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    New Hero Karizma Launch Teaser Out – Date Is 29th Aug 2023

    New Hero Karizma Launch TeaserIn its resurrected avatar, Hero Karizma will have premium features such as dual-channel ABS and liquid coolingIndia’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp is looking beyond its stronghold of commuter bikes. The company had recently showcased the reborn Karizma at a dealer event. Teasers are out now and the bike is scheduled to be launched on 29th Aug 2023.This is the era of resurrected bikes, with names like Jawa and Yezdi already gaining decent fan following. Something similar is being planned in case of Karizma. In its heyday, the original 223cc Karizma was a true delight for enthusiasts owing to its peppy performance.New Karizma to return2023 Hero Karizma styling and featuresNew Karizma utilizes a unified, single-layer side fairing that extends all the way to the headlamp. The panels have a chiselled profile and unique design, unlike any other Hero bike currently in production. The side fairing only covers a small section of the engine assembly, keeping much of the machine parts exposed. It makes it easy to get an idea about the bike’s new engine.With youngsters one of the main target audience, new Hero Karizma is expected to get some exciting colour options. There could be monotone as well as dual-tone colour options on offer. The one unveiled at the dealer event had a bright glossy red paint job. An interplay of other colours was noticeable as well such as the white graphics on the fairing and brass-coloured engine casing.[embedded content]Other key highlights of upcoming Hero Karizma include blacked-out alloy wheels, step-up seat design, sculpted fuel tank and stubby upswept exhaust. Foot pegs are slightly rear set, which can allow for a committed riding stance. The handlebar is ergonomically placed for optimal comfort and control. The fuel tank has grooves to ensure a snug fit for the knees. Scooped rider seat design ensures agile handling and effortless cornering at high speeds.2023 Hero Karizma ZMR2023 Hero Karizma performanceNew Karizma is expected to get a 210cc engine. It could deliver around 25 bhp of max power and 25 Nm of peak torque. This closely matches performance numbers of rivals such as Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 and Bajaj Pulsar RS200. It is possible that this new engine will eventually be made available with Xpulse as well. For reference, the original Karizma produced 20 hp.New Karizma will have a liquid-cooled setup, a first for a Hero motorcycle. The engine is expected to get a 6-speed gearbox that will ensure efficient highway cruising as well as fuel savings. New Karizma is expected to get dual-channel ABS. However, as Hero will also be focusing on affordability, Karizma won’t be getting features like USD front forks.Expected features include Bluetooth-based connectivity functions, fully digital instrument console, LED lighting, real-time fuel efficiency indicator and turn-by-turn navigation. New Hero Karizma could be launched in the price range of Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 1.8 lakh, ex-sh. More

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    Triumph 400 Maintenance Will Be Lower Than Royal Enfield 350 – Bajaj

