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      TVS iQube Prices Hiked By Up To Rs 22k – Loyalty Programme Announced

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      TVS iQube electric scooterTVS iQube FAME-II linked price increase will be done in a staggered manner to ensure the electrification momentum is least impactedWith FAME II subsidies reduced for electric two-wheelers, several OEMs have announced price hikes. Subsidy under FAME II has been reduced from Rs 15,000 per kwh to Rs 10,000 per kwh. Also, max subsidy amount is now limited to 15% of the ex-factory pricing. This was 40 percent earlier.With significant reduction in FAME II subsidy, most OEMs have chosen to pass on the burden to consumers. Some OEMs like TVS have adopted a staggered approach, wherein prices will be increased gradually. This will reduce the overall cost burden on consumers and limit the impact on sales. TVS has also announced a loyalty programme to ease the impact of price hike.TVS iQube new prices – June 2023TVS iQube prices have been increased in the range of Rs 17,000 to Rs 22,000. The exact amount of price hike will depend on the variant. The new prices are effective from June 01, 2023. Before the revision in FAME-II, TVS iQube was eligible for subsidy of Rs 51,000. The base variant was priced at Rs 1.74 lakh, whereas iQube S variant came with a price tag of Rs 1.85 lakh.With the earlier subsidy, iQube standard variant was available at effective price of Rs 1.06 lakh in Delhi. With the new subsidy rates, iQube will cost around Rs 1.23 lakh. It remains to be seen what kind of an impact increased prices will have on sales of iQube electric scooter.Electric two-wheeler segment is expecting short-term erosion in sales. However, there’s unlikely to be any major impact in medium to long-term. There will be more clarity in the market in coming months, which can help boost sales. OEMs could also launch affordable, no-frills versions to attract customers.In addition to applying a gradual price increase strategy, TVS has also announced a special loyalty benefit programme for iQube customers. It will be applicable for folks who may have booked their iQube on or before May 20, 2023. The loyalty programme will be available only for a limited time period. It is meant to ease the cost burden, resulting from the revision in FAME II subsidy. Details of the loyalty programme will soon be published on the company’s website.iQube continues to register strong salesIn the last financial year, TVS iQube achieved the sales milestone of 1 lakh units. In May, retail sales were more than 20,000 units. Sales in coming months are expected to be just as good, as iQube has a healthy booking pipeline of more than 30,000 units. Even with the price hike, it appears that iQube will be able to increase its sales in the ongoing financial year.TVS continues to be committed towards promoting the use of sustainable mobility solutions. The company will take all steps, as necessary to accelerate faster adoption of EVs. TVS will also focus on development of overall electric vehicle ecosystem in the country. More

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      Harley Davidson X440 Roadster – Bookings open at Rs 25,000

