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      2021 Honda CBR250RR, CBR150R HRC Tricolour Liveries Unveiled

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      2021 Honda CBR150R
      The new HRC Tricolour livery on CBR150R and CBR250RR resembles Honda’s flagship faired sports bike CBR 1000RR-R SP Fireblade

      The soft corner for the CBR nameplate in India is well known by all but unfortunately, the brand could not penetrate through the masses in the country and was discontinued a while later. The CBR moniker continues to grow stronger in overseas markets. Honda has now introduced two entry-level performance bikes of the CBR range in special edition variants.
      Two of the most popular and affordable CBR bikes now come wrapped in a special HRC Tricolour Liveries which is usually associated with Honda’s motorsports history. In association with PT Astra, Honda has launched these special edition models of CB150R and CBR250RR SP in Indonesia.
      Styling & Features
      Both these motorcycles are now wrapped in Honda’s racing paint scheme of red, blue and white and hence, named Tricolour. Honda’s iconic racing Tricolour is a representation of the bikemaker’s years of dominance in motorsports.
      The HRC livery is similar to the one seen in the brand’s flagship CBR 1000RR-R SP Fireblade. While performance-wise, both CBR150R and CBR250RR are no way as sporty as the litre-class monster, this new paint scheme and body graphics certainly amplify their sportiness to a greater extent, in looks of course.
      2021 Honda CBR150R With HRC livery
      Other than the new attire, there is no other change on either of these two faired sports bikes. They both offer common features such as a fully digital LCD instrument cluster, blacked-out designer alloy wheels as well as an all-LED lighting setup. However, being a more premium offering, CBR250RR doubles up on features such as a quick shifter, ride-by-wire and three riding modes as standard.
      In terms of stylings, both CBR150R and CBR250RR get a sharp, fully-faired design with similar elements such as a muscular fuel tank, split headlight setup, an upswept exhaust, stepped-up split seats, golden-coloured front forks, a clip-on handlebar and a raised windscreen. Even the suspension setup is similar with inverted USD forks at front and a mono-shock unit. Both motorcycles are underpinned by a Diamond Truss frame.
      Engine Specs & Price
      Speaking of the engine specifications, CBR150R is a 149.16cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder which is good enough to return an output of 16.8 bhp and 14.4 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, the MY2021 CBR250RR gets a heavily tweaked powertrain which features a 249.7cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor. This unit cranks out 41.5 bhp and 25 Nm of peak torque. Both units come mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch for smoother gear shifts.
      2021 Honda CBR250RR With HRC livery
      Coming to its pricing, CBR150R Tricolour is offered at a price of IDR 40,600,000 (equivalent to INR 2.09 lakh). On the other hand, CBR250RR SP Tricolour comes at a sticker price of IDR 77,300,000 (equivalent to INR 3.99 lakh). This makes both bikes slightly more expensive than their standard iterations. Unfortunately, Honda does not have any plans to launch any of these bikes in India anytime soon. More

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      Yamaha Electric Scooters E01 And EC-05 Trademarks Registered

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      Yamaha concept scooter image for reference
      Yamaha will launch its electric scooters in international markets before bringing them in India

      It was in 2019 that Yamaha had unveiled E01 and E02 electric scooter concepts at Tokyo Motor Show. One of these, E01, appears to have gotten closer to production stage.
      That’s evident in the trademarks that the company has filed recently. Yamaha has also filed a new trademark for its EC-05 electric scooter, which is already sold in Taiwan. As for E02 concept, it may have been abandoned or Yamaha may have plans to introduce it at a later date.
      Yamaha E01 electric scooter
      The maxi-styled E01 e-scooter concept showcased at Tokyo Motor Show sported a futuristic look and feel. It had an aerodynamic design and eye-catchy dual-tone colour theme. Some of the key features include aggressive front fascia, tinted windscreen, trendy rear view mirrors, and tapered seat design.
      In its production form, Yamaha E01 is expected to be equipped with conventional telescopic forks at the front and single shock absorber at the rear. It will have disc brakes at both ends, integrated with at least single-channel ABS.
      Yamaha concept scooter image for reference
      It is expected to pack in various other features such as Bluetooth, geo-fencing, and swappable battery. In terms of performance, E01 electric scooter will be equivalent to the current breed of Yamaha 125cc scooters such as Fascino and Rayzr.
      Yamaha EC-05 electric scooter
      Already on sale in Taiwan, Yamaha EC-05 is expected to be launched soon in international markets such as Europe. EC-05 has been developed via a joint collaboration between Yamaha and Taiwan-based Gogoro Inc. The latter is a leading e-scooter manufacturer.
      Gogoro has also been playing an instrumental role in developing the required infrastructure such as battery swapping stations. More than 2,000 of these are already functional in Taiwan.
      Powering EC-05 is a G2 Aluminium alloy water-cooled permanent magnet synchronous motor integrated with a MOSFET water-cooled motor controller. It is capable of generating 10 hp of max power and 26 Nm of peak torque. The e-scooter has an all-LED setup and is equipped with LCD backlit dashboard.
      Suspension system comprises telescopic fork at the front and dual rear shocks. Both front and rear wheels have disc brakes, integrated with either ABS or UBS (unified braking system). UBS is similar to CBS system that is currently offered in several two-wheelers in India.
      Yamaha electric scooter India launch plans
      Although opportunities exist, launch of Yamaha electric scooters in the Indian market could take a while. As per last reports, Yamaha was in the process of conducting a feasibility study to assess the possibility of introducing electric two-wheelers in the country.
      The company had earlier said that it will continue to focus on developing better versions of ICE engines, as a complete transition to EVs will take several years. When launched, Yamaha electric scooters will take on the likes of Bajaj Chetak, Ather, and TVS iQube. More

