More stories

  • in

    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

  • in

    Yamaha SR500 Flat Tracker Custom Motorcycle Showcased By Hurco

    Yamaha SR500 Flat Tracker Custom Motorcycle. Image – Bike Exif.The custom Yamaha SR500 flat tracker has been built in partnership with CAD/CAM company Mastercam
    In our profession, we come across tons of custom motorcycles some of which become part of our stories so that it reaches our readers. Most of the ones covered are not just funky-looking motor parts but purposely built machines for function as well. In this case, though, it has been specifically designed for a show.
    The interesting part, however, the show where this vehicle got showcased had nothing to with custom-made motorcycles. We are talking about a Yamaha SR500 customised into a flat tracker that has been built by a 27-year-old named Maxime Fontvielle who works as an application engineer at the French operation of US machine tool company, Hurco.
    Yamaha SR500 Flat Tracker Custom Motorcycle
    The designer has been in love with mopeds ever since his teenage and came across a wrecked Yamaha SR500 for just 100 Euros (approximately INR 8,500) some time ago. Maxime has rebuilt it as a showpiece for his company in order to showcase this bike in various machine industry trade shows.
    Completely Overhauled Design
    Entire design of the bike looks quite bare-bones in a truly literal sense. While major components including the frame and fuel tank are covered in grey paint with shades of black giving it a nice contrast. Along with this, a shade of blue on the alloy wheel rims is surely the eye-catching highlight.
    Yamaha SR500 Flat Tracker Custom Motorcycle
    Its overall looks are further enhanced by stylish decals all over its body. The designer has done away with a few components such as engine covers, chunky footpegs, kick-start lever and brake pedals.
    Yamaha SR500 Flat Tracker Custom Motorcycle
    There’s no brake at the front wheel although it gets a Brembo caliper and master cylinder that are coupled to a braided stainless steel line. The most critical inclusion is that of a 19-inch rear wheel matching front wheel.
    Updated Dynamics
    This unit has been sourced from a second SR unit, that is machined to take a sprocket and a 300 mm brake disc. The rear wheel also wears a custom disc brake with Brembo calipers.
    Yamaha SR500 Flat Tracker Custom Motorcycle
    It also gets machined custom wheel axles, which run on bigger bearings for the front wheel while both wheels have been lightened by ‘splitting’ the spokes. The hardware setup too also wears a whole new look with a pair of Yamaha XJR1200 forks upfront with yokes, handlebar risers and a custom steering stem.
    At rear, it gets a pair of new shock absorbers that are linked to a custom swingarm. Moving up top, the bike receives an Airtech Streamlining tail section that has been matched to a front number plate holder, a set of flat track bars and an OEM fuel tank. The livery has been taken care of by Maxime’s brother, who is a designer Austrian designing firm Kiska, the folks who handle KTM’s designs.
    Yamaha SR500 Flat Tracker Custom Motorcycle
    Lots of fettling has been conducted internally on the engine. It features a 540cc unit that comes with an upgraded camshaft, a K&N filter, an improved oil cooler and a Mikuni TMR36 carburetor. It also receives a reverse cone megaphone exhaust muffler and a new header.
    Source More

  • in

    2021 BMW M 1000 RR Motorcycle Launched In India At Rs 42 Lakh

    2021 BMW M 1000RRThe BMW M 1000 RR is the first M series motorcycle in BMW Motorrad portfolio
    The new BMW M 1000 RR, high performance motorcycle, has been launched in India. It is presented in two variants of BMW M 1000 RR, priced at Rs. 42 lakhs and the M 1000 RR Competition which carries a price tag of Rs.45 lakhs (ex-showroom).
    The new 1000 RR comes in as a completely built up unit. It is the first M model from BMW Motorrad in India. Bookings have opened at company dealerships across important centers in India.
    The new BMW M 1000 RR is positioned at the top of the company lineup that currently comprises the BMW S 1000 RR in three variants of Standard, Pro and Pro MSport, priced at Rs. 19.50 lakhs, Rs. 21.40 lakhs and Rs. 23.75 lakh respectively. All price are ex-sh.
    Based on the S 1000 RR
    BMW M 1000 RR is available in Light White, Racing Blue Metallic and Racing Red colours. It is seen in a special livery, an engine cover in granite grey and fuel filler cap in black. The M 1000 RR also gets several light weight components tipping the scales at 192 kgs. Aerodynamics are enhanced via clear coat carbon M winglets and a high positioned windscreen.
    2021 BMW M 1000RR
    A revised chassis, high performance M brakes, M carbon wheels and a lightweight M battery are also a part of its features while it will boast of a 6.5 inch TFT display with OBD interface, USB charging socket at the rear and integrated LED tail lamps. The M model also receives twin ring forged pistons from MAHLE, lighter titanium connecting rods from Pankl and sleek rocker arms along with fully machined intake ports and light weight exhaust system made of titanium.
    Engine, Transmission and Braking
    BMW M 1000 RR gets its power via a 999cc, liquid cooled, 4 cylinder engine with BMW ShiftCam technology. This engine makes 209 hp power at 14,500 rpm and 113 Nm torque at 11,000 rpm mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox. Suspension is via inverted telescopic forks in front and aluminum swing arm at the rear. Braking is handled by disc brakes at both ends along with dual channel ABS.
    The M 1000 RR comes with 5 riding modes of Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race, and Race Pro. It gets traction control, wheelie control, hill start assist, selectable throttle modes, engine braking adjustability and bi-directional quickshifter.
    2021 BMW M 1000RR
    Globally the company offers an optional pack on the M 1000 RR, to include M GPS lap-trigger and activation code, M milled parts package, M carbon package, 220g lighter swing arm, DLC-coated M endurance chain and passenger package with tail-hump cover. Warranty on the new BMW M 1000 RR includes a 3 year/unlimited warranty and a 4th and 5th year extended warranty with 24×7 365 days road side assistance as a part of the package.
    BMW has also announced a fleet of safety cars and motor cycles for the 2021 MotoGP to be held in Qatar on 28th March 2021. The new M3, M5 and the M5 CS Safety Cars along with the BMW M 1000 RR will debut as safety cars and motorcycle at this event. More

