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    Benelli Parent Firm Patents New 250cc And 350cc Sports Bike

    New 350cc From Benelli Parent
    Benelli had earlier announced that it will be launching seven new models in India in 2021 out of which three have already been introduced
    The partnership between Italian brand Benelli and Chinese automaker Qianjiang Motor has turned out to be a fruitful one. Since Qianjian has taken over Benelli’s operation, the latter has come out with a wide range of products which are mostly rebadged QJMotor models.
    Since QJMotor’s operations are limited to China, the company sells most of its premium bikes as rebranded Benelli models since the latter has a strong base in international markets. The Chinese counterpart has yet again patented a new model which it might be willing to ship to overseas markets.
    Design
    This new motorcycle is a 350cc supersport motorcycle with a typical faired design. In terms of looks, it features twin-beam LED headlights and a fully faired body. The bike sports contrasting body panels that extend from its rear edges of the headlights to divide the fairing into distinct upper and lower sections. This gives it a hint of resemblance to the final generation Triumph Daytona 675. However, unlike most Chinese auto manufacturers, this one isn’t a completely ripped-off design.
    All lighting seems to be LED units. The bike will be offered in two variants- the lower spec with a single front disc brake and the higher-spec trim with twin rotors at front. For a fully faired 350cc motorcycle, it weighs a manageable 179 kilos. Other notable highlights include a clip-on handlebar, split-style seats and front fairing-mounted rearview mirrors which give an impression of horns.
    New 250cc From Benelli Parent
    Powertrain
    Powering this motorcycle will be a new 353cc twin-cylinder motor which can push out around 36 horses. Suspension duties will be handled by inverted telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Will this motorcycle be rebranded as a Benelli in international markets is still a debatable question since Benelli has its own 302R.
    The latter recently got updated in China and the latest iteration is supposed to head towards India in the coming few weeks. It is a question if there is enough space for both QJ 353cc bike and the 302R under Benelli’s lineup.
    Quarter-litre Faired Sportsbike
    The 353cc motorcycle is not the only faired bike recently patented by Qianjiang. There is also another new sports bike that is powered by a 249cc single-cylinder motor. This engine can churn out 27.5 bhp and could weigh only 159kg. This model will also be available in two derivatives. The base trim will be based on a tubular steel frame with a double-sided swingarm whereas the higher-spec model will feature an aluminium single-sider.
    The more premium one will get a fully-floating front disc brake while the cheaper alternative will have to make do with a semi-floater. There will also be differences in the wheels of the two trims. None of the models mentioned above are likely to land on Indian shores anytime soon.
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    2022 Yamaha Zuma 125cc Scooter Debuts – Priced At USD 3.7k (Rs 2.7 L)

    2022 Yamaha Zuma2022 Yamaha Zuma 125 gets a range of visual as well as functional updates
    A perfect fit for city streets and light off-roading, 2022 Yamaha Zuma 125 has been unveiled for US market. The scooter was originally launched in 2008 and was last updated in 2016. It is sold in certain Asian markets as well, where it is named Yamaha BW’s 125.
    2022 Yamaha Zuma 125 – what’s new
    Talking about the design first, the scooter looks a lot more rugged as compared to the outgoing model. The body panels have grown a lot more brawn, which adds to the scooter’s dominating road presence. Another key update is the asymmetrical twin-pod headlight. It looks radical and enhances the scooter’s sporty profile. The headlight comes with adjustable beams that users can change as per their needs.
    At the front, 2022 Yamaha Zuma 125 has dedicated space to mount a tall windscreen. This will come handy for folks who may often have to do longer journeys. The scooter is equipped with 12-inch wheels, shod with dual-purpose knobby tyres. It gets a big rack at the rear, which should be capable of handling decent amount of luggage.
    The LCD digital instrument console displays a range of information such as fuel gauge, rpm, and speed. It also has full range of embedded indicator lights. Colour options for 2022 Yamaha Zuma 125 include Team Yamaha Blue and Matte Black. 2022 Yamaha Zuma 125 offers plenty of storage space under the seat. There’s storage space at the front as well, which comes with USB charging port.
    2022 Yamaha Zuma
    2022 Yamaha Zuma 125 engine and specs
    Powering 2022 Yamaha Zuma 125 is a 125 cc, liquid cooled SOHC motor. It is mated to a V-belt automatic transmission. It is equipped with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation), which provides a range of benefits including optimal power delivery.
    With the use of advanced tech and aluminium alloy components, the engine offers greater reliability and improved fuel efficiency. The rated fuel efficiency is 101 miles per gallon (MPG), which is approximately 43 kmpl.
    Suspension system comprises telescopic front forks with 3.2 inches of travel. Dual rear shock absorbers with swingarm offer 3.1 inches of travel. Braking duties are performed by 245 mm disc at the front and 230 mm disc at the rear. The scooter does not get ABS, but is equipped with combined braking system.
    Will India get Yamaha Zuma 125?
    Products like Yamaha Zuma 125 are unlikely to make it here anytime soon. One reason is that high pricing can limit sales numbers. Moreover, the customer base for such products in India is fairly low. As the Indian market matures, it is possible that such products may be launched here at a later date. More

