More stories

  • in

    Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser Spied Cruising On Highway By Interceptor Rider

    2021 Royal Enfield Cruiser 650cc
    The familiar 648 cc twin-cylinder air-cooled engine is expected to be retained without any changes to its output figures

    Royal Enfield has been busy testing several of its upcoming products including the 650 cc Cruier. The twin-cylinder tourer has been spotted on a highway once again, this time by a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 rider (Inigo M Sabastian) with a helmet-mounted camera.
    Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser – Styling
    The Royal Enfield Cruiser is the third derivative of the company’s popular 650 cc twin-cylinder platform. The product was previewed by KX bobber design concept at EICMA in 2018. However, the near-production ready test mules that have been doing rounds in public for several months look very different from the concept.
    2021 Royal Enfield Cruiser 650cc
    For starters, the fuel tank is almond shaped, sticking to RE’s conventional design language. The wheelbase is shorter compared to the KX and the seat height is noticeably taller. That said, the upcoming twin-cylinder Royal Enfield does follow textbook cruiser design with low-slung tail, forward-set foot pegs and a relaxed riding posture.
    What we know so far?
    The Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser adopts inverted telescopic front forks, a first for the brand in the modern era. The rear continues with traditional twin shock absorber units. The motorcycle is equipped with alloy wheels, front and rear disc brakes (most likely with standard dual-channel ABS), and twin silencers which are mounted very low. Spirited cornering maneuvers could scratch them.
    2021 Royal Enfield Cruiser 650cc
    The motorcycle is equipped with a single digi-analog instrument console. We expect the final production version to be equipped with another small dial incorporating Tripper Navigation system which works based on smartphone connectivity.
    The familiar 648 cc air-cooled parallel-twin engine is likely to be retained in the same state of tune as the Interceptor and Continental GT. To recap, the motor produces 47 hp and 52 Nm of torque. A 6-speed gearbox is connected to the motor by means of a slipper and assist clutch.
    When is it coming?
    Royal Enfield is gearing up for a massive product onslaught that will first see the retro-classic specialist renew its money making 350 cc portfolio. The recently launched Meteor 350 will be followed up by next generation Classic 350 and a sportier roadster which is reported to be called as Hunter 350. Then comes the 650 Cruiser and another twin-cylinder roadster that appears to be a spiritual successor to the now defunct Classic 500.
    [embedded content]
    The product launch campaign which was delayed by the pandemic crisis is expected to kick start in the coming months and should run into 2022. The new models will play a crucial role not only in domestic growth but also in the company’s aspiration to establish global leadership in the medium displacement motorcycle segment. If you are a Royal Enfield fan, this year is going to be a very exciting one for sure. More

  • in

    2021 Bajaj Pulsar 150 New White Colour At Dealer Showroom – Launch Soon

    2021 Bajaj Pulsar White Colour
    Apart from revised cosmetics, the Moon White Edition of Bajaj Pulsar 150 is identical to the regular model in terms of specs and features

    Bajaj Pulsar is arguably one of the most popular sporty commuter range of motorcycles in India along with its arch nemesis TVS Apache. Out of all different iterations Pulsar 150, is the most sold model wearing the ‘Pulsar’ branding. The Chakan-based two wheeler manufacturer is all set to introduce a new colour scheme in India soon.
    A video uploaded by Jet wheels on YouTube takes a walk around this upcoming new variant of Pulsar 150 which sports this bright new colour scheme. This edition of the entry-level sports commuter bike is called Moon White Edition and comes with a lovely dual-tone paint scheme with shades of white and black which are complemented by red accents.
    2021 Bajaj Pulsar White Colour
    Updated Aesthetics
    The red highlights on the motorcycle accentuate the motorcycle’s sporty appeal. Along with the unique paint option, this variant of Pulsar 150 will also receive attractive body graphics. Apart from this, the front mudguard receives carbon fibre stickering with a gloss black treatment given to it.
    It stands on blacked-out alloy wheels which also get red stripes on its rims. Mechanical components such as the engine-gearbox assembly, central body panel, exhaust pipe and engine guard are painted in black.
    [embedded content]
    More carbon fibre treatments are seen on the rear fender and toolbox cover. In addition, design of the ‘150’ branding has also been altered slightly. While the entire body receives matte finish components such as its clip-on handlebar, exhaust cover and pillion grab rail are finished in gloss black. It receives the same part-digital and part-analogue instrument cluster.
    Faux carbon fiber sticker
    Specifications
    In terms of specifications, this upcoming Moon White Edition will be identical to the regular Pulsar 150. It features the same 149.5cc air-cooled single-cylinder fuel-injected motor which produces 13.8 bhp and 13.4 Nm of peak torque and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
    The new variant also uses the same hardware setup which consists of telescopic forks at front and dual springs with adjustable preload at rear. The braking setup comprises a standard disc brake at front with the option of either a drum brake or disc brake at rear. Safety net is provided by a single-channel ABS as standard.
    2021 Bajaj Pulsar White Colour
    Apart from the new colour option, Bajaj offers six colour schemes on Pulsar 150 range. In addition, the company offers three neon colour options- neon red, neon yellow and neon silver for the updated Neon series. This new Moon White Edition is expected to be priced at a premium of Rs 2000-3000 the existing Pulsar 150 range. Pulsar 150 competes against the likes of TVS Apache RTR 160, Yamaha FZ-S Fi and Honda Unicorn. More

