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    Bajaj, KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles Online Booking Platform Launched

    New Bajaj Pulsar NS200
    Bajaj has initiated an online sales platform for its entire range of Bajaj, KTM and Husqvarna offerings

    Bajaj Auto sales go online at https://online.bajajauto.com/ This online sales platform comes at a time when social distancing is the new normal and this online booking scheme involves the entire process from booking to delivery in a contactless format.
    Buyers need to log onto the online portal, select their brand for the list of Avenger, CT, Dominar, Platina, Pulsar, Husqvarna or KTM models and continue to choose their engine capacities, variants and colours. Buyers will be informed the final ex-showroom price of the vehicle chosen and can select their city and local dealer.
    Buyers can then opt for further details, book a test ride or make a confirmed booking at with an online payment which will be adjusted with the final payment. All this is done from the comfort of their couch.
    The Bajaj Auto online platform is being rolled out in phases across the company network and is currently on offer only in select cities and dealerships. For now, it is only on offer in five cities of Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
    Bajaj Online sales platform- Online Bajaj
    Last month, the Pune based, Bajaj Auto Limited announced launch of a minimum of two products every three months beginning from the ongoing quarter in a bid to push up domestic sales and market share. Holding a market share of 38 percent as at the end of December 2020, the company will focus on their premium segment which consists of the Pulsar, Avenger, Dominar, KTM and Husqvarna range.
    Bajaj Auto Upcoming Launches
    Bajaj Auto has just launched the new Pulsar 180 BS6 in India at Rs. 1.08 lakh. It borrows its engine lineup from the Pulsar 180F. This naked roadster is powered by a 178.6cc, single cylinder, air cooled engine offering 16.7 hp power at 8,500 rpm, mated to a 5 speed gearbox. It rivals the TVS Apache RTR 180 in its segment.
    Bajaj is also stated to be working on a new gen Pulsar range that will include250cc and 150cc Pulsars. The company plans to bring in Pulsar NS250 and the Pulsar RS250 in India in 2021 and they will be based on the Duke 250 platform and borrow its same engine lineup. Pulsar RS250 will compete with the Suzuki Gixxer SF250 while the NS250 will take on the Gixxer 250.
    Earlier this month, the company also launched the new Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 in Europe at Euro 5,199 (Rs 4.54 lakhs). It will be launched in India later this year. Production has already started at the company plant in Chakan, near Pune.
    New Bajaj Auto Chakan Plant
    Bajaj Auto has also planned a new plant in Chakan from where it will produce the KTM, Husqvarna and electric two wheelers. A capex of Rs.650 crores is set apart to invest into this new plant which will have installed capacity of 1 million units per annum thus taking Bajaj’s total annual production capacity to 2.2 million units. More

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    Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser Spied With Classic 650, Meteor 650 – At Over 120 Kmph

    Royal Enfield Cruiser 650 and Classic / Meteor 650 Spied together
    Royal Enfield has plans to launch multiple new motorcycles on the 650cc platform

    With good response to 650 twins in domestic as well as international markets, Royal Enfield is looking to further cement its position in this segment. Towards that end, the company has plans to introduce new products, the first of which is expected to be the 650 cruiser. When launched, the 650 cruiser will take on rivals such as Kawasaki Vulcan S.
    Latest spy video credit to Youtube channel Royal Bangalorean Raj, shows not 1, but 3 test mules of the 650cc range. One of them is the Cruiser 650 which is expected to be named KX650 upon launch, while the other two are either the Classic 650 or the Meteor 650.
    Compared to the Cruiser, the Classic 650 has different riding stance / footpeg placement. It also has a larger / wider pillion seat as compared to the cruiser. The cruiser has chrome finish on the twin exhausts, while the other two have black finish on the exhaust. The motorcycles were testing at a speed of 120-130 kmph.
    Royal Enfield 650 cruiser design
    Just like other Royal Enfield motorcycles such as Classic 350, the 650 cruiser sports a retro look and feel. Some of the key design highlights include round headlamp and rear view mirrors, teardrop shaped fuel tank and turn indicators, wide handlebar, large windscreen, dual metallic exhaust, and broad rear fenders. The motorcycle has forward-set foot pegs, allowing a comfortable, feet-forward riding stance.
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    Royal Enfield 650 cruiser has split seats and comes with pillion backrest. Towards the rear sides, there are dedicated bars for attaching panniers or other items. With its low seat height, the motorcycle will be easier to manoeuvre and control across varied terrains and environments.
    Royal Enfield 650 cruiser powertrain
    It is expected that 650 cruiser will be using the same powertrain as that of Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. However, it is possible that power and torque output may be adjusted to suit the requirements of a cruiser. On-board the 650 twins, the 648cc dual cylinder, air cooled motor is capable of generating 47 hp of max power and 52 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
    Royal Enfield 650 cruiser will be equipped with upside down forks at the front and standard twin shocks at the rear. It uses 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels with disc brakes at both ends. Dual-channel ABS will be part of standard package. Other key features include semi-digital instrument cluster and slipper clutch with assist.
    Tripper navigation
    Royal Enfield 650 cruiser is expected to get Tripper navigation system, which was first introduced with Meteor 350. Tripper system works in conjunction with Royal Enfield app and Google Maps. It has a dedicated screen next to the instrument console that displays navigational arrows for the inputted destination.
    Royal Enfield 650 cruiser is part of the company’s long term strategy to introduce new / next-gen products at regular intervals. A total of 28 products have been planned over a period of seven years. That means we can expect around four launches every year. This will help the company to increase the number of options available to customers. It will also help to fight competition from new rival products. More

