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    350cc Motorcycle Sales May 2021 – Classic, Bullet, Meteor, Electra, CB350

    Image – ArunWhile domestic sales are negative, exports have posted double-digit MoM growth
    A total of 19,711 units were sold in the domestic market in May. MoM sales are down by -58.63%, as compared to 47,650 units sold in April. All motorcycles have negative MoM growth.
    In exports, MoM numbers are up by 40.55%. A total of 3,823 units were exported in May, as compared to 2,720 units in April. With the exception of Meteor 350, all motorcycles have negative MoM growth.
    350cc motorcycle domestic sales – Classic 350 leads
    Royal Enfield Classic 350 maintains its lead in May with sales of 9,239 units. MoM de-growth is at -60.34%, as compared to 23,298 units sold in April. Classic 350 market share is at 46.87%.
    Bullet 350 is next with sales of 4,557 units. MoM sales are down by -54.01%, as compared to 9,908 units sold in April. Market share is at 23.12%. At number three is Meteor 350 with sales of 3,375 units. MoM growth is down by -56.97%, as compared to 7,844 units sold in April. Market share is at 17.12%.
    350cc Motorcycle Segment Sales / Exports May 2021
    Electra is fourth with sales of 2,112 units. MoM de-growth is at -41.83%, as compared to 3,631 units sold in April. Market share is at 10.71%. At number five is Honda H’ness CB350 with max MoM de-growth in percentage terms. It has lost -85.58% of its MoM sales, down from 2,969 units in April to 428 units in May. Market share is at 2.17%.
    CB350’s above average MoM loss could be due to the fact that most of its BigWing dealerships are located in major cities. As several of these top cities were under lockdown and restrictions, sales have been adversely impacted. In comparison, Royal Enfield has a much wider dealer network, not limited to top cities.
    350cc motorcycle exports – Meteor 350 on top
    Meteor 350 leads in exports with a total of 2,887 units sent overseas in May. It has registered a massive 152.58% jump in MoM numbers, as compared to 1,143 units exported in April. Percentage share in exports is at 75.52%. If it was not for Meteor’s positive growth, the overall MoM export numbers for this segment would have been in the red.
    Classic 350 is at second spot with exports of 564 units in May. MoM growth is negative at -22.10%, as compared to 724 units exported in April. Share in exports is at 14.75%. CB350 is third with exports of 372 units. MoM numbers have more than halved, as compared to 840 units exported in April.
    Overall situation in auto industry is expected to improve in the coming months. Covid cases are on the decline, which has prompted authorities to initiate the unlock process. Sales and export numbers for 350cc motorcycle segment are likely to be better in coming months, as human activity and businesses return to normalcy. More

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    Hero Electric Scooter Optima HX Price Reduced To Rs 53,600

    Hero Optima Electric ScooterPrice of select electric scooters and motorcycles in India have come down by a considerable margin – Thanks to changes in a govt policy
    Following recent revisions in the FAME-II scheme by the Government of India, wherein there is a 50 percent added subsidy at Rs 15,000 per kWh on electric bikes and scooters, a number of electric vehicle makers in the country responded with price cuts, passing on the benefits to customers. Ather, TVS, Ampere and Okinawa have announced revised prices and these price cuts, of a maximum Rs 14,500, have closed the gap further as against their petrol powered counterparts.
    The subsidy on the Ather 450 Plus which was at Rs 29,000 now stands at Rs 43,500. It is priced at Rs 1,25,490 in Bengaluru and at Rs 1,13,416 in Delhi. Ather 450X following the subsidy is priced at Rs.1,32,426.
    TVS Motor has also reduced the price of the iQube by Rs 11,250 to a new pricing of Rs 1,00,777. Ampere Magnus is now offered at Rs 65,990 from an earlier pricing of Rs 4,990 and Ampere Zeal prices have been reduced from Rs 68,990 to Rs 59,990 following the amendment.
    Similarly, Okinawa Autotech has reduced prices of three of its models iPraise+, Praise Pro, Ridge+ in the range of Rs 7,209 to Rs 17,892 with effect from June 11. The single battery variant of Hero Optima HX electric scooter which was earlier priced at Rs 61,640 has now been reduced to Rs 53,600 following the amendment
    Hero Electric Scooter
    Hero Electric Cuts Price of Optima HX
    Hero Electric has also slashed prices of the Optima HX electric scooter single battery variant. The earlier price of Rs 61,640 has now been brought down to Rs 53,600. Hero Optima HX e-scooter is offered in two versions of single battery and dual battery.
    Its single battery variant sports a 1,200 watt electric motor with a 51.2V/30 Ah portable battery, offering a range of 82 km per charge and a top speed of 42 km/h. Charging time of the battery is accomplished in 5 hours upto 100 percent. Following the FAME-II update, the dual battery model, is now priced at Rs 58,980 and offers a range of 122 kms on single charge.
    Hero Optima HX Features
    Hero Optima HX is also open for booking via the company website for Rs 2,999. It is presented in color options of Red, Grey, Blue, and White. Its features include LED headlamp and apron mounted turn indicators. It gets step up seating with single piece pillion grab rail, a digital instrument cluster, remote lock and an anti-theft alarm system while it rides on 12 inch alloy wheels.
    The electric scooter sports dual shock absorbers and telescopic forks at the rear and front respectively while braking is via drum brakes. Hero Electric Optima competes with similarly priced scooters from Ampere Electric and Okinawa. More

