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    Hero MotoCorp Price Hike Apr 2023 – Optimistic About Growth In Rural Markets

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    Hero MotoCorp announces price revision for motorcycles and scooters with OBD2, wef April 1, 2023Image – Jilani HeroLeading two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp announced a price revision of some of its motorcycles and scooters from April 1, 2023. This revision is due to the cost increase associated with the mandatory transition to On-board diagnostics (OBD) 2, a more advanced diagnostic system for vehicles.OBD 2 is a more advanced diagnostic system for vehicles, which is mandatory for all new vehicles sold in India from April 1, 2023. Implementation of this system requires the use of additional inputs. This has increased the cost of production for the company.Hero MotoCorp commits to providing financing solutions for customersHero MotoCorp has committed to providing financing solutions to help ease the impact of the price hike on its customers. This commitment is expected to maintain customer loyalty and prevent the price hike from negatively impacting sales figures. While the price revision may be a short-term setback for consumers, implementation of OBD 2 is expected to have long-term benefits for vehicle health.But naturally, cost of production has increased due to the use of advanced technology and additional components required for OBD 2. Hero MotoCorp’s price revision is pegged at about 2 percent, and will vary by specific models and markets. Exact models affected and to what extent are not currently specified.Cost increase due to mandatory transition to On-board diagnostics 2 (OBD 2)Despite the price revision, Hero MotoCorp is optimistic about the growth prospects of the two-wheeler industry in rural markets. Rural markets in India have been witnessing robust demand, which is a strong indicator of healthy crops. This growth momentum is expected to continue into the upcoming festive season towards the latter half of the fiscal year.It is worth noting that the cost increase due to the OBD 2 transition is not unique to Hero MotoCorp. Other automobile manufacturers in India are also expected to revise their prices upwards due to the same reason. Rising commodity prices and increasing input costs continually impact vehicle price hikes.Price revision not expected to negatively impact sales figuresThis price revision is a necessary step to maintain profitability and sustain the growth of the two-wheeler industry. While the impact on customers may be modest, Hero MotoCorp’s focus on financing solutions and growth momentum in rural markets are positive markers. And are expected to mitigate any potential negative impact and sustain the growth of the two-wheeler industry. More

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      2023 Honda Vario 125cc Launch Price RM 7k (Rs. 1.3 Lakh)

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      Honda Vario is patented in India and is expected to launch soon – Ahead of that, it has now been launched in Malaysia2023 Honda Vario 125cc scooterWe have seen ADV popularity rising off the roof in recent markets. This has given rise to ADVs across multiple engine displacements and price points as well. Slowly, we have been witnessing this trend carry over to scooters as well. Honda has dived into this as well, with the latest entrant being Vario 125.Honda teased the launch a couple of days ago, and a full-fledged launch has happened now in Malaysia. As its name suggests, it is a 125 cc scooter, launched in Malaysia at RM 7,080, which roughly translates to Rs. 1.3 lakh in today’s currency exchange rates. Price might seem on the higher side, but this seems to be on-road pricing, including insurance.2023 Honda Vario 125cc scooter2023 Honda Vario 125cc Scooter – New Features, ColoursHonda Vario 125 looks like every other Vario scooter in its lineup. We’re talking about Vario 150 and Vario 160, both of which are not on sale in India. Vario 160 is the most expensive of this bunch priced at RM 9,998 (approx Rs. 1.83 lakh). Honda has discontinued the 150cc model, replaced the larger 160cc model, and is sold alongside the newly launched Vario 125.Design-wise, the new Honda Vario 125 gets a large face, which radiates a lot of aggression. It gets dual headlights with eyes-like design language present on its apron. These headlights are lit by LEDs and also contain sharp LED DRL elements along with turn indicators. Handlebar cowl is kept blank and below the headlight, there is a pronounced mudguard almost mimicking a beak of an ADV.2023 Honda Vario 125cc scooterAt the side, we have sporty body panels and complementing them is a large grab handle. Seat looks fairly comfortable offering a lot of support for the rider. Speaking of rider, they will enjoy an upright riding posture with comfortable ergonomics. Rounding off its looks, is a substantial-looking tail light section.Specs & FeaturesThe main highlight of 2023 Honda Vario 125 is that it rides on 14” alloy wheels, lending it a lot of road presence. This is likely to be its main USP as well, giving riders a commanding view of the road with its high seating position. Componentry includes 90/80-14 front and 100/80-14 rear tyres, telescopic front forks with rear monoshock, disc brakes at front with petal rotors and more.The swingarm-mounted 124.9 cc single-cylinder engine makes 11.5 bhp of power at 8,500 RPM and 11.74 Nm of torque at 5,000 RPM. Transmission is handled by a CVT unit. Features include an 18L under-seat storage, a fully-digital instrument cluster with negative backlighting, LED lighting, a USB charger in front storage pocket and an anti-theft key with an immobilizer as we have with Honda Activa in India.2023 Honda Vario 125cc scooterHMSI has not mentioned anything about launching the Honda Vario 125 in India. That said, given how it looks, we hope Honda considers bringing it to India along with Vario 160, which can be a tough competition to Yamaha Aerox 155. Also, Honda has already patented Vario in India too. More

