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    Tiger 850 Sport Debuts On Triumph India Website – Price Reveal Soon

    Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
    Upon its launch, Triumph Tiger 850 Sport will rival the likes of Kawasaki Versys 1000 and the upcoming KTM 790 Adventure

    Triumph Motorcycles unveiled the Tiger 850 Sport over a month ago and now the British bikemaker has listed its upcoming middleweight adventure tourer on its official India website. Upon its launch, Tiger 850 Sport will serve as the brand’s entry-level motorcycle and positioned below Tiger 900.
    According to the company, Tiger 850 Sport has been primarily targeted at an audience which is still relatively new to biking at a more affordable rate. It caters to the demands of consumers who do not seek overloaded technical gizmos on its equipment yet provides strong performance for a thrilling ride.
    Powertrain & Tranmission
    The name would suggest that it is a scaled-down version of Tiger 900, however, that is not the case as it is essentially the same bike. It is powered by the same 888cc in-line three-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with T-Plane crankshaft which also powers Tiger 900. However, Triumph has detuned the output of this unit to produce 84 bhp and at 8,500 rpm and 82 Nm at 6,500 which is 10 bhp and 5 Nm less than its older sibling.
    Triumph has done this to make it a more approachable option for first-time riders. This unit is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch for smoother gear shifts. This motor also ensures a more linear delivery of power.
    Tiger 850 Sport India Price Reveal Soon
    Dynamics
    This iteration of the ADV tourer has been developed more for road-focused touring rather than trail bashing off-road adventures. Therefore, it receives road-biased tyres and a non-adjustable suspension setup. It is offered with a 45mm upside-down forks at front with 180mm travel and gas pressurised manual preload adjustment mono-shock at rear with a travel of 170mm from Marzocchi.
    Anchorage duties are handled by a pair of 320 mm front discs with monoblock 4-piston Brembo Stylema callipers and a 255 mm single disc with Brembo single-piston sliding calliper at rear. These are assisted by dual-channel ABS. Tiger 850 rolls on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels with 100/90 and 150/70 profile of tyres wrapped around.
    Features on offer
    In terms of electronic aids, Triumph has thrown in two riding modes- road and rain, with Ride-by-wire throttle and switchable traction control. Its list of features also consists of an all-LED lighting setup with DRLs, an adjustable windscreen, a USB charging port and a five-inch TFT instrument display which provides crucial readouts from odometer, speedometer, trip meter, etc. Apart from these, Triumph will also offer a number of optional accessories packages to spruce up the Tiger 850.
    Launch of Tiger 850 in India will be preceded by the launch of the all-new Trident 660 which is expected to hit showrooms in a few days time. As far as pricing goes, Tiger 850 Sport is likely to be priced around Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). The British brand recently revealed that it has lined up nine new models for the Indian market which will be launched in the space of the next six months. More

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    2021 Royal Enfield 650 Twins Conti GT Spied – Facelift With Tripper Navigation?

    2021 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Spied
    While Interceptor is a retro classic roadster, Continental GT 650 is a retro cafe racer

    Ever since their launch in 2018, the 650 Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT have been the eye candy for Royal Enfield consumers. Especially those seeking a fun and spirited motorcycle to ride something different from retro commuter and cruiser motorcycles for which the brand is best known.
    The models have been instrumental for Royal Enfield’s resurgence as a global brand since both the models have received positive feedback from Royal Enfield customers of overseas markets. Now, the brand is looking to give a minor mid-life facelift to both its premium offerings.
    Changes Expected
    Spy shots of the 2021 RE 650 Twins have been clicked by automotive enthusiast Arjun, near ECR in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Though there has been no official announcement regarding a facelift for Interceptor 650 and Conti GT 650, recent announcements by Royal Enfield and the timing of these getting spied, does indicate towards an incoming facelift for 650 Twins.
    Recently, Royal Enfield claimed that they would be launching at least 28 new motorcycles in the next seven years; which means one new motorcycle every quarter. It is likely that a mid-life facelift to the 650 Twins fits the bill. If that is the case, these are the first reported set of 650 Twins Facelift. If we were to guess, then this new facelifted 650 Twins are expected to launch sometime next year.
    2021 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Spied
    New Colours, Tripper Navigation
    The RE 650 Interceptor facelift and Continental GT 650 Facelift are not likely to incorporate any major changes, maybe only small cosmetic changes, new colours or a slight tweak to its engine to draw more output of it. In all probability, Royal Enfield will give facelift to Continental GT and Interceptor at the same time.
    Facelifted RE 650 Twins will continue with the same retro classic styling with round halogen headlamps, spoked wheels (alloys launch planned), minimal body panels and twin exhaust mufflers. It is also likely to get bluetooth enabled tripper navigation, which was recently launched with Meteor 350.
    2021 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Spied
    Engine
    Both 650 Twins are powered by a 648c parallel-twin oil-cooled engine which in its BS6 form churns out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. This unit is linked to a 6-speed gearbox. While Interceptor 650 is offered at a starting price of Rs 2.66 lakh, Continental GT 650 is pegged at a starting price of Rs 2.82 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom).
    Facelifted 650 Twins might get a minor bump in price, in comparison to the current prices. Royal Enfield has also announced that from Feb 2021, the 650 Twins will come with optional alloys. Existing customers can purchase the same from company dealers or via their website and get them replaced on their motorcycles. It is likely that the facelifted 650 Twins come with factory fitted alloys when launched later next year. More

