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    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Spied With Alloys – To Be On Offer At Launch

    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 with Alloys
    The new-gen Classic 350 is expected to go on sale in a couple of weeks – It will feature a new powertrain and brand new underpinnings
    Since the last quarter of 2020, Royal Enfield has put on its aggressive avatar and is on a launch spree. The retro classic bikemaker had earlier announced that it would be launching four new or updated products every year for the next seven years. It started with the new Meteor 350 late last year and earlier the updated Himalayan and 650 Twins earlier this year.
    Going by the frequency of test mules spotted in recent times, we believe that Royal Enfield would next launch the new generation model of Classic 350. While we have earlier covered some details regarding its design and specifications, new information about the upcoming retro-styled motorcycle has leaked online.
    Updated Dynamics
    It has now been confirmed that the new Classic 350 will be underpinned by J1D architecture which made its debut in Meteor 350 last year. The company will be ditching the single downtube frame for a twin downtube spine frame while the engine will be used as a stressed member. This has proven to improve handling and dynamics of the motorcycle.
    The new dual-cradle frame will be suspended on 35 mm telescopic forks at front with a travel of 135mm and twin gas-charged shock absorbers with five-step preload adjustability and 80mm travel at rear.
    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 with Alloys
    Braking setup has been revised in the new-gen Classic 350 with a 300mm single disc brake at front with twin-piston floating calipers and a 270mm disc brake at rear with a single-piston floating caliper. Safety net will be provided by dual-channel ABS.
    As far as rolling components are concerned, the new Classic 350 will be offered with 90/90 R19 wire-spoke wheels at front and 110/90 R18 wheels at rear as standard. Both wheels will be shod by tubeless tyres but buyers will get the option of tubeless tyres if they opt for alloy wheels. The manufacturer will also be offering a 90/90 19-inch alloy wheel at front and a 120/80 18-inch alloy wheel at rear as an option.
    Design
    No major changes will be made to its design since RE Classic’s retro appeal is a major USP for the bikemaker. Although we can expect minor updates such as a rounded pillion seat as standard with a new grab rail mounted onto the frame and a redesigned LED taillight. Other design highlights carried forward from the current model include a circular headlamp with chrome bezels surround, chrome-plated exhaust, broad rear fenders, circular rearview mirrors and a teardrop-shaped fuel tank.
    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 with Alloys
    Updated Powertrain, Feature
    The upcoming Classic 350 will also employ a new powertrain which comprises a new 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. This unit is good enough for 20.2 bhp and 27 n of peak torque and will be linked to a new 5-speed gearbox. We have also noticed a new exhaust setup in our previous spy shots. The only major addition, in terms of feature, will be its updated instrument console which will get a Tripper Navigation pod.
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    Geloise Hope Electric Scooter For Delivery Fleets – Launch Price Rs 47k

    Geloise Hope Electric ScooterElectric two wheelers and cargo vehicles a top choice for delivery fleet services
    Two wheelers are a huge volume market in India. And the need for a two wheeler is second to none. As the days pass by, we’re headed to a future wherein more electric vehicles will be made available to us. The hope is that at some point, they’ll be mass market options that dominate the market, and are affordable.
    The approach though nascent, already outlines clear patterns. For one, electric cargo vehicles and electric two-wheelers are largely being designed for fleet use. And while the market for electric two-wheelers for personal commute tries to gain a stronger foothold with each passing month, fleet orders bring in volumes. More and more companies are now committed to carbon footprint reduction causes and electric fleet vehicles appear to be fulfilling that promise.
    Hope Electric scooter from Geloise Mobility – IIT Delhi incubated startup
    Geloise Mobility Hope scooter
    Geliose Mobility has launched the Hope electric scooter. The entity is an Indian Institute Of Technology (IIT) Delhi incubated startup. While a lot of startups are now fusing business plans based on manufacturing low cost, low-speed electric two-wheelers for fleet use, Geliose Mobility has brought back pedal-assist. Reminiscent of days of yore, when one could pedal a certain part of the route, either to save on petrol costs or because one’s tank ran dry.
    Bringing back the pedal knocks on nostalgia but how much utility it provides is difficult to understand. Considering these units are designed for delivery, it wouldn’t make any sense if one needed to pedal to destination with load.
    Geloise Hope Electric Scooter
    Hope uses a slide and rides feature so the rider can switch different load carrying accessories or rear seat depending based on delivery and load requirement. The scooter costs 47 grands, and is currently only available to B2B customers.
    20 paise for a kilometre
    Geliose Mobility will work with logistics and delivery companies, and meet varied local delivery requirements. For seamless functionality the company is keen on building charging hubs and scooter maintenance points on frequent routes of delivery partners. This will further be accentuated by roadside assistance and roadside battery replacement if the need arises.
    Running cost is listed as 20 paise for a kilometre. Top speed is pegged at 25 km/hr. The low speed unit doesn’t require a driving license or registration. The scooter is offered with a portable charger and portable lithium-ion battery. This can be conveniently charged at home. It can be fully charged in 4 hours.
    Geloise Hope Electric Scooter
    Battery capacity range includes one for 50 kms and another for 75 kms. Design philosophy leans on lean. Keeping in mind utility, Hope’s body structure includes a strong and lightweight frame. Being smallish would help with easy navigation through regular city traffic.
    Being a smart scooter, it benefits from a battery management system, and data monitoring system. With new age scooters being tech based, users will benefit from IoT based systems and data analytics. More

