More stories

  • in

    2021 Yamaha R15 Gets Updated With New Colours In Indonesia

    2021 Yamaha R15
    One of the best selling fully faired motorcycle in the 150 cc segment, R15 V3 has now been updated

    Aiming to provide more customization options to customers and fend off competition from 2021 Honda CBR150R, Yamaha Indonesia has introduced new colours for its popular R15 motorcycle. As may be recalled, Honda CBR150R was launched in the second week of January.
    The motorcycle has received a range of visual updates, which could help attract more customers. Yamaha has responded by adding three colour options for R15 – Metallic Blue, Matte Silver and Matte Black.
    Yamaha R15 2021 new colours (Indonesia)
    The Metallic Blue shade comes with a glossy finish, which enhances the motorcycle’s sporty profile. Parts that have the blue shade include headlamp cowl, fuel tank, fairing and alloy wheels.
    The blue shade makes an exciting contrast with blacked out elements such as side panels, rear view mirrors and exhaust pipe. Golden coloured USD front forks further add to the motorcycle’s gorgeous looks. In the Indian market, Yamaha YZR R15 is offered in Racing Blue colour, which is different from the Metallic Blue shade launched in Indonesia.
    2021 Yamaha R15 New Colours
    Talking about the Matte Silver option, the new shade makes a much sober contrast against the black coloured elements of the motorcycle. The set of components that have the matte silver shade is the same as that of Metallic Blue colour theme.
    The only difference is that the alloy wheels carry an entirely distinct yellow shade. Use of three contrasting colours looks radical, but it may not suit everyone’s taste. The golden USD forks further complicate the overall aesthetics of this bike.
    In the Indian market, R15 has Thunder Grey shade, which is much darker than the matte silver colour introduced in Indonesia. The Indian version has red graphics and wheel rims, which are visually more appealing.
    2021 Yamaha R15
    The third colour option for R15 introduced in Indonesia is Matte Black, which is essentially an all-black theme. It gives the motorcycle a bold and intimidating persona, which is likely to attract a sizeable number of buyers. This is probably the best colour option that creates the most appealing contrast with the golden coloured USD forks.
    In the Indian market, R15 has the Dark Knight shade. It has an all-black profile and comes with contrasting white graphics. The black shade looks a bit lighter as compared to the Matte Black colour introduced for R15 in Indonesia.
    2021 Yamaha R15
    2021 Yamaha R15 engine
    Apart from the new colour options, 2021 Yamaha R15 in Indonesia does not offer any other updates. Engine is the same as earlier, a 155cc engine with VVA tech that is capable of generating max power of 19.3 ps and max toque of 14.7 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox.
    As compared to 2021 Honda CBR150R that is available at a starting price of IDR 39.3 million (approx. INR 2.05 lakh), 2021 Yamaha R15 works out cheaper at IDR 37.08 million (approx. INR 1.93 lakh). In the Indian market, Yamaha R15 V3.0 is available at a starting price of Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). More

  • in

    Honda CB350 Launched In Japan As GB350 – Cheaper Than India

    2021 Honda GB350
    In spite of importing the CB 350 from India as a CBU, the Japan price of the motorcycle is lower than the one on sale in India

