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    Harley-Davidson X440 Vs Rivals – Classic 350, Yezdi, CB350, Scram 411

    Harley-Davidson X440Despite going till Rs. 2.69 lakh (ex-sh), Harley-Davidson X440 seems to be the most appropriate bet considering brand valueHero and Harley-Davidson’s strategic partnership has yielded the first product. It is Harley-Davidson X440 and will primarily rival the likes of Royal Enfield 350cc products, Scram 411 to some extent, Yezdi Roadster and Honda CB350. In the battle of retro classics, Royal Enfield Classic 350 is by far the most popular.Royal Enfield makes around 60k units of 350cc motorcycles every month and 25,000 to 30,000 of them are Classic 350. Honda CB350 and Yezdi sell way less than that. Keeping specs under consideration, we think RE Scram 411 would be a great contender too and so we have included it in this comparison. Let’s see where the X440 stands.Harley-Davidson X440 Vs Rivals – The most expensive, the most VFM?Starting with pricing, Harley-Davidson has pulled quite a trump card with the Rs. 2.29 lakh base price. The primary target is Classic 350 and is now just Rs. 36,000 more expensive at base trims and Rs. 45,000 more expensive at top-spec trims. Considering the specs and features, Harley-Davidson seems more value for money than Classic 350.Harley-Davidson brand name will be a strong point while purchasing, ownership and selling too. In contrast, Royal Enfield has become extremely common and novelty factor is not there anymore. If we take the powertrain, Classic 350 is the weakest on paper and weighs the most as well. Even its arch-rival CB350 poses better numbers and better hardware like a slipper clutch and 4V head.Harley-Davidson X440 Vs Rivals ComparisonBringing Scram 411 into the picture, Harley-Davidson X440 Vs rivals comparison brings interesting results. Scram 411 weighs 5 kg lighter and has a bigger 15L fuel tank. 24.3 bhp and 32 Nm figures are behind 440X’s 27 bhp and 38 Nm. That said, Yezdi Roadster is the most powerful of the lot with 29.23 bhp and has a superior DOHC setup with 4 valves.Only X440 and Roadster get a 6-speed gearbox. Scram 411 has the longest wheelbase and the highest ground clearance. CB350 is the lightest of the bunch. Yezdi has the lowest seat height at 790 mm, but X440’s and Classic 350’s 805 mm highest seat height is not far off too. Harley-Davidson offers both wire-spoke and alloy wheel options. Honda and Yezdi offer only alloys and Royal Enfield offers only wire spokes.Who has the most features?All motorcycles offer 100-section front tyre. But Harley’s 140-section rear tyre is the fattest. Both X440 and Roadster get 18” front and 17” rear wheel setup. Classic 350 has 18” wheels at both ends, CB350 offers 19” front and 18” rear combo and Scram offers 19” front and 17” rear. All motorcycles offer single disc setup at both ends and dual-channel ABS.Only Harley-Davidson X440 offers USD telescopic front forks. These are fatter 43mm ones from KYB. While the rest offer RSU telescopic forks. Except for the Scram 411 with mono-shock, all motorcycles in this list offer twin-shock absorbers. Classic 350 is the only one with all-halogen lighting, while Harley-Davidson, Yezdi and Honda offer all-LED setups. Scram 411 gets LED tail lights.Both X440 and Roadster offer a fully-digital instrument console. Royal Enfields offer a Tripper screen tacked on. The Roadster should have gotten the same instrument console from Adventure that features Bluetooth connectivity and navigation. None of these motorcycles offer ride modes. Considering all the attributes, Roadster and CB350 come off as very underrated (on paper) when compared to Classic 350. But impact of Harley-Davidson’s pricing strategy is may have a noticeable effect on Royal Enfield’s 350cc bike sales. More

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    PiperMoto J Series Scooter Has KTM 690 Engine In It

