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    Hero Glamour Xtec Details Leak Before Launch – New Colours, Digital Speedo

    Hero Glamour XTECHero Glamour competes against other 125cc motorcycles such as Honda SP 125, Shine and Bajaj Pulsar 125
    In December last year, Hero MotoCorp filed a trademark for the name ‘XTEC’ which was earlier suspected to be the company’s first electric motorcycle. However, as per the latest development, it is revealed that the moniker will be used by Hero in a whole different way.
    The Xtech branding will be used as a suffix to a new range of Glamour which gets cosmetic and feature enhancements over the current model. In all probability, this will serve as the new top-spec trim of Glamour and will sit on top of the regular trims. There are unlikely to be any changes to the specifications of the motorcycle.
    Hero Glamour XTEC
    Cosmetic Updates
    In terms of design, there are hardly any updates over the current model barring the subtle aesthetic variations. The bike gets three new colour options, all of which adopt a dark theme which are finished in matte colours.
    These include Tecno Black, Grey Blue and Grey Red. The Techno Black option gets a white stripe across the panels and wheel rims while Grey Blue and Grey Red options get blue and red stripes respectively running across the grey panels of the bike along with similar shades on rims.
    Hero Glamour XTEC
    Feature Upgrades
    In terms of features, Glamour Xtec gets a new LED headlight and a fully digital instrument console compatible with Bluetooth connectivity. The console reads out data from the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, gear position indicator, service due indicator and RTMI.
    Hero Glamour XTEC
    Like all Hero bikes, Glamour is also offered with i3s technology which is Hero’s version of start/stop feature which allows the two-wheeler to kill off the engine when idle for a long time. In the same way, it also facilitates the start of an engine by opening throttle and pulling the clutch lever, thus saving a precious amount of fuel. Like the regular Glamour, Xtec should also come with Auto Sail Technology, which is essentially a crawl assist.
    Mechanical Specs
    The Xtech name is related to a new technology equipped with the engine, although details at the moment are very sparse. It will, however, use the same 124.7cc fuel-injected powertrain that is likely to return an output of 10.72 bhp and a peak torque of 10.6 Nm. in the BS6 iteration, it gets a new 5-speed gearbox instead of an older 4-speed unit. The motorcycle weighs 122kg and has a fuel tank capacity of 10 liters.
    Hero Glamour XTEC
    Coming to its hardware setup, the bike is underpinned by a diamond-type frame which is suspended on telescopic forks at front and hydraulic shock absorbers at rear. Braking is handled by 130mm drum brakes on both 18-inch alloy wheels while a 240mm disc brake is available as an option. Safety net is provided by Hero’s Integrated Braking System which is essentially a CBS.
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    Ather 450X Electric Scooter Price Down By Rs 14.5k – New Price List

    Image for reference. Credit – iGuru CrazySubsidy on electric two-wheelers has been increased by 50 percent under the FAME II scheme – up to 40 percent of total vehicle cost
    Over the last one and a half year, there has been appreciable growth in the electric vehicle (EV) segment, especially for two-wheelers. With new manufacturers making an entry into India’s automotive market, the EV space has shown tremendous promise for the future.
    The government of India is also doing its part to boost sales of EVs and reduce vehicular emissions by introducing FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India) scheme. This was done in order to extend support to the correct models amidst a gradual rise in the number of two-wheelers in the EV space.
    Revised FAME II subsidy
    When introduced in 2019 by the Ministry of Heavy Industry (MHI), this policy offered benefits to models which fulfilled eligibility criteria such as a minimum range of 80km and a minimum top speed of 40kph. This scheme offered benefits of a subsidy which amounted to Rs 10,000 per kWh. Now, the government has announced an increase in subsidy by 50 percent which now amounts to Rs 15,000 per kWh for all electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, except buses.
    Further, MHI has now capped the incentives for electric two-wheelers at 40 percent of the cost of vehicles from the older cap of 20 percent. As of now, the revised policy will be applicable to electric two-wheelers.
    Bajaj Chetak
    Any further changes to the scheme will be released in the coming few days. Considering the central government’s intention to make India an electric vehicle nation by 2030 by helping the adoption of EVs, the latest revisions could also be extended to the passenger vehicle segment.
    Ather 450X, 450 Plus price decrease
    The increase in subsidy was immediately reflected in the prices of electric scooters. Ather Energy was the first to act upon the initiative as it slashed prices of its premiere offering 450X by Rs 14,500 as a result of this amendment. For Bangalore, Ather 450X now costs Rs 1.44 lakh and Ather Plus now costs Rs 1.25 lakhs. All prices are ex-sh.
    Terming this as a phenomenal move, Tarun Mehta, CEO and co-founder of Ather Energy, added, “Sales of electric two-wheelers have grown despite the pandemic and with this additional subsidy, we expect electric two-wheeler sales to disrupt the market, and clock over 6 million units by 2025.”
    MHI has also notified that it plans to go for aggregation via the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) in order to bring the cost of electric 3-wheelers at par with IC engine 3-wheelers. EESL is said to classify demand for 3 lakh electric 3-wheelers into multiple user segments. As of now, 76,008 vehicles have been sold under the FAME II scheme. More

