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    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Now Launched In 6 Cities Across 2 States

    Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterPlans are on to open bookings of the Bajaj Chetak e-scooter in 22 new cities by the end of 2021 and in 40 cities by Mar 2022
    Bajaj Chetak electric scooter, launched in India in January 2020, was exclusively on sale in Pune and Bangalore. The company has now started to launch the e-scooter in new cities. On July 16, 2021 bookings opened in Nagpur at a down payment of Rs 2,000, while now buyers in three more cities of Mysore, Mangalore, and Aurangabad can place their bookings for the Bajaj Chetak.
    Earlier this year in April, Bajaj Auto had also announced plans to enter Chennai and Hyderabad but there hasn’t been any further announcement as on date. As of now, Chetak is on sale in 6 cities across 2 states of India.
    One of the reasons for this phased launch in various cities is due to the ongoing pandemic situation in the country. This has caused multiple lockdowns being announced by various state governments which has impaired supply chain as well as affected production.
    Chetak Variants
    Bajaj Chetak is offered in two variants of Urbane and Premium priced at Rs 1.42 lakh and Rs 1.44 lakh, respectively. Chetak Premium variant is available in four colours of Indigo Metallic, Velutto Rosso, Brooklyn Black and Hazelnut, while Chetak Urbane variant gets two colours of Cyber White and Citrus Rush.
    Bajaj Chetak Cities
    Bajaj Chetak receives a steel frame. It gets an indicator mounted front apron, oval shape headlamp and a flat seat. Its on board features also include a storage compartment, pillion grab handle and flat foot board along with a digital instrument cluster, all LED lighting and blacked out 12 inch alloy wheels.
    An arch rival to the TVS iQube and the Ather 450X, Bajaj Chetak e-scooter will also soon face added competition from the new Ola e-scooter. The Chetak is available for registration on the company’s official website.
    Bajaj Chetak Riding Modes
    Bajaj Chetak gets its power via a 3.8 kW motor with a IP67 lithium battery pack that generates 4.08 kW peak power. It is offered in two modes of Eco and Sport. In Eco mode, performance of the vehicle is optimized and is able to achieve a range of 90 km while in Sport mode, faster acceleration is possible which affects driving range. The battery pack gets charged in 5 hours via a conventional power socket.
    Suspension is via link fork in the front and mono shock at the rear and disc brake in the front and drum brake at the rear with combined braking system for improved braking performance. The battery will last upto 70,000 kms, provided the battery is maintained well. The company also offers warranty of 3 years or 50,000 kms (whichever comes earlier). More

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    Yamaha FZ-X 150cc Custom Cafe Racer Officially Revealed

    Yamaha FZ-X Custom Cafe Racer – Created by Autologue Design, For Yamaha IndiaYamaha has launched an open online design challenge – They are inviting rendered designs as applications from all across the country
    Yamaha’s recent attempt at building a retro-style motorcycle received mixed reactions from enthusiasts from all corners. Many believe that the new FZ-X is a missed opportunity by the Japanese brand to create something special for the commuter motorcycle space in India.
    New Competition
    While it definitely does look unique in its design, the FZ-X isn’t able to create an instant impact on the minds of prospective buyers. However, this doesn’t bog down Yamaha as the company intensely markets the neo-retro motorcycle on social media. The Japanese bikemaker has introduced a “Customise FZ-X challenge” on its social media handle.
    The company is encouraging designers from various custom workshops to put forward their version of FZ-X on the internet. The one which accumulated the most number of votes will win the competition.
    Yamaha is allowing individual as well as group participants to enrol themselves in this challenge. All entries have to be submitted to the company’s official India website.
    Yamaha FZ-X Custom Cafe Racer
    Custom Cafe Racer From Autologue Design
    There already have been a few entrants and Yamaha has displayed some of them on its official Facebook page. One which surely caught our attention was a custom cafe racer based on FZ-X created by Autologue Design.
    The Pune-based aftermarket customisation workshop has created a beautiful rendition of neo-retro cafe racer. The design has been commissioned by Yamaha and hopefully, we will soon get to see an actual working prototype of this motorcycle.
    The custom bike flaunts a conventional retro cafe racer design that dates back to the 1960s with fighter jet-like headlamp fairing. The front fairing is aerodynamically shaped whereas the tank shrouds feature air scoops which further enhance the bike’s aerodynamic qualities. The rear section features a sloping pillion seat with a traditional cowl. The yellow color scheme also matches with the bike’s retro theme.
    Yamaha FZ-X Custom Cafe Racer
    The contrasting black stripe on yellow-coloured fuel tank provides a nice sporty contrast which is further aided by contrasting blue and red rims on the black alloy wheels. Other cosmetic highlights include bar-end circular rearview mirrors, new side body panel, tan brown saddle and a small round LED taillight. Rest of the elements have been carried forward from the stock FZ-X, however, the new custom design looks far more appealing than the stock motorcycle.
    FZ-X Specs
    As we already know, FZ-X is based on the FZ range of motorcycles from Yamaha and hence share most of their mechanical components among them. It is powered by a 149cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 12.2 bhp at 7,250rpm and 13.3 Nm of peak torque at 5,500rpm.
    This motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Suspension duties are handled by 41mm telescopic front forks and a seven-step preload-adjustable rear mono-shock. Braking duties are carried out by disc brakes on both wheels assisted by a single-channel ABS. More

