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      2021 Kawasaki KX250, KX450 India Launch Price Rs 8 Lakh Onwards

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      New Kawasaki KX450Kawasaki also offers its entry-level motocross in the form of KX100 in India which is priced at Rs 4.87 lakh (ex-showroom)
      Kawasaki has launched the latest iterations of its adventure twins- KX250 and KX450 in India at a price of Rs. 7.99 lakh and Rs. 8.59 lakh respectively (both prices ex-showroom). Both motorcycles are meant for hardcore off-roading and could be classified as proper dirt bikes. These are not road-legal motorcycles.
      Bookings for the new KX250 and KX450 are open at all Kawasaki dealerships across the country. Starting with their design, both KX250 and KX450 are very similar in their styling barring a few minor variations. Underpinning the dirt bikes is a revised lightweight aluminium frame that is claimed to improve dynamics of the motorcycles.
      Updated Styling, Ergoomics
      Design of the motorcycles hasn’t been tinkered with, however, ergonomics on both bikes have been improved. This involves a redesigned fuel tank, a flatter tank seat and slimmer shrouds.
      The Japanese bikemaker has fitted the dirt bikes with an ERGO FIT adjustable handlebar while footpegs have also been repositioned. Further, the handlebar on both bikes has been equipped with a Renthal aluminium Fatbar as a standard feature to counter vibrations.
      New Kawasaki KX250
      Revised Hardware Configuration
      Handling of the bike has been improved too with a retuned race-ready suspension setup comprising 49mm inverted telescopic forks at front and a new Unit Trak unit at rear. Both units are adjustable for compression and rebound damping. For KW250, the suspension travel is pegged at 314mm and 316mm front and rear respectively.
      For K450, the figures stand at 305mm and 307mm for front and rear respectively. Braking hardware consists of single disc brakes with 270mm rotor and twin-piston calipers at front and 250mm rotor and a single-piston caliper at rear. KX250 weighs 107 kilos while KX450 tips the weighing scales at 110kg.
      Retuned powertrain
      Significant updates have been made to the powertrain for improved performance. KX250 is powered by a 249cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with factory-racer tuning. While exact output figures haven’t been shared, peak power output has been increased by 1.4 PS.
      New Kawasaki KX450
      This has been achieved by Revised processing for the throats of intake and exhaust manifolds. Also, crankcase has been redesigned to reduce weight which has impacted performance.
      A similar set of updates has also been made on the 449cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine powering KX450. Both powertrains are paired with a 5-speed gearbox. This is the first time that Kawasaki is offering a hydraulic clutch on its motocrosser range.
      More importantly, both motorcycles are offered with an electric start previously not offered. There is nothing much on offer as creature comforts since these bikes are built for a different purpose. Both bikes, however, receive a launch control mode. More

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      Two Wheeler Sales Aug 2021 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Suzuki, Royal Enfield

