Bike News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      2023 Honda EM1 Electric Scooter Debuts -48 Km Range, Swappable Battery

      by

      2023 Honda EM1 Electric ScooterThe Honda Power Pack e swappable battery on 2023 Honda EM1 weighs 10.3 kg and AC charger compatibility is present tooHonda’s first electric 2W for Europe is 2023 EM1. It features a Honda Mobile Power Pack-e removable battery too. The company styled it distinctly to establish a slight departure from design languages used on their ICE scooters. Honda is targeting young audiences and short commuters in Europe.The company first announced Honda EM1 e in September last year as part of 10 or more electric 2W vehicles by 2025. Honda even intends to go carbon neutral by 2040 and this is a strategic first step towards that future. Buyers can lease, rent, or subscribe to, scooter, battery and charger depending on their country. Battery disposal and recycling are on Honda too.2023 Honda EM1 Electric ScooterThe company is pitting EM1 as high-quality urban mobility for shorter commutes and makes use of Honda Power Pack e swappable battery network. Pearl Sunbeam White, Digital Silver Metallic, and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic are its colour choices. Honda EM1 e 23YM doesn’t feature pedals, despite having “Electric Moped” (EM) in its name.The Li-ion battery weighs 10.3 kg and measures 298mm (L) x 177mm (D) x 156mm (H) in size. 50.3V and 29.4 Ah account for a battery capacity of 1.47 kWh. The optional 270W AC charger will take it from 0-100% in 6 hours, and 25-75% in 2 hours 40 minutes. The brushless hub motor is rated for 0.58 kW (0.77 bhp) and peaks out at 1.7 kW (2.27 bhp). Top speed is 45 km/h.Colour OptionsThis powertrain combo promises a range of 41.3 km in normal mode and up to 48 km in ECON mode. Honda promises durability too with 2,500 charge cycles. All this is mounted on an underbone chassis and the whole product weighs 95 kg (including battery). 2023 Honda EM1 measures 1860mm x 680mm x 1080mm (LXWXH).Ground clearance is 130 mm, seat height is 740 mm and wheelbase is 1300 mm. Other componentry include telescopic suspension up front, twin shock absorbers at the rear, front disc and rear drum braking with Combi Braking, 12” front wheel with 90/90-12 tyres and 10” rear wheel with 100/90-10 tyre.Design and appealThere is an LCD instrument panel and LED lighting all around. Front LED signature DRL lends a modern and sophisticated look for the design. Long seat, pillion grab rail, sleek and slender design, optional 35L top box, flush foot pegs are notable elements. The under seat storage is just 3.3L and front luggage provisions can hold a 500ml PET bottle and a USB Type-A port charging port as well.Front storage and USB chargerOwners can charge Honda EM1 e with an AC charger at home or use Honda Power Pack e swapping stations too, depending upon the purchase type. In other news, India-spec Activa recently ditched its 6G suffix. Honda will launch Activa electric in India next year. More

    • 125 Shares199 Views

      in Bike

      Royal Enfield Interceptor BEAR 650 Name Trademark – For Scrambler?

