More stories

  • in

    TVS Apache, Raider Prices June 2022 – Increased By Up To Rs 5k

    For select scooters and motorcycles, TVS had raised prices earlier this year in April and May as wellTVS ApacheDue to rising commodity prices, auto companies have been forced to increase prices at regular intervals. In June, TVS has revised prices of its Raider and Apache motorcycles.Prices of other motorcycles and scooters remain unchanged. Only exception is iQube electric scooter that has actually witnessed a price drop of Rs 1,647 (On-road, Delhi). iQube new on-road price in Delhi is Rs 99,130. This is because TVS introduced an updated iQube recently.TVS Raider, Apache price hike June 2022Price of Raider Drum brake variant remains unchanged at Rs 84,573. However, Raider Disc variant will now cost Rs 1,900 more. New price is Rs 90,989. Raider was launched last year in September at a starting price Rs 77,500. It comes with features such as a fully digital reverse LCD console with multicolour display, underseat storage, ride modes of Eco and Power, engine idle stop-start system, USB charger and side stand indicator with engine cut-off function.Prices of TVS Apache motorcycles have been increased in the range of Rs 1,200 to Rs 5,015. In percentage terms, the increase is marginal at around 1 percent. Price increase for Apache RR310 is relatively higher at close to 2%. The bike will now cost Rs 2,65,000, as compared to Rs 2,59,990 earlier.TVS Motorcycle Prices June 2022Apache 160 2V (drum / disc) price has been increased by Rs 1,200. New prices are Rs 1,12,940 and Rs 1,15,940, respectively. A price hike of Rs 1,350 is applicable on Apache 160 4V (Drum), Apache 160 4V (Disc), Apache 160 4V (Bluetooth) and Apache 160 4V Special Edition. New price of Apache 180 is Rs 1,19,890, an increase of Rs 1,200. Apache 200 4V Single ABS and Apache 200 4V Dual ABS have become costlier by Rs 1,500. New price is Rs 1,39,690 and Rs 1,44,740, respectively.Prices of Apache range were increased in April and May also. In April, a price hike of Rs 1,295 was applied for Apache 160 (drum / disc), Apache 180 and Apache 200 4V (single channel ABS / dual ABS). Apache 160 4V (drum / disc) prices were hiked by Rs 45. RR310 had not witnessed a price hike in April. In May, Apache motorcycle prices were increased by Rs 2,100 for all models. Only exception was Apache RR310 that had gotten costlier by just Rs 90.Scooter prices unchangedAs of now, TVS has not raised prices of any of its scooters. TVS scooter prices were increased earlier this year in April in the range of Rs 540 to Rs 2,535. TVS scooter portfolio starts with Scooty Pep, which is available in the range of Rs 60,334 to Rs 63,234. Next is Zest scooter, which is available at Rs 67,016 for Gloss variants and Rs 68,693 for Matte variants.TVS Scooter Prices June 2022TVS Jupiter 110 is currently being offered at a starting price of Rs 68,571. Top-spec Jupiter that comes with SmartXonnect connectivity platform is priced at Rs 82,346. TVS Jupiter 125 is available in the price range of Rs 78,175 to Rs 85,075. TVS Ntorq variants are priced in the range of Rs 77,106 to Rs 97,061. More

