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    New Benelli 302R Starts Arriving At Showrooms In China – First Look

    New Benelli 302RUpon its launch in India, the new Benelli 302R will be rivaling the likes of Kawasaki Ninja 300, TVS Apache RR 310 and the upcoming new-gen KTM RC 390
    With three new launches in India this year, Benelli has had a busy first quarter of 2021. Last month, images of the production-spec 2021 302R were leaked which gave us an idea about the bike. The upcoming entry-level faired sports bike made its debut in China last week sharing details of the India-bound motorcycle.
    The faired superbike has started reaching dealerships in China where its prices have been tagged at CNY 29,800 (approximately INR 3.38 lakh). As discussed previously, the latest iteration of 302R comes with a bunch of updates in terms of aesthetics and features. It also gets an updated engine that satisfies the latest emission norms.
    Redesigned Styling
    Starting with its design, the updated 302R comes with a revised front fascia that looks more aggressive and sharper than the outgoing model. The front end flaunts a vertically stacked LED headlamp unit which is flanked by fairing-mounted turn indicators on both sides that also double up as turn indicators. The new 302R dons a much slimmer and sleeker fairing than the previous model making it look more attractive.
    The earlier edition of the motorcycle featured a broad front end and large headlight unit which made it look obese. The streamlined front end of the bike enhances its aerodynamic properties that should translate to slightly better performance. Take a look at the short walkaround video of new Benelli 302R below. Hat tip to Rahul for sharing this video.
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    Updates have been made to its tail section as well which features a new pair of LED taillights along with new air vents under the pillion seat. New body graphics and colour scheme must give the updated 302R a fresh appeal.
    Features & Specifications
    In terms of features, the 2021 302R now comes with a revised cockpit featuring a new fully digital TFT instrument display. The digital screen displays a whole lot of information from the speedometer, odometer, fuel level, temperature gauge and gear position indicator. Switch gears are now back-lit giving the motorcycle a more premium appeal.
    Coming to its specifications, it will be powered by an updated 300cc, parallel-twin liquid-cooled motor complying with the latest Euro-5 emission norms. This unit is tuned to 34.5 bhp at 11,000 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 9,000 rpm making it marginally more powerful than its predecessor. It will be linked to a six-speed gearbox. The major bump in performance can be felt with a loss in its kerb weight by 22 kilos. The motorcycle now weighs just 182kg.
    Suspension setup has been left untouched that comprises 41mm upside-down forks at front with preload adjustability and a mono-shock unit at rear. Anchorage duties will be handled by dual discs with 4-piston calipers from Bosch at front and a single disc at rear. This will be assisted by a dual-channel ABS as standard. The updated 302R is expected to be launched in India in a couple of months and will most likely be priced around Rs 3.50-3.60 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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    Electric Vehicle Sales At 1.34 Lakh For FY21 – Cars, Scooters, 3 Wheelers

    Ather electric scooter sales start in DelhiEV segment appears to be on path of recovery after a challenging last year
    Data published by CEEW Centre for Energy Finance (CEEW-CEF) on its electric mobility dashboard reveals that close to 1.34 lakh EVs were sold in FY21. This is lower than the numbers in FY20 and FY19. However, when we look at percentage share of EVs in total vehicle sales of India, the figure is 0.88%. This is the highest ever in a financial year. Cumulative sales of EVs since FY12 have crossed 6.38 lakh units.
    Category wise EV sales
    Three wheeler EVs continue to lead in terms of sales numbers in FY21. A total of 88,378 units were sold, which is 66.04% of total EV sales. Two wheelers are next with sales of 40,837 units. Share in sales is 30.51%. 4-wheeler EVs are placed at third place with sales of 4,588 units. Percentage share in sales is 3.43%. Goods vehicle EV sales were just 28 units in FY21.
    EV Sales FY 2021. Data – CEEW-CEF
    Comparing the data with previous years, three wheeler EVs have lost quite a bit of their sales. Three wheeler EV sales in FY20 were close to 1.41 lakh units. In comparison, both two wheeler and 4-wheelers have registered significant YoY growth in FY21. As for goods vehicle EVs, their sales have been declining since FY18.
    4-wheeler EV segment is expected to register strong growth in the near future, as more than 23 new products are scheduled for launch by FY22. CEEW-CEF’s dashboard also reveals the savings one can make by switching from petrol to an electric vehicle.
    Tata Nexon EV is India’s best selling passenger electric car.
    In Delhi, if a user shifts from petrol sedan to EV sedan, the cost savings work out at Rs 30,000 per annum. In case of two wheeler EVs, the savings work out at around Rs 8k per annum.
    EV sales – statewise data
    Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Karnataka are the top three states, based on their contribution to EV sales in FY21. Uttar Pradesh alone contributed close to a quarter of overall EV sales. A total of 31,584 EVs were sold in the state in FY21. The top ten states in EV sales contributed around 88% of the overall EVs sold in FY21.
    Data on FAME-II subsidy scheme reveals that there’s a lot more potential to be unlocked in EV space. Only 4.25% of sales targets have been achieved under FAME-II. It is possible that many buyers are still not aware of the various subsidies and benefits available under FAME-II.
    By 2030, total EV sales in the country are expected to cross 14.8 million units. To get there, all stakeholders will have to make efforts to resolve the current set of issues such as range anxiety, lack of readily available charging stations, high upfront cost of EVs, and limited finance options. More