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    New Yamaha Fascino 125cc Scooter With Hybrid Power – Detailed Video

    New Yamaha Fascino Hybrid Powered ScooterYamaha will reveal prices of the new Fascino Fi Hybrid at the time of its official launch
    While the auto industry was eagerly expecting the launch of a new retro motorcycle from Yamaha, the Japanese bikemaker surprised its fans by unveiling an updated Fascino also. Alongside, the company also laid down its upcoming revamp plan which starts with the launch of the new FZ-X.
    The 2021 Fascino 125 Fi comes with a host of cosmetic and feature updates. As per the new plan laid out, Yamaha models in India will offer Bluetooth connectivity and side stand engine cut-off as standard across its entire lineup. Hence, these two features have been automatic additions to the 125cc scooter’s equipment.
    Features on Offer
    In addition, the new Fascino comes with a full LED lighting setup including headlight, taillight and DRLs. The scooter has been equipped with a new digital instrument cluster which is compatible with Bluetooth connectivity as mentioned above. When connected via Yamaha Motorcycle Connect X App on a smartphone, the console can read a range of information such as call and text alerts.
    The rider can also access multiple information about the vehicle such as Locate my Vehicle, Riding History, Parking Record and Hazard remotely through his/her phone. Take a detailed look at the new scooter in the video below.
    [embedded content]
    Other standard features across the updated Fascino lineup include a multi-function key with seat opener function, a foldable convenience hook, a 21-litre under-seat storage capacity, and a maintenance-free battery apart from the obvious side stand engine cut-off switch. It also gets an optional USB phone charger on the top-end trim.
    New mild-hybrid technology
    However, the most eye-catching highlight is a new mild-hybrid technology attached to the powertrain. This hybrid powertrain in Fascino FI a new Smart Motor Generator (SMG) System. The SMG acts as an electric motor to give a power assist when one accelerates from a stop, thereby, 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 the engine rpm exceeds the prescribed level.
    Additionally, an indicator light on the instrument cluster tells the rider when this power assist function is in play. Benefits of the new mild-hybrid system are that the motor has become 16 percent more fuel efficient while retaining the similar specs.
    New Yamaha Fascino Hybrid Powered Scooter
    The updated Fascino is now offered in as many as nine colour options including three new ones namely- Vivid Red Special, Matt Black Special and Cool Blue Metallic in disc brake variant. Instead of Matte Black, the drum brake variant comes with Yellow Cocktail as an option.
    Mechanical Specs
    Fascino 125 FI continues to be powered by the same 125cc air-cooled, fuel-injected as before. While power output remains constant at 8.2bhp, peak torque output has increased from 9.7 Nm to 10.3 Nm. Rest of the specs in the scooter remain identical to the previous model. Suspension duties are carried out by telescopic forks up front and a mono-shock at rear while braking is carried out by a disc at front and drum at the rear with CBS as standard. More

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    Yamaha FZ-X Launch Price Rs 1.17 L – New 150cc Motorcycle (Walkaround)

