More stories

  • in

    Honda CB350 Gets ECU Update To Enhance Performance At High Altitude

    Honda CB350 ECU Update. Image – Deep Ranjan SachanHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India have notified owners of CB350 and CB350RS of an ECU update to enhance performance
    Honda CB350 was launched in India back in Oct 2020. This was followed by the launch of CB350RS earlier this year. Together, these two motorcycles are aimed to rival Royal Enfield, who has more than 90% market share in the segment.
    In terms of sales, the CB350 range had a good start. Initially selling about 5k motorcycles per month. But that has now come down to about 3k. This could be due to the global supply shortage. Sales of Royal Enfield motorcycles have also come down drastically due to the same reason.
    Honda CB350 ECU Update
    Many owners of Honda CB350 and the CB350RS motorcycles who were regularly travelling to high altitude region, complained loss of power in their motorcycles. The performance of the Honda CB350 range reduced in high altitude regions.
    To solve this, Honda has now rolled out an ECU update for all their CB350 range customers. This will be carried out at authorized dealerships across India – at no charge. Yes, the ECU update will be done free of charge. Honda claims that this new CB350 ECU update will enhance the performance of the motorcycle in high altitude region.
    Honda CB350 ECU Update to enhance performance
    What powers the Honda CB350
    The new Honda CB350 is offered in two variants – DLX and DLX Pro. Both are powered by the same 348cc, single cylinder, air cooled engine. This engine delivers 21 hp power at 5,500 rpm and 30 Nm torque at 3,000 rpm mated to a 5 speed unit with slip and assist clutch.
    Suspension is via telescopic front forks and twin hydraulic shocks at the rear and braking duties are handled by 310 mm front and 240 mm rear disc brakes with dual channel ABS. Honda CB350 is the company’s third BS6 compliant model to be sold via the BigWing dealerships in the country. It is also their most affordable offering under the BigWing brand and is priced from about Rs 1.9 lakh, ex-sh.
    Segment First Features
    Honda has introduced 5 segment first features so as to allow the Honda CB350 to stand apart in competition. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) – allows the rider to mitigate rear wheel slip in the event of abrupt throttle grip. It can be switched on and off via a button on the left side of the meter.
    Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS) – this allows the rider to connect his smartphone with the bike via Bluetooth for access to navigation, music, phone calls and incoming messages along with weather and traffic updates. The information is relayed to the rider via the speaker in the helmet headset.
    Assist and Slipper Clutch is another segment first feature offering smoother gear shift with reduced clutch lever operation load giving the rider better comfort and less fatigue from frequent shifting. The Advanced Digital-Analogue Speedometer presents information and integrates details such as HSTC, ABS, side stand, ECO indicator, HSVCS, gear position and battery voltage. Another segment first feature is the full LED lamps at the front and rear. More

  • in

    Bajaj Pulsar 220cc Discontinued – Production Ends At Plant

    Image – MRD VlogsBajaj Pulsar 220F has been discontinued from the lineup which has been replaced by the new Pulsar 250- N250 and F250
    Pulsar 220F was the first motorcycle to give Indian riders a feel of a sports bike at an affordable price. The semi-faired motorcycle has been a very strong seller ever since it was first launched in 2007. In September this year, Bajaj sold a total of 4,108 units of Pulsar 220F. It is offered in a single variant and is currently priced at Rs 1.34 lakh (ex-showroom).
    Bajaj Pulsar 220cc Discontinued
    Bajaj Auto has pulled the plug on the iconic Pulsar 220F which has served as the flagship Pulsar model in the lineup for almost fifteen years. It will be replaced by the new Pulsar 250 twins- N250 and F250 which were launched a couple of weeks ago.
    As per a report, Bajaj has stopped production of 220F and the last batch of the sports commuter is on sale across showrooms. Since the launch of the new quarter-litre Pulsars, there have been questions regarding the future of Pulsar 220F. The recent development puts a full stop on what will be remembered as a glorious period of motorcycling.
    Pulsar 220F Specs
    Powered by a 220cc, air/oil-cooled, 2-valve, single-cylinder engine, Pulsar 220F produced an output of 20.1 bhp at 8500rpm and 18.55Nm of peak torque at 7000rpm. This motor was linked with a 5-speed gearbox and returned a fuel efficiency figure of around 40 kmpl. Performance was very impressive for city commutes and more than adequate for long-distance touring.
    New Gen Pulsar 250
    The motorcycle sits on conventional telescopic forks up front and five-step adjustable, Nitrox shock absorbers at rear. Anchorage is provided by disc brakes at both ends and aided by a single-channel ABS. In terms of features, it offers a semi-digital instrument console that displays a wide range of information, a twin-beam projector headlight with LED DRLs and backlit switchgear.
    Pulsar 250 Specs
    The 220F is being replaced by more powerful siblings- Pulsar N250 and Pulsar F250. The former is a street naked bike while the latter is a semi-faired sports bike. Both motorcycles share the same underpinnings and running gear which are completely different from the outgoing 220F.
    The bikes are built on a new tubular chassis which is lighter than the older one and is suspended on 37mm telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock with Nitrox at rear. Braking hardware comprises a 300mm disc at the front and a 230mm rotor at rear with calipers from Grimeca. The new quarter-litre Pulsars roll on 17-inch alloy wheels.
    Powering the new Pulsar 250 is a 249.07cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine with fuel injection technology that pushes out 24.1 bhp at 8,750rpm and 21.5Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. The motor is coupled with a five-speed gearbox that benefits from an assist and slipper clutch function.
    SOURCE More

