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    Top 10 Motorcycles 500cc+ Aug 2021 – RE 650 Twins, Hayabusa, Trident, Pan America

    Image – Neev Motorcycles
    The premium segment of motorcycles include mostly foreign brands such as Triumph, Kawasaki, Harley Davidson barring Royal Enfield
    Popularity of big bikes with an engine displacement greater than 500cc has grown over the last few years with entries of many premium brands in the Indian market. Last month 1,247 motorcycles from this space were sold in the country, therefore, witnessing a YoY growth of 17.64 percent.
    Top 10 Motorcycles 500cc+ Aug 2021 – RE 650 Twins Lead Segment
    During the same period last year, 1,060 bikes from this category were sold. The segment was led by the 650cc Twins from Royal Enfield- Interceptor and Continental GT. Cumulatively, both these motorcycles witnessed a sales volume of 834 units last month which is 30 units short of August last year. It resulted in a YoY decline of 17.64 percent.
    Kawasaki dispatched 55 units of its flagship naked Z900 last month whereas Triumph sold 43 units of its entry entry-level naked motorcycle- Trident 660. Suzuki delivered 42 units of its flagship supersport Hayabusa last month and Honda sold 37 units of its middleweight naked CBR650. British brand Triumph dispatched 27 units of the recently launched new-gen Speed Twin. All these motorcycles have been fairly new entrants to the Indian market.
    Harley Davidson Continues Trotting
    Team Green sold 24 units of Ninja 650 in August this year as opposed to 33 units sold in August last year which translated to 27.27 percent YoY negative growth. The latest entrant to this list is Harley Davidson Pan America.
    Motorcycle sales 500cc+ Segment in Aug 2021
    While the iconic American motorcycle brand has quite independent operations in the country, it continues to retail its motorcycles through dealerships run under Hero MotoCorp. The Indian bikemaker sold 20 units of the flagship adventure tourer last month.
    Another Harley product Low Rider made it to the list at the ninth spot with 19 units sold in August this year instead of seven units during the same month last year. The flagship supersport offering from Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R witnessed a sales volume of 14 units. Triumph siblings Speed Triple and Street Twin also witnessed the same number of units sold.
    Kawasaki, Triumph Feature Multiple Models
    Ninja 1000 from Kawasaki witnessed a YoY decline of 47.83 percent in August this year as only 12 units of the sports bike were dispatched. The sole cruiser from the Japanese brand registered a sales volume of 11 units. Honda sold 10 units of its flagship adventure tourer last month while Triumph sold an identical number of Street Triple. All other models witnessed a volume of fewer than 10 units last month.
    This includes models such as Versys 650, 1200X Forty-Eight, Versys 1000, Iron 883, Fat Boy and more. Most of the motorcycles in this list are fully imported via the Completely Built-up Unit (CBU) route while others are CKD units. Only the 650 Twins for Royal Enfield are completely locally manufactured in India. More

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    TVS iQube Electric Scooters Reach World’s Highest EV Charging Station

    TVS iQube Electric Scooter at the highest EV charging station in the world
    This new EV charging station is situated at an altitude of 3,720m – It is setup by goEgoNetwork, who claim that this is the highest EV charging station in the world
    goEgoNetwork, a Pune-based company has set up two EV chargers for two and four wheelers in Kaza. Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, in the district of Lahaul and Spiti. This endeavor was a part of the World Zero Emission Day celebrations and a part of the Government of India’s Make-in-India policy.
    World’s highest electric vehicle (EV) charging station is a bid to promote electric vehicle infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. Its inauguration was marked by a Mission 0 Emission ride launched from Manali to Kaza with two TVS iQube scooters which was ridden by two woman bikers Ms. Maanvi Rawlley, Marketing Communication Specialist at goEgoNetwork, and Ms. Pratiksha Das, motorcycle influencer from Mumbai. The riders went through the Manali-Kaza route passing over the Kunzum-La Pass.
    TVS iQube Electric Scooter Ride To Kaza
    The EV charging station was installed with Bharat AC and Dual Socket Type 2 charger and has set a record of being the world’s highest EV charging stations (at 3,800m) in Kaza, Spiti valley. The two TVS iQube electric scooters did not encounter any problem while crossing the Kunzum Pass, which is at an altitude of 4,551m.
    The two riders covered the distance of 320 kms from Manali to Kaza by charging their TVS iQube EVs at 3 points. The scooters took on adverse weather conditions and mountainous terrain on the dangerous road from Manali to Kaza via Batal with ease. The ride was taken by these two women riders who also wanted to dispel the myth that EVs are not practical for long-distance travel.
    TVS iQube Electric Scooter In Spiti Valley
    Kaza Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Mahendra Pratap Singh, who inaugurated the EV charging station, stated that this would motivate people in the area to adopt use of electric vehicles. It would significantly help to reduce auto emissions and protect the mountains which are ecologically fragile.
    Made-in-India EV Charging Station
    The setting up of this charging station came after complaints were received from tourists about there being no EV charging stations in Spiti Valley. It is also a part of Government of India’s vision to becoming a 100 percent EV nation by 2030 and Pune based goEgoNetwork is committed to setting up more such charging stations at popular destinations in the country.
    The Bharat AC and dual socket Type 2 chargers possess a Made-in-India certificate and are in compliance with ARAI and OCA certifications. The main charging station is located at Hotel Dayzor and can be used for charging of all electric two and four wheelers.
    Access via goME App
    goEgoNetwork charging networks can be accessed via the goME App which can be downloaded from App Store and Play Store and helps users get to the nearest charging station via the quickest route. It also gives information on the type of chargers and charging capacity available at the station. More