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      BMW Electric Motorcycle Patent Leaks – Gets G310R Styling, More Power

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      Ergonomics and Economics of BMW Electric Motorcycle, TVS Apache RR310 electric makeover likelyBMW Electric Motorcycle Based On G310R – RenderElectric two-wheelers are gaining popularity, and many manufacturers are working on expanding their EV portfolio. One such company is BMW Motorrad, which is currently developing its first electric motorcycle based on G310R. TVS, an Indian partner of BMW 310 series, could also launch its own version of the electric motorcycle soon after.Last year, TVS MD Sudarshan Venu had stated that they are collaborating with their German partner for developing a sub-15kW electric motorcycle. In effect, TVS could also manufacture BMW’s electric motorcycle, just like the ICE-based G310R and G310GS are made in India.BMW Electric Motorcycle Patent Leaks – Based on G310RBMW G310R electric motorcycle Design and Styling patent leaksPatent design of the electric G310R is similar to its ICE-based counterpart, but it borrows powertrain components, such as the battery pack, motor, and other equipment, from the CE-04. However, fitting all these components within the G310R framework is not an easy task. To make it work, BMW has carried out several tweaks. And has placed the battery pack vertically at an angle under the front section of the bike, where most ICE-based motorcycles have their radiators. This placement will help cool the battery pack, as a significant percentage of its surface area will get direct air.Electric G310R borrows the ECU and charger from the CE-04, and the ECU is placed under the bike’s belly. Due to the middle section of the bike being jam-packed, the only storage space available is where the fuel tank is. This space could be used to store at least a half-face helmet or charger.BMW Electric Motorcycle Based On G310R – RenderThe motor of the electric G310R is placed under the seat at a 90° angle. The shaft runs longitudinally instead of being positioned across the bike, and is also tilted at an angle. This allows for a shorter, taller package. It connects to a bevel gear that transfers power to the front sprocket, which works like a reduction gearbox, increasing torque and gearing down the rotational speed of the motor. Lastly, a belt final drive connects to a large rear sprocket, which is another form of reduction.BMW CE-04 Specs to influence BMW G 310 R Electric performance – Assuming the electric G310R borrows the battery pack and motor from CE-04, it could make 42 hp of max power and 62 Nm of peak torque, which is better than the ICE-powered G310R that makes 34 hp and 28 Nm.Advantages, Sound and Noise Levels of BMW G 310 R ElectricThe electric G310R and BMW G 310 R electric offer several advantages over their ICE-based counterparts. Firstly, they are environmentally friendly, producing no emissions while riding. Secondly, they have a lower operating cost than ICE-based motorcycles, as they require less maintenance, have lower fuel costs, and offer better fuel efficiency. Lastly, they provide a smooth, quiet ride, which is a significant advantage for urban riders.However, the cost of the battery pack and other components could make the electric G310R more expensive than its ICE counterpart. In US, BMW CE-04 is available at a starting price of $11,795 (approx. INR 9.76 lakh). TVS version could be much cheaper though.BMW Electric Motorcycle Patent Leaks – Based on G310RDisclaimer – Design renders presented in this blog are solely for illustrative purposes and have not been commissioned, approved, or endorsed by the manufacturer. Designs presented here may not reflect the final product or the manufacturer’s intentions. The renders are provided as conceptual designs or artistic interpretations only, and their accuracy or feasibility cannot be guaranteed. More

