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    KTM, Husqvarna Electric Scooters To Utilize Chetak Platform – Rival Ather

    KTM Electric Scooter Concept. Image – Roadrider JapanKTM and Husqvarna electric scooters will help strengthen Bajaj’s EV portfolio
    Over the next five years, competition in electric two-wheeler space is expected to increase manifold. Already there are more than two dozen players in this segment. Bajaj will be keen to grab significant market share in this segment, a goal that is already being pursued with Chetak electric scooter. To give more options to customers and expand its EV portfolio, Bajaj has planned to launch KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters in the Indian market.
    Made in India products
    Just like Chetak, KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters will be manufactured in India. To reduce development cost, these new electric scooters will share the same platform as that of Chetak.
    However, KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters are expected to be sportier, trendier and futuristic, as compared to retro-styled Chetak. While Chetak can work for all age groups, KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters will primarily target the young audience. These new scooters will rival the Ather 450X, which is currently the leading electric scooter in the country when it comes to performance and features.
    Bajaj is currently planning to open a new production facility in Chakan, near Pune, to manufacture a range of premium motorcycles and electric vehicles. This facility could be used for manufacturing KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters. Launch is expected by 2022.
    KTM Electric Scooter leaked info
    Collaboration with Pierer Mobility
    KTM and Husqvarna electric scooter will be manufactured as part of collaboration between Bajaj Auto and Pierer Mobility. The latter was earlier known as KTM Industries. In addition to electric scooters, the partnership will entail development of electric mopeds as well as electric bicycles.
    On its part, Pierer Mobility is currently working on multiple EVs in power range of 3kW – 10kW. These will be manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s Pune plant. Production is expected to commence sometime next year. These new EVs will be available for sale both in domestic and international markets. As may be recalled, KTM had unveiled its E-Speed electric scooter way back in 2013 at Tokyo Motor Show. However, that project did not reach production stage.
    Battery swapping infrastructure in European markets
    To ensure that KTM electric scooters and motorcycles are not subjected to range anxiety in European markets, efforts are being made to develop a robust battery swapping infrastructure. Fast-charging stations are also being built. KTM has shown interest in partnering with Yamaha, Honda and Piaggio to develop common-use battery swapping infrastructure. These will be used for motorcycles and light EVs.
    It has already been confirmed that Husqvarna electric scooter will be utilizing a 4kW electric motor. As for the electric motorcycle named Husqvarna e-Pilen, the EV will be equipped with a modular battery system. These two products are expected to go on sale in European markets by second half of 2022.
    For the battery pack, Pierer Mobility will be collaborating with Austria-based Varta Innovation. The company will also use in-house E-mobility expertise from KTM E-Technologies GmbH. It will involve development of new electric drive systems and battery platforms. More

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    2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125 – First Ride And Top Speed Test

    2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125Pulsar NS125 will primarily target first-time performance riding enthusiasts
    Launched recently, Bajaj Pulsar NS125 is available at a starting price of Rs 93,690 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Pulsar NS range includes NS160 and NS200, which are known for their sporty profile and race-ready performance. Addition of NS125 will benefit customers who may be looking for the NS experience at an affordable price point.
    Pulsar NS125 ride review and top speed
    To let users understand its on-road performance, YouTuber Biker Prakash Choudhary has shared the bike’s test ride experience. Below is the video that details all the features of NS125 and how it works in real world conditions.
    2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125 Top Speed
    As is evident in the video, NS125 has fast acceleration. According to the rider, the top speed of the bike could be 110+ kmph. However, during testing he managed to do 107 kmph.
    One of the key things noted during the test ride is that the bike does not have any unwanted vibration or sound. Some vibration is natural, but it is not something that may adversely impact the ride experience. Changing gears is pretty smooth and braking performance is also good. Take a look at the detailed review video below.
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    The rider feels that Pulsar NS125 would be great for city traffic. It has agility, fast acceleration and low turning radius, all of which will be useful in traffic conditions. The bike has comfortable riding stance, making it suitable for everyday commutes. With its sporty profile and under 1 lakh pricing, NS125 will be appropriate for youngsters.
    Improvement suggestions for NS125
    The rider mentions that Bajaj has included a side-stand indicator with NS125. However, side stand engine cut-off feature is not available. Another thing that seems to be missing is gear position indicator.
    Pulsar NS125 design and specs
    The bike borrows multiple design features from its bigger siblings, NS160 and NS200. Some key features include aggressive headlamp cluster, twin pilot lamps, split grab rail, underbelly exhaust and infinity twin-strip LED tail lamps. The instrument console is the same as that of NS160. Four colour options are on offer – Burnt Red, Fiery Orange, Beach Blue and Pewter Grey.
    Powering NS125 is the same 124.4cc DTS-i engine that is currently in use with Pulsar 125. It is capable of generating 11.8 ps of max power at 8500 rpm and 10.8 Nm of max torque at 6500 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    Bajaj Pulsar NS125 has been equipped with segment-first features such as rigid perimeter frame, which ensures high stiffness. The bike has low flex that allows agile handling. Improved stability across varying ride conditions has been achieved with the use of Nitrox monoshock rear suspension. Braking system has CBS, which ensures better safety for riders. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 First Look Walkaround And Exhaust Note