      by

      Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 BEAR. Image – Bullet Guru.The single exhaust setup can make the upcoming Interceptor BEAR 650 the lightest RE 650ccRoyal Enfield currently has around 13 motorcycles planned for launch. The company is bracing for an action-packed future. They will be increasing production with an all-new facility. There are a total of six 650cc motorcycles in the works, out of which, Royal Enfield recently trademarked a name for one.That trademarked name is “Interceptor Bear 650” in New Zealand and “Royal Enfield Interceptor Bear 650” in India and Australia. Bear name signifies something that dwells in the woods. So, an off-roader of sorts. But the name also has 650 in it and Himalayan 650 test mule sightings are still zero. So, this could be a Scrambler, already spotted testing multiple times.RE Scram 650 Might Get Interceptor Bear 650 NamePreviously believed to be Scram 650, is likely to be called Interceptor Bear 650 when launched. The name makes sense in Royal Enfield’s product portfolio as it is based on an Interceptor 650, to begin with. Trademarking a name is often a hassle. Royal Enfield sold Interceptor 650 in the USA as Int 650 as Honda owns the trademark for Interceptor name there.This upcoming scrambler motorcycle is a derivative of Interceptor 650. Test mules have made multiple appearances both here in India and abroad. It dons the same frame, fuel tank and even its engine. What the Scrambler has different, is an upgraded suspension and exhaust system.Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 BEARFront suspension setup gets USD telescopic forks as opposed to RSU (Right Side Up) telescopic forks on Interceptor 650. This should enable athleticism in the way it handles. We hope these are not the same forks from Super Meteor 650 with less travel. Rear suspension is still twin shockers. These are different from the ones found on Interceptor 650 with an external gas chamber.Rear subframe is changed and is slightly angled upwards. The main change is in its single-sided exhaust. This is not high-set as expected from a typical Scrambler. There is a new exhaust header as well routing both channels into one pipe. One less exhaust will reduce overall kerb weight. This can potentially be the lightest 650cc offering from Royal Enfield to date.The same 650cc Parallel Twin motorOther changes with Interceptor Bear 650 (believed RE Scram 650) are circular LED tail lights, LED headlights, block pattern tyres and not a lot more. The 648cc parallel twin air/oil-cooled engine generates 47 bhp of power and 52 Nm of torque. Royal Enfield might tune this engine differently on the Scrambler to establish a slightly different character.A 6-speed gearbox, slip and assist clutch, wire-spoke rims, an optional tripper screen with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation are notable features. Speaking of prices of Interceptor Bear 650, Rs. 3.5 to 3.7 lakh should make it an interesting proposition. More

    • 163 Shares119 Views

      in Bike

      2023 Yamaha R3 Launch Price 726k JPY (Rs 4.4 Lakh) – New Features

      by

      MY2023 Yamaha R3 launchedYZF-R1 inspired design language is the main highlight on 2023 Yamaha R3 along with its 42 PS and 30 Nm capable 320cc parallel-twin engineYamaha updated it for MY2023 with a bunch of new features. Japan is the first recipient of 2023 Yamaha R3. Launch happened today, May 10th, 2023. Yamaha is quoting a price JPY 726,000 (including tax) which translates to Rs. 4.39 lakh as per today’s currency exchange.Yamaha R3 didn’t need a lot in terms of componentry, so it doesn’t get a lot as part of MY2023 update. R3 got USD forks and other paraphernalia in 2019 update. Yamaha didn’t even add any new colours with 2023 update. So, what is new? Let’s take a look.MY2023 Yamaha R3 Launched In JapanThis model is of particular interest to Indian automobile market as we are expecting an imminent launch. Along with R3, Yamaha also showcased MT-03, MT-07 and MT-09 as well. Dealer sources revealed Yamaha intends to launch most of these, but R3 and MT-03 are highly likely. When launched, YZF-R3 will take on Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Ninja 400 along with KTM RC 390.We hope India gets all the added features with MY2023 Yamaha R3 too. Speaking of, Yamaha is offering LED turn indicators as standard fitment with MY2023 update. Halogen bulbs were the biggest sour points in R3’s design. The new front and rear LED turn indicators blend in well and complements stylish LED headlights and LED tail lights.Colour choicesOther additions include a quick shifter, but Yamaha is not offering it as standard fitment. Instead, prospective buyers have to shed JPY 22,000 (approx Rs. 13,325). We’re not sure whether it allows both clutchless upshifts and downshifts, or just one of them. Yamaha R15M gets a quick shifter too, supporting only clutchless upshifts.What does it pack?2023 Yamaha R3 comes in three colour options, just like its preceding model. These are Deep Purplish Blue Metallic, Dark Bluish Purple Metallic and the good ol’ Metallic Black. We think Dark Bluish Purple Metallic looks the flashiest, which might not be to everyone’s taste.R3 measures 2090 mm long, 730 mm wide and 1140 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 1380 mm long with a ground clearance of 160 mm. This should be enough to scale any and every illogical speed breaker we have. R3 bears the same beating and pulsating heart as before. Which is a 320cc parallel twin engine with liquid cooling, 4V head and packs DOHC setup.R1 inspired designThis engine is good for 42 PS of power at 10750 RPM and 30 Nm of torque at 9000 RPM, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. With 14L of fuel in the tank, 2023 Yamaha R3 weighs just 169 kg, which is really commendable. Componentry includes USD front telescopic forks, rear monoshock, 110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear tyres.Yamaha offers single disc setup at both ends along with dual channel ABS. Fatter rubber would be nicer and while at it, we hope Yamaha offers the same fully digital TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity from R15M. R3 gets a fully digital LCD panel with limited functionalities. Launch in India is expected before Diwali 2023. Prices of Yamaha R3 in India could be in the Rs 4 lakh range. More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      TVS iQube Price Hike May 2023 – New Price 1.21 L, Includes Cost Of Charger

