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      New KTM 390 ADV Variant Spied – Upcoming RE Himalayan 450 Rival?

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      It is also possible that one of the models could be a new bike from KTM-owned Spanish motorcycle company GasGas2023 KTM 390 Adventure – New Variant Spied?In the Adv segment, KTM already offers the R variants with its higher capacity 1290 Super Adventure and 890 Adventure. These are equipped with additional features that make them suitable for hardcore off-roading. As 390 Adventure is popular here, there’s a possibility it could receive the R/Rally variant.A number of prominent changes can be seen on the test mules. Most of these are aimed at improving the bike’s off-roading capabilities. For example, there’s the raised front mudguard and knobby tyres at front and rear. The bikes have wire-spoke wheels, as compared to alloy wheels used with standard 390 Adventure. Images are credited to BMH-Images, Bernhard M. Hoehne.KTM 390 Adventure R/Rally featuresAnother key change is a compact underbelly exhaust, as compared to the upswept exhaust used on the standard model. One of the test mules utilizes a half fairing and is equipped with a tall, flat visor. It has also been equipped with a large bash plate. The test mules can be seen with a vertically stacked dual-LED headlamp setup that seems quite radical from a design perspective. It is likely to offer more focused illumination, thereby improving safety in dark conditions.Some features are common to both bikes such as the new boomerang-shaped swingarm. In comparison, standard 390 Adventure utilizes a flat swingarm. TFT instrument console looks largely the same as used with the standard model. However, the placement of the console seems higher on the test mules. Riding ergonomics appear to be the same as that of the existing 390 Adventure.2023 KTM 390 Adventure – New Variant Spied?On both test mules, the tail section is currently missing much of its outer skin. Even the fairing appears to be a temporary unit that will be revised along the development process. These factors indicate that 390 Adventure R/Rally variant could still be several months from launch.KTM 390 Adventure R/Rally engineEngine is likely to be the same as current 390 Adventure. The bike is powered by a 373 cc, liquid cooled motor that generates 44 hp of max power at 9,000 rpm and 37 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It is possible that the engine on R/Rally variant may be tweaked to suit the bike’s off-roading character.Suspension system is also expected to be updated, allowing for longer travel. Some adjustments could be made to the braking apparatus as well. In its present form, 390 Adventure has WP APEX USD front forks and WP APEX rear monoshock suspension. Braking duties are performed by 320 mm disc at front and 230 mm disc at rear. The bike has dual-channel Bosch ABS with cornering function and offroad mode.2023 KTM 390 Adventure – New Variant Spied?As adventure biking is gaining popularity here, it is possible that KTM could introduce 390 Adventure R/Rally variant in India. One of the key rivals will be upcoming Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. There could be competition from Honda as well in the form of a new middleweight adventure bike. Evidence to that comes from recently trademarked ‘NX’ and ‘NX500’ names in Europe. More

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      Ather Electric Scooter Fire Incident At Showroom – Official Update