  • in

    Bounce Electric Scooter Spied Undisguised Ahead Of Launch This Month

    Bounce Electric Scooter SpiedUpon its launch, Bounce electric scooter will go up against a host of rivals from Ather Energy, Ola Electric and Simple Energy to name a few
    It has been raining electric scooters in India over the last few months. The latest entrant to this list will be Bengaluru-based startup Bounce which is known for its scooter rental service. The company announced its entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market of India earlier this month with the launch of its first model scheduled towards the end of November.
    Deliveries of this yet unnamed electric scooter are expected to commence from January 2022. Ahead of its launch, the e-scooter has been spotted testing on the streets of Mumbai in its undisguised avatar. The biggest talking point of this e-scooter will be its battery-swapping technology which is still a very novice feature in the EV market.
    Bounce Electric Scooter Spied – Swappable Battery Technology
    To support this tech, Bounce will be setting up a network of battery swapping stations across the country. This battery-swapping network will cater to retail customers as well as the ride-hailing business. The company hasn’t revealed any specific data regarding the installation or frequency or how soon such stations could come up. This would allow customers to rent a battery on a subscription basis.
    It would also bring down the cost of ownership of the upcoming e-scooter and future electric two-wheelers equipped with battery swapping technology. Customers should be able to opt for a battery pack on monthly or yearly rental plans. With this module the company aims to offer the electric scooter at an extremely competitive price, around Rs 60,000 – Rs 70,000 (ex-showroom).
    Bounce Electric Scooter Spied
    Bounce E-scooter Details
    Coming to the scooter, it gets a very conventional flowing design with a round all-LED headlamp and neatly tucked pillion footrests. It appears to be based on the Flow e-scooter from 22Motors, however, the former gets a different seat cover. Other highlights revealed in the latest spy shots include an LCD instrument console, a hub-mounted motor and single disc brakes at both ends.
    Considering the competition it will be up against, the e-scooter from Bounce would most probably be powered by a larger battery pack than the 2.1kWh unit available in Flow. While the battery pack and battery management system are indigenous, the cells in the battery packs will be imported, specifically from Panasonic and LG Chem.
    Bounce Acquires 22Motors
    For the uninitiated, Bounce recently acquired 22Motors about a month ago at a reported value of around USD 7 million (approx. Rs 52 crore). As a result of his acquisition, Bounce has gained control 22Motors’ intellectual property, as well as its manufacturing facility in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. This plant has an annual production capacity of 1,20,000 electric two-wheelers.
    Bounce also plans to set up another manufacturing plant in southern India. The EV startup will also utilise its existing 170 service points from the ride-sharing business in South India and also build new ones to set up its battery swapping stations.

    Source More

  • in

    Yezdi Official Teaser Shared By Jawa Motorcycles

    Upcoming Yezdi Motorcycle RenderFirst official teaser of upcoming Yezdi motorcycles is now out – Officially shared by Jawa
    Classic Legends are planning to ramp their production capacity as the Mahindra-backed motorcycle manufacturer looks to launch new models in the coming future. The company currently retails only three models under the Jawa brand which include Jawa Classic, Perak and Forty-Two.
    Apart from Jawa, the bikemaker is planning to resurrect other iconic motorcycle brands such as Yezdi and BSA. Speculated test prototypes of both brands have already been spotted on a few occasions in the recent past. However, Classic Legends hasn’t fixed a specified launch timeline for the upcoming new models.
    Jawa Motorcycles Announces Yezdi
    Yezdi Official Teaser
    Classic Legends is getting ready to revive yet another iconic motorcycle brand. After successfully reviving Jawa in Nov 2018, the Mahindra backed company is now getting ready to unveil new gen Yezdi motorcycles in Nov 2022. Upcoming Yezdi motorcycles have been spied testing on public roads.
    Jawa Motorcycles revealed the official social media handles of reborn Yezdi. It is at these new Yezdi social media accounts, the teaser has been released. Though there is no announcement of date, it is expected to be unveiled this month.