    After its unveil earlier this month, Honda CB350 has been launched in the company’s home market Japan. It gets a new name GB350 in Japan and is priced at 268,000 yen (approx. Rs 1.89 lakh). GB350 will be made in India and exported to Japan as CBUs.
    In Japan, the motorcycle will be offered in only one variant, which is the top variant. In India, CB350 is available in DLX and DLX Pro variants. They are priced at Rs 1,86,500 and Rs 1,92,500, respectively (both ex-showroom). This makes the CB350 on sale in Japan, cheaper than the one on sale in India by about Rs 2,500 – in spite of the fact that it is made in India and exported to Japan as CBU.
    Please note that the India prices are the new prices that were notified earlier this month. Original launch price of CB350 DLX and DLX Pro was Rs 1.85 lakh and Rs 1.90 lakh, ex-sh, respectively.
    Honda GB350 design and styling
    Except the change in name, GB350 is the same as CB350 that is sold in the Indian market. The motorcycle utilizes a combo of retro styling and modern features such as full LED headlamp and LED winkers. The dual-tone fuel tank with broad ‘Honda’ badging adds to the motorcycle’s visual appeal. Chrome elements have been used liberally on the motorcycle, which give it a regal look and feel.
    Honda CB350 in Japan. Image – Young Machine
    Honda GB350 key features
    Honda CB350 packs in a range of segment-first features. One of these is Honda Smartphone Voice Control System (HSVCS), which lets users connect and access their smartphones via Bluetooth. There are dedicated buttons on the handlebar, which can be used to access text messages, phone calls, weather information, music playback and navigation.
    Other segment first features include assist and slipper clutch, Honda selectable torque control, average and real time mileage display, battery voltage meter, gear position indicator, and distance to empty.
    Honda GB350 engine
    CB350 is BS6 compliant, which is equivalent to Euro 5 emission norms. As such, Honda does not need to carry out any updates in the engine for the Japanese market. All other equipment and features of GB350 will be the same as CB350.
    Honda CB350 is powered by a 348 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that is capable of generating 21 bhp of max power at 5500 rpm and 30 Nm of max torque at 3,000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    As compared to Royal Enfield’s signature thumping exhaust note, CB350 has a crispier and refined exhaust note. It would appeal to a mature audience who do not wish to be too loud on the streets.
    Honda CB350 utilizes a half-duplex cradle frame with telescopic front forks and twin hydraulic rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 310 mm and 240 mm disc at the front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. More

  • in

    2021 BMW G 310 R And G 310 GS Get A Price Hike Of Rs 5k

    2021 BMW G310 GS
    BMW 310 twins improves company sales, and continue to be price positive in 2021

    BMW Motorrad India reported 6.66 percent sales growth in 2020. Motorcycle sales crossed 2.5k units, up from about 2.4k units. Sales grew significantly in Q4 (October – December) 2020, up 51 percent over Q4 2019. No doubt, sales was dominated by demand for new BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS motorcycles. The duo accounted for over 80 percent of total sales.
    At the time, Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, ‘In a particularly tough year, BMW Motorrad once again delivered a stellar performance against all odds and became the number one selling premium motorcycle brand. Our aim is to continuously grow the BMW Motorrad community and culture here in India and we will keep delivering on that promise.”
    New BMW G310 R was launched early in October 2020 at a price of Rs 2.45 lakhs. And G310 GS at a price of Rs 2.85 lakhs (ex-sh prices). This meant both bikes were cheaper than KTM Duke 390 and 390 ADV (respectively) in India. The price proposition was a winning one, and the manufacturer’s new launches garnered solid demand.
    BS6 BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS
    There were no BMW G310s on sale since April to October 2020. Sales for both bikes were inadvertently halted for a period until they were made BS6 compliant. Alongwith emission compliancy, the manufacturer added features, curated financial offers, and introduced the bikes at an attractive price point.
    BMW G310 R
    To the extent, that BS4 versions purchased earlier proved to be more expensive than the BS6 models launched in October 2020. In its latest avatar, the bikes were cheaper by more than half a lakh. BS4 G310R was last listed at a retail price of Rs 2.99 lakh, and BS4 310GS at Rs 3.49 lakh (ex-sh prices).
    The company hasn’t explicitly stated what changes were incorporated to reduce price tags on the BS6 units, but the decision has served them well. The idea behind the smaller cc bikes was always to improve market share and cater to a wider customer base. A feasible price point helps drive that quest home.
    Latest Price Hike
    BMW Group India had towards December end announced a price hike, wef January 4, 2021. Following a price hike for MY21 motorcycles, the new bikes are still considerably price friendly as compared to price tags from a year earlier.
    Following a price revision for BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS motorcycles, both bikes are now costlier by 5 grands. G 310 R is listed at a price of Rs 2.50 lakh, and G 310 GS at Rs 2.90 lakh. All prices are ex-sh, India. With price points continuing to be favourable, BMW Motorrad India may already have secured a competitive run for 2021. More