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      Top 10 Scooters Jan 2021 – Activa, Jupiter, Ntorq, Pleasure, Fascino

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      Image – Neeraj
      Top 10 scooter wholesales in January 2021 reported at single digit growth

      As two wheeler sales strives to get the momentum going, top 10 scooter sales in January 2020 grew. Sales in the top order grew by 5.26 percent up at 4,21,517 from 4,00,437 units. Sales volume grew by juts over 21k units. As always, Honda Activa sales contributes to the maximum to bulk up scooter sales volume.
      Last month, Activa wholesales was reported at 2,11,660 units, down from 2,34,749 units at volume loss of just over 23k units. Despite the loss, Activa accounted for over 50 percent share in the list.
      Jupiter Overtakes Access
      TVS Jupiter wholesales grew to 51,952 units, up from from 38,689 units. Volume gain stood at 13,263 units at growth of over a third at 34.28 percent. This accounted for 12.33 percent market share among the top order.
      Suzuki Access scooter is not just a bestseller for the company in India. Considering business in India accounts for the lion’s share of Suzuki two wheelers’ global business, the Access scooter holds great importance. Wholesales declined by 16.70 percent last month. Sales fell to 45,475 units, down from 54,595 units. Sales volume fell by 9,120 units. MS stood at 10.79 percent.
      Top 10 Scooter sales Jan 2021
      Honda does have another scooter in the top list. Dio sales last month fell to 28,914 units, down from 32,651 units. Volume loss is at 3,737 units. TVS Ntorq sales grew by over a third. Wholesales gained by 27,766, up from 20,638 units. Volume gain stood at 7,128 units. Both Dio and Ntorq enjoyed similar market share at around 6.5 percent.
      Hero Pleasure scooter sales grew noticeably. Wholesales grew to 18,603 units up from 4,239 units. Volume gain of 14,364 units meant sales grew many times over. Growth meant market share grew to just below 5 percent. Hero Destini wholesales were up at 9,484 units from 394 units.
      Suzuki Burgman growth
      Suzuki Burgman growth too was manifold at 8,743 units, up from 603 units. Yamaha’s only entry in the list is Fascino. Sales fell to 8,416 units, down from 11,647 units at 27.74 percent decline. Of the leading auto 2 wheeler manufacturers in the country, Bajaj for long stayed away, having reentered the scooter segment recently but with only an electric scooter on offer.
      The scooter segment throws up interesting dynamics. For the biggest two wheeler manufacturer here, Hero MotoCorp sells a rather small volume of scooters despite its best efforts and comprehending pan India reach. Suzuki, a smallish manufacturer finds scooters to be it’s bread and butter. And Honda, despite finding great success in the Activa, has for long been trying to improve its lot of motorcycles. More

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      Bajaj, KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles Online Booking Platform Launched

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      New Bajaj Pulsar NS200
      Bajaj has initiated an online sales platform for its entire range of Bajaj, KTM and Husqvarna offerings

