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    Royal Enfield GT 650 RS Custom In Association With Crazy Garage

    Royal Enfield GT 650 RS Custom
    This custom-built RE Continental GT 650 is a tribute to naked race bikes of the 1980s

    Lot of Royal Enfield owners love aftermarket customisation. This has resulted in RE having a dedicated division that looks to tap into all beautifully developed custom motorcycles. The Chennai-based bikemaker even invites designers and modifiers to showcase their skills on a Royal Enfield bike and etch their names in the global motoring world.
    Recently, the company commissioned a custom-built Continental GT 650 race bike made by Crazy Garage in South Korea. It has been personally built by the founder of Crazy Garage, Kim Chi-Hyun, who is renowned for his race-inspired customs and has made a name for himself in the west too.
    Royal Enfield GT 650 RS Custom
    Development of GT 650 RS
    His skills caught the attention of Royal Enfield’s head office, who asked him to build this GT 650. Aditya Malaker, who is part of Royal Enfield’s custom program team said that they have been closely watching Crazy Garage for some time now.
    Chin-hyun already has made a custom GT 650 to race but this new bike is a whole new beast altogether. Re-christened ‘GT 650 RS’, this Continental GT 650 is one of the most heavily modified Royal Enfield bikes we have come across.
    Royal Enfield GT 650 RS Custom
    Overall styling of GT 650 RS reminds us of the glory days of AMA superbike racing of the 1980s before fairing became the standard norm in motorsport. When Royal Enfield contacted Chin-Hyun, he was asked to build a custom motorcycle that is unique in style and yet keeps the original DNA of Continental GT which is ready to hit the tracks. Apart from the engine, which has seen a fair share of mods itself, it is safe to say none of the components have been carried over from the donor bike.
    Customised Design & Hardware
    All parts are custom-built starting from the handlebar, frame, a single-piece stepped-up seat, etc. It gets custom free-flowing dual exhaust pipes on the same side. Being a track-focused bike, ABS and all extravagant electronics have been removed.
    It gets a simple instrument cluster consisting of a STACK analogue racing tachometer and a Yoshimura digital temperature gauge. A Lithium-ion battery has been used to supply energy to a small halogen headlight, LED taillamp and the starter motor.
    Royal Enfield GT 650 RS Custom
    The most significant mod job is the new custom fuel tank which has to be hidden underneath the seat. It has been made from thin-gauge steel and installed on a new fiber-reinforced plastic tail section that has been welded to the modified rear frame.
    It is evident that focus has been laid on functionality instead of looks. Its hardware wears a completely different look with the custom-built frame suspended on Custom 43 USD forks at front and a TTX mono-shock at rear from Öhlins.
    Royal Enfield GT 650 RS Custom
    The rear shock absorber is now attached to a single-sided swingarm borrowed from a 90s Honda VFR400R. Anchorage is taken care of by a Brembo system at front consisting of calipers, new rotors and an RCS master cylinder. Custom carbon ducts have been incorporated to keep the discs cool under pressure.
    Powertrain Customisation
    The primary customisation has been made to its heart which comprises new cycle parts such as a hot camshaft, high compression pistons and a heavy-duty clutch. Fueling is managed by a Dynojet Power Commander that compensates for the absence of an airbox. Its oil cooler has been repositioned to the front of the motorcycle in-line with other race-spec bikes.
    All these modifications must have surely amplified the engine’s output quite a notches higher, although exact figures haven’t been revealed. For reference, Continental GT 650 gets a 648cc parallel-twin motor which cranks out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque.