    Triumph Speed 400 maintenance and engine service intervalWhen compared to Royal Enfield, Triumph Speed 400 maintenance promises to be lower – less frequent services as wellBajaj-Triumph duo has launched their first motorcycle, Speed 400 in India. Since this duo announced pricing of Rs. 2.33 lakh (ex-sh), Speed 400 has garnered much interest. It offers twice as much power and a plethora of features and equipment more than Royal Enfield’s J-Series 350cc lineup. All this when it costs only Rs. 8,000 more than the most expensive 350cc RE.So what is the catch? Is the service / spares going to be expensive? Well in that case too Bajaj says the Triumph 400 will beat Royal Enfield. Bajaj-Triumph is claiming 10,000 miles service interval. Which translates to 16,093 km mileage within the life of the oil span. If one’s mileage is not 16,000 km a year, recommended oil change is once a year. Whichever is early. Triumph India is offering a 2 year or unlimited kilometer mileage warranty as well.New Triumph Speed 400Triumph Speed 400 Service and MaintenanceNot just that, Triumph even announced that Speed 400 maintenance will cost less than Royal Enfield’s. This is even more of a shocker as premium brands usually have higher service costs associated with it. Triumph seems to be charging according to the vehicle’s segment and not the brand.With its 350cc lineup, Royal Enfield offers a 10,000 km service interval for oil change and a 5,000 km service interval for trivial stuff like lubing and general checkups. Or once a year, whichever is early. For every 10,000 km service, Royal Enfield will charge roughly between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 2,700 depending on motorcycle. Oil quantity is around 2.5L.New Triumph Speed 400How is Triumph doing this?The 10,000 mile service interval is in line with Triumph’s global portfolio. But India sustains higher temperatures and is generally a lot dusty than Triumph’s home turf, UK. That said, this product is co-developed by Bajaj, an Indian manufacturer. So, there should be logical reasoning behind this 16,093 km service interval.Company didn’t specify how much oil Speed 400 takes and oil’s config. But Bajaj-Triumph mentions that they have worked with certain oil manufacturers to facilitate this high service interval. Speed 400’s closest big bike from Triumph is Speed 900 and it boasts 16,093 km service interval too. But with around 3.3L to 3.5L oil.KTM’s 390 range is comparable to Speed 400 in terms of displacement, size, compression ratio, performance and other attributes. 390 range takes just 1.6L of oil and can travel 7,500 km before an oil change. General thumb rule is that more oil will take the vehicle longer before an oil change.A low-compression engine like the 3.0L Dicor from Tata Motors can go 25,000 km on an oil change. But it takes 6L of oil. So, it is likely that Triumph 400 is using more oil (probably fully synthetic) than other motorcycles in the segment, to achieve this incredible 16,093 km service interval. All the while, promising less service cost than Royal Enfield 350cc rival over a period of 3 years. More

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    KTM Sales, Exports June 2023 – Duke, RC, 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    KTM India Sales June 2023KTM India has posted YoY and MoM growth in June 2023 with the Duke 200 and RC 200 being its best-sellerKTM India has seen good demand in June 2023. Domestic sales improved both on YoY and MoM basis while exports dipped YoY but increased MoM thus taking total sales higher on both counts. KTM currently has the Duke 125, RC 125, Duke 200, RC 200, Duke 250, ADV 250, Duke 390, RC 390 and ADV 390 in its product portfolio. Each of these models contributed in a big way to total sales in June 2023.In domestic markets, sales in June 2023 stood at 5,765 units, up 323.90 percent over 1,360 units sold in June 2022. This related to a 4,405 unit volume growth. MoM sales also improved by 12.66 percent from 5,117 units sold in May 2023.KTM Domestic Sales June 2023It was the KTM 200 (Duke and RC) that topped the list with 2,723 units sold last month, up 255.02 percent over 767 units sold in June 2022 to command a 47.23 percent share on this list. MoM sales were higher by 17.17 percent from 2,324 units sold in May 2023. At No. 2 was the KTM 390 range with 1,405 units sold last month, up 276 percent from 374 units sold in June 2022. Sales in May had stood at 1,117 units relating to a 25.78 percent MoM growth.KTM 250 has posted YoY growth of 524.31 percent to 1,361 units, up from 218 units sold in June 2022 while MoM sales dipped 1.66 percent from 1,384 units sold in May 2023. Of the KTM 125 range, sales improved significantly by 27500 percent YoY to 276 units from just 1 unit sold in June 2022 while MoM sales dipped 5.48 percent over 292 units sold in May 2023.KTM Domestic Sales June 2023KTM Exports June 2023Even as KTM exports dipped 7.63 percent YoY, there was a 38.45 percent MoM growth. Exports stood at 5,444 units in June 2023, down from 5,894 units sold in June 2022 relating to a 450 unit volume de-growth. MoM sales performance improved from 3,932 units exported in May 2023.KTM Exports June 2023In export markets it was the KTM 390 that saw maximum demand. Sales stood at 2,623 units in the past month, up 11.43 percent from 2,354 units shipped in June 2022. MoM sales also grew by 138.67 percent from 1,099 units exported in May 2023. KTM 390 currently commands a 48.18 percent share in the company’s export lineup.KTM 200 exports also grew by 17.84 percent to 1,968 units in June 2023, up from 1,670 units shipped in June 2023. There was however, a MoM decline in exports by 10.14 percent from 2,190 units exported in May 2023. There were also 480 units of KTM 125 and 373 units of KTM 250 exported last month with the KTM 250 posting a 73.17 percent YoY decline. MoM exports grew for the KTM 125 by 168.16 percent but dipped in the case of KTM 250 by 19.61 percent.KTM India Total June 2023Total KTM Sales June 2023Taking into account total sales (domestic + exports), KTM has seen YoY and MoM growth to 11,209 units in June 2023. This was a 54.52 percent YoY growth from 7,254 units sold in June 2023 while MoM sales improved by 23.87 percent over 9,049 units sold in May 2023.Every model in the company lineup has seen growth in total sales on YoY basis with the 200 seeing a 92.49 percent growth from 2,437 units sold in June 2022. MoM sales improved by 3.92 percent from 4,514 units sold in May 2023. KTM 390 sales were at 4,028 units up 47.65 percent YoY and 81.77 percent MoM while sales of KTM 250 grew 7.84 percent YoY to 1,734 units but fell 6.17 percent MoM. Sales growth on YoY and MoM basis improved by 57.17 percent and 60.51 percent respectively for the KTM 125 of which the company sold 756 units in June 2023. More

