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      Harley-Davidson X440 Exhaust Note Teased – Pure Music

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      New Harley Davidson X440Transforming roaring engine noises into a musical purr is an art that has been perfected by Harley-DavidsonDeveloped in collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, Harley Davidson X440 is scheduled to make its global debut next month. It’s a new beginning for the marquee brand, as it throws the challenge to middleweight segment leader Royal Enfield.Ahead of its launch, Harley-Davidson has shared a captivating teaser of X440 gliding through the great Himalayas. Also revealed is the exhaust note, which seems quite refined and melodious. Ultimately, it’s the enthusiasts’ votes that will determine if X440 has better vocals in comparison to Royal Enfield bikes.Harley-Davidson X440 exhaust noteEvidence to the single-cylinder engine is quite strong with the bike’s exhaust note. The thumping rhythm seems familiar to that of Royal Enfield, especially when the engine kicks into action and is idling. However, the exhaust note of X440 acquires a more distinct quality at high revs. X440’s exhaust note is most melodious at high speeds. The throaty feel is there, but it appears to be tamed down a bit for a more refined aural experience.X440 may not be looking at playing the volume game. However, having a sweet-sounding exhaust note doesn’t hurt. It can actually help push sales. A relevant example is apparently Royal Enfield bikes that are loved for their exhaust note. Over the years, exhaust note of Royal Enfield bikes has evolved to become more refined. It’s based on changing consumer preferences as well as new sound emission norms.New Harley Davidson X440Even though X440 seems to have perfected the exhaust note, a definitive conclusion cannot be derived until one gets to test drive this new machine. Things could turn out to be different in the real world, as compared to listening to a recording. Enthusiasts will surely be eager to carry out a side-by-side comparison of X440 and a Royal Enfield bike, which will include the exhaust note. On speakers, it appears that Royal Enfield finally has a match, if not something better.Harley X440 performance, specsPowering Harley-Davidson X440 will be a single-cylinder, 440cc air-/oil cooled engine. It is estimated to produce around 40 Nm of peak torque. For reference, Royal Enfield Classic 350 churns out 20 hp and 27 Nm. Clearly, X440 has a lot more power to tackle a wide variety of terrain. Harley could offer specialized accessories to make X440 suitable for long-distance journeys.As compared to other Harley bikes that have belt drive, X440 is equipped with chain final drive. This will ensure long lifespan and low maintenance. Chain drive also suits local conditions.Harley X440 has a neo-retro profile with features such as round headlamp and rear-view mirrors. It has all-LED lighting, circular instrument pod, tapering fuel tank design, USD front forks and dual rear shock absorbers. The bike has a comfortable riding stance, with wide handlebar and centrally-positioned foot pegs. More

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      Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle Production Version Render – 6 Colours

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      Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle – RenderRoyal Enfield can launch the first of its electric bikes in 2025, based on an entirely new platformIt is known that Royal Enfield is working diligently to develop its electric bikes. As the ICE portfolio also needs to be handled simultaneously, it may take a couple of years before the first Royal Enfield electric bike debuts. It will be an entirely new journey for the company, quite like starting from scratch.Launch of Royal Enfield electric bikes has been delayed due to the pandemic. It is not certain if prototypes have been developed or things are still on the drawing board. Test mules are yet to be spotted, although OEMs are known to test new products at overseas locations as well.Only evidence is a glimpse of Royal Enfield Electrik 01 Concept that was leaked online last year. To get a better idea about Royal Enfield’s electric bike, Pratyush Rout has come up with a digital render based on the leaked concept.Royal Enfield electric bike renderWhile the body details have changed, the core silhouette is still familiar to current bestsellers like Classic 350. Retro bits have been retained, as seen with the round headlamp and rear-view mirrors and teardrop fuel tank. The latter is there just for the aesthetics, although it can have a compact storage space on the inside.Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle – RenderAnother interesting detail is the front girder fork, usually seen with vintage motorcycles. It is not certain if the production variant will have this feature or not. Girder forks have long been replaced with standard telescopic forks and USD forks. The battery pack housing is completely covered with rugged looking panels. The deep grooves on the panelling ensure a distinctive character for the bike. The triangular boxes towards the rear exude a sense of familiarity with the current range of Royal Enfield bikes.Colour theme comprises the primary shade, along with a contrasting colour used to highlight the bike’s outer layers. The contrasting shade is also used on the headlamp cowl, graphics and alloy wheels.Royal Enfield electric bike performance, rangeIn terms of performance, Royal Enfield electric bike will have capabilities similar to its 350cc siblings. The first launch could be a roadster, meant for city commutes. Other formats such as electric ADVs and cruisers can be introduced at a later date. Range of Royal Enfield electric bike could be around 100 to 150 km.Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle – RenderAs Royal Enfield bikes are preferred for their large size, installing a higher capacity battery pack shouldn’t pose any major challenges. But this approach can clash with the company’s focus on affordability. It is imperative that a middle ground be discovered to ensure an optimal mix of performance and affordability.Royal Enfield has mega plans for electric segment, as evident with investment commitments worth Rs 2,000 crore. This will be part of the PLI scheme and spread over a period of five years. Royal Enfield is also expected to make investments for developing charging infrastructure across the country.Disclaimer – Design renders presented in this blog are solely for illustrative purposes and have not been commissioned, approved, or endorsed by the manufacturer. Designs presented here may not reflect the final product or the manufacturer’s intentions. The renders are provided as conceptual designs or artistic interpretations only, and their accuracy or feasibility cannot be guaranteed. More

