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    Ducati Revives SP Moniker – Unveils 2021 Panigale V4 SP

    2021 Ducati Panigale V4 SP
    Panigale V4 SP is the latest addition to the V4 lineup which makes it five motorcycles in the range

    It is a good time for Ducati fanboys as the latest edition of Ducati World Premiere saw the unveiling of not one but two motorcycles. Alongside Supersport 950, the Italian superbike brand also revealed the next generation of Panigale V4 SP thus reviving an iconic moniker of the brand from its yesteryears.
    SP stands for Sports Production and as described by Ducati it “is used to recognize a production bike with specific technical equipment that makes it faster on the track.” This is established by the fact that each of these V4 SP units will be individually numbered to lend an exclusive identity, however, production will not be in limited numbers.

    This moniker was last used in the 916 range of Ducati and is not going to replace Panigale V4R and both models will coexist alongside the other Panigale V4s. In fact, the homologation-spec superbike is USD 3,000 less expensive than V4S at USD 37,000.
    The V4 SP is essentially an amalgam of all Panigale V4s in the current lineup. It shares its mechanicals with Panigale S while certain design and aesthetic elements from V4R and Superleggera have been thrown in.

    Performance
    Coming to its most critical aspect- performance, Panigale V4 SP sources its power from the same 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine which also powers the base Panigale V4 and V4S models. This unit now complies with Euro-5 emission standards and returns an impressive output of 214 bhp at 13,000 rpm and 124 Nm of peak torque at 9000 rpm. Like the Superleggera and V4R, it gets STM EVO-SBK dry clutch which is accompanied by the customary growl from Desmosedici Stradale in the background.
    Hardware
    In terms of dynamics, it is based on the same platform as V4S and also inherits the latter’s Öhlins NIX 30 fork, TTX 36 rear shock, and electronic steering damper. Inclusion of semi-active suspension indicates that amateur riders would be more comfortable on V4 SP.

    Many components such as the lightweight 5-spoke carbon wheels, dry clutch, Brembo 330mm discs, brake calipers and master cylinders and carbon fibre winglets have been derived from Superleggera. Drop in unsprung mass in rims decreases moment of inertia for quicker handling. Also, it is helped by the fact that it is 1.4 kg lighter than V4S.
    Features
    It gets a host of electronic updates including Race A and Race B ride modes. The latter increases the torque band on lower three gear ratios to accommodate for low-grip conditions or for riders with less experience. It also gets Ducati Traction Control Evoluzione 3 (DTC Evo 3) an enhanced version of the existing traction control.

    The equipment also includes Ducati Data Analyzer+ with a GPS module. Apart from these updates, it also features the regular electronic package which comprises cornering ABS, wheelie control, engine brake control, launch control, slide control and a quick shifter.
    Panigale V4 SP is available in only a single colour scheme. The black paint with silver inserts on the tank is a tribute to ‘winter test’ colours used by Ducati’s MotoGP and WSB teams. Considering the past launches by Ducati in India, it is likely that the V4 SP will make it to India in 2021. More

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    Honda CB350 First Month Sales 1,290 Units – 42k RE Classic Sold In Oct 2020

    Honda CB350 BigWing Dealership
    The Honda H’ness CB350 is offered in two variants – DLX and DLX Pro