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    Harley Davidson 300cc Cruiser Detailed In Real World Images

    Harley Davidson 300cc CruiserIf launched in India, it will have a long list of rivals from Royal Enfield in addition to retro-styled classic motorcycles from Jawa and Honda
    About a month ago, we got a sneak peek of the upcoming SRV 300 roadster manufactured by Chinese bikemaker Qianjiang Motor. With Harley Davidson joining hands with Qianjiang in 2019, we suspect this bike to be rebadged wearing the logo of the iconic American brand.
    Another set of spy shots of what appears to be the final production-spec SRV 300 has surfaced on the internet. Qianjiang, the parent company of Italian brand Benelli, is planning to launch the motorcycle in its home market in a few weeks. The approval documents attached to the image that was leaked last month shared a few details about the upcoming cruiser.
    Mechanical Specs
    The SRV 300 will be propelled by an all-new 296cc V-Twin motor which has been tuned to produce around 30 bhp. This unit will be linked to a six-speed gearbox. The cruiser can clock a top speed of 128 kmph and would be rich on bottom-end torque thanks to its V-Twin configuration.
    A low kerb weight of 163 kg would translate to high power to weight ratio, thus ensuring a spirited performance. Also, it makes for a very efficient motorcycle for daily commutes.
    Harley Davidson 300cc Cruiser
    The cruiser borrows certain inspiration from Harley Davidson’s most popular bobber Iron 883. For instance, it features the same suspension setup comprising USD front forks and rear mono-shock apart from a water-cooled, overhead-cam V-Twin engine neatly fitted with a radiator.
    Other specifications known as of now are a wheelbase of 1400mm and 16-inch wheels with disc brakes on both ends. Not just mechanically, SRV 300 adopts the design philosophy of its American cousin.
    Harley-inspired Design
    It sports a traditional low-slung cruiser stance with a tapered handlebar, a low saddle and slightly forward-set footpegs. Other design highlights inspired by Harley models are a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a round headlight and metal bodywork.
    Harley Davidson 300cc Cruiser
    The single-piece seat looks comfy enough for the rider but seems a little too short to accommodate a pillion. The motorcycle receives a blacked-out theme with a dark treatment given to the engine-gearbox assembly, suspension setup, swingarm, alloy wheels, handlebar and rearview mirrors.
    As far as features go, SRV 300 will be equipped with a full LED lighting setup and a digital instrument cluster. Safety will be taken care of by a dual-channel ABS as standard. It is yet to be confirmed if SRV 300 will indeed be rebadged into a Harley Davidson model but there are strong indications that it will. Launch in India could be on the cards under the new Hero MotoCorp – Harley Davidson partnership. More

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    Mahindra Mojo Aero Tested, Bolt-On Adv Body Kit By Autologue Design