      Bajaj Auto sales go online at https://online.bajajauto.com/ This online sales platform comes at a time when social distancing is the new normal and this online booking scheme involves the entire process from booking to delivery in a contactless format.
      Buyers need to log onto the online portal, select their brand for the list of Avenger, CT, Dominar, Platina, Pulsar, Husqvarna or KTM models and continue to choose their engine capacities, variants and colours. Buyers will be informed the final ex-showroom price of the vehicle chosen and can select their city and local dealer.
      Buyers can then opt for further details, book a test ride or make a confirmed booking at with an online payment which will be adjusted with the final payment. All this is done from the comfort of their couch.
      The Bajaj Auto online platform is being rolled out in phases across the company network and is currently on offer only in select cities and dealerships. For now, it is only on offer in five cities of Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
      Bajaj Online sales platform- Online Bajaj
      Last month, the Pune based, Bajaj Auto Limited announced launch of a minimum of two products every three months beginning from the ongoing quarter in a bid to push up domestic sales and market share. Holding a market share of 38 percent as at the end of December 2020, the company will focus on their premium segment which consists of the Pulsar, Avenger, Dominar, KTM and Husqvarna range.
      Bajaj Auto Upcoming Launches
      Bajaj Auto has just launched the new Pulsar 180 BS6 in India at Rs. 1.08 lakh. It borrows its engine lineup from the Pulsar 180F. This naked roadster is powered by a 178.6cc, single cylinder, air cooled engine offering 16.7 hp power at 8,500 rpm, mated to a 5 speed gearbox. It rivals the TVS Apache RTR 180 in its segment.
      Bajaj is also stated to be working on a new gen Pulsar range that will include250cc and 150cc Pulsars. The company plans to bring in Pulsar NS250 and the Pulsar RS250 in India in 2021 and they will be based on the Duke 250 platform and borrow its same engine lineup. Pulsar RS250 will compete with the Suzuki Gixxer SF250 while the NS250 will take on the Gixxer 250.
      Earlier this month, the company also launched the new Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 in Europe at Euro 5,199 (Rs 4.54 lakhs). It will be launched in India later this year. Production has already started at the company plant in Chakan, near Pune.
      New Bajaj Auto Chakan Plant
      Bajaj Auto has also planned a new plant in Chakan from where it will produce the KTM, Husqvarna and electric two wheelers. A capex of Rs.650 crores is set apart to invest into this new plant which will have installed capacity of 1 million units per annum thus taking Bajaj’s total annual production capacity to 2.2 million units. More

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      Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser Spied With Classic 650, Meteor 650 – At Over 120 Kmph

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      Royal Enfield Cruiser 650 and Classic / Meteor 650 Spied together
      Royal Enfield has plans to launch multiple new motorcycles on the 650cc platform

      With good response to 650 twins in domestic as well as international markets, Royal Enfield is looking to further cement its position in this segment. Towards that end, the company has plans to introduce new products, the first of which is expected to be the 650 cruiser. When launched, the 650 cruiser will take on rivals such as Kawasaki Vulcan S.
      Latest spy video credit to Youtube channel Royal Bangalorean Raj, shows not 1, but 3 test mules of the 650cc range. One of them is the Cruiser 650 which is expected to be named KX650 upon launch, while the other two are either the Classic 650 or the Meteor 650.
      Compared to the Cruiser, the Classic 650 has different riding stance / footpeg placement. It also has a larger / wider pillion seat as compared to the cruiser. The cruiser has chrome finish on the twin exhausts, while the other two have black finish on the exhaust. The motorcycles were testing at a speed of 120-130 kmph.
      Royal Enfield 650 cruiser design
      Just like other Royal Enfield motorcycles such as Classic 350, the 650 cruiser sports a retro look and feel. Some of the key design highlights include round headlamp and rear view mirrors, teardrop shaped fuel tank and turn indicators, wide handlebar, large windscreen, dual metallic exhaust, and broad rear fenders. The motorcycle has forward-set foot pegs, allowing a comfortable, feet-forward riding stance.
      [embedded content]
      Royal Enfield 650 cruiser has split seats and comes with pillion backrest. Towards the rear sides, there are dedicated bars for attaching panniers or other items. With its low seat height, the motorcycle will be easier to manoeuvre and control across varied terrains and environments.
      Royal Enfield 650 cruiser powertrain
      It is expected that 650 cruiser will be using the same powertrain as that of Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. However, it is possible that power and torque output may be adjusted to suit the requirements of a cruiser. On-board the 650 twins, the 648cc dual cylinder, air cooled motor is capable of generating 47 hp of max power and 52 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
      Royal Enfield 650 cruiser will be equipped with upside down forks at the front and standard twin shocks at the rear. It uses 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels with disc brakes at both ends. Dual-channel ABS will be part of standard package. Other key features include semi-digital instrument cluster and slipper clutch with assist.
      Tripper navigation
      Royal Enfield 650 cruiser is expected to get Tripper navigation system, which was first introduced with Meteor 350. Tripper system works in conjunction with Royal Enfield app and Google Maps. It has a dedicated screen next to the instrument console that displays navigational arrows for the inputted destination.
      Royal Enfield 650 cruiser is part of the company’s long term strategy to introduce new / next-gen products at regular intervals. A total of 28 products have been planned over a period of seven years. That means we can expect around four launches every year. This will help the company to increase the number of options available to customers. It will also help to fight competition from new rival products. More

