Bike

Subterms

    More stories

    • 125 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      Bajaj-Triumph Sub Rs 2 Lakh Motorcycle Launch Delayed To 2023

      by

      Bajaj Triumph motorcycle render
      The Covid-19 pandemic has played spoilsport to another new automotive project in India

      The Bajaj-Triumph partnership is one of the most talked-about joint ventures in the Indian automotive industry in recent past. Both companies entered into a long-term partnership in 2017 which will focus on a non-equity tie-up to develop mid-capacity motorcycles ranging from 200cc to 750cc.
      However, the first product out of this joint venture might face a delay due to the ongoing crisis. In an interaction with ET Auto, Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto, has revealed that the upcoming bike from Bajaj-Triumph partnership could be delayed by several months because of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
      Delayed to 2023
      Bajaj said that due to COVID-19-related disruptions, launch of the first Bajaj-Triumph bike may get deferred to 2023. It was earlier reported that this JV planned to bring out its first model sometime in 2022. Both bikemakers have remained reticent about the models to be developed under this JV. However, some reports indicate that its lineup will include Triumph Tiger, a baby Daytona 250 and a mini Bonneville.
      Although one thing is clear that most of these motorcycles under this tie-up will be manufactured at Bajaj’s facility in Chakan near Pune in Maharashtra with localisation up to 99 percent as in the case with Bajaj-KTM partnership.
      Bajaj Triumph motorcycle render
      Additionally, Bajaj will also be responsible for marketing and sales of Triumph motorcycles in India manufactured by it as well as oversee the exports to neighbouring countries in the subcontinent, Asia, Africa and other markets.
      Expected Details of the first model
      All these motorcycles under this JV are likely to wear the nameplate of Triumph. The first model out of this is likely to be built on a 200cc platform which will be powered by the same 200cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which also powers Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and KTM Duke 200. This bike is expected to be based on the entry-level Triumph Bonneville which sports a retro-classic design.
      It might feature a round headlamp, a single-piece flat seat, alloy wheels, a tear drop shaped fuel tank and a semi-digital instrument cluster. Anchorage duties might be handled by disc brakes on both ends assisted by a dual-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) as standard. This motorcycle is likely to be priced below Rs 2.0 lakh (ex-showroom) and will rival models from Royal Enfield and Jawa.
      In recent times, we have witnessed many foreign high-end bikemakers partner with Indian manufacturers to offer affordable premium motorcycles for Indian consumers. Some of the notable examples are TVS-BMW Motorrad, Bajaj-KTM, Jawa-Classic Legends and the most recent being Hero MotoCorp-Harley Davidson.
      SOURCE More

    • 150 Shares129 Views

      in Bike

      Suzuki Two Wheelers Sales, Exports Nov 2020 – Access, Burgman, Gixxer, Intruder

      by

      Image – Sinha Suzuki
      Suzuki domestic dispatches and exports for November 2020 were at a decline