  • in

    Yamaha Electric Scooter Leasing Business Starts In India

    Yamaha Motors’ Moto Business Service India (MBSI) invests in Zypp Electric to launch 250 Hero Electric scooter in DelhiImage for reference.Yamaha Motors 2-Wheeler Asset Management Services, Moto Business Service India (MBSI) has now commenced business in Delhi. The mobility solutions company caters to services for tech startup companies. This focuses on shared mobility space in India. The first investment in Zypp Electric caters to the launch of 250 Hero Electric scooters in New Delhi.Zypp Electric orchestrates last-mile delivery service to E-commerce segments. Applications are widespread including logistics, groceries, food and pharma sectors. The goal is to develop sustainable, attrition free and affordable delivery paths.Yamaha Electric Scooter Leasing Business focuses on increasing vehicles on shared/rental platforms. This in turn creates employment opportunities by supporting business growth of mobility platforms. And all roads lead to a cleaner and greener environment, which is why investing in the EV segment is the way forward.Electric scooters for last mile deliveryYamaha Electric Scooter Leasing Business MBSI explores avenues to work with last-mile delivery platforms. And their interest pivots around companies deploying e2Ws and e3Ws. A strong push for sustainable delivery channels encourages more delivery executives to rely on electric mobility.Zypp Electric ScooterDeliveries whether at business level or doorstep are now a part and parcel of urban living. And switching to sustainable mobility translates to substantial reduction in fuel emissions. Zypp currently deploys a fleet of 5,000 electric scooters. Following Delhi, expansion plans include Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune in 2022. Growth is being fostered by adding 1000-1500 EVs each month. Plans are afoot to add 1,50,000 EVs to its fleet by 2024. This will foster sustainable last mile delivery in India. The company is keen to customize its fleet as per delivery specifics, while providing IoT support.Switch Delhi EV charging portalDelhi Government policy updates mandate logistic companies and aggregators to go 100 percent electric by 2025. To support the goal, EV charging stations are being built in quick time. To promote EV adoption, the Switch Delhi portal can be used so users can opt for a private EV charging point installed. This includes at their homes, group housing societies, multistorey apartment complexes, RWAs’ offices and commercial shops through vendors.Such charging stations are also to be installed in government offices. This will enable employees and the general public to charge vehicles. With systemic changes being articulated, changes at the ground level are starting to take shape.Yamaha Leasing and Zypp ElectricShoji Shiraishi, Managing Director, MBSI says, “We are extremely excited to officially launch MBSI in New Delhi, by kick-starting our operations with Zypp Electric. The Indian electric vehicle mobility market is growing in line with the overall global trend and will see rapid traction and growth for shared two-wheelers and four-wheelers in the EV segment.We need to create an evolving ecosystem that can address all challenges and enable millions of businesses to adopt sustainable modes of transport. We plan to work with more environment friendly mobility companies in the future and to transform the overall shared mobility space in India by bringing our financial and strategic experience from our stakeholders.” More

  • in

    2022 Honda CB250R Updated With New Features – 145 Kgs

    Due to the presence of its bigger sibling CB300R, Honda CB250R launch in India is very highly unlikely2022 Honda CB250R – New updatesOne of Japanese Big Four (Japan’s largest motorcycle manufacturers Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki, in no particular order), Honda is known to launch all sorts of motorcycles in its home country. Despite being one of the biggest motorcycle markets, India is not very fortunate to get all motorcycles Honda sells. One such motorcycle is the recently launched CB250R.CB series of motorcycles are quintessentially street motorcycles that consist of a wide variety of engines ranging in various displacements. Whereas CBR is a series consisting of fully-faired motorcycles. Some of the most notable CB motorcycles are CB150R, CB250R, CB300R, CB500F, CB650R and CB1000R.2022 Honda CB250R LaunchedThis quarter-litre cracker comes in the lower end of the CB range and has a decent balance between everyday rideability, touring and occasional track day. It replaces the CB250R that was sold before with some thoughtful changes and feature upgrades.It still gets front USD forks from Showa. But this time, they’re SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) units that boast more bump absorption capability and are lighter in weight. That’s the whole theme with this 2022 Honda CB250R, weight. Or the lack thereof. Because, this 250 cc motorcycle has a kerb weight of a mere 145 kg. It is very impressive considering the fact that a KTM 125 Duke with a 125 cc engine weighs 159 kg.2022 Honda CB250R – New updatesOther upgrades include a slip and assist clutch ensuring smooth shifts and the fully-digital instrument cluster now gets a gear position indicator which was missing in the previous model. Other notable features of 2022 Honda CB250R are a 10.5 litre fuel tank and a very user-friendly 795 mm seat height. It also gets a single disc at both ends and comes with dual-channel ABS as standard. With a low kerb weight of 145 kg, we can say that the braking will be very impressive on this motorcycle.Engine & LaunchThis quarter-litre motorcycle comes with a, well, a quarter-litre engine. It is a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled 249 cc engine producing 26.8 bhp and 23 Nm. These are very good figures for a 250 cc motorcycle.If we factor in the low kerb weight of 145 kg, Honda CB250R has a very impressive power-weight ratio. This engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission and with the addition of slip and assist clutch on the new update, we can expect smoother gear shifts.2022 Honda CB250R – New updatesHonda is unlikely to bring this motorcycle to India. Even though Kawasaki India doesn’t have a single-cylinder street or sports motorcycle in India, we have the other two of the Japanese Big Four, Yamaha and Suzuki. From Yamaha’s stables, we have the FZ25 and from Suzuki stables, we have Gixxer 250.We have Honda’s own CB300R which is a bigger sibling to CB250R. From Bajaj’s stables, we have ‘The Fastest Indian’ Pulsar N250. With equipment like Showa USD forks, slipper clutch and Honda’s pricing strategy in India, it’s not a stretch to imagine the high price tag that 2022 CB250R would’ve borne. More

