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      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro ADV Review – Almost There!

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      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro ReviewThe front suspension on Hero Xpulse 200 Pro is adjustable for compression and rebound, while rear gets preload and rebound adjustment
      ADVs are currently a rage in India and many aspiring buyers look to this segment as an upgrade to their current premium commuter or a cruiser. Catering to this segment is world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, with the Hero Xpulse 200. This is the most affordable off-road motorcycle in India and is a great weapon in the company’s arsenal.
      The word ADV has become a broader sub-segment and is being used lightly by OEMs too. Like SUV in the car world. However, Hero Xpulse is a true-blue ADV and an extremely potent off-roader as well. Hero MotoCorp provided Rushlane with an Xpulse 200 Pro set-up for off-roading for a real-world review. After testing the motorcycle in varied terrains, environments and road conditions, here is what we think about this motorcycle.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Review
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Review
      Hero has priced this motorcycle very aggressively. For around Rs 1.55 lakh (Ex-sh), one can get a true blue off-roader with fully adjustable front and rear long travel suspension, 270 mm ground clearance and a lot of modern features. That is less than a certain smartphone with decent storage option ticked, these days.
      Where design is concerned, Xpulse is not much of a looker and it was not meant to be either. It bears a purposeful look and it gravitates more towards the function, than form. It has round LED headlights with H-shaped LED DRL signature, a decently sized windscreen along with a front beak. The White, Red and Black colourway is unique to the Pro variant and is appealing to look at.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Rear
      There are knuckle guards on Xpulse 200 Pro, which are sturdy enough. They’re very inexpensive as well, if one needs to replace them after a fall, or something like that. I wish Hero hadn’t painted the ORVM in White shade as it looks gaudy. Personally, I think this motorcycle looks a lot prettier and like a neo-retro machine if it didn’t have a front beak. Maybe that’s just me.
      The first remark we had for this motorcycle was that it is a “tall” motorcycle. Like really tall. Because of that reason, it stands out in the crowd. Even though the Xpulse 200 Pro variant has been around for a long time and Xpulse 200 Rally Kit existed before that, this motorcycle still grabs a lot of eyeballs. It has a commanding road presence and sticks out around regular motorcycles. Especially when a tall rider is sitting on it upright, wearing an XL sized helmet.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Size Comparison
      Standing next to regular commuter motorcycles, Xpulse 200 Pro makes them look like toys and the effect is quite hilarious. As seen in the image above, Xpulse 200 Pro looks humongous when parked beside regular motorcycles. Without Maxxis tyres, seat height is around 885mm and ground clearance is 270 mm. With the Maxxis knobby tyres, seat height goes 890mm+ and ground clearance is around 10 mm higher.
      Ergonomics and comfort
      I am a 182 cm tall individual and I did not face any issues swinging my leg around this tall motorcycle. Even with regular everyday shoes, I could easily flatfoot on both sides without any issues and the process was a lot more forgiving with taller riding shoes. The ergonomics of Xpulse 200 felt like they were tailor-made for a tall individual like myself. I had no fatigue on this motorcycle around my neck, back, shoulders and legs even after longer rides.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Tall Stance
      Cushioning on the long seat can get slightly uncomfortable as you spend more time on it. Xpulse 200 has excellent ergonomics for standing and riding in off-road conditions. I could grip the motorcycle between my thighs for optimum control and the handlebar risers on Xpulse 200 Pro ensured easy reachability.
      I wished the seat was slightly wider and contoured for optimum support, but then it would intrude into the off-roading experience a narrow seat facilitates, especially when standing and riding. Because this review unit was set up for off-roading, it lacked rear foot pegs and centre stand for weight saving. So, it was not possible to test the pillion comfort of this motorcycle and how easy it would be for them to get on this motorcycle.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Engine
      Powertrain and Components
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro is powered by a 199.6 cc SOHC 4V oil-cooled single-cylinder engine. This engine is capable of around 19 bhp of peak power and 17.35 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The oil cooling radiator is positioned vertically and is a relatively smaller unit. But there doesn’t seem to be a need for a larger and more robust cooling system as heat is well controlled.