    Image – Biker Prakash ChoudharyBajaj Pulsar NS 125 is the third iteration and an entry level offering in the NS segment after the NS 200 and NS 160
    Bajaj Auto Limited has extended its Pulsar lineup with the new NS 125. Launched in India at Rs.93,690 (ex-sh), this entry level sportsbike costs about Rs 15-20k more than the regular Pulsar 125 currently on sale in the country. At the same time, it is cheaper than the Duke 125 by about Rs 70k.
    The new Pulsar NS 125 is offered in colour options of Beach Blue, Fiery Orange, Burnt Red and Pewter Grey while its body gets a high gloss metallic paint finish and it rides on bronze coloured alloy wheels.
    Segment First Features
    Several segment first features make their way onto the Pulsar NS 125. These include a rigid perimeter framework relating to added stiffness while low flex offers better handling facilities. It also receives a Nitrox mono-shock absorber aiding better stability at varying riding speed and on different road conditions.
    Targeting a younger and more adventurous segment of buyers, the Pulsar NS 125 gets sporty features with a signature wolf eyed headlamp cluster with twin pilot lamps, twin strip LED tail lamps and a split grab rail. Below is a first look walkaround video of new Pulsar NS 125 along with exhaust note. Video is credit to Biker Prakash Choudhary.
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    New NS 125, likes its elder sibling, gets similar styling and is heavier than the regular Pulsar 125 by around 4 kgs. It has a total kerb weight of 144 kgs. Dimensions stand at 2,012mm length, 810mm width and 1,078mm height with a 1,353mm long wheelbase. It gets ground clearance at 179mm, saddle height at 805mm and rides on 17 inch alloy wheels with the tyre size 80 section at front and 100 at the rear.
    Technical Details
    Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 gets its power via the same 125cc, single cylinder, air cooled, fuel injected DTS-i engine that also powers the Pulsar 125 which offers 12 PS power at 5,500 rpm and 11 Nm torque at 7,000 rpm mated to a 5 speed constant mesh gearbox. Braking is via 240mm front disc and 130mm rear drum with CBS. Suspension is via telescopic front and mono shocks at the rear.
    Bajaj has been noticing huge increase in sales of Pulsar, post the launch of the 125 cc range. With the NS125, they aim to increase sales of Pulsar range even further. They aim to target young bikers who want a stylish entry level motorcycle in the 125cc segment.
    Bajaj Auto also offers the Pulsar NS series which includes the NS 200 and NS 160. The NS 200 was launched first as a new age and stylish Pulsar. The NS 160 came in with class leading power, advanced features and stylish looks at a highly competitive price point. Now the new entry-level NS 125 model comes in with class leading features, a powerful engine and sporty accents to strengthen the brands position in the entry level sports bike segment. More

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    TVS iQube March 2021 Sales Highest Till Date – Beats Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter