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      Ather electric scooter fire incident is attributed to vehicle that was brought in for servicing following an accident – fact finding points to crack on battery pack casingAther Electric Scooter Fire IncidentRecent electric scooter fires are a bane. But, hopefully one that strengthens the path for e2Ws. The current focus on electric scooter fires seem odd especially since ICE vehicle fires to date have never been scrutinized this closely. This of course is owing to multiple reasons.One of them being the fact that social media as a platform didn’t perform quite as well when it comes to amplifying matters. And one couldn’t quite so easily interact with authorities and/or manufacturers. The world today is open to more transparent and prompt communication. At the same time, online grievances and opinions are manifold. So, are trolls.So, while the concern is legit, and warrants meaningful discussion, not all online chatter is meaningful. Company statements are tricky to dissect accurately, and most times, they are all that is available. Following the recent spate of electric scooter fires, multiple manufacturers have gone on record to discuss specified fire incidents in brief.Ather Electric Scooter FireThis past week, there’s been a report of a Hero Photon electric scooter. The manufacturer was quick to point out that that the fire is the outcome of a short circuit at the socket. The scooter was being charged overnight. The other fire in focus was an incident in Chennai at Ather’s dealership in Chennai. A detailed statement a day later elaborates on what unfolded.Ather Electric Scooter Fire – Official UpdateThe company says, the fire erupted in a vehicle that had been brought to the service centre following an accident. Once dust was washed off the vehicle, the team realized there was a crack in the battery pack top casing when removing body panels. This crack is likely an outcome of the accident. Because of the wash, water entered the battery pack. The company also noticed a few screws around the battery had been replaced. Their varying lengths could have heightened stress on the battery top panel.A report earlier in the week, which puts blame on cheap materials that don’t meet quality criteria. The probe result was furnished by CFEES of the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. Electric scooter fire incidents led to notices being sent to multiple manufacturers. Incident explanations are sought from Boom Motors, Pure EV, Ola Electric, Okinawa Autotech, and Jitendra EV. With the scooter fire reports from this week, due diligence and audits for the same are expected.Audits and due diligenceWhile the e2W industry is seeing growth across segments, in terms of sales volume, it still is a small segment. One that sees improved interest. With EVs touted to be the next big arena of mobility, it’s essential that the groundwork is strong. So, while outcomes of national probes of ICE vehicles have hardly been a matter of public discussion, for EVs the rules have changed.Honest and open discussions will help keep the faith in the growing EV industry. Detailed scrutiny will help correct faultlines. This is more than essential if the country is to reach its EV transition goals by 2030. More

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      2022 Yamaha R25, MT25 Debuts With Updates – New Colours

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      Yamaha has updated emission norms as well as cosmetics for both R25 and MT25 – Prices updated as well2022 Yamaha MT25Yamaha has rolled out updated iterations of R25 and MT25 in its home market. Both quarter-litre offerings are based on the same 250cc platform and share the same underpinnings. R25 and MT25 sit on top of their respective 155cc counterparts- R15 and MT15 in the Japanese brand’s international portfolio.For 2022, both bikes get a series of subtle updates over their respective outgoing models. These include cosmetic as well as mechanical updates. More importantly, the new R25 and MT25 now comply with the latest Reiwa 2 emission standards in Japan which are equivalent to the BS6/Euro 5 norms.2022 Yamaha R25, MT25 LaunchedIn terms of design, the new R25 and MT25 are similar to the latest avatars of their lesser powered siblings R15 V4.0 and MT15 V2.0. Both motorcycles pack an aggressive styling with a sharp front fascia comprising a single pod LED projector headlamp flanked by twin LED DRLs. The only major difference between both bikes is that R25 is a fully-faired sports bike whereas MT-25 is a typical naked streetfighter.Other common styling highlights include a low-slung stance, LED turn indicators, an LED taillight, a muscular fuel tank, a raised tail section and split-style seats. In addition, Yamaha R25 also comes draped in a 60th Anniversary edition colour scheme that comprises a combination of Red and White for the body and Golden shade for alloy rims. There is no such special edition offered in MT-25.2022 Yamaha R25Hardware Specs, Features on offerAs mentioned earlier, underpinnings on both motorcycles are identical, consisting of a diamond-type steel frame that is suspended on USD forks up front and a mono-shock at rear. Meanwhile, stopping duties are achieved thanks to single 298mm front disc and 240mm rear disc brakes with a two-piston calliper at each end. The braking hardware is aided by a dual-channel ABS as standard.Both R25 and MT-25 roll on 17-inch alloy wheels with a 110/70 front and a 149/70 rear section of tyre. Other notable features available include a digital instrument cluster and an optional quick-shifter. Both bikes get a 14-litre fuel tank.Powertrain Specs & PricesNo changes have been made to the powertrain setup of both bikes. Powering the sporty quarter-litre motorcycles is a 249cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that pumps out 34.5 bhp and 23 Nm of peak torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch.2022 Yamaha MT25The updated MT-25 has been priced at JPY 6,32,500 (equivalent to Rs 3.8 lakh) while its fully clothed sibling carries a price tag of JPY 6,68,800 (approx. INR 4.09 lakh). On the other hand, the 60th Anniversary special edition model of R25 is priced at JPY 6,32,500 (approx. INR 3.8 lakh). Yamaha has not expressed its interest in launching either of these two motorcycles in India as of now. More