  • in

    2021 Suzuki GSX S125 Debuts With New Colour Options

    2021 Suzuki GSX S125 LED Headlight
    Internationally, Suzuki GSX S125 locks horns with KTM 125 Duke, Honda CBR125R and Yamaha MT-125

    Suzuki has launched the updated GSX S125 for 2021 in international markets. The smallest member of Suzuki’s GSX family has received two new colour schemes. Apart from this, there are no other changes incorporated in the naked streetfighter either on its styling front or in its mechanical side.
    New Colour Schemes
    The new colour schemes added are- Triton Metallic Blue and Titan Black. Out of these two, the former is more dynamic and bolder while the latter is a more subtle option to consider. Body panels of the bike in Triton Blue scheme are dipped in blue paint with black graphics on its fuel tank along with yellow highlights on tank extensions.
    It also features a yellow coloured decal of 125 on its tail. Titan Black option, on the other hand, gets black as its base colour with blue accents all around the body along with blue alloy wheels.
    Apart from this, it sports the identical design to its predecessor. This includes an aggressive front end with LED headlamps and a sporty riding position with a low seat and rear-set footpegs. The tail section is upright hence the pillion sits at a very high position.
    2021 Suzuki GSX S125
    Features & Specifications
    In terms of features, it receives a fully digital LCD instrument cluster which provides basic information such as distance covered, speed, engine temperature, fuel level, average fuel consumption, oil change interval and gear position. It also offers a dual-channel ABS as standard. It rides on cast aluminium alloy wheels wrapped around by Dunlop D102 tyres.
    As far as its powertrain is concerned, it is powered by a 124cc single-cylinder, four-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine which kicks out 14.8 bhp at 10,000rpm and 11 Nm at 8,000rpm. This output is in the vicinity of 150-160cc motorcycles retailed in India like Bajaj Pulsar 150, TVS Apache RTR 160 and Hero Xtreme 160R.
    As far as hardware is concerned, it gets conventional telescopic suspension at front and a link-type coil spring at rear. It rides on 17-inch wheels with 90/80 and 130/70 profile of rubber wrapped around.

    Price
    The naked street racer can hold up to 11 litres of fuel. While GSX S125 is not available in India, if it was brought to our markets, it would have been a perfect rival to KTM Duke 125. In Japan, the latest iteration of the bike costs 382,800 Yen that is approximately INR 2.69 lakh. In India, Suzuki’s smallest entry-level bike is the Gixxer 155 which is retailed at Rs 1.15 lakh (ex-showroom). More

  • in

    TVS Launches Winner Edition Of Their Best Selling Two Wheeler – XL 100 Moped

    TVS XL 100 Winner Edition
    Winner Edition of TVS XL 100 is based on Heavy Duty i-Touchstart trim at a premium of Rs 1,600

    TVS has launched a special edition model of XL 100 called Winner Edition at Rs 49,599 (ex-showroom). With the addition of this new model, the Hosur-based two-wheeler manufacturer has a total of six variants of the popular moped, which is also their best selling product. It comes with a host of updates including cosmetic and feature-wise.
    XL100 Winner Edition could be easily distinguished thanks to its distinct Delight Blue paint scheme which is the only colour option available. TVS has also incorporated additional styling enhancements in order to make it visually attractive. It has also added a couple of useful features as well.
    Styling / Features
    In terms of styling, apart from a new colour, it gets dual-tone split seats which are said to give more comfort for rider and pillion. It gets an attractive beige colour on its seat and panels. It receives chrome accents on its exhaust shield and rearview mirror.
    Not compromising on its practicality, TVS has provided this Winner Edition of XL 100 with a larger metallic footboard which provides extra space for luggage.
    TVS XL 100 Winner Edition
    Speaking of features, it gets useful tech such as a USB charging port and an ergonomically improved handlebar. The Winner Edition is based on HeavyDuty i-Touchstart variant hence it also comes with an integrated starter generator system commonly called a kill/start switch. This system is said to conserve 30 percent of battery more than in a conventional electric starter system.
    Mechanical Specs
    Coming to its engine specs, it is powered by a 99.7cc motor which generates 4.3 bhp at 6000 rpm and 6.5 Nm of peak torque at 3500 rpm. This unit returns a claimed fuel efficiency of 80 kmpl. It rides on wire-spoke wheels while stopping power comes from 110mm drum brakes on both ends.
    Suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at front and twin shock absorbers at rear. It is extremely light on its feet at 89 kg and can carry a load of up to 130 kg. It offers a wheelbase of 1228mm and can hold up to 4 litres of fuel.
    With this, Winner Edition variant is the second most trim of TVS XL 100’s lineup. Apart from this TVS has four scooter models in its lineup including Scooty Pep Plus, Scooty Zest, Jupiter and Ntorq. The Hosur-based brand also introduced a new base variant of Jupiter at a price of Rs 63,497 (ex-showroom). Apart from this, all models of under TVS brand have undergone a price hike recently. More

