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      Bobber Styled Electric Motorcycle Made At A Cycle Repair Shop In Kerala

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      Custom Electric Bobber MotorcycleCreativity can come from unexpected places and this homemade e-motorcycle is a perfect example
      Motorcycle customization projects have never failed to amaze us and it appears that such ideas keep sprouting in an endless cycle. Just when we think we have seen it all, some nerd out there comes up with another brilliant creation that’s totally unique and mesmerizing. This time, a cycle repair shop owner from Kerala has developed an electric motorcycle that’s an absolute head turner.
      V-twin inspired Bobber design
      The custom homemade motorcycle has a v-twin design theme, something similar to that of Harley Davidson motorcycles. The body panelling representing the v-twin engine and other components has been designed with a high level of finesse. So, it doesn’t look gaudy or out of place, even when it’s all just a replica. The motorcycle has curved dual exhaust pipes (replica), one on each side.
      Custom Electric Bobber Motorcycle
      The motorcycle looks like a typical chopper, as is evident in the elongated front forks, single piece saddle and non-existent tail section. To give it a retro flavour, the motorcycle has been equipped with round headlamp. It has a high-reach handlebar, large-sized footpegs and comfortable, upright riding stance. The motorcycle looks ravishing in its red-black dual-tone colour theme.
      An upcycling project
      One of the notable things about this project is that most of the motorcycle has been developed using parts from other motorcycles and even bicycles. So, this customization qualifies as an upcycling project. Only a few parts have been created from scratch. For example, the rear sprocket has been custom built in a lathe shop. It took around eleven months to develop this electric motorcycle.
      Custom Electric Bobber Motorcycle
      Powertrain
      To reduce development and maintenance costs, the motorcycle utilizes lead-acid batteries. These are packed inside the body panels. On a full charge, the batteries allow a range of approximately 20-22 km.
      The low range should not be a concern, as this motorcycle is unlikely to be used for regular commutes. Customization projects without RTO approval are illegal. Such vehicles can be confiscated by traffic police if found in use on standard roads.
      Charging the batteries from 0 to 100 percent takes around four hours. Due to the lead-acid batteries and heavy body panels, the bike weighs 170 kg.
      Custom Electric Bobber Motorcycle
      This customization project highlights the immense passion that some folks have about creating something of their own. It reveals that an idea can be brought to life irrespective of the challenges. The creator of this electric motorcycle is likely to have worked with limited resources.
      He may also have had to find time from his regular work or put in extra hours to complete the project. He certainly deserves a pat on the back for this marvellous creation even though it may not be street-legal. More

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      Top 10 Scooter Sales Mar 2021 – Activa, Jupiter, Pleasure, Ntorq, Maestro

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      Honda Activa 6GHonda Activa was the most sold scooter in India in the past month finishing ahead of TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Access, Hero Pleasure and others by a sizeable margin
      Scooter sales in the top 10 segment in India in March 2021 increased by 72.52 percent in March 2021. Most of the models on the list posted growth with the exception of the Honda Dio scooter and Yamaha RayZR. The highest percentage growth was recorded by TVS Ntorq (192.11 percent).
      Top 10 Scooters
      Top 10 scooter sales which had stood at 2,44,894 units in March 20 increased by 1,77,594 units to 4,22,488 units in March 21. It may be recalled, that taking March 2020 as a benchmark is not recommended as it was from the 24th of that month that a major lockdown was announced in the country in view of the COVID 19 pandemic causing all auto plants and showrooms to down shutters.
      Honda Activa was the most sold scooter in March 21. The Activa scooter currently commands a 47.15 percent share with sales at 1,99,208 units, up 73.59 percent over 1,14,757 units sold in March 20.
      Honda also had the Dio scooter at No.6 in the past month with sales de-growth of 23.20 percent down to 22,677 units from 29,528 units sold in March 20. The Honda Dio also suffered a 29 percent de-growth to 3,14,417 units in FY21 as against 4,39,799 units sold in FY20.
      Top 10 Scooters – March 2021
      Jupiter was the second most sold scooter in India in March 2021 and the only other model apart from the Activa to have crossed the 50,000 unit mark. Sales surged 172.40 percent from 21,001 units sold in March 20 to 57,206 units sold in the past month. Suzuki Access was at No. 4 with 48,672 units sold, a growth of 83.83 percent over 26,476 units sold in March 20.
      Hero Scooters In March 2021
      At No.5 was the Hero Pleasure scooter with 105.18 percent growth to 28,516 units. Hero also had the Destiny (No.7) and Maestro (No.10) on the list with both posting growth of 47.47 percent and 126.26 percent respectively. Maestro sales scaled to 8,005 units in the past month, up from 3,538 units sold in March 20.
      Hero MotoCorp has initiated a WhatsApp support through which it sells its entire range of motorcycles and scooters. Maestro is among the other models in the company lineup that can be purchased via this mode to provide contactless easily accessible sales and service options.
      TVS Ntorq at No.5 noted a 192.11 percent increase with 26,851 units sold last month, up from 9,192 units sold in March 20. There was also the Suzuki Burgman (No.8) and Yamaha RayZR (No.9) on this list with the RayZR suffering de-growth of 30.91 percent to 8,272 units, down from 11,972 units sold in March 20. Yamaha Motor India has recently announced a price hike for its multiple products in India and the Yamaha RayZR 125 drum and disc variants becoming dearer by Rs.3,000 to Rs 73,330 and Rs 76,330 respectively. More

