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    Simple One electric scooter ready for delivery on launch day

    Simple One Electric Scooter ready for delivery. Image – JoshThe 236 km claimed range on a single charge on Simple One electric scooter is the best in segment, even crossing Ola S1 Pro’s 181 km claimed rangeAfter multiple delays and setbacks, Simple Energy is readying its Simple One electric scooter for launch. Production commenced and the first unit rolled out of the factory earlier this month. Launch date is on May 23rd. Ahead of launch, Simple Energy is racking up scooters for deliveries.Simple One will take on established rivals like Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450X, TVS iQube ST and relatively newer entrants like Hero Vida V1 Pro. The Indian startup brand is betting big on range and that’s how it intends to cut down on range anxiety.Simple One Delivery Units Papped – The next big thing in 2W EV space?Prospective buyers can book a Simple One electric scooter for Rs. 1,947. Which is fully refundable. Simple Energy will reveal the scooter’s full pricing at launch on May 23rd. Unlike Ola Electric which took the direction of a swooping and curvaceous body, Simple Energy is offering sharp details with edgy design language.That said, nothing looks overdone. The triangular headlight housing looks neat and complements the overall design. Turn indicators are LEDs and tail lights remind me of Apache RR 310 for some reason. In the beginning, there were talks about a 4.8 kWh fixed battery and two removable batteries taking the total to 6.4 kWh.Simple One Electric Scooter productionThat doesn’t seem to be the case with the production model as now there is a 30L under-seat storage. 4.8 kWh battery is still the largest among electric scooters in India and Simple Energy is claiming 236 km of range. Ola S1 Pro is revered as the current king of range with a claimed 181 km. Simple One tops that with quite a margin.Other headline figures include 0-40 km/h in 2.77 seconds and a top speed of 105 km/h, 8.5 kW of peak power (11.3 bhp) and 4.5 kW (6.03 bhp) continuous power. Another headline figure is 72 Nm torque from its mid-mounted motor driving the rear wheel with a belt drive and AIS 156 Amendment 3 certification from ICAT.Feature loaded and safe at the same timeThis new standard covers safety mandates for vehicles with an electric powertrain. There are four colours on offer namely Brazen Black, Namma Red, Azure Blue and Grace White. There is a touchscreen infotainment display as well and features advanced features like navigation, music controls, call alerts and actions, remote access, geo-fencing, OTA updates, remote locking and more.Simple Energy is promising a One Loop charging network as well, which is yet to be implemented. Componentry includes conventional telescopic front forks, 90/90-12 tyres wrapped on 12” alloy wheels at both ends, disc brakes at both ends with patented combi brakes and more. All these weigh in at 115 kg wet, which is commendable. More

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    2023 Bajaj Avenger 220 Street Walkaround – All New Changes Detailed