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    Kawasaki New Motorcycle Launch Teasers – Ninja 300 BS6, Versys X300?

    Kawasaki Versys X 300
    The two new motorcycles from Kawasaki India are expected to augment its entry-level portfolio and one of them appears to be an adventure tourer

    Without revealing much, Kawasaki India’s social media handles have released a teaser showing two motorcycles under a green veil. The caption reads “Ride with passion, the new age sensation. Stay tuned”.
    We expect the two new motorcycles to be launched in the coming weeks. If we were to guess, Kawasaki is gearing up to reintroduce its best selling Ninja 300 in BS6 avatar while also augment its medium displacement portfolio with its Versys-X 300 adventure tourer.
    Kawasaki Versys-X 300
    Given that the medium displacement adventure tourers are steadily gaining momentum in the country, it would be a logical move to usher in the Versys-X 300. While there is no official confirmation on its launch, the teaser clearly shows the motorcycle on the right to be considerably taller than the one on the left, leading us to speculate what’s under the wrap.
    The KTM 390 Adventure has done well to activate this niche in India and hence the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 does not need to lay the groundwork. Textbook styling, long-travel suspension system, spoke wheels, dual-purpose tyres and a strong character makes the baby Versys an attractive proposition.
    Kawasaki India Teaser
    The Ninja derived 300 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor with its refined and effortless performance credentials only adds to its overall appeal. Given that the Versys-X 300 is not going to be as localized as its primary rival, expect the prices to be considerably higher. Something in the ballpark of INR 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom) is likely.
    Rather than going against the KTM 390 Adventure head-on, the Kawasaki adventure tourer, if launched in India, will aim to emerge as a more premium alternative. However, feature highlights are rather modest and include a digi-analog instrument console, dual-channel ABS, and slipper and assist clutch.
    Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6
    The Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6 will retain the time proven 296 cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine which is paired to a 6-speed transmission. The BS4 version churned out 38.4 hp and 27 Nm of torque but we may see a slight drop in these figures as the motor prioritizes emission performance. That said, the difference in output figures are expected to be negligible.
    Kawasaki Ninja 300
    Visually, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6 is expected to remain identical to the BS4 version but the Japanese brand may chose to use this opportunity to introduce new colour options. The equipment level are expected to stay the same too. The fully faired compact supersports motorcycle will continue to rival the KTM RC 390. Expect the price tag to be slightly above INR 3 lakh mark (ex-showroom).
    The two new launches in the affordable end of the premium motorcycle segment is expected to bring in considerable incremental sales to Kawasaki India’s table. More

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    2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 Features, Changes, Mileage, Performance – Detailed

    Image – Nitish Neo
    Bajaj Pulsar 180 is now a naked roadster and hence stands 10 kgs lighter as compared to the Pulsar 180F

