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    New Royal Enfield Classic 350 Records 1 Lakh Production Milestone

    Royal Enfield New Gen 350cc ClassicRoyal Enfield is celebrating the roll-out of their 100,000th New Gen Classic 350cc based on J1A platform
    For the past few years, Royal Enfield was testing their new gen 350cc motorcycles – which were set to replace the then available Thunderbird and the Classic range. After a lot of delay, largely due to Covid-19 induced lockdowns, Royal Enfield launched their first motorcycle based on the new gen 350cc platform.
    All new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 was launched in the first week of Nov 2020. This is the motorcycle which replaced the iconic Thunderbird nameplate. Gone were the vibrations, all thanks to a new platform and engine.
    New Royal Enfield Classic 350cc – 1 lakh production
    Based on this new platform, Royal Enfield launched the new gen Classic 350 in Sep 2021. Now, production of the new gen Classic 350cc motorcycle has crossed the 1 lakh milestone. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Thillai Megs for sharing the update.
    New RE Classic 350 is not only sold in India, but in many countries around the world – Europe, South Asia, South America, Australia, etc. Royal Enfield would have achieved this milestone long ago, if not for the global shortage of parts. There is a huge demand for these new RE Classic 350, resulting in a waiting period that is running into months.
    New gen Classic 350 motorcycle No 100,000th
    The Royal Enfield J1A platform was built from the ground up to deliver a world class motorcycle riding experience. Thanks to this platform, the modern day Classic 350cc motorcycles are more reliable. Be it the highway touring or city commuting or taking on corners, the new 350cc Classic delivers much better performance than their older counterparts.
    2021 RE Classic motorcycles are powered by a new 350cc single cylinder engine that makes 20.2 hp power and 27 Nm torque mated to a 5 speed gearbox. This new engine comes with an overhead camshaft replacing the existing UCE 350.
    Royal Enfield New Motorcycles 2022
    With an aim to maintain their lead in the segment, Royal Enfield has announced plans to launch one new motorcycle every 4 months – 28 new motorcycles in 7 years. We have already seen the launch of Meteor, Classic, updated Himalayan, revised 650 Twins.
    Royal Enfield will likely update the Bullet / Electra range to the new gen platform next. They will also launch new motorcycles, like the Hunter 350 roadster or the Interceptor 350. These motorcycles are currently on test and are expected to be launched sometime next year.
    2022 could also see Royal Enfield launch Himalayan 411 Scram, Hunter 350, 650cc Super Meteor Cruiser and 650cc Shotgun. The latter was even showcased as a concept at the EICMA 2021 in Italy last month. More

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    Hero Electric Scooter Charging Time Under 15 Minutes – In Development

    Image for referenceHero Electric and Log9 partnership leads to development of RapidEV electric scooter variants that can be charged in less than 15 minutes
    When it comes to electric scooters, range anxiety is a key concern. With new electric tech in abundance, the process to large scale adaption to electric vehicles can be smoothened through dependable charging solutions.
    Hero Electric has made rapid progress in terms of market share progression. With their market reach on expansion mode, it’s imperative that charging networks grow at the same pace.
    Hero Electric’s partnership with Log9 will boost charging in less than 15 minutes for RapidEV electric scooters. Full charge in 15 minutes will be possible through Log9’s InstaCharge RapidX batteries. In theory, this development makes them the fastest-charging electric scooters.
    Electric Scooter Charging Time – Battery-as-a-Service (BASS)
    The partnership affords ‘Log9 InstaCharging battery packs for its entire range of EVs’. Log9’s cell-to-pack competency has enabled nine times faster charging, better performance, lower battery degradation, and battery life. The coveted batteries in question will be made available through outright sales and Battery-as-a-Service (BASS) business models.
    Hero Electric joins hands with Log 9 Materials
    Commercial fleet operators can optimise operational performance of Instacharge battery packs at nominal monthly rates. RapidX batteries have undergone pilot tests and certification through multiple B2B fleet operators. The commitment to B2B last-mile delivery sector revolves in benefits through operational cost reduction, and lower emissions. With last mile delivery success lies in timely deliveries in logistics, rapid charging is a key turnaround consideration.
    Log9 RapidX batteries
    Log9 RapidX batteries can operate across a temp range of -30° to 60° C. Operational life is listed at over 10 years. Safety commitments are focused on batteries not catching fire catch fire. They are designed to remain safe under extreme temperature, and demanding charging and driving conditions.
    Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric, said, “Unlike Petrol, the charge on a E2W is limited, leading to shorter driving range. In the year 2019, we launched bikes with an option of doubling the range. All our bikes also have easily removable batteries and many of our customers are now charging their portable batteries while at workplace or in their apartments.
    Some of the B2B businesses however wanted to run the bikes continuously for longer hours with a minimal interruption in their delivery operations. It is for such customers that we now offer bikes with the Log9 batteries that can be fast charged while the driver is having his cup of tea. This game-changing association will maximise the returns on the logistics operations of these B2B businesses.” More