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    Honda Sales March 2021 At 3.95 Lakh – Activa, Dio, CB Shine, Livo, Grazia

    Image – Durga HondaHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India reports growth in domestic wholesales and exports in March 2021
    Honda reports sales growth for March 2021 with domestic wholesales of just below 4 lakh units. Sales is reported at 3,95,037 units, up from 2,45,716 units. Growth stood at 60.77 percent at volume gain of 1,49,321 units. Best sellers for domestic market were Activa, CB Shine, Dio, Unicorn, Livo, Grazia and Dream.
    Exports were flat at 16k units. In March 2020, 16983 units were exported. Exports top performers were Navi, Dio, CB Shine, X-Blade, Hornet, Hness CB 350. Cumulative sales is reported at 4,11,037 units, up from 2,61,699 units. Volume gain stood at 1,49,338 units at 57.06 percent growth.
    Honda 2W Sales March 2021
    MoM domestic sales fell from 4,11,578 units at volume loss of 16,541 units at 4.02 percent decline. Cumulative MoM sales fell from 4,42,696 units at volume loss of just over 30k units.
    HMSI FY21 sales
    FY21 posed great difficulties in terms of business functionality in the first couple of months. Thereafter, traditional purchases during the festive season helped boost sales, and this was followed up by a fairly active Q4. However, steady sales in recent months haven’t been enough to help manufacturers come into the green. Resultantly, auto manufacturers find themselves in the red at the end of FY21.
    Honda 2W Sales March 2021 and FY 2021
    Honda two wheelers ended the year at 19.04 percent decline. Cumulative sales fell to 40,73,182 units, down from 50,31,297 units at volume loss of about 9.6 lakh units. Export volumes fell to 2,017,310 units, down from 3,24,725 units at volume loss of 1,17,415 units. Domestic sales fell by 17.86 percent. Wholesales contracted to 38,65,872 units, down from 40,06,572 units at volume loss of 8,40,700 units.
    Honda market presence
    In recent times, the mass market two-wheeler market has shown great strength of character, proving to be a commodity that most would be willing to consider. Living amidst lockdowns and curfews owing to Covid-19 pandemic, folks are increasingly feeling the need for a two-wheeler.
    While demand is at a natural high, Honda’s top seller is the Activa scooter as against Hero’s Splendor. Hero HF Deluxe is another motorcycle on the podium. Honda on the other hand offers CB Shine as its bestselling motorcycle. As and when Honda were to introduce an affordable mass market motorcycle, it’s likely the product could tip the scales largely in their favour. Rural markets form the backbone of such mass market motorcycles.
    HMSI has already begun treading on a new path with the launch of its 350cc offering. The move has given Honda yet another segment to compete in, and thereby add to sales. This premium move allows Honda to be an attractive proposition to a new buyer group, as well as gives current customers a chance to stay within the brand at a future time. Honda has plans to introduce more premium mid-segment bikes made in the country in due course of time.
    Despite difficulties in 2021, Honda has been able to infuse much excitement in the market. The company brought in the Hness CB350, and CB350 RS. Then there was the CB500X, CBR 650R and CB 650R. More

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    Aprilia SXR 125 Production Starts Before Launch – Bookings Open Officially