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      Electric Scooter Sales Apr 2022 – Ola Vs Ather Vs iQube Vs Chetak

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      Sales of popular scooters like Ola, Ather, iQube and Bajaj has risen more than 10 times (YoY) in April 20222022 TVS iQube Electric ScooterWith fuel prices at an all-time high, electric scooters have been witnessing a significant jump in sales. This is despite the safety concerns that have been raised in recent times with multiple electric scooters catching fire. Continual expansion of charging infrastructure is also a key factor why customers are no longer averse to buying an electric scooter.In April 2022, sales of popular scooters such as Ola, Ather, iQube and Bajaj was at 19,143 units. YoY growth is a whopping 917.70%, as compared to just 1,881 units sold in the corresponding period last year. MoM growth is also positive at 31.81%, as compared to 14,523 units sold in March 2022.Electric Scooter Sales Apr 2022 – Ola leadsAmong the four, Ola S1 Pro currently leads by a significant margin. Sales in April were at 12,698 units. Percentage share in sales is at 66.33%. MoM growth is up by 39.13%, as compared to 9,127 units sold in March 2022.Ather sales in April were at 3,779 units. YoY growth is at 255.17%, as compared to 1,064 units sold in April last year. Share in sales is at 19.74%. Ather MoM growth is at 45.85%, as compared to 2,591 units sold in March 2022.Electric Scooter Sales April 2022iQube registered sales of 1,420 units in April. YoY growth is up by 362.54%, as compared to 307 units sold in April last year. Share in sales is at 7.42%. iQube MoM growth is down by -21.07%, as compared to 1,799 units sold in March 2022.Bajaj Chetak sales were at 1,246 units in April. YoY growth is 144.31%, as compared to 510 units sold in April last year. Share in sales is at 6.51%. Chetak MoM sales are up by 23.86%, as compared to 1,006 units sold in March 2022.Chetak vs iQubeClose fight between Chetak and iQube continues with monthly average at 744 units and 991 units, respectively. In the last 12 months, total cumulative sales of Chetak and iQube are at 8,923 units and 11,886 units, respectively. Both scooters have quite a few similarities, in terms of their range, top speed, charging time, warranty, etc.Chetak Vs iQube Sales – Last 12 monthsSales numbers reveal that iQube has been ahead of Chetak for six consecutive months, from November 2021 to April 2022. As compared to Chetak, TVS iQube’s relatively affordable pricing could be a factor that explains its higher sales numbers. It could also be due to production constraints that Bajaj is facing on account of global shortage of auto components.iQube’s highest monthly sales this year was in February when 2,238 units were sold. Chetak’s best was in January, with sales at 1,268 units. If iQube can maintain the momentum, it could register higher sales than Chetak in CY2022. Last year also, iQube was ahead of Chetak in annual sales. Recently TVS announced the launch of updated iQube with more range and features. This makes the e-scooter even more attractive to buyers. Bajaj is also working on launching updated Chetak sometime later this year. More

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      Royal Enfield Pegasus 650cc Black Stallion – Modified Continental GT

