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      Hero Vida Electric Scooter Test Ride Starts – First Experience Center Opens

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      The first Hero Vida Experience Center is now open in Bengaluru – Next ones will open in Jaipur and DelhiFirst Hero Vida Electric Scooter Experience CenterHero MotoCorp created quite a buzz when they launched its Vida V1 electric scooters. Coming from India’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, it was set to push the EV envelope further than what it currently packs. Now, the company has opened its first experience center in Bengaluru and has commenced test rides as well.The first Hero Vida Electric Scooter Experience Center is located in Bengaluru at prominent Vittal Mallya Road. Here customers will be able to familiarize themselves with the brand, experience the product and immerse themselves in a ‘Worry-free EV Ecosystem’ of VIDA. To mark this occasion, VIDA has also commenced customer test rides of VIDA V1 from today.Hero Vida Electric Scooter Experience CenterSpread over 8500 sq. ft., this Experience Center will display the VIDA V1 scooters, charging stations, an interactive wall that illustrates the brand vision, and product configurations to help customers visualize their VIDA V1. It has an in-house coffee bar and a library as well. Hero MotoCorp is pitching it as a hub for VIDA communities, hosting events, brand meets and cohort activities in the future. After the first Hero Vida Experience Center in Bengaluru, Jaipur and Delhi are next.Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Swadesh Srivastava, Head – Emerging Mobility Business Unit (EMBU), Hero MotoCorp said: “Expanding our vision to shape the EV category and grow its scale, we are excited to open the first VIDA Experience Center. This Experience Center is a manifestation of our vision to build experiences that create curiosity, and meaningfulness and that people connect with.First Hero Vida Electric Scooter Experience CenterThe Experience Center will provide the community insight into the ‘Worry-free EV ecosystem’ that we have created with VIDA. This center is one of the many physical assets of our omnichannel approach. Our tech stack and physical assets are built to uplift the customer experience from just entering into a space of retail to a space where they can be part of a larger story. It’s a one-of-its-kind experience that we are providing in the segment.”Pricing & DeliveriesVIDA V1 comes with a performance that can take it from 0-40 in 3.2 secs. With up to a 3.94 kWh battery, it boasts a range of 163 km (IDC) and a top speed of 80 km/h. Features include a Custom Mode (100+ combinations), Cruise Control, Boost Mode, Two-way throttle, Key-less access and an OTA-enabled 7” TFT Touch-Screen.Along with Vida V1 electric scooter range, Hero is also offering services like Green EMI and efficient interest rates. Buy-Back scheme assures vehicle buy-back at 70% of purchase value between the 16th to 18th months of vehicle ownership. Hero MotoCorp offers a test ride for up to three days. Along with these, Repair On-Site service is offered too, where customer executives are available to provide service anywhere, anytime.First Hero Vida Electric Scooter Experience CenterMost of these are new to the EV segment in India and reception for this approach is yet to be seen. VIDA V1 is available in two variants – VIDA V1 Plus at Rs. 1,45,000 and VIDA V1 Pro at Rs. 159,000 (both prices ex-sh). Customer deliveries of VIDA V1 commencing from the second week of December 2022. More

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      Raptee Electric Motorcycle Spied In Production Guise – 2023 Launch?