    PiperMoto J Series ScooterSaid KTM 690 engine in PiperMoto J Series custom scooter develops enough power and torqueCustom motorcycles are not a new thing. But there is a market for scintillating custom scooters too. PiperMoto J Series maxi scooter is one such scooter At Bike Shed custom motorcycle show. It looks like no other scooter in the world. In a good way, though. The Blue shade looks electrifying and immediately steal glances.PiperMoto is the brainchild of John Piper. He is renowned for his work in motorsports. His works resonate in Formula-1, Le Mans, WRC, FP1 World Superbike and even land speed record vehicles. So, it is obvious that J Series would pack in a punch, given John Piper’s pedigree. It has KTM’s 690 engine under the body, capable of 67 bhp of power.PiperMoto J Series Scooter – Benignly beautifulThe body is completely custom and so is its frame. That said, J Series scooter is not a custom one-off motorcycle. PiperMoto will build this scooter to order and even offer personalization options. PiperMoto J Series has a 1500 mm wheelbase and weighs 160 kg dry. 50-50 weight distribution and 52-degree lean angles reflect John Piper’s engineering prowess.PiperMoto claims 0-96.5 km/h comes in four seconds and J Series will hit 193 km/h top speed. The space frame chassis is made of tig-welded chromoly and is a piece of art in itself. There is a custom push-rod type rear suspension and KTM’s 690 engine can be seen here. There is a custom CNC-machined aluminium swingarm too.Custom F1-style push-rod rear suspensionThe company used KTM 690 Duke’s standard USD front forks with J Series. 17” wire-spoke wheels get Bridgestone Battlax tyres. 4-piston front and single-piston rear Brembo calipers grab a 320 mm disc and 240 mm disc respectively. The engine is not stock, though. It breathes more air as there is a custom intake and exhaust. Even has a cat con too.Gearbox is from KTM too, but it gets electronic shifting with the help of paddles in switchgear. Body is an absolute sensation with PiperMoto J Series. Design grabs eyeball immediately and styling takes retro approach. The company finalised design with clay sculpting and fabricated its body from CFRP (Carbon Fiber Composite Plastics).Unique blend of retro looks and modern powertrainIt has two fixed individual seats. Entire engine cover is single-piece and lifts to reveal the engine and F1-style rear custom suspension. J Series is not a step-through scooter. There is a spine that holds 14L of fuel. Round headlights, twin instrument clusters, turn indicators, OEVMs scream retro and radiate an interesting aura.KTM 690 enginePiperMoto has equipped J Series scooter with a maintenance-free gel-type battery and military-grade wiring loom. Even though PiperMoto hasn’t quoted a price, we can imagine a lot more than standard KTM 690 Duke. More

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    Two Wheeler Sales June 2023 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Royal Enfield