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      2021 CFMoto 650NK BS6 Teased Ahead Of India Launch

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      CFMOTO 650 NK
      Like the smaller 300NK, CFMoto is likely to price the upcoming BS6 650NK at the same price of Rs. 3.99 lakh (ex-showroom) as its BS4 version upon its launch
      While CFMoto gave last year a complete miss in India, this year it planned to start afresh with the launch of the BS6 compliant CFMoto 300NK in March. Now, the Chinese bikemaker has teased a larger variant of the naked streetfighter in the form of 650NK on its social media platform. The motorcycle is expected to make its debut in India soon and is likely to adopt styling cues from its smaller sibling.
      Expected Styling Updates
      Starting with its design, the naked street racer will sport the same styling as its discontinued BS4 counterpart, albeit with some subtle updates. Like 300NK, the upcoming 650NK is also expected to get new fuel tank extensions and covers.
      Other design highlights expected to be included are a low-slung full-LED headlamp, a muscular fuel tank, an upswept rear section, a rear-fender mounted number plate and an underbelly exhaust.
      Further, sporty appeal of the motorcycle will be enhanced by contrasting shades in various colour scheme options. The teaser image has no signs of the bike visually but mentions that it is an Austrian design which confirms that like its smaller sibling, 650NK will also be designed by KISKA.
      CFMOTO 650 NK BS6
      These are the same folks who are responsible for the design of the KTM Duke range of naked motorcycles. Instead of the older star alloy spoke design, the upcoming iteration is expected to feature new Y-shaped spoke alloy wheels with new contrasting coloured rims.
      Expected Mechanical Specs
      There will be hardly any changes to its mechanicals. It is expected to be powered by the same 649.3cc motor although in a BS6 guise. In the BS4 form, this motor returned output of 60.5 bhp and 56 Nm of peak torque while being mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Specifications of the powertrain are not expected in the latest emission standards.
      As far as hardware is concerned, the bike will be built on a steel Trellis frame architecture while suspension duties are expected to be handled by USD forks at front and a cantilever-type mono-shock at rear.
      Braking duties will be carried out by single disc brakes at both ends which will be assisted by a dual-channel ABS as standard. It is expected to roll on the same 17-inch front and rear alloy wheels that are shod by 120/70 and 160/60 sections of tyres respectively. More

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      2021 Bajaj Dominar 250 Gets New Colours – Spied In Dealership