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    Hero MotoCorp Trademarks Nightster 440 – Next Harley For India?

    Hero MotoCorp trademarks Nightster 440 nameBased on the new 440cc platform, Harley-Davidson Nightster 440 will borrow design cues from the larger capacity 975cc Nightster motorcycleHero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson recently launched the X440 motorcycle at a starting price of Rs 2.29 lakh. It was expected that the new single-cylinder platform would spawn multiple new models in the future. It will soon become a reality, with the Nightster 440 name trademarked by Hero MotoCorp.Hero Nightster 440 is expected to be positioned below the X440 in the company’s lineup. Being affordable, the bike can work as a viable alternative to Royal Enfield’s 350cc motorcycles. It will also challenge Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X.Design to be inspired from Harley Davidson NightsterHarley-Davidson Nightster 440 featuresAs compared to X440 that has a relaxed riding stance, Nightster 440 will have a sporty, forward riding position. With a scooped rider seat, the bike will have a lower centre of gravity. Other key highlights will include round headlamp, round bar-end mirrors, wide handlebar, a single circular instrument pod, minimalistic control buttons, sleek fuel tank, exposed twin shock absorbers at rear and broad rear fender. Nightster 440 could get a quirky exhaust pipe, similar to that of its larger capacity sibling.Nightster 440 is expected to get colour options in both matte and glossy finish. While the bike’s design can support both options, matte shades are likely to come across as more appealing. For reference, the X440 has colour options of Mustard Denim, Dark Silver, Thick Red and Matte Black. Nightster 975 has colour options of Vivid Black and Redline Red. Colour options for upcoming Nightster 440 are likely to have black and grey shades.Hero MotoCorp trademarks Nightster 440 nameFinalizing the colour options for Nightster 400 could be a bit challenging. That’s because the design has to seamlessly merge elements from both the larger capacity Nightster and the new single-cylinder platform. While the sporty bobber design looks droolworthy with a V-twin, it’s not certain how likable it will be with a single-cylinder setup.Harley-Davidson Nightster 440 performance, specsUpcoming Harley Nightster 440 will borrow much of its hardware from X440. There’s the 440cc, single cylinder, air-oil cooled engine that generates 27 bhp of peak power and 38 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Rated fuel efficiency is 35 kmpl, as per WMTC carbon balancing cycle testing method.While Harley-Davidson’s 440cc single-cylinder setup has better numbers than Royal Enfield’s 350cc bikes, it falls short of Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. Triumph’s 398.15 cc, single-cylinder, liquid cooled engine generates 40 PS and 37.5 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.In terms of hardware, Harley Nightster 440 could get conventional telescopic forks at front. This is the case with the larger capacity Nightster 975. In comparison, the X440 has 43mm KYB USD forks. Nightster will be getting options for both wire-spoke wheels and alloy wheels, as is the case with X440. Braking setup will be the same, 320 mm and 240 mm disc at front and rear, respectively. More

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    Royal Enfield Sales Breakup June 2023 – Classic, Meteor, Himalayan, 650 Twins