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      Yamaha Neo’s Electric Scooter Plan Shelved – India To Get New Premium EV

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      2023 Yamaha Neo’s Electric ScooterWith most EV users prioritizing cost per km, it has become challenging for established ICE players to integrate traditional brand values in their electric productsElectric-two-wheeler segment in India has been registering robust growth month after month. However, ICE-based OEMs like Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Royal Enfield are yet to foray in this space. Clearly, a sense of urgency seems to be missing, as generally seen with startups in EV segment.Talking about Yamaha specifically, the company was planning to bring its Neo’s electric scooter to India. This was confirmed around a year back by Eishin Chihana, chairman of Yamaha India. However, things have changed since then. Yamaha’s entry into EV space in India has been further delayed by around 2 to 3 years.Yamaha working on new premium EVDiscontinuation of Neo’s India launch plans is quite disheartening for Yamaha enthusiasts who were eagerly waiting to see their favourite brand in electric format. However, Yamaha has assured that they are working on a new premium EV for Indian market. This will be a performance-oriented electric machine, much better and capable than Neo’s. It’s just that users will have to wait patiently for 2-3 years to see this new Yamaha EV in action.There are specific reasons why Neo’s launch plan in India has been shelved. Firstly, the immediate ecosystem has changed dramatically with things like reduction in subsidies and newer regulatory policies. Moreover, Yamaha has realized that the purpose of buying an EV in India is different from that of other markets.2023 Yamaha Neo’s Electric ScooterFor example, people in Europe buy EV scooters, as they feel motivated to do their bit for the environment. In India, most users buy EVs with the goal to reduce running costs. This is due to an increase in petrol prices. In comparison, Yamaha’s existing ICE customer base focuses on other aspects such as style, aspirational value and performance. This is why Yamaha is working on a new premium EV for India. It will be sporty, stylish and exciting, a perfect match with brand Yamaha.Not chasing volumesWith its new premium EV for India, Yamaha will cater to a niche target audience. The new EV will be meant for folks who are looking for something truly unique. Yamaha will not be focusing on volumes with its upcoming premium EV. Instead, the focus is on creating something sporty and outstanding. It will have an electric heart, but style and performance will be just as good as the current range of Yamaha bikes.Yamaha does not want to create something in a rush, as it won’t add value to the brand. So, the company will invest adequate time and effort in development of the new EV. For folks who can’t wait, it will be better to go with Yamaha’s ICE-based machines such as R15 and MT-15. Yamaha is also working on plans to bring R3, R7, MT-03, MT-07 and MT-09 to India.Source More

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      Vespa Mickey Mouse Edition Gets Matching Helmet Too

