More stories

  • in

    Bajaj Pulsar 220F Production Restarts – First Photos From Plant

    Pulsar 220F relaunch is likely to be based on market feedback, wherein dealers may have reported sizeable enquiries for the bike2023 Bajaj Pulsar 220F Production RestartsDiscontinued last year, Bajaj Pulsar 220F is making a comeback. The bike has already entered production and deliveries are expected to commence in the coming weeks. Launch price is expected to be in the ballpark of Rs 1.35 lakh.Relaunching Pulsar 220F shouldn’t pose any major challenges for Bajaj, as the bike was already BS6 compliant when it was discontinued. It will only need to comply with OBD-2 norms that will be applicable from April 01, 2023.Bajaj Pulsar 220F Production RestartPhotos of the first batch of new Pulsar 220F from the plant have gone viral. They reveal that the bike is largely the same as it was at the time it was discontinued. Pulsar 220F is a semi-faired bike, featuring a prominent headlamp cowl, shoulder fairing and engine cowl. Some of the key features include a large windscreen, LED projector headlamp, halogen turn indicators, clip-on handlebar, carbon-fibre design elements, split seats and upswept exhaust.Pulsar 220F was discontinued post the launch of Pulsar 250 twins. This was done even when 220F was witnessing healthy demand in specific regions of the country. It appears that Bajaj was looking to ensure the most conducive environment to promote the 250 twins. As dealerships continue to get enquiries for 220F, a decision has been taken to relaunch the bike.Bajaj Pulsar 220F Production RestartAs compared to the 250 twins, Pulsar 220F has a distinct identity. While the twins are a lot sharper, 220F has a more dominating street presence. 220F has curvy panelling, as compared to the sharp-edged fairing of 250 twins. Overall, 220F has a more approachable persona in comparison to the twins.Pulsar 220F performancePopularity of Pulsar 220F could also be attributed to its high-performance engine. At the time it was discontinued, Pulsar 220F was equipped with a 220cc engine that generated 20.9 hp of max power and 18.5 Nm of peak torque.Power output is more than 350cc Royal Enfield Classic that makes around 20 hp. Even with OBD-2 compliance, there are unlikely to be any significant changes to power and torque output of Pulsar 220F.Much of the equipment list is expected to be the same as earlier. Pulsar 220F has telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers. In comparison, 250 twins are equipped with monoshock rear suspension. Pulsar 220F has disc brakes at both ends, integrated with single-channel ABS. When it was discontinued, 220F had a semi-digital instrument cluster. It is one of the features that could receive an update. More