      Main highlight of Xpulse 200 Pro is that it is the most affordable motorcycle in India with fully adjustable suspension. It gets compression and rebound adjustability at the front, controlled by the two knobs positioned on its forks. Suspension travel is 250 mm at the front, which is up from 190 mm on standard Xpulse 200. Rear suspension is adjustable for preload and rebound offering 220 mm of travel as opposed to 170 mm of standard bike.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Adjustable Front Suspension and Type-A USB Port
      Xpulse Pro got ABS modes last year and has three modes to control the single-channel ABS offered on front wheel. Hero has equipped Xpulse 200 Pro with disc brakes at both ends with single petal rotors. Both wheels are of wire-spoke type and with a 21-inch unit at the front and 18-inch unit at the rear, shod with tube-type Maxxis knobby tyres. The exhaust is up-swept in design to aid water wading.
      Where features are concerned, Hero offers a USB Type-A charging port with Xpulse. While it would be nicer if it was a Type-C port, Type-A is still relevant considering a few smartphones costing around Rs 1 lakh are still getting Type-A to Type-C cable in the box. There is a fully digital instrument cluster with gear position indicator, extensive trip computer and smartphone connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Oil Cooler
      Performance and Ride
      Xpulse 200’s performance metrics of around 19 bhp and 17.35 Nm are not exactly on the lower side, but larger 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels contribute to making this motorcycle feel slow. While city rides were fine, the lack in grunt is noticeable on highways as the engine runs out of breath quite early and lacks vigor to push the envelope and clock higher cruise speeds. Lack of a 6-speed gearbox is a contributor here.
      Highway cruising has been a chink in Xpulse’s armour since its inception and was significantly improved in 4V model. However, it is still not up to the mark and is the only hindrance for Xpulse 200 to be one’s only motorcycle in the garage. Acceleration is brisk and the engine is vibe free in the engine’s low-end and mid-range. At higher revs, vibes do kick in and make their presence known on pegs, handlebar and fuel tank.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Switchgear
      Xpulse 200 Pro weighs 161 kg and is very manageable to ride even in chock-a-block Pune traffic. What impressed me the most in the city is that the clutch is rather light and my left wrist was very thankful for this fact. Something which can’t be said about its rival costing more than twice in price. Combination of low weight and light clutch made sure I enjoyed riding the motorcycle in city and highways, rather than feeling punished for doing so.
      Thanks to large 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tyres, Xpulse glides over everything. Because the suspension is adjustable for rebound and compression, rider can adjust the bike’s characteristics on the fly to suit road conditions they are on. These adjustable suspension are not gimmicks and genuinely help rider in setting up the motorcycle based on their needs. While front suspension is easily adjustable on the fly, rear suspension adjustment is very difficult to access.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Tail Light
      Because of the immense suspension travel, there is some nose dive under hard braking, which can be reduced by stiffening the front suspension. Handling-wise, Xpulse is not a corner carver, especially with the skinny off-road tyres our review unit had. The 21-inch front wheel makes sure steering is rather lazy and is not apt for quick maneuvers. Handling is something Xpulse is not advertised for and we can forgive it for that reason.
      Maxxis Tyres Not For Road Use
      The Maxxis knobby tyres, however, are not recommended to use on road. They are road legal, as confirmed by Hero MotoCorp. Just not recommended for extensive road use and I found out the reason for this during our testing. These tyres don’t like tarmac a lot and craves soft ground to dig into. When riding on the road, abnormalities can unsettle these tyres and kick the tail out in some cases. Stock tyres are fatter and will be a lot more stable.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Maxxis Knobby Tyres
      Another aspect of these Maxxis knobby tyres offered with Xpulse is that they’re loud. They might be louder than the actual engine. When riding on the road at higher speeds of around 60 km/h or above, these tyres make a lot of noise. They are so loud, I often felt like there was a big truck tailgating me on the highway, only to realize this noise was not from the truck’s tyres, but Xpulse’s.
