More stories

  • in

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Production Starts – 1st Unit Rolls Out Of Plant

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450Powerful performance and enhanced ride dynamics will be among the key differentiating factors for new Himalayan 450For explorers with limited budget, one of the preferred options has been the Royal Enfield Himalayan. To boost its capabilities even further, Royal Enfield is working on the all-new Himalayan 450. The bike is scheduled to debut on November 1st, 2023.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 production startsAhead of launch, production of the new Himalayan 450 has started at the company plant in Chennai. It will have more firepower to take on rivals such as KTM 390 Adventure. And with affordable pricing, it could emerge as an irresistible deal. For reference, the existing 411cc Himalayan is available at a starting price of around Rs 2.16 lakh.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450As compared to existing Himalayan, the new Himalayan 450 has a relatively lithe profile. The changes should make the bike more appropriate for both highway cruising and off-road environments. Some of the key highlights include raised front beak, round headlamp, round rear view mirrors, large windscreen, wide handlebar, new sculpted fuel tank, side luggage rack and compact exhaust.Users can expect optimal comfort on longer rides, as Himalayan 450 is equipped with a pretty large rider seat. It has thick foam padding and relevant bevels to support the thighs. To make longer journeys more convenient, Himalayan 450 is expected to offer a range of luggage accessories. At the rear, the bike has a dedicated rack for a top box. Racks for side panniers are expected to be offered as an accessory.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450Users can expect to ride longer distances between fuel stops, as the fuel tank appears larger than the current model. Or it may be just that the higher capacity engine will consume more fuel per kilometre, which can be compensated with a larger fuel tank. However, nothing is certain as the new 450cc engine could actually be more fuel efficient.Royal Enfield Himalayan 45021-inch wheels at front and 17-inch at rear will be the same as the existing Himalayan. The bike will have disc brakes, integrated with dual-channel ABS. New Himalayan 450 will have ground clearance of around 220 mm.Some of the features that will be entirely new for Himalayan 450 include all-LED lighting and USD front forks. The bike will also be getting a new single-pod instrument cluster. It’s a large circular unit, with a different layout in comparison to that of other Royal Enfield bikes. The gear indicator is dead centre whereas the speedometer is placed towards the right. The tachometer covers the outer circumference of the instrument console.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450Himalayan 450 performanceNew Himalayan 450 is expected to get a 450cc, liquid cooled engine. It could generate around 35 bhp of max power and 40 Nm of peak torque. This can make a big difference in ride dynamics in comparison to Himalayan 411. The latter generates 24.3 bhp and 32 Nm, which may not be enough for extreme off-road tracks. Highway cruising abilities will also be enhanced with the more powerful engine. New Himalayan 450 is expected to get a 6-speed gearbox. The engine will have features such as slipper and assist clutch. More

  • in

    Hero Hurikan 440 Trademarked – Harley X440 Based Naked Streetfighter?