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    Vespa Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Special Edition Scooters

    2021 Vespa 75th Yr Anniversary Special Edition
    In the new 75th Anniversary Edition, the Vespa scooters are offered with many aesthetic additions

    Piaggio is celebrating 75 years of its existence in global automotive markets by introducing new special edition models of its subsidiary brand of scooters Vespa. The Italian automaker has revealed two special edition variants based on Vespa GTS and Vespa Primavera trims and the series has been named 75th.
    The scooters will be available in both 125cc and 300cc iterations and go on sale this month and will remain on sale only throughout this year. These special edition models feature updated cosmetics which make them unique. Otherwise, they are similar to the regular models.
    2021 Vespa 75th Yr Anniversary Special Edition
    Updated Cosmetics
    Vespa was first launched back in 1946 and the new 75th series model receives a metallic yellow body paint scheme called “Giallo 75th” which is reminiscent of its original colour. Side body panels and front mudguards flaunt the number 75 in a slightly darker shade of the same colour.
    It also gets a special badging on the front glove box displaying the brand’s name and its years of 75 years of existence. The scooters also receive a signature Vespa tie recoloured in opaque pyrite yellow at the front apron.
    2021 Vespa 75th Yr Anniversary Special Edition
    The single-piece seat is trimmed in nubuck leather with piping while it rides on grey alloy wheels with a diamond finish. There is plenty of chrome detailing all around the scooter including the badging on rear-view mirrors, front mudguard, exhaust muffler and instrument cluster surround. The GTS trim gets foldaway footpegs which are also embellished.
    Features & Accessories
    In addition, the special edition Vespa also gets a chrome-laced rear luggage rack that houses a large circular leather bag and mimics a spare wheel holder. The bag is also made of nubuck leather and of the same colour as the scooter’s saddle and comes with a quick-release mechanism. In terms of features, both special models in the 75 series are equipped with a 4.3-inch fully digital TFT colour display housing all functions compatible with the Vespa MIA smartphone connectivity system.
    In order to make it a special experience for buyers, each scooter in this special edition range will be offered with a welcome kit which consists of an Italian silk scarf, personalised owners book, a vintage steel Vespa plate and eight collector postcards signifying eight decades of Vespa history. Pisces of these new models haven’t been revealed by the Italian two-wheeler manufacturer as of yet, but we expect more information to be thrown into light, ahead of its international debut which is expected to take place in a month and a half.
    We do hope that Piaggio does give it a thought about bringing the special edition Vespa models to India sometime later this year. Currently, Piaggio retails nine Vespa models in India such as SXL 125, Vespa VXL 125 and Vespa ZX 125 including others. More

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    Top 10 Electric Two Wheeler Sales Feb 2021 – Hero Electric 1st, Ather 4th, Bajaj Chetak 9th

    Ather Electric Scooter
    Currently, there are more than twenty OEMs in the two-wheeler electric mobility space in India with new brands to come in the near future

    With multiple electric vehicle (EV) offerings in the two-wheeler segment in India, it is evident that future of mobility is electric. A total of 6,059 units of electric two-wheelers was sold in February 2021 against 2,243 units sold during the same month last year. Thus resulting in YoY growth of 170.1 percent.
    Hero Electric, Okinawa Lead EV Segment
    Hero Electric was the leader of the segment with as many as 2,201 two-wheelers sold last month. During the same period last year, Hero sold 614 units witnessing a YoY growth of 258.5 percent and a market share (MS) of 36.3 percent.
    They were followed by Okinawa electric with a total sales of 1059 units last month – recording a YoY growth of 59.5 percent with an MS of 29.6 percent. Hero Electric and Okinawa were the only two OEMs to breach the 1000-mark last month. Ampere was able to retail 800 units in February this year against last year’s 286 units, therefore, witnessing a growth of 179.7 percent and an MS of 13.2 percent.
    Ather Energy continued to post sales growth despite of having only 1 scooter on offer – Ather 450X. The Bengaluru-based startup sold only 624 units last month as opposed to 368 units sold in February 2020. This resulted in YoY growth of 69.1 percent and an MS of 16.5 percent.
    Electric Two Wheeler Sales Feb 2021. Source – FADA
    Pure EV is a relatively new player in the Indian market and did well to take the fifth spot. It sold 404 EVs last month accounting for 6.7 percent of MS. Benling India sold 254 units of electric two-wheelers last month thereby accounting for an MS of 4.2 percent.
    TVS, Bajaj catching up
    TVS made its entry into the EV segment last year with iQute electric scooter. It was able to retail only 208 units of the e-scooter in February this year and resulting in an MS of 3.4 percent. Jitendra New EV sold only 124 units last month and has an MS of 2.0 percent.
    Bajaj, the Chakan-based manufacturer made its entry into the segment with Chetak Electric scooter in 2019. Being one of the largest two wheeler maker in India, it was surprising to see Bajaj lagging at ninth place with just 111 units retailed last month.
    No
    Electric 2Wheeler
    Feb-21
    Feb-20
    Growth%
    1
    Hero Electric
    2,201
    614
    258.47
    2
    Okinawa
    1,059
    664
    59.49
    3
    Ampere
    800
    286
    179.72
    4
    Ather Energy
    624
    369
    69.11
    5
    PureEV
    404
    0

