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    Bajaj Sales April 2021 – Pulsar, Avenger, Dominar, Platina, CT100

    Image – Biker Prakash ChoudharyBajaj Auto recorded their second highest ever exports in April 2021
    Even as the two wheeler segment saw some promise over the past few months, a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases pan India and lockdowns announced by several state governments has affected domestic sales once again. April 2020 was a month of 0 sales and hence YoY comparisons are not being evaluated.
    Bajaj Auto Limited has released their two wheeler and commercial vehicle sales for April 2021. While we cannot compare domestic sales to any previous year’s figures, it may be seen from the attached table that the company has done well in terms of exports.
    Two Wheeler Sales
    In the past month, Bajaj Auto sold a total of 1,26,570 two wheelers in domestic markets. Leading sales charts were Bajaj motorcycles like Pulsar, Platina, CT100, Avenger, Dominar, etc.
    However, it was its export figures that need a mention. The company has recorded its second highest ever exports in April 21, which stood at 2,21,603 units, up from 32,009 units exported in April 20. This took total sales in this segment to 3,48,173 units.
    Bajaj Sales April 2021
    Even as sales of commercial vehicles in domestic markets stood at 7,901 units in the past month, Bajaj Auto has noted a marked increase in commercial vehicle exports. A total of 31,942 commercial vehicles were exported last month, up from 5,869 units exported in April 20. Total sales in April 21 hence stood at 39,843 units with 0 commercial vehicle domestic sales recorded in April 20.
    Total 2 Wheeler and CV Sales
    Bajaj Auto reported total domestic sales, which included that of two wheelers and commercial vehicles, at 1,34,471 units. Exports were their second highest ever at 2,53,545 units in April 21, up from 37,878 units exported in April 20 thus taking total sales in April 21 up to 3,88,016 units.
    New launches in the past month included that of the Pulsar NS 125. Priced at Rs.93,690, this new bike will further strengthen the brand’s position in the Entry Sport Bike segment. It gets its power via a 12cc, BS6 compliant DTS-i motor that offers 12 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 11 Nm torque at 7,000 rpm mated to a 5 speed transmission and comes in with Nitrox mono shock absorbers offering better stability even at higher speeds. Braking setup consists of a single 240 mm disc brake in front and a130 mm drum brake at the rear along with CBS.
    Following the launch of the NS 125m, Bajaj also introduced the Dagger Edge editions of the Pulsar 150, 180 and 220F. Each of these three special edition models see no change in engine specifications but receive new color options, distinctive badging and graphics to set them apart. The Dagger Edge Edition Pulsar 150 is priced at Rs. 1.02 lakhs while the the Pulsar 150 (twin disc) retails at Rs. 1.05 lakhs. The Dagger Edge Pulsar 180 carries a price tag of Rs.1.10 lakhs and top end Pulsar 220F is at R. 1.28 lakh. More

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    Suzuki Two Wheelers Sales April 2021 – Gixxer, Burgman, Access

    Image – Sinha SuzukiApril 2021 proves to be a high point for Suzuki Two Wheelers having reported its highest ever monthly sales in India
    As the country battles growing devastation that Covid-19 brings with it each day, businesses too are being affected. For starters production modules are being closely watched to adapt to situations that are changing on a daily basis. Add to this, an increasing number of state issued lockdown protocols announced in recent weeks. The situation has again begun to become increasingly difficult for businesses.
    Suzuki two wheelers has held its own despite an uncertain April. Cumulative sales is reported at 77,849 units. Considering no manufacturing and sales activity in April 2020, a YoY comparison is not possible. If April 2019 numbers are considered, the increase is at 18 percent.
    Suzuki India Sales – April 2021
    Domestic sales and export growth
    Of total sales in April 2021, domestic sales is reported at 63,879 units. MoM gain is reported at 6.07 percent, up from 60,222 units. Volume gain is reported at 3,657 units. Top sellers include Access, Burgman and Gixxer.
    Exports are reported at 13,970 units. MoM gain stood at 43.72 percent, up from 9,720 units. Volume gain is up at 4,250 units. MoM cumulative sales growth is stood at 11.31 percent. Sales grew from 69,942 units at volume gain of 7,907 units.
    Suzuki India Sales – April 2021
    Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. said, “It is very satisfying that despite all the challenges associated with the second surge of Covid-19 Pandemic in the month of April, we could post of 12% YOY growth in domestic and an exceptional 57.5% growth in our exports volumes.”
    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa launch in India
    Given current circumstances, the start to FY22 is at best uncertain. SMIPL has gotten ahead on a strong foot to FY22. Earlier in the week, the company launched the all new Hayabusa. The first batch of 101 units was booked allotted to India were sold out in 2 days of bookings being opened.
    Last week, the company announced shift reduction at its Haryana plant. For four days, April 28 to May 1, 2021, the plant ran for a single shift instead of the regular 3 shifts.
    The company has also recalled Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF 250 units on account of an excessive vibration problem. The recall covers 199 units that were manufactured between August 12, 2019 and March 21, 2021.
    SMIPL is contacting customers regarding the same. Excessive vibrations are on account of balancer shaft positioning in the engine. The vibrations could result in two of the six nuts in the tail-light casing to come loose. More

