More stories

  • in

    Kawasaki India Price Hike Up To Rs 20k – Vulcan, Ninja, Versys, W800

    Image – Anzen Kawasaki
    Kawasaki India price increase wef January 1, 2021

    Kawasaki India has announced a price revision of upto 20 grands for its motorcycles on sale in India. It’s off-roading KX and KLX range will continue to be sold at current prices in the new year. Kawasaki Z900 and Versys 1000 will be costlier by 20k. Vulcan S, Ninja and Versys 650, and Ninja 1000Sx will be costlier by 15 grands. One will have to shell out 10 grads more for Z650 and W800.
    Kawasaki India ex-sh prices – WEF 1st Jan 2021 vs old price
    Kawasaki 2020 December Discounts
    Kawasaki India has special end of the year discounts so as to bring customers to showrooms. And clear out MY20 stock. Discounts are offered on a wide range of Kawasaki bikes, including KLX 110, KLX 140, KX 100, W800, Vulcan S, Z650 and Versys 650 and valid from 1-31st December 2020. With limited stock of each model at company dealerships, buyers will be offered discounts on a first come first serve basis.
    The Kawasaki KLX110, priced at Rs. 2.99 lakhs is being offered at a discount of Rs.30,000. Kawasaki KLX140G, which carries a price tag of Rs. 4.06 lakhs is available with a discount of Rs.40,000 while the KX 100 can be had at a maximum discount of Rs.50,000. It currently retails at Rs 4,87,800.
    Discounts on the Kawasaki Vulcan S, priced at Rs. 5.94 lakhs are listed at Rs.20,000. Kawasaki W800 gets a discount of Rs.30,000 on a retail price of Rs 7,09,000. The Kawasaki 650 twins, Z650 and Versys 650 are available at a discount of upto Rs.30,000 each.
    Kawasaki India Dec 2020 Discounts
    By March 2021, Kawasaki India will launch the much awaited BS6 Ninja 300, which has been off the shelves since the BS6 norms were implemented in India back in April 2020. Ninja 300 was the best-selling bike from the brand, and its discontinuation has affected sales hugely.
    No
    Kawasaki
    New Price Jan 2021
    Old Price
    Diff
    1
    Vulcan S
    5,94,000
    5,79,000
    15,000
    2
    Z650
    6,04,000
    5,94,000
    10,000
    3
    Ninja 650
    6,39,000
    6,24,000
    15,000
    4
    Versys 650
    6,94,000
    6,79,000
    15,000
    5
    W800
    7,09,000
    6,99,000
    10,000
    6
    Z900
    8,19,000
    7,99,000
    20,000
    7
    Ninja 1000SX
    11,04,000
    10,89,000
    15,000
    8
    Versys 1000
    11,19,000
    10,99,000
    20,000
    9
    KX100
    4,87,800
    4,87,800
    0
    10
    KX250
    7,43,000
    7,43,000
    0
    11
    KX450
    7,79,000
    7,79,000
    0
    12
    KLX110
    2,99,500
    2,99,500
    0
    13
    KLX140G
    4,06,600
    4,06,600
    0
    14
    KLX450R
    8,49,000
    8,49,000
    0
    New Global Debut From Kawasaki
    Kawasaki recently unveiled the Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-10RR. Expected to arrive in India next year, 2021 Kawasaki ZX10R will be offered in two variants ABS and Non-ABS and in color options of Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray and the Ninja KRT Edition in Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White.
    2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX10RR gets a single colour option of Lime Green. Updates include an even more aerodynamic body, small LED headlamps, a 4.3 inch TFT colour screen and smartphone connectivity with Bluetooth and Rideology App. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-10RR promise better ergonomics with a more comfortable riding position, footpegs set 5mm higher and clip on handle bars 10mm further forward.
    No engine specifications are revealed as on date but the 998cc, liquid cooled, in-line four cylinder DOHC engine gets mated to a 6 speed gearbox and complies with Euro5/BS6 emission norms. On its outgoing counterpart, this engine makes 203 hp power and 115 Nm torque. Electronics on the new ZX-10R will also include Bosch 6 axis IMU, Kawasaki cornering management function, Kawasaki intelligent anti lock braking system, etc.
    Pricing has also not yet been detailed. However, in the US markets, the Kawasaki ZX-10R is priced at US$ 16,999 (Rs.12.17 lakhs). Expect the ZX-10R and RR to go on sale in India sometime next year. More

  • in

    Top 10 Scooter Sales Nov 2020 – Activa, Jupiter, Access, Pleasure, Fascino

    New Honda Activa 6G
    November 2020 top 10 scooter wholesales reported at double digit growth