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      Image – Gentleman BikesHero, Honda and TVS commanded the domestic list while Bajaj Auto Limited was the favoured two wheeler maker in exports
      As the country enters the festive season, two wheeler sales have noted a definite surge over the past two months. Taking the leading two wheeler makers into account, total sales stood at 12,71,455 units in August 2021, up 5.90 percent MoM over 12,00,621 units sold in July 2021. However, when compared to August 2020 sales, numbers dipped 14.91 percent over 14,94,176 units sold in August 2020.
      Hero Maintains Lead – Honda Catches Up
      Hero MotoCorp lead the list with 4,31,137 units sold last month, down 24.19 percent over 5,68,678 units sold in August 2020. MoM sales remained flat at 4,31,137 units sold in the past month as against 4,29,208 units sold in July 2021. The company currently commands a 33.91 percent share and hopes for a revival with the upcoming festive season.
      Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India registered a YoY de-growth of 6.25 percent in August 2021 to 4,01,469 units sold as against 4,28,231 units sold in August 2020. Currently commanding a 31.58 percent share, the company has however, reported a 18.03 percent growth in a MoM basis as against 3,40,133 units sold in July 2021. At No. 3 was TVS Motors with de-growth of 17.6 percent YoY to 1,79,999 units sold but a 2.76 percent MoM growth from 1,75,169 units sold in July 2021.
      Bajaj Auto Limited suffered an 11.36 percent YoY de-growth to 1,57,971 units in August 2021 while MoM sales increased 1.11 percent over 1,56,232 units sold in July 2021. Suzuki sales surged 16.31 percent YoY and 2.01 percent MoM. Royal Enfield sales dipped 1.87 percent YoY and 0.56 percent MoM.
      Two Wheeler Sales Aug 2021
      Two Wheeler Exports
      Total exports stood at 3,45,053 units in the past month, up 41.01 percent over 2,44,698 units shipped in August 2020. MoM exports dipped 1.34 percent as against 3,49,728 units exported in July 2021.
      In export markets, Bajaj Auto scored at the top of the list with 26.25 percent YoY growth to 1,80,339 units shipped in the past month up from 1,42,838 units sold in August 2020. July 2021 exports stood at 1,74,337 units relating to a 3.44 percent growth. TVS shipments increased 60.16 percent to 94,314 units in the past month, up from 58,888 units shipped in August 2020. July 2021 had seen shipments of 87,559 units relating to a 7.71 percent growth.
      Honda has registered exports to the tune of 29,214 units in August 2021, up 85.63 percent over 15,738 units sold in August 2020. MoM exports however dipped 35.65 percent over 45,400 units shipped in July 2021. Hero MotoCorp exports increased 44.10 percent to 22,742 units last month, up from 15,782 units shipped in August 2020. MoM exports also dipped 9.72 percent over 25,190 units sold in July 2021.
      Two Wheeler Exports Aug 2021
      Suzuki and Royal Enfield exports increased 31.25 percent and 163.89 percent on a YoY basis. However, Suzuki suffered de-growth in terms of MoM shipments to 11,654 units, down from 12,494 units shipped in July 2021. Royal Enfield’s MoM exports increased 43.01 percent to 6,748 units in August 2021 over 4,748 units shipped in July 2021. The new Classic 350 has been added to the company lineup which is expected to draw in more demand both in domestic and export markets. More

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      BMW G310GS New Style Triple Black Colour Teased Ahead Of India Launch

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      BMW G310GS New Colour TeasedIn the Indian market, BMW G310GS takes on rivals like KTM 390 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan
      As part of its plan to keep its portfolio refreshed, BMW is offering new colour options for its bikes. The company recently introduced new colour options for G310R and G310GS in USA. Some earlier colour options have been discontinued. New colour options for G310R and G310GS will be introduced in India as well.
      BMW G310GS Style Triple Black teased
      In US market, BMW G310GS has already been updated with Style Triple Black colour option. It replaces the earlier Cosmic Black Shade. In India, the Cosmic Black shade is offered with the roadster G 310 R. It is not available with G310GS. Existing colour options for G310GS include Rallye Style Cyanite Blue, Polar White and a special ’40 Years GS’ edition.
      The new Style Triple Black colour seems to suit the overall design aesthetics of G310GS. An adventure-ready motorcycle, G310GS has an aggressive profile. Style Triple Black option is primarily an all-black theme with a few contrasting bits of white thrown in. The black colour compliments the dominating nature of the bike. It also creates an exciting contrast with the golden USD forks.
      Most parts are blacked-out such as front fenders, headlamp cowl, visor, engine, engine guard, fuel tank, frame, and alloy wheels. The white bits include the tank extensions, rear shock absorber, and underseat frame.
      BMW G310GS New Colour Teased
      It is likely that existing colour options of Rallye Style Cyanite Blue and Polar White will be retained. However, the ’40 Years GS’ edition colour option could be discontinued. These changes have already been introduced in US market.
      Talking a bit about existing colour options, Rallye Style Cyanite Blue is probably the most dynamic of all. Inspired by MotoGP, this colour theme utilizes an interesting mix of orange, blue and black. Bits of white are also added to the colour palette for a more quirky look and feel. The only hitch is that the golden USD forks don’t make much of an impact surrounded by a multitude of colours.
      Polar White colour theme is relatively sober, utilizing a mix of grey, white and black. The third option ’40 Years GS’ edition is an interesting combo of black and yellow. This theme is inspired by R 100 GS and has been nicknamed “Bumblebee”.
      BMW G310GS engine and specs
      Other than the new colour, BMW G310GS will be largely the same as earlier. The bike gets its power from a 313 cc, water cooled motor that is capable of generating 34 ps of max power at 9,250 rpm and 28 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. It is mated to a constant mesh 6-speed gearbox. Rated max speed of G310GS is 143 kmph.
      The bike utilizes a tubular space frame with USD front forks and monoshock rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 300 mm disc at the front and 240 mm disc at the rear. Braking system is integrated with BMW Motorrad ABS. More