  • in

    Honda Two Wheeler Dealer Did Not Pay Rs 3.6 Cr Road Tax Of 29k Customers

    Image – Emerald Honda
    The two wheeler dealer had collected Road Tax from 29,175 buyers but failed to make payments to the concerned authorities
    Emerald Honda, a Honda two wheeler dealership has been booked for cheating the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. The dealership had been collecting road tax from each two wheeler buyer as per the standard norms but the amount was not paid to the concerned authorities.
    This fraud came to light when one such buyer, a Bapunagar resident, Surendrakumar Agja received a notice from the AMC asking him to clear his road tax dues within 3 days. Agja had purchased a two wheeler from the Emerald Honda showroom in Shahibagh in 2016. He paid the one time road tax and even received a receipt for the same. Hence he was astounded to receive the notice in July 2020 citing unpaid dues.
    Agja had approached the police on receipt of the notice in November 2020. An FIR was registered under IPC Section 406 (Punishment for Criminal Breach of Trust) and 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property). While this was initially thought to be a sole case, it then came to light that this was not so.
    More Customers
    The said dealership had collected road tax from 29,175 two wheeler buyers during the period January 1, 2016, and December 12, 2020, but not deposited the same with the said authorities. As per documents received, the dealer had not paid taxes to the tune of Rs.3.63 crores to AMC.
    Image – Emerald Honda
    Though the Police Inspector M B Barad of the Madhavpura Police Station stated in January that the non-payment of taxes was inadvertent and were cleared later, Agja came to learn from AMC that this was not the case and the dues were still pending.
    Untimely Action by Cops
    Agja states that no action was taken at that time. Had the authorities acted on his complaint, the owners could have been apprehended. Now it is noticed that the Honda Showroom has been shut and the owners are absconding while a list exists of over 8,000 two wheeler owners whose road tax has not been deposited with the AMC.
    The aggrieved two wheeler owners have now decided to approach the Police Commissioner to take action against the Madhavpura Police personnel who obviously tried to protect the accused by not taking timely action.
    Employees’ PF Also Siphoned Off
    Not only were the two wheeler buyers cheated of their road tax dues by the said Honda Dealership, but the hapless employees have also found that their employers had been making deductions for Provident Fund from their salaries but not deposited the same into the PF account.
    Source More