    In 2019, Bajaj discontinued the Pulsar 180, and replaced it with 180F. Now they have brought back the Pulsar 180 in 2021. It is priced from Rs 1.08 lakhs, making it Rs.7k cheaper as compared to the Pulsar 180F which carried a price tag of Rs.1.15 lakhs, ex-sh prices. Bookings have opened and initial examples move into company showrooms.
    Bajaj Pulsar 180 Styling Elements
    Borrowing design inspiration from the Pulsar 150, new Pulsar 180 is seen with sporty body graphics across its fuel tank and front fender. It also receives split seats, pillion grab rails and multi spoke black finished alloy wheels.
    Headlamp is halogen and it comes along with twin pilot lamps. It continues to sport the same instrument cluster as seen on its 180F counterpart with an digital-analogue tachometer and LCD screen relaying information in terms of speed and fuel and an odometer.
    The 2021 Pulsar 180 is offered in two colour options of Laser Black and Nuclear Blue. Other design highlights also include a tinted windshield, clip on handlebars and black rear view mirrors. Below is a detailed first look video of the new Pulsar 180, credit to Youtube channel Nitish Neo.
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    Engine, Braking and Suspension
    The naked roadster gets powered by a 178.6cc, single cylinder, 2 valve, air cooled engine that also powers the 180F. This engine makes 17.02 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 14.2 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm, which is lower by 0.2 hp and 0.3 Nm as compared to the engine on the Pulsar 180F. The engine gets mated to a 5 speed gearbox. Kerb weight stands at 145 kgs which is 10 kgs lighter as compared to the 180F since it is devoid of fairing.
    Braking and suspension is also carried over from the Pulsar 180F with 280mm front and 230mm rear disc setup and a single-channel ABS system and telescopic front forks and five-step adjustable gas-charged mono-shock at the rear. Mileage of new Pulsar 180 is more or less the same as before and there is no huge improvement in this department.
    Rivals
    The new Bajaj Pulsar 180 enters a segment where it will take on TVS Apache RTR 180 (Rs.1.08,270). It will also compete with the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Pulsar NS160, Yamaha FZS FI-V3 and Hero Xtreme 160R in a similar price range.
    In related news, Bajaj Auto is also gearing up to add more motorcycles to the Pulsar range, that will include 250cc bikes. The Bajaj Pulsar NS250 and RS250 are pegged for launch later this year. They will share both platform and engine with the KTM 250 Duke. The Pulsar RS250 will compete with the Suzuki Gixxer SF250 while the Pulsar NS250 compete with the Suzuki Gixxer 250. More

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    2021 Yamaha MT15 With New Attire Launched In Thailand

    2021 Yamaha MT15
    International-spec MT-15 features an inverted front fork and an aluminium swingarm instead of conventional telescopic front forks and a box-section swingarm

    Yamaha has launched its entry-level naked streetfighter MT-15 in Thailand with new colour schemes which resemble its bigger, meaner and more powerful sibling MT-09. To be specific, the 2021 MT-15 is now offered in three paint options including Racing Blue, Matt Black and Metallic Gray.
    The good thing though, the Japanese bikemaker hasn’t increased the prices of the bike and is still offered at a price of THB 98,500 (equivalent to INR 2.38 lakh). All three colour variants feature the brand’s signature slanted stripes on its fuel tank like MT-09. And also sports the large MT logo on its tank shrouds.
    Difference between India-spec, Thai-spec MT-15
    One can also notice colour-coded stripes on its tail section too which are nicely complemented by colour-coded stripes on the wheel rims. This visual accentuates the sporty appeal of the naked motorcycle. In India though, consumers get Ice Fluo Vermillion, Dark Matte Blue and Metallic black as colour schemes. However, Indian customers get customisation options that let one opt from as many as eleven colour combinations.
    The Thai-spec model although comes with superior underpinnings. Its hardware setup features a more premium upside-down USD front suspension finished in golden colour along with an aluminium swingarm.
    2021 Yamaha MT15
    The India-spec model, on the other hand, sadly gets conventional telescopic forks at front and a box-section swingarm. Other features on offer in the Indian model include LED headlamps, LED taillights, a digital speedometer, disc brakes on both ends and single-channel ABS.
    Powertrain Specs
    MT-15 in Thailand comes with the same powertrain as the Indian version which features a Euro-5/BS6 compliant 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled four-valve motor. This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch and returns an output of 18.5 bhp at 10,000rpm and 14.7 Nm of peak torque at 8500rpm. The bike shares its underpinning, hardware and engine with its faired cousin R-15.
    Other Yamaha Models
    Yamaha has been busy launching updated products in Thailand. A few days ago, the Japanese brand launched its premium Maxi-styled scooter named Aerox 155. As the name suggests, it derives its power from the same 155cc engine which also drives MT-15 and R15.
    2021 Yamaha MT15
    Although, in Aerox this unit is slightly detuned and churns out 15.4 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 13.9 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Equipped with electronic fuel injection (EFI), this unit is linked to a traditional V-belt CVT to carry out transmission duties.
    The Japanese manufacturer has also registered a new trademark with the name FZ-X which is speculated to be the company’s upcoming adventure motorcycle in India. It is likely to be underpinned by the same platform as its quarter-litre sibling FZ25 and FZS25 and hence it is expected to be powered by the same 249cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. More

