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    KTM 390 Duke Modified Into A Scrambler With 3D Printed Parts

    KTM Duke 390 Modified. Image – Bike ExifThe design of this modified KTM 390 Duke has been created on 3D software – Parts have been created using a 3D printer
    While aftermarket modifications of automobiles are not very uncommon in India (although it is not legal), only seldom do we come across a custom-built motorcycle that has been created using a 3D printer. This example of a KTM 390 Duke turned into a scrambler is one of those rarities.
    Interestingly, the project of building this custom bike has not been carried out by some experienced aftermarket workshop but by a Mumbai-based couple. Akash Das, a graphic designer in the advertising industry, and his wife Garima, also a designer, are responsible for creating something new out of a Duke 390.
    KTM Duke 390 Modified
    The couple designed the custom parts using 3D software and then 3D printed the prototype parts before outsourcing the machined bits. The Duke 390 used here is a 2018 model and a personal possession of Akash. In order to convert a naked streetfighter into a neo-retro scrambler meant that there needed to be structural modifications and not just cosmetic updates.
    Neo-Retro Scrambler Design
    Hence, a new subframe was designed which was bolted onto the existing mounting points but with a shorter and flatter layout. This gave the motorcycle a stubbier rear section along with a short rear fender and a new LED taillight providing it with a completely different look at rear. The rear fender also houses a custom luggage rack. All final machined components are made of aluminium.
    KTM Duke 390 Modified
    Further, the seat foam was designed in-house, then outsourced to be wrapped in synthetic leather. Upfront, the motorcycle features a JW Speaker-sourced LED headlight with a custom surround. The unit was first 3D printed and then the final part was machined from CNC 6061 T6 billet aluminum. Other components such as front sprocket cover, a taillight surround, a custom cowl and a fuel tank cover have been created from a similar process.
    KTM Duke 390 Modified
    The motorcycle now runs on 17-inch Akront spoked rims instead of alloy wheels which are shod by block pattern dual-purpose tyres from Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR. This gives the bike some off-roading characteristics. The front braking setup now features a petal rotor from Galfer, though the ABS system remains stock.
    More Details
    Akash has used a custom handlebar that is more upright and a radiator coolant overflow tank. Other custom-made parts include a front sprocket guard, a radiator guard, a bash plate and a sump guard that protects the engine while off-roading. The custom-built fuel tank was the trickiest of them all which required Akash to fabricate the entire piece in wood first before shaping the metal onto it.
    KTM Duke 390 Modified
    It took two years and lot of patience for Akash and Garima to complete this prototype. From learning of new design softwares to actually executing the same. The cost of the project is not shared. KTM currently retails Duke 390 at a price of Rs 2.82 lakh (ex-showroom). A new-gen model of the naked streetfighter is expected to make its debut in the coming months.

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    Suzuki Sales, Exports Breakup June 2021 – Access, Burgman, Gixxer, Hayabusa