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      Vespa Mickey Mouse EditionThe matching helmet with Vespa Mickey Mouse Edition is likely to be a paid option, rather than being part of the bundleThe Italian Scooter manufacturer recently launched Vespa Dual in India. In global markets, the Iconic Italian scooter manufacturer Vespa is collaborating with Disney to launch Mickey Mouse Edition. This collaboration is to signify Disney’s 100th anniversary. This collaboration further signifies the relationship and ethos sharing between Disney and Vespa.In Disney’s latest movie Luca, the lead character’s default choice of scooter for adventure is a Vespa. For Disney’s 100th anniversary, two iconic brands have come together to launch the Vespa Mickey Mouse edition. Before you ask, Vespa didn’t put the face of Mickey Mouse on a scooter. Instead, execution is rather tasteful and subtle. Let’s take a look.Vespa Mickey Mouse EditionThe way Disney and Vespa have executed the Mickey Mouse edition is really subtle. Primary colours are yellow, red, black and white, all of which make iconic Mickey Mouse characters. Yellow wheels and front fenders represent Mickey Mouse’s shoes, black mirrors represent its round ears, red shade shows its trousers and black base coat is the colour of Mickey’s black fur.There is a Mickey Mouse cartoon on the red floorboard. Black shade features a white graphic pattern made of multiple Mickey Mouse characters and it is present on either side of Vespa Primavera’s side body panels and the front apron as well. If you missed any of these subtle elements, there are Mickey Mouse signatures on the seat and front apron.Vespa Mickey Mouse Edition ApronLaunched only with Primavera scooterAs of now, Vespa is only offering this Mickey Mouse edition with its Primavera scooter across the range including 50cc, 125cc and 150cc models. Vespa Primavera is not on sale in India. So, we’re not going to see this Mickey Mouse edition on Indian roads any time soon. Vespa also mentioned a matching Mickey Mouse helmet as well. Likely to be an add-on that standard offering.Michele Colaninno, Chief Executive of global strategy, product, marketing, and innovation of the Piaggio Group, commented on this collaboration as follows: “Dreams allow us to look to the future with optimism, even in complex times such as these. A timeless icon like Vespa could not fail to celebrate, on this very special occasion of Disney’s 100th Anniversary, an equally everlasting icon like Mickey Mouse, with a tribute to creativity, imagination, light-heartedness, and fun – the very values that have always anchored Vespa. Today, as then. This collaboration between Vespa and Disney represents the celebration of two historic companies that have a common dream: to allow everyone to express their imagination freely.”Claire Terry, Senior Vice President, Disney Consumer Products, Games & Publishing EMEA said, “Just like Mickey Mouse, Vespa is a cultural icon, evoking a sense of fun and adventure and together they form a wonderful combination, truly extending our timeless storytelling. We are incredibly excited to bring this version of the iconic scooter to our fans in our centenary year and bring all of Mickey’s charm and personality to road trips wherever people want to go!” More

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      Yamaha Sales Breakup May 2023 – FZ, R15, MT15, RayZR, Fascino

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      New Yamaha MT15. Image – Throttle 98Yamaha FZ was the most popular bike in the company lineup that was featured at No. 1 both on domestic and export listsYamaha Motor India has posted increased sales in May 2023. Total sales (domestic + exports) in the past month stood at 71,943 units, up from 68,501 units sold in May 2022.  While the company has experienced higher domestic sales to the tune of 19.69 percent, its performance in global markets were lackluster with a 22.83 percent YoY de-growth.Domestic sales stood at 53,751 units in May 2023, up 19.69 percent YoY from 44,907 units sold in May 2022. This was a YoY volume growth of 8,844 units. It was also a MoM growth of 1.53 percent from 52,939 units sold in April 2023.Yamaha Sales Breakup May 2023Yamaha FZ was the most sold bike both in domestic and global markets. Yamaha FZ topped domestic sales charts with 16,919 units sold in May 2023, up 12.28 percent from 15,068 units sold in May 2022. It commanded a 31.48 percent share in the company lineup. MoM sales however, dipped by 19.17 percent from 20,931 units sold in April 2023.It was R15 that featured at No. 2 with 11,280 units sold last month, up 58.43 percent when compared to 7,120 units sold in May 2022. MoM sales were marginally lower by 0.12 percent from 11,294 units sold in April 2023. It was in April that Yamaha also introduced feature and colour updates on the R15 while the MT15 got a new and more affordably priced variant.Yamaha sales performance May 2023 vs May 2022 – YoY comparisonYamaha Ray ZR posted a YoY growth of 10.73 percent to 9,794 units in May 2023 from 8,845 units sold in May 2022 when it featured at No. 3 on the sales list. It was a MoM growth of 33.68 percent from 6,300 units sold in April 2023. The Ray ZR currently commands an 18.22 percent share.Yamaha Fascino 125cc scooter sales doubled in May 2023 to 8,422 units from 2,838 units sold in May 2022. This was a volume growth of 2,838 units with a 15.67 percent share. MoM sales of the Fascino dipped by 1.52 percent from 9,945 units sold in April 2023. The MT15 sales dipped 5.64 percent YoY but improved by 60.13 percent MoM to 7,156 units while sales of the FZ25, of which the company sold 706 units in May 2022, has since been discontinued.Yamaha Exports May 2023With Yamaha FZ also being a hot favorite in export markets, the company shipped 6,612 units in May 2023. This was a YoY de-growth of 26.87 percent when compared to 9,042 units shipped in May 2022. MoM sales on the other hand improved by 42.62 percent from 4,636 units exported in April 2023.  The FZ currently commands a 36.35 percent share on the export list.Yamaha sales performance May 2023 vs Apr 2023 – MoM comparisonYamaha Saluto has seen outstanding demand. Exports improved by 311.97 percent YoY and 6.17 percent MoM to 3,510 units. The Saluto RX however, has seen exports dip by 6.18 percent MoM to 3,156 units from 3,364 units sold in April 2023.Exports also increased YoY for the Ray ZR (3,040 units) and MT15 (960 units) but fell to just 436 units and 388 units respectively for the Yamaha SZ and R15. All the three – MT15, SZ and R15 also posted MoM de-growth. Fascino exports however increased by 200 percent MoM to 90 units from just 30 units sold in April 2023. More

