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    Honda CB350 Sales Cross 13k In 5 Months – Gets 2nd Price Hike Since Launch

    Image – JerishHonda H’Ness CB350 competes against the likes of Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa Forty-Two and Benelli Imperiale
    Automotive industry is like a house of dominos, one act of a price hike by a manufacturer may lead to other brands increasing prices of their products as well. Now, it’s the turn of Honda which is set to increase prices of H’Ness CB350. Dealers have revealed that the Japanese bikemaker is set to increase prices by Rs 5,500.
    The new incremented price will take effect from April 1, 2020. Currently, prices of the retro-style classic motorcycle start at Rs 1,86,500 for the base DLX variant while the higher-spec DLX Pro trim is offered at a price of Rs 1,92,500. Since its launch late last year, this will be the second price hike for CB350.
    Honda is yet to confirm any such development but it won’t come as a surprise since price increase of vehicles is a common practice at the start of a new financial year. Despite limited availability through Honda’s premium BigWing network of dealerships, CB350 has created a very strong buzz among motorcyclists in India.
    Some of its strongest suits are its classic retro design, strong mid-range and low-range performance and exceptional refinement with a thumpy exhaust note. Since its launch last year, Honda has sold more than 13k units of the CB350. With the launch of CB350RS, Honda is expected to register even more sales in this segment.

    Month
    CB350 Sales

    Oct
    1,290

    Nov
    4,067

    Dec
    1,564

    Jan
    3,543

    Feb
    3,268

    Total
    13,732

    Design & Features
    Speaking of its design, some of the highlights include a round headlamp, a leather tan seat, a curvy fuel tank, and chrome-embellished fenders and exhaust. Presence of blacked-out components such as engine-gearbox assembly and alloy wheels gives it a contrasting appeal. Its equipment consists of modern features such as full-LED lighting, semi-digital console, Bluetooth connectivity and traction control.
    Mechanical Specifications
    The bike draws its energy from a 348.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that kicks out 20.5 bhp at 5,500rpm and a peak torque of 30 Nm at 3,000rpm. This unit is coupled with a 5-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. Its hardware setup consists of a double cradle frame which is suspended on telescopic forks at front and dual shock absorbers at rear.
    The motorcycle rides on 19-inch front and 18-inch rear alloy wheels while anchor duties are handled by a single disc brake at each end assisted by dual-channel ABS. It tips the weighing scales at 181 kg and can hold up to 15 litres of fuel.
    Earlier this year, Honda also launched a scrambler version of CB350 called CB350 RS which is essentially the same bike with slightly sportier styling and ergonomics. We do not know yet whether the upcoming price revision will also involve CB350’s sportier sibling or not. More

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    Suzuki Sales, Exports Feb 2021 Breakup – Access, Burgman, Gixxer, Intruder

    Image – The Sameer VlogsThe Suzuki Burgman and Gixxer were in high demand both in domestic and export market
    Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan sales analysis (domestic + exports) for February 2021. The company has reported a 1.61 percent YoY increase in sales in domestic markets while exports surged 30.21 percent.
    Total sales of Suzuki scooters and motorcycles sold in the past month stood at 59,529 units, up 1.61 percent over 58,584 units sold in Feb 20. MoM sales increased 4.43 percent as against 57,004 units sold in Jan 21. In domestic markets it was the Suzuki Access scooter that ruled the sales charts.
    Access sales suffered a de-growth in Feb 21 down 3.21 percent to 48,496 units, from 50,101 units sold in Feb 20. MoM sales however increased 6.64 percent as against 45,475 units sold in Jan 21. Sales of the Burgman at No.2 on the list, stood at 8,533 units in Feb 21, up 11.95 percent as against 7,622 units sold in Feb 20 while MoM sales dipped 2.40 percent compared to 8,743 units sold in Jan 21.
    New Suzuki Access 125 and Burgman Street
    The Suzuki Access 125 and the new Burgman Street have just been launched with with Bluetooth enabled digital console. The two scooters now available in brand new colour options and priced at Rs. 81,030 and Rs. 87,050 respectively.
    Suzuki Domestic Sales Breakup Analysis – Model Wise Feb 2021
    Suzuki Gixxer and Gixxer 250 saw increased sales in domestic markets in Feb 21 to 1,823 units and 549 units, up 207.94 percent and 111.97 percent respectively. However, MoM sales of the Gixxer dipped 28.23 percent while sales of the Gixxer 250 increased 232.73 percent as against 165 units sold in Jan 21.
    Intruder also saw positive sales with 128 units sold in Feb 21, over just 8 units sold in Feb 20. It also posted a reasonable 58.02 percent increase in terms of MoM sales, as against 81 units sold in Jan 21.
    The Japanese two wheeler maker is also working on a new Intruder 250cc cruiser motorcycle and patent images get detailed recently. The bike will share styling with the Intruder 150 and share its 249cc single-cylinder BS6 compliant engine with the Gixxer 250 and the Gixxer SF 250.
    Suzuki Exports Breakup Analysis – Model Wise Feb 2021
    Suzuki Two Wheeler Exports
    Suzuki remained the 5th largest exporter of two wheelers in Feb 21 after Bajaj, TVS, Honda and Hero. Exports in the past month increased 30.21 percent to 12,132 units as against 9,317 units exported in Feb 20. MoM exports increased 53.45 percent with 7,906 units exported in Jan 21.
    It was the Suzuki Gixxer that found most buyers in export market. Exports increased 46.36 percent YoY and 136.10 percent MoM with Feb 21 exports at 6,488 units and 2,748 units exported in Jan 21. The Burgman and Gixxer 250 also noted increased exports while Hayate exports dipped YoY and MoM.
    Suzuki Access scooter, Intruder and Lets were lower down the order with the Intruder noting 100 percent increase both in terms of YoY and MoM sales. The Lets also managed good numbers at 480 units exported in Feb 21 as against 210 units in Feb 20 while nil units were exported in Jan 21. More

