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      2024 KTM RC 390, RC 125 Spied – Earlier Front Design Back?

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      A large chunk of buyers put-off by current RC design language, will be pleased with upcoming redesigned KTM RC 390 and 1252024 KTM RC 125 SpiedKTM has its roots firmly secured in India by partnering with Bajaj Auto. This way, KTM’s high-explosive performance motorcycles are made accessible to a mainstream audience. 2022 witnessed updates to most KTM products in India. Some were evolutionary, while some were just quality-of-life improvements.390 range of motorcycles are KTM’s forte. They have been very well received across the globe. KTM 390 range includes RC 390, Duke 390 and ADV 390. KTM has started work on updating the 390 range. Newer versions of 2024 Duke 390, Adventure 390 and Enduro 390 have already been spied. What about RC range? Those are getting a complete redesign too. New spy shots have emerged online.2024 KTM RC 390, RC 125 SpiedWhen the RC range was first launched, not everyone liked it. That said, people quickly appreciated the sportiness at a level never seen with motorcycles in the said segment. Over the years, bikers got accustomed to the unique look of the KTM RC range. But then, last year we saw a complete design overhaul of the RC range – transforming its alienist looks to a more conventional look.But that seems to have backfired. KTM fans are more drawn towards the old design. If the new spy shots are anything to go by, KTM is likely to bring back the old design in the 2024 RC range. The alienist look is back, but subtler than before. This is an ode to pleasing buyers wanting something that stands-out.2024 KTM RC 125 SpiedBoth RC 390 and RC 125 look completely identical where fairing and body panels are concerned. Engine casing for both look similar as well. Subframe is mostly exposed, ending in a sharp LED taillight, while there is a yellow-tinted visor at front. Tail-end is kept fairly clean too, revealing its fat tyre.In the front, suspension duties are handled by USD forks by WP. KTM’s new banana-shaped swingarm and a direct-acting rear mono-shock unit is the same with both RC 390 and RC 125 test mules. Differentiating factor between the RC 125 and RC 390 is in their front brakes. While RC 125 gets a round skinny rotor like found with outgoing RC 200. Whereas, RC 390 gets a conventional chunky rotor with a petal design.Specs & LaunchEngine is reportedly all-new. More power and torque is expected, ensuring an even thrilling riding experience. For reference, the current RC 390 makes 43 bhp of power and 36 Nm of torque. With RC 125, power is likely to still stay within the 15 bhp limit. This is so that it complies with A1 license norms in Europe.2024 KTM RC 390 SpiedWith the redesign, KTM is likely to attract a lot of buyers who had a thing for previous RC design language. All of the RC lineup including 125, 200, 390 and 990 are still under testing. Launch is likely to happen in 2024.Source More

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      Magron Novus Electric Motorcycle Spied In Bengaluru – Gets Forged Carbon Fiber

