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    Honda CB500X ADV Motorcycle India launch Planned For April 2021

    2021 Honda CB500X
    The Honda CB500X is expected to be positioned between the KTM 390 Adventure and Kawasaki Versys 650

    Adventure tourers are two wheeled equivalents of SUVs, and given the world is going crazy for SUVs, we are not surprised the trend has an influence on two wheeler market as well. Of late, the Indian mid-premium motorcycle segment has been witnessing a steady inflow of adventure tourers which are very well received by the audience. So, a leading manufacturer like Honda simply can’t afford to sit back and stay indifferent to this trend, especially when it already has the right product at its disposal.
    Honda CB500X coming to India
    Honda’s 500 cc medium-displacement family of motorcycles come in a variety of flavors and have been significant volume generators in many international markets including Europe. A good blend of style, performance and pricing makes them highly attractive. A recent media report suggests that Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is gearing up to launch the CB500X adventure tourer as early as April 2021!
    With Honda working intensely on increasing the reach of BigWing premium motorcycle outlet, the adventure tourer would come as a boost to the dealer partners. We expect the Honda CB500X to be locally assembled out of CKD kits to keep the costs competitive.
    Speaking of costs, the upcoming medium-displacement Honda would slot between the KTM 390 Adventure which retails at INR 3.10 lakh and Kawasaki Versys 650 which is priced at INR 6.91 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom). It terms of direct competitors, the Honda CB500X has the Benelli TRK 502 to face. A better brand recall and wider dealership network gives the Honda a definitive edge.
    2019 Honda CB500X
    Specifications
    Powering the Honda CB500X is a 472 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected motor which pumps out 48 hp and 43 Nm of torque. Transmission is a 6-speed automatic. The performance on offer should be adequate for long distance touring while not burning a big hole in the wallet. For reference, the European-spec motorcycle has a fuel economy rating of 28.6 kmpl as per WMTC.
    Underpinned by a tubular diamond steel frame, the Honda CB500X sticks to the basics with telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear suspension. The front-heavy stance is further enhanced by a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels which are wrapped by 110/80 – ZR19 and 160/60 – ZR17 tyres respectively.
    Braking is courtesy of a 310 mm front disc with a two-piston caliper and a 240 mm rear unit with a single-piston caliper. A dual-channel ABS system comes as a standard equipment.
    Features
    The Honda CB500X keeps up with the industry standards when it comes to equipment but there are no fancy electronic gadgets in the interest of keeping the price at bay. You do get LED headlamp, negative backlight LCD instrument console with trip computer, fuel economy indicator, gear position indicator, etc.

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    TVS Apache 310 Price Increased Yet Again – New Price Rs 2.5 Lakh

    Image – Aniket Sharma
    A popular track-ready motorcycle, TVS Apache 310 competes with the likes of KTM RC390

    In a development that could probably be attributed to rising input costs, TVS has increased price of Apache RR310 yet again. From Rs 2.48 lakh earlier, price has been increased to Rs 2,49,990. That’s almost Rs 2k costlier. TVS has increased prices of its Apache range in January as well. At that time, price of RR310 was increased from Rs 2.45 lakh to Rs 2.48 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.
    RR310 vs. KTM RC390 pricing
    With the latest price hike, Apache 310 has further reduced the pricing gap with its primary rival – KTM RC390. The latter currently retails at Rs 2.60 lakh. KTM has also been increasing prices of its motorcycles at regular intervals. As may be recalled, KTM had increased prices in December 2020 as well as in January 2021. In January, KTM RC390 price was increased from 2.57 lakh to Rs 2.60 lakh.
    TVS Apache 310 2020 BS6 model – key updates
    TVS had launched BS6 Apache RR310 last year in January. At that time, it was priced at Rs 2.40 lakh. As compared to BS4 model, BS6 RR310 had become costlier by around Rs 12k. Apart from the BS6 upgrade, TVS had introduced several other improvements in 2020 RR310.
    One of the key additions was a new 5.0-inch TFT colour instrument panel that had integrated Bluetooth connectivity system called TVS Smart Xconnect. Once paired with the user’s smartphone, it allows users to access a range of features. These can be accessed via TVS Connect App.
    Month
    Apache 310 Price
    Feb-21
    2,49,990
    Jan-21
    2,48,000
    Dec-20
    2,45,000
    Some of the supported features include ride statistics, incoming call management, turn-by-turn navigation, vehicle health reports, and mobile signal and battery level display. The instrument panel comes with Day Mode and Night Mode backlit options to provide better visibility based on light conditions.
    Another key update was ride-by-wire throttle system, which is a segment-first feature. Users have the option to choose from four ride modes of Sport, Urban, Track and Rain. The automated system adjusts things like torque and ABS based on the ride mode selected. This allows optimal performance in varying ride conditions.
    RR310 engine
    Powering TVS Apache RR310 is a 312.2cc, liquid cooled, reverse inclined, single cylinder motor. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Power and torque varies depending on the ride mode selected. Max power (34 ps) and torque (27.3 Nm) output is available in Sport and Track mode. The numbers get reduced to 25.8 ps and 25 Nm in Urban and Rain mode. Apache RR310 top speed is rated at 160 kmph. It can reach 0 to 60 kmph in less than three seconds.
    In the current fiscal year, cumulative production of the RR310 has been around 2,500 units. Based on this engine, a new motorcycle is expected to launch later this year. More