      I took Xpulse to a few beaten paths in and around Pune and also to farms and wastelands outside the city. This is where Xpulse absolutely felt at home. It will do everything you can ask of it and does it in such grace. Xpulse’s low kerb weight is a godsend in off-road conditions and is very forgiving if there are rider errors. In the event of a fall, there is hardly anything to break on Xpulse, which is a good thing. Even if something does break, it is very economical to replace.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Long Seat
      Maxxis knobby tyres rose to occasion in off-road situations and shines bright as it makes light work of everything I threw at it. I even tried a few jumps on the Xpulse and it handled everything like a champ. One can fine tune the suspension to suit their individual preferences. Seasoned off-road riders can even switch front ABS off, for complete nanny-free manual mode.
      Conclusion
      While Hero Xpulse 200 Pro is a brilliant motorcycle, concluding it for this real world review is slightly tricky. There are a few niggles with this motorcycle we encountered, which could have been improved. For starters, the smartphone app to connect to Xpulse did not validate the bike’s chassis number and engine number even after multiple correct entries. So, I couldn’t connect my phone with Xpulse to enable navigation, which was a big bummer.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Instrument Cluster
      The switchgear on the right side containing the engine kill switch, was finicky to operate. There was some fogging in the instrument cluster after it rained. Also, the LED headlights were nothing to write home about, despite Hero promising reworked lighting elements. These niggles aside, the best thing about Hero Xpulse 200 Pro is that it didn’t have any deal breakers. Any shortcomings are forgivable if we bring pricing into the equation.
      Motorcycling enthusiasts who are looking at the Xpulse as their second or third motorcycle, Pro variant is an easy recommendation and we encourage them to buy one right away. There’s unmatched off-roading prowess for its price and fully adjustable suspension is the icing on a very serious and potent cake. This motorcycle is made for tall riders and being one, I loved Xpulse 200 Pro more than I should.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Rear Adjustable Suspension
      For buyers who are looking for that one motorcycle to do everything including high-speed touring, Hero MotoCorp is cooking a new Xpulse with the same 210cc DOHC 4V liquid-cooled engine from Karizma XMR 210 with a 6-speed gearbox, slipper clutch and probably dual-channel ABS. Combining Xpulse Pro’s spectacular chassis and off-road prowess with the more powerful engine with a 6th gear might just yield the next best thing in the premium motorcycle segment. A prospect so good, I might consider buying an Xpulse 210 Pro for myself.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro LED Headlight More

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      2025 Yamaha FZ-25 Launch Price BRL 2.36M (Rs 3.5L) – Updated Features

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      2025 Yamaha FZ-25In Brazil, Yamaha calls 2025 FZ-25 as Novo Fazer FZ25 Connected and comes with added features and new set of attractive colours
      Yamaha’s affordable quarter-litre street naked offering, the FZ-25, has just been updated overseas and it gets a host of new features and colours. In Brazil, Yamaha has just launched the updated FZ-25 for a starting price of BRL 2,359,000 which turns out to be Rs 3.5 lakh in today’s currency exchange rates.
      2025 Yamaha FZ-25
      Remember the Yamaha FZ-25 that was sold in India? It was the company’s quarter-litre offering in India and was poorly received in the market owing to a combination of factors. Slow sales prompted Yamaha to discontinue it in India and the stronger sales of R15 continued to bring in volumes.
      2025 Yamaha Novo Fazer FZ25 Connected
      In Brazil, however, Yamaha calls this street naked motorcycle as Fazer FZ25, which was not the case in India. Here, we got FZ-25 street naked motorcycle and a faired version of it as Fazer 25. The latter is regarded as one of the worst-looking motorcycles by Indian motorcycling fraternity and was discontinued in 2020.
      Sticking with the newly updated model, the company is calling it Novo Fazer FZ25 Connected, which sums up the update, to be honest. Apart from the feature upgrade, Novo Fazer FZ25 Connected is offered in four colourways – Branco Cristal, Magma Red, Racing Blue and Titanium Grey. Only Branco Cristal gets Gold wheels.