    In recent weeks, two-wheeler sales has been positive. This is especially heartening since business had come to a complete standstill at the start of FY21. However, pent-up demand and refocus on personal mobility options to stay safe in the times of Covid-19 pandemic worked wonders.
    While folks settled into work from home schedules, there are many who depend on daily commute for a livelihood. With delivery in regard to pent up demand being carried out uninterrupted, the recently concluded festive season stood to be a great haul. Top 10 scooters’ cumulative sales is reported at 4,71,693 units. Sales growth stood at 12.11 percent, up from 4,20,743 units at volume gain of just over 50k units.
    Nothing compares to Honda Activa scooter
    As always, the top 10 scooters sold list is topped by Honda Activa. For the most part, sales in the top order is in the green barring 2 entrants. In Nov 2020, Honda Activa sales grew 6.44 percent, up at 2,25,822 units, up from 2,12,164 units at volume gain of 13,658 units. In the top order, Honda Activa claims a convincing share of 47.87 percent.
    TVS Jupiter sits second on the list following considerable growth at 52.72 percent to claim 13.28 percent share. 62,626 units were sold. Up 21,619 units from 41,007 units sold a year earlier. Suzuki Access now sits third on the list, down from 2nd spot YoY. Sales fell 7.22 percent to claim just under 10 percent share. Units sold fell to 45,582 units from 49,128 units.
    Top 10 scooter sales Nov 2020
    Honda Dio saw an even sharper decline at 18.05 percent. Sales fell to 34,812 units, down from 42,481 units. Volume loss stood at 7,669 units. TVS Ntorq sales were steady at 5.83 percent growth. Sales volume remained undisturbed at 28,987 units, up from 27,390 units. Volume gain stood at 1,597 units.
    Hero MotoCorp scooter sales
    Hero MotoCorp, a mighty name in motorcycles finds itself 6th, and 7th on the list with its Pleasure and Destini scooter. Pleasure sales grew marginally ay 6.67 percent. Units sold is reported at 19,707, up from 18,474 units to claim 4.18 percent share. Destini sales improvement was brilliant at a 100 percent. A low base in Nov 2019 at 7,744 units means sales last month grew to 15,515 units.
    No
    Top 10 Scooters
    Nov-20
    Nov-19
    1
    Honda Activa (+6%)
    2,25,822
    2,12,164
    2
    TVS Jupiter (+53%)
    62,626
    41,007
    3
    Suzuki Access (-7%)
    45,582
    49,128
    4
    Honda Dio (-18%)
    34,812
    42,481
    5
    TVS Ntorq (+6%)
    28,987
    27,390
    6
    Hero Pleasure (+7%)
    19,707
    18,474
    7
    Hero Destini (+100%)
    15,515
    7,744
    8
    Yamaha Ray (+101%)
    15,238
    7,574
    9
    Hero Maestro (+74%)
    12,412
    7,143
    10
    Yamaha Fascino (+44%)
    10,992
    7,638

    Total (+12%)
    4,71,693
    4,20,743
    Yamaha Ray sales too grew in a similar manner at just over a 100 percent. In November 2020, 15,238 units were sold, up 101.19 percent from 7,574 units sold YoY. Volume gain stood at 7,664 units for 3.23 share.
    Hero Maestro sales grew at 73.76 percent. Sales was up at 12,412 units, up form 7,143 units at volume gain of 5,269 units. Yamaha Fascino sales is up 43.91 percent. Sales is reported at 10,992 units. That’s up from 7,638 units at volume gain of 3,354 units. More

  • in

    2021 Suzuki GSX250R Debuts With New Colour – Price USD 5.5k (Rs 4 L)

    2021 Suzuki GSX250R
    2021 GSX250R is unlikely to make it to India since we already have the more affordable Gixxer SF 250

    Suzuki has revealed its entire lineup for 2021 and this includes its quarter-litre faired sports bike GSX250R. The only major upgrade is the addition of a new colour scheme, the GSX250R will now be available in a white and black paint scheme. The full black colour scheme has been carried forward as well.
    Other than this, there are no updates in the latest iteration of the quarter-litre motorcycle. The motorcycle has been priced at USD 5,499 (equivalent to INR 4.06 lakh) in the US market. Unlike the previous edition, the current model will only be available in one variant, i.e., ABS variant.
    Design & Features
    It gets identical specs and features from the outgoing model. It continues to sport muscular styling thanks to its fully-faired design. The front of the motorcycle features unique dual LED headlights, angular fairing-mounted mirrors, and an effective sport windshield that incorporates slots to reduce continuous wind lashing. At rear, it gets a sharper tail with an LED taillight which reminds us of the larger GSX-R1000R.
    It gets signature sporty elements which include split-style seats and clip-on handlebars although they are fairly high. Footpegs are lower than usual, therefore, the seating position is relatively roomy and relaxed.
    2021 Suzuki GSX250R
    Additionally, the front and rear turn indicators have been equipped with clear lenses that add to their stylish appearance. Overall, even though the bike tries to be aggressive it is a fairly neat and easy to go design.
    In terms of features, the GSX250R is offered with a reverse-lit LCD instrumentation which displays a wide array of information such as a bar-graph tachometer, speedometer, odometer gear position indicator and more. Suspension setup consists of conventional telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear from KYB. It receives disc brakes on both ends assisted by dual-channel ABS.

