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    New Bajaj Pulsar 250 Teased For The First Time – Official

    New Bajaj Pulsar 250
    Biggest Pulsars till date will be launched on Oct 28, as part of the brand’s 20th anniversary celebrations
    It was in November 2001 that Bajaj Pulsar 150 and Pulsar 180 were launched in the Indian market. Priced competitively, the bikes can be credited with popularizing performance-oriented biking in the country. Over the years, Pulsar range has been expanded to include several new products. Pulsar motorcycles continue to be bestsellers for the company.
    Bajaj Pulsar 250 Teased
    NS250 is expected to borrow some of the styling bits from existing naked NS motorcycles such as NS160 and NS200. On the same lines, 250F could have some features similar to that of Pulsar 220F. It is likely that Pulsar 250cc twins will utilize a new platform. Both bikes could share features such as headlamp and LED DRLs. They appear to have an aggressive front fascia.
    Talking about differences between the two bikes, NS250 utilizes a minimalistic front cowl in comparison to the larger, puffed-up unit used on 250F. On 250F, the front fairing merges seamlessly with the tank shrouds. NS250 has a small flyscreen, which is largely there as visual aid. 250F has a much larger flyscreen that should provide adequate wind protection.
    While the rear-view mirrors are the same, they are mounted differently. On NS250, the rear-view mirrors are placed on the handlebar. 250F has it on the front apron. Other things like front fender, engine cowl, crash guard, tail section and rear LED taillight appear to be the same on both bikes. Other key features include split-seat design, split grab rails, side-mounted twin-barrel exhaust canister and rear tyre hugger. Below is the first official teaser of the new Bajaj Pulsar 250.
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    In terms of ergonomics, both bikes appear to have a comfortable riding stance. Foot pegs are centrally located on both bikes. One difference though is that 250F appears to have a slightly raised handlebar. In comparison, NS250 appears to use low set handlebar. This should allow a more committed riding posture, as and when needed.
    Pulsar NS250 and 250F engine and specs
    It is expected that Pulsar NS250 and 250F will get an entirely new 249cc engine. This will be different from the ones currently in use with Dominar 250 and KTM 250cc bikes. The new engine could churn out 24 bhp of max power and 20 Nm of peak torque. It will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
    Bajaj is expected to equip its biggest Pulsars with advanced tech such as variable valve actuation (VVA) and assist and slipper clutch. This will allow the new Pulsars to compete effectively with rival products from Suzuki and Yamaha. In other updates, the bikes could get Bluetooth-based connectivity features.
    Suspension system for Pulsar 250cc motorcycles comprises standard telescopic forks at front and a monoshock unit at rear. Braking duties will be performed by disc brakes at both ends. Dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard. More

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    Kawasaki Ninja 400 Based Hybrid Electric Motorcycle Prototype Unveiled

    Kawasaki Ninja 400 Based Hybrid Electric Motorcycle PrototypeKawasaki is working on a wide range of fully electric and hybrid motorcycles for the next few years
    Kawasaki has made some major announcements recently which reveals the intentions of the Japanese superbike manufacturer for the future. The bikemaker has revealed that by 2035, all its models would run on electrified powertrains- either fully electric or hybrid electric vehicles, in major international markets.
    In regard to this idea, the company is planning to launch ten new fully electric and hybrid motorcycles by 2025. The first of them was recently showcased at a presentation meeting in Japan. The prototype revealed is slated to be the first hybrid electric motorcycle from Kawasaki.
    However, this isn’t the first motorcycle with an electric powertrain to be unveiled by the Japanese brand. Earlier in 2019, Kawasaki had revealed the electric Ninja 300 Concept, called EV Endeavor. Later the same year, the company filed patents for a hybrid motorcycle, images of which floated on the internet. The recent prototype unveiled is expected to be based on the same patents.
    Kawasaki Ninja 400 Hybrid Prototype – Details
    Going by the images, Kawasaki appears to have used Ninja 400 as the base for the exposed prototype of the hybrid bike. It features a parallel-twin engine which is bolted onto a new tubular steel frame with a large electric motor mounted above the transmission. The electric motor derives its energy from a small 48V battery pack located under the seat.
    Kawasaki Ninja 400 Based Hybrid Electric Motorcycle Prototype
    As per Kawasaki, the hybrid powertrain is equipped with a regenerative feature that tops up the battery when low on charge. Another interesting aspect of this hybrid motorcycle is that within city limits, the bike would completely run on battery and electric motor, cutting out power from the combustion engine. This mode will be useful when some cities introduce zero emissions zones in the future.
    Automated Transmission
    The bikemaker has equipped the prototype with GPS technology that automatically switches to electric power as soon as the bike enters city limits. Outside the city limits, the motorcycle will draw energy from both the combustion engine and electric motor in order to boost its performance. The entire system is paired with an automated transmission system with buttons for gear shifts.
    The setup comprises an automated clutch and a servo-operated shifter that enables gear shifts through push button changes. Other details revealed from the images include a pair of telescopic front forks and rear mono-shock supporting the tubular steel frame. Stopping power is provided by single disc brakes on both wheels while being linked to dual-channel ABS.
    Kawasaki Electric Motorcycle Prototype
    Although no exact timeline for its launch has been confirmed, we won’t be surprised if this motorcycle reaches production within a span of a year. That said, Kawasaki is not likely to bring this hybrid motorcycle to India since hybrid vehicles are not considered as electric vehicles in the country hence do not enjoy the same benefits under the FAME II policies. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar 250 Exhaust Sound Captured – Loudest Pulsar Yet