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    Top 10 Motorcycles April 2021 – Pulsar 4th, Apache 6th, Passion 9th

    Image – The Bikers DiaryPandemic effect is clearly evident with all top ten motorcycles registering negative MoM growth
    Top ten motorcycles have lost one-third of their MoM sales in April, down from 8,38,488 units in March to 5,57,004 units in April. This was being expected due to challenges arising from the pandemic and lockdown in several districts.
    Hero MotoCorp dominates
    In numbers game, Hero MotoCorp is way ahead of other motorcycle manufacturers. Hero has four motorcycles in the top ten list; Splendor at first position, HF Deluxe at third, Glamour at seventh and Passion at ninth spot. Honda and Bajaj Auto have two motorcycles each, whereas TVS and Royal Enfield have one each in the top ten motorcycle list of April 2021.
    Splendor continues with its top selling tag, registering sales of 1,93,508 units in April. MoM growth is down by -30.91%, as compared to 2,80,090 units sold in March. Splendor share in sales is at 34.74%. Honda CB Shine is next with sales of 79,416 units in April. MoM growth is down by -32.67%, as compared to 1,17,943 units sold in March. Share in sales is at 14.26%.
    At number three is HF Deluxe with sales of 71,294 units in April. The motorcycle has lost more than half of its sales, as compared to 1,44,505 units sold in March. It is due to this reason that it has shifted down to third spot. Earlier, HF Deluxe was usually ranked at second spot. Share in sales in April is at 12.80%.
    Top 10 Motorcycles April 2021
    Bajaj Pulsar is fourth with sales of 66,586 units in April. MoM growth is down by -12.39%, as compared to 75,999 units sold in March. Share in sales is at 11.95%. At number five is Platina with sales of 35,467 units in April. Platina has lost close to half of its sales as compared to 69,025 units sold in March. Share in sales is at 6.37%.

    Top 10 Motorcycles
    Apr-21
    Mar-21
    %

    Hero Splendor
    1,93,508
    2,80,090
    -30.91

    Honda CB Shine
    79,416
    1,17,943
    -32.67

    Hero HF Deluxe
    71,294
    1,44,505
    -50.66

    Bajaj Pulsar
    66,586
    75,999
    -12.39

    Bajaj Platina
    35,467
    69,025
    -48.62

    TVS Apache
    29,458
    33,162
    -11.17

    Hero Glamour
    23,627
    32,371
    -27.01

    RE Classic 350
    23,298
    31,694
    -26.49

    Hero Passion
    17,748
    30,464
    -41.74

    Honda Unicorn
    16,602
    23,235
    -28.55

    Total
    5,57,004
    8,38,488
    -33.57

    Other motorcycles in the list include TVS Apache (29,458 units), Hero Glamour (23,627), Royal Enfield Classic 350 (23,298), Hero Passion (17,748) and Honda Unicorn (16,602). Overall, max MoM loss in percentage terms is that of HF Deluxe. Motorcycles with relatively lesser MoM loss include Pulsar and Apache (-11.17%).
    Future outlook
    The situation in the next few months is expected to be the same as that of April. The second wave is proving to be a double whammy for the auto sector, which was just getting back on its feet after last year’s Covid wave.
    As uncertainties prevail and business ecosystem remains constrained, the resilience of auto industry will be tested in the coming months. If things could normalize by June-July, it may be possible to make a speedy recovery by end of current fiscal. More

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    Royal Enfield Recalls 2.36 Lakh Motorcycles – Meteor, Bullet, Classic

