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    Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser KX650 Spied Testing With Pillion

    2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser
    Royal Enfield is working on at least two new derivatives of its well received 650 cc parallel-twin platform

    Royal Enfield’s product pipeline for this year looks very exiting. The company is in the process of transforming its entire portfolio, representing a clear shift in the paradigm. In order to achieve its long term goal of establishing leadership in the global medium displacement motorcycle segment, Royal Enfield needs to aggressively expand its product lineup, offer cool new features and increase the overall quality. That is exactly what brewing at the brand’s tech centers in India and the UK.
    Royal Enfield cruiser 650
    Following the strong response to its flagship twin-clinder 650 cc models, Royal Enfield is working on variant extensions on this platform in a bid to cater to wider tastes.
    First hint of a new family member was provided in the form of KX bobber concept at the EICMA 2018. After almost two years, first prototypes of a 650 cc twin-cylinder cruiser started to appear in public last year.
    A near production ready prototype of the Royal Enfield cruiser 650 has been spotted up close once again in Chennai, giving us a proper idea on what to expect. The latest spy shot shows the test mule being tested with pillion. It is to be noted that RE is also working on a roadster variant which is sufficiently different from this cruiser as well as the existing Interceptor 650.
    2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser
    With a low seat height, quintessential feet-forward riding position and a front heavy stance, the Royal Enfield cruiser 650 sticks to the script. The test mule appears to be riding on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels just like the Meteor 350.
    The circular headlamp, turn indicators and taillight set a retro-classic tone and the simple fuel tank (we liked the KX’s unit better though) and instrument dial fit right into the scheme of things. Speaking of the instrument dial, it will incorporate Tripper Navigation system which is currently available in Meteor 350 and updated Himalayan.
    Hardware
    In the interest of economies of scale, Royal Enfield is likely to carry forward the existing 650 cc twin-cylinder, air-cooled, parallel-twin engine which produces 47 hp and 57 Nm of torque in its current state of tune. The 6-speed transmission with tweaked ratios should make for good mile munching. The video gives us a sample of how the motorcycle sounds like and we like what we hear.
    2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser
    In a first for modern Royal Enfields, the cruiser 650 is equipped with an inverted telescopic front fork. The rear employs traditional twin shock absorbers.
    Rivals
    Globally, the Royal Enfield cruiser 650 will be aimed at the likes of Kawasaki Vulcan 650, Harley Davidson Street, Honda Rebel, and so on. In India, the upcoming medium displacement motorcycle is expected to be have a starting price a shade under INR 3 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a compelling proposition. More

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    2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX To Come Equipped With Radar System

    2021 Kawasaki H2 SX
    With the new Ninja H2 SX, Kawasaki joins the likes of BMW, KTM and Ducati to come equipped with radar-based systems

    Kawasaki is currently working on developing the new generation Ninja H2 SX and a test mule of the same was recently spotted testing somewhere in Japan. According to recent reports, this new Ninja H2 SX is expected to come equipped with radar-based assistance systems from the end of 2021.
    Radar-Based System From Bosch
    From a recent spy shot, we can spot a small camera hidden at the lower section of the windscreen which will be the first for a radar-based system. In addition, a small sensor unit has been placed under its headlight. To accommodate these inclusions, the Japanese bikemaker has made some updates to its front fascia.
    Back in 2019, Kawasaki had announced its partnership with Bosch in order to equip its premium motorcycles with radar-based systems. Therefore, it makes good sense to introduce it in one of its flagship products which are already heavily loaded with features.
    Although Kawasaki is not the only one to be offering this technology in the near future. Manufacturers such as KTM, BMW and Ducati have also presented similar technologies from Bosch in their respective offerings including 1290 Super Adventure S, R 1250 RT and Multistrada V4.
    2021 Kawasaki H2 SX
    Features & Updated Design
    The prime functionality of this technology is to provide radar-based adaptive cruise control for easier long-distance touring. Besides this new feature, there are going to other new creature comforts on offer. For instance, a fully digital TFT instrument cluster replaces the earlier part-analogue and part-digital console. The safety kit will consist of an adaptive distance and speed control, a collision warning and a blind spot assistant.
    The inclusion of new features has brought subtle changes to its styling just like its front fascia. Kawasaki has adapted the fairing, the windshield and the air ducts in accordance with the camera and sensor at front end. Contrary to recent convention, the license plate holder at the rear section is significantly longer and holds the license plate much lower.
    This adds to the speculation that the Japanese superbike brand might also offer a rear-facing radar-based system just like Multistrada V4. Or could just be the case where Kawasaki wants to improve the splash protection for the pillion.
    2021 Kawasaki H2 SX
    Powertrain Specs
    Mechanically, the upcoming Ninja H2 SX will not be any different from its predecessor. It will probably be underpinned by the same architecture and offer the same hardware setup. It will draw its power from a Euro-5 compliant 998cc Liquid-cooled, In-Line Four-cylinder engine which in its previous iteration churned out 200 PS of power and 137.3 Nm of peak torque.
    Ninja h2 SX is slated to make its debut towards the end of this year and is likely to go on sale starting early next year. It is still too early to comment whether or not it will arrive on Indian shores although we hope it does.
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    Bajaj Sales, Exports Jan 2021 – Pulsar, Platina, CT, Avenger, Chetak