    Image – Auto Tech Zone
    Through an uncertain FY21, Bajaj Chetak electric scooter sales reach 1.4k units
    Being competitive in the electric two-wheeler segment is currently a small number game. For starters not everyone is participating yet. However, this doesn’t paint a complete picture. Grassroot level efforts are most oft not widely discussed, and patterns being enforced maybe difficult to understand.
    Nevertheless, the space will prove to be an exciting one as the push for electric vehicle adoption receives a timely impetus. For now, subsidy and rebate options exist under government policies if the vehicle qualifies as per set parameters.
    In India, both Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor are playing the electric scooter game through flagship models. Bajaj brought back its Chetak scooter in an all new electric avatar. Its the only electric vehicle in the company’s current portfolio. And TVS introduced iQube.
    Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube
    There is no historic data when it comes to checking progress or growth on account of both e-ecooters being fairly new launches. And both were launched only months before Covid-19 pandemic rocked our world. Given that one can understand that sales plans and growth plans have all but gone awry. When sales came to an abrupt end in March, companies were only able to pick up on some activity in June.
    Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube – March 2021 Sales
    Through trials and tribulations when a trying fiscal ended, Bajaj Chetak came out n top at just under 1.4k unit sales. TVS iQube sales were clocked at 1,110 units. What’s interesting though is in March 2021, TVS managed to report iQube wholesales at a whopping 355 units. However given how logistics works, it’s most likely that both companies are still dealing with clearing the order books that were filled months earlier.
    Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube – FY 2021 Sales
    Electric scooter market
    When launched early in 2020, Bajaj Chetak bookings were said to be at 2k units. Even through the fiscal, the company has failed to sell that many units. And through the fiscal ended Match 2021, Bajaj has entertained bookings and has had periods where they haven’t accepted any.
    Where development and sales is concerned, Bangalore proves to be an important city for electric two wheeler manufacturers. The initial push came from Ather, which is associated with Hero Motocorp. The two wheeler manufacturing giant also sells its own electric scooters through its Hero Electric arm.
    Delhi has proven to be another important city in this regard. These set patterns can help determine that city based focus will mean that one can expect a more developed charging network in such focus cities. Bajaj Chetak sales will soon begin in Hyderabad and Chennai. More

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    2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125 India Launch Price Rs 94k – 4 New Colours

    2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125New Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 launched to further strengthen and widen Bajaj’s entry sport bike segment
    New Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is the auto manufacturers sportiest 125cc segment offering. Pulsar NS125 entry sportsbike is designed to cater to the needs of young enthusiasts. The engine delivers power of 12 PS and torque of 11 Nm for segment topping performance. In keeping with the spirit of Pulsar, power comes from a 125cc BS6 DTS-i engine characterised by superior power, and immediate throttle response.
    Segment-first features include a rigid perimeter frame for high-stiffness, and low flex for sharp handling. Nitrox mono-shock absorber helps with stability at varying riding speed. This makes for greater handling and stability on varied road types.
    2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125
    Pulsar NS 125 is now available at a price point of Rs 93,690, ex-sh Delhi. The entry level product widens the Pulsar ‘NS’ range of motorcycles’ portfolio and strengthens brand appeal and utility in the sports motorcycle branding front.
    Pulsar NS 125 features
    Pulsar NS 125 is available in four colour options, including Beach Blue, Fiery Orange, Burnt Red and Pewter Grey. The body is decked in high gloss metallic paint. The perimeter frame and alloys are finished in bronze shade.
    2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125
    Signature wolf-eyed headlamp cluster is matched with twin pilot lamps. The infinity twin-strip LED Tail lamps, split grab rail and smart design belly pan complete the external design aspects for a touch of sharpness.
    Pulsar NS series has a firm grip on the entry sport segment. And over time, Bajaj has ensured there’s something for everyone in the Pulsar range, whether NS or not. The NS range benefits from its product range which includes Pulsar NS 200, and NS 160. The portfolio affirms the need for varied products across segments that can pack in a punch at an attractive price point.
    First-time sport biking enthusiast
    NS 160 is available at a price point of Rs 1,10,086, and NS 200 is available at a price of Rs 1,33,222. NS 125 intends to bring in yet more buyers into the fold by offering something to the first-time sport biking enthusiast.
    2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125
    Sarang Kanade, President – Motorcycles, Bajaj Auto said “We are excited to bring the pedigree of the higher cc Pulsar NS series bikes, for first-time performance riding enthusiasts. The thrill that the new Pulsar NS 125 is built to offer, will appeal to a large segment of customers with its multiple class leading features. The Pulsar 125 has been very well received by consumers and we are confident that the new NS 125 will further strengthen the brand’s position in the Entry Sport Bike segment”. More

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    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Chennai And Hyderabad Launch Soon