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    Ola Electric Scooter Delivery Starts – First Owners Ride From Today

    Ola Electric Scooters Delivery Starts TodayOla Electric scooters- S1 and S1 Pro offer are packed with features such as a digital instrument console enabled with an Android-based OS and more
    After several delays, Ola Electric has started with the delivery process of its first electric scooters S1 and S1 Pro. The Bengaluru-based EV manufacturer has started dispatching the electric scooters to their respective owners.
    First batch owners will get delivery today. The electric scooters are on their way. The development was confirmed by company CEO, Bhavish Agarwal, on his Twitter account.
    Ola Electric Scooter Delivery Starts Today
    Agarwal also shared a video of units of the production-spec S1 and S1 Pro scooter being prepped up and loaded in the cargo bay of trucks. For the uninitiated, Ola is using a direct-to-customer sales model that involves dealerships or any third-party intermediaries. Therefore, the scooters will reach directly at the owners’ doorsteps.
    The video shows electric scooters being dispatched from the Ola Futurefactory. Based out of Tamil Nadu, it is aiming to become the largest two-wheeler manufacturing hub in the world. This factory will be managed by an all-women workforce. Spread across 500 acres of land, this plant aims to employ 10,000 women once production goes full tilt.
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    Several Delays
    Earlier, Ola had pushed back the deadline for test rides and start of deliveries of its e-scooters from 25 October to 10 November. The EV brand was able to start test rides from 10 November albeit only on an invite-only basis, however, customers still had to wait for their scooters to be delivered. Ola Electric, thus far, has been able to conduct over 30,000 test rides for its customers across the country.
    The EV manufacturing arm of the ride-hailing major intends to honour the latest commitment to start deliveries of scooters by 15 December. Also, Ola is scheduled to open the second window for booking of S1 and S1 Pro electric scooters starting on December 16. Initially, the company had decided to open the second batch of bookings from November 1 but was forced to defer it due to an overwhelming demand from the first batch.
    S1, S1 Pro- Specs & Prices
    Offered at respective prices of Rs 1.0 lakh and Rs 1.30 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom), S1 and S1 Pro are powered by the same 8.5kW electric motor with a continuous output of 5.5 kW. However, both scooters offer different battery packs. S1 features a battery pack with a capacity of 2.8 kWh whereas S1 Pro packs a larger 3.97 kWh battery.
    Apart from variations in performance, both variants of the electric scooter offer different ranges with S1 offering a range of 121 km whereas S1 Pro boasts a range of 180 km on a single charge. S1 comes with two ride modes- Normal and Sport while the top-spec S1 Pro gets an additional Hyper mode. More

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    2022 Royal Enfield 650cc Motorcycles Shotgun, Super Meteor – Leaks