      by

      Image – Aaditya NayakAlthough the ex-showroom prices of iQube are now higher, customers will be paying almost the same amount as earlierFollowing the government’s directive, electric two-wheeler manufacturers have started adding the charger as part of standard equipment. Earlier, several of the leading OEMs including TVS required customers to pay extra for the charger. With the cost of charger included, iQube is now available at Rs 1.21 lakh (effective on-road, Bengaluru).Prices of iQube will vary based on availability and quantum of state subsidy. Central subsidy under FAME II is Rs 51,000 for iQube. Karnataka is among the states that no longer offer state subsidy. iQube in Delhi is eligible for a state subsidy of Rs 17,000. Effective on-road price of iQube in Delhi is Rs 1.06 lakh.TVS iQube new pricesWhen the charger was not offered as standard, TVS iQube was available at a starting price of Rs 1.56 lakh. With the 650-watt charger now included, iQube base variant is now available at a starting price of Rs 1.66 lakh (ex-showroom, excluding FAME-II subsidy).For iQube S variant, ex-showroom price is now Rs 1.68 lakh. Here also, prices have been increased by around Rs 9,000. With the FAME II subsidy, effective on-road price of iQube S variant is Rs 1.32 lakh. iQube S customers will need to pay additional Rs 9,440, which is charged for software upgrade.TVS iQube Mega Delivery Event In PuneWhile technically the prices of iQube have increased, customers will be paying almost the same amount as earlier. The only difference is that cost of charger is now included in the cost of vehicle. So, there is no additional cost burden on iQube customers.TVS to refund iQube ownersFollowing government’s directive, OEMs like TVS, Ather Energy, Ola Electric and Hero MotoCorp have decided to refund any amount that was charged in excess of Rs 1.50 lakh. TVS liabilities are relatively less in this context, as iQube ex-showroom price was lower than several of its rivals. At most locations, iQube was priced just a little above Rs 1.50 lakh. The average amount paid over Rs 1.50 lakh is around Rs 1,700 per scooter. Overall refunds to be issued by TVS is around Rs 15-16 crore.It is a bit unsettling to see the issues linked to FAME II subsidy. The electric two-wheeler segment is just starting to gather pace and such issues can create problems. One recent example is 23 percent drop in MoM growth in April 2023. In case of iQube, it had achieved the 1 lakh cumulative sales milestone in April. However, its MoM growth fell by 48 percent. According to TVS, the drop is due to reduced production, triggered by ‘AIS-156 changeover and supply chain challenges’.It is important that OEMs follow ethical practices to create trust and confidence among customers. While the charger issue seems to be largely resolved with the refund plan, such things should not have occurred in the first place. The fact that the matter was identified through whistle blower emails raises several questions. More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Bike

