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    Updated 2024 Kawasaki W175 Could Launch At India Bike Week

    2024 Kawasaki W175Kawasaki W175 will target a niche customer base instead of directly rivalling larger 300-400cc retro motorcyclesIf we consider the retro motorcycle segment, quite a few options start from 300cc. Some popular names include Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Meteor 350, recently launched Honda CB350, Jawa, Yezdi and Benelli Imperiale 400. Customers looking for a smaller capacity classic motorcycle would have to look at updated 2024 Kawasaki W175 to be launched at India Bike Week 2023.2024 Kawasaki W175 – Expected changesAs part of the 2024 update, Kawasaki W175 gets a few cosmetic updates. These updates have been teased by Kawasaki on a mysterious veiled motorcycle. New reports suggest that these updates revolve around 2024 Kawasaki W175 that will launch in India on 10th anniversary of India Bike Week held at Vagator, Goa on 8th December, 2023.As part of the update, we can see an alloy wheel with sporty pinstripes that replace the old wire-spoke unit of current model. We can expect tubeless tyres with alloy wheels, which is an added benefit over tube-type tyres. Kawasaki might offer new colours as well. W175 is locally manufactured in India and doesn’t enjoy a lot of popularity. Revised pricing should help 2024 Kawasaki W175’s cause. Currently, it costs between Rs. 1.47 lakh and Rs. 1.49 lakh (ex-sh).Available in Asian markets such as Indonesia and Thailand, Kawasaki W175 has a simple, yet elegant design. Round headlamp with chrome wrap, round ORVMs, fork gaiters, teardrop-shaped fuel tank and turn indicators, single-piece seat and broad rear fenders. Handlebars are ergonomically placed and footpegs are just below the front seat. These features should ensure comfortable rides for most users.Current Kawasaki W175Design and specsPowering W175 is a 177 cc, air-cooled motor capable of generating 13 ps of max power at 7500 rpm and 13.2 Nm of peak torque at 6000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed transmission. Power and torque output could be slightly different for BS6 version of this engine.Suspension system comprises 30mm telescopic front forks and swingarm dual shock absorbers with adjustable spring preload at the rear. Braking duties are performed by 220mm disc at the front and 110 mm drum brake at rear. Another thing that can work to W175’s advantage is its handling.The bike weighs 135 kg, which is much lighter than larger capacity retro-themed motorcycles. W175 can be expected to perform with greater agility in city traffic conditions. It could make daily commuting a lot more fun and comfortable. Folks looking to try something new or a smaller-capacity retro motorcycle could go for Kawasaki W175.However, considering the limited number of Kawasaki dealerships in the country, it will be challenging to unlock W175’s full potential. This bike can generate sales in smaller towns and cities. But currently Kawasaki dealerships are largely available only in prominent cities. It remains to be seen if Kawasaki has some special plans to make W175 available at more locations across the country.Source More

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    Honda CB350, CB350RS Brake Light, Bank Angle Sensor Recall