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    Yamaha R15 V3 Aftermarket Modification Aero Kit Launched By Autologue Design

    2021 Yamaha R15 V3 Aero Kit by Autologue DesignAutologue Design is offering a new Aerodynamic kit specifically made for Yamaha YZF R15 V3.0
    Aftermarket fitments are usually added to spruce up the look of a vehicle. However, in some cases, they also add to the vehicle’s functionality and maybe even performance. A case in point is a new bunch of accessories offered in an aero kit by Pune-based aftermarket workshop Autologue Design.
    Contents of Aero Kit
    As suggested by the name, the aero kit offers aftermarket fitments to enhance the aerodynamic feel of the entry-level superbike. The kit is claimed to accentuate the motorcycle’s performance on the track. Interested buyers can contact the workshop and book the aero kit at a token amount of Rs 2,000.
    2021 Yamaha R15 V3 Aero Kit by Autologue Design
    Deliveries of the kits are expected to commence in three-four weeks. The kit comprises a bolt-on tank cover along with GP-styled winglets. Other attachments include an aerodynamic fuel tank worth Rs 4,500 and aero winglets worth Rs 2,250. However, on pre-ordering one can avail both these accessories at Rs. 3,600 and Rs. 1,800 respectively. The accessories also spruce up the bike’s look considerably by adding on to the dark theme.
    Yamaha R15 specs, features & prices
    YZF R15 is powered by a 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled fuel-injector motor that returns a class-leading output of 18.37 bhp and a peak torque of 14.1 Nm. This unit is linked with a 6-speed gearbox and returns a claimed fuel economy of 43 kmpl.
    2021 Yamaha R15 V3 Aero Kit by Autologue Design
    Coming to its hardware, YZF R15 gets upside-down front forks in international markets. However, the India-spec model gets conventional telescopic forks at front in order to keep the costs in check.
    2021 Yamaha R15 V3 Aero Kit by Autologue Design
    Anchorage is taken care of by disc brakes at both ends and is now equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard equipment. In terms of features, all-LED lamps and a fully digital instrument cluster that display a host of drive-related information. Other features include a side-stand engine cut-off switch, dual-tone horns and a radial tyre at rear as standard fitments. It gets an 11-liter fuel tank and tips weighing scales at 142kg.
    The fully-faired sports bike can be availed in four paint schemes including Racing Blue, Thunder Grey, Darknight, and Metallic Red. Prices start at Rs 1,50,600 and go up to Rs 1,52,700 (both prices ex-showroom) depending on the colour scheme one chooses.
    2021 Yamaha R15 V3 Aero Kit by Autologue Design
    Yamaha 155cc Lineup
    Yamaha has expanded the 155cc VVA motor lineup internationally with the naked sibling of R15 named MT-15 and a host of scooter offerings which include NMax, Aerox and Sniper. The Japanese bikemaker is soon going to launch a new retro-style motorcycle based on the FZ Fi named FZ-X in India. More

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    2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R Debuts With New Colour Options