      Ather 450S Name Trademarked – New Base Variant To Launch In Activa Price Range

      by

      Ather 450S electric scooter spiedWith increasing competition and subsidy exhausted in several states, OEMs are betting on new, affordable variants to boost salesPremium electric scooters like Ather 450X have been registering robust sales since launch. The combo of central and stage level subsidies has worked to make these electric scooters a viable option in comparison to the standard ICE-based scooters.However, electric two-wheeler sales appear to be plateauing. MoM growth was negative in April 2023. Moreover, OEMs like Ola and Hero MotoCorp have launched more affordable variants to boost sales. There’s also the threat from upcoming electric two-wheelers such as Simple One, Honda electric scooter and Gogoro. In view of these factors, Ather appears to be right in its decision to launch a new, affordable variant.Ather new 450S base variant – Where will be cost cutting?With affordability taking prominence, upcoming Ather 450S variant is likely to miss out on several of the advanced features available with existing 450X Pro Pack variant. But that shouldn’t be a constraint for folks with limited budget. Quite a few features are not even necessary such as the full colour 7-inch TFT touchscreen display. Ather has already replaced the colour screen with a grey scale unit onboard the standard 450X.Similarly, there could be other features that could be axed. Features like 4G connectivity, music and calls access, guide-me-home light, hill assist and park assist may be desirable. However, they cannot be described as a necessity. These features have already been removed from standard 450X variant. The upcoming 450S variant could do away with more features to achieve an affordable price point.Ather 450S electric scooter name trademarkedIn addition to the missing features and tech, the new Ather 450S base variant is likely to get a tubular frame, instead of the aluminium space frame of the current 450X. It will also get a smaller battery pack along with a less powerful motor. This will help Ather price their new 450S base variant aggressively.Ather 450S – expected priceAs compared to electric two-wheelers like Ather, the bestselling ICE scooters like Honda Activa are relatively cheaper. Activa starts at Rs 75,347 (ex-sh., Delhi), as compared to Rs 98,079 of Ather 450X base variant. It is apparent that people with limited budget will have preference for the Activa. This is why OEMs need to come up with more affordable variants, whose pricing can be at par with bestselling ICE scooters.Along with removing unnecessary features, OEMs can also think about using lower capacity battery packs. It will lower the range, but the price benefit will be perceived as favourable by most buyers. Moreover, charging infrastructure is improving rapidly in the country. When users know there’s a charging station in the neighbourhood, they would worry less about range and getting stranded.Upcoming Ather 450S variant could be priced below Rs 1.5 lakh. Existing 450X and 450X Pro Pack variants are priced at Rs 1,71,879. Central subsidy available for Ather under FAME II is Rs 55,500, whereas state subsidy applicable on Ather scooters in Delhi is Rs 18,300. Assuming Ather new 450S variant is priced at Rs 1.50 lakh, it could be available at an effective ex-showroom price of approximately Rs 76,000 in Delhi. That’s almost close to that of Activa. Other charges like insurance, road tax and registration will be applicable. More

    • 163 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      Honda ‘Activa 6G’ Name Is No More – We Might Not Get 7G