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    Honda CB350 Exports Grow 205% In Nov 2020 – Still Behind RE Classic, Meteor

    Image – Gajanan
    Along with domestic sales, new Honda CB350 exports are also on the rise

    Honda H’ness CB350, launched in India in October 2020, has shown impressive start in the 350cc motorcycle segment. Sales got off to a fairly good start with the Honda H’Ness CB350 registering a sale of 1,290 units in the first month of sales. 2nd month, Nov 2020 saw sales increase to 4,067 units.
    No other motorcycle launched in the past to Royal Enfield 350cc range, has shown this good jump in sales. Be it Jawa or Benelli or the Dominar to an extent – who went all out against the REs with the Hathi Mat Paalo campaign.
    Sales and Exports Grow
    Honda CB350 posted 215% increase in sales, and that too when they are not even on offer at their entire dealer network across India. Honda CB350 is only on sale at select dealers in select cities as of now. Next year will see more cities get the new Honda motorcycle.
    Along with domestic sales, Honda has also been increasing export numbers of the CB350. After exported their first batch of 30 units in Oct 2020, Nov 2020 saw Honda export 92 units of the CB350. It is not clear as to which countries are getting this made in India 350cc motorcycle from Honda.
    350cc Motorcycle Sales and Exports – Nov 2020
    Both, domestic and exports of CB350 has grown by more than 200% in Nov 2020. But it still has a far way to go, in order to make a dent in the Royal Enfield camp – which continues to enjoy an elephant’s share, thanks to Classic and Meteor 350.
    Honda BigWing Dealers To Be Expanded
    At the time of launch, there were only 5 BigWing dealerships in India which the company is now in the process of expanding. This would ensure a shorter waiting period especially when compared to its prime rival RE Meteor 350, which commands a waiting period of upto 4 months in many cities.
    By the end of December, Honda expects to open 25 more BigWing outlets across different regions in India. Over the next two years plans are on to inaugurate around 250-300 BigWing dealerships so as to reach out to more customers with a constantly expanding product portfolio.
    Yes, this will help increase sales. But it is also likely to increase waiting period. Honda H’ness CB350 currently commands a waiting period of around 1 month specially where the dual tone blue colour option of the DLX Pro variant is concerned.
    One of the biggest two wheeler launches of 2020
    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. It borrows much of its styling from the earlier CB350 but with modern touches of full LED lighting, Selectable Torque Control and Bluetooth enabled instrument. Honda is also offering an entire list of accessories that come in at an affordable price tag giving customers a host of options to choose from.
    Engine specifications include a 348cc, single cylinder, air cooled engine offering 21 hp power at 5,500 rpm and 30 Nm torque at 3,000 rpm mated to a 5 speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch. It receives telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers while braking is via 310mm front and 240mm rear disc with dual channel ABS as standard. More

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    Bajaj-Triumph Sub Rs 2 Lakh Motorcycle Launch Delayed To 2023

    Bajaj Triumph motorcycle render
    The Covid-19 pandemic has played spoilsport to another new automotive project in India