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    New TVS Raider Vs Bajaj Pulsar Vs Honda SP Vs Hero Glamour – 125cc Comparo

    Image – Deepak Rao VlogsTVS Raider and Hero Glamour Xtec are the most feature-packed models in the 125cc motorcycle segment
    TVS has thrown in a very strong card in the form of Raider as the Hosur-based bikemaker makes its return to the coveted 125cc bike segment after a hiatus of over a decade. At first glance itself, Raider manages to grab everyone’s attention with its impressive styling and sporty design elements.
    The 125cc commuter segment is already a crowded space with multiple strong players and TVS has put everything into making this a compelling product. Here we have compared it some of its strongest rivals such as Honda SP 125, Bajaj Pulsar 125 and Hero Glamour and see how does it stack up against its counterparts.
    For convenience, we have only considered the top-spec disc brake variants of each of the models mentioned above. The current disc brake variant Raider, in this comparison, has been considered as its top-spec trim. The bike will receive a new range-topping model with a range of connectivity features in the next couple of months. That model will be discussed at length later.
    Dimensions
    Starting with dimensions, the newly launched Raider is by far the longest in the segment and hence offers space for the rider and pillion alike. It also has the lowest seat height in this segment with 780mm and the joint highest ground clearance of 180mm, same as Glamour. At a kerb weight of 123kg, Raider feels extremely agile and nimble on road. However, on paper, SP 125 is the lightest at 116 kg.
    New TVS Raider Vs Bajaj Pulsar Vs Hero Glamour Vs Honda SP 125
    Features on offer
    In terms of features, TVS has loaded Raider with many features that are usually offered in a segment above. However, it gets trumped by the top-spec Glamour called X-Tech which comes with a wide range of exclusive features including Bluetooth connectivity, Navigation Assist and AutoSail. Other notable features such as a digital instrument console, side stand engine inhibitor and USB charging option are available in most of these bikes.
    The instrument console of Sp 125, Raider and Glamour Xtec provide a lot more information than the one in Pulsar 125. Barring Pulsar 125, all other models receive a full LED headlamp in their top-spec trim. Apart from SP 125, all other motorcycles receive an LED taillamp. TVS and Honda offer an integrated starter generator in their respective offerings for a silent start. This feature also turns off the engine when the bike is idle and can be started at just a blip of the throttle.
    Specifications
    Coming to specifications, all are powered by 125cc engines but Pulsar 125 is the most powerful in this segment with 12 PS whereas Raider is the torquiest of them all by a whisker at 11.2 Nm. Raider gets the advantage of 3 valves which should offer a smoother and linear power delivery. All these bikes are offered with a 5-speed gearbox paired with a multi-plate wet clutch.
    New TVS Raider Vs Bajaj Pulsar Vs Hero Glamour Vs Honda SP 125
    All motorcycles mentioned above feature telescopic forks upfront. While Pulsar 125 and Glamour receive twin shock absorbers, others receive a mono-shock at rear. Braking hardware consists of disc brake at front and drum brake at rear assisted by a Combi Brake System (CBS) for safety.
    As far as price is concerned, Hero Glamour has the most affordable base variant in this segment at Rs 74,900. Whereas the split-seat disc brake variant of Pulsar 125 is the most expensive in this space at Rs 87,409 (all prices ex-showroom). More

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    Super Soco CT3 Electric Scooter Debuts – 180 Kms Range, First In Class Features

