Bike

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares119 Views

      in Bike

      2023 Yamaha R3 Launch Price 726k JPY (Rs 4.4 Lakh) – New Features

      by

      MY2023 Yamaha R3 launchedYZF-R1 inspired design language is the main highlight on 2023 Yamaha R3 along with its 42 PS and 30 Nm capable 320cc parallel-twin engineYamaha updated it for MY2023 with a bunch of new features. Japan is the first recipient of 2023 Yamaha R3. Launch happened today, May 10th, 2023. Yamaha is quoting a price JPY 726,000 (including tax) which translates to Rs. 4.39 lakh as per today’s currency exchange.Yamaha R3 didn’t need a lot in terms of componentry, so it doesn’t get a lot as part of MY2023 update. R3 got USD forks and other paraphernalia in 2019 update. Yamaha didn’t even add any new colours with 2023 update. So, what is new? Let’s take a look.MY2023 Yamaha R3 Launched In JapanThis model is of particular interest to Indian automobile market as we are expecting an imminent launch. Along with R3, Yamaha also showcased MT-03, MT-07 and MT-09 as well. Dealer sources revealed Yamaha intends to launch most of these, but R3 and MT-03 are highly likely. When launched, YZF-R3 will take on Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Ninja 400 along with KTM RC 390.We hope India gets all the added features with MY2023 Yamaha R3 too. Speaking of, Yamaha is offering LED turn indicators as standard fitment with MY2023 update. Halogen bulbs were the biggest sour points in R3’s design. The new front and rear LED turn indicators blend in well and complements stylish LED headlights and LED tail lights.Colour choicesOther additions include a quick shifter, but Yamaha is not offering it as standard fitment. Instead, prospective buyers have to shed JPY 22,000 (approx Rs. 13,325). We’re not sure whether it allows both clutchless upshifts and downshifts, or just one of them. Yamaha R15M gets a quick shifter too, supporting only clutchless upshifts.What does it pack?2023 Yamaha R3 comes in three colour options, just like its preceding model. These are Deep Purplish Blue Metallic, Dark Bluish Purple Metallic and the good ol’ Metallic Black. We think Dark Bluish Purple Metallic looks the flashiest, which might not be to everyone’s taste.R3 measures 2090 mm long, 730 mm wide and 1140 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 1380 mm long with a ground clearance of 160 mm. This should be enough to scale any and every illogical speed breaker we have. R3 bears the same beating and pulsating heart as before. Which is a 320cc parallel twin engine with liquid cooling, 4V head and packs DOHC setup.R1 inspired designThis engine is good for 42 PS of power at 10750 RPM and 30 Nm of torque at 9000 RPM, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. With 14L of fuel in the tank, 2023 Yamaha R3 weighs just 169 kg, which is really commendable. Componentry includes USD front telescopic forks, rear monoshock, 110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear tyres.Yamaha offers single disc setup at both ends along with dual channel ABS. Fatter rubber would be nicer and while at it, we hope Yamaha offers the same fully digital TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity from R15M. R3 gets a fully digital LCD panel with limited functionalities. Launch in India is expected before Diwali 2023. Prices of Yamaha R3 in India could be in the Rs 4 lakh range. More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      TVS iQube Price Hike May 2023 – New Price 1.21 L, Includes Cost Of Charger