    Powertrain
    Coming to its performance, it is powered by a 248cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled motor which is also used in Suzuki’s tourer Inazuma. This unit is paired with a six-speed gearbox. Output figures of 24 PS of power and 21.6 Nm of peak torque aren’t the greatest in this segment. For reference, it gets trumped by a smaller Duke 200 which receives an output of 25.83 PS and 19.5 Nm. This is probably because Suzuki has designed this bike keeping in mind beginners and younger riders.
    At around Rs 4.0 lakh, it makes very less sense for a quarter-litre motorcycle in India. In a budget centric market like India, Suzuki is better off selling more value for money bike in the form of single cylinder Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF 250. More

  • in

    Bajaj To Setup New Plant To Manufacture Chetak And Upcoming KTM, Triumph, Husqvarna Motorcycles

    Bajaj Triumph Motorcycle Render
    The new manufacturing unit is set to come up at an investment of Rs.650 crores

    Bajaj Auto Limited has announced its intention to set up a new plant in Chakan industrial area of Pune in Maharashtra. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Maharashtra and production is set to commence by 2023.
    KTM, Husqvarna and Triumph bikes
    As per rules and regulations of the Government, Bajaj Auto will go ahead with obtaining necessary permissions and registrations, approvals and clearances from the respective departments in the state. The facility is expected to commence production by 2023 and will focus particularly on production of high end KTM, Husqvarna and Triumph bikes.
    The company also plans to shift production of the Chetak electric scooter to this new plant while plans are afoot to introduce other electric vehicles into the country. A few weeks ago, Mr Bajaj had stated that he was looking to setup a new plant outside Maharashtra as the conditions in the state were not favourable.
    Bajaj Auto holds a 48 percent share in KTM and in Feb 2020 also introduced Husqvarna, also a part of the KTM Group, into the country. Bajaj Auto has also entered into a partnership with Triumph earlier this year for the production of its 200 to 750 cc range of motorcycles for both Indian and global markets.
    Bajaj Chetak – Old vs New
    Production Boost A Must
    From total sales of 2.80 lakh units clocked in 2019, KTM expects to double this count of two wheeler sales in 2022. This would mean doubling production at the Bajaj Auto Chakan plant to around 4 lakh units from a current 1.08 lakh units as on date. This would include joint products of the KTM and Husqvarna brands and KTM products distributed by Bajaj on license fee.
    The two companies have started work on electric two wheelers, the first of which will have power range of 3-10 kW and which will roll off the Chakan production lines. KTM is also developing a 4 kW electric scooter under the Husqvarna brand and this will be followed by the launch of the Husqvarna E-Pilen fully electric motorcycle with modular battery system with launch date set for 2022.
    Target for Increased Market Share
    Rajiv Bajaj is targeting increased market share of 20-25 percent over the next 12 months and hints that the electric scooter or motorcycle segments would be an attractive space to be in.
    Bajaj Auto is celebrating its 75th year of operations in Maharashtra this year. The company has noted outstanding demand for the new Chetak electric scooter and now plans to enter the three wheeler electric space by mid 2021. This will be followed by an electric quadricycle and a performance electric motorcycle which the company is developing along with its Austrian partner KTM. More

  • in

    Aprilia SXR 160cc Scooter Launch Price Rs 1.26 Lakh – Official

    Image – The Bucket List
    Aprilia SXR 160 is powered by a 160cc BSVI complaint engine with 3 valve Fuel Injection engine technology