    2023 Bajaj Avenger 220 StreetJust like Avenger 220 Cruise, the new Avenger 220 Street does not have any direct rivals at the time of launchIn a surprising move, Bajaj has relaunched Avenger 220 Street in India. It is available at the same price as that of Bajaj 220 Cruise. As may be recalled, Avenger 220 Street was discontinued in 2020 before the stricter BS6 emission norms came into effect. Inability to generate desired sales numbers could have been one of the key reasons why Avenger 220 Street was discontinued.For city needs, Bajaj had continued with Avenger 160 Street. It is currently available at a starting price of Rs 1.12 lakh. Relaunch of 220 Street could be based on market feedback, with enthusiasts looking for a more powerful machine for city commutes. It remains to be seen if the new Avenger 220 Street can deliver better results than its predecessor.Bajaj Avenger 220 Street features – New changesA significant percentage of features have been borrowed from Avenger 160 Street. It includes the headlamp, compact visor, fork gaiters, handlebar, rear-view mirrors, circular turn indicators, fuel tank, exhaust pipe and grab rail.Ride ergonomics is also the same, featuring comfy single-piece seat and wide, raised handlebar. Alloy wheels and TVS Eurogrip tyres are the same as that of Avenger 160 Street. The full digital instrument console is the same as well, although it now has amber backlight. Colour options are expected to be the same as that of 160 Street. It includes Ebony Black and Spicy Red.2023 Bajaj Avenger 220 StreetAvenger 220 Street engine, specsBajaj Avenger 220 Street borrows the 220cc, single cylinder, oil cooled, engine from 220 Cruise. It generates 19.03 PS of max power and 17.55 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The new engine complies with the stricter BS6 Phase 2 emission norms. It also supports E20 ethanol-mix fuel. The engine has been designed to deliver refined performance. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video shared by Rash Gear channel.[embedded content]Avenger 220 Street has telescopic front forks with double anti-friction bush and 5-step adjustable twin rear shock absorber. Braking duties are performed by a 280 mm disc at front with ABS and 130 mm drum at rear. The bike has 17-inch front and 15-inch rear wheels, shod with 90/90 and 130/90 tubeless tyres, respectively.Although Avenger 220 Street has been relaunched, it is unlikely that Bajaj will be targeting massive sales numbers with the bike. Focus seems to be more on expanding options available to Avenger enthusiasts. Bajaj Avenger range caters to a niche audience base and has generated consistent sales numbers. With no direct rival and affordable pricing, 220 Street can be a good upgrade option for folks looking to buy the smaller capacity 160 Street. The price difference is just around Rs 30k.2023 Bajaj Avenger 220 StreetAmong the two, 160 Street generates higher sales than 220 Cruise. Avenger 160 Street sales in FY22-23 were more than 21,000 units, as compared to 6,216 units of the Avenger 220 Cruise. While there doesn’t seem to be any great expectations, it will be interesting to see if Avenger 220 Street can spring up some surprises. More

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    New Hero Karizma ZMR Revealed Ahead Of Launch – Gets Sporty Stance

    2023 Hero Karizma ZMRNew-gen Karizma will be one of the several new products that Hero MotoCorp will launch to establish a strong foothold in 200cc+ motorcycle segmentWith premium motorcycle segment expected to register strong growth in the coming years, Hero MotoCorp is working on a bunch of new products. Some of these will be developed entirely by Hero MotoCorp, whereas others will be part of a joint venture such as the Hero-Harley partnership.One of the new Hero bikes will be new-gen Karizma, expected to be launched soon. It will take on rivals such as Bajaj Pulsar 250, Gixxer 250 and Dominar 250. Hero will be looking at a competitive price point for new-gen Karizma to ensure its success. Ahead of launch, Hero has now showcased the new Hero Karizma ZMR to dealers.New-gen Karizma ZMR to get more powerful engineNew-gen Karizma ZMR will be utilizing an entirely new platform and a new 210cc liquid cooled motor. While specs have not been officially revealed, new-gen Karizma could deliver around 25 bhp of max power and 30 Nm of peak torque. It will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The original Karizma bike was equipped with a 223cc air-cooled motor that produced 20 hp. It was quite popular for its peppy performance. Enthusiasts can look forward to some more exciting rides with the new-gen version.Hero will position Karizma as a value-for-money bike. It has to achieve a balance in terms of its pricing and available features. While essentials such as disc brakes and at least single-channel ABS will be there, new-gen Hero Karizma could skip out on features such as USD forks, ride-by-wire tech, slipper clutch, etc.2023 Hero Karizma ZMRFeatures that are likely to be available with new-gen Karizma include Bluetooth-based connectivity features, LED lighting and turn-by-turn navigation. The bike could get a full-digital instrument cluster.New-gen Karizma stylingWhile new-gen Karizma will be utilizing contemporary design aesthetics, some of the styling bits are expected to be borrowed from the original Karizma. The latter had sharp panelling and sporty graphics. Another of Karizma’s USP was its comfortable riding stance. Balance and handling were among the best, allowing enthusiasts to experiment to their heart’s content. New-gen Karizma is expected to have a similar set of attributes.Resurrecting Karizma seems like a good move, as the brand has high recall among enthusiasts. Overall design of new-gen Karizma will be a key factor in determining whether it’s a hit or flop with customers. As of now, Hero’s bestselling product in performance segment is XPulse 200 4V. There’s Xtreme 200S as well, but it hasn’t received the kind of response the company was aiming for.In its lifecycle, original Karizma had eventually faded away with availability of better equipped bikes. Uninspiring design of later models such as Karizma R and ZMR was also a reason for its decline. Hopefully, new-gen Karizma will have everything sorted out and primed to provide the impetus Hero is looking to achieve in premium motorcycle segment.Source More