    Image – Sinha SuzukiSales growth was reported across both domestic and exports – Suzuki Access being the best seller in India
    Total domestic sales increased 97.61 percent YoY to 40,474 units, up from 20,482 units sold in June 2020. Suzuki Access scooter was the most sold model in the company lineup in June 2021. Sales which had stood at 15,540 units in June 2020 increased 102.05 percent to 31,399 units in June 2021. Access scooter commands a 77.58 percent share in the company lineup.
    At No. 2 in terms of domestic sales was the Burgman, which also posted positive YoY growth. Sales increased 129.14 percent in June 2021 to 7,935 units. Thereafter, sales of Suzuki Access and Intruder dipped 86.14 percent and 90.38 percent to only 42 and 20 units respectively.
    Sales of these two models in the same month of the past year had stood at 303 and 208 units respectively. The Hayabusa and V-Strom also added a few units to total domestic sales. Interestingly, Hayabusa sales were more than that of Intruder.
    Suzuki exports for June 2021 increased 666.94 percent YoY to 9,188 units, up from 1,198 units exported in June 2020. In export markets it was the Gixxer, Burgman and Gixxer 250 that were most in demand. Gixxer exports increased 371.41 percent to 3,149 units in June 2021 up from 668 units sold in June 2020.
    Suzuki India Sales and Exports June 2021 vs June 2020 (YoY)
    Burgman shipments stood at 3,392 units, the highest percentage increase of 2,131.58 percent over 152 units shipped in June 2020. Gixxer 250 exports increased 293.81 percent to 827 units in the past month. Hayate, Intruder and Access also added some numbers to exports along with the Lets that saw an 85.71 percent export growth YoY from 168 units in June 2020 to 312 units in the past month.
    MoM Sales and Exports
    Suzuki Motorcycle India reported a 223.46 percent growth in terms of domestic sales. Sales which had stood at 12,513 units in May 2021, increased to 40,474 units in June 2021. Suzuki Access sales grew 223.50 percent MoM from 9,706 units sold in May 2021. This was followed by Burgman and Gixxer with domestic sales growth of 189.07 percent and 110 percent respectively.
    Sales growth was also reported for Intruder, Gixxer and Hayabusa with Gixxer MoM sales growth at 8,516.67 percent to 1,034 units in June 2021 up from just 12 units sold in domestic markets in May 2021. MoM exports increased 37.38 percent to 9,188 units, as against 6,688 units shipped in May 2021.
    Suzuki India Sales and Exports June 2021 vs May 2021 (MoM)
    In export markets it was the Gixxer and Burgman that were in top two spots. Gixxer exports dipped 10.64 percent to 3,149 units, while Burgman shipments increased 64.66 percent to 3,392 units MoM. Gixxer 250 also saw some growth with exports increasing from 552 units to 827 units MoM but thereafter, Hayate exports fell 16.67 percent to 400 units in June 2021 from 480 units exported in May 2021. Exports of Access scooter rose exponentially by as much as 7,566.67 percent to 920 units in June 2021 from 12 units exported in May 2021. More

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    Upcoming Bajaj Electric Motorcycles, Scooters Will Launch Under New Subsidiary

    Image for reference. Credit – Stalin K Raju
    Bajaj’s EV subsidiary will aim at improved efficiencies and better competencies against rivals
    At a time when EV space is undergoing rapid transformation, OEMs need to think and act proactively to stay ahead in the game. With that in mind, Bajaj Auto has decided to setup a separate wholly owned subsidiary for its EV business. The new entity will have access to dedicated resources and freedom to take decisions in line with evolving market dynamics. Assigning responsibilities will also become easier with the new subsidiary.
    Board approval
    In its communication submitted to Bombay Stock Exchange, Bajaj has stated that the board has provided its approval for setting up of a wholly owned subsidiary. The subsidiary will focus on harnessing opportunities in the mobility space. It will also define the roadmap that will be used to achieve desired goals and objectives. The subsidiary will manufacture a new range of electric scooters, electric motorcycles and hybrid vehicles that will include two, three and four-wheelers.
    The name of the subsidiary has not been announced yet. Bajaj is working on some names and a final decision is expected soon. The name will be announced once it gets approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The subsidiary will be setup with a proposed authorized capital of Rs 100 crore.
    Chetak expansion plans
    As of now, Bajaj has only Chetak in its EV portfolio. With significant interest from customers, Bajaj has plans to rapidly expand operations to more cities in the coming months. By 2021, it is targeted that Chetak will be available in 22 new cities. By end of this fiscal, the number would have increased to 40 cities.
    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter
    At the time of its launch, Chetak was available in Pune and Bengaluru. The company recently added four more cities – Nagpur, Aurangabad, Mysore and Mangalore.
    Bajaj’s EV strategy indicates that the company is factoring in the threats as well as opportunities that exist in this space. As far as Chetak is concerned, its primary rivals include TVS iQube and Ather 450X. Both have been continuously expanding operations to newer cities across India.
    In the electric two-wheeler space, the biggest move till date is from Ola electric scooter. This is expected to be launched soon. Ola electric has turned out to be a huge hit with bookings of 1 lakh on first day itself. This is a new record in the country’s automotive history.
    Ola Electric’s mega plant in Tamil Nadu is currently under development. When fully complete, it will be capable of producing 10 million units per annum. The company will be targeting global markets as well to optimally utilize its production capacity. More

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    Honda Activa Converted To Electric Scooter – Starya Mobility EV Conversion Kit