    Piaggio India had showcased the Aprilia SXR 160 at the 2020 Auto Expo earlier this year. Earlier this month, bookings were opened and today, they have officially launched the premium scooter in India. Prices start from Rs 1,25,997, ex-showroom Pune.
    At this price, it may not find much competition in India in its price segment, but could be compared with the Suzuki Burgman Street 125. Designed in Italy for India, this scooter, positioned in the premium segment is set to enter production at the company’s plant in Baramati.
    Mr. Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio India said, “We are delighted to launch the much-anticipated premium scooter, Aprilia SXR 160 for all our distinguished customers in India. Designed in Italy, for India, the Aprilia SXR 160 is an epitome of great style, high performance and great comfort. Available at all dealerships across India, we believe that this scooter will set high standards in the Indian premium two-wheeler market and will be a testament of Piaggio’s upcoming plans for India.”
    Features and Design
    This new scooter, which was much appreciated by viewers at the 2020 Auto Expo, will set a benchmark in the premium scooter segment with distinct styling and outstanding performance while it will also offer riders a better riding experience. Below is a detailed review of Aprilia SXR 160cc Scooter by youtube channel The Bucket List.
    [embedded content]
    The Piaggio SXR 160 will get LED technology with twin crystal headlamps and eye line position lights along front indicators and with wrap around LED tail lamps with integrated rear indicators. It will also be seen with a large 210 cm sq multi-function digital cluster offering all vital information to the rider while buyers will also be given the option on mobile connectivity accessory synced to the scooter to raise a security alarm in the event of theft or even immobilize it.
    The body gets unique three coat paint finish with Aprilia graphics and accentuated by matte black and dark chrome design elements. The seats are longer, more comfortable and ergonomically designed with art leather suede with stitching accents in grey and red.
    Engine and Suspension Specs
    Aprilia SXR 160 scooter will be powered by a 160cc BS6, 3 valve, fuel injected engine with clean emission technology. The SXR 160 sits on 12 inch wheels at both ends. It shares its underpinnings with the Aprilia SR 160 and gets Anti Lock Braking System with ventilated disc brakes and twin pot caliper hydraulic brakes. Suspension is via dual telescopic front suspension and adjustable suspension at the rear.
    Ride position is also better with raised steering handlebars along with feather touch switches while the seat is positioned so that the rider’s feet touch the road allowing for easy start and to slow down or wait at traffic lights. A large foot-board and spacious under seat storage capacity will also be among its highlights.
    Piaggio India plans on expanding its dealership network from current 250 dealerships to around 400+ dealerships in new towns and cities across India in the near future. This will help the company reach a larger audience. They also have plans to launch new motorcycles next year, in the 650cc segment. More

  • in

    Ather Electric Scooter Production Set To Increase – Thanks To New Hosur Plant

    Ather Electric Scooter Production Ends At Bangalore Plant
    In order to expand its presence across the country, Ather needs to scale up its production considerably to meet required demands

    At a time when most electric vehicles (EV) related technologies were foreign and barely within access, Ather Energy, an Indian startup, provided the necessary momentum to the EV segment in India by developing technologies and manufacturing vehicles on its own. Backed by big corporate houses such as Hero MotoCorp and Flipkart, the brand has come a long way in the Indian automotive scene.
    The company started its production at a facility based out of Bangalore and will now shift to Hosur in Tamil Nadu. Spread across 4,00,000 square feet, Ather hopes that this new plant in Hosur will produce 1,00,000 units of electric two-wheelers annually in the coming years.
    Enhanced Production Capacity
    Sharing a picture on his Twitter handle, Tarun Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy, said the new facility will drastically increase rate of production. With this new manufacturing facility, Ather can transit from a startup to an established two-wheeler brand in the EV segment in India. The company currently has 450X and 450 Plus in its product portfolio.
    Recently, the last batch of Ather 450 rolled out of its facility in Whitefield outside Bangalore before being discontinued altogether. The low sales volume of 450 was a result of a combination of lack of availability, high pricing and sparse charging network.
    Tweet from Ather CEO
    Ather launched the 450 initially in just two cities- Bangalore and Chennai. Ather 450X and 450 Plus will be made available across 27 cities in the country by late 2021. This should help the manufacturer reach its target sales volume.
    Setting up a new facility will help Ather ramp up production to 3,000 units per month initially and then increase it to 8,000 units per month by the first half of next year. Initially, Ather averaged just 300 units from its Bangalore facility.
    Besides manufacturing electric scooters, Ather will also focus on developing batteries, with imported Lithium-Ion cells at the site. The same facility will also be used to develop Ather’s first electric motorcycle although it is still some time away.
    Benefits Enjoyed By EVs in Tamil Nadu
    Further, relocating the facility to Tamil Nadu will make the company eligible for all the benefits as per the state’s EV policy. This will enable Ather to enjoy benefit such as 100% exemptions on electricity tax to all EV related industries in the state, till 31st December 2025. Alongside, companies are also entitled to stamp duty exemption for the purchase of land to set up factories.
    Ather recently started deliveries of 450X last month. The scooter was launched earlier in January this year and has been priced at Rs 1.59 lakh (ex-showroom). The 450X is powered by a 2.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is paired with an electric motor generating 6kW/28 Nm and can return a single-charge range of 116 km. More