    Honda Two Wheelers has officially launched their Royal Enfield Classic 350 rival, H’ness CB350 cruiser motorcycle in India. It follows in the footsteps of CB1100 EX and CB750, bearing the same CB silhouette and even though it receives some advanced features, it continues to exude the same old world charm in terms of design.
    In its first month of sales, production of the new Honda CB350 has touched 2,420 units while sales are at 1,290 units. This is nowhere close to rival Classic 350; which managed to sell almost 42,000 units in Oct 2020.
    Honda H’ness CB350 Price and Variants
    The Made-in-India Honda H’ness CB350 will appeal to the mid size motorcycle enthusiasts. Honda H’ness CB350 is offered in two variants of DLX and DLX Pro and priced at Rs.1.85 lakhs and Rs.1.90 lakhs respectively.
    Colours depend on variants with three single tones of Precious Red Metallic, Pearl Night Star Black and Matte Marshall Green Metallic for the DLX variant. The dual tone colours of Pearl Night Star Black with Spear Silver Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic with Virtuous White and Matte Steel Black Metallic with Matte Massive Grey Metallic are reserved for the DLX Pro trim.
    Image – Abhinav Bhatt
    It gets the latest in terms of features with all LED lights at the front and rear, semi digital infotainment cluster, digital readouts on its two trip meters, odometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge and range indicator along with average and real time fuel efficiency.
    Features on the DLX Pro also include Bluetooth connectivity with turn by turn navigation, music and calls on control along with Honda Selectable Torque Converter, a first in segment feature. The fuel tank is finished in a dual tone while the H’ness CB350 rides on wider 19 inch front and 18 inch rear tyres offering better on road stability.
    Power and Performance
    The new Honda cruiser bike receives its power via a 350cc, 4 stroke, OHC, single cylinder engine with PGM-FI technology. The engine offers 21 hp power at 5,500 rpm and 30 Nm torque at 3,000 rpm making the CB350 the torquiest motorcycle in its class.
    The engine is mated to a 5 speed gearbox and gets assist and slipper clutch. Suspension is via telescopic fork in the front and twin-shock at the rear. Braking is via 310mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes with dual channel ABS.
    Honda H’ness CB350 is on sale via the company’s Big Wing dealerships. Its competitors will include the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Meteor 350, Jawa Forty Two and Benelli Imperiale 400. More

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    Top 10 Two Wheelers Oct 2020 – Splendor Overtakes Activa With 20% Growth

    Hero Splendor No 1
    Top 10 two wheeler wholesales grow in double digits for October 2020

    Top 10 two wheeler wholesales for October 2020 are reported as remarkably higher than a year earlier. Sales grew to 14,14,567 units, up from 12,06,437 units at 17.25 percent gain. Volume gain is at 2,08,130 units.
    Of this, the lion’s share goes to Hero Splendor, the country’s top selling motorcycle since ages. Sales is reported at 3,15,798 units, up 19.56 percent from 2,64,137 units at volume gain of 51,661 units. Sales reported accounts for 22.32 percent of total top sales.
    Honda Activa, as usual remains the top selling scooter. While that reputation is difficult to match, Honda scooter sales has in fact taken quite a beating. In fact, it’s one of 3 in the list that’s reported a decline, with Activa’s sales contraction being most steep. Sales fell to 2,39,570 units at 14.83 percent decline, down from 2,81,273 units.
    Despite losing volume of 41,703 units, market share remains formidable at 16.94 percent. Hero’s next volume turner, HF Deluxe enjoys similar market share at 2,33,061 units sold. Sales grew 25.47 percent at volume gain of 47,310 units, up from 1,85,751 units.
    Top 10 Two Wheelers Oct 2020
    Bajaj Pulsar sales growth
    Bajaj Pulsar series sales growth stood at 44.72 percent. Sales is up at 1,38,218 units from 95,509 units at volume gain of 42,709 units. Market share is at 9.77 percent. Honda CB Shine takes fifth spot at 1,18,547 units sold. sales grew 35.11 percent, up from 87,743 units at volume gain of 30,804 units. Market share stood at 8.38 percent.
    TVS XL moped continues a positive run at 80,268 units sold. Sales growth is reported at 33.39 percent, up from 60.174 units. Volume gain of 20,094 units has ensured market share of 5.67 percent. Hero Glamour sales grew at a high 91.80 percent. Wholesales are reported at 78,439 units, up from 40,896 units. Volume gain stood at 37,543 units helping it secure 5.55 percent of the pie.
    No
    Top 10 Two Wheelers
    Oct-20
    Oct-19
    1
    Hero Splendor (+20%)
    3,15,798
    2,64,137
    2
    Honda Activa (-15%)
    2,39,570
    2,81,273
    3
    Hero HF Deluxe (+25%)
    2,33,061
    1,85,751
    4
    Bajaj Pulsar (+44%)
    1,38,218
    95,509
    5
    Honda CB Shine (+35%)
    1,18,547
    87,743
    6
    TVS XL (+33%)
    80,268
    60,174
    7
    Hero Glamour (+91%)
    78,439
    40,896
    8
    Hero Passion (+64%)
    75,540
    45,928
    9
    TVS Jupiter (-1%)
    74,159
    74,560
    10
    Bajaj Platina (-13%)
    60,967
    70,466

