Bike

Image for reference. Credit – Stalin K Raju
Bajaj’s EV subsidiary will aim at improved efficiencies and better competencies against rivals
At a time when EV space is undergoing rapid transformation, OEMs need to think and act proactively to stay ahead in the game. With that in mind, Bajaj Auto has decided to setup a separate wholly owned subsidiary for its EV business. The new entity will have access to dedicated resources and freedom to take decisions in line with evolving market dynamics. Assigning responsibilities will also become easier with the new subsidiary.
Board approval
In its communication submitted to Bombay Stock Exchange, Bajaj has stated that the board has provided its approval for setting up of a wholly owned subsidiary. The subsidiary will focus on harnessing opportunities in the mobility space. It will also define the roadmap that will be used to achieve desired goals and objectives. The subsidiary will manufacture a new range of electric scooters, electric motorcycles and hybrid vehicles that will include two, three and four-wheelers.
The name of the subsidiary has not been announced yet. Bajaj is working on some names and a final decision is expected soon. The name will be announced once it gets approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The subsidiary will be setup with a proposed authorized capital of Rs 100 crore.
Chetak expansion plans
As of now, Bajaj has only Chetak in its EV portfolio. With significant interest from customers, Bajaj has plans to rapidly expand operations to more cities in the coming months. By 2021, it is targeted that Chetak will be available in 22 new cities. By end of this fiscal, the number would have increased to 40 cities.
Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter
At the time of its launch, Chetak was available in Pune and Bengaluru. The company recently added four more cities – Nagpur, Aurangabad, Mysore and Mangalore.
Bajaj’s EV strategy indicates that the company is factoring in the threats as well as opportunities that exist in this space. As far as Chetak is concerned, its primary rivals include TVS iQube and Ather 450X. Both have been continuously expanding operations to newer cities across India.
In the electric two-wheeler space, the biggest move till date is from Ola electric scooter. This is expected to be launched soon. Ola electric has turned out to be a huge hit with bookings of 1 lakh on first day itself. This is a new record in the country’s automotive history.
Ola Electric’s mega plant in Tamil Nadu is currently under development. When fully complete, it will be capable of producing 10 million units per annum. The company will be targeting global markets as well to optimally utilize its production capacity. More

Honda Activa with Starya EV Conversion Kit
With initial funding of Rs 2.1 crore, the startup will soon commence production of its innovative conversion kit
In a development that can accelerate the transition to a fully-electric ecosystem, Starya Mobility claims that they have come up with India’s first electric propulsion kit for scooters. The kit will be used in combination with a swappable battery. It will be used to convert gearless petrol powered scooters into fully electric units. The kit has been developed after more than two years of extensive research.
Mass conversion planned
It’s true that electric two-wheeler sales are gaining momentum. However, they are still a fraction of sales of ICE powered two-wheelers. One also needs to consider the fact that there are millions of petrol-powered scooter users.
Majority of these folks are unlikely to buy a new electric scooter anytime soon. Factors like high acquisition cost, range anxiety, battery life and hassles associated with charging often dissuade users from switching to electric.
In view of these bottlenecks, Starya Mobility’s petrol to electric conversion kit seems like the right solution. One of the key benefits for users is that they will be able to convert their petrol scooter to electric at around half the cost of a new electric scooter. The conversion kit, which includes the battery, is available at a basic cost of Rs 39,000.
Petrol to Electric Scooter Conversion Kit by Starya Mobility
Moreover, the battery will be offered as a service. This will further reduce the cost of conversion kit. Another benefit is that running cost will be reduced to one-third. As compared to approx. running cost of Rs 3.10 per kilometre for ICE scooters, the conversion kit will reduce that number to around Rs 1 per kilometre.
Starya Mobility is also building a large network of battery swapping stations. This should take care of any range anxiety that users may have. Another thing is that charging a scooter is not as easy as charging a mobile phone. A battery swapping network will take care of such issues. As the swappable battery will be available on subscription basis, there will be negligible impact on vehicle’s resale value.
