Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

IN PICS: MS Dhoni's Rs 60 lakh superbike

Last updated on: June 7, 2012 18:38 IST
Confederate X132 Hellcat

Mahindra Singh Dhoni is a big fan of motorcycles, owning 16 currently. His latest acquisition makes him the only owner of a particular model in South East Asia.

So which is this unique bike which has made it to the Indian cricket captain's garage? 

IN PICS: MS Dhoni's Rs 60 lakh superbike!

Last updated on: June 7, 2012 18:38 IST

If you have already started guessing it then let me provide a clue: The same bike is also owned by Brad Pitt, David Beckham, Tom Cruise and Ryan Reynolds.

Let's find out.

IN PICS: MS Dhoni's Rs 60 lakh superbike!

Last updated on: June 7, 2012 18:38 IST

The bike is the Confederate X132 Hellcat, which is an exotic muscle bike. Only 150 units will be made and the bike is sold out already. The company makes just two units every week.

The bike draws its name from the F6F Hellcat fighter plane of world war II times. But it's not just the name but even the material which has been used is exquisite.

IN PICS: MS Dhoni's Rs 60 lakh superbike!

Last updated on: June 7, 2012 18:38 IST

The Hellcat uses billet 6061 aircraft grade aluminum along with carbon fiber. This makes the bike light weight and high strength.

Power comes in from a 2.2-litre V-twin petrol engine which produces 132 BHP of power.

IN PICS: MS Dhoni's Rs 60 lakh superbike!

Last updated on: June 7, 2012 18:38 IST

But more important is the torque which is truly tarmac burning at 200 Nm.

With a weight of just 227 kgs, the Hellcat can put many bikes to shame thanks to its high torque to weight ratio. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

IN PICS: MS Dhoni's Rs 60 lakh superbike!

Last updated on: June 7, 2012 18:38 IST

The wheels are made of carbon fiber and the Hellcat features 120/70 ZR 17 section tyres at the front and 190/55/ ZR 17 tyres at the rear.

The instrument cluster features an analogue tachometer, digital speedometer and a status meter.

IN PICS: MS Dhoni's Rs 60 lakh superbike!

Last updated on: June 7, 2012 18:38 IST

Braking duties are taken care by Dual 4-Piston floating stainless steel discs at the front and single 2 piston cross-drilled stainless steel disc at the rear.

IN PICS: MS Dhoni's Rs 60 lakh superbike!

Last updated on: June 7, 2012 18:38 IST

The Hellcat is the cheapest motorcycle in the Confederate stable, retailing at around $50,000. This equates to Rs 28 lakh price.

But importing such a machine also attracts around 110 per cent import duty, resulting in the X132 costing Dhoni almost Rs 60 lakh.

This price might look on the heavy side, and certainly is, but company calls the Hellcat as affordable.

Who says exclusivity comes cheap!