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    Royal Enfield April 2021 Sales – Classic, Meteor, Bullet, Electra, Himalayan

    Image – The Bengal RiderRoyal Enfield reports total sales in April 2021 at 53,298 units at 10 percent MoM decline
    The start to FY22 is one of sheer uncertainty. What seemed like a few good months was quite simply a prelude to absolute resolution. In this environ of daily death and destruction, auto manufacturers are putting their best strategies forward to move from day to day as best as possible.
    Royal Enfield has reported domestic wholesales for April 2021 at just below 50k units. YoY comparison is impossible considering the nationwide lockdown through April 2020 when manufacturing and sales had been stopped. A year later, there’s more business for businesses, and more affliction for citizens.
    Domestic sales in April 2021
    Of total sales, domestic sales in Apr ’21 accounted for 91.54 percent of volumes. MoM decline stood at 18.92 percent, down from 60,173 units. Volume decline stood at 11,384 units. Of this, the 350cc segment accounted for 46,561 units. It also makes up the bulk of domestic sales at 87.36 percent. MoM decline stood at 20 percent, down from 58,471 units. Volume decline is reported at just under 12k units.
    The 350+ cc accounted for 6,737 units contributing to 12.64 percent of domestic sales. MoM sales fell by 11 percent, down from 7,587 units. Volume decline stood at 850 units. Exports is reported at 4.5k units. This accounts for 8.46 percent of total sales for Apr ’21. MoM exports fell by 23.38 percent, down from 5,885 units. Volume loss stood at 1,376 units.
    Royal Enfield Sales April 2021
    Total sales last month is reported at 53,298 units. MoM sales decline is reported at just below 20 percent. Sales fell from just over 66k units. Volume loss stood at 12,760 units. Best selling motorcycles include Classic 350, Meteor, Bullet, Electra. Himalayan and 650 Twins also registered decent numbers.
    New motorcycles from Royal Enfield
    It’s not difficult to see why MoM sales was inevitable. Each year one witnesses a sales push in March on account of a new financial year approaching. This inevitably implies a revised price list across manufacturer product portfolios prompting purchase decisions. Add to this the continuous growth in infection numbers across India through April 2021.
    Given the current situation, states have in recent weeks announced curated lockdowns. This means, dealerships across key markets are yet again shut for business. Apart from the sales end, production end activity too is being constantly monitored.
    This also puts focus on impending launches. Following the launch of Meteor, Royal Enfield is geared up to launch a bike in the 350cc segment and 650cc segment. The latter helps the manufacturer expand its global footprint in the mid-segment. The recently launched Meteor will be retailed in USA in select trims. More

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    Hero MotoCorp April 2021 Sales At 3.72 L – Splendor, Deluxe, Passion, Pleasure

    Image – Indian IdentityHero MotoCorp sees subdued sales in April 2021 owing to temp closure of plant ops, and closure of dealerships across regions

