Bike

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      TVS iQube Electric Scooter Arrives In Delhi Before Bajaj Chetak – Ather 450x Rival

      by

      Image for reference. Credit – PRN Motors, Bangalore.
      Bajaj Chetak electric scooter is only on sale in Pune and Bangalore as of now

      After almost a year of launching its first electric scooter iQube in Bengaluru, TVS has launched iQube in Delhi. The electric scooter is priced cheaper in Delhi at Rs 1.08 lakh, as compared to Rs 1.15 lakh in Bengaluru. Customers can book their iQube online for Rs 5k.
      Cheaper pricing in Delhi is likely due to concessions for electric vehicles announced by Delhi government such as waiver of registration charges and road tax. Delhi is among the most polluted cities and the government is doing everything it can to promote use of electric vehicles.
      TVS iQube design and features
      TVS iQube features a trendy design, as is evident in dual tone front fascia, crystal-clear LED headlamp, rectangular turn indicators, body coloured rear view mirrors, sculpted side panels, contrast stitching on the seat, and all LED tail lamps. The entire body panelling has smooth curves, which makes it quite pleasing to the eyes.
      In terms of convenience, iQube offers ample storage space under the seat. A helmet can easily fit inside with room to spare for other things. A USB charging port with lights is also located in the under seat storage compartment.
      TVS iQube electric Delhi Launch
      TVS iQube has been equipped with SmartXonnect intuitive connectivity platform powered by integrated Bluetooth. When paired with TVS iQube app, users can access a range of features such as navigation assist, remote charge status, geofencing, and incoming call alerts. Users can also see a range of stats about their rides and scooter such as top speed, total distance, average speed, battery status, etc.
      TVS iQube powertrain
      Powering TVS iQube is a 4.4kW hub-mounted motor, connected to a 3 Li-ion battery pack. The battery is wrapped in high strength aluminium, making it resistant to dust and water. Battery warranty is for 3 years / 50k km. Talking about range, iQube can travel 75 km in eco mode. Range will be less when Power Mode is engaged. iQube has top speed of 78 kmph and it can reach 0 to 40 kmph in 4.2 seconds.
      TVS iQube competes with other premium electric scooters such as Ather 450X and Bajaj Chetak. Ather has been launched in Delhi, but deliveries are yet to start. Bookings for Ather in Delhi are now open via online payment. Bajaj has plans to launch Chetak in Delhi in coming months.
      In the future, iQube will also take on upcoming Suzuki Burgman Street Electric. As of now, iQube trails behind 450X and Chetak in terms of sale volumes. Things could improve in the future, as iQube is made available in more cities. Ather and Bajaj are also working to expand operational base for their electric scooters. So, competition is likely to intensify in this segment in the coming years. More

    • 150 Shares129 Views

      in Bike

      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa Appears On Official Website – Ahead Of Debut Today

      by

      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa
      Upon its launch, the new Suzuki Hayabusa will compete against its Japanese rival Kawasaki Ninja H2

