Bike

Zongshen Cyclone RX6Zongshen Cyclone RX6 will be available in two derivatives- a touring friendly variant and an off-road biased model
Global automotive collaborations have led to the advent of some of the finest products in the past. Mutual sharing of resources, knowledge and technology has mostly been beneficial for the auto world. This has become more prevalent in recent times. The most recent example being Zongshen Cyclone RX6.
The adventure tourer made its debut in its final production form in the recently concluded 2021 Shanghai Motor Show. The biggest highlight though is a Norton-derived 650cc parallel-twin engine which powers Cyclone RX6. Back in 2017, the iconic British brand inked a deal with its Chinese counterpart of sharing the 650cc twin between each other.
Powertrain Specs
Getting into details, the bike is propelled by a 650cc, DOHC, twin-cam, four-valve parallel-twin which returns an output of 70 bhp and 62 Nm of peak torque. This puts it in the same region as Kawasaki Versys 650, Yamaha Tracer 700 and Suzuki V-Strom 650. However, it still generates 14 horses less than Norton’s own Atlas Ranger and Atlas Nomad Scramblers. The twin-can parallel-twin motor is itself derived from a 12,000cc V4 which propels Norton’s V4 RR superbike.
Design & Features
Coming to its design, RX6 looks like a typical adventure bike with a lanky physique of a tourer. It gets signature styling elements of contemporary ADV models such as a large front fairing,a beefy 21-litre fuel tank and a windscreen. The seats are flat and there is also provision for mounting one’s luggage and also receives a side-slung exhaust and option saddlebags for touring purposes.
Zongshen Cyclone RX6
It comes with plenty of creature comforts such as a color TFT dashboard, electronically adjustable windscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, full LED lighting with a twin-pod LED headlight and keyless ignition along with a bunch of electronic aids.
Mechanical Setup
Hardware configuration of the ADV comprises a suspension setup that features upside-down forks from Kayaba and an asymmetrically mounted mono-shock at rear. Cyclone RX6 will be made available in two trims. First, a touring variant that features a touring-oriented suspension and 17-inch cast alloy rims shod by Pirelli tyres.
The other being an off-road biased model which comes with extra suspension travel and wire-spoke wheels. Braking duties are handled by Nissin-sourced petal-type twin rotors at front and a single disc at the back. Safety net is provided by a dual-channel ABS. It tips the weighing scales at 245kg.
Zongshen Cyclone RX6
Prices for Cyclone RX6 will be revealed in the coming days as it goes on sale in China. It is expected to arrive in European markets at a later stage as a Norton branded model, however, an India launch looks very unlikely. It is to be pointed out that Norton Motorcycles is now is a fully-owned subsidiary of TVS Motor Company. More

Joy E-Bikes Electric Motorcycles. File photo.Joy E-Bike growth and expansion plans saw the manufacturer report sales of 493 units in April 2021
Joy E-Bike Manufacturer Wardwizard Innovations and Mobility reports sales growth for April 2021 at 493 units. To get to this point, the company was able to increase its number of dealerships. The company is also listed on BSE under the electric vehicle category.
E-bike sales has been reported at units in April 2021. Gennext electric scooter accounted for 80 percent of total monthly sales at 392 of 493. Wolf electric motorcycle accounted for 15 percent of total sales at 76 of 493 units. 220 dealerships were onboarded in February 2021. Manufacturing got underway in January 2021 at the OEM plant in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Dealer network
Current dealership count of 220 is distributed pan India. This includes Maharashtra (19), Gujarat (17), Orissa (4), West Bengal (7), Madhya Pradesh (13) and Chhattisgarh (4).
Sheetal Bhalerao, CEO, Wardwizard Group said, “It is indeed heartening to see the overwhelming response to Joy E-bike and sales shoot up so high in three months since our OEM plant began to operate in Vadodara. With restraints on public transport and the heightened environmental consciousness of the millennial generation, e-bikes are the perfect solution for mobility.”
Source – Joy E-Bike/ Facebook
Electric two-wheeler sales in 2020
Joy E-Bike is enthused about catering to this specific customer segment, and is eager to meet demand. In the present situation, India continues to battle daily highs of Covid-19 infection staying just below the 4 lakh daily reported infection mark. The times are distressing.
However, despite the circumstances that got us to this state of absolute mismanagement, FY21 didn’t completely disappoint two-wheeler manufacturers. With ample focus on the need to stay safe, more and more people have considered avenues of safer daily commute options. And this has meant, two-wheelers have gotten a lot more attention in the past fiscal.
Add to this, the need for jobs has meant more and more people have needed a two-wheeler so they can be employed as delivery personnel, and runners. And while, major e-commerce companies are committed to a cleaner and greener future, currently electric two-wheelers are not a big part of delivery fleets.
Source – Joy E-Bike/ Facebook
As such, currently, the majority of electric two-wheeler sales are thought to be for personal use. And through this difficult year of pandemic, not just traditional two-wheeler sales but also electric two-wheeler sales in India has increased.
This is not difficult to understand considering availability of reliable public transport has been hampered through a varying range of lockdowns. 27k electric two-wheelers were registered in India in 2020. Sales movement is expected in 2021 too. Joy e-bike offers a range of EVs, including 4 high-speed offerings, and two low-speed models. More