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      The stock Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is powered by a 648cc, oil-cooled, parallel-twin motor that kicks out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torqueRoyal Enfield Pegasus 650cc Black StallionIt is pointless to mention the affinity Royal Enfield owners share with the aftermarket industry. By now our readers might be well acquainted with why Royal Enfield bikes are so popular with aftermarket custom shops, thanks to countless examples of modifications.The latest example is a custom bike built for the drag strip by a Parisian workshop in France. This outlet is run by its founder Walid Ben Lamine and is known for some exquisite customisation works over the years. This project has been officially commissioned by Royal Enfield.Royal Enfield Pegasus 650cc – Styling HighlightsBased on Continental GT 650, this custom bike has been rechristened as “Pegasus l’Étalon Noir” which translates to ‘Pegasus the Black Stallion’. The images are a testimony that serious updates have taken place on the donor bike to give it this avatar. The bike sits much lower than the stock cafe racer and is draped in handmade black-coloured carbon fibre clothing.The carbon fibre body panels including front registration plate, tank cover and tail section have been derived from 3D-printed prototype parts. In addition, fuel is stored in a custom-made aluminium reservoir mounted under the actual fuel tank. The custom handlebar has been positioned as low as halfway down the front fork. The cockpit has been stripped to bare essentials including a Koso speedo and Beringer levers.Royal Enfield Pegasus 650cc Black StallionUpdated HardwareOn closer look, one notices the angular edges on its panels that reflect the sole objective of building this motorcycle- to go fast. Since this bike has been specifically built for a drag strip, the aim is to go fast in a straight line and hence the wheelbase has been elongated substantially. To achieve this, the stock swingarm was stretched and braced it with new steel sections laced with chrome.Other changes to the hardware include a new suspension setup comprising an Öhlins mono-shock at rear replacing the stock twin-shock arrangement. For this, Bad Winners has fabricated a new upper shock mount and subframe. It also gets new footpeg mounts connected with new footpegs. Further, the bike rolls on Dumas UP7X aluminium rims wrapped with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa slicks which provide required traction.New HeartStopping duties are handled by a Beringer single disc and calliper on both front and rear wheels. Major tweaking has been done on its powertrain with a custom-built 865cc twin-cylinder heart with a big bore kit sourced from S&S Cycle in the US. This unit consists of an upgraded camshaft, Carillo connecting rods and a reinforced clutch. Modifications have also been done on the cylinder heads.Royal Enfield Pegasus 650cc Black StallionThe stock airbox has been swapped for a pair of velocity stacks. For an additional boost, a canister of nitrous system from Nitrous Express has been added making it a lethal weapon on the drag strip. However, official output figures from this setup haven’t been revealed. More

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      Bajaj Motorcycle Prices May 2022 – Pulsar, Dominar, Avenger, Platina

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      Bajaj Auto has increased prices across range in May 2022 by a maximum of Rs 4,900New Bajaj Pulsar 250Bajaj Auto Limited, the country’s third largest two-wheeler maker has announced another round of price hikes. The company cites rising raw material costs as reasons for the same and expects a further increase in the same in the months ahead.The company had increased prices in Q4 FY22 while there was another hike in prices in April 2022 by around 2 percent. This hike led to a recovery of only 1/3rd of raw material cost and hence the most recent price hike has been announced.Bajaj Auto Price Hike May 2022New prices have been announced across the range from May 2022. Starting with the Bajaj CT110X, its price has been increased by Rs 1,645 or 2.58 percent from Rs 63,808 to Rs 65,453. Bajaj Auto has just announced the discontinuation of the CT100 commuter bike from its lineup. The CTR100 was priced at Rs 53,696 and was the most affordable model in the company portfolio.Bajaj Platina range sports a price hike by 1.22 percent to 3.11 percent from May 2022. Platina 100 ES Drum variant is now priced at Rs 61,152 up from an old pricing of Rs 59,309 while the Platina 110 ES Drum, which was priced at Rs 63,846 will now be priced at Rs 65,491, an increase of 2.58 percent.Bajaj Motorcycle Prices May 2022The top of the line Platina 110ES Disc carries a price hike of 1.22 percent to Rs 69,216. Bajaj Avenger 160 and 220 are now priced at Rs 1,11,462 and Rs 1,37,805, up 2,35 percent and 3.14 percent over earlier pricing of Rs 1,08,902 and Rs 1,33,613.Bajaj Auto Pulsar Range Price HikeThe Pulsar range sees prices increased by Rs 1,299 to Rs 4,800 depending on variant. The 125 Drum single seat is now priced at Rs 81,389 from Rs 80,090 while the 125 Drum split seat is now at Rs 84,000, up 1.57 percent over Rs 82,701. Bajaj Pulsar 125 Disc single and split seats see their prices reduced marginally by Rs 51 and Rs 29 respectively and are now at Rs 86,048 and Rs 88,902.Bajaj has also hiked prices of the Pulsar N250 and F250. The N250 which was earlier available at Rs 1,39,117 is now higher by Rs 4,563 to Rs 1,43,680. The F250 which carried a price tag of Rs 1,40,915 is now priced at Rs 1,44,979, a price hike of Rs 4,064 or 2.88 percent.Bajaj Dominar 250 and Dominar 400 have also seen their prices hiked by 2.61 and 2.26 percent respectively. Their earlier price tags of Rs 1,64,307 and Rs 2,17,473 are now at Rs 1,68,602 and Rs 2,22,386 following the most recent price increase in May 2022. The Bajaj Chetak continues to be priced at Rs 1,41,440 (ex-showroom). More

