More stories

  • in

    2022 KTM RC 390 Launch Price Rs 3.14 Lakh – Official Website

    Price of KTM’s pocket rocket is finally out and long-awaited launch isn’t that far away nowImage – MotobikeEarlier this week, KTM India announced the launch of new ADV 390. It is now on sale in India with a starting price of Rs 3.35 lakh, ex-sh. Next up, KTM will launch the much awaited RC 390. Ahead of official launch, the KTM India website has listed the price.Starting price of 2022 KTM RC390 would be Rs 3,13,922, ex-showroom. This places the New RC 390 in between the Duke 390 and ADV 390 – with about Rs 20k difference between all three motorcycles. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Rahul TV for sharing the update.2022 KTM RC 390 – Sharper Looks2022 RC 390 has taken a giant leap forward when it comes to its looks. The unique twin projector headlight of the outgoing model will be replaced by a larger single LED one fitted with daytime running lights. The fairing with integrated indicators is also sharper looking and so are the new graphics all around the bike.No one will mistake the new for the old, so different they look. The 2022 KTM RC 390 also gets a new colour customizable Bluetooth-enabled TFT instrument cluster similar to the 390 Duke with an ambient light sensor which adjusts brightness according to changing light conditions. The seat comes in a different finish, possibly Alcantara with pillion seat as standard, while the same 17-inch wheels are retained on the new bike, however the five-spoke design is new. The 2022 RC 390 will be available in choice of two colours – Factory Racing Blue and Electric Orange.2022 KTM RC 390 PricesThe new bike gets WP Apex 43 upside-down forks with 120mm of travel at the front and a WP Apex monoshock suspension with 150mm of travel at the rear. Ground clearance of the bike is 158 mm while seat height is 824 mm. The bike weighs 160 kg without fuel. Fuel tank capacity also improves from 10 litres to 13.7 litres.Front brake is a 320mm single four-piston radial fixed calliper, while at the rear a 230mm single-piston floating calliper handles braking duties. Anti-lock braking system is a Bosch 9.1MP two channel ABS with option of switching off rear ABS. The bike also comes with traction control.Lighter ChassisThe chassis, which is 1.5 kg lighter than that of the previous generation, is made of trellis frame and bolt-on subframe. Clip-on handlebars are 15mm higher than previous generation RC 390s and this increased height aids in comfort and better visibility. On the race track, the height can be lowered 10mm for a racier riding posture. The 2022 KTM RC 390 also comes with cornering ABS which ensures that wheels don’t lock up when the rider brakes mid-corner.The 2022 KTM RC 390 is powered by the familiar 373cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke petrol engine putting out 42.9 hp and 37 Nm of torque. The bike comes with a larger airbox which aids power and torque output at all rpms while a new ride-by-wire system sends precise throttle inputs to the engine enhancing performance. The 6-speed gearbox is equipped with slipper clutch and a quickshifter. More

  • in

    Upcoming Benelli 700cc ADV Motorcycle Leaks – Kawasaki Versys 650 Rival

    Benelli TRK 702 will be powered by a new 693cc parallel-twin engine and will be available in both road-biased and off-road derivativesUpcoming Benelli 700cc Adventure MotorcycleBenelli has been working on expanding its middleweight adventure tourer lineup which currently comprises TRK 251, TRK 502 and TRK 800. In India, the Chinese-owned Italian brand offers TRK 251 and TRK 502 while TRK 800, which recently made its debut at the last edition of EICMA, is considered too premium a product for the country.Hence, Benelli is developing another middleweight adventure bike that will sit in between TRK 502 and TRK 800. Type approval documents of a new TRK 702 have been leaked which looks very similar to TRK 800. Interestingly, the new proposition is a bit more exciting than its bigger sibling, at least on paper.Benelli TRK 702- Powertrain SpecsFor instance, specs of TRK 702 seem to closely match those of its larger sibling TRK 800. While the former gets a 693cc parallel-twin motor that dishes out 75 bhp, the latter draws power from a 754cc parallel-twin unit that pumps out 76 horses. This 693cc unit has been developed by Benelli’s parent company, QJ Motor and has recently appeared in several of its offerings in China.This power plant looks familiar to the motor used by the CFMoto 700CL-X which itself is a derivative of Kawasaki’s 650cc parallel-twin unit. However, the one in 700CL-X kicks out 70.7 bhp and 61 Nm of peak torque. A new engine meant that Benelli had to employ a different chassis although construction of the trellis frame is fairly similar to the bigger TRK 800.Upcoming Benelli 700cc Adventure MotorcycleHardware SpecsIt also receives a new swingarm while the bodywork, though completely new, is highly inspired by the existing TRK 800. TRK 702 rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoked wheels that are shod with dual-purpose tyres. However, it is also expected to be offered in a road-biased variant with 17-inch front and rear cast-aluminium wheels.Braking duties will be handled by petal-style twin discs up front and a single disc brake at rear and chewed down by radial Brembo callipers. This will be aided by a dual-channel ABS. Suspension setup should offer long travel with inverted forks up front and a mono-shock at rear, presumably with some degree of adjustability. In all likelihood, it will borrow Marzochhi suspension from TRK 800.Design & Expected India LaunchTRK 702 flaunts a traditional ADV attire with highlights like a tall stance, a butch bodywork with a heavily faired front end, a split seating setup, a beak upfront and a tall windscreen. The overall build looks purposeful with accessories like a rear luggage rack, centre stand, handguards and pannier boxes.As for launch in India, it is too soon to predict such a development. That said, Benelli TRK 702 might turn out to be the perfect rival to its Japanese rivals in the form of Kawasaki Versys 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 650XT and Triumph Tiger Sport 660. More