    SuperSoco CT-3 Electric ScooterSuper Soco CT-3 will rival the likes of BMW CE-04 that was unveiled earlier this year in July
    One of the leading manufacturers of electric scooters and motorcycles, China-based Super Soco has unveiled its first electric maxi-scooter named CT-3. This provides Super Soco the opportunity to make its mark in the premium electric two-wheeler space.
    The new electric scooter was unveiled during China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition, held at Chongqing International Expo Center in China. In addition to its home market, Super Soco CT-3 will be launched in European markets as well.
    Super Soco CT-3 design and features
    Maxi-scooters are known for their beefed-up proportions and Super Soco CT-3 follows on the same design language. It has a broad front fascia with LED headlamp and DRLs placed on the apron. Lighting apparatus has a simple, elegant design that’s neither too loud nor too dull. The scooter has a large visor, which should be able to provide adequate wind protection. It is held to the frame with four protruding hooks, which enhance the scooter’s sporty character.
    Body panels come with sharp curves and grooves, which work to ensure a dominating street presence for the scooter. They also help reduce drag and boost aerodynamic properties. This becomes all the more important for a scooter that runs on battery. It will allow the scooter to cover more miles on a full charge.
    SuperSoco CT-3 Electric Scooter
    Users can expect comfortable rides with Super Soco CT-3, as it has an ergonomic riding stance. The scooter has wide, elevated handlebar, which should work as an appropriate resting angle for the hands. Foot comfort has also been taken into consideration by providing ample space on the floorboard.
    For the pillion rider, the scooter has been equipped with large sized split grab rails. Pillion footrests are foldable units that fit in snugly inside the frame when not in use.
    Super Soco CT-3 gets a comprehensive range of hi-tech features such as NFC smart unlocking, parking assist function, and facial recognition. The scooter has a large 7-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Users can pair their smartphones with the digital instrument console to access a range of features such as turn-by-turn navigation.
    SuperSoco CT-3 Electric Scooter
    Super Soco CT-3 engine and specs
    CT-3 performance is just as good as conventional ICE powered maxi-scooters. It packs in an 18kW motor, connected to a 7.2kWh battery pack. On a full charge, the scooter can travel a distance of 180 kms. Top speed is around 125 kmph. These numbers are pretty good for an electric maxi-scooter. BMW CE-04 has comparable top speed of 120 kmph. However, its range is 130km. Recently launched Ola S1 Pro has top speed of 115 kmph whereas range is 180 km on full charge.
    Suspension system of Super Soco CT-3 comprises telescopic fork at front and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at rear. The scooter has disc brakes at both ends and ABS is offered as standard. More

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    Hero Xpulse 200 New Colour Spied Testing With More Powerful Engine

    New Hero Xpulse 200 4VHero Xpulse is the most affordable adventure tourer in India with only one direct rival in the form of the Honda CB200X
    Hero could be credited for kick-starting the entry-level adventure motorcycling space in the mass two-wheeler market of India. They launched the Impulse about 8 years ago. But had to discontinue the same due to poor demand. Based on the Impulse formula, came the Xpulse in 2019. It was first showcased as a prototype at the EICMA in Milan, Italy in 2017 and is now the most affordable ADV bike in India.
    However, the motorcycle has also drawn flak for being underpowered for this segment. Hero wants to address this by bringing a more powerful engine for Xpulse. A test mule powered by this motor has recently been spotted testing. The main highlight of this motor is the addition of a 4-valve head instead of the existing two-valve head.
    Styling Updates
    The latest test mule has been seen wearing a brand new colour scheme with a livery that features ‘4-Valve’ decals on the lower side of the fuel tank. The dual-tone paint option gets a blue colour which is complemented by blacked-out side panels, tail section and tank shrouds.
    Additionally, the engine and gearbox assembly, heat shield and part of the exhaust canister have been painted in a grey shade. Splashes of blue are also seen on the wire-spoked rims of the upcoming Xpulse.
    New Hero Xpulse 200 4V
    Powertrain Update
    Apart from all these updates, the new Xpulse is visually the same as the current model. However, with the 4-Valve system, cylinder head of the engine would now get more valves which will pump more air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber. This will allow more fuel to be burnt, thus enabling it to extract more performance. It also allows the engine to breathe better which translates into higher fuel efficiency.
    In its current iteration, Xpulse 200 is powered by a 199.6cc, oil-cooled, 2-valve, fuel-injected engine which returns an output of 17.8 bhp at 8,500rpm and 16.45 Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. This unit is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. In its BS4 form, this motor came with a simple air cooler which has been upgraded to an oil-cooling system.
    Mechanical Specs & Features
    There shouldn’t be any more changes to its specifications. The motorcycle will continue to roll on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic units at front with 190mm of travel and a 10-step adjustable mono-shock at rear with 170mm of travel. Braking hardware comprises disc brakes at both ends accompanied with a single-channel ABS.
    It will be interesting to see if Hero offers some additional features in the new Xpulse 4V. Currently, it offers a full-LED headlamp and a digital instrument console enabled with Bluetooth connectivity for navigation and call alerts. It is also expected to be offered at a slightly premium price in comparison to the current model priced at Rs 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom).