    Image for reference onlyWhile it will share the mechanicals with Harley-Davison X440, Hero Hurikan 440 will have entirely unique design aestheticsHero MotoCorp’s multifaceted partnership with Harley-Davidson includes development and sharing of new platforms. It’s something similar to the collaboration between TVS and BMW. After Harley’s X440, it appears that Hero is looking to introduce its own version based on the same platform.Hero Hurikan 440 name registeredAs per current records, the ‘Hurikan 440’ Word Mark is currently displayed as “Accepted & Advertised”. It indicates that the trademark name is closer to getting approved. Hopefully, Hurikan 440 will not get into potential legal tangles, as seen with X440 being opposed by Ultraviolette Automotive.Hurikan seems a good name choice for Hero’s new flagship bike. There’s some level of familiarity with Lamborghini Huracán. But that’s unlikely to have any impact on the bike’s future prospects. Huracán is the Spanish equivalent of a hurricane, which could be true for Hurikan as well. As Hurikan seems a globally relevant name, Hero may pursue export opportunities with this bike.The company already has a strong presence in exports of commuter bikes and scooters. While Harley X440 is a neo-retro interpretation of a roadster, upcoming Hero Hurikan 440 is expected to be a naked streetfighter bike. This segment has the widest acceptability in premium range. With affordable pricing, Hero should be able to generate decent sales numbers with Hurikan.Hero Hurikan 440 trademarkedThe bike will compete with the likes of Bajaj Dominar 400, KTM 390 Duke, BMW G310R and recently launched TVS Apache RTR 310. Similar to the response generated by Karizma XMR, Hero’s new flagship could be a major draw for enthusiasts. While a test mule is yet to be spotted, expect the bike to have a dominating street presence.Some of the key highlights will include an aggressive front fascia, LED headlamp with DRLs, sculpted fuel tank, fully digital instrument console, sinewy body profile with exposed frame sections, step-up split seat design and short tail section. Some exciting colour options and sporty graphics and decals will be on offer.Hero Hurikan 440 performanceHardware specs will be largely the same as Harley-Davidson X440. However, the engine could be tweaked in line with the needs of a naked streetfighter. For reference, Harley-Davidson X440 has a 440cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled, long-stroke engine. It generates 27 bhp of max power and 38 Nm of peak torque. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. In addition to having a different state of tune for the engine, Hurikan 440 is also expected to have a sportier exhaust note.Hero Hurikan 440 will have USD forks at front and a mono-shock unit at rear. Both front and rear suspension might have adjustability options. Braking duties could be done by 320 mm front and 240 mm rear disk brakes. Dual-channel ABS will be standard. Users can also expect a range of advanced tech and connectivity features. Hurikan 440 is expected to be launched in 2024. More

  • in

    2W Retail Sales September 2023 – Over 20% YoY Combined Growth

    Hero Xtreme 160rThe 2W retail sales September 2023 charts showed a positive note for growth and sales with majority of OEMsIndia being one of the largest 2W markets in the world, is of primary importance for OEMs. Add to it festive season and a large potential for sales, 2W retail sales September 2023 turned out pretty interesting even with numbers from August 2023. As usual, Hero topped the charts, followed by Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Suzuki, Royal Enfield, Yamaha, Ola, Ather, Greaves (Ampere), Piaggio, Classic Legends, Okinawa and others, in order.2W Retail Sales September 2023Like clockwork, Hero MotoCorp has held the top position again, with 3,51,781 units sold last month. Market share was a staggering 26.81%, which is up from 24.99% share just a year ago. Then partner, now rival Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI), took 2nd place with 3,48,899 units sold last month.Honda’s market share is around the same vicinity as Hero MotoCorp’s at 26.59%, down from 27.67% share last year. Combined, both Hero and Honda sell more than half of the total 2W sales in India, which is quite significant. In 3rd position, we have TVS Motor with 2,28,852 units sold under its name.TVS holds a 17.44% market share in Indian 2W space, which the company increased from the 16.56% share it had a year ago. The company is spearheading into premium 2W space with TVS X and Apache RTR 310 launched recently. Combined, Bajaj and Chetak managed to secure 4th place in this list.Image – FADA ResearchBajaj sold close to 1.5 lakh units and held an 11.38% market share, which the company increased from the 10.76% market share it possessed in September 2022. Suzuki India has strengthened its foothold in India from 5.28% market share last year to 5.60% last month. The 73,452 units Suzuki sold in September 2023 was commendable as opposed to 56,893 units in 2022.Royal Enfield lost market share YoYDue to the increase in sales with other brands, Royal Enfield has lost quite a bit of market share YoY. From 5.37% last year to 4.81% last month. Despite this, sales grew YoY as Royal Enfield sold 63,084 units last month as opposed to 57,910 units sold last year. Yamaha India sold 49,510 units and secured 3.77% market share, down from 4.11% YoY.Leading the Indian 2W startups in India is Ola Electric with 18,647 units sold last month. With Ola S1X and Ola S1X+, the company expects a new ceiling in sales. It held 1.42% market share, up from 0.92% last year, which is commendable with double the sales YoY. Ather saw 7,123 units and held 0.54% market share.Ampere by Greaves sold 3,605 e-scooters last month, followed by Piaggio selling 2,925 Vespa and Aprilia 2Ws, Classic Legends selling 2,427 Jawa and Yezdi bikes, Okinawa with 1,789 units and other EVs combined, had 10,693 units to their names. In total, 2W retail sales accounted for 13,12,101 units which is a clear YoY growth as opposed to 10,78,286 units sold in September 2022.FADA’s remarksCommenting on September 2023 2W retails, FADA President, Mr. Manish Raj Singhania said, In comparison to pre-COVID benchmarks, the sector enjoyed a robust 14% uplift, with the 2W category registering growth (2%) for the first time. The 2W segment witnessed positive shifts as the festive season approaches. With the introduction of new models and attractive promotional offers, demand increased, especially in rural areas, fostering improved market sentiments.This uptick in demand was accompanied by heightened customer walk-ins and an overall positive market response. Additionally, better stock availability compared to the previous year and a favourable reception to newly launched entry-level products have set an optimistic tone for the upcoming festive season. More