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      2020 Auto Expo is where Raptee electric motorcycle was first showcased – The bike promises 150 km of real-world rangeUpcoming Raptee Electric Motorcycle SpiedElectric 2W segment is witnessing unprecedented growth with majority of the numbers being pushed by startups. Industry experts predict that the Indian EV market is likely to expand at a CAGR of 77% by value. A value so tempting, it attracts a lot of electric 2W companies.One such company that is set to foray into this segment is Raptee Motors. The startup company showcased a concept vehicle at 2020 Auto Expo (Ah! Good times). Unlike many 2W EV makers that are going heavy into electric scooters, Raptee has set its priorities straight. Electric motorcycles.Raptee Electric Motorcycle SpiedThe company created a buzz recently by launching a teaser of what is to come. Now we have a prototype on the road. Thanks to automotive enthusiast Siva, we now have a glimpse of what to expect from the production-spec model.Most of its bodywork is still under wraps. But the form factor is visible. Just like the upcoming F77 electric motorcycle by Ultraviolette, this is a hybrid between a naked and a faired motorcycle. Most of the underbelly is covered except its front section which fares its forks like flexing its triceps.Upcoming Raptee Electric Motorcycle TeaserApart from its fairing, we can also spot an aluminium swingarm that is not coated in the test mule. Production-spec will have surface finishing treatments. Concept vehicle looked like it had a belt drive, while the test mule dons a chain drive with a large sprocket that could mean quick acceleration.Upcoming Raptee electric motorcycle looks like it is sprung on telescopic front forks and a rear mono-shock unit. One can spot diamond-cut finish alloy wheels, split seats and split grab rails for pillion to hold on to.Specs & FeaturesRider triangle is likely to be slightly committed. Front foot pegs are slightly rear set and the handlebar commands a slight lean. Features include a TFT screen that should offer Bluetooth connectivity as demonstrated on the company website. Raptee electric motorcycle boasts a trellis frame on which battery, motor and other components are mounted.Company website further reveals that it has a CCS2 charging socket and traction control along with blind spot warning. Headline figures include a top speed of 135 km/h, 150 km real-world range, 0 to 60 km/h in 3.5 seconds and 0 to 85% charge time in 45 minutes. As of now, looking at everything this Raptee electric motorcycle promises, Ultraviolette F77 seems to be the most logical rival. Other potential rivals include Tork Kratos R, upcoming Oben Rorr and the likes. Launch is likely to take place in 2023. More

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      Honda Benly e Electric Scooter Testing Continues – Launch Soon?

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      In the past couple of years, many new EV startups have registered their upcoming models in India which is set to boost electric mobilityHonda Benly e Electric scooter spied in BangaloreBack in 2019, Honda showcased the Benly e electric scooter at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show. This e-scoter has been solely developed for last-mile services. The electric scooter has now been spotted in India which might trigger speculations about its apparent launch. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Lal Krishna for sharing these spy shots.Developed specifically for everyday pick-up/delivery services, Benly e adopts a utilitarian design language with a flat rear deck. Dimensions of the e-scooter stand at 1,840mm, 780mm and 1,050mm in length, width and height.Honda Benly e Electric Scooter SpiedThe e-scooter has been made available in four trims – Benly e I, Benly e I Pro, Benly e II and Benly e II Pro. Benly e I and I Pro are offered with a 2.8 kW (3.8 bhp) electric motor which returns a torque output of 13 Nm. Both electric scooters that have been spied, are wearingOn the other hand, Benly e II and II Pro are propelled by a 4.2 kW (5.7 bhp) electric motor that makes 15 Nm of peak torque. However, both motor configurations are fed energy by two 48V, 20.8 Ah lithium-ion batteries which Honda calls ‘Mobile Power Pack’ (MPP). Both of these battery units are detachable and swappable.Honda Benly e Electric scooter – Registered in the name of Honda Two Wheeler IndiaHonda claims a range of 87km on a single charge at 30kmph on a flat road for Benly e I and I Pro. Whereas for Benly e II and II Pro, the range drops to 43km at 60kmph on a flat road on a single charge. The e-scooter can climb an incline of 12 degrees with 30kg cargo for Benly e I and I Pro and 60kg for Benly e II and II Pro. It also benefits from a reverse assist feature as well.The scooter rides on 12-inch front and 10-inch rear alloy wheels that are shod by 90/90-section and 110/90-section rubber respectively. It tips the weighing scales at 125kg and 130kg for Benly e I and Benly e II respectively. In terms of features, it gets an LED headlight, a digital instrument cluster and an accessory power socket. Braking is taken care of by a combined braking system (CBS).Honda Swappable BatteryIn Dec 2021, Honda setup Honda Power Pack Energy India Private Limited in Bangalore. This is a 100% subsidiary of Honda Motor Japan. The aim of setting up this unit in India was to solve issues like limited range, reduce battery cost and reduce charging / wait time. Apart from two wheelers, they will also provide solutions to other EVs, like electric rickshaws, etc.Honda electric scooter with battery swap tech – Benly eThey will also be making batteries in India, called – Honda Mobile Power Pack (MPP) e:. These batteries will be available at various locations across the country in phase-wise manner. Owners of compatible EVs will be able to swap drained out batteries with fully charged batteries in no time. Interestingly, the Benly e electric scooter also uses the same battery pack MPP.Given the expansion of e-retail businesses in India over the last few years and the bright prospect of electric mobility, Honda might actually benefit if it seriously considers bringing the Benly e electric scooter here. It will only be used for commercial purposes while the Japanese company has some other plans for its regular consumers when it comes to electric mobility. More

