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    Hero Maestro Edge 125 Gets Hero Connect App Features – New TVC

    Hero Maestro Edge 125cc with Hero ConnectHero Connect will be a good addition at a time when there’s growing preference for connectivity features
    Once positioned as a premium offering, connectivity features are now gravitating towards becoming a necessity. These make every day commutes a lot more convenient and hassle-free. They also enhance vehicle safety as well as safety of users. Connectivity features were first introduced in the country by Hyundai. These are now available with several two-wheelers as well.
    In line with evolving customer expectations, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp had launched its connectivity platform in February last year. Named Hero Connect, the platform was initially available only at select dealerships in select cities.
    Priced at Rs 4,999, Hero Connect is currently available as an option with Xpulse 200, Xtreme 160R, Destini 125, Pleasure+ and Pleasure+ Platinum. There are plans to make the platform available for more Hero products in the future. More dealerships and cities will be covered based on market demand.
    Hero Maestro Edge 125 Connect
    Maestro Edge 125 was recently spotted at a dealer event with other products such as Xtreme 160R Stealth Edition, Xpulse 200 4V with optional Rally Kit and Pleasure Plus Xtec. The latter three are already equipped with Hero Connect system.
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    Maestro Edge 125 was spotted in a new Prismatic Yellow colour. Today, Hero Connect platform has been introduced for Maestro Edge 125 as well. Above is the new Hero Maestro Edge 125 TVC featuring Ranbir Kapoor. It will allow the scooter to compete better with rivals such as Honda Activa 125, Suzuki Access, Yamaha Fascino and recently launched TVS Jupiter 125.
    At the core of Hero Connect platform is an embedded e-SIM and telematics hardware. It works to communicate with cellular networks in order to create a link between the device and mobile app. Hero Connect features are broadly classified into three categories – rider safety, vehicle safety and driving report. Vehicle safety has some of the most useful features such as live tracking, tow away alert, geo fencing, and parking spot locator.
    In terms of user safety, Hero Connect offers the topple alert feature. This was recently introduced with Xpulse 200. In case the vehicle topples, a notification is automatically sent to emergency contacts saved by the user. This feature can be a life saver in critical situations.
    Hero Maestro Edge 125 With Hero Connect
    It is possible that Hero may add more rider safety features in future versions of its connectivity platform. Other features available with Hero Connect include trip analysis, driving score and speed alert.
    No other changes
    Apart from Hero Connect, there are not other updates for Maestro Edge 125. The scooter is powered by a 124.6 cc, air cooled motor. It is capable of generating 9 bhp of max power at 7000 rpm and 10.4 Nm of peak torque at 5500 rpm. It is mated to a variomatic drive gearbox. The scooter has telescopic front suspension and spring loaded hydraulic damper at rear. The scooter is offered in disc and drum brake variants. Price range is Rs 73.2k to Rs 76.7k (ex-showroom, Delhi). More

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    Hero Pleasure Plus Xtec Launch Price Rs 69,500 – Activa 6G Rival