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      Bajaj Pulsar NS250, 250F Spied In Jaisalmer Ahead Of Launch

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      New Bajaj Pulsar 250cc – Pulsar 250FThe upcoming range of Bajaj Pulsar 250 will compete against the likes of Suzuki Gixxer 250, Gixxer SF250 and Yamaha FZ25
      Bajaj Auto’s focus has shifted towards the development of its new range of 250cc Pulsar motorcycles in recent months. Earlier last month, Rajeev Bajaj, MD of Bajaj Auto, has revealed that the company will launch the ‘biggest Pulsar’ around Diwali in November this year which is speculated to be the upcoming quarter-litre Pulsar.
      The new Pulsar 250 is said to be offered in multiple iterations- a naked streetfighter in the form of NS250, a semi-faired commuter in the form of 250F and a fully-faired supersport iteration in the form of RS250. Out of these, NS250 and 250F have been spotted most frequently.
      Recently, a few days ago, both these bikes were spotted by Bunny Punia. The automotive vlogger has again caught these two upcoming Pulsar duos in flesh near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan conducting pre-launch test trials. This is the second occasion where both iterations of the quarter-litre Pulsar have been caught in cameras. Like in previous spy shots, the bikes have been spotted wearing a heavy dose of camouflage.
      New Design
      Despite the covering, certain styling details of the new Pulsar 250 are evident from the latest spy shots. These include a single LED projector headlamp upfront flanked by sleek twin LED DRLs on both bikes. While the NS250 doesn’t feature a prominent front apron, 250F, just like the current 220F, gets a large front apron comprising a headlamp cowl and a windscreen that integrates into the side fairing.
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      The naked iteration of Pulsar 250 also gets a bikini fairing along the front panels which extend up to the tank shrouds. From the looks of it, the fairing on NS250 also gets air scoops that cut into the air thus enhancing the bike’s aerodynamic qualities. Both motorcycles feature a similar raised tail section and a split seating setup. However, the riding posture on Pulsar 250F seems a bit more committed and aggressive in comparison to NS250.
      Other common styling highlights on both derivatives of Pulsar include a rear tyre hugger, a muscular front fender, split grab rails for pillion, an engine underbelly cowl rear-set footpegs and a clip-on handlebar. The new Pulsar 250 is also expected to offer a new instrument cluster, most probably a semi-digital unit which could come with Bluetooth connectivity.
      Expected Mechanical Specs
      Powering the new quarter-litre Pulsar motorcycles will be a new 250cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which is likely to dish out 24 bhp and 20 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be mated to a six-speed gearbox most likely equipped with a slipper clutch.
      Suspension duties will be handled by 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. More

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      Upcoming Ather Electric Scooter To Be Priced In Honda Activa Range

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      Ather electric scooter patent trademarkedMore details about the upcoming scooter from Ather is likely to be revealed in the coming few months
      The apparently nascent electric vehicle (EV) segment has turned into a theatre of fierce rivalry among new electric scooters. Ather Energy, which was leading this space only a few weeks ago is now feeling the pump with the addition of two new rivals. There will also be new competitors from established brands such as Hero MotoCorp and other EV startups in future to counter.
      The Bengaluru-based EV startup has revealed that it is developing its most affordable e-scooter which is expected to be priced at a similar sub-Rs 1.00 lakh region. And this is without the govt subsidies. With govt subsidies, the scooter could come at an on-road price of Rs 70-80k.
      At this price point, it will compete with the best selling scooters of India – that include the likes of Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Access, etc. Apart from the petrol scooters, it will also rival the two new arrivals from Ola Electric and Simple Energy. Compared to Ather 450 range, the Ola and Simple have been priced lower.
      Rivalry from new arrivals
      Currently, Ather retails two models in India- 450 Plus at Rs 1.13 lakh and 450X at Rs 1.32 (both prices ex-showroom). These prices are reduced when one accounts for the state subsidies offered under the EV policies of various state governments. Despite all these benefits, Ather 450 range of scooters is the most premium in the electric scooter space at the moment.
      Upcoming Ather Electric Scooter patents
      On August 15, Ola and Simple Energy launched their respective electric scooters Series S and One. Series S is offered in two variants S1 which is priced at Rs 99,000 and S1 Pro priced at Rs 1.29 lakh. On the other hand, Simple One will be offered in a single variant priced at Rs 1.10 lakh. All prices are inclusive of the revised FAME II subsidies from the central government.
      While both scooters have yet to officially hit the market and prove their mettle, their strong list of features equally matched by a strong performance has earned praises from all quarters. How they actually match up to market and more importantly people’s expectations is a thing to be discussed at a later stage as time unfolds.
      New e-scooter on 450 plaform
      Ravneet Phokela, chief business officer, Ather Energy, has revealed that the EV brand is building a third product based on Ather’s 450 platform which is already in advanced stages of development. The new product will come at a price point lower than 450 Plus which means it will be an entry-level model in the 450 range of e-scooters and would compete against the likes of Ola and Simple.
      It takes almost 18-24 months between deciding to develop a new product and roll out the model from the assembly line. Phokela further revealed that the scooter is expected to make its debut in the market by the first quarter of FY2023. He made it clear that Ather is not thinking of reducing the prices of its current offerings.
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      New Royal Enfield Classic 350 First Batch Owners Start Taking Delivery