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      New Honda 300cc ADV Launch Planned – Based On CB300F

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      Based on outgoing CB300F street naked motorcycle, Himalayan rivaling Honda ADV can soon become a realityImage for illustration purpose onlyEver since the Honda CB300F was launched in India, it has stirred quite a commotion in many. Sales figures reflect the same and almost begs the question, whether Honda should have launched this in the first place. It even got a discount of Rs. 50,000 at dealer level to clear off stock. It sits below Honda CB300R, a much more powerful and sporty offering.New reports suggest Honda might extract more from this platform. How? By making an ADV version of it, of course. We have seen this strategy by Honda with CB200X based on Hornet 2.0 and it hasn’t procured much success either. It is yet to be seen how Honda will execute this and it might be launched by the end of 2023.Honda CB300F Based ADV motorcycle launch plannedWith ADV popularity on the rise, manufacturers are lining up their rugged machines to cater to this highly competitive segment. Sometimes, we also witness pseudo ADVs like Honda’s CB200X with style of an ADV, without any substance of one. We’re talking about the lack of long travel suspensions, wire-spoke wheels, larger front wheel and the likes.Honda is considering taking a similar approach with its recently launched CB300F naked street bike. Going by past encounters with Honda ADVs, we would wager this will just be a styling exercise, rather than a trail and offroad-worthy machine. While at it, we hope Honda bases this upcoming motorcycle on CB300R, instead of CB300F. We say this because Honda CB300R is powered by a 286cc motor making 30.7 bhp at 9000 RPM and 27.5 Nm at 7500 RPM. While CB300F is powered by a 293.52cc motor developing 24.13 bhp at 7500 RPM and 25.6 Nm at 5500 RPM.Honda CB300FWith CB300R, Honda can pit its upcoming ADV against KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G 310 GS and the likes with comparable numbers. That said, the figures of CB300F will limit it to rival against Suzuki V-Strom SX and KTM 250 Adventure, which is not a very hot segment. Not only is the CB300R’s platform more exciting, but it is also lighter as well.Specs & FeaturesGoing by Honda’s previous strategies, we would say this new Honda ADV based on CB300F will be equipped with a handsome looking fairing with a revised seating position. This ensures an upright seating position as opposed to ergonomics on a street bike. It will get design inspiration from its elder sibling Honda CB500X and is highly likely to be named CB300X.It will be powered by the same engine and come equipped with identical componentry like USD front forks, rear monoshock, single disc setup at both ends, same headlight assembly housed in a different cowl, integrated into a bikini fairing is possible. That said, Honda can surprise us and actually offer longer travel suspension, larger front wheel and even wire-spoke rims.Also, we expect Honda to tune the CB300X to suit characters of an ADV, unlike a street bike that it is based on. With CB200X, Honda offered a handsome and upmarket product without offroad-worthy hardware and there is a price increment of around Rs. 12,000. With the larger CB300X, we expect it to be priced Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000 higher than CB300F.Source More

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      350cc Motorcycle Sales Feb 2023 – Classic, Bullet, CB350, Jawa, Yezdi