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    Joy Electric Scooter, Motorcycle Subsidy For Students From Class 9

    Joy Electric Motorcycle – MonsterJoy e-bike approved for subsidy programme 2021-22 by Gujarat Energy Development Agency
    For EV sales to improve, state government’s are now announcing individual subsidies. Following a revision to FAME II policy, states have been quick to announce wide ranging benefits. Especially, electric vehicle purchases are concerned.
    The latest to announce such a scheme is Gujarat. The move is expected to help in increasing EV sales in the state as well as further boost interest in EVs among other states. Joy e-bike announced its approval for subsidy program 2021-22 by Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA).
    Students from class IX to those in colleges can avail of a 12k subsidy on ex-sh price of four Joy-bike electric two-wheelers in Gujarat. The four models to benefits are Joy e-bike Gen Next (Electric scooter), Wolf (Electric scooter), Glob (Electric scooter) and Monster (Electric Motorcycle). The subsidy is applicable on 10,000 electric two-wheeler purchases.
    Electrification of commute
    Under the State Government’s EV policy outline, a subsidy has also been announced on the purchase of all-electric rickshaws. Individuals and institutions can avail of scheme benefits of subsidy upto Rs 48,000 on 5,000 e-rickshaws.
    Joy Electric Motorcycle – Wolf
    Electric vehicles are viewed as a major solution towards achieving sustainable development goals. They reduce air pollution, fossil fuel dependency, energy wastage and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, this technology is expected to develop into a key solution for mitigating climate change.
    However, development of the electric vehicle industry under FAME I policy has been slow. Achieving these sustainable goals are not something that will come to fruition overnight. The work done today will help shape the future of India’s expected rapid adaption of EVs.
    For now, a major gripe is the lack of EV charging stations and charging infrastructure present across the country. Recent announcements point to supporting the setting up of electric charging points. However, for now these commitments alone don’t go far enough to ensure that electrification of transportation becomes a reality in India.
    Joy Electric Motorcycle – Gen Next
    Government incentives for EVs
    In India, two-wheelers have been considered an economical mode of transport. And as a solution for medium distance commuting. Now, among other things, the aim is to address the rate of air pollution. Governments recognise that different cities having different levels of pollution.
    And require manufacturers to get onboard with low-pollution commute solutions. This need led the government to impose strict deadlines for manufacturers to comply with BSVI norms that were mandated since last year. And now, the stage is being set for future transitions that’ll see electric vehicles begin to play a bigger role in the times to come.
    Joy Electric Motorcycle – Glob
    Sheetal Bhalerao, Chief Operating Officer – WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd, said “These initiatives and incentives by the government will boost the demand for electric two-wheelers. Such steps encourage us to create a strong portfolio of electric two-wheelers.” More

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    Benelli’s Parent Company Unveils New 350cc Fully Faired Motorcycle