    2021 Aprilia SXR 125Earlier last month, Aprilia SXR 125 along with SXR 160 went on sale in Nepal
    After a lukewarm response to Aprilia SXR 160, parent company Piaggio has announced that bookings for its lesser powerful sibling have commenced. The Italian manufacturer has claimed that production for the upcoming SXR 125 has begun at the brand’s Baramati facility near Pune in Maharashtra.
    Interested buyers could book an SXR 125 via Aprilia’s official India website or through any nearby Aprilia dealership at a token amount of Rs 5,000. Exact prices are expected to be announced at the time of its official launch. The more powerful SXR 160 made its debut in India in late December last year.
    2021 Aprilia SXR 125
    Expected Design
    In terms of styling, it is expected to carry forward the same Maxi-style design as its larger sibling. The front apron of the scooter will don split LED headlamps that are inspired by RS660. The integrated LED DRLs make the scooter more attractive. Another notable highlight is a tinted fly-screen in order to prevent the rider from wind blasts.
    The visor will be large enough although visibility shouldn’t be compromised by its positioning. Designed in Italy for India, like SXR 160, it is expected to portray small details like the tri-colour insignia of the Italian national flag on the side apron of the scooter.
    2021 Aprilia SXR 125
    Unlike other contemporary Maxi-style scooters, SXR 125 is likely to feature a flat footboard. At rear, it flaunts a pair of wraparound LED taillights with integrated rear turn indicators. The body panel will wear signature Aprilia graphics that enhance the Maxi scooter’s look.
    2021 Aprilia SXR 125
    Features
    Talking about its features, it is likely to be equipped with a similar 210 cm sq. fully digital instrument console that would read out critical information from the speedometer, odometer, ABS status, trip meter, fuel efficiency, etc. It will also be provided with Bluetooth mobile connectivity and a USB charging port along with a longer, bigger and comfortable saddle. It will be offered in four colour options namely Matt Black, Glossy White, Matt Blue and Glossy Red.
    Mechanical Specs
    Coming to its specifications, SXR 125 will be powered by the same 124cc, three-valve, air-cooled mill that performs duties on SR 125 and other Vespa 125cc models. This engine is capable of churning out 9.4 bhp and 8.2 Nm of peak torque.
    2021 Aprilia SXR 125
    As far as cycle parts are concerned, it is likely to feature telescopic forks at front and a preload-adjustable mono-shock at rear. A disk brake at front and drum brake at rear with CBS is likely to carry out anchor duties. We can expect a price of around Rs 95,000 – Rs 1.00 lakh (ex-showroom) More

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    Suzuki Sales March 2021 – Gixxer, Access, Burgman, Intruder

    Image for referenceSuzuki Motorcycle India reports cumulative sales of about 70k units in March 2021
    Suzuki Motorcycle India reports 69,942 units in wholesales in March 2021. Of this, domestic market sales accounted for 60,222 units, and exports for 9,720 units in March 2021. YoY growth stood at 72.11 percent, up from total sales of 40,636 units at volume gain of 29,306 units.
    Domestic sales stood at 33,930 units at 77.48 percent growth at volume gain of 26,292 units. Performers in the domestic market were Access and Burgman scooters as well as Gixxer and Intruder motorcycles. Exports grew at 44.94 percent, up from 6,706 units at volume gain of about 3k units.
    Suzuki Sales March 2021
    Cumulatively, SMIPL sold 589,997 units from April 2020 – March 2021 (FY2021). Volumes declined by a fourth. Sales decline stood at 25.35 percent, down from 7,90,397 units reported sold through FY20.
    Last year this time, the company had reported sales growth of 5.7 percent over FY19 when cumulative sales stood at 7,47,506 units. It’s fair to say the growth momentum Suzuki was counting on has faced a setback owing to evolved market conditions.
    Suzuki Sales March 2021
    Two wheeler industry
    With Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown dictating business needs, most manufacturers have only just begun seeing increased activity in recent months. The slowdown at the start of the fiscal has been difficult to overcome though some recovery has been possible in the last two quarters.
    In February 2021, Suzuki sold 59,530 units. MoM volume gain stood at 692 units at 1.16 percent growth. Momentum in 2021 is already setting precedence, and bodes well for the year to come. With added focus on need for vehicles for personal commute, and low base sales for two straight quarters in the last fiscal, manufacturers are going to be able to push forward in the next 6 months.
    Financial year FY2021-22 expectations
    Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. said, “This financial year was challenging for the whole auto industry due to the COVID-19 situation. Having said that we also adapted to the new paradigm shift to fulfil the latent customer expectations. Today we have become more customer–centric.
    In fact, we launched a convenient Doorstep sale and after-sales service platform called Suzuki at your Doorstep. Enabling customers to buy, test-ride and opt for after–sales services with a click of a button. Today Suzuki at your Doorstep has become an important sales avenue for the company.”
    “This year Suzuki Motorcycle India also rolled out its 5 millionth production unit from its manufacturing facility at Kherki Dhaula, Gurugram. The quarter-liter sensation – Suzuki GIXXER SF 250 became the 5 millionth celebratory unit. We are grateful to all of our customers who supported us in achieving this memorable milestone. Additionally, we are hoping to achieve greater heights in the new financial year FY2021-22.” More