      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa has not been the best kept secret. From the time its first teaser was revealed a few days ago, there have been constant number of leaks on the internet. From the full hi-res promotional TVC video leak, to now the motorcycle making its appearance on Suzuki Motorcycle Australia’s official website – and all this ahead of its global debut later today.
      Suzuki Motorcycle Australia has now removed the photo from their official website, but not before it was shared on the internet. Hat tip to Siddharth for sharing the update with us before it was removed.
      The latest iteration of the super sports tourer will come with a host of updates over the outgoing model which has been discontinued in international markets since 2019. This includes cosmetics, features as well as mechanical updates.
      Design & Features on offer
      For starters, the 2021 Hayabusa flaunts a new styling with sharper edges although it still maintains design lines of its previous-gen model. Changes have been incorporated to its front fascia which looks more aggressive, thanks to the concise fairing adopted.
      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa listed on official website
      It also gets an updated tail section while the twin exhausts are chrome-plated and are much sleeker and longer now. Although, the bike continues to get bulbous proportions which are synonymous with Hayabusa.
      It is offered with a newly designed LED headlight, a new fuel tank, and a more aerodynamic front fascia. Speaking of its hardware, it is built on the same twin-spar type aluminum frame assisted by the latest Kayaba suspension setup. The promotional video showed that the new Hayabusa could clock a speed as much as 180 mph (290 kmph) as indicated on its analogue speedometer along with a TFT screen on its instrument panel.
      The 2021 Hayabusa will come equipped with an array of electronic aids to complement the riding experience. This includes IMU-based features such as Hill Start Assist, ABS cornering package, traction control, quick shifter multiple riding modes, wheelie control and more.
      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa listed on company’s Australia website
      Engine Specs
      Coming to its performance, the new Hayabusa will draw its energy from a larger 1440cc inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine instead of the older 1340cc unit. This unit is expected to push out power as high as 200 bhp and is expected to be paired with either a six-speed manual or DCT gearbox. More significantly, this unit now complies with the stricter Euro-5 emission norms which has been achieved with the addition of a new intake, a catalytic converter and an exhaust system to Hayabusa.
      Prospective India Arrival
      As far as its arrival in India is concerned, there has been no confirmation from Suzuki about the same. However, with the rise in larger and more powerful motorcycle offerings in India in recent past, Suzuki might actually launch it in India at some stage. At one point, Hayabusa was the most expensive locally assembled bike in India. Whether it will be offered as a CBU or a CKD product can only be told in time to come. More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 Launched In Europe – Made In India At Bajaj Plant

      by

      Husqvarna Svartpilen 125
      Hungary has become one of the first country in the world to get the entry-level Husqvarna Svartpilen 125

      European markets have good demand for small displacement bikes, thanks to regulations that prohibit riders from opting for a high-end big bike before they spend enough time on smaller rides. For this reason, Husqvarna has launched its entry-level, made in India offering Svartpilen 125 in European markets.
      Price of Svartpilen 125 in Hungary starts from HUF 1.64 million (approx Rs 4.02 lakhs). The bike is imported from India as a CBU. It is manufactured at the Bajaj plant in Pune. In 2020, Husqvarna production crossed the 10,000 mark from India plant.
      As we already know Svartpilen, which translates to Black arrow, is a naked scrambler while its twin sibling Vitpilen, which translates to White arrow, is a cafe racer. As of now, there are no reports of the latter being considered for the European markets in its smallest iteration.
      Hardware & Powertrain
      Svartpilen 125 shares its mechanicals with its KTM counterpart Duke 125. Like the naked streetfighter from the Austrian bikemaker, Svartpilen 125 will derive its power from a 124.7cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC engine which produces 15 hp at 9,500rpm and 12 Nm of peak torque at 7500rpm. For an engine of this capacity, output figures are more than decent. It has a top speed of around 100 kmph.
      Husqvarna Svartpilen 125
      This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox. Even its hardware setup is carried over from its Austrian cousin. It is based on a steel Trellis frame which is suspended at 43mm WP Apex USD forks at front and a 5-step preload adjustable WP Apex mono-shock at rear.
      Anchorage duties are handled by a 320mm disc with a 4-piston caliper from ByBre upfront and a 230mm disc at rear with a 2-piston caliper. This will be assisted by a dual-channel ABS from Bosch. Fuel tank capacity is 9.5 liters while dry weight is 146 kgs. Ground clearance if 143mm.
      Design & Features
      In terms of styling, its design will be identical to the bigger Svartpilens. This means it will feature a single, round LED headlamp with an LED DRL ring around its circumference.
      Husqvarna Svartpilen 125
      It will adopt a minimalist approach to design as it will contain very few body panels. Its equipment will consist of an LCD instrument cluster which will give out crucial information although some of the features offered in bigger iterations might be given a miss.
      Prospective India Launch
      What holds more significance is that like Duke 125 and other Husqvarna models, this Svartpilen 125 is also likely to be launched in India. Moreover, Duke 125 is a very popular model in India and if priced right, its Swedish cousin can also find many takers. Once launched in India, it will likely be priced lower than the Duke 125, which is priced at Rs 1.51 lakhs, ex-sh. More