    New Hero Pleasure Plus XTECAfter launching the Xpulse 200 4V a few days ago, Hero MotoCorp has now announced launch of Pleasure Plus XTEC scooter
    Hero Pleasure Plus Xtec has been launched, as the new top of the line variant in the Pleasure Plus lineup. Hero Pleasure+ 110 will be available at Hero MotoCorp dealerships across the country at a starting price of INR 61,900 for LX variant and Pleasure+ 110 XTec starts at INR 69,500. All prices are Ex-Sh.
    Hero Pleasure Plus Xtec – Dimensions and Features
    The Pleasure+ XTec takes forward the retro design theme and premium chrome additions on Mirrors, Muffler Protector, Handle Bar, Seat Backrest and Fender Stripe. Additionally, the dual tone seat and colored inner panels further enhance its overall style. With a branded seat backrest for the pillion, whether it’s a long journey, or your daily city route, the Pleasure+ XTec keeps its promise when it comes to high-quality comfort.
    Over and above the chrome elements that make Pleasure+ a solid ride; it now has an added advantage of a metal front fender that further enhances its durability. For connectivity, The digital analog speedometer with Bluetooth connectivity displays incoming and missed call alerts, new message alerts along with the phone battery status. For safety, Hero Pleasure Plus Xtec has a Side-stand visual indication and a ‘Side-stand Engine cut-off’.
    Dimensions of the new Pleasure Plus Xtec will stand at 1,769mm length, 704mm width and 1,162mm height with a wheelbase of 1,238mm. It will gain ground clearance of 155mm, command a weight of 106 kgs with fuel tank of 4.8 liter capacity.
    New Hero Pleasure Plus XTEC
    Like its regular counterpart, it also sports same colour options of Polestar Blue, Matte Vernier Grey, Matte Black, Matte Green, Midnight Black, Pearl Silver White, and Sporty Red. In addition, it also gets Jubilant Yellow colour, which has been specially created for the Pleasure+ XTec.
    New Hero Pleasure Plus XTEC
    New Pleasure+ XTec comes with first- in- segment projector LED headlamp. The new headlamp provides 25% more light intensity with a longer and wider road reach and anti-fog advantage that offers maximum on-road visibility in all driving conditions.
    Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy and Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said “The Pleasure+ 110 is a trendsetter and is quickly becoming one of the country’s most admired and popular scooter. The XTec model brings more charm with elegant elements inspired from the Platinum edition, more durability with the front metal fender, more comfort with a branded seat backrest and a boost of technology with the projector LED headlamp, Bluetooth connectivity, and Hero’s patented i3S technology for enhanced fuel efficiency. The Pleasure+ 110 has just become even more desirable!”
    New Hero Pleasure Plus XTEC
    Hero Pleasure Plus Xtec will see no change in its engine lineup. Similar to that seen on the Pleasure Plus, the Xtec range topping model will get the same 110.9cc, single cylinder, air cooled, OHC, 4 stroke, fuel injected engine that makes 8.0 hp power at 7,000 rpm and 8.70 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm mated to a CVT automatic transmission. Suspension and braking are via spring loaded hydraulic damper and swingarm with spring-loaded hydraulic dampers at the front and rear respectively along with 130mm drum brakes.
    New Hero Maestro Edge 125 With Hero Connect
    Hero MotoCorp offers Hero Connect option on models such as the Xtreme 160R, Xpulse 200, Destini 125, Pleasure Plus and Pleasure Plus Platinum Edition. Soon to be offered on the Hero Maestro Edge 125 as an optional kit, this feature is responsible for live tracking, live tow alert, geo fencing and trip analysis along with topple alert, Hero locate and driving score.
    Apart from this new addition, the Maestro Edge 125 will not sport any other visual updates. It will continue to be powered by the same engine lineup that includes a 124.6cc, single cylinder, air cooled, fuel injected, 4 stroke engine offering 9 hp power at 7,000 rpm and 10.4 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm mated to a CVT.
    It gets telescopic forks in the front and spring-loaded hydraulic damper at the rear respectively. Braking is via 190 mm disc brake in front and 130 mm drum brake at the rear. The current Hero Maestro Edge is priced from Rs 74,000 to Rs 83,000. In India, Hero Maestro Edge 125 takes on Suzuki Access 125 and Honda Activa 125 in terms of competition. More

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    Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc Spied Testing – To Rival Yezdi Roadking