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      350cc motorcycle sales list was majorly commanded by Royal Enfields with the Honda CB 350 and Jawa Yezdi adding some numbersRoyal Enfield 350 Meteor ModifiedSales of motorcycles in the 350 cc segment saw a 20.06 percent YoY growth to 63,900 units in Feb 2023 as compared to 53,223 units sold in Feb 2022. It was however a MoM de-growth of 7.23 percent as against 68,880 units sold in Jan 2023.350cc Motorcycle Sales Feb 2023 – Royal Enfield DominatesThe top 5 models on this list were from Royal Enfield stables. The Classic 350 was the best-selling model in this segment despite a YoY de-growth of 8.71 percent to 27,461 units sold in Feb 2023 from 30,082 units sold in Feb 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 2,621 units. MoM sales however improved by 5.08 percent over 26,134 units sold in Jan 2023. Market share also improved MoM from 37.94 percent to 42.97 percent.350cc Motorcycle Sales Feb 2023The new RE Hunter 350, launched in India at the end of 2022 has risen to No. 2 on the sales charts. Sales stood at 12,925 units in the past month, commanding a 20.23 percent share on this list. This was however, a MoM de-growth of 22.02 percent when compared to 16,574 units sold in Jan 2023. Last month, sales of the RE Hunter 350 hit the 1 lakh unit sales milestone in 6 months. Since the time of launch in August 2022, the company has sold an average of 16,700 units of the Hunter 350 each month.The list also included the RE Bullet 350 with a YoY growth in sales of 27.99 percent to 8,232 units, up from 6,432 units sold in Feb 2022. This was a volume growth of 1,800 units with a market share of 12.88 percent. MoM sales dipped 15 percent from 9,685 units sold in Jan 2023.350cc Motorcycle market share Feb 2023Lower sales were seen on a YoY and MoM basis for the RE Meteor 350 with sales down 0.76 percent YoY to 6,698 units in Feb 2023. There had been 6,749 units sold in Feb 2022 relating to a 51 unit volume de-growth. MoM sales fell by 12.12 percent as against 7,622 units sold in Jan 2023. This took market share down to 10.48 percent in the past month from 11.07 percent held in Jan 2023.Royal Enfield also sells the Electra in the 350cc segment. Sales ended positively in Feb 2023 to 5,109 units, up 49.12 percent from 3,426 units sold in Feb 2022. MoM sales also surged 21.41 percent from 4,208 units sold in Jan 2023.Honda CB 350, Jawa Yezdi SalesAt No. 6 was the Honda CB 350 with sales down 89.71 percent YoY and 70.60 percent MoM. Sales which had stood at 3,099 units in Feb 2022 and at 1,085 units in Jan 2023 dipped to just 319 units in the past month. This could be due to the fact that buyers were awaiting the new 2023 Honda CB 350 and CB 350 RS both of which were launched earlier this month. 2023 CB350 and CB350RS are offered in 3 variants of DLX, DLX Pro and DLX Pro Chrome. The CB350 is priced from Rs 2.1 – 2.15 lakh, while CB350RS carries a price tag from Rs 2.15 – 2.18 lakh (ex-showroom). New colour schemes and an engine lineup that now complies with BS6 Phase 2 norms are a part of the updates.There was also the Jawa/Yezdi range of motorcycles on this list of best-selling 350cc motorcycles in Feb 2023 though sales dipped YoY and MoM to 3,156 units. This was an 8.15 percent YoY de-growth from 3,436 units sold in Feb 2022 while MoM sales fell by 11.65 percent as against 3,572 units sold in Jan 2023. More

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      Yamaha India Sales Feb 2023 – R15, MT15, RayZR, Fascino, FZ