    Image for reference. Credit – stayaliveRoyal Enfield through a media release assured that it is committed to swiftly implement the recall action
    Royal Enfield has issued a recall of its motorcycles due to a manufacturing defect found in one of the parts used across some of its models. This recall is said to affect as many as 236,966 units of specific models including Meteor 350, Classic 350 and Bullet 350.
    Defect Identified
    In a mail released by the Chennai-based bikemaker, it states that the defect is in the ignition coil that can cause misfiring and reduced vehicle performance. In some exceptional cases, it can even cause an electric short circuit. The defect was uncovered during routine internal testing.
    The company has further stated that has been clearly identified and is limited to only specific batches of material sourced from an external supplier. The recall is set to affect motorcycles manufactured between December 2020 and April 2021.
    Meteor models affected and set to be recalled have been manufactured between the above-mentioned period. While Bullet and Classic models affected have been manufactured and sold between January and April 2021.
    New Royal Enfield Classic
    Recall Process
    Royal Enfield estimates that less than 10 percent of these bikes recalled will require replacement of the suspected part. The motorcycles will undergo inspection and if required, replacement of the said defective part and no extra cost will be charged on the customers.
    Although the iconic brand hasn’t revealed a specific start date for the recall activity, the service teams, and/or local dealerships will begin reaching out to consumers whose motorcycle Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) number falls within the manufacturing period mentioned above.
    Customers can also reach out to their local Royal Enfield Workshops proactively from their end or call Royal Enfield on 1800-210-007 to verify. This recall action will be applicable to Meteor. Classic and Bullet models sold not just in India but in other countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand as well. The company has reiterated that it has very stringent sourcing protocols and that all its motorcycles are rigorously tested to global validation standards of quality and durability.
    Classic, Bullet, Meteor Specs
    While Classic and Bullet share the same older generation underpinnings and 350cc motor, Meteor 350 is based on the new generation architecture and engine. Classic 350 and Bullet 350 are powered by a 346cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which produces 19.2 bhp and 28 N of peak torque.
    Whereas, the latest cruiser from Royal Enfield is powered by a 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, long-stroke motor which kicks out 20.2 bhp of power and 27 Nm of peak torque. All three motorcycles are offered with a five-speed gearbox. More

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    KTM India Sales, Exports Breakup April 2021 – Duke, RC 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    Image – Motor MurahKTM India domestic sales dipped while exports reported growth in April 2021
    Two-wheeler sales in India during the month of April 2021 were badly affected by second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. The second wave swept the nation and lockdowns and plants being shut threw production and sales into complete turmoil. The situation is set to get worse in May 21 with every two wheeler maker reporting lower footfalls as a result of the lockdown.
    KTM India sales figures for April 2021 are now available. While we cannot compare sales with that of April 2020 when sales were nil, we do compare it to sales in March 21, the month in which two wheeler sales had shown some semblance of improvement.
    KTM India Domestic Sales
    KTM India has reported de-growth in terms of domestic sales to the extent of 27.26 percent. Sales which had stood at 6,217 units in March 21 dipped to 4,522 units in April 21. The company’s 200cc range posted the highest sales with 1,410 units sold in April 21, down by 36.66 percent as against 2,226 units sold in March 21.
    KTM’s 200cc range commands a 31.81 percent share and does contribute reasonable numbers each month even as it is one of the costliest 200cc bikes in India, with a starting price of Rs 1.82 lakh.
    KTM India Sales and Exports April 2021
    KTM 125cc range also saw lower MoM sales at 1,172 units sold in April 21 as against 1,719 units sold in March 21. KTM India has been actively testing the updated 125 Duke and 250 Duke, both of which have been noted with new overall designs and revised engines, frames, sub-frames, swing-arms.
    Sales of the KTM 250 and 390 also fell substantially to 1,089 units and 851 units in April 21 respectively. This was against 1,249 units and 1,023 units sold in March 21. KTM 390 is also set to get a major overhaul for 2022 with complete overhaul of its design, hardware and electronic package, and will hit road across India early next year. The old bike has been taken off the shelf to make place for the new bike.
    KTM India Exports
    KTM India noted a 161.90 percent growth in exports in April 21 to 12,477 units, up from 4,764 units exported in March 21, a volume gain of 7,713 units. The KTM 390 was most in demand in global markets with 5,563 units shipped in the past month, up from 2,392 units exported in March 21.
    The KTM 200cc noted the most percentage growth at 458.33 percent to 3,685 units, up from 660 units exported in March 21. Export growth was also noted in the case of the KTM 125 and 250, growing 83.81 percent and 101.99 percent to 2,316 units and 913 units respectively. These lower domestic sales but higher exports took total KTM sales in April 2021 to 16,999 units, up 54.80 percent over 10,981 units sold in March 21. More