  • in

    Okinawa Electric Scooter Sales Increase By 30% – Petrol Price Hike Effect

    Okinawa Electric Scooter Sales Growth
    Okinawa electric scooter sales and enquiries increase on account of rising petrol prices

    Having been an early mover in the electric scooter market, Okinawa finds itself in an advantageous position. Though electric scooter sales volumes are on the rise, total volumes are still small in these early days. For starters, in that equation, Okinawa sales is on the rise. It also manages to report sales, second only to Hero Electric.
    Recent months have seen petrol price stabilise in most cities at juts below 100 bucks for a litre. While that’s a spot of bother for all two wheeler users, electric variants are benefiting. Okinawa reported 30 percent increase in sale of electric scooters over the last quarter.
    The company attributes this to rising fuel prices. Not just sales, Okinawa has increasingly addressed a growing number of enquiries, close to a 3-fold increase from prospective customers.
    EV sector rapid growth
    Jeetender Sharma, MD & Founder, Okinawa Autotech, states “The EV sector in India is rapidly growing since the last three years as both the central and state governments have been taking many initiatives to promote the adoption of Electric vehicles.
    Image for reference
    The recent hike in fuel prices has further pushed consumers to look for alternate options such as electric vehicles. We as a company have witnessed the hike and aim to provide the electric vehicles that are at par with the ICE engine.”
    As petrol prices continue to move closer to Rs 100 per litre, demand for electric two-wheelers sees positive uptick. Over time, awareness around e-scooters continues to improve. Currently, Okinawa Autotech scooter sales are on the increase at a pace of 35 percent to 40 percent this year. Current market dynamics has helped the manufacturer emerge as one of the leading electric two-wheeler sellers. The company ended 2020 having sold the second highest no. of high-speed electric scooters.
    Okinawa electric scooters
    Product portfolio has now been expanded to six electric scooters available in a price range of Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.14 lakh. In 2021, Okinawa plans to launch 2 more new high speed two-wheelers.
    As the electric scooter segment establishes groundwork for the times to come, government subsidy policies are influencing product development. Considering government subsidies are not a blanket offer for electric scooters, manufacturers are inclined to opt for products that qualify for such subsidies.
    Considering these are still early days, in time, mainstream manufacturers will enter the electric two-wheeler space in a more involved manner. Until then, the road is clear for new manufacturers to stamp their roadmap strongly. More

  • in

    Honda CB500X India Launch Price Rs 6.87 L – As A CKD

    2021 Honda CB500X launched in India via CKD route
    India-spec Honda CB500X is similar to its international counterpart and gets the same 471cc parallel-twin motor