      by

      Image – Aaditya NayakAlthough the ex-showroom prices of iQube are now higher, customers will be paying almost the same amount as earlierFollowing the government’s directive, electric two-wheeler manufacturers have started adding the charger as part of standard equipment. Earlier, several of the leading OEMs including TVS required customers to pay extra for the charger. With the cost of charger included, iQube is now available at Rs 1.21 lakh (effective on-road, Bengaluru).Prices of iQube will vary based on availability and quantum of state subsidy. Central subsidy under FAME II is Rs 51,000 for iQube. Karnataka is among the states that no longer offer state subsidy. iQube in Delhi is eligible for a state subsidy of Rs 17,000. Effective on-road price of iQube in Delhi is Rs 1.06 lakh.TVS iQube new pricesWhen the charger was not offered as standard, TVS iQube was available at a starting price of Rs 1.56 lakh. With the 650-watt charger now included, iQube base variant is now available at a starting price of Rs 1.66 lakh (ex-showroom, excluding FAME-II subsidy).For iQube S variant, ex-showroom price is now Rs 1.68 lakh. Here also, prices have been increased by around Rs 9,000. With the FAME II subsidy, effective on-road price of iQube S variant is Rs 1.32 lakh. iQube S customers will need to pay additional Rs 9,440, which is charged for software upgrade.TVS iQube Mega Delivery Event In PuneWhile technically the prices of iQube have increased, customers will be paying almost the same amount as earlier. The only difference is that cost of charger is now included in the cost of vehicle. So, there is no additional cost burden on iQube customers.TVS to refund iQube ownersFollowing government’s directive, OEMs like TVS, Ather Energy, Ola Electric and Hero MotoCorp have decided to refund any amount that was charged in excess of Rs 1.50 lakh. TVS liabilities are relatively less in this context, as iQube ex-showroom price was lower than several of its rivals. At most locations, iQube was priced just a little above Rs 1.50 lakh. The average amount paid over Rs 1.50 lakh is around Rs 1,700 per scooter. Overall refunds to be issued by TVS is around Rs 15-16 crore.It is a bit unsettling to see the issues linked to FAME II subsidy. The electric two-wheeler segment is just starting to gather pace and such issues can create problems. One recent example is 23 percent drop in MoM growth in April 2023. In case of iQube, it had achieved the 1 lakh cumulative sales milestone in April. However, its MoM growth fell by 48 percent. According to TVS, the drop is due to reduced production, triggered by ‘AIS-156 changeover and supply chain challenges’.It is important that OEMs follow ethical practices to create trust and confidence among customers. While the charger issue seems to be largely resolved with the refund plan, such things should not have occurred in the first place. The fact that the matter was identified through whistle blower emails raises several questions. More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Bike

      Ather 450S Name Trademarked – New Base Variant To Launch In Activa Price Range

      by

      Ather 450S electric scooter spiedWith increasing competition and subsidy exhausted in several states, OEMs are betting on new, affordable variants to boost salesPremium electric scooters like Ather 450X have been registering robust sales since launch. The combo of central and stage level subsidies has worked to make these electric scooters a viable option in comparison to the standard ICE-based scooters.However, electric two-wheeler sales appear to be plateauing. MoM growth was negative in April 2023. Moreover, OEMs like Ola and Hero MotoCorp have launched more affordable variants to boost sales. There’s also the threat from upcoming electric two-wheelers such as Simple One, Honda electric scooter and Gogoro. In view of these factors, Ather appears to be right in its decision to launch a new, affordable variant.Ather new 450S base variant – Where will be cost cutting?With affordability taking prominence, upcoming Ather 450S variant is likely to miss out on several of the advanced features available with existing 450X Pro Pack variant. But that shouldn’t be a constraint for folks with limited budget. Quite a few features are not even necessary such as the full colour 7-inch TFT touchscreen display. Ather has already replaced the colour screen with a grey scale unit onboard the standard 450X.Similarly, there could be other features that could be axed. Features like 4G connectivity, music and calls access, guide-me-home light, hill assist and park assist may be desirable. However, they cannot be described as a necessity. These features have already been removed from standard 450X variant. The upcoming 450S variant could do away with more features to achieve an affordable price point.Ather 450S electric scooter name trademarkedIn addition to the missing features and tech, the new Ather 450S base variant is likely to get a tubular frame, instead of the aluminium space frame of the current 450X. It will also get a smaller battery pack along with a less powerful motor. This will help Ather price their new 450S base variant aggressively.Ather 450S – expected priceAs compared to electric two-wheelers like Ather, the bestselling ICE scooters like Honda Activa are relatively cheaper. Activa starts at Rs 75,347 (ex-sh., Delhi), as compared to Rs 98,079 of Ather 450X base variant. It is apparent that people with limited budget will have preference for the Activa. This is why OEMs need to come up with more affordable variants, whose pricing can be at par with bestselling ICE scooters.Along with removing unnecessary features, OEMs can also think about using lower capacity battery packs. It will lower the range, but the price benefit will be perceived as favourable by most buyers. Moreover, charging infrastructure is improving rapidly in the country. When users know there’s a charging station in the neighbourhood, they would worry less about range and getting stranded.Upcoming Ather 450S variant could be priced below Rs 1.5 lakh. Existing 450X and 450X Pro Pack variants are priced at Rs 1,71,879. Central subsidy available for Ather under FAME II is Rs 55,500, whereas state subsidy applicable on Ather scooters in Delhi is Rs 18,300. Assuming Ather new 450S variant is priced at Rs 1.50 lakh, it could be available at an effective ex-showroom price of approximately Rs 76,000 in Delhi. That’s almost close to that of Activa. Other charges like insurance, road tax and registration will be applicable. More