    Honda Activa with Starya EV Conversion Kit
    With initial funding of Rs 2.1 crore, the startup will soon commence production of its innovative conversion kit
    In a development that can accelerate the transition to a fully-electric ecosystem, Starya Mobility claims that they have come up with India’s first electric propulsion kit for scooters. The kit will be used in combination with a swappable battery. It will be used to convert gearless petrol powered scooters into fully electric units. The kit has been developed after more than two years of extensive research.
    Mass conversion planned
    It’s true that electric two-wheeler sales are gaining momentum. However, they are still a fraction of sales of ICE powered two-wheelers. One also needs to consider the fact that there are millions of petrol-powered scooter users.
    Majority of these folks are unlikely to buy a new electric scooter anytime soon. Factors like high acquisition cost, range anxiety, battery life and hassles associated with charging often dissuade users from switching to electric.
    In view of these bottlenecks, Starya Mobility’s petrol to electric conversion kit seems like the right solution. One of the key benefits for users is that they will be able to convert their petrol scooter to electric at around half the cost of a new electric scooter. The conversion kit, which includes the battery, is available at a basic cost of Rs 39,000.
    Petrol to Electric Scooter Conversion Kit by Starya Mobility
    Moreover, the battery will be offered as a service. This will further reduce the cost of conversion kit. Another benefit is that running cost will be reduced to one-third. As compared to approx. running cost of Rs 3.10 per kilometre for ICE scooters, the conversion kit will reduce that number to around Rs 1 per kilometre.
    Starya Mobility is also building a large network of battery swapping stations. This should take care of any range anxiety that users may have. Another thing is that charging a scooter is not as easy as charging a mobile phone. A battery swapping network will take care of such issues. As the swappable battery will be available on subscription basis, there will be negligible impact on vehicle’s resale value.
    Starya Mobility conversion kit specs
    The kit includes a 6.0 KW PMSM motor connected to a 250A controller. The motor is an advanced unit that has been patented by the company. The motor has a top speed of 75 kmph and range of around 75-80 km on a full charge. The kit should allow users to achieve 0-40 kmph in 3.7 seconds.
    Starya Mobility petrol to electric conversion kit seems like a great idea. However, success will depend on how well it’s executed. Rising fuel prices can definitely work in company’s favour. But users will make the switch only when they are satisfied about quality of product and reliability of services offered. More

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    Revolt Electric Motorcycles To Electrify Domino’s Pizza Delivery Fleet In India

    Image for reference
    Domino’s to procure Revolt RV300 motorcycles to increase its electric delivery fleet
    Domino’s will work with Revolt Motors to to introduce a larger number of electric bikes in its delivery fleet. Through the partnership, Domino’s will procure the entire existing inventory of Revolt’s RV300 bike model. The development comes on the back of a successful pilot project.
    Domino’s electric fleet is specially customized to suit its business needs. The end result is zero-emission delivery. The delivery bike market is one that has grown considerably in recent years. And, there’s great potential for it to transform into a largely electric fleet in the years to come.
    Savings for the company
    Electric bikes are being presented as economic solutions. And marketing is focused on lower maintenance and running costs compared to petrol engine bikes. The direct comparison of running cost is set at an approx 9 bucks for 100 kms, which translates to savings.
    Anjali Rattan, Business Chairman of RattanIndia Enterprises said “Revolt is happy to join hands with Domino’s in this partnership which not only makes sense environmentally, but also offers great cost savings for the company.”
    Revolt electric motorcycles
    A boost for the Indian auto industry is expected to come from electric two-wheelers. Viewed as a growing segment in the global bike market, it thus seems an attractive investment opportunity for investors. With the market expected to grow in the next couple of years, it’s likely to create a significant number of high-growth businesses in this space. Being an industry that continually emphasises on a cleaner tomorrow, the approach towards e-bikes needs to be based on holistic.
    Business growth potential
    Apart from demand drivers such as population growth and disposable income levels per capita in India, there are other factors that are driving demand for these vehicles. For instance, government’s focus on increasing the uptake of two-wheelers by providing them with access to subsidies and growth drivers.
    This provides an opportunity to both manufacturers, and retailers. The large number of lifestyle segment consumers is also a significant contributor towards the growth in revenue from these bikes. For investors looking at making a foray into this market, research recommends taking up electric two wheeler manufacturing and distribution to have a clear market share in respective segments.
    Indian electric two wheeler market is expected to present an attractive investment opportunity in a range of business avenues. This includes parts manufacturing, distribution and focus on charging infra among other things. Given the growing variety of electric two-wheelers currently available, it is important to understand that there are a number of different markets they cater to. Clear outlines require the new age industry to follow the government’s requirements for registration if they want to continue selling their bikes under government-backed schemes. More