  • in

    Top 10 Motorcycles (200cc To 500cc) Feb 2021 – Classic, Meteor, Pulsar, Dominar

    Image – Krishna Motors200-500cc motorcycle segment registered healthy YoY growth of 13.42% in February 2021
    A total of 77,931 units were sold in February 2021, as compared to 68,713 units in February last year. MoM sales, however, are down marginally by -0.13%, as compared to 78,036 units sold in January 2021.
    Royal Enfield dominates
    The top four slots in 200-500cc segment continue to be with Royal Enfield. Combined market share of all Royal Enfield motorcycles in this segment is more than 83 percent.
    Classic 350 leads the pack with 36,025 units sold in February 2021. YoY growth is negative at -13.75%, as compared to 41,766 units sold in February last year. Market share is at 46.23%. Classic 350 MoM growth is also negative at -11.86%. Drop in sales is likely due to the upcoming launch of next-gen Classic 350. New Classic 350 will feature a range of updates including new engine and platform and Tripper navigation.
    At number two is Bullet 350 with 11,044 units sold in February 2021. YoY growth is 4.30%, as compared to 10,589 units sold in February last year. Market share is at 14.17%. In terms of MoM growth, sales have turned negative at -4.55%.
    Motorcycle Sales 200cc to 500cc – Feb 2021
    Meteor 350 is third with 8,624 units sold in February 2021. Market share is at 11.07%. Meteor 350 MoM growth has zoomed 70%, as compared to 5,073 units sold in January 2021.
    Electra 350 is at fourth place with 6,477 units sold in February 2021. YoY sales are up 75.29%, as compared to 3,695 units sold in February last year. Market share is at 8.31%. Electra 350 MoM growth is also positive at 19.26%, as compared to 5,431 units sold in January 2021.
    Bajaj Pulsar 220 comes fifth with 4,938 units sold in February 2021. YoY growth is negative at -27.56%, as compared to 6,817 units sold in February last year. Market share is at 6.34%. MoM numbers are also down at -21.74%, as compared to 6,310 units sold in January 2021.
    Motorcycle Sales 200cc to 500cc – Feb 2021
    CB350 sales consistent
    Honda H’ness CB350 deserves a pat on the back for emerging as a viable option in 350cc segment. It’s true that CB350 is nowhere close to toppling its primary rival Classic 350. However, even cornering a small market share and making it in the top ten is itself an achievement.
    CB350 sales in February 2021 were 3,268 units, commanding a market share of 4.19%. CB350 sales are expected to grow in future as newer variants are launched and Honda increases its BigWing dealerships.
    Other motorcycles in top ten include Himalayan (2,660 units), Avenger 220 (1,003), Dominar 400 (969), and Dominar 250 (748). Husqvarna 250 is at 11th place, registering strong YoY growth of 315.34%. GIXXER 250 YoY numbers also look good, with sales more than doubling in February 2021. Motorcycles with negative YoY growth in February 2021 include KTM 390 (-70.03%), KTM 250 (-47.03%), Apache 310 (-45.83%) and Mahindra Mojo (-80.23%). More

  • in

    Kawasaki India To Increase Prices By Up To Rs 25k – New Price List April 2021

    Image – StreetMotoTalks
    Prices for select Kawasaki models will be increased except those that were recently launched
    In a trend that is spreading like fire, another automotive manufacturer has decided to increase prices of its products at the start of the new financial year 2021-22. This time it is Japanese superbike brand Kawasaki which has announced that it will be hiking the prices of its models from April 1, 2021.
    The hike in prices ranges between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000. Prices of some of the recently launched models such as the BS6 compliant Ninja 300 and Ninja ZX-10R have been left untouched. Other bikes that will not see any price revisions are Z H2, Z H2 SE, KLX110, and KLX140G, out of which the latter two haven’t been launched in India yet.
    Revised Prices
    Ninja 650 has received a price hike of Rs 15,000 and will now be offered at Rs 6.54 lakh (ex-showroom). Its elder sibling Ninja 1000SX will now be available at a price of Rs 11.29 lakh against the last price of Rs 11.04 lakh.
    Coming to the naked series of Kawasaki models, Z650 will now be priced at Ra 6.18 lakh after an increment of Rs 15,000. A similar hike has been observed for Z900 as well which will now be priced at Rs 8.34 lakh from next week onwards.
    Kawasaki India Price List – April 2021 (ex-sh)
    The Japanese brand’s adventure motorcycles- Versys 650 and Versys 1000 have received a price hike of Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000 respectively. They will now be offered at a price of Rs 7.08 lakh and Rs 11.44 lakh respectively.
    The company’s only power cruiser Vulcan S has received a price increment of Rs 10,000 and is now available at a price of Rs 6.04 lakh. The naked retro classic motorcycle W800 has faced a price hike of Rs 10,000 and is now priced at Rs 7.19 lakh. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom.
    Upcoming Versys X300
    Kawasaki is said to launch more BS6 updated bikes in the near future as well. The most prominent of those being Versys X300. It will be powered by the same 296cc liquid-cooled four-stroke parallel-twin engine which powers the recently launched Ninja 300 BS6.
    This engine pumps out 38.4 bhp at 11,000 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 10,000 rpm. This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox and will likely be paired with a slipper and assist clutch. It is expected to be launched in the coming weeks. More