    Royal Enfield Hunter 350Upon its launch, Royal Enfield Hunter 350 will lock its horns against Honda H’Ness CB350 and the upcoming Yezdi Roadking
    Needless to say but Royal Enfield has a lot on its plate currently. The company is striving very hard to stay focussed on its earlier commitment of four launches every year despite the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. Hence, every now and then, one comes across numerous spy shots of various test mules of different models conducting trial testings.
    One of the upcoming motorcycles from Royal Enfield spotted on numerous occasions in recent past is the roadster based on Meteor 350. This motorcycle has been tentatively titled Hunter 350. Another set of spy shots of the classic roadster have surfaced, courtesy auto enthusiast Arjunan Babu.
    Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc – Design
    As witnessed earlier, Hunter carries a classic retro-style design with signature styling highlights such as a round headlamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a single-piece seat and a short rear section. The bike rides on 17-inch blacked-out alloy wheels. The tail section gets split grab rails and a short circular fender along with a round turn taillight with turn indicators.
    Further, an all-black theme gives the bike a sporty appeal. Parts like its handlebar, alloy wheels, engine casing, exhaust pipe and suspension setup have all been dipped in black paint with a matte finish.
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    Other notable highlights include a shortened upswept exhaust muffler, redesigned side panels, circular rearview mirrors, fork gaiters and wide tyres. The footpegs are placed towards the centre which should provide a comfortable riding posture thanks to the wide and tall handlebar.
    Hunter should get an instrument console which is similar to Meteor 350 consisting of two circular pods- an analogue speedometer and a Tripper Navigation pod. Powered by Google Maps and Royal Enfield App, Tripper provides turn-by-turn navigation on the console when paired to one’s smartphone via Bluetooth. The analogue pod contains a digital display which should read information from the odometer and fuel gauge.
    Mechanical Specs
    Hunter will be based on the J1D platform which currently underpins Meteor 350, however, unlike the cruiser, the roadster will be tad sportier in essence. Suspension duties will be handled by 35 mm telescopic forks at front and twin gas-charged shocks at rear. Braking duties will be carried out by single disc brakes on both wheels assisted by a dual-channel ABS.
    The upcoming roadster will be powered by a 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled OHC engine that can dish out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be coupled with a 5-speed gearbox and is more refined than the previous generation 350cc engine thanks to a counter-balance shaft. No official launch timeline has been confirmed by Royal Enfield yet. We expect it to be priced upwards of Rs 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom). I will take on the soon to be launched Yezdi Roadking. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar 250cc Launch Date 28th Oct – FZ25, Gixxer 250 Rival

    2021 Bajaj Pulsar 250cc – NS250 and 250F
    Upon their launch, the naked iteration of Pulsar 250 is expected to cost around Rs 1.60 lakh and the semi-faired version could cost an additional Rs 10,000
    With just a few days to go for its launch, Bajaj is extensively testing the new 250cc Pulsar before it starts dispatching units of the motorcycle to dealerships across the country. The upcoming quarter-litre motorcycle will be available in two iterations- naked and semi-faired as NS250 and 250F respectively.
    Spy shots of both Bajaj Pulsar 250cc motorcycles have frequently been shared on the internet, giving us a sneak peek into their styling. It had already been confirmed by Bajaj that the new quarter-litre Pulsars will be launching around Diwali this year – which also marks 20th anniversary of Pulsar brand. Now there is a date. Bajaj Pulsar 250 will launch in in India on 28th October.
    Bajaj Pulsar 250cc Launch – Same motorcycles, different designs
    In terms of overall design, NS250 is set to borrow major styling cues from its other naked streetfighter siblings- NS160 and NS200. The same is the case with 250F which shares many styling elements with the current flagship Pulsar 220F.
    From the looks of it, both motorcycles flaunt an aggressive front fascia featuring a single-pod LED headlamp cluster and integrated LED DRLs. The semi-faired iteration of the motorcycle gets an even more aggressive front end with a large headlamp cowl and a flyscreen that integrates into the side fairing.
    New Bajaj Pulsar 250cc Motorcycles
    Fuel tank designs on both derivatives look muscular with aggressive lines lending them aerodynamic characteristics. Both motorcycles feature a similar raised tail section, a split seating setup and a side-mounted upswept exhaust setup. Other common highlights include a clip-on handlebar, an engine underbelly cowl, boomerang-shaped LED taillights, a muscular front fender and split pillion grab rails.
    Expected Mechanical Specs, Features
    The new Pulsar 250 will be underpinned by an all-new frame which will be suspended on telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock linked to the swingarm at rear.
    Braking hardware will comprise disc brakes at both ends complemented by dual-channel ABS as standard. Other features expected to be included in the equipment are a fully digital console with Bluetooth connectivity and multiple riding modes.
    New Bajaj Pulsar 250cc – Pulsar 250F
    Powering Pulsar 250 will be a new 249cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine which is likely to pump out 24 bhp and 20 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be coupled with a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch. As per an earlier report, this engine is also expected to be equipped with variable valve actuation (VVT). When launched, the new Pulsar 250 siblings will rival the likes of Yamaha FZ25 and Suzuki Gixxer and SF 250. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar 250 Launch Date 28th October – Biggest Pulsar Yet