    Royal Enfield Hunter 350Sales figures for 5 leading OEMs in the Indian two-wheeler segment for the month of June 2023 show de-growth in total sales both on YoY and MoM basisHigher costs of two wheelers, rising EMIs and lower rural sentiment saw weak demand in the two-wheeler motorcycle segment in June 2023. Total sales (domestic + exports) fell both on a YoY and MoM basis down to 14,36,245 units in June 2023, from 15,39,821 units sold in June 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 1,03,576 units. MoM sales fell by 7.54 percent when compared to 15,53,319 units sold in May 2023 relating to a 1,17,074 unit volume de-growth.Taking into account sales of the 5 leading OEMs in the Indian two-wheeler segment into account. Sales improved just marginally on a YoY basis by 0.67 percent. There had been 11,87,210 units sold in June 2022 which went up to 11,95,133 units in the past month. MoM sales saw a 10.66 percent decline from 13,37,749 units sold in May 2023.Two wheeler sales June 2023Two Wheeler Domestic Sales June 2023Hero two wheeler sales dipped 8.73 percent YoY and 16.83 percent MoM to 4,22,757 units in June 2023. There were 4,63,210 units and 5,08,309 units sold in June 2022 and May 2023 respectively. Hero currently commands a 35.37 percent share on this list. New products set to increase sales in the months ahead will be the Harley-Davidson X440 neo retro roadster while the company also unveiled the new Xtreme 160R 4V in June along with a new range of 100cc HF Deluxe and Passion Plus.Honda sales also dipped YoY and MoM to 3,02,833 units in June 2023. It was 22.14 percent lower when compared to 3,55,560 units sold in July 2022. MoM sales fell by 2.70 percent from 3,11,144 units sold in May 2023. While TVS posted a YoY growth of 22.14 percent to 2,35,833 unit sales in June 2023, MoM sales dipped by 6.67 percent. The same was also true in the case of Bajaj Auto (1,66,292 units) and Royal Enfield (67,495 units). Both the automakers posted YoY growth of 32.95 percent and 34.27 percent respectively but MoM sales however dipped by 14.64 percent and 4.66 percent respectively.Two wheeler sales June 2023Two Wheeler Exports June 2023Exports dipped 31.62 percent YoY to 2,41,112 units in June 2023 from 3,52,611 units sold in June 2022. Performance on a MoM basis was somewhat better with an 11.85 percent growth over 2,15,570 units shipped in May 2023. Every OEM on this list has posted YoY de-growth but an improvement on a MoM basis.It was Bajaj Auto Limited that topped the export list with a 52.82 percent share with 1,27,357 units shipped last month. This was a YoY decline of 33.27 percent from 1,90,865 units shipped in June 2022 while exports improved 12.82 percent MoM from 1,12,885 units shipped in May 2023. TVS exports stood at 68,568 units in the past month, down 31.86 percent from 1,00,625 units sold in June 2022 but improved by 2.95 percent over 66,605 units sold in May 2023. Honda (21,337 units), Hero MotoCorp (14,236 units) and Royal Enfield (9,614 units) each posted YoY de-growth but improved on a MoM basis.Two wheeler total June 2023In terms of total sales (domestic + exports), it was Hero MotorCorp that topped the list with 4,36,993 units sold last month despite a YoY and MoM decline. It was followed by Honda with 3,24,093 units sold in June 2023 which was a 15.57 percent YoY and 1.61 percent MoM decline.TVS total sales on the other hand saw a YoY growth of 3.64 percent to 3,04,401 units in June 2023 though MoM sales dipped 4.66 percent. There was a YoY and MoM decline in sales for Bajaj Auto with 2,93,649 units sold last month while Royal Enfield posted a YoY growth of 25.57 percent to 77,109 units in June 2023. More

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    Harley-Davidson X440 Launched – Starts From Rs. 2.29 Lakh

    Harley-Davidson X440 LaunchedFor the first time, Harley-Davidson X440 will be the company’s first single-cylinder motorcycle in India and the most affordable one at that, tooPartnership with Hero MotoCorp has yielded fruits for Harley-Davidson in the form of a new 440cc platform. This new engine will open a new portal for Harley-Davidson in its Indian lineup and will attract a much wider target demographic than it could before. The first motorcycle with this engine is Harley-Davidson X440.This motorcycle debuted recently and takes a Roadster design. Specs and numbers are out with the launch today. Bookings had commenced for Rs. 25,000. Now, the company has launched it in India. There are three trims on offer. Base trim gets wire-spoke wheels, mid-spec trim gets alloy wheels and top-spec trim gets diamond-cut alloy wheels.starting price of Rs. 2.29 lakh for base Denim trim, Rs. 2.49 lakh for mid-spec Vivid trim and prices go till Rs. 2.69 lakh for the top-spec S trim (all prices ex-sh).Harley-Davidson X440 Launched – New thumper in town?Royal Enfield’s absolute domination in retro classic motorcycle space is what Harley-Davidson is likely to primarily target. With a larger engine and more performance at a marginal price increment, Harley-Davidson is likely to make a mark. Royal Enfield’s upcoming 450cc platform will rival Harley’s new engine better along with Triumph Speed 400. Starting price announcementSpeaking of Harley’s new engine, it is a single-cylinder, 2 valve unit. Unlike RE’s new 450cc engine, Harley’s new 440cc engine gets oil-cooling. With these attributes, it generates 27 bhp of power at 6000 RPM and 38 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM. A 6-speed transmission does duties.More modern gizmos like ride-by-wire, slipper clutch and engine ride modes are welcome. Also, a belt drive would be welcome too, but Harley-Davidson X440 launched in India, features a chain drive. Harley is known for its vibe-free and maintenance-free belt drives. But, at Rs. 2.29 lakh starting price (ex-sh), we can forgive it. Suspension components include 43 mm USD telescopic front forks and dual twin shock absorbers.Harley-Davidson has offered X440 with a 320 mm disc at the front and a disc at the rear with dual-channel ABS. Brake calipers are from Bybre. Riding stance and ergonomics look very neutral, yet has a hint of sportiness. Single-piece seats should ensure comfy long trips. Seat height seems to be accessible too.Harley-Davidson X440Feature-loaded Harley?Design attributes from Harley-Davidson Nightster are immediately evident with X440. Black is a general theme that Harley is implementing. It brings out retro vibe along with a touch of modernity and stealthiness. X440 gets a double stand, which should protect the exhaust pipe which the company has routed from under its engine.It is to be noted that this motorcycle is different from China-specific Harley-Davidson X500 and X350, made in partnership with QJ. Features include LED headlights with Harley-Davidson lettering, round turn indicators with retro vibes and company’s logo. There is a circular fully-digital TFT instrument cluster that shows various vehicle parameters along with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. More

