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    TVS Motor Sales, Exports Oct 2020 – XL Super, Jupiter, Apache, Ntorq

    Image – The Bengal Rider
    XL Super moped continues to be the best selling two wheeler from TVS Motor

    TVS Motor Company has been having a fruitful return at the Indian market in recent past. As mentioned in our previous report, the Hosur-based two-wheeler manufacturer has witnessed a 19 percent YoY growth in the domestic market whereas it registered almost 49 percent YoY growth in exports.
    This can be accounted for the strong performance of almost all TVS models for the month of October 2020. Almost all two-wheelers resulted in positive growth during the said period. Despite the ongoing crisis, TVS Motor managed to strengthen its supply chain from September 2020.
    XL, Jupiter leading Domestic Sales charts
    Total sales in the domestic market stood at 3,01,380 units which are significantly greater than 2,52,684 units sold by the company in October 2019. This is largely contributed by the sales of XL which leads the sales charts of TVS with 80,268 units sold last month. The company registered a difference of 20,094 units from October last year which translated to YoY growth of 33.39 percent.
    It was followed by Jupiter which recorded 74,159 units sales last month and was slightly lower than October 2019. During the same period last year, TVS retailed 74,560 units of its popular 110cc scooter which is marginal degrowth of 0.54 percent.
    TVS Motor Domestic Sales Oct 2020
    Jupiter is followed by the Apache range of motorcycles which registered 40,943 units sold in October this year. The company sold 6,884 units more than the previous year’s October which is a 20.21 percent YoY growth.
    Fourth and fifth positions were occupied by Ntorq and Sport respectively. TVS recorded 31,524 units of the power scooter in October whereas it registered 22,217 units of the entry-level 100cc bike. Both registered a positive YoY growth of 32.22 percent and 48.51 percent respectively.
    No
    TVS Domestic
    Oct-20
    Oct-19
    1
    XL Super Moped (+33%)
    80,268
    60,174
    2
    Jupiter(-1%)
    74,159
    74,560
    3
    Apache (+20%)
    40,943
    34,059
    4
    Ntorq (+32%)
    31,524
    23,842
    5
    Sport (+49%)
    22,217
    14,960
    6
    Radeon (+17%)
    20,204
    17,265
    7
    Star City (+79%)
    14,947
    8,331
    8
    Pep+ (+40%)
    11,254
    8,027
    9
    Zest (-20%)
    5,336
    6,680
    10
    RR310 (+123%)
    496
    222
    11
    iQube
    32
    0
    12
    Wego
    0
    906
    13
    Victor
    0
    3,658

    Total (+19%)
    3,01,380
    2,52,684
    Strong performances from 110cc bikes
    Sixth and seventh place was taken by TVS Motor’s 110cc bikes Radeon and Star City. The company recorded 20,204 units sales of Radeon with a YoY growth of 17.02 percent. On the other hand, Star City recorded the highest YoY growth of 79.41 percent with sales of 14,947 units of the motorcycle. In October 2019, TVS sold 8,331 units of Star City.
    TVS Motor Exports Oct 2020
    Exports
    When it comes to exports, it was Star City that led the sales charts with 28,173 units shipped overseas. This resulted in an impressive 93.50 percent YoY growth from October last year. TVS also retails a 125cc version of Star City overseas which occupied second place with 24,603 units sold in October 2020. It also recorded a decent 57.22 percent YoY growth.
    The Apache range of motorcycles witnessed a massive YoY growth with 13,058 units shipped overseas in October this year. This resulted in 118 percent YoY growth against 5,991units sold in October 2019. However, it was Radeon that witnessed the highest YoY growth of 280 percent in exports. In total, TVS shipped 80,525 units of its two-wheelers to overseas markets, higher than the 54,058 units shipped in October 2019. More

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    Husqvarna 401 Spied With KTM Badge On Engine – Based On Duke 390

    Husqvarna 401 Spied With KTM badge
    While the Svartpilen is an urban tourer, the Vitpilen is termed as a cafe racer