    Total (+17%)
    14,14,567
    12,06,437
    Closely contested bottom half
    Hero MotoCorp takes eight spot with Passion. Sales grew a healthy 64.47 percent up at 75,540 units from 45,928 units with volumes growing by 29,612 units. This gave the motorcycle the much needed boost to stay close at just over 5 percent share just like the previous two place holders. TVS Jupiter scooter too reported similar sales share in the top 10 list but unlike the other 5 pointers, Jupiter sales are at a slight decline. Sales fell 0.54 percent having lost 401 units in volume. Sales fell to 74,159 units from 74,560 units.
    The other big loser in the coveted list is Bajaj Platina. Sales fell 13.48 percent taking it’s share to 4.31 percent. Volume declined by 9,499 units at 60,967 units from 70,466 units a year earlier. More

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    Hero MotoCorp Records 14 L Retail Sales In 32 Days – Splendor Highest

    New Hero Splendor Black Edition
    Hero MotoCorp reports 14-Lakh units retailed over the 32-Day Festive Period just concluded

    Hero MotoCorp has gone from strength to strength this festive season despite Covid-19 pandemic related disruptions. Only in March this year, the world shut down to keep Covid-19 at bay. This meant businesses came to a standstill with no sales activity for weeks at an end.
    The positive outcome of this planned slowdown meant usual sales were delayed and that has meant businesses have now had the opportunity to meet this pent up demand. Add to this, a robust festive season, and most manufacturer have been able to post sales growth.
    Hero MotoCorp 2020 festive season
    Hero MotoCorp being the biggest automaker in India has sold a whopping 14 lakh two-wheelers this festive season. Retail sales off-take calculated is for a 32-day festival period, starting from first day of Navratra and concluding the day after Bhai Duj.
    To put this in perspective, festive season volumes in 2020 is at 98 percent of 2019, which is almost back to normal despite these strained times. This also means on a MoM basis, the company has continued to gain market share and strengthen its top position.
    Splendor has been the best selling motorcycle this festive season
    The recent round of hyper sales was more than necessary considering the slowdown earlier, and also the fact that there’s rather little time left for the calendar year to end if the company has any hope of posting anywhere next to decent sales for the 12 month period ending in December. Sales is at 103 percent as compared to the same period in 2018.
    Sales this season has helped Hero MotoCorp reduce vehicle stock at dealerships to less than four weeks, its lowest ever post-festive inventory. Festival season retails were driven by its strong line of motorcycles including Splendor and HF Deluxe, 125cc motorcycles Glamour and Super Splendor, and the Xtreme 160R, and XPulse range in the premium segment. Glamour BSVI gained volumes in new markets. Destini and Pleasure scooters too secured double-digit growth.
    Hero MotoCorp MoM sales
    Hero MotoCorp has consolidated domestic market share since resumption of plant operations and retail sales in early May. Market share grew by more than 500 bps in October 2020. Hero owes this to robust planning and prep across the spectrum, including dealer partners. Activity has been heightened despite disruptions in the supply chain of components, plant operations and customer touch points once business restarted in may 2020.
    Hero MotoCorp has relied on strict protocols and measures to ensure safety of all stakeholder groups involved. With news revolving around rapid development of Covid-19 vaccines, the global economy could bounce back in the months to comes. Positive forecast by International Monetary Fund (IMF) projectis close to double-digit growth for Indian economy in FY’22. This could boost customer sentiments in general. More

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    2021 Yamaha R125 Unveiled – Receives Euro 5 Engine, And Black Colour