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    350cc Motorcycle Sales Jan 2021 – Classic, Meteor, Bullet, HNESS CB350

    Image – Jaison
    350cc motorcycle segment continues to register strong growth with Royal Enfield in lead

    Motorcycle sales in 350cc segment continue to stay buoyant, registering YoY growth of 18.18%. A total of 66,489 units were sold in January 2021, as compared to 56,262 units in January last year. MoM growth is also positive at 4.83%, as compared to 63,424 units sold in December 2020.
    In exports, the segment registered YoY growth of 247.79%. A total of 1,572 units were exported in January 2021, as compared to 452 units in January last year. MoM growth is 86.70%, as compared to 842 units exported in December 2020.
    350cc motorcycles domestic sales – January 2021
    Royal Enfield Classic 350 continues to be the top selling motorcycle in this segment with 40,872 units sold in January 2021. YoY growth is 0.09%, as compared to 40,834 units sold in January last year. Classic 350 market share is 61.47% in January 2021. In terms of MoM growth, Classic 350 has registered an increase of 3.94%, as compared to 39,321 units sold in December 2020.
    At number two is Bullet 350 with 11,570 units sold in January 2021. YoY sales are up 21.04%, as compared to 9,559 units sold in January last year. Bullet commanded a market share of 17.40% in January 2021. MoM growth is at 10.40%, as compared to 10,480 units sold in December 2020.
    350cc segment Motorcycle sales Jan 2021
    Electra 350 is next with 5,431 units sold in January 2021. YoY growth is down by -7.46%, as compared to 5,869 units sold in January last year. It is the only motorcycle in this segment to register negative YoY growth in January 2021. Market share stands at 8.17%. Electra MoM growth is positive at 55.62%, as compared to 3,490 units sold in December 2020.
    At number four is Meteor 350 with 5,073 units sold in January 2021. Meteor seems to be losing traction, as MoM growth is down by -40.80%. December 2020 numbers were much higher at 8,569 units. Meteor 350 market share is 7.63% in January 2021.
    Next is Honda H’ness CB350 with 3,543 units sold in January 2021. The newest entrant in this segment, CB350 has improved its MoM numbers by 126.53%. A total of 1,564 units were sold in December 2020. CB350 market share is 5.33% in January 2021.
    350cc segment Motorcycle Exports Jan 2021
    As is evident from these numbers, Royal Enfield continues to maintain its dominance in 350cc segment. Collectively, Classic, Bullet, Electra and Meteor commanded a market share of close of 95%.
    350cc motorcycles exports – January 2021
    In exports, Classic 350 leads with 1,107 units in January 2021. Both YoY and MoM growth is up by 155.07% and 365.13%, respectively. At number two is CB350 with exports of 270 units. MoM growth is down by -47.06%, as compared to 510 units exported in December 2020. Meteor 350 takes the third place with exports of 184 units. MoM numbers have close to doubled, as compared to 94 units exported in December 2020.
    Electra 350 is at fourth place with 11 units exported in January 2021. YoY growth is down by -38.89%, as compared to 18 units exported in January last year. Next is Bullet with not even a single unit exported. More

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    Yamaha FZ X 250cc Adventure Motorcycle Render

    Yamaha FZ-X Adventure Motorcycle – Render by @d.by.akash
    Apart from mechanical configurations, Yamaha FZ-X is likely to borrow certain design cues from its 250cc naked street racer siblings