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    TVS Sales June 2023 – Registers 3% YoY Growth

    New TVS Apache 160TVS reported rising demand for the iQube electric scooter in June 2023 with a 210 percent YoY growth TVS Motor Company has reported its sales for the month of June 2023 wherein growth is seen across 2W and 3W domestic sales while exports decreased. The company registered a 2.56 percent YoY increase in overall sales. Total sales (2W+3W) (domestic + exports) improved to 3,16,411 units from 308,501 units in June 2022. MoM sales however, dipped by 4.29 percent from 3,30,609 units sold in May 2023.In domestic markets, 2 wheeler sales growth was seen across motorcycles, scooters, and electric scooter while moped sales dipped. There were 1,48,208 units of motorcycles sold last month, a 1.46 percent YoY growth from 1,46,075 units sold in June 2023. This was a volume growth of 2,133 units with motorcycles commanding a 48.69 percent share in the company lineup. MoM sales however, fell by 8.65 percent from 1,62,248 units sold in May 2023.TVS Motor sales June 2023 vs June 2022 – YoY comparisonTVS 2W Sales and Exports June 2023Scooter sales grew both YoY and MoM by 10.45 percent and 17.60 percent respectively to 1,21,364 units in June 2023 to command a 39.87 percent share. There were 1,09,878 units sold in June 2022 and 1,03,203 units sold in May 2023.TVS Motor sells the iQube in the electric scooter segment. Sales improved 209.88 percent YoY to 14,462 units in June 2023 from 4,667 units sold in June 2022. However, it was a MoM decline of 19.45 percent from 17,953 units sold in May 2023.TVS Motor sales June 2023 vs May 2023 – MoM comparisonThe XL100 moped, the only such model in the company lineup, has posted a YoY and MoM de-growth at 7.77 percent and 35.31 percent respectively to 34,839 units in June 2023. There were 37,762 units and 53,844 units sold in June 2022 and May 2023. This took total 2W domestic sales up 22.14 percent to 2,35,833 units in June 2023 from 1,93,090 units sold in June 2022 while MoM sales fell by 6.67 percent from 2,52,690 units sold in May 2023.2W Exports on the other hand fell 31.86 percent YoY but improved 2.95 percent MoM to 68,568 units in June 2023. This was against 1,00,625 units shipped in June 2022 and  exports of 66,605 units in May 2023. Thus total (2W + 3W) (domestic + exports) grew by 3.64 percent YoY but fell 4.66 percent MoM to 3,04,401 units in June 2023.TVS Motor 3W Sales and Exports June 2023Where three wheeler sales and exports were concerned, the company sold a total of 12,010 units in June 2023.This was an 18.77 percent YoY de-growth from 14,786 units sold in June 2022. MoM sales improved by 6.15 percent from 11,314 units sold in May 2023. Domestic 3W sales grew 49.06 percent YoY and 9.30 percent MoM to 1,434 units to command an 11.94 percent share on the company list. However, exports fell 23.50 percent YoY but improved 5.74 percent MoM to 10,576 units to hold an 88.06 percent share.Total sales of 2+3W in domestic markets thus improved 22.27 percent YoY to 2,37,267 units from 1,94,052 units sold in June 2022 while MoM sales fell by 6.59 percent from 2,54,002 units sold in May 2023.  Exports suffered a YoY de-growth of 30.85 percent to 79,144 units in June 2023 from 1,14,449 units sold in June 2022. MoM exports improved by 3.31 percent from 76,607 units shipped in May 2023. More