Starya Mobility conversion kit specs
The kit includes a 6.0 KW PMSM motor connected to a 250A controller. The motor is an advanced unit that has been patented by the company. The motor has a top speed of 75 kmph and range of around 75-80 km on a full charge. The kit should allow users to achieve 0-40 kmph in 3.7 seconds.
Starya Mobility petrol to electric conversion kit seems like a great idea. However, success will depend on how well it’s executed. Rising fuel prices can definitely work in company’s favour. But users will make the switch only when they are satisfied about quality of product and reliability of services offered. More

Image for reference
Domino’s to procure Revolt RV300 motorcycles to increase its electric delivery fleet
Domino’s will work with Revolt Motors to to introduce a larger number of electric bikes in its delivery fleet. Through the partnership, Domino’s will procure the entire existing inventory of Revolt’s RV300 bike model. The development comes on the back of a successful pilot project.
Domino’s electric fleet is specially customized to suit its business needs. The end result is zero-emission delivery. The delivery bike market is one that has grown considerably in recent years. And, there’s great potential for it to transform into a largely electric fleet in the years to come.
Savings for the company
Electric bikes are being presented as economic solutions. And marketing is focused on lower maintenance and running costs compared to petrol engine bikes. The direct comparison of running cost is set at an approx 9 bucks for 100 kms, which translates to savings.
Anjali Rattan, Business Chairman of RattanIndia Enterprises said “Revolt is happy to join hands with Domino’s in this partnership which not only makes sense environmentally, but also offers great cost savings for the company.”
Revolt electric motorcycles
A boost for the Indian auto industry is expected to come from electric two-wheelers. Viewed as a growing segment in the global bike market, it thus seems an attractive investment opportunity for investors. With the market expected to grow in the next couple of years, it’s likely to create a significant number of high-growth businesses in this space. Being an industry that continually emphasises on a cleaner tomorrow, the approach towards e-bikes needs to be based on holistic.
Business growth potential
Apart from demand drivers such as population growth and disposable income levels per capita in India, there are other factors that are driving demand for these vehicles. For instance, government’s focus on increasing the uptake of two-wheelers by providing them with access to subsidies and growth drivers.
This provides an opportunity to both manufacturers, and retailers. The large number of lifestyle segment consumers is also a significant contributor towards the growth in revenue from these bikes. For investors looking at making a foray into this market, research recommends taking up electric two wheeler manufacturing and distribution to have a clear market share in respective segments.
Indian electric two wheeler market is expected to present an attractive investment opportunity in a range of business avenues. This includes parts manufacturing, distribution and focus on charging infra among other things. Given the growing variety of electric two-wheelers currently available, it is important to understand that there are a number of different markets they cater to. Clear outlines require the new age industry to follow the government’s requirements for registration if they want to continue selling their bikes under government-backed schemes. More

Yamaha MT15 Bluetooth launch expected soonYamaha India noted lower domestic sales in June 2021 while exports surged 354 percent YoY
Two wheeler segment reported decent growth in June 2021, considering its poor performance in April and May. Pent up demand, opening up following lockdowns announced across various states and predictions of a favourable monsoon could have boosted sales.
Here is Yamaha India sales report for June 2021 – domestic sales and exports on a year-on-year and month-on-month basis. In June 2021, domestic sales dipped 16.76 percent to 24,588 units, down from 29,539 units sold in June 2020.
FZ is Best-seller
Yamaha FZ claimed the most sales at 11,084 units, up 30.97 percent as against 8,463 units sold in June 2020. FZ commands a 45.08 percent share. Yamaha R15 and MT15 also saw positive sales growth of 38.52 percent and 44.89 percent respectively with 5,020 units and 3,628 units sold in the past month.