    • 163 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      Honda ‘Activa 6G’ Name Is No More – We Might Not Get 7G

      by

      Honda removes 6g suffix from Activa nameThe 109.51 cc single cylinder engine on Honda Activa generates same numbers as before and boasts identical pricing tooHMSI is the No 1 scooter brand in India. Activa has been the primary volume generator for many years now. So much so, that people often default on an Activa when buying a scooter. In FY 2023, Honda manufactured 21.5 lakh Activa, most of which were sold in India alone.Honda has, surprisingly, decided to change the name of its bread and butter scooter in May 2023. Before you ask, no. The Activa name is not going anywhere. Instead, Honda is dropping the 6G tag from the name. HMSI has not quoted a reason, but Activa is just an Activa now and the 6G suffix is dropped.Honda Activa Ditches 6G Name – Why though?Why? This is the million-dollar question. As HMSI has not quoted a reason, it can be anyone’s guess. Maybe Honda is doing this as Activa didn’t really get six generations of upgrades. Three at best along with the major powertrain upgrade in 2020 as part of the Indian Government’s push for fewer tailpipe carbon emissions through BS6 emission standard.But, Honda already knew this. So, why the change in name now in May 2023? This might be a part of Honda’s strategic product positioning exercise. Where Honda might bring in variations of its Activa lineup in the future.Honda removes 6g suffix from Activa nameNeed for more variety in the Activa brand is likely to be a necessity in the future. Lastly, Honda is introducing its maiden electric scooter for India in the near future. It will feature swappable battery tech as well. Maybe Honda’s future EV’s name might create a convoluted reception for its current ICE scooter’s name. Anticipation of this might be one of the reasons as well.What next for future Activa updates? No 7G?Long story short, no. There won’t be an Activa 7G or an 8G. Instead, incremental updates for Activa lineup are likely to be recognised with the subsequent year when they were implemented. For example, Honda is likely to recognise updates in 2023 as MY2023 Activa and so forth.Honda Activa’s name is the only change that the company is implementing. No mechanical updates. This means Activa’s tried and tested 109.51cc single-cylinder engine is still on offer. This engine generates 7.73 bhp of power and 8.9 Nm of torque and is mated to a CVT. Honda offers a silent starter, LED headlights, DRL, external fuel filler cap and other features.Honda Activa 2023 specsIndia’s largest scooter maker has not hiked the prices of Activa as well. So the Rs. 75,347 price tag is the same as before too. It’s only the name that Honda has changed and nothing else. Goodbye 6G suffix! More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Bike