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    2021 TVS Apache 310 BTO First Batch Sold Out – Bookings Closed

    TVS Apache 310 BTO2021 TVS Apache RR 310 gets refreshed with new body colours, ride modes, colour TFT screen and Michelin ROAD5 tyres
    TVS Motor India launched the 2021 Apache RR 310 last month. It was introduced on an online ‘Built to Order’ platform which allows customers to design their bikes from two performance kits of Dynamic and Race. This was limited to about 150 units each. Today, TVS has revealed that all orders for the batch are fully booked and bookings for Apache 310 BTO are now closed.
    Priced at a base pfice Rs 2,59,990, the new TVS Apache RR 310 comes in with several updates over its earlier counterpart. It receives a new instrument cluster, revised exhausts with a racier note with more cornering clearance and fully adjustable suspension. Standard features such as a TFT instrument cluster gets updated with a digital document storage system, a day trip meter and over speed indicator.
    TVS ‘Built To Order’ (BTO)
    Apache RR 310 is being presented with optional kits of Dynamic and Race as a part of the TVS Built to Order platform. Dynamic kit consists of adjustable suspension at the front and rear. This includes upside down fork and monoshock which can be adjusted for pre-load and damping. It also receives a final drive chain with anti-rust brass finish. Dynamic kit also consists of race oriented handlebars and raised foot-pegs both of which are road legal.
    2021 Apache RR 310 Race Kit offers a sportier stance with raised handle bars. These clip on handle bars are pointed 8 degrees downwards and 5 degrees inward relating to a more forward leaning position of the rider while the high windscreen offers better wind protection.
    TVS Apache 310 BTO
    The price of these kits for the TVS Apache RR 310 is priced at RRs 12,000 for the Dynamic Kit and at Rs 5,000 for the Race Kit. Both are on offer on the new RR 310 on the company’s online platform while the kits can also be used on older bikes.
    However, the race muffler which is offered as standard on the 2021 model will only be available for BS6 compliant models. Race Replica graphics are priced at Rs 4,500 while red alloy wheels are at Rs 1,500. Bookings for the Apache 310 BTO will re-open for next batch, from 1st Oct 2021.
    TVS Apache 310 BTO – Engine Specs
    2021 TVS Apache RR 310 gets its power via a BS6 compliant 313cc engine offering 34 hp peak power at 9,700 rpm and 27.3 Nm torque at 7,700 rpm mated to a 6 speed gearbox with slipper and assist clutch. Suspension is via inverted telescopic forks in front and gas-assisted shock absorber at the rear.
    Braking is via a 300mm disc in front and 240mm disc at the rear along with dual-channel ABS. TVS Apache RR310 commands a top speed of 160 km/h and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.17 seconds. It is also the only bike in its segment to offer four ride modes of Urban, Track, City and Rain. The City and Rain mode sees power and torque figures down to 25.4 hp and 25 Nm respectively. TVS Apache RR 310 rivals KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 300. More

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    Hero MotoCorp Electric Scooters Launch Next Year – Chetak, Ather Rival