YoY de-growth was seen in the case of Ray ZR and Fascino. Ray ZR sales dipped 71.54 percent to 2,229 units in June 2021, down from 7,832 units sold in June 2020. Fascino sales were down to 2,065 units in the past month from 7,116 units sold in June 2020.
Yamaha India Sales and Exports June 2021 vs June 2020 (YoY)
YoY Exports
Yamaha Exports on the other hand increased dramatically. Total exports for June 2021 were at 27,797 units, up 354.20 percent over 6,120 units exported in June 2020. FZ was the most exported with 11,780 units shipped in June 2021, up 261.02 percent over 3,263 units in June 2020.
The Yamaha RayZR was the company’s second most exported model in June 2021. Yamaha Saluto RX, FZ25 and Crux also contributed to export numbers but the most growth was seen in the case of SZ, R15 and Fascino. Total exports stood at 3,348 units, up 152.30 percent over 1,327 units exported in June 2020.
MoM sales Growth
MoM growth was reported both in terms of domestic sales and exports. Domestic sales increased 189 percent to 24,588 units in June 2021 from 8,508 units sold in May 2021. Yamaha FZ noted a MoM increase of 268.48 percent from 3,008 units sold in May 2021 while R15 domestic sales increased 135.46 percent from 2,132 units sold in May 2021 to 5,020 units in June 2021.
Yamaha India Sales and Exports June 2021 vs May 2021 (MoM)
Yamaha MT15, Ray ZR and Fascino sales also increased significantly MoM. It was FZ25 that saw the highest percentage increase at 301.43 percent from 140 units sold in May 2021 to 562 units in the past month.
Exports on the other hand increased 58.73 percent to 27,797 units from 17,512 units exported in May 2021. FZ was the most exported model. All two wheelers in the company lineup noted increased exports except for Crux. Crux exports dipped 71.58 percent to 1,690 units in June 2021, from 5,946 units shipped in May 2021. More

2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 New Gen
Upon its launch, the new-gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 will rival the likes of Honda CB350 H’Ness, Jawa Standard and Benelli Imperiale 400
The hype around the launch of a new Royal Enfield motorcycle is understandably very given the reputation the brand has earned in the Indian market over the course of several decades. This time it is around a motorcycle that has found the most number of buyers wearing the Royal Enfield badge- Classic 350.
The launch of the new generation model is around the corner. Ahead of official launch, the Classic 350 production variants have now been spotted undisguised. It will be offered in single seat as well as dual seat variant.
Slightly Updated Styling
The new images confirm that the overall design has been kept similar to current Classic 350. Two motorcycles have been spied. One is wearing a shade of green while the other is in grey. The Green Classic 350 gets brown colour single seat while the grey Classic 350 gets black seats.
New C350 motorcycles are seen wearing a signature chrome treatment for its mechanical components including the handlebar, exhaust muffler, taillight, turn indicators, wire-spoke wheels, headlight bezels and rearview mirrors.
2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 New Gen
In some of the many previous spy pics, the motorcycles were seen wearing a black theme in which all the mechanical components were given an all-black treatment.
Features on offer
As far as features are concerned, the new-gen Classic 350 gets a revised instrument cluster which gets an analogue speedometer, digital display for fuel indicator and odometer and a Tripper Navigation display. The latter offers turn-by-turn navigation when paired to the Royal Enfield on the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth. Apart from that and new switchgear, the equipment remains very basic.
New Mechanical Specs
The most critical upgrades have been reserved underneath. As we know, the new Classic 350 will be underpinned by a new J-platform which also underpins the company’s latest cruiser offering- Meteor 350. The new double downtube frame will be suspended on conventional telescopic forks at front and dual shock absorbers at rear. This new frame is expected to improve the overall ride quality and characteristics of the motorcycle.
2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 New Gen
The new Classic 350 will be powered by a new 349cc single-cylinder long-stroke motor which kicks out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. This motor will be paired with a new 5-speed gearbox with less and simpler internal mechanics to reduce friction. The engine is provided with a counter balance shaft which reduces the vibration significantly.