    2021 Yamaha R125
    Prices of Yamaha R125 will be revealed at the time of its official launch expected later this year

    Yamaha has officially revealed its entry-level faired motorcycle R125. The latest iteration of the faired sports bike is available in two new colour options. It receives a handful of other updates the most prominent of them being an updated Euro-5 compliant engine. Along with this, a lot of accessories will also be made available.
    Additional Colour Options
    The first new colour on offer in the new R125 is Racing Blue with the front fender and tail section in gray and body graphics on fairing. This colour scheme is inspired by its older faired siblings YZF-R6 and YZF-R1. The other colour option on offer is full black with white lines on the tail section and front fairing. This paint scheme also gets golden front forks to increase its appeal.

    Yamaha Blue and Radical Red colour options have been continued from its predecessor. Along with this, the bike has been provided with a lever guard as standard.
    Yamaha R125 continues to draw its power from the same 124.7cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine which now complies with the latest Euro-5 emission standards. Apart from this, there are no major changes and rest of the motorcycle is essentially the same as its predecessor.

    Mechanical Details & Features
    This 124.7cc motor short-stroke motor produces a healthy 15 PS of power and 11.5 Nm of torque. This unit is paired with a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox. It is based on a steel delta box frame with suspension duties carried out by 41mm dia Upside-down telescopic fork at front and link-type suspension type.
    Specs
    2021 Yamaha R125
    Engine
    Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valves
    Displacement
    124.7cc
    Power
    11.0kW (15.0PS) @ 9,000 rpm
    Torque
    11.5Nm (1.16kg-m) @ 8,000 rpm
    Transmission
    6 Speed
    Mileage
    2.13l/100km (46.94 kmpl)
    Frame
    Steel Deltabox
    Front Suspension
    USD
    Rear Suspension
    Swingarm link type
    Front Disc
    292mm single disc
    Rear Disc
    220mm single disc
    Front Tyre
    100/80-17 M/C
    Rear Tyre
    140/70-17 M/C
    LxWxH
    1955x680x1065mm
    Seat ht
    825mm
    Wheelbase
    1355mm
    Ground Clearance
    155mm
    Wet Wt (full oil and fuel)
    144 kgs
    Fuel tank
    11.5 liters
    Oil tank
    1.15 liters
    Anchoring duties are handled by hydraulic discs on both ends with 292mm disc on front and 220mm disc at rear. It rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels with 100/80 section tyres at front and 130/70 section tyres at rear.

    It is equipped with an LCD instrument cluster which reads crucial information from speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, fuel consumption as well as distance to empty. It is a fairly small bike with a wheelbase of 1,355mm and a ground clearance of 155mm. It has a relatively high saddle height of 825mm and a wet weight of 144 kgs (wt with full oil tank and fuel tank). It can accommodate fuel up to 11.5 litres.
    The Japanese brand says that R125 will be launched globally by the end of this year although it is unlikely to make its way to India anytime soon. Currently, Yamaha R15 V3 is the company’s entry-level fully-faired motorcycle in India and is sold in the 150cc category. It is offered at a price of Rs 1.48 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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    Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter Prototype Spied – Bajaj Chetak Rival

    Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter
    Suzuki Burgman electric scooter will lock horns with the Bajaj Chetak, Ather 450 and TVS iQube and offer comparable levels of performance

    Suzuki Motorcycle India had previously expressed its interest in participating in the electric scooter segment when the time is right, and it looks like things have finally started falling into place. A pair of Suzuki Burgman test mules were spotted testing in public road recently, and they seem to be lacking the exhaust canister.
    Suzuki Burgman electric scooter
    The Burgman with its imposing size, edgy styling and premium appeal makes for an interesting product for electrification. While the spy shots are not very clear, the black bulky element near the rear wheel hub is likely carrying the electric driving unit.
    Closer observation also reveals a shock abosorber on the right side (the IC engine variant employs a single-sided shock abosorber on the left side) to manage the extra bulk.
    Technical specifications are scarce as of now but expect Suzuki to equip its first electric scooter for India with a motor offering around 80 kmph of top speed and a lithium-ion battery pack good for a range of around 70-90 km. The Japanese brand is likely to push more a very high localization level for the electric powertrain to take advantage of the government subsidy and arrive at a competitive price point.
    Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter vs Petrol scooter
    Launch timeline
    The Suzuki Burgman electric test mules appear to be early prototypes to test the new components. We don’t expect the final product to be ready for the market launch before 2022. The styling is likely to be retained but there could be a few design touches to highlight the upcoming EV’s green credentials.
    The Suzuki Burgman’s fully digital instrument console would be offering additional functions typical of an electric scooter. Going by the industry trend, it is reasonable to expect the EV to offer a range of connected features including a comprehensive smartphone app.

