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      Honda 350cc Cruiser To Rival Meteor 350 – Launch By Diwali 2023 ?

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      To be based on the existing CB350, new Honda 350cc Cruiser is likely to come with different engine tuningHonda Rebel Cruiser – Image for illustration purpose onlyIf there is one brand that is dominating the 350cc segment, it is Royal Enfield. It is at the peak of this segment, enjoying a huge market share of over 85%. Rival manufacturers have tried to eat into this market share, but have not found much success yet. Classic Legends Jawa and Yezdi, Honda CB350 and CB350 RS, Bajaj Dominar are some examples.That does not mean rivals have given up. Honda for example, is getting ready to launch a new 350cc motorcycle later this year, which is rumoured to be a cruiser that will take on the Royal Enfield Meteor 350. As of now, Meteor 350 is enjoying a niche in this segment. Now, Honda intends to crash Meteor 350’s party by launching a new cruiser based on its CB350.What To Expect From Upcoming Honda 350cc Cruiser?A new variant of CB350 by the end of this year was hinted by Honda while revealing its EV roadmap for India. They have not yet confirmed that it will be a cruiser. There was just a new variant mentioned based on CB350, which could be an ADV as well. One to take on Royal Enfield Himalayan. Or it can be an even more trail-worthy CB350 RS based scrambler with wire-spoked wheels, longer travel suspension and A/T tyres.Rumours in the industry claim that it is more likely to be a cruiser. Because Meteor 350 has more sales volume when compared to Himalayan. For reference, Meteor 350 sales avg about 8k units a month, while Himalayan sales are in the 3k range per month. If trying to cut into an established pie, why not shoot for a larger pie, right?Honda Rebel cruiser image for referenceRecently, Honda announced six custom kits with CB350. Out of these, Tourer custom was a tempting proposition for a cruiser. It had knuckle guards, a windscreen, and a luggage rack behind its pillion seats. But there was a missed opportunity for Honda as it should have offered revised rider geometry to suit that of a cruiser motorcycle.That is exactly what Honda might be offering with this upcoming variant of CB350. New Honda 350cc cruiser might offer a lower seat height, extended wheelbase, a longer and more relaxed handlebar, front set foot pegs, a larger fuel tank, smaller wheels and more. This would transform CB350 into a cruiser with a lot more appeal. Something inspired by their Rebel range of motorcycles on offer in the international market would be great.Honda 350cc Cruiser Engine SpecsHonda will very likely retain its 348.36cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. But, there might be a different engine tune to suit a cruiser’s character by offering more bottom-end torque. Revised gearing and sprockets might be possible too. For reference, on H’ness CB350, this engine makes 20.78 bhp of power and 30 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.While at it, we hope Honda throws in a 20L or even 21L fuel tank to get an impeccable tank range. Even Meteor 350 doesn’t get a large fuel tank, which its predecessor Thunderbird 350 did. Other features like LED lighting and retro styling will be retained. Launch will happen by Diwali 2023. Prices of Honda 350cc cruiser will be more that of the existing CB350 range. More

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      Royal Enfield To Invest Up To Rs 1,500 Crore – New Factory, EVs, Motorcycles