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2021 Yezdi Roadking – RenderThe Yezdi Roadking is expected to be ready by end-2021 – It will be a rival to the upcoming Royal Enfield Himalayan
The news that Classic Legends is working on resurrecting the iconic Yezdi Roadking nameplate has been doing rounds for a while now. Not long ago, a prototype was spotted testing with a crankcase very similar to that of yesteryear’s Yezdi. The trademark filing adds more weight to the expectation.
New Yezdi Roadking Rendering
The Yezdi Roadking, like the Jawa, will be a retro classic motorcycle based on the Mahindra Mojo’s platform but one can expect unique styling and significantly different configurations. The prototypes indicate that Classic Legends is going the roadster route with circular headlamps.
Here is a speculative rendering created by our design specialist Pratyush Rout based on the spyshots. With the styling cues on the cylinder head and crankcase being signature elements on the original Yezdi, it is imperative for the new model to replicate it.
The rendering shows a old school roadster/scrambler with modern colour themes. The front fender, almond shaped fuel tank, and triangular side panels form the classic minimalist bodywork while the cantilevered seat renders a sporty appeal. Black theme for the engine, exhaust system and spoke wheels will go well with the motorcycle’s design.
2021 Yezdi Roadking – Render
Specifications
The prototypes were equipped with conventional hardware such as a tubular frame, telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers, spoke wheels, and disc brake at either end. The think dual-purpose tyres would appeal to the scrambler lovers.
As far as the powertrain goes, we expect the 293 cc Mojo-derived single cylinder, liquid-cooled, engine and 6-speed gearbox to be carried forward. On board the Jawa, the mill is capable of dishing out 27.3 hp and 27 Nm of torque. Classic Legends’ engineers will be working hard to making the new motorcycle sound as close to its ancestor as possible.
Features
2021 Yezdi Roadking will be positioned as a mid-premium motorcycle. So, one can expect it to receive LED headlamps and taillight, digital instrument console (at least a semi-digital unit), dual-channel ABS, and so on. Classic Legends will do well to release an array of personalization accessories right from the beginning to broaden the appeal. The market positioning of new Yezdi Roadking will be more or less at par with its Jawa sibling.
2021 Yezdi Roadking – Render
Market Prospects
Just like the Jawa brand, Yezdi has a strong image among the Indian audience and has the potential to bring in significant incremental volume while enhancing Classic Legends’ economies of scale. The motorcycle will be build at Mahindra’s Pithampur facility in Madhya Pradesh. The new motorcycle is also likely to be retailed through existing Jawa outlets which may undergo partial rebranding.
The Yezdi Roadking will be pitted against the upcoming next-generation Royal Enfield roadsters (Hunter 350). It is likely to be ready for this year’s festive season. It surely is a middle weight motorcycle to look forward to this year. More

Image – Area of InterestHusqvarna India manufactures Svartpilen and Vitpilen range of motorcycles at their plant near Pune
Swedish brand Husqvarna made its entry into the Indian market early last year. Despite of going through struggles caused due to the pandemic, the brand has managed to maintain their sales number steady.
They have also been able to create a niche market for itself. Currently, Husqvarna sells only two models- the 250 siblings- Svartpilen and Vitpilen in India. However, the India has become the brand’s export hub for select sub 400cc motorcycles.
The motorcycles from the Swedish brand are manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan-based manufacturing facility near Pune where both Bajaj and KTM branded two-wheelers are manufactured. The company was able to dispatch as many as 15,485 units of its models in the first six months of 2021 which includes both domestic sales and exports.
Larger Export Lineup For Husqvarna
Out of them, only 2,120 units were sold in the Indian market while the rest were shipped overseas. This is due to a large portfolio for the export market which is locally manufactured in India. The company manufactures 125, 201 and 401 along with 250 iterations of Svartpilen and Vitpilen bikes in the country which are shipped overseas.