    Swedish motorcycle brand Husqvarna set foot in India with the launch of its naked twins- Svratpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250. A couple of months earlier, we reported that Husqvarna will now launch their naked twins with upgraded engines in the form of Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401.
    Recently, one of the twins was spotted testing outside Pune by automotive enthusiast Padmasinh Patil. It is to be noted that Husqvarna is a subsidiary of Austrian motorcycle brand KTM and both are manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s facility in Chakan near Pune in Maharashtra.
    Powertrain & Transmission
    Like their 250 siblings, the 401 Twins will also share its powertrains with its KTM Duke counterpart. Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 will borrow the same 373.2 cc single-cylinder cooled DOHC engine from Duke 390.
    This motor produces 44 PS of power and 37.5 Nm of peak torque and is paired to a six-speed gearbox. This engine is known for its high compression ratio which results in such impressive output figures. The same unit is also employed in Bajaj Dominar 400. The test mule spotted, had Husqvarna badging on its right side and KTM badging on its left side.

    Coming to the test mule spied, it is difficult to predict exactly which model it is- Svartpilen or Vitpilen since it is wrapped in heavy camouflage. It is anyways difficult to differentiate between the two in terms of design. While Svartpilen is termed as an urban scrambler, the Vitpilen is looked on more as a cafe racer. The 401 twins will also share their underpinnings with 390 Duke.
    Dynamics
    Huskies 401 are expected to borrow major functional components from its KTM counterpart. While the Huskies serve as a more stylish option, the KTM Duke is a more racy motorcycle. Several mechanical parts like- suspension units- USD forks at front and adjustable mono-shock at rear; trellis frame structure and brakes are expected to be carried forward from Duke 390.

    Design & Features
    Although the Indian-spec Huskies 401 are likely to sport some additional attributes to distinguish itself from its European-spec model. For instance, the India-spec model is expected to ditch spoked wheels available in Europe for alloy rims. Additionally, pillion grab rails will be installed to comply with the safety norms set by the Indian Government.

    In terms of features, standard features such as an all-LED lighting setup, ABS from Bosch and a fully digital instrument cluster is set to be carried forward from the 250 Twins. Svartpilen has been built as an urban explorer, it is set to be equipped with dual-purpose tyres. On the other hand, Vitpilen has been developed as a cafe racer with road-biased tyres.
    The 401 Huskies were expected to hit showrooms towards the end of this year. However, it now seems unlikely and is expected to be launched early next year. One expects the 401 Husky Twins to be priced around Rs 20,000 lower than KTM 390 Duke which is offered at a price of Rs 2.58 lakh. Apart from their Austrian cousin, 401 Huskies will also lock horns with Bajaj Dominar 400, BMW G310R. Husqvarna sales in India are at about 700 units per month, while exports are at about 1,000 units. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar Completes 20 Years – All Pulsar Variants Launched Till Date

    First Bajaj Pulsar With the Latest Pulsar
    Ever since launch in 2001, Pulsar has been the benchmark for sport commuter motorcycles in the Indian two-wheeler market