  • in

    RE Himalayan 450 Spied In Ladakh – Snow Chain On Tyre

    USD forks on new Himalayan 450 are likely to offer a lot more front-end feel and increase agility considerablyRE Himalayan 450 Spied In LadakhRoyal Enfield has been testing its 450cc platform for quite some months now. Given the company’s extensive testing patterns, it is likely that the launch is not scheduled for any time soon. There are two motorcycles based on this new 450cc platform. One is Himalayan 450 and the other is likely to be called Scram 450.With the ADV trend catching up, Royal Enfield is set to offer a new product, more capable than its current ADV, Himalayan 411. The main objectives for the new Himalayan 450 will definitely be high-speed touring, good off-road prowess and optimum traction in varied road conditions. New spy shots of Himalayan 450 show the ADV being tested in Ladakh. This way, Royal Enfield can test a vehicle’s performance in high altitude conditions and in snowy and icy terrains.Himalayan 450 Spied In LadakhThis is the first time Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has been testing in snow. Almost all car and bike manufacturers in India send their upcoming vehicles to test in the difficult terrain of Ladakh. The temperatures there are extreme, and so are the road (or no road) conditions. This makes Ladakh the best geographical location to test high-altitude response of a vehicle.Both RE Himalayan 450 test mules were spotted with snow chains, as the terrain they were traversing, got trickier. The upcoming Himalayan 450 will build on the strengths of outgoing Himalayan 411. This means an upright riding stance and a fairly relaxed rider’s triangle, center-set footpegs, and high-set handlebars facilitating standing and gripping the motorcycle between one’s thighs.High altitude & snow testing of the upcoming @royalenfield Himalayan 450 starts. Spied between Khardung la and Nubra valley by one of my trusted local drivers.More details soon! @91Trucks #Himalayan450 pic.twitter.com/uP47dYycnE— Bunny Punia (@BunnyPunia) February 14, 2023There are new elements like LED turn indicators, all-terrain tyres and a slightly stubbier and up-swept exhaust end can. The new design will still be purposeful with provision to hold panniers and jerry cans. RE Himalayan 450 will feature USD front forks and a rear mono-shock with decent suspension travel.Wire-spoke wheels are likely to be retained from current Himalayan 411 – these are 19” front and 17” rear. The front beak and a windscreen are part of its package. Round headlights will house LEDs this time, instead of halogen bulbs found on current models.Specs & RivalsThe new platform is rumored to displace around 450cc while developing around 35 bhp of power and around 40 Nm of torque. A 6-speed transmission is finally making its way into Royal Enfield’s single-cylinder lineup. A circular fully-digital speedometer is placed vertically and is expected to get Bluetooth functionality with turn-by-turn navigation. No more jugaad tripper screens with Himalayan.There will be a price increment with the new Himalayan 450 as opposed to the outgoing model. This price hike is likely to put it against rivals like KTM 390 Adventure and BMW G 310 GS. But as we all know, the arch-rival for Himalayan 450 pound-to-pound, is Hero’s upcoming Xpulse with almost double the engine as its 200cc model.Source More

  • in

    2023 Bajaj Pulsar 220F Bookings Open – 220cc Pulsar Launch Soon

    Bajaj had discontinued the Pulsar 220F in April 2022 – A few months after the launch of Pulsar 250 series2023 Bajaj Pulsar 220F Bookings OpenFirst launched in 2007, the Pulsar 220 has been the most powerful and biggest Pulsar for a long time. It had its own fan base, which is why after almost 15 years of launch, it managed to generate best in class sales.Ever since ‘The Fastest Indian’ advert video of Pulsar 220 went live, it has made a massive impact on the Indian motorcycle segment. We can say that Pulsar 220 was a runaway success just like the advert suggested.2023 Bajaj Pulsar 220F Bookings OpenWith the launch of new 250cc platform, Pulsar 220 was discontinued. Though Bajaj did not announce it officially, sales were stopped as dealers had no stock. Production officially ended in April 2022, which brought the curtain down on this iconic Pulsar motorcycle.But guess what, in 2023, Bajaj is bringing this legend back. Multiple dealers have announced on social media that 2023 Pulsar 220F bookings are now open. Launch is expected soon, in the coming days. The iconic Pulsar is being re-launched with Black-Red and Black-Blue colour combinations. There might be other colours too.2023 Bajaj Pulsar 220F Bookings OpenIn the grand scheme of things, new replaces old. Pulsar F250 was pegged as the logical successor to Pulsar 220F. If we take sales of Pulsar’s 250 twins (F250 and N250) in the second half of 2022, they sold 391 units in June, 681 in July, 653 in August, 1647 in Sep, 1299 in Oct, 470 in Nov, and 245 in Dec.These numbers are not something to write home about for a mass manufacturer like Bajaj. This seems to be the reason why Bajaj is bringing Pulsar 220 back from the dead. Bajaj enjoyed a lot of footfall in their showrooms when Pulsar 220F was still on sale. Monthly sales within 200cc+ motorcycle sales for Bajaj were significantly higher before. Pulsar 220F sales were more than that of Pulsar RS200, NS200 as well as that of the newly launched Pulsar 250. For example, Bajaj Pulsar 220F alone sold 4108 units in September 2021. Design & SpecificationsSpecifications, design and features of the bike are likely to remain the same as before. The motorcycle as usual sports a semi-faired design with highlights such as a V-shaped LED headlight cluster, split seats and clip-on handlebars.2023 Bajaj Pulsar 220F Bookings OpenAs far as performance is concerned, Pulsar 220F draws its energy from a BS6-compliant 220cc, single-cylinder DTS-i engine which kicks out 21 bhp and 19 Nm of peak torque. This unit is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Its hardware setup consists of a Double Cradle Down Tube frame which is suspended on a telescopic fork at front and twin shock absorbers at rear. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends assisted by a single-channel ABS as standard. Expect launch price to be in the range of Rs 1.35 lakh, ex-sh. More

