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    Bajaj, KTM Confirm New High End Electric Motorcycles – Pulsar, Duke ?

    Launch of Bajaj, KTM electric motorcycles will take couple of years at least, as the plan is still in initial stages2023 KTM Duke Electric – RenderElectric two-wheeler segment is expected to witness significant growth in coming years. While bulk of sales will comprise affordable, entry-level electric two-wheelers, there will be plenty of scope for lifestyle products as well. It’s the latter segment that Bajaj Auto and KTM are now looking to target.According to Executive Director of Bajaj Rakesh Sharma, the company is currently working with KTM to identify an appropriate platform for the new electric motorcycles. KTM does have an EV portfolio in international markets, but it’s limited to electric cycles and off-road e-bikes. It’s apparent that Bajaj and KTM will have to develop a new platform from scratch, which is likely to take some time.Bajaj, KTM electric motorcyclesWorking together since 2007 on multiple projects, Bajaj and KTM will further solidify their partnership by foraying into high-end electric motorcycle segment. Bajaj currently manufactures KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles, as part of that partnership. These are sold in domestic market and also exported to overseas locations.Along with premium electric motorcycles, Bajaj is also likely to develop affordable EV products in collaboration with KTM. As part of its EV push, Bajaj has built a new manufacturing facility in Maharashtra. This is operational and caters exclusively to manufacturing electric two-wheelers. Chetak electric scooters have started to roll out of this facility.KTM Duke Electric Motorcycle Launch PlansBajaj, KTM high-end electric motorcycles and other upcoming EVs will be manufactured at this new facility. It is a state-of-the-art facility and can be used to manufacture a wide range of electric two-wheelers. It has peak manufacturing capacity of 5 lakh units per annum. The facility also has dedicated design and R&D centres. It has been developed at an investment of around Rs 750 crore.Bajaj Auto has filed trademarks for multiple new names recently. These include Dynamo, Tecnica, Technik, Pulsar Elan, Pulsar Eleganza, etc. It is likely that Bajaj could use either of these names for their upcoming electric motorcycle. KTM has already confirmed working on a Duke based electric motorcycle.Chetak expansion plansMost of the leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers currently have a limited number of products on offer. This applies to OEMs like Ampere, Ola, Ather, Revolt Motors and TVS. Bajaj currently offers only Chetak electric scooter that has been registering consistent sales every month. Sales could have been higher, but it hasn’t been possible due to global shortage of auto parts. Till date, pre-bookings for Chetak have been more than 16,000.Bajaj will be looking to boost sales in coming months, as supply situation improves globally. The company is also working to make Chetak available across the country. As of now, Chetak is available in 27 cities. There are plans to increase this number to 100 cities in the near future. Bajaj is also working to launch multiple new electric two-wheelers over the next two years. The company has already formed a new entity named Chetak Technology to focus exclusively on development of EVs. With more products on offer, Bajaj will be able to target a larger segment of users. More

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    Top 10 200cc To 500cc Motorcycles June 2022 – Classic, Meteor, CB350, Avenger