    File photo of CB350 at service. Image – Abhinav Bhatt.Honda will be providing free replacement of affected parts, irrespective of the bike’s warranty statusFor H’ness CB350 and CB350RS motorcycle users, Honda has announced a recall for issues related to the brake light and bank angle sensor. The recall is applicable on CB350 and CB350RS units manufactured within a specific timeframe. Repair and replacement work will commence from the second week of December. It will be carried out at BigWing dealerships.Honda CB350, CB350RS rear stop light switch recallThe rear stop light switch issue impacts CB350 and CB350RS units manufactured between the period October 2020 and January 2023. It has been noted that the issue is due to the rubber parts used in the rear stop light switch. It is linked to an improper manufacturing process being used for making the rubber parts. Due to the defect, the rubber parts become weak and develop cracks. This can lead to entry of water and moisture, resulting in corrosion inside the switch. Depending on the level of corrosion, the switch can start to malfunction.Honda CB350, CB350RS bank angle sensor recallThe bank angle sensor issue has been linked to improper sealing and subsequent entry of water into the sensor. It has been found that gaps were created in the sensor body sealing due to inappropriate moulding procedure. When water enters the sensor housing, it can lead to malfunction. In worst cases, the vehicle may stall unexpectedly. The bank angle sensor recall applies to CB350 and CB350RS units manufactured between October 2020 to December 2021.Honda’s recall for CB350 and CB350RS involving rear stop light switch and bank angle sensor has been issued as a precautionary measure. It is part of Honda’s endeavour to work proactively in the interest of its customers. The recall will ensure a hassle-free experience and help build trust and confidence among the customers.Inspection and replacement of the rear stop light switch and bank angle sensor will be done at Honda BigWing dealerships. The entire process will take around an hour’s time. It will be done free of cost, irrespective of whether the bike’s warranty is active or not. CB350 and CB350RS owners can visit Honda’s recall page to know if their bikes are covered under the recall. This can be done using the bike’s VIN number. Honda has requested users to take prior appointment for getting the faulty parts replaced.Second recall for CB350This is the second time a recall has been issued for Honda CB350. The earlier recall was in March 2021, around six months after the bike’s launch in October 2020. The earlier recall was linked to a defective transmission component. Units of CB350 manufactured between November 25th and December 12th 2020 were impacted by the issue. The defect was caused due to the use of a wrong grade of material during production. The problem was fixed free of cost for all affected units of CB350. More

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    Aprilia RS457 Price To Be Announced At India Bike Week

    Aprilia RS457 PriceWith local manufacturing of RS 457 at its Baramati plant, Aprilia will be able to avoid high costs associated with CBU / CKD routeMulti-cylinder motorcycles in 300cc to 500cc segment are gaining traction and OEMs are lining their products to cater this new-found demand. Aprilia is among those OEMs, launching RS 457 at the 10th Anniversary of India Bike Week, scheduled to happen between 8th and 9th of December, 2023 at Vagator, Goa.Aprilia RS457 Price To Be Announced At India Bike WeekJust like various other OEMs, Aprilia is looking at India as a retail market as well as a manufacturing hub for exports. Domestic buyers will benefit, as they will be able to access Aprilia products at relatively lower rates. A relevant example is upcoming RS 457, which will be launched at India Bike Week between 8th and 9th December, 2023.Prices of Aprilia RS 457 were recently announced for international markets such as USA and Canada. Aprilia’s Diego Arioli – head of product marketing, motorcycles, Piaggio Group, has provided an approximate price range for RS 457 in India. He said that they are looking at a price of around Rs 3.75 lakh to Rs 4 lakh.In comparison, price in the USA is USD 6,799 (approx. Rs 5.65 lakh) for Opalescent Light and Prismatic Dark colours and USD 6,899 (approx. Rs 5.75 lakh) for Racing Stripes colourway. Canada looks relatively affordable, with prices at CAD 7,799 (approx. Rs. 4.7 lakh) and CAD 7,999 (approx. Rs. 4.84 lakh), respectively.Aprilia RS 457 ProfileThe bike certainly commands ambitious pricing, as it packs an aluminium chassis, a parallel-twin motor and a comprehensive range of electronic gizmos.Additional cost overheads for RS 457As RS 457 is an advanced racing machine, Aprilia has to invest resources in expanding dealer network and training their staff. This will be an additional cost for the company. In the future, more premium Motoplex showrooms will be opened across large cities. This will be helpful for Aprilia’s other big bikes as well.Made in India RS 457 will be sold across Europe and other markets. It will be largely the same across most international markets. As of now, India is the only production base for RS 457. The company can consider CKD opportunities at a later date for exports. Aprilia has manufacturing presence in Indonesia, Vietnam and three plants in Italy.Aprilia RS 457 at 2023 EICMAAprilia RS 457 has a 457cc, parallel-twin motor that generates 47 bhp of max power. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Torque output and other key details such as top speed and time taken to reach 0 to 60 kmph are yet to be revealed.Weighing just 170 kg, Aprilia RS 457 has the best power to weight ratio in its class. It will compete with the likes of Kawasaki Ninja 400, KTM RC 390 and upcoming Yamaha R3. With a price range between Rs 3.75 lakh to Rs 4 lakh, Aprilia RS 457 will be cheaper than Ninja 400. Yamaha R3 is expected to be priced at around Rs 4 lakh. R3 will initially be a CBU import from Indonesia. KTM RC 390 will be the most affordable in the group, priced at Rs 3.18 lakh. More