    A few weeks ago, we had reported that Yamaha has registered a new trademark named ‘FZ-X’ which is speculated to be the company’s upcoming adventure bike offering in India. The bike is said to be based on the brand’s 250cc platform which currently underpins FZ25 and FZS-25.
    A digitally rendered image of the upcoming motorcycle has surfaced on social media courtesy of ‘D by Akash’ in which the bike has been imagined as an ADV. The designer, as expected, has taken FS25 as the donor model and tweaked its styling to make it look like an adventure tourer.
    Updated Styling
    From the looks of it, the designer has taken certain inspirations from Yamaha Tracer series of motorcycles. The design gets a slightly different headlight cluster with the addition of a windscreen above it to prevent the wind burst. It gets the same fuel tank and tank shrouds as FZ25 and FZS-25.
    Other design elements such as raked-up split seats have been carried forward from the naked street twins. It receives a new belly pan instead of the engine cowl along with knuckle protectors around the handlebar, a new upswept exhaust pipe and a new rack to load up the luggage.
    Yamaha FZ-X Adventure Motorcycle – Render by @d.by.akash
    Instead of single-point fixed grab rails, this design render showcases dual side-bolted grab rails for pillion convenience. Another major difference is the use of wire-spoke wheels as opposed to alloy wheels since the former provides better traction to tyres when venturing off-tarmac.
    Interestingly, profiles of both tyres are very different as the rear is much knobbier than the front one. Other subtle but notable changes include a shortened fender and a flatter number plate mount.
    Mechanical Configurations
    The designer has confessed that this rendering is a more road-biased version of the adventure bike. Mechanical specifications of this upcoming bike are expected to remain the same as those in the naked streetfighters. It will derive its power from the same 249cc single-cylinder, air-cooled unit that returns an output of 20.6 bhp and 20 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Suspension setup is also likely to remain similar albeit with a slight tweak, in order to provide a little more travel.
    Entry-level adventure motorcycles have been raking in good numbers in recent times with new options in the fold. As popularity increases, many manufacturers are eyeing this segment with their new offerings. TVS Motor too is planning to develop an entry-level adventure tourer which is expected to be named ‘Raider’. Upon its launch, FZ-X will most likely rival the likes of Royal Enfield Himalayan, KTM 250 Adventure and BMW G 310 GS.
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    BS6 Benelli Leoncino 500 India Launch Price Rs 4.59 Lakh

    BS6 Benelli Leoncino 500
    2021 Benelli Leoncino 500 comes with the same design and specifications

    Benelli is currently on a launch spree as it had previously announced that it will be launching seven new models in India. The company last month launched its mid-displacement adventure tourer- TRK 502 in a BS6 updated form. Now, the bikemaker has launched the BS6 compliant Leoncino 500 in India.
    In its latest iteration, the urban scrambler is offered at a starting price of Rs. 4,59,900 (Ex-showroom, India). It is offered in a solitary trim with two colour options- Steel Grey and Leoncino Red. The former is offered at a base price while the latter has been pegged at a price of Rs. 4,69,900 (Ex-showroom).
    Interested customers can book the updated Leoncino 500 at a token amount of Rs 10,000 through the company’s official India website or by visiting the nearest Benelli India Dealership. The Chinese-owned Italian brand is also offering a 3-Year Unlimited kilometer warranty with the naked street racer as standard.
    Design
    The BS6 updated Leoncino 500 is similar to its BS4 predecessor in terms of its styling. The scrambler carries forward the neo-retro design which lends a unique identity to it. Its design is inspired by lovable and easy-to-ride ‘Lion Cub’ models from the 1960s although with a modern approach.
    BS6 Benelli Leoncino 500
    There are a few design elements which make this bike stand out in a crowd. For instance, its front fender which presents the tiny ‘Lion of Pesaro’ ornament. Other notable highlights include a LED headlamp and slightly redesigned seats and fuel tank.
    Mechanical Specifications
    In terms of specifications, it still retains its 500cc DOHC, in-line twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which returns an output of 47 bhp at 8500 rpm and peak torque of 46 Nm at 6000 rpm. This output is similar to what it produced in its BS4 guise. The 8-valve motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox. Its hardware setup is also identical with a steel trellis frame underpinning the bike.
    Suspension duties are handled by upside-down 50mm fork at front and a laterally mounted preload adjustable at rear. Stopping duties are carried out by radially-mounted 4-piston brake callipers which are clamped down by 320mm discs at front.
    BS6 Benelli Leoncino 500 Specs
    While the rear is handled by a single-piston floating calliper with a 260mm single disc. The braking setup is assisted by a dual-channel switchable ABS. it rides on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped around by 120/70 and 160/60 profiles of tyres at front and rear respectively.
    BS6 compliant Leoncino 500 will be available as a CKD product in India and will be retailed through the company’s 39 dealerships across the country. Earlier last month, the Italian brand also launched the 2021 Imperiale 400 which is almost Rs 10k cheaper than the previous model due to high levels of localisation. More