Benda LFC 700Benda LFC700 has been designed as a futuristic mid-displacement power cruiser and is based on the LF-01 Concept unveiled last year
Chinese automakers are infamous for ripping off designs from international models and using them for their own local versions. However, Benda Motorcycles quashed this theory when it officially unveiled LFC700 recently and is expected to go on sale from July 1 this year in China.
The cruiser takes heavy inspiration, in terms of design, from its pre-production concept version showcased at the Chongqing Motor Show in China in September last year. The brand must be credited for adopting a thoroughly fresh design instead of ripping apart a BMW or Harley Davidson even though the overall styling feels a bit polarising.
Overall Styling
The motorcycle looks sharp and beefy while sleek and sophisticated aluminium body panels make it look futuristic. This is contrasting to contemporary mid-capacity displacement cruisers which usually adopt a retro-styling for a cruiser in this space.
In this case, the motorcycle flaunts styling elements such as a round LED headlamp, metallic fork covers and brawny tank shrouds. The most notable highlight, however, is the fighter jet-inspired headlight that gets small gaps serving as air intake vents.
Benda LFC 700
The single-piece seat follows the motorcycle’s fluid design language and is extremely accessible at a height of 695mm. Further complemented by a low scoop stance, forward-set footpegs and a drag handlebar, the motorcycle would ensure a comfortable riding posture. However, the production-spec version could feature footboards, instead of the small pegs. The fat tyres, especially the 310mm cross-section at rear further add a hint of a bobber to its appeal.
Features on offer
The concept bike revealed earlier last year presented features such as a full-colour TFT display, a slipper assist clutch, cruise control, ride-by-wire throttle, ABS as well as hill start assist. However, the production version misses out on a couple of techs including ride-by-wire throttle and cruise control. In spite of this, LFC700 is one of the better-equipped machines in its segment.
Engine, Hardware Specs
Coming to performance, LFC700 is powered by a 680cc inline-four liquid-cooled engine that is capable of churning out 96.55 bhp at 12000rpm. This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch while top speed has been capped at 180 kmph. Speaking of its dynamics, the motorcycle is underpinned by a twin-spar frame with an all-aluminium body which constricts the weight of the motorcycle to 215 kilos.
Benda LFC 700
Hardware comprises a fully adjustable suspension setup featuring USD forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. It rides on 19-inch and 18-inch front and rear alloy wheels respectively. Braking duties are taken care of by disc brakes at both ends which are assisted by Bosch dual-channel ABS.
Although prices are not yet revealed, its initial launch price is expected to be pegged between CNY 40,000 and CNY 50,000 (equivalent to INR 4.58 lakh-5.75 lakh). It is hardly expected to arrive at Indian shores since the company Benda Motorcycles has no base in India in the first place. More