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    Ola S1 X+ Price Slashed By Rs. 20,000 – New Price Starts From Rs. 89,999

    Ola S1 X+ Price SlashedAs opposed to the original pricing at launch of Rs. 1,09,999, Ola S1 X+ price has been slashed to Rs. 89,999, which is Rs. 20,000 lower (ex-sh)India’s leading electric 2W manufacturer, Ola Electric, has been on the offensive in offering aggressive pricing. Recent examples are the S1 X and S1 X+. Adding to already aggressive pricing, Ola Electric has introduced price-slashing exercises to ride the wave of popularity with Ola S1 X+. Called “December to Remember” offer, prices have been reduced by Rs. 20,000.Ola S1 X+ Price Slashed By Rs. 20,000In a surprising move, Ola Electric has slashed prices for its already VFM S1 X+ electric scooter. New Ola S1 X+ price starts from Rs. 89,999 as opposed to Rs. 1,09,999 quoted at launch. Deliveries were supposed to start from December and should commence any day now. All the bookings done in December month are eligible for this offer. All prices ex-sh.If you remember correctly, the Rs. 89,999 price tag was for Ola S1 X. Now the same pricing is shifted to Ola S1 X+ with a 3 kWh battery. There is no announced price revision with regular S1 X with 2 kWh battery. It would be logical for Ola Electric to upgrade all the S1 X bookings towards S1 X+ as it wouldn’t make sense to deliver S1 X at that price anymore.That is likely to be the case too, going by Ola’s previous strategies. This is a commendable move by Ola Electric to establish brand allegiance and loyalty among customers. We say this because Ola S1 X and S1 X+ gets the same powertrains from Ola S1 Air along with reduced features according to pricing.Ola S1 X RangeRival scooter brand has implied a similar strategy, but their affordable lineup starts from Rs. 1.3 lakh (ex-sh), which is Rs. 40,000 more expensive than Ola S1 X+ with a 3 kWh battery. Simple Energy is coming up with an affordable electric scooter under Dot One sub-brand, that would start below Rs. 1 lakh (ex-sh).What does S1 X+ pack?As you might recall, Ola S1 X+ is a slightly stripped down version of S1 Air that features slightly different design aesthetics. For starters, S1 X range of electric scooters has a different headlight cowl that creates a distinct identity.Adding to it is the new LCD instrument panel that is a non-touch panel and sports fewer features when compared to S1 Air, S1 and S1 Pro. The instrument panel on S1 X+ is a 5-inch unit with multiple segmented approach, keyless unlock and smart connectivity, while standard S1 X gets a smaller 3-inch unit, a physical key and no smart connectivity.Where powertrains are concerned, S1 X+ gets a standard 3 kWh battery that is good for a claimed 151 km of range from a single charge. The motor has 6 kW of peak power which is good enough for 90 km/h top speed. There are three riding modes too – Eco, Normal and Sports. More

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    Kawasaki Eliminator 450 Launch Teaser – 2023 India Bike Week