    Royal Enfield Hunter 350Royal Enfield Hunter 350, despite being a relatively new entrant, has significantly surpassed sales of Bullet, Meteor and Electra in the 350cc segmentRoyal Enfield total sales (domestic + exports) in the past month stood at 77,109 units, up from 61,407 units sold in June 2022. RE has posted growth in domestic sales on a YoY basis while exports fell. However on a MoM basis, it was domestic sales that finished in the red while exports increased substantially.Total domestic sales stood at 67,495 units in June 2023. This was a YoY growth of 34.28 percent over 50,265 units sold in June 2022. MoM sales on the other hand dipped 4.66 percent from 70,795 units sold in May 2023.Royal Enfield Domestic Sales June 2023It was RE Classic 350 that topped the company’s sales charts last month. The RE Classic was at No. 9 on the list of top 10 motorcycles sold in June 2023. Sales improved by 6.12 percent YoY to 27,003 units in June 2023, up from 25,425 units sold in June 2022. Classic 350 currently commands a 40.01 percent in the company lineup. MoM sales also grew by 2.48 percent from 26,350 units sold in May 2023 when share percent had stood at 37.22.RE Hunter was at No. 2 with sales of 16,162 units in June 2023. It currently commands a 23.95 percent share. MoM sales dipped 14.35 percent from 18,869 units sold in May 2023. Next in line was the Bullet 350 with 8,019 units sold in the past month. This was a 36.08 percent YoY growth from 5,893 units sold in June 2022 relating to a 2,126 units volume growth. MoM sales dipped 3.55 percent from 8,314 units sold in May 2023. Royal Enfield is in the process of launching the new Bullet 350 which has been spied on test on numerous occasions with launch date set for August 30.Royal Enfield sales breakup June 2023De-growth on YoY and MoM basis was seen in the case of RE Meteor 350 which dipped 20.60 percent YoY and 2.28 percent MoM to 6,864 units. There were 8,645 units and 7,024 units sold in June 2022 and May 2023 respectively. The RE Meteor has also been spied on and appears to be based on top-spec Supernova trim.Electra 350 (4,320 units) and Himalayan 3,255units) both posted YoY de-growth while sales of the 650 Twins dipped to 1,412 units in June 2023 from 1,425 units sold in June 2022. MoM sales improved significantly by 45.57 percent over just 970 units sold in May 2023. It sales list also included RE Super Meteor of which the company sold 460 units in the past month, a 45.11 percent MoM de-growth from 838 units sold in May 2023.RE Exports June 2023Total exports in June 2023 stood at 9,614 units, down 13.71 percent over 11,142 units sold in June 2022. MoM sales improved by 44.22 percent when compared to 6,666 units sold in May 2023. Every model on the list posted a YoY de-growth while on a MoM basis, sales growth was seen for each of the Royal Enfield offerings.Royal Enfield export breakup June 2023The export list was headed by Meteor 350 with 2,135 units exported in June 2023, down 38.77 percent over 3,487 units sold in June 2022. This was a 1,352 unit volume de-growth with the Meteor commanding a 22.21 percent share on the export list. MoM exports improved by 65.12 percent from 1,293 units shipped in May 2023.Hunter 350 exports stood at 2,113 units last month. This was MoM growth of 63.04 percent from 1,296 units sold in May 2023. The export list also included Classic 350 at No. 3 with 2,048 units shipped relating to a 20.99 percent YoY de-growth while MoM exports surged by 34.21 percent from 1,526 units shipped in May 2023.Super Meteor had 1,516 units exported last month relating to a 14.67 percent MoM growth. RE 650 Twins (921 units) and Himalayan (881 units) both posted YoY de-growth of 53.11 and 71.57 percent respectively. MoM exports however, went up by 32.71 percent for 650 Twins and 64.67 percent in the case of RE Himalayan. More

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    Bajaj Triumph Tiger 400 Render Imagined As A Rival To KTM 390 ADV