    Look who’s back? .#YezdiForever #Y #Yezdi #YezdiMotorcycles #YezdiRoadking #RetroCool pic.twitter.com/NXgMcXW7AT
    — yezdiforever (@yezdiforever) November 10, 2021

    New Yezdi Motorcycles
    Yezdi Roadking name has already been registered in India. The first two motorcycles from Yezdi are expected to be Roadking scrambler and its adventure variant. Both these motorcycles have been spied testing together. In fact, the Yezdi Roadking Adventure was recently spied undisguised.
    Yezdi Roadking ADV Render
    Challenges Faced by Classic Legends
    Ever since it made its return to the Indian market in late 2018, Classic Legends has been facing serious supply chain issues which have kept it busy. The company says that it has ironed out these issues and is now ready to expand sales with the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic being subdued to a great extent. Meanwhile, the bikemaker has also increased its footprints across the country.
    When the pandemic struck the country early last year, Classic Legends had a total of 188 dealerships across India which now stands at 257 dealerships. The company intends to expand the number of dealerships to 300 by the end of December this year and grow to 500 by the end of next year. The first 100 dealerships were more urban-centric and since then more dealerships have come up in the smaller towns.
    Sales Generated
    While Classic Legends has refused to divulge details of its sales volume generated in 2021, according to the data provided by Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), the manufacturer has registered a sales volume of over 11,520 units during the period between April and September in the current fiscal year. Retail sales data does not have sales of four markets including Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Lakshadweep.
    As mentioned earlier, Classic Legends will be ramping up the production at its manufacturing facility based out of Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh which is owned by Mahindra & Mahindra. The company is ready to make investments required for making changes to this manufacturing plant. The 300cc Jawa models go up against the likes of Royal Enfield models like Meteor 350 and Classic 350, Honda H’Ness CB350 and CB350RS, and Benelli Imperiale 400. More

  • in

    New Lifan KPM 150cc Cafe Racer Motorcycle Makes Global Debut

    New Lipan KPM 150cc Cafe Racer
    Priced at 13,180 Yuan (approx. Rs 1.55 lakh) in China, Lifan KPM150 Cafe Racer is more affordable than the new-gen Yamaha R15
    True cafe racers always tickle the hearts of motorcycling enthusiasts, however, they might not be friendly to one’s pocket. Their design is also very pleasing to the eyes with old-school retro styling elements usually being the visual highlights. A Chinese brand named Lifan intends to bring the same experience to riders at a rather affordable price tag.
    Lifan has introduced a new entry-level cafe racer named KPM150 Cafe which ticks most of the boxes for aspirational young riders. It is based on the company’s naked streetfighter offering KP150 and hence borrows its underpinnings from the latter. However, it gets a distinct design that is unmistakable.
    Lifan KPM150 Cafe Racer – Updated Design
    Justifying the ‘cafe racer’ attached to its description, KPM150 fighter jet-style front quarter fairing with neo-retro styling elements. These include a round headlamp, a single-piece seat with ribbed pattern, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank and a cowl at the end of the saddle. Further, it is offered a clip-on handlebar and rear-set raised footpegs made of aluminium which lends a typical sporty riding posture of a cafe racer.
    The muscular fuel tank can hold up to 13-litres fuel. Other notable styling highlights include a decent-sized front visor, bar-end rearview mirrors, black alloy wheels and a gloss black paint with sporty yellow graphics which accentuates the bike’s retro character. Overall, the design of KPM150 Cafe looks proportionate and fairly unique, unlike many Chinese vehicles.
    New Lipan KPM 150cc Cafe Racer
    Lifan KPM 150cc Cafe Racer – Features on offer
    Along with its design, KPM150 Cafe is pretty impressive on its feature front as well. Some of the notable highlights include a circular digital instrument console mounted on the fuel tank and all-LED illumination.
    In terms of mechanical specs, suspension duties are handled by USD forks up front and a swingarm at rear. Braking duties are taken care of by a front disc brake and a rear drum brake aided by a single-channel ABS.
    Mechanical Specs
    Powering the KPM150 Cafe Racer is a water-cooled 150cc single-cylinder engine that is capable of dishing out 17.4 bhp with 14.5 Nm of torque. This motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and output figures are comparable to those generated by the new-gen Yamaha R15. While output figures might not be overtly great, the KPM150 Cafe Racer is nimble enough at 149 kilos which would make the motorcycle peppier.
    New Lipan KPM 150cc Cafe Racer
    Lifan is retailing the KPM150 Cafe at a very affordable price tag at 13,180 Yuan (approx. Rs 1.55 lakh) in China. We do not expect this motorcycle to reach our shores anytime in the near future. More