    • 150 Shares119 Views

      in Bike

      Royal Enfield 650 Gets A Mig21 Makeover – Looks Ready For Takeoff

      by

      Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Modified
      Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has been modified by Bulleteer Customs

      Launched in 2018, Royal Enfield 650 twins (Interceptor and Continental GT) have emerged bestsellers in domestic as well as international markets. With their simple design, 650 twins are also preferred for customization projects. We have seen quite a few of these modified versions in recent past and most of them have been a true delight in terms of their creative design.
      Mig-21 design theme for Interceptor 650
      The latest in the series of experimentations with 650 twins involves Interceptor, which has been modified based on core design elements taken from Mig-21 fighter jet. This customization has been carried out by Bengaluru-based Bulleteer Customs, one of the leading auto workshops in the country.
      Applying Mig-21 design theme to Interceptor 650 has worked out seamlessly in this mod job, as both share a retro design. Had the designers used the theme of a modern aircraft like F-35, the results would have been highly incompatible. The circular, hollowed nose of the headlamp unit at the front and airbrushed rivets at the sides are among the key design characteristics borrowed from Mig-21.
      Modified Interceptor 650 also gets various other visual updates such as multi-coloured strips on the right side of front cowl and smoked out windscreen. Stock handlebar has been replaced with clip-on units, which enhances the motorcycle’s sporty profile. Similarly, 17-inch alloy wheels replace the stock 18-inch wire-spoke wheels.
      Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Modified
      Another key change is aftermarket exhaust, which can be expected to output a superior aural experience to resonate more with the overall theme of Mig-21. The motorcycle also exudes patriotic fervour, as can be seen with the ‘Mig-21’ and ‘IND’ badging.
      No engine tweaks
      This modification project is primarily about visual updates. It’s unlikely that changes have been made to the engine to boost its performance. Interceptor 650 is powered by a 650 cc air-oil cooled engine that is capable of generating max power of 47 hp and peak torque of 52 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
      Why Mig-21?
      In case you are wondering why Mig-21 and not any other fighter jet, the answer is that Mig-21 is one of the most successful fighter planes ever created. More than 11k units were produced from 1959 to 1985. It was the first supersonic jet aircraft in the world and has been used by around sixty nations across four continents.
      Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Modified
      Mig-21 has special relevance for India, as it had played a key role in 1971 Indo-Pak War. It had remained a backbone of Indian Air Force (IAF) for several years during those times. Recently, Mig-21 was in the news for downing American made F-16 that was being used by Pakistan air force. More

    • 125 Shares119 Views

      in Bike

      Kabira Electric Motorcycles KM3000, KM4000 India Launch On 15th Feb

      by

      Kabira KM3000 Electric Motorcycle
      Kabira Mobility to launch KM3000 and KM4000 electric motorcycles on February 15, 2021