  • in

    Yamaha TMax Maxi Scooter Spotted Testing In India – 47bhp, 56Nm

    Yamaha TMax maxi scooterIf launched, Yamaha TMax maxi scooter will be the most powerful scooter on sale in India with 47 bhp and 56 Nm from a 562cc twin cylinder engineMaxi and maxi-style scooters have been gaining decent traction in the recent past, even in Indian market. We have seen new entrants in this segment starting with Aprilia SXR 125 and 160, Yamaha Aerox 155, Keeway Vieste 300 and even BMW C 400 GT. Now, Yamaha seems to be on the verge of launching TMax in India as seen with recent uncamouflaged spy shots posted by Bunny Punia.Yamaha TMax Maxi Scooter Spotted Testing In IndiaYamaha needs more multi-cylinder motorcycles in India and is on the verge of launching MT-03 and YZF-R3. Possibilities of MT-07, MT-09 and YZF-R7 launches are pretty high as well. If launched in India, Yamaha TMax maxi scooter would grace our shores via CBU route, commanding a hefty price upwards Rs. 20 lakh (ex-sh) easily.In motorcycling world, maxi-scooters offer comparable levels of wind protection to a fully-faired motorcycle but don’t require a committed riding posture. In that regard, maxi scooters share a lot of ethos with baggers and tourers as well. All these combined, maxi scooters emerge as one of the most viable forms of long-distance cruising.Considering India is the largest 2W market in the world, launching a premium maxi scooter would make sense considering BMW C 400 GT is already on sale. That said, Yamaha is currently completely absent from big bike scene in India. Not just big bikes, Yamaha’s flagship in India is a 150cc single-cylinder motorcycle.Hello @India_Yamaha T Max, what are you doing on Indian roads?On a serious note, wouldnt we all want to see this Maxi Scooter on sale here 😀What do you think? pic.twitter.com/zkctxe7uB4— Bunny Punia (@BunnyPunia) October 8, 2023What is TMax?Yamaha TMax is the Japanese brand’s multi-cylinder maxi scooter lineup, slotted above XMax single-cylinder maxi-scooter lineup. It boasts of a large 562cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled DOHC 4V engine that churns out around 47 bhp of peak power at 7,500 RPM and 56 Nm of peak torque 5,250 RPM.There is an automatic transmission with a V-belt transmitting power to the rear wheels. Owing to its touring credentials, it has a large (by scooter standards) 15L fuel tank and Yamaha promises 4.8L/100 km fuel consumption which yields around 21 km/l. Tank range is impressive (by scooter standards) 312 km.Componentry includes gold-finished USD telescopic front forks with 120mm travel, a swingarm-mounted rear shocker with 117mm travel, 267mm dual disc front and 282mm single disc rear braking setup, 15-inch alloy wheels with 120/70 rubber at front and 160/60 rubber at the rear. Yamaha TMax maxi scooter has a 1,575 mm wheelbase and weighs 218 kg, wet, with an aluminium chassis.Yamaha TMax featuresIndia launch likely?Needless to say, Yamaha TMax is a large and imposing scooter that has impressive road presence and a tonne of features to aid rider comfort and convenience. Features include LED projector headlights, impeccable rider and pillion comfort, large TFT screen with smartphone integration and full-map navigation, keyless push-button start, advanced electronic aids, under-seat storage, anti-theft central locking stand and many more.There are two colours on offer – Icon Blue and Sword Grey. The one spied in India, donned Icon Blue shade. In Europe, Yamaha TMax maxi scooter costs EUR 13,564 before accessories. Which translates to Rs. 12 lakh. Expect a price of close to Rs. 20 lakh (ex-sh) if brought in via CBU route. More