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      Royal Enfield’s Rapid Expansion: More motorcycles, EVs and a New Cheyyar Manufacturing FacilityImage – Lost Together 4everRoyal Enfield is continually expanding its product portfolio. Likewise, the Chennai-based bike maker has more products planned for the future – such as the Shotgun 650, Scram 650, Himalayan 450, Scram 450, and new Bullet 350. With this rapid expansion, the need for additional production preparedness is essential to keep up with growing demand.Royal Enfield recorded its highest ever sales of 8.34 lakh motorcycles in FY2023. To accommodate additional capacity and EV goals, the company is reportedly setting up a new manufacturing facility. It will be located in Cheyyar, outside Chennai.Royal Enfield’s New Manufacturing Facility: Combining ICE Vehicles and EVsThe report elaborates that Royal Enfield has acquired 60 acres of land in Cheyyar for this new facility. This will require an investment of Rs 1,000 crore – Rs 1,500 crore over the next two years. Establishing a new facility can meet future demands.Royal Enfield’s new facility in Cheyyar will reportedly produce both ICE vehicles and EVs. The facility will also take on some of the duties from Royal Enfield’s Thiruvottiyur factory. This entails a budget of up to Rs. 150 crore to lay the groundwork, and the project’s completion is expected to be in 2025.Current Royal Enfield motorcycles are manufactured at company plant in Chennai, India.Royal Enfield’s EV Plans: Two Different Platforms in the WorksThere has been speculation that Royal Enfield is developing two different EV platforms. The first is an in-house platform codenamed L1A, which is rumoured to hit the road by 2025. There is also the EV platform from Spanish EV maker Stark Motorcycles.First Royal Enfield electric motorcycle is expected to make its market launch in 2025. It will be a completely new machine, and not something that will be based on their existing motorcycle. Designed to be an EV from ground up, it is likely to come with a battery pack that will deliver a range of about 100-150 kms in real world conditions.More Than Just a Production Plant – Meeting the Challenges of the FutureRoyal Enfield’s existing Vallam Vadagal and Oragadam factories have a combined production capacity of above one million (10 lakh) units per annum. Then there is the Thiruvottiyur facility as well. Future EV production is expected to be a prominent role of this new plant.Their expansion plans are in full swing, and the company’s new manufacturing facility in Cheyyar is an essential part of these plans. And it will play a significant role in fostering the manufacturer’s future growth. Royal Enfield is poised to take the Indian and global two-wheeler markets by storm with its growing product line-up, focus on increased exports, and EV plans.Source More

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      2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125 E20 Gets FI Engine – New Alloys, Colours, Features

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      Bajaj has replaced the electronic carburetor on 2023 Pulsar 125 with a fuel injector, which should ensure better efficiency and performance2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125Bajaj Pulsar 125 has received an update for MY2023. Updated models reached dealerships and deliveries have also started. As part of the update, Bajaj has made significant changes to its powertrain to make it RDE-compliant and E20 fuel compatible. This is part of the BS6 Phase II emission norms transition. OBD-II diagnostics is also a part of this update, monitoring emissions and engine parameters in real-time.2023 Pulsar 125 – Goodbye Carburetor, Hello FI, E20 EngineBike Point By Mintu&Rahul channel has uploaded a detailed walkaround of 2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125 Neon Edition. Pulsar 125 Neon Edition Single Seat Disc variant price to be Rs. 1.01 lakh (on-road, WB). This pricing undercuts most of its rivals from Honda, TVS and Hero MotoCorp.2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125 – New AlloysTo get Pulsar 125 to meet new norms, Bajaj has ditched the electronic carburetor from pre-BS6 P2 era. In its place, we now get a much more efficient fuel injector. There will be a change in engine tuning as well, to take full benefits of a fuel injector. Bajaj will likely equip 2023 Pulsar 125 with a new ECU measuring various external factors to best optimise air-fuel ratio in real-time.Benefits of a FI over a carburetor are many. For starters, there is better atomization of the charge. A carburetor can’t adjust air-fuel ratio on its own with varied altitude, pressure, temperature and other external factors. With the new fuel injector, there might be an increase in fuel efficiency as well.[embedded content][embedded content]Bajaj has made another major change to Pulsar 125. Pre-BS6 P2 Pulsar 125 came with twin spark technology. Bajaj calls it DTS-i and Pulsar 125’s engine casing had this branding as well. With 2023 Pulsar 125, there is just one spark plug and engine casing now gets Bajaj branding instead of DTS-i.2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125New Cosmetic & Functional Upgrades For Better Commuting ExperienceThe walkaround video only shows the Pulsar 125 Neon Edition Single Seat Disc Brake variant. Aforementioned changes will be applicable to other variants of Neon Edition and Carbon Fibre Edition as well. Pulsar 125’s graphics get subtle revisions too.Pulsar 125 looks a lot more stylish with the new alloy wheel design, replacing the older 6-spoke design. Differences between Carbon Fiber and Neon editions are in aesthetics only. Primary of them is that Carbon Fiber gets a belly pan, which Neon lacks.2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125There is an overhauled instrument cluster as well. It is physically the same unit. Added features are instant fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency and distance to empty. A Gear position indicator is lacking, though. New Pulsar 125 gets halogen headlights, turn indicators and pilot lamps, LED tail lights and illuminated switchgear and more.Change In Numbers Expected2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125 is likely to sport different performance figures with added FI setup. For reference, the outgoing carburated model develops 11.64 bhp and 10.8 Nm and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Newer model retains regular telescopic front forks, rear twin shock absorbers, 80/100-17 front and 100/90-17 rear tyres. Pulsar 125 rivals include Honda SP125, TVS Raider 125, Hero Glamour XTEC and the likes. More

