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

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

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

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

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

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

New-gen Hero Xtreme 160R could get some first-in-segment features to improve competencies against Pulsar and Apache 160New Hero Xtreme 160R spied in production guiseOne of the popular choices in 160cc segment, Hero Xtreme 160R will be getting its new-gen version soon. It was first spied on test in October last year. Now, production ready test mules have been spied. The updated bike could debut later this year, around the festive period. Both Pulsar and Apache 160cc motorcycles have been updated, requiring Hero to introduce the required set of changes to Xtreme 160R.New-gen Hero Xtreme 160R is likely to get cosmetic updates, along with some new colour options. Major design changes are unlikely, as the bike already has a sporty profile. Some premium hardware and new features could be among the key highlights of new-gen Xtreme 160R.New Hero Xtreme 160R SpiedNew Gen Hero Xtreme 160R – Updated features, More techEven in its current format, Hero Xtreme 160R is a well-equipped bike. It has all-LED lighting and an inverted LCD console with adjustable brightness. There are 5 brightness levels, allowing the user to choose as per their needs. The LCD panel displays a range of information including gear position indicator. New-gen Xtreme 160R could get an updated instrument console.Some new connectivity features could be introduced with new-gen Xtreme 160R. As of now, connectivity features offered with the bike include live tracking, speed alert, vehicle start alert, geo fence alert, hero locate, topple alert, tow away alert, driving score and trip analysis.New Hero Xtreme 160R SpiedTest mules of new-gen Xtreme 160R can be seen with telescopic forks, which is likely to be the same as that of current model. At rear, the bike has 7-step rider adjustable monoshock suspension. The bike uses 17-inch wheels at both ends, shod with 100/80 front and 130/70 rear tyres.Braking duties are performed by 276 mm and 220 mm petal disc at front and rear, respectively. Single-channel ABS is offered as standard. The bike’s weight is 139.5 kg, which is the lowest in segment. Fuel tank capacity is 12 litres.Engine likely to deliver improved performance, more mileageWith rivals getting performance upgrades, it is important for Hero MotoCorp to upgrade the performance of Xtreme 160R. Currently, it is powered by a 163cc, air cooled motor that generates 15.2 PS of max power and 14 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox. Expect the new 160R to deliver better acceleration as well as mileage figures.New Hero Xtreme 160 Spy Shots from last yearWith the updates, new-gen Xtreme 160R could witness a slight bump in prices. Existing prices start from Rs 1.18 lakh and go all the way to Rs 1.3 lakh. A total of 4 variants are on offer. In comparison, Pulsar N160 which was recently updated with USD forks, is priced at 1.27 lakh while the TVS Apache 160 price ranges from Rs 1.18 lakh to Rs 1.23 lakh. All prices are ex-sh.Apart from this, Hero is also working on a new 210cc range of motorcycles with full fairing (Karizma) as well as naked street (Hunk / Xtreme). They also have a new 420cc Xpulse and 420cc Xtreme / Xpulse in the making along with Harley Davidson 420cc.Source More

Three stalwarts – Hero MotoCorp, Honda and TVS Motor commanded this segment, which has seen a double digit YoY growth in total retail salesOla maintains lead as No 1 electric scooterTwo wheeler retail sales in March 2023 saw a total of 14,45,867 units sold, up 12.42 percent from 12,86,109 units sold in March 2022. This was a 1,59,758 unit volume growth. It was also a MoM growth from 12,67,233 units sold in Feb 2023. Retail sales in FY 2022-23 grew 18.54 percent to 1,59,95,968 from 1,34,94,214 units retailed in FY 2021-22.Two Wheeler Retail Sales March 2023Top sellers in the past month were Hero, Honda, TVS and Bajaj, each of which saw significant increase in YoY retail sales. The same could not be said for Hero Electric, Okinawa and Classic Legends and Piaggio that have all posted YoY de-growthTwo Wheeler Retail Sales March 2023 vs March 2023 – YoY AnalysisHero MotoCorp was the best-selling two wheeler ORM in March 2023. Retail sales stood at 4,66,963 units in the past month, up from 4,14,869 units sold last year. Market share improved marginally to 32.30 percent from 32.26 percent YoY. Honda retail sales were at 3,23,901 units in March 2023, up from 2,81,936 in March 2022. Market share improved to 22.40 percent from 21.92 percent YoY.At No. 3 on the list was TVS Motor with 2,37,920 units sold last month. This was a YoY growth with market share going up to 16.46 percent from 15.34 percent YoY. TVS iQube electric scooter is what contributed significant numbers to total sales. Next up was Bajaj Auto Limited with 1,63,926 units sold in March 2023 from 1,42,790 units sold in March 2022. Chetak electric scooter sales are listed under Chetak Technologies Limited. It posted retail sales at 2,332 units last month with a 0.16 percent market share.Two Wheeler Retail Sales March 2023 % ShareRetail sales growth was also reported for Royal Enfield with sales at 69,791 units in March 2023 up from 53,233, taking up market share to 4.83 percent from 4.14 percent on a YoY basis. It was also Suzuki Motorcycle that saw retail sales improve to 64,304 units in the past month. India Yamaha Motors sales were up to 46,987 units in March 2023 from 44,187 in March 2022 though market share dipped to 3.25 percent from 3.44 percent YoY.Electric 2W Retail Sales March 2023Electric two wheeler retail sales saw significant growth. Ola Electric was the leading electric two wheeler maker in terms of sales with 21,274 units sold last month, up from 9,145 units sold in March 2022. This took up market share to 1.47 percent from 0.71 percent held in March 2022. Ola has reported its best ever sales in March 2023.Ather Energy sales in the past month stood at 12,076 units, up from 2,233 last year. Ampere, which offers a diverse range of products such as the Zeal, Magnus and Primus has seen retail sales at 9,334 units in March 2023, up from 6,341. Market share improved marginally to 0.65 percent from 0.49 percent YoY.Two Wheeler Retail Sales March 2023 vs Feb 2023 – MoM AnalysisRetail sales of Hero Electric dipped to 6,652 units in March 2023 from 13,029 in March 2022. There was also Okinawa Autotech that posted YoY de-growth in retail sales to 4,507 units in March 2023. Classic Legends (Jawa / Yezdi) retail sales dipped to 3,253 units last month from 4,265 units sold in the same month last year. Piaggio also reported a YoY de-growth in retail sales to 3,072 units in March 2023 from 4,543 sold in the same month last year. More