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      New Harley Davidson X440Harley-Davidson X440 roadster will create its own customer base, instead of engaging in a head-on clash with Royal EnfieldSoon after announcing its India exit in 2020, Harley-Davidson had managed to salvage its operations by partnering with Hero MotoCorp. The deal encompasses sales and service being managed by Hero MotoCorp. New product launches are also part of the agreement.The first product to be launched as part of the Harley-Hero deal will be Harley-Davidson X440 roadster. While the design and development are likely to have been done by Harley, production, distribution, sales and after-sales will be taken care of by Hero MotoCorp. Bookings at dealerships are now open. You can book Harley Davidson X440 by paying an advance of Rs 25,000.Harley-Davidson X440 styling and featuresRetro styling is evident with the circular headlamp, turn indicators and rear-view mirrors. The headlamp has LEDs and there’s a LED DRL as well, placed across the centre. Turn indicators have the Harley logo in the centre. Instrument pod is a circular unit and expected to be equipped with a digital screen. Other highlights include a conical, tapering fuel tank with Harley and X440 badging, minimal body panelling, copper coloured exhaust pipe and side-mounted grab rails.Harley-Davidson X440 is expected to be offered in a wide range of colour options. To ensure a sense of power and dominance, a number of parts have been blacked out. It includes the headlamp cowl, engine assembly, engine guard, rear shock absorbers and exhaust muffler. Alloy wheels have a dual-tone finish of black and brushed metal. Overall, Harley Davidson X440 has a modest profile. It does not attempt to be overly flamboyant.New Harley Davidson X440Talking about ergonomics, Harley X440 has a comfortable riding stance. The bike has a flat handlebar and centrally mounted foot pegs. The handlebar appears slightly low-set, which could translate into a sporty riding stance. The seat looks comfy, especially the rider’s section that has a scooped profile. Pillion section is a bit narrow, although it may suffice for city needs.Harley-Davidson X440 performance, specsWhile engine details have not been revealed, Harley-Davidson X440 power and torque are expected to be more than that of 350cc bikes from Royal Enfield. For reference, the Classic 350 makes 20 hp and 27 Nm. On the Harley X440, the single-cylinder, oil-cooled unit could deliver around 40 Nm of peak torque. This should be quite useful across city streets.Unlike other Harley bikes, X440 has chain final drive. It is the second among modern-day Harley bikes to get chain drive. The first was Pan Am. Harley X440 has a tubular frame with a single-downtube design. It has USD forks at front and pre-load adjustable twin shock absorbers at rear.New Harley Davidson X44018-inch wheel at front and a 17-inch unit at rear ensures a majestic stance for the bike. The wheels have MRF tyres with a retro tread pattern. Appears similar to the treads seen with Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres. Harley Davidson X440 could be launched in early July. It could be priced in the range of Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. In comparison, Royal Enfield Classic 350 is available in the price range of Rs 1.9 lakh to Rs 2.2 lakh. More

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      New Ather 450S Launch Price Rs 1.3 Lakh – May 2023 Sales 15,256

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      Ather Electric ScooterNew base model in the company’s lineup is Ather 450S with a smaller 3 kWh battery and directly rivals Ola S1 AirWith revised FAME II subsidies in effect starting from today, electric scooter prices are hiked significantly. In Ather’s case, 450X now costs Rs. 1.45 lakh and 450X Pro Pack now costs Rs. 1.65 lakh (ex-sh, Karnataka). Ather has come up with a new base variant that will cost Rs. 1.3 lakh (exclusive of state subsidy). This is the much-awaited Ather 450S.Company announced this for the first time on its website, divulging key details. Prospective customers can register their interest on the official website and bookings will begin from July. Ather didn’t reveal delivery dates as of yet. Let’s take a look.Ather 450S new base model launchedAther 450S Launched For Rs. 1.3 LakhFor starters, Ather 450S will cost exactly what 450X Pro Pack used to cost prior to FAME II Revision. This shows how devastating updated FAME II subsidies are for EV sales and cost. Ather 450S will sit below the previous base 450X and will feature a smaller battery and lesser range along with fewer features. How small of a battery and how small the range?Battery will be 3 kWh in size, which is good enough for an IDC (Indian Driving Conditions) range of 115 km per charge. In comparison, both 450X and 450X Pro Pack get a larger 3.7 kWh battery. Ather is not cutting any corners where performance is concerned. The new base model 450S gets the same 90 km/h top speed as 450X and 450X Pro Pack.Ather 450X prices May 2023Tarun Mehta, Co-Founder and CEO, Ather Energy, said, “The 450 platform has been immensely successful for us, and we wanted to make it available to a wider set of buyers. The 450S will be our new entry-level variant for those looking to enter the electric segment but are seeking the quality and assurance that Ather scooters provide. Within the category, the 450S will break new grounds and will offer first-of-its-kind tech features in the performance scooter segment, raising the bar in terms of riding pleasure and safety while still delivering on performance”Why the hike in price?Indian Government recently revised its FAME II subsidy scheme which cuts down on subsidy money to EV buyers. Earlier, EV buyers could enjoy a subsidy of Rs. 15,000 per kWh along with a maximum cap of 40% of ex-sh price for incentives. Now, that scheme is revised to Rs. 10,000 per kWh and the cap on incentives is brought down to 15% of ex-sh price.This raises costs associated with EVs and starting from today, June 1st, 2023, all EVs get costlier. This is the reason why Ather 450X now costs Rs. 1.45 lakh and 450X Pro Pack costs Rs. 1.65 lakh (ex-sh, Karnataka). Ather 450S launched recently, mainly rivals Ola S1 Air.Ather Sales May 2023Ather electric scooter sales stood at 15,256 units in May 2023. This was a 357% YoY growth as compared to May 2022, when they had sold 3,787 units. Sales had also registered growth MoM basis, as April 2023 saw Ather registering sales of 8,182 units. More