    As Covid-19 infections continue to reach new highs in India, the auto industry is blighted by its spread. Depending on strategies to arrest growth, in recent week many a state government has issued lockdown orders.
    This apart, manufacturers are dealing with shortage of parts and interrupted supply chains. While the market hasn’t completely shutdown as was the case in April 2020, current challenges are many.
    In this atmosphere of uncertainty, Hero MotoCorp has reported domestic wholesales at 3,42,614 units. The auto manufacturer has also extended plant closures by 6 days to arrest the spread of Covid-19. Operations will be resumed on May 10, 2021. Including exports, total sales in April 2021 is reported at 3,72,285 units. MoM decline stood at 35.47 percent, down from 5,76,957 units. Volume decline is reported at just over 2 lakh units.
    Sales in April 2021
    Of total sales, motorcycles sales in the domestic market continues to lead from the front. Wholesales was reported at 3,39,329 units accounting for 91.15 percent of domestic sales. MoM decline stood at 35.32 percent, down from 5,24,608 units. Volume loss stood at 1,85,279 units.
    Hero MotoCorp Sales April 2021
    Scooter sales is reported at 32,956 units accounting for the remainder of domestic sales. MoM decline stood at 37.05 percent, down from 52,349 units. Volume loss stood at 19,393 units. Exports are reported at 29,671 units, accounting for 7.97 percent of total sales. MoM decline is reported at 9 percent, down from 32,617 units at volume loss at just under 3k units.
    Hero says sales in April ’21 was subdued owing to temporary closure of plant ops, and the fact that retail outlets remain have again been shut across many regions. These are state issued orders planned to stop the spread of the current devastation of the pandemic. As manufacturing and dealer dispatches remained shut in April 2020, there is no comparable YoY data for manufacturers for April 2021.
    Hero extends closure at plants
    Hero is committed to safety and has stopped work at its manufacturing facilities in IndiaIndia, its Global Parts Center (GPC) in Neemrana, and the R&D facility – the Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur till May 9, 2021. Plant ops will resume on May 10th.
    All corporate offices are on Work from Home (WFH) mode, and personnel that are required to visit office are doing so on a limited and rotational basis. The situation is being monitored continuously, and Hero MotoCorp aims to compensate for production loss during the remainder of the quarter. More

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    2021 Honda CB500X First Units Start Arriving At Dealer Showroom

    2021 Honda CB500X arriving at a dealer showroom. First in Kerala.2021 Honda CB500X enters a segment wherein it takes on the likes of Benelli TRK 502 and Kawasaki Versys 650
    2021 Honda CB500X is a road based adventure bike that has just been introduced in India. It is priced at Rs.6.87 lakhs (ex-sh) and is offered in 1 variant and 2 colour options of Grand Prix Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic.
    Targeting the adventurous biker segment in the country, the new CB500X comes in with touring features with particular attention to seat height, riding position and an adjustable windscreen. This is the company’s first offering in the 500cc motorcycle segment in the country and, though priced higher, the CB500X takes on the Benelli TRK 502 and Kawasaki Versys 650 in terms of competition.
    Honda CB500X comes in via the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route and is sold via the company’s exclusive BigWing Dealerships. First units have now arrived at dealer showrooms across India while deliveries are also expected to start soon. Video below is credit to Radiant Clicks LifeStyle.
    Inspired by the Africa Twin
    Honda CB500X borrows some design inspiration from the Africa Twin. It gets LED head and tail lamps along with LED indicators, a large adjustable windscreen, angular bodywork and seat height at 830mm. It sports a 17.7 liter fuel tank and dimensions stand at 2,156mm length, 828 mm width and 1,412 mm height.
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    It gets a wheelbase of 1,443mm and ground clearance at 181 mm with kerb weight of 199 kgs while it rides on on 19 inch front and 17 inch rear alloy wheels fitted with 110/80 and 160/60 section of tyres respectively. As against a TFT display, the CB500X gets a negative LCD display with no traction control, quickshifter or cornering ABS being offered.
    The Honda CB500X gets its power via a 471cc, parallel twin, liquid cooled engine offering 47 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 43 Nm torque at 6,500rpm mated to a 6 speed transmission with slip and assist clutch.
    It gets telescopic suspension in the front and Honda ProLINK monoshock at the rear while braking is via 310mm disc brake with two pot caliper in the front and 240mm disc with single piston at the rear. The bike also receives Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) technology that detects sudden braking following with it automatically activates hazard lights to warn nearby vehicles.
    2022 Honda CB400X and CB400F
    Even as the Honda CB500X has been officially launched in India, two other Honda bikes, 2022 Honda CB400X and CB400F have made their global debut but are not set for launch in India. Having been shown off at the Shanghai Auto Show in China, the CB400X is an adventure tourer while the CB400F is a naked streetfighter. The two bikes share similar features and get their power via the same 399cc parallel twin engine that makes 44.2 hp power and 37 Nm torque when mated to a 6 speed gearbox. More

