More stories

  • in

    2021 Yamaha R3 Makes Global Debut – Launch Next Year

    2021 Yamaha R3
    Ahead of its launch next year, 2021 Yamaha R3 has been unveiled for Japanese market

    The company has put a price tag of JPY 687,500 on the updated motorcycle, which is approximately Rs 4.89 lakh in Indian currency. Yamaha aims to sell at least 3700 units of updated R3 in Japan on an annual basis.
    What’s new in updated Yamaha R3?
    Changes are fairly limited on 2021 Yamaha R3. It appears that one of the company’s key objectives is to provide more personalization options to customers. Towards that end, updated Yamaha R3 gets a new Cyan colour option.
    This looks quite exciting and goes well with other colour shades used on the motorcycle. This new colour option also seems a bit radical, as it’s not something that one would usually see on a motorcycle. For folks who want to flaunt their rides, this peppy new colour can be a lot of fun on the streets.
    Shades of cyan can be seen on the headlight cowl, front fender, fairing and fuel tank. It creates an interesting contrast with the blacked-out parts of the motorcycle. The bike’s trendy profile is further enhanced with the multi-coloured graphics and red alloy wheels. Overall, the motorcycle looks striking in its new colour and is an absolute head turner.
    2021 Yamaha R3
    The earlier Matte Black shade has also been updated slightly on 2021 Yamaha R3. The third colour option of Deep Purple Blue Metallic has been retained, just as it was earlier.
    2021 Yamaha R3 engine
    Updated Yamaha R3 will be using the same engine as earlier. It is powered by a 320 cc, liquid cooled, parallel-twin DOHC motor that is capable of delivering max power of 42 ps at 10,750 rpm and max torque of 29 Nm at 9,000 rpm. This is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Most other cycle parts will also be the same as the current model.
    2021 Yamaha R3
    Earlier, Yamaha had unveiled 2021 R3 in US market. There too, the changes were minor and included a new Electric Teal colour option. In US, the updated bike will go on sale for USD 5,299 (Rs 3.89 lakhs). Yamaha R3 has top speed of around 110 mph (~ 180 km/h) and it can reach 0-62 mph (0-100 kmph) in 5.5 seconds. Fuel efficiency is estimated to be around 56 miles per gallon (~ 24 kmpl).
    2021 Yamaha R3 India launch
    It is not certain if Yamaha will reintroduce R3 in the Indian market. It was available earlier in BS4 format and was quite popular among bike enthusiasts. However, due to some reasons, the motorcycle was not updated to BS6. As a result, it is currently in discontinued state.
    It is possible that Yamaha may do a rethink, as there’s growing interest in performance oriented biking in the country. In that case, 2021 Yamaha R3 could be launched in India next year. It will compete with rivals such as KTM RC 390 and TVS Apache RR 310. More

  • in

    2021 Royal Enfield INT 350 Spied On Video – To Share Engine With Classic 350

    Credit – miles_on_smile / soulrider_sk
    Royal Enfield is working on launching multiple new motorcycles in India over the next few years

    Faced with increased competition, Royal Enfield is working in a proactive manner to maintain its dominance. The Chennai based manufacturer is currently the market leader in 200cc to 500cc motorcycle segment, commanding a market share in excess of 75 percent.
    One of the key strategies deployed by the company in recent times is to launch new products at regular intervals. This keeps customers engaged and they can easily find the best fit according to their specific needs and tastes.
    Interceptor 350 design and features
    After the successful launch of Meteor 350, Royal Enfield has started road tests of a new motorcycle. This appears to be a 350cc version of the popular Interceptor 650. It is possible that the new motorcycle is launched as ‘Interceptor 350’ or it could get an entirely new name.
    Spy shots reveal that there are quite a few features that appear to be borrowed from Interceptor 650. For example, the tail section and rectangular turn indicators appear similar to that of Interceptor 650. Below is a spy video of the new 2021 Royal Enfield INT 350, shared by miles_on_smile.
    [embedded content]
    However, there are some obvious differences, for example, the single exhaust in place of the twin exhaust seen on Interceptor 650. Royal Enfield’s new 350cc motorcycle is expected to be equipped with standard telescopic forks at the front and twin spring rear shock absorbers at the rear. It will have disc brakes at both ends and dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard.
    Interceptor 350 is likely to get Tripper navigation, which is a first-in-segment feature introduced with Meteor 350. It comes with a dedicated display that shows directions for the destination entered by the user.
    Interceptor 350 engine
    In terms of hardware, Interceptor 350 will be sharing several components with recently launched Meteor 350 and the upcoming Classic 350. Sharing of components among different products is a common strategy in the auto industry. This helps reduce development costs and get better deals with parts suppliers. Interceptor 350 is likely to use the same engine as that of Meteor 350.
    The 349 cc single cylinder, air and oil cooled engine is capable of delivering max power of 20.2 hp at 6,100 rpm and max torque of 27 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Transmission used is a 5-speed unit. It is possible that the engine may be offered in a different state of tune on Interceptor 350.
    Cost benefit
    While 650 twins are already the most affordable in their class, they are still out of reach of many customers. With Interceptor 350, Royal Enfield will be able to provide a similar experience at lower cost. It is expected that Interceptor 350 will be priced under Rs 1.8 lakh. Launch is expected by next year. More