    Royal Enfield Classic 350 has turned out to be the segment best with 25,425 units sold in the past monthRoyal Enfield dominates with 80.35% market shareMotorcycles in the 200-500cc segment posted a YoY growth in June 2022 while MoM sales declined. As always, models from Royal Enfield dominate the sales chart by holding top five spots. Total sales in the past month stood at 59,521 units, up 30.55 percent YoY over 45,592 units sold in June 2021. This was a volume growth of 13,929 units. MoM sales on the other hand, dipped 8.32 percent from 64,924 units sold in May 2022.Top 10 200cc To 500cc Motorcycles June 2022Royal Enfield had 5 of its models in the top 5 spots. The Classic 350 commanded a 42.72 percent market share with 25,425 units sold in June 2022, up 46.31 percent YoY over 17,377 units sold in June 2021. MoM sales dipped 15.13 percent when compared to 29,959 units sold in May 2022. This was the only model on the list to see sales above the 10,000 unit mark. At No. 2 was RE Meteor 350. Sales dipped 1.43 percent YoY to 8,645 units, from 8,770 units sold in June 2021. MoM sales improved 5.31 percent over 8,209 units sold in May 2022.Up next was Royal Enfield Bullet 350 with YoY sales growth of 10.83 percent to 5,893 units from 5,317 units sold in June 2021. MoM sales dipped 15.31 percent from 6,958 units sold in May 2022 leading to a 1,065 unit volume de-growth. The next generation Bullet 350cc has already been caught testing s on public roads and has been detailed in a walk around video.At No. 4 and 5 were RE Himalayan and Electra. Sales of the Himalayan increased by 559.94 percent YoY to 4,514 units from 684 units sold in June 2022. MoM sales also improved by 37.92 percent over 3,273 units sold in May 2022. Market share improved from 5.04 percent held in May 2022 to 7.58 percent in June 2022. Royal Enfield has over 80% market share, which is likely to grow further with the launch of new Hunter 350 next month.200cc to 500cc Motorcycle sales June 2022 vs June 2021 (YoY)The 5th best-selling model in the 200-255cc range from Royal Enfield was the Electra 350 with sales of 4,363 units in June 2022. The company had sold 3,137 units in June 2021 leading to a 39.08 percent YoY growth. MoM sales were up 15.67 percent over 3,769 units sold in May 2022.Honda H’ness CB350 at No 6 was the first non-RE motorcycle in the list. It sold 2,120 units in June 2022. This was a YoY growth of 14.41 percent from 1,853 units sold in June 2021. MoM sales were down 35.91 percent over 3,308 units sold in May 2022.This was followed by Bajaj Avenger 220 at No. 7 with sales of 2,108 units up 321.60 percent YoY from just 500 units sold in June 2021. There was also a notable MoM increase in sales by 631.94 percent from 288 units sold in May 2022. Yamaha FZ25 was up next with a YoY growth in sales by 19.75 percent to 673 units up from 562 units sold in June 2021 while MoM sales dipped 4.67 percent from 706 units sold in May 2022.Pulsar 250, KTM 390, Apache 310Hereafter, most motorcycles on this list saw a YoY and MoM de-growth. Bajaj Pulsar 250/220F sales dipped 88.95 percent YoY to 391 units in June 2022 from 3,540 units sold in June 2021. MoM sales however, improved 986.11 percent when compared to 36 units sold in May 2022. Suzuki V-Strom 250, a recent entrant to this list, saw sales of 380 units in June 2022. This was a MoM de-growth of 78.02 percent over 1,729 units sold in May 2022.200cc to 500cc Motorcycle sales June 2022 vs May 2022 (MoM)Sales of KTM 390 (374 units) and TVS Apache 310 (264 units) saw both YoY and MoM de-growth while sales of Dominar 250 increased 62.24 percent to 232 units in June 2022. KTM 250 (218 units), Dominar 400 (214 units) and Gixxer 250 (171 units) featured lower down the list along with Ninja 300 (130 units), CB 300R (108 units) and Husqvarna 250 (4 units). There were 0 units of the Mojo and CB500 sold last month while Yezdi/Jawa retail sales stood at 3,294 units, a YoY growth of 109.01 percent but 7.16 percent MoM de-growth. More

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    2022 Hero Xtreme 160R Launch Price Rs 1.17 L – Pulsar, Apache Rival