    Bajaj Triumph Tiger 400 RenderWhile based on the same platform as Speed 400 / Scrambler 400X, Triumph Tiger 400 borrows its design from the larger-capacity Tiger ADV bikesTriumph’s experiment with single-cylinder Speed 400 / Scrambler 400X has proved to be hugely successful. More than 10K bookings were received in just 10 days. The scrambler version will be available from October 2023.With market response exceeding expectations, it won’t be surprising to see new models being launched based on the 400cc platform. An ADV version seems relevant, as this segment has been registering strong growth in recent times. To get a feel of the ADV version, automotive artist Susobhan Maity has come up with a digital render of Tiger 400.Triumph Tiger 400 renderWhile Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X have already charmed enthusiasts with their classic design, Triumph Tiger 400 seems to have a more magnetic persona. With its ADV bearings, the bike also seems more powerful. A number of features have been borrowed from larger capacity ADV bikes such as Tiger 900 Rally. It includes the sharp LED headlamp, large visor, signature front beak, hand guards and sculpted fuel tank.Triumph Tiger 400 has a split-seat design with a heavily scooped rider section. This lowers centre of gravity, allowing improved control and handling across on-road and off-road tracks. Some features have been lifted directly from Scrambler 400X. It includes the twin-barrel exhaust tips and spoke-styled alloy wheels. Just like the 400cc modern classics, Triumph Tiger 400 has USD forks at front in golden finish. It gets dual-purpose tyres, similar to the scrambler version.Triumph Speed 400Another key highlight is the grayscale colour theme used for the render. It helps highlight the sharp design and finer details of the bike. However, it isn’t that hard to imagine that this render can easily support more exciting shades. Graphics are intelligently placed to enhance the bike’s visual appeal.Triumph Tiger 400 performanceMuch of the hardware for Tiger 400 is the same as that of Speed 400 / Scrambler 400X. Powering the bike is a 398.15 cc, liquid cooled, single-cylinder engine. It generates 40 PS of max power and 37.5 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.Triumph Tiger 400 utilizes a tubular steel frame with a bolt-on rear subframe. The 43mm USD forks at front offer 150 mm of wheel travel. At rear, the bike has a gas monoshock RSU with external reservoir and preload adjustment. Wheel travel is 150 mm. Braking duties are performed by 320 mm and 230 mm disc brakes at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard.While Triumph Tiger 400 render looks promising, it is not certain if it will become a reality one day. Assuming it does, Triumph Tiger 400 will rival the likes of KTM 390 Adventure and BMW G310GS. Meanwhile, workshops can certainly take this render as an inspiration and come up with a customized version of Triumph Tiger 400.Source More

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    New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Exhaust Note Revealed Via Launch Teaser

    2023 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 RenderBullet 350 is currently the only vehicle in Royal Enfield portfolio to still hasn’t transitioned to J-Series platformRoyal Enfield is currently the king of retro classic motorcycle segment. There’s no denying this fact right here. Even with Honda and Classic Legend’s brands like Jawa and Yezdi at its back, Royal Enfield has pushed on and on like a pawn in a chess game. With Classic 350 in its arsenal, Royal Enfield is at the top of the 350cc motorcycle list.To boost sales, Hunter 350 has joined the game as well and is sold at a lower price point too. Not just the price, weight is also lowest among all Royal Enfield’s. Hence, Hunter 350 is now more accessible than other products in the company’s lineup. Hunter 350 has been closing the gap on Classic 350 with latter witnessing a drop in sales too.2023 Bullet 350 Launch Date AnnouncedBut there is a motorcycle in Royal Enfield’s portfolio that has even more popularity than the very company itself. Right now, it is subdued in the form of an older platform and last-gen engine. If unleashed with modern platform and componentry, it is likely to be a force in this genre and smoke the rest of them in its rearview mirrors.Of course, we’re talking about the legendary Bullet 350. A name so recognisable, people often think that Bullet is the company. Named after a rich heritage of Royal Enfield’s arms manufacturing roots, Bullet plays with the heartstrings of many even today.New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 launch teaser pic.twitter.com/eXnaees6yZ— RushLane (@rushlane) July 20, 2023Bullet is among the oldest production bikes in the world that is still going strong. In 2023, it still doesn’t pack the latest J-series platform that the rest of the Royal Enfield family now packs. That is exactly what Royal Enfield is doing, though. Make it modern while still retaining its old-school charm. We have spied multiple test mules before. Launch will take place on 30th August 2023 in Chennai, as revealed in the official teaser along with exhaust note.What To Expect?In terms of looks, Royal Enfield is likely to not fettle with its design too much. That charm has to be retained and 2023 Bullet 350 has to look like a Bullet 350 from a mile away. What the new model will get are subtle updates. Like the instrument cluster of Classic 350, modern J-series engine that is capable of 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm among others.Round headlights, single-piece stepped seat, spoked wheels and old-school body panels are likely to remain as is. 2023 Bullet 350 will get the same telescopic front suspension from Classic 350 and twin shock absorbers at the rear from Classic 350. Front disc brake is likely. However, the rear is likely to be a drum unit like Hunter 350 Retro and get single-channel ABS.A digital display for various info is a far cry from what outgoing Bullet and Electra models. And so is its engine. With new updates, 2023 Bullet 350 is likely to be priced above the Hunter 350 Retro variant. With a starting price tag of around Rs. 1.6 lakh (ex-sh), 2023 Bullet 350 will definitely be a welcome addition to Royal Enfield portfolio. One that will take Bullet’s name to new heights. Looking at its close-to-production guise, a launch might be right around the corner.  More