    Image – The Bengal Rider
    Bajaj domestic wholesales fell marginally in January 2021, and exports grew significantly

    Bajaj reported 1.59 percent decline in domestic wholesales in January 2021. Volume loss is reported at just under 2.5k units, down to 1,50,299 units from 1,52,731 units. Of this Pulsar commands the lion’s share in sales at 97,760 units. It contributed to 65 percent of total Bajaj domestic wholesales.
    Most Pulsar sales is reported in the 125cc segment at 47,080 units. In the segment sales almost doubled from 24,732 units at volume gain of 22,348 units. This is followed by the 150cc segment wherein Pulsar sales stood at 32,640 units. Growth was reported at under 5 percent, up from 31,216 units.
    In the subsequent 151cc – 200cc segment, Pulsar sales is reported at 11,730 units at 57.56 percent growth. Sales grew from 7,445 units at volume gain of 4,285 units. Pulsar 220 sales grew by more than a quarter, up at 6,310 units from just under 5k units.
    Bajaj Platina and CT sales
    Platina is the next bestselling motorcycle, available both as a 100cc and 110cc offering. Sales fell to 27,131 units, down from 38,054 units. Volume loss is reported at 10,923 at 28.70 percent sales decline. Sales contribution stood at just over 18 percent of total domestic wholesales.
    Bajaj Sales Jan 2021
    Bajaj CT also available in 100cc and 110 cc avatars saw sales fall significantly. Sales decline stood at 53.80 percent, down at 19,635 units from 42,497 units. Sales more than halved at volume loss of 22,862 units.
    Bajaj Avenger and Dominar sales
    Avenger sales is reported at 4,276 units. Sales grew by a quarter, up from 3,408 units at volume gain of 868 units. 160cc Avenger sales contributed to the bulk of the volume at almost 3.1k units at volume gain of 180 units at 6.18 percent growth. 220cc Avenger sales is reported at just below 1.2k units, up from 496 units at volume gain of 688 units.
    Dominar available as a 250cc and 400cc offering saw cumulative sales reported at 1,467 units. Of this 250cc Dominar sales stood at 797 units, and 400cc sales at 670 units. Both reported growth. While Bajaj has been adamant of not entering the scooter business, it did launch its Chetak in a new avatar as an electric scooter. 30 units were reported sold last month. No units of Discover were sold.
    Bajaj Exports Jan 2021
    Exports in January 2021 were way more positive, crossing the 2 lakh mark. Exports grew to 2,01,840 units, up from 1,56,939 units at 28.61 percent growth. Volume gain stood at juts under 45k units. In export markets, the Boxer punches its weight in gold. Last month it accounted for almost 70 percent of total exports.
    Numbers were up at 1,40,544 units, up from 1,18,104 units at volume gain of 22,440 units. Pulsar and CT exports were similar at just under 19k units each, contributing to below 10 percent each in exports. Discover exports are reported at 14,616 units. Platina at 7,140 units. Dominar exports stood at 1,288 units, and Avenger at 547 units. More