    The late 1980s and 90s two-wheeler segment was completely dominated by Bajaj Auto due to durable and reliable scooters. But as the century came to close popularity of manually geared scooters took a huge hit and were replaced by gearless scooters.
    However, all buyers did not feel inclined to an automatic scooter that was referred to as underbone. This is when motorcycles started making a resurgence. Lightweight commuter motorcycles were already present in huge numbers in the market. What was missing was a sporty commuter bike which was not only practical but also gave the pleasure of motorcycling to a certain extent.
    Bajaj Pulsar 2001 to 2006
    This is when Bajaj introduced the first sporty commuter motorcycle in the form of Pulsar which was to become a household name in the Indian two-wheeler market in future. Motorcycles prior to this were mostly on the extreme sides- some provided excellent performance while others returned a praiseworthy economy. Pulsar, however, was the best of both worlds.
    2001-2003: Introduction of a whole new segment of motorcycles
    First introduced in 2001 as 150cc and 180cc derivatives of it, this bike featured a retro classic design with a rounded headlamp and a tall-riding position and caught the attraction of many. Behind this pleasing design was a strong engine which put out a powerful performance at an output of 12 bhp and 15 bhp for the 150cc and 180cc versions respectively. Both units came mated to a 5-speed gearbox a rarity until then.
    Bajaj Pulsar 2007 to 2011
    The first major update came in 2003 with the birth of the iconic headlamp fairing and twin pilot lamps. Not only was the design updated but Bajaj introduced its very own DTS-i Digital Twin Spark Ignition technology along with a kill switch for the first time. This resulted in an increase in power output. Therefore, this update made it look more appealing as well as made it punchier than before.
    2004-2007: Major updates turned commuter bikes fun to ride
    The next update came a year later when Bajaj introduced 17-inch alloy wheels to the Pulsar. It also adopted twin Nitrox suspension and a patented exhaust technology. This was followed by one which is considered to be one of the biggest updates till date. In 2006, Pulsar got an all-digital speedometer which made it the first bike in India to display speed in numbers, instead of needles. Backlit switches also added to the convenience of riders. The design got sharper with edgier body styling and wolf-eyed’ twin pilot lamps.
    Bajaj Pulsar 2012 to 2016
    Following year was another milestone for the Pulsar family as Bajaj entered into the sports bike segment with the introduction of 200cc and 220cc bikes. Pulsar 200 and Pulsar 220-Fi were launched. The former was launched with an oil-cooled engine and carried a muscular styling. The latter came with a fuel-injected motor which would later prove to be so significant in stricter emission norms. Clip-on handlebars and a faired design also lent it a sports bike look.
    2009-Present: Expansion of Pulsar Range of Bikes
    In 2009, Bajaj introduced a lighter and smaller 135cc derivative of Pulsar called Pulsar 135 LS although it couldn’t spread the same magic as its peers. In 2012, Pulsar saw another major update when Bajaj introduced its Naked Sports range of motorcycles. The first bike under this was Pulsar NS200 which used a 200cc Liquid-cooled, DTS-i, triple spark engine. For the first time in this segment, a motorcycle used a liquid-cooled engine. The NS range further expanded with the introduction of NS160 in 2017.
    Bajaj Pulsar 2018 – 2019
    In 2015, Bajaj launched another Pulsar range with a focus on track friendly machines. This led to the birth of RS range with the introduction of RS200 in which ‘RS’ stood for Racing Sports and became the quickest Pulsar to be made till date as it could touch speeds beyond 150 kmph. It was launched with a fully-faired body and came to a six-speed gearbox.
    The next big landmark came in 2018 when Bajaj launched the smallest and the most affordable Pulsar in the form of Pulsar 125. It sported the exact styling of its elder sibling Pulsar 150. It was powered by a 124cc engine and received neon coloured highlights for better visual appeal. More

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    Royal Enfield Meteor Vs Honda CB350 Exhaust Sound Compared While Riding

    Image – Abhinav Bhatt
    Both Meteor 350 and H’Ness CB350 have distinct exhaust notes and both have been appreciated by audiences