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    2021 Yamaha R15 New Red Colour Option Leaks Ahead Of Launch

    2021 Yamaha R15 Red ColourCurrently, Yamaha YZF R15 V3 is priced between Rs 1.51 lakh and Rs 1.53 lakh and rivals the likes of Suzuki Gixxer SF and KTM RC 125
    Yamaha will be launching a new paint scheme for its entry-level sportbike YZF R15 V3 soon. A new red colour option will be added to the faired motorcycle’s colour palette. Currently, R15 is available in three colour options- Thunder Grey, Racing Blue and Dark Knight (Black).
    Price of the new shade variant is expected to be on par with Racing Blue and Dark Knight Option around Rs 1.52 lakh (ex-showroom). The third generation model of R15 has been on sale since 2018 and hasn’t received any major updates over the last three years.
    New Red Colour Option
    From the images, it is clear that the contrasting red paint enhances the sporty appeal of the faired bike. The fuel tank, fairing and tail section beneath the pillion section have been warped in this bright red shade.
    The headlamp cowl and side body panels have been painted in grey to give a nice contrast to the motorcycle’s overall look. Other than the new colour option nothing will be changed on the motorcycle either in terms of styling or specifications.
    2021 Yamaha R15 Red Colour
    Mechanical Specs
    The BS6 compliant R15 V3 is powered by a 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled 4-valve motor that pumps out 18 bhp and 14.1 Nm of torque. This motor is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch.
    Despite its loss in power from its BS4 model, it remains the most powerful motorcycle in the 150-160cc category. It is built on a traditional Deltabox frame which is suspended on a 41mm conventional telescopic fork at front and an aluminium swingarm paired with a mono-shock suspension unit at rear.
    Features on offer
    Braking duties are handled by 282mm front with and 220mm rear disc brakes with twin and single calipers respectively while a safety net is provided by dual-channel ABS as standard. It rides on a radial tubeless tyre at rear.
    2021 Yamaha R15 Red Colour Specs
    Some of its key features include an all-LED lighting, engine cut-off switch, dual-horn and a fully digital instrument console which houses a speedometer, gear position indicator, tachometer, fuel gauge, VVA indicator, shift timing light, fuel consumption indicator and a digital clock.
    In other developments, Yamaha has expanded the powertrain of YZF R15 to other models in international markets such as Aerox 155, Y16ZR Moped and NMax 155. In India, R15 locks its horns against Suzuki Gixxer SF and to some extent KTM RC 125.
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    Hero MotoCorp Offers Discount On Harley Davidson Motorcycles To Partners