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      A new EV startup based in Bengaluru is getting ready to launch World’s first fully forged carbon fiber electric motorcycleMagron Novus Electric Motorcycle SpiedEV scene in India is on the rise and there are more players now than there ever were. Bhavish Aggarwal led Ola Electric and is currently in the lead where two wheeler EV sales are concerned. Other players include Hero Electric, Ampere Electric, Okinawa, TVS, Bajaj, Hero MotoCorp, etc In November 2022, 2W EV sales stood at just over 75,000 units.With electric scooter and motorcycle sales on the rise, more and more new companies are getting ready to enter the market. One such company is Magron Novus which is eyeing premium electric motorcycle space. This is a segment where there are not many players as of now.Magron NovusIn the premium motorcycle space we have Bangalore based Ultraviolette, who recently launched F77 electric sportsbike at a starting price of Rs 3.8 lakh. Seems like soon there will be a rival in the form of Magron Novus Electric Motorcycle. It will be the world’s first fully forged carbon fiber electric motorcycle.Yes, you read that right. A fully forged carbon fiber body is set to be draped on a sporty electric motorcycle which is currently under testing. This Bengaluru-based startup is currently testing its maiden product. Thanks to automotive enthusiast Paul Thomas, we now have exclusive spy shots of this electric sports bike.Magron Novus Electric Motorcycle SpiedIt was spotted testing on the Outer Ring Road, wearing a green number plate that reads Magron Novus. Usually, test mules are seen with a red number plate, no matter what type of powertrain they are testing. This is a little unusual to see green plates on a test mule that don’t have any numbers. Front fascia is not visible from spy shots, but the company website has a teaser which shows presence of sequential LED DRLs, that might double up as turn indicators.Magron Novus Electric Motorcycle gets a full fairing which looks sleek and minimal in its appeal. Magron has stuck to minimalist design language instead of that of aggression. The overall product looks very appealing and sporty. There is a neatly integrated LED taillight and LED blinkers as well. It gets a rear mono-shock and a mid-mounted motor.Battery Specs, New FeaturesPowertrain details are not confirmed. But the company website reveals up to 7.5 kWh of battery pack. Magron Novus will come with AI, VCU, ADAS, RAS, 6-axis IMU, blind spot detection, lane-change warning, LDR, and secure access and we can expect more tech with a production-spec model.Magron Novus Electric Motorcycle SpiedBlind spot detection and ADAS on motorcycles are unique and are expected to generate a lot of buzz in the industry. There will be forced induction to actively cool batteries and an acoustic sound chamber to mimic ICE sounds. Magron Novus looked fairly production-ready and could be launched this year.Forged carbon, which is found on Magron Novus, has some advantages over regular woven carbon fiber. When new, this tech was only found on expensive supercars like the Lamborghini Huracan Performante. It is made of chopped-up carbon fiber strands instead of woven fabric and is bonded by epoxy resin and baked in an autoclave. Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla both have a forged carbon fiber roof. But Toyota chose to cover it with regular woven carbon fiber effect vinyl for some reason, while it is proudly embraced and displayed on a Huracan Performante. More

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      Jawa Tawang Edition Launch Price Rs 20k More Than Std Variant

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      Jawa 42 ‘Tawang Edition’ is limited to 100 units and is exclusively on offer in North-Eastern States of IndiaJawa Tawang EditionJawa Motorcycles has launched exclusive Jawa 42 ‘Tawang Edition’ at the Torgya Festival in Tawang. Inspired by the mythical ‘Lungta’or Wind Horse, the ‘Tawang Edition’ was launched on this occasion and in this region of India which is regaled as the motorcycling haven for biking aficionados.Jawa 42 ‘Tawang Edition’ was unveiled by Mr Tsering Tashi, MLA Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, Mr Sonam Chombay, Commissioner to CM and Mr Oken Tayeng, Chairman – Adventure Tour Operator Association of India, NE Chapter. A few units of this special edition bike were also handed over to customers.Jawa Tawang Edition Limited To 100 UnitsBased on the Jawa 42, this Tawang Edition is identical to its standard counterpart except for a few accents specific to the area. For example, it gets a Lungta motif on its fuel tank and fender. This mythical wind horse symbolizes prosperity and good fortune.Lungta for a Tibetan means fortune or good luck and combines the speed of wind and strength of a horse to carry prayers to heaven. The new Jawa 42 also gets inscriptions inspired by the North-Eastern region and a bronze medallion distinctive to each unit.Jawa Tawang Edition Limited To 100 UnitsThe Torgya festival is celebrated over two days in Tawang by the Monpa community of Arunachal Pradesh. It brings in the New Year and includes a series of dances and acts of worship and wards off external energy from the earth that can cause harm and natural calamities.New Features, PricesJawa Tawang Edition shares all features with the 42 that includes 17/18 inch alloy wheels, flyscreen, headlamp grille and bar end mirrors. It also draws its power via the same 293cc, liquid cooled, fuel injected engine that offers 26.95 hp power and 26.84 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed gearbox with cross port technology. It also receives telescopic forks and dual spring suspension and disc brakes at the front and rear along with single channel or dual channel ABS.Considering its exclusivity to the North-Eastern Region of India and its special limited edition units, the Jawa 42 ‘Tawang Edition’ is priced at Rs 20,000 over the cost of Jawa 42 Version 2.1 which currently sells at Rs 1,94,142 (ex-showroom).The Jawa 42 Tawang edition commands a price of Rs 2.45 lakhs (on-road including accessories like jacket, helmet and registration). Jawa 42 competes with the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Honda H’Ness CB 350, Ronin and Hunter 350. More