    The Bajaj-Triumph partnership is one of the most talked-about joint ventures in the Indian automotive industry in recent past. Both companies entered into a long-term partnership in 2017 which will focus on a non-equity tie-up to develop mid-capacity motorcycles ranging from 200cc to 750cc.
    However, the first product out of this joint venture might face a delay due to the ongoing crisis. In an interaction with ET Auto, Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto, has revealed that the upcoming bike from Bajaj-Triumph partnership could be delayed by several months because of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    Delayed to 2023
    Bajaj said that due to COVID-19-related disruptions, launch of the first Bajaj-Triumph bike may get deferred to 2023. It was earlier reported that this JV planned to bring out its first model sometime in 2022. Both bikemakers have remained reticent about the models to be developed under this JV. However, some reports indicate that its lineup will include Triumph Tiger, a baby Daytona 250 and a mini Bonneville.
    Although one thing is clear that most of these motorcycles under this tie-up will be manufactured at Bajaj’s facility in Chakan near Pune in Maharashtra with localisation up to 99 percent as in the case with Bajaj-KTM partnership.
    Bajaj Triumph motorcycle render
    Additionally, Bajaj will also be responsible for marketing and sales of Triumph motorcycles in India manufactured by it as well as oversee the exports to neighbouring countries in the subcontinent, Asia, Africa and other markets.
    Expected Details of the first model
    All these motorcycles under this JV are likely to wear the nameplate of Triumph. The first model out of this is likely to be built on a 200cc platform which will be powered by the same 200cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which also powers Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and KTM Duke 200. This bike is expected to be based on the entry-level Triumph Bonneville which sports a retro-classic design.
    It might feature a round headlamp, a single-piece flat seat, alloy wheels, a tear drop shaped fuel tank and a semi-digital instrument cluster. Anchorage duties might be handled by disc brakes on both ends assisted by a dual-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) as standard. This motorcycle is likely to be priced below Rs 2.0 lakh (ex-showroom) and will rival models from Royal Enfield and Jawa.
    In recent times, we have witnessed many foreign high-end bikemakers partner with Indian manufacturers to offer affordable premium motorcycles for Indian consumers. Some of the notable examples are TVS-BMW Motorrad, Bajaj-KTM, Jawa-Classic Legends and the most recent being Hero MotoCorp-Harley Davidson.
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    Suzuki Two Wheelers Sales, Exports Nov 2020 – Access, Burgman, Gixxer, Intruder

    Image – Sinha Suzuki
    Suzuki domestic dispatches and exports for November 2020 were at a decline

    2020 has been a trying year. For manufacturers, FY21 started on a standstill in the grip of national lockdown owing to Covid-19 pandemic. With manufacturing and sales at nil, a system restart was announced in May 2020. And weeks went by in putting logistics and supply chains back on track. Suzuki two-wheelers one of the smaller manufacturers in terms of sales began Q4 2020 o a strong note.
    In October, the company was able to report flat domestic sales growth at 1.59 percent up at 67,225 units from 66,170 units. The uptick was largely fuelled by deferred demand, festive season demand, flexible EMI plans and improved finance options among other things. This, and the requirement for safe personal commute to maintain much need physical distancing.
    Domestic Sales
    For November 2020, YoY and MoM wholesale dispatches dropped. MoM numbers fell by 14.59 percent. YoY decline was reported at 5.58 percent. Down at 57,417 units from 60,812 units. Although Suzuki sells 5 products here, sales volume in some instances is low. It’s bestseller being the bestseller topped the chart at 45,82 units.
    Even though it’s top of the chart prowess is unchallenged, numbers did fall by 7.22 percent from 49,128 units. Sales volume contracted by 3.5k units. In fact, such a large chunk of Suzuki’s business depends on Access that the scooter accounted for 79.39 percent of domestic dispatches last month.
    Suzuki Two Wheelers Domestic Sales Nov 2020
    Suzuki Access a brand bestseller
    Comparatively, Burgman is a much newer launch from the brand. Dispatches gained 16.03 percent, up at 9,078 units from 7,824 units. Business at the domestic front accounted for 15.81 percent share. The top two selling scooters accounted for over 95 percent of Suzuki’s wholesales.
    Which means, the remainder 3 made up for less than 5 percent. At the narrow end, Gixxer numbers were reported at 2,145 units. This, at a YoY decline of 40.45 percent from 3,602 units. Gixxer 250 was reported at 65.50 percent decline. Given that base sales were at a low of 258 units, an increase to 427 couldn’t have been too difficult. Suzuki Intruder was discontinued at this time last year. But it did live on in its BS6 avatar. Given that the company decided to continue selling the product, its difficult to ascertain why. A mere 185 units were dispatched to dealerships last month.
    Suzuki Two Wheelers Exports Nov 2020
    Suzuki exports decline Mom and YoY
    Exports for November 2020 fell in MoM and YoY basis. Notably, Gixxer makes up the bulk of exports. At 4,572 units, MoM decline was reported at 11,43 percent, down from 5,162 units. Though discontinued here, Hayate lives on overseas. Exports were reported at 1,032 units, down 25.43 percent from 1,384 units. Volume contracted by 352 units. Both motorcycles made up for upward of 80 percent of exports last month.
    While domestic sales for Suzuki is dominated by scooters, motorcycles lead exports. Burgman numbers contracted to 512 units from 1,398 units at 63.38 percent decline. Notably, Gixxer 250 sales was in the green. Numbers grew from 16 units to 463.
    Though discontinued here, Lets scooter exports keeps the product alive. Numbers contracted manifold at 152 units, down from 668 units. Intruder units were down at 64 units. MoM decline was reported at 29.51 percent. And YoY decline at 23.74 percent. More