      2020 has been a trying year. For manufacturers, FY21 started on a standstill in the grip of national lockdown owing to Covid-19 pandemic. With manufacturing and sales at nil, a system restart was announced in May 2020. And weeks went by in putting logistics and supply chains back on track. Suzuki two-wheelers one of the smaller manufacturers in terms of sales began Q4 2020 o a strong note.
      In October, the company was able to report flat domestic sales growth at 1.59 percent up at 67,225 units from 66,170 units. The uptick was largely fuelled by deferred demand, festive season demand, flexible EMI plans and improved finance options among other things. This, and the requirement for safe personal commute to maintain much need physical distancing.
      Domestic Sales
      For November 2020, YoY and MoM wholesale dispatches dropped. MoM numbers fell by 14.59 percent. YoY decline was reported at 5.58 percent. Down at 57,417 units from 60,812 units. Although Suzuki sells 5 products here, sales volume in some instances is low. It’s bestseller being the bestseller topped the chart at 45,82 units.
      Even though it’s top of the chart prowess is unchallenged, numbers did fall by 7.22 percent from 49,128 units. Sales volume contracted by 3.5k units. In fact, such a large chunk of Suzuki’s business depends on Access that the scooter accounted for 79.39 percent of domestic dispatches last month.
      Suzuki Two Wheelers Domestic Sales Nov 2020
      Suzuki Access a brand bestseller
      Comparatively, Burgman is a much newer launch from the brand. Dispatches gained 16.03 percent, up at 9,078 units from 7,824 units. Business at the domestic front accounted for 15.81 percent share. The top two selling scooters accounted for over 95 percent of Suzuki’s wholesales.
      Which means, the remainder 3 made up for less than 5 percent. At the narrow end, Gixxer numbers were reported at 2,145 units. This, at a YoY decline of 40.45 percent from 3,602 units. Gixxer 250 was reported at 65.50 percent decline. Given that base sales were at a low of 258 units, an increase to 427 couldn’t have been too difficult. Suzuki Intruder was discontinued at this time last year. But it did live on in its BS6 avatar. Given that the company decided to continue selling the product, its difficult to ascertain why. A mere 185 units were dispatched to dealerships last month.
      Suzuki Two Wheelers Exports Nov 2020
      Suzuki exports decline Mom and YoY
      Exports for November 2020 fell in MoM and YoY basis. Notably, Gixxer makes up the bulk of exports. At 4,572 units, MoM decline was reported at 11,43 percent, down from 5,162 units. Though discontinued here, Hayate lives on overseas. Exports were reported at 1,032 units, down 25.43 percent from 1,384 units. Volume contracted by 352 units. Both motorcycles made up for upward of 80 percent of exports last month.
      While domestic sales for Suzuki is dominated by scooters, motorcycles lead exports. Burgman numbers contracted to 512 units from 1,398 units at 63.38 percent decline. Notably, Gixxer 250 sales was in the green. Numbers grew from 16 units to 463.
      Though discontinued here, Lets scooter exports keeps the product alive. Numbers contracted manifold at 152 units, down from 668 units. Intruder units were down at 64 units. MoM decline was reported at 29.51 percent. And YoY decline at 23.74 percent. More

    • 150 Shares119 Views

      in Bike

      Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Launch In 30 New Cities By March 2022

      by

      Image – Naveen
      Bajaj Chetak Electric is currently on sale only in Pune and Bangalore – Has sold over 800 units in the last three months

      Bajaj Auto has been contemplating on expansion of its electric scooter offering Chetak Electric to a wider network. It has been reported that the homegrown two-wheeler manufacturer is eyeing to add as many as 30 new cities to its existing network across the country by March 2022.
      The above development was recently confirmed by Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto, in an interview with Live Mint. A full-scale nationwide rollout could become possible only after Phase-1 of the expansion plan takes effect. This can be achieved thanks to a drastic increase in production capacity after the opening of the second facility in Chakan.
      Bajaj’s New Manufacturing Facility
      Earlier this month, Bajaj revealed its plans of opening a new manufacturing facility, the second in Chakan and will be used to manufacture Chetak e-cooter along with models from joint ventures such as Triumph, KTM and Husqvarna. The brand is looking to invest Rs 650 crores in developing this new facility.
      If everything goes as planned, Bajaj can start production of Chetak Electric at this new facility by 2023. Sharma also confirmed that this facility will be reserved for assembly of premium bikes and electric two-wheelers.
      Bajaj Chetak Electric
      Bajaj launched the Chetak electric scooter earlier this year in two cities- Pune and Bengaluru in order to receive consumers’ feedback and understand how they use this vehicle. Before making this new concept a pan-India offering, Bajaj wanted to test the market with a premium offering.
      However, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent nationwide lockdown, resulted in supply chain constraints which is why Bajaj had to halt production of the electric scooter.
      Expansion of EV Network
      Due to this, the company had to stop accepting further orders from Chetak Electric and hold back its expansion plans. Currently, Bajaj is focused on completing the impending orders before the year comes to a close. With things improving in the last couple of months Bajaj is now looking to quicken its production speed. Like Ather Energy, Bajaj would expand its network for its high-speed e-scooter offering to Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities first.
      The bikemaker has circled out locations such as Delhi, Chennai, Vizag, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Goa as part of the Phase I expansion plan. Chetak Electric has so far received a very healthy response from the two cities it is available in. The e-scooter has raked in over 800 units of sales volume in the last three months.
      Such has been its positive response and that one of its rival companies has bought two units of Chetak Electric and shipped it to its R&D facility in Japan. Bajaj tracked down these two units using their GPS at its rival’s Japanese R&D facility. The company could be Yamaha, Suzuki or Honda. Currently, Chetak Electric competes against the likes of TVS iQube and Ather 450X.
      Source More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Yamaha FZ-X Name Registered – New ADV To Rival Xpulse, Himalayan, KTM