    Rivals
    The Suzuki Burgman electric scooter will be locking horns with other premium electric offerings in the country like the Bajaj Chetak, Ather 450 (and its successor), TVS iQube, and so on. It remains to be seen if Suzuki will make its upcoming product available across the country right from day one or resort to a phased launch campaign, starting with tier-I cities.
    The last few months after the lockdown has given the electric scooter market a new impetus as more and more people are embracing private mode of transport. These are exciting times for the nascent electric vehicle industry.
    Source More

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    Exchange Old Scooter, Motorcycle For New Okinawa Electric Vehicle

    Okinawa electric scooter dealer
    The scheme has been launched in Ahmedabad, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Bangalore and Pune for a start and will move to other cities in due course

    The demand for electric vehicles is gaining in importance in India. Its reasons could be a lower purchase price, more economical running costs, lower maintenance and zero emissions. Okinawa is one of the leading electric scooter brand in the country currently.
    With buyers moving towards electric scooters, Okinawa, Indian electric two-wheeler brand, has entered into an alliance with CredR to launch an exchange offer on any petrol based two wheeler for an Okinawa electric scooter. This scheme has been introduced in cities of Ahmedabad, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Bangalore and Pune for a start and will soon be extended across the country.
    CredR to provide instant exchange price
    This alliance between Okinawa and CredR will ensure customers get instant quotations for their old petrol powered scooters which would go a long way in reducing the up-front cost of Okinawa scooters. Customers would have to bring in their petrol powered two wheelers to any Okinawa showroom for a physical check.
    They would receive a quote which will be ascertained via the proprietary pricing application powered by CredR. CredR will also verify documents, health of the two wheeler and the exchange price would be adjusted against the final cost of the new Okinawa scooter.
    Okinawa Electric Scooters
    ZestMoney “Buy Now, Pay Later”
    Earlier this month, Okinawa also entered into an agreement with ZestMoney, India’s leading AI driven EMI financing and “Buy Now, Pay Later” platform to offer customers easy EMI financing on its entire range of two wheelers products. This facility is available at all Okinawa’s 350+ dealerships in the country.
    Besides being offered at the company stores is also on offer to customers who make bookings via the company’s online portal. Customers will receive a credit limit from ZestMoney by completing their digital KYCs and cans elect a repayment plan as per their choice. This is a completely paperless scheme and can be followed up online.
    Okinawa Range
    Okinawa Electric Scooters are a reliable and affordable means of personal transport. The company has noted the rising demand of safer and more affordable transport and demand for personal transport has risen more so now with the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country with social distancing measures here to stay. The company also recently introduced the Eco App for the iPraise+ and Ridge+ e-scooters which enables the rider to operate connectivity features related to location, security and vehicle condition.
    The Okinawa Autotech range of e-scooters include iPraise+, Praise Pro, Ridge+, Lite and R30.PraisePro priced at Rs.79,277, the iPraise flagship model at Rs.1.08 lakhs, while the R30 e-scooter and Ridge are priced at Rs.58,992 and Rs.53,390 respectively. More

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    New Triumph Tiger 850 Sport Unveiled – India Launch Feb 2021

    2021 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
    The Triumph Tiger 850 Sport has a service interval of 16,000 km and a warranty of 2 years unlimited km

    Less than a year from introducing the new generation Tiger 900, Triumph has withdrawn the entry level variant of the adventure tourer and replaced it with a reconfigured model in a bid to make the product family more manageable and accessible. Called the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport, the new variant aims to lure first time adventure buyers to the iconic nameplate.
    Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
    Triumph says that there is a sizable number of prospective customers, mostly first time big bike buyers, who seek an affordable motorcycle which is not overloaded by the latest electronic gadgetry and offers a non-aggressive yet strong performance. The end result is an entry level adventure tourer which offers less power and is more focused on tarmac touring compared to the Tiger 900 variants.