    6
    Benling
    254
    5
    4980.00
    7
    TVS
    208
    0

    8
    Jitendra New EV
    124
    5
    2380.00
    9
    Bajaj
    111
    25
    344.00
    10
    MEW Electricals
    80
    0

    11
    Revolt
    70
    155
    -54.84
    12
    Goreen E-mobility
    45
    2
    2150.00
    13
    Ira Edutech
    11
    3
    266.67
    14
    M2GO Electric
    6
    0

    15
    NDS Eco Motors
    5
    51
    -90.20
    16
    Odysse Electric
    5
    0

    17
    Supereco Auto
    4
    0

    18
    Avan Motors
    3
    22
    -86.36
    19
    SBTEK E Moto
    2
    0

    20
    Others
    43
    42
    2.38

    Total
    6,059
    2,243
    170.13
    New Future Brands in India
    All the other models resulted in a sales volume of fewer than 100 units. Upcoming brands such as Ola Electric and Kabira will soon make their debuts in India in the electric mobility space and things could become interesting. Although we believe it will take some time for Indian consumers to warm up to the idea of owning a battery-powered vehicle instead of conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. This is primarily because of limited charging infrastructure in the country presently.
    But the times are changing rapidly. In a few years from now, the sales number of EVs are expected to increase exponentially. Most of the EV makers are currently battling problems like shortage of parts, very few dealer outlets, etc. But many of them are already working on increasing production, dealer network, launching EVs in more cities, etc.
    Bajaj has plans to launch Chetak in more cities, launch KTM / Husqvarna electric scooter / motorcycle. Hero, Yamaha, Suzuki and even Royal Enfield have plans to enter the EV segment. Apart from the big brands, there are many new brands who have either entered or have plans to enter – making the EV space one to watch out for in the coming years. More

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    Honda CB350RS First Batch Owners Start Taking Delivery

    Honda CB350RS Arriving At Dealer. Image – Motovin77
    CB350 RS is Honda’s second locally manufactured motorcycle in India which is retailed through its premium chain of dealerships BigWing

    Honda launched the roadster version of CB350 last year and now they have launched a more sporty variant called CB350RS. While most of the bike is identical to its classic sibling, it does feature some cosmetic variations that help distinguish itself as a sportier iteration of the former. Now, the Japanese bikemaker has commenced deliveries of RS to dealerships across the country.
    Like its sibling, CB350 RS is exclusively retailed through the company’s premium chain of dealerships- BigWing which has limited footprints across India. The bike was launched in a single variant with two colour options at a price of Rs 1.96 lakh (ex-showroom) which makes it Rs 4,000 costlier than DLX Pro trim of H’Ness CB350.
    Honda CB350 RS First Batch Delivery Starts
    Cosmetic Differences
    The bikemaker currently operates a total of only 32 BigWing dealerships in India currently- 6 BigWing Toplines and 26 standard BigWing dealerships. CB350 RS looks like a sportier version of H’Ness CB350 where RS stands for ‘Road Sailing’. It gets redesigned side panels and a revised tail section along with an all-black treatment on various body parts. Texture of the seat, as well as its cushioning, has been updated.
    This iteration of CB350 also gets two separate grab rails for the pillion which are bolted to the rear fender unlike H’Ness which gets a single-piece grab rail. The footpegs are also a little rear-set with a slightly smaller handlebar which provides an aggressive lean forward riding posture.
    [embedded content]
    The frame, chassis, and other mechanical components are covered in a beautiful all-black theme that accentuates CB350 RS’s sporty nature. In addition, an engine bash plate and a wider rear tyre with a block pattern further distinguish the RS from H’Ness CB350.
    Same Mechanicals
    Both H’Ness CB350 and CB350 Rs share the same powertrain and hardware setup. They draw their power from a 348cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which puts out 20.8 bhp at 5,500rpm with 30 Nm of peak torque at 3,000rpm. This unit is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch.
    Suspension setup consists of conventional telescopic forks at front and dual shock absorbers at rear. Braking is taken care of by disc brakes at both ends while safety net is provided by a dual-channel ABS.
    Features on offer
    In terms of dimensions, both motorcycles are identical to each other, however, CB350 RS is lighter by 2 kilos. Coming to its features, CB350 RS like its classic sibling also comes with Honda Selectable Torque Control System (HSTC) which is essentially Honda’s version of traction control. However, it misses out on Bluetooth connectivity as offered in H’Ness CB350. It is available in two paint schemes- a mono-tone Radiant Red Metallic and a dual-tone Black with Pearl Sports Yellow. The latter costs Rs 2000 more than the former. More