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      Bajaj Auto Sales and Exports May 2023 – Pulsar, Platina, Dominar, Chetak

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      New Bajaj Chetak 2023Bajaj Auto reported significant increase in overall sales in May 2023 with domestic sales of both 2 wheeler and commercial vehicles seeing over 100 percent increaseBajaj Auto has posted a 29 percent YoY growth in total sales which comprised domestic sales as well as exports of two-wheelers and commercial vehicles in May 2023. The company has also reported a 17 percent YTD growth despite the fact that exports of 2 wheelers and commercial vehicles have dipped during the April-May 2023 period.Bajaj Auto YoY Sales May 2023Bajaj Auto sales in May 2023 saw two wheeler sales rise significantly in domestic markets by as much as 103 percent. Sales stood at 1,94,811 units in the past month, up from 96,102 units sold in May 2022. Exports of two wheelers however dipped by 26 percent YoY to 1,12,885 units, down from 1,53,397 units sold in May 2022.This took total sales of two wheelers to 3,07,696 units in the past month, up 23 percent YoY from 2,49,499 units sold in May 2022. It was the Bajaj Pulsar that was at No.3 on the list of top 10 best-selling bikes in April 2023 while the Boxer topped export lists.Commercial vehicle sales grew YoY both in domestic and global markets by 80 percent to 47,452 units in May 2023 from 26,369 units sold in May 2022. Domestic CV sales improved by 107 percent to 35,590 units in the past month from 16,206 units sold in May 2022 while exports were higher by 36 percent to 13,862 units from 10,163 units sold in May 2022.Bajaj Auto Sales May 2023Total sales (domestic + exports) of 2 wheelers and commercial vehicles thus went up 29 percent YoY to 3,55,148 units in May 2023 from 2,75,868 units sold in May 2022 thus relating to a 79,280 unit volume growth.Bajaj Auto YTD Sales April-May 2023Taking into account sales during the months of April-May 2023, Bajaj Auto has seen total sales up 17 percent. Sales which had stood at 5,86,642 units during the April-May 2022 period grew to 6,86,426 units in the same period of 2023.In the two wheeler segment, domestic sales improved by 99 percent YTD to 3,76,639 units in April-May 2023 from 1,89,335 units sold in the April-May 2022 period. Exports on the other hand dipped by 36 percent to 2,19,042 units from 3,41,875 units thus taking total two wheeler YTD sales up 12 percent to 5,95,681 units in April-May 2023 from 5,31,210 units sold during the April-May 2022 period.Bajaj Auto Sales YTD May 2023Commercial vehicles have recorded a 158 percent YTD growth in domestic markets to 64,934 units, while exports fell 15 percent to 25,811 units. Total CV sales thus grew by 64 percent to 90,745 units in April-May 2023 from 55,432 units sold in April-May 2022 period.Total domestic sales of two-wheelers and CVs in April-May 2023 thus stood at 4,41,573 units in April-May 2023, up 106 percent from 2,14,485 units sold in April-May 2022. Exports dipped 34 percent to 2,44,853 units in the April-May 2023 from 3,72,157 units shipped in the same period of 2022, thus taking total sales to 6,86,426 units up 17 percent from 5,86,642 units sold in April-May 2022 period. More