    2022 Hero Xtreme 160R will remain identical to its predecessor mechanically and gets subtle additions only2022 Hero Xtreme 160R LaunchedHero MotoCorp has been at the top of the sales charts now for a really long time. As seen in our sales charts, Hero sold 3,83,165 units in June 2022, but it saw a decline of 7.76% YoY when compared to June 2021 with a difference of 32,320 units in total. Most of Hero MotoCorp sales come from budget offerings led by Splendor and the likes.But when it comes to premium offerings like Xtreme 160R and XPulse series, they don’t generate as many sales. But 160 cc segment is currently heating up again with the launch of Bajaj Pulsar N160 and it gets most of the good stuff from Pulsar N250. We also have the TVS Apache 160 4V which is currently the benchmark.Hero had launched its Xtreme 160R in this segment hoping to capture some of the market shares. But with the launch of Pulsar N160, Hero had to do something to keep its 160 cc offering competitive and hence they have given it a slight update for 2022 model year.2022 Hero Xtreme 160R LaunchedFor 2022 model year, Hero has slightly updated its potent Xtreme 160R. The upgrade is in the form of a gear position indicator on the LCD instrument cluster. Xtreme 160R gets a negative LCD panel displaying information like speedometer, tachometer, dual trip meter, clock and some more features. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video below, credit to MRD Vlogs.[embedded content][embedded content]Customers could also opt for Hero Connect which offers a range of connectivity features enhancing vehicle safety and user safety for Rs 4,999. Xtreme 160R also came with hazard lights, auto sail technology, and side stand engine cut-off. It lacked a gear-position indicator and now, Hero has added just that.Xtreme 160R has a muscular profile and gets an LED headlamp, LED DRLs, LED turn indicators, a sculpted fuel tank, a stubby tail section and a unique LED tail lamp that gets a blacked-out finish. The engine assembly, frame, exhaust pipe, and alloy wheels get a blacked-out look for added sportiness. 2022 Hero Xtreme 160R prices start from Rs. 1.17 lakh for single disc, Rs 1.20 lakh for double disc and goes to Rs. 1.23 lakh for 2022 Stealth Edition. All prices are ex-sh.2022 Hero Xtreme 160R Vs Bajaj Pulsar N160 Vs TVS Apache 160Xtreme 160R was a potent product and specced well against competition. But it doesn’t make as much power as a Pulsar N160 with 15.68 bhp and it definitely can’t match the outright 17.39 bhp of TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. It does make a little more power when compared to Honda X-Blade’s 13.67 bhp, though. But Xtreme 160R has a trump card and that is its 139 kg weight which is the lightest in this segment.2022 Hero Xtreme 160R vs Bajaj Pulsar N160 vs TVS Apache 1602022 Hero Xtreme 160R is powered by the same 163 cc, single-cylinder engine with an SOHC setup. It is capable of generating 15 bhp at 8500 RPM and 14 Nm of peak torque at 6500 RPM. This engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission. It weighs 138.5 kg with a single disc and can carry 12 litres of fuel. With this update, Hero has given some more value to their customers and expects to increase sales with this new addition. Hero has also announced some new colours too. More

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    TVS iQube Electric Scooter Sales Near 5k – Production To Increase

    TVS bullish on electric mobility; EVs expected to capture 30% of scooter market and around 35% of three-wheeler segment by 2025Image – Gentleman bikesWith huge unlocked potential in electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments, TVS has been making huge investments in this space. After last year’s investment of Rs 1,000 crore, TVS Motor has announced another 1,000 crore investment this year. Most of the funds will be utilized for capacity expansion and development of new EV products.TVS senses a big opportunity in EV space, as there’s no clear winner at this point of time. It’s a constant battle, as dozens of EV companies have forayed into EV space. TVS has potential to become one of the top EV companies, as it has technical capabilities, abundant resources and the advantages that come with a pan-India dealer network. TVS is currently in top 10, but trails behind Okinawa, Hero Electric, Ola Electric, Ampere and Ather.25k monthly production by 2022 – 50k by 2023TVS recently launched upgraded iQube that has received significant number of bookings. TVS Motor MD Sudarshan Venu has said that they will be launching another new EV later this year. In June 2022, iQube posted its highest ever monthly sales till date, recording 4,667 units. Last 12 month avg sales of iQube has increased to 1,546 units while that of Bajaj Chetak for the same period is 1,121 units.With fresh investments, TVS aims to increase iQube electric scooter production to 25k units per month by the end of this year. This will be more than twice the existing production capacity figures. By 2023, TVS will aim to increase production capacity by 100%, making it 50k units per month. This will entail production capacity of around 5-6 lakh units per year.Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube electric scooter sales – last 12 monthsA significant percentage of the investments made by TVS have been routed through its overseas subsidiaries. For example, around Rs 1,100 crore have been channelled through TVS Singapore. These funds have been invested in other subsidiaries such as Swiss e-Mobility Group (SEMG) that received around Rs 750 crore. TVS had acquired SEMG earlier this year with a 75% stake in the company.Another trench of funds of Rs 130 crore was allocated for EGO Corporation. This Swiss-based e-bike company was acquired by TVS last year in an all-cash deal. Remaining funds were transferred to Norton Motorcycle. Till date, TVS Motor’s total investments routed through TVS Singapore were at Rs 1,892 crore in FY22. In the year ago period, the numbers were at Rs 809 crore.In addition to investment in its subsidiaries, TVS also allocated funds worth Rs 730 crore for capital expenditure in FY22. As compared to last year’s figures, YoY growth is 31%. The total of investments and capital expenditure by TVS in FY22 works out at around Rs 2,100 crore. Due to these massive investments, TVS free cash flow had turned negative. This was despite improved operating performance, powered by higher sales and cost reduction. This shows that the company is bullish on EV space and has made aggressive plans to establish a strong presence.Focus on ICE segment tooWhile TVS has been making massive investments in EV space, it is not being done at the expense of its mainstream internal combustion engine (ICE) portfolio. TVS is working to revamp its ICE portfolio with entry into new segments. TVS is currently popular for its affordable commuter bikes and performance-oriented Apache range. The company is planning to introduce new premium lifestyle products, like new Ronin. The company is hopeful that market sentiments will remain favourable, which will help achieve desired growth in both ICE and electric mobility segments.Source More