  • in

    2023 Yamaha Tricity 125cc, 155cc Unveiled – New Features, Colours

    For 2023 model year, Yamaha Tricity range is kept identical mechanically – The 155cc model still makes just 14.88 bhp and 14 Nm2023 Yamaha Tricity 125cc, 155ccTrikes are not very common in India. That said, they are a common sight in ASEAN markets and Europe, where scooter manufacturers have had their fair share of products in this segment. Newest of the bunch are Yamaha’s 2023 model range of Tricity 125 and 155 scooters, which are now launched in Japan.Both trikes are hard to set apart where design is concerned. A similar design trait is found with some Yamaha motorcycle ranges too. Launched at JPY 4,95,000 (approx Rs. 3.1 lakh) for Tricity 125 and JPY 5,56,000 (approx Rs. 3.54 lakh) for Tricity 155. These prices don’t include taxes.2023 Yamaha Tricity 125cc, 155ccGiven the premium pricing strategy, they wouldn’t be viable options for the price sensitive Indian market. Yamaha is not likely to consider bringing them to our shores anytime soon. These pose lucrative options for people to consider in markets where trikes are popular.For the money, there is a lot that one will get with the 2023 Yamaha Tricity range. For starters, both scooters are large in size and have a huge road presence. Something which conventional scooters lack. Yamaha has chosen an interesting design language for the Tricity scooter range.2023 Yamaha Tricity 125cc, 155ccThe flowing design with 2023 Yamaha Tricity seems to be masking the heft quite well. Overall looks can be termed sporty, backed by conscious design choices. There is a large LED headlight unit at front flanked by turn indicators, along with a fairly tall windscreen covering its instrument console. The overall front fascia is mean and wouldn’t look out of place on a top-speed chasing superbike.The powertrains are less superbike-y. In Yamaha’s global portfolio, three are three scooters under the Tricity range. A 125cc, a 155cc and a 300cc model. Tricity 125 makes 12.06 bhp and 11.02 Nm from its liquid-cooled engine. Even though Tricity 155 uses the same 155cc 4V engine as R15 V4, it is detuned to make just 14.88 bhp and 14 Nm.Popularity Of Yamaha’s Tricity RangeYamaha Tricity range offers two 14” alloy wheels at front and a 13” alloy wheel at the rear. Front wheels are tiltable, lending them cornering abilities. All wheels get disc brakes and suspension duties are taken care of by telescopic front forks and dual shockers at the rear. Features include smartphone connectivity, a smart key with keyless operation, and a lot more.Ever since the global launch of Tricity range in 2014, Yamaha has not seen much success. Even with the grand re-introduction in 2019, Yamaha Tricity range hasn’t made a significant dent in ASEAN and JDM markets. Europe is a slightly different story, though. Tricity 125 is the OG of the bunch. Tricity 300 was introduced in 2019. Whereas Tricity 155 was first showcased at 2016 Osaka Motorcycle Show. For 2023, Yamaha is betting big on trikes with the launch of MY2023 Yamaha Tricity 125 and Tricity 155 in JDM. More

  • in

    2023 Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Launch Soon – 18 Km More Range