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    Honda Two Wheeler Sales, Exports Jan 2021 – Activa, Dio, Hornet, HNESS 350

    Image – SVM Cars and Bikes
    HMSI posted YoY domestic sales growth in Jan 21 boosted by that of the Activa Scooter and CB Shine while exports sales dipped 30.13 percent

    Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) revealed their sales figures for January 2021. The company has posted double digit growth in the past month, to 4,16,703 units, up 42,668 units as against 3,74,668 units sold in domestic markets in Jan 2020. The Honda Activa scooter, despite de-growth, was the best-selling model in the company lineup.
    Honda Activa, CB Shine, Dio Domestic Sales
    Honda Activa Scooter alone contributed to half of the company’s total domestic sales for January 21. Sales of the Activa stood at 2,11,660 units, down 9.84 percent as against 2,34,749 units sold in Jan 20.
    The CB Shine also ended the month on a good note making it the best-selling motorcycle in the company lineup. Domestic sales of this entry level commuter motorcycle grew 73.90 percent at 1,16,222 units, up from 66,832 units sold in Jan 20. The Dio scooter was at No. 3 with sales in domestic markets at 28,914 units, down 11.45 percent as against 32,651 units sold in Jan 20.
    At No. 4 on the sales charts was the Unicorn 160 with sales of 25,799 units. The Unicorn 160 BS6 was launched early last year with a more premium design, revised styling, added comfort and 160cc more powerful engine.
    Honda Sales Jan 2021
    Honda Dream, Grazia, Livo
    Honda Dream managed a 5th spot on the list with domestic sales at 9,298 units, de-growth of 42.29 units as against 16,111 units sold in Jan 20. The Honda Grazia followed at No.6 with sales growth of 385.97 percent to 7,518 units, in the past month, up from 1,547 units sold in Jan 20. Sales of the Livo too surged by 165.97 percent to 7,338 units in Jan 21, over 2,759 units sold in the same month of the previous year.
    Honda Hornet 2.0 and H’ness 350, two relatively newcomers to the company lineup saw domestic sales of 4,709 units and 3,543 units respectively while the XBlade also contributed 1,703 units to total domestic sales, up 1603 percent over just 100 units sold in Jan 20. Aviator scooter was taken off the shelves, Unicorn 150 was replaced by the Unicorn 160cc version and Hornet 160R has also been discontinued following the upgrade to BS6 emission standard.
    January 2021 Exports
    HMSI suffered de-growth of 30.13 percent for exports in Jan 21. Total exports stood at 20,467 units, down from 29,292 units exported in Jan 20. The Navi scooter was most in demand in global markets with 6,028 units exported, up 111.95 percent as against 2,844 units in Jan 20. Honda Navi was the most exported scooter from India during the month. The Navi scooter continues to be produced in India but is exclusively offered for export purposes.
    Honda Exports Jan 2021
    At No.2, exports of the Dio dipped 59.25 percent to 4,137 units in the past month, down from 10,152 units exports in Jan 20. CB Shine was in a 3rd spot with 3,558 units exported in the past month, up from 2,649 units shipped in the same month of the previous year. The Honda X-Blade and Grazia followed in quick succession at Nos. 4 and 5 and even as the X-Blade reported export growth of 50.13 percent to 2,342 units, exports of the Grazia dipped 25.24 percent to 1,256 units in the past month, down from 1,680 units shipped in Jan 20.
    De-growth in terms of exports were also reported for the Honda Hornet 160R and the Livo. The Unicorn 160 also found 66.04 percent lower demand in global markets with 432 units exported last month as against 1,272 units exported in Jan 20. Even as the Honda Activa stood at No.1 in domestic sales, it, was at a 10th spot on the export list with 364 units exported in the past month, down from 784 units exported in Jan 20. The Honda H’ness 350, standing at No. 12 in terms of exports with 270 units shipped in the past month while the Unicorn 150 suffered a 50 percent de-growth with 160 units exported in Jan 20. More

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    Hero Xtreme 160R 100 Million Edition At Dealer Showroom – First Look Walkaround