      2025 Yamaha Novo Fazer FZ25 Connected
      Yamaha seems to be selling the 2024 Fazer FZ25 as well, priced at BRL 2,290,000 (Rs 3.38 lakh) and is offered in Magma Red, Matt Grey, Matt Green and Racing Blue colourways. The 2025 model gets new graphics on body work too.
      What are the updates?
      Apart from the colourways and pricing, we can see a new ORVM design with 2025 Yamaha FZ-25 launched in Brazil. Along with that, there are LED turn indicators replacing halogen ones from MY24 Fazer FZ25. However, the main change is in the bike’s instrument cluster, which is a larger fully digital unit.
      2025 Yamaha Novo Fazer FZ25 Connected
      It features Bluetooth connectivity, for the first time. Flanked by tell tale lights, this digital cluster shows speedo, tacho, trip computer readings and average fuel economy reading, among others. When connected through the Y-Connect App, this display shows phone’s battery status along with call and message notifications. There doesn’t seem to be a navigation and gear position indicator features.
      The engine has been carried over with Yamaha Novo Fazer FZ25 Connected. This 249cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine is capable of developing 21.3 bhp of peak power, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
      2025 Yamaha Novo Fazer FZ25 Connected
      Also read – New Yamaha R9 launched More

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      New KTM Touchscreens Launched – 8 inch Vertical, 8.8 inch Horizontal

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      New KTM Touchscreens LaunchedNew TFT dashboards will initially be seen with KTM’s 2025 flagship bikes, before being introduced with smaller capacity models
      One of KTM’s key USPs has been its advanced tech features. Enthusiasts were recently treated to future possibilities with the AMT gearbox being tested by KTM. And now, the Austrian brand has showcased new TFT touchscreens for its upcoming 2025 models.
      KTM new TFT touchscreen dashboard
      The new TFT dashboards are part of the new updates that aim to improve the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) of KTM bikes. Based on the specific model, there’s a V80 vertically oriented 8-inch TFT dashboard. The H88 is an 8.8-inch TFT touchscreen, positioned horizontally. These screens come with inductive touchscreen functionality, which means they can be operated with or without gloves. Data display will now be clearer, as the new TFT screens have 1280 x 720 resolution.
      New KTM Touchscreens Launched – Vertical 8 inch
      Another key upgrade is the bonded screen technology that comes with anti-glare screen coatings. Moreover, the screen has anti-fingerprint and anti-reflex characteristics. Such updates ensure that the screen has a wider viewing angle. The colours on the screen will now be crispier as the new units support 256,000 colours. The earlier screens supported 65,000 colours. The significantly higher colour depth will also ensure enhanced detailing in varied lighting conditions.
      While IP rating has not been specifically mentioned, KTM has stated that the screens can work seamlessly, irrespective of the weather. Another innovative approach is the availability of touchscreen shortcut buttons on the main screen. This eliminates the need for auxiliary switches. Virtual buttons on the dash allow riders to directly control functions such as fog lights, rider heated seat and heated grips.
      New KTM Touchscreens Launched – Horizontal 8.8 inch
      Enhanced customization options
      KTM’s new TFT dashboards now offer more customization options to riders. For example, users can access configurable split-screen functionality and choose from 5 distinct layout options. Based on their preferences, users can choose what they want to display on their core home screen. The options include map navigation telemetry, cruise control functions, music or favourites. Users can also choose a more generalized screen option that displays the basic information.
      New KTM Touchscreens Launched
      Revised and optimized switchgear
      Further improving overall user experience, the revised switchgear now comes with a dedicated Ride Mode button. Other updates include new cruise control buttons, a new 5-way joystick and back button and new light and ignition switch. For AMT models, there’s a new A/M (automatic/manual) button. Moreover, there are new paddle buttons that can be customized in case of models that are not equipped with AMT. Backlit feature for the new buttons ensures that they can be easily located. The buttons are also positioned at the right place for easy accessibility.