    With the recent expansion of the BigWing network in India, Honda is looking to expand its footprint in the premium segment of motorcycles in the country. It launched a classic retro-style motorcycle in the form of H’Ness CB350 which has been a huge success considering its limited availability.
    This was followed by a scrambler version of H’Ness called CB350 RS which recently made its debut in the market. Now, the Japanese automaker has launched its first mid-displacement adventure tourer in the form of CB500X which will also be retailed exclusively through BigWing chain of dealerships.
    The adventure motorcycle segment has surely gathered pace in recent months with attractive new offerings from several brands. Currently, this segment boasts of entry-level ADV motorcycles like Hero Xpulse 200, Royal Enfield Himalayan, BMW G 310 GS, KTM 250 Adventure and 390 Adventure.
    Design
    In terms of design, it looks like a proper contemporary adventure tourer with a tall adjustable windscreen, a big fuel tank, a stepped-up seat, an upswept exhaust and staggered spoke alloy wheel shod by all-terrain tyres. As far as features are concerned, it will boast full LED lighting, a fully digital LCD instrument cluster and dual-channel ABS.
    Honda CB500X – India Spec
    Mechanical Specs
    In terms of mechanicals, it is powered by a 471cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled DOHC motor that pushes out 47 PS of maximum power at 8,500rpm and 43.2 Nm of peak torque at 6500rpm. This unit is linked to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch for quick gear shifts. The frame is suspended on 41mm telescopic forks at front with 150mm of travel and a nine-position preload adjustable mono-shock at rear with a travel of 135mm.
    It rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels with 110/80 and 160/60 section of tyres respectively. Braking duties are handled by 320mm front and 230mm rear disc brakes. Going by these numbers, it looks as if it is more of a road-biased adventure tourer. Globally it is considered one of the best adventure motorcycles in its segment.
    India Price
    In India, CB500X will rival Benelli TRK 502. It is brought to the country as a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit and is priced from Rs 6.87 lakh (ex-sh, Gurgaon). This makes it an affordable option for those who do not want to the more powerful Kawasaki Versys 650. Bookings of Honda CB500X are open from today at Honda’s premium big bike dealerships – BigWing Topline & BigWing across India.
    Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd., said, “Driven by the passion of fun riders in India and further strengthening our offerings in the mid-size premium motorcycle segment, CB500X will entice adventure enthusiasts who believe in exploring unconventional trails. This machine serves as a companion for city rides and is beast on unraveled paths. The parallel twin-cylinder engine offers easy-to-access power and plenty of torque. Together with tough adventure styling, long-travel suspension, a tall windscreen and more, CB500X invites you to Live Unlike the Others.” More

  • in

    Royal Enfield Tops Clean Manufacturing Test With BMW, Honda, KTM, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Ducati

    Royal Enfield motorcycles are manufactured at company plant in Chennai, India.
    Japanese motorcycle manufacturers along with their European counterparts are considered clean enough barring those from Italian manufacturers

    Ever wondered which bike manufacturer has the cleanest running motors. No, we are not exactly talking about emission standards of a motorcycle which are very much equal thanks to emission standards. We are talking about the preciseness of the company’s manufacturing process which results in minimum quantities of impurities getting through an engine from an assembly line.
    Test by FortNine
    FortNine recently collaborated with a laboratory that evaluated similar criteria for various car makers across the world. The lab tests the first service oil from various manufacturers and checks the presence of impurities of different magnitudes and sizes which are a result of less than a perfect manufacturing process.
    A similar evaluation was conducted for several motorcycle manufacturers. FortNine collected first service engine oil from twelve random brands of motorcycles and sent them to the labs for testing. These brands are Royal Enfield, BMW, KTM, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Triumph, Suzuki, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Ducati and Yin Xiang.
    The results which arrived recently, around seven months later, might be a little surprising to motorcycle enthusiasts, especially those from India. Royal Enfield has beaten the rest, and managed to top the list in the clean manufacturing process test.
    Clean Manufacturing Test Result – Credit FortNine
    Quantity & Nature of Impurities
    The impurity measured were of various sizes with particles ranging from less than 5 micrometres to 100 micrometres. The laboratory even tried evaluating larger particles but some of the samples were so messed up that they formed alliances with smaller sized impurities which made it hard for scientists to make an accurate reading. However, readings taken were pretty consistent for impurity particles of all sizes. Take a look at the detailed test video below.
    [embedded content]
    While impurities such as carbon and metal shavings are expected to be part of any automobile assembly line and likely to trickle into an engine, the findings suggested presence of other uncommon impurity materials such as cloth fibre, sand, plastic, chips of wood and others. 100ml of each sample was tested for the quality of engine oil, the presence of carbon content in it and the magnitude of impurities.
    Yin Xiang Performs Worst
    However, impurities in the Chinese manufacturer Yin Xiang’s sample were so large and frequent that scientists could only test 25ml of the sample and multiplied the result into four. No wonder that the manufacturer recorded over an astounding 11.88 million impurity particles in its sample which measured less than 5 micrometres. Two Italian manufacturers Aprilia and Ducati were the next with impurities worth 2.3 and 1.8 million respectively.
    Clean Manufacturing Test Result – Credit FortNine
    Iconic American motorcycle brand Harley Davidson also did not have a favourable result as it fared just a little better than its Italian counterparts. Rest of the makers were considered as clean enough at least for now. While most motors will not have a problem complying with stricter emission norms in future, the Italians and the Chinese manufacturers will have their task cut out.
    Royal Enfield-Cleanest of All
    The surprising part was that the list was topped by none other than India’s Royal Enfield which had the least number of impurity particulates in its sample. Therefore, it is considered to be one of the cleanest motors, if not the cleanest, in the world.
    Currently, lead is used to manufacture spinning parts of motorcycles which is soft enough to absorb impurities rather than grinding them. However, stricter emission norms will ban use of heavy metals which means no more lead. This will pose further challenges to manufacturers in coming days More