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    Upcoming Royal Enfield 650cc Shotgun Stuck In Traffic – Spied

    Royal Enfield Shogun 650 is expected to hit the Indian markets early next year and could be priced around Rs 3.5 lakhUpcoming Royal Enfield 650cc Shotgun Stuck In TrafficRoyal Enfield’s lineup will look very different in the next few years as the bikemaker is planning to launch multiple new models over the course of next five years. The company will be expanding its flagship 650 range by introducing various new models.Numerous spy shots of the upcoming 650cc motorcycles have been spied on roads since last year. Another test mule of the supposed Shotgun 650 has been spotted testing recently and spy shots of the same have been circulating on the internet. The latest spy shots show two production-ready prototypes of the twin-cylinder motorcycle.Royal Enfield 650cc Shotgun Stuck In TrafficTwo test mules of the upcoming Royal Enfield 650cc Shotgun have been spied together, credit to Motor Vaahan. They are stuck in traffic, giving us a closer look at the motorcycles. They are wearing hardly any camouflage, revealing finished body panels and fuel tank. This indicates that Royal Enfield is done with a major part of the developmental process for the bike.However, the recently spied test mules have a few subtle yet noticeable variations in comparison to the pre-production concept showcased earlier. The biggest difference is the split-style seats seen in the test units as opposed to a single rider’s seat shown in the concept model. The SG650 concept flaunted the looks of a single-seater bobber. It is likely that Royal Enfield will introduce multiple variants of Shotgun with multiple seating layouts.[embedded content][embedded content]From the looks of it, Shotgun 650 is more likely to be a 650cc equivalent of Classic 350 which is also available both in single- and dual-seat variants. The round headlight, side panels and fenders, all bear a striking resemblance to the concept. Unlike Cruiser 650, which is speculated to be named Super Meteor 650, this model gets centre-set footpegs and a straight handlebar.Expected Features & SpecsIn terms of features, it gets a twin-pod instrument cluster that will be a semi-digital unit instead of a fully digital unit seen in the SG650 concept. The smaller pod could be for Tripper Navigation which displays turn-by-turn navigation, although this feature is expected to be available as an optional accessory.Hardware configurations of Shotgun 650 will consist of a dual-cradle frame suspended on USD forks up front and twin shock absorbers at rear. Braking duties will be handled by single disc brakes at both ends and chewed down by ByBre callipers. These will be aided by a dual-channel ABS.Powering Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 will be the same 648cc oil-cooled, parallel-twin motor that performs duties on the current 650 Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT. This unit pushes out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox via a slip and assist clutch. Apart from Shotgun 650, Royal Enfield also has plans to launch Classic 650, Meteor 650, Hunter 350. More