      Offline map navigation, eSIM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
      KTM’s new TFT dashboards now come integrated with offline map navigation. Users will be able to access real-time navigation without the need to pair their smartphones with the dashboard. Riders will benefit from active route guidance and route planning as well as preprogrammed Points of Interest and A-B routes. Connectivity has been enhanced with the upgraded CCU3.0 connectivity unit. It runs on Android Automotive operating system and has 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage.
      New KTM Touchscreens Launched
      Users will be able to access IoT connectivity with eSIM, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and a GPS Antenna. The CCU3.0 also connects automatically with the user’s smartphone when the ignition is turned on. This allows easy access to smartphone features such as music or phone contacts list. While initial updates for the CCU3.0 will be done by KTM dealerships, OTA updates functionality will be provided in the future. More

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      KTM To Go Clutchless – Select 2025 Models To Get AMT Option

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      Upcoming KTM ADV Motorcycle With AMT GearboxWith gear shifts taking just 50 milliseconds, KTM’s AMT system delivers the same level of performance as a manual transmission equipped with a quickshifter
      Earlier this year in June, KTM had teased an AMT system at the gruelling Red Bull Erzbergrodeo race. Latest reports indicate that KTM will introduce the clutchless AMT transmission with select models in 2025. KTM Bikes using the LC8 V-Twin engine such as the 1290 Super Adventures, 1290 Super Dukes and upcoming 1390 Adventure and 1390 Super Adventure could be among the first KTM bikes to get the AMT system.
      KTM clutchless AMT – How it works?
      For initiating the shifts, KTM’s AMT system utilizes an electromagnetic shift actuator. It works by turning the shift drum. KTM’s AMT setup is quite fast as the gear shifts take only around 50 milliseconds. This is almost the same as the time taken to shift gears using a quickshifter. Users can choose either the fully automatic mode or a manual mode. In the manual mode, the gears can be changed via switchgear mounted paddles or using the foot shifter.
      KTM ADV Without Clutch
      The manual mode works without a clutch, which can have both advantages and disadvantages. For example, professional riders may prefer a clutch for its ability to allow finer control. However, KTM says that the clutchless systems can be advantageous when negotiating a slope, riding at slow speeds, stopping and pulling away. The clutchless system will be especially beneficial for bigger, heavier KTM bikes.
      No stall
      KTM has ensured that its AMT system is free from stalls. Irrespective of the bike’s speed, it will be almost impossible to stall the engine. The gear shift mechanism works in combination with the ride modes. This allows users to tune the gear shifts based on the riding conditions and their preferences.
      As soon as the first gear is engaged, the engine speed is raised, thereby initiating the forward drive. At the same time, the centrifugal clutch is engaged, allowing the bike to move forward. This setup is similar to some of the aftermarket products such as the Rekluse Auto Clutch. However, KTM’s AMT system has an additional electronic control system.
      AMT system has the gear shifts in a  ‘P – N – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6’ sequence. P denotes Park, which is there to avoid any unwanted rolling. It is made possible with the use of a locking pawl installed within the gearbox. Irrespective of whether the engine is running or not, the Park and Neutral positions can be engaged only via the switchgear paddle shifters. Moreover, either the front or rear brake has to be engaged for the AMT system to apply the first gear. While KTM has assured that the AMT will have minimal weight gain, it remains to be seen if there is any significant cost increase.
      KTM AMT rivals
      Automatic gearbox for premium bikes is not new. Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is already quite popular, having sold more than 200,000 such bikes. Honda bikes like Africa Twin Adventure Sports have the DCT option. Similarly, there’s BMW’s Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) seen with the latest GS range. Yamaha is also working on its Y-AMT system, which can be offered with select bikes in the future.