    Hero Xtreme 160R 100 Million Edition
    Hero MotoCorp’s 100 million edition lineup will feature six models including Maestro, Destini, Splendor, Passion Pro, Glamor and Xtreme 160R

    A few weeks ago, Hero MotoCorp celebrated a unique achievement of 100 million cumulative production units across India ever since its inception. It became the only two-wheeler manufacturer in the country to achieve this feat. To mark this momentous occasion, Hero announced that it will be launching special edition models of some of its two-wheelers.
    Earlier, we had covered the 100 Million Edition model of Splendor and the cosmetics differences from its standard counterpart. Now, the company has launched a new 100 Million Limited Edition model of its premium motorcycle Xtreme 160R. The bike comes with a new paint scheme and body graphics.
    Updated Styling
    The changes in the special edition model are limited to cosmetic updates only as it is identical to the regular model in every other respect. It sports a new livery with a dual-tone colour scheme flourishing red and white. While the front half of the bike is dominated by red colour, the latter half is painted in white.
    For instance, the bike’s front fender, headlamp mask, fuel tank extensions and side panels are covered in red thereby enhancing its sporty appeal. Take a detailed look at the new limited edition Hero Xtreme 160R in a walkaround video below, credit to MotoXpert Khan.
    [embedded content]
    Latter half of the fuel tank and part of the rear fender is sprayed with white as the base colour and have red graphics with 160R decals. The manufacturer has also added a ‘100 Million Limited Edition’ logo/badge on the fuel tank to make the motorcycle look more attractive. The mechanical components such as engine-gearbox assemble, kick start, footpegs, alloy wheels and part of the rear fender have been covered in black accentuating its sportiness.
    Features on offer
    The bike gets the same set of features as the regular model including an LED headlamp, LED indicators, dual-tone fuel tank, minimal cowls, smoked-out LED taillamp with ‘H’ signature and a heavily contoured single-piece saddle which are exactly the same as the regular Xtreme 160R.
    The special edition model continues to feature creature comforts such as a fully digital inverted LCD instrument console, hazard lights and side stand engine cut-off. Price of this limited edition Xtreme 160R is Rs 1,08,750, ex-sh. In comparison, Xtreme 160R single disc costs 1,03,900 and double disc costs 1,06,950. This makes the special edition about Rs 2k more expensive than the dual disc variant.
    Hero Xtreme 160R 100 Million Edition
    Mechanical Specs
    Even mechanically, this special edition model is identical to the regular model. It is powered by the same 163cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that kicks out 15 bhp against 14 Nm of peak torque. It is paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
    New Xtreme 160R is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 kmph in just 4.7 seconds and has a kerb weight of 139.5 kg. It rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped by 100/80 and 130/70 sections of rubber at front and rear respectively. The special edition model comes equipped with disc brakes on both ends assisted by a dual-channel ABS. More

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    Atum Electric Motorcycle First Batch Delivered To Owners In Hyderabad

    Atum Electric Motorcycle Delivery Starts
    Atumobile begins delivery of its low-speed electric bike Atum 1.0 to first customers in Hyderabad