      Top 10 150cc to 200cc Motorcycles March 2023 – Apache, Pulsar, FZ, R15, MT15

      by

      Image – MRD VlogsMotorcycle sales in the 150-200cc segment were led by TVS Apache and Bajaj Pulsar with Yamaha FZ also contributing relatively good numbersFollowing our earlier report on 200-500cc motorcycle sales in March 2023, we now bring you sales figures of top 10 150-200cc bikes also sold during March 2023. This segment has been witnessing steady growth over the past several years with more two wheeler makers bringing in new and more exciting offerings into the segment. Another reason for its growth is the fact that larger capacity bikes get more expensive while lower capacity bikes bring with it the advantages of both affordability and fuel efficiency.This segment has seen a YoY and MoM growth in sales in March 2023. Sales stood at 1,09,007 units, up 3.51 percent from 1,05,308 units sold in March 2022. This was an 8,787 unit volume growth. MoM sales also improved by 6.25 percent from 1,02,591 units sold in Feb 2023.Top 10 150-200cc motorcycle sales March 2023TVS Apache led the segment with 36,226 units sold in March 2023. This was a 32.02 percent YoY growth over 27,439 units sold in March 2022. Sales in Feb 2023 had stood at 34,935 units, thus relating to a 3.70 percent MoM growth. The Apache commands a 33.73 percent share in this segment. In Feb 2023, sales of the TVS Apache crossed the 5 million units (50 lakh) sales milestone ever since the series was launched in 2005.At No. 2 was Bajaj Pulsar with sales of 30,756 units in March 2023, up 22.43 percent YoY from 25,121 units sold in March 2022. This was also a 15.89 percent MoM growth as against 26,539 units sold in Feb 2023. Currently commanding a 28.21 percent share on this list, Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and NS200 were launched in March 2023, the same month when the Pulsar 125cc received feature and engine updates.Motorcycle Sales 150cc-200cc segment March 2023 – YoY ReportSales of the Yamaha FZ were at 19,092 units in March 2023 with a YoY de-growth of 17.05 percent from 23,016 units sold in March 2022. It did however, see improved sales on a MoM basis over 17,262 units sold in Feb 2023. Yamaha FZ-S V3 Matte Black has just been moved into company dealerships, a colour which the company had discontinued sometime back. It was followed by the R15 and MT15 with sales of 7,581 units and 6,201 units respectively in March 2023.Motorcycle Sales 150cc-200cc segment March 2023Sales in sub-5,000 unit range in March 2023Hero Xpulse 200 sales were down to 4,525 units in March 2023, a de-growth of 0.83 percent from 4,563 units sold in March 2022. This 200cc model did however see outstanding MoM growth by 175.91 percent as against 1,640 units sold in Feb 2023.Even as KTM200 saw a 50.03 percent YoY growth to 2,915 units in March 2023 from 1,945 units sold in March 2022, its MoM performance saw sales dip 10.42 percent over 3,254 units sold in Feb 2023. Avenger sales dipped to 1,572 units in March 2023 from 1,582 units sold in March 2022 while MoM sales improved by 1.88 percent from 1,543 units sold in Feb 2023.Motorcycle Sales 150cc-200cc segment March 2023 – MoM ReportYoY and MoM de-growth was seen for the Xtreme 160R/200, sales of which fell to 105 units, down 92.55 percent YoY and 77.27 percent MoM. There was also the Kawasaki W175 lower down on this list at No. 10 with 32 units sold in March 2023. This was a MoM de-growth of 59.49 percent as against 79 units sold in Feb 2023. W175 was launched in September 2022 and is currently priced at Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom).Sales of CB200X dipped to just 2 units in March 2023 from 441 units sold in March 2022 while there had been 0 units sold in Feb 2023. Sales of Gixxer and Unicorn which had stood at 1,698 units and 1,339 units in Feb 2023, along with 6 units of XBlade and 5 units of Hornet 2.0, were down to 0 units in March 2023. More

    • 138 Shares139 Views

      in Bike

      Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 New Spy Video – Testing Inside City

      by

      Royal Enfield Himalayan 450Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will rival the likes of KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G310GS and upcoming Hero Xpulse 420Royal Enfield is creating a new 450cc range and the first model to be launched will be Himalayan 450. Later, other models can also be introduced such as Scram 450. Himalayan 450 will be essentially looking to fix the shortcomings of current 411cc Himalayan, all while continuing with the affordable pricing policy.Himalayan 450 was recently spotted inside the city, in what appears to be production-ready format. It indicates that the bike could be launched soon. It can be offered at a starting price of around Rs 2.5 lakh. Latest spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Hanish.Himalayan 450 Testing Inside The CityAs compared to the current model, Himalayan 450 will have improved aesthetics, new equipment and more power and torque to conquer challenging terrains. The bike will have evolved capabilities for urban streets as well. Some of the key features of Himalayan 450 include all-LED lighting, fully digital instrument console and USD front forks. As of now, none of the existing single cylinder RE bikes have these features.Other highlights of Himalayan 450 include raised front beak, a compact windscreen, upmarket switchgear, large radiator at front, rugged engine guard and new brake fluid reservoir. The bike has rally-style foot pegs for improved traction in slippery conditions. Rubber inserts will be available for foot pegs, allowing users to customize based on their riding conditions.[embedded content][embedded content]In terms of ergonomics, the bike has a fairly upright stance. While it looks just as tall as the current model, Himalayan 450 has a scooped seat that will help improve balance and handling. With the raised handlebar and elevated front section, users should be able to ride effortlessly standing up on the foot pegs. Even shorter users should not have any major issues riding Himalayan 450.Himalayan 450 performance, specsWhile official engine specs are not known, it is likely to be a liquid cooled unit. Himalayan 450 can deliver around 35 bhp of max power and 40 Nm of peak torque. In comparison, the existing Himalayan has a 411cc engine that makes 24.3 bhp and 32 Nm.Himalayan 450 can be equipped with a 6-speed gearbox. It can have benefits such as enhanced cruising capabilities, improved fuel efficiency and higher top speed. Existing Himalayan has a 5-speed gearbox and offers fuel efficiency of 33.33 kmpl.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450Himalayan 450 has USD front forks, a first for a single-cylinder Royal Enfield bike. It can get 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, the same setup used with current Himalayan. The bike has spoke wheels, with disk brakes at both ends. Dual-channel ABS is likely and switchable functionality can be available for rear wheel.With Royal Enfield’s focus on affordability, Himalayan 450 may miss out on premium features such as quick shifter, slipper and assist clutch and ride-by-wire tech. Tripper screen may not be required, as Himalayan 450’s digital instrument is likely to be equipped with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Two Wheeler Sales, Exports APR 2023 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, RE, Suzuki