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    Bajaj Two Wheeler Sales March 2021 – Pulsar, Avenger, Dominar, CT100

    Image – MRD VlogsBajaj Auto two wheeler sales increased 84 percent while exports were up 32 percent in the past month
    Bajaj Auto Limited, leading two wheeler and commercial vehicle makers in India have released their sales figures for March 2021. Positive sales can be seen across both two wheeler and domestic sales and exports while commercial vehicle domestic sales dipped marginally.
    MoM Two Wheeler Sales and Exports
    In domestic market, Bajaj Auto sold a total of 1,81,393 units in March 21, up 84 percent as against 98,412 units sold in March 20. Exports also grew significantly by 32 percent to 1,48,740 units in the past month, up from 1,12,564 units exported in March 20, thus taking total sales in this segment to 3,30,133 units, an increase of 56 percent over 2,10,976 units sold in March 20.
    Comparing sales to March of 2020 is not really an ideal yardstick considering the lockdown in view of the COVID-19 pandemic was introduced on 24th March 2020 leading to shut down of plants and showrooms across the country. For March 2021, two wheelers performing well in sales were Pulsar, CT100, Platina, Avenger, Dominar, etc.
    CV Sales March 2021
    Commercial vehicle sales dipped in domestic markets by 5 percent in March 2021 to 17,158 units, down from 18,129 units sold in March 20. Exports on the other hand noted a significant increase by 64 percent from 13,470 units exported in March 20 to 22,157 units exported last month. Total commercial vehicle sales hence stood at 39,315 units, up 24 percent over 31,599 units sold in March 20.
    Bajaj Auto Sales March 2021
    With domestic sales and exports up 70 percent and 36 percent respectively in the past month, total 2 wheeler and CV sales stood at 3,69,448 units, a growth of 52 percent over 2,42,575 units sold in March 20.
    YTD 2 Wheeler and CV Sales
    The period April 2020 to March 2021 has been one of much constraint for the auto industry. Coming out of the period of lockdown took its toll on sales which increased slowly but steadily.
    Bajaj Auto reported a de-growth in terms of two wheeler sales in domestic markets which dipped 13 percent from 20,78,348 units in the April to March 2020 period to 18,09,375 units in the same period this year. Exports also dipped 4 percent from 18,69,220 units shipped during April to March 2020 to 17,96,518 units in the April to March 2021 period. This took total YTD sales of two wheelers down 9 percent to 36,05,893 units.
    Bajaj Auto Sales FY 20/21
    Total commercial vehicle YTD sales experienced a 45 percent de-growth to 3,67,021 units down from 6,67,644 units sold in April to March 2020 with both domestic sales and exports dipping 70 percent and 15 percent respectively.
    Bajaj Auto has seen total YTD two wheeler and commercial vehicle sales down 14 percent. Domestic sales dipped 21 percent to 19,18,667 in April to March 2021 period down from 24,44,107 units sold in the same period of the previous year, while exports fell 5 percent to 20,54,247 as against 21,71,105 units sold in the April to March 2020 period. This took total YTD sales to 39,72,914 units, down 14 percent as against 46,15,212 sold in the same period of last year.
    Bajaj is actively testing the new Pulsar 250, slated to come in with a new engine and several feature updates which could bring in better sales once launched. More

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    Kawasaki India Launches K-Care Extended Warranty And AMC Package