    Render image for reference.
    Upon their launch, the naked iteration of Pulsar 250 is expected to cost around Rs 1.60 lakh and the semi-faired version could cost an additional Rs 10,000
    With just a few days to go for its launch, Bajaj is extensively testing the new 250cc Pulsar before it starts dispatching units of the motorcycle to dealerships across the country. The upcoming quarter-litre motorcycle will be available in two iterations- naked and semi-faired as NS250 and 250F respectively.
    Spy shots of both Bajaj Pulsar 250cc motorcycles have frequently been shared on the internet, giving us a sneak peek into their styling. It had already been confirmed by Bajaj that the new quarter-litre Pulsars will be launching around Diwali this year – which also marks 20th anniversary of Pulsar brand. Now there is a date. Bajaj Pulsar 250 will launch in in India on 28th October.
    Bajaj Pulsar 250 Launch – Same motorcycles, different designs
    In terms of overall design, NS250 is set to borrow major styling cues from its other naked streetfighter siblings- NS160 and NS200. The same is the case with 250F which shares many styling elements with the current flagship Pulsar 220F.
    From the looks of it, both motorcycles flaunt an aggressive front fascia featuring a single-pod LED headlamp cluster and integrated LED DRLs. The semi-faired iteration of the motorcycle gets an even more aggressive front end with a large headlamp cowl and a flyscreen that integrates into the side fairing.
    New Bajaj Pulsar 250cc Motorcycles
    Fuel tank designs on both derivatives look muscular with aggressive lines lending them aerodynamic characteristics. Both motorcycles feature a similar raised tail section, a split seating setup and a side-mounted upswept exhaust setup. Other common highlights include a clip-on handlebar, an engine underbelly cowl, boomerang-shaped LED taillights, a muscular front fender and split pillion grab rails.
    Expected Mechanical Specs, Features
    The new Pulsar 250 will be underpinned by an all-new frame which will be suspended on telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock linked to the swingarm at rear.
    Braking hardware will comprise disc brakes at both ends complemented by dual-channel ABS as standard. Other features expected to be included in the equipment are a fully digital console with Bluetooth connectivity and multiple riding modes.
    New Bajaj Pulsar 250cc – Pulsar 250F
    Powering Pulsar 250 will be a new 249cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine which is likely to pump out 24 bhp and 20 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be coupled with a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch. As per an earlier report, this engine is also expected to be equipped with variable valve actuation (VVT). When launched, the new Pulsar 250 siblings will rival the likes of Yamaha FZ25 and Suzuki Gixxer and SF 250. More

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    Two Wheeler Retail Sales Sep 2021 – Honda, Bajaj, RE, Jawa, Hero Electric, Ather

    Two Wheeler Retail Sales Sep 2021FADA has requested all two-wheeler manufacturers to introduce special schemes for customers especially in the entry-level (up to 125cc) segment
    Two-wheeler segment in the Indian auto industry unlike other segments has witnessed a YoY decline in sales. In comparison to 10,33,895 two-wheelers sold in September last year, only 9,14,621 units were sold during September this year. This resulted in a YoY decline of 11.54 percent.
    FADA has stated that the slow growth in sales could be attributed to skyrocketing fuel prices and drop in purchasing power. Consumers, especially for the entry-level segment in rural India, are keeping themselves away from fulfilling their mobility needs. It has led to a decline in sales volume in the entry-level segment of two-wheelers as well.
    Slow growth in entry-level segment
    This segment’s performance is now becoming critical for the overall two-wheeler to come back on the path of recovery. Moreover, semiconductor chip shortage has also started impacting the 150+ cc segment of motorcycles. However, the good thing to note is that dealership inventories have risen up to 30-35 days as dealers are pinning their hopes on a fruitful festive season.
    In the first half of the current fiscal FY2021 (April – Sept 2021), a total of 52,31,441 two-wheelers have been dispatched by OEMs across the country. During the same period last year, a total of 41,12,656 units were sold which has resulted in YoY growth of 27.20 percent. This is because during the same period last month, the country was severely reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic which had adversely affected every industry.
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales Sep 2021 vs Sep 2020 (YoY) – FADA
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales Sep 2021 – Hero, Honda Lead
    The biggest contributors to two-wheeler sales volume in September 2021 were Hero MotoCorp, Honda, TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto. While Hero generated a sales volume of 2,75,882 units last month, Honda stood at the second spot with 2,40,527 units.