    File Photo
    Hero MotoCorp is yet to officially announce the lineup for Harley Davidson motorcycles in India
    Hero MotoCorp has invited its employees and business partners to take part in a ‘first to ride’ programme. This initiative will allow employees of Hero’s service, suppliers and its various business partners eligible for a special discount on a limited number of Harley Davidson models.
    Limited Edition Models With Special Benefits
    This special offer is applicable to Fat Boy 107, Fat Boy 114, Low Rider and Low Rider S. Along with the special offer, in order to celebrate Hero’s association with the American motorcycling giant, the Indian two-wheeler manufacturer is providing the first 200 units of limited edition Harley Davidson motorcycles with a Chairman’s Edition plaque.
    Hero First To Ride Offer
    The cruiser, Fat Boy 107, is available at a special discount ranging from Rs 1.85 lakh to Rs 2.20 lakh while its price ranges from Rs 18.99 lakh to Rs 19.49 lakh. Fat Boy 114, on the other hand, is retailed at a price between Rs 21.90 lakh and Rs 21.40 lakh while Hero MotoCorp associated customers can avail a discount between Rs 2.25 lakh and Rs 2.50 lakh.
    Low Rider can be availed at a discount of Rs. 1.25 lakh whereas its powerful sibling Low Rider S can be had with a discount of Rs. 1.50 lakh. Their respective retail prices range between Rs. 14.25 – 14.37 lakh and Rs. 15.25 – 15.37 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.
    Image – Turbanator / Team-BHP
    Powertrain Specs
    Coming to their specifications, Fat Boy 107 is powered by a 1745cc V-twin liquid-cooled motor that churns out 145 Nm of peak torque. Fat Boy 114 comes with a larger 1868cc Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine that is capable of pushing out 155 Nm of peak torque.
    Similar is the case with Low Rider models with the standard model being equipped with a 1745cc motor and the S trim being offered with a larger 1868cc with the same output. All these four motorcycles come with a six-speed gearbox.
    Harley Davison in India
    As already covered previously, Harley Davidson quit independent operations in India late last year after more than a decade of subdued performance in the market. After it quit India operation, the American brand entered into a distribution and licensing agreement with Hero MotoCorp as a part of its Rewire strategy. As per this distribution agreement, the Indian two-wheeler manufacturer will be responsible for selling and service Harley Davidson motorcycles through Harley’s existing network of dealers.
    The licensing agreement, on the other hand, will give Hero MotoCorp the responsibility to sell and develop a number of premium motorcycles under Harley Davidson models. More details on upcoming Harley models will be shared in the coming months.
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    2021 BMW C400X, C400GT Scooters Updated With New Features

    2021 BMW C400X
    Internationally, BMW C400X and C400GT compete against segment heavyweight Honda Forza 350
    Maxi-style scooters have a sizable consumer base in international markets. Sadly, that is not the case in India. While our local market has scooters like Suzuki Burgman 125 and Aprilia SXR 160 which wear a heavy faired look, they are in no way close to performance of an actual Maxi scooter.
    Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad has updated its two Maxi scooter offerings- C400X and C400GT. The scooters have been on sale since 2018 and 2019 respectively and have now received a timely update which includes cosmetic as well as feature revisions. More importantly, these scooters now comply with the latest Euro-5 compliance.
    2021 BMW C400 GT
    Styling & Features on offer
    In terms of styling, both scooters have not witnessed any updates and they carry forward the same design as their respective outgoing predecessors. Both C400X and C400GT come with two new colours each in addition to one special edition on each model namely- ‘Sport’ C400X and ‘Triple Black’ C400GT.
    Like in previous iterations, both scooters get a fairly low saddle for the rider assisting a lean back posture and forward foot position. This suggests that the scooters have been primarily designed for touring purposes.
    2021 BMW C400 GT
    There are a few additions in terms of features. For instance, the 31-litre under-seat storage is now provided with lighting from above rather than its side. Also, the front cowl glove box now comes with a USB port in addition to a 12-Volt charging socket.
    2021 BMW C400X
    Heavily Updated Powertrain
    The most significant update has been made in its powertrain department with the same 350cc single-cylinder motor undergoing various ramifications. It still returns a similar output of 34 bhp and 35 Nm of peak torque.
    The first interesting upgrade is a new ‘E-gas’ technology that is essentially an electronic throttle grip. This system helps in stabilizing during idling in combination with a turbulence system and a throttle valve bypass.
    2021 BMW C400 GT
    The electronic throttle grip comes married to an electronically operated throttle valve like a ride-by-wire system which is paired to a CVT gearbox. This has resulted in a smoother and a more refined engine performance while its top speed has increased from 129 kmph to 139 kmph. Other engine enhancements include modifications to the cylinder head, a modified catalytic convertor and a wideband oxygen sensor, an adapted wiring harness.
    Along with new engine management and E-gas system, the scooters now come with new springs in a centrifugal clutch that has been optimized in order to reduce clutch lag. Braking setup has been modified as well with a new caliper at front E-gas alongside new brake levers. Rider assist tech such as Automatic Stability Control (ASC) has been updated so that it can automatically calibrate required friction for a certain surface. More