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      Document Exposes Consumer Complaints Against Ola Electric

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      Ola Electric Scooter ComplaintsHeavy Industries Ministry has sent letter to ARAI seeking more clarification into the complaints of Ola Electric scooters
      Ola Electric Mobility Ltd. is facing growing regulatory scrutiny as the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a show-cause notice in response to widespread consumer complaints. The notice comes amid allegations of service deficiencies, misleading advertisements, and unfair trade practices, pushing the company to respond within 15 days with supporting documentation.
      Grievances Unveiled
      A leaked document reveals the scale and nature of the consumer complaints that have been lodged against Ola Electric. Some of the key issues include:
      Ola Electric Scooter Complaints. Image – Alisha Sachdev
      – Charging during free service period/warranty – 109 complaints– Charging extra than promised – 91 complaints– Customer requests not entertained by dealer/service centers – 117 complaints– Improper customer/helpline services – 67 complaints– Delays in new vehicle delivery – 1,899 complaints– Delays in service/repair – 3,364 complaints– Delays in providing vehicle documents – 244 complaints– Fake insurance/documents provided by dealers – 21 complaints– Mileage not as per commitment – 28 complaints– Misbehaviour by dealer/company – 52 complaints– Misleading advertisements – 34 complaints– Non/partial refunds on booking cancellations – 270 complaints– Unfulfilled promised gifts – 111 complaints– Promised services not provided – 1,459 complaints– Same problem persisting after repairs – 471 complaints– Sale of second-hand/test-drive vehicles as new – 34 complaints– Unsatisfactory redressal of complaints – 672 complaints– Manufacturing defects in vehicles – 761 complaints– False promises and misleading information about vehicles – 144 complaints
      In addition to these, there are over 10,000 complaints registered in total.
      Mounting Pressure and Market Share Worries
      Analysts have pointed out that Ola Electric’s market share is under increasing pressure as competition in the electric two-wheeler segment intensifies. The company’s reputation has been shaken by these complaints, which could lead to further challenges in maintaining market leadership. According to insiders, this wave of negative publicity could affect consumer confidence in the brand, making it crucial for the company to resolve the issues swiftly.
      Ministry of Heavy Industries Investigates Service Complaints
      In a parallel development, the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries has launched an investigation into the service-related issues raised by Ola Electric customers. The ministry has sent a letter to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), seeking clarification and inputs regarding the complaints filed.
      The ministry also emphasized that, as per the FAME-II and PM E-Drive schemes, all original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including Ola Electric, are required to maintain service centers and provide warranties. Ola Electric, being a beneficiary of these schemes, has been asked to provide detailed comments and address the grievances at the earliest.
      Analyst Insights: Tough Times Ahead for Ola Electric
      With the combined pressure from the CCPA and the Ministry of Heavy Industries, industry analysts predict challenging times ahead for Ola Electric. The company’s ability to manage the situation and provide satisfactory responses will be crucial in determining its future market position. Ola Electric is trading at Rs 91 on the NSE, down 5%. More

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      New Yamaha R9 Launch Price USD 12.5K (Rs 10.5L) – India-Bound?

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      New Yamaha R9Being the fully-faired version of MT-09, new Yamaha R9 comes with the same 890cc in-line 3-cylinder engine and a host of electronics
      Yamaha has been significantly overhauling its fully faired portfolio. The company just updated their YZF-R3 to MY25 with new design language. Along with that, Yamaha has lifted the veil off its new R9, ushering into a new era of supersport motorcycles. It comes with enhanced aerodynamics for exceptional track excursions.
      New Yamaha R9
      With the launch of Yamaha R9, the company has been quenching the thirst of supersport motorcycle enthusiasts. With an appetite for cornering speed, Yamaha R9 is set to blaze the tracks in a few markets internationally. In USA, Yamaha R9 has been launched at USD 12,499 which turns out to be Rs 10.5 lakh in today’s currency exchange rates.
      New Yamaha R9
      There are three colour options with R9 – Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Raven Black and Intensity White / Redline. The first two colourways offer similar and minimal graphics, while Intensity White / Redline has more flamboyant stickers. Also, only the Yamaha Team Blue gets Blue coloured alloy wheels, while other two get Black ones.
