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      BSA Motorcycles Global Debut Date Announced – Rival To Royal Enfield

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      BSA Motorcycles RevivedBSA motorcycles will first be launched in the UK for a reason – As the brand has sizeable fan following in the country
      Looking to replicate the level of success achieved with Jawa motorcycles in India, Mahindra-owned Classic Legends will soon introduce BSA brand in UK. The formal unveil event is scheduled to take place at the Motorcycle Live Show in Birmingham, UK.
      Classic Legends will be revisiting BSA’s origins to establish a better connect with the brand’s glorious past and its ambitious resurrection in 21st century. It will be interesting to see how enthusiasts in UK, Europe and other global markets respond to the return of the legendary motorcycle brand.
      BSA motorcycle details
      To ensure it retains its old-world charm, BSA motorcycle will focus on retro styling. It is expected to have features like round headlamp, tear-drop shaped fuel tank, flat and wide handlebar and broad front and rear fenders. Some variants could be equipped with spoke wheels for enhanced retro experience.
      Liberal use of chrome can be expected on parts like headlamp, fuel tank, exhaust pipe and engine casing. To target enthusiasts with contemporary tastes, specific variants could be introduced in blacked-out theme.
      BSA Motorcycles Global Debut Countdown Timer
      Neo-retro styling used in combination with blacked-out theme almost always results in a gorgeous looking bike. Jawa Perak is a good example, which fascinates a broad spectrum of motorcycle enthusiasts with varying tastes and preferences.
      BSA has plans to manufacture both petrol-powered and electric motorcycles. The first BSA motorcycle could be petrol-powered, equipped with a 650cc motor. Among the rivals will be Royal Enfield 650 twins that have emerged as popular options in several global markets. BSA motorcycles will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Midlands. The company will also setup a technical and design centre in Banbury, Oxfordshire.
      BSA electric range could be introduced next year. Classic Legends has received a grant of £4.6 million (~ INR 46 crore) from UK government for setting up an R&D centre. This facility will focus exclusively on developing electric motorcycles. It’s imperative for BSA to focus on electric segment, as many European countries are aggressively targeting a complete shift to electric ecosystem.
      BSA motorcycle Indian launch
      It is unlikely that BSA motorcycles will be introduced in India soon. A key reason is that the brand has better chance of success in UK, where the motorcycles were produced and gained popularity. Second reason pertains to legal aspects, wherein BSA Cycles is already functional in Indian market. This may present trademark issues if Classic Legends decides to launch BSA motorcycles in India.
      For Indian market, Classic Legends will continue to focus on Jawa and Yezdi motorcycles. The range will be expanded to enable improved competencies against primary rival Royal Enfield. Upcoming bikes include a new Jawa cruiser, Yezdi Roadking scrambler and Yezdi Roadking ADV. More

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      Bajaj Sales, Exports Oct 2021 – Pulsar, Dominar, Avenger, Platina, CT100