    We have covered both the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Honda H’Ness CB350 quite extensively ever since they were launched. These two motorcycles have been compared to each other in many different aspects such as their real-world performance, highway performance, acceleration test and even their service costs.
    It’s now time to compare an inherent quality of these motorcycles, something which has been a point of attraction for both these bikes- their exhaust notes. Now, Royal Enfield has always been known for its classic thump which gave it its famous recognition in a neighborhood. Does it still sound the same or does Honda stake a claim here?
    A video, uploaded by Abhinav Bhatt on YouTube shows the comparison between exhaust notes of the two motorcycles. The vlogger rides both bikes individually one after another to give us an idea of what these bikes actually sound like.
    While many might have heard these exhaust notes individually when tested side by side it gives us a difference in sounds of the two exhausts. Abhinav has ridden the two bikes on the same road, in the same manner, giving us a better idea at how the two bikes actually sound while riding in similar conditions. Take a look at the video below.
    [embedded content]
    Meteor 350 Exhaust Note
    We already know that both are completely new bikes with brand new powertrains. Starting with Royal Enfield, this new generation 350cc engine is starkly different from the previous UCE 350 engine present. The prime difference being the use of an overhead camshaft (OHC) setup instead of a traditional pushrod setup. While the former has many benefits it dilutes, Royal Enfield’s signature ‘dug dug’ sound has been diluted which is a damper for many.
    The engine is definitely quieter and refined thanks to the addition of a counter balancer shaft. This has also led to a reduction of vibrations quite considerably, therefore improved ride and handling. The exhaust note is a lot more pleasant and linear thump to it which would definitely lure young riders. Although its signature thump has not completely vanished and one can still get the same feel by the number of exhaust options offered by the company.
    Honda CB350 Exhaust Note
    On the other hand, Honda CB350 does remind us of an old school Royal Enfield motorcycle to some extent. It has that robust and raw thump of a retro motorcycle which older RE bikes were known for. In other words, traditional Royal Enfield lovers would like the sound of CB350 more than that of Meteor 350. However, by no means does this engine sound crude in any way and is equally refined as its nemesis.
    Powertrain, Transmission Details
    Meteor 350 is powered by a new 349 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine which returns an output of 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. This unit is mated to a new 5-speed gearbox. The CB350, on the other hand, is powered by a 348.36cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine which makes 20.8hp at 5,500rpm and 30Nm at 3,000rpm. It is paired with a 5-speed gearbox as well. More

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    Honda Activa 6G Brown Colour Celebrates 20th Anniversary – Price Rs 1,500 More

    Honda Activa 20th Anniversary Edition
    A lot has changed in 20 years but Honda Activa continues to dominate scooter sales

    Honda Activa has carved a niche for itself in the Indian two wheeler industry, and has continued to build on its workhorse for over two decades now. Activa’s successful 20-year run has seen over 2 crore Indian customers.
    The big 20 milestone is being celebrated with a special 20th anniversary edition Activa 6G. Over the years, HMSI has continued to upgrade Activa to ensure it stays relevant in the changing fcae of the two-wheeler industry here. This includes Combi-Brake System in 2009, Honda Eco Technology (HET) in 2013, and enhanced Smart Power (eSP) tech among other inputs in the 2020 Activa 6G.
    Atsushi Ogata, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “The legend was born 20 years ago, when Honda realized The Power of Dreams of India with its debut model – Activa.”
    Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Delighting lacs of new customers every month, Activa is the torch bearer of India’s two wheeler industry.”
    Honda Activa 6G Prices – Nov 2020. AE = Anniversary Edition
    Matte Mature Brown colour and gold bits
    The specially curated 20th anniversary edition is available in a brand new Matte Mature Brown colour with distinctive gold embossed logos. For Honda, the 20th anniversary edition is as precious as gold.
    It sports matte mature brown rear grab-rails, shiny embossed 20th year anniversary logo, and a special golden Activa logo. The front has new stripes, and front and rear tyres have black steel wheels. Inner cover and seats are finished in brown. The crankshaft is in black cover.

    20th anniversary edition Activa 6G
    Cosmetic changes are galore to ensure the celebration is visible at all times. The BSVI engine is one that was worked on recently. Powered by eSP, the scooter feature 26 patent application inputs and advancements. The 110cc PGM-FI HET (Honda Eco Technology) engine returns 10 percent increased mileage.
    The engine returns 7.68 hp power at 8,000 rpm, and 8.79 Nm torque at 5,250 rpm mated to a CVT. eSP and Honda ACG starter make for a silent start. Telescopic suspension and increased ground clearance improve ride quality over rough roads. Engine start/stop switch, easy to access external fuel lid through the integrated dual function switch, and bigger 12-inch front wheel are all new additions.