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      2021 Bajaj Dominar 250 New ColourBajaj Dominar 250 with new colour options have already started reaching dealerships – Launch is expected soon
      After introducing new paint schemes for its Pulsar range of motorcycles, Bajaj Auto is now gearing up to launch new colour options for Dominar 250. Two new shades of the quarter-litre tourer namely- Aurora Green and Vine Black, have recently been spotted in dealerships.
      Though there has been no official confirmation from the Chakan-based bikemaker regarding this development yet. Currently, Dominar 250 is available in two paint options- Canyon Red and Charcoal Black. Prior to this, the Aurora Green shade was exclusive to the more powerful Dominar 400, hence, owners of the latter might not be very thrilled about this development.
      However, there are some subtle differences that visually distinguish Dominar 400 from Dominar 250. For example, the former rides on diamond-cut alloy wheels which the ladder misses out on. Other than the updated colour palette, there will be no changes on the quarter-litre motorcycles. We expect the new colour schemes to be introduced in the coming few weeks.
      Dominar 250 Specs & Features
      Dominar 250 is powered by a 248.7cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled motor that returns an output of 26.6 bhp and 23.5 Nm of peak torque. This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. Suspension setup consists of upside-down telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear.
      2021 Bajaj Dominar 250 New Colour
      Braking duties are carried out by single disc brakes at both ends with 300mm and 230m rotors at front and rear respectively. Safety net is provided by a dual-channel ABS as standard. The motorcycle tips the weighing scales at 180 kg while it can hold fuel up to 13 litres.
      Features on offer include full-LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster, split seats, stylish mirror stalks and a twin-barrel exhaust. Prices of the quarter-litre tourer were recently incremented from Rs. 1.67 lakh to Rs. 1.70 lakh (ex-showroom).
      Therefore, we do not expect prices to be hiked again for the new colour options. Dominar 250 competes against the likes of Royal Enfield Classic 350, Bullet 350, Jawa Forty-Two and Mahindra Mojo.
      New Pulsar NS125
      In other news, Bajaj recently launched a new entry-level motorcycle in the Pulsar range called Pulsar NS125. It is powered by a 124.4cc single-cylinder DTS-i engine that pushes out 11.8 PS of power at 8500rpm and 10.8 Nm of peak torque at 6500rpm. It is offered with a 5-speed gearbox. Available in four colour options- Burnt Red, Fiery Orange, Beach Blue and Pewter Grey, Pulsar NS125 is offered at a price of Rs 93,690 (ex-showroom). More

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      KTM, Husqvarna Electric Scooters To Utilize Chetak Platform – Rival Ather

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      KTM Electric Scooter Concept. Image – Roadrider JapanKTM and Husqvarna electric scooters will help strengthen Bajaj’s EV portfolio
      Over the next five years, competition in electric two-wheeler space is expected to increase manifold. Already there are more than two dozen players in this segment. Bajaj will be keen to grab significant market share in this segment, a goal that is already being pursued with Chetak electric scooter. To give more options to customers and expand its EV portfolio, Bajaj has planned to launch KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters in the Indian market.
      Made in India products
      Just like Chetak, KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters will be manufactured in India. To reduce development cost, these new electric scooters will share the same platform as that of Chetak.
      However, KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters are expected to be sportier, trendier and futuristic, as compared to retro-styled Chetak. While Chetak can work for all age groups, KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters will primarily target the young audience. These new scooters will rival the Ather 450X, which is currently the leading electric scooter in the country when it comes to performance and features.
      Bajaj is currently planning to open a new production facility in Chakan, near Pune, to manufacture a range of premium motorcycles and electric vehicles. This facility could be used for manufacturing KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters. Launch is expected by 2022.
      KTM Electric Scooter leaked info
      Collaboration with Pierer Mobility
      KTM and Husqvarna electric scooter will be manufactured as part of collaboration between Bajaj Auto and Pierer Mobility. The latter was earlier known as KTM Industries. In addition to electric scooters, the partnership will entail development of electric mopeds as well as electric bicycles.
      On its part, Pierer Mobility is currently working on multiple EVs in power range of 3kW – 10kW. These will be manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s Pune plant. Production is expected to commence sometime next year. These new EVs will be available for sale both in domestic and international markets. As may be recalled, KTM had unveiled its E-Speed electric scooter way back in 2013 at Tokyo Motor Show. However, that project did not reach production stage.
      Battery swapping infrastructure in European markets
      To ensure that KTM electric scooters and motorcycles are not subjected to range anxiety in European markets, efforts are being made to develop a robust battery swapping infrastructure. Fast-charging stations are also being built. KTM has shown interest in partnering with Yamaha, Honda and Piaggio to develop common-use battery swapping infrastructure. These will be used for motorcycles and light EVs.
      It has already been confirmed that Husqvarna electric scooter will be utilizing a 4kW electric motor. As for the electric motorcycle named Husqvarna e-Pilen, the EV will be equipped with a modular battery system. These two products are expected to go on sale in European markets by second half of 2022.
      For the battery pack, Pierer Mobility will be collaborating with Austria-based Varta Innovation. The company will also use in-house E-mobility expertise from KTM E-Technologies GmbH. It will involve development of new electric drive systems and battery platforms. More

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      Top 10 Two Wheelers March 2021 – Splendor No 1, Activa 2nd, Pulsar 5th, Apache 10th