    QJ Motor’s SAI 350QJ Motor Sai 350 gets a fairly simple yet aggressive design which broke covers at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year for the first time
    Benelli’s parent company, QJ Motor has started dispatching its upcoming faired motorcycle Sai 350 to dealerships across China. A pre-production Concept of the same was first revealed at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year. Additionally, a couple of months earlier, a leaked patent image of the upcoming superbike was floating around the internet.
    The design leaked in the patent image and showcased at the Beijing Motor Show is in line with the final production-spec model which has arrived at dealerships. From the looks of it, the styling of Sai 350 is reminiscent of its Japanese supersport counterparts.
    Sporty Design
    Upfront the bike gets a sharp fascia complemented by a short visor and vertical LED strip in between. The twin-beam LED headlamp gives the bike an aggressive appeal commonly seen in contemporary sports bikes. It further gets accentuated with a muscular fuel tank and extended shrouds. The front end is reminiscent of BMW S 1000 RR whereas its point tail section with high-set scooped panels resembles Yamaha R15 V3.0.
    Air scoops at both front and rear ends of the motorcycle make it aerodynamically enhanced. The bike sports contrasting body panels that extend from the rear edges of the headlights to divide the fairing into distinct upper and lower sections. The aggressive styling of the bike is complemented by a committed riding posture with a clip-on handlebar and rear-set footpegs. Overall, the motorcycle looks like a proper sports bike.
    QJ Motor’s SAI 350
    Well Equipped
    Like most other sports bikes in this space, Sai 350 is fairly well-kitted. It features an all-LED lighting setup, backlit switchgear, a USB charging port and a hazard light switch. The bike also flaunts a fully coloured digital instrument console which comes with two light-sensing display modes, a tyre pressure display function and Bluetooth connectivity with smartphone screen projection function.
    Engine & Hardware Specifcations
    Coming to its specifications, Sai 350 is powered by a 353cc twin-cylinder which kicks out 36.7 bhp at 9000rpm and 31 Nm at 7000rpm. In comparison, TVS Apache RR 310 is just 3 horses and 4 Nm shorter than the Chinese counterpart despite being less in displacement and a single-cylinder motor. However, Sai 350 misses out on multiple riding models unlike RR 310.
    Hardware configurations of Sai 350 feature a suspension setup comprising a chunky USD fork at front and a mono-shock at rear attached to an aluminium swingarm. Braking duties are handled by twin 250mm discs up front with axial calipers, and a single 240mm disc at rear. These are assisted by a dual-channel ABS as standard.
    It is well known that premium motorcycles from QJ Motor are rebranded as Benelli for international markets. The same might not be the case with new Sai 350. In India, Benelli has plans to launch the new 302R instead.

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    2022 Yamaha R15 V4 Spied Testing In India – Gets New Front Styling

    Image for reference
    Currently, Yamaha YZF R15 V3.0 is priced starting at Rs 1.54 lakh (ex-showroom)
    Yamaha R15 is a go-to machine for everyone seeking an entry-level sports bike. The motorcycle is currently in its third generation now and still remains an instant crowd puller. Hence, every time it is on the news, it creates a buzz in the market. In this instance, the news is as big as it can get for R15 fans.
    It appears that Yamaha has finally started testing the upcoming fourth generation R15 in India. A video uploaded on YouTube by Abhinav Bhatt indicates the same. The recent spy video was reportedly shot near New Delhi in which a couple of test mules can be seen wrapped under full camouflage.
    New R15 V4 Spy Video
    Since both prototypes are in the move, it is difficult to get a hold of a clear image of its design. The faired superbike retains its upright tail section as well as the vertically oriented LED headlights with split pillion grab rails acting as winglets flanked on both sides from the current-gen R15 V3.0.
    The most drastic update in the new generation model is expected to be the redesigned front fairing which could provide the new R15 a fresh appeal from its front and side angle. Below is the latest spy video, showing the new Yamaha R15 V4 on test in India for the first time.
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    The front face seems heavily revised and seems to draw inspiration from its elder sibling R7 which also received a major upgrade earlier this year. Unlike the dual-LED headlamp setup of the current R15, the upcoming new-gen R15 will feature a single-pod LED headlamp with integrated LED DRLs.
    We get to spot a riding posture that looks just as committed as the current R15 thanks to small clip-on handlebars and a higher seat with footpegs positioned slightly towards the rear. The bike will continue to offer a split seat setup while the pillion sits quite high due to a raised tail section. Most of the other features are expected to remain similar to the current model as well.
    Expected Specs & Features
    The new-gen R15 will continue to be powered by the same 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which is paired with a six-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch as standard. This powertrain in its present state returns an output of 18.5bhp and 14.1 Nm of peak torque. Output figures are unlikely to change in the upcoming model. This engine gets Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), which optimises power delivery throughout the rev-range.
    As for cycle parts, we do hope Yamaha provides the new-gen R15 with USD forks at front just like the current international-spec model. However, the test models did not show signs of USD front forks which could be a huge bummer. More details are expected to come our way in the near future. More