    Kawasaki Eliminator SE ABSWith no direct rivals at the time of launch, Kawasaki Eliminator 450 can be a great option for folks looking for some exclusivityKawasaki has regularly introduced new products to ensure a comprehensive range of options for enthusiasts. Latest teasers point to a new launch, which is likely to be Eliminator 450. The bike will be unveiled at the upcoming 2023 India Bike Week (IBW) to be held in Goa. It remains to be seen if launch also occurs at the event or at a later date.Kawasaki Eliminator 450 – Key highlightsWith its attractive design and powerful performance, Kawasaki Eliminator 450 is likely to be on the wish list of many enthusiasts. Some of the key highlights include round headlamps and rear-view mirrors, curvy fuel tank, low rider seat and prominent rear fender. In international markets, colour choices include Pearl Robotic White and Pearl Storm Gray. The Eliminator SE ABS model has a more vibrant dual-tone colourway of Candy Steel Furnace Orange / Ebony.Kawasaki EliminatorKawasaki Eliminator 450 has a relaxed, upright riding position. The bike has centrally placed foot pegs and pulled-back handlebar. Seat height is 734 mm, which is the lowest among all of Kawasaki’s 250-500cc on-road models. Low rider seat ensures that the bike can accommodate a variety of users.The chassis geometry has been especially designed to enable a light, natural feel. It gives confidence to users and ensures stress-free riding. Needs of the pillion rider have also been taken care of with a comfortable seat and ergonomically placed grab rails.Kawasaki EliminatorKawasaki Eliminator 450 specs, performancePowering the bike is a 451cc, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine. It generates 45.4 PS of max power and 42.6 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike has an assist and slipper clutch for smoother operations. Kawasaki Eliminator 450 utilizes a Trellis frame, integrated with 41mm telescopic forks at front and twin rear shock absorbers. The bike has 18-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels. These are shod with 130/70 and 150/80 tyres, respectively. Braking duties are performed by 310 mm and 220 mm discs at front and rear. Dual-channel ABS is standard.Tech features include an all-digital LCD instrument console. Info includes gear position indicator and a bar-style tachometer. The instrument console has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to pair it with their smartphones via Rideology app. The bike has a kerb weight of 176 kg, which can be considered quite lightweight in the 450cc segment.While Eliminator 450 looks irresistible, its premium pricing will limit its accessibility. Kawasaki Eliminator 450 could go on sale at a starting price of Rs 5.60 lakh. In comparison, Kawasaki Ninja 400 starts at Rs 5.24 lakh, whereas Kawasaki Z650 has a price tag of Rs 6.59 lakh. Closest rival to Kawasaki Eliminator 450 at the time of launch will be the Keeway V302C.Second innings for Eliminator in IndiaBack in 2001, Eliminator was a 175cc cruiser bike, produced as per collaboration between Kawasaki and Bajaj. When the partnership ended, the Eliminator bike was discontinued. In its place, Bajaj launched the Avenger 180, Avenger 200 and Avenger 220. As of now, Bajaj Avenger series has three bikes – Avenger 160 Street, Avenger 220 Street and Avenger 220 Cruise. More

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    Honda 2W Sales Nov 2023 – Activa, CB350, Unicorn, Shine, Dio