  • in

    Royal Enfield Himalayan Modified Into A 4 Wheel ATV – Cost Rs 3.5 L

    Royal Enfield Himalayan Modified Into a 4 Wheel ATV
    Royal Enfield made its first appearance in 2016 and was recently updated earlier this year with a starting price of Rs 2.01 lakh (ex-showroom)

    Royal Enfield and aftermarket customisation go hand in hand. There is not a single Royal Enfield model which hasn’t gone under the knife at an aftermarket workshop and then come out in a whole new avatar. A versatile chassis is the primary reason for the brand being a fan favourite among bikers who love a few mod jobs on their bikes.
    The latest example is way out of the leagues of all modifications witnessed until now. A Royal Enfield Himalayan has been modified into a quad-bike or in elaborate words- a four-wheeled All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) a local customisation workshop- Kunwar Customs based out of Jaipur.
    Completely Overhauled Styling
    A video of the same has been uploaded on YouTube by Vampvideo explaining details of the customisation carried out on the ATV. Not from any angle, can this bike be identified as a Himalayan as it wears a completely different top hat. For starters, only a few components such as the engine, lower section of the frame, chainset, etc. have been carried forward from a 2019 model of Himalayan.
    On the other hand, instrument cluster and handlebar have been taken from an old Thunderbird 350. Almost all body panels are made of fibre plastic and have been borrowed from a donor ATV although it gets a brand new custom-made metallic fuel tank since the Himalayan’s fuel tank did not synchronise with the body of the ATV.
    [embedded content]
    The four-wheeler rides on beautiful machine-cut alloy wheels shod by knobby all-terrain tyres. It gets a dual-disc brake setup at front wheels and single discs at rear wheels. Some of the components such as the shock absorbers, Zhongya ATV tyres and disc brakes have been separately imported.
    It gets a pair of primary as well as auxiliary LED headlights with LED rings around. The luggage rack at front is custom-made as well. A similar luggage rack has also been added at rear as well which could seat up to three people on the removable seats. It is a very practical inclusion since the primary seat is good enough to hold the rider only.
    Updated Hardware
    Additionally, to convey that the ATV has Royal Enfield DNA, the workshop has added custom Royal Enfield branding and body decals similar to the ones seen in the adventure tourer on the ATV’s fuel tank and centre panels. The chassis has been customised as well while a completely new custom-made suspension setup has been employed. The video shows that the frame is suspended on an independent double-wishbone setup at front with gas-charged shock absorbers and a mono-shock at rear.
    Powertrain Specs
    Royal Enfield Himalayan ATV is powered by the same 411cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 24.3 bhp of power at 6,500rpm and 32 Nm of peak torque at 4,500rpm. However, the workshop has tinkered with the sprockets in order to extract more torque from the motor at the rear wheels. This unit is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The customiser added that it would cost around Rs 3.5 lakh and would take around three months of time to build a similar custom ATV. More

  • in

    CFMoto Electric Scooter Planned For India Launch – Ather 450X Rival

    CFMOTO ZEEHO Electric Scooter
    Upon its launch, Zeeho Cyber e-scooter will compete against the likes of Ather 450X and Bajaj Chetak Electric