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      Bajaj Pulsar NS160Bajaj Auto domestic sales and exports suffered de-growth in Oct 2021 – Pulsar continues to enjoy good demand in domestic and global markets
      Bajaj Auto has reported a 26.62 percent de-growth in domestic sales while exports dipped 4.03 percent YoY. Domestic sales last month stood at 1,91,607 units, down from 2,61,115 units sold in October 2020. Exports on the other hand fell 4.03 percent to 1,89,330 units, down from 1,97,287 units shipped in October 2020.
      Bajaj Sales Breakup Oct 2021 – Pulsar Regains lead
      Despite a YoY de-growth, Bajaj Pulsar range saw the highest demand in domestic market. Sales which had stood at 1,38,218 units in October 2020, dipped 37.42 percent to 86,500 units in the past month with share percentage at 45.14 percent. In Sep 2021, Pulsar had lost its lead as the No 1 selling Bajaj brand in India. In Oct 2021, it has bounced back to the top spot.
      In the Pulsar range, it was the 125cc range that saw highest demand at 48,662 units, down 25.87 percent over 65,648 units sold in October 2020. There were also the Pulsar 150cc that contributed 24,495 units to October 2021 sales. It has recently been revealed that Bajaj Auto Limited will be phasing out its current range of Pulsar motorcycles and replace it with new gen.
      Bajaj Platina sales saw a YoY growth of 37.96 percent to 84,109 units, up from 60,967 units sold in October 2020. Bajaj Platina’s 100 cc engine offers excellent mileage over its rivals and is hence sought after especially within the country where fuel prices remain high.
      Bajaj Sales Breakup Oct 2021
      Thereafter, Bajaj CT (18,084 units), Dominar (1,092 units) and Avenger (987 units) sales dipped YoY. It was the Avenger 250cc that saw higher demand at 983 unit as compared to the Avenger 200cc of which only 4 units were sold last month. Dominar 400 sales were at 1,091 units while only 1 unit of the Dominar 250 was sold last month.
      Bajaj Chetak sales on the other hand noted a marked YoY increase at 223.64 percent to 835 units, up from 258 units sold in October 2020. The Bajaj Chetak competes with the TVS iQube and will soon see a new rival from Hero MotoCorp with the name ‘VIDA’ recently registered.
      Bajaj Auto Exports Oct 2021
      Bajaj Auto Limited recorded a dip in exports by 4.03 percent YoY in October 2021. Total exports dipped to 1,89,330 units in the past month, down from 1,97,287 units shipped in October 2020.
      Bajaj Exports Breakup Oct 2021
      In global markets, it was the Bajaj Boxer that saw most demand. Sales in the past month stood at 1,15,944 units, down 6.33 percent over 1,23,778 units shipped in October 2020. Boxer 110cc exports stood at 92,400 units while Boxer 150cc shipments were to the tune of 17,288 units. 6,256 units of the Boxer 125cc made up the balance exports.
      Pulsar exports stood at 26,711 units last month, down 17.57 percent over 32,406 units shipped in October 2020. Of this brand, it was the Pulsar 150-200cc that saw most exports at 11,682 units while of the 150cc model, exports stood at 10,106 units last month.
      Bajaj Auto reported growth in the case of the CT and Discover which increased 21.26 percent and 24.03 percent respectively in October 2021. CT 110cc exports stood at 10,304 units while there were 8,928 units of the CT125cc shipped last month.
      Discover 125cc saw more demand in global markets at 13,980 units over its 110cc counterpart of which 5,760 units were exported. While Platina exports dipped 51.18 percent YoY to 2,982 units over 6,108 units shipped in October 2020, that of Dominar and Avenger increased 40.53 percent and 167.94 percent respectively YoY. More

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      TVS Sales, Exports Breakup Oct 2021 – Apache, Jupiter, Ntorq, Raider