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      Honda Activa Electric Scooter Launch In Jan 2024 – CEO Confirms

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      Arriving late on the scene shouldn’t be a problem for a brand like Activa that is widely preferred for its reliability and peppy performanceImage for illustration purposeHonda recently launched Activa H-Smart variant that comes with a new advanced handsfree system with car-like keyless features. At the event, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) MD and CEO Atsushi Ogata also revealed the company’s EV roadmap.As was being anticipated, Honda’s first EV for India will be the electric version of its bestselling Activa scooter. According to Ogata, Activa Electric will debut at the same time next year, that is Jan 2024. It will be interesting to see if Activa Electric can achieve the same level of popularity as that of its ICE-based counterpart.Activa Electric battery, top speedWhile most new launches in electric two-wheeler space are aiming to beat their closest competitors in terms of range, top speed, performance specs, etc., Activa Electric appears to be following an entirely different approach. Activa Electric will be focusing more on reliability. It will have a top speed of 50 kmph, which is much below the prevailing industry average of around 80-100 kmph.Activa Electric will be essentially a transplant job. It appears that Honda is planning to play it safe, so as to avoid any negative developments. EV tech is new and considerable time has to be spent on testing to ensure everything works out in a smooth, safe manner. Activa Electric will have a fixed battery setup, which will reduce the risk of incidents like fire caused by mishandling.Honda Activa Electric will be similar in design to current Activa petrol scooter.Visually, Activa Electric will be largely the same as current ICE-based Activa. Hardware such as suspension and braking setup could also be shared to keep costs down. Activa Electric range is likely to be modest, especially in comparison to the likes of Hero Vida V1 Pro that has a certified range of 165 km.Honda electric scooter with swappable batteryAfter Activa electric, Honda has plans to launch another electric scooter in India. This will be based on an entirely new born-electric platform. It will be a mainstream EV product and have capabilities similar to that of existing bestselling electric scooters in the market. As compared to Activa Electric, Honda’s second electric scooter in India will have a swappable battery system.Honda has set a target to open battery-swapping stations across most of its consumer touchpoints in the country before launching its second EV. With more than 6000 battery swapping stations, Honda’s second EV will not be impacted by issues like range anxiety. Ownership cost can also be reduced if Honda could provide subscription-based plans that do not include the cost of battery.While Honda’s progress in EV space may seem slow, there are valid reasons for the delay. Ogata said that they could have easily taken their EVs from China and introduced them in India. However, that’s not the case.Honda is focusing on developing India-specific products and achieving a high level of localization. Even parts like battery packs and e-motor, which are usually imported, are expected to be sourced locally. Much of Honda’s investments in FY 2023-’24 will be allocated towards setting up EV manufacturing facilities and related infrastructure. Honda has already setup a subsidiary in India which will manufacture battery packs.Even though Honda will be entering the EV space soon, Ogata says that conventional ICE-based scooters will continue to dominate. In the foreseeable future, much of Honda’s sales will be from its ICE-based two-wheelers. Its first EV Activa Electric will target users with limited running. For more frequent use and longer distances, ICE Activa will continue to be the preferred choice. More

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      KTM India Sales Dec 2022 – Duke, RC, 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

