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      Royal Enfield Shotgun 350 Spied Alongside Classic 650 – New Details

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      New Royal Enfield MotorcyclesWhile Classic 650 has been spotted earlier, this is the first time Shotgun 350 is seen on road testsRoyal Enfield is working diligently on its blitzkrieg mission by introducing a plethora of options for enthusiasts. As per plans, RE will be launching an average of 4 new / updated bikes every year till 2027. It will help tackle competition from new rivals as well as increase the brand’s presence in international markets.While one of the most awaited is the all-new Himalayan 450, Royal Enfield is also working to expand its 350cc and 650cc range. Latest spy shots reveal two new bikes, which are likely to be Shotgun 350 and Classic 650. Spotted without any camouflage, some of the finer details are clearly evident.New Royal Enfield MotorcyclesShotgun 350 styling and featuresShotgun 350 utilizes the signature features of Royal Enfield bikes. It includes the round headlamp and rear-view mirrors, curvy fuel tank design, minimal body panelling and wide rear fender. However, there are some unique features that ensure a distinctive identity for the bike. For example, Shotgun 350 has white wall tyres, which add more character to the bike. The one thing that stands out is the Ape Hanger handlebars. The bike has forward-set foot pegs, indicative of its cruising capabilities.Other key highlights of Shotgun 350 include telescopic front forks, wire-spoke wheels, side-mounted grab rails, split seat design and dual rear shock absorbers. It appears that some of the accessories are also being tested, as the bike can be seen with a side pannier.New Royal Enfield MotorcyclesIn terms of performance, Shotgun 350 will be using the 349cc, air-oil cooled single cylinder engine seen with other 350cc RE bikes. It generates 20.2 bhp of max power and 27 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox.Classic 650 detailsClassic 650 borrows the timeless design of its smaller sibling in most parts. It is possible that both wire-spoke and alloy wheel variants could be on offer. While this test mule has wire-spoke wheels, an earlier sighting had revealed dual-tone alloy wheels.Classic 650 gets some unique features such as LED headlight, as compared to halogen light used with the smaller sibling. Classic 650 has liberal use of chrome, as seen on the headlamp, engine casing and exhaust pipes. The separate rider and pillion seats enhance the bike’s retro feel.New Royal Enfield MotorcyclesPowering Classic 650 will be the 648cc parallel-twin engine in use with 650 twins and Super Meteor 650. The engine generates 47 hp and 52.3 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox.As both bikes appear production ready, launch could take place later this year. It is possible that Royal Enfield may officially unveil its new bikes at upcoming EICMA in November. Shotgun 350 and Classic 650 are expected to be offered at a competitive price point, as has been the case with all other Royal Enfield bikes.Source More

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      Royal Enfield Sales Breakup May 2023 – Classic, Hunter, Meteor, Himalayan

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      Royal Enfield Hunter 350Royal Enfield has posted both a YoY and MoM growth in domestic sales while Exports fell on a YoY basisRoyal Enfield, a leader in the 350cc motorcycle segment in India has posted significant growth in terms of total sales (domestic + exports). Sales on a YoY basis improved to 77,461 units in May 2023 from 63,643 units sold in May 2022. Currently commanding the 350 cc segment in India, the company has also announced the launch of 13 new motorcycles over coming years as a part of their 4 motorcycles per year plan the next 3-4 years.Sales in domestic markets grew both on a YoY and MoM basis in May 2023. RE Sales stood at 70,795 units in May 2023, up 32.27 percent when compared to 53,525 units sold in May 2022. This was a volume growth of 17,270 units. MoM sales also saw an increase of 2.78 percent from 68,881 units sold in April 2023.Royal Enfield Sales Breakup May 2023Though posting YoY and MoM de-growth, the Classic 350 led the domestic sales list with 26,350 units sold in the past month, down 12.05 percent as against 29,959 units sold in May 2022. MoM sales also fell by 1.61 percent as there had been 26,781 units sold in April 2023. This led to a fall in share to 37.22 percent from 38.88 percent MoM. The RE Classic 350 was at No. 8 on the list of top 10 best selling motorcycles in May 2023.Hunter 350, a relatively newcomer to the company portfolio following its launch in August 2022, sales stood at 18,869 units last month, a MoM growth of 19.43 percent from 15,799 units sold in April 2023. Hunter 350 also recently in Feb 2023 achieved a milestone sales pitch of 1 lakh sales recorded in 6 months of launch.Royal Enfield sales breakup May 2023While Bullet 350cc sales increased YoY to 8,314 units from 6,958 units sold in May 2022, it was a MoM de-growth of 1.01 percent over 8,399 units sold in April 2023. RE Meteor 350 sales fell YoY and MoM to 7,024 units while Electra 350 posted 15.84 percent YoY and 15.53 percent MoM growth to 4,366 units in the past month.In the larger displacement segment, RE models such as the Himalayan also saw YoY and MoM growth to 4,064 units while sales of the 650 Twins dipped 28.52 percent YoY to 970 units and also 47.99 percent MoM. RE Super Meteor was launched in Jan 2023. It accounted for 838 unit sales in May 2023 while MoM sales dipped by 26.43 percent from 1,139 units sold in April 2023.Royal Enfield Exports May 2023It was a 34.12 percent YoY de-growth in exports to 6,666 units in May 2023 from 10,118 units sold in May 2022. MoM performance improved by 56.66 percent from 4,255 units shipped in April 2023.Royal Enfield exports breakup May 2023It was the RE Classic 350 that also commanded the export list with 1,526 units shipped last month, a 45.09 percent YoY de-growth but 23.16 percent improvement on a MoM basis. It was followed by the Super Meteor that saw 1,322 units shipped in May 2023 while Hunter 350 also saw a total of 1,296 units exported last month.There were also 1,293 units of RE Meteor 350 exported in May 2023 relating to a 40.17 percent YoY de-growth but 128.85 percent MoM improvement. The export list also included RE 650 Twins (694 units and Himalayan (535 units) out of which 650 Twin exports fell on YoY basis by 86.60 percent but improved practically two fold over 363 units sold in April 2023. More

