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      2021 Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 New TVC Released – Racing Thrill Unleashed

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      2021 Bajaj Pulsar RS 200
      Bajaj Pulsar RS200 competes against other faired sportsbikes such as KTM RC 200, Yamaha R15 V3 and Suzuki Gixxer SF 250

      RS200 already received a mild facelift last year when it got upgraded to BS6 emission norms. It is offered in a solitary trim level at a price pegged at Rs 1.52 lakh (ex-showroom). There has been no change in its design ever since it first went on sale in the country.
      The bike continues to sport a fully-faired styling, the only one apart from the flagship Pulsar 220F in Bajaj Auto’s entire lineup. Other design highlights in Pulsar RS200 include a dual-projector headlamp setup, twin running LED DRLs and an odd-looking LED tail lamp.
      New TVC
      Bajaj has recently released a new TV commercial on its YouTube channel. The latest TVC shows two mules of the faired sporty commuter bike in the shadows. Tag line of the commercial is – Racing Thrill Unleashed.
      Currently, the flagship Pulsar is available with three paint options namely Burnt Red, Metallic Pearl White and Pewter Grey. Other than getting new colour schemes and BS6 upgrade, no new updates either cosmetic or mechanically have been made in Pulsar RS200 since launch.
      [embedded content]
      Features & Powertrain
      Coming to features, the sporty commuter motorcycle is offered with gizmos such as a semi-digital instrument cluster, LED turn indicators, a service-due indicator and nothing much. For added visibility at dark, Bajaj offers backlit switches in RS200.
      It has been built on a perimeter frame which is suspended on a chunky telescopic fork at front and a gas-charged mono-shock. Anchoring duties are handled by a single 300mm disc at front and a 230mm disc at rear while a safety net is provided by a dual-channel ABS as standard.
      Pulsar RS200 derives its power from a 199.5cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled motor which pushes out 24.2 bhp at 9750 rpm and a peak torque of 18.7 Nm at 8000rpm. This unit is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike is rated to return a claimed fuel efficiency of 35 kmpl while it can clock a top speed of 141 kmph.
      Upcoming Pulsar Models
      The Chakan-based bikemaker is looking to expand its Pulsar range of motorcycles by introducing new models with different configurations. This includes a new bike in the quarter-litre segment.
      Specimens of the bike were recently spotted testing on roads although ambiguity remains regarding the expected powertrain on offer. Some experts believe that Bajaj might offer a new 250cc air-cooled motor while logic dictates that the company could utilise the 249cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which powers Dominar 250 and KTM 250 series. More

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      Two Wheeler Retail Sales Feb 2021 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, RE, Suzuki, Yamaha, Jawa, BMW

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      Hero Splendor
      Two-wheeler registrations for February 2021 on a decline but electric 2W sales up