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      Image – Technical MamuHero MotoCorp’s entry-level commuter motorcycle Splendor led the list of 10 two wheelers sold in March 2021 while Honda Activa was in second position
      Two wheeler sales increased substantially in March 2021 over that of March 2020. The need for personal mode of transport, healthy rural climate, year-end financial schemes and discounts offered by two wheeler manufacturers all had a part to play in this increase of sales.
      While assessing the top 10 two wheelers sold in the past month, it may be seen that every model in this lineup showed positive growth in March 2021 over that of March 2020. Sales increased by 70.19 percent and stood at 10,80,498 units over 6,34,862 units sold in March 20. Of course, comparing sales to March 2020 is not a correct yardstick considering it was in that month that the Covid -19 pandemic struck the country leading to a complete lockdown.
      Hero Splendor Tops the List
      Hero MotoCorp, India’s largest two wheeler manufacturer, had the Splendor at No.1 on the top 10 list. This entry level commuter motorcycle, which is regaled by buyers on two counts for its high level of fuel efficiency and lower maintenance saw a total of 2,80,090 units sold in March 21, up 94.96 percent over 1,43,736 units sold in March 20. Of course, comparing sales to March 2020 is not a correct yardstick considering it was in that month that the Covid -19 pandemic struck the country leading to a complete lockdown.
      Honda Activa continued its lead in the scooter segment with 18.44 percent share and was next on the list. Sales were at 1,99,208 units, up 73.59 percent over sales of 1,14,757 units sold in March 20.
      Top 10 Motorcycles – March 2021
      The HF Deluxe, a commuter bike from Hero MotoCorp, was at No. 3. Sales for March 21 stood at 1,44,505 units, up 25.69 percent over 1,14,969 units sold in March 20. The HF Deluxe commands a 13.37 percent share and the company has recently added the HF 100, a new entry-level commuter bike priced at Rs.49,400. It is slotted below the HF Deluxe in the company lineup.
      Also noting a significant increase in sales was the Honda CB Shine. Sales were at 1,17,943 units in March 21, an increase of 36.14 percent over 86,633 units sold in March 20. The CB Shine also just missed out on reaching the 1 million unit mark with 9,88,201 units sold during the financial year 2020-21.
      Bajaj Pulsar and Platina
      Bajaj Auto Limited had two model – Pulsar and Platina on the list of top 10 two wheelers for March 20. While the Pulsar reported a 67.14 percent growth from 51,454 units sold in March 20 to 85,999 units sold in March 21, Platina sales surged 224.61 percent. Sales which had stood at 21,264 units in March 20 increased substantially to 69,025 units in the past month.
      Earlier this week the company also introduced the new Pulsar NS125 at Rs.93,690. The ‘NS’ or naked sport range will be positioned as an entry-level bike after the NS200 and the NS160.
      Chennai-based TVS Motor Company had three models on this list. These included the Jupiter, XL and Apache. Of these, it was the Jupiter at No.7 that saw the most sales and maximum growth. Sales were at 57,206 units in the past month, up 172.40 percent over 21,001 units sold in March 20.
      Sales of the TVS XL were at 44,688 units a growth of 36.21 percent over 32,808 units sold in March 20 while Apache sales increased 52.37 percent to 33,162 units, up from 21,764 units sold in the same month of the previous year. There was also the Suzuki Access at No. 8 with 83.83 percent growth to 48,672 units sold in the past month. More

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      2022 Honda CB400X And CB400F Makes Global Debut