      Kabira Mobility is geared to launch KM3000 and KM4000 electric bikes nationwide on February 15, 2021. Both are high speed motorcycles that the manufacturer says addresses ride anxiety aptly. Pre-bookings are already underway online.
      In recent years, a range of electric two-wheeler companies have mushroomed in India. So far the practice works because they aren’t under pressure when it comes to performance.
      Sales of electric two wheelers is dominated by scooters for the most part. Of the companies listed, the count is already at 30+. However, even collectively the companies couldn’t sell 30k units in 2020. Of course some efforts in execution and expansion were obilterated owing to Covid-10 related pandemic lockdown.
      Electric two-wheeler market in India
      Despite setbacks, the time is right more than ever before for newer manufacturers to enter the field. With much emphasis laid on the future being electric, making inroads already is a good start. Of course this will need to be backed by stronger government policies, rebates, and stable infrastructure.
      Kabira KM4000 Electric Motorcycle
      For now, not all mainstream two-wheeler manufacturers have entered the electric two-wheeler market in a big way with most reporting to a token presence. The industry is led by Hero Electric and this could work out well when the time is right. Considering Hero MotoCorp already works in every nook and cranny of the country. And Hero Electric could be aligned similarly when a growth spurt emerges.
      Kabira Mobility production capacity
      With market reach for smaller electric two-wheelers being minimal, commitment and costs at the initial stage are limited to manage growth better. This mostly translates to business starting out in a small region rather than nationwide launches. Kabira Mobility is has 2 manufacturing plants. One in Goa, and another in Dharwad. For now, it’s the largest EV manufacturing facility at Dharwad. It will be operational by April 2021.
      Monthly production capacity is listed at 75,000 units per month. Needless to say, when that can be attained hasn’t yet been announced. Neither has there been any insight into when phased production increases will be undertaken.
      Kabira Electric Motorcycles
      This may be announced in a fortnight. Product development has taken merely 2 years. As far as sales is concerned, digital will play an important role. Sales will be undertaken through a dealership model, and e-commerce.
      Jaibir Siwach, CEO of Kabira Mobility said, “These electric bikes were a distant vision when we started our product development journey in Goa in 2017, but they are now a reality and have turned out to be more magnificent than what we had imagined. – KM3000 debuts as an ‘Electric Sports bike’ – KM4000 debuts as an ‘Electric Street Bike‘.” More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Earth Energy Launches New Electric Scooter, Motorcycles – Price From Rs 92k

      by

      Earth Energy CEO with the new Electric Scooter Glyde+
      Indian EV startup, Earth Energy has launched three new electric vehicles today – 2 motorcycles and 1 scooter