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      KTM 390 was the top-selling model for YoY and MoM growth – dominates exports for manufacturerImage – MotobikeKTM India manufactures Duke 125, RC 125, Duke 200, RC 200, Duke 250, ADV 250, Duke 390, RC 390 and ADV 390. These are made at Bajaj Auto plant in Pune, for sales in India as well as exports to over 118 countries. Sales data shows KTM exports for December of 2022 were 6,641 units. This equated to, YoY decline of 12.78 percent.Top-selling motorcycle for the month was the 390 model, accounting for 54.30 percent of total exports. This was followed by the KTM 200 at 27.21 percent. KTM 125 range accounted for 11.84 percent. The 250 range had the lowest sales, accounting for only 6.66 percent of exports.KTM India Sales Dec 2022In terms of MoM growth, KTM 390 exports saw the highest increase at 123.84 percent, with exports rising from 1,611 units in November to 3,606 units in December. On the other hand, the 200 model had the highest MoM decline at 48.82 percent, with exports falling from 3,531 units in November to 1,807 units in December.Overall, the total exports for November were 6,389 units, showing a MoM growth of 3.94 percent in December 2022. When comparing the YoY growth, 390 had an increase at 6.22 percent. And the KTM 200 model at 46.20 percent. The 125 model had the highest YoY export decline at 61.01 percent, and the 250 had a decline of 54.29 percent. Looking at the data, KTM 390 has consistently been the best-selling motorcycle for KTM, with strong sales and steady growth.KTM India Sales Dec 2022 – DomesticThis has been an effort spanning years. Last week, KTM announced the rollout of its 1 millionth production unit at the Bajaj plant Pune. For December 2022 YoY exports, the 250 has seen a decline in sales and the lowest market share among the export portfolio.It’s noteworthy that the 200 model has shown a significant increase in sales YoY, but decline in MoM. Overall, the data points to KTM 390 dominating the market for KTM exports. In domestic sales too, the top-selling KTM model KTM 390, At 39.12 percent market share, and a YoY growth of 9.59 percent, sales was reported at 3.9k units.This model maintains its dominance as the best-selling KTM motorcycle in the domestic market, and in exports. On the other hand, the lowest-selling model is KTM 125 at about 1k units and 10.42 percent market share. YoY decline stood at 65.48 percent. This was the steepest decline for a KTM in domestic sales for Dec 2022.KTM India Sales Dec 2022 – ExportsKTM 390 saw an impressive MoM growth of 88.53 percent, with domestic sales increasing from 2,066 in November to 3,601 in December. MoM decline of 38.17 percent for KTM 200, with domestic sales decreasing from 5,824 in November to 1,423 in December. Overall, total sales for KTM motorcycles in December of 2022 was 9,956, at YoY decline of 11.15 percent.KTM 125 reports steepest YoY decline in domestic salesIt’s worth noting that the YoY decline is primarily due to the decline in sales of KTM 125 which saw a YoY decline of 65.48 percent. In terms of market share, the top three sellers held a combined market share of 89.58 percent, The losing 125 accounted for the remaining 10.42 percent of the market share in December 2022.KTM India Sales Dec 2022 – Cumulative (Domestic + Exports)When analyzing the YoY growth and MoM, it’s important to note that KTM 390 saw the highest YoY growth at 9.59 percent, while KTm 125 reported highest YoY decline at -65.48 percent. In terms of MoM growth, KTM 200 saw the highest increase at 88.53 percent, while KTM 200 saw the highest decline at -38.17 percent. Based on the data, it’s clear that KTM 125 is experiencing the most decline in sales. More

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      Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 All Digital Speedo, Console – Spied