    For MY2023, new Bajaj Chetak Premium homologated packs in similar numbers as before – 4.2 kW of peak power and 20 Nm of torqueBajaj Chetak Electric ScooterBajaj was one of the default choices in the scooter segment back in the day. Fast forward to 2023, Bajaj has 0 presence in the ICE scooter segment, after pulling the plug on Kristal DTSi 95cc. Bajaj made re-entry into the scooter segment with the launch of Chetak Electric scooter. In 2022, Bajaj managed to sell close to 30,000 units of Chetak in India. In 2023, that number is expected to double.But before that, Bajaj is getting ready to update Chetak. It has now type-approved a new variant for 2023. With the new Bajaj Chetak Premium homologated, one can expect more range. Battery capacity is still the same. But, there seem to be subtle changes in software and controller algorithms facilitating more range out of the same battery. This should be enough for visible gains in range from a single charge.2023 Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterLast year, we reported a power bump in Chetak. It was homologated in December 2021. There used to be two variants on offer with Bajaj Chetak, Urbane and Premium. This new type approval document mentions Chetak’s Premium variant only. This variant is mentioned as the base variant and is named Chetak 2423 Premium.In the previous type approval document, Both Chetak 2413 Premium and Chetak 2413 Urbane variants were listed with Premium being the base model. For MY2023 new Bajaj Chetak seems to be codenamed 2423 and only the Premium variant will be on offer. Battery specifications are still the same as before. We’re looking at a 50.4 V 57.24 Ah battery as before. This calculates to 2.884 kWh of battery energy, out of which 2.480 kWh is usable. Battery alone weighs 24.5 kg.2023 Bajaj Chetak Homologated – Launch SoonGVW for Bajaj Chetak is 283 kg, same as before. This should mean kerb weight is still 133 kg. Motor seems to be the same too with 4.2 kW of peak power and 4.0 kW of continuous power. On the surface, everything seems to be similar to the outgoing model. That said, with the new Bajaj Chetak homologated, Bajaj has provided where it counts. In its range. New model should go 108 km before needing a charge, as opposed to 90 km (Eco Mode) and 80 Km (Sports Mode) range with the outgoing model. Both indicated range were certified by AIS 040.Dimensions & PriceNew Bajaj Chetak is identical to the outgoing model in terms of dimensions. Since there are minimal changes, we hope Chetak retains its strengths like its metallic body, IP67-rated battery, 12” alloys with tubeless tyres, soft-touch switchgear with back-lighting, 18L boot space, 4L glove box, LED lighting, and keyless functionality.In keeping with competition like Ather, Ola, TVS iQube and Hero Vida, we hope Bajaj offers a TFT touchscreen display with Chetak 2423 Premium. Bajaj needs to focus more on attracting a younger tech-savvy audience with a host of features and gimmicks. A revamp of the company website providing thorough details about its product as easily as possible is necessary too.Pricing for the new Bajaj Chetak 2023 model should be identical to the outgoing model. Which is Rs. 1,54,189 (ex-sh) and is offered in 4 shades. They are Brooklyn Black, Hazel Nut, Indigo Metallic and Velluto Rosso. Launch might be very soon. As per Urbane variant, there is a possibility of it being reintroduced with the above-mentioned features and gimmicks in the future. More