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    Suzuki Gixxer 250, SF250 Recalled In India Over Excessive Vibration Issues

    Suzuki Gixxer 250
    While Gixxer 250 competes against the likes of Bajaj Dominar 250, Yamaha FZ25 and KTM 250 Duke, SF250 competes against Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 and KTM RC 200
    Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited has issued a recall for its quarter-litre offerings in the country- Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF250. The former being a naked streetfighter while the latter being an entry-level faired superbike. The reason given for this recall is that certain customers have felt excessive vibrations on the bike.
    Cause of Recall
    While the official notification issued by the company is difficult to decode, the main synopsis concluded is that excess vibration is felt due to improper positioning of the balancer shaft in the engine. It further says that the incorrect positioning of crank balancer gear drive may lead to two out of the six mounting lugs of taillamp being compromised in worst-case vibration.
    However, the bikemaker has maintained that this would not affect the functioning of the motorcycle in any way. A total of 199 units that were manufactured between August 12, 2019 and March 21, 2021 have been affected by this latest recall.
    Although, there has been no official confirmation sent from Suzuki India to company workshops yet regarding this development. However, it has been revealed that the repair work for this would only take a couple of hours.
    Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
    The Japanese brand is likely to send out notifications to affected customers through emails or text messages. Given, the current situation of rising cases of the Covid-19 pandemic, Suzuki would want customers to schedule an appointment before visiting a workshop in order to ensure minimum waiting time. As usual, the repair activity would be carried out free of cost to the customer.
    Gixxer 250, SF250 Specs
    Suzuki introduced the BS6 compliant Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF250 last year. Both models are powered by the same 249cc 4-valve SOHC single-cylinder oil-cooled motor that pumps out 26.13 bhp at 9300rpm and 22.6 Nm of peak torque at 7300rpm. These figures are slightly lower than their BS4 counterparts. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox. Both motorcycles also share the same cycle parts.
    They are underpinned by a diamond frame which is suspended on telescopic forks up front and a swingarm-mounted mono-shock at rear. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends which are assisted by dual-channel ABS. Both receive a 12-litre fuel tank. While Gixxer 250 weighs 156 kilos, its faired sibling weighs slightly heavier at 161kg due to its extra body panels.
    Made in India Gixxer 250 was recently launched in Japan at a price of JPY 4,48,800 ( equivalent to 3.09 lakh). In India, it can be availed at a price of INR 1.67 lakh, ex-sh. More

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    Aprilia SXR 125 Scooter Detailed In First Look Walkaround

