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      Royal Enfield 650cc GT Modified With LED Ring, Bar-end Mirrors, Balloon Tyres

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      Royal Enfield Conti GT 650 Modified By M W Bike CustomsRE 650 twins have emerged as popular options in several global markets
      Owing to their stunning looks, affordable pricing and relatively simple design architecture, Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 are popular among customization enthusiasts. While we have seen several mod jobs in the domestic market, the international community too has started exploring the possibilities that exist with 650 twins.
      A recent example is from Brazil, where M W Bike Customs has done a wonderful job in transforming Continental GT 650 into a sportier looking machine. This customization project features styling updates and utilizes several hand-made parts, accessories and aftermarket components.
      Key customizations
      At the front, the bike has been equipped with aftermarket LED headlamp and integrated LED DRL ring. The headlamp casing appears to be the stock unit. Rectangular stock turn indicators have been replaced with retro-styled tear-drop units. These appear to be LED units and come in a blacked out finish. The front fender has been shortened.
      In other changes, the stock twin pod instrument cluster has been replaced with a single-pod unit. It sits towards the left, which is based on the asymmetrical design theme currently gaining popularity in the automotive space. Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has a similar theme, where the primary instrument pod sits on the left. On the right, the motorcycle has the smaller Tripper navigation display screen.
      Royal Enfield Conti GT 650 Modified By M W Bike Customs
      Handlebars are the same as earlier, but stock rear view mirrors have been replaced with bar-end mirrors. Fuel tank is the same, but it gets a new coat of paint. A new logo and graphics are also part of the refreshed fuel tank.
      Side profile features custom metal sheets that enhance the bike’s rugged character. Engine assembly gets an iron-grey coating and heel plates have carbon fibre finish. At the rear, the tail section has been shortened. Seat and rear cowl look familiar, but these are customized units in smaller size.
      In terms of functionality, the customized bike has been equipped with balloon tyres at both ends. The tyres have ‘Royal Enfield‘ and ‘Cafe Racer’ printed on them in white shade. The bike continues using the stock 18-inch wheels. The modified bike can ensure comfortable rides, as stock rear suspension has been replaced with aftermarket units.
      Continental GT 650 engine
      It doesn’t seem like engine tweaks were part of this customization project. Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is powered by a 648cc, parallel twin, air/oil-cooled motor. It is capable of generating 47 bhp of max power at 7150 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 5250 rpm. The bike utilizes a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox. More

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      Yamaha R15, MT15 Bluetooth Update Launch Soon – Might Get Price Hike

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      Yamaha MT15 with Bluetooth update launch soonYamaha offers Bluetooth Connectivity in two iterations of Yamaha Connect app-  Connect X and Y-Connect
      During the recent launch of the new FZ-X, Yamaha made its intentions clear that they will be offering Bluetooth connectivity as an option across its entire India lineup. In this regard, the company updated its scooter lineup including Fascino Fi 125 and RayZR with Bluetooth functionality.
      The updated scooters are expected to go on sale in a few days. Currently, Yamaha offers this feature in its entire FZ range including FZ Fi, FZ-X and FZ25. After the bikemaker launches the updated scooters, it will extend these novel features to its flagship models- R15 and MT15. The launch timeline for these models to receive this feature is yet to be revealed.
      Yamaha Connect App
      The Bluetooth connectivity can be used to pair the rider’s smartphone and bike’s instrument console via Yamaha Motorcycle App. There are two iterations of this app available in India- Connect X and Y-Connect. The former offers features such as riding history, answer back, battery voltage, parking record, incoming calls, SMS and email alerts.
      The Y Connect version is a more premium alternative to the former which offers all the standard tech offered in Connect X in addition to maintenance recommendation, fuel consumption, malfunction notification, rev dashboard, phone battery level indicator and more.
      Yamaha R15 V3 Metallic Red
      The flagship motorcycles- MT15 and R15 are expected to be offered with this version of Yamaha Connect. This will make the bikes more lucrative and modern packages although, with these updates, prices of these models are also expected to be increased.
      FZ-X Accessories
      Apart from the launch, Yamaha has also revealed a number of official accessories for the new FZ-X motorcycle. These include seat cover, fuel tank pad, bike cover, chrome embellished rearview mirrors, LED turn indicators, rear footrest and engine guard with prices ranging between Rs 300 and Rs 1,490. FZ-X has a starting price of Rs 1.17 lakh which is nearly Rs 12,000 more than the standard 150cc FZ model.
      Yamaha currently has only seven models in its India lineup. It is one of the few mass manufacturers in India which exports more models than it sells in the domestic market. This is because it has a wide portfolio of models for its export lineup.
      The company sold 11,613 units in the domestic market while exported 17,512 models to overseas markets in the month of May 2021. Yamaha has plans to expand its India lineup in future but nothing has been confirmed by the Japanese brand as of now. More