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      With a new engine displacing around 450cc, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is likely to make around 30 bhp of power and 40 Nm of torque2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450Royal Enfield’s extended testing periods are not a new thing. After launching Super Meteor 650 recently, RE is set to launch their new 450cc platform spawning multiple derivatives. One of them is the much awaited Himalayan 450.Royal Enfield’s future proposed models based on this 450cc platform are five in number. Out of which, Himalayan 450 and Hunter 450 are likely to be lead vehicles and will spawn derivatives like a tourer, cafe-racer with fairing and a full-fledged Scrambler as well. First of the bunch is likely to be Himalayan 450 and undergoes most frequent testing.Himalayan 450 All Digital ScreenCurrently, Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 features a busy cluster of dials. It has an analog speedo with a tiny LCD screen below it for odo, gear position indicator, and some other info. Besides that, we have a smaller analog dial for the tachometer. Below it are two circular dials. One analog fuel meter and one digital compass.A circular Tripper navigation screen is also there in this already-busy cluster in a jugaad fashion. Overall, it looks all cluttered. With the new gen Himalayan, RE has solved that problem. New H450 features just one large circular display which is likely to be an LCD or even a TFT unit. This large canvas should be enough to show all of the info that old Himalayan did.2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 digital speedoAnother appreciable aspect of this new instrument cluster is that it is angled toward the rider. When touring, it falls into the rider’s peripheral vision and negates a need to look away from the road in order to grasp vehicular data. This might not be an ideal solution when standing and blasting on the trails. But, that is not likely to be an everyday occurrence.Specs & FeaturesWe already knew that Royal Enfield has equipped the upcoming H450 with USD forks. These new spy shots reveal that it is from Showa. They don’t seem to be adjustable for rebound and compression, though. However, this is still a test mule and production-spec model might feature rebound and compression adjustability.Rear will be suspended by a mono-shock unit and is also likely to be from Showa. Exact engine specs are not yet known. But it will displace around 450 cc to make around 30 bhp of power and 40 Nm of torque. Power will be regulated by a 6-speed transmission and is likely to feature liquid cooling.There are a lot of rivals getting prepped. Sharpening their blades to rival Himalayan 450 is the new Hero MotoCorp Xpulse which is likely to feature around 400cc engine and 2023 KTM 390 Adventure.Source More

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      Honda Activa Smart Key Launch Price Rs 80k – Car Like Keyless Features

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      One of the key highlights of Activa Smart is an advanced security system that has been trademarked as ‘H-Smart’Honda Activa Smart Key LaunchIndia’s largest selling scooter, Honda Activa has received generational updates and other features at regular intervals. Special editions have also been launched from time to time.In 2023, Honda has launched Activa Smart variant. Featuring an advanced security system, this new variant of Activa is best suited for folks who face a higher risk of their vehicle being stolen. People who park their vehicle in open parking or on the streets can significantly reduce the risk of theft with Activa Smart variant.Honda Activa Smart Key – Remote FunctionsActiva Smart Key functions are similar to the ones we see in cars these days. With the smart key in range, you can unlock the scooter, start the scooter, access boot space, open the fuel lid – without removing the key from your pocket. It also has an auto-lock function. Once the smart key goes away from the range, Activa Smart will lock itself. Smart Key Activa variant also gets new alloys and a new colour option.Apart from these features, it improves overall security of Activa. Vehicle theft is a global phenomenon and not limited to any specific geography. It’s only the number of thefts that varies from region to region. Honda bikes are popular across the globe, which makes them one of the preferred targets for vehicle thieves. For its premium bikes like CBR650R, CB650R and CRF1100L Africa Twin, Honda already has an advanced security platform named Honda Ignition Security System (HISS). H-Smart is a low-cost version of HISS, specially designed to be used for Honda’s entry-level two-wheelers.Honda Activa Smart Key Variant PriceH-Smart is difficult to crack, as it utilizes a contact-based mechanism to open the lock. This is different from the standard remote keyless system that utilizes radio signals to communicate the commands such as lock and unlock. Although the radio signals are secure, they can still be cracked by advanced scanning devices. As Honda’s H-Smart utilizes a contact-based mechanism to match the code, it is difficult to copy or replicate in real time.H-Smart also makes things easier and hassle-free for users. It is automatically activated, as soon as the key is taken out from the scooter. Of course, the handle lock is still there, which will continue to function as the first level of security.As vehicle thefts are quite rampant, Activa’s H-Smart security platform can emerge as a preferred option among consumers. As it is highly relevant from a practical perspective, other Honda two-wheelers will also get this feature. Even other OEMs could introduce similar features with their respective models. Take a look at the official TVC below.When the smart key is in range, it shows on instrument consoleHonda Activa Smart engine, specsPerformance numbers are largely the same as earlier. Activa Smart is powered by a 109.51 cc motor that generates 7.85 PS of max power and 8.84 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to an automatic transmission. Activa has an underdone frame with telescopic front forks and 3-step adjustable spring loaded hydraulic rear suspension. It has 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheels, with 130 mm drum brakes at both ends.Dimensionally, there are no changes to Activa Smart variant. It is 1833 mm long, 697 mm wide, 1156 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 1260 mm. There’s only a slight difference in weight, with Activa Smart being 1kg lighter than the standard variant that weighs 280 kg (GVW). More