    Atumobile has started delivery of its electric motorcycle Atum 1.0. The commencement got underway in Hyderabad. Atum 1.0 is a cafe-racer styled electric bike, and the first 10 units were delivered to customers in the city at its manufacturing unit. The EV start-up takes forward strides with its cost-effective, performance-oriented electric motorcycle.
    Atumobile’s greenfield manufacturing plant is located in Patancheru, Hyderabad. Atum 1.0 e-bike was launched on 1 September 2020. The vehicle is available at a listed base price of Rs. 50,000. The company says its product has ‘sturdy build and a retro, vintage design’.
    Since launch, over 400 bookings have been received. The company is yet to announce how it will go about addressing deliveries to cities like Bombay, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore, apart from other towns and cities.
    Atum lithium-ion battery pack
    Atum 1.0 uses a lithium-ion battery pack. It charges in just under 4 hours. The bike can handle a range of 100 kmph in a single charge. The electric bike is available with 1 year battery warranty.
    Atum Electric Motorcycle Delivery Starts
    The Telangana manufacturing facility has a production capacity of 15000 e-bikes annually. Atum 1.0 has been approved by International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) as a low-speed bike. The approval ensures its ready for commercial use. As with a range of low-speed offerings, one doesn’t require vehicle registration, or a driving license.
    Operational cost of Atum 1.0
    The lightweight portable battery pack weighs in at 6 kgs. It’s easy portable design makes it convenient to carry and charge it anywhere using a normal 3-pin socket. Atum 1.0 is available in a wide range of colours. The company says product design is successfully tested, alongside a range of tests over varying and extreme conditions. Product development relied on the use of indigenous parts.
    Operational cost is pegged at unit per charge This works out to about 7-10 bucks per day (for 100 kilometres). It features 20X4 fat-bike tyres, comfy seat height and good ground clearance. Battery warranty is pegged at 2 years. Atum 1.0 features a digital display, LED headlight, indicators and taillight. The manufacturer looks forward to launching a range of e-bikes and scooters
    Vamsi Gaddam, Founder and CEO, Atumobile Pvt. Ltd. said, “I am delighted to handover the first 10 Atum 1.0 e-bikes to the customers. This is a concrete step in our endeavour to help the environment by promoting renewable energy-based e-mobility solutions for the Indian consumer.
    Atum 1.0 is just the first product in our line-up of electric two-wheelers which is expected to grow in the near future. I congratulate the owners of Atum 1.0 as they are our allies in our endeavour to help sustain the environment and help transform India into a sustainable and environmentally responsible nation.” More

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    Suzuki Sales, Exports Break Up Jan 2021 – Access, Burgman, Gixxer, Intruder

    Image – Throttle 98
    Suzuki Access scooter continues its dominance as the manufacturer’s bestselling two wheeler

    For January 2021, Suzuki two wheeler wholesales improved marginally at 1.85 percent. Volume gain stood at just over a 1,000 units, up at 57,004 units from just below 56k units. MoM growth was higher at 27.37 percent, up from 44,756 units at volume gain of 12,248 units.
    January 2020 domestic wholesales saw improvement in some segments but that manufacturers reselling scooter Access was reported at significant sales decline. Access sales fell to 45,475 units, down from 54,595 units. Sales decline is reported at 16.70 percent at volume loss of 9,120 units. It leads the sales charge at 79.78 percent of total domestic Suzuki sales. MoM access sales improved 13.25 percent up from 40,154 units at volume gain of over 5.3k units.
    Suzuki Burgman scooter sales
    Suzuki’s next bestseller is also a scooter, it’s premium Burgman. Sales is up at 8,743 units, up from 603 units at volume gain of over 8.1k units. Sales share stood at a sobering 15 percent. MoM volume gain stood at over 6k units, up from 2,666 units.
    Suzuki’s motorcycle sales is dominated by its Gixxer series. Gixxer sales grew to over 2.5k units, up from 51 units at volume gain of 2,489 units. MoM growth stood at 53.85 percent, at volume gain of just under 900 units from 1,651 units. Gixxer 250 sales fell to 165 units from 717 units at over 75 percent decline. MoM decline is pegged at 26 percent, down from 224 units. Intruder sales is reported at 81 units, up 20 units MoM from 61 units.
    Suzuki Sales Jan 2021
    Suzuki exports in January 2021
    On the export front, Gixxer leads the charge at 34.76 percent of total exports. In january 2021, 2,748 Gixxer units were exported. Numbers decline by 60 percent down from 6,898 units at volume loss of over 4,100 units. MoM decline stood at 17.38 percent, down from 3,326 units at volume loss of 578 units.
    Burgman exports grew to 2,424 units, up from 1,264 units at volume gain of 1,160 units. MS swelled to over 30 percent. MoM fain stood at 28.25 percent, up from 1,890 units at volume gain of 534 units.
    Gixxer 250 exports improved significantly, up at 2,286 units. Volume gain stood at 1,793 units, up from 493 units. MoM gain more than doubled, up from over a 1,000 units at volume gain of 1,240 units. Hayate exports fell by half down at 240 units from 490 units MoM decline is similar.
    Suzuki Exports Jan 2021
    Access, despite its profound share in the domestic market, fails to recreate the magic overseas. Exports were reported at 144 units. The month prior, exports were at a mere 12 units. Intruder exports stood at 64 units, up from 16 units. MoM volumes fell by 32 units. No units of Lets were exported last month. Total exports in January 2021 fell by 15.85 percent at volume loss of just below 1.5k units. Volumes fell to under 8k units, down from 9,395 units. More