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      Yamaha YoY sales grew in domestic markets but fell MoM while exports suffered a YoY and MoM de-growth2023 Yamaha R15Yamaha sales in domestic markets increased by 13.15 percent YoY in Feb 2023. Sales which had stood at 34,817 units in Feb 2022 improved to 39,397 units in the past month. However, on a MoM sales, sales dipped by 0.73 percent from 39,688 units sold in Jan 2023.Yamaha Domestic Sales Feb 2023Yamaha FZ was the most sold model in domestic markets in Feb 2023. Sales improved by 28.87 percent YoY and 34.63 percent MoM to 17,262 units. There were 13,395 units and 12,822 units sold in Feb 2022 and Jan 2023 respectively. The FZ which commanded a 43.82 percent share in Feb 2023 saw an increase from 32.31 share held in Jan 2023.Yamaha India Sales and Exports Feb 2023 vs Feb 2022 – YoY comparisonThe Yamaha R15 also saw a YoY growth of 20.17 percent to 7,697 units in Feb 2023 from 6,405 units sold in Feb 2022 while MoM sales dipped by 2.88 percent from 7,925 units sold in Jan 2022. MT15 sales were at 6,132 units in the past month with a MoM de-growth of 29.82 percent from 8,738 units sold in Jan 2023.Every other model on the company portfolio has posted a YoY and MoM de-growth. RayZR sales dipped 42.67 percent YoY and 6.83 percent MoM to 4,790 units in Feb 2023 while Fascino sales fell 47.07 percent YoY and 15.98 percent MoM to 3,396 units. YoY and MoM de-growth was also reported for the Yamaha FZ25 down by 51.22 percent YoY to 120 units from 246 units sold in Feb 2022 while MoM sales fell by 88.24 percent as against 1,020 units sold in Jan 2023.Yamaha India Domestic Sales % Share Feb 2023Yamaha Exports Feb 2023Exports finished in the red in Feb 2023 with a 28.18 percent YoY de-growth to 15,694 units, down from 22,161 units sold in Feb 2022. MoM sales also ended in the negative, down 13.84 percent from 18,215 units sold in Jan 2023.Yamaha India Exports % Share Feb 2023In export markets as well, it was the Yamaha FZ that commanded the most attention despite YoY and MoM de-growth. Sales of the FZ stood at 7,110 units in the past month, down 29.88 percent from 10,140 units shipped in Feb 2022. MoM exports fell 18.80 percent from 8,756 units sold in Jan 2023. Share percentage dipped to 45.30 percent in Feb 2023 from 48.07 percent held in Jan 2023.At No. 2 on the export list was Yamaha Saluto with 368.87 percent YoY growth but 0.63 percent Mom decline. Exports were at 2,832 units last month. While 2,850 units had been exported in Jan 2023. More positive results were seen for the Saluto RX which improved YoY by 1461.11 percent and MoM by 45.85 percent to 1,686. This was against 108 units exported in Feb 2022 and 1,156 units exported in Jan 2023.Yamaha India Sales and Exports Feb 2023 vs Jan 2023 – MoM comparisonExports of Yamaha MT-15 improved 1625 percent YoY to 1,380 units from just 80 units exported in Feb 2022. MoM exports slipped by 8.12 percent from 1,502 units shipped in Jan 2023. Thereafter every model on the company export list suffered YoY and MoM de-growth. Ray ZR exports fell 34.45 percent YoY and 17.21 percent MoM to 1,212 units while FZ 25 suffered a 79.51 percent YoY and 57.14 percent MoM de-growth to 552 units. This took the share percentage down to 3.52 percent from 7.07 percent MoM.Lower down the list was the SZ with 524 units shipped in the past month, down 21.56 percent YoY and 17.61 percent MoM. There were also 398 units of the Yamaha R15 shipped last month, a 40.06 percent and 21.65 percent YoY and MoM de-growth respectively. Fascino sales also fell 100 percent MoM from 55 units shipped in Jan 2023 to 0 units in the past month. More

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      Honda ADV 160cc Scooter Iron Man, Captain America Edition – Debuts

