter is On The Case. 

The COBI system wants to be a one-stop shop for everything bolted to your handlebars. To that end, it's offering two main features: illumination, and integration with your smartphone. The lights are pretty good on their own: a bright LED front light, and a rear light that indicates when you're braking and turning. But the smartphone integration is what could make this more than just an overpriced set of lights. 

When you're riding, the waterproof mount for your phone (allegedly iOS and Android compatible — presumably it's device-specific) and the app let you monitor weather, gives directions and music controls, all while charging your handset from the included 6000mAh battery. When you detach the phone and move out of Bluetooth range, the same mount uses an internal accelerometer to act like a car alarm — basically, making a lot of noise if anyone tries to move it. You can also add on accessories like a thumb controller, which communicate over Bluetooth. 

All in, it's a well thought-out package that could add impressive levels of functionality, especially for anyone navigating a bike around an unfamiliar part of town at night. It's probably a little overkill for weight-weenie road bikers, but provided the COBI can make it past the usual Kickstarter pitfalls (promising the world, delivering a product made out of aluminium foil and pipe dreams), it could make life that little bit easier for commuters. $159 for the basic package, or $205 for the all-singing-all-dancing version

Kawasaki Z250 launched at INR 2.99 lakhs

Bajaj today launched the Kawasaki Z250 and the ER-6n in India. The Z250 marks a new chapter for the Japanese manufacturer, as it is the most affordable product in the lineup priced at INR 2.99 lakhs, ex-Showroom, New Delhi.

The Z250 borrows its styling from the larger and more expensive Z800. Based on a tube diamond steel frame, the motorcycle measures 2,010 mm in length, 750 mm in width and 1,020 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 1,400 mm and a ground clearance of 145 mm. The Z250 weighs 168 kg and has a 17-liter fuel tank.

The street-fighter is assembled with a 37 mm telescopic fork at the front and a Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload at the rear. Even more impressive are the dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs at the front and the 220 mm single petal disc at the rear.

However, the highlight of the Z250 is its liquid-cooled, four-stroke, parallel-twin, 249 cc 8v DOHC engine. This fuel-injected unit is paired to a 6-speed transmission, and sends out 32 PS (31.54 hp) at 11,000 rpm and 21 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm.

Kawasaki says that the engine is fitted with a sleeveless, plated, die-cast aluminium cylinder and lightweight coated pistons to ensure reliability.