  • in

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 First Official Photo Out – Launch Soon

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450With more power and tech integrations, Himalaya 450 will allow users to unlock new sights and scenesFor adventure enthusiasts, Royal Enfield is prepping up the all-new Himalayan 450. This next-gen Royal Enfield bike is scheduled for launch on November 01, 2023. With festivities reaching their peak around Diwali, Himalayan 450 is expected to register booming sales in initial months. Ahead of launch, Royal Enfield has now revealed the first official photo of the new Himalayan 450.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 featuresHimalayan 450’s design is especially curated for off-road tracks as well as high-speed cruising. A test mule was recently spotted cruising at around 140 kmph. That it had panniers and a top box all along goes on to show the bike’s upgraded capabilities. Himalayan 450 stretches 2,245 mm in length, spans 852 mm in width and stands 1,316 mm tall. With a wheelbase of 1,510 mm, users can expect optimal stability. This will be especially useful when navigating through rough terrains.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450With handguards, the bike’s width extends to 900 mm. And if a larger windscreen is used, the bike’s height will be 1,415 mm. These components will be available as optional accessories. Panniers will also be available as accessories. The full list of accessories will be announced post launch. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has gross vehicle weight of 394 kg. Kerb weight could be close to that of existing Himalayan 411 that weighs 199 kg. Himalayan 450 has relaxed and comfortable riding ergonomics.As per Type Approval Certificate, Himalayan 450 is mentioned as Himalayan 452. However, the bike has always been referred to as just the ‘Himalayan’. Even future iterations will carry on with the same popular name. One thing that is not clear is whether the existing Himalayan 411 will be discontinued or will be sold alongside the new model.Himalayan 450 performanceAt the heart of new Himalayan 452 is a robust 451.65 cc engine that promises an adrenaline-pumping experience. This adventure machine is expected to feature a 6-speed gearbox, allowing riders to conquer varied terrains with ease. With power output of 40 bhp and expected torque of 35 Nm, the Himalayan 452 packs a punch. It will undoubtedly elevate your riding experience.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450The engine is not only powerful but also advanced. Equipped with a DOHC setup and a 4V head, it’s designed for optimal performance. To ensure efficient cooling, Royal Enfield has incorporated a liquid-cooling jacket. It is coupled with a large radiator for improved heat dissipation. These features are a testament to Royal Enfield’s commitment to providing a reliable and performance-oriented machine.Himalayan 452 promises to be an exciting addition to the world of off-roading. It is expected to be launched at a competitive price point. Initial offer price could be around Rs 2.50 lakh or even lower. The existing Himalayan is available at a starting price of Rs 2.16 lakh. Royal Enfield has ambitious plans for the 450cc platform. They intend to launch more bikes in the future based on this platform. It will help sustain their dominance in the middleweight motorcycle segment. More

  • in

    TVS-BMW Extend Partnership In EV Space – CE02 Electric Production Starts In India