  • in

    Bajaj Pulsar 125 Helps Bajaj Beat Honda In 100-125cc Motorcycle Sales

    Pulsar 125 is the highest selling Pulsar model today. Image – Auto Travel Tech
    Hero MotoCorp continues to lead sales due to its extensive lineup in the budget-centric segment of motorcycles

    2020 was plagued with numerous hindrances. The economy of the country was facing a slowdown when society was hit with the pandemic of Covid-19 earlier this year. Automotive sector, like any other industry, was also affected quite adversely and numbers are there to prove.
    For the better part of three months, automotive sales were seriously hampered by the restrictions induced due to novel coronavirus and this could be seen in the overall sales in between months of April and November this year. Although sales have picked up in the last three months, the closure of businesses did create a noticeable impact.
    Hero MotoCorp continues to lead segment
    Sales of the entry-level segment (100-125cc) of motorcycles which are one of the most affordable two-wheeler spaces also saw a considerable decline. While Hero MotoCorp continued to lead charts in this segment, it saw a decline of over 9 lakh from the same period last year. Last year in between April and November, Hero sold 41,67,645 bikes of this segment whereas this year it was able to sell only 33,30,889 bikes.
    Hero MotoCorp has the strongest presence in the two-wheeler segment of the Indian automotive market thanks to an extensive retail and service network across the country. Hero currently has five offerings in the 100-125cc category which include Splendor Plus, Super Splendor, Passion Pro, HF Deluxe and Glamour.
    Motorcycle Sales Apr-Nov 2020 vs 2019
    Bajaj, Honda also witness downfall
    The highlight here is that Bajaj Auto has pipped Honda Two-wheelers India to take second position in this segment after the former retailed 7,96,123 units between April and November this year while the latter sold 7,62,726 units this year. During the same period last year, the Indian brand retailed 9,55,020 bikes in this space while the Japanese manufacturer sold 9,73,837 bikes.
    Honda and Bajaj have four offerings each in this segment. The former has Shine, CD 110 Dream, Livo and SP 125. While the latter offers CT100, CT110, Platina 100, Platina 110 H-Gear and Pulsar 125. It was thanks to the Pulsar 125, that Bajaj has managed to beat Honda.
    TVS Motor lags way behind
    The fourth spot was taken by TVS Motor as it was able to retail 2,09,359 bikes between April and November this year in the 100-125cc segment. During the same period last year, the Hosur-based bikemaker retailed 3,12,834 motorcycles. The primary reason for TVS to lag so behind in sales is that it doesn’t have a single offering in the 100-125cc category of motorcycles.
    The company has recently trademarked the name ‘Fiero’ which is speculated to be used for its upcoming 125cc bike. TVS, on the other hand, offers only three motorcycles in this segment namely Sport, Radeon and City Plus. it has yet to upgrade Victor to its mandatory BS6 emission upgrade. More

  • in

    Ather 450X Electric Scooter Delivery Schedule Announced For All Cities

    Ather 450x Electric Scooter
    After launching 450X in several new cities, Ather Energy has shared delivery schedule for those locations