    2022 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser – Super Meteor 650 / Shotgun 650Royal Enfield is getting ready to launch two new motorcycles in the 650cc segment – Super Meteor cruiser and Shotgun
    As part of its ongoing product offensive, Royal Enfield is readying a number of new motorcycles in 350cc-650cc category. One of these is a true-blue 650cc cruiser that is expected to be launched sometime next year. It is likely to be christened as Super Meteor 650. The other is a Classic styled 650cc motorcycle, which was showcased as a concept called SG650 at 2021 EICMA recently. Upon launch it could be called Shotgun 650.
    In addition to these two 650cc motorcycles, Royal Enfield also has a new Himalayan Scram 411 variant as well as a Hunter 350 in the making. The Scram 411 was recently spied in Goa, while the Hunter 350 was leaked via official RE video about Project 90 South.
    2022 Royal Enfield 650cc Motorcycles Leak
    Speaking about the 650cc motorcycles, the two new machines are expected to be priced at around Rs 3.5 lakh. In comparison, Royal Enfield 650 twins are available in the price range of Rs 2.70 lakh to Rs 3.20 lakh.
    The two 650cc machines have also leaked in similar fashion like the Hunter. Both Super Meteor 650 and Shotgun 650 can be seen in the latest video of Royal Enfield 90 South project. In the video below at about 34 seconds mark, you can see the two upcoming Royal Enfield 650cc motorcycles.
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    Royal Enfield Cruiser 650 styling
    Retro theme is clearly evident on test mules that have been frequently spotted in recent months. Some key features include round headlamp, rear-view mirrors, turn signals and tail light. It is likely that the bike will have an all-LED setup. Other key features include tall windscreen, dual exhaust pipes and broad rear fenders.
    Another distinguishable thing is the classy teardrop-shaped fuel tank. Instrument console profile could be similar to Meteor that has twin circular dials. There’s a larger unit on the left and a smaller display (Tripper navigation) on the right. Cruiser 650 can get things like USB charger and a new range of connectivity features.
    Users can expect optimal comfort when taking Cruiser 650 on long-distance journeys. The bike has wide pulled-back handlebar, low seat height, forward set footpegs and decent sized saddle. For pillion riders, there’s a backrest with integrated grab rails. Brackets for mounting panniers can be seen at the rear.
    2022 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser – Super Meteor 650 / Shotgun 650
    2022 Royal Enfield 650cc engine and specs
    Both new Royal Enfield’s will be utilizing the 648cc motor that’s currently in use with Interceptor and Continental GT. The parallel-twin, oil cooled unit churns out 47 hp of max power and 52 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
    Talking about hardware, 2022 RE 650 will be equipped with USD forks at front. It will be the first Royal Enfield bike to get this premium feature. USD forks are necessary as the bike will be easily touching 100+ kmph on highways. USD forks will ensure enhanced stability and control while negotiating sharp curves and braking at high speed. At the rear, the bike will have dual suspension setup.
    Based on the variant, Super Meteor 650 could be available with either spoke wheels or alloy wheels. The former will be preferred by retro enthusiasts. The bike could get 18-inch wheels, shod with tubeless tyres. Rear tyre will be a wider unit, as compared to the front. Braking power comes from disc brakes at both ends. Dual-channel ABS will be available as standard. More

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    BMW Motorrad India 2021 Sales Cross 5k – Thanks To G310, 350cc Scooter, Others

    BMW Scooter First Owner In IndiaBMW Motorrad reports all time high sales in India with the counter clocking at 5k units in 2021
    BMW Motorrad has much to celebrate with 2021 coming to a close. The premium motorcycle manufacturer is celebrating 5k two wheeler deliveries in India through 2021. Growth has been momentous in a year that continues to thrive on uncertainties.
    In 2020, BMW Motorrad India reported sales at 2,563 units at 6.65 percent YoY growth over 2019 when 2,403 units were sold. The year prior, 2,187 units were sold. This is when BMW got on the growth track with the launch of updated BMW G 310 R and the BMW G 310 GS motorcycles.
    2021 has been a phenomenal year
    Prior to the G310 launches, in 2017 BMW had sold 252 units through the year. In its newest form, the bikes were launched after careful price consideration which catapulted sales onto the fast-track. The premium two-wheeler segment in India is small-ish. And BMW Motorrad India has managed to report sales growth at 100 percent in 2021 over 2020.
    Sales momentum is majorly driven by BMW G 310 R and the BMW G 310 GS motorcycles. Combined sales of both entry level offerings accounted for about 90 percent of BMW Motorrad India sales through 2021. Other popular offerings include BMW C 400 GT, R 1250 GS / GSA, The BMW R18 Classic, the BMW S 1000 R and the BMW M 1000 RR.
    BMW Motorrad Sales 2021. * sales reported as of 14th Dec 2021.
    Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “Since its inception, BMW Motorrad has redefined the premium motorcycling scenario in India with its dynamic product range and bespoke riding experiences. 2021 has been a phenomenal year for BMW Motorrad in India. Despite the turbulence in the two-wheeler industry, we have performed well and achieved exponential growth.
    We will continue to cater to the requirements of the purists while also fulfilling aspirations of a new base of brand fans who want to enter the Motorrad world. We remain committed in our endeavour to excite riding enthusiasts with new launches and curated experiences that truly reflect our motto of ‘Make life a Ride’.”
    BMW performance driven bikes
    A strong product offensive thrives on the back of new and timely launches. All focused around ‘performance driven bikes with best-in-class riding dynamics’. Strategies have worked to meet customer demand in an optimised manner. And as a result, in a few short years, the 5k yearly sales mark has become a reality.
    BMW Motorcycle Sales 2021
    The journey has further been helped by BMW Financial Services India. Flexible financial solutions helped facilitate sales. In October 2021, the company announced cumulative production of the 310 twin units having surpassed the 1 lakh units milestone. The majority of this number caters to export markets where the entry level premium offerings have carved a niche for themselves since launch. And popularity continues to grow unabated.  More