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    Bajaj Sales, Exports June 2023 – Pulsar, Avenger, Dominar, Platina

    Bajaj Pulsar F250Bajaj Auto sales improved both in the 2W and CV segments in terms of domestic sales while exports fell significantlyBajaj Auto Limited has released sales data for June 2023. Sales of two wheelers and commercial vehicles both in domestic markets and exports ended with negative growth of 2 percent down to 3,40,981 units in June 2023 from 3,47,004 units sold in June 2022. It was also a MoM de-growth when compared to total sales of 3,55,148 units sold in May 2023.Bajaj Auto has seen two wheeler sales (domestic + exports) dip 7 percent YoY in June 2023. Sales fell to 2,93,649 units in the past month, down from 3,15,948 units sold in June 2022. Performance was good in domestic markets with a 33 percent YoY growth to 1,66,292 units, up from 1,25,083 units sold in June 2022.Bajaj Auto Sales June 2023Bajaj Auto 2W sales and exports June 2023However, exports fell 33 percent to 1,27,357 units, down from 1,90,865 units shipped in June 2022. This took total sales in this segment down 7 percent to 2,93,649 units in June 2023, from 3,15,948 units sold in June 2022.In the commercial vehicle segment, again it was growth reported in terms of domestic sales by 154 percent. Sales stood at 33,691 units in the past month, up from 13,268 units sold in June 2022. Exports on the other hand, fell by 23 percent to 13,641 units, from 17,788 units shipped in June 2022. Total CV sales grew by 52 percent YoY to 47,332 units in June 2023 from 31,056 units sold in June 2022. With total (2W + CV) (domestic + exports) at 3,40,981 units in June 2023, it was a 2 percent YoY de-growth when compared to 3,47,004 units sold in June 2022.Bajaj Auto Sales June 2023 – YTD FYBajaj Auto YTD sales and exports April-June 2023On a Year to Date (YTD) basis, two wheeler sales saw a growth of 73 percent in domestic markets, up to 5,42,931 units in the YTD FY2023 period from 3,14,418 units sold in YTD FY2022. The company has seen a dip in demand for the Bajaj Chetak electric scooter in June 2023 since the Government of India decided to roll back FAME II subsidies from 40 percent to 15 percent.Exports on the other hand dipped by 35 percent to 3,46,399 units in the YTD FY2023 period from 5,32,740 units sold in the same period last year. Increased domestic sales caused total YTD sales in the segment to improve by 5 percent to 8,89,330 units.CV sales and exports stood at 1,38,077 units in YTD FY2023, up 60 percent from 86,488 units sold in the FY2022 period. It was a 157 percent growth in domestic sales to 98,625 units from 38,418 units while exports dipped 18 percent to 39,452 units in YTD FY2023 from 48,070 units shipped in the same period last year. Bajaj Auto (2W + CV) domestic (6,41,556 units) and exports (3,85,851 units) grew by 10 percent to 10,27,407 units in the April-June 2023 period from 9,33,646 units sold in the same period of 2022. More

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    2024 BMW G310 Range Updated – New Colours, Features Added