  • in

    Horwin SK3 Electric Scooter Updated – Gets Longer Range Of 300 Kms

    In Europe, Horwin SK3 electric scooter has been priced at 4,500 Euros which is approximately Rs 3.63 lakhHorwin SK3 Electric ScooterThe electric two-wheeler segment is booming across several international markets all over the globe. Even in India, the market has seen several new players enter this space in recent times. As demand for electric mobility rises, we will see more and more new players in this space.After launching the SK3 electric scooter in Europe earlier in January this year, Chinese EV manufacturer- Horwin, has launched an updated iteration of the e-scooter in its home market. Aesthetically the China-spec SK3 is identical to its European counterpart but gets some significant upgrades underneath its skin.Horwin SK3- StylingUnlike contemporary electric scooters, Horwin SK3 gets a sleek and sharp design that adopts Maxi scooter stylings. However, the spine running through its floorboard is now as tall and prominent as modern maxi-style scooters. Upfront, SK3 gets a twin LED headlamp cluster mounted on the apron. It gets a flat single-piece seat, a single-piece grab rail and a small, adjustable flyscreen.SK3 features many cuts and creases along its front and side panels which gives it a modern and futuristic appeal. The chunky single-piece grab rail can be replaced with a luggage mounting rack or a pannier box with a pillion backrest as an accessory. The e-scooter has been designed for daily commutes as well as long-distance touring.[embedded content][embedded content]Updated Powertrain for Chinese marketHowever, the Europe-spec model only offers a claimed range of 80km on a single charge that can be extended to 160km by adding a second battery pack. This is where the Chinese model will shine as it will cater to customers intending to take it for touring purposes. The updated SK3 comes with a larger 72V 36Ah lithium-ion battery pack that sends power to a 3.1kW motor.This powertrain returns a peak power output of 6.3 kW (8.5 bhp). With a single battery installed, this setup offers a claimed range of 160km on a single charge that can be extended up to 300km by adding a second battery pack. Top speed of this electric scooter has been capped at 90 kmph, in order to optimize battery power. Horwin will be providing its customers with an 8A charger as standard.Features & Hardware on offerComing to features, SK3 comes with a fully digital instrument cluster which is equipped with a smartphone connectivity feature. Other notable features on offer include a smart key lock system, cruise control and full LED illumination. Underseat storage is decent enough to store one’s knick-knacks but gets reduced drastically with addition of a second battery.Hardware configurations of the battery-powered scooter comprise a suspension setup comprising conventional telescopic forks at front and dual rear springs. The scooter rides on black 14-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. Braking setup consists of a front disc and a rear drum unit assisted by a Combi Braking System (CBS). More