    New Bajaj Pulsar 250 cc motorcyclesUpon its launch, the new Pulsar 250 siblings take on Suzuki Gixxer 250 and SF250 in addition to Yamaha FZ25
    After numerous spy shots and a few design renderings, Bajaj Auto has finally revealed the launch date of its new Pulsar 250. The flagship Pulsar-branded motorcycle, will be launched on 28th Oct 2021. With this launch, Bajaj will mark 20 years of the Pulsar range of sporty commuter motorcycles in India.
    It will be offered in two iterations- naked and semi-faired. From spy shots, it looks like the overall design of NS250 has drawn inspiration from its smaller siblings NS160 and NS200. Similar is the case with 250F which shares plenty of styling elements with Pulsar 220F.
    Bajaj Pulsar 250 Exhaust Sound
    Both motorcycles flaunt an aggressive front face featuring a single-pod LED headlamp cluster and integrated LED DRLs. Difference between the two models lies primarily in their styling. While NS250 doesn’t feature a prominent front apron, 250F on the hand, just like the current 220F, gets a large front apron comprising a headlamp cowl and a windscreen that integrates into the side fairing.
    Apart from the extended tank shrouds, no other form of body panels can be seen on the naked Pulsar NS250. That said, NS250 appears to have a slightly more committed riding posture than 250F. Side fairings have been incorporated on both bikes in order to enhance their aerodynamic capabilities. Tail sections of both bikes are fairly similar with the same split LED taillight design.
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    Other highlights include split grab rails for the pillion, a split seating setup, an engine underbelly cowl, a clip-on handlebar, a rear tyre hugger and a side-mounted twin-barrel exhaust canister. From the spy video by Narinder Tandon, we get to hear the exhaust note of the two Pulsar 250cc motorcycles for the first time. Compared to any other Pulsar range, the sound emitted from the 250s is much louder.
    On 250F, rearview mirrors are mounted on the front apron whereas in NS250, rearview mirrors are installed on the handlebar. The semi-faired version of Pulsar 250 gets a large fly screen whereas its naked iteration features a smaller unit.
    Features & Mechanical Specs
    In terms of features, Pulsar 250 will be offered with a semi-digital instrument console. It is also likely to be enabled with Bluetooth connectivity. Hardware configurations of both motorcycles are identical.
    Suspension setup of Pulsar 250 consists of conventional telescopic forks upfront and a mono-shock linked to the swingarm at rear. Braking duties will be carried out by single disc brakes on both wheels which will be accompanied by a dual-channel ABS as standard.
    Powering the latest quarter-litre offerings from Bajaj will be a new 249cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine which is expected to dish out 24 bhp and 20 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be linked to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch. This motor has also been equipped with variable valve actuation (VVA) technology. More

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    2022 Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc Scrambler New Colours – Render

    Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc Render
    Royal Enfield has an interesting lineup of launches – This includes 650cc Cruiser, 350cc Scrambler and many more
    Royal Enfield has plans to launch 4 new or updated bikes every year for the next 7 years. In the past 12 months, they have already launched the new Meteor 350, updated Himalayan, updated 650 Twins and the new Classic 350. The next motorcycle in line for launch could be the Hunter 350cc scrambler.
    This new offering will allow the company to further fortify its position in the Indian bike market, and more particularly in the 350 cc segment where it already commands more than 90% percent market share. Likely to be christened as Hunter upon launch sometime next year, the bike is currently doing the test rounds.
    It is is based on the new modular J platform, which it will share with the Meteor 350 and the new Classic 350. Thanks to latest spy shots, new design elements have come to the fore. On that basis, automotive rendering artist Pratyush Rout has created digital renders in 6 different colours.
    2022 Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc – Render
    New 2022 Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc looks young and sporty. It is aimed at new generation of motorcycle riders. It will be offered in both monotone and dual tone colour options. Spy shots of the model on test show off its athletic stance with blacked-out circular headlamp and body panels, a single seat setup, wide set handlebars and blacked out multi-spoke alloy wheels.
    Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc Render
    It gets well positioned footpegs that offer the rider a forward leaning stance. Features also include rear view mirrors, upswept exhaust and a shortened tail segment with a circular tail lamp.
    Just like Meteor, it will also sport a semi digital instrument cluster with an analogue speedometer and a rectangular multi information display unit. It could however miss out on the Tripper Navigation system seen on the new Himalayan and Meteor 350. Suspension and braking will be via telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers. Braking will be via disc brakes in front and rear.
    Engine Specs
    The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is likely to be powered by 349 cc, air cooled, single cylinder engine that also powers the Meteor and Classic. This engine produces 20.2 hp power and 27 Nm torque mated to a 5 speed transmission. The exhaust gets tuned for delivering a more crisper / raspier sound as compared to the other 350cc machines from RE.
    There are no indications on pricing as on date but it is likely that the RE Hunter 350 could come in within a price range that will undercut the Honda CB350 on arrival. Once launched, the new Hunter 350 will appeal to a younger segment of buyers in the country and compete with the Honda CB350RS and soon to be launched Yezdi Roadking. More

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    New Bajaj Dominar 400 Launch Soon – First Look Walkaround

    New Bajaj Dominar 400Despite being a well-equipped bike with sporty profile, Dominar 400 hasn’t been able to register strong sales
    Although Dominar 400 has no direct rival, it can be an option for folks considering other bikes like TVS Apache RR310, BMW G310R and KTM 390 Duke. To ensure it remains relevant to evolving customer expectations, Bajaj will soon launch an updated version of Dominar 400.
    The new units have started arriving at dealerships. New Dominar 400 could get a slight bump in its price. The current model is available at a starting price of Rs 2.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Dino’s Vault has now posted the first exclusive walkaround and review of the new 2022 Bajaj Dominar 400.
    New Bajaj Dominar 400 – First Look Review
    It is likely that new Dominar 400 will focus on cosmetic updates. It could get a new colour option and updated graphics. In its current form, the bike is offered in colour options of Aurora Green and Vine Black. Other updates could include a new flyscreen and knuckle guards. These could also be offered as an accessory. The new model with the larger flyscreen was recently spotted at a dealership. With improved wind protection, new Dominar 400 will be better equipped to tackle long distance journeys.
    Another key update could be connectivity features. The current model has LCD speedometer, but dedicated connectivity platform is not available. Connectivity features are all the more important for sports touring bikes such as Dominar.
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    Most other things will be the same as the current model. Dominar 400 has a sinewy profile with minimal bodywork. The exposed, blacked-out engine assembly ensures a rugged look and feel. Both colour options are a perfect match for the bike’s powerful silhouette. While the Vine Black variant has an indifferent, brooding character, the Aurora Green variant looks more perky and exciting.
    Other key features of Bajaj Dominar 400 include full LED headlamp with modes of automatic headlamp on (AHO), position lamp, low beam and high beam. These allow the bike to effectively tackle a range of riding environments. In-built bungee straps are also provided, which improve the bike’s touring capabilities. The bike has a comfortable, upright riding stance with wide handlebars, making it suitable for touring purposes.
    New Bajaj Dominar 400 engine
    There are unlikely to be any changes to the engine. The existing model is powered by a 373.3 cc, liquid cooled, triple spark, single-cylinder motor. It is capable of generating 40 PS of max power at 8800 rpm and 35 Nm of peak torque at 6500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
    The bike is equipped with slipper clutch, which ensures smooth gearshifts during fast deceleration. It also enhances the longevity of the transmission by protecting it from strong forces produced during engine braking.
    Dominar 400 utilizes a beam type perimeter frame. It has 43mm USD front forks and multi-step adjustable monoshock suspension with Nitrox at rear. Braking system comprises 320 mm and 230 mm disc at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. More