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      Harley-Davidson X440 Exhaust Note Teased – Pure Music

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      New Harley Davidson X440Transforming roaring engine noises into a musical purr is an art that has been perfected by Harley-DavidsonDeveloped in collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, Harley Davidson X440 is scheduled to make its global debut next month. It’s a new beginning for the marquee brand, as it throws the challenge to middleweight segment leader Royal Enfield.Ahead of its launch, Harley-Davidson has shared a captivating teaser of X440 gliding through the great Himalayas. Also revealed is the exhaust note, which seems quite refined and melodious. Ultimately, it’s the enthusiasts’ votes that will determine if X440 has better vocals in comparison to Royal Enfield bikes.Harley-Davidson X440 exhaust noteEvidence to the single-cylinder engine is quite strong with the bike’s exhaust note. The thumping rhythm seems familiar to that of Royal Enfield, especially when the engine kicks into action and is idling. However, the exhaust note of X440 acquires a more distinct quality at high revs. X440’s exhaust note is most melodious at high speeds. The throaty feel is there, but it appears to be tamed down a bit for a more refined aural experience.X440 may not be looking at playing the volume game. However, having a sweet-sounding exhaust note doesn’t hurt. It can actually help push sales. A relevant example is apparently Royal Enfield bikes that are loved for their exhaust note. Over the years, exhaust note of Royal Enfield bikes has evolved to become more refined. It’s based on changing consumer preferences as well as new sound emission norms.New Harley Davidson X440Even though X440 seems to have perfected the exhaust note, a definitive conclusion cannot be derived until one gets to test drive this new machine. Things could turn out to be different in the real world, as compared to listening to a recording. Enthusiasts will surely be eager to carry out a side-by-side comparison of X440 and a Royal Enfield bike, which will include the exhaust note. On speakers, it appears that Royal Enfield finally has a match, if not something better.Harley X440 performance, specsPowering Harley-Davidson X440 will be a single-cylinder, 440cc air-/oil cooled engine. It is estimated to produce around 40 Nm of peak torque. For reference, Royal Enfield Classic 350 churns out 20 hp and 27 Nm. Clearly, X440 has a lot more power to tackle a wide variety of terrain. Harley could offer specialized accessories to make X440 suitable for long-distance journeys.As compared to other Harley bikes that have belt drive, X440 is equipped with chain final drive. This will ensure long lifespan and low maintenance. Chain drive also suits local conditions.Harley X440 has a neo-retro profile with features such as round headlamp and rear-view mirrors. It has all-LED lighting, circular instrument pod, tapering fuel tank design, USD front forks and dual rear shock absorbers. The bike has a comfortable riding stance, with wide handlebar and centrally-positioned foot pegs. More

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      Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle Production Version Render – 6 Colours