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      Image – The Bikers DiaryTVS Motor Company domestic sales dipped 14.10 percent with the only model posting any significant increase YoY being the iQube
      TVS Motor Company has experienced de-growth both where domestic sales (-14.10 percent) and exports (-0.12 percent) are concerned. Taking domestic sales into account, almost every model in the company lineup posted a YoY de-growth except for the RR310 and more specifically the TVS iQube.
      Total domestic sales last month stood at 2,58,877 units, down from 3,01,380 units sold in October 2020 – a difference of 42,503 units. Exports on the other hand remained more or less flat with 80,525 units shipped in October 2020 while shipments in the past month stood at 80,428 units.
      TVS Sales Breakup Oct 2021 – Jupiter Tops List
      TVS Jupiter commanded domestic sales list with 72,261 units, down 2.56 percent over 74,159 units sold in October 2020 with a 27.91 percent share in the company lineup. TVS Jupiter scooter was also the second best-selling scooter in India following the Honda Activa, commanding a 16.53 percent market share.
      Next up was the TVS XL moped with 55,356 units sold last month, down 31.04 percent over 80,268 units sold in October 2020 with a 21.38 percent share while at No. 3 was the TVS Apache motorcycles. Sales of the Apache stood at 39,799 units, down 2.79 percent over 40,943 units sold in October 2020.
      TVS Sales Oct 2021 Breakup
      At No. 4, TVS Ntorq sales also dipped in October 2021 by 18.50 percent to 25,693 units, down from 31,524 units sold in October 2020. The Ntorq 125 has found a new rival with the launch of Suzuki Avenis launched at Rs 86,700. TVS Sport (19,730 units), Radeon (15,596 units) and Raider (10,553 units) followed in quick succession. The Sport and Radeon posted a YoY de-growth while the Raider is a new entrant launched in September 2021 at Rs 77,500.
      October 2021 sales of TVS Star City, Pep+ and Zest also posted de-growth while the RR310 sales increased marginally by 0.20 percent to 497 units up from 496 units sold in October 2020. Sales of the iQube increased by 1134.38 percent to 395 units in October 2021, up from just 32 units sold in October 2020.
      TVS Exports October 2021
      TVS Exports stood flat on a YoY basis. Exports which had stood at 80,525 units in October 2020 dipped 0.12 percent to 80,428 units in the past month. TVS Star City 125 was the best-selling model in global markets. Sales increased 59.10 percent to 39,143 units in the past month, up from 24,603 units shipped in October 2020. Share in the company lineup stood at 48.67 percent. The Star City suffered 55.05 percent de-growth, with sales of 12,664 units, down from 28,173 units sold in October 2020.
      TVS Exports Oct 2021 Breakup
      TVS Apache also posted a YoY de-growth of 3.90 percent to 12,549 units in the past month, down from 13,058 units exported in October 2020. More positive exports were reported for the TVS Sport and Ntorq which increased 26.10 percent to 7,914 units and 11.56 percent to 4,255 units respectively.
      The new TVS Raider saw shipments to the tune of 1,169 units last month. Victor exports also increased 16.67 percent to 1,120 units, up from 960 units shipped in October 2020. YoY de-growth in terms of exports was seen in the case of TVX XL (672 units), Radeon (520 units), Wego(264 units) and also for the Jupiter (125 units) and RR310 (33 units). More

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      2022 Honda Rebel 500 Cruiser Debuts With New Colour Options

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      2022 Honda Rebel 500
      Honda presently has three models in the Rebel range of cruisers- Rebel 250, Rebel 500 and Rebel 1100
      Honda has updated its cruise lineup for 2022 specifically for Rebel 500 and Rebel 1100 in European markets. Both motorcycles offer a typical cruiser experience to riders with their signature old-school design and ergonomics. About a month ago, Honda reinvented the entry-level Rebel 300 in a down-sized version as Rebel 250.
      2022 Honda Rebel 500 Colour Options
      The Japanese bikemaker has introduced new colour options for Rebel 500 and Rebel 1100. Honda is offering a new paint scheme called Pearl Organic Green in Rebel 500. This option will be available alongside the current paint schemes on offer namely Graphite Black, Mat Axis Gray and Matte Jeans Blue Metallic.
      The latest addition to the colour palette is a stark contrast to dark and stealthy shades currently available for Rebel 500. On the other hand, Rebel 1100 sees the addition of a flashy new colour called Pearl Stallion Brown. The paint scheme also benefits from the blacked-out components lending the motorcycle a sporty dual-tone appeal.
      Rebel 500- Specs
      Apart from the added colour options, there have been no changes made in either of the cruiser bikes in terms of mechanicals or features. Rebel 500 is powered by a 471cc parallel-twin motor that also propels CB500X and CB500R. Take a look at the first look video below, credit to TravelMoto channel.
      [embedded content]
      This unit pushes out 47 bhp at 8500rpm and a peak torque of 44.6Nm at 6000rpm. This engine is paired with a 6-speed transmission via a slip-assist clutch. The motorcycle rides on 16-inch front and rear wheels that are shod with fat 130-section front and 150-section rear rubber respectively.
      Suspension setup comprises 41mm telescopic forks at front and twin shock absorbers at rear. Braking duties are handled by a 296mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc aided by a dual-channel ABS.
      Rebel 1100 Specs
      Coming to the flagship Rebel 1100, the cruiser is powered by a 1084cc SOHC liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, 270 degree crank motor which pumps out 86 bhp at 7000rpm and a peak torque of 98Nm at 4750rpm. This engine also propels Africa Twin adventure bike and is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a DCT automatic gearbox.
      2022 Honda Rebel 1100
      The diamond frame of Rebel 500 sits on Preload-adjustable 43mm cartridge-style front forks and twin piggyback shock absorbers at rear. Rebel 500 rides on 18-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels shod with tubeless tyres. Braking duties are handled by 330mm disc up front and 256mm disc at rear complemented by a dual-channel ABS.
      There have been murmurs of Honda introducing the Rebel range in India previously although the Japanese brand hasn’t officially confirmed the same as of yet. That said, there are more chances of Rebel 500 being launched in India rather than Rebel 1100. More