      FADA reports decline for two wheeler retails / registration in February 2021. Total decline is as high as 16.08 percent, down to under 11 lakh in retails. sales is reported at 10,91,288 units, down from just over 13 lakh units at volume loss of 2,09,076 units.
      As usual Hero takes the lead at over 3.5L units. Decline is at over a quarter at 28.92 percent, down from almost 5L units. Volume loss stood at 28.92 percent for market share (MS) of 32.12 percent. MoM decline is at 11.5 percent. Registration fell from 3.96L at volume loss of just over 45k units.
      Honda retails dipped to below 3 lakh units at 5.08 percent decline. MS stood at 27.22 percent. Retails fell to 2,97,029 units, down from 3,12,939 units at volume loss of 15,910 units. MoM decline was less steep at 1.75 percent. Retails fell from 3,02,329 units at volume loss of 5.3k units.
      Retail sales decline
      TVS reports YoY decline at 9.15 percent for 15.22 percent MS. Retails fell to 1,66,089 units from 1,82,807 units at volume loss of 16,718 units. MoM decline stood at 5.80 percent. Sales fell from 1,76,307 units at volume loss of just over 10k units. Bajaj saw sales fall by 20.41 percent for just over 11 percent MS. Retails fell to a little over 1.20L units, down from over 1.5L at volume loss of over 30k units. MoM decline is pegged at under 8 percent. Volumes fell from 1,30,735 units at volume loss of over 10k units.
      Two Wheeler Retail Sales Feb 2021 – FADA
      Royal Enfield claimed 4.83 MS following 6.71 percent decline. Sales fell to 52,713 units, down from 56,506 units at volume loss under 3.8k units. MoM decline is reported at 3.21 percent. Sales fell from 54,461 units at volume loss of 1,748 units.
      Electric two-wheeler sales growth
      Suzuki sales fell by about 1.5 percent for 4.31 percent MS. Sales were flat-fish at 47k units. Volume loss was limited at 750 units. MoM sales growth stood at about a percent, up from 46,611 units. Yamaha was able to report retail growth of 2.38 percent at volume gain of 1,033 units. Registration were up at 44,413 units from 43,380 units. MoM decline was marginal, down from 44,511 units. Piaggio sold 4,583 units at 2.41 percent decline. MoM growth is reported at 1.60 percent, up from 4,511 units.
      Jawa retails almost halved at 47.10 percent decline. Sales fell to 2,191 units, down from 4,142 units at volume loss of 1,951 units. MoM decline was lower at 4.11 percent, down from 2,285 units. Kawasaki sales too fell noticeably and more than halved. Retails are reported at 114 units down from 256 units. MoM decline stood at 5 percent down from 120 units. Triumph sales were flat at 71 units. The month earlier, 63 units were registered.
      Two Wheeler Retail Sales Feb 2021
      Harley sales are down to a tenth at 21 units, down from 215 units. In January 2021 too sales was limited at a mere 27 units. The company currently operates a lower number of dealerships following its restructuring and business association with Hero MotoCorp. 13 Ducati units were registered in February 2021. Others/Electric two-wheelers sales have grown considerably. Registrations grew to 5,753 units, up from 2,461 units at volume gain of 3,292 units.
      Disclaimer: The above numbers do not have figures from AP, MP, LD & TS as they are not yet on Vahan 4. Vehicle Registration Data has been collated as on 07.03.21 in collaboration with Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India and has been gathered from 1,274 out of 1,481 RTOs. More

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      Honda CB350 Recalled Over Defective Transmission Component

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      File photo of CB350 at service. Image – Abhinav Bhatt.
      The recall campaign will kick start on March 23 and the concerned customers will be notified by the company thorough telephone, SMS or email

      The Honda CB350’s strong run has suffered a minor setback in the form of a voluntary recall. Honda Motorcycle Scooter India (HMSI) has announced a recall of CB350 units that were manufactured between 25th November and 12 December.
      Honda CB350 recall
      The company has not revealed how many units were affected by the recall but considering that the production was constrained during the early phases of the launch, we don’t expect the numbers to be very high. It has come to light that a wrong grade of material was used in on of the retro-classic roadster’s transmission components. To be precise, the 4th gear on the countershaft is the potentially problematic component.
      While HMSI maintains that no failure or incidents related to the defect has been reported till date, the material mix up could lead to a bit of issues as the vehicle ages and the component undergoes more and more work cycles.
      When does it start?
      The recall campaign is set to commence on 23rd of March through Honda’s BigWing premium motorcycle dealerships across the country. The defective component in question will be replaced free of cost.
      Honda CB350
      The dealership should be contacting the concerned customers in the coming days. If you happen to own a Honda CB350, you can visit Hondabigwing.in website and check if your motorcycle is covered by the recall campaign or not by entering your VIN number in the dedicated section.
      The recall does not affect the recently launched derivative, the Honda CB350RS. Despite retailing its 350 family of motorcycles only through limited number of outlets, Honda has managed to quickly dispatch 10,000 units in a short span of time. The company is sitting on a healthy number of orders as well.
      Specs at a glance
      The Honda CB350 is the Japanese brand’s answer to the immensely popular Royal Enfield 350 family. Designed and developed specifically for the Indian market, the retro-classic roadster is equipped with a 348 cc motor which is tuned to deliver 21 hp and 30 Nm of torque. The performance figures are in the ballpark of the touring segment. The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
      Salient features include LED headlamp, assist and slipper clutch, digi-analog instrument cluster with smartphone enabled voice control system, dual-channel ABS, alloy wheels and so on.
      While a recall this early in its market run could be seen as a chink in its armor, we don’t expect this issue to adversely affect the popularity of the motorcycle of its appeal. It will continue to rival the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Classic 350. Royal Enfield is also preparing a sporty roadster that could go by the name Hunter 350. More

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      Ather 450x Electric Scooter Deliveries Suspended In Bangalore – Kochi Gets New Experience Center

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      Ather 450x electric scooter in Kochi
      Ather Energy opens doors to new dealership, Kochi Experience Centre inaugurated