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      Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle – RenderRoyal Enfield can launch the first of its electric bikes in 2025, based on an entirely new platformIt is known that Royal Enfield is working diligently to develop its electric bikes. As the ICE portfolio also needs to be handled simultaneously, it may take a couple of years before the first Royal Enfield electric bike debuts. It will be an entirely new journey for the company, quite like starting from scratch.Launch of Royal Enfield electric bikes has been delayed due to the pandemic. It is not certain if prototypes have been developed or things are still on the drawing board. Test mules are yet to be spotted, although OEMs are known to test new products at overseas locations as well.Only evidence is a glimpse of Royal Enfield Electrik 01 Concept that was leaked online last year. To get a better idea about Royal Enfield’s electric bike, Pratyush Rout has come up with a digital render based on the leaked concept.Royal Enfield electric bike renderWhile the body details have changed, the core silhouette is still familiar to current bestsellers like Classic 350. Retro bits have been retained, as seen with the round headlamp and rear-view mirrors and teardrop fuel tank. The latter is there just for the aesthetics, although it can have a compact storage space on the inside.Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle – RenderAnother interesting detail is the front girder fork, usually seen with vintage motorcycles. It is not certain if the production variant will have this feature or not. Girder forks have long been replaced with standard telescopic forks and USD forks. The battery pack housing is completely covered with rugged looking panels. The deep grooves on the panelling ensure a distinctive character for the bike. The triangular boxes towards the rear exude a sense of familiarity with the current range of Royal Enfield bikes.Colour theme comprises the primary shade, along with a contrasting colour used to highlight the bike’s outer layers. The contrasting shade is also used on the headlamp cowl, graphics and alloy wheels.Royal Enfield electric bike performance, rangeIn terms of performance, Royal Enfield electric bike will have capabilities similar to its 350cc siblings. The first launch could be a roadster, meant for city commutes. Other formats such as electric ADVs and cruisers can be introduced at a later date. Range of Royal Enfield electric bike could be around 100 to 150 km.Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle – RenderAs Royal Enfield bikes are preferred for their large size, installing a higher capacity battery pack shouldn’t pose any major challenges. But this approach can clash with the company’s focus on affordability. It is imperative that a middle ground be discovered to ensure an optimal mix of performance and affordability.Royal Enfield has mega plans for electric segment, as evident with investment commitments worth Rs 2,000 crore. This will be part of the PLI scheme and spread over a period of five years. Royal Enfield is also expected to make investments for developing charging infrastructure across the country.Disclaimer – 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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      Yamaha Neo’s Electric Scooter Plan Shelved – India To Get New Premium EV

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      2023 Yamaha Neo’s Electric ScooterWith most EV users prioritizing cost per km, it has become challenging for established ICE players to integrate traditional brand values in their electric productsElectric-two-wheeler segment in India has been registering robust growth month after month. However, ICE-based OEMs like Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Royal Enfield are yet to foray in this space. Clearly, a sense of urgency seems to be missing, as generally seen with startups in EV segment.Talking about Yamaha specifically, the company was planning to bring its Neo’s electric scooter to India. This was confirmed around a year back by Eishin Chihana, chairman of Yamaha India. However, things have changed since then. Yamaha’s entry into EV space in India has been further delayed by around 2 to 3 years.Yamaha working on new premium EVDiscontinuation of Neo’s India launch plans is quite disheartening for Yamaha enthusiasts who were eagerly waiting to see their favourite brand in electric format. However, Yamaha has assured that they are working on a new premium EV for Indian market. This will be a performance-oriented electric machine, much better and capable than Neo’s. It’s just that users will have to wait patiently for 2-3 years to see this new Yamaha EV in action.There are specific reasons why Neo’s launch plan in India has been shelved. Firstly, the immediate ecosystem has changed dramatically with things like reduction in subsidies and newer regulatory policies. Moreover, Yamaha has realized that the purpose of buying an EV in India is different from that of other markets.2023 Yamaha Neo’s Electric ScooterFor example, people in Europe buy EV scooters, as they feel motivated to do their bit for the environment. In India, most users buy EVs with the goal to reduce running costs. This is due to an increase in petrol prices. In comparison, Yamaha’s existing ICE customer base focuses on other aspects such as style, aspirational value and performance. This is why Yamaha is working on a new premium EV for India. It will be sporty, stylish and exciting, a perfect match with brand Yamaha.Not chasing volumesWith its new premium EV for India, Yamaha will cater to a niche target audience. The new EV will be meant for folks who are looking for something truly unique. Yamaha will not be focusing on volumes with its upcoming premium EV. Instead, the focus is on creating something sporty and outstanding. It will have an electric heart, but style and performance will be just as good as the current range of Yamaha bikes.Yamaha does not want to create something in a rush, as it won’t add value to the brand. So, the company will invest adequate time and effort in development of the new EV. For folks who can’t wait, it will be better to go with Yamaha’s ICE-based machines such as R15 and MT-15. Yamaha is also working on plans to bring R3, R7, MT-03, MT-07 and MT-09 to India.Source More