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    Aprilia RS 660 Delivery Starts In India – First Owner

    Aprilia RS660 First Owner In India – Alisha AbdullahAprilia RS 660 was launched along with Tuono 660 in September, priced at Rs 13.39 lakh and Rs 13.09 lakh, respectively
    With the addition of two new bikes, Aprilia now has a total of four bikes in its India portfolio. The other two are its flagship V4 models, Tuono V4 and RSV4. These are priced at Rs 20.66 lakh and Rs 23.69 lakh, respectively. The Italian manufacturer also offers 125cc and 160cc scooters in India.
    Aprilia RS 660 styling and features
    For track experience, Aprilia RS 660 is probably one of the suitable bikes currently available in the Indian market. It is also the true-blue head turner on the streets. The bike has an aerodynamic profile and sharp design silhouette. Deliveries have now started. National level professional racer Alisha Abdullah has taken the delivery of first Aprilia RS 660 in India.
    Front fascia looks aggressive with features such as dual-beam LED headlight and integrated sleek LED DRLs. Other key features include large windshield, low-set, wide handlebar, sculpted fuel tank, underbelly exhaust, coloured wheels, and short tail.
    There are three colour options for Aprilia RS 660, all of which are truly unique and drool-worthy. Most exciting is Lava Red colour option, which utilizes a mix of dark blue and bright red. Another enticing option is Apex Black, which is essentially an all-black colour theme. It utilizes red highlights for a more vibrant look and feel.
    Aprilia RS660 First Owner In India
    The third colour option is Acid Gold, which has a green-yellow paint. Golden USD forks are offered with all of these colour options. It works to enhance the bike’s sporty profile.
    Aprilia RS 660 engine and specs
    Both RS 660 and its naked sibling Tuono 660 are powered by a 659cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor. It is capable of generating 100 bhp of max power at 10,500 rpm and 67 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
    RS 660 packs in a range of advanced features that were originally designed for a track environment. They have been tweaked to suit city ride conditions. Collectively, these features are available under Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC). The system works via various electronic components, acceleration sensors and gyroscopes.
    APRC package for RS 660 includes traction control, wheelie control, cruise control, engine brake during deceleration, engine map and cornering ABS with three levels of adjustment. Another key feature is quick shift that allows fast gear shifts without the need to reduce throttle or use the clutch. Users can also downshift without having to use the clutch.
    Suspension system on-board RS 660 comprises 41mm inverted front forks and monoshock suspension at rear. Braking apparatus has 320 mm double disc and 220 mm single disc and front and rear, respectively. Brembo callipers are used at both ends. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard.
    Price of Aprilia bikes is on the higher side, as they are imported into India as completely built units (CBUs). In comparison, bikes of similar capacity from Suzuki and Kawasaki are imported as CKDs. These work out cheaper, as taxation is less on CKDs as compared to CBUs. More

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    New TVS Jupiter 125 Vs Activa Vs Access Vs Destini Vs Fascino – Specs Compare