    BMW CE-02 electric scooter production starts in India – Only for exportsWorking together, TVS and BMW have created some remarkable products that are sold across more than 100 global marketsTVS-BMW partnership had begun in April 2013, when a decision was taken to jointly develop sub-500cc motorcycles for domestic as well as global markets. It is now 10 years and the partnership is going to strengthen even further in coming years. Both companies are celebrating the moment and the milestones achieved in the journey.310cc series production crosses 150k unitsJust as TVS-BMW partnership completes its 10-year journey, the 150,000 unit of BMW Motorrad’s 310cc series of motorcycles has rolled out of TVS Motor’s Hosur facility. The milestone was heartily celebrated and witnessed the presence of Mr KN Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company and Dr Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad.Mr. KN Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company and Dr. Markus Shramm, Head of BMW Motorrad at the 150,000th unit roll-out of the 310 seriesTVS-BMW’s 310cc motorcycle range has some interesting aspects. While it is the flagship for TVS, the 310cc range is the smallest capacity bikes available under BMW brand. Both companies have mutually benefited from the 310cc range, which has helped strengthen the partnership. The 310cc range includes BMW G310R, BMW 310GS, BMW G310RR and TVS Apache RR310. TVS has also launched Apache RTR 310, which is expected to emerge as another bestseller in its class.TVS-BMW partnership involves a comprehensive business blueprint. It is not focused solely on extracting the benefits of low-cost manufacturing. Both companies share common values such as their focus on quality, performance, customer delight, engineering and innovation. The partnership entails joint design and development of advanced technology platforms.TVS-BMW celebrates 10 years of partnershipBoth companies have been sharing their respective technological expertise, which has helped improve existing product offerings. There have been extensive collaborations in areas such as chassis design, engine technology and safety equipment. With such extensive collaboration, it is no surprise that TVS-BMW partnership continues to grow from strength to strength.TVS-BMW to continue collaborations in EV spaceWhile the first decade was largely focused on ICE segment, the coming decades will witness TVS and BMW collaborating extensively in EV segment. It is possible that other environment-friendly technologies could also be explored in addition to electric vehicles. As of now, manufacturing of BMW CE-02 electric scooter has commenced at TVS plant in Hosur. The scooter is the first electric product to be jointly developed by TVS and BMW. It is a significant milestone and provides a glimpse of possibilities that exist in the future.In line with industry trends, both companies will step-up focus in EV space in coming years. TVS is already witnessing a significant demand for its iQube electric scooter. The company is also working to promote electric two-wheelers in a big way. It recently announced a new electric racing championship named TVS Racing Electric One Make Championship (e-OMC). Participants will be riding race-spec Apache RTE electric motorcycles that come with advanced tech integrations. The event previews what the future of racing could be all about. More

  • in

    Yamaha Aerox Monster Energy MotoGP Edition Launched At Rs. 1.48 Lakh

    Yamaha Aerox Monster Energy MotoGP Edition launchedExcept for the new racing-inspired livery, Yamaha Aerox Monster Energy MotoGP Edition is identical to standard modelThe maxi-scooter variety in India is pretty limited to Yamaha Aerox 155 and Aprilia SXR 160 and a few others with larger displacements. Of these, Yamaha Aerox 155 is among the most popular. Yamaha is now adding more excitement to its already exciting Aerox 155 in the form of Monster Energy MotoGP Edition variant.Yamaha Aerox Monster Energy MotoGP Edition LaunchedAfter launching Monster Energy MotoGP Edition with MT-15, R15 and RayZR scooter, Yamaha is offering similar treatment with Aerox 155. As of now, there are four colours on offer with Yamaha Aerox 155 – Metallic Black, Racing Blue, Grey Vermillion and Silver. All of these four colour combinations cost Rs. 1,46,800 (ex-sh).Yamaha has now added a fifth shade ahead of festive season. Priced at Rs. 1,48,300 (ex-sh), Yamaha Aerox 155 Monster Energy MotoGP Edition is the most expensive colour. It costs Rs. 1500 more than other shades and stands out with its racing inspired livery. Other than its livery, there are no design or hardware changes with Aerox 155.Primarily, Yamaha Aerox 155 Monster Energy MotoGP Edition has multiple labels and stickers on its side body, centre spine, and front apron. We can see iconic Monster Energy logo at the sides of front apron along with Monster Energy lettering on the front fly screen, rear grabrails and over its centre spine.Racing inspired liveryWe can see Eneos branding as well, situated at centre spine and in front fly screen. Yamaha Aerox 155 Monster Energy MotoGP Edition gets a Black base coat, which acts as a stealthy baseline so that these sporty liveries get prime attention.No mechanical changesApart from the new livery, Yamaha Aerox 155 has been retained mechanically. Which is not a bad thing, considering it is a performance-oriented maxi-styled scooter. It gets the same 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4V engine as Yamaha R15 V4. In Aerox 155, Yamaha has slightly de-tuned this engine.Performance figures include 14.75 bhp of power and 13.9 Nm of torque, mated to a CVT transmission. VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) is present too. Componentry includes telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers, front disc and rear drum brake setup, single-channel ABS and more.Yamaha Aerox Monster Energy MotoGP Edition profileThere are 14-inch alloy wheels at both ends. Front wheel gets wrapped with 110/80-14 rubber, while rear wheel gets a fatter 140/70-14 tyre. Yamaha has offered a fully digital instrument cluster that misses out on crucial necessities like turn by turn navigation.Central spine on the floorboard houses a 5.5L fuel tank, liberating a lot of under seat storage for more accommodating luggage space. The whole package weighs 126 kg and enjoys quite a niche in India. With Monster Energy MotoGP Edition on Yamaha Aerox 155, the company intends to bring excitement ahead of festive season. Similarly, FZ-S Fi Ver 4.0 gets two new colours too. More