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    2021 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 And Continental GT – New TVC

    2021 Royal Enfield 650The new RE 650 bikes will also be presented with new MiY options offering buyers a range of personalized choices
    Royal Enfield has launched the new Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 in India. These two bikes are offered in single tone and dual tone colour options. The updates on the two bikes are only restricted to new colour schemes and Make-it-Your options, while engine specs remain unchanged.
    Colour Updates
    New colours on the Interceptor 650 include Mark Two, Baker Express, Sunset Strip, Downtown Drag, Ventura Blue, Canyon Red and Orange Crush. The colour schemes of Glitter and Dust have now been called Mark Two while three colours of Mark Three, Ravishing Red, and Silver Spectre have been discontinued.
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    Continental GT 650 gets 5 colour choices of Rocker Red, Mr Clean, Dux Deluxe, British Racing Green and Ventura Storm. Interceptor 650 prices range from Rs 2.59 – 2.88 lakhs. Royal Enfield Continental GT650, priced between Rs.2.75-2.97 lakhs. All prices are ex-sh.
    New MiY Options
    Along with the new colour schemes are feature updates. RE 650 Twin can now be customized as per buyer’s choice with Make-it-Your options of seat choices, touring mirrors and tall and short tinted flyscreens along with sump guards.
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    Blacked out rims and mudguards in a single tone colour scheme add to the aesthetic appeal of the INT 650 Twin which was earlier only offered on the dual tone variants. The customization options also see engine guards for added protection. Each of these options get homologated and come in with a 2 year warranty.
    Unchanged Engine Specs
    Though the RE 650 Twins get new colour schemes and MiY options they continue to be powered by the same engine as was seen on its earlier counterparts. This 648cc, air/oil cooled, parallel twin engine makes 47.65 hp power at 7,150 rpm and 52 Nm torque at 5,250 rpm mated to a 6 speed sequential gearbox. Slipper clutch is offered as standard.
    Suspension and braking specs also remain unchanged and the RE Twins continue to sport telescopic fork and twin preload-adjustable shocks while they ride on 18 inch spoked wheels fitted with Ceat tyres as against Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres as was seen earlier.
    The launch of the new 2021 RE 650 Twins follows the company’s earlier announcement of 4 new models each year for the next seven years. It was the new Meteor 350 that was launched late last year while the new Himalayan was launched earlier this year. The company also plans the next gen Classic 350 and a  650cc cruiser for later this year while an electric motorcycle is also in the making. More

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    Bajaj Sales, Exports Breakup Feb 2021 – Pulsar, Platina, CT, Avenger, Boxer