      The Indian automotive sector is on the brink of transition to more environmentally friendly means of travel. Buyers in India are eager to adopt this move and a recent survey conducted revealed that with appropriate infrastructure in place, 90 percent car owners would be willing to transition to electric vehicles.
      However, it is still a long way to go and as on date, the EV market penetration is at only 1 percent of total vehicle sales in India. But that has not stopped new OEMs to launch their products in the EV space. Today, Mumbai based startup Earth Energy, a forerunner in the electric vehicle industry in India has announced 3 new electric vehicles.
      Specs And Range
      Earth Energy Glyde+ electric scooter is powered by a 2.4W electric motor that offers a top speed of 60km/h. Range is 100 kms on full charge. Power output is 2.4 kW (3.26 hp) while torque is 26 Nm. It is priced at Rs 92,000 and is a rival to the likes of Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, etc.
      Evolve Z electric motor with its sporty vibe supports 96 AH/ Li-ion Battery and range of 100km. It has a top speed of 95 kmph. Max power output is 5.3 kW (7.2 hp) while peak torque output is 56 Nm. It is priced at Rs 1.3 lakhs and will rival the likes Revolt RV300.
      Earth Energy Evolve Z Electric Motorcycle
      Top of the line, Evolve R is the most powerful with max power at 12.5 kW (17 PS), peak torque is 54 Nm. It has a top speed of 110 kmph and a range of 100 kms on single charge. Charging time for all 3 EVs is 2.5 hours while 0-80% charging is achieved in 40 minutes via fast charging. It is priced at Rs 1.42 lahks.
      Features on offer
      The entire range inculcates an automatic headlight enabled feature for switching effortlessly during night and day time and an LCD display which will help riders to see in dark and light mode, Battery SOC, real-time range and TBT (turnabout time) navigation, etc. All 3 are offered in 3 colours of – Marshal grey, jet black, and white.
      Mr. Rushi S., CEO & Founder, Earth Energy EV says, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our first range of electric two-Wheelers. The EV industry in India is emerging on account of various factors such as the growing awareness toward the environment, increasing petrol prices, and stringent emission norms, etc. We feel that the consumption of electric vehicles will go up now than ever.”
      Earth Energy Evolve R Electric Motorcycle
      Smart in True Sense
      All new electric vehicles launched today by Earth Energy, come with advanced features called Smart in True Sense. The company claims that this is first in technology. This is basically internet connected feature app.
      This tech helps the rider to keep live navigation status, incoming calls/messages alert, trip history, and current destination on-screen for the confidence-inducing uninterrupted ride. The app also allows the third party usage model for food delivery agents. The entire order mapping can be easily done on the display screen itself.
      Earth Energy Evolve R Electric Motorcycle Specs
      Earth Energy, a subsidiary of Dubai-based parent company Grushie Energy Private Limited, incepted in 2017, is headquartered at Mumbai and has it R&D center based in the outskirts of the city. The company has established a 7000 sq ft R&D setup in Vasai, Mumbai, and produces Li-on battery packs in-house.
      The company portfolio also comprises cargo vans, garbage collection vans, school buses and electric two wheelers. Earth Energy has also developed autonomous vehicle drivetrains for global markets. Earth Energy also claims that the company had raised investments from private investors and has been a part of SmartCity Dubai Accelerator Program in 2018.
      Earth Energy Evolve Z Electric Motorcycle Specs
      Greenfield Plant in Maharashtra
      The company plans for 96 percent localization and production of 4,500 units of both commercial and noncommercial electric vehicles this year. Even as no details of investment have been revealed, the company is also in advanced states of setting up a Greenfield plant in Maharashtra with annual capacity of 65,000 units. The company also plans manufacture of batteries which could be priced competitively. Every vehicle developed by Earth Energy is compliant with all public charging stations set up by the Government or private companies.
      ‘Make in India Initiative
      The company uses Indian original equipment manufacturers products for its power solutions and components for its EVs. True to the ‘Make in India’ initiative put forth by the Government of India, the company uses Indian original equipment manufacturers products for both power solutions and EV components.
      Earth Energy Electric Scooter Glyde+
      Rushi Shenghani, Founder, Earth Energy Electric Vehicle has stated that the company will price each of these upcoming vehicles very efficiently and offer customers various buying options so as to make the transition to EVs easy and comfortable. Company claims 96% localization of their EVs.
      Earth Energy Electric Scooter Glyde+ Specs More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Two Wheeler Sales Jan 2021 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Yamaha

      by

      Image – VINU M R KA11
      Starting the New Year on a positive note, two-wheeler domestic sales grew 6.54% in January