    Visually, the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport differentiates itself from the 900 family by means of dual-tone color themes (Graphite and Diablo Red, and Graphite and Caspian Blue). With 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels shod with latest Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres, the Tiger 850 Sport is capable of handling bad roads and moderate trails with ease.
    Specifications
    The Triumph Tiger 850 Sport continues to employ the 900 family’s 888 cc in-line three-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with T-Plane crank shaft. However, the motor is tuned to deliver a relatively modest output of 85 hp (10 hp less) at 8,500 rpm and 82 Nm (5 Nm less) at 6,500.

    The peak power and torque are produced at lower engine speeds compared to the Triumph 900. The transmission is a 6-speed unit which is connected to the engine via a slip and assist clutch.
    Specs
    Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
    Engine
    888 cc, Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder
    Maximum Power
    85 PS / 84 bhp (62.5 kW) @ 8,500 rpm
    Maximum Torque
    82 Nm (60lbft) @ 6,500 rpm
    Gearbox
    6 speed
    Frame
    Tubular steel frame, bolt on sub frame
    Swingarm
    Twin-sided, cast aluminium
    Front Wheel
    Cast alloy, 19 x 2.5 in
    Rear Wheel
    Cast alloy, 17 x 4.25 in
    Front Tyre
    100/90-19
    Rear Tyre
    150/70R17
    Front Suspension
    Marzocchi 45mm upside down forks
    Rear Suspension
    Marzocchi rear suspension unit, manual preload adjustment
    Front Brakes
    Twin 320mm floating discs
    Rear Brakes
    Single 255mm disc
    Instruments
    5″ TFT screen
    Length
    2248 mm (88.50 in)
    Width (Handlebars)
    830 mm (32.67in)
    Height Without Mirrors
    1410-1460 mm (55.51-57.48 in)
    Seat Height
    810-830 mm (31.88-32.67 in)
    Wheelbase
    1556 mm (61.25 in)
    Dry weight
    192 kg (423 lb)
    Fuel Tank Capacity
    20 litres (5.28 US gal)
    Mileage
    19.23 kmpl
    Warranty
    2 years / unlimited kms
    Service Interval
    16,000 kms
    The motorcycle offers 2 riding modes – road and rain. The Euro 5 compliant motor can also be specified in A2 avatar in Europe with restricted power output for new riders.
    Despite being a cost-sensitive base model, the Tiger 850 Sport does not skimp on hardware. The adventure tourer sports 45 mm Marzocchi inverted telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock with pre-load adjustment. Braking is taken care of by a pair of 320 mm front discs stopped by monoblock 4-piston Brembo Stylema calipers and a 255 mm single rear disc with Brembo single-piston sliding caliper.

    While the motorcycle offers two-channel ABS and switchable traction control as standard, they are not supported by IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) like higher 900 variants, and hence are not cornering-sensitive. Other noteworthy features include a 5-inch high-contrast TFT instrument display, full LED lighting and 12v power socket. The bike will be offered with a range of 60 accessories.
    Price and launch
    At 9,300 pounds (on-the-road, UK), the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport is 200 pounds cheaper than the now discontinued entry level Triumph Tiger 900 despite offering more features like full LED headlights, Anakee tyres and Brembo Stylema front brakes. Compared to the Tiger 900 GT, the cost savings are even higher.
    [embedded content]
    The Tiger 850 is slated to hit the European market towards the end of January 2021. India launch is scheduled in Feb 2021. Expect the new variant to be priced well below the current Tiger range which starts at INR 13.7 lakh (ex-showroom) for the GT variant. The primary rival is the BMW F 750 GS. More