      Ather Energy is keen on increasing its footprint in India, and the latest buzz is in Kochi, Kerala. The location for the newest dealership is Vytilla at Chakkiapadam Building, Ather Space Kochi.
      Earlier in the week, the e-scooter manufacturer scheduled test rides at Tiruchirapalli aided by a pop-up store in Annamalai Nagar. The Kochi Experience Centre opened its doors today, and the company looks forward to starting deliveries.
      FAME verification OTP
      In another announcement this week, Ather Energy has had to suspend deliveries in Bangalore. This is owing to that fact that as notified by TRAI, the OTP mechanism has been affected across the board. As a result, FAME verification is impacted as it needs an OTP to be shared.
      Keeping this in mind, deliveries in Bangalore are suspended for a few days. The Ather team will reach out to customers in regard to how to proceed if one has a delivery scheduled roundabout now.
      Ather Electric Scooter delivery suspended in Bangalore
      Ather Energy expansion
      Less than a month ago, Ather Energy began production at its Hosur facility. The move enables the manufacturer to increase manufacturing manifold. Annual capacity now stands at 1.10L scooters, and 1.20L battery packs. The company looks forward to using this capacity fully sometime in 2022. Following phase I targets, manufacturing can be expanded to 3.5L scooters annually.
      In recent months, electric two wheeler sales has improved for a number of manufacturers. This market is currently dominated e-scooters. Within the equation, Ather energy is a renowned first mover. The company currently sells Ather 450X and Ather 450 Plus in February 2021, retail sales improved by two-thirds.
      In the larger scheme of things, the Indian two wheeler market is a large one where production and sales numbers are concerned. As the electric two-wheeler market goes from strength to strength, the hope is to shift demand to EVs. The possibilities are endless considering it’s seemingly a wait and watch game now. While no Indian two-wheeler manufacturer has yet stepped forward to offer a timeline as to when they would go all electric, government guidelines for India’s EV goals are being revised on a regular basis.
      For now, in the limited scope of EV sales, Hero electric is already leading the charts. This is in line with its larger than life in the mass market two-wheeler segments we know it now. Bajaj and TVS have already introduced an e-scooter each. Most interestingly, Hero MotoCorp has a sizeable investment in Ather Energy. A recent fund infusement from Hero MotoCorp in 2020 is earmarked for market expansion and thereby improved its market presence. More

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      Hero Passion, Splendor, Xtreme 100 Million Edition And Xpulse 200T Launched

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      Hero Passion Pro 100 Million Edition. Image – Rohit Rider
      The Hero Motocorp 100 Million special edition models sport dual-tone red-white livery but there are no other changes

      Hero Motorcorp has introduced a range of special edition models to commemorate the significant production milestone of surpassing 100 million units. The world’s largest two wheeler maker in terms of volume also introduced a model year update of its Xpulse 200T dual-purpose motorcycle.
      2021 Hero Xpulse 200T
      The BS6-compliant 2021 Hero Xpulse 200T is priced at INR 1.13 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Considering that the Xpulse is still relatively new in the market, the company chose to retain the styling aspects. The BS6 version is available in three color options namely Sports Red, Matte Shield Gold and Panther Black.
      To recap, the Xpulse 200T is powered by a 199.6 cc oil-cooled single-cylinder engine which is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The power and torque figures stand at 18.1 hp and 16.15 Nm respectively. The motorcycle weighs 154 kg and has a ground clearance of 177 mm.
      Feature highlights include a fully digital instrument console with smartphone enabled turn-by-turn navigation system, LED headlamp, front and rear disc brakes with single-channel ABS, alloy wheels and so on. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video of the new Hero Xpulse 200T in the video below, credit to Iam Hyper Rider.
      [embedded content]
      100 Million special editions
      Hero Motocorp crossed the significant production milestone in January this year and the 100 millionth motorcycle was a Hero Xtreme 160R. The company has introduced three special edition variants and is set to launch more such variants in the coming days.
      Hero Xtreme 160R 100 Million Edition. Image – MotoXpert Khan
      The Hero Xtreme 160R 100 Million special edition is dearer than the regular two-disc variant by INR 1,800 at INR 1,08,750 (ex-showroom, Delhi). It gets a special white and red livery. There are no other visual enhancements. The street fighter continues to sport LED headlamps, taillight and turn indicators, digital instrument panel, side stand engine cut-off and so on. Power comes from a 163 cc air-cooled engine pushing out 15 hp and 14 Nm of torque.
      Similarly, the Hero Splendor Plus and Passon Pro 100 Million editions are also swathed in special red and white paint job. The special edition Splendor Plus is available in a single variant priced at INR 67,095 while the Passion Pro special edition is available in two variants – disc (INR 69,200) and drum (INR 71,400). All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
      New Hero Splendor 100 Million Edition. Image – ConsumerABS
      Power the Hero Splendor Plus is a time-proven 97.2 cc air-cooled engine which develops a modest 7.9 hp and 8.05 Nm of torque. The 113 cc air-cooled unit of the Passion Pro puts out 9 hp and 9.89 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles make do with a 4-speed transmission.
      Hero Motocorp will also launch 100 Million editions of Glamour, Destini 125 and Maestro Edge. These special edition versions are expected to have a limited production run for a few months. As a part of its market consolidation strategy, the Indian two wheeler stalwart is planning to introduce 10 new products every year. We can expect a significant electrification drive in the coming years. More