  • in

    2023 Honda Scoopy Debuts – Gets Activa Like Smart Key, New Colours

    2023 Honda Scoopy retro scooter makes 9 bhp and 9.3 Nm from its 109.5 cc engine2023 Honda ScoopyScoopy is a neo-retro scooter from Honda, which is on sale in many South East Asian countries. It has even been patented in India, as Honda might be toying with the idea of launching Scoopy in India. Ahead of that, Honda has updated the Scoopy scooter to 2023 model year with new features and colour options.In Indonesia, Honda Scoopy is in its fifth generation. It is offered in four different trims namely Sporty, Fashion, Prestige and Stylish. The main highlight of Honda Scoopy is its design. Especially at the front where a large headlight assembly lies in its apron.2023 Honda Scoopy DebutsIt consists of a large projector unit, like a jewel held in an oval casing. Turn indicators are shaped like water droplets flanking the headlight assembly in an encircling fashion. On top of this apron is a small protruding element housing Scoopy’s instrument console. Round ORVMs add to its overall retro appeal.Behind this apron is a storage area including a USB charger for smartphones. It gets Honda’s new smart key that recently debuted in India with Activa on top-spec trim. Side body panels are reminiscent of scooters of the past and blend in neatly with the overall design of Honda Scoopy. There are a total of 8 colours offered with 2023 Honda Scoopy.2023 Honda ScoopyWith dual-tone shades, Honda offers a contrasting seat, floorboard, apron plastic and decals on side body panels. At the back, we get similar turn indicators like we saw at front engulfing a circular tail light housing. Rear grab handle is neatly designed too and flows with seat contour. Chrome-finished exhaust heat guard adds to its retro vibes.2023 Honda ScoopySpecs & FeaturesComponentry for Honda Scoopy is very similar to that of Activa’s. Front telescopic forks, rear single shock absorber, single-sided swingarm, 12” to 14” wheels, swingarm-mounted engine and more. Honda Scoopy gets front disc brakes and drum unit at the rear. With 4.5L fuel in the tank, Scoopy weighs just 95 kg. Updated 2023 Scoopy now gets Smart Key, a feature which was recently launched in India with the new Honda Activa.Honda Scoopy retro scooter is powered by a 109.5 cc single-cylinder engine, mostly similar to Activa 6G’s in India. Because it is EURO 3 emission compliant and not EURO 6 (similar to BS6 in India), Scoopy makes 9 bhp of power and 9.3 Nm of torque. Activa 6G’s numbers tip the scale at just 7.68 bhp and 8.84 Nm.2023 Honda ScoopyHonda has a premium scooter in its range in the form of Grazia. As seen in December 2022, Honda Grazia sold slightly over 2.5K units, whereas Activa sold 175K units. Honda’s premium scooter offering for India needs more finesse and drama. Something which Honda Scoopy retro scooter has in abundance. We hope Honda considers launching this in India replacing Grazia. More

  • in

    New Suzuki Gixxer At Dealer Showroom – First Look Walkaround

    New 2023 Gixxer 250 and Gixxer series now come in with Suzuki Ride Connect with a Bluetooth-enabled digital console2023 Suzuki Gixxer New Colours WalkaroundSuzuki 2W sales in Jan 2023 stood at 66,209 units in domestic markets while exports were at 18,757 units made their way to export markets thus taking total sales to 84,966 units. This related to a YoY growth of 21.47 percent. Majority of Suzuki sales are thanks to their scooters Access, Avenis, Burgman.Suzuki’s Gixxer range of motorcycles are popular models in the company lineup. They see decent sales not only in domestic markets but also contribute heavily to Suzuki exports from India. From February 2023, Suzuki Motorcycle India has updated the Gixxer range so as to add more appeal to buyers.New Suzuki Gixxer First LookSuzuki Gixxer range currently includes four variants – Gixxer, Gixxer SF, Gixxer 250 and Gixxer 250 SF. This entire range now gets new colour schemes and Suzuki Ride Connect feature which is now offered as standard. The 2023 Gixxer SF250 now sports Metallic Matte Stellar Blue, Metallic Matte Black No.2 and Metallic Sonic Silver/ Metallic Triton Blue colours.Gixxer 250 is being offered in colours of Metallic Matte Stellar Blue and Metallic Matte Black No.2. Colour schemes on the Gixxer Series include Metallic Sonic Silver/ Pearl Blaze Orange, Metallic Triton Blue and Glass Sparkle Black. Below is a first look walkaround of the new 2023 Suzuki Gixxer, credited to MRD Vlogs.[embedded content][embedded content]Suzuki has also increased prices across the Gixxer range. The Gixxer is priced at Rs 1,40,500, SF is priced at Rs 1,45,000 while the Gixxer 250 carries a price tag of Rs 1,95,000. The Gixxer SF 250 in metallic matte stellar blue and metallic matte black No. 2 is priced at Rs 2,02,000 while Gixxer SF 250 in metallic sonic silver and metallic triton blue is priced higher at Rs 2,02,500 (all prices ex-showroom).  This price hike is by Rs 5,700 on the Gixxer 150 going up to Rs 8,500 on Gixxer SF 150 while Gixxer 250 is priced higher by Rs 13,600. Top of the line Gixxer SF 250 is now higher by Rs 10,400. Gixxer and Gixxer 250 are naked street bikes. Gixxer SF and Gixxer SF 250 on the other hand are faired sport bikes.Suzuki Ride Connect FeatureTo further enhance the riding experience, the company is offering Ride Connect feature across the Gixxer range. This connectivity feature comes with a Bluetooth enabled digital console. The application can be synced to the user’s smartphone to offer features such as turn by turn navigation, incoming call, SMS and WhatsApp alerts and missed call alerts. It also indicates speed exceeding warning, level of phone battery and estimated time of arrival. The App is available Android as well as iOS devices.Suzuki Gixxer is powered by a 155cc engine offering 13.41 hp power and 13.8 Nm torque mated to a 5 speed gearbox. The Gixxer 250 series gets a 249cc engine capable of 26.13 hp power and 22.2 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed gearbox. Gixxer and Gixxer SF continue to compete with the Bajaj Pulsar 160 NS, TVS Apache RTR 160, Honda X-Blade, Yamaha FZS and Hero Xtreme 160R. Gixxer 250 takes on Yamaha FZ-25 and KTM Duke 250 in its segment. More