  • in

    2022 Aprilia Tuono 250cc Debuts As New GPR 250S

    Aprilia Tuono 250 has been launched in China as GPR 250S – Borrows its underpinnings and powertrain from RS 2502022 Aprilia Tuono 250ccAprilia is very well-known for its racing pedigree all across the motorsport industry. Its sporting legacy also translates to fun and fast bikes which have a substantial consumer base all across the world. While the Italian brand has a very thin lineup of motorcycles in India, it continues to grow its presence in other international markets.The Piaggio-led company has launched Aprilia Tuono 250 in China which goes by the name GPR 250S. Reports of Aprilia developing a new-gen model of the naked streetfighter had started surfacing last year. A similar 125cc version of the naked street racer made its debut in European markets last year.2022 Aprilia Tuono 250One look at the new Tuono 250 and you realise that it is a very different product from its predecessor. The bike gets a completely redesigned front fascia which is dominated by new triple pod projector LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs that gives an aggressive and mean appearance.It also gets familiar front and side fairing which is unique to the Aprilia line of naked motorcycles. However, in this case, fairings are more prominent and play a significant role in amplifying the sports bike appeal of the bike. The side quarter fairing not only provides a distinct look but also adds to its aerodynamic qualities. More importantly, it also incorporates a larger radiator shroud for a new liquid cooler.2022 Aprilia Tuono 250ccOther notable visual highlights include a muscular fuel tank, a single-piece saddle, a raised tail section and a superbike-style windscreen upfront. Side fairings also flaunt striking new graphics to accentuate its sporty appeal The engine bay is protected by a large belly pan while the bike’s internals and running gear have been blacked out.Mechanical SpecsPowering Tuono 250 is the same 249cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine borrowed from RS 250. Like the fully faired sports bike, this motor pumps out 27.5 bhp at 9000 rpm and a peak torque 21.5 Nm at 7500 rpm. Power is transmitted to rear wheels via a 6-speed gearbox. Suspension duties are handled by 41mm USD forks up front and a mono-shock linked to the swingarm at rear.The naked streetfighter rides on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 100/80 and 130/70 section tyres at front and rear respectively. Braking duties are handled by single disc brakes at both ends complemented by dual-channel ABS. At a kerb weight of 145 kg, Tuono 250 is fairly nimble for its class.Expected India LaunchCurrently, Aprilia retails only four motorcycles in India including RS 660, Tuono 660, RSV4 1100 Factory and Tuono Factory. Reports of the Italian brand launching entry-level quarter-litre models in India had floated across the internet previously. However, there have been no concrete details regarding their launch in the country. More

  • in

    2023 Bajaj Pulsar N160 Spied Testing For The First Time

    Bajaj is taking a top-down approach for the new range of Pulsar models, the next model in this lineup is expected to be a 180-200cc bike2023 Bajaj Pulsar N160Bajaj Pulsar is an aspirational brand of sporty commuter motorcycles. Strong performance backed by affordability is one of its key universal selling points. These are more than a few reasons why this motorcycle range continues to be a rage even after two decades in the market.Currently, Bajaj is in a rebuilding phase and is trying to reinvent the Pulsar series by introducing some new models under its belt. The first in this revamped lineup is Pulsar 250 twins- N250 and F250 that was launched late last year. The company confirmed that it will be launching more new models under the Pulsar moniker in the coming future.New Bajaj Pulsar Spotted- Is it Pulsar N160?Recently, a new test mule of a Pulsar motorcycle was spotted outside Pune which was speculated to be the new-gen Bajaj Pulsar 125. The prototype was under heavy camouflage and did not divulge any specific details of the upcoming bike. Now, another Bajaj Pulsar has been spied testing without any camouflage this time around.Reports indicate that it could be a Pulsar with a smaller engine displacement, most probably a new Pulsar 160. The test mule that had been spotted in Pune, looked very similar to the new Pulsar N250. Hence, the new 160cc naked streetfighter will be based on the all-new Pulsar N250 platform and could replace the current Pulsar NS160 in future.2023 Bajaj Pulsar N1602023 Bajaj Pulsar N160Headlight cowl of the test mule is a fitting image of the naked quarter-litre Pulsar. It features projector LED headlight flanked by twin eyebrows-shaped LED DRLs just like Pulsar N250. While indicators on this new prototype are bulb units, split tail lamps consist of LED internals. It receives a contoured split-seat setup with a raised tail section and split grab rails.Like N250, this new testing prototype receives a single-piece handlebar which should ensure comfortable and upright ergonomics. The motorcycle is built on the same chassis as the 250cc Pulsars, so it gets the same frame, telescopic front fork, and a rear mono-shock. Even body panels appear to be borrowed from the new generation quarter-litre Pulsars.Expected SpecsIn all probability, Bajaj will be employing a brand new engine with a construction similar to that of N250 and F250. The current NS160 is powered by a 160cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that pumps out 17.03 bhp and 14.6 Nm of peak torque. The new engine will be richer in torque and even comes with a kick-starter which is a rare feature these days.2023 Bajaj Pulsar N160It appears to ride on 17-inch alloy wheels that are shod with MRF rubber with a slightly thicker profile at rear. Braking duties are carried out by disc brakes at both ends that will be complemented by single-channel ABS. Although no specific launch timeline has been confirmed yet, the next model under the new range of Pulsar could hit markets by end of this year or in early 2023.Source More