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      Vespa Mickey Mouse Edition Gets Matching Helmet Too

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      Vespa Mickey Mouse EditionThe matching helmet with Vespa Mickey Mouse Edition is likely to be a paid option, rather than being part of the bundleThe Italian Scooter manufacturer recently launched Vespa Dual in India. In global markets, the Iconic Italian scooter manufacturer Vespa is collaborating with Disney to launch Mickey Mouse Edition. This collaboration is to signify Disney’s 100th anniversary. This collaboration further signifies the relationship and ethos sharing between Disney and Vespa.In Disney’s latest movie Luca, the lead character’s default choice of scooter for adventure is a Vespa. For Disney’s 100th anniversary, two iconic brands have come together to launch the Vespa Mickey Mouse edition. Before you ask, Vespa didn’t put the face of Mickey Mouse on a scooter. Instead, execution is rather tasteful and subtle. Let’s take a look.Vespa Mickey Mouse EditionThe way Disney and Vespa have executed the Mickey Mouse edition is really subtle. Primary colours are yellow, red, black and white, all of which make iconic Mickey Mouse characters. Yellow wheels and front fenders represent Mickey Mouse’s shoes, black mirrors represent its round ears, red shade shows its trousers and black base coat is the colour of Mickey’s black fur.There is a Mickey Mouse cartoon on the red floorboard. Black shade features a white graphic pattern made of multiple Mickey Mouse characters and it is present on either side of Vespa Primavera’s side body panels and the front apron as well. If you missed any of these subtle elements, there are Mickey Mouse signatures on the seat and front apron.Vespa Mickey Mouse Edition ApronLaunched only with Primavera scooterAs of now, Vespa is only offering this Mickey Mouse edition with its Primavera scooter across the range including 50cc, 125cc and 150cc models. Vespa Primavera is not on sale in India. So, we’re not going to see this Mickey Mouse edition on Indian roads any time soon. Vespa also mentioned a matching Mickey Mouse helmet as well. Likely to be an add-on that standard offering.Michele Colaninno, Chief Executive of global strategy, product, marketing, and innovation of the Piaggio Group, commented on this collaboration as follows: “Dreams allow us to look to the future with optimism, even in complex times such as these. A timeless icon like Vespa could not fail to celebrate, on this very special occasion of Disney’s 100th Anniversary, an equally everlasting icon like Mickey Mouse, with a tribute to creativity, imagination, light-heartedness, and fun – the very values that have always anchored Vespa. Today, as then. This collaboration between Vespa and Disney represents the celebration of two historic companies that have a common dream: to allow everyone to express their imagination freely.”Claire Terry, Senior Vice President, Disney Consumer Products, Games & Publishing EMEA said, “Just like Mickey Mouse, Vespa is a cultural icon, evoking a sense of fun and adventure and together they form a wonderful combination, truly extending our timeless storytelling. We are incredibly excited to bring this version of the iconic scooter to our fans in our centenary year and bring all of Mickey’s charm and personality to road trips wherever people want to go!” More

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      Yamaha Sales Breakup May 2023 – FZ, R15, MT15, RayZR, Fascino