  • in

    Harley Davidson Motorcycle Auctioned For $935k (Rs 7.7 Crore)

    Vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle has just been auctioned for a record amount of USD 953,000 – about INR 7.73 croreHarley Davidson 1908 Strap Tank – Record Auction1908 Harley Davidson Strap Tank motorcycle fetched a record sum at an auction, making it the most expensive motorcycle ever. If you are wondering, how did it manage to fetch such a huge price? Well, this is one of 450 motorcycles Harley Davidson manufactured in 1908. Of those, about 10-12 motorcycles survive today. And the fact that this motorcycle is more than 110 years old, and in working condition.It is called Strap Tank because it has its oil and fuel tank strapped to its frame with nickel straps. This particular Strap Tank model is a 1908 model year. It wears the Engine no. 2241, Carburetor no. 1049. It has been restored by Paul Freehill.1908 Harley Davidson MotorcycleAlong with this one being a vintage, and a rare machine, it was also the one with genuine parts – which helped fetch record price. For example, a HD Strap Tank from 1907 was auctioned in 2015 which garnered $ 715,000 (approx Rs. 5.91 crore) after auction fees.The one recently sold was completely genuine and was not made up of a combination of various parts. Which is why it managed to fetch more money. Just like other Strap Tanks, this one was also built in Harley-Davidson’s original one-storey factory.Harley Davidson 1908 Strap Tank – Most expensive motorcycleThe one auctioned in 2015 was not restored to its original condition. Whereas the record-setting 1908 model garnered $ 935,000 (approx Rs. 7.73 crore) after auction fees. Making it a rarer find. Parts including its wheels, engine belt-pulley, muffler sleeve, seat cover and even its fuel and oil tank were declared authentic.Harley Davidson 1908 Strap TankHistoric ModelStrap Tanks are a rare find as all of them are now either destroyed or possessed by private collectors. Record-setting 1908 Strap Tank was sold by Mecum Auction in Las Vegas, Nevada. Strap Tank is considered to be one of the earliest models from Harley-Davidson, hence the demand.Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson is one of the only two American motorcycle companies to survive the great depression. Another is its arch-rival Indian Motorcycles. Both companies have stood the test of time and have evolved to compete at the highest level in America with Japanese and European offerings.Harley Davidson 1908 Strap TankVintage motorcycles have a place in most private collectors’ hearts. Previously, we had Vincent Black Lightning auctioned for $ 929,000 at Bonhams Auction in Las Vegas in 2018 as the record holder. Speaking of Vincent, Bajaj has trademarked Vincent name in India. Which is likely to spawn a lineup of classic motorcycles to rival Royal Enfield. More