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    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Launch In 30 New Cities By March 2022

    Image – Naveen
    Bajaj Chetak Electric is currently on sale only in Pune and Bangalore – Has sold over 800 units in the last three months

    Bajaj Auto has been contemplating on expansion of its electric scooter offering Chetak Electric to a wider network. It has been reported that the homegrown two-wheeler manufacturer is eyeing to add as many as 30 new cities to its existing network across the country by March 2022.
    The above development was recently confirmed by Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto, in an interview with Live Mint. A full-scale nationwide rollout could become possible only after Phase-1 of the expansion plan takes effect. This can be achieved thanks to a drastic increase in production capacity after the opening of the second facility in Chakan.
    Bajaj’s New Manufacturing Facility
    Earlier this month, Bajaj revealed its plans of opening a new manufacturing facility, the second in Chakan and will be used to manufacture Chetak e-cooter along with models from joint ventures such as Triumph, KTM and Husqvarna. The brand is looking to invest Rs 650 crores in developing this new facility.
    If everything goes as planned, Bajaj can start production of Chetak Electric at this new facility by 2023. Sharma also confirmed that this facility will be reserved for assembly of premium bikes and electric two-wheelers.
    Bajaj Chetak Electric
    Bajaj launched the Chetak electric scooter earlier this year in two cities- Pune and Bengaluru in order to receive consumers’ feedback and understand how they use this vehicle. Before making this new concept a pan-India offering, Bajaj wanted to test the market with a premium offering.
    However, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent nationwide lockdown, resulted in supply chain constraints which is why Bajaj had to halt production of the electric scooter.
    Expansion of EV Network
    Due to this, the company had to stop accepting further orders from Chetak Electric and hold back its expansion plans. Currently, Bajaj is focused on completing the impending orders before the year comes to a close. With things improving in the last couple of months Bajaj is now looking to quicken its production speed. Like Ather Energy, Bajaj would expand its network for its high-speed e-scooter offering to Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities first.
    The bikemaker has circled out locations such as Delhi, Chennai, Vizag, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Goa as part of the Phase I expansion plan. Chetak Electric has so far received a very healthy response from the two cities it is available in. The e-scooter has raked in over 800 units of sales volume in the last three months.
    Such has been its positive response and that one of its rival companies has bought two units of Chetak Electric and shipped it to its R&D facility in Japan. Bajaj tracked down these two units using their GPS at its rival’s Japanese R&D facility. The company could be Yamaha, Suzuki or Honda. Currently, Chetak Electric competes against the likes of TVS iQube and Ather 450X.
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    Yamaha FZ-X Name Registered – New ADV To Rival Xpulse, Himalayan, KTM

    Yamaha FZ-X Adv Render by Yogi Sejwal Design
    Yamaha FZ-X is most likely to be based on the 250cc platform