    2021 Kawasaki ZX25RKawasaki Ninja ZX-25R is by far the most powerful quarter-litre superbike in the global market
    Kawasaki has launched the latest 2021 iteration of Ninja ZX-25R with an updated colour palette in Indonesia. The baby Ninja made its global debut in July last year and has richly earned applauds from all quarters. The fully-faired motorcycle is exclusively made in Indonesia and is currently retailed in a few select international markets.
    New Colour Options
    The 250cc lightweight supersport motorcycle has been termed as an efficient track machine as well as a good daily commuter. It is retailed in two trims-Standard and Special Edition. For 2021, the Japanese superbike manufacturer has introduced new paint schemes. The Standard version is available only in Metallic Spark Black finish.
    On the other hand, the top-spec model of ZX-25R Special Edition is offered in three colour options including Lime green/Pearl blizzard white, metallic graphene steel gray, and probably the most attractive of them all Passion red/pearl blizzard white.
    Other than the updated colour palette there has been no changes made to this mini sports bike. The motorcycle retains its overall design in its latest iteration. In fact, its design is somewhat similar to the standard Ninja 400.
    2021 Kawasaki ZX25R
    Prices for the 2021 iteration of ZX-25R starts at IDR 98,850,000 (approx. INR 5.10 lakh) for the standard non-ABS trim and IDR 116,000,000 (approx. INR 6 lakh) for the Special Edition variant which comes with ABS. While there are a host of entry-level quarter-litre superbikes in the market, it holds a unique distinction of packing an inline-4 cylinder liquid-cooled 250cc engine underneath.
    ZX-25R Specs & Features
    The 250cc motor delivers a mind-boggling 51 bhp at 15,500rpm and a peak torque of 22.9 Nm at 14,500 rpm. This unit is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch for smooth and precise gearshifts.
    Speaking of its hardware, its suspension setup comprises 37mm USD forks from Showa with Separate Function Fork-Big Piston at front whereas a backlink gas-charged shock absorber with spring preload adjustability is placed at rear.
    Braking is taken care of by a 310 mm radially mounted single disc brake with four pistons at the front and a 220 mm single rotor with a single calliper at the rear wheel. A dual-channel ABS handles safety but only in the top trim. Ninja ZX-25R has a very accessible saddle height of 785mm. At a kerb weight of 182kg, it is interestingly heavier than Ninja 300 and Ninja 400. Some of the features on offer include traction control, a bi-directional quick-shifter, electronic throttle valves and power modes. More

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    2021 Honda Gold Wing BS6 Launch Soon – Packs In A Range Of Updates

    2021 Honda GoldwingIn its BS4 format, Honda Gold Wing retailed at a price of Rs 29 lakh
    Already available in international markets, 2021 Honda Gold Wing will soon be launched in India. It is one of the popular touring motorcycles in North America, Australia, Western Europe and its home market Japan. The motorcycle has a long history, having debuted as GL1000 way back in 1975. Over the years, continuous improvements have made Gold Wing one of the most hi-tech motorcycles currently in production.
    2021 Honda Gold Wing – What’s new
    One of the key updates in 2021 Honda Gold Wing is support for Android Auto. Earlier it was offered only with Apple CarPlay. Just for records, Honda Gold Wing was the first commercially produced motorcycle to start using a tech platform designed for cars. It goes on to show the level of advancement the motorcycle has been equipped with.
    2021 Gold Wings along with the ones produced from 2018 onwards have support for Android Auto. When connected to the user’s smartphone, tools like Google Maps, Waze, and Google Assistant can be accessed. Users have access to weather updates, music streaming services, playlists and telephone numbers. When used with a compatible Bluetooth headset, users can take calls on the go.
    Visually, 2021 Gold Wings get some new colour options and styling updates. For example, the motorcycle now comes with solid red tail lights. Graphics are also part of the update on some models.
    2021 Honda Goldwing
    2021 Gold Wing is available in five trims, the base standard model, Gold Wing automatic DCT, Gold Wing Tour, Gold Wing Tour automatic DCT and Gold Wing Tour Airbag Automatic DCT. Colour options vary based on the trim and include Deep Pearl Gray, Metallic Black, and Candy Ardent Red.
    2021 Honda Goldwing
    Other updates include more comfortable seats on the Tour models. The trunk is now bigger and offers 11 litres of additional storage. The sound system has been updated with a 55-watt capacity unit.
    2021 Honda Gold Wing powertrain
    Gold Wing comes with an 1833cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. The motor is capable of generating max power of 125 hp at 5,500 rpm and max torque of 170 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Depending on the variant, the transmission is 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic DCT. The overdrive seventh gear in automatic version is especially designed for highway cruising. DCT variants come with reverse and walking mode.
    Honda Gold Wings offer four ride modes of Tour, Sport, Rain, and Econ. As compared to earlier generations, 2021 Gold Wing has 22% higher fuel efficiency. This has been made possible with the motorcycle’s lighter weight and improvements in engine and intake system. As per EPA standards, 2021 Honda Gold Wing has fuel efficiency of 42 miles per gallon. More