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      350cc Motorcycle Sales May 2023 – Royal Enfield, Honda, Yezdi, Jawa

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350Out of the 71,336 units 350cc motorcycles sales that took place in May 2023, Royal Enfield alone sold 64,923 units accounting for 91% market share350cc motorcycles are all the rage in the retro classic genre. There is one 2W manufacturer that absolutely dominates this segment. That brand is Royal Enfield and it bagged the top five spots out of the seven major 350cc models in the country. This 350cc motorcycle sales chart for May 2023 accounted for 71,336 units in total.When opposed to 55,780 units sold in May 2022 and 67,643 units sold in April 2023, 350cc motorcycle segment showed a solid 27.89% YoY growth and 5.46% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 15,556 units YoY and 3,693 units MoM.350cc motorcycle sales May 2023Like clockwork, Royal Enfield absolutely dominated this space by selling 64,923 350cc motorcycles and accounted for 91% of market share among all other 350cc bikes. Within the brand, Classic 350 stood the undisputed champ with 26,350 units sold last month.Classic 350 registered a 12.05% YoY decline and a 1.61% MoM decline. Sales didn’t suffice to surpass 29,959 units sold a year ago and 26,781 units sold a month before. Volume loss stood at 3,609 units YoY and 431 units MoM. Market share fell to 36.94%, down from 39.59% a month before.350cc motorcycle sales chartHunter 350 took 2nd place by selling 18,869 units. The company’s most affordable offering saw 19.43% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 3,070 units MoM and secured 26.45% market share. OG Standard Bullet 350 sold 8,314 units and saw 19.49% YoY growth as opposed to 6,958 units sold a year ago.But MoM numbers took a hit with a 1.01% decline, losing 85 units in volume. Like Classic 350, Meteor 350 fell into the red completely. It sold 7,024 units last month. But these numbers weren’t adequate to surpass 8,209 units sold a year ago and 7,598 units sold a month before. So, Meteor saw a 14.44% YoY decline and a 7.55% MoM decline.Classic Legends sold 2,333 unitsLeast selling 350cc RE is the Bullet Electra 350 with 4,366 units. It is the first contender on this list to register a positive 15.84% YoY growth and 15.53% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 597 units YoY and 587 units MoM. In 6th place is Honda CB350 with 4,080 units sold. CB350 saw 23.34% YoY growth and 35.41% MoM growth.Volume growth for CB350 stood at 772 units YoY and 1,067 units MoM (highest in this list). Lastly, we have Classic Legends which sold 2,333 units (retail) of Jawa and Yezdi branded motorcycles in India. The company saw a 34.78% YoY decline and a 2.59% MoM growth. More

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      New Hero Motorcycle Spied – Xtreme 125cc to rival Pulsar 125?