      by

      Yamaha FZ-X Adv Render by Yogi Sejwal Design
      Yamaha FZ-X is most likely to be based on the 250cc platform

      Small and mid-segment adventure motorcycles have been slowly but surely gaining prominence over the past year or so. Sales number back this fact as well. In November 2020, Royal Enfield retailed 1,550 units of the Himalayan whereas Hero Motocorp witnessed sales of 1,372 units of Xpulse 200.
      About a month ago even KTM launched its entry-level 250 Adventure. Suzuki has plans to launch a Gixxer based adventure tourer sometime in coming years. Therefore, it does make good sense for Yamaha to introduce an all-new product in a relatively new space.
      Yamaha’s ADV for India
      Now, Yamaha has filed a trademark application with the name ‘Yamaha FZ-X’ in India. This name could be utilised by the Japanese brand for its upcoming adventure motorcycle, based on the FZ25 platform.
      The company had earlier revealed its intentions of making its entry into the small-capacity adventure segment of bikes. This new adventure tourer is likely to be based on the existing 250cc platform of Yamaha. This is because this platform is relatively new and affordable and is versatile enough to be used for an adventure bike.
      Yamaha FZ-X Name Registered In India
      Even the engine used in the 250cc Yamaha bikes is suited for an ADV since it has a fairly simple construction and a torque low and mid-range performance. Since it will be built on an already developed architecture, the cost behind its development will be less and, therefore, it could be competitively priced. Although Yamaha would have to make some changes to its steering setup to rework the geometry with longer travel suspension.
      Expected Design & Features
      The 250cc platform currently underpins Yamaha FZ-25 and FZS-25. Design of this upcoming adventure bike will be different from what seen in the naked street racer twins although certain design cues might be borrowed from them. FZ25 and its naked twin come with a sharper looking front face thanks to a bi-function LED headlight flanked by LED DRLs. It also features a new engine cowl.
      In terms of equipment, this upcoming adventure bike is likely to borrow features such as a multi-function negative LCD instrument console, a side stand with an engine inhibitor switch and more. Additionally, the ADV is likely to be equipped with a switchable anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Yamaha’s latest Bluetooth connectivity suite. Also, instead of alloy wheels, it is expected to be offered with wire-spoked wheels.
      Expected Powertrain Specs
      Coming to its powertrains, it will be powered by the same 249cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled SOHC engine which also powers FZ25. This unit returns an output of 20.6 bhp and 20 Nm of peak torque and is linked to a 5-speed gearbox. Suspension setup is likely to be a little different with more travel at both front and rear ends.
      As far as pricing is concerned we can expect this Yamaha FZ-X to bridge the gap between Hero Xpulse 200 and Royal Enfield Himalayan with the former priced at Rs 1.13 lakh whereas the latter is offered at a starting price of Rs 1.91 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom).
      It could also be loaded with tech and features, to be a worthy rival to KTM 250 Adventure. Recently, TVS Motor also registered a trademark application with the name ‘Raider’ which is also suspected to the brand’s upcoming adventure tourer motorcycle.
      Render Source More