    Bajaj Pulsar 150Bajaj Auto reported flat sales in the past month while exports increased 10.43 percent
    Pune-based two-wheeler OEM, Bajaj Auto Limited has released their sales figures for February 2021. Positive growth is reported both in terms of domestic sales and exports. Domestic sales stood at 1,42,863 units while exports were at 1,72,938 units relating to combined sales of 3,15,801 units.
    Domestic sales were somewhat flat with 1.87 percent increase from 1,40,241 units sold in Feb 20 to 1,42,863 units sold in the past month. Sales of the Platina and Pulsar brand commanded the list.
    Pulsar domestic sales stood at 81,454 units, up 7.65 percent over 75,669 units sold in Feb 20. However, the highest percentage increase was seen in the case of the Dominar. Sales of the Bajaj Dominar increased 474.25 percent from 299 units sold in Feb 20 to 1,717 units sold last month.
    Earlier this year, the company had increased the prices of the Dominar 250 and 400. Bajaj Dominar 250 received a price hike of Rs. 2,003, while Dominar 400 price increased by Rs.1,997. Bajaj Chetak electric scooter, only electric bike in Bajaj lineup, has seen a 50 percent increase in sales from 100 units sold in Feb 20 to 150 units sold in the past month.
    Bajaj Domestic Sales – Feb 2021
    Segment wise Domestic Sales
    When taking segment wise sales into account, the Pulsar brand in the 111c to 125cc and 126cc to 150cc segments did the best. Sales of the Bajaj CT suffered de-growth of 65.27 percent to 9,462 units, down from 26,242 units sold in Feb 20. The Bajaj Platina however, noted a 36.88 percent growth to 46,264 units sold in domestic markets in Feb 21, up from 33,799 units sold in Feb 20.
    In the subsequent 151cc – 200cc segments it was the Avenger that noted a sales increase of 5.79 percent to 2,813 units while Pulsar sales surged 45.90 percent to 11,643 units, up from 7,980 units sold in Feb 20. Bajaj Avenger in the 201 to 250 segment also posted positive growth up 120.44 percent to 1,003 percent sold in Feb 21, up from 455 units sold in Feb 20.
    Bajaj Auto Exports – Feb 21
    Noting a 10.43 percent increase in total exports to 1,72,938 units, Bajaj Auto saw its Boxer the most in demand with 1,10,716 units exported in the past month. This was a 8.47 percent increase over 1,02,066 units exported in Feb 20. Total exports of the Pulsar brand stood at 30,863 units, up 60.74 percent over 19,200 units sold in Feb 20 while lower down the order was the Bajaj CT with sales of 13,750 units, a de-growth of 40.4 percent over 23,096 units sold in Feb 20.
    Bajaj Exports Breakup – Feb 2021
    Platina, available both as a 110cc and 125cc offering, was at No. 5 in terms of exports in Feb 21 with total exports of 4,320 units. Of this, 4,212 were for the 110cc offering while in the 111-125cc Platina saw 108 units exported in the past month, a de-growth of 79.07 percent over 516 units exported in Feb 20.
    Of the Dominar, exports stood at 1,600 units. The Dominar in the 201-250 segment saw exports of 542 units while in the 351-500cc segment, it noted de-growth of 33.38 percent with 1,058 units exported in Feb 21 as against 1,588 units exported in the same month of the previous year. More

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    Bajaj Chetak Based KTM – Husqvarna Electric Scooter Launch In 2022

    Bajaj Chetak based KTM / Husqvarna Electric Scooter RenderBajaj and KTM will introduce Husqvarna e-scooter based on a jointly developed platform next year
    Bajaj Auto and KTM AG have been having a fruitful partnership for the last 13 years. The Indian two- and three-wheeler giant currently holds 48% stake in the Austrian sportsbike manufacturer. The controlling stake of 51.7% in KTM is being held by Pierer Mobility AG which is in turn is parented by Pierer Industrie AG.
    Continued partnership
    Bajaj and KTM have been involved in joint product development, manufacturing facility sharing, international distribution pact, and joint sales and marketing activities. Moving forward, the two brands are currently developing an electric two wheeler platform.
    KTM-Husqvarna will use the Bajaj Chetak’s 4 kW electric platform for its upcoming Husqvarna scooter which will be made by Bajaj Auto in India. The duo are also working on a 4 kW/10 kW electric motorcycle platform which is likely to be marketed as Husqvarna E-Pilen.
    Today it was announced that the first electric two wheeler from the brand will be launched in 2022. It is believed that the first product will be a scooter based on the Bajaj Chetak platform. Once launched, it will take on the likes of Ather 450X. More platforms and products are likely to be in the pipeline.
    Bajaj Chetak
    With Bajaj Auto’s help, KTM emerged as the largest premium motorcycle brand in the world by surpassing Harley Davidson in terms of volume in 2018 and 2019. 22% of the company’s H2 2020 sales is accounted for by products that were made by Bajaj in India and sold in domestic market as well as in Indonesia.
    For Bajaj, KTM’s partnership gave access to technologies and the right to be the only manufacturer of KTM and Husqvarna bikes outside Europe. The export operations include important markets like US, Japan and South Asia.
    Bajaj Auto to return its 48% stake?
    According to a recent report by Moneycontrol, the Indian automaker’s European subsidiary Bajaj Auto International Holding BV is in talks with Pierer Industrie AG to transfer the 48% stake back to the Austrian parent company. It is likely Bajaj will in return get stake in Pierer Industrie AG. The finer details of the proposal and its consequences to the highly successful partnership is not known yet but we believe KTM and Bajaj will continue exploring synergies.
    It is to be noted that the two entities had a similar discussions back in March 2019 with the stake transfer transaction scheduled to be completed in a matter of months. However, both parties withdrew the move for reasons not specified.
    If the transfer is executed this time around, Pierer Group is expected to increase its stake in KTM AG from 51.7% to 99.7%. The brands KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas are under KTM AG’s umbrella. More details are expected to be released by the concerned parties in due course. More