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      Vmoto Stash Electric Motorcycle Debuts – Range 250 Kms, Top Speed 105 Kmph

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      VMOTO Stash Electric MotorcycleStash electric bike will be first introduced in European markets in 2022 – Expected price more than Super Soco TC Max
      As part of its product offensive for European markets, Sino-Australian entity Vmoto Soco Group has unveiled its new electric motorcycle named Stash at EICMA 2021. It is likely to be positioned as a premium product in the company’s portfolio. Vmoto already has several other electric motorcycles such as Super Soco TS, TC, TSX and TC Max.
      Vmoto Stash styling and features
      Stash electric motorcycle easily qualifies as the quintessential head turner. It packs in a sleek design, aggressive front fascia and sharp body panels, which ensure a dominating street presence. Dual-tone theme with use of contrasting colours on front cowl and tank section further enhances the bike’s look and feel. Side panels ensure a sporty, muscular profile for the bike.
      Some key features of Vmoto electric motorcycle include sleek headlamp with trendy DRL, sporty windscreen in black shade, spear-shaped front and rear turn signals, flat handlebar, sinewy tank, split seats, alloy wheels, sleek grab rails, edgy tail lamp and rear tyre hugger.
      Space for mounting registration number plate has been provided on the rear tyre hugger. The bike comes with rectangular full digital instrument console. It is likely that the bike will be offered with Bluetooth-based connectivity features.
      VMOTO Stash Electric Motorcycle
      At the time of launch, there will be three colour options of black, silver and yellow. While the bike ticks all the right boxes in terms of styling, it has also been designed to meet the requirements of everyday commutes. One of the useful features is storage space inside the fuel tank. The top section of fuel tank opens up like a lid to reveal decent-sized storage space. It can easily accommodate a full-size helmet.
      Even though footpegs are slightly rear-set, users should be able to get a comfortable riding stance. The bike has broad seats with appropriate contouring for both rider and pillion. It should help avoid any type of bum and thigh fatigue.
      Vmoto Stash range and specs
      Inside its belly, Vmoto Stash has a 72V-100Ah – 7.2 kWh battery pack that supplies power to a 6-kW motor. On a full charge, the motorcycle can cover a distance of around 250 km. However, this range will be available only when the bike runs at 45 kmph. The battery takes 6 hours to recharge from 0 to 100%.
      VMOTO Stash Electric Motorcycle
      It is likely that there will be multiple ride modes, which will allow users to choose the type of performance they want at a given time. Top speed of the bike is rated at 105 kmph. With low seat height of 785mm, users shall be able to exercise optimal control of the bike.
      Vmoto Stash has standard telescopic forks at front and monoshock rear suspension. The bike runs on 17-inch wheels, wrapped in AV 100/80 front and AR 120/70 rear tyres. Braking duties are performed by disc brakes at both ends. In Europe, Vmoto Stash will be positioned above Super Soco TC Max. The latter is available at a starting price of Euro 4,690 (Rs 3.92 lakhs). More

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      Royal Enfield Himalayan, 650 Twins Thailand CKD Plant Starts