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    Yamaha India Sales, Exports June 2021 – FZ, R15, MT15, Ray ZR, Fascino

    Yamaha MT15 Bluetooth launch expected soonYamaha India noted lower domestic sales in June 2021 while exports surged 354 percent YoY
    Two wheeler segment reported decent growth in June 2021, considering its poor performance in April and May. Pent up demand, opening up following lockdowns announced across various states and predictions of a favourable monsoon could have boosted sales.
    Here is Yamaha India sales report for June 2021 – domestic sales and exports on a year-on-year and month-on-month basis. In June 2021, domestic sales dipped 16.76 percent to 24,588 units, down from 29,539 units sold in June 2020.
    FZ is Best-seller
    Yamaha FZ claimed the most sales at 11,084 units, up 30.97 percent as against 8,463 units sold in June 2020. FZ commands a 45.08 percent share. Yamaha R15 and MT15 also saw positive sales growth of 38.52 percent and 44.89 percent respectively with 5,020 units and 3,628 units sold in the past month.
    YoY de-growth was seen in the case of Ray ZR and Fascino. Ray ZR sales dipped 71.54 percent to 2,229 units in June 2021, down from 7,832 units sold in June 2020. Fascino sales were down to 2,065 units in the past month from 7,116 units sold in June 2020.
    Yamaha India Sales and Exports June 2021 vs June 2020 (YoY)
    YoY Exports
    Yamaha Exports on the other hand increased dramatically. Total exports for June 2021 were at 27,797 units, up 354.20 percent over 6,120 units exported in June 2020. FZ was the most exported with 11,780 units shipped in June 2021, up 261.02 percent over 3,263 units in June 2020.
    The Yamaha RayZR was the company’s second most exported model in June 2021. Yamaha Saluto RX, FZ25 and Crux also contributed to export numbers but the most growth was seen in the case of SZ, R15 and Fascino. Total exports stood at 3,348 units, up 152.30 percent over 1,327 units exported in June 2020.
    MoM sales Growth
    MoM growth was reported both in terms of domestic sales and exports. Domestic sales increased 189 percent to 24,588 units in June 2021 from 8,508 units sold in May 2021. Yamaha FZ noted a MoM increase of 268.48 percent from 3,008 units sold in May 2021 while R15 domestic sales increased 135.46 percent from 2,132 units sold in May 2021 to 5,020 units in June 2021.
    Yamaha India Sales and Exports June 2021 vs May 2021 (MoM)
    Yamaha MT15, Ray ZR and Fascino sales also increased significantly MoM. It was FZ25 that saw the highest percentage increase at 301.43 percent from 140 units sold in May 2021 to 562 units in the past month.
    Exports on the other hand increased 58.73 percent to 27,797 units from 17,512 units exported in May 2021. FZ was the most exported model. All two wheelers in the company lineup noted increased exports except for Crux. Crux exports dipped 71.58 percent to 1,690 units in June 2021, from 5,946 units shipped in May 2021. More

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    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Single And Dual Seat Spied – New Colours