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    Komaki CAT Electric Two Wheeler Launch Price Rs 75k – Payload 350 kgs, Range 125 kms

    Credot e-wheeler
    Komaki XGT CAT 2.0 boasts a load bearing capacity of 300-350 kgs, thanks to hydraulic shock absorbers on the rear

    Following recent launches of the Komaki TN95, Komaki SE and Komiaki M5, the Delhi based electric two wheeler maker has now introduced the new XGT CAT 2.0 heavy load carrier.
    Komaki XGT CAT 2.0 is being offered in two variants with Gel (72V42Ah) or a Li-Ion (72V30Ah) batteries and priced at Rs.75,000 and Rs.85,000 respectively. It is portrayed as a heavy loader with weight carrying capacity of 300-350 kgs and hence targets the commercial segment of buyers in the country.
    Load Bearing Capacity and Suspension
    Komaki XGT CAT 2.0 is fitted with highly efficient shock absorbers at the rear allowing for this added load bearing capacity. The scooter boasts of a rigid and tested iron body to take on the extra weight. It gets a convertible pillion seat that unfolds to offer added storage space while the front mounted carrier also allows for extra storage.
    Despite this high load factor, the e-scooter can still tackle Indian road conditions with ease. Its wide footboard also serves as space for extra baggage. Detailed first look walkaround of the Komaki electric two wheeler can be seen below.
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    Komaki has fitted the scooter with highly efficient 6 spring assisted hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear allowing for stability even while taking on pot holes. Braking is via a dual disc braking system. On-board features include front LED headlamps, a digital instrument cluster, side mounted foot rests for rider and pillion rider and rides on 12 inch wheels fitted with tubeless tyres.
    The new Komaki XGT CAT 2.0 gets its power via two battery options. These include a 72V42 Ah Gel battery and a 72V30 Ah lithium-ion battery. These batteries take 1-1.5 units per charge and are capable of a range of around 125 kms with top speed pegged at between 25-30 km/h.
    Other offerings from Komaki
    Apart from the new Komaki XGT CAT 2.0, the company has three high-speed electric two-wheelers in India. The Komaki TN95 and SE are scooters while the M5 is a motorcycle. TN95 and SE are priced at Rs. 98,000 and Rs. 96,000 respectively. The M5 electric motorcycle carries a price tag of Rs. 99,000.
    Komaki Cat 2.0 Specs
    Komaki SE electric scooter which is fitted with a 3,000W BLDC motor paired with a lithium-ion battery. This scooter is offered in colour options of Garnet Red, Deep Blue, Metallic Gold and Jet Black. It receives features of LED headlamp with LED DRL, an all-digital instrument panel, USB mobile charger, anti-theft system, reverse assist and cruise control along with in built Bluetooth speaker. The new Komaki SE electric scooter offers a range of 100-140 kms on a full charge. Top speed is pegged at over 85km/h.
    Every scooter in the Komaki electric range undergoes a 3 stage quality check that assesses the raw material used, an in-process inspection in the semi assembled stage and the final inspection of the finished product. More

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    Royal Enfield Sales, Exports Break Up Jan 2021 – Classic, 650 Twins, Himalayan

    Image – Debayan
    Royal Enfield has posted positive numbers in both domestic market and exports