      With the CP3 powertrain and the potent Supersport chassis, Yamaha is bringing track-capable performance to the streets. Yamaha R9 features a Deltabox Gravity Cast aluminium frame. The company claims this chassis to be the lightest on any Yamaha supersport yet.
      New Yamaha R9
      With 50:50 weight distribution, Yamaha promises exceptional agility and Supersport handling that can be tamed by a multitude of riders across wider experience levels. Like other Yamaha YZF-R motorcycles, R9 also comes with the latest R-Series styling with M-shaped front duct, angled LED DRLs, among others.
      Yamaha R9 also gets functional aerodynamic winglets at the front like MotoGP vehicle. These are intended to smoothen air flow and add considerable downforce at the front to improve handling characteristic at higher speeds. There is a TFT colour display as part of its instrumentation with a host of features.
      New Yamaha R9
      Electronics and Engine Specs
      There is a new 6-axis IMU, enabling 9-level Traction Control, 3-level Slide Control, 3-level Lift Control and a Brake Control system. Other notable features include 4-level Power Delivery Mode, two-level Engine Brake Management, Variable Speed Limiter, Yamaha Ride Control, Back Slip Regulator, cruise control and Launch Control.
      Yamaha R9 gets the same 890cc DOHC 4V/cyl liquid cooled in-line 3-cylinder engine as MT-09 with with around 120 PS of peak power and 93 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. 43mm KYB fully adjustable USD front forks, KYB adjustable rear mono-shock setup, dual 320 mm front discs with Brembo Stylema calipers, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 120/70 front and 180/55 rear Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tyres. More

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      2025 Yamaha R3 Launch Price USD 5499 (Rs 4.62L) – New Design Language

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      2025 Yamaha R3 LaunchWith 2025 Yamaha R3, the company has brought this motorcycle to modern design DNA, making it in line with other YZF-R and YZR-M bikes
      Team Blue is revving the hearts of motorcycling enthusiasts across the world with the launch of updated YZF-R3. This motorcycle was mong the last ones in YZF-R lineup to feature the older design DNA and has been ported to new generation R-Series styling inspired from the flagship YZR-M1 racing bike.
      2025 Yamaha R3
      In USA, Yamaha has launched the 2025 R3 and has thoroughly updated it where design is concerned. 2025 Yamaha R3 has been priced at USD 5,499 in USA, which translates to Rs 4.62 lakh with today’s currency exchange rates. There are three colours on offer – Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Stealth Black and Lunar White / Nebula Blue.
      2025 Yamaha R3
      We can see a new fascia featuring Yamaha’s newer R-Series design language. Aggressive new front fairing is the main change, while sleeker side panels and a sharper tail section are notable too. R3 now gets a single projector headlight flanked by quad element LED DRL signature, split in two parts.
      Raised tail section gets LED brake lights and turn indicators are LEDs, this time around. Team Yamaha Blue and Matte Stealth Black colours have slightly minimal decals on side body fairing where we see smaller R3 stickers. With Lunar White / Nebula Blue, Yamaha is offering larger R3 stickers and a Yamaha sticker below it.
      2025 Yamaha R3
      Also, Team Yamaha Blue is the only colourway where the company is offering Blue alloy wheels and Gold USD forks finish, while other two get Black at both areas. 2025 R3 comes with a new LCD instrument cluster with Blue backlighting.
      New Yamaha R3 Cluster
      It features extensive telemetry along with Bluetooth connectivity and Y-Connect app support. No navigation, though. Yamaha has also added a USB-A charging port, which could have been USB-C. The motorcycle promises 50:50 weight distribution for enhanced agility and offers rider a committed riding position to exploit all of its handling characteristics.
      New Yamaha R3 Fascia
      What else is new?
      The company has incorporated modern fuel injection system and a short muffler design for mass centralisation. The high-revving 321cc DOHC 4V liquid cooled in-line twin cylinder engine. Power and torque figures are around 41 bhp and 30 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox and a slip and assist clutch for the first time.