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      Bajaj Sales, Exports Breakup May 2021 – Pulsar, Dominar, Avenger, Platina, Chetak

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      Image – Throttle98Bajaj Auto noted de-growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports in May 2021 when compared to that of April 2021
      Bajaj Auto sold 59,351 units in the domestic market in May 2021 and exported 1,69,312 units during the month. This was a MoM de-growth of 51.28 percent and 17.81 percent respectively as domestic sales in April 21 had stood at 1,21,829 units and exports were at 2,06,008 units. Combined sales stood at 2,28,663 units for May 21, down from 3,27,837 units for April 21.
      Bajaj Pulsar and Platina
      The company noted highest domestic sales for the Pulsar and Platina brand and especially so in the 70cc to 150cc segments. The Bajaj Pulsar topped the domestic sales list with 36,625 units sold in the past month, down 40.49 percent over sales of 66,586 units sold in April 21. The Pulsar commands a 66.76 percent share in the company lineup.
      Next on was the Platina with domestic sales at 11,164 units, down 68.52 percent over sales of 35,467 units sold in April 21. Thereafter, sales of the Bajaj bikes failed to make it past the 10,000 unit mark with the CT100 at 7,678 units in terms of domestic sales, down 50.84 percent as against 15,619 units sold in April 21.
      Sales of the Avenger, Dominar and Chetak also suffered a MoM de-growth and Chetak sales were down to just 31 units in the past month, as against 510 units sold in April 21 recording the highest de-growth of 93.92 percent. Taking segment-wise domestic sales into account, it was in the 75-110cc segments that the Bajaj CT and Platina ruled the charts while it was the Pulsar that commanded the 111-150cc segment.
      Bajaj Domestic Sales Breakup – May 2021
      Bajaj Auto Exports
      Bajaj Auto recorded higher exports as compared to domestic sales in May 21. Total exports for the month stood at 1,69,312 units, down 17.81 percent as against 2,06,008 units shipped in April 21. Where exports were concerned, the Bajaj Platina and Avenger were the only two models to report growth.
      Bajaj Boxer was the most in demand in global markets with 1,04,240 units exported in May 21, down from 1,20,460 units exported in April 21. The Boxer is particularly favored in markets across Africa primarily due to its rugged performance and lower cost of maintenance.
      Pulsar exports were also noteworthy with 30,185 units exported in the past month, down 29.04 percent as against 42,537 units exported in April 21. Exports also included the Bajaj CT of which 15,536 units were exported in May 21 and Discover with 10,432 units exported. Both these bikes had seen higher exports in April 21 thus suffering de-growth of 14.75 percent and 37.31 percent respectively.
      Bajaj Exports Breakup – May 2021
      On a more positive note were the exports of Bajaj Platina and Avenger. Platina exports saw a MoM growth of 19.79 percent to 5,376 units, up from 4,488 units exported in April 21. Avenger exports on the other hand surged 134.25 percent from 438 units shipped in April 21 to 1,026 units exported in the past month.
      Bajaj To Launch New Electric Motorcycle
      Bajaj has filed a patent for its 1st electric bike with the ‘Freerider’ name under Class 12. It is said to be positioned on the same platform as the Husqvarna E-Pilen, with both bikes to also sport the same electric motor with 8kW output and a range of 100 kms. More

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      Ather Electric Scooter New Price Of Rs 1.07 L In Gujarat Is Its Lowest In India