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    2021 TVS Apache 160 Updated – More Torque, Less Weight

    2021 TVS Apache 160
    TVS Apache RTR 160 4V locks its horns with Hero Xtreme 160R and Bajaj Pulsar NS160

    TVS currently seems to be on a spree to update its Apache series of sporty commuter motorcycles. After the updated 2021 Apache RTR 200 4V, the Hosur-based bikemaker has now launched the 2021 Apache RTR 160 4V. Available in two variants- Drum brake and Disc brake variants, the latest iteration of the bike has been priced at Rs 1.07 lakh and Rs 1.10 lakh respectively (both prices ex-showroom).
    This means there is no increase in prices when compared to the older model. It will be offered in three colour schemes namely- Racing Red, Knight Black and Metallic Blue. Apart from a handful of cosmetic updates it also gets a slight tweak in its powertrain output as well.
    TVS Apache Prices March 2021 (Ex-Delhi)
    Cosmetic Updates
    The naked streetfighter now comes with an all-new dual-tone seat with a carbon fiber-styled pattern. It has also managed to shed 2 kilos and now tips the weighing scales at 147 kg for the disc brake variant, while the drum brake variant weighs 145 kg.
    The updated RTR 160 4V comes with a reshaped LED headlamp with claw-styled position lamps that add to its overall premium appeal. The cosmetic changes are limited to these updates only. Take a look at the official TVC of new Apache 160 below.
    [embedded content]
    Boost in Output
    However, the manufacturer has also managed to alter the output from its motor. The updated naked motorcycle is powered by a 159.7 cc, single-cylinder, 4-valve, oil-cooled engine that now kicks out 17 bhp at 9250 rpm and 14.73 Nm torque at 7250 rpm.
    This is a bump of 1 bhp and 1 Nm which makes it the most powerful bike in its segment. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The bump in the motor’s output plus the reduction in its weight means an increase in power to weight ratio and will be interesting to see the impact created in its riding experience.
    On the occasion of the launch, Meghashyam Dighole, Head – (Marketing) Premium Motorcycles, TVS Motor Company, said, “The new 2021 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V offers best-in-class performance with enhanced power to weight ratio and increased torque, offering our customers better-riding experiences along with advanced technologies.”
    Features on offer
    The equipment list on the bike has not been altered as it continues to offer the same set of features including a fully digital instrument panel compatible with SmartXconnect technology. This feature allows riders to connect their smartphones with the instrument console for functionalities such as turn-by-turn navigation and phone-related operations. It also gets a ‘feather touch’ start for increased convenience. Apache RTR 160 4V competes against Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and Hero Xtreme 160R. More

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    Jawa 42 Owners Can Upgrade To Alloys, Bar-End Mirrors For Rs 8k

    Jawa 42 Customization Offer
    Jawa Forty-Two rivals other retro-style motorcycles such as Royal Enfield Classic 350, Benelli Imperiale and Honda H’Ness and CB350