  • in

    TVS Apache RTR 310 Deliveries, Test Rides To Commence Soon

    TVS Apache RTR 310 deliveries and test rides soonAll-new TVS Apache RTR 310 gets an extensive range of performance-oriented features for max adrenalin rushAiming to strengthen its presence in streetfighter bike segment, TVS launched the Apache RTR 310 some time ago. After around a months’ time, TVS is now gearing up for deliveries and test rides. Apache RTR 310 is available at a starting price of Rs 2.43 lakh. It goes up against the likes of KTM 390 Duke, BMW G310R, Harley-Davidson X440 and Triumph Speed 400.TVS Apache RTR 310 deliveries, test rides – What users can look forward toWith an optimal mix of form and function, TVS Apache RTR 310 is likely to emerge as one of the preferred options for enthusiasts. Folks who will be getting their deliveries and the ones taking the test rides have a lot to explore and experience. A decent learning curve can be expected, as users need to understand and master all that the bike has to offer.With its impressive design and styling, TVS Apache RTR 310 is an absolute head-turner on the streets. The bike has sharp lines and contours that work to create an enchanting visual experience in combination with the sporty graphics and dual-tone colour theme. Overall profile is quite aggressive, made possible with the forward weight bias and raked high tail.Some of the key highlights include dynamic twin LED cyborg headlamp, USD forks in golden finish, sculpted fuel tank, a full digital instrument console, rugged engine cowl, 8-spoke dual coloured alloy wheels, upswept exhaust, step-up split seat and dynamic twin tail lamp. The bike has performance-focused ergonomics and is equipped with tapered handlebars.TVS Apache RTR 310 sharp looksUsers can choose from two colour options, Yellow and Black. The Yellow theme is essentially a combo of yellow and grey. The Black colour theme utilizes a mix of black and bright red. Among the two, the Yellow shade comes across as a lot more flamboyant. Based on market feedback, it is possible that TVS may introduce new colours for Apache RTR 310 in the future.TVS Apache RTR 310 performance, specsPowering the bike is a 312.12 cc liquid-cooled engine. Power and torque vary based on the mode selected. In Sport, Track and SuperMoto mode, the bike churns out 35.6 PS of max power and 28.7 Nm of peak torque. In Urban and Rain mode, the output is 27.1 PS and 27.3 Nm. TVS Apache RTR 310 has a 6-speed gearbox with a bidirectional quick shifter. Rated max speed is 150 kmph. The bike can achieve 0 to 60 kmph in just 2.81 seconds. 0 to 100 kmph takes 7.19 seconds.A number of advanced features are available such as cornering ABS, wheelie control, cornering traction control, rear lift-off control, cornering cruise control and slope-dependant control. Other key highlights include a throttle-by-wire system, race-tuned slipper clutch, first-in-segment glide through technology (GTT), KYB suspension, Supermoto Mode, Michelin Road 5 tyres and adjustable hand levers.Apache RTR 310 headlightsUsers can further improve their ride experience by choosing the Dynamic Kit or Dynamic Pro Kit. Users will be able to access additional features such as fully adjustable front and rear suspension, brass coated chain, tyre pressure monitoring system, race tuned dynamic stability control and climate control seat with heating and cooling. More