    A total of 64,372 units were sold in domestic market in January 2021, which is modest YoY growth of 5.03%. Sales during the corresponding period last year stood at 61,291 units. In exports, numbers have more than doubled from 2,228 units in January last year to 4,515 units in January 2021.
    Royal Enfield domestic sales breakup – January 2021
    No surprises at number one, as Classic 350 continues to be the top selling motorcycle for Royal Enfield in domestic market. A total of 40,872 units were sold in January 2021, as compared to 40,834 units in January last year. YoY sales have grown marginally by 0.09%. Classic 350 share in sales is 63.49% in January 2021.
    Next is Bullet 350 with 11,570 units sold in January 2021. YoY growth is 21.04%, as compared to 9,559 units sold in January last year. Share in sales is 17.97%. Electra 350 is third with 5,431 units sold in January 2021. YoY sales are down -7.46%, as compared to 5,869 units sold in January last year. Electra share in sales is at 8.44%.
    At number four is Meteor 350 with sales of 5,073 units in January 2021. Launched in November last year, Meteor has emerged as a popular choice in 350cc segment. Meteor share in sales stands at 7.88% in January 2021. 650 Twins are next with 1,392 units sold in January 2021. YoY growth is 18.37%, as compared to 1,176 units sold in January last year. Share in sales is at 2.16%.
    Royal Enfield Domestic Sales Jan 2021
    At number six is Himalayan with 34 units sold in January 2021. YoY sales are down by -97.64%, as compared to 1,438 units sold in January last year. This massive drop is because Royal Enfield had temporarily suspended deliveries of Himalayan. It was done to ensure that customers can get the updated 2021 model. The updated model was launched earlier this month and deliveries have started.
    These numbers reveal that Royal Enfield’s 350cc motorcycles constitute the majority of the company’s sales. Taken together, Classic, Bullet, Electra and Meteor have close to 98% share.
    Royal Enfield exports breakup – January 2021
    Himalayan has the lead in exports with 1,819 units exported in January 2021. YoY growth is a whopping 583.83%, as compared to 266 units in January last year. 650 Twins is second with 1,200 units exported in January 2021. YoY growth is 4.90%, as compared to 1,144 units in January last year.
    Royal Enfield Exports Jan 2021
    At number three is Classic 350 with exports of 1,107 units. YoY growth is 155.07%, as compared to 434 units exported in January last year. Other motorcycles in the list are Classic 500 (184), Meteor 350 (184), Electra 350 (11), and Bullet 500 (10). With the exception of Meteor, all others have negative YoY growth. Thunderbird 350, Bullet 350 and Thunderbird 500 have zero exports in January 2021. More

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    Hero Electric Scooter Dealers Register Record Footfalls – Thanks To Rise In Petrol Prices

    Hero Electric Scooter
    Petrol and diesel prices continued to soar to new heights as rates were hiked for the 12th consecutive day on Saturday

    Rising fuel prices over the past several weeks has caused some concerns to consumers. Following the most recent price hike, petrol now stands at Rs 90.58 per liter, while diesel is at Rs. 80.97 per liter in Delhi. This has led to consumers seeking alternative measures to counter such rising expense and higher cost of ownership.
    Use of public transport is also looked upon with some trepidation due to the ongoing pandemic, making the consumer turn towards alternative options of travel. It is here that electric vehicles come into play and EV makers in the country have been noting higher demand.
    The Government of India has also unveiled the ‘Go Electric’ initiative with a logo being released and an exhibition held wherein electric e-buses, e-cars, 3-wheelers, and 2-wheelers were on display along with Fast and Slow Chargers.
    Hero Electric Dealerships Note Rising Footfalls
    Dealerships have been reporting rising footfalls with customers seeing test rides of these electric bikes. Buyers are also seeking exchange options to trade in their existing petrol powered vehicles for electric models.
    Hero Electric Scooter Dealer
    Hero Electric has stated that over the past few weeks, dealerships have been seeing increased footfalls and the Hero City Speed NYX electric scooter has been much in demand. Launched in October 2020, this e-scooter is priced at Rs.64,640 and offers a range starts at 82 km per charge going upto 210 km per charge, depending on battery size.
    Hero Electric Bikes
    Hero Electric also offers City Speed e-bikes Optima and Photon. These e-scooters offer affordable mobility solution especially under the present scenario and hence customers are not only coming into dealerships asking for test rides but are also seeking exchange options to trade in their petrol scooters.
    Hero’s City Speed range offers better long terms saving and lower cost of maintenance, especially along with the Central Government’s FAME II scheme. An electric scooter has several advantages over an ICE scooter. It brings expenses on regular maintenance, spares and fuel down to zero while each of these vehicles offer best in class efficiencies in terms of speed, pickup and performance even under heavy traffic conditions.
    Hero Electric’s City Speed e-Bikes, Optima, Nyx, and Photon, in the light weight, city speed and high performance range, offer low running costs and command high load carrying capabilities. They boast of an attractive design and are fitted with a host of connectivity features.
    The e-scooters offer complete solutions to B2B customer with 90 percent plus uptime and swappable infrastructure with minimum cost of ownership and zero emissions. The bikes are ideally suited for city and office travel, made especially convenient with the company having a total of 750+ charging stations set up across the country. More