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      Keeway 300cc Motorcycles Price Cut By Rs 55,000 – KTM, Apache 310 Rival

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      Keeway India has announced a massive price cut of their 300cc range of motorcycles K300 N and K300 RKeeway K300 with rival KTM RC 390. Image – Preet Vlog.Keeway, an established two wheeler maker based in Hungary and with sales operations across 98 countries, entered India last year via Adishwar Auto Ride India. Keeway offers a range of premium scooters and motorcycles, among which are Vieste 300 maxi-scooter, Sixties 300i retro scooter, K-Light 250V cruiser and K300 motorcycles.Keeway K300 Price Cut April 2023K300 is offered in two variants of K300 N which is a naked street version and K300 R a fully faired racing sports oriented model. Until now, Keeway K300 N was available at a price from Rs 2.65 lakh-2.85 lakh while K300 R was priced from Rs 2.99 lakh-3.20 lakh (ex-showroom). Both these bikes have now received a massive price cut.Keeway K300 N and K300 R – New prices April 2023As per the new prices, all colour options of Keeway 300 N are priced at Rs 2.55 lakh while all colours of K300 R are priced at Rs 3.65 lakh. This in effect, is a price cut of Rs 10k to Rs 30k for K300 N and Rs 34k to Rs 55k for K300 R. The reason for price cut, the company states – “We have now been able to gain better import costs for the K300N and K300R models. Being a responsible manufacturer, the company has decided to pass on the benefit to its customers.”Keeway K300 N and K300 R – Modern DesignKeeway K300 N is offered in colour options of Matte White, Matte Red and Matte Black. This naked street bike boasts of a bassinet frame. It offers a more upright riding position with seat height of 795mm and kerb weight of 151 kgs. Below is a detailed walkaround of the new Keeway K300 N, shared by MRD Vlogs channel.[embedded content][embedded content]It gets raised handlebars with mounted mirrors, a 12.5 liter angular fuel tank and low profile fenders. It is fitted with 110/70 and 140/60 tyres at the front and rear respectively. Dimensions stand at 1,990mm length, 780mm width and 1,070 mm height. It rides on a 1,360mm long wheelbase and gets 150mm ground clearance.Image – Biker Prakash ChoudharyKeeway K300 R is offered in a glossy colour scheme. It features an aerodynamic design with a short windshield, compact handlebars and drag reducing fairings. It offers a more aggressive riding position with dimensions at 2,010 mm length, 750mm width and 1,080 mm height along with a 1,360mm wheelbase. It gets seat height at 780mm, ground clearance at 135mm and kerb weight at 165 kgs.Both the bikes get similar LED headlamp unit, digital instrument cluster, angular fuel tank, split seats and a short tail section along with an underbelly exhaust. The bikes also ride on alloy wheels in a similar design with tubeless tyres.Keeway K300 specs for IndiaKeeway K300 – Engine, Gearbox, SuspensionKeeway K300 N and K300 R share the same engine specifications. They are powered by a 292.4cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4 stroke, single cylinder engine offering 27.50 hp power at 8,750 rpm and 25 Nm torque at 7,000 rpm mated to a 6 speed transmission. Suspension is via 37mm USD shock absorbers in the front and central monoshock at the rear while braking is via 292 mm single discs at the front and 220mm single disc at the rear. Both bikes get dual channel ABS as standard.Where competition in the Indian market is concerned, the Keeway K300 N and K300 R will find many rivals in its segment. They will not only take on the BMW G 310 R and G 310 RR but it will also compete with the Honda CB300R and CB300F, Bajaj Dominar, Apache RR 310, KTM Duke 250, KTM Duke 390, KTM RC 390 and others. More