    2024 BMW G310 Range UpdatedApart from the visual changes seen with 2024 BMW G310 range of motorcycles, there are no mechanical changesBMW Motorrad has revealed changes across its model range for the MY2024 lineup. Said changes will take place from August 2024 (yes, next year). BMW Motorrad has disclosed all possible changes in the MY2024 lineup. These new configurations will be available to order from August 2024.Company’s Intelligent Emergency Call fitted from the factory is now available as an option with models like R 1250X, CE-04, K1600, S 1000, R18 X in North American countries like USA and Canada. The 2024 BMW G310 range updates are out too. Let’s take a look.2024 BMW G310 Range Updated2024 BMW G310 range updates revealedBMW Motorrad’s G310 range consists of three motorcycles. They are G 310 R street fighter, G 310 GS ADV/Tourer and the newest is G 310 RR sports motorcycle. With the G 310 R street fighter Version Sport, the company discontinued Polar White / Racing Blue colour. Along with that, BMW Motorrad introduced a new colour namely Racing Blue.Other changes include front wheel cover, radiator cover, fuel tank cover and rear cover now getting Racing Blue shade. Along with that, the front cover, and badge holder now gets Polar White shade. Whereas the main frame, rear frame and wheels get Racing Red shade. These changes are with Version Sport only.2024 BMW G310 Range UpdatedVersion Passion gets a new Granite Grey colour, replacing Racing Red colour. This new version will get a front cover and badge holder in Granite Grey shade. Other changes include Racing Red shade for main frame and wheels and Cosmic Black shade for front wheel cover, radiator cover and fuel tank cover.2024 BMW G310 Range UpdatedChanges with ADV and Faired G310 bikesWith G 310 GS, BMW has made changes to its Version Rallye model. There used to be a colourway on offer namely Kalamata-Dark Gold. Which is not on offer anymore with the MY2024 motorcycle. Instead, a new shade namely Racing Red will be on offer. This version gets its fuel tank cover in Le/Ri Black shade.While front wheel cover, main frame, rear frame, middle fuel tank cover Racing Red shade. BMW Motorrad didn’t mention the colour of wheels, though. With its sporty fully-faired machine G 310 RR, BMW is introducing a new shade called Cosmic Black 2, which will replace Cosmic Black. This version will get its main frame and rear frame in Racing Red shade. Other changes include a new and larger RR Tapestyle.2024 BMW G310 Range UpdatedOther than these changes the engine and componentry is similar to outgoing mode. We’re talking about a 313cc single-cylinder DOHC, 4V engine with liquid-cooling, slipper clutch, ride-by-wire and more. Performance numbers include 33.52 bhp of power and 28 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. More

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    Royal Enfield Sales June 2023 – Best Ever Q2 CY With 2.27 Lakh Sales

    New Royal Enfield Meteor 350Royal Enfield’s 350cc models are what have steered the company to report its best ever Q2 performance in CY23 with 2.27 lakh unit salesRoyal Enfield has released their sales data for June 2023. While the company has seen increased demand in domestic markets, exports have not done as well. RE sold a total (domestic + exports) of 77,109 units in June 2023.This was a growth of 26 percent over sales of 61,407 units in June 2022. YTD total sales also grew 22 percent to 2,27,706 units in the Q2 2023 period from 1,87,205 units sold in Q1 2022. It was also the company’s best ever Q2 performance in CY23 with 2,27,706 unit sales.Royal Enfield Sales June 2023In domestic markets, sales of motorcycles improved by 34 percent to 67,495 units in June 2023, up from 50,265 units sold in June 2023. It was also a YTD growth of 31 percent to 2,07,171 units sold in FY 2023-24 as against 1,57,642 units sold in FY 2022-23. It was the brand’s 350cc bikes in the portfolio that include the likes of Bullet 350, Classic 350, Hunter 350 and Meteor 350 that brought in most sales.It was however a MoM de-growth as compared to 70,795 motorcycles sold in domestic markets in May 2023 though exports grew from 6,666 units shipped in the same month. Exports on the other hand fell by 14 percent YoY to 9,614 units in June 2023, down from 11,142 units sold in June 2022. YTD exports also dipped 31 percent to 20,535 units in the FY 2023-24 period when compared to 29,563 units sold in the same period last year.Royal Enfield sales June 2023Recently the company announced several new motorcycles being added to their portfolio over the next few years. Out of a total of 13 new bikes being planned, 2 will be in the 350cc segment while 5 are in 450cc and 6 in 650cc segments. These bikes will be launched in a phased manner according to the company strategy of 4 bikes per year over next 4 years.More recently, it was Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 that has been spied on test. It will rival KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G310GS and upcoming Hero Xpulse 440 upon launch.Royal Enfield expands global presence in NepalWith its products continuing to perform well across booth Indian and international markets, Royal Enfield has expanded its presence in Nepal markets with its 5th international CKD assembly unit set up in the country. Built in association with Triveni Group, this facility is located in Birgunj.It joins other similar facilities in countries of Brazil, Thailand, Columbia and Argentina. The Nepal facility is spread over an area of 1 lakh sq ft and has the capacity to assemble 20,000 units per annum. Royal Enfield will initially start assembly operations in Nepal with the Classic 350 and Scram 411. More