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    Diving into June 2023 500cc+ Motorcycle Sales – From Giants to Silent Spectators

    Image for reference onlyRoyal Enfield’s Rule Unshaken: 650 Twins Hold Firm, Super Meteor 650 Shooting for the StarsFor a very long time, Royal Enfield has dominated the 500cc+ motorcycle sales charts. June 2023 was no different and we saw the Chennai-based company sell 1,872 units of its 650cc lineup with 88.93% of total market share. Of the lot, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 sold 1,412 units with 0.91% decline in sales YoY.Super Meteor 650 sold 460 units last month. Kawasaki Z900 saw 95 units sold which is really commendable considering the cost. It registered 137.5% YoY growth with 55 units gained in volume. Being the most affordable 4-cylinder motorcycle pays off.Impressive Surge in 500cc+ Motorcycle SalesTriumph Trident is the most affordable three-cylinder motorcycle in India and it sold 31 units with 47.62% YoY growth and 10 units volume growth. It’s ADV version Tiger 660 Sport sold 17 units and saw a 5.56% YoY decline.That said, Tiger 660 surpassed Kawasaki Versys 650’s 14 units sold last month, which is commendable. Versys 650 is one of the oldest 650cc ADV in India and saw 600% YoY growth as opposed to 2 units sold a year ago. Triumph Speed Twin saw 11 units with 10% YoY growth.500cc+ motorcycle salesNow comes the one with the world’s biggest motorcycle engine, Triumph Rocket III. Sales stood at 10 units. Triumph’s Tiger 1200 sold 8 units and saw an 11.11% YoY decline. Another Triumph offering made it higher up the list, which is Bonneville T120 with 5 units and 25% YoY growth.With similar sales numbers, we have Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114, but as opposed to 6 units sold a year ago, it saw a 16.67% YoY decline. Harley-Davidson Pan America and Kawasaki Versys 1000 ADVs sold 4 units each.Honda Africa, Scrambler 900, and More: The Mystery of Zero SalesTriumph Tiger 900 and Harley-Davidson Nightster sold 3 units each. While Tiger managed to balance sales, Nightster saw a 33.33% YoY decline. Cruisers Kawasaki Vulcan S and Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic sold 2 units each and registered 33.33% YoY decline and 100% YoY growth, respectively.Kawasaki Z650, Z650 RS, Ninja 1000 SX, Triumph Bonneville Bobber, Bonneville Speedmaster, Harley-Davidson Fat Bob, Street Glide and Roadking sold 1 units each in the month of June 2023. At this scale, there was no positive growth to register.Kawasaki Ninja 650, Ninja ZX-10R, Suzuki Hayabusa, Harley-Davidson 883 Iron, Street Bob, Standard, Triumph Speed Triple, Scrambler 900, Rocket III R, and Honda Africa all sold zilch last month. In total, 500cc+ motorcycle sales stood at 2,105 units with 25.15% YoY growth and 423 units volume growth as opposed to 1,682 units sold in June 2022. More