    20th anniversary edition Activa 6G is being despatched from today, and is available in 2 variants (Standard & Deluxe) at a price of Rs 66,816 for Standard, and Rs 68,316 for Deluxe (ex-sh, Gurugram, Haryana). This is at a small premium over the regular variants, wherein Standard is available at a price of Rs. 65,419, and Deluxe trim at Rs. 66,919. (Rs 1,500 more for the anniversary edition).
    Honda Activa sales far exceed segment sales, and puts it at a spot that sees it outnumber bestselling motorcycles too. The Indian two wheeler market is dominated by motorcycle sales with Honda Activa being an exception. More

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    Yamaha FZ25 Avengers Edition Unveiled – Captain Marvel, Black Panther

    Yamaha FZ 25 Avengers Edition – Captain Marvel
    Apart from Marvel superhero-inspired liveries and body decals, there have been no changes made on these special edition models from Yamaha

    Well, if you are Marvel fan and have some interest in automobiles then it could be the best time for you. Recently, TVS Motor company introduced a special edition model of its power scooter called Ntorq Avengers Edition which took every Marvel fanboy by surprise.
    This time it’s Yamaha’s turn to replicate something similar. Yamaha has launched its most popular quarter-litre motorcycle FZ25 in a Marvel-inspired Limited Editions model in Brazil. The FZ25 is popularly known as Fazer 250 in the South American country.
    Yamaha FZ 25 Avengers Edition – Black Panther
    Superheroes On Offer
    The Avengers Edition of FZ25 has been offered in two themes- Captain Marvel and Black Panther. Apart from this, the Japanese bikemaker has launched a similar special edition model of its dual-purpose motorcycle Lander 250 which gets Captain America inspired colour scheme.
    All three motorcycles get superhero-inspired liveries and decals on their body panels. The FZ25 comes with matching rims whereas the Lander 250 misses out on this design attribute.

    Interestingly, Yamaha FZ25 Avengers Edition has been priced at 18,090 Brazilian Real which roughly translates to INR 2.45 lakh and is Rs 4200 cheaper than the standard model. On the other hand, the Lander 250 is retailed at 19,290 Brazilian Real, which is around INR 2.62 lakh. Other than the change in body graphics, there has been no update on these bikes either aesthetic or mechanical.
    Features & Mechanicals
    The latest BS6 compliant FZ25 received a minor makeover earlier this year which brought an updated front face. Its wide range of equipment consists of an LED headlamp, digital instrument console, dual-channel ABS and a side-stand engine cut-off switch to name a few.

    In terms of powertrain, it draws its power from a 249cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled with an oil cooler, SOHC engine which puts out 21.5PS of power at 8000rpm and 20.59Nm of peak torque at 6500rpm. In comparison, the India-spec version generates 20.8PS at 8000rpm of power and 20.1Nm of torque at 6000rpm. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox.
    Apart from these special edition models, Yamaha also offers R15 V3 derived NMax 160 in special Star Wars Edition in two colour variants: Galactic Empire and Alliance Rebel. The Marvel Edition FZ25 will surely attract a lot of younger audiences in our country if launched. However, there is no official word from the Japanese brand regarding this. Meanwhile, the manufacturer recently launched a colour customisation option for MT-15 in India which lest a buyer choose from 11 different colour combinations. More

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    2021 Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini Edition Revealed

    Ducati Diavel Lamborghini Edition
    The limited-run Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini Edition is expected to go on sale from January 2021 onwards

    A couple of weeks after Ducati revealed the 2021 version of Diavel 1260, the Italian superbike manufacturer has now unveiled a limited-run Lamborghini Edition of the same. This special edition of the muscle cruiser was unveiled at the fourth episode of Ducati World Premiere.
    Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini Edition has been inspired by the limited edition Lamborghini Siàn FKP 37 hybrid supercar. The power cruiser even sports the same colour scheme called Gea Green which has been used on the Siàn FKP 37 and looks exemplary on both vehicles.

    Lamborghini Inspired Design
    While Lamborghini has restricted this supercar to only 63 units of production model, Ducati has been more generous and will sell 630 units of the special edition Diavel 1260. Both Lamborghini and Ducati designers have worked hand in hand to deliver something worth being a Limited Edition. To add to the premiumness, the new Diavel gets golden USD forks.
    However, the highlight in this design remains the golden forged rims used in the alloy wheels. The typical Ducati Red is used for colouring the Brembo brake calipers. Even the frame incorporated has shades of gold in it. Other design highlights which are inspired by Siàn FKP 37 are radiator covers, air intakes, fuel tank cover, mudguards, muffler and seat cover.