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      Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Europe Launch Plans – 30k Sold In 2022

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      Bajaj Chetak electric scooter’s retro-styled, elegant design is globally relevant and will be an advantageous factor in European marketsImage – MRD VlogsWhile Bajaj already has presence in more than 70 countries, Chetak’s entry into Europe will be a new milestone for the company. Chetak electric scooter is popular in domestic market as well, although sales have been limited due to supply-chain issues. In 2022, Bajaj sold almost 30k units of Chetak electric scooter in the domestic market.Earlier this week, KTM CEO, Stefan Pierer was in Pune, to attend the roll out of 1 millionth KTM from Bajaj plant. It is here he announced that they will launch the Chetak electric scooter in Europe in first quarter of 2024. This will be part of the 50.1:49.9 joint venture that Pierer has with Bajaj.Chetak Europe roadmapChetak’s Europe launch plan comes at the right time, as the continent is aggressively pushing the shift to electric vehicles. Europe has reached an agreement, wherein production of ICE-based vehicles will be stopped by 2035. The European continent is among the regions that have been deeply impacted by climate change. It is one of the key reasons why there’s a major push for EVs in Europe.KTM is planning to launch Chetak in Europe around March 2024, as this period marks the beginning of marketing season in Europe. In around a year’s time till early 2024, KTM and Bajaj will work out the finer details of Chetak’s Europe entry. It is likely that Chetak will get a new name in European markets.KTM CEO, Stefan Pierer (center) with Rajiv Bajaj (right), MD Bajaj Auto – in Pune earlier this weekBajaj shouldn’t have any issues with supplying Chetak for European markets, as the company has already setup a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pune, exclusively for electric two-wheelers. By 2024, the supply-chain issues and problems like shortage of semiconductor chips would have eased considerably. Bajaj’s EV plant is spread over an area of more than 5 lakh sq./ft. and also includes a dedicated R&D centre. When running at full capacity, around 5 lakh EVs can be produced annually.Chetak performance, build qualityChetak won’t be requiring any major modifications for European markets, as the scooter already promises an exhilarating performance. Build quality is also optimal with metallic panels and high-strength chassis. In comparison, much of the current breed of electric scooters in the market have plastic body panels. Chetak has an IP67 rated water resistant battery pack, which should meet the regulatory requirements of European markets.With a true range of 90+ km, Chetak should suffice for everyday needs. 100% charge can be achieved in around 4 hours. The scooter can be easily charged in a home environment with any 5A plug. Chetak’s battery pack is designed to last 70,000 km, which usually takes around 7 years. Bajaj is offering 50k km / 3 years battery warranty for Chetak.Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Sales in 2022Another useful feature available with Chetak is the dedicated Bluetooth-based connectivity platform. Users can pair their smartphones and use the My Chetak app to access a range of functions. Some examples include battery charging status, available range, navigation-based vehicle location, trip history information, owner’s manual and vehicle information. More