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      2022 Honda CB400XDespite being more affordable than their 500cc counterparts, CB400X and CB400F are unlikely to arrive in India anytime soon
      Honda has officially unveiled its new 400cc duos- CB400X and CB400F at the ongoing Shanghai Auto Show in China. As the name suggests, the former is an adventure tourer and the latter is a naked streetfighter. Both motorcycles are toned down versions of their 500cc counterparts.
      In fact, Honda CB500X recently went on sale in India and has been able to impress a large section of riders with its simplicity, robustness and reliability. The bike duo is slated to go on sale in China in the coming months as a 2022 model. But the question arises why the need for a toned-down version of the 500X and 500F?
      The reason being in countries like Japan and China medium-sized two-wheeler driver’s licence only permits vehicles with a displacement up to 400cc. Hence, downsizing the engine will help Honda reach a wider section of consumers especially the entry-level riders. In terms of styling, both models look near identical to their respective elder siblings.
      CB400X Styling & Features
      Starting with 400X, it retains its adventure styling from 500X although it gets a new LED headlamp setup which is not as flashy and sharp as the latter but still very likeable. The 400X also rides on a smaller 17-inch front wheel instead of 19-inch alloys present in 500X. Like its 500cc counterpart, CB400X also gets LED position lights on both sides for added appeal.
      2022 Honda CB400X
      Like other contemporary adventure bikes, CB400X also receives a proper ADV stance thanks to longer suspension travel, high ground clearance, relatively tall saddle height and higher set handlebar positioning.
      However, like 500X it is unmistakably a road-biased tourer. Feature highlights include a digital instrument cluster, a tool-adjustable windscreen and a hazard light switch.
      CB400F Styling
      On the other hand, CB400F gets the same styling updates as its larger sibling albeit with some minor tweaks. Being an aggressive naked streetracer on the outlook, it gets a split-style seating setup with muscular bodywork. A redesigned LED headlamp lends the new CB400F a very aggressive appeal.
      2022 Honda CB400F
      Aerodynamic properties are enhanced by the presence of inlet ducts on the tail section as well as the short fairing at front. Other styling highlights include a flat handlebar with a mildly aggressive riding posture and a muscular fuel tank. For its segment, CB400F extremely light and weighs only 188 kilos.
      Powertrain Specs
      Coming to the powertrain department, both motorcycles are powered by a smaller 399cc parallel-twin motor which is a truncated version of the 471cc parallel-twin unit present on the 500cc siblings. Equipped with a 180-degree crank, this motor pushes out 44.2bhp and 37Nm of peak torque and is linked to a six-speed gearbox.
      2022 Honda CB400F and CB400X
      Both models share the same suspension setup with conventional telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock unit at rear. Braking duties are handled by single disc brakes at both ends. More

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      Royal Enfield Sales, Exports Breakup Mar 2021 – Classic, Himalayan, 650 Twins

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      New Royal Enfield Classic. Image – SuriThe Royal Enfield 350cc bikes – Classic, Meteor, Bullet and Electra commanded domestic sales list for March 2021
      Royal Enfield domestic sales increased 90.05 percent, exports noted an 84.83 percent increase. Total domestic sales stood at 60,807 units, up from 31,996 units sold in March 2020 while exports increased from 3,184 units shipped in March 2020 to 5,885 units exported in the past month.
      RE Domestic Sales
      In domestic markets, the Chennai based automaker noted higher demand for its 350cc bikes that include the Classic, Meteor, Bullet and Electra. Each of these posted high growth particularly so in the case of the Bullet 350. At the top of the charts was the Classic 350 with a 52.12 percent share.
      Sales in March 21 stood at 31,694 units, up 30.41 percent over 24,304 units sold in March 20. Such is the attention that the automaker pays to the Classic 350 that it has planned a major mechanical overhaul with its new update slated for launch in the coming weeks.
      RE Meteor 350 is offered in three variants – Fireball, Stellar and Supernova, was at No. 2 in terms of domestic sales. March 21 sales stood at 10,596 units. The Meteor 350 was launched in India last year and hence cannot be compared in terms of YoY sales.
      RE Domestic Sales Breakup – March 2021
      Noting the highest percentage increase was the RE Bullet 350 with 286.64 percent increase in domestic sales to 9,693 units, up from 2,507 units sold in March 20 while the bike currently commands a 15.94 percent share in the company lineup.
      Another offering in the 350cc segment, the Electra 350 also noted higher domestic sales last month. Sales which had stood at 3,160 units in March 20 increased 55.51 percent to 4,914 units in March 21. Lower down the domestic sales list was the Himalayan at No. 5 and 650 Twins at No.6. Both these models experienced sales growth to the extent of 121.73 percent and 167.72 percent respectively.
      Royal Enfield Exports
      The two models that were most in demand in global markets were the Himalayan and 650 Twins. Himalayan exports surged 249.72 percent to 1,857 units in March 21 up from 531 units exported in March 20. However, comparing exports with that of March 20 is not a fit yardstick, considering that was the month that the Pandemic struck, causing much upheaval in terms of production, sales and exports.
      RE Exports Breakup – March 2021
      Demand for the 650 Twins in global markets increased but only marginally by 6.01 percent to 1,764 units in March 21, up from 1,664 units exported in March 20. The company commenced exports of the Meteor 350 of which 890 units were shipped while the Classic 500 noted a 22.52 percent increase in exports to 691 units.
      The Classic 350 featured 5th on the list of exports with 679 units exported in the past month up 87.57 percent over 362 units exported in March 20. The company now plans the new-gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 which will go on sale in the coming months. It will receive a new chassis, revised engine and better handling facilities as compared to its outgoing counterpart. De-growth was reported in the case of the Electra 350 and Bullet 500 of which only 3 and 1 units were exported respectively. More