    Image – Nitish NeoBajaj Chetak electric scooter recently received a price hike of up to Rs 28k – Bookings are currently closed
    The Bajaj Chetak electric scooter, launched in January 2020 entered the electric two wheeler segment with much fanfare. It managed to garner bookings to the extent of 2,000 units but then the COVID-19 pandemic struck and sales ebbed. Till March 2021, Chetak scooter sales stood at about 1,400 units.
    Chetak’s Next Two New Cities
    This is only from two cities – Pune and Bangalore. Bajaj has not launched Chetak in any other city till now. They had plans to launch Chetak in multiple cities by end of 2020, but due to Covid19, that plan has gotten delayed.
    As on date, Bajaj Auto is only selling this e-scooter via its 13 dealerships in the cities of Pune and Bengaluru. Bajaj Auto has just announced the next two cities which will get their state of the art electric scooter. These are Chennai and Hyderabad. Both these cities are expected to get the Chetak in the next few days. Exact timeline has not been announced yet.
    Bajaj Chetak Electric Expansion Plans
    Chetak Price Hike
    Bajaj Chetak is presented in two variants of Urbane and Premium. At the time of launch in Jan 2020, these were priced at Rs.1,00,000 and Rs.1,15,000 respectively. After the recent price hike in April 2021, these variants are now priced at Rs 1,42,620 and Rs 1,44,620. All prices are ex-sh.
    Both the variants are powered by the same powertrain with the key difference being a drum brake in the Urbane. The company has also revealed future plans to make the Chetak a global brand with the first step being initiated to patent the Chetak electric design for the European markets.
    Bajaj Chetak e-scooter is powered by an electric motor producing 3.8kW/4.1kW continuous/peak power along with a 3 kWh lithium ion battery. It promises a range of 95 kms while in Eco mode and 85 km in Sports mode. The battery has a 3 year/50,000 km warranty.
    Software Update
    Bajaj recently announced a software upgrade, the first for the e-scooter since launch. This software update will see the Chetak with a more accurate range indicator. The company has been contacting owners to bring in the Chetak for the software update which has to be done by a technician at the company’s authorized service center.
    There is a diagnostic tool required for the software upgrade. A port will connect this tool to e-scooter which is located near the right hand side of the pillion footrest. The installation takes a matter of 10 minutes to install but it takes more than 24 hours to take effect.
    Steps to be followed for the software upgrade includes the complete 100 percent SoC charge of the vehicle battery. The e-scooter then has to be ridden till 15 percent SoC following which it has to rest for 12 hours and then again battery should be charged upto 100 percent SoC and again taken for a ride till 15 percent SoC. This will once again be followed by a 12 hour rest and recharge upto 100 percent SoC so as to complete the software upgrade.
    Once completed, the Chetak e-scooter will note two changes. Firstly there will be an improved accuracy in range reading. The fluctuations in actual and displayed distance to empty will be reduced particularly in the case of downhill riding. This will give the rider an accurate assessment of remaining charge. The range will also be enhanced. When taken to the test, the Bajaj Chetak with the software update could travel over a 94 km distance using 94 percent charge while the remaining 6 percent charge allowed the rider to continue till 100 kms. More

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    Bajaj Chetak Bookings Closed Again – Entire Batch Sold Out In 2 Days