  • in

    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter 1st Unit Rolls Out Of New Plant

    Bajaj’s new plant at Akurdi, Maharashtra is capable of manufacturing 5 lakh electric vehicles annuallyBajaj Chetak Electric Scooter – Production starts at new plant todayBajaj has been the largest three-wheeled vehicle manufacturer in the world for a very long time. It is one of the largest and most valuable motorcycle manufacturers in the world too. Bajaj has a stupendous global presence in the world with operations firmly set in 70 different countries.Bajaj is the largest exporter of motorcycles from India and also boasts that 2 of every 3 motorcycles sold internationally, proudly carry a Bajaj badge on them. The Indian 2 & 3-wheeler manufacturing giant has sold over 18 million motorcycles worldwide making them ‘The World’s Favourite Indian’.Bajaj is also the first two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing company to have grossed Rs. 1 Trillion in market capitalisation. They have started increasing focus in the electric vehicle segment. Chetak Technology Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bajaj Auto Ltd set up with the ambition of shifting India towards a greener future.Bajaj Chetak New PlantCelebrating the 84th birth anniversary of late Shri Rahul Bajaj, Chetak Technology Ltd inaugurated their newly built manufacturing facility at Akurdi, Maharashtra. This is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with cutting-edge technology dedicated to manufacturing electric two-wheelers only.Mr Rajiv Bajaj, Chairman – Chetak Technology LtdBajaj considers this new manufacturing facility as a stepping stone towards Chetak’s rich heritage. Because it was at Akurdi, that the iconic Chetak brand was first formulated and took shape. It was from Akurdi, that the Chetak brand went on to redefine the Indian scooter industry for generations to come. For Chetak, this definitely is a homecoming and we couldn’t be more glad.After the fall of an iconic legacy, Chetak brand is reincarnated by Bajaj, but this time, in an EV avatar. Chetak made a comeback in 2019 as an EV after meticulous testing and has stirred the electric scooter market. Bajaj has sold over 14,000 units of Chetak EV and has yet to fulfill over 16,000 bookings. Chetak’s new plant at Akurdi is capable of quickly ramping up the production to accommodate 5,00,000 electric two-wheelers per year.Chetak’s new EV manufacturing plant at Akurdi spans over 5,00,000 sq/ft of land also incorporating a state-of-the-art R&D centre. With this move, Akurdi plant aims to be a manufacturing hub for design, development and production of EVs. Chetak and its vendor partners will be jointly investing a sum of around Rs. 750 crore into this new EV manufacturing facility. This facility is also expected to generate employment for 11,000 people when running at full capacity.First unit of Bajaj Chetak electric scooter rolls out of new Akurdi plantChetak Comes Home – Rajiv BajajMr. Rajiv Bajaj, Chairman of Chetak Technology Ltd spoke on the occasion and said that “Chetak is the original ‘Make In India’ superstar that won many hearts worldwide”. Chetak has now been reincarnated as an electric vehicle and is now the flagbearer of taking the OG Chetak’s legacy forward. It faces stiff competition from other electric scooter manufacturers like Ather, Ola and TVS.Bajaj has plans to launch new Chetak variants in the coming months. They also are making a new electric scooter under the Husqvarna brand, which will also be produced at this new plant that was inaugurated today. More