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      Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Custom Bobber By Neev Motorcycles Named Queen

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      Royal Enfield 500cc Custom By Neev Motorcycles
      Custom-built Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle by Delhi-based outfit Neev Motorcycles has been named ‘Queen’

      Over the years we have witnessed some of the most insane modifications conducted on Royal Enfield motorcycles. Robust and versatile architecture complemented by simple engine construction makes it to the top of the list in the aftermarket industry in India. Every now and then we come across some piece of work that simply blows our minds.
      The latest example is a point in case. A Royal Enfield Bullet 500 model has been turned into an old-school bobber. At first glance, the motorcycle looks a little outlandish and resembles the customised choppers featured in classic Western movies.
      Royal Enfield 500cc Custom By Neev Motorcycles
      However, there is more to it than just meeting the eyes. It gives you the impression of being owned by a royal with streaks of golden colour used here and there and hence has been aptly named ‘Queen’.
      It has been designed by Navneet Suri who runs a custom bike building/modification workshop called Neev Motorcycles which is based out of New Delhi. The workshop has been known for some of the most exquisite mod jobs in recent years especially on Royal Enfield models.
      Royal Enfield 500cc Custom By Neev Motorcycles
      All-new design
      The bike with its unconventional looks is surely a head-turner. Interestingly, a concept of this design was revealed back in 2018 and this is the first working prototype of that concept. It has been built on an all-new platform which has been lowered for a ground hugging look and gets a much longer wheelbase.
      For starters, at front, the bike gets a new custom LED headlamp and a wide straight handlebar. The most prominent highlight being a sleek fabricated fuel tank that slopes down to meet the custom-made seat.
      Complex curves have been incorporated in order to add a glimpse of novelty to its design. The custom paint with a combination of red and gloss black in addition to golden stripes further lends the motorcycle some exclusivity.
      Royal Enfield 500cc Custom By Neev Motorcycles
      Other custom-made parts include body panels, fenders and an esthetically designed exhaust made from stainless steel. The single-side spoke wheels and swingarm assembly have also been built in-house. The license plate is now mounted at the left swingarm. Queen rolls on 130-60/R23 and 240-50/R18 tyres at front and rear respectively.
      Same Powertrain
      The exact cost of this entire customisation is not yet revealed. No supposed changes have been made to its mechanical configurations. It still gets a 499cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected motor, which pushes out 27 bhp at 5250rpm and a peak torque of 41.3Nm at 4000rpm while being paired to a 5-speed gearbox. More

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      Top 10 150cc To 200cc Motorcycles Jan 2021 – Pulsar, Apache, Unicorn 160, FZ, R15

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      Image – The Bengal Rider
      Close to 50% YoY growth highlights the rising popularity of 150-200cc motorcycles