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      New Yamaha MT15. Image – Throttle 98Yamaha FZ was the most popular bike in the company lineup that was featured at No. 1 both on domestic and export listsYamaha Motor India has posted increased sales in May 2023. Total sales (domestic + exports) in the past month stood at 71,943 units, up from 68,501 units sold in May 2022.  While the company has experienced higher domestic sales to the tune of 19.69 percent, its performance in global markets were lackluster with a 22.83 percent YoY de-growth.Domestic sales stood at 53,751 units in May 2023, up 19.69 percent YoY from 44,907 units sold in May 2022. This was a YoY volume growth of 8,844 units. It was also a MoM growth of 1.53 percent from 52,939 units sold in April 2023.Yamaha Sales Breakup May 2023Yamaha FZ was the most sold bike both in domestic and global markets. Yamaha FZ topped domestic sales charts with 16,919 units sold in May 2023, up 12.28 percent from 15,068 units sold in May 2022. It commanded a 31.48 percent share in the company lineup. MoM sales however, dipped by 19.17 percent from 20,931 units sold in April 2023.It was R15 that featured at No. 2 with 11,280 units sold last month, up 58.43 percent when compared to 7,120 units sold in May 2022. MoM sales were marginally lower by 0.12 percent from 11,294 units sold in April 2023. It was in April that Yamaha also introduced feature and colour updates on the R15 while the MT15 got a new and more affordably priced variant.Yamaha sales performance May 2023 vs May 2022 – YoY comparisonYamaha Ray ZR posted a YoY growth of 10.73 percent to 9,794 units in May 2023 from 8,845 units sold in May 2022 when it featured at No. 3 on the sales list. It was a MoM growth of 33.68 percent from 6,300 units sold in April 2023. The Ray ZR currently commands an 18.22 percent share.Yamaha Fascino 125cc scooter sales doubled in May 2023 to 8,422 units from 2,838 units sold in May 2022. This was a volume growth of 2,838 units with a 15.67 percent share. MoM sales of the Fascino dipped by 1.52 percent from 9,945 units sold in April 2023. The MT15 sales dipped 5.64 percent YoY but improved by 60.13 percent MoM to 7,156 units while sales of the FZ25, of which the company sold 706 units in May 2022, has since been discontinued.Yamaha Exports May 2023With Yamaha FZ also being a hot favorite in export markets, the company shipped 6,612 units in May 2023. This was a YoY de-growth of 26.87 percent when compared to 9,042 units shipped in May 2022. MoM sales on the other hand improved by 42.62 percent from 4,636 units exported in April 2023.  The FZ currently commands a 36.35 percent share on the export list.Yamaha sales performance May 2023 vs Apr 2023 – MoM comparisonYamaha Saluto has seen outstanding demand. Exports improved by 311.97 percent YoY and 6.17 percent MoM to 3,510 units. The Saluto RX however, has seen exports dip by 6.18 percent MoM to 3,156 units from 3,364 units sold in April 2023.Exports also increased YoY for the Ray ZR (3,040 units) and MT15 (960 units) but fell to just 436 units and 388 units respectively for the Yamaha SZ and R15. All the three – MT15, SZ and R15 also posted MoM de-growth. Fascino exports however increased by 200 percent MoM to 90 units from just 30 units sold in April 2023. More

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      350cc Motorcycle Sales May 2023 – Royal Enfield, Honda, Yezdi, Jawa

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350Out of the 71,336 units 350cc motorcycles sales that took place in May 2023, Royal Enfield alone sold 64,923 units accounting for 91% market share350cc motorcycles are all the rage in the retro classic genre. There is one 2W manufacturer that absolutely dominates this segment. That brand is Royal Enfield and it bagged the top five spots out of the seven major 350cc models in the country. This 350cc motorcycle sales chart for May 2023 accounted for 71,336 units in total.When opposed to 55,780 units sold in May 2022 and 67,643 units sold in April 2023, 350cc motorcycle segment showed a solid 27.89% YoY growth and 5.46% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 15,556 units YoY and 3,693 units MoM.350cc motorcycle sales May 2023Like clockwork, Royal Enfield absolutely dominated this space by selling 64,923 350cc motorcycles and accounted for 91% of market share among all other 350cc bikes. Within the brand, Classic 350 stood the undisputed champ with 26,350 units sold last month.Classic 350 registered a 12.05% YoY decline and a 1.61% MoM decline. Sales didn’t suffice to surpass 29,959 units sold a year ago and 26,781 units sold a month before. Volume loss stood at 3,609 units YoY and 431 units MoM. Market share fell to 36.94%, down from 39.59% a month before.350cc motorcycle sales chartHunter 350 took 2nd place by selling 18,869 units. The company’s most affordable offering saw 19.43% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 3,070 units MoM and secured 26.45% market share. OG Standard Bullet 350 sold 8,314 units and saw 19.49% YoY growth as opposed to 6,958 units sold a year ago.But MoM numbers took a hit with a 1.01% decline, losing 85 units in volume. Like Classic 350, Meteor 350 fell into the red completely. It sold 7,024 units last month. But these numbers weren’t adequate to surpass 8,209 units sold a year ago and 7,598 units sold a month before. So, Meteor saw a 14.44% YoY decline and a 7.55% MoM decline.Classic Legends sold 2,333 unitsLeast selling 350cc RE is the Bullet Electra 350 with 4,366 units. It is the first contender on this list to register a positive 15.84% YoY growth and 15.53% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 597 units YoY and 587 units MoM. In 6th place is Honda CB350 with 4,080 units sold. CB350 saw 23.34% YoY growth and 35.41% MoM growth.Volume growth for CB350 stood at 772 units YoY and 1,067 units MoM (highest in this list). Lastly, we have Classic Legends which sold 2,333 units (retail) of Jawa and Yezdi branded motorcycles in India. The company saw a 34.78% YoY decline and a 2.59% MoM growth. More