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    KTM, Husqvarna Price Hike July 2022 – Duke, RC 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    KTM has increased prices for all its bikes in the range of Rs 1,427 to Rs 2,148; no updatesImage – MotobikeAs has been the case in most other previous price hikes, July price hike announced by KTM and Husqvarna is likely due to rising input costs. Inflation is now a global phenomenon, which has led to increase in prices of auto parts, components and raw materials. KTM and Husqvarna had increased prices earlier this year in May also.Apart from KTM and Husqvarna, most other OEMs have also announced price hikes multiple times in CY22. Upward revision of two-wheeler prices has been happening with greater frequency since 2020-21. This trend is likely to continue throughout 2022-23 and may be even longer depending on the emerging global geo-political and economic situation.KTM new prices July 2022KTM Duke range prices have been increased by up to Rs 2,148. Lowest price hike is Rs 1,427 for KTM 200 Duke. The bike is now available at a starting price of Rs 1,91,693. KTM 125 Duke and 250 Duke have received price hikes of Rs 2,099 each. New prices are Rs  1,78,041 and Rs  2,37,222, respectively. KTM 390 Duke has the highest price hike in the group at Rs 2,148. New price of 390 Duke is Rs 2,96,230.A similar price structure can be seen for the KTM RC range, where RC 200 has received the lowest price hike of Rs 1,427. New price of RC 200 is Rs 2,14,688. Entry-level RC 125 is being offered at Rs 1,88,640, an increase of Rs 1,779 in comparison to old price. RC 390 gets a price hike of Rs 2,148. New price of KTM RC 390 is Rs 3,16,070.KTM and Husqvarna prices July 2022KTM ADV range starts with 250 Adventure, which is now available at Rs 2,44,205. That’s an increase of Rs 2,099. KTM 390 Adventure price has been increased by Rs 2,148. It is now available at a starting price of Rs 3,37,043. While prices have been hiked, there are no updates for any of the bikes.Overall price hike for KTM bikes seems manageable from the users’ perspective. It is unlikely to have any major impact on sales. Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen prices have also increased for July 2022. The 250cc motorcycles are now priced at Rs 2,19,878 and Rs 2,19,251 which is an increase of Rs 2,099.KTM upcoming bikesEarlier this year in May, KTM had launched updated versions of RC 390 and 390 Adventure. These were launched at a starting price of Rs 3.14 lakh and Rs 3.35 lakh, respectively. Future plans include next-gen 390 Duke, which is expected to make its global debut later this year. It is expected to be launched in India in the first half of 2023.Another possibility is the 390 Adventure R variant that has been spotted on road tests. R variant is already available for higher capacity KTM bikes like 890 Adventure and 1290 Super Adventure. Primary differentiation for R variants comes in the form of additional equipment and features that make these bikes a superior off-roader. As 390 Adventure is popular here, it is possible that KTM may consider the bike’s R variant for India. More

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    Yamaha RD350 LC Modified For MS Dhoni – Exhaust Note, Yellow Colour