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    Top 10 Two Wheeler Sales Jan 2021 – Splendor, Activa, Pulsar, Jupiter

    New Hero Splendor
    Top 10 two-wheeler wholesales reported at 4.49 percent growth in January 2021

    Two wheeler wholesales for the top 10 entries improved 4.49 percent in January 2021. Total wholesales grew to 10,26,175 units, up from 9,82,035 units at volume gain of just over 44k units.
    As always Hero Splendor tops the chart at 2,25,382 units at 1.26 percent growth. Volumes grew by just under 3k units, up from 2,22,578 units. This ensured that in the top order, Splendor accounts for 21.96 percent market share. While the motorcycle remains an all time high seller, as always
    Honda Activa sales decline
    Honda Activa scooter maintains its top-selling scooter position. Wholesales last month were reported at 2,11,382 units. Not only did volumes decline by about 10 percent, the contraction meant Honda lost its top of the chart position from a year earlier.
    It’s not always the the scooter is able to pip Splendor to the post. Sales fell from 2,34,749 units, down by 23k units for a market share of 20.63 percent. The leading duo comfortably claims over 40 percent of this table.
    Top 10 Two Wheeler Sales Jan 2021
    Hero HF Deluxe sales fell noticeably at about 30 percent. Volumes dwindled to 1,34,860 units from 1,91,875 units at volume loss of 57k units. Honda CB Shine sales for than doubled having gained the most last month. Wholesales grew to 1,16,222 units, up from 50,931 units at volume gain of 65,291 units. Growth was reported at 128.20 percent.
    Bajaj Pulsar sales growth
    Bajaj Pulsar series sales maxed out at juts under a lakh units. The voluminous data totals to 97,580 units, up from 68,354 units at volume gain of over 29k units. This took its market share to a gainful territory of just below 10 percent.
    While mopeds have long being axed by leading manufacturers, TVS XL continues to buck the trend. Being a one of its kind two-wheels is its value proposition. Wholesales are reported at 59k units at 12.84 percent growth. Sales grew from 52,525 units at volume gain of 6,482 units.
    No
    Top 10 2Wheelers
    Jan-21
    Jan-20
    % Growth
    1
    Splendor
    2,25,382
    2,22,578
    1.26
    2
    Activa
    2,11,660
    2,34,749
    -9.84
    3
    HF Deluxe
    1,34,860
    1,91,875
    -29.71
    4
    CB Shine
    1,16,222
    50,931
    128.20
    5
    Pulsar
    97,580
    68,354
    42.76
    6
    XL Moped
    59,007
    52,525
    12.34
    7
    Jupiter
    51,952
    38,689
    34.28
    8
    Access
    45,475
    54,595
    -16.70
    9
    Passion
    43,162
    26,905
    60.42
    10
    Classic 350
    40,875
    40,834
    0.10

    Total
    10,26,175
    9,82,035
    4.49
    TVS’ bestselling scooter, Jupiter sits 7th on the list. Wholesales is reported at 51,952 units, up from 38,689 units at volume gain of 13,263 units. Growth stood at over a third.
    Suzuki Access scooter sales decline is at 16.70 percent. Wholesales fell to 45,475 units, down from 54,595 units at volume loss of 9,120 units. Hero Passion motorcycle sales grew significantly at the tail-end. Wholesales are reported at 43,162 units, up from 26,905 units at volume gain of over 16k units. Classic 350, Royal Enfield’s sole entry in the top order saw wholesales remain flat at 40,875 units. A year earlier that number was reported at 40,834 units. More

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    2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan First Batch Delivery Starts Across India

    Image – Nidhin
    2021 RE Himalayan adventure tourer gets three colour options, Tripper Navigation and Make It Yours personalization options