    • 125 Shares179 Views

      in Bike

      Husqvarna Blapilen (Blue Arrow) Cruiser Rendered – On The Anvil?

      by

      Husqvarna Blapilen Render
      The Husqvarna Blapilen cruiser family with multiple engine variants could bring in a whole new class of audience under the brand’s umbrella

      Under the ownership of KTM AG, Husqvarna evolved from making niche motocross and enduro models for competition to also making road bikes. The Vitpilen and Svartpilen family of motorcycles mark the beginning of a new era for the Swedish motorcycle brand.
      Husqvarna to explore more product segments
      While KTM continues to focus on sharp sportsbikes and adventure tourers, it will be using its subsidiary to expand its reach into hitherto unexplored territories. For starters, Husqvarna will debut a new electric scooter sometime next year with a 4 kW platform which will be derived from Bajaj Chetak. The stylish urban runabout will be made it India for global consumption. There will also be an electric motorcycle by the name of E-Pilen.
      Husqvarna Blapilen cruiser
      With demand for cruisers on the rise, what if Husqvarna decided to launch a cruiser motorcycle, christened Blapilen – Swedish for Blue Arrow. Our in-house design expert Pratyush Rout gave it a shot and this is the end result.
      If at all the Husqvarna Blapilen cruiser is to become a reality, we reckon it will derive its design inspiration from its street fighter siblings with a circular LED infused headlight, an unconventional fuel tank design with extruded badge-carrying elements, and a minimal tailpiece with a compact LED taillight.
      Husqvarna Blapilen Render
      It is reasonable to assume that the Blapilen cruiser would continue to employ a trellis frame but with altered geometry and a lower rear sub-frame. To keep the costs in check, such a product is most likely to share its suspension, wheels and braking system with the Vitpilen and Svartpilen families. As the rendering suggests, a Husqvarna cruiser could be a very interesting proposition.
      Powertrain
      Just like the existing Husqvarna road motorcycles, the cruiser could be available in 200, 250, 401 and 701 avatars depending on the market. If this project attains fruition, the first three are likely to have India as their production base.
      Husqvarna Blapilen Render
      We think the Husqvarna Blapilen cruiser has the potential to bring a whole new class of audience under the brand’s umbrella. The cruiser family will cover a wide range of rivals such as the Honda Rebel, Kawasaki Vulcan, Harley Street, and so on. Even the Royal Enfield’s to an extent.
      It is to be noted that Husqvarna has not officially confirmed the existence of a cruiser named Blapilen in its pipeline. If at all there is such a project underway, we don’t expect such a motorcycle to be ready for a couple of years. More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Bike

      Bajaj Sales, Exports Nov 2020 Break Up – Pulsar, Platina, CT, Avenger, Dominar

      by

      Bajaj Pulsar NS 200
      Bajaj reported growth for domestic wholesales and exports in November 2020