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    Top 10 200cc To 500cc Motorcycles Jan 2021 – RE Classic, Pulsar, CB350, KTM, Dominar

    Image – Viraj
    Royal Enfield and Bajaj Auto are the strongest players in the 200cc-500cc segment of motorcycles

    Royal Enfield continues to be the undisputed leader in the mid-displacement (200cc-500cc) segment in India. A total of 78,036 units of motorcycles were sold in this segment during January 2021 thus recording YoY and MoM growth of 53.85 percent and 5.60 percent respectively.
    Classic 350, Bullet 350, Pulsar 220F Lead Pack
    The segment was led by Royal Enfield’s highest-selling motorcycle for over a decade now- Classic 350 which recorded monthly sales of 40,872 units. In comparison, Royal Enfield sold 40,872 units of Classic in January 2020 and 39,321 units in December 2020. Therefore, it registered YoY and MoM growths of 0.09 percent and 3.94 percent.
    Classic 350 was followed by its sibling Bullet 350 with sales of 11,570 units last month. In comparison, the company sold 9,559 units and 10,480 units of the retro motorcycle in January and December 2020 respectively. This translates to YoY and MoM growth of 21.04 percent and 10.40 percent.
    It was followed by Bajaj’s flagship Pulsar motorcycle- 220F with cumulative sales of 6,310 units last month. In respect to this, the sporty bike recorded sales of 4,961 units and 4,498 units in January and December 2020 thereby registering YoY and MoM growth of 27.19 percent and 40.28 percent respectively.
    200cc-500cc Motorcycle sales Jan 2021 YoY. BMW / Jawa numbers not available.
    Meteor 350, CB350 show strong numbers
    The fourth spot was taken by Electra 350 which is essentially an electric start version of Bullet. The retro motorcycle raked 5,431 units in January 2021 while the figures stood at 5,869 units in January last year and 4,878 units in December 2020. This meant it recorded a decline in YoY sales by 7.46 percent and an MoM growth of 11.34 percent. It was followed by new entrants of Royal Enfield and Honda- Meteor 350 and CB350 respectively. While Meteor recorded a sales volume of 5,073 units, CB350 registered 3,543 units sales volume.
    Meteor 350 witnessed a sharp fall in sales from December 2020 at 40.80 percent whereas CB350 recorded a jump in sales by 126.53 percent. Bajaj Auto’s flagship cruiser Avenger 220 occupied the seventh spot with 1,184 units sold last month.
    With 496 units sold in January 2020 and 643 units sold in December 2020, it recorded respective YoY and MoM growth of 138.71 percent and 84.14 percent. Next in line was Dominar 250 with cumulative sales of 797 units which recorded an MoM growth of 118.96 percent.
    200cc-500cc Motorcycle sales Jan 2021 MoM. BMW / Jawa numbers not available.
    Others lag behind
    Ninth and tenth spots were taken by KTM and Bajaj cousins respectively. While KTM 390 registered sales of 722 units, Bajaj sold 670 units of Dominar 400. Therefore, KTM witnessed YoY and MoM growth of 5.87 percent and 83.25 percent. On the other hand, Dominar 400 recorded an increase in YoY sales by 415.38 percent and an increase in MoM sales by 63.02 percent.
    KTM 250 and Husqvarna 250 took the eleventh and twelfth spots respectively. While the Austrian sold 560 units, its Swedish cousin sold 508 units in January 2021. KTM 250 recorded a decline in YoY and MoM sales by 20.68 percent and 27.65 percent. Whereas, Huskies 250 managed an MoM growth of 71.04 percent.
    Others in the list included TVS Apache RR 310 (412 units), Suzuki Gixxer 250 (165 units), Yamaha FZ25 (159 units) and Royal Enfield Himalayan (34 units) and Mahindra Mojo (26 units). Out of these, RR 310 recorded the highest YoY and MoM growths of 41100 percent and 134.09 percent. More