    Mahindra Mojo ADV Kit by Autologue DesignMahindra Mojo doesn’t have a direct rival in the market but competes against the likes of Bajaj Dominar and Jawa
    Of all the touring bikes currently on sale in the market, Mahindra Mojo seems the most underrated. Clearly, it had to bear the brunt of poor marketing and substandard sales and service network of the company’s two-wheeler division that never really took off. Despite that Mojo has been able to create a small niche consumer base for itself even in such a competitive environment.
    At first glance, one has to admit that Mojo is able to grab all of his/her attention thanks to its unique design. The twin round halogen headlamps setup with an oddly shaped headlamp cowl gives it a quirky styling. Yet it possesses all basic qualities of a good touring machine.
    Mahindra Mojo ADV Kit by Autologue Design
    Updated Design
    Autologue Design, a Pune-based, aftermarket customisation workshop has developed a new body kit specifically for Mojo that turns it into an adventure motorcycle, at least on its look side.
    Dubbed Mahindra Mojo Explorer, the motorcycle wears a new aftermarket body kit over its stock body panels. In its new attire, Mojo Explorer looks a proper adventure tourer with a redesigned fuel tank, a tinted front screen to keep away the wind burst and a traditional beak as seen in most contemporary.
    Mahindra Mojo ADV Kit by Autologue Design
    Handlebar is taller for a better reach while tyres wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels also seem to be dual-purpose ones. The Mahindra insignia is still intact beneath the fuel tank.
    Mahindra Mojo ADV Kit by Autologue Design
    However, hardware components such as the front forks, subframe and swingarm which are wrapped in golden paint in Touring Edition have been blacked out like the rest of the components. Therefore underneath it is the same motorcycle as the stock model.
    Specifications & Features
    In its BS6 iteration, Mahindra Mojo is powered by a 294.72cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled motor that churns out 25.37 bhp and a torque of 25.96 Nm. This unit is paired to a six-speed gearbox.
    Mahindra Mojo ADV Kit by Autologue Design
    Hardware of the bike consists of a Twin Tube Exposed frame suspended on conventional telescopic forks at front and a gas-charged mono-shock at rear. Disc brakes at both ends with 320mm and 240mm rotors at front and rear respectively carry out stopping duties.
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    In terms of features, it is offered with a semi-digital instrument console with digital readings for odometer, speedometer, tachometer and trip meter. Lighting setup comprises twin-pod halogen headlamps, LED DRLs and LED taillamp. Safety net is provided by a dual-channel ABS as standard. It is currently priced between Rs 1.99 lakh and Rs 2.11 lakh (ex-showroom, India). More

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    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Chennai And Hyderabad Launch Soon

    Image – Nitish NeoBajaj Chetak electric scooter recently received a price hike of up to Rs 28k – Bookings are currently closed
    The Bajaj Chetak electric scooter, launched in January 2020 entered the electric two wheeler segment with much fanfare. It managed to garner bookings to the extent of 2,000 units but then the COVID-19 pandemic struck and sales ebbed. Till March 2021, Chetak scooter sales stood at about 1,400 units.
    Chetak’s Next Two New Cities
    This is only from two cities – Pune and Bangalore. Bajaj has not launched Chetak in any other city till now. They had plans to launch Chetak in multiple cities by end of 2020, but due to Covid19, that plan has gotten delayed.
    As on date, Bajaj Auto is only selling this e-scooter via its 13 dealerships in the cities of Pune and Bengaluru. Bajaj Auto has just announced the next two cities which will get their state of the art electric scooter. These are Chennai and Hyderabad. Both these cities are expected to get the Chetak in the next few days. Exact timeline has not been announced yet.
    Bajaj Chetak Electric Expansion Plans
    Chetak Price Hike
    Bajaj Chetak is presented in two variants of Urbane and Premium. At the time of launch in Jan 2020, these were priced at Rs.1,00,000 and Rs.1,15,000 respectively. After the recent price hike in April 2021, these variants are now priced at Rs 1,42,620 and Rs 1,44,620. All prices are ex-sh.
    Both the variants are powered by the same powertrain with the key difference being a drum brake in the Urbane. The company has also revealed future plans to make the Chetak a global brand with the first step being initiated to patent the Chetak electric design for the European markets.
    Bajaj Chetak e-scooter is powered by an electric motor producing 3.8kW/4.1kW continuous/peak power along with a 3 kWh lithium ion battery. It promises a range of 95 kms while in Eco mode and 85 km in Sports mode. The battery has a 3 year/50,000 km warranty.
    Software Update
    Bajaj recently announced a software upgrade, the first for the e-scooter since launch. This software update will see the Chetak with a more accurate range indicator. The company has been contacting owners to bring in the Chetak for the software update which has to be done by a technician at the company’s authorized service center.
    There is a diagnostic tool required for the software upgrade. A port will connect this tool to e-scooter which is located near the right hand side of the pillion footrest. The installation takes a matter of 10 minutes to install but it takes more than 24 hours to take effect.
    Steps to be followed for the software upgrade includes the complete 100 percent SoC charge of the vehicle battery. The e-scooter then has to be ridden till 15 percent SoC following which it has to rest for 12 hours and then again battery should be charged upto 100 percent SoC and again taken for a ride till 15 percent SoC. This will once again be followed by a 12 hour rest and recharge upto 100 percent SoC so as to complete the software upgrade.
    Once completed, the Chetak e-scooter will note two changes. Firstly there will be an improved accuracy in range reading. The fluctuations in actual and displayed distance to empty will be reduced particularly in the case of downhill riding. This will give the rider an accurate assessment of remaining charge. The range will also be enhanced. When taken to the test, the Bajaj Chetak with the software update could travel over a 94 km distance using 94 percent charge while the remaining 6 percent charge allowed the rider to continue till 100 kms. More