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    Piaggio One Electric Scooter Specs Revealed – Up To 100 Kms Range

    Piaggio Electric Scooter
    Retail sales of Piaggio One electric scooter are scheduled to commence in Europe in the coming weeks
    Piaggio One will be offered in three trims – One, One+ and One Active. The difference between these trims is primarily in their range and top speed. It is to note that this is the second electric scooter from Piaggio Group. The first was all-electric Vespa Elettrica, which was unveiled at 2020 Auto Expo.
    Piaggio One styling and features
    Targeted primarily at the younger audience, Piaggio One comes in a trendy package. It gets a range of monotone and dual-tone colour options. Although it borrows several styling bits from Vespa, Aprilia and Piaggio scooters, it still gets a unique identity. Some key features include sleek vertically positioned dual headlamps, single piece seat, sporty side panels and edgy tail lamp.
    Piaggio One is designed to ensure comfortable journeys for both the rider and pillion. The scooter has a spacious footwell and offers plenty of storage space in the underseat compartment.
    Piaggio One trims and specs
    Base model Piaggio One will be equipped with a 1.8kWh battery pack that will send power to a 1.2kW motor. Range is 55 km and top speed is 45 kmph. Mid-spec One+ model uses a larger 2.3kWh battery pack. However, the motor is the same as the base model. Top speed of One+ is 55 kmph whereas range available is up to 100 km.
    Piaggio Electric Scooter
    Top-spec Piaggio One Active utilizes the same battery as One+, but gets a more powerful 2kW motor. It has top speed of 60 kmph and can travel 85 km on a full charge.
    Piaggio One scooters have been equipped with removable batteries. This makes it easier for users to charge them in the comfort of their homes. The battery can be charged from 0 to 100 percent in around six hours. Any standard power outlet can be used to charge the scooter. Other key features include all-LED lights, fully digital instrument cluster and USB charging.
    Piaggio One electric scooter utilizes a single-sided trailing-link front suspension. Rear unit comprises double-sided swingarm attached to twin shock absorbers. The scooter has disc brakes at both ends.
    Piaggio Electric Scooter
    Piaggio One India launch
    It is unlikely that Piaggio One will be launched in India at this point of time. Piaggio does have plans to launch electric scooters in India. However, that would most likely be electric versions of either Vespa or Aprilia. Piaggio electric scooter for India will be a lifestyle product that will go up against the likes of Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube and Ather 450X. More

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    Two Wheeler Retail Sales May 2021 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, RE, Suzuki, Yamaha, Jawa, BMW