  • in

    TVS Radeon To Get New Digital Speedo, Bluetooth – Splendor XTEC Rival

    Updated TVS Radeon is expected to stay mechanically similar to the model it will replaceImage – Biker Prakash ChoudharyTVS Radeon might not be on sale for decades like Hero Splendor, but it sure is a worthy competitor. Radeon is arguably TVS’ best commuter. It definitely is a cut above the rest of the company’s commuter lineup like Star City and the likes.But Hero MotoCorp recently launched the Xtec edition of Splendor Plus and it brings a lot of segment-first features. Some of those features also add value quotient to the bike like a fully digital instrument console, phone connectivity via Bluetooth, Xtec connectivity suite, LED DRL and many more.These feature updates make Hero Splendor Plus even more value for money as it only costs Rs. 1200 more than the top variant of the motorcycle. But TVS can’t just let Splendor Plus eat all the cake. To stay relevant, TVS has to tackle Hero in some way.TVS Radeon 2022 IncomingFor starters, TVS ain’t no slouch when it comes to loading their products with features. If we take a look at the company’s products like NTorq, Apache RR 310, Apache RTR 160 4V and the recently launched Raider 125, we can see how superior these bike’s features are to their respective competition.TVS Raider 125When we first heard that TVS was updating the Radeon, the first thing that came to our mind was the Raider 125. Because that motorcycle is closest to Radeon and it packs a lot of features. We can expect a lot of Raider 125’s features to trickle down and make it on the more budget-friendly commuter sibling.Radeon Vs Splendor PlusMost probable features Radeon could get from Raider 125 would be its fully digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity with call/SMS and even turn-by-turn navigation. It might even feature the Intelligo stop/start system too. Maybe even an LED DRL and an LED headlight too. If Radeon gets Raider 125’s LCD instrument cluster along with TVS Xconnect app, it would be vastly superior to the Xtec system of Splendor Plus as it has more information to offer.In keeping with the competition, we can expect TVS to equip Radeon with real-time fuel efficiency, side stand indicator, service reminder, tank range and low-fuel indicator. Right now, Radeon gets a USB phone charger as an option. With the update, we can expect it to be a standard fitment like on Splendor Plus Xtec.Hero Splendor XtecTVS has equipped the Radeon with a 109.7 cc engine making 8.08 bhp @7350 RPM and 8.7 Nm @4500 RPM. Whereas Hero Splendor Plus comes with a 97.2 cc engine making 7.91 bhp @8000 RPM and 8.05 Nm @6000 RPM. Both motorcycles are capable of delivering 60+ kmpl of fuel efficiency under proper riding conditions.Launch & CompetitionEven though Radeon has a bigger engine and makes more power and torque, it weighs 4 kg more than Splendor Plus’ 112 kg kerb weight. But TVS strikes back with a front disc brake option which is a glaring omission on Splendor Plus even as an option. 2022 Radeon new variant might be launched around the festive season. We expect a slight price bump with the updated Radeon. But even with the price hike, it will be a worthy competition to the Splendor Plus.Source More