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    New Royal Enfield Classic And Hunter Spied Together – Differences Detailed

    New RE Classic and Hunter 350The new-gen Classic 350 is likely to be Royal Enfield’s next big-ticket launch while Hunter 350 might launch towards the end of this year
    Royal Enfield is planning to launch a host of new motorcycles in the coming few years based on its new-gen J platform. The entry-level motorcycles will be powered by the new 350cc motor that currently powers Meteor 350 and will soon be extended to the next generation Classic 350 and other models in future as well.
    Among the many models in prospect, one that has grabbed attention of many is the Meteor 350 based classic roadster which is speculated to be named Hunter. A spy video uploaded by Grasholt Vlogs on YouTube shows the upcoming motorcycle in its near production-spec model alongside the upcoming new-gen Classic 350.
    New Classic 350
    At first glance, Hunter does remind us of Meteor 350 which sports a similar stance as the latter. As already mentioned, the roadster will share its underpinnings with the latest cruiser from Royal Enfield but looks a tad sportier.
    Test mules of Hunter have been frequently spied on Indian roads over the last few months. Although the motorcycle in the latest images is only partially wrapped in camouflage thereby revealing its attributes to a greater extent.
    New Hunter 350
    Retro Yet Sporty Styling
    As all Royal Enfield bikes, Hunter also carries a retro-style design with signature styling highlights such as a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a round headlamp, a round turn taillamp with turn indicators, a single-piece seat and a short rear section.
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    Like Meteor 350, Hunter will also ride on alloy wheels but likely to be wrapped by 17-inch rubber on both ends. Other notable highlights include an upward sweeping exhaust canister, muscular front, muscular front end, split grab rails, wide tyres and redesigned side panels.
    The bike’s sporty appeal is highlighted by an all-black theme carried by its handlebar, alloy wheels, engine casing, exhaust pipe and suspension setup. The shortened muffler further accentuates its sportiness. It is likely to offer a comfortable riding position as the footpegs are centre placed with a wide raised handlebar and low saddle.
    Features
    The most highlighted attribute, however, is the semi-digital instrument console which features a Tripper Navigation Pod. Interestingly, this pod was missing in the previous set of spy shots that was leaked. Powered by Google Maps and Royal Enfield App, Tripper provides turn-by-turn navigation on the console when paired to one’s smartphone via Bluetooth. The analogue unit contains the speedometer while the digital display should read information from the odometer and fuel gauge.
    Mechanical Specs
    Powering the Hunter will be a 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled OHC engine that can push out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. This motor will be paired with a 5-speed gearbox and is more refined than the previous generation 350cc engine thanks to a counter-balance shaft. Suspension duties will be handled by 35 mm telescopic forks at front and twin gas-charged shocks at rear. Stopping duties will be carried out by disc braked on both wheels assisted by dual-channel ABS.
    Upon its launch, Royal Enfield Hunter will directly rival the likes of Honda H’NEss CB350, Jawa Forty-Two and Benelli Imperiale 400. It is likely to be priced around Rs 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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    2021 Yamaha FZ-X Specs Leak Ahead Of Launch – Based On FZ 150