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      The State of India’s Electric Vehicle Industry in FY 22-23

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      Overview of Indian Electric Vehicle Industry in FY 22-23TVS iQube electric scooterIn its recent fiscal year report, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) stated that India witnessed growth. Sales growth of electric vehicles (EVs) during the FY22-23, including electric buses, cars, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers.Total number of EVs sold was 1,152,021. Indicating a significant milestone for the Indian EV industry, which is striving to achieve the Government-mandated EV goals. This trend is expected to continue in the future. Concerns have been raised regarding the slow adoption of high-speed electric two-wheelers (E2W).Electric vehicle sales in India FY 2022/23Slow Adoption of High-Speed E2Ws: Challenges, Solutions, OpportunitiesAccording to industry experts and stakeholders, slow adoption of high-speed electric two-wheelers (E2Ws) in India isn’t due to a lack of consumer demand. But due to issues related to subsidies and compliance with government norms. Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have already passed on over Rs. 1200 crore in subsidies to their customers.However, the pretext of delays in localization has led to the withholding of subsidies. Allegations of under-invoicing by premium OEMs for FAME subsidy have resulted in a shortage of working capital. This amounts to Rs 400 crore of OEM money. And Likewise, it affects business operations and the growth of the industry.EV Sales FY 22 / 23Key factors that can strengthen the EV ecosystem in India include improving the supply chain for essential components such as motors and batteries. There must be clarity on the continuation of the FAME scheme. A direct subsidy mechanism can be implemented to avoid discrepancies. Moreover, phasing out subsidies gradually after achieving a certain threshold and promoting local manufacturing of EV components can reduce dependence on imports. Together, this can make the EV ecosystem self-sustaining.EV sales in India FY 17 to FY 23Growth of Electric Two-Wheeler Sales in India – Strengthening the EV Ecosystem in IndiaDespite challenges, growth of electric two-wheeler sales in India is noteworthy. In FY23, 7,26,976 high-speed e-scooters and 1,20,000 low-speed e-scooters were sold. As were 50k units of e-cycles and 2,85,443 units of low-speed e-rickshaws. Total e3W sales are reported at 4,01,841 units. Electric 4W (E4W/electric car) sales is reported at 47,217 units. E-Bus sales are reported at 1,904 units. Total e2W sales stood at 8,46,976 units.In FY22, this number stood at 3,38,000 units – 2,52,543 units for high speed e-scooters, and 75,457 units for low speed e-scooters. However, it’s worth noting that growth rate in the High Speed electric two-wheeler segment slowed down in the latter part of the fiscal year. Consequently, it resulted in annual estimates being in the red by over a quarter (25 percent shortfall) as per research organisations and Niti Aayog. Estimates stood at 10,00,863 units.EV Sales projectionEV Industry in India Grows Exponentially: Challenges Remain for High-Speed E2WsSohinder Gill, DG SMEV, said, “While all the earlier schemes since 2015 had negligible effect on the EV adoption, the revised FAME2 in late 2021 had a dramatic effect on E2W adoption as it decreased their prices by around 35%.This started attracting the component supply chain that had earlier shunned anything to do with E2WS because of extremely low volumes and it is only in the late 2021, suppliers started queuing up to OEMS to show their eagerness of developing EV components. It took most of these suppliers 12 to 18 months, the usual time that it takes to localise and now most of them have started setting up sufficient capacities.” More

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      Bajaj Takes Over Triumph India Sales, Marketing Ops – All Dealerships