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      650 Twins at Royal Enfield Thailand CKD PlantRoyal Enfield starts local assembly of Himalayan, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 models at Thai facility
      In recent years, Royal Enfield has focused its interest in carving out a larger market share in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc – 750cc) globally. In strengthening its reach, today the manufacturer announced start of ops at its local assembly unit and CKD facility in Thailand.
      The South-East Asian development furthers RE’s ‘commitment to the Asia Pacific Region‘. With operations underway, Royal Enfield now has three local CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units. One in Argentina, and Colombia in Latin America, and now in Thailand. In India, the company operates three manufacturing facilities in Chennai.
      Royal Enfield Thai assembly unit
      The Thai local assembly unit is located at Gateway City Industrial Estate, Moo 7 Huasamrong, Plaengyao Chachoengsao. And the factory unit will cater to supplies not just to Thai customers but as a distribution hub to other countries in South-East Asia region. This includes Indonesia, Vietnam, etc. The development presents RE with ‘significant advantage and growth opportunities’.
      Operations at the new facility begin with local assembly of Himalayan, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 models. The unit is setup in partnership with GPX. At this same unit, other brand motorcycles are also being manufactured / assembled, as can be seen in the photos below.
      Same plant also manufactures other brand motorcycles
      Royal Enfield entered the Thai market in 2015. Since then, it has been deemed a critical market for the manufacturer. Having entered many a new market in recent years, the company enjoys top position in mid-size motorcycle segment in multiple markets.
      This includes Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and Korea. A consumer base that’s growing in Asia Pacific in tandem with a significant retail network in the region is key to growth. Add to this, the new local assembly unit, and Royal Enfield aims for a critical boost for business growth in Southeast Asia.
      CKD assembly plant in Thailand
      B Govindarajan, Executive Director, Royal Enfield, said, “Royal Enfield has been working extensively to grow and expand the middleweight motorcycling segment globally. With a strategic view to grow the business and cater to increasing demand we have been pursuing our plans to set up local assembly units in priority markets beginning with Argentina in 2020 and then Colombia earlier this year.”
      Royal Enfield Motorcycle Assembly In Thailand
      “Continuing this journey and marking a first for us in the Asia Pacific region, we are very happy to announce the commencement of operations at the CKD assembly plant in Thailand. A testament to our commitment to the region and the market potential, and to our growing community of riding enthusiasts, this facility will enable us to efficiently cater to the growing demand in the Asia-pacific region, and also become the hub for the rest of Southeast Asian markets.” More

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      Royal Enfield Shotgun SG650 Concept First Look – Classic 650cc

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      Image – Gagan ChoudharyThe SG650 bobber concept could be named Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 at the time of its launch
      Royal Enfield is one of the primary Indian motorcycle brands which is popular at a global level. They have always generated high anticipation at the biennial auto event. This time too, Royal Enfield fans had their eyes glued to the onset of 2021 EICMA in Milan, Italy as there were expectations of something new.
      At the latest edition of EICMA, Royal Enfield has pulled out a surprise by revealing the SG650 Concept. The pre-production prototype previews a 650cc single-seater bobber which is likely to turn into a production model soon. The model looks slightly different from the 650cc cruiser spotted testing on Indian roads on numerous occasions previously.
      As we already know, Royal Enfield is developing multiple new models based on the 650cc platform. One of them is a 650cc cruiser motorcycle which is speculated to be named Super Meteor 650 since it will serve as an elder sibling to Meteor 350. The other model spotted in recent times is a 650cc roadster which is believed to share styling elements with Classic 350.
      Royal Enfield Shotgun SG650 – Styling
      In all probability, the SG650 Concept could give birth to the 650cc equivalent of Classic as it shares plenty of design details with the latter. The low-set and wide handlebar, centre-set footpegs and a single rider seat indicate that it mimics the styling of Classic 350. The seat wears a premium hand-stitched black leather. Take a look at the detailed first look walkaround video, credit to Gagan Choudhary.
      [embedded content]
      Like other Royal Enfield motorcycles, SG650 gets several retro styling highlights such as a round headlamp and taillamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, bar end rearview mirrors and chunky front and rear fenders. Components such as the fuel tank and wheels have been carved out of a CNC billet machine whereas the former gets a retro-styled polished aluminum finish with digital graphics.
      Mechanical Specs & Features
      Mechanical specifications of SG650 Concept will be identical to the upcoming 650cc cruiser which will receive the same upside-down front forks and twin shock absorbers at rear. Braking duties on the motorcycle will be carried out by single disc brakes at both ends that will be aided by a dual-channel ABS as standard.
      Powering the SG650 bobber concept will be a 648cc parallel-twin engine which currently powers the 650 Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT. This motor kicks out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque and will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch.
      In terms of features, we expect Royal Enfield to offer a semi-digital instrument panel that comprises a Tripper Navigation pod for turn-by-turn navigation. Other features such as all-LED lighting, USB charger and Bluetooth connectivity should also be offered since this model is likely to sit on top of the current 650 Twins. More