  • in

    New Honda Grazia Sports Edition Launch Price Rs 83k – Official TVC

    2021 Honda Grazia Sports Edition
    Apart from a few cosmetic updates, Grazia Sports Edition is almost identical to the regular model

    Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) has launched a special variant of its power scooter Grazia 125. Dubbed Grazia Sports Edition, this scooter comes at a price tag of Rs 83,140 (ex-Delhi) which makes it Rs 1000 costlier than the disc brake variant of the regular model. It is now the most expensive scooter on offer from Honda India.
    Cosmetic Update
    For the additional premium, the Sports Edition model gets new paint schemes with body graphics that make the scooter look sportier. It gets two new colour options namely Sports Red and Pearl Nightstar Black. The Sports Edition model also receives red-black coloured rear suspension along with racing stripes.
    Other changes on this special edition model include a new rear grab rail, a new logo and a combination colour front-arc. Apart from these cosmetic changes, Sports Edition variant is identical to the standard scooter.
    Speaking on the occasion of the launch of Grazia Sports Edition, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales and Marketing, HMSI, said that with gradual reopening of educational institutes, Grazia Sports Edition could be the new choice for many looking for new personal mobility on two wheels.
    Honda scooter prices Jan 2021
    Mechanical Specs
    Mechanically, it is powered by the same 124cc single-cylinder, air-cooled motor which propels the regular Grazia. This unit is good enough to produce 8.14bhp at 6,000rpm and 10.3 Nm of peak torque at 5,000rpm and is mated to a CVT gearbox.
    Even the hardware setup is identical to the standard Grazia which gets conventional telescopic forks at front and a spring-loaded hydraulic setup at rear. It rides on 12 and 10-inch alloy wheels at front and rear respectively with a disc brake at front and a drum brake at rear.
    Features
    In terms of features, it is offered with a fully digital instrument console, black alloy wheels, LED headlamp, multi-function ignition switch, integrated pass switch and external fuel lid. Take a look at the new official TVC video below.
    [embedded content]
    The instrument cluster displays information such as speed, odometer, trip meter, distance-to-empty, real-time fuel efficiency and more. The engine on this scooter benefits from Honda Eco Technology (HET), an alternate current generator (ACG) for a smooth, silent start and Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) along with a side-stand indicator with engine cut-off.
    Honda currently retails four scooters under its portfolio- Activa 6G, Dio, Activa 125 and Grazia in India with Activa brand being the highest-selling scooter in the Indian market for a very long time. Grazia locks horns with Honda Activa 125, Hero Maestro Edge 125, Destiny and TVS Ntorq at the Indian market. More

  • in

    Jawa Motorcycles Alloy Wheels Option Launch Soon – Spied On Test

    Jawa Alloys
    Classic Legends currently manufactures and retails three Jawa motorcycles in India- Jawa, Forty Two and Perak