Husqvarna India Sales / Exports – June 2021
The maximum number of units exported were Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 with a total 6,698 units shipped to foreign markets during the first half of calendar year 2021. These two models are powered by a 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine which also propels Bajaj Dominar 400 and KTM 390 series. This unit pumps out 43 bhp and 37 Nm of peak torque and is paired with a six-speed gearbox.
While the company was able to sell 2,120 units of Husky 250 in the Indian market, it shipped 1,602 units of Husky 250 to overseas countries. The entry-level Husky model- Svartpilen 125 witnessed exports of 3,696 units during the first six months of CY2021. On the other hand, Husqvarna 201 recorded the least number of exports during the first of CY2021 with a total of 1,369 units dispatched.
Average monthly dispatches
Interestingly, despite the peak of second wave of pandemic, the month of April witnessed the highest number of dispatches with 3,337 units including both domestic sales and exports. March recorded the lowest number of dispatches of 1,487 units. For the first six months, average monthly dispatches for the domestic market as well as overseas markets stood at 2,581 units.
Average monthly dispatch for Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 was the highest for the first six months of CY2021 with 1,116 units per month. Whereas, Husky 201 recorded the lowest average monthly dispatch of 228 units per month. While all these models are manufactured in India, it is not clear if and when Husqvarna will launch its new set of motorcycles in the country. More

Royal Enfield GT650 Modified
The custom Continental GT 650 gets an endurance-style fairing that takes inspiration from an early 90s Honda CBR250R
Royal Enfield motorcycles and the aftermarket industry is a match made in heaven. Over a period of time, we have come across plenty of custom-built Royal Enfield motorcycles both in India and overseas countries. Out of all Royal Enfield models, the 650 Twins are the most popular models in aftermarket industries of foreign markets.
In another recent example, a unit of Continental GT has been modified into a new-retro cafe racer which doesn’t look like it’s from the past but from future instead. This custom Continental GT is a joint creation of Australia-based aftermarket workshops Rogue Motorcycles and MotoMAX.
Christened ‘Project RE’, this custom motorcycle was built within a tight span of six weeks as a part of the campaign announced by Royal Enfield Australia known as ‘Busted Knuckles Build Off’. As seen in the images, this custom Continental GT 650 sports quite a few noticeable updates which makes it more pleasing to the eyes of a motorcycling enthusiast.
Updated Design
Upfront, we get to see a custom-built half-fairing with a round windscreen and integrated twin LED lights replacing the conventional round halogen headlamp. All running gears employed on this custom Continental GT have been derived from a used Benelli TNT 1130. These include 58mm Marzocchi front forks, wheels, brakes and a swingarm. The front fairing gets additional braces along with a new custom-built clip-on handlebar.
Royal Enfield GT650 Modified
The front fender has been chopped short while the rear fender has been completely done away with. The fuel tank has been retained from the stock unit but it gets a new fuel filler cap. Moving towards the rear, it gets a custom single seat with contrast blue stitching on black upholstery and custom rear cowl. The stock dual-pod instrument console has been replaced with an aftermarket single pod unit.
Custom Hardware Configurations
The most impressive highlight is the bike’s frame dipped in light blue colour which looks sporty against the contrasting custom metallic silver paint on the body panels. The frame has also been shortened at its tail end and now incorporates a small LED stopping lamp. The swingarm derived from TNT 1130 has been welded onto the frame and looks better than the stock unit.
It also gets a pair of new free-flowing upswept exhaust heads made of stainless steel while Big Mouth mufflers from Cone Engineering take care of the soundtrack. Braking hardware now consists of twin petal discs at front and a single disc at rear anchored by Brembo callipers. Other custom-built parts include footpegs, gear lever, handlebar grips and rear brake lever. The motorcycle rides on blacked alloy wheels shod by chunky slick tyres with a thick profile.
Engine Specs
There have been no reports on updating its powertrain which means it is still powered by a 648cc parallel-twin air-cooled engine. This motor churns out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. More