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      Ather Electric Scooter – AhmedabadThanks to the Central FAME II policy and state EV policy, prices of all EVs in Gujarat are set to be the cheapest in the country
      With the Gujarat government rolling out its new EV policy, all electric vehicle (EV) brands are set to enjoy the benefits of it. These benefits will in turn be extended in the form of reduced prices of EVs across the state. For instance, Ather has slashed prices of its electric scooters after implementing the benefits of the Gujarat EV policy.
      Ather 450X, 450 Plus prices slashed
      Price of its model range starts at Rs 1.07 lakh (ex-showroom) for 450 Plus. This is the lowest price tag of Ather e-scooter in India. Prior to this, price of the electric scooter was pegged at 1.25 lakh which means a deduction of Rs 18,000. Last month, prices of 450 Plus stood at 1.40 lakh, however, after implementation of FAME II policy, these prices were slashed by Rs. 14,500. All prices are ex-showroom.
      On the other hand, the brand‘s premium e-scooter 450X is now priced at about Rs 1.27 lakh after a subsidy of Rs 17,000 which is in addition to the revised FAME II policy. After applying the nationwide FAME II policy, price of Ather 450X was reduced to Rs 1.44 lakh (ex-showroom). Prior to all this, 450X was priced around Rs 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom) varying slightly as per location.
      Gujarat EV Policy benefits
      Other EV brands are also set to reduce prices of their models soon after applying the subsidy from Gujarat EV policy. This subsidy will be in addition to benefits availed under FAME II policy.
      Ather electric scooters now cheapest in Gujarat
      The Gujarat government recently announced that it will offer double the amount of subsidy in comparison to other states which will be applicable on a per kW basis. However, a cap has been set for all EVs. Two-wheelers can avail a subsidy of up to Rs 20,000 whereas three-wheelers get allowances up to Rs 1.5 lakh.
      For four-wheelers, subsidy has been limited to Rs 2 lakh per EV. All these subsidies are in addition to the benefits offered in the FAME II scheme. Over the next four years, the government in Gujarat aims to increase the number of EVs in state up to 2,00,000 lakh units. In other incentives, EVs registered in Gujarat will not be required to pay a registration fee.
      450X, 450 Plus Specs
      Both Ather 450X and 450 Plus share the same styling and features such as full-LED lighting, an apron-mounted headlight and a 4.2-inch touchscreen instrument cluster enabled with Bluetooth connectivity, integrated 4G LTE SIM connectivity, music & call controls, onboard navigation and digital document storage.
      In addition, both models also get reverse mode. The e-scooters share the same hardware configurations comprising telescopic forks at front, a mono-shock at rear and disc brakes on both wheels. More

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      Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter Patent Leak – New Details Revealed

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      Suzuki Burgman Electric ScooterUpon its launch, the new electric scooter from Suzuki is likely to rival the likes of TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and Ather 450X
      Though Suzuki’s new electric scooter based on Burgman has been on test in India for a while now, the company has not yet officially confirmed anything in this regard. A leaked image of a patent filed by the Japanese auto giant in the country revealing the design of its upcoming e-scooter almost confirms its plans.
      As revealed by the patent, design of the upcoming electric scooter is very similar to the conventional Suzuki Burgman Street 125. It adopts the same Maxi body style as its petrol-powered sibling with a front-heavy fairing, a large windscreen and a rear tyre hugger.
      Unique Internal Mechanics
      Interestingly, test mules of the battery-powered Burgman Street were spotted on a couple of occasions. While its shape and silhouette are very similar to conventional scooters, the patents reveal very unique internal mechanics. Conventional electric scooters in this segment usually feature an electric motor and swingarm as a combined unit or take another approach of mounting the motor on the hub of the rear wheel.
      In doing so, it frees up space within the chassis to create more room for luggage or larger batteries. However, in this case, the patents reveal a unique design where a drivetrain is located in the under-seat area connected to the motor via a chain drive setup.
      Suzuki Burgman Electric Patent Sketch
      Rest of the electric scooter’s electronics are mounted on top of the motor along with a speed controller, transformer and battery. While surely it is slightly unconventional, it does provide some other benefits as well.
      The patent describes that the new layout aids air cooling through inlet ducts, outlets and fans mounted within the body. However, their detailed functions and effects on the working of the electric motor have not been explained yet. More details regarding this approach are likely to surface in the near future.
      Other Details
      While most of its aesthetics are likely to be carried forward from Burgman Street, there are expected to be some variations in specs. For instance, the front suspension units will feature telescopic forks, however, dual shock absorbers will be installed at rear to carry the extra weight of the lithium-ion battery packs. Alloy wheels will also be carried forward from the regular IC engine-powered model.
      As far as features are concerned, Suzuki is expected to offer standard features such as LED headlamp, an LED taillight, a fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth as well as smartphone connectivity in the upcoming e-scooter. A few months ago, the Japanese brand also released the latest version of Suzuki Connect which now offers features such as Whatsapp alerts, SMS and CALL alerts, turn-by-turn navigation, charging status, riding status, etc. There are no details on powertrain specs as of now. More