    Classic Legends has been testing its retro-styled classic motorcycle Jawa Forty Two with a pair of new alloy wheels. Currently, the bike is offered with wire-spoked wheels which are enveloped by tube tyres. The new setup might make use of tubeless tyres that are easier to repair in case of a puncture.
    Changes spotted on Jawa Forty Two
    It might also offer a better grip and riding experience on the road. There are no apparent changes made to the motorcycle except for the addition of a single-piece grab rail and a short flyscreen although it is yet to be seen whether these are offered as standard or as optional add-on accessories.
    Also, the manufacturer seems to have done away with some chrome elements that have been replaced by blacked-out components such as its front and rear suspension setup, exhaust pipe and black headlamp bezel as well as indicator housings.
    Stitching on the seat also seems to be different. One might expect Jawa to also improve its seat quality since many consumers have complained about Forty Two’s seat size and quality especially for the pillion.
    Current Jawa with wire-spoke wheel
    Powertrain Specs
    If one takes a closer peek, they can spot a little reservoir where its rear suspension is mounted onto the bike’s frame. Apart from these, there are no other noticeable changes made on Forty Two. In all probability, it is also likely to retain the same powertrain. In its BS6 avatar, it is powered by a 293cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that churns out 27 bhp and 27.05 Nm of peak torque. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox. It retailed in two variants- single-channel ABS and dual-channel ABS.
    The test mule seen on the latest set of spy shots is most probably the dual-channel ABS derivative. It is currently offered at a price bracket of Rs 1.65 lakh to Rs 1.74 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom).
    While details on the updated classic roadster are still very thin, we can expect this tyre setup to also find its way to other Jawa offerings such as Jawa Classic and Perak. Expect this new update Forty Two to make its debut in a few weeks time.
    Jawa Forty Two Rivals
    Competition in the retro motorcycle has been intensified ever since the launch of Honda H’Ness CB350 and Royal Enfield Meteor 350 late last year. While the former is a naked commuter roadster, the latter is sort of a cruiser.
    Both motorcycles are powered by 350cc single-cylinder motors and are paired to a five-speed gearbox. While CB350 kicks out 21 bhp and 30 Nm of peak torque, the engine on Meteor 350 produces 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque.
    Source More

  • in

    Sondors Electric Motorcycle Called Metacycle Debuts – 130 Kms Range

    Sondors Electric Motorcycle
    Pre-orders open on the Sondors’ website with shipments set to commence towards the end of this year

    Sondors, an e-bike maker with several bikes and mopeds in its company lineup, has added a new electric motorcycle called Metacycle. Priced at $5,000 (Rs.3.66 lakhs), this highly affordable electric motorcycle offers an 80 miles (130 kms) range.
    Sondors Electric Motorcycle is equipped with a 4000 watt hour 72 volt battery. The battery can be charged via a 110 volt wall outlet in a matter of 4 hours with the motor capable of 20 hp and 8 kW thrust with a top speed of 80 mph.
    Design and Features
    The new electric Metaycle from Sondors is designed for urban use and to take on congested city streets and highways. It weighs 91 kgs and is constructed out of lightweight aluminum with a cast eco-frame with sleek, narrow profile. Its features include LED lighting for head and tail lamps and swappable batteries.
    The electric bike also gets turn signals in the front incorporated into the sides of the halo headlamp. A single seat, wide set handlebars, rear view mirrors and large tyres are also a part of the features seen on the new Metacycle.
    Sondors Electric Motorcycle
    Another striking feature is a built in wireless charger for a smartphone located under a translucent panel where the fuel tank of a regular bike is generally positioned. It also gets a large display integrated into the frame making it easy for the rider to access information such as speed or battery level.
    Braking and suspension is via inverted fork suspension in the front and hydraulic brakes from Brembo subsidiary Bybre. It comes in at a relatively much cheaper price tag of $5,000. Expect deliveries to commence from October 2021.
    E-scooter Brands in India
    There is no indication of the Sondors Metacycle ever coming to India where there are eScooter brands such as Okinawa, Hero Electric, Ather and Ampere gaining ground in this segment. A surge in initiatives into the EV arena being introduced by the Government of India has also seen increased sales while improvement in charging infrastructure and benefits to automakers will surely take this segment to greater heights.
    The notion however of cheaper electric vehicles could be a flawed one. This expectation in large way thwarts the research and development process, and market maturity should be a longterm focus. The choice of electric vehicles should be one made to compact dependency on fuel, and the dream of a cleaner environment. But a lot of this is sidetracked in favour of an inherent expectation of an electric vehicle that’s cheaper. More