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      Hero Electric Aims To Beat Ola And Become No 1 In E-Scooter Sales

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      Hero Electric has one of the widest portfolios of electric two-wheelers in India with as many as 14 models in its lineupOla became No 1 in April 2022, beating Hero ElectricHero Electric was among the first major brands to set foot in the electric vehicle space in India by launching its electric two-wheeler back in 2007. Today, there are multiple players in the industry, especially in the battery-powered two-wheeler space, including established auto brands as well as newly founded EV startups.Despite multiple new entrants in the battery-powered two-wheeler segment, Hero had held its top spot; until last month when Ola Electric took the numero uno position. In April 2022, Hero Electric was unable to dispatch a single unit to any of its dealerships across the country.Hero Electric Confident Regaining Top SpotHowever, the Delhi-based EV manufacturer is confident of regaining its position as a market leader in the near future. Managing Director of Hero Electric, Naveen Munjal assured that the company will make a turnaround very soon. Thanks to an acute shortage of semiconductor chips, Ola Electric was able to dethrone Hero from the top position last month.Munjal revealed that Hero remains committed to triple sales and regaining its leadership position even though chip shortage is likely to impact its operations for a few more months. He further added that shortages that Hero Electric currently faces are planned shortages which are temporary and not a long-term challenge.Hero Electric Scooter Optima HXExpansions of Sales & ProductionHe expects production to stabilize in the next few months although he admitted that demand is so huge that the company will not be able to fulfill it entirely. Hero Electric managed to sell around 100,000 units of its electric scooters in fiscal 2022. It has set a target of retailing around 250,000-300,000 units in the current financial year.In order to achieve an annual capacity of 500,000 units by the end of this calendar year, Hero is expanding its existing production facility in Ludhiana, Punjab. The EV brand also has additional capacity available at partner Mahindra’s factory in Madhya Pradesh. Over the course of the next five years, Hero plans to set up multiple manufacturing facilities to achieve a cumulative capacity of 5 million units per annum.Future Plans for Hero ElectricHero Electric has one of the widest portfolios as far as electric two-wheelers are concerned. The brand currently retails as many as 14 models that are based on five platforms and intends to launch multiple new scooters this year. The new launches will cater to both categories- city speed and high speed. However, Hero is focussing on the former at present since the city speed segment will bring in mass volumes.Models in the higher end will come once as drivetrains and batteries improve. Since there was no sale in April this year, Hero Electric conducted a safety month where it educated its consumers about battery functioning and how it needs to be maintained and to tell tale signs of a problem. This was in the backdrop of numerous fire incidents on electric scooters occurring across the country in recent times.Source More

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      Benelli Keeway Scooters Sixties, Vieste 300 – Launch Price Rs 3 Lakh