    CFMoto had been out of the news for over a year until it recently made its comeback with the BS6 updated 300NK. This will be followed by its faired sibling 300SR which is expected to be launched in India in the coming months. In fact, the Chinese automaker has planned to launch a new product every eight months.
    The company has revealed that the 650cc trio is also expected to arrive in India soon. However, the bikemaker isn’t only looking to bring in new conventionally IC-powered two-wheelers in the country. The brand is also looking ahead in future and developing electric mobility solutions that would also make it to the country.
    Zeeho Cyber e-scooter
    At the end of last year, CFMoto launched its new subsidiary brand Zeeho which will spearhead the company’s electric mobility division. It also revealed the Cyber concept electric scooter which reports suggest might be launched in India in the near future. Like the petrol-powered two-wheelers from CFMoto, the upcoming electric two-wheelers under the Zeeho brand will also be designed by Kiska Designs.
    Concept Design
    Zeeho Cyber concept sports a futuristic design although the production-spec model is expected to be a lot different. At front, the e-scooter concept gets an LED headlamp which is flanked by two wing-like LED light panels.
    CFmoto Zeeho Cyber Electric Scooter Concept
    Its front fairing is sporty and muscular yet sleeker than its rear end. The side fairing extends backward to meet the LED taillights which are essentially facing sideways. The seat looks exceptionally small to accommodate a pillion.
    Specifications
    Coming to its specifications, the concept featured a pouch-style 4kWh lithium-ion battery manufactured by Farasis Energy that is paired with Zeeho’s indigenously developed Cobra 10 kW water-cooled motor. This powertrain is capable of producing an output of 13.4 bhp and a humongous 213 Nm of peak torque.
    This torque figure helps the e-scooter sprint 0-50 kmph in just 2.9 seconds while its top speed has been capped at 110 kmph. The company claims a range of 130 km on a single charge as per NEDC (New European Driving Cycle).
    CFmoto Zeeho Cyber Electric Scooter Concept
    There are three driving modes on offer as well namely- Eco, Street and Sport which clearly reveal their utility. The company claims a lifespan of 2,500 cycles which roughly translates to eight years of normal usage or 3 lakh kilometres. The battery could be rejuvenated from 0 to 80 % using a fast charger for 30 minutes. The battery pack can operate in temperatures ranging from -20-degree to 55-degree celsius which makes it suitable for most countries.
    As per the company, the India-spec model has slightly different specifications than its international version. Zeeho will also be looking to extend its lineup to electric bikes as well which should also be introduced in India. According to reports, CFMoto intends to launch Zeeho Cyber in India towards the end of this year following its international debut in June 2021.
    SOURCE More

  • in

    Hero Destini, Maestro Scooter 100 Million Edition Launched – First Look

    Hero Destini and Maestro – 100 Million Edition
    Limited edition models are introduced to add more zing and uniqueness to consumer choices

    Having reached the 100 million production milestone, world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp is celebrating the joy with customers by launching 100 million limited editions of its popular motorcycles and scooters. The 100 millionth unit produced was a Hero Xtreme 160R motorcycle. This milestone was achieved earlier this year in January.
    After launching 100 million limited editions of Xtreme 160R, Splendor Plus and Passion Pro, the company has now introduced 100 million editions of its popular scooters – Hero Destini 125 and Maestro Edge 110. The limited editions of both scooters have cosmetic updates and there are no changes to engine or features.
    Hero Destini 125 100 million edition
    Destini 125 100 million edition gets dual-tone paint scheme of white and red. While the outer body panels have the white shade, the floor board area gets the red paint. The Destini logo on the side panel also has the red paint. Another change is the 100 million edition sticker on the front panel. Apart from these, there are no other changes.
    If we look at colour options for standard Destini 125, the choices include Matt Grey Silver, Noble Red, Pearl Silver White, Panther Black, Chestnut Bronze and Candy Blazing Red. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video by Gear Update below.
    [embedded content]
    With the updates, Destini 125 100 million edition costs Rs 72,250 (ex-showroom, Delhi). In comparison, the standard LX and VX variants are priced at Rs 66,960 and Rs 70,450, respectively. Hero Destini 125 is powered by a 124.6 cc air-cooled engine that is capable of generating 9 bhp of max power at 7,000 rpm and 10.4 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 rpm.
    Hero Maestro Edge 110 100 million edition
    While design and styling is the same as earlier, the 100 million edition of Maestro Edge 110 gets new grey and white decals. This creates an exciting contrast with the red coloured body panels. The 100 million edition sticker has been placed on the front panel.
    Colour options for standard Maestro Edge 110 include Midnight Blue, Seal Silver, Candy Blazing Red, Pearl Fadeless White, Panther Black and Techno Blue. Customers going for Maestro Edge 110 100 million edition will have to shell out Rs 65,250 (ex-showroom, Delhi). In comparison, the standard VX and ZX variants of Maestro Edge 110 are available at Rs 61,950 and Rs 63,450, respectively. Engine is the same as earlier, a 110.9 cc, air cooled unit that makes 8 bhp at 7,250 rpm and 8.75 Nm at 5,750 rpm.
    100 million editions of both scooters are priced Rs 1,800 more than their respective top-spec standard models. Folks who want to add some level of uniqueness to their rides can certainly choose the limited edition. On the other hand, price-conscious customers are unlikely to be willing to pay more for cosmetic enhancements. More