  • in

    BMW G 310 RR Is The Official Name – Fairing Fully Revealed

    BMW G 310 RR comes with a design that is very similar to Apache RR 310 with subtle changes to create its own identityNew BMW G310RRBMW Motorrad has been one of the most popular premium performance motorcycle makers in the world. For a very long time, BMW has only been concentrating on the pricier end of the spectrum. To get more customers into the BMW family, BMW partnered with TVS Motors to co-develop a 310 cc platform beneficial for both.The result was a potent platform on which BMW based the G 310 R street bike and G 310 GS adventure-tourer. TVS took a different approach with this platform to create Apache RR 310, a fully-faired track-focused machine. Now, BMW is launching their 3rd bike on the platform which is a fully-faired motorcycle that is very close to Apache RR 310.BMW G 310 RR – Fairing RevealedFalling into RR series of BMW motorcycles, G 310 RR is a fully faired motorcycle with its main focus is to set tracks on fire. It has joined the ranks of other RR series motorcycles like S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR. BMW G 310 RR is the smallest and cheapest RR motorcycle in its lineup both here in India and globally.BMW India has been regularly teasing their upcoming motorcycle. Their latest teaser has fully revealed fairing design as well as the graphics. It also reveals the official name of the sports bike, which is G 310 RR. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Vinod and Tanmoy for sharing the image. BMW India had announced a contest, where lucky fans were given the first official look at the G310RR.New BMW G310RRAfter seeing the photos of BMW G 310 RR, we couldn’t help but notice the similarities with Apache RR 310. It has the same wheels, exhaust, lower fairing and even the tyres. Instead of petal discs on Apache RR 310, BMW has equipped its motorcycle with conventional disc brakes.310 RR gets USD forks at front finished in a gold shade which looks very classy. At the rear, it gets a mono-shock that is adjustable for preload. These are the same non-adjustable unit found on TVS Apache RR 310. In terms of chassis, it gets a trellis frame where the engine is a stressed member. It also gets an aluminium swingarm for added lightness and rigidity.Engine & FeaturesBMW has equipped the 310 RR with the 313 cc engine co-developed with TVS. This engine is a liquid-cooled unit with a 4-valve head. Just like its TVS counterpart, it also gets 4 riding modes that alter the power, torque, throttle map, throttle response and traction. In Sport mode and Track mode, this engine is on full tap producing 34 PS @9700 RPM and 27.3 Nm @7700 RPM. In Urban mode and Rain mode, the performance is capped at 25.8 PS and 25 Nm.New BMW RR 310 and Apache 310This engine is mated to a 6-speed smooth shifting gearbox. It also gets slip and assist clutch to ensure a smooth transition between gears. Apache RR 310 boasts a top speed of 160 kph and an acceleration figure of 0-100 kph under 7.2 seconds. Since 310 RR is mostly similar, we expect the BMW to get similar numbers. BMW 310 RR also gets a fully digital instrument cluster with phone connectivity. It gets LED headlights, LED tail-lights and LED indicators. Apart from the riding modes, it also gets dual-channel ABS as standard.Even though most of the motorcycle is similar to Apache RR 310, BMW has trickled down its bigger RR series styling and colour schemes to make it stand out. Expect launch price of BMW G310RR to be at a premium over TVS Apache 310.  BMW is also likely to provide options for customisations in terms of an adjustable front USD suspension and sportier clip-on handlebars for good leverage on the race track. These addons could be similar to TVS’s BTO program where a customer can modify his/her motorcycle straight from the factory.  More

  • in

    New BattRE Storie Electric Scooter Launch Price Rs 90k – Range 132 Kms

    BattRE Storie electric scooter has been launched in India at a price of Rs 89,600 (ex-sh, excluding state subsidy nationally)New BattRE Storie Electric ScooterBattRE Storie is the new electric scooter on the block. With this, BattRE’s EV portfolio further strengthens its greener future quest. Storie is a feature rich, modern day electric scooter. It has metal panels, connected drive, and is designed for improved city commute.New BattRE Storie Electric Scooter is now available at a price of Rs 89,600 (ex-sh price, excluding state subsidy nationally). Storie is eligible for FAME II subsidy, and is soon going to be available across the company’s 400 dealerships in 300 cities. To date, BattRE has sold over 30,000 scooters.New BattRE Storie Electric ScooterStorie is powered by a Lucas TVS motor and controller. It packs in an AIS 156 approved 3.1kWh battery pack. Mileage is pegged at 132 Km on a single charge (ICAT Certified). It is fitted with a smart speedometer integrated with Bluetooth connectivity and turn by turn navigation. Call alerts can be received on the smart dashboard. The Connected Drive feature locates nearest charging stations. The network can be accessed through a ‘pay and charge’ concept for convenience.BattRE Storie makes the city commute more comfy with its bigger seats and footboards. On the safety front, commuters can access a complete diagnostic summary of the scooter on the go. Its durable metal panels are resistant to scrapes. Adding an additional layer of durability on uncertain roads.New BattRE Storie Electric ScooterThermal runaway (fire) – SafetyTesting has crossed 1,00,000 kilometres to ensure reliable market readiness. Testing has focused on prevention of initiation and propagation of thermal runaway (fire), additional to what AIS 156 mandates. This is an important outlook since the electric scooter market is only just starting to gauge growth and acceptance. With a handful of fire incidents reported in recent weeks, measures are being implemented to ensure these initial niggles are dealt with for good.This will help strengthen market sentiment and quash fear mongering. In fact, it’s heartening to see such heightened awareness around a soon to be established industry. Market interest implies a great interest has already been generated, and quite quickly this is translating into increased sales. Storie relies on a combined braking system for better control on varied road types.Greener mobilityNishchal Chaudhary, Founder & Director, Batt:RE said, “At Batt:RE, we believe in delivering the absolute best; be it a product or a consumer experience. As a firm step, towards sustainability we are delighted to announce our newest offering Stor:ie, a product of superior engineering and fine craftsmanship designed to ease the life of Indian consumers. Stor:ie is not just a product, it is a means to bridge the gap between the present and a future of easier and greener mobility.Our offerings are a testament to our rigorous safety protocols and a vision for a better tomorrow. We look forward to creating a robust portfolio of products that are high on innovation and meet the evolving demands of our conscious consumers.” More