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      Keeway has priced both the scooters starting at Rs. 2.99 lakh (ex-sh) offering the same platform with two different body stylesBenelli Keeway Vieste 300 Scooter Launch Price Rs 3 LakhKeeway is a Hungarian motorcycle manufacturer that is currently owned by the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer QJ Motors along with Benelli. Keeway brand has a global presence and is very popular in Europe for its commuters and scooters. The brand is also known for its Harley-Davidson-inspired cruiser motorcycles in Europe.Keeway recently debuted in India with 3 products, Sixties 300i retro-styled scooter, Vieste 300 maxi scooter and the K-Light 250V cruiser motorcycle. Off the three, company has launched the Sixties 300i and Vieste 300 scooters in India for a price of Rs. 2.99 lakh (ex-sh). QJ Motors is expected to sell the Keeway products through its already established Benelli dealerships.Benelli Keeway Scooter – Sixties 300iThe Sixties 300i, as the name suggests, is inspired by the flamboyant European scooters from the 1960s. It gets classic design language with its round headlamps, round mirrors, classic looking badging, retro grab handles and large split seats with the 1960s flair.Along with the classic design, it gets three new classic colour themes, Matte Light Blue, Matte Grey and Matte White. All three colours get contrasting plastic trims and seat covers. Matte Light Blue is the most retro-looking and gets cream-coloured plastic trims, white-walled tyres and tan-coloured seat covers.Benelli Keeway Sixties 300i Scooter Launch Price Rs 3 LakhThe Matte Grey gets tan-coloured plastic trims, black chrome, red lettering and black seat covers. Matte White gets white plastic trims, black chrome, red lettering and red-coloured seat covers.It gets an analog speedo with a small LCD panel for various readouts. Sixties 300i also get a fuel tank mounted on the floorboard with 10L capacity. It measures 1985 mm in length, 720 mm in width, 1170 mm in height and has a 1390 mm wheelbase with 790 mm seat height and 140 mm of ground clearance. Sixties 300i gets LED headlights and vertically laid-out tail lights. It weighs 146 kg and comes with 120/70 tubeless rubber wrapped on 12” wheels on both sides.Benelli Keeway Scooter – Vieste 300Vieste 300 is a maxi-scooter that promises a lot of comfort for the rider. Unlike its sibling Sixties 300i, Vieste 300 looks modern and futuristic with body panels that are chiseled and sharp. The body provides ample wind protection to the rider at high speeds. Keeway is offering 3 colours with the Vieste 300, Matte Blue, Matte Black and Matte White. It gets LED headlights with 4 projectors for ample illumination and light throw along with LED DRLs. At the rear, LED tail-lights and turn indicators sit flush with the maxi-scooter’s aerodynamic body.Benelli Keeway Vieste 300 Scooter Launch Price Rs 3 LakhWhen compared to Sixties 300i, Vieste 300 feels futuristic in terms of instrumentation. It gets a large LCD screen for various readouts and round analog speedo and tacho on either side of the screen. Vieste 300 measures 1920 mm in length, 800 mm in width, 1130 mm in height and has a 1390 mm wheelbase with 770 mm seat height and 135 mm ground clearance. The maxi-scooter weighs 147 kg and comes with 110/70 rubber at the front and 130/70 rubber at the rear. These tyres are wrapped on 13” wheels on both sides. It gets a larger 12L fuel tank owing to its touring credentials.Pricing & LaunchQJ Motors has priced both the scooters starting at Rs. 2.99 lakh (ex-sh). For the money, both the scooters get a single-cylinder 4-stroke, 4-valve 278.2cc engine churning out 18.7 bhp @ 6500 RPM and 22 Nm @ 6000 RPM. Both scooters also get disc brakes with dual-channel ABS. Both these scooters have created a niche for themselves as they don’t have any competition at the price point, engine capacity and the form factor.The Sixties 300i will be the most expensive retro-themed scooter after the 150cc scooters from Vespa. Vieste 300, however, will be slotted between the Yamaha Aerox 155 and the BMW C 400 GT which costs over three times as much. At Rs. 2.99 lakh (ex-sh), Keeway is offering a capable platform with two entirely different flavours. More