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    Honda 250cc Motorcycles, Two Wheelers Engine – Produced At Gujarat Plant

    New Honda CBR250RR – Image for reference.Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India begins engine manufacturing at Gujarat plant for global markets
    Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. will now be manufacturing global engines at its fourth factory in India at Vithalapur (Ahmedabad district), Gujarat. The dedicated engine line helps meet international demand for Honda two-wheelers in Thailand, US, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia, and Gulf nations (Europe and APAC regions), among others.
    Engine capacity under consideration is 250cc (& above) category two-wheelers. Honda has multiple products in the 250cc and above segment on offer. These includes range of scooters (Forza 250, ADV 350, etc) as well as motorcycles (CBR250R, CB350, CB300R, etc).
    In all, production capacity in year one is capped at close to 50k units. This will be scaled up in accordance to future market demand. At an investment of over Rs 135 crore, Honda’s set-up will manufacture ‘Midsize Fun model’ engines from its Gujarat Plant for both, domestic and international markets.
    Expansion of exports
    Atsushi Ogata, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “As demand for mobility rises globally, Honda envisions further expansion of its exports footprint across the world. With the introduction of BSVI norms in India, we are a step closer to achieve this vision.
    Mr. Ichiro Shimokawa (L), Chief Production Officer & Director and Mr. Atsushi Ogata, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd
    Building products which are at par with global standards of manufacturing, this new expansion will allow HMSI to develop production capabilities to strengthen our direction of make in India, for the world.” Following the development, HMSI is enabled to to take its ‘current exports capacity to new heights both in terms of markets as well as global quality standards.’
    To cope with engine production expansion, Honda falls back on special processes across manufacturing stages. This includes machining, engine assembly, and advanced storage systems. Having built on increased production capability from ground up, Honda relies in modern tech and a highly skilled workforce to maintain its rigorous quality standards.
    Honda global sales
    Reliance on automotive safety, emission and performance standards ensures that the new production line upholds seamless integration of the manufacturer’s export capability with that of the global auto industry. New infra in tandem with best practices and standardized technologies cater to key aspects of engine production and assembly.
    Honda two wheelers in India already plays a crucial role in the larger scheme of things for the global manufacturer. In terms of global sales, sales in India contributes for a bulk of total share. In terms of business expansion, Honda has already begun meeting demand in the 350cc segment here following years of dominance in the scooter segment.
    While Honda’s global midsize segment is more nuanced, it’s start in India has been promising, and the company is continually building on market share, and reach. With the 350cc segment motorcycles being sold in India through Honda BigWing dealerships, Honda has ensured the number of such dealerships continues to grow at a faster pace in recent months. More

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    TVS Apache 160 Price Hike Dec 2021 – New Vs Old Prices