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      Bajaj-Triumph announced today their next phase of partnership for operations in IndiaBajaj takes over Triumph India operationsBajaj Auto and Triumph had first announced their partnership back in Aug 2017. Now, in 2023, the partnership is entering its 2nd phase. Bajaj is taking over Triumph India’s dealer network as well as entire sales and marketing operations. This is similar to what Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson have done in India.Bajaj Probiking Takes Over Triumph India OperationsAs of now, Bajaj Auto operates KTM, Bajaj 2W, Chetak and Bajaj 3W dealerships. Triumph will be the company’s fifth dealer channel. As of now, Triumph has 15 dealerships across India. All Triumph dealerships will remain exclusive to the British brand.Bajaj-Triumph motorcycle for India – spiedTriumph India operations will now be headed by Mr. Sumeet Narang, who is also heading Bajaj Probiking. Whereas previous Triumph India head, Mr. Shoeb Farooq is reportedly being transferred to Bajaj’s Chetak electric mobility division. Over the next two years, Bajaj will increase the Triumph India dealer network from existing 15 to 120 outlets.Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director – Bajaj Auto, said: “We are very excited that the time to bring the results of the joint work of Triumph & Bajaj Auto teams is drawing closer. We welcome the Triumph dealerships into the Bajaj Auto family and offer them an opportunity to further build their business as the portfolio expands. We will also leverage our formidable distribution network to rapidly expand the exclusive Triumph stores in India in preparation for the soon-to-be-launched, exciting new motorcycles.”Bajaj-Triumph motorcycle for India – spiedPaul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer Triumph Motorcycles Ltd said: “This is an important partnership for Triumph which continues to progress very well. The Triumph dealer network has been great business partners for Triumph, they have achieved many great results with Triumph Motorcycles here in India and have served our 9000+ customers incredibly well since we entered the market back in 2014. We are excited about the growth that we can now achieve through our partnership with Bajaj Auto Ltd, here in India, and look forward to welcoming many more customers to the Triumph brand.”New Bajaj-Triumph Motorcycle Launch Planned In 2023Strategic partnership between Bajaj and Triumph will also give birth to a range of new motorcycles in the 250cc to 700cc segment. These motorcycles will be manufactured by Bajaj at its Chakan facility in Pune, and could also be exported to various global markets.Bajaj-Triumph motorcycle for India – spiedAlready spied on test, these new motorcycles will make its global debut in the coming months. From the spy shots, it is clear that there is a roadster and a scrambler in the making. These could be powered by engine options ranging in the 250cc to 400cc segment. Upon launch, these Bajaj-Triumph motorcycles will rival Royal Enfield as well as upcoming Hero Harley Davidson 420cc. Prices are expected to be in the Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh range. More

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      New Hero Karizma 210cc Spied 1st Time – More Power, Features

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      Hero MotoCorp has registered two new names – Karizma XMR and Karizma XMR 210New Hero Karizma 210cc launch soon – SpiedHero MotoCorp is on the verge of stepping up its game in the premium motorcycle segment. They are working on launching a range of new motorcycles in the 200cc to 450cc segment. These will include new adventure motorcycles, roadsters as well as fully faired machines.Hero Karizma Coming Back – New Gen MotorcycleOne of them is likely to be new gen Karizma. Yes, Hero is getting ready to revive their iconic brand. Karizma was the flagship Hero motorcycle for many years, until it was discontinued. Over the years, Hero tried to revive the Karizma brand multiple times, but did not succeed to meet expectations. 2014 Karizma facelift designed by EBR (Erik Buell Racing) was the iceberg that single-handedly sank Hero’s Titanic.New Hero Karizma 210cc launch soon – SpiedHistorically speaking, Karizma has always been offered as a duo. A semi-faired Karizma with slightly less power and a fully-faired Karizma ZMR with more power. This time around as well, the same approach is expected. Hero has trademarked two names – Karizma XMR and Karizma XMR 210.Karizma XMR could be the less powerful one with a bikini fairing to take on Pulsar 220F. It might even don the same 200cc oil-cooled engine as outgoing Xtreme 200S. While the Karizma XMR 210 could be the fully faired offering with a liquid-cooled 210cc engine and 6-speed gearbox to take on Pulsar RS 200.[embedded content][embedded content]Xtreme 200S Design Language?Based on the latest Karizma test mule spied, it seems to be carrying a design inspired by Xtreme 200S. Closer inspection reveals an almost similar fairing, but more stylised. We can spot differences over Xtreme 200S – LED turn indicators with hazard light function and fairing-mounted ORVMs instead of being mounted on handlebars.New Hero Karizma 210cc launch soon – SpiedAs pricing was one of Karizma’s key strengths, we reckon it won’t bear any fancy equipment to ramp up costs. From the spy shots, it is clear that 2023 Hero Karizma does not get USD front forks. LED lighting, and Bluetooth connectivity with navigation could be offered. New Karizma 210 prices are expected to be in the Rs. 1.3 to 1.6 lakh bracket.Is 210 In Karizma XMR 210 Denoting Its Displacement?It is not yet confirmed. If we take the Aston Martin Rapide AMR 210 for example, the 210 in its name denotes two things. One, it is limited to just 210 units across the world. Two, it has a top speed of 210 mph, making it the fastest four-door sedan in the world.New Hero Karizma 210 – Name trademarkedSticking with Hero, that 210 has to mean something. Being logical, it won’t hit 210 km/h top speed. So, it is highly likely to denote its displacement. Liquid-cooled or not, that could be debatable. Also, it might very well be Hero’s 200cc engine, bored to displace 210cc and mated to a new 6-speed gearbox (rumoured). We can expect around 25 bhp and 30 Nm from this setup. More