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      BSA Motorcycles Is Back With New Logo – First Official Teaser Out

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      First motorcycle under revived BSA motorcycles was recently spied near Pune. Image – ThrustZoneClassic Legends currently manufacturers motorcycles under the Jawa brand in India
      This news might bring smiles to the faces of classic motorcycle lovers. In the latest development, Mahindra & Mahindra owned Classic Legends will be reviving one of the iconic motorcycling brands in Britain- BSA Motorcycles. The company’s operations have been defunct since 1972.
      Classic Legends intends to start assembly of BSA Motorcycles in Britain by mid next year. Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra Group, owns 60 percent of stakes at Classic Legends and is reported to be the primary backer of this project.
      Revival of BSA Motorcycles – New Logo Teaser
      Classic Legends will first start by developing a technical and design centre in Banbury, Oxfordshire which will be followed by the commencement of assemblies of new motorcycles at BSA’s facility in Midlands. The spotting of BSA motorcycle test mule in Pune, suggests that the new range of motorcycles may have already been developed by Classic Legends in India.
      BSA Motorcycles have launched their new social media handles, where they have announced their comeback, and even shared new logo. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Rakesh for sharing the update. Take a look at the teaser below.

      Return of a Legend. #BSAisBack.
      We’ve evolved, but our DNA remains unaltered.#BSAMotorcycles #Motorcycles #BSA #BritishClassic pic.twitter.com/put30okQiV
      — BSA Motorcycles Official (@bsamotorcycles_) November 24, 2021

      Government of UK has already awarded a grant of £4.6 million (or INR 45.2 crore) to Classic Legends which is nearly half the money required to set up an R&D centre at Banbury, near Coventry. This will also provide 255 new job opportunities. This facility will be utilised exclusively to develop bikes with electric powertrains, first of which is expected to undergo production later next year.
      Legacy of BSA motorcycles
      BSA which stood for Birmingham Small Arms was originally founded in 1861 as an arms manufacturing unit at Small Heath in Birmingham. The setting of Small Heath has been aptly showcased in the popular BBC Network show ‘Peaky Blinders’.
      The company started producing motorcycles in the year 1910 and had a decent run until the mid-1960s. Things started to fall apart when Japanese manufacturers entered the market and BSA eventually had to shut down its entire operation in 1972.
      Upcoming BSA Motorcycle. Image – ThrustZone.
      Other Details To Look Out For
      Apart from the incentive by British Government, the other reason for Mahindra to revive BSA Motorcycles in the UK is to maintain the brand’s legacy. The project is being handled by Anupam Thareja, co-founder of Mahindra’s Classic Legends subsidiary. It will be interesting to see what powertrains and platforms Classic Legends use in the new BSA bikes. Currently, the company has two single-cylinder motors- a 293cc and a 334cc unit which it employs on Jawa motorcycles. The same team is also getting ready to revive Yezdi brand.
      It is to be noted that Mahindra brought the controlling stake of both Jawa and BSA Motorcycles around the same time in 2016. The proposed new bikes under the revived BSA brand will cost between £5,000 and £10,000 (Rs 4.9 to 9.8 lakh) in the UK. The first BSA motorcycles are expected to be in the 650cc segment, taking on the Royal Enfield Twins range. More