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      New Hero Xtreme 125R spied. Image – MRD VlogsUpon launch, Hero new commuter bike will rival the likes of TVS Raider, Bajaj Pulsar NS125 and Honda SP 125While Hero is the market leader in commuter motorcycle segment, there’s heavy reliance on Splendor 100cc bike. In April, share of Splendor in overall sales was more than 2/3rd. From a business perspective, this is quite like putting all your eggs in one basket.For a more diversified portfolio, Hero MotoCorp has been working on a new range of bikes. It comprises both new commuter bikes as well as premium offerings in middleweight segment. Xtreme 160R 4V was recently launched at Rs 1.36 lakh. Karizma XMR is expected to be launched later this year. Hero is also developing a new maxi scooter. These clearly indicate that Hero MotoCorp is looking to reduce dependence on its 100cc commuter bikes.New Hero Xtreme 125R spiedHero new commuter bike detailsStandard telescopic suspension and rear drum brake indicate that the test mule is a new 125cc commuter bike. With TVS Raider being the primary rival, Hero new bike has a sporty profile. Some key features include sharp headlamp, sculpted fuel tank with extensions, compact rear-view mirrors, sleek turn signals, all-LED lighting, split-seat design and stubby exhaust. The bike has a short tail section and rear tyre hugger.Hero new commuter bike can be seen with a fully digital instrument cluster. This could be the same or similar to the one used with other 125cc Hero bikes such as Glamour XTEC and Super Splendor XTEC. Or it could be similar to the inverted LCD console used with recently launched Xtreme 160R. To present it as a capable machine, Hero could equip the new commuter bike with Bluetooth connectivity.New Hero Xtreme 125R spiedAll while having a sporty profile, the bike has a comfortable riding stance. It has wide, pulled-back handlebar and centrally mounted foot pegs. Rider seat section has a scooped profile, ensuring lower seat height and optimal comfort. Pillion seat section appears a bit narrow, although the thick grab rails should be able to ensure adequate stability.New Hero Xtreme 125R spiedHero new commuter bike performanceHero new commuter bike is likely to borrow the 125cc motor from Hero’s other 125cc bikes. On-board Glamour XTEC and Splendor XTEC, the air-cooled engine churns out 10.7 bhp of max power and 10.6 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.The bike has telescopic forks at front and a monoshock unit at rear. Braking duties are performed by a disc brake at front and a drum brake at rear. The bike is likely to be using 18-inch wheels at both ends.Hero’s new commuter bike could be launched later this year. Possibly around the festive season. Hero could be planning to launch the bike at a competitive price point. For reference, rival TVS Raider is available at a starting price of Rs 93,719 (ex-showroom Delhi). More

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      Bajaj Swing, Genie Names Registered – New Electric Scooters Or Bikes?

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      Image for illustration purpose onlyMany OEMs proactively file new trademarks, although it is not guaranteed that these products will reach production stageWhile it has partnerships with Triumph and KTM, Bajaj Auto is also working to upgrade and expand its own portfolio. Towards that end, the company has registered new trademarks Bajaj Genie and Bajaj Swing.Some other names have also been registered such as Bajaj Badal and Bajaj Runner. Earlier this year in March, the company had registered three names – Bajaj Aura, Bajaj Racer and Bajaj Hammer.Bajaj Genie, Bajaj Swing – scooter or motorcycle?It is not clear what these new trademarks are meant for. While Bajaj Genie trademark application was filed in April 2023, Bajaj Swing was filed in May 2023. The current status of all these trademark applications is ‘Formalities Chk Pass’. This is essentially the primary stage of trademark approval process. The final stage of approval is when the status shows as ‘Registered’. For example, earlier names such as Bajaj Tecnica and Bajaj Technik have been registered and are valid up to 2032.Trademark name applications can take a long time to process. There can be objections from other parties, who may have the same or similar sounding trademark name. In some cases, the company itself may abandon some trademark applications. Due to these reasons, OEMs register multiple names in advance. These can be used as per requirement in future.Bajaj trademarks new names – Swing and GenieGoing by their name, Bajaj Genie and Bajaj Swing appear more like the name of scooters. It is possible that Bajaj may be looking to expand its electric scooter range. As of now, there’s only Chetak to take on rivals like Ola S1, TVS iQube and Ather 450X. If Bajaj can launch affordable electric two-wheelers, it can boost sales and grab a larger market share.With reduction in subsidy, many OEMs including Ola and Ather have introduced affordable variants of their scooters. Simple Energy will also be launching new affordable electric scooters in the next quarter.Could it be the names of 3-wheelers?It is also possible that Bajaj Genie and Bajaj Swing could be names of upcoming electric 3-wheelers / rickshaws. It is known that Bajaj is working on its first electric 3-wheeler. The company is the market leader in ICE 3-wheeler segment with market share of more than 70 percent. However, it is yet to launch an electric 3-wheeler. OEMs like Mahindra and Piaggio have taken a lead in this space.It is expected that Bajaj will launch its first electric rickshaw later this year. A test mule was spotted earlier this year in February. Some interesting features were noted such as a fully digital instrument cluster with two dials and lockable storage compartment. It is expected that Bajaj electric rickshaw will have a range of 120 km. Battery charging time could vary based on the type of charger used. More