      Domestic sales growth for Bajaj in November 2020 was at 6.09 percent. Wholesales grew to 1,82,093 units from 1,71,641 units at volume gain of over 10k units. Comparatively, exports was even better. Bajaj Pulsar, the quintessential bestseller range was listed at 53.66 percent YoY growth.
      Wholesales were up at 1,04,904 units from 68,268 units at volume gain of 36,636 units. Consequently, at 57.61 percent share of total Bajaj wholesales, it literally kept Bajaj’s float afloat.
      Smaller displacement Pulsar range was most in demand at 56,549 units. This was followed by the 150cc segment offering at about 30k units. At the 200 cc threshold, wholesales was reported at 10,522 units. While the bigger under 250cc unit saw numbers listed at 7,114 units.
      Beyond Bajaj Pulsar
      There’s no denying that smaller displacement mass market daily commuters make up the majority of market demand. The same is true for Bajaj Platina. While sales stood at 41,572 units, it was noticeably lower than the 53,015 units reported a year earlier. Sales decline was at 21.58 percent. CT sales decline was even more steep. Wholesales fell to 29,046 units. Down 35.18 percent from 44,808 units. Like Platina, CT too aids Bajaj’s small motorcycle quest.
      Bajaj Domestic Sales Nov 2020 – As per motorcycle brand
      Avenger wholesales was stable at 4,616 units. But this is an easy feat owing too mall sales volume. In fact, Avenger only accounts for 2.53 percent of total domestic sales for Bajaj. Growth was reported at 10.54 percent, up from 4,176 units. The smaller displacement units was the sales star at 3,586 units. Dominar was once projected as the next big thing. Obviously that never came to fruition.
      However, sales did pickup last month. At 1,691 units, up from 311 units. YoY growth stood at 443.73 percent. Both displacement units were sold in similar volume. While all of Bajaj’s products are strictly motorcycles, the company did resurrect Chetak last year.
      Bajaj Domestic Sales Nov 2020 – As per motorcycle engine capacity
      For the most part in an all new electric avatar barring the familiar name. 264 units were sold. Eventually, EV sales will be big. For now, its contribution to total domestic sales last month was .14 percent.
      Exports grew in November 2020
      Doing the month, Bajaj Boxer punched its way forward, even stronger than before. Sales grew to 1,25,286 units. Up from 98,772 units at 26.84 units. It made up 65.17 percent of exports. The smallest displacement boxer takes the lion’s share of sales at over a lakh units.
      Bajaj Exports Nov 2020 – As per motorcycle brand
      However many boundaries it crossed, Boxer sales in India has long since stopped. In the overseas department, Boxer deafest Pulsar sales by miles. At 32,540 units, exports grew 29.09 percent, up from 25,207 units. For Pulsar, its the mid variants that triumphed collectively at a cumulative total at over 15k units.
      CT exports fell 37.51 percent, down to 13,566 units from 21,708 units. The 125cc units accounted for more than half of total sales. Discover exports dropped by almost 10 percent at 12,792 units from 14,208 units. Although once popular name in India, both variants were snipped at the start of FY21. They simply didn’t warrant a BS6 update.
      Bajaj Exports Nov 2020 – As per motorcycle engine capacity
      Dominar sales overseas was more than what the company achieved here. Exports grew manifold at 4,290 units, up from 579 units. Platina sales was stable at 3,578 units. Avenger continued its low volume run at 192 units. More

    • 138 Shares109 Views

      in Bike

      Honda Organizes CB350 Brotherhood Ride – Owners Treated With Gifts, Breakfast

      by

      Honda CB350 Owners Brotherhood Ride – Gurgaon
      Apart from getting a top notch motorcycle, in order to beat Royal Enfield – Honda will also need a cult following