  • in

    Yezdi Roadking Adventure Motorcycle Spied Undisguised – Launch Soon

    Yezdi Roadking Adventure MotorcycleWhile Yezdi Roadking will rival upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter, the ADV version will take on Himalayan
    Resurrecting old brands is a challenging task that comes with significant risks. Mahindra-owned Classic Legends knows that better, as it had to deal with a number of teething troubles initially. Now that Jawa bikes have gained popularity and deliveries have been streamlined, the company is looking to further expand its portfolio. Part of that plan is reviving the Yezdi nameplate, which was quite popular during the 70s to 90s.
    Two Yezdi motorcycle are expected to be launched soon, Roadking and an ADV based on the same platform. These have been spotted multiple times on road tests. It is possible that launch could be scheduled for November 15, which marks the fourth anniversary of Classic Legends.
    Yezdi Roadking Adventure styling and features
    Spotted undisguised recently, Yezdi Roadking ADV could be seen in white colour. Fuel tank has bands in contrasting blue and black shade, which enhance the bike’s sporty profile. Wing-styled Yezdi logo, glossy steel fuel cap and ‘Legendary Yezdi’ engraving on the fuel tank add another layer of uniqueness to the bike.
    It is likely that several more colour options will be available for Roadking ADV. For the white variant, the engine and wheels carry their original metallic finish. Most other components have been blacked out.
    Yezdi Roadking Adventure spied next to Mahindra Mojo
    Similar to features available with Himalayan, Yezdi Roadking ADV has dedicated racks at front and rear. Other key features include round headlamp, turn signals and tail light, large windscreen, fork gaiters, dual front fenders, crash guard for engine and radiator, split seats, spoke wheels and upswept exhaust.
    Users can expect comfortable rides, as the bike has wide, raised handlebar and centrally positioned footpegs. The full-digital instrument console is packed in shockproof casing, an essential feature for extreme off-roading.
    Yezdi Roadking ADV engine and specs
    Powering Roadking ADV could be the 334cc engine currently used with Jawa Perak. The single-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC motor churns out 30.64 ps of max power and 32.74 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a constant mesh 6-speed gearbox. In comparison, Royal Enfield Himalayan is powered by a 411cc, air cooled, single cylinder, SOHC motor. It makes 24.3 ps / 32 Nm.
    Yezdi Roadking Adventure
    Yezdi Roadking Adventure will have standard telescopic forks at front and swingarm rear suspension. Wheels could be 19-inch and 17-inch units at front and rear, respectively. Both ends will have disc brakes and single-channel ABS could be offered as standard. Roadking ADV will be competitively priced to improve its chances against Himalayan. It could be offered in the price range of Rs 1.75 lakh to Rs 2.10 lakh.
    It’s good to see that Himalayan will finally have some company. The Yezdi nameplate has significant brand value and can emerge as a viable option against select Royal Enfield motorcycles. While Jawa alone hasn’t caused any major trouble for Royal Enfield, things could change with launch of Yezdi motorcycles. More

  • in

    Kawasaki Z400RS Likely To Debut At EICMA – India Launch Next Year?