    Image for reference.Every two wheeler OEM reported lower retails and dip in market share in May 21 when compared to that in the previous month
    Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) has released vehicle retail figures for May 21. It may be seen from the attached table that every segment has noted a de-growth following nationwide lockdown being announced. The past month saw three wheeler sales dip 76 percent while tractor sales fell 57 percent. Passenger vehicle registrations declined by 59 percent while CV registrations saw a 66 percent de-growth MoM.
    Urban and rural markets have both been hit by the ongoing pandemic that entered its second phase and peaked in May 21 resulting in an even further negative impact on buyers. However, FADA is optimistic that retails should bounce back in June 21 as has been evident in the first 10 days of this month.
    MoM Two Wheeler Registrations
    When assessing two wheeler registrations on a month-on-month basis, it can be seen that it was a significant de-growth. Retail figures of two wheelers that stood at 8,6134 units in April 21, dipped to 4,10,757 units in the past month. Every two wheeler OEM has reported de-growth not only in terms of retail sales but has also seen market share diminish by a significant extent.
    Hero MotoCorp was once again at No. 1 in terms of retail sales with 1,92,968 units sold last month, down from 2,99,576 units sold in April 21. Market share dipped from 34.63 percent held in April 21 to 46.98 percent in the past month.
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales May 2021
    Hero MotoCorp had halted manufacturing facilities on April 22 and while its 3 plants located in Gurugram, Haridwar and Dharuhera resumed single-shift operations on May 17, the three located in Neemrana, Halol and Chittoor only commenced partial operations on May 24.
    Hero MotoCorp was followed by Honda at No.2, with retail sales of 78,343 units in May 21 and a markets share of 19.07 percent. These figures had stood at 2,17,832 units and 25.18 percent respectively in April 21. The four models in the company lineup that added good numbers to retail sales were the Activa and Dio in the scooter segment and the CB Shine, Hornet and CB350 in the motorcycle segment.
    TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto
    Retail sales of TVS Motor stood at 57,652 units in May 21 and market share was at 14.4 percent. This was against 1,28,365 units sold in April 21 when market share was at 14.84 percent. TVS Motor with lower retail sales in India is concentrating on global markets. The company opened a new 3S retail outlet in Baghdad from where models such as the StaR HLX 150 commuter motorcycle and three-wheeler TVS King Deluxe Plus are sold.
    Bajaj Auto also posted de-growth in May 21 in terms of retail sales which dipped to 45,550 units, down from 98,041 units sold in April 21. The safeguard the interests of its customers during this pandemic situation, Bajaj Auto announced extension of free service and warranty period expiring between April 1, 2021 and May 31, 2021. This has now been extended up till July 31, 2021.
    RE, Suzuki Yamaha
    Retail sales and market share dipped for Royal Enfield, Suzuki and Yamaha. RE sales dipped to 14,942 units in May 21 from 42,120 units retailed in April 21 while Suzuki and Yamaha sales stood at 9,469 units and 9,182 units respectively, down from 33,699 units and 4,817 units retailed in April 21.
    In the months ahead, one can expect the highest number of new launches from Royal Enfield with patents being filed for several new motorcycle names that include Shotgun, Hunter, Sherpa, Roadster, and Scram.
    Failing to cross the 1000 unit mark in retail sales were Piaggio(667 units), Classic Legends(643 units) and BMW India (144 units), while in the sub 100 range units were Kawasaki (55 units), Triumph Motorcycles (23 units) and Ducati with just 1 unit retailed last month. More

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    Royal Enfield 650 Scrambler Is Trail Ready – Modified From INT 650

    Royal Enfield INT 650 customized as a scrambler
    Customized Interceptor 650 has the looks and aptitude for some exhilarating off-road fun
    In addition to domestic market, Royal Enfield 650 twins have emerged as popular options in several global locations as well. The twins are also preferred for customization projects. Glimpses of the latest mod job with Interceptor 650 come from far far away Argentina. This time the bike gets transformed into a rugged looking scrambler. This project has been executed to perfection by leading custom motorcycle builders STG Tracker.
    Interceptor 650 scrambler design and features
    Overall styling of this custom Interceptor 650 scrambler looks familiar to that of Triumph scramblers. To ensure that the essence of Royal Enfield is not lost, the bike modifiers have retained key components such as the round headlight, fuel tank and frame. And of course the engine has been left untouched as well.
    The list of changes is pretty long and includes block patterned knobby tyres. These will ensure that much needed traction on dirt roads and slush. At the front, the stock fender has been removed and replaced with a custom raised fender in metallic shade. Vital parts have been given enhanced protection, for example, the headlight that gets a metallic mesh grille.
    Similarly, a large bash plate has been installed at the bottom to protect the engine. The bash plate has perforated design theme with small holes that compliments the bike’s rugged character.
    Royal Enfield INT 650 customized as a scrambler
    Another notable change is the custom side mounted exhaust system. This is wrapped in a metallic heat shield that has the same styling as the bash plate. At first glance, these are the features that immediately grab your attention.
    In other changes, the customized Interceptor 650 gets custom tail light and minimalistic tail section. The custom seat also looks classy in its tan leather finish. As compared to the stock version, this custom bike looks taller. This is likely due to the raised suspension as well as knobby tires.
    No engine tweaks
    The stock engine has been left untouched in this customization project. The 648cc, parallel twin, single overhead cam, air/oil-cooled unit is capable of generating 47 bhp of max power at 7150 rpm and 52 Nm of max torque at 5250 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh transmission.
    Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 utilizes a tubular steel frame with bolted trussing. Suspension system comprises standard front forks and twin coil-over rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 320 mm disc at the front and 240 mm disc at the rear. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. More