    Hero MotoCorp has partnered with Taiwan’s GogoroHero MotoCorp is yet to decide on a new brand name for its dedicated EV vertical since it cannot use the ‘Hero’ brand
    Hero MotoCorp will be venturing into the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing space by launching its first battery-powered two-wheeler in March 2022. This development has been confirmed by CFO of the brand, Niranjan Gupta in an interaction with PTI. It has also come to light that this electric scooter has been developed independently by Hero.
    Last month, chairman and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, Dr. Pawan Munjal, teased a pre-production prototype of the upcoming electric scooter during the company’s 10th anniversary celebration live stream recently. While no details of this scooter were revealed during the event, it gave us a rough idea of what to expect from the upcoming e-scooter.
    On the other hand, Hero is also planning to launch its second electric scooter by the second half of next year. This two-wheeler will be developed in association with Taiwan-based EV manufacturer Gogoro. The two brands announced a partnership earlier this year which involved the use of battery swapping technology in upcoming electric two-wheelers.
    Design of e-scooter
    Coming back to the indigenously developed two-wheeler, it is an all-new electric scooter wearing a distinct design. For starters, the scooter appears to stand on 12-inch front and 10-inch rear black alloy wheels which look sporty. In all probability, it will be powered by a mid-ship mounted electric motor since the rear wheel did not feature a hub-mounted motor.
    Hero MotoCorp FIrst electric scooter
    Unlike the Gogoro electric scooters patented in India a few months ago, the e-scooter from Hero MotoCorp misses out on double-sided swingarms. Black embellishments on the handlebar, side and rear fenders and floorboard give the scooter a dual-tone colour theme that looks very sporty. Other notable styling highlights include a short flyscreen, a long split seat and curvy bodywork. The pillion seat is detachable which is intended for use in last-mile services.
    Separate brand name for EV lineup
    More details on the upcoming electric scooter will hopefully be revealed ahead of its launch in the next few months. However, the company has a lot to figure out before launching its first battery-powered model.
    As previously revealed, the company cannot use the brand ‘Hero’ for its EV lineup since this right has been held by Hero Electric, a separate EV manufacturing entity. Hero MotoCorp is yet to decide on a brand name for its dedicated electric vehicle (EV) vertical.
    Gogoro Electric Scooter name patented in India
    Upon its launch, the upcoming e-scooter from Hero will compete against a raft of other electric scooters such as Ather 450X, Ola S1, Bajaj Chetak, Simple One and TVS iQube. The company CFO also revealed that the recent shortage of semiconductor chips has had no effect on production of two-wheelers. The bikemaker is gearing up to stock its inventories for the festive season. More

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    Royal Enfield Classic Based Zeus Bobber From Neev Motorcycles

    Royal Enfield Classic Modified Into A Bobber
    Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycles including Classic, Bullet and Thunderbird were discontinued after BS6 emission norms kicked in
    Royal Enfield motorcycles are among the most custom-friendly bikes in the aftermarket industry. A robust frame makes it possible for designers to modify them in a whole new configuration. This is further aided by simple, no-nonsense retro designs of the base models.
    Delhi-based aftermarket workshop Neev Motorcycles has created many such customised Royal Enfield bikes which look unique in composition yet retain classic Royal Enfield characteristics underneath. Another such motorcycle has been designed and conceptualised by Neev which reminds us of good old choppers of Western markets.
    Royal Enfield Classic Bobber Zeus – Design Upgrades
    The donor model used in this case is a Classic 500 which has been converted into a bobber. The bike on the outset looks outrageous and something out of this world and hence has been aptly named after the Greek God ‘Zeus’. Getting into details, the motorcycle has been equipped with a unique fuel tank design that fortifies it with complex curves in order to add a glimpse of novelty to its style.
    As evident, the bike features minimal body panels which gives it a clean look. It wears a beautiful dual-tone custom paint job with glossy black and matte silver. The exhaust has been designed and crafted out of stainless steel which looks premium and ravishing.
    Royal Enfield Classic Modified Into A Bobber
    Other custom-built parts include a finely crafted handlebar, toolbox, and fenders that look aesthetically pleasing. All the components mentioned above have been built by hand.
    Both front and rear fenders have been chopped short while front forks have been covered by aluminium bars. At rear, folks at Neev have incorporated a longer swingarm which is attached to the presumably stock twin shock absorbers.
    Other hand-built accessories include a carburetor cover, wheel covers and a new leather seat. Components such as the headlight, taillight, turn indicators, rearview mirrors and a single pod instrument console are high-end aftermarket accessories.
    Royal Enfield Classic Modified Into A Bobber
    Mechanical Specs
    There are not many details regarding the bike’s engine but therefore it is assumed that the stock powertrain is in place. This 499cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected motor kicked out 27 bhp at 5250 rpm and a peak torque 41.3 Nm at 4000 rpm. The engine is linked to a 5-speed gearbox. Suspension setup consists of telescopic front forks and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear.
    Braking duties are carried out by a 280 mm disc at front and a 240 mm disc or drum at rear. The motorcycle rolls on stock 18-inch wire-spoke wheels shod with chubbier tyres. With an increase in diameter and a new swingarm, wheelbase of the stock Classic 500 has been extended slightly. More