      by

      Honda removes 6g suffix from Activa nameThe 109.51 cc single cylinder engine on Honda Activa generates same numbers as before and boasts identical pricing tooHMSI is the No 1 scooter brand in India. Activa has been the primary volume generator for many years now. So much so, that people often default on an Activa when buying a scooter. In FY 2023, Honda manufactured 21.5 lakh Activa, most of which were sold in India alone.Honda has, surprisingly, decided to change the name of its bread and butter scooter in May 2023. Before you ask, no. The Activa name is not going anywhere. Instead, Honda is dropping the 6G tag from the name. HMSI has not quoted a reason, but Activa is just an Activa now and the 6G suffix is dropped.Honda Activa Ditches 6G Name – Why though?Why? This is the million-dollar question. As HMSI has not quoted a reason, it can be anyone’s guess. Maybe Honda is doing this as Activa didn’t really get six generations of upgrades. Three at best along with the major powertrain upgrade in 2020 as part of the Indian Government’s push for fewer tailpipe carbon emissions through BS6 emission standard.But, Honda already knew this. So, why the change in name now in May 2023? This might be a part of Honda’s strategic product positioning exercise. Where Honda might bring in variations of its Activa lineup in the future.Honda removes 6g suffix from Activa nameNeed for more variety in the Activa brand is likely to be a necessity in the future. Lastly, Honda is introducing its maiden electric scooter for India in the near future. It will feature swappable battery tech as well. Maybe Honda’s future EV’s name might create a convoluted reception for its current ICE scooter’s name. Anticipation of this might be one of the reasons as well.What next for future Activa updates? No 7G?Long story short, no. There won’t be an Activa 7G or an 8G. Instead, incremental updates for Activa lineup are likely to be recognised with the subsequent year when they were implemented. For example, Honda is likely to recognise updates in 2023 as MY2023 Activa and so forth.Honda Activa’s name is the only change that the company is implementing. No mechanical updates. This means Activa’s tried and tested 109.51cc single-cylinder engine is still on offer. This engine generates 7.73 bhp of power and 8.9 Nm of torque and is mated to a CVT. Honda offers a silent starter, LED headlights, DRL, external fuel filler cap and other features.Honda Activa 2023 specsIndia’s largest scooter maker has not hiked the prices of Activa as well. So the Rs. 75,347 price tag is the same as before too. It’s only the name that Honda has changed and nothing else. Goodbye 6G suffix! More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Bike

      Top 10 150cc to 200cc Motorcycles March 2023 – Apache, Pulsar, FZ, R15, MT15

      by

      Image – MRD VlogsMotorcycle sales in the 150-200cc segment were led by TVS Apache and Bajaj Pulsar with Yamaha FZ also contributing relatively good numbersFollowing our earlier report on 200-500cc motorcycle sales in March 2023, we now bring you sales figures of top 10 150-200cc bikes also sold during March 2023. This segment has been witnessing steady growth over the past several years with more two wheeler makers bringing in new and more exciting offerings into the segment. Another reason for its growth is the fact that larger capacity bikes get more expensive while lower capacity bikes bring with it the advantages of both affordability and fuel efficiency.This segment has seen a YoY and MoM growth in sales in March 2023. Sales stood at 1,09,007 units, up 3.51 percent from 1,05,308 units sold in March 2022. This was an 8,787 unit volume growth. MoM sales also improved by 6.25 percent from 1,02,591 units sold in Feb 2023.Top 10 150-200cc motorcycle sales March 2023TVS Apache led the segment with 36,226 units sold in March 2023. This was a 32.02 percent YoY growth over 27,439 units sold in March 2022. Sales in Feb 2023 had stood at 34,935 units, thus relating to a 3.70 percent MoM growth. The Apache commands a 33.73 percent share in this segment. In Feb 2023, sales of the TVS Apache crossed the 5 million units (50 lakh) sales milestone ever since the series was launched in 2005.At No. 2 was Bajaj Pulsar with sales of 30,756 units in March 2023, up 22.43 percent YoY from 25,121 units sold in March 2022. This was also a 15.89 percent MoM growth as against 26,539 units sold in Feb 2023. Currently commanding a 28.21 percent share on this list, Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and NS200 were launched in March 2023, the same month when the Pulsar 125cc received feature and engine updates.Motorcycle Sales 150cc-200cc segment March 2023 – YoY ReportSales of the Yamaha FZ were at 19,092 units in March 2023 with a YoY de-growth of 17.05 percent from 23,016 units sold in March 2022. It did however, see improved sales on a MoM basis over 17,262 units sold in Feb 2023. Yamaha FZ-S V3 Matte Black has just been moved into company dealerships, a colour which the company had discontinued sometime back. It was followed by the R15 and MT15 with sales of 7,581 units and 6,201 units respectively in March 2023.Motorcycle Sales 150cc-200cc segment March 2023Sales in sub-5,000 unit range in March 2023Hero Xpulse 200 sales were down to 4,525 units in March 2023, a de-growth of 0.83 percent from 4,563 units sold in March 2022. This 200cc model did however see outstanding MoM growth by 175.91 percent as against 1,640 units sold in Feb 2023.Even as KTM200 saw a 50.03 percent YoY growth to 2,915 units in March 2023 from 1,945 units sold in March 2022, its MoM performance saw sales dip 10.42 percent over 3,254 units sold in Feb 2023. Avenger sales dipped to 1,572 units in March 2023 from 1,582 units sold in March 2022 while MoM sales improved by 1.88 percent from 1,543 units sold in Feb 2023.Motorcycle Sales 150cc-200cc segment March 2023 – MoM ReportYoY and MoM de-growth was seen for the Xtreme 160R/200, sales of which fell to 105 units, down 92.55 percent YoY and 77.27 percent MoM. There was also the Kawasaki W175 lower down on this list at No. 10 with 32 units sold in March 2023. This was a MoM de-growth of 59.49 percent as against 79 units sold in Feb 2023. W175 was launched in September 2022 and is currently priced at Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom).Sales of CB200X dipped to just 2 units in March 2023 from 441 units sold in March 2022 while there had been 0 units sold in Feb 2023. Sales of Gixxer and Unicorn which had stood at 1,698 units and 1,339 units in Feb 2023, along with 6 units of XBlade and 5 units of Hornet 2.0, were down to 0 units in March 2023. More