    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 New Gen
    Upon its launch, the new-gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 will rival the likes of Honda CB350 H’Ness, Jawa Standard and Benelli Imperiale 400
    The hype around the launch of a new Royal Enfield motorcycle is understandably very given the reputation the brand has earned in the Indian market over the course of several decades. This time it is around a motorcycle that has found the most number of buyers wearing the Royal Enfield badge- Classic 350.
    The launch of the new generation model is around the corner. Ahead of official launch, the Classic 350 production variants have now been spotted undisguised. It will be offered in single seat as well as dual seat variant.
    Slightly Updated Styling
    The new images confirm that the overall design has been kept similar to current Classic 350. Two motorcycles have been spied. One is wearing a shade of green while the other is in grey. The Green Classic 350 gets brown colour single seat while the grey Classic 350 gets black seats.
    New C350 motorcycles are seen wearing a signature chrome treatment for its mechanical components including the handlebar, exhaust muffler, taillight, turn indicators, wire-spoke wheels, headlight bezels and rearview mirrors.
    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 New Gen
    In some of the many previous spy pics, the motorcycles were seen wearing a black theme in which all the mechanical components were given an all-black treatment.
    Features on offer
    As far as features are concerned, the new-gen Classic 350 gets a revised instrument cluster which gets an analogue speedometer, digital display for fuel indicator and odometer and a Tripper Navigation display. The latter offers turn-by-turn navigation when paired to the Royal Enfield on the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth. Apart from that and new switchgear, the equipment remains very basic.
    New Mechanical Specs
    The most critical upgrades have been reserved underneath. As we know, the new Classic 350 will be underpinned by a new J-platform which also underpins the company’s latest cruiser offering- Meteor 350. The new double downtube frame will be suspended on conventional telescopic forks at front and dual shock absorbers at rear. This new frame is expected to improve the overall ride quality and characteristics of the motorcycle.
    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 New Gen
    The new Classic 350 will be powered by a new 349cc single-cylinder long-stroke motor which kicks out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. This motor will be paired with a new 5-speed gearbox with less and simpler internal mechanics to reduce friction. The engine is provided with a counter balance shaft which reduces the vibration significantly.
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    2021 Yezdi Roadking Render Based On Spyshots – Royal Enfield Hunter Rival

    2021 Yezdi Roadking – RenderThe Yezdi Roadking is expected to be ready by end-2021 – It will be a rival to the upcoming Royal Enfield Himalayan
    The news that Classic Legends is working on resurrecting the iconic Yezdi Roadking nameplate has been doing rounds for a while now. Not long ago, a prototype was spotted testing with a crankcase very similar to that of yesteryear’s Yezdi. The trademark filing adds more weight to the expectation.
    New Yezdi Roadking Rendering
    The Yezdi Roadking, like the Jawa, will be a retro classic motorcycle based on the Mahindra Mojo’s platform but one can expect unique styling and significantly different configurations. The prototypes indicate that Classic Legends is going the roadster route with circular headlamps.
    Here is a speculative rendering created by our design specialist Pratyush Rout based on the spyshots. With the styling cues on the cylinder head and crankcase being signature elements on the original Yezdi, it is imperative for the new model to replicate it.
    The rendering shows a old school roadster/scrambler with modern colour themes. The front fender, almond shaped fuel tank, and triangular side panels form the classic minimalist bodywork while the cantilevered seat renders a sporty appeal. Black theme for the engine, exhaust system and spoke wheels will go well with the motorcycle’s design.
    2021 Yezdi Roadking – Render
    Specifications
    The prototypes were equipped with conventional hardware such as a tubular frame, telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers, spoke wheels, and disc brake at either end. The think dual-purpose tyres would appeal to the scrambler lovers.
    As far as the powertrain goes, we expect the 293 cc Mojo-derived single cylinder, liquid-cooled, engine and 6-speed gearbox to be carried forward. On board the Jawa, the mill is capable of dishing out 27.3 hp and 27 Nm of torque. Classic Legends’ engineers will be working hard to making the new motorcycle sound as close to its ancestor as possible.
    Features
    2021 Yezdi Roadking will be positioned as a mid-premium motorcycle. So, one can expect it to receive LED headlamps and taillight, digital instrument console (at least a semi-digital unit), dual-channel ABS, and so on. Classic Legends will do well to release an array of personalization accessories right from the beginning to broaden the appeal. The market positioning of new Yezdi Roadking will be more or less at par with its Jawa sibling.
    2021 Yezdi Roadking – Render
    Market Prospects
    Just like the Jawa brand, Yezdi has a strong image among the Indian audience and has the potential to bring in significant incremental volume while enhancing Classic Legends’ economies of scale. The motorcycle will be build at Mahindra’s Pithampur facility in Madhya Pradesh. The new motorcycle is also likely to be retailed through existing Jawa outlets which may undergo partial rebranding.
    The Yezdi Roadking will be pitted against the upcoming next-generation Royal Enfield roadsters (Hunter 350). It is likely to be ready for this year’s festive season. It surely is a middle weight motorcycle to look forward to this year. More