      January 2021 turned out to be an exceptional month for 150-200cc motorcycles, as all have reported positive YoY and MoM growth. A total of 1,56,994 units were sold, as compared to 1,06,682 units in January last year. This is YoY growth of 47.16%. MoM growth is even better at 51.45%, as compared to 1,03,661 units sold in December 2020.
      Pulsar leads
      Bajaj Pulsar motorcycles continue to be the bestsellers in this segment. A total of 44,370 units were sold in January 2021, as compared to 38,661 units in the corresponding period last year. YoY growth is 14.77% and market share is 28.26%. Pulsar MoM growth is 57.13%, as compared to 28,237 units sold in December 2020.
      Next in the list is TVS Apache with 28,456 units sold in January 2021. YoY growth is 22.88%, as compared to 23,157 units sold in January last year. Apache had a market share of 18.13%. MoM growth is 7.24%, as compared to 26,535 units sold in December 2020.
      At number three is Honda CB Unicorn 160 with sales of 25,799 units in January 2021. YoY growth is 37.79%, as compared to 18,723 units sold in January last year. Market share is at 16.43%. In MoM terms, Unicorn 160 sales have more than doubled, as compared to 11,997 units sold in December 2020.
      Motorcycle sales 150cc-200cc segment – Jan 2021
      Yamaha FZ is placed at fourth spot with 21,496 units sold in January 2021. YoY growth is 54.02%, as compared to 13,957 units sold in January last year. FZ commanded a market share of 13.69% in January 2021. MoM growth is 51.80%, as compared to 14,161 units sold in December 2020.
      At number five is Yamaha R15 with 8,408 units sold in January 2021. YoY growth is 25.14%, as compared to 6,719 units sold in January last year. Market share stands at 5.36%. R15 MoM growth is 53.68%, as compared to 5,471 units sold in December 2020.
      Yamaha second bestselling brand in 150cc-200cc segment
      In the list, Yamaha is placed after Bajaj, TVS and Honda motorcycles. However, if we combine the numbers of FZ, R15 and MT15 (6,168 units), total sales is more than 36k and market share is 22.98%. This makes Yamaha the second bestselling brand in 150-200cc motorcycle segment. Yamaha motorcycles are made available at competitive rates and are equipped with hi-tech features, making them an attractive option in this space.
      Motorcycle sales 150cc-200cc segment – Jan 2021
      Other motorcycles in top ten include Hero Xtreme 160R (5,443 units), Honda HORNET 2.0 (4,709), Bajaj Avenger (3,092), and KTM 200 (2,979). In percentage terms, the best performing bike in top ten is Xtreme 160R. Sales have zoomed from 114 to 5,443 units, which is YoY growth of 4674.56%. Other motorcycles with high percentage growth include Suzuki Gixxer (4880.39%), Hero XPulse 200 (1158.99%), and Hero X Blade (1603.00%). More

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      2021 KTM RC 200, 125 Spied Testing In India For First Time – New Gen

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      2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
      The 2020 KTM RC 200 and its family members will feature revised rear sub-frame and new fairing panels

      The next generation KTM RC family of compact fully faired sportsbikes have been in the news for quite sometime now. The RC 125, 200 and 390 are much older than their Duke siblings but that is going to chance soon.
      A camouflaged prototype of what appears to be either 2021 KTM RC 200 or 125 has been spied testing in India for the first time. Images are credit to Wheel Tronicz on Instagram.
      2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
      2021 KTM RC 200 – New styling
      We think this prototype is either an RC 200 or 125 because the RC 390 prototypes which were spotted testing in Europe featured a conventional side slung exhaust canister to meet the stringent emission norms. This particular mule continues to employ underbelly exhaust indicating that a smaller displacement motor does not need larger catalytic converter and hence can manage with an underbelly unit.
      As with the new KTM RC 390, the smaller engined siblings will feature a completely overhauled styling. The new headlamp is in-line with the brand’s new design identity and the fairing around it has a slightly larger surface area than before.
      2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
      On the sides, the panels are more revealing than before. For example, the current motorcycle hides the base of the crank case but the upcoming model makes no attempt at concealing it.
      The bodywork is sharper than before but there is an awkward gap between the steering mount and the instrument console which may take a bit of getting used too. Another important change is the rear sub-frame but the tailpiece appears to be retained without significant styling changes. KTM has reportedly worked on making the 2021 RC family more comfortable for taller riders, so expect considerable change in ergonomics.
      Specifications at a glance
      The New Gen KTM RC 200, or the 125 and 390 for that matter, is likely to retain the engine without any change. In case of the RC 200, the existing 199.5 cc liquid-cooled mill dishes out a healthy 25 hp and 19.2 Nm of torque. Transmission is a 6-speed unit. Despite no changes, the motor will still be the most powerful unit in its segment.
      2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
      The trellis frame will continue to employ WP inverted telescopic front fork and rear monoshock suspension system. The 2021 KTM RC 200 and its brethren adopt new front disc brake whose rotor is mounted to the spokes rather than the wheel hub. The India-spec RC 200 is expected to carry forward a single-channel ABS to keep the costs in check while the export-spec variant is likely to offer dual-channel system as a standard fitment.
      The 2021 KTM RC 200, 390 and 125 will be made in India at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan facility for global consumption. India is expected to be the launch market for the new generation family of compact sportsbikes. Launch is expected sometime later this year. More