    Image – swift lifestyleBajaj Chetak is available in two variants of Premium and Urbane – Prices have been hiked, now start from Rs 1.42 lakh
    Bajaj Auto Limited had introduced the new Chetak electric scooter in January 2020. This not only brought back the much loved Chetak brand but also marked the foray of the company into the electric two wheeler space.
    Since the time of launch, plans to make Chetak available in more cities have faced multiple hurdles. First, it was the Covid19 induced lockdown and later, it was the shortage of parts. While lockdown issue is no longer there, but production is still on a limited basis, thanks to shortage of parts.
    Chetak Bookings Open & Close
    For most part of the year, since the launch of Chetak, it has not been on sale. The company has not been accepting bookings of their electric scooter as they do not want to amass huge booking numbers and make customers wait. Instead, they open the bookings for the next batch, as and when the existing batch of customers get delivery.
    For the next batch, Bajaj opened bookings of Chetak electric scooter on 13th April 2021. Today, on 15th April, 2021 Bajaj has announced that they have closed the bookings. In a matter of just 2 days, the entire batch of Chetak electric scooters got sold out.
    Bajaj Chetak Bookings Close
    Bajaj has not revealed the number of scooters got booked in this batch. This is what Bajaj said in a media statement, “A large number of confirmed orders were placed by customers requiring the Company to cease acceptance of bookings within 48 hours. The Company will review the supply situation and announce the next round of booking opportunity.”
    Mr. Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director at Bajaj Auto Ltd., said, “We are absolutely delighted to see the fabulous response to the re-opening of bookings for the Chetak electric scooter in Pune and Bengaluru. Covid-led disruptions last year resulted in an unintended and long waiting period but despite that we have seen very few cancellations of bookings.
    We thank our customers in Pune and Bengaluru for their patience and now this overwhelming response. We are conscious that customers would like to receive early deliveries of Chetak and start enjoying it as soon as possible, hence we have had to take the difficult decision of closing the bookings in view of continuing supply chain uncertainties. However, it is our endeavor to resolve the supply chain issues at the earliest, re-open bookings as well as roll into more cities within the next quarter.”
    Bajaj Auto Expansion Plans
    The Bajaj Chetak is only open for sale in Pune and Bengaluru while the company now plans to open bookings in more cities as they expand their electric scooter networks. Plans are to introduce the Chetak e-scooter to 30 new cities in FY2022. The company expects that production issues will be sorted over the next couple of months. The company had earlier set a target of selling 500 units per month but sales have been around 300 units per month.
    3 kWh Li-ion battery
    Bajaj Chetak is powered by a 3 kWh Li-Ion battery with a 3.8 kW electric motor. Power is rated at 5.5 hp with the e-scooter capable of delivering a range of 95 km while in Eco Mode and 85 km in Sport Mode. Charging is achieved upto 100 percent in 5 hours via a 5 Amp outlet and the bike maker offers a 3 year/50,000km warranty on the battery.
    Bajaj Chetak receives all LED head and tail lamps, LED DRLs and LED turn indicators. It also sports a digital instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity and Bluetooth, regenerative braking and 12 inch alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres measuring 90/90 at the front and a 90/100 at the rear. The bike receives reverse gear for tackling tight parking spots. Chetak rivals TVS iQube and Ather 450X. More

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    2021 Bajaj CT110X Launch Price Rs 55k – 4 New Colour Options

    2021 Bajaj CT 110 X2021 Bajaj CT110X comes with extra features as a top-end variant with better stability, sturdiness, and superior rider control
    Bajaj Auto has launched the new CT110X motorcycle. The 110-cc engine offering sits on top of the variant lineup. And is available at a price of Rs 55,494 (Ex showroom – Delhi). 4 colour choices have been introduced.
    The top end CT110X variant features a wider tank, thicker crash guard, child foothold, dual texture, and dual stitched premium seats. Changes have been made where looks, performance, and sturdier build are concerned. Designed focus addresses challenging riding conditions.
    2021 Bajaj CT 110 X
    7 kg load capacity rear carrier
    Meant to offer something more than competitors in the segment, Bajaj Auto says CT110X has a bolder and muscular look. This is supported through a wider cross-section, round sturdy headlight, and an all black visor. Feature changes include thicker crash guards and moulded footholds for safety and comfort.
    Rear carrier has a load capacity of 7 kgs. The seat features a dual-texture and dual stitched finish. CT110 X features Bajaj’s 115 cc DTS-i engine and returns 6.33 kW power at 7500 rpm, and a torque of 9.81 Nm (at 5000 rpm). Semi knobby tyres, a square tube, and semi-double cradle frame are charged with stability, sturdiness, and superior rider control on any terrain.
    2021 Bajaj CT 110 X
    Value proposition
    Higher ground clearance is pegged at 170 mm to tackle varied road conditions. Wheelbase measures at 1285 mm for better stability on bad roads. Integrated tank pads and a raised front fender accentuates a modern tough look. Grey and Black colour combinations form the basis of the colour themes.
    2021 Bajaj CT 110 X
    Sarang Kanade – President, Motorcycles – Bajaj Auto said “With the launch of CT110X, we are offering a differentiated product that adds value through superior features, greater riding comfort and durability without compromising mileage.
    The new CT110X is for those who have always wanted to own a vehicle which not only looks good but is also strongly built and can take on the toughest of riding conditions. We are putting rider-centric innovation at the core of the CT brand and we are confident that our newest offering – the CT110X, will help us further serve our customers better, in this segment.”
    While manufacturers have seen some movement in wholesale numbers in recent months, sales through the last fiscal suffered big time. The 100cc-110cc motorcycle segment proves to be bread and butter for manufacturers. The strong commuter segment can grow under stable economic conditions.
    Bajaj have been queued into this market tend, and do offer a range of products to cater to varying segment needs. The addition of the newest CT110X is intended to further strengthen segment presence by being an attractive proposition to buyers. More