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      QJ Motor To Launch 4 New Motorcycles – Rival Royal Enfield

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      After launching its sub-brands in India, QJ Motor plans to launch its core brand with 4 new products across various segmentsQJ Motor MotorcyclesAn average Indian might not have heard of the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer QJ Motor. That being said, we ain’t strangers to its products. Rather, we aren’t strangers to the brands that fall under the QJ Motor umbrella. Brands like Benelli, Keeway, Moto Morini and Zontes.QJ is regarded as one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in China. The company has an arsenal of platforms on which they base its motorcycles. From a small-capacity scooter to a 1,200cc motorcycle, QJ Motor has a slew of platforms.Aadishwar Auto Ride India (AARI) is its distribution partner. QJ Motor is bringing 4 motorcycles to our shores. AARI is currently handling sales and service of brands that fall under QJ Motor. Now, it will expand its lineup by including 4 new products from QJ via Aadishwar Moto Vault showrooms.QJ Motor Plans To Bring 4 New BikesWith a presence in 130 different countries, QJ Motor has an extensive portfolio. QJ Motor Plans to introduce 4 new motorcycles that are set to be brought in via CKD route. These include SRC 250, SRC 500, SRV300 and SRK 400.QJ Motor SRK400Like the numbers in their respective names suggest, SRC 250 is powered by a 250cc engine. SRC500 with a 500cc engine. SRV300 with a 300cc and lastly SRK400 is powered by a 400cc engine. SRC series are QJ Motor’s classic motorcycles. These are likely to target Royal Enfield motorcycles by slotting above and below their popular 350cc bikes.QJ Motor SRC500Along with the Benelli Imperiale 400, QJ now has 250cc, 400cc and 500cc classic bike options. SRC500 is a textbook classic bike with a 480cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine making 25.5 PS and 36Nm. Wire spoke wheels, twin-pod analog instrumentation, telescopic front forks and rear disc brakes are on offer.SRC250 is a lot more modern, both in its appearance and tech. It has a neo-retro appeal rather than going straight-out classic. This 250cc engine makes 17.4 PS and 17Nm and gets modern tech like oil-cooling, rear disc brake, and a single pod off-set instrument cluster.QJ Motor SRV300Launch & PricingSRV300 is a neo-retro cruiser that has a 296cc V-Twin engine that is set to make 30.3 PS and 26 Nm. This is likely to be the same engine that also powers Keeway Benda V302 C that was launched in India some time ago. Kit on this includes liquid cooling, front and rear disc brakes, front USD forks, and a proper cruiser design that looks to be inspired by Harley-Davidson Roadster.Not to be confused with Shar Rukh Khan, QJ Motor plans to launch its SRK400 in India to possibly rival KTM 390. Keeway K300 series were underpowered to take on KTM 390s. With 40.9 PS and 37Nm, SRK400’s parallel-twin 400cc engine is up to the mark, at least on paper.QJ Motor SRC250With a weight of 186 kg, it packs USD forks, a front dual disc setup, a trellis frame, and an underbelly exhaust. Launch timeline is not yet revealed by the company or AARI. That said, these new motorcycles are likely to hit Aadishwar Moto Vault showrooms by the end of this year. Pricing is likely to be on par with the competition. More

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      Top 10 150cc To 200cc Motorcycles Sep 2022 – Pulsar, Apache, R15, MT15