    The dashboard cover and headlight frame like all the above mentioned components have been made of carbon fibre designed by superimposing floating elements on the main structure of the bike. The bike also pays homage to Automobili Lamborghini’s founding year by imprinting the number 63 on its semi-fairing. The Y-shaped details in FKP 37 have been carried over to the Ducati’s Y-shaped cutouts in the saddle and hexagonal muffler.
    Mechanical Details & Features
    Diavel 1260 Lamborghini has been built on the same tubular steel trellis frame as the regular model and is assisted by fully adjustable Öhlins suspensions at the front and rear. Other components like the 17-inch wheels with 240mm profile tyres have been carried over from the standard model. It tips the weighing scales at 220 kg.

    Coming to its performance, Diavel 1260 Lamborghini is powered by a 1262cc L-Twin Testastretta DVT engine. In its Euro 5 configuration, this unit pushes out a maximum of 162 hp at 9,500 rpm and a peak torque of 129 Nm at 7500 rpm. Being a Ducati it comes with a host of electronic aids such as Cornering ABS EVO, Bosch’s 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU), Ducati Power Launch EVO (DPL), Cruise Control and Traction Control EVO (DTC).
    At a price of USD 31,995 (Rs 23.63 lakhs), it is a healthy USD 11,700 (Rs 8.64 lakhs) costlier than its base model. Along with this special edition motorcycle, consumers can also opt for a special jet-style helmet with coordinated graphics, designed by Centro Stile Ducati with the number 63 badging. More

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    Aprilia SXR 160 Officially Teased – Production Starts Next Month

    2021 Aprilia SXR 160
    Piaggio India ready to begin Aprilia SXR 160 production at Baramiati plant

    Piaggio India is set to start Aprilia SXR 160 production at its Baramati plant. Aprilia SXR 160 was showcased earlier this year at Auto Expo 2020, Greater Noida. The premium scooter brings together style, performance and a comfy riding experience.
    SXR 160 relies on its next-gen global design appeal and tech advanced features for a premium experience. Its unique placement will create a new premium scooter market category. Power comes from a BSVI 160 CC engine with three-valve Fuel Injection (FI) clean emission engine tech.

    On the exterior is a 3 coat HD body paint finish, Aprilia signature graphics, matt black design trims, and dark chrome elements. Design elements draw from sharp body lines, and geometric contours. The light element is built on wrap around LED tech twin crystal headlights and eye line position lights that merge front indicator blinkers. Diamond reflection wrap around LED taillights with integrated rear blinkers fits right in with its modern appeal.
    Designed To Improve Ride Experience
    An ergonomically well-positioned raised steering handlebar with feather touch switches enables ease of operation. Seating position enables rider’s feet to touch the ground to start, slow down or wait at a signal. Dual telescope front suspension and adjustable rear suspension are tuned for daily commute. This can be altered through rear suspension adjustment if on a different road surface, they can do so by adjusting the rear suspension.

    Ride experience and comfort gains from bigger, longer, comfy and ergonomic seats in art leather suede feel finished in special stitch pattern in grey and red threads. The 210 cm sq. multifunctional all digital cluster lets riders view multiple features.
    Mobile connectivity accessory connects one’s phone to the scooter to help locate it, and to raise a security alarm, or immobilize it as necessary. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with ventilated disk brakes and twin pots calliper hydraulic brakes offer grand braking performance.
    Piaggio India dealership network
    The company is keen on quick dealer network expansion to cater to customers better for its new scheduled launches. Piaggio India works out of over 250 dealerships, and this number is to be increased for over 400+ dealerships. To ensure this, the company welcomes premium mindset entrepreneurs to the company’s dealership business model to take it to new towns and cities.
    Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio India said, “We are extremely excited to soon introduce the highly anticipated and a unique, premium proposition for our discerning customers. As promised at the Auto Expo 2020, we are gearing up for the production of Aprilia SXR 160 in India and unfolding a new chapter for the scooter industry. With its highly innovative design, the SXR 160 is set to create a new unmatched experience of premium style, high comfort and best in class performance.” More