      Launched earlier this year in September, Honda CB350 has emerged as a popular choice in its class. Sales are on the rise, from 1,290 units in October to 4,067 units in November. This is MoM gain of more than 200%. However, when compared to segment leader Classic 350, sales of CB350 are still a fraction. In November, sales of Classic 350 stood at 39,391 units.
      CB350 brotherhood ride
      To boost sales further, Honda is actively working on a number of strategies. If we talk about things that are working great for CB350, it can be said that the motorcycle has the looks, a powerful engine, hi-tech features, throaty exhaust note and offers optimal rider comfort.
      However, the one thing that seems to be lacking is the cult-like fan following enjoyed by rivals such as Classic 350. This usually works as a significant influencing factor when a new customer starts looking for a 350 cc motorcycle.
      To build a sense of community around CB350, Honda recently organized a brotherhood ride for CB350 owners in multiple cities across India. The idea was to thank customers who have put their trust in a new product and also allow them to interact with other like-minded folks. Hopefully, such events will set the stage for further collaborations among CB350 owners, eventually leading to the creation of a dedicated community.
      Honda CB350 Brotherhood Ride
      The brotherhood event organized by Honda in Delhi, started at Honda BigWing Topline dealership in Gurugram. Participants were briefed about the ride and they also had the chance to interact with RJ Khurafati Nitin of Big FM. The ride was from the dealership to Throttle Shrottle, a popular eatery located on Gurgaon Faridabad Expressway. The distance is approximately 50 km.
      At the restaurant, CB350 owners were treated with a sumptuous breakfast. A photo session was also organized. At the end, participants received a gift as well from Honda. The event was properly planned and well-managed. It is expected that Honda will be organizing more such events in other cities to build an active community of CB350 users.
      Honda offers gift to CB350 owners at the brotherhood ride. Image – NH08 / Team-BHP
      CB350 cafe racer
      To give more options to customers, Honda might launch a new motorcycle next year based on CB350 architecture. This will be a cafe racer that will be sleeker and sportier, but will retain its retro character.
      Talking a bit about rival Royal Enfield, the company has plans to launch several new products in the coming years. The first of Royal Enfield’s next-gen products, Meteor 350, has already gotten off to a good start. In November, sales stood at 7,031 units, making it the second bestselling 350 cc motorcycle in the country. A 350 cc version of Interceptor 650 is also being tested and could be launched soon.
      So, even though CB350 has got a good initial response, it has a tough road ahead of it. It will be interesting to see how this space evolves over the next few years. More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Bike

      Hero Electric To Supply Over 1,000 EVs To eBikeGo In FY 2021-22

      by

      Hero Electric
      Hero Electric and eBikeGo partnership gets underway with a commitment for a 1000 EVs

      Hero Electric has partnered with eBikeGO, an EV based last mile delivery and mobility solutions company. Through FY22, eBikeGO will procure over a thousand Hero Electric bikes. Hero Electric will be in charge of service support, and dedicate a relationship manager for maximum uptime. The project revolves around last mile deliveries with a systemic shift from petrol to electric. It’s backed by EV tech, and IOT enabled ops.
      Hero Electric has already supplied the first 120 bikes for the next FY. They are being deployed for last mile logistics on a per delivery model. And to individual consumers on monthly rental basis. The service caters to large customer base in big cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Amritsar and Jaipur.
      Hero Electric and eBikeGo network
      Hero Electric operates through a 600+ dealer network. Nyx-HX City Speed variants make for low running cost, high load carrying capability, intercity range, and custom features. Value proposition is designed to offer a comprehensive leasing solution for 90 percent uptime through vehicle lifecycle.
      Already, eBikeGO offers electric bikes on subscription in five cities – Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Amritsar, and Jaipur. Mobility solutions are on offer across 8 cities to more than 18,000 users at a total of over 4 million kms to date. Low-cost rides are viable for a speed of 55 km/hr after two hours charge time.
      Hero Electric
      To boost adaptability of electric last mile connectivity, Hero Electric works with multiple partners. An outcome which is helpful to businesses and consumers alike with focus on affordable and efficient solutions. The partnership with eBikeGO leverages the latter’s reach to transform the space. Eventually, bringing more electric vehicles on road.
      Electric bike opportunities
      Naveen Munjal, MD, Hero Electric said, “At Hero Electric, we’ve always believed that to solve last mile delivery connectivity, the best option is to go electric.”
      Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric said, “We are happy to partner with serious players like eBikeGO to offer a great experience of a smooth and a pleasurable ride to a discerning customer who cares for the environment and wants an easy, effortless and joyful riding experience”
      E-Bikes like Nyx have gotten the attention of varied segments of B2B customers. Including opportunities in deliveries, rentals, or bike sharing. For eBikeGO, the strategic alliance with Hero Electric helps further mass adoption of electric 2-wheeler adoption. With the bike rental space fast emerging as a viable alternate to bike ownership, opportunities are aplenty.
      Dr. Irfan Khan, Founder and CEO, eBikeGO said, “We are on a mission to disrupt the way last mile delivery happens in India, with our unique smart electric scooter utilisation model that provides for a transformation of the erstwhile delivery ecosystem.” More