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    New Hero Maestro Edge 125 Launched – LED Headlamp, Bluetooth, Digital Speedo

    2021 Hero Maestro EdgeHero MotoCorp offers updated Maestro Edge 125 at a starting price of Rs 72,250 and goes up against TVS Ntorq 125
    Hero MotoCorp first launched its premier scooter brand Maestro in India back in 2015 along with the Duet. While the latter has been discontinued since April last year, the Maestro Edge brand continues to be a strong seller for the two-wheeler company. The scooter is sold in two engine configurations- 110cc and 125cc.
    The latter made its debut in February 2020. The largest two-wheeler manufacturer has now updated the 125cc iteration of Maestro Edge. It comes with mild cosmetic updates which includes new body graphics and colour options. It also gets new features.
    Updated Styling
    Overall design is retained as it gets the same design from the current model. There are subtle feature upgrades such LED headlight, a sportier front apron and sporty colour combo which make the scooter look more attractive.
    It will continue to feature 12-inch black alloy wheels and a textured single-piece seat. In terms of features it gets first-in-segment projector LED Headlamp, fully digital speedometer, Bluetooth connectivity with call alerts and turn-by-turn navigation, Hero Connect and new sharper design features.
    2021 Hero Maestro Edge
    Available in exciting new colors at Hero MotoCorp customer touch-points across the country, the Maestro Edge 125 is attractively priced at Rs. 72,250/- (Drum variant), Rs. 76,500/- (Disc variant) and Rs. 79,750 (Connected variant). All prices are Ex-Showroom, Delhi.
    Specifications & Features
    There would be no changes in terms of its specifications. It will be powered by a 124cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor that is capable of producing 9 bhp at 7,000rpm and peak torque of 10.4 Nm at 5,500rpm.
    This unit is paired with a V-Matic CVT gearbox. In terms of hardware, suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks upfront and a mono-shock at rear. Braking is carried out by drum brakes at both ends as standard with an option for a disc brake at front.
    2021 Hero Maestro Edge
    Other features on offer include an external fuel filler cap, under-seat USB charging, Hero’s Integrated Braking System and i3s engine start/stop system. Maestro Edge 125 is offered in three trims- standard, front disc and Stealth Black, the last one being an additional colour variant with a front disc. The scooter is offered in six standard colour options including Pearl Fadeless White, Matte Red, Matte Vernier Grey, Matte Techno Blue, Matte Brown, and Prismatic Purple.
    Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy and Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The Maestro Edge 125 has been a key player in the 125cc scooter segment. In this latest avatar, we have sharpened its ‘Edge’ further with LED Projector headlamp, Digital Speedometer, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. This scooter has it all. These upgrades are part of our overall portfolio push to provide more technology and features to our customers.” More

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    Ola Electric Scooter 10 Colour Options Officially Revealed