    Yamaha FZ-XFZ-X appears to have potential to become another bestseller for Yamaha
    Yamaha India has announced the launch of a new 150cc segment motorcycle today. Called the FZ-X, it is available in two variants. Without Bluetooth feature, price is Rs 1.17 lakh and with Bluetooth feature, price is Rs 1.20 lakh (ex-sh). Based on FZ-FI V3, Yamaha FZ-X could have the first mover advantage in entry-level retro motorcycle segment in the country.
    It can work as an affordable (and possibly easier to handle and maintain) alternative to popular 300-400cc retro-styled motorcycles. Retro enthusiasts with limited budget could choose Yamaha FZ-X over bigger bikes such as Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa, Honda CB350 and Benelli Imperiale 400.
    Yamaha FZ-X design and styling
    Yamaha FZ-X has modern-retro styling and looks familiar to XSR 150 that is available in international markets. Things that immediately grab your attention include box-type fuel tank, fork gaiters, flat seat and rear tyre hugger. FZ-X has been equipped with sleek turn indicators, digital instrument console, alloy wheels and upswept exhaust. It is expected that the motorcycle will be offered in a multitude of monotone and dual-tone colour options.
    With its comfortable riding stance, FZ-X can work well for both city rides and long distance touring. It is expected to get some exclusive features that will ensure optimal ride experience in Indian conditions.
    Yamaha FZ-X
    Yamaha FZ-X engine
    Powering Yamaha FZ-X will be the same 149 cc engine that does duty on FZ. The air-cooled, SOHC motor outputs max power of 12.4 PS at 7,250 rpm and peak torque of 13.3 Nm at 5,500 rpm. It utilizes a 5-speed, constant mesh transmission.
    Yamaha FZ-X
    Other mechanical parts could also be borrowed from FZ, for example, telescopic forks at the front and 7-step adjustable monocross rear suspension. Braking apparatus could be the same as FZ, 282 mm and 220 mm disc at the front and rear, respectively. FZ is equipped with dual-channel ABS, which is also expected for FZ-X.
    FZ-X has better road presence, as the motorcycle is longer, wider and taller in comparison to FZ. Yamaha FZ-X is 2020 mm long, 785 mm wide and 1115 mm tall. That’s a gain of 30mm (length), 5mm (width) and 35mm (height) over FZ. However, wheelbase of both motorcycles is the same at 1330 mm. Take a look at walkaround video below, by Auto Tech.
    [embedded content]
    If Yamaha FZ-X gets good response from the market, it could inspire other manufacturers to launch similar products in 150-200cc retro motorcycle segment. We have already seen rapid growth in entry-level performance biking segment in the country. Something similar can happen in this new segment created by Yamaha FZ-X. More

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    Honda Scooter Modified Into A MotoGP Inspired Race Machine

    2021 GTB Honda RCV ReplicaGTB, Malaysia has done a commendable job in creating a near replica of Honda’s MotoGP machine on a rather subtle RS150R scooter underbone
    Before one starts reading this, we should first get accustomed to Honda’s flagship racing prototype RC213V which has been racing for the Japanese bikemaker in MotoGP since 2012. The litre-class superbike has been specifically developed for race tracks and breathes out a massive 240 horses.
    The Repsol livery slapped onto its body panels is a further testament to its racing credentials. Inspired by this, a custom workshop based in Malaysia has replicated the fully-faired track machine at least on its styling front. In Malaysia, GTB stands for “Geng Tayar Besar” which translates to Big Wheel Gang and is famed for some of the most iconic aftermarket modifications in the recent past.
    Honda Repsol Inspired Graphics
    Honda RS150R is a sporty commuter scooter / moped with an underbone design that has been developed specifically to manoeuver through the bustling traffic of cities. Taking the RS150R as a donor model, the crew from GTB has slapped a replica bodywork and graphics in line with the styling of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) which features the Repsol branding prominently across the panels and fenders of the underbone.
    Apart from the beautiful wraps of the iconic orange/white/red livery and addition of Red Bull branding, styling of the Honda moped gets an edge with new aftermarket winglets inspired by MotoGP machines. Orange wheels bring the replica even closer to the real McCoy. Overall, the custom RS150R looks very sharp and made for tracks.
    Honda MotoGP Scooter Modidied
    Updated Dynamics
    However, the custom job isn’t just restricted to the fancy decals from Repsol and Red Bull. Apparently, GTB crew lead by Rudy Norman, has done a fair share of modifications underneath the moped’s skin as well.
    The most prominent of them being a pair of custom 17-inch alloy wheels shod by superbike-sized tyres. In order to make the sportbike hoops compatible, GTB had to fit the RS150R with a single-sided swingarm sourced from a VFR800.
    There are a plethora of other hardware changes incorporated on the RS150R including a custom build with fully adjustable Ohlins suspension from the Malaysian Cub Prix race machines. It also gets superbike-standard Brembo brakes and race-specific rubber on wheels for better performance on tracks. That being said, no tinkering has been done to the frame underneath the body in order to stay clear of all legal contradictions.
    Honda MotoGP Scooter Modidied
    Price Range of Modification
    Also, no changes have been reported in the engine department as well. It is still powered by a 149cc single-cylinder motor which kicks out a modest 15 horses. It still isn’t too bad for an occasional spin on tracks.
    Norman claims that such aftermarket products will be built on demand depending on what the customer wants and his pocket allows. He further adds that a custom RS150R could set back someone by RM10,000 to RM50,000 (approx. INR 1.8-9.0 lakh).