    Royal Enfield has launched the new Himalayan adventure tourer in India. It is priced from Rs 2.01 lakh, ex-sh; and comes in with some feature updates and technology while engine remains unchanged. Deliveries have commenced across India. First batch owners have now taken delivery of new Himalayan.
    Colour Updates on 2021 RE Himalayan
    The new RE Himalayan gets some design changes and new colours. It is seen in colour options of Mirage Silver, Pine Green and New Granite Black (in a mix of matte and gloss) along with existing colours of Rock Red, Lake Blue and Gravel Grey.
    Though the instrument cluster layout and design remain unchanged, it sees the addition of a Tripper Navigation Pod. The new tripper navigation was first seen on the Meteor 350. This system allows users to get turn by turn directions which can be connected to the rider’s smartphone.
    Tripper Navigation is powered by Google Maps and Royal Enfield App. Feature updates also include tank guards which double up as carriers for extra fuel tanks or luggage while a luggage rack is added at the rear as a part of these updates.
    Image – Nidhin
    The 2021 RE Himalayan is priced depending on its colour options. The Mirage Silver and Gravel Grey variants are priced at Rs.2,36,286. The Lake Blue, Rock Red and Granite Black carry price tags of Rs. 2,40,285 while the top of the line Pine Green colour is priced at Rs.2,44,284. These are on-road Delhi prices.
    Seating is seen in high density foam and finished in optional Tan colour scheme offering not only better comfort over longer distances but also a striking colour contrast as well. New and improved windscreen protects the rider from the blast of wind relating to a more comfortable ride. It also receives a rear carrier with an additional plate for fastening any luggage and an ergonomic front rack offers better comfort to the rider.
    Royal Enfield has also updated the new Himalayan with Make-it-Yours feature allowing customers to personalize and accessorize their motorcycles which can be accessed through the RE App, the company website or at authorized dealerships.
    RE Himalayan Engine, Suspension and Braking
    Like its earlier counterpart launched in 2016, the Himalayan gets its power via a 411cc, single cylinder, 4 stroke, air cooled engine. This engine makes 24.83 hp power at 6,500 rpm and 32 Nm torque at 4,000-4,500 rpm and gets mated to a 5 speed gearbox. It receives telescopic fork in the front and mono-shock at the rear while braking is via dual channel anti-lock braking system with ABS switchable on the rear wheel for better off-road use
    Upcoming RE Launches
    Earlier this year, Royal Enfield revealed that they would be expanding their product portfolio with one new bike in the 250-750cc every three months. The new RE Classic 350 is expected to launch in April 2021 which will be followed by the launch of the Interceptor 350, Cruiser 650. Facelifted Interceptor/ Continental 650 are also expected this year. More

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    Stolen KTM Motorcycle Found In Just 30 Hours – Owner Thanks Mumbai Police

    Image – Sujay Shivan Warrier / HVK
    Vehicle theft is a big problem, with maximum number of cases remaining unsolved

    Having one’s motorcycle stolen can be a hugely stressful experience. It not only results in financial loss, the owner also has to follow a tedious process of lodging an FIR and following up with police officials. Till they find their vehicle or buy a new one, their everyday routines could go for a toss.
    However, such experiences can also bring joy if the motorcycle is found within a reasonable time limit. Most vehicle theft cases go unsolved, but some lucky ones do get their possessions back.
    How KTM got stolen
    In a recent case that had a happy ending, a KTM owner has been able to find his stolen motorcycle in just around 30 hours. This is remarkable considering the fact that some stolen vehicles are recovered months or even years after they were stolen.
    In this particular case, the owner had left the keys on the bike. This made it easier for the thieves to put their plans into action. The culprits have not been caught yet, so it’s not certain what they intended to do with the motorcycle. It is possible that the theft could be the work of some random people who came across an opportunity and acted on it.
    Owner shares update about his stolen KTM motorcycle
    In the past, there have been cases where youngsters were found to be stealing premium motorcycles just for fun rides. Once they had exhausted the fuel, they would simply ditch the bike and leave. In comparison, hard-core vehicle thieves are in the business purely for money. The stolen vehicle is either sold in remote locations at cheap rates or parts are removed and sold in black market.
    In this case, there’s a greater possibility that amateurs were involved in the theft. The owner has stated that the culprits have been captured on CCTV and the police are actively looking for them. Their intentions will be revealed when they are caught and questioned by the police.
    Owner thanks Mumbai Police
    Expressing his gratitude, the KTM owner has thanked Mumbai Police (Juhu Branch) for finding his bike in a prompt manner. It is likely that the police had used their network of informers to trace the motorcycle.
    The bike had eye-catchy decals, which could have made it easier to spot it. Had it been a standard KTM, the job to identify it would have become a lot more challenging. That’s because there are quite a few of these in streets of Mumbai.
    Lessons learned, the owner will surely double-check here onwards, not to leave the keys on his motorcycle. It’s also necessary to ensure that KTM’s inbuilt GPS system is in working condition and related services have not expired. It’s not clear if the GPS was active in this case or if it was used to trace the stolen motorcycle. More