    Image – Auto Tech TravelWhile Jupiter 125 is the lowest in terms of power output, it makes amends with a class-leading torque figure of 10.5 Nm
    TVS became the latest entrant in the 125cc commuter scooter category with the launch of Jupiter 125 a week ago. Although the company already had a strong presence in the 125cc segment with Ntorq, the latter caters to a more youthful section of buyers which demands more performance over practicality.
    Needless to mention but the 125cc scooter is one of the hottest two-wheeler categories in the country with multiple offerings from various brands. Some notable ones include Suzuki Access, Honda Activa 125, Hero Destini and Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi. It will be interesting to check how the latest offering from TVS stacks up against its immediate rivals mentioned above.
    New TVS Jupiter 125 Vs Activa Vs Access Vs Destini Vs Fascino – Features
    All scooters are fairly simple in design with easy-to-ride ergonomics. They have been designed for satisfying the needs of an average Indian family and all do a decent enough job. All scooters receive decent under-seat storage and a flat and spacious floorboard to carry their luggage. However, Jupiter 125 gets the largest under-seat storage of 33 litres due to repositioning of its fuel tank.
    Other common amenities offered by all the scooters are an optional USB charger, a semi-digital instrument console, external fuel filler, LED DRLs storage lamp, etc. Most importantly, all models in this category offer an auto stop/start feature in their respective lingos. Further, Bluetooth connectivity is currently offered only on Access and Fascino whereas an engine kill switch is offered with Access, Jupiter and Activa.
    New TVS Jupiter 125 Vs Activa Vs Access Vs Destini Vs Fascino
    Mechanical Specs
    A side stand engine inhibitor is offered only in Fascino and whereas all barring Destini offer LED headlights. Speaking of specifications, all except Destini are offered with a disc brake at front while a drum brake is standard for all scooters in this category. Suspension setup in all five models is almost identical with telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear.
    In terms of performance, all deliver a similar range of output from their 125cc engines. However, Destini offers the maximum power with 9.1 PS while Jupiter has the lowest with 8.15 PS. Torque figures are also around a similar region. The extra power in Destini is compensated with its additional weight as it tips the highest at 113kg. Fascino is the lightest at 99kg and it shows in its on-road performance as well.
    Prices
    Coming to their prices, Destini is the most affordable offering in this space with prices starting at Rs 70,400 and maxing out at Rs 75,900. Fascino is the next most affordable scooter which can be availed between Rs 72,030 and Rs 75,530. Jupiter, Access and Acitva form the pricier end of this bracket.
    New TVS Jupiter 125 Vs Activa Vs Access Vs Destini Vs Fascino
    On paper, Fascino has the overall advantage in terms of features, practicality and the price at which it is offered. While Destini provides the best performance figures on the spec sheet, the on-road performance of Fascino. All other models are very closely matched to each other. More

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    New KTM RC 200 Arrives At Dealer Showroom – First Look Walkaround

    New KTM RC 200
    New chassis, performance upgrades and enhanced safety equipment are a part of the updates seen on the new gen KTM RC 200
    Earlier this week, KTM India launched the new gen RC125 and RC200. These are priced from Rs 1.82 lakh and Rs 2.09 lakh respectively. In comparison, the older gen RC 125 was priced at Rs 1.8 lakh and the RC 200 was priced at Rs 2.08 lakh. All prices are ex-sh. In the next few days, KTM India is expected to launch the new gen RC 390. Bookings are already open at dealer showrooms.
    New KTM RC 200 – First Look Walkaround
    RC 200 boasts of new LED headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights and integrated indicators. It also sports a new two piece front fender providing protection to both radiator and engine, foldable mirrors for a broader visual range, improved aerodynamics, clip on handlebars and two dual tone colour options of Black with Orange highlight and White with Orange highlight.
    KTM RC 200 receives a new LCD instrument console that is also seen on the KTM 250 Adventure. This console sports a blue backlit as against the orange backlit digital console seen on the earlier model.
    2021 KTM RC 200 gets a new ultra lightweight framework reducing kerb weight by 1.5 kgs over its earlier counterpart. The trellis frame and bolt on sub-frame allows for higher speed stability and increased rider confidence. New KTM RC 200 has started to arrive at dealer showrooms, as can be seen in the first look walkaround video shared by Rolling Peace.
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    New KTM RC 200 – Engine Specs
    Just like the new gen RC 125, the new RC 200 also uses the same engine from before. It is powered by a 199.5 cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder engine. It has been tweaked to deliver better performance, acceleration and cooling.
    The engine is capable of 25.8 hp power and 19.5 Nm torque. It gets carbon coated cam levers for lower friction but added power. The piston is cooled using a nozzle that sprays on the head relating to longer life and smoother acceleration. KTM has also added a 40 percent bigger airbox to the new gen RC 200 that offers a crisper throttle response.
    The bike now sports a 320mm disc brake in the front and 230mm disc brake at the rear. Overall weight has been reduced due to a lighter chassis which is now 1.5 kgs lighter and 5 spoke alloy wheels that are 3.4 kgs lighter.
    However, despite lighter weight, the wheels are capable of quicker turn in track environment and better durability under street ride conditions. Weight reduction is also seen in the case of new brakes are also of lower in weight by 960 gms. The 2021 KTM RC 200 now weighs 151 kgs (dry). Deliveries of the new KTM RC range are to commence soon. More