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    2023 Hero Xpulse 200 4V Launch Price Rs 1.43 Lakh – New Features, Colours

    2023 Hero Xpulse 200 4VAs opposed to its predecessor, 2023 Hero Xpulse 200 4V gets a new headlight design along with three riding modesHero MotoCorp has launched the updated 2023 Xpulse 200 4V. It is priced at Rs. 1.43 lakh for the base variant and Rs 1.51 lakh for the top PRO variant. All prices are ex-sh. Xpulse 200 4V PRO variant is nothing but the Rally Edition of earlier version.  Base variant gets Rs. 5,000 increment over its preceding model and this price seems worth what the newer model is packing in its belt. It is the only real ADV or off-roader motorcycle under 350cc space.With the new model, Hero MotoCorp is introducing new colourways. Hero has kept Matte Nexus Blue and Polestar Blue as is but inverted the colour schemes with Sports Red with its respective Black elements. Despite its displacement deficit, it locks horns with Royal Enfield Himalayan and Yezdi Adventure.2023 Hero Xpulse 200 4V2023 Hero Xpulse 200 4V – Finessing game enters MY2023Hero is known for finessing its off-roader with every iteration. BS6 transition brought in a much much-required refinement and throttle response. The 4V model took that refinement a notch above and added top-end performance, fuel efficiency, revised gearing, new sprockets, brighter headlights and relatively high-speed highway cruising ability.With MY2023, the company is offering a brand new headlight unit with an ‘H’ LED signature and there are two projectors for low beam. Even though it is a brand-new headlight unit for India, it resembles what Hero Motors offers on export models for markets like Turkey. Headlights were never Xpulse’s forte. With MY2023 update, Hero promises 235% better headlight than 4V’s, which was 15% brighter than 2V’s. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video below, credited to FTR Club channel.[embedded content]The updated switchgear, windscreen and sturdier knuckle guards are welcome additions too. Previously, knuckle guards were fixed from one side only and were considered flimsy. Now, Hero is offering better quality knuckle guards that get fixtures at both ends. Windscreen is 60 mm taller, protecting from wind blasts that much better.Along with that, Hero is offering three ABS modes namely Road, Off-Road and Rally. These modes alter the ABS intervention and are least intrusive in Rally Mode. Another neat addition is instant fuel efficiency reading. Dual-channel ABS and LED turn indicators would have been a welcome addition, but that isn’t the case.Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Growth Officer (CGO), Hero MotoCorp, said, “The introduction of the E20 and OBD-II compliant XPulse 200 4V is a strong reiteration of our focus on the premium segment, in a sustainable manner. The XPulse has rapidly become one of our most popular premium motorcycles among customers in India and across our global markets. This motorcycle caters to the new-age explorers who are equally conscious about making eco-friendly choices. Fulfilling their aspirations for adventure and offroad thrill, the new XPulse 200 4V aims to create a differentiated experience for the riders with significant advancements on all key fronts – performance, connectivity, technology, and styling.”2023 Hero Xpulse 200 4VComponentry remains unchangedHero has kept the engine unchanged. So, the same 199.6cc single-cylinder engine generates 19.1 bhp and 17.35 Nm of torque. 4V head and oil cooling are notable features. The weight is just 158 kg, making it friendlier in tricky terrains. Rear luggage rack now has provisions for adding saddle stays.Except for ABS modes, rest of the componentry remains unchanged. Base variant gets same long-travel (190 mm front and 170mm rear) conventional telescopic front and mono-shock rear suspension, 21” front and 18” rear wire-spoke wheels along with A/T tyres from Ceat. Ground clearance is 220mm stock. If this is not enough, buyers can buy the Hero Xpulse 200 PRO variant.This variant gets compression and rebound adjustable front suspension, rebound and preload adjustable rear suspension, even longer suspension travel (250mm front and 220mm rear), Maxxis knobby tyres, 270mm ground clearance and more. Hero is expanding its Xpulse lineup with a new 400cc to 450cc motorcycle soon. More