Ola Electric Scooter
Ola electric scooter will be launched in key international markets in FY22 following its Indian debut
The impending launch of Ola scooter has garnered much attention. While the Indian electric vehicle market continues to grow, volumes hardly make a dent. What’s needed is the right push button to make electric scooters a popular choice. And for now, that’s majorly missing.
With Ola e-scooter mega factory project bringing spearheading a larger than life development, this could very bring a much needed growth impetus for electric scooters. Already product ready, Ola is currently working round the clock to bring up its production facility.
Ola electric scooter launch
While it may all seem a distant, Ola pretty much only needs a few weeks to bring its product to the market. Tentatively in July 2021. And that’s only a start. The company has a multi prong growth plan wherein international business is important. And this too will be executed in the current fiscal.
In fact, opportunities are endless. And the giant 2.4k crore Tamil Nadu plant is just one chapter in this saga. The company is keen to take its Ola scooter product range to key markets in India within a short period of beginning sales in India.
Ola Electric Scooter India Plant – 3D Render
Work on the Hypercharger Network is ongoing. This in itself will be scaled up to be a force to reckon with. Plans are afoot to a lakh charging points over 400 cities. This offers insight to Ola’s plans of expansion in India. While most manufacturer’s selling electric two-wheelers in India have chosen to go from city to city as part of expansion, Ola has already set its sight over a larger territory.
Hypercharger Network potential
Another major difference from other electric two-wheeler manufacturers is its immediate focus on international markets. Traditional manufacturers are making space within existing plants to manufacture electric scooters.
Newer manufacturers are building smaller plants. But Ola has spearheaded its idea with guns blazing. And with little or no competition in this space, Ola could very well lead as soon as it commences ops.
Even the Hypercharger Network proffers possibilities. It will be expanded to cater to electric cars. And with that, the company offers just the slightest hint regarding its advent into production of electric four-wheelers in the years to come. One can start counting down the days to Q2 FY22, which will herald Ola’s electric scooter debut. More

Image – MRD VlogsWhile Hero leads in domestic sales, Bajaj tops export markets in April
Adverse impact of Covid second wave is clearly evident on two wheeler domestic sales in April, which are down by -33.95% (MoM). A total of 9,53,338 units were sold in April 2021, as compared to 14,43,320 units in March 2021. All two wheeler manufacturers except Suzuki have negative MoM growth in April. The adverse situation could continue in the coming months since there’s a lot of uncertainly from rising Covid cases and lockdowns.
Two wheeler domestic sales April 2021
Even though its MoM sales are down by -37.06%, Hero continues to be the top selling brand. The company sold a total of 3,42,614 units in April, as compared to 5,44,340 units in March. Market share is at 23.74% in April.
Honda is next with sales of 2,40,100 units in April. MoM growth is down by -39.22%, as compared to 3,95,037 units sold in March. Honda commanded a market share of 16.64% in April. At number three is TVS with sales of 1,31,386 units in April. MoM de-growth is at -35.01%, as compared to 2,02,155 units sold in March. TVS market share is at 9.10% in April.
At number four is Bajaj with sales of 1,26,570 units in April. MoM growth has come down by -30.22%, as compared to 1,81,393 units sold in March. Market share is at 8.77%. Suzuki is placed at fifth place with sales of 63,879 units in April. MoM sales are positive at 6.07%, as compared to 60,222 units sold in March. Suzuki market share is at 4.43% in April.
Two Wheeler Sales and Exports – April 2021
Royal Enfield is next with sales of 48,789 units in April. MoM sales are down by -18.92%, as compared to 60,173 units sold in March. Royal Enfield market share in April is at 3.38%.
Two wheeler exports April 2021
Bajaj’s strategy to focus aggressively on both domestic and international markets appears to be paying rich dividends in these challenging times. While the company’s domestic sales are down, it is utilizing opportunities available in international markets. As a result, Bajaj exports have zoomed close to 50% in April. A total of 2,21,603 units were exported in April, as compared to 1,48,740 units in March. Percentage share in exports is a whopping 69.63%.
TVS is another home-bred two wheeler manufacturer that has strong focus on exports. However, export growth in April is negative at -9.95%. A total of 94,807 units were exported in April, as compared to 1,05,282 units in March. Percentage share in exports is 29.79%.
At number three is Honda, with a staggering 168.41% rise in MoM export growth. A total of 42,945 units were exported in April, as compared to 16,000 units in March. Share in exports is at 13.49%. Other two wheeler brands in the list include Hero (29,671 units), Suzuki (13,970), and Royal Enfield (4,509). Of these, only Suzuki has positive MoM growth. More