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    Top 10 Scooters May 2021 – Activa, Access, Jupiter, Ntorq, Fascino

    New Honda Activa 6GAll top ten scooters in May have negative MoM growth
    With the second Covid wave spreading far and wide in May, lockdowns and restrictions were imposed in several parts of the country. Auto sector was among the worst affected, as showrooms were shut and production was adversely impacted. In two wheeler segment, the top ten scooters have posted negative MoM growth of -82.03%. Sales are down from 2,63,480 units in April to 47,345 units in May.
    Activa leads
    Honda Activa was the top selling scooter in May with sales of 17,006 units. MoM growth is down by -84.49%, as compared to 1,09,678 units sold in April. Percentage share in sales is at 35.92%.At number two is Suzuki Access with sales of 9,706 units in May. MoM growth is down by -81.78%, as compared to 53,285 units sold in April. Share in sales is at 20.50%.
    TVS Jupiter is placed at third spot with sales of 6,153 units in May. MoM numbers are down by -60.48%, as compared to 15,570 units sold in April. This is the lowest MoM de-growth in top ten in percentage terms. Jupiter share in sales is at 13.00%.
    At number four is TVS Ntorq with a total of 4,337 units sold in May. MoM sales are down by -78.27%, as compared to 19,959 units sold in April. Share in sales is at 9.16%. Next is Suzuki Burgman with sales of 2,745 units in May. MoM sales are down by -66.34%, as compared to 8,154 units sold in April. Share in sales is at 5.80%.
    Top 10 Scooters May 2021
    Other scooters in top ten include Hero Pleasure (2,208 units), Honda Dio (1,697), TVS Pep+ (1,609), Yamaha RayZR (1,060), and Yamaha Fascino (824). Max MoM loss in percentage terms is that of Dio. Sales are down by -90.17%, from 17,269 units in April to 1,697 units in May.

    Top 10 Scooters
    May-21
    Apr-21
    %

    Honda Activa
    17,006
    1,09,678
    -84.49

    Suzuki Access
    9,706
    53,285
    -81.78

    TVS Jupiter
    6,153
    15,570
    -60.48

    TVS NTORQ
    4,337
    19,959
    -78.27

    Suzuki Burgman
    2,745
    8,154
    -66.34

    Hero Pleasure
    2,208
    18,298
    -87.93

    Honda Dio
    1,697
    17,269
    -90.17

    TVS Pep+
    1,609
    8,143
    -80.24

    Yamaha RayZR
    1,060
    7,512
    -85.89

    Yamaha Fascino
    824
    5,612
    -85.32

    Total
    47,345
    2,63,480
    -82.03

    Auto sales near-term outlook
    The auto sector is expected to bounce back, as the second Covid wave is ebbing away. Covid’s peak and subsequent fall was already predicted based on scientific and statistical models. With vaccinations in top gear, the probability of a third Covid wave has reduced significantly. Even if it strikes, the impact will be limited.
    The only challenge that could remain is negative consumer sentiments. Income source of millions of people has been impacted, which may lead to a reduction in demand in auto sector. It remains to be seen how long it will take for auto sales to return to normal.
    Last year, the recovery was pretty fast. Auto sales including cars and two wheelers had registered strong sales during the festive season. Hopefully, things will turn out the same way this year too. More

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    New TVS XL 100 EMI Offer Launched – At Just Rs 49 Per Day