    Two-Wheeler OEM
    SEP’21
    SEP’20

    1. Hero
    2,75,882
    3,47,504

    2. Honda
    2,40,527
    2,65,615

    3. TVS
    1,40,549
    1,59,239

    4. Bajaj
    1,16,252
    1,23,742

    5. Suzuki
    45,617
    41,420

    6. Yamaha
    40,044
    44,919

    7. Royal Enfield
    32,913
    42,489

    8. Hero Electric
    6,289
    993

    9. Vespa / Aprilia
    3,729
    3,442

    10. Okinawa
    3,264
    552

    11. Jawa
    2,390
    2,194

    12. Ather
    2,161
    265

    13. PURE EV
    1,337
    104

    Others
    3,667
    1,417

    Total
    9,14,621
    10,33,895

    TVS registered a monthly volume of 1,40,549 units whereas Bajaj dispatched 1,16,252 units to dealerships across the country last month. Japanese bikemakers Suzuki and Yamaha occupied the fifth and sixth spots with 45,617 units and 40,044 units sold respectively. Royal Enfield dispatched 32,913 bikes last month.
    Electric two-wheeler manufacturers such as Hero Electric and Okinawa also marked their presence with a sizeable sales volume of 6,289 units and 3,264 units. Both brands have shown significant YoY growth from 993 units and 552 units registered in September last year respectively.
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales Sep 2021 vs Aug 2021 (MoM) – FADA
    Road ahead for OEMs
    While there are plenty of challenges to be faced by OEMs in the coming months, there are some positives that come as a relief. The vaccination program has gained momentum in the last few months which has negated the chances of a speculated third wave of Covid infections in near future.
    Further, with offices and educational institutions opening up in a phased manner, a marginal recovery process to begin in the two-wheeler space is anticipated. Hence, FADA has requested all two-wheeler OEMs to roll out special promotions schemes so that it can springboard two-wheeler retails for a faster recovery. More

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    New Hero Xtreme 160R Stealth Edition Teased Ahead Of Launch