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      Himalayan 450 Speedo Spied – Clean View, Simple Design

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      Himalayan 450 Speedo SpiedHimalayan 450’s speedo ensures a clutter-free cockpit in comparison to the multi-dial setup seen with current Himalayan 411Royal Enfield has been testing the new Himalayan 450 since several months. Test mules have been spotted multiple times across India and overseas locations as well. Latest spy shots reveal a clear view of Himalayan 450’s speedometer. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Nitesh from Chennai, for sharing these exclusive spy shots.Himalayan 450 is expected to be launched later this year in September. It is likely to debut at 2023 EICMA. The bike could be offered in the price range of Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. Himalayan 450 will go up against rivals like KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G310GS and Yezdi Adventure.Himalayan 450 Speedo detailsWith Himalayan 450, all the instrumentation has been packed into a single, circular shaped console. It is quite big, possibly slightly larger than the round rear-view mirrors of the bike. Anywhere between 4 to 6 inches of diameter is a fair guess. The RPM gauge is placed towards the outer circumference of the console whereas the gear position indicator and speedometer are displayed centrally. Other information such as fuel indicator, trip meter, etc. are likely to be displayed on the digital screen.Himalayan 450’s speedometer console is placed at around 60° – 70° angle, which provides a clear view to the rider. It is also placed higher with the help of mounting brackets. A quick glance should be enough and riders won’t need to take their eyes off the road completely.Himalayan 450 Speedo SpiedRoyal Enfield has done a good job to choose a simple and practical design for Himalayan 450’s speedometer. It is much better than the instrumentation seen with existing Himalayan 411.Current Himalayan has four separate dials. There are two analogue dials, with one for fuel gauge. The main console is a semi-digital unit with analogue speedometer and digital trip meter and clock. There’s a fourth digital dial for gear indicator. This setup has its own benefits and visual appeal, but a single console seems more practical. Himalayan 450 speedometer is likely to have Bluetooth based connectivity features.Himalayan 450 performance, specsRoyal Enfield Himalayan 450 will be getting a new liquid cooled engine, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It is expected to deliver around 30 bhp of max power and 40 Nm of peak torque. A decent gain over the current Himalayan 411 that churns out 24.31 PS and 32 Nm.Himalayan 450 Speedo SpiedQuite a few users have reported performance issues with current Himalayan, which can be overcome with the new Himalayan 450. With higher power and torque, Himalayan 450 will be in a better position to take on the likes of KTM 390 Adventure.Other key highlights of new Himalayan 450 include LED lighting, tall windscreen, stubby exhaust, USD front forks and rear monoshock suspension. The bike is expected to have a long wheelbase, which will improve cross-wind protection and straight-line stability. Himalayan 450 could get a smaller sized front wheel to make it more appropriate for shorter riders. Current Himalayan has a 21-inch front wheel as standard. More

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      TVS Apache 200 Racing Edition – New Colour, Improved Safety