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    Simple One Electric Scooter Spied Testing Few Days Before Launch

    Simple One Electric Scooter SpiedPre-booking for Simple One electric scooter is open for a fully refundable token amount of Rs 1,947Electric two-wheeler segment will soon see a new contender in the form of Simple One electric scooter. Things appear to be a bit delayed, but Simple One should be able to catch up with its best-in-class features. Simple One electric scooter will rival the likes of Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450X, Bajaj Chetak, Hero Vida and TVS iQube ST.Simple One is being described as India’s first premium affordable EV. Even when loaded with hi-tech features, Simple One will be made available at an affordable price point. Pricing and other details will be revealed at the time of launch on May 23, 2023. Deliveries will start subsequently. Simple One production has already commenced at the company’s plant in Tamil Nadu. Ahead of launch, Simple One continues to be on test. Here are latest spy shots.Simple One styling and featuresSimple One has a futuristic design with sharp panelling all across. The headlamp comes in a triangular shaped casing and is mounted on the lower section of the front apron. Lighting elements can also be seen on the handlebar cowl. There’s a compact windscreen and sporty rear-view mirrors.The electric scooter has a flat seat with a comfortable, upright riding stance. The floorboard is decently sized and can come handy for carrying some heavy stuff. The scooter has storage space at front as well as under seat storage of 30 litres.Simple One Electric Scooter SpiedColour options for Simple One electric scooter include Brazen Black, Namma Red, Azure Blue and Grace White. The scooter is equipped with an intuitive smart dashboard, offering navigation, screen customization options, and access to calls and music when paired to the user’s smartphone.Simple One has a dedicated connectivity platform, allowing users to access a range of features. It includes remote commands, geo-fencing, remote locking, save and forward routes, OTA updates and ride statistics. Simple One mobile app will be available for both Android and iOS devices.Simple One range, specsSimple One electric scooter is equipped with a 4.8 kWh battery pack. It is robust, safe and highly efficient and comes with the assurance of long working life. The battery management system is an advanced unit that effectively tracks and controls fluctuations in temperature, current and voltage. Simple One electric scooter is the first to achieve compliance with the Automotive Industry Standards (AIS) 156 amendment 3. This rule enforces stricter battery safety standards for electric two-wheelers.Simple One Electric Scooter SpiedPowering Simple One is an 8.5 kW electric motor that has been designed in line with Indian road conditions. It generates 72 Nm of peak torque. Simple One can achieve 0-40 kmph in 2.77 seconds. It has a top speed of 105 kmph. Simple One offers a best-in-class range of 236 km (ideal driving conditions).Simple One has 12-inch wheels at both ends, shod with 90-90 tubeless tyres. The scooter has patented brakes, especially designed in accordance with local riding conditions. Optimal braking with patented CBS will allow users to unlock the full potential of the scooter.Simple One Electric Scooter SpiedAs the company seems to be focusing on affordability, a price point of under Rs 1 lakh can be considered for the base-spec variant. Quite a few rivals have similar pricing for their base-spec variants. It will be interesting to see how the market responds to India’s longest range electric two-wheeler. More

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    KTM 390 Adventure Spoke Wheels Variant Launch Price Rs 3.6 Lakh