    New Hero Xtreme 160 Stealth EditionUpon its launch, Stealth Edition of Hero Xtreme 160R is likely to be priced at a premium of Rs 5,000 over the top-spec variant of the standard model
    Hero MotoCorp is planning to launch a raft of new products in the coming days. The company has already introduced the new Xpulse 200 4V which comes with a more powerful engine at a slightly higher price. The bikemaker has now teased the upcoming Stealth Edition of Xtreme 160R on its social media channels.
    The Stealth Edition is most likely to be an aesthetically enhanced variant of the standard Xtreme 160R and sits on top of the range. That said, it is expected to be offered with same specifications as the regular variants. The short teaser video shows a human face with a pair of eyes that transform into a pair of LED position lights.
    New Hero Xtreme 160R Stealth Edition – Updated Styling
    LED DRLs are flanked on each side of the V-shaped LED headlamp which gives it a menacing look upfront. The primary difference between the standard model and Stealth Edition is that the latter will be wrapped around by a dark colour scheme with a Matte finish.
    In the spy shots leaked earlier, the motorcycle was seen wearing black paint with touches of blue on its tail section and headlamp cowl. Take a look at the new teaser video of new Hero Xtreme 160R – Go Boom.
    [embedded content]
    The updated naked streetfighter will be riding on black alloy wheels while rims will be coloured red to give it a sporty contrast. A few touches of gloss finishes will also be present which will lend the bike an overall premium appeal. Apart from this, styling of the Stealth Edition is exactly same as the standard Xtreme 160R with highlights such as a raised tail section, single-piece seat, split grab rails and a muscular fuel tank.
    Features on offer
    In terms of features, Xtreme 160R offers an all-LED lighting setup, a side stand engine cut off switch, an inverted LCD console and hazard lights. It also gets an Auto Sail technology which allows the bike to easily glide in traffic at low speeds. It is yet to be seen if it will be equipped with Hero Connect telematics which offers various connectivity features to the rider such as in-built navigation, last location, etc.
    Mechanical Specs
    Coming to hardware specifications, Stealth Edition of Xtreme 160R will be suspended on 37mm telescopic forks upfront sourced from Showa and a mono-shock at rear. Braking duties will be handled by disc brakes at both ends which will be complemented by a single-channel ABS. It will be riding on 17-inch front and rear wheels, the latter shod with a radial tyre.
    Powering the Stealth Edition will be the same 163cc, single-cylinder two-valve engine that powers the standard model. This motor is coupled with a 5-speed gearbox and will push out 15 bhp at 8,500rpm and 14 Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. While output figures aren’t exactly class-leading, it has one of the best power to weight ratios in the segment at a kerb weight of 139.5kg. More

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    TVS Apache 160 4V Gets Ride Modes, New LED – Pulsar NS160 Rival

    2021 TVS Apache 160 4V – Ride Modes, BluetoothAfter a string of successful launches, TVS has now launched an updated Apache RTR 160 4V with new features
    TVS Motor Company in the recent past has launched multiple new and updated products which include Raider, Jupiter 125 and a new variant of Apache RR 310. It has now launched an updated Apache RTR 160 4V with new features onboard. The naked streetfighter gets a new headlamp assembly along with new LED DRLs.
    Apache 160 Ride Modes – It also gets three new riding modes namely Urban, Sport, and Rain. The updated Apache 160 4V also gets a gear shift indicator and radial rear tyre. Prices start from Rs 1.15 lakh for the base 160 4V model with read drum brake.
    2021 TVS Apache 160 4V – Price list Oct 2021
    The Hosur-based bikemaker has also introduced a range-topping Special Edition of RTR 160 4V at a price of Rs 1.21 lakh (ex-showroom). Its primary rival, Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is priced at Rs 1.16 lakh, ex-sh.
    New Special Edition
    The Special Edition model comes with an exclusive Matte Black paint scheme complemented with red highlights for sporty touches. The all-black theme with red alloy wheels accentuates the bike’s sportiness. In addition, the top-spec trim also comes with an updated instrument console which is equipped with TVS SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity system that offers a wide range of features.
    2021 TVS Apache 160 4V – Ride Modes, Bluetooth
    The standard range of Apache RTR 160 4V is offered in three variants- Drum, Single Disc and Rear Disc which are priced between Rs 1.15 lakh and Rs 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom). These variants are offered in three colour options- Racing Red, Metallic Blue, and Knight Black.
    Along with all these updates mentioned above, the naked streetfighter gets a new seat pattern across the range while the Special Edition model gets adjustable clutch and brake levers as well.
    Mechanical Updates
    It should be noted that TVS introduced a crucial update to Apache RTR160 4V earlier this year when it got a more powerful engine. The 159.7cc, single-cylinder engine now produces 17.39 bhp and a peak torque of 14.73 Nm while being paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear.
    2021 TVS Apache 160 4V – Ride Modes, Bluetooth
    Braking hardware comprises drum brakes as standard on both ends with the option of a single front disc or a front and rear discs. The disc brake variants are offered a single-channel ABS as standard. Other recent additions to the feature list include GTT (Glide Through Traffic) for a smooth low-speed ride, a one-touch start and a wave bite ignition key.
    Apache RTR 160 4V has a fuel tank capacity of 12 liters. The motorcycle competes against the likes of Bajaj Pulsar NS160, Hero Xtreme 160, Honda XBlade 160 and Yamaha MT15. More