    Classic Legends are providing a golden opportunity to consumers of the older iteration of Jawa 42 to upgrade the bike’s cosmetics to the latest 2.1 iteration. Under this Golden Scheme, customers would get blacked-out bar-end mirrors, blacked-out alloy wheels and tubeless tyres at just Rs 7,999. This offer is only applicable till 31st of March, 2021. After this, prices will increase to Rs 14,498.
    Jawa Forty-Two 2.1
    The company recently reached a major landmark as its registered 50,000 production units. To mark this momentous occasion, Classic Legends has decided to give an update to its highest-selling product. The new Jawa Forty Two has been priced at Rs 1.84 lakh (ex-showroom).
    For 2021, Jawa Forty Two comes with three new additional colour options including  Matte Red, Matte Black and White. Along with new paint schemes, there are a bunch of cosmetic updates in the latest iteration of the retro-style classic motorcycle.
    Updates in Forty-Two 2.1
    Along with new colour schemes, the updated lineup of Forty Two adopts a darker theme with blacked-out alloy wheels instead of conventional wire-spoke wheels. Along with new alloy wheels, the bike also gets blacked-out mechanical components such as engine-gearbox assembly, exhaust pipes, front and rear suspension units, headlamp bezel and turn indicators which are otherwise embellished in chrome. Even leg guards, handlebar and radiator have been blackened.
    Jawa 42 Customization Offer
    Other updates include a new stitching pattern for its seat. Jawa has also updated the seat pan by employing high-density foam which makes it much more supportive for longer rides. It gets a contrasting gray stripe on its fuel tank with ‘42’ branding.
    It also receives a blacked-out instrument dial which gives basic info from the speedometer and odometer. The new range of Forty Two also gets optional accessories that are laced in matte black such as a single-piece grab rail for the pillion, a tinted visor and a headlamp grille.
    Apart from these updates, the new Jawa Forty-Two is very much similar to the more traditional version of the classic roadster which is filled with chrome. The new range of Forty Two will be sold alongside the conventional derivative Forty Two. Classic Legends, as it looks, has gone the Royal Enfield way in offering a sportier looking iteration for its retro motorcycle as the latter did with Thunderbird by introducing Thunderbird X series.
    Powertrain Specs
    Jawa has made slight changes to its powertrain which makes it slightly more powerful than the conventional Forty Two. It is powered by the same BS6 compliant 293cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine although by using a cross-port technology, this motor now pushes out 27.3 bhp and 27.05 Nm of peak torque. This unit is offered with a 6-speed gearbox. Hardware setup on the bike has also remained same. It will be offered in two variants- single-channel ABS and dual-channel ABS. More

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    Aprilia RS 660, Tuono 660 Colour Options, Price Leak Ahead Of Launch

    Aprilia Tuono 660
    Aiming to expand its India portfolio, Piaggio led Aprilia will be launching RS 660 and Tuono 660 by mid-2021