    New Honda ActivaHonda 2W sales last month touched 447,849 units, of which 420,677 units were domestic sales and 27,172 units were exportsHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has announced improved sales in November 2023. It was growth seen both in terms of domestic sales and exports. In November, the company also launched the new CB350. Honda CB350 is presented in two trim levels – DLX and DLX Pro and are priced at Rs. 1,99,900 and Rs. 2,17,800 respectively. Bookings have opened and deliveries have commenced.Honda 2W Sales November 2023Honda 2W sales (domestic + exports) in November 2023 stood at 4,47,849 units. This was a 20 percent YoY growth over 3,73,221 units sold in November 2022 relating to a 74,628 unit volume growth. Domestic sales improved by 18.99 percent from 3,53,540 units sold in November 2022 to 4,20,677 units in the past month showing off a 67,137 unit volume growth.Honda 2W sales Nov 2023Honda 2W exports also increased by an even higher percentage as compared to domestic sales. Exports grew by 38.06 percent to 27,172 units in November 2023 from 19,681 units shipped in November 2022.Taking into account MoM sales, Honda 2W suffered a setback both in terms of domestic sales and exports. Total sales dipped by 9.14 percent from 4,92,884 units sold in October 2023. There were lower domestic sales by 9.09 percent to 4,20,677 units last month from 4,62,747 units sold in October 2023 while exports dipped 9.84 percent from 30,137 units shipped in October 2023.Honda 2W Activities during November 2023In November 2023, Honda 2W undertook several activities. It was the new BigWing showrooms across Bengaluru (Karnataka) and Nagercoil (Tamil Nadu) which were inaugurated last month taking up the company’s #GoRidin spirit.Honda also undertook road safety programs in 12 cities across the country right from Bathinda (Punjab), Bagepalli (Karnataka), Kolhapur (Maharashtra), Tulungia (Assam), Chittorgarh (Rajasthan), Aizawl (Mizoram), Hubli (Karnataka), Hyderabad (Telangana), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Dewas (Madhya Pradesh) Nashik (Maharashtra) and Noida (Uttar Pradesh). The company also celebrated its 9th anniversary of Traffic Training Park in Delhi.In terms of its motorsports activities, the IDEMITSU Honda Racing India team earned 6 points in the Round 5 taking the total to 27 points in 2023 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). Honda Racing Corporation also announced the signing of Luca Marini for 2024 and 2025 MotoGP World Championship seasons. More

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    TVS Sales Nov 2023 – 3.64 lakh units, YoY Growth MoM Decline

    TVS Apache RTR 310TVS Motors has reported a 31 percent YoY improvement in November 2023 with both 2Ws and 3Ws showing off positive growthTVS Motor Company has recorded healthy growth in terms of sales in November 2023. Total sales stood at 3,64,231 units in the past month, a YoY growth of 31 percent when compared to 2,77,123 units sold in November 2022. It was however, a MoM growth degrowth when compared to 4,34,714 units in October 2023 which had marked the company’s highest ever monthly sales.TVS Two Wheeler Sales November 2023Taking into account two wheeler sales of the company, sales improved by 33.55 percent YoY to 3,52,103 units in November 2023, up from 2,63,642 units sold in November 2022. This was volume growth of 88,461 units. Two wheeler MoM sales however, fell by 16.29 percent from 4,20,610 units sold in October 2023.TVS Motor Sales Nov 2023In the two wheeler segment, it was motorcycles that were in higher demand with 1,72,836 units sold last month, up 19.19 percent from 1,45,006 units sold in November 2022. MoM motorcycles sales fell by 14.42 percent from 2,01,965 units sold in October 2023. Motorcycles command a 49.09 percent share in the company portfolio.Scooter sales on the other hand saw an even higher percentage YoY growth by 62.23 percent to 1,35,749 units in November 2023 from 83,679 units sold in November 2022. MoM sales dipped by 17.80 percent from 1,65,135 units sold in October 2023. Share currently stands at 38.55 percent.TVS Motor Sales Nov 2023Where TVS iQube is concerned, the only e-scooter in the company portfolio, sales improved by 66.89 percent YoY to 16,782 units last month. This was over 10,056 units sold in November 2022 while MoM sales dipped 16.73 percent from 20,153 units sold in October 2023. Moped sales also saw better YoY growth by 24.49 percent while MoM sales dipped 18.67 percent.Three Wheeler Domestic Sales and ExportsIn the three wheeler segment, TVS Motor has decline both in terms of YoY and MoM total sales even as performance in domestic markets were more positive. 3W Total (domestic + exports) sales stood at 12,128 units in November 2023, down 10.04 percent from 13,481 units sold in November 2022. It was also lower by 14.01 percent on a MoM basis when compared to 14,104 units sold in October 2023.However, the company performed better in domestic markets with a59.73 percent YoY growth to 2,011 units from 1,259 units sold in November 2023. MoM sales were higher by 11.41 percent from 1,805 units sold in October 2023. Exports fell by 17.22 percent YoY and 17.74 percent MoM to 10,117 units. There had been 12,222 units and 12,299 units shipped in November 2022 and October 2023 respectively.This took total (2W+3W) (Domestic + Exports) to 3,64,231 units in November 2023, up 31.43 percent from 2,77,123 units sold in November 2022 while relating to an 81,108 unit volume growth. YoY domestic 2+3 wheeler sales were up 49.76 percent to 2,89,028 units from 1,92,989 units sold in November 2022 while total exports dipped 10.62 percent to 75,203 units from 84,134 units shipped in November 2022. On a MoM basis both domestic and exports dipped 16.65 percent and 14.50 percent respectively. More

