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      KTM 390 Adventure Spoke Wheels Variant Launch Price Rs 3.6 Lakh

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      2023 Honda EM1 Electric Scooter Debuts -48 Km Range, Swappable Battery

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      2023 Honda EM1 Electric ScooterThe Honda Power Pack e swappable battery on 2023 Honda EM1 weighs 10.3 kg and AC charger compatibility is present tooHonda’s first electric 2W for Europe is 2023 EM1. It features a Honda Mobile Power Pack-e removable battery too. The company styled it distinctly to establish a slight departure from design languages used on their ICE scooters. Honda is targeting young audiences and short commuters in Europe.The company first announced Honda EM1 e in September last year as part of 10 or more electric 2W vehicles by 2025. Honda even intends to go carbon neutral by 2040 and this is a strategic first step towards that future. Buyers can lease, rent, or subscribe to, scooter, battery and charger depending on their country. Battery disposal and recycling are on Honda too.2023 Honda EM1 Electric ScooterThe company is pitting EM1 as high-quality urban mobility for shorter commutes and makes use of Honda Power Pack e swappable battery network. Pearl Sunbeam White, Digital Silver Metallic, and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic are its colour choices. Honda EM1 e 23YM doesn’t feature pedals, despite having “Electric Moped” (EM) in its name.The Li-ion battery weighs 10.3 kg and measures 298mm (L) x 177mm (D) x 156mm (H) in size. 50.3V and 29.4 Ah account for a battery capacity of 1.47 kWh. The optional 270W AC charger will take it from 0-100% in 6 hours, and 25-75% in 2 hours 40 minutes. The brushless hub motor is rated for 0.58 kW (0.77 bhp) and peaks out at 1.7 kW (2.27 bhp). Top speed is 45 km/h.Colour OptionsThis powertrain combo promises a range of 41.3 km in normal mode and up to 48 km in ECON mode. Honda promises durability too with 2,500 charge cycles. All this is mounted on an underbone chassis and the whole product weighs 95 kg (including battery). 2023 Honda EM1 measures 1860mm x 680mm x 1080mm (LXWXH).Ground clearance is 130 mm, seat height is 740 mm and wheelbase is 1300 mm. Other componentry include telescopic suspension up front, twin shock absorbers at the rear, front disc and rear drum braking with Combi Braking, 12” front wheel with 90/90-12 tyres and 10” rear wheel with 100/90-10 tyre.Design and appealThere is an LCD instrument panel and LED lighting all around. Front LED signature DRL lends a modern and sophisticated look for the design. Long seat, pillion grab rail, sleek and slender design, optional 35L top box, flush foot pegs are notable elements. The under seat storage is just 3.3L and front luggage provisions can hold a 500ml PET bottle and a USB Type-A port charging port as well.Front storage and USB chargerOwners can charge Honda EM1 e with an AC charger at home or use Honda Power Pack e swapping stations too, depending upon the purchase type. In other news, India-spec Activa recently ditched its 6G suffix. Honda will launch Activa electric in India next year. More

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      Royal Enfield Interceptor BEAR 650 Name Trademark – For Scrambler?

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      Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 BEAR. Image – Bullet Guru.The single exhaust setup can make the upcoming Interceptor BEAR 650 the lightest RE 650ccRoyal Enfield currently has around 13 motorcycles planned for launch. The company is bracing for an action-packed future. They will be increasing production with an all-new facility. There are a total of six 650cc motorcycles in the works, out of which, Royal Enfield recently trademarked a name for one.That trademarked name is “Interceptor Bear 650” in New Zealand and “Royal Enfield Interceptor Bear 650” in India and Australia. Bear name signifies something that dwells in the woods. So, an off-roader of sorts. But the name also has 650 in it and Himalayan 650 test mule sightings are still zero. So, this could be a Scrambler, already spotted testing multiple times.RE Scram 650 Might Get Interceptor Bear 650 NamePreviously believed to be Scram 650, is likely to be called Interceptor Bear 650 when launched. The name makes sense in Royal Enfield’s product portfolio as it is based on an Interceptor 650, to begin with. Trademarking a name is often a hassle. Royal Enfield sold Interceptor 650 in the USA as Int 650 as Honda owns the trademark for Interceptor name there.This upcoming scrambler motorcycle is a derivative of Interceptor 650. Test mules have made multiple appearances both here in India and abroad. It dons the same frame, fuel tank and even its engine. What the Scrambler has different, is an upgraded suspension and exhaust system.Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 BEARFront suspension setup gets USD telescopic forks as opposed to RSU (Right Side Up) telescopic forks on Interceptor 650. This should enable athleticism in the way it handles. We hope these are not the same forks from Super Meteor 650 with less travel. Rear suspension is still twin shockers. These are different from the ones found on Interceptor 650 with an external gas chamber.Rear subframe is changed and is slightly angled upwards. The main change is in its single-sided exhaust. This is not high-set as expected from a typical Scrambler. There is a new exhaust header as well routing both channels into one pipe. One less exhaust will reduce overall kerb weight. This can potentially be the lightest 650cc offering from Royal Enfield to date.The same 650cc Parallel Twin motorOther changes with Interceptor Bear 650 (believed RE Scram 650) are circular LED tail lights, LED headlights, block pattern tyres and not a lot more. The 648cc parallel twin air/oil-cooled engine generates 47 bhp of power and 52 Nm of torque. Royal Enfield might tune this engine differently on the Scrambler to establish a slightly different character.A 6-speed gearbox, slip and assist clutch, wire-spoke rims, an optional tripper screen with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation are notable features. Speaking of prices of Interceptor Bear 650, Rs. 3.5 to 3.7 lakh should make it an interesting proposition. More

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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