    Image for reference. Credit – Vinod NareshanKawasaki dominates the premium motorcycle segment, with a range of options from 650cc – 1000cc
    For better care and safety of its motorcycles and to ensure complete peace of mind for customers, Kawasaki has launched a new post-sales package named K-Care. It’s a one-of-its-kind comprehensive package covering both extended warranty as well as annual maintenance contract (AMC).
    One of the key advantages of K-care is that it can be used at any of the Kawasaki authorised service centre in India. This will be hugely beneficial for long distance riders as well as customers who often change cities.
    Kawasaki K-Care extended warranty
    Under K-Care, Kawasaki customers get two years of standard warranty and additional two years of extended warranty. The standard two year warranty is applicable for the first 30,000 km or two years’ time from the date of purchase, whichever is earlier. In a similar manner, the extended two year warranty covers 20,000 km. In total, customers get 50k km or 4 years of warranty.
    The standard warranty and extended warranty will remain valid in case the motorcycle is sold during the tenure period. The extended warranty will be beneficial for customers, as it will enhance the resale value of the motorcycle. The warranty under K-Care will commence from the date of sale of the motorcycle to the first owner.
    Kawasaki K-Care
    Kawasaki K-Care annual maintenance contract
    Under this package, customers can save on service cost related to eight preventive maintenance services. This will be applicable for a period of four years. During this time, customers can get their motorcycle’s engine oil changed eight time, oil filter change four times and brake fluid replacement one time.
    Kawasaki K-Care
    The AMC will also cover other routine service and maintenance checks that will be carried out at regular intervals during the four year period. The AMC is transferable, which means subsequent owner can also benefit in case of resale.
    As of now, Kawasaki K-Care package is available only for new customers of MY21 Ninja ZX-10R. Based on response, Kawasaki may introduce this option for other motorcycles in its portfolio. To activate K-Care, customers will have to purchase the EW and AMC on the same date, as the motorcycle’s sales invoice date. The package will be applicable only when the MY21 Ninja ZX-10R is purchased from a Kawasaki authorized dealership.
    It is also important to note that K-Care does not cover road side assistance (RSA). To know more about K-Care, its pricing and applicable terms and conditions, customers can approach their nearest Kawasaki dealership. More

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    TVS Scooter, Motorcycle Sales March 2021 – Apache, Jupiter, NTorq, Radeon

    Image – KM WheelsTVS Motor Company reports total (two wheeler and three wheeler) sales growth of 123 percent in March 2021
    March 2021 saw TVS Motor report total sales of 3,22,683 units. Growth is reported at 122.94 percent, up from 1,44,739 units at volume growth of 1,77,944 units. This includes domestic sales and exports of three wheelers and two wheelers.
    Motorcycle sales remain the strongest at 1,57,294 units at 135.92 percent growth. Sales grew from 66,673 units at volume growth of 90,621 units. Total motorcycles sales accounted for 51 percent of two-wheeler volumes. Scooter sales grew by 205.67 percent up at 1,04,513 units up from just over 34k units. Volume growth is reported at 70,322 units.
    Moped sales rose 37.76 percent up from 33,124 units. Volume growth stood at 12,506 units, up at 45,630 units. In the moped segment, TVS has an advantage like no other being the only manufacturer that still sells one. MoM moped sales fell from 51,797 units sold in Feb 21. MoM motorcycles and scooter sales are reported in the green.
    Two wheeler domestic sales growth
    Total two-wheeler domestic sales growth is reported at 114.82 percent as volumes tipped the 2 lakh units mark. At 2,02,155 units, volume gain stood at 1,08,052 units, up from 94,103 units. Two wheeler exports grew by 163.96 percent.
    TVS Motor Sales March 2021
    Exports grew to 1,05,282 units, up from 39,885 units at volume gain of 65,397 units. Total two wheeler sales grew to over 3 lakh units at 3,07,437 units at 129.45 percent. Volumes gain is reported at 1,73,449 units at volume gain of 1,33,988 units.
    The remainder of TVS’ business was contributed by 3W sales at a total of just over 15k units. In the domestic market, 3W sales was reported at about 1.1k units. Growth is reported at 151.94 percent, up from 439 units at volume growth of 667 units.
    3W exports grew by more than a third. Exports rose to 14,140 units, up from 10,312 units. Volume gain stood at 3,828 units at 37.12 percent growth. Total 3W sales is reported at 15,246 units at volume growth of 4,495 units. Volumes grew from 10,751 units at 41.81 percent growth.
    Q4 FY21 sales growth
    Total domestic sales is up by 115 percent. Volumes grew to 2,03,261 units, up from 94,542 units at volume gain of 1,08,719 units. Exports grew 137.91 percent at 1,19,422 units. Volume gain stood at 69,225 units, up from 50,197 units in March 2020.
    Q4 FY21 two wheeler sales growth is reported at 50 percent. Numbers increased from 5.9 lakh units reported in Q4 FY20 to 8.87 Lakh units in Q4 FY2020-21. Three-wheeler sales in the quarter ended March 31, 2021 is reported at 43k units, up from 41k units sold in the comparable quarter. Sales growth can be attributed to low base sales of the quarter comparable, and an increased interest in personal mobility choices amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. More