    New Aprilia SXR 125. Image – Jet wheelsAprilia SXR 125 draws a strong resemblance to Aprilia’s big bikes like the RSV4 and Tuono V4
    Following the launch of the SXR160 in December 2020, Aprilia now brings in a new premium, lightweight commuter maxi scooter called Aprilia SXR 125. This scooter has made its debut in the Indian two wheeler market and bookings have opened at Rs.5,000 via company site or at any of the authorized Piaggio dealerships in the country.
    The maxi scooter is the first scooter designed in Italy for the Indian market. Just like the SXR 160, the SXR 125 enters production at the Aprilia’s newest plant in Baramati plant in Maharashtra and will be officially available from the end of April. Earlier last month, Aprilia SXR 125 along with SXR 160 went on sale in Nepal markets.
    Aprilia SXR 125 Style and Features
    The new Aprilia SXR 125 will be based on the SXR 160’s platform and follows the same design philosophy. It gets aggressive body styling with a three way split twin front headlamps with full LED lighting system and DRLs, a digital instrument panel with Bluetooth connectivity and large display of all rider information, USB charging port, a large windshield and generous front storage space and lit-up under-seat storage.
    It is also seen with prominent side body panels, body graphics and extensive chrome accents to enhance premium appeal. The new Aprilia SXR 125 gets a single piece seat setup which is well cushioned for rider’s comfort. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video by Jet Wheels below.
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    The SXR 125 dimensions stand 1,985mm in length, 1,261mm in height and 806mm in width. It will be presented in colour options of Matt Black, Glossy White, Glossy Red and Matt Blue and will get a fuel tank of 7 liter capacity.
    BS6 125 cc Engine Specs
    Aprilia SXR 125 will get its power via a 125 cc, single cylinder, 3 valve, fuel injected engine that also powers the SR 125. This engine offers peak power of 9.4 hp at 7,600 rpm and 8.2 Nm peak torque at 6,520 rpm. The engine is mated to a CVT gearbox.
    Braking and suspension are via 220mm front disc and 140mm rear disc brake along with CBS (Combined Braking System) with conventional telescopic forks and monoshock. The SXR 125 will ride on 12 inch alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres.
    The new Aprilia SXR 125 will not have any direct rivals when it comes to price. But it can be seen as a rival to the TVS NTorq and the Suzuki Burgman Street in terms of engine capacity. Official price has not been announced, but the company website states that the price is Rs 1.15 lakh. More

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    Hero March 2021 Sales, Exports Breakup – Splendor, Passion, Maestro, Destini

    Hero SplendorHero MotoCorp domestic wholesales and exports growth reported for March 2021
    March 2021 saw Hero MotoCorp report total wholesales at over 5 lakh units. The feat is no ordinary one, and the manufacturer was able to hit the target multiple times through FY21. More than half of its domestic sales cam from Hero Splendor.
    Sales is reported at 2.8 lakh units, up from 1,43,736 units YoY. Volume gain stood at 1,36,354 units. HF Deluxe contributed to a little over 26 percent in sales. Sales is reported at 1,44,505 units, up from 1,14,969 units. Volume gain stood at a little below 30k units at growth of 25.69 percent.
    Hero MotoCorp has a strong grip on the mass market commuter motorcycle market, and this is demonstrated through the sheer volume of its leading two-wheeler lineup. The manufacturer also sells a small number of scooters. While the bulk of its monthly sales is contributed by the success of Splendor and HF Deluxe, the remainder of its motorcycles and scooters make up for the remainder of its sales.
    Glamour, Passion and Pleasure sales
    Hero Glamour, Passion, and Pleasure sales accounted for about 91k units. Glamour sales was up at 32,371 units, up from 12,713 units. Volume gain stood at almost 20k units to account for about 6 percent of domestic sales.
    Hero Domestic Sales – March 2021
    Passion sales grew to just over 30k units from just under 18k units. Volume gain is reported at 12,527 units. It’s share in total sales was also pegged at just under 6 percent. Pleasure scooter sales grew to 28,516 units, up from 13,898 units at volume gain of 14,618 units.
    Destini 125 sales crossed the 14k units mark from a little under 10k units. YoY sales growth stood at 47.47 percent at volume gain of 4.5k units. Maestro sales reached 8k units, up from 3.5k units. Volume gain stood at 4,467 units.
    Xtreme 160R sales stood at 3,840 units. And XPulse 200 sales at 2,485 units. In total, domestic wholesales grew to 5,44,340 units at 12.37 percent YoY growth. Volume gain stood at about 60k units, up from 4,84,433 units.
    Hero Exports – March 2021
    Hero MotoCorp March 2021 exports
    While Hero MotoCorp enjoys great market prominence in India, exports are seemingly low as compared to its closest competitors. This sees Bajaj and TVS enjoy far more volumes in exports though domestic sales remains lower than Hero MotoCorp. HF Deluxe rules the export log at just over 9k units.
    The manufacturer’s biggest volume product Splendor sees exports at 7,106 units. Achiever exports are reported at 4,573 units, and that of Xtreme 150 at 3,319 units. Hunk exports fell to 2,375 units. Pulse 200 exports grew to 2,375 units. The remainder of the export wagon saw numbers below 1,000 units each. Exports for the month grew to 32,617, up from 21,034 units at volume gain of 11,583 units. More