  • in

    TVS Apache 310 Render Based On Ntorq Design Language

    TVS Apache 310 rendered with Ntorq design languageOne of the bestselling 125cc scooters, TVS Ntorq is popular for its sporty, dominating profile
    Rendering artists are known for their boundless imagination and we have seen some really awe-inspiring transformations from these folks. Whether it’s adding new design elements, new colours, creating concept models or imagining next-gen variants of popular vehicles, automotive artists have always delighted us with their brilliant creations.
    The latest comes from Kerala-based Abin Design, who has carried out a remarkable rendering of a fully-faired sports bike based on the popular TVS Ntorq 125 scooter.
    TVS Ntorq sports bike – key features
    For this rendering project, the primary inspiration has been derived from Race Edition TVS Ntorq. There are two colour options for Race Edition, Red with Black and Yellow with Black. It’s the yellow colour theme that has been chosen for the rendered TVS Ntorq sports bike.
    It’s clear from the rendering that special care has been taken to retain the core theme of TVS Ntorq scooter. At the front, the rendered sports bike has an aggressive profile, quite similar to Ntorq scooter.
    TVS Apache 310 rendered with Ntorq design language
    The motorcycle’s headlight gets T-shaped DRLs, which are derived from Ntorq scooter’s tail lamp. The front turn indicators have been moved to the side fairing and wind screen has been increased in size to match the motorcycle’s bigger proportions.
    Talking about the side profile, we can see that the sports bike’s engine cowl section is similar to the floorboard area of Ntorq scooter. Other similarities include trendy rear view mirrors, sporty stubby muffler, and 3D Ntorq logo.
    There’s an addition of a curved swingarm that gives a distinctive identity to the sports bike. Rendered Ntorq sports bike has red accents and graphics, which further enhance the bike’s visual appeal.
    TVS Apache 310 rendered with Ntorq design language
    There are specific features that appear to be borrowed from TVS Apache RR310 motorcycle. These include the handlebar, golden USD front forks, fuel tank, seat design, and front and rear fenders.
    Possible engine option for Ntorq sports bike
    If this rendering could come alive and if it were to use a TVS engine, it would most probably borrow the one offered with Apache 310. The 312.2cc liquid cooled, single cylinder, reverse inclined engine is capable of delivering 34 ps of max power and 27.3 Nm of peak torque. This is available when the motorcycle is used in Sport or Track riding mode. Performance output drops to 25.8 ps / 25 Nm when Urban or Rain mode is engaged.
    TVS Apache 310 rendered with Ntorq design language
    Rendered Ntorq sports bike could have top speed similar to RR310 that can reach 160 kmph in Sport and Track mode and 125 kmph in Urban and Rain mode. Acceleration can also be close to Apache RR310 that can reach 0-100 kmph in 7.17 seconds. More

  • in

    Yamaha Y16ZR Sport Moped Based On R15 V3 Launched In Malaysia

    New Yamaha Y16ZRYamaha has decided to expand the range of 155cc VVA motor powering YZF R15 to other models in the company’s lineup
    Yamaha YZF R15’s powertrain and underpinnings are so robust and popular, that the Japanese manufacturer keeps on expanding this combination across its lineup. Recently, Yamaha introduced the updated Aerox 155 and NMax 155 based on the same powertrain as the entry-level faired sports bike.
    Sadly, none of these extended members of the R15 family has ever reached the Indian shores. Now, the company has introduced a new R15-based moped named Y16ZR in Malaysia at a price of RM 10,888 (approximately INR 1.91 lakh). The same model was introduced as Yamaha Exciter in Vietnam in December 2020.
    New Yamaha Y16ZR
    Updated Mechanical Specs
    First things first, this sport moped is powered by the same 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled VVA motor featuring in YZF R15. Unlike its scooter siblings mentioned above, Y16ZR receives a slightly higher output of 17.5 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 14.4 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm.
    For reference, R15 receives an output of 18.3 bhp and 14.1 Nm of torque featuring the same engine. This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch. Take a look at the official TVC below, where the sport moped is taking on a race track at top speeds of over 120 kmph.
    [embedded content]
    In terms of dynamics, it is built on a new frame that has been reshaped to incorporate this new 155cc VVA motor. The architecture features a thicker 4.5mm engine mount with a new Y-Shaped reinforcement collar.
    Yamaha claims that this new chassis has been optimised for improved cornering performance at high speeds. Its suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at front and a preload-adjustable mono-shock at rear. It rides on 17-inch wheels on both ends while stopping duties are handled by single disc brakes at both ends.
    Features on offer
    As far as features are concerned, it gets fairly loaded equipment that consists of full-LED lighting and a full LCD instrument console that displays critical information from the speedometer, tachometer, gear position indicator and more. The handlebar switchgear also comes with a passing light on the left and a kill switch on the right.
    In addition to these, Y16ZR also gets features such as a 12-Volt DC charging socket, keyless operation with call back function and engine immobilizer, some of which are missing even in YZF R15. Fuel capacity has been increased from 4.2-litres in its previous iteration Y15ZR to 5.4-litres in the latest iteration. The sport moped tips the weighing scale at 119kg while saddle height has been pegged at 795mm.
    Yamaha is offering the new Y16ZR in three colour options Arrow Blue, Raging Yellow and Phantom Grey. Also, the first 5,000 consumers of this new moped will receive a Royal Selangor Y16ZR key pouch which can be customised according to the owner’s name. It is highly unlikely to reach India’s shores anytime soon. More