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      New Royal Enfield Classic 350 Delivery Starts. Image – Pratip VlogsThe 2021 RE Classic 350 is based on a new J-platform, updated engine and gets Tripper navigation system
      Even as the current generation Classic 350 was the best-selling model in the company portfolio for FY21 with a total of 3,61,140 units sold, a new gen model has been launched. 2021 Classic 350 is a completely new motorcycle from the ground up. It receives a new J platform that also underpins the RE Meteor 350 while its engine lineup is also borrowed from the Meteor 350.
      RE Classic 350 Features
      New Classic 350 receive similar styling from its outgoing counterpart. It does get some new and more refined features. It gets distinctive tail lamps, turn indicators and alloy wheels while it will also sport a semi digital instrument system and Tripper Navigation as a part of its updates.
      An LCD information panel, Bluetooth connectivity, USB charger, a rounded pillion seat and turn by turn navigation powered by Google Maps will also be a part of its updates. 2021 Classic 350 will get the same 14 liter fuel tank that is seen on its current counterpart.
      The new gen RE Classic 350 also sees updates in its chassis and meter console along with a revised swing arm. It is positioned on a double cradle frame compared to a single down tube chassis on the older RE. First batch owners of Royal Enfield Classic 350 have started taking deliveries in multiple cities and towns across India.
      [embedded content]
      2021 RE Classic 350 shares engine with the Meteor 350. This 349 cc, single cylinder, 4 stroke engine will offer 20 hp power at 6,100 rpm and 28 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm mated to a new 5 speed gearbox. This engine will receive a counter balancer shaft that will help reduce vibrations, thereby relating to an improved ride.
      Braking will be handled by disc brakes on both wheels along with dual channel ABS as standard. For suspension duties, the Classic 350 will get telescopic forks in front and mono-shock absorber at the rear.
      It is offered in a total of five trim levels – Redditch, Halcyon, Signals, Dark and a range-topping Chrome trim. Price starts from Rs 1.84 lakhs and goes all the way to Rs 2.15 lakhs – all prices are ex-sh. It will rival the likes of Jawa Classic, Honda Hness CB 350, Benelli Imperiale 400, etc in the segment.
      Royal Enfield Next Launches
      Royal Enfield is also planning a host of new launches. The company has said that their aim is to launch 4 new motorcycles every year. This year has already seen the launch of updated Himalayan, revised 650 Twins and new Classic 350. It remains to be seen what RE plans to launch next. In the list of their upcoming motorcycles, there is the Hunter, Shotgun, Scram and even a 650 cc cruiser. More

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      2022 Honda CB500X, CBR500R, CB500F Debuts With New Features