      by

      New Bajaj PulsarTwo wheeler sales saw a YoY and MoM growth in domestic markets with Bajaj Auto posting triple digit
      Sales figures for 6 leading OEMs in the Indian two-wheeler segment for the month of April 2023 show growth across domestic markets. Exports on the other hand dipped YoY but saw a reasonable improvement on MoM basis. Total sales in the two wheeler segment as reported by 6 leading automakers stood at 15,15,492 units in April 2023. This was a YoY growth of 3.41 percent when compared to 14,65,544 units sold in April 2022. MoM sales also saw a 4.11 percent improvement from 14,55,700 units sold in March 2023.
      Sales in domestic markets in April 2023 stood at 12,75,397 units, up 17.10 percent over 10,89,187 units sold in April 2022. This was a volume growth of 1,86,210 units. MoM sales also saw a 4.01 percent growth over 12,26,262 units sold in March 2023 relating to a volume growth of 49,135 units.
      Two Wheeler Domestic Sales April 2023
      Hero MotoCorp headed the list with Honda close behind followed by TVS, Bajaj Auto, Royal Enfield and Suzuki. Hero MotoCorp posted a YoY and MoM decline in sales in the past month. Sales stood at 3,86,184 units, down 3.09 percent over 3,98,490 units sold in April 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 12,306 units with Hero commanding a 30.28 percent share. MoM sales also fell by 23.18 percent from 5,02,730 units sold in March 2023 leading to a volume de-growth of 1,16,546 units.
      At No. 2 was Honda with two wheeler sales of 3,38,289 units in the past month, up 6.14 percent over 3,18,732 units sold in April 2022. Sales of Honda improved more significantly on a MoM basis from 1,97,512 units sold in March 2023. Share percentage improved from 16.11 percent held in March 2023 to 26.52 percent last month.
      Two Wheeler Domestic Sales April 2023
      TVS Motor also saw a YoY growth in sales in April 2023 by 29.02 percent with 2,32,956 units sold in the said month. This was an improvement over 1,80,553 units sold in April 2022. Currently commanding an 18.27 percent share, the company has reported a MoM decline in sales in domestic markets by 3.25 percent from 2,40,780 units sold in March 2023. Last month, the company also announced launch of a new variant of its 125cc premium commuter motorcycle – Raider 125.
      Two Wheeler Domestic Sales April 2023
      Bajaj Auto Limited has seen improvement in domestic sales last month. Sales which had stood at 83,233 units in April 2022 improved by 118.46 percent to 1,81,828 units in April 2023. It was also a MoM growth of 19.40 percent over 1,52,287 units sold in March 2023. Bajaj Auto currently holds a 14.26 percent share on this list. Royal Enfield and Suzuki sales stood at 68,881 units and 67,259 units respectively in April 2023 with both posting YoY growth. MoM sales of RE also improved by 15.02 percent while Suzuki sales dipped 7.95 percent on MoM basis.
      Two Wheeler Exports April 2023
      Exports dipped 36.21 percent YoY but improved by 4.64 percent MoM to 2,40,095 units in April 2023. This was against 3,76,357 units shipped in April 2022 and 2,29,438 units exported in March 2023. Every OEM on this list posted YoY de-growth except for Suzuki while Bajaj and Honda were the only two to post MoM growth. Bajaj Auto led in terms of exports in April 2023 with 1,06,157 units exported relating to a 43.68 percent YoY decline but 12.08 percent MoM growth.
      Two Wheeler Exports April 2023
      TVS Motor posted YoY and MoM decline in exports to 61,830 units. Honda too saw exports fall to 36,458 units in April 2023 while Honda exports improved by 152.03 percent MoM. Suzuki exports were at 21,472 units, up 21.59 percent over 17,660 units shipped in April 2022 while MoM exports fell by 12.41 percent. Hero (9,923 units) and Enfield (4,255 units) each posted YoY and MoM decline in exports.
      Two Wheeler Exports April 2023
      Two Wheeler Total (sales + exports) April 2023
      Thanks to increased domestic sales, there was a YoY and MoM growth in total two wheeler sales in April 2023. It was 15,15,492 units in April 2023 up 3.41 percent when compared to 14,65,544 units sold in April 2022 and an increase of4.11 percent from 14,55,700 units sold March 2023.
      Two Wheeler Total (Sales + Exports) April 2023
      Hero MotoCorp sales fell to 3,96,107 units relating to a 5.38 percent YoY and 23.73 percent MoM decline. Honda’s total sales improved to 3,74,747 units in the past month while TVS Motor also posted YoY growth to 2,94,786 units in April 2023. Bajaj Auto had total sales of 2,87,985 units last month, a YoY and MoM growth of 5.99 percent and 16.59 percent respectively while there was also Suzuki with 88,731 units and Royal Enfield with 73,136 units sold in April 2023.
      Two Wheeler Total (Sales + Exports) April 2023 More