    New TVS XL 100New finance scheme for XL 100 is applicable only for i-Touch start variants
    For the past couple of months, almost all two-wheeler manufacturers have registered negative MoM growth. Now that markets are opening up and with restrictions being lifted, manufacturers will be looking to kick-start sales. With that in mind, TVS Motor has introduced a new EMI scheme for its top selling moped XL 100.
    TVS XL 100 new EMI scheme details
    Calculated on a per day basis, the new EMI scheme works out at just Rs 49 per day. The EMI will be charged on a monthly basis at Rs 1,470 per month. To reduce the acquisition burden on customers, TVS has other schemes as well for XL 100. For example, XL 100 can be purchased with a low down payment of Rs 7,999. Customers have also been given the flexibility to pay their EMIs in cash.
    Another attractive offer is 6 months EMI holiday. Under this plan, customer won’t have to pay any EMI for the first six months after purchasing XL 100. This scheme will benefit customers whose income may have been impacted due to pandemic and lockdown.
    Exchange bonus offer is also available for customers buying XL 100. These special finance schemes for XL 100 have been launched in collaboration with finance companies such as L&T, TVS Credit, IDFC First Bank and Shriram Finance.
    New TVS XL 100 EMI Offer
    Such schemes, along with discounts and benefits could be an apt solution to remedy negative consumer sentiments. As reported in a recent RBI report, consumer confidence index has fallen to its lowest level since 2012. This is likely to create a shortfall in demand. Economic recovery may also be impacted as a result. Like TVS, other players in auto sector may also launch similar schemes to attract customers.
    TVS XL 100 specs
    Despite its seemingly small proportions, TVS XL 100 is known for its superior load carrying capacity. It’s one of the reasons that make it popular in semi-urban and rural areas. With only the rider, XL 100 can deliver exceptional pick-up. The moped is also popular for its low maintenance cost.
    A total of five models are on offer – Comfort, Heavy Duty, Win Edition and i-Touch Start variants of Comfort and Heavy Duty. i-Touch start variants are equipped with Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), which ensures smooth, silent starts every time.
    TVS XL100 comes with a 99.7 cc, 4-stroke, single cylinder engine that is capable of generating 4.4 ps of max power at 6,000 rpm and 6.5 Nm of peak torque at 3500 rpm. It utilizes a gearless primary drive, which eliminates the hassle of changing gears. More

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    Suzuki 300cc Cruiser Leaks Via Patent Sketches – Royal Enfield Rival?

    Suzuki 300cc Cruiser (HAOJUE 300)If and when launched in India, Suzuki’s version of TR300 will rival the likes of Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Jawa Perak and Honda CB350
    Entry-level retro-styled motorcycles never go out of flavour. This segment of 300-400cc of classic bikes is currently dominated by Royal Enfield in India. However, many new manufacturers have dived into this space and found reasonable success, for example, Honda and Jawa. It appears Suzuki too is planning to venture into this space.
    Haojoe, Suzuki’s Chinese partner, has been developing a new entry-level cruiser motorcycle named TR300. Design patents of the 300cc bike have been leaked online which reveal a cruiser with a traditional retro design. The 300cc cruiser space in China is currently occupied by Qingqi KR GV300, Benda Jinjila 300 and Honda CM300.
    Traditional Cruiser Design
    Starting with its design, TR300 sports a low-slung profile of a conventional cruiser. Upfront, it features an oblong-shaped headlamp cluster with chrome bezels and flanked by a small LED turn indicator on each side and is accompanied by a small windscreen on top.
    Behind the tiny flyscreen, an instrument display is placed which is likely to be an LCD unit. The most attractive highlights, however, are a teardrop-shaped fuel tank and chunky front and rear fenders which resemble Kawasaki Vulcan S to a certain extent.
    Suzuki 300cc Cruiser (HAOJUE 300)
    A stubby black exhaust setup and dual-spoke alloy wheels lend a hint of modernity to the cruiser. Other notable styling highlights include an upright handlebar and split-style seats with a low-set rider seating position.
    More importantly, it is underpinned by the same platform as the one underpinning Suzuki’s naked streetfighter GSX S300. This also means that TR300 also shares the same powertrain as GSX S300 and its very own sibling Haojue DR300.
    Mechanical Specs
    TR300 will be powered by a 298cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that delivers an output of 28.8 bhp of power and 27.8 Nm of peak torque. This motor could be paired with a six-speed gearbox. The patent images also reveal its hardware configurations which feature a rather simple setup of telescopic forks at front and dual shock absorbers at rear.
    Suzuki 300cc Cruiser (HAOJUE 300)
    The bike will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels shod by chunky tyres while anchorage will be handled by single disc brakes at both ends. A dual-channel ABS should also be offered as standard to assist the braking setup.
    It is safe to say that Haojue TR300 flaunts some very basic and rudimentary components. However, this could likely translate to a very affordable price tag which is the need for any entry-level vehicle in the Chinese market. Therefore, a rebadged TR300, carrying a Suzuki logo, makes perfect sense for the budget-centric and cruiser-friendly Indian market. More