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      2022 Honda CB500XNew components of all these models are sourced from larger siblings Honda CB650R and CBR650R
      Honda will be introducing a series of upgrades on its CB500 lineup in Europe. These include the naked streetfighter CB500F, the supersport CBR500R and the adventure tourer CB500X. Out of these, only CB500X is available in the Indian market which was launched earlier this year.
      These motorcycles have been hugely popular across Europe. The Japanese brand claims to have sold over 106,000 units of CB500 ever since they were launched back in 2013. Out of these, CB500F accounts for nearly half of those sales. The track-friendly CBR500R has accounted for almost 18 percent of the total sales.
      On the other hand, the adventurous CB500X accounts for 35 percent of the total sales volume. The new set of updates primarily focus on the dynamics of the motorcycles which involves its suspension and braking setup. Additionally, minor updates have also been made to their powertrain.
      New Riding Dynamics
      For starters, Honda has equipped the 500cc motorcycle with new Showa 41mm SFF-BP inverted forks at front which has been derived from their more powerful middleweight siblings CB650R and CBR650R. This is said to improve ride and handling of the bikes.
      2022 Honda CB500X
      Stopping power has been enhanced with new dual 296mm wavy front disc brakes powered by radially mounted Nissin calipers. Handling has also improved thanks to lighter Y-spoke aluminum wheels on CB500F and CBR500R.
      The adventure tourer gets larger 19-inch light wheels at front and also receives longer front suspension travel to assist it while traveling on undulated paths. Further, Honda has added a new and lighter swingarm which is said to be stiffer rotationally on all three motorcycles. This has resulted in improved handling and cornering performance, by adding more lateral flexibility to the swingarm.
      Powertrain Specs
      Coming to the powertrain, all three bikes are still powered by the same 471cc parallel-twin motor which continues to produce 47 bhp and 43.2 Nm of peak torque. However, after the latest update, this unit now features new PGM-FI settings to further enhance both torque feel and overall character. The engine is coupled with a 6-speed transmission with an assist and slipper clutch.
      2022 Honda CBR500R
      Honda has also made updates to the colour schemes on the three bikes. For 2022, the naked CB500F will be available in three paint schemes including Pearl Dusk Yellow, Pearl Smoky Gray and Mat Axis Gray Metallic. The fully-faired CBR500R will be offered in a single colour option- Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic with new graphics signifying the brand’s racing heritage.
      The CB500 adventure bike will also be available in the same colour as CBR500R. In addition, it also receives Honda’s classic Grand Prix Red. This set of updates are not expected to be carried forward to the India-spec CB500X anytime soon. CB500X is currently priced at Rs 6.87 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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      Upcoming Benelli Electric Motorcycle Spied – Will Rival 150cc Bikes

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      Upcoming Benelli Electric MotorcycleQJ7000D is expected to be launched in China in the next few months – A Benelli-branded version of the same is likely to launch in select countries
      Electric mobility is a fast-growing space with new launches and unveils taking place almost every other day. It is a space where many established auto brands find themselves competing against relatively new brands or startups. Benelli is one such automaker who is eager to step into the two-wheeler electric segment.
      Earlier in June this year, Qianjiang Motors, Benelli’s parent company, introduced the QJ7000D electric motorcycle at 2021 Beijing Motor Show. Speculations suggested that this bike would hit showrooms of international markets re-branded as Benelli. Recently, spy images of the final production-spec QJ7000D were leaked on the internet.
      Design
      Going by images, the production model looks very similar to the pre-production concept at the annual auto show earlier this year. It gets a beefy profile towards the front, while the rear section is much sleeker.
      The front face features a split LED headlamp setup surrounded by angular fairing on sides. It gets a muscular faux tank mimicking contemporary supersport motorcycles which is hollow from inside and can store a full-face helmet.
      Upcoming Benelli Electric Motorcycle
      The bike also features a signature upswept floating tail section and a V-shaped windscreen. The motorcycle’s fairing gets a dual-tone colour theme of blue and grey which creates a nice sporty contrast with the blacked-out components of the frame, motor and alloy wheels.
      It offers a sporty and committed riding posture with a clip-on handlebar and slightly rear-set footpegs. Other styling highlights include split seats, a rear tyre hugger and uniquely shaped rearview mirrors.
      Electrical, Mechanical Specs
      As the name suggests, QJ7000D is likely to be equipped with a 7kW electric motor. However, the Chinese bikemaker claims that it gets a 10kW (13.4 bhp) motor which should propel the motorcycle to a top speed of almost 105 kmph. This puts it in the same ballpark as conventional 150cc IC engine-powered bikes. The electric motor will draw energy from a 72V, 60Ah battery pack which is claimed to deliver a range of 100km on a single charge.
      Upcoming Benelli Electric Motorcycle
      Coming to its hardware package, suspension duties of the bike will be carried out by USD telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Stopping power is achieved from petal-shaped disc brakes on both ends while the bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.
      Features
      Further, QJ700D is equipped with an unusual manual transmission that comprises conventional controls including a bar-mounted clutch lever and a foot-operated rear brake and gear shifters. Other features include a fully digital LCD instrument panel that displays a range of information such as speed, gear position, battery percentage, distance travelled, time, etc. The instrument console is likely to offer Bluetooth connectivity as well.
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