    • 125 Shares179 Views

      in Bike

      Yamaha RD350 Launch Likely As RZ350 – Royal Enfield Rival?

      by

      Image for illustration purpose. Credit – bluesmokecustoms yamaha rd 350Yamaha had recently showcased R3, R7, MT03, MT07 and MT09 at a dealer event, which reveals the company’s intentions to bring its big bikes to India
      Middleweight segment in India has been registering strong growth, a trend which is expected to continue in the future. It presents a good opportunity for OEMs to aggressively target this space. As of now, more than 3/4th market share of middleweight motorcycle segment is commanded by Royal Enfield.
      Yamaha is among the brands that are actively looking to enter the middleweight segment. The highest capacity Yamaha bikes currently on offer in India are the 250cc FZ 25 and FZS 25. The middleweight segment will also witness other new entrants such as upcoming Hero-Harley and Bajaj-Triumph bikes.
      Yamaha RZ350 and RZ250 trademark filed in Japan
      In several global markets including India, there’s increased demand for retro-styled bikes. While several entirely new models have been created, many OEMs have resurrected iconic models from the bygone era. Yamaha seems to be working on a similar approach, as it has recently filed trademarks for RZ350 and RZ250 in Japan. Considering the craze for retro bikes in India, it is possible that Yamaha could introduce the RZ350 and RZ250 in India as well.
      RD350 was available in India during the 80s and 90s. It was hugely popular for its classic design and powerful performance. Even today, quite a few enthusiasts have the RD350 in running condition. There are various RD clubs as well in several parts of the country. With such a significant fan following, it won’t be surprising if RD350 returns to Indian market. This is especially true when Yamaha is looking to introduce higher capacity bikes in India.
      Yamaha trademarks RZ350 and RZ250 names
      Trademark applications for RZ350 and RZ250 filed in Japan are under Class 12. However, other details are not available at this point of time. OEMs often trademark names, but it is not a guarantee that those products will make it to production stage. With limited information available, it is difficult to say what Yamaha is planning with the RZ350 and RZ250 trademarks.
      RD350 relaunch – What to expect?
      Assuming that RD350 is resurrected, it is likely to be relaunched as a modern classic. It will take on Royal Enfield 350cc range, Honda H’ness CB350, Jawa / Yezdi and upcoming Bajaj-Triumph and Hero-Harley bikes. The hardware will also be upgraded in line with current expectations and in compliance with stricter emission norms.
      Original Yamaha RD350 was equipped with a 347cc air cooled engine that generated 39 bhp of max power. It was mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The two-stroke parallel twin motor was immensely popular for its pulsating performance.
      In its resurrected form, RD350 is likely to get a four-stroke engine. Equipment list will also be updated. For example, the bike could get LED headlamp with DRL, digital instrument console, dual-channel ABS, Bluetooth connectivity, traction control system and assist and slipper clutch. More