    Yamaha RD350 LC was never launched in India, but quite a few enthusiasts did get it imported here privatelyYamaha RD350 LC modified for MS DhoniIn the news frequently for his automotive collection, former captain of Indian cricket team Mahendra Singh Dhoni is here again with a new trophy in the form of a customized Yamaha RD350 LC. This modification project has been carried out by Blue Smoke Customs, a leading vehicle restoration services provider in Chandigarh.Talking a bit about Yamaha RD350 LC, the bike was in production from 1980 to 1983. It was a successor to the larger RD400. Due to stricter emission norms and introduction of new technologies and features, Yamaha RD350 LC was replaced with other models such as RZ350, RD350LC II and RD350 YPVS.Yamaha RD350 LC modified for MS DhoniIn this customization project, focus is on preserving the soul of the bike, all while giving it a major performance boost. Much of the styling has been retained in its original format, as evident in features like round headlamp, turn indicators and rear view mirrors, twin-pod analogue instrument console, sculpted fuel tank design and rectangular tail lamp.Seat section has been modified and the saddle used is a customized unit. It is elevated towards the rear, something that compliments the bike’s sporty profile. Take a look at the detailed walkaround as well as listen to the exhaust note of Dhoni’s new Yamaha RD350 LC in the video below.[embedded content][embedded content]The bike gets a dual-tone colour theme of yellow and black, which was one of the original colour options offered with the bike. Yellow bits can be seen on the front mudguard, fuel tank, side panels and tail section. Riding ergonomics is fairly comfortable and there’s scope for a slightly committed stance too.To give it a Dhoni-specific personalization, the bike gets number ‘7’ on top of the fuel tank. This represents Dhoni’s jersey number that was used in both standard as well as club cricket tournaments. While 7 is apparently a lucky number, Dhoni had said that it actually represents his date of birth 7-7 (July 7). The last two digits of his birth year 81 (8-1) is also 7, according to Dhoni.Yamaha RD350 LC performance boostYamaha RD350 LC is powered by a 347cc parallel twin, two-stroke motor that generates 49 bhp of max power. While the engine is the same, performance and handling have been boosted with a range of aftermarket parts and components. The kit includes Uni air filter, JL twin exhausts, NGK spark plug, Zeeltronic Programmable CDI, VForce4 reed valve system by Moto Tassinari, Lectron carburettor, LMC silicone radiator coolant hose and Metmachex aluminium swingarm.Yamaha RD350 LC modified for MS DhoniAnother key highlight of the modified Yamaha RD350 LC is its throaty exhaust note. It gets even more exciting while accelerating. As seen in the video, the bike has superb acceleration and there’s hardly any match for it on the streets. Exhaust note feels similar to that of legendary RX100, but it’s a lot hardier and louder. The aural experience perfectly complements the bike’s robust profile and powerful performance.Source More

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    New Hero Splendor 125cc Canvas Black Price Rs 77k – Details

    Hero MotoCorp Super Splendor 125 Canvas Black Edition launched in 2 variants; Available at a starting price of Rs. 77,430 (ex sh Delhi)New Hero Splendor 125cc Canvas BlackHero MotoCorp Splendor sales continues to be a chart-topper month after month. It justifies the manufacturer’s efforts to ensure the range is ever-growing and draws in customers. The new variant spied last week is now revealed to be the Super Splendor Canvas Black Edition.  Super Splendor Canvas Black Edition is available at a price of Rs. 77,430 for drum self-cast variant, and Rs. 81,330 for disc self-cast variant. Price mentioned is Ex-Sh Delhi. Customers benefit from a 5-year warranty.Super Splendor Canvas BlackThe Splendor’s appeal is far reaching, with lakhs of customers each month. In its new avatar, Hero Super Splendor Canvas Black Edition offers improved fuel efficiency, up by 13 percent. Mileage is listed at 60-68 kmpl. The feature rich includes a new digi-analog cluster, an Integrated USB Charger, and side-stand engine cut-off. At the same times its looks are refreshed.New Super Splendor Canvas is powered by a 125cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder engine. It returns power of 10.7 BHP @ 7500 RPM and max torque of 10.6 Nm @ 6000 RPM. An advanced programmed fuel injection (FI) system, wet multi plate clutch and an all-new 5-Speed Gearbox improves ride experience in city traffic and highways.New Hero Splendor 125cc Canvas BlackThe new Splendor features telescopic hydraulic shock absorber and rear 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorber. On the design front, Hero MotoCorp mentions ‘bold and modern design’. This is enhanced through 3D branding of Super Splendor, and H-Logo. Safety enhancement is attained through side-stand visual indication and a ‘Side-stand Engine cut-off’. Customers can choose the option of disc brake and a Combi Braking System (CBS) for better handling. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video below, credit to Satyam Gupta.[embedded content][embedded content]Premium Hero Super Splendor 125Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Growth Officer (CGO), Hero MotoCorp said, “As an iconic motorcycle that has had resounding success in the market, Splendor Family has consistently sought to set newer benchmarks of safety, reliability, and performance.The all-new Hero Super Splendor in Canvas Black edition strives to take customer aspirations to newer heights, backed by superior performance and comfort. We remain confident that it will fulfil the brand promise of comfort and safety while once again setting a new standard in terms of both technology and aesthetics.”With the Splendor range being the auto manufacturer’s most popular and trusted motorcycle, Canvas Black Edition ups the game. This being a premium proposition of the Super Splendor 125. True to its legend, in its new avatar, the motorcycle embodies design elegance, style, and technological advancement. More