    Ola Electric Scooter ColoursThere could be significant demand for Ola electric scooter, as petrol prices touch new highs
    With multiple best-in-class and segment-first features, Ola electric scooter could provide a major boost to electric two-wheeler segment. Ola Electric has been executing its plans at a fast pace. Phase I of its plant in Tamil Nadu is expected to be completed soon.
    When all phases are complete, the manufacturing facility will be capable of producing 10 million units per year. In view of the huge capacity, it is apparent that Ola has plans to take its electric scooter to global markets as well.
    Bookings are now open for the scooter for Rs 499. Interested folks can visit Ola Electric website to place their booking. With its massive production capacity, it is hoped that customers won’t have to wait long to get delivery. Ola will not have a dealer network, and will be delivering their scooters direct to the home of the buyer.
    Ola electric scooter colours
    Ola electric scooter is based on Etergo Appscooter, which is manufactured by Netherlands-based Etergo BV. The company was acquired by Ola Electric last year in May. By using an existing product, Ola Electric has been able to significantly reduce its time to market. Required changes have been introduced for the scooter to make it suitable for Indian ride conditions and match user preferences.
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    It will be offered in a choice of 10 colour options, which have now been officially revealed. Focused on utility, Ola electric scooter has a sober design. Body panels are largely plain and don’t have any fancy graphics or other styling bits.
    The scooter can be best described as compact and cute. The latter comes largely from the droid-inspired front apron that has dual-LED headlamp setup. Integrated U-shaped tail lamp and turn indicators at the rear is another differentiating factor.
    Ola electric scooter specs and features
    Although details about battery pack and electric motor have not been revealed, Ola has said that its scooter will have segment-leading range. If we talk about rivals like Ather 450X, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak, all of these have claimed range of less than 100 km.
    We can also get an idea based on available information that Ola electric scooter can be charged to 50% in around 18 minutes. This adds 75km to the range. So, the full range at 100% charge could be around 150 km.
    Talking about features, Ola electric scooter is equipped with app-based keyless entry, full-LED lighting, disc brakes at the front, fast charging capability and biggest-in-class boot space. The scooter will also get a range of internet connected smart features.
    Ola is expected to be competitively priced, which will motivate more customers to switch to electric. With its advanced manufacturing facility, Ola should be able to reduce production costs and pass on the benefits to its customers. Price will be revealed at the time of launch. More

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    2021 Yamaha Fascino 125cc Launch Price Rs 70k – Gets Bluetooth Features

    2021 Yamaha Fascino HybridYamaha Fascino 125 competes against the likes of Honda Activa 125, Hero Destini 125, Maestro Edge 125 and TVS NTorq 125
    Yamaha may not have an extensive range of scooters nor are they instant crowd pullers but like all machines from the Japanese bikemaker, they are reliable and easy to drive. The company recently updated Fascino 125 FI with some new features on board and now revealed the updated prices.
    The 125cc scooter is now offered at a starting price of Rs. 70,000 and goes up to Rs. Rs 76,530 (both prices ex-showroom) for the top-spec disc brake variant. Yamaha retails four variants of Fascino 125 namely Standard Drum brake, Dlx – Drum Brake, Standard – Disc Brake and Dlx – Disc Brake.
    It is offered in nine colour options in total including Vivid Red, Vivid Red Special, Matte Black Special, Suave Copper, Metallic Black, Cyan Blue, Cool Blue Metallic, Yellow Cocktail and Dark Matte Blue.
    Fascino Specs
    The scooter derives its power from a 125cc single-cylinder air-cooled fuel-injected motor that returns an output of 8 bhp at 6500rpm and a peak torque of 9.7 Nm at 5000rpm. While output figures might be very modest, at a nimble 99 kilos, the motor certainly does not feel any strain.
    2021 Yamaha Fascino Hybrid
    Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear while anchorage is handled by a 190mm disc or a drum unit upfront, along with a drum at rear supported by CBS as standard. It rides on 12-inch front and 10-inch rear alloy wheels shod by 90-section front and 110-section rear tubeless tyres respectively.
    Features on offer
    As far as features go, the 125cc motor is equipped with Yamaha’s Blue Core technology which features a silent starter. Additionally, the scooter has recently been equipped with a hybrid technology featuring a Smart Motor Generator (SMG) System. The SMG acts as an electric motor to give a power assist when accelerating from a stop, thus, reducing insecurity caused by the wobble during start-outs during stop-and-go traffic or uphill climbs.
    The power assist system is cancelled three seconds after starting or when the throttle is cut back or when the engine rpm exceeds the prescribed level. This technology helps in conserving 16 percent more fuel. In addition, Yamaha is now offering a new digital instrument cluster that is compatible with Bluetooth enabled Yamaha Motorcycle Connect X app. This feature allows the rider to access a host of information such as Riding History, Locate My Vehicle, call and text alerts, etc.
    Other features include a multi-function key with seat opener function, a side-stand engine cut off, a foldable convenience hook, an optional under-seat USB charger, an LED headlamp (for top-spec variant only) and an idle start-stop system. However, it misses out on under-seat storage lighting. More