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      With Honda ADV 160 Marvel Editions including Iron Man and Captain America versions, we expect a boost in sales given popularity of these charactersHonda ADV 160cc Scooter Captain America EditionIf you think of a superhero comic industry, we get DC which started it all with Superman and then there is Marvel, which is by far the most extensive and popular. When it comes to revenue generated by cinemas and TV series, Marvel is ahead of DC earning Billions of Dollars. Boosting those revenues is licensing their characters to automotive companies.We have seen this taking effect with TVS NTORQ 125 Super Squad Edition in India. This includes Spiderman, Thor, Iron Man and Captain America Editions. Now, Honda has taken a similar route and offered Iron Man and Captain America Editions with its popular ADV 160 scooter in Thailand for a limited run of just 3,000 units only. Let’s take a look.Honda ADV 160cc Scooter – Captain America and Iron Man EditionHonda ADV 160 Marvel EditionWith ADV segment on the rise, some of that hype has trickled down to scooters as well. We have seen this take shape into a regular scooter with larger wheels, block pattern tyres, upright seating and the likes. Honda ADV 160 Marvel Edition is one of them, with the twist coming in the form of Marvel character-inspired liveries.Iron Man Edition gets a red base coat, while playing with gold accents all around. At the front fascia, we now have Iron Man’s nuclear core design, which he creates in the second installment of the trilogy. This has an inverted triangular element and replaces the Honda logo at front. At the sides, we get Iron Man’s face as well.Honda ADV 160cc Scooter Captain America EditionCaptain America Edition comes finished in a blue base coat, and has red and white elements, mimicking his outfit. In place of the Honda logo at front, we now have a star, which is found on Captain America’s shield. Captain America’s shield livery is found in side panels too.Mechanical Changes, India Launch?Honda ADV 160cc scooter was recently updated for MY2023 and is kept unchanged mechanically. It is still offered with the same 157 cc single-cylinder 4V engine capable of developing 16 bhp of power and 14.7 Nm of torque.There is a single-disc setup at both front with 240mm front rotor and 220mm rear rotor. There is a large windshield at front too, which is transparent even with Iron Man and Captain America Editions.Honda ADV 160cc Scooter Iron Man EditionBefore you ask, Honda ADV 160 Marvel Edition is not planned for India. Honda has patented ADV 150 here in India, which is not likely to launch anytime soon as well. If either 150 or 160 is launched in India, it would go against Yamaha Aerox 155. More

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      Royal Enfield Scram 650cc Spied In Production Ready Guise

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      Royal Enfield Scram 650 is part of the company’s plans to expand its 650cc portfolio that currently has Super Meteor 650, Interceptor 650 and Continental GTRoyal Enfield Scram 650cc SpiedWith the 350cc segment comfortably in its bag, Royal Enfield is eying new growth opportunities by expanding its 650cc portfolio. RE is also working on its 450cc motorcycles, which will be the future of its existing 410cc platform. With higher capacity bikes, Royal Enfield will also be able to target overseas markets and take on biggies like Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, etc.In 650cc segment, Royal Enfield has already launched Super Meteor 650 earlier this year. Last week, they launched updated INT 650 and GT 650. Next up in the 650 range is likely to be 650cc classic roadster, 650cc Himalayan and a 650cc bobber, likely to be called Shotgun 650. A 650cc scrambler has also been spotted on road test. Latest spy shots are credited to Bullet Guru.Royal Enfield Scram 650cc SpiedRoyal Enfield Scram 650 Production Ready Spy ShotsTalking a bit about the bike’s exterior profile, the signature retro styling is evident in the round headlamp, indicators and rearview mirrors, circular instrument pod, classic fuel tank design and flat-type single piece saddle. Royal Enfield scrambler 650 has a lean build, which looks familiar to Hunter 350. Apart from the triangular side panels, everything else is purely bare bones.Riding ergonomics are pretty comfortable with centrally mounted foot pegs and raised handlebar. The bike’s saddle looks big enough to comfortably accommodate a pillion even on longer rides. Scrambler 650 will be mostly for street fun, but it seems capable of handling some mild off-roads as well. It has 17-inch wire-spoke wheels, linked to USD front forks and spring-loaded dual rear suspension.Royal Enfield Scram 650cc SpiedTech features could include Tripper navigation, which can be offered as an optional feature. Earlier this year, Royal Enfield had followed a similar approach for Himalayan and Meteor 350.Powering Royal Enfield 650 scrambler will be the 648cc parallel-twin motor that churns out 47 bhp of max power and 52 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. While engine output will be largely the same as 650 twins, Scram 650 will have a higher power-to-weight ratio. That’s because the bike will be lighter with the single piece exhaust.Royal Enfield Scram 650 Exhaust NoteWhile captured among the cacophony of other noises on the road, Scram 650’s exhaust note was still able to create a pleasing aural experience. The signature parallel-twin character is clearly evident and the soft engine hum seems to complement the bike’s overall vocals. While the exhaust note is quite captivating, it also carries with it the hints of a potent and powerful heart that beats within.[embedded content][embedded content]Distinctive character of the bike’s exhaust note could be linked to its 2-into-1 emission pipe. In comparison, the 650 twins and recently unveiled Super Meteor 650 are equipped with dual exhausts. One of the many things loved about Royal Enfield bikes is their exhaust notes. In that context, the company has done a great job in the upcoming Scrambler 650. Enthusiasts will be surely looking to try this one. Expect Royal Enfield Scram 650 to be priced in the Rs 3.5 lakh range, ex-sh.Source More