    Small and mid-segment adventure motorcycles have been slowly but surely gaining prominence over the past year or so. Sales number back this fact as well. In November 2020, Royal Enfield retailed 1,550 units of the Himalayan whereas Hero Motocorp witnessed sales of 1,372 units of Xpulse 200.
    About a month ago even KTM launched its entry-level 250 Adventure. Suzuki has plans to launch a Gixxer based adventure tourer sometime in coming years. Therefore, it does make good sense for Yamaha to introduce an all-new product in a relatively new space.
    Yamaha’s ADV for India
    Now, Yamaha has filed a trademark application with the name ‘Yamaha FZ-X’ in India. This name could be utilised by the Japanese brand for its upcoming adventure motorcycle, based on the FZ25 platform.
    The company had earlier revealed its intentions of making its entry into the small-capacity adventure segment of bikes. This new adventure tourer is likely to be based on the existing 250cc platform of Yamaha. This is because this platform is relatively new and affordable and is versatile enough to be used for an adventure bike.
    Yamaha FZ-X Name Registered In India
    Even the engine used in the 250cc Yamaha bikes is suited for an ADV since it has a fairly simple construction and a torque low and mid-range performance. Since it will be built on an already developed architecture, the cost behind its development will be less and, therefore, it could be competitively priced. Although Yamaha would have to make some changes to its steering setup to rework the geometry with longer travel suspension.
    Expected Design & Features
    The 250cc platform currently underpins Yamaha FZ-25 and FZS-25. Design of this upcoming adventure bike will be different from what seen in the naked street racer twins although certain design cues might be borrowed from them. FZ25 and its naked twin come with a sharper looking front face thanks to a bi-function LED headlight flanked by LED DRLs. It also features a new engine cowl.
    In terms of equipment, this upcoming adventure bike is likely to borrow features such as a multi-function negative LCD instrument console, a side stand with an engine inhibitor switch and more. Additionally, the ADV is likely to be equipped with a switchable anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Yamaha’s latest Bluetooth connectivity suite. Also, instead of alloy wheels, it is expected to be offered with wire-spoked wheels.
    Expected Powertrain Specs
    Coming to its powertrains, it will be powered by the same 249cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled SOHC engine which also powers FZ25. This unit returns an output of 20.6 bhp and 20 Nm of peak torque and is linked to a 5-speed gearbox. Suspension setup is likely to be a little different with more travel at both front and rear ends.
    As far as pricing is concerned we can expect this Yamaha FZ-X to bridge the gap between Hero Xpulse 200 and Royal Enfield Himalayan with the former priced at Rs 1.13 lakh whereas the latter is offered at a starting price of Rs 1.91 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom).
    It could also be loaded with tech and features, to be a worthy rival to KTM 250 Adventure. Recently, TVS Motor also registered a trademark application with the name ‘Raider’ which is also suspected to the brand’s upcoming adventure tourer motorcycle.
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    Husqvarna Blapilen (Blue Arrow) Cruiser Rendered – On The Anvil?

    Husqvarna Blapilen Render
    The Husqvarna Blapilen cruiser family with multiple engine variants could bring in a whole new class of audience under the brand’s umbrella

    Under the ownership of KTM AG, Husqvarna evolved from making niche motocross and enduro models for competition to also making road bikes. The Vitpilen and Svartpilen family of motorcycles mark the beginning of a new era for the Swedish motorcycle brand.
    Husqvarna to explore more product segments
    While KTM continues to focus on sharp sportsbikes and adventure tourers, it will be using its subsidiary to expand its reach into hitherto unexplored territories. For starters, Husqvarna will debut a new electric scooter sometime next year with a 4 kW platform which will be derived from Bajaj Chetak. The stylish urban runabout will be made it India for global consumption. There will also be an electric motorcycle by the name of E-Pilen.
    Husqvarna Blapilen cruiser
    With demand for cruisers on the rise, what if Husqvarna decided to launch a cruiser motorcycle, christened Blapilen – Swedish for Blue Arrow. Our in-house design expert Pratyush Rout gave it a shot and this is the end result.
    If at all the Husqvarna Blapilen cruiser is to become a reality, we reckon it will derive its design inspiration from its street fighter siblings with a circular LED infused headlight, an unconventional fuel tank design with extruded badge-carrying elements, and a minimal tailpiece with a compact LED taillight.
    Husqvarna Blapilen Render
    It is reasonable to assume that the Blapilen cruiser would continue to employ a trellis frame but with altered geometry and a lower rear sub-frame. To keep the costs in check, such a product is most likely to share its suspension, wheels and braking system with the Vitpilen and Svartpilen families. As the rendering suggests, a Husqvarna cruiser could be a very interesting proposition.
    Powertrain
    Just like the existing Husqvarna road motorcycles, the cruiser could be available in 200, 250, 401 and 701 avatars depending on the market. If this project attains fruition, the first three are likely to have India as their production base.
    Husqvarna Blapilen Render
    We think the Husqvarna Blapilen cruiser has the potential to bring a whole new class of audience under the brand’s umbrella. The cruiser family will cover a wide range of rivals such as the Honda Rebel, Kawasaki Vulcan, Harley Street, and so on. Even the Royal Enfield’s to an extent.
    It is to be noted that Husqvarna has not officially confirmed the existence of a cruiser named Blapilen in its pipeline. If at all there is such a project underway, we don’t expect such a motorcycle to be ready for a couple of years. More