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      Honda X-Blade registered the highest YoY growth among 150cc-200cc motorcycle sales of 18433% as it had only sold 3 units a year beforeYamaha R15 S New Colour – Matte BlackSeptember 2022 month for 150cc-200cc motorcycle sales was booming with 1,82,344 units sold while sales doubled from 90,821 units sold in September 2021 with volume growth of 91,523 units YoY. In the midst of the festive season, Pulsar series takes the lead in sales with 45,464 units. In contrast, Pulsar series sold only 14,785 units a year ago and 30,679 units a month before.Pulsar numbers grew 207.5% YoY with 30,679 units gained in volume and holds a 24.93% market share of this segment. At 2nd place, we have Apache series from TVS that was found brooding at Bajaj’s neck with 42,954 units and registered a 5.64% YoY growth and 2,293 units of volume growth YoY. Apache series holds a 23.54% market share in this segment.150cc-200cc Motorcycle Sales Sep 2022Honda Unicorn 160 has surprisingly surpassed cumulative sales from FZ series lying within 150cc to 200cc and secured 3rd place on this list. From failing to cross 2,000 units in June 2022, to selling 36,161 units in September 2022, Unicorn has come a long way. Despite not getting any updates and a price hike of around Rs. 8,000. Impressive!Unicorn 160 registered a 2501% YoY growth as compared to 1,390 units sold a year ago and gained 34,771 units in volume. Yamaha FZ series sold 20,453 units and witnessed a growth of 349% YoY with 15,903 units gained in volume. FZ’s market share in 150cc-200cc motorcycle segment stood at 11.22%.150cc-200cc motorcycle sales September 2022Despite sharing platforms, R15 and MT 15 registered starkly different results in September 2022. R15 sold 9,550 units and when compared to 11,792 units sold a year ago, R15 figures declined by 19.01% YoY. MT 15 sold 8,102 units and with 2,514 units to beat, registered a 222.28% YoY growth. MT 15’s volume growth YoY stood at 5,588 units.Hero Xpulse 200 took 7th spot with 5,772 units and saw 71.02% YoY growth in sales when compared to 2,397 units sold a year ago and gained 2,397 units in volume along the way. One would think that being the less expensive product in this segment from Hero, Xtreme 160R would sell more than pricey XPulse 200. That is not the case, though.Xtreme 160R managed to sell 4,285 units and along the way, registered a 28.54% YoY decline when compared to 5,996 units sold a year before. 200cc products from KTM like 200 Duke and RC200 contributed 3,970 units in sales, up by 70.68% YoY when 2,326 units sold a year ago are taken into account.X-Blade Saw 18433% YoY GrowthSuzuki’s underrated Gixxer series lacks behind rivals. With only 2,348 units sold between Gixxer SF150 and Gixxer 150, sales growth stood at 75.22% YoY. Bajaj Avenger 160 managed to sell 1,675 units in September 2022 and growth stood at 319.8% YoY. Volume growth stood at 1,276 units YoY.Honda’s Hornet 2.0 and X-Blade sold 690 and 556 units each. Both machines registered positive growth. Hornet 2.0 grew 820% YoY from 75 units sold a year before and X-Blade grew 18433% YoY from just 3 units sold a year before. Honda’s CB200X pushed out 364 units and fell in the red with a decline of 73.76% YoY. More

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      Aprilia Electrica, Piaggio 1 EV, Vespa GTS And GTV Showcased