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    Hero MotoCorp Sales up 25% to 4.91 lakh units in November 2023

    Hero Splendor Black EditionHero MotoCorp reported YoY and YTD growth in November 2023 even as its total sales dipped on a MoM basisHero MotoCorp, the country’s largest two wheeler manufacturer, has seen good sales across its motorcycle and scooter segments in November 2023. The company is also optimistic of sales boost in the month ahead with positive buyer sentiments more specifically during the ongoing wedding season. The company has reported positive sales both on a year-on-year(YoY) and year-to-date (YTD) basis even as its month-on-month (MoM) performance dipped significantly.Hero MotoCorp YoY Sales November 2023Hero MotoCorp sales (motorcycle + scooter) (domestic + exports) improved by 25.61 percent YoY in November 2023 to 4,91,050 units up from 3,90,932 units sold in November 2022. This was a volume growth of 1,00,118 units. Improvement was seen both across motorcycle and scooter segments and where the company’s domestic sales and exports were concerned.Hero MotoCorp Sales Nov 2023Motorcycle sales grew by 25.07 percent YoY to 4,41,276 units last month, up from 3,52,834 units sold in November 2023. It has a volume growth of 88,442 units while motorcycles command an 89.86 percent share. Scooter sales also improved by 30.65 percent YoY to 49,774 units, up from 38,098 units sold in November 2022 to garner a 10.14 percent share.Domestic sales saw an improvement of 25.39 percent YoY to 4,76,286 units in November 2023 from 3,79,839 units sold in the same month last year while exports also saw a 33.09 percent YoY growth from 11,093 units shipped in November 2022 to 14,764 units in the past month.Hero MotoCorp MoM Sales November 2023Hero MotoCorp saw lower MoM sales last month even as its scooter sales grew significantly. It was a 14.59 percent MoM de-growth from 5,74,930 units sold in October 2023 down to 4,91,050 units in November 2023. Motorcycle sales fell by 16.64 percent from 5,29,341 units sold in October 2023 while scooter sales grew by 9.18 percent MoM from 45,589 units in October 2023 to 49,774 units in the past month.Sales in domestic markets dipped by 14.91 percent to 4,76,286 units in November 2023 from 5,59,766 units sold in October 2023. Exports also suffered a de-growth by 2.64 percent from 15,164 units shipped in October 2023 down to 14,764 units.YTD Sales April-November 2023The period Apr-Nov 2023 showed positive sales for Hero MotoCorp in domestic markets while exports suffered a setback. Total sales grew by 4.67 percent to 38,35,080 units, up from 36,63,875 units sold in the Apr-Nov 2022 period. This was a volume growth of 1,71,205 units.Motorcycle sales were up 3.79 percent to 35,40,305 units in Apr-Nov 2023 from 34,11,019 units sold in Apr-Nov 2022 while commanding a 92.31 percent share. Scooter sales saw an even higher percentage growth at 16.58 percent to 2,94,775 units in Apr-Nov 2023 from 2,52,856 units sold in the same period last year. Domestic sales were up 5.01 percent to 37,17,242 units, from 35,39,944 units sold in the 2022 period while exports fell 4.92 percent to 1,17,838 units in Apr-Nov 2023 from 1,23,931 units sold in Apr-Nov 2022. More