    2021 Yamaha FZ-XFZ-X will help Yamaha strengthen its portfolio in 150cc-200cc motorcycle segment
    Several speculations have been put to rest with Yamaha FZ-X getting type approval certificate. Earlier, it was believed that Yamaha was planning to launch XSR 250 in the Indian market. That too may be in the works. But it’s now certain that Yamaha will be launching FZ-X first in the Indian market.
    Yamaha FZ-X design and styling
    As revealed in spy shots, Yamaha FZ-X features modern-retro styling. This could be advantageous for the motorcycle, as there’s significant consumer interest in retro themed two-wheelers.
    Some of the key features include fork gaiters, a bulkier looking, box-type fuel tank, flat seat design and short tail. The motorcycle has been equipped with alloy wheels, sleek turn indicators, digital instrument cluster, and upswept exhaust.
    Yamaha FZ-X will offer a comfortable riding stance, which will be suitable for urban commutes as well as long distance touring. It is expected that FZ-X will have multiple India-specific features to suit driving conditions and consumer preferences in the country. Yamaha has followed the same strategy for its other motorcycles such as MT15 and R15.
    2021 Yamaha FZ-X Specs
    Yamaha FZ-X powertrain and specs
    Based on FZ, Yamaha FZ-X will be using the same 149 cc engine. The air-cooled, SOHC unit is capable of generating 12.4PS of max power at 7,250 rpm and 13.3 Nm of max torque at 5,500 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed, constant mesh transmission.
    Other hardware could also be same such as telescopic front forks and 7-step adjustable monocross rear suspension. Braking duties on FZ are performed by 282 mm disc at the front and 220 mm disc at the rear. Single channel ABS is offered as standard.
    In terms of dimensions, Yamaha FZ-X is longer, wider and taller than FZ. It measures 2020 mm in length, 785 mm in width and 1115 mm in height. In comparison, FZ measures 1,990mm x 780mm x 1,080mm (length x width x height). However, wheelbase of 1330 mm is the same for both motorcycles.
    2021 Yamaha FZ-X
    Yamaha already has a strong presence in 150cc-200cc motorcycle segment with products like FZ, R15 and MT15. Together, these motorcycles command around 20% market share in this space. In February list of bestselling 150cc-200cc motorcycles, FZ, R15 and MT15 were ranked at 4th, 5th and 6th place, respectively. Addition of FZ-X could help boost sales further.
    Talking about pricing, Yamaha FZ-X could retail at around the same price band as that of FZ. Yamaha FZ is available at a starting price of Rs 1.05 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). More

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    New Hero HF100 Launch Price Rs 49.4k – Cheaper Than Splendor, HF Deluxe

    2021 Hero HF100Hero HF 100 motorcycle launched to give Hero MotoCorp an all new entry price point in the competitive two-wheeler market
    Commuter segment motorcycles in the 100cc-110cc segment are what make for great volumes. And manufacturers understand this rather well. So, it’s no surprise that Hero MotoCorp now has an even more affordable motorcycle in the popular segment.
    This time the brand has introduced a new entry level product, which in simple words is available for just below 50 grands ex-sh price. For the auto manufacturer, Hero HF 100 its their most affordable offering at present. The entry price point product is an entry level HF Deluxe. This gives, Hero MotoCorp a pedestal to compete against the Bajaj CT 100. The latter has a kickstart variant available at a price of Rs 44,890.
    In keeping with the opportunities the segment presents, Bajaj Bajaj CT110X was launched as a top-end CT variant earlier today. The competitive nature of the segment means manufacturers are leaving no stone unturned and covering all bases to ensure they have something for everyone.
    Hero HF 100 kickstart variant
    In keeping costs competitive, HF 100 is a kickstart and drum brake model in basic trim. Its skeletal form sucks to functionality and form over frills. Buyers will have to pick a black bike. Alloy wheels, and handlebar are in black too.
    2021 Hero HF100
    The black grab rail is slimmer. The unit does use the same 97.2cc, air-cooled engine to return 7.91bhp of power, and 8.05Nm of peak torque, paired to a four-speed gearbox. Shared features include telescopic forks, dual shock absorbers, 130mm drum brakes, and 18-inch wheels.
    The large scale commuter market has such great potential that it can be tapped into again and again. And each time, there are new buyers. Of course FY21 has been a trying period but that doesn’t undermine the potential of the segment. Hero’s 2nd best selling motorcycle, HF Deluxe is priced from Rs 50,700, ex-Delhi. Hero’s best selling motorcycle is Splendor. It is priced from Rs 62.5k, ex-Delhi.
    Segment practicality is enhanced considering such units are workhorses and could very well be a requirement for those who are keen on delivery jobs, among other things. Furthermore, current needs to shield ourselves against the spread of Covid-19 means two-wheelers can be that platform of safe daily commute.
    2021 Hero HF100
    Hero MotoCorp market dominance
    Hero MotoCorp already dominates the market in more ways than why. Whether it be their wide range of products, competitive price points and humungous sales volume, Hero has a handle on things. Its dominance will likely take long to be challenged, if at all.
    Considering their wide ranging product availability, introducing a new motorcycle as HF 100 is all about tapping into market research that determines what the market wants. Through FY21, Hero MotoCorp was able to improve its market share. More