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      Aprilia Electrica concept showcased at 2022 EICMA show, looks like a promising EV for the massesAprilia Electrica ConceptEICMA is a spectacular platform for manufacturers to showcase their products to the world. Royal Enfield has used this platform to showcase Super Meteor 650 and a custom Scrambler based on Interceptor 650. Let’s take a look at what Piaggio has in its stalls that grabbed eyeballs.Piaggio Group has Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Vespa under its umbrella. They showcased both ICE and electric 2-wheelers under Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Vespa brands. Under Moto Guzzi brand, V100 Mandello was showcased which debuts with the company’s new ‘Compact Block’ engine and a host of electronic goodies along with it.Alongside V100 Mandello, the classic Moto Guzzi V7 was showcased in a Stone Special Edition with a new colour scheme and graphics. A Special Edition of Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber was also showcased. This gets dual-tone colour schemes and a lot of black finishes to provide a unique look.Aprilia Electrica, Piaggio 1 E-Scooter ShowcasedUnder Aprilia brand, Piaggio showcased Aprilia Electrica and Aprilia RS 660 Extrema. Former is an electric super-moto style motorcycle, while the latter is a lighter version of RS 660. The company has achieved this with extensive carbon fiber bodywork. The heavier exhaust on RS 660 is replaced with a lighter one which still adheres to legalities.Aprilia RS 660 ExtremaStandard RS 660 got a decent electronics package in the form of wheelie control, traction control and cornering ABS. Extrema adds to it a new software that enables riders to switch to a GP style shift pattern. Result, Aprilia RS 660 weighs only 166 kg and makes 100 bhp.Aprilia Electrica was the one that grabbed our attention the most. There’s a good reason too. For one, it doesn’t look like an exotic electric motorcycle. Instead, it looks like something that can be daily-used and be affordable for the masses. Secondly, the design approaches a supermoto motorcycle. Something in line with a Ducati Hypermotard.It gets a tall seat, enabling ample ground clearance. The twin-spar chassis incorporates its battery and motor. It gets USD forks at front and a mono-shock at the rear. Design is extremely minimalistic and clean. Swingarm design is attractive and it hides the chain drive behind it connecting a mid-mounted motor and rear wheel.Moto Guzzi V100 MondelloVespa GTS & GTVPiaggio has given a thorough update to its 1 electric scooter for MY2023. For starters, it is called Piaggio 1 Active and gets a performance bump as compared to its previous iteration. It now gets a peak power output of 3 kW. This is enough to reach a top speed of 60 km/h. Range promised by the company is 85 km. LED lighting and colour instrument panel are offered too.Both GTS and GTV come with a new look that is distinguishable from their previous models. Especially GTV, which goes to its historical roots and gets front fender-mounted headlights. Something that original Vespa scooter used to get. Modern features like LED lighting, ABS, traction control and modern instrumentation are positive additions.2023 Vespa GTVGTS gets 4 different versions and 14 colours to go with them. Vespa Primavera Color Vibe gets a two-tone finish and wheels painted in bright blue, which looks distinctive. More

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      Accessories For Super Meteor 650 – Solo Tourer, Grand Tourer

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      RE genuine accessories for Super Meteor 650 will make the Standard motorcycle a lot more touring-friendly and bring it closer to Tourer variantSuper Meteor 650 Tourer VariantRoyal Enfield motorcycles are often known to be blank canvases. Not that we are complaining. In their stock form, Royal Enfield offers a timeless design that will surely appeal to the majority of general consensus. For the rest that needs individuality, this blank canvas is a boon.The company sells a fair share of accessories too. These accessories are termed General Motorcycle Accessories or GMAs. Some accessories are sold individually and some come in bundles or packages. Accessories are the easiest way to uplift a motorcycle’s design that reflects the character and soul of its rider.Royal Enfield revealed its Super Meteor 650 cruiser yesterday at EICMA. It is one of the most awaited motorcycles in India and overseas. It was showcased in two trims namely Super Meteor 650 and Super Meteor 650 Tourer. Let’s take a look at the accessories for Super Meteor 650 that RE has showcased alongside it.Accessories For Super Meteor 650 RevealedThe proposition of a relatively inexpensive textbook cruiser with a powerful engine that comes with a robust dealer network across the country is to die for, isn’t it? That is exactly what Super Meteor 650 cruiser is touting. It can be purchased at your nearest Royal Enfield dealership too.Standard Super Meteor 650Super Meteor 650 is launched in two trims – Super Meteor 650 is the solo tourer variant and will be available in five colourways – Astral Black, Astral Blue, Astral Green, Interstellar Grey and Interstellar Green. Second variant is Super Meteor 650 Tourer – it is the grand tourer variant and will be available in two colourways – Celestial Red and Celestial Blue.Royal Enfield is offering accessories kits for Standard Super Meteor 650 that are termed under two sections, Solo Tourer and Grand Tourer. As the name suggests, Solo Tourer gets a single seat and luggage rack on top of the rear fender. On closer inspection, it gets LED indicators, machined wheels and bar end mirrors to enhance looks and deluxe footpegs to enhance comfort.Grand Tourer kit is a lot more touring-friendly. In that sense, we get a lot of comfort-enhancing features like a touring-friendly handlebar, deluxe footpegs, pillion backrest, touring-friendly seats and a large windscreen. Other notable add-ons include LED indicators and panniers on either side that don’t look out of place.Specs & FeaturesIt is powered by the same 648cc parallel-twin engine with a 4V head, oil cooling and a slipper clutch. This engine is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox and makes 47 bhp and 52.3 Nm of torque. It weighs a hefty 241 kg, making it the heaviest RE to date. Accessories for Super Meteor 650 will make the motorcycle more functional when compared to Standard variant.Straight-line stability is likely to be impeccable due to its heft. Right now, there is only one logical alternative to Super Meteor 650 and that is Kawasaki Vulcan S. Pricing for the motorcycle and its accessories are not revealed yet. India debut will happen at Rider Mania later this month. More