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    350cc Motorcycle Sales April 2021 – Classic, Bullet, Meteor, Electra, CB350

    Image – Jet WheelsWhile domestic MoM growth is negative, exports have registered impressive numbers
    A total of 47,650 units were sold in the domestic market in April 2021, which is negative MoM growth of -22.14%. Sales during March 2021 were higher at 61,201 units. Excluding Bullet 350, all other motorcycles in the list have negative MoM growth. The on-going challenges due to pandemic and lockdown are primarily responsible for drop in sales.
    On the other hand, exports have registered 57.96% MoM growth in April 2021. A total of 2,720 units were exported in April 2021, as compared to 1,722 units in March 2021. All motorcycles have positive MoM growth.
    350cc motorcycle domestic sales April 2021
    Royal Enfield Classic 350 continues to lead, even though MoM growth is down by -26.50%. A total of 23,298 units were sold in April, as compared to 31,696 units in March. Classic 350 commanded a market share of 48.89% in April 2021.
    At number two is Bullet 350 with sales of 9,908 units in April. MoM growth is at 2.22%, as compared to 9,693 units sold in March. Bullet market share is at 20.79%. Meteor 350 takes the third spot with sales of 7,844 units in April. MoM numbers are down by -25.97%, as compared to 10,596 units sold in March. Market share is at 16.46%.
    350cc Motorcycle Sales and Exports – April 2021
    Next is Electra 350 with sales of 3,631 units. MoM sales growth is negative at -26.11%, as compared to 4,914 units sold in March. Market share is at 7.62%. At number five is Honda CB350 with sales of 2,969 units. MoM growth is down by -30.99%, as compared to 4,302 units sold in March. CB350 market share is at 6.23%.
    350cc motorcycle exports April 2021
    Meteor 350 leads with 1,143 units exported in April 2021. MoM growth is at 28.43%, as compared to 890 units exported in March 2021. Meteor 350 percentage share in exports is at 42.02%. At number two is CB350, which appears to be gaining popularity in overseas markets. MoM export growth is a whopping 460.00%, up from 150 units in March to 840 units in April. Share in exports is at 30.88%.
    Classic 350 is next with exports of 724 units in April. MoM growth is 6.63%, as compared to 679 units exported in March. Share in exports is at 26.62%. At number four is Electra 350 with exports of 13 units. MoM growth is 333.33%, as compared to 3 units exported in March. Share in exports is at 0.48%.
    Challenges for the auto sector are expected to continue for some more time till the pandemic situation comes under control. Lockdown in various cities is creating production hurdles as well as adversely impacting demand. New product launches and deliveries have been impacted as a result. Hopefully, just like last year, the auto sector will be able to make a strong comeback by end of this fiscal. More

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    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Posts Highest Ever Sales, Beats TVS iQube – April 2021

    Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterBoth Chetak and iQube will soon be available in multiple cities pan India
    While there are many electric two wheeler brands in the market, Chetak and iQube are the only ones from mainstream manufacturers. Sales numbers are still relatively small, as compared to that of petrol powered two wheelers.
    But that could change soon, as both Bajaj and TVS have planned to expand their presence in more cities in the country. Chetak is currently available in Pune and Bengaluru, whereas iQube has presence in Bengaluru and Delhi.
    Chetak vs. iQube sales April 2021
    Bajaj appears to have resolved the problems related to shortage of imported components for Chetak. It’s evident in April sales that have zoomed a whopping 464.44% MoM. A total of 508 units were sold in April, as compared to 90 units in March. With this, Chetak has taken the lead over iQube. In earlier months, iQube used to be ahead.
    As Chetak’s production was affected due to short supply of components, iQube had taken the lead since December last year. It had maintained the lead till March 2021. In April, iQube sales were 307 units. MoM sales growth is down by -13.52%, as compared to 355 units sold in March.
    Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube Sales
    Chetak vs. iQube sales Jan-April 2021
    If we look at the first four months of this year, iQube still has the lead in terms of overall sales. Total sales of iQube in Jan-April period is 1,076 units, as compared to 778 units of Chetak. If Chetak maintains the momentum it has in April, it could be ahead of iQube by year end in overall sales.
    If we compare the two scooters, it’s easy to see that they offer matching features. Both scooters have a classic, elegant design, which would appeal to most people. Both scooters get their power from IP67 rated water and dust resistant lithium-ion batteries. The battery warranty of 50k km / 3 years is also the same for both scooters.
    For folks who are looking for longer range, their first choice could be Chetak. That’s because Chetak offers 95 km in Eco mode, as compared to 75 km of iQube. However, iQube has top speed of 78 kmph as compared to Chetak’s 70 kmph (Approx. based on user reviews).
    It remains to be seen who will emerge a winner in the long term. A lot will depend on how rapidly the expansion plans are executed, reliability of after sales service and availability of charging stations. By end of this fiscal, TVS has plans to launch iQube in 20 new cities. Bajaj has an even more aggressive plan to expand operations to 30 new cities. More