      Sporty clip-on handlebars, USD telescopic front forks with 129.5 mm travel, preload adjustable rear monoshock with 124.5 mm travel, 298mm front single floating disc, 220 mm rear disc, dual channel ABS, 110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear Dunlop Sportmax tyres are some of the notable componentry. India launch is not confirmed yet. More

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      2W Retail Sales Sept 2024 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, RE, Ola

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      Honda Activa : Image – Gyani EnoughThe 2 wheeler retail sales list saw a new leader in September 2024 with Honda at No.1 ahead of Hero MotoCorp by large numbers
      Two wheeler retail sales in September 2024, as reported by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), saw a severe decline. Sales fell to 12,04,259 units in the past month, down from 13,16,300 units sold in September 2023. It was also a 10.01% MoM de-growth over 13,38,237 units sold in August 2024. 2W H1 FY 25 sales however, grew by 9.08% to 85,66,532 units from 78,53,618 units sold in the same 6 month period of H1 FY24.
      2W Retail Sales in Sept 2024 – HMSI Leads
      Not only was the 2W segment in the negative but overall retail sales also dipped by 9.25% YoY with 2W, PV and CVs reporting lower sales by 8.51%, 18.81%, and 10.45% YoY, respectively. On the other hand, sales of 3W and tractors improved by 0.66% and 14.69% on a year on year basis. The automobile sector now pins its hopes on a revival of sorts with several new launches in various segments and the festive season while improved stock availability could also boost sales even further.
      Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) emerged as the No. 1 seller in September 2024. This was despite a YoY decline. Sales dipped to 3,33,927 units in the past month, down from 3,49,784 units sold in Sept 2023. Market share of the company also grew to 27.73% over 26.57% YoY.
      Hero sales fell to 2,71,390 units in Sept 2024, down from 3,52,254 units sold in the same month last year. Market share dipped from 26.76% held in Sept 2023 to 22.54% last month. As launch date nears, the company is actively testing the new Xpulse 210 adventure tourer. Hero HF Dawn is also on its test rounds though the exact timeline of launch is yet to be announced.
      2W Retail Sales Sept 2024
      TVS retail sales fell by a good 8,000 units to 2,21,257 units in Sept 2024 down from 2,29,382 units sold in Sept 2023. Last month, the company introduced the new Ronin Festive Edition with new colour schemes and several other design elements, setting itself apart from its standard model. TVS also showed off an improvement in market share to 18.37% despite lower sales.
      Bajaj Auto also saw lower retail sales in the past month down to 1,41,668 units from 1,49,633 units sold in Sept 2023. Suzuki on the other hand reported improvement in sales to 74,287 units from 73,837 units sold in Sept 2023. Royal Enfield sales fell to 57,504 units from 64,159 units on a YoY basis taking its market share down to 4.78% from 4.87%. Yamaha sales improved marginally to 50,065 units in Sept 2024 from 49,639 units sold in Sept 2023.
      Ola, Ather Post YoY Sales Growth in Sept 2024
      In the electric vehicle segment, Ola Electric has seen an improvement in retail sales to 24,679 units, up from 18,711 units sold in Sept 2023. Market share also grew to 20.05% from 1.42% YoY. Ather Energy, also posted a significant sales growth to 12,718 units in the past month from 7,195 units sold in the same month last year while the company plans to stir up festive sales with new promotions and benefits to the extent of Rs 25,000 across its 450X and 450 Apex e-scooters.
      Greaves retail sales dipped to 2,777 units in Sept 2024 from 3,613 units sold in Sept 2023 while Piaggio sales also fell to 2,562 units from 2,954 units on a YoY basis. Classic Legends also posted lower retail sales at 2,125 units last month over 2,483 units sold in Sept 2023. Bgauss Auto however, saw sales improve quite remarkably to 1,237 units in Sept 2024 from 935 units sold in the same month last year. Other 2W makers which also included EV manufacturers added 8,063 units to total retail sales, down from 11,722 units sold in Sept 2023. More