    New TVS Apache 160TVS Apache RTR 160 comes with a 2-valve head motor that offers slightly less output than its 4-valve head sibling
    The entry-level Apache continues to rake in a sizeable volume even after more than fifteen years in the market. However, unlike its 4V siblings, the 2-Valve head Apache makes a little less power and also comes with fewer gizmos on offer. In terms of features, Apache RTR 160 is offered with a semi-digital instrument cluster, LED DRLs and single-channel ABS.
    It is powered by a simple 159cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine with a 2-valve head that makes 15.3 bhp and 13.9 Nm of peak torque. This motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The RTR 160 2V hasn’t undergone any major updates in recent times. On the other hand, its 4-valve sibling has undergone multiple updates in the past couple of years.
    TVS Apache 160 Prices Dec 2021
    TVS Motor Company has announced a price hike for one of the most popular offerings in its lineup. Prices for Apache RTR 160 4V have been increased by Rs 1,500 across all variants. The motorcycle is available in two variants- Drum and Disc.
    While the former is offered at a price of Rs 1.06 lakh, the latter is pegged at a price of Rs 1.09 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom). Apart from the revision in prices, there are no other changes made on the bike. All features and mechanical attributes have been left untouched.
    TVS Apache 160 Prices Dec 2021
    Updated RTR 160 4V
    Recently, a couple of months ago, TVS updated Apache RTR 160 4V with a new headlamp assembly along with new LED DRLs. The naked streetfighter also benefits from three ride modes namely Urban, Sport, and Rain.
    Other feature additions included a gear-shift indicator on the instrument display and a radial rear tyre. Prices for the updated 160 4V start from Rs 1.15 lakh (ex-showroom). Prices of the 4V versions have not changed, except for the top of the line Special Edition Apache 160.
    Other Developments from TVS
    In other developments, TVS has been looking to expand its footprint across the world and hence has announced launch of several products in international markets. Recently, the flagship Apache RR310 and Ntorq 125 were launched in Philippines. The company will also be expanding in South American markets as it has joined hands with Active Motors SA.
    The latter will be responsible for the distribution of TVS models in countries like Nicaragua and Costa Rica. TVS has already established its presence in European markets after it acquired the iconic British motorcycle brand- Norton last year. The bikemaker recently revealed the first official images of its upcoming flagship model V4SV in a heavily redesigned avatar. More

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    Simple One Electric Scooter Spied On Public Road For 1st Time

    Simple One Electric Scooter SpiedPrices of the upcoming electric scooter from Simple Energy have already been revealed at Rs 1.10 lakh (ex-showroom)
    Among the biggest reveals in the electric scooter space this year, was the Simple Energy called One. It was revealed on the same day as Ola Electric’s S1 and S1 Pro. While deliveries of S1 and S1 Pro have faced numerous delays, it is all set to start delivery from tomorrow. On the other hand, Simple One is yet to undergo production itself.
    The battery-powered scooter from the Bengaluru-based startup will soon head towards production. Test mules of the e-scooter were recently spied on public road for the first time. It is likely that the Simple One electric scooter is in final phases of testing. The prototypes are being tested for performance, durability, and range to ensure that it is production-ready.
    Simple One – Changes Expected
    Reports indicate that there might be some changes in the final production model from the one revealed in August earlier this year. The latest spy shots reveal test mules under colourful camouflage which is said to cover up the small design updates on the One although they aren’t noticeable.
    In order to ensure that the scooter meets a wide range of challenges, it is being tested across various parts of the country and on different terrains so that comprehensive data could be collected for extensive research and development. This isn’t the usual norm for a scooter that has already been unveiled in its production-spec model with a price tag attached to it.
    Simple One Electric Scooter Spied
    Further, it is expected that the e-scooter which hits showrooms will be better in terms of performance than the model presented before the media a few months ago. This also suggests that Simple Energy could also make changes to its powertrain setup too.
    Powertrain Specs
    Speaking of its powertrain, Simple One features a 4.5 kW electric motor that draws energy from a 4.8 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack. This setup can return a maximum range of 203 km in Eco mode under ideal driving conditions on a single charge. It also claims a strong performance with a 0-40 kmph acceleration time claimed at just 2.95 seconds. It can achieve a maximum top speed of 105 kmph.
    The battery pack consists of a fixed battery and a removable battery, the latter weighing around 7 kg which offers a range of 60 km on a full charge. It takes 2.75 hours for the fixed battery to rejuvenate up to 80 percent whereas the removable unit takes only 75 minutes to achieve the same level of electric charge. The company is even said to offer fast charging facilities across all major towns and cities.
    Simple One Electric Scooter Spied
    Priced at Rs 1.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), deliveries of Simple One are expected to commence in the early phase of 2022. However, it will be interesting to see if the EV manufacturer will be able to honour its commitments on time. Booking for the e-scooter is open at a token amount of Rs 1,947.
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