  • in

    Royal Enfield Classic 350, 650 Twins Price Hike – Scram 411 Price Cut

    Royal Enfield has updated prices for almost its entire lineup, prices of some models have decreased while others have decreasedImage – An ExplorerThere is some good and bad news for Royal Enfield fans and prospective buyers. Bad news is that the Chennai-based bikemaker has increased prices for Classic 350 and 650 Twins. Good news is that the company has reduced prices of Scram 411 within a couple of months of its market launch.At a time when automakers are increasing prices of their models due to a rise in input costs, the lowering of prices of Scram 411 comes as a pleasant surprise. Prices for the scrambler have been reduced by Rs 2,846.Royal Enfield Prices May 2022 – Classic 350, Scram 411After the latest price revision, Scram 411 is priced from Rs 2.03 lakh to Rs 2.08 lakh. Interestingly, these are the same prices of Scram 411, from the time it was launched in earlier this year. Prices were increased in April 2022, and now have been reduced by Rs 2,846.On the other hand, Classic 350 can be had at a price range of Rs 1.90 lakh and Rs 2.21 lakh. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom. Despite price revisions, features and specs on both bikes remain identical.Royal Enfield Classic 350, Scram 411 – Prices May 2022Classic 350 got a generation upgrade in late 2020 in which it received brand new underpinnings and powertrain. It is powered by a 349cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that kicks out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, Scram borrows its underpinnings and engine from Himalayan. It is powered by a 411cc single-cylinder oil-cooled engine that produces 24 bhp and 32 Nm of torque.Recently, Royal Enfield also reduced prices of Meteor 350 and Himalayan. However, that came at a cost since the company won’t be offering Tripper Navigation as a standard feature for any of its models henceforth. This step was taken as a measure to combat the global semiconductor chip shortage. It can be availed only as an official accessory through the company’s MIY configurator on the Royal Enfield website.Royal Enfield 650 Twins Prices May 2022Apart from this Royal Enfield has also increased prices for its flagship 650 Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT. Both models have witnessed a price hike of up to Rs. 4,681 for their top-end chrome variants. Prices of the base Standard and mid Custom variants of both the roadster and the cafe racer have been increased by Rs 2,845.Royal Enfield 650 Twins Prices May 2022After the latest price update, Interceptor 650 is available at a price range of Rs 2.86 lakh and Rs 3.10 lakh whereas Continental GT is offered at a starting price of Rs 3.03 lakh and tops out at Rs 3.27 lakh. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom. Like other models in the Royal Enfield, no changes in specs or features have been made in either of the motorcycles.Both 650 Twins are powered by a 648cc parallel-twin air/oil-cooled motor that produces 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch. Suspension is handled by conventional forks up front and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at rear with preload adjustment. Braking hardware comprises 320mm and 300mm disc at front and rear respectively aided by a dual-channel ABS. More