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      Kawasaki New Motorcycle Launch Teasers – Ninja 300 BS6, Versys X300?

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      Kawasaki Versys X 300
      The two new motorcycles from Kawasaki India are expected to augment its entry-level portfolio and one of them appears to be an adventure tourer

      Without revealing much, Kawasaki India’s social media handles have released a teaser showing two motorcycles under a green veil. The caption reads “Ride with passion, the new age sensation. Stay tuned”.
      We expect the two new motorcycles to be launched in the coming weeks. If we were to guess, Kawasaki is gearing up to reintroduce its best selling Ninja 300 in BS6 avatar while also augment its medium displacement portfolio with its Versys-X 300 adventure tourer.
      Kawasaki Versys-X 300
      Given that the medium displacement adventure tourers are steadily gaining momentum in the country, it would be a logical move to usher in the Versys-X 300. While there is no official confirmation on its launch, the teaser clearly shows the motorcycle on the right to be considerably taller than the one on the left, leading us to speculate what’s under the wrap.
      The KTM 390 Adventure has done well to activate this niche in India and hence the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 does not need to lay the groundwork. Textbook styling, long-travel suspension system, spoke wheels, dual-purpose tyres and a strong character makes the baby Versys an attractive proposition.
      Kawasaki India Teaser
      The Ninja derived 300 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor with its refined and effortless performance credentials only adds to its overall appeal. Given that the Versys-X 300 is not going to be as localized as its primary rival, expect the prices to be considerably higher. Something in the ballpark of INR 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom) is likely.
      Rather than going against the KTM 390 Adventure head-on, the Kawasaki adventure tourer, if launched in India, will aim to emerge as a more premium alternative. However, feature highlights are rather modest and include a digi-analog instrument console, dual-channel ABS, and slipper and assist clutch.
      Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6
      The Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6 will retain the time proven 296 cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine which is paired to a 6-speed transmission. The BS4 version churned out 38.4 hp and 27 Nm of torque but we may see a slight drop in these figures as the motor prioritizes emission performance. That said, the difference in output figures are expected to be negligible.
      Kawasaki Ninja 300
      Visually, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6 is expected to remain identical to the BS4 version but the Japanese brand may chose to use this opportunity to introduce new colour options. The equipment level are expected to stay the same too. The fully faired compact supersports motorcycle will continue to rival the KTM RC 390. Expect the price tag to be slightly above INR 3 lakh mark (ex-showroom).
      The two new launches in the affordable end of the premium motorcycle segment is expected to bring in considerable incremental sales to Kawasaki India’s table. More

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      2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 Features, Changes, Mileage, Performance – Detailed

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      Image – Nitish Neo
      Bajaj Pulsar 180 is now a naked roadster and hence stands 10 kgs lighter as compared to the Pulsar 180F