    Image – TARIK ADVAfter launching KTM 390 ADV X and ADV Y variants, KTM Has now launched 390 ADV Spoke Wheel variant in IndiaAs part of its 2023 update, KTM 390 Adventure gets a new spoke wheel (SW) variant. While most of the features are the same as that of standard variant, 390 Adventure SW variant gets exclusive wire-spoke wheels. It will appeal to folks who want a more dynamic look and feel for their bike, a mix of retro and contemporary aesthetics. For this update, KTM 390 ADV will cost you Rs 3.6 lakh ex-sh, which is about Rs 22k more than the standard KTM 390 ADV.This new variant also gets fully adjustable suspension. The WP APEX suspension hardware is fully adjustable for compression, rebound and preload. This achieves that rare chemistry of tactile grip with the road and confidence-inspiring efficiency for the dirt.Damping at the front USD forks is of 30 clicks each for compression and rebound. The rear mono-shock is adjustable by 20 clicks for a rebound while retaining 10-step preload adjustability. This enables the rider to customize their ride quality, handling, and comfort as per their individual preferences and laden weight.KTM 390 Adventure spoke wheel variantWhile the standard variant with alloy wheels has a dominating street presence, 390 Adventure spoke wheel variant has a springy feel to it. The former is pure machine whereas spoke wheels ensure friendlier vibes for the bike. SW variant also gets a new colour scheme with orange shaded body work and trellis frame. KTM’s racing livery further enhances the bike’s look and feel.2023 KTM 390 ADV spoke wheel variant India LaunchThere are also the functional aspects, wherein spoke wheels have better capabilities across off-road tracks. Spoke wheels are also easy to repair in comparison to alloy wheels. KTM 390 Adventure SW variant has black-anodized aluminium rims that house the thickish wire spokes. The rims measure 19-inch at front and 17-inch at rear.390 Adventure spoke wheel variant specsApart from the spoke wheels and updated colour theme, there are no other major changes to KTM 390 Adventure SW variant. Powering the bike is the 373cc, single cylinder motor that churns out 44 hp of max power and 37 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Braking duties are performed by 320 mm disc at front and 230 mm disc at rear. Dual channel ABS with cornering function is offered as standard.Other key highlights of 390 Adventure include traction control, riding modes, ride-by-wire tech and quickshifter+. The bike has a 5-inch TFT screen that displays a range of information. Functionalities are the same as that of 2022 model.The display can be paired with the user’s smartphone via Bluetooth using KTM My Ride app. It can be used to access a range of functions including navigation. In India, KTM 390 Adventure will continue to rival the likes of BMW G310GS and upcoming Himalayan 450 and Hero XPulse 400. More

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    Yamaha Rental Service Adds E01 Electric Scooter To Its Fleet

    Yamaha E01 Electric Scooter In JapanYamaha E01 electric scooter packs an 8.1 kW (10.86 bhp) electric motor which draws juice from a 4.9 kWh fixed Li-ion batteryJapan witnessed the introduction of the Yamaha E01 electric scooter. However, Yamaha is not launching it traditionally. Instead, the company is offering it as a rental service. Late last year, Yamaha introduced an experimental leasing program in Japan. Intention was to collect raw information from participating users for polishing the product.In May 2023, Yamaha brought E01 electric scooter under its rental service umbrella. E01 is exclusively on rent via Yamaha Bike Rental outlets in Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka Airport. Riders of age 20+ and with a relevant driving license can rent Yamaha E01 electric scooter.Yamaha E01 electric scooterE01 has a maxi-scooter-inspired design that looks sharp and modern at the same time. It gets a clear windscreen to aid with wind buffeting. Charging port is on the front fascia, flanked by boomerang-shaped LED DRLs. There are small dual LED headlights below the front apron, lending a unique look.Yamaha has given the E01 Scooter one of the tidiest tail sections on a maxi-scooter. It also gets LED indicators on the handlebar. Ergonomics of the scooter look very relaxed as expected from a maxi-scooter. But the only fly in the ointment seems to be that this isn’t a step-through scooter and the center spine hinders practicality slightly.Yamaha E01 Electric Scooter In JapanIt packs a 4.9 kWh Li-ion battery along with an 8.1 kW (10.86 bhp) mid-mounted brushless DC motor. Yamaha promises 104 km of range from a single charge and bundles an AC portable charger as part of the rental program. This charger takes about 14 hours to top-up the battery from a household socket.The E01 scooter packs a fully digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity features with navigation readouts, keyless ignition and some more features as standard. Yamaha will also equip it with disc brakes on both sides. These discs are alloy-mounted too. Front gets RSU (Right Side Up) telescopic forks, while rear gets twin shock absorbers.Will it launch in India?There is a large 23L under-seat storage too, which will only be useful if users don’t carry the charger along. Yamaha is said to have recorded the learnings from the leasing program last year. With this rental program, the company will procure more data and user behaviour. All in all, Yamaha E01 is likely to launch in markets like Europe in the future.India launch is likely too as Yamaha showcased two electric scooters to dealers in India, Neo’s and E01. The Japanese brand has even registered trademarks for E01 and EC-05 in India. When? Yamaha India hasn’t revealed their plans regarding this like they have with RX-100. Pricing for Yamaha E01 electric scooter is likely to be in the Rs 2 lakh range upon launch. More