  • in

    2022 KTM 390 Adventure Launch Price Rs 3.28 L – EMI From 7k

    KTM 390 Adventure continues to rival other adventure bikes such as Royal Enfield Himalayan, BMW G 310 GS and Yezdi Adventure2022 KTM 390 Adventure launched in IndiaKTM has launched the updated 390 Adventure for the year 2022 in India. The latest iteration of the ADV made its debut in the US market earlier in January this year. The motorcycle undergoes a few yet significant updates. Priced at Rs 3.28 lakh (ex-showroom), the adventure tourer has received some aesthetic as well as functional upgrades. KTM is also offering attractive finance offers, with EMI starting from Rs 6,999 per month.2022 KTM 390 Adventure: Styling UpdatesStarting with aesthetics, visual updates on the new 390 Adventure are in line with the Dakar winning KTM FACTORY RALLY machines. In terms of overall design, the 2022 KTM 390 ADV is more or less similar to the current model flaunting the same rugged styling adventure bikes are associated with.The most noticeable styling update is the addition of two new paint schemes- a grey/black scheme and a blue scheme, both offered with orange accents and body graphics. Both these colour options are inspired by larger models in the KTM lineup, for instance, Adventure 890.The updated adventure tourer gets new tank shrouds and rear side panels which are slightly wider than the saddle. This ensures better control to the rider and also reduces wear and tear. Headlamp bezel of the new 390 ADV has been reduced to make the front end slightly lighter. Along with this, shape of the fuel tank has also been optimised to ensure freedom of the rider’s movement and control.2022 KTM 390 Adventure launched in IndiaFeatures on offerOther than this, styling of 390 Adventure remains unchanged. It gets the same split headlamp setup, a front visor, a raised tail section, a chunky underbelly bash plate and split-style seats. The Austrian bikemaker also hasn’t made any significant updates to the equipment with features like all-LED lighting, an adjustable windscreen and a standard 12V charging port included in the package.It is also equipped with a fully coloured TFT instrument display which is enabled with smartphone connectivity and optional turn-by-turn navigation. KTM, however, has updated the traction control (TC) system which now features two modes- Street and Off-road. The former offers normal intervention while Off-road mode allows some amount of rear wheel slip before kicking in.Hardware & Powertrain SpecsSome changes have been made to the hardware configurations of the bike too. The most prominent update is the employment of new cast aluminium wheels which get five spokes instead of six. As a result, the wheels are now more resistant to impact and also add to the stiffness of the bike. No changes have been made to either the suspension or braking setup featuring non-adjustable inverted front forks, a WP Apex rear mono-shock and single disc brakes at both ends aided by a dual-channel ABS with off-road mode.Powertrain department of the new 390 Adventure also remains intact with the adventure tourer drawing its power from a familiar 373.2cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor. This engine pumps out 42.3 bhp and 37 Nm of peak torque while being paired with a six-speed gearbox which comes with a standard bi-directional quick-shifter. More

  • in

    Honda CB350 Modified Into Racing Motorcycle – Weight Reduced

    Although modified CB350 uses the stock engine, performance will be better owing to reduced weight of the bikeHonda CB350 Modified. Image – Young MachineOne of the leading providers of high performance products and motorcycle accessories, Japan-based Moriwaki Engineering has undertaken several notable customization projects in the past. Their latest creation is a track-ready version of Honda H’ness CB350 nicknamed Tetsuba. Just for information, Tetsuba is a club-like weapon with spikes, probably used centuries earlier.Track-ready modified Honda CB350Unlike other customization projects that don’t have a specific end goal, this Tetsuba CB350 has been specially designed for the upcoming Tesuuma race. Much of the changes are not mere visual enhancements, but have been carried out to improve the bike’s performance in a track environment.Talking about the paint job, modified CB350 gets the signature Moriwaki blue and yellow theme. This colour scheme is part of their brand identity and can also be seen on the company’s logo. The blue shade is predominant, as evident on the front fender, fuel tank, full-size belly pan, side panels and seat section. The yellow bits work to create an interesting contrast.In terms of functional improvements, a number of parts have been removed or replaced to make the modified bike a lot lighter. For example, front mud guard has been replaced with a smaller unit whereas the rear mudguard has been completely removed.Honda CB350 ModifiedThe number board is placed on the side. Another key change is custom full-system upswept exhaust, which is compact and appears to be lightweight in comparison to the stock unit. The bike also gets NGK spark plugs for improved performance.Ride ergonomics has been completely transformed with a single piece seat, rear set footpegs and low-set clip-on handlebar. Other components like the round headlamp, instrument console and suspension system have been retained in their original form. It is possible that some changes may have been introduced in the suspension setup to make it stiffer. Parts like rear view mirrors and turn signals have been removed.Another performance boost comes from 17-inch front wheel, replacing the stock 19-inch unit. Rear wheel is the same size as stock variant. Both wheels get Pirelli SuperCorsa tyres, which are specially designed for tracks.Honda CB350 ModifiedNo engine tweaksMoriwaki Engineering has capabilities to retune the engine for improved performance, as needed for racing events. However, this has not been done, as per the regulations of the upcoming Tesuuma race. Modified CB350 will continue to deliver 21 PS of max power and 30 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. It is likely that the ECU has also been retained in its original form.While this is a race-specific customization project, it is possible that the same look and feel could be made available for enthusiasts via bolt-on kits. Such kits could soon be offered on Moriwaki’s official website. More