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    Top 10 Two Wheelers April 2021 – Splendor, Activa, Pulsar, Apache, Jupiter

    Image – MRD VlogsTotal top 10 two-wheelers sold in April 2021 report MoM gain over March 2021

    Two-wheeler wholesales in March and April 2021 are impossible to gauge keeping in mind the current business environment. With Covid-19 pandemic infection numbers being reported in lakhs each day in recent weeks, states have declared curated lockdowns. While this ensures essential services are not throttled, two wheeler sales have been affected.
    Keeping in mind the dangers of spreading Covid-19, dealerships are yet again no longer functional in the capacity they were a few months earlier. At the same time, manufacturing routines too have been adjusted with a number of companies pre-posing plant maintenance schedules.
    Considering a complete lockdown in April 2020, no automobile sales were registered a year earlier. For April 2021, Hero Splendor continued its chart topping performance. Wholesales is reported at 1,93,508 units. MoM growth stood at 34.63 percent, up from 1,43,736 units at volume gain at just under 50k units. In the top 10 two-wheeler chart, market share is reported at 28 percent.
    Honda Activa a high volume scooter
    Honda Activa MoM wholesales dipped by 4.43 percent. Numbers fell to 1,09678 units, down from 1,14,757 units at volume loss of just over 5k units. MS is pegged at below 16 percent. Honda’s CB Shine sits third on the to-selling list at 79,416 units. Sales fell by 8.33 percent, down from 86,633 units at volume loss of 7,217 units. MS stood at 11.51 percent.
    Top 10 Two Wheelers April 2021
    Hero’s HF Deluxe saw the steepest decline in the top order at almost 38 percent. MS hovered over 10 percent. Wholesales is reported at 71,294 units, down from 1,14,969 units at volume loss of 43,675 units.
    Bajaj Pulsar sales growth
    Bajaj Pulsar sales grew by about 30 percent. Sales is reported at 66,586 units, up from 51,454 units at volume gain of just over 15k units. Suzuki finds its Access scooter sales maintain a regular average. Wholesales is reported at 53,285 units. MoM volume gain doubled from 26,474 units. Volumes grew by 26,809 units.
    MoM Bajaj Platina sales grew by about two-thirds. Wholesales is reported at 35,467 units, up from 21,764 units at volume gain of 14,203 units. MS is pegged at just over 5 percent. TVS Apache growth is reported at 35.35 percent. Wholesales stood at 29,458 units, up from 21,764 units at volume gain of 7,694 units.

    Top 10 Two Wheelers
    Apr-21
    Mar-21
    %

    Splendor
    1,93,508
    1,43,736
    34.63

    Activa
    1,09,678
    1,14,757
    -4.43

    CB Shine
    79,416
    86,633
    -8.33

    HF Deluxe
    71,294
    1,14,969
    -37.99

    Pulsar
    66,586
    51,454
    29.41

    Access
    53,285
    26,476
    101.26

    Platina
    35,467
    21,264
    66.79

    Apache
    29,458
    21,764
    35.35

    TVS XL
    25,977
    32,808
    -20.82

    Jupiter
    25,570
    21,001
    21.76

    Total
    6,90,239
    6,34,862
    8.72

    TVS XL moped MOM sales dipped by just over 20 percent, down at 26k units. Sales fell from 32,808 units at volume decline of 6,831 units. TVS Jupiter wholesales is reported at 25,570 units. MoM sales grew from 21k units at volume gain of 4,569 units. Total unit sales for the top ten two wheelers stood at 6,90,239 units. MoM gain stood at 55,377 units, up from 6,34,862 units at 8.72 percent growth. More