    2022 Kawasaki Z400RS Render. Image – Young MachineWhile it will wear retro clothing, Z400RS will borrow its engine and other hardware from naked Z400
    Kawasaki recently launched Z650RS in the Indian market at a starting price of Rs 6.65 lakh, ex-sh. Now reports indicate that Z400RS could also be under development. The bike is most likely to make its global debut at upcoming EICMA, scheduled from Nov 25-27 at Fiera Milano, Italy. It could be launched in India by end of next year. However, there’s no official word about Z400RS as of now.
    Z400RS styling and features
    In most parts, Kawasaki Z400RS will be using the same modern-retro design theme as that of its larger siblings, Z650RS and Z900RS. Expect the motorcycle to use retro styling bits such as round headlamp and rear-view mirrors, classic dual-dial instrument pods, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wide ergonomically placed handlebar, spoke-style cast wheels, and flat seat design.
    The bike will have relaxed riding position with centrally placed footpegs. In terms of functionality, Z400RS will pack in a range of contemporary features. It is likely to get all-LED lighting and underbelly exhaust. Just like Z650RS, the smaller sibling will have blacked-out engine and frame.
    Z400RS will utilize a trellis frame made from sturdy, yet lightweight high tensile steel. Just like its larger siblings, the frame will allow easy manoeuvring in tight spots as well as better control and handling at high speeds. The frame is integrated with telescopic forks at front and swingarm rear suspension. Braking apparatus will be same as Z400, 310 mm single disc at front and 220 mm single disc at rear. Dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard.
    2022 Kawasaki Z400RS Render. Image – Young Machine
    Kawasaki Z400RS engine and specs
    Powering Kawasaki Z400RS will be the same 399cc engine, as offered with naked Z400. The 2-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC motor is capable of generating 47.5 bhp of max power and 38 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed, return shift transmission. This engine also does duty on Ninja 400 sportbike. It is known for its responsive power delivery, smooth performance and abundant low-end torque.
    The bike will have advanced features such as assist and slipper clutch. This ensures smooth gear shifts during rapid deceleration or accidental downshift. When riding at high speeds, this feature also helps avoid issues like rear tyre skidding and hopping. Another useful feature offered with Z400 is Economic Riding Indicator. This essentially helps the user to improve fuel efficiency of the bike.
    RS versions of Kawasaki motorcycles are usually costlier than their naked counterparts. For example, Z650 prices start at Rs 6.24 lakh whereas Z650RS is available at a starting price of Rs 6.65 lakh. A similar pricing is likely for Z400RS as well.
    In US, Z400 starts at $5,199, which is approximately Rs 3.84 lakh. Z400RS could be priced around Rs 4.5 lakh. Due to its high pricing, it will not have any direct rivals. However, it could be an option against the likes of Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. More

  • in

    Suzuki Burgman Electric Debut Likely On 18th Nov – Chetak, iQube Rival

    Suzuki Burgman Electric ScooterSuzuki Burgman electric scooter has been spied testing multiple times on public road – Launch is expected soon
    Suzuki Motorcycle India Ltd has been having tremendous success with products that are specifically designed and developed for our market. The Suzuki Gixxer series kick started the upward progress for the Japanese two wheeler marker in India. Subsequent India-spec Suzukis, the Access, Burgman and Intruder, too quickly emerged as popular choices in their respective segments.
    With demand for electric vehicles on the rise, Suzuki also has plans to enter this segment. Of the top two wheeler brands in India, Bajaj and TVS have already entered this segment with Chetak and iQube respectively. Hero MotoCorp has announced their plans to launch electric scooter in 2022. Honda and Yamaha also have plans to enter this segment.
    Suzuki Burgman Electric Launch
    Of the remaining big two wheeler brands, Suzuki is likely to be the next one to enter the electric two wheeler segment. Their Burgman electric scooter has been regularly spied testing in the NCR region. Earlier today, Suzuki two wheeler has shared a block your date email for 18th Nov. It is likely to be the global debut date of the Burgman electric scooter.
    The electric version of the Burgman Street 125, sports the same design as seen on its petrol counterpart. It will be seen in a striking white and blue colour scheme to set it apart from its fossil fuel counterpart. It will ride on 12 inch front and 10 inch rear wheels. It will receive telescopic front fork and twin shock absorber at the rear along with disc brake in the front and drum brake at the rear with CBS.
    Suzuki Burgman Electric Teaser?
    Suzuki Burgman Electric scooter will continue to sport other features from its petrol powered counterpart that include a muscular body, LED head and tail lamps with LED turn indicators, tall windscreen, large and comfortable seating. It will also receive a fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity.
    Suzuki Burgman Electric Made In India
    Suzuki will continue with the strategy of designing its products specially for India with global technology platforms as base. The Suzuki electric scooter which is set to enter our market, will adopt an India-spec design package while the electric powertrain and battery will be shared with global models. The upcoming automatic two wheeler is the first proper electric scooter by the firm. Suzuki has been selling e-Lets in Japanese market for sometime now but with a range of just 30 km, it’s not exactly a global urban electric vehicle.
    Suzuki would be focusing on developing a Lithium-ion battery pack for the automatic scooter in question. The performance levels of this electric scooter would be somewhere between the 110 cc and 125 cc segment standards. It will rival the likes of Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Ather 450x, Ola S1, and many others from Hero Electric, Ampere, Okinawa, etc.
    Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter
    Just like the India-spec Burgman and Intruder, the new Suzuki electric scooter for India is designed by the company’s local styling team. Suzuki feels that a typical prospective customer is willing to pay up to 20% more for an electric scooter over an IC-engined model with similar performance. That would be the price target for the new green scooter. In terms of numbers, the target price tag would be approx Rs 1 lakh. More