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      KTM 650cc Duke, RC, ADV Incoming – Made In India At Bajaj Plant

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      While domestic demand will be limited for made-in-India twin-cylinder KTM bikes, the investment cost will be justifiable with aggressive targeting of export marketsKTM RC 650 Render for illustration purposeEarlier this year in January, Bajaj-KTM partnership achieved a key sales milestone of 1 million units. The one-millionth unit to roll out of Bajaj’s plant was a KTM 390 Adventure. Going forward, Bajaj-KTM partnership will be further strengthened, as KTM is planning to manufacture its new low-cost twin-cylinder bikes in India.While the 490cc parallel-twin project has been abandoned, KTM has shifted focus to a new 690cc platform. It was earlier reported that the 690 platform will be manufactured by CFMoto in China. However, there has been a change in plans, with possibilities being explored for manufacturing the new 690 platform in India as well.Upcoming KTM Duke 390. Image – The Fat BikerKTM new 650cc twin-cylinder platform (made-in-India)KTM will be using the existing 790 Duke platform to develop the new 690 platform. It could also be a 650cc version. While the 490 platform was cancelled, the new 690 platform has a better chance to succeed from a business perspective.That’s because there’s growing demand in this segment, especially in markets like India. As of now, Royal Enfield 650 twins dominate this space with market share of more than 75%. Super Meteor 650 is also available and RE has plans to introduce more bikes in this segment.KTM ADVKTM is currently in discussions with Bajaj to chalk out the finer details of the proposed 690 platform. KTM-Bajaj will be working to finalize plans for the supply chain that will be needed for manufacturing the 690 bikes in India. KTM CEO Stefan Pierer has assured that the 690 platform will definitely happen over the next two years. The first 690 bike is likely to be a Duke. Later, KTM could also introduce other formats such as RC and Adventure.KTM 690 export plansKTM’s new 690 made in India bikes will also be sold overseas in countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Australia. KTM-Bajaj partnership has already been successful in delivering top quality, all while minimizing production costs. The new 690 platform will enjoy the same set of benefits. With local manufacturing, enthusiasts can expect a more accessible price range. For reference, KTM 790 Duke (when available in India) was priced at Rs 8.64 lakh. Expect the 650cc KTMs to be priced in the Rs 5-6 lakh range.Affordable pricing will allow KTM to explore opportunities in price sensitive locations. Markets like Latin America can also be on the radar for made in India twin-cylinder KTM bikes. However, for European markets, KTM will continue to depend on CFMoto for production of its low-cost parallel twin models.KTM 650cc Duke, RC, ADV bikes could generate around 80-100 hp of max power. It will depend on how scaled-down the new platform is, in comparison to the current 790 Duke. The latter churns out 105 PS and 86 Nm. KTM new 690 platform will be getting all the advanced equipment such as traction control, quickshifter+, motor slip regulation, Supermoto Mode, motorcycle stability control with cornering ABS and ride modes of Sport, Street and Rain.Source More