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      Honda Electric Scooter Could Launch With Battery Swapping Tech

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      Honda electric scooter with battery swap tech – Benly eHonda recently patented PCX electric scooter in India while the Benly e was spotted on test by ARAI near Pune
      With auto companies gradually shifting towards cleaner power sources, it is evident that newer technologies for electric vehicles will show up in the coming future. While major two-wheeler brands have already started showcasing their future electric mobility, Honda is yet to openly share its plans for electric mobility in India.
      The Japanese auto giant is developing a new portable and swappable battery system called Mobile Power Pack for its future small-sized electric mobility such as electric two or three-wheelers. This is basically a capacitor that stores electricity for use as a power source. Honda is currently working on a home charger for this platform.
      Testing Battery Swapping Platform In India
      Reportedly, Honda is testing this swappable battery platform in India on electric tricycle taxis or rickshaws. The company, however, has released no fixed plans to launch battery-powered electric three-wheelers in India as yet and is most likely testing this platform for future electric scooters and motorcycles. The Japanese manufacturer had earlier revealed that it was serious about developing electric mobility solutions for two-wheelers which includes three new models by 2024.
      These include a 50cc-equivalent electric moped while the other two include an e-scooter and e-motorcycle both aimed at the 125cc performance region. While the models do seem modest in terms of performance, they should be a good starting point for the company especially for a budget-centric mass market like India. Urban, utilitarian two-wheelers are likely to generate more sales volumes than high-performance models for the company.
      Honda PCX Electric scooter showcased in India. File photo.
      Chargers for swappable batteries
      Since output figures won’t be huge in these entry-level models, instead of opting for massive battery packs, Honda could use its swappable Mobile Power Pack system that is already installed on its PCX Electric e-scooter.
      The company intends to expand this platform by installing more battery-swapping stations. Recent patents also reveal that Honda is working on a home charger that could juice up one battery pack at a time. While chargers at swapping stations could accommodate two battery packs simultaneously.
      It is already known that Honda has also entered into a global association with KTM, Piaggio and Yamaha to co-develop another swappable battery platform. By the time this platform gets fully developed and becomes functional, its own Mobile Power Pack system will develop over time and become more universal. These developments are extremely favourable for markets such as India.
      A 125cc equivalent e-scooter and e-motorcycle will give Honda the perfect start to its prospective EV lineup in India. This will lend Honda muscle to compete against local EV manufacturers such as Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Ather 450X and Revolt RV400 and RV300. More

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      Yamaha Electric Scooter For Indian Market – Eyes On New EV Policy