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      New Honda 500cc Scrambler And Rebel Cruiser Unveiled

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      At EICMA Show, Honda CL500 Scrambler, Rebel CMX1100T, Transalp ADV and EM1 electric scooter have been unveiledImage – MotofichasThe first patent drawings for 500cc scrambler from Honda had been leaked earlier this year. Since then, there were a lot of rumours that revolved around the possible launch of Honda CL500 Scrambler. Dated March 2018, these patents show a scrambler-like motorcycle based on Rebel 500’s engine and body.Honda at EICMA 2022 showcased CL500 and CMX1100T. They also had on display – Transalp ADV based on Hornet 750 and EM1 electric scooter with a swappable battery.Honda CL500 Scrambler, Rebel CMX1100T RevealedHonda CL500 Scrambler is based on Rebel 500 cruiser motorcycle. It gets the same engine that also does duties on Honda’s other 500cc lineup like CB500X ADV, CBR500R sports bike, Rebel 500 cruiser and CB500F street bike that was recently displayed at a BigWing dealership in Bengaluru.Specs-wise, Honda CL500 Scrambler falls in the same ballpark as its other 500cc siblings. That said, there are some glaring omissions on CL500 that other 500cc siblings have recently received. Equipment like Showa SFF-BP USD front forks and dual front disc brake setup that CB500F, CB500X received in 2022.[embedded content][embedded content]What it does get are 41mm telescopic front forks with 150mm travel and twin shock absorbers at the rear with 145mm travel. To boost its Scrambler appeal, it gets 19” front and 17” rear wheels shod with Dunlop Mixtour tyres that have a block-pattern design. It would have been better if they were wire-spoke wheels, but that is not the case. Fork gaiters, LED lighting, dual-channel ABS, high-mounted exhaust, and a fully digital instrument cluster are on offer.Due to its 790mm seat height, ground clearance is limited to 155mm. This should be good for some mild off-roading. Honda has extracted 46.6 bhp of power and 43.4 Nm of torque from its 471cc parallel-twin engine. These figures are slightly different to other 500cc bikes in Honda’s stables and is tuned for bottom-end torque.Rebel CMX1100T TourerThe biggest off Rebel range is now offered with a touring variant named CMX1100T. Yes, the ‘T’ in the name denotes Touring. Most of the bike is identical to their non-touring version. This is not a bad thing as it shares its 1,084cc engine with the Honda Africa Twin. Honda has added touring capabilities and hence the suffix ‘T’.Honda CMX1100TIt now gets panniers at either side that boast 32L in total luggage carrying capacity. Even though bigger tourers in Honda lineup like Goldwing offer a lot more, it is good enough. Aiding touring abilities is a batwing-shaped fairing that should offer a lot of wind protection to the rider’s torso. There is no official information regarding the launch of these motorcycles in India. More