    • 138 Shares139 Views

      in Bike

      Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 New Spy Video – Testing Inside City

      by

      Royal Enfield Himalayan 450Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will rival the likes of KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G310GS and upcoming Hero Xpulse 420Royal Enfield is creating a new 450cc range and the first model to be launched will be Himalayan 450. Later, other models can also be introduced such as Scram 450. Himalayan 450 will be essentially looking to fix the shortcomings of current 411cc Himalayan, all while continuing with the affordable pricing policy.Himalayan 450 was recently spotted inside the city, in what appears to be production-ready format. It indicates that the bike could be launched soon. It can be offered at a starting price of around Rs 2.5 lakh. Latest spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Hanish.Himalayan 450 Testing Inside The CityAs compared to the current model, Himalayan 450 will have improved aesthetics, new equipment and more power and torque to conquer challenging terrains. The bike will have evolved capabilities for urban streets as well. Some of the key features of Himalayan 450 include all-LED lighting, fully digital instrument console and USD front forks. As of now, none of the existing single cylinder RE bikes have these features.Other highlights of Himalayan 450 include raised front beak, a compact windscreen, upmarket switchgear, large radiator at front, rugged engine guard and new brake fluid reservoir. The bike has rally-style foot pegs for improved traction in slippery conditions. Rubber inserts will be available for foot pegs, allowing users to customize based on their riding conditions.[embedded content][embedded content]In terms of ergonomics, the bike has a fairly upright stance. While it looks just as tall as the current model, Himalayan 450 has a scooped seat that will help improve balance and handling. With the raised handlebar and elevated front section, users should be able to ride effortlessly standing up on the foot pegs. Even shorter users should not have any major issues riding Himalayan 450.Himalayan 450 performance, specsWhile official engine specs are not known, it is likely to be a liquid cooled unit. Himalayan 450 can deliver around 35 bhp of max power and 40 Nm of peak torque. In comparison, the existing Himalayan has a 411cc engine that makes 24.3 bhp and 32 Nm.Himalayan 450 can be equipped with a 6-speed gearbox. It can have benefits such as enhanced cruising capabilities, improved fuel efficiency and higher top speed. Existing Himalayan has a 5-speed gearbox and offers fuel efficiency of 33.33 kmpl.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450Himalayan 450 has USD front forks, a first for a single-cylinder Royal Enfield bike. It can get 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, the same setup used with current Himalayan. The bike has spoke wheels, with disk brakes at both ends. Dual-channel ABS is likely and switchable functionality can be available for rear wheel.With Royal Enfield’s focus on affordability, Himalayan 450 may miss out on premium features such as quick shifter, slipper and assist clutch and ride-by-wire tech. Tripper screen may not be required, as Himalayan 450’s digital instrument is likely to be equipped with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. More