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      TVS Apache 200 Racing EditionTVS has a diversified portfolio in Colombia including commuter bikes, Apache range and scooters like NtorqAligning with local tastes and preferences, TVS has introduced Special Edition Racing variants of its bikes in Colombia. A few days back, TVS had introduced the Racing variant of Raider premium commuting bike. Now, it’s Apache RTR 200 4V that has received the Racing variant.TVS Special Edition Racing variants get sportier styling, new colour and some additional equipment. Overall objective is to achieve a more rugged profile for these bikes. TVS Special Edition Racing variants can have higher preference among the young generation.TVS Apache 200 Racing Edition – what’s new?One of the key highlights is a new California Gray Red colour scheme. This is the only colour option available with the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Racing variant. The colour theme has a mix of grey and black elements, along with red highlights. Grey is focused at the front section, as seen on the headlamp cowl, front fender, fuel tank and engine guard.Rest of the bike wears a blacked-out look including the engine and exhaust canister. Red highlights are used across the headlamp casing, fuel tank and seat section. Wheels too get the red treatment on the sides. Overall styling seems modest and not overly flamboyant. Surely, more exciting colour themes could have been used for TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Special Edition Racing variant. Such possibilities may be explored in the future.TVS Apache 200 Racing EditionTVS Apache 200 Racing Edition is based on the top-spec Apache RTR 200 4V. Users will benefit from new equipment such as hand guards, flyscreen, radiator protector, crash guard and front disk brake calliper cover.Other features are the same as that of the standard version. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V has claw-styled LED headlamp, LED position lamps with unique fang design, race-inspired digital speedometer, 0-60 timer, top speed recorder, race-inspired graphics, upswept exhaust and Eurogrip Protorq SR radial tyres.TVS Apache 200 Racing Edition performanceEngine is the same, as used with standard Apache RTR 200 4V variant. It is a 197.75cc, Euro-3 compliant, single-cylinder, oil cooled unit that makes 20.5 PS of max power and 18.1 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Other hardware specs are the same as the standard variant.TVS Apache RTR 200 4V has a double cradle split synchro stiff frame, suspended on telescopic front forks and monoshock rear suspension. The bike has 17-inch wheels at both ends. Braking duties are performed by 270 mm and 240 mm petal disc brakes at front and rear.While TVS has launched the Special Edition Racing variant of Apache RTR 200 4V in Colombia, it is unlikely to make it here. In comparison, the Raider Racing Special Edition variant could be launched in India. However, an exact timeline for launch is not available. More

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      BMW Motorrad Working On Rear Wheel Steering On Motorcycles

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      Image for illustration purpose.The new rear wheel steering patents from BMW Motorrad might aid in tighter turns, motorsport, stunt riding and potentially, aerodynamics tooBMW Motorrad, the motorcycle division of BMW, has patented rear-wheel steering technology for motorcycles. BMW showcased rear wheel steering with chain driven, belt driven and shaft driven motorcycle layouts. The main intention seems to be achieving a lower turning circle and enhanced handling and motorsport.You must have seen Hyundai’s e-Corner system demonstrated on an Ioniq 5. Will motorcycles get to do all that too? Let’s take a look.BMW Motorrad working on rear wheel steering on motorcyclesWe can see a couple of use cases. For example, BMW patented this tech with sketches of a cruiser bike. Maybe BMW got this idea after they launched the R 18 cruiser range. Makes perfect sense as a cruiser has a long wheelbase, large rake angle, and small trail angle. These make maneuverability an absolute nightmare.This is where this rear-wheel steering setup comes into play the most. BMW patents mention potential gains in aerodynamics. They can cover the front wheel now. Given that it has a lower steering angle as some of the task is handed to the rear wheel as well. The patent also mentions rear wheel steering benefits in motorsports when the front wheel is in the air.BMW Motorrad’s electrical rear steeringAccording to BMW, rear wheel steering will provide improved steerability when riding on the rear wheel with the steerable front wheel in the air. This wheelie aspect will definitely impress Character Ali from Dhoom 1. BMW has an electric motorcycle patent too. Both the electric bike and rear wheel steering are yet to hit production.BMW Mtorrad’s connected double sided rear steeringLimitations of such a mechanismApart from complexity, cost, weight and maintenance, I can think of some other potential issues with this system from an engineer’s perspective. Primary of them is swingarm strength as BMW’s patented rear wheel steering mechanisms will replace conventional swingarms.A rider turns motorcycles with lean and shift of body mass to make a turn. This is what we are used to till now. Making the shift to a new steering method is like fighting with your instincts and muscle memory. We might need a lot of time to transition to riding this new motorcycle steering mechanism than what we’re currently used to.BMW Mtorrad’s connected single sided rear steeringPeople who use counter-steering methods (example, steering right to turn left) can adapt to this new steering system better. But counter-steering folks are very very few. Also, stuntmen who drag and drift a lot and off-road riders who lock rear wheels to steer motorcycles, can quickly adapt to this new mechanism.BMW’s patents reveal multiple methods to achieve this rear wheel steering. There were double-sided and single-side mechanisms with physical linkages to the handlebar for steering inputs. Also, there was one patent with electrical assistance for rear wheel steering too, which negates physical linkages as it can take steering input from a steering position sensor like in a car. More