    Some of the new cities that were recently added include Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Pune. The company already has presence in Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. By end of next year, the company has plans to make 450X available in 27 cities.
    City-wise delivery schedule and other updates
    Customers in Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad have already started receiving Series 1 and Grey Ather 450X. Buyers in Bengaluru and Chennai will start getting deliveries of White and Green Ather 450X later this month. In Pune, deliveries are expected to commence this weekend. However, the colour of the units that will be delivered is yet to be revealed. Payments are open across Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad.
    Talking about developments in specific cities, Hyderabad will soon be getting a company-owned experience centre. This is currently being constructed. A temporary facility is available close to the upcoming experience centre, where interested users can take a test ride. Hyderabad already has 10 Ather Grid points and more are in the works.
    In Mumbai, the company’s experience centre is being constructed in Khar. However, test rides are already available at some temporary locations. Deliveries in Mumbai are expected to commence later this month.
    Ather 450x Electric Scooter delivery schedule in all new cities. Credit – Ketul Tikekar
    Up north, deliveries in Delhi are expected to commence sometime in March next year. The company is yet to finalize a retail partner for the city. However, test rides will commence this week in Delhi at a temporary location in Saket. Customers in Delhi will get additional subsidy of Rs 14,500 in addition to Rs 29,000, which is available under FAME-II scheme.
    In Kolkata, deliveries are expected to commence in January next year. The company is working to finalize a retail partner and select an appropriate location. In Ahmedabad, deliveries have already commenced and test rides are being provided seven days a week. The city has also received three Ather Grid points.
    In southern India, test rides have begun in Kochi at a temporary location close to Gold Souk Grande. The city will be getting an experience centre that is expected to become operational by next month. Customers in Coimbatore, Calicut and Kozhikode will start getting deliveries in Q1, 2021.
    Ather 450X tech specs
    Ather 450X is the successor to Ather 450 that has been discontinued. Ather 450X comes with a range of upgrades including superior performance, faster charging and higher standby time. The scooter utilizes a 2.61 kWh battery pack that comprises 21700-type Li-ion cells. Max power and torque is 8 hp and 26 Nm, respectively. True range is 85 km on a single charge. 450X comes with fast charging that allows users to load 15 km in 10 minutes. More

  • in

    Hero MotoCorp Price Hike Jan 2021 – Splendor, Passion, Destini, Maestro Dec Offers

    Image – Mulraj Hero
    Hero MotoCorp announces price revision across its product range of MY21 motorcycles and scooters

    2020 bore witness to an unprecedentedly difficult business year owing to national lockdown relay to Covid-19 pandemic. As the year comes to a close, auto manufacturers have had important takeaways. Most managed to report an uptick in retail sales for the recently concluded festive season.
    The two-wheeler industry has done well in recent weeks. Of them, Hero MotoCorp remains the industry giant with a lead that’s unthreatened. And despite difficult circumstances, it all came together for Hero MotoCorp. In October, the company reported retail sales at over 8 lakh units.
    As 2021 approaches, one can expect all auto manufacturers to announce a range of price revisions across product portfolios. Hero MotoCorp attributes this to a steady rise in commodity costs across the spectrum, including steel, aluminium, plastics, and precious metals.
    New Prices wef Jan 01, 2021
    The manufacturer has accelerated its savings programme under Leap-2 umbrella, and continues to mitigate impact. This to reduce burden on customers, and protect company margins. To partially offset impact of commodity costs, Hero MotoCorp will increase product price by upto Rs 1,500, with effect from January 1, 2021.
    Hero Discounts Dec 2020
    Price increase will vary across models, including their best-sellers like Splendor, Passion, Deluxe, Glamour, Destini, Pleasure, Maestro and even the premium range like Xpulse, Xtreme. ‘Final price revisions will be communicated to dealers in due course,‘ said Hero MotoCorp in a regulatory filing.
    A planned price hike such as this is a yearly occurrence. Depending on variables, price hikes are announced through the year. In most cases, for individual product ranges. Start of year price hike takes into account new model year vehicles. Given the situation, one can always opt to go bargain hunting for December deals.
    With dealerships keeping a close eye on existing stock, it’s in everyones best interest to sell all current MY vehicles. More often than not, depending on availability, manufacturers curate special deals. Making price points as attractive as ever is enough to get noticed. And resultantly, maintain sales momentum.
    Hero MotoCorp 2020 December deals
    Hero MotoCorp is currently offering cash benefit of Rs 4,000 on exchange deals on purchase of Xtreme 200S, Xtreme 160R and Xpulse 200 over the fortnight. Destini 125, Maestro 125, Maestro 110 Passion Pro and Super Splendor are being offered with Rs 2,100 exchange and loyalty bonus while Hero Glamour comes with Rs 2,100 cash discount.
    It’s safe to say that deals aren’t limiting. Customers could find themselves spoilt for choice. Especially, since, discount deals are available from multiple manufacturers. Following heightened sales activity during the festive season each year owing to a sizeable number of planned purchases, December sales could always seem lacklustre. The saving grace is always the quantum of end of year discounts and offers attractive enough to get customers back into showrooms.
    This works well to ensure a strong year end, and Q4 cumulative sales. An inevitable price rise in 2021 is sometimes a good enough reason to buy that vehicle before the new year. Sales further thrived in recent months owing to flexibility in finance plans. This includes debit card bank EMI plans for two-wheeler purchases. More