      A total of 14,23,629 units were sold, as compared to 13,36,204 units in January last year. All except Hero and Bajaj have positive YoY growth. Export YoY growth is also positive at 32.05%, up from 2,78,579 units in January last year to 3,67,872 units in January 2021. Only Honda and Suzuki have negative export growth (YoY) in January 2021.
      Two-wheeler domestic sales – Hero leads
      Hero MotoCorp continues to lead in the domestic market even though YoY sales are down by -4.16%. The company sold a total of 4,67,776 units in January 2020, as compared to 4,88,069 units in January last year. It commanded a market share of 32.86%. Hero MotoCorp continues to rely heavily on Splendor and HF Deluxe to boost sale volumes.
      Honda is placed second with YoY growth of 11.39%. January 2021 sales are 4,16,716 units, as compared to 3,74,114 units sold in January last year. Market share is 29.27%. Activa continues to be the primary volume generator for Honda in the domestic market. Other popular Honda two-wheelers include CB Shine, Dio and Unicorn 160.
      At number three is TVS Motor with 2,05,216 units sold in January 2020. YoY sales are up by 25.89%, as compared to 1,63,007 units sold in January last year. The company’s market share is 14.41% in January. TVS bestsellers include XL moped, Jupiter, Apache, and Ntorq.
      Two Wheeler Domestic Sales Jan 2021
      Next is Bajaj Auto with 1,57,404 units sold in January 2021. YoY sales are down marginally by -0.25%, as compared to 1,57,796 units sold in January last year. Market share is at 11.06%. Pulsar range continues to be the bestseller for Bajaj in domestic market. Other key contributors include commuter bikes such as Platina and CT.
      Royal Enfield is at fifth spot with 64,372 units sold in January 2021. YoY sales are up 5.03%, as compared to 61,292 units sold in January last year. Market share stands at 4.52%. Among the bestsellers for Royal Enfield are Classic, Bullet, Meteor 350 and Electra.
      Suzuki and Yamaha are next with sales of 57,004 units and 55,151 units, respectively. YoY growth is 1.77% and 53.57%, respectively. Talking about MoM growth, all except Royal Enfield have higher sales than December 2020. Overall, MoM growth is 26.87%, as compared to 11,22,122 units sold in December 2020.
      Two Wheeler Exports Jan 2021
      Two-wheeler exports – Bajaj dominates
      Bajaj continues to lead in two-wheeler exports, commanding a market share of 61.85%. The company exported 2,27,532 units in January 2021, as compared to 1,74,546 units in January last year. This is YoY growth of 30.36%.
      Others in the list include TVS (89,380 units), Honda (20,467), Hero (18,113), Suzuki (7,865), and Royal Enfield (4,515). In terms of MoM growth in exports, all except Honda and Hero have posted positive numbers. Overall MoM growth in exports is 6.71% in January 2021. More

    • 113 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa Fully Revealed Via Leaked Official Video

      by

      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa
      More details about the 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa will be available on 5th of February

      There has been a lot of talk about the all new Suzuki Hayabusa which is scheduled to be unveiled on February 5. The expectations are high from the third generation model which is touted to restore the iconic nameplate to its former glory. A promotional video of the flagship motorcycle has been leaked ahead of the world premiere, giving us a clear idea on what to expect.
      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa – Design
      It has been said that the 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa will be an evolution of the previous generation model rather than a grounds up product, and this reflects in the styling as well. The iconic heavy duty GT retains the instantly recognizable design traits such as a bulbous body work with smooth flowing surfaces.
      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa
      The front fascia receives the modernized three-part lighting signature with trademark air vents. The redesigned side panels feature massive air vents and an edgier appeal. The pillion seat cowl appears to be larger than before and house twin boomerang-shaped LED taillights. The overall bodywork is more aerodynamic than before.
      Features
      Not much is know about the detailed equipment list of the 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa but from the video we can tell that it is equipped with LED headlights and an instrument console with analog dials and a TFT multi-info display. The superbike also receives Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) with multiple engine mapping.
      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa
      Being a premium offering, the new Hayabusa is expected to offer a comprehensive array of electronic systems supported by an Inertial Measurement Unit. Top-end variants could also offer semi-active suspension but we will know for sure in a few days.
      Specifications
      The 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa is said to carry forward its predecessor’s in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor albeit with a minor increase in displacement. The aim is to comply with the stringent Euro 5 emission norms while not losing out on peak power and performance.
      The new motorcycle is estimated to pump out upwards of 200 hp with the top-speed exceeding 180 mph (288 kmph) mark. Effortless mile munching will continue to be a major part of the Busa’s appeal.
      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa
      Not surprisingly, the flagship Suzuki is equipped with inverted telescopic front fork, monoshock rear suspension (both are likely to be fully adjustble), twin front discs and a single rear disc.
      India launch
      The 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa is expected to make its Indian debut sometime towards the second half of this year. It’s predecessor was assembled locally to keep the cost competitive but it remains to be seen if the latest iteration would follow the same route or be imported into the country as a CBU (Completely Built Unit).
      [embedded content]
      Globally, the 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa will be pitted against the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX sports tourer. Take a look at the detailed photo gallery of 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa below. More