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      Hero MotoCorp Sales Breakup April 2023 – Splendor, Passion, Xoom, Destini

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      Hero SplendorHero MotoCorp had the Splendor as its best-selling model in domestic markets while it was HF Deluxe that attracted most attention globallyHero MotoCorp has been seeing lackluster sales over the past few months. While the company posted YoY and MoM de-growth in March 2023, sales in the past month continued to be in the red on a YoY basis, both in domestic and export markets. Domestic sales stood at 23,86,173 units in April 2023, a 3.08 percent YoY de-growth from 3,98,464 units sold in April 2022. This was a 12,291 unit dip in volume.Total sales (domestic + exports) in April 2023 stood at 3,96,096 units, down from 4,18,595 units sold in April 2022. It was also a significant de-growth in MoM sales which had stood at 5,19,342 units in March 2023.  However, the company has extensive plans ahead.Hero MotoCorp Sales Breakup April 2023Hero Splendor topped the sales list with 2,65,225 units sold last month and was the only model in the company portfolio to post positive sales. This was a 13.30 percent YoY growth from 2,34,085 units sold in April 2022 relating to a 31,140 unit volume growth while the Splendor commands a 68.68 percent share on this list. Hero Splendor was the best-selling motorcycle in April 2023 commanding a 36.30 percent share.At No. 2 was HF Deluxe with 78,700 units sold last month, down 21.77 percent from 1,00,601 units sold in April 2022. Hero HF Deluxe faces the recently launched Honda Shine 100 in its segment which could have resulted in lower sales.Hero MotoCorp sales April 2023Sales of Hero Glamour also fell 42.09 percent YoY to 12,042 units from 20,796 units sold in April 2022. The new Xoom scooter added 11,938 units to company sales in the past month. However, sales of Destini dipped 32.76 percent to 6,039 units in April 2023 from 8,981 units sold in April 2022. YoY sales de-growth was also seen in the case of Hero Pleasure which fell by 52.65 percent to 5,826 units in the past month from 12,303 units sold in April 2022.Hero MotoCorp sales April 2023Sales list also included Hero Passion (3,620 units), Maestro (1,221 units), Xtreme 160/200 (626 units) and Xpulse 200 (576 units) along with the Vida of which 360 units were sold last month. Each of these models have posted YoY de-growth. The Vida electric scooter has recently undergone a price cut following which Vida V1 Plus is priced at Rs 1,19,900 whereas Vida V1 Pro carries a price tag of Rs 1,39,900. These prices include FAME II subsidy and portable charger.Hero MotoCorp Exports April 2023Exports of Hero MotoCorp also fell YoY by 50.71 percent to 9,923 units in April 2023 from 20,131 units exported in April 2022. All but the Hero Maestro has seen a YoY dip in demand. It was HF Deluxe that commanded most attention in global markets despite a 29.85 percent YoY fall in exports. In total, there were 3,958 units of HF Deluxe shipped last month, down from 5,642 units shipped in April 2022. Hero HF Deluxe currently commands a 39.89 percent share.Maestro exports increased by 239.68 percent YoY to 1,892 units in April 2023 from just 557 units shipped in April 2022. Hero Hunk was at No. 3 on the export list with 1,501 units shipped last month, down 66.61 percent from 4,495 units shipped in April 2022. It was followed by the Splendor with a 66.46 percent YoY de-growth to 1,420 units while Glamour exports also fell by 77.20 percent to 648 units in the past month. Hero Xpulse 200 also posted a YoY de-growth of 78.70 percent in April 2023 from 2,361 units sold in April 2022 while there was just 1 unit of the Xoom scooter shipped last month. More