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      BSA 650cc Spied In Production Ready Guise – RE 650 Rival

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      When launched, BSA Gold Star 650 will take on Royal Enfield 650 Twins- Interceptor and Continental GTBSA 650cc SpiedAfter reviving defunct brands like Jawa and Yezdi earlier, Classic Legends revived the iconic British motorcycle brand BSA late last year. The first motorcycle to don this nameplate is named Gold Star 650 which made its maiden appearance in December 2021 at an exclusive event in Birmingham, United Kingdom.In July 2022, UK launch of the BSA 650cc took place. It is priced from about GBP 6,500. which is about Rs 6.6 lakh as per today’s conversion rate. It is now planned for launch in other countries globally.BSA 650cc SpiedBSA 650cc Spied testing in production ready guiserBacked by Mahindra & Mahindra, Classic Legends bought the rights of the incumbent BSA Motorcycles back in 2016 for approximately Rs 28 crores. Initially, BSA motorcycles will exclusively cater to the UK market. But launch in other countries is also expected. BSA 650cc test mules have now been spied in production ready guise on Indian roads. Latest spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Satya.The company has not confirmed an India launch yet, however, given the popularity of the modern classic segment, Classic Legends might bring it here. BSA plans to launch Gold Star 650 in the United States as well. The company could also introduce the bike in South American markets. In most of these markets, BSA will be directly pitted against Royal Enfield.BSA 650cc SpiedManufacturing & DesignAs of now, the 650cc roadster will be manufactured by Classic Legends in India and exported to overseas markets. However, the company is working on opening a new assembly facility in the UK that would split manufacturing operations between the two countries. This facility will be different from the one commissioned by the UK Government in Midlands which will be used for manufacturing EVs.Gold Star 650 has been designed by a British firm called Redline Studios whereas its chassis has been built by British engineering specialists Ricardo. The engine, however, has been sourced from Austrian engineering firm Rotax and worked upon by Technical University of Graz.Powertrain & Hardware SpecsSpeaking of the engine, Gold Star 650 is powered by a 652cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor that dishes out 45hp and 55Nm of peak torque. This unit is paired with a 5-speed gearbox via a slipper and assist clutch. As for performance, Classic Legends say that this bike can reach a top speed of 166 kmph. The company has also stated that this engine could be tuned for more power and torque in future.Coming to its hardware setup, BSA Gold Star 650 is underpinned by a dual-cradle tubular chassis that sits on raked-out telescopic forks at front and twin preload-adjustable rear shock absorbers. Braking duties are carried out by disc brakes at both ends with callipers from Brembo which are aided by a dual-channel ABS. More