  • in

    TVS Ntorq XT Price Cut – By Almost Rs 6k In 1 Month Post Launch

    TVS NTORQ 125 XT is equipped with TVS SmartXonnectTM, SmartXtalk and SmartxtrackNew TVS Ntorq XTThe TVS Ntorq range, that till last month included Drum and Disk Brake variants along with the Race Edition, Super Squad Edition and Race XP, got a new top of the line variant called Ntorq 125 XT. It was priced at Rs 1,02,823 (ex-sh), thus making it around Rs 13,600 higher than the Race XP that comes in with a price tag of Rs 89,211 (ex-sh).Targeting a new connected set of buyers in the country, TVS Ntorq 125 XT boasts of updated technology. It gets SmartXonnectTM connectivity platform with 60+ connectivity features among which are “SmartXtalk” (Advanced Voice Assist) and “Smartxtrack” (Social, News, Weather).It also gets IntelliGO start stop technology and a coloured hybrid console while it sports a striking dual tone Neon Green and Black colour scheme setting it apart from the other variants. Distinctive “XT” lettering is seen in blue on its instrument cluster and on the side.TVS Ntorq XT Price CutTVS has updated the price of Ntorq XT variant. New price for June 2022 is Rs 97,061, ex-sh. This is a reduction of Rs 5,762. Considering the price of the scooter, this is a massive price cut of 5.6%. It is not clear why the prices of the Ntorq XT have been reduced so soon after its launch. Will owners who have already purchased Ntorq XT, get a refund? Prices of other TVS scooters have remained the same as last month, except for TVS iQube – which got a new avatar a few days ago.TVS Ntorq XT Price Cut – June 2022, Ex ShFeatures also include a twin screen digital instrument cluster with a coloured TFT display and LCD that shows off lap timer along with graphics for speed, fuel consumption, warning lights, etc. The user can also share these details along with achievements and updates with friends and family. The Ntorq XT rides on new alloy wheels that relate to better performance and fuel efficiency. Dimensions stand at 1,861 mm length, 710 mm width, 1,164 mm height with a wheelbase of 1,285 mm.TVS SmartXonnectTM which also includes SmartXtalk and SmartXtrack, is Bluetooth enabled and is paired with TVS Connect mobile App, available on Android and iOS platforms. SmartXtalk allows the rider to interact with the scooter with voice assist features to change modes, adjust screen intensity and listen to songs.The rider is offered information on weather, navigation routes, low fuel and battery warning, etc. SmartXtrack keeps the rider updated in weather conditions, news and sports scores while users can also set up their profile photos along with that of the incoming caller so as to be visible on the screen. Video below by Satyam Gupta details the features of Ntorq XT.[embedded content][embedded content]TVS NTORQ 125 XT – Engine and PerformanceTVS NTORQ 125 XT sees no change in its engine. It gets the same engine seen on the other variants with the 125cc, 3 valve, air cooled, race tuned fuel injection RT-Fi engine offering 10 hp power at 7,000 rpm and 10.5 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm mated to a CVT automatic gearbox.It also continues to sport a telescopic fork at the front and single spring at the rear along with disc brake in front and drum brake at the rear with Combi Braking System. The most powerful 125 cc scooter in its segment, TVS Ntorq 125 XT competes with Suzuki Avenis 125, Honda Grazia and Hero MotoCorp Maestro 125 in the Indian market. More