    RS 660 is already on sale in international markets. There’s growing interest in premium middleweight motorcycles in the country, something that can work to Aprilia’s advantage. As of now, this space is dominated by rivals such as Honda, BMW Motorrad, Yamaha and Kawasaki.
    Ahead of official launch, prices of the upcoming Tuono 660 and RS 660 have been leaked. It is to be noted here that the company has not confirmed these prices. As per the leaked document, prices of Tuono 660 starts from Rs 13.09 lakh and that of the RS 660 start from Rs 13.39 lakh. Prices are ex-sh.
    Unconfirmed price list of Aprilia RS 660 and Tuono 660. Credit – TorqueTV
    Aprilia RS 660, Tuono 660 design and features
    RS660 comes in a sporty package, as is evident in its compact design, striking twin LED headlamps, LED DRLs with integrated turn indicators, sculpted fuel tank, dual tone wheels, rear set foot pegs, and sharp body panels. Tuono 660 is based on its larger sibling and is designed to have an aggressive look and feel. Even though the sport-naked motorcycle has several of its mechanical parts exposed, the fluid, aerodynamic design seems intact.
    Both bikes have been equipped with a range of electronic rider aids to ensure optimal performance and max rider comfort. There’s Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC), which is a six-axis IMU based system. It offers a range of functionalities such as traction control, adjustable wheelie control, engine brake control and three level cornering ABS.
    Aprilia Tuono 660
    Users also have access to cruise control and an up/down quickshifter. The motorcycle comes with five riding modes – Individual Commute, Dynamic, Challenge and Time Attack. These are easily accessible via the TFT dashboard. Colour options on offer with RS 660 are Apex Black, Lava Red and Acid Gold. Those on offer with Tuono 660 are Concept Black, Iridium Grey and Acid Gold.
    Aprilia RS 660, Tuono 660 powertrain
    Aprilia RS 600 is powered by a new 659cc, parallel-twin engine that is Euro5 compliant. It is capable of producing 100 hp of max power at 10,500 rpm and 67 Nm of max torque at 8,500 rpm. Tuono 660 will have the same engine, but it will be tuned to deliver lesser power and torque.
    Both motorcycles share several mechanical bits such as 41mm Kayaba USD fork and monoshock rear suspension. Braking system comprises 320 mm disc with four-piston Brembo radial callipers at the front and 220 mm disc with two pistons Brembo at the rear.
    Aprilia RS 660
    Apart from scooters, Aprilia’s current portfolio in India comprises three litre-class motorcycles – RSV4 1100 Factory, Tuono V4 1100 Factory and Tuono V4 1100 RR. All three share the same 1077cc DOHC 64-degree V4 engine, but have different power and torque output. On RSV4 1100 Factory, the engine is tuned to deliver 214 bhp at 13,200 rpm and 122 Nm at 11,000 rpm. On Tuono Factory and RR, the engine makes 173 bhp at 11,000 rpm and 121 Nm at 9,000 rpm. More

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    Royal Enfield 650 Custom Made Cafe Racer Looks Rad

    Royal Enfield 650 ‘Project Serum’ By MoTeycycle Garage
    Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is retailed in six variants and is currently priced at Rs 2.67 lakh and Rs 2.88 lakh (ex-showroom)

    Royal Enfield bikes and aftermarket customisation go hand in hand. The versatility in architecture and simplistic stock design are the prime reasons for the brand’s popularity in the aftermarket industry. Not just in India, Royal Enfield has earned its reputation as a friendly customisable brand of motorcycles in overseas markets as well.
    The latest example of RE Interceptor 650 is also one such case that comes from shores far away. Named Project Serum, this Interceptor has been modified into an attractive cafe racer by a Philippines-based automotive workshop called MoTeycycle Garage.
    Design Updates
    In terms of its design, the modified Interceptor 650 takes certain cues from its twin sibling Continental GT 650 as it itself sports a cafe racer styling. This includes a single-piece seat curved at the pillion’s end and a clip-on handlebar.
    It receives a new round headlight wrapped by a fighter-jet inspired cowl. Stock turn indicators have been replaced by smaller LED turn indicators. The motorcycle now gets a custom paint job covering the bike in black and grey with ‘Royal Enfield’ branding on the fuel tank.
    Royal Enfield 650 ‘Project Serum’ By MoTeycycle Garage
    Furthermore, the engine assembly too gets a new paint job with a darkish grey finish, which looks stylish. Two exhaust pipes protrude out of the engine head, however, unlike the stock Interceptor 650, this one gets dual exhaust pipes on the same side.
    The tail section of the motorcycle has been chopped off with new LED turn indicators at rear. Footpegs have been painted in black although their positioning remains same.
    Other aftermarket components include blacked-out rear shock absorbers and fork gaiters at front. It rides on custom-built wire-spoked wheels with white rims wrapped around by block-pattern tyres. Features such as brakes and instrument console have been left untouched. Overall, the modification looks quite tasteful.
    Royal Enfield 650 ‘Project Serum’ By MoTeycycle Garage
    Mechanical Specs
    No tinkering has been done to the bike’s mechanical configurations. It is powered by a 648cc air/oil-cooled, parallel-twin engine which returns an output of 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. This unit comes paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. It is based on a Steel tubular double cradle while suspension duties are handled by conventional telescopic forks and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at rear.
    Royal Enfield is currently planning to give a mild update to both its 650cc Twins in the near future. Test mules of Continental GT have also been spotted on numerous occasions in recent times. The update, however, is expected to be on cosmetic lines mostly. More