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      2022 Yamaha Electric ScooterRising fuel prices, coupled with increased FAME-II subsidy can boost EV sales
      After revealing Fascino 125 FI Hybrid earlier this month, Yamaha Motor has indicated towards the possible launch of an electric scooter in the Indian market. If that plan becomes a reality, Yamaha will join the list of mainstream two wheeler manufacturers who have dedicated all-electric products.
      As of now, Bajaj and TVS are the only established auto manufacturers to launch electric two wheelers. Majority of the electric two wheeler segment is still dominated by startups and tech companies.
      Yamaha evaluating India’s EV policy
      Yamaha has stated that an electric scooter for the Indian market is definitely on the cards. However, a lot will depend on India’s EV policy. Yamaha expects the EV policy to have special schemes that will facilitate faster adoption of EV technology. The policy should also have dedicated provisions that will encourage rapid development of EV infrastructure.
      According to Ravinder Singh, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, India Yamaha Motor, the company is already working on developing an all-new electric two wheeler platform. This will be utilized in India as well as several other global markets. Yamaha already sells the EC-05 electric scooter in Taiwan. It has been developed in collaboration with Taiwan-based Gogoro Inc.
      Yamaha E01 Electric Scooter Production Spec Patent Leaks
      In the EV segment, things like pricing and range are quite important. In addition to these, Yamaha said that its major concern is about EV infrastructure. The company feels that developing infrastructure is a much greater challenge, as compared to other bottlenecks.
      There’s an urgent need to augment battery production, build charging stations and develop battery swapping hubs. Until these are readily available, most EV users will face challenges on the road. Yamaha said that once the EV roadmap is clearly defined in the country, it will think about launching an all-new electric scooter in India.
      Fascino 125 FI Hybrid
      With hybrid version of Fascino, Yamaha is on track to enter the EV space in India. Along with Fascino, RayZR Hybrid will also be launched soon. These scooters are equipped with a mild-hybrid technology in the form of a new Smart Motor Generator (SMG) system. What it does is add some extra power at the time when the scooter starts to move forward from stop position.
      SMG ensures smooth acceleration at start, providing better control to the rider. The power boost is stopped automatically after specific pre-set criteria are met. With the SMG system in place, the engine’s fuel efficiency has improved by around 16%. Fascino Hybrid will be using the same engine as earlier, a 125 cc unit that makes 8.2 bhp / 9.7 Nm. With SMG, torque output will increase to 10.3 Nm, whenever needed. More

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      Ola Electric Scooter Launch Nears – CEO Asks For Suggestion On Colour Options

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      Ola Electric ScooterOla Electric is also planning to set up a Hypercharging Network that involves installing one lakh charging points across 400 cities in India.
      Ola Electric, the EV manufacturing arm of Ola Cabs, is expected to officially launch its highly anticipated electric scooter in a few weeks. Ahead of its launch, company CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, has teased the upcoming e-scooter on his Twitter handle revealing crucial details about the two-wheeler.
      This is the second time that production-spec of the upcoming ola electric scooter has been teased on social media. Earlier in March this year, first images of the scooter went viral on social media. Ola announced its intention to manufacture its own line of electric vehicles by creating a separate arm for EV development last year.
      Ola E-Scooter Launch
      In the tweet, Aggarwal, asks social media users to suggest some colour options for the Ola scooter out of which black has already been adopted as shown in the teaser image. As already mentioned previously, this scooter will be based on Etergo Appscooter.
      Last year in May 2020, the ride-hailing giant had acquired Amsterdam-based electric scooter company Etergo BV for an undisclosed amount. The first bunch of scooters is likely to be brought to India as full imports from Netherlands.
      Bhavish Aggarwal, chairman and Group CEO, Ola.
      The next bunch of scooters will be manufactured at Ola’s upcoming facility currently under construction in Tamil Nadu. The company had earlier announced a Rs 2,400 crore investment for this manufacturing plant. This facility will be capable of producing 2 million electric two-wheelers per annum and would generate around 10,000 jobs.
      It is also slated to become the largest two-wheelers manufacturing plant in the world. Operations are expected to commence in the coming few months and the plant will comply with Industry 4.0 norms.
      E-Scooter Design & Specs
      Coming to the Ola e-scooter, the scooter looks very similar to Etergo Appscooter. on which it is based. From the looks of it, the e-scooter will come with telescopic front forks. The most attractive highlight is its compact size and its quirky-looking twin-beam LED headlight with an LED DRL strip around the main cluster. Its riding dynamics look simple although the rider sits high up with loads of ground clearance on offer.
      Although no specifications are revealed as of now, the e-scooter is likely to borrow most of its features from its Dutch twin. These could include alloy wheels, digital instrument console, cloud connectivity, removable Lithium-ion battery, a spacious underseat storage and more. If its specs mirror Appscooter, it is likely to offer a class-leading range on a single charge. More