      In 2019, Bajaj discontinued the Pulsar 180, and replaced it with 180F. Now they have brought back the Pulsar 180 in 2021. It is priced from Rs 1.08 lakhs, making it Rs.7k cheaper as compared to the Pulsar 180F which carried a price tag of Rs.1.15 lakhs, ex-sh prices. Bookings have opened and initial examples move into company showrooms.
      Bajaj Pulsar 180 Styling Elements
      Borrowing design inspiration from the Pulsar 150, new Pulsar 180 is seen with sporty body graphics across its fuel tank and front fender. It also receives split seats, pillion grab rails and multi spoke black finished alloy wheels.
      Headlamp is halogen and it comes along with twin pilot lamps. It continues to sport the same instrument cluster as seen on its 180F counterpart with an digital-analogue tachometer and LCD screen relaying information in terms of speed and fuel and an odometer.
      The 2021 Pulsar 180 is offered in two colour options of Laser Black and Nuclear Blue. Other design highlights also include a tinted windshield, clip on handlebars and black rear view mirrors. Below is a detailed first look video of the new Pulsar 180, credit to Youtube channel Nitish Neo.
      [embedded content]
      Engine, Braking and Suspension
      The naked roadster gets powered by a 178.6cc, single cylinder, 2 valve, air cooled engine that also powers the 180F. This engine makes 17.02 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 14.2 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm, which is lower by 0.2 hp and 0.3 Nm as compared to the engine on the Pulsar 180F. The engine gets mated to a 5 speed gearbox. Kerb weight stands at 145 kgs which is 10 kgs lighter as compared to the 180F since it is devoid of fairing.
      Braking and suspension is also carried over from the Pulsar 180F with 280mm front and 230mm rear disc setup and a single-channel ABS system and telescopic front forks and five-step adjustable gas-charged mono-shock at the rear. Mileage of new Pulsar 180 is more or less the same as before and there is no huge improvement in this department.
      Rivals
      The new Bajaj Pulsar 180 enters a segment where it will take on TVS Apache RTR 180 (Rs.1.08,270). It will also compete with the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Pulsar NS160, Yamaha FZS FI-V3 and Hero Xtreme 160R in a similar price range.
      In related news, Bajaj Auto is also gearing up to add more motorcycles to the Pulsar range, that will include 250cc bikes. The Bajaj Pulsar NS250 and RS250 are pegged for launch later this year. They will share both platform and engine with the KTM 250 Duke. The Pulsar RS250 will compete with the Suzuki Gixxer SF250 while the Pulsar NS250 compete with the Suzuki Gixxer 250. More

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      2021 Yamaha MT15 With New Attire Launched In Thailand

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      2021 Yamaha MT15
      International-spec MT-15 features an inverted front fork and an aluminium swingarm instead of conventional telescopic front forks and a box-section swingarm

      Yamaha has launched its entry-level naked streetfighter MT-15 in Thailand with new colour schemes which resemble its bigger, meaner and more powerful sibling MT-09. To be specific, the 2021 MT-15 is now offered in three paint options including Racing Blue, Matt Black and Metallic Gray.
      The good thing though, the Japanese bikemaker hasn’t increased the prices of the bike and is still offered at a price of THB 98,500 (equivalent to INR 2.38 lakh). All three colour variants feature the brand’s signature slanted stripes on its fuel tank like MT-09. And also sports the large MT logo on its tank shrouds.
      Difference between India-spec, Thai-spec MT-15
      One can also notice colour-coded stripes on its tail section too which are nicely complemented by colour-coded stripes on the wheel rims. This visual accentuates the sporty appeal of the naked motorcycle. In India though, consumers get Ice Fluo Vermillion, Dark Matte Blue and Metallic black as colour schemes. However, Indian customers get customisation options that let one opt from as many as eleven colour combinations.
      The Thai-spec model although comes with superior underpinnings. Its hardware setup features a more premium upside-down USD front suspension finished in golden colour along with an aluminium swingarm.
      2021 Yamaha MT15
      The India-spec model, on the other hand, sadly gets conventional telescopic forks at front and a box-section swingarm. Other features on offer in the Indian model include LED headlamps, LED taillights, a digital speedometer, disc brakes on both ends and single-channel ABS.
      Powertrain Specs
      MT-15 in Thailand comes with the same powertrain as the Indian version which features a Euro-5/BS6 compliant 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled four-valve motor. This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch and returns an output of 18.5 bhp at 10,000rpm and 14.7 Nm of peak torque at 8500rpm. The bike shares its underpinning, hardware and engine with its faired cousin R-15.
      Other Yamaha Models
      Yamaha has been busy launching updated products in Thailand. A few days ago, the Japanese brand launched its premium Maxi-styled scooter named Aerox 155. As the name suggests, it derives its power from the same 155cc engine which also drives MT-15 and R15.
      2021 Yamaha MT15
      Although, in Aerox this unit is slightly detuned and churns out 15.4 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 13.9 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Equipped with electronic fuel injection (EFI), this unit is linked to a traditional V-belt CVT to carry out transmission duties.
      The Japanese manufacturer has also registered a new trademark with the name FZ-X which is speculated to be the company’s upcoming adventure motorcycle in India. It is likely to be underpinned by the same platform as its quarter-litre sibling FZ25 and FZS25 and hence it is expected to be powered by the same 249cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. More