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    Electric 2W Sales April 2023 – Ola, TVS, Ampere, Ather, Bajaj, Revolt

    Image – Sourabh PatelIn April 2023, electric 2W sales accounted for 5.4% of total 2W sales in that month, down from 5.9% in March 2023Ola Electric took a massive lead in April 2022. Ola sold 21,882 units last month, ahead of second-highest seller TVS by 13,156 units. YoY growth stood at 72.19% and MoM growth stood at 2.86%. Ola enjoys a 32.9% market share as well. Volume gain stood at 9,174 units YoY and 608 units MoM.TVS took 2nd spot with 8,726 units and registered a staggering 482.51% YoY growth, but sales almost halved MoM with a 47.96% decline. For reference, TVS sold 16,768 units a month before and has a market share of 13.12%, down from 19.54% in March 2023. Ampere took 3rd place with 8,318 units . Sales grew YoY by 27.19%, but dropped by 10.88% MoM.Electric 2W Sales April 2023 – FADAElectric 2W Sales April 2023Ather Energy sold 7,746 units last month. There is a new Ather 450S in the works to be launched in a lower price point to boost sales. As of now Ather registered 216% YoY growth and 35.86% MoM decline. Bajaj Auto Group sold 370 Chetak with 84.13% MoM decline as opposed to 2,332 units sold in March 2023.Under Bajaj Auto Ltd, the company sold 3,643 units with 198.12% YoY growth and 69.28% MoM growth. Volume gain stood at 2,421 units YoY and 1,491 units MoM. Hero Electric sold 3,331 units in April 2023 and numbers almost halved in both YoY and MoM analysis. The company saw 49.36% YoY decline and 49.92% MoM decline. Okinawa used to be one of the top sellers before.Electric 2W Sales April 2023 vs April 2022 – YoY AnalysisOkinawa sold 3,216 units which wasn’t enough to outdo itself with 11,010 units sold a year ago and 4,507 units a month before. This led to 70.79% YoY decline and 28.64% MoM decline. Okaya EV is a relatively new player and sold 1,562 units and witnessed 11.35% MoM decline. Kinetic Green Energy sold 848 units and almost halved in sales with 48.32% MoM decline.Electric 2W Sales April 2023 vs March 2023 – MoM AnalysisBGauss Auto sold 770 units and saw a 1.41% MoM decline as opposed to 781 units sold a month before. Battre is a relatively new player too and pushed 651 units and saw 703.7% MoM growth (highest in this list) as opposed to 81 units sold in March 2023. Apart from Ampere, Greaves sold 551 units under Greaves Electric Mobility brand and saw 44.24% MoM growth.Electric 2W penetration stood at 5.4%Revolt sold 523 units last month. When compared to 1,241 units sold a year ago and 1,132 units sold a month before, Revolt witnessed 57.86% decline YoY and 53.80% decline MoM. Pur Energy sold 503 units with 71.36% YoY decline and 13.87% MoM decline. Other brands combined, accounted for 3,826 units with 53.64% YoY decline and 11.74% MoM decline.In total Indian electric 2W sales for April 2023 stood at 66,466 units. As opposed to 53,256 units sold in April 2022 and 85,793 units sold in March 2023, this segment saw 24.8% YoY growth and 22.53% MoM decline. More