Bike News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Bike

      Royal Enfield Digital RSA Via Mobile App Launched – Classic, 650 Twins, Meteor

      by

      With RSA, Royal Enfield aims to utilize its relatively widespread dealer network to offer more value to customersModified Meteor by Ironwood CustomRoyal Enfield has been the strongest player in the modern retro classic motorcycles. Bajaj, Yezdi, Jawa and Honda have been trying to get a piece of the pie, even though they’re successful in their own ways, Royal Enfield is a force to be reckon with. It has held its dominance successfully and has been branching out both vertically and horizontally to stay ahead of the competition.The name Royal Enfield invokes a certain nostalgia in motorcycle fans around the world. My uncle used to have a diesel-powered one in matt green shade and I loved it as a child. My father, however, chose a vastly superior and utterly reliable 4-stroke Hero Honda CD-100 SS.It is already 30 years old and will probably outlive me too. But I wish he had bought an inferior Royal Enfield back then. It wouldn’t be pristine now like CD-100 is, but it would’ve been like an art piece trophy that I would love to look at. And with the new Digital RSA launched, maintaining REs and getting support is easier than ever before.Royal Enfield Digital RSA servicesTo offer its customers more value from its relatively vast dealer network, Royal Enfield had launched 24X7 RSA (Roadside Assistance) services in India as well as in markets abroad. Until now, to avail RSA, you would have to call their customer care. But now, the process has been made much simpler with Digital RSA.Royal Enfield Digital RSA Via Mobile AppOwners of Royal Enfield motorcycles (Bullet, Meteor, Classic, Electra, 650 Twins, Himalayan) who have valid RSA, can now get help with the touch of a button. All they have to do is open their RE app and request RSA. RSA assures that a technician will be deployed to the customer’s breakdown location for minor faults and immediate repair requirements.RSA also assures that this conveyance and labour costs are covered by Royal Enfield and the customer only has to pay for parts that aren’t subjected under warranty or company’s AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract). According to RSA, mechanical, electrical and crash incidents that happened anywhere on National highways, State highways, or motorable roads within mainland India are will be handled on spot or towed to the nearest service station if necessary.RSA ValidityIf a customer wants service at his home or office, RSA services are limited to 2 interventions per contract. Other than just breakdowns related to mechanical, electrical and crashes, Royal Enfield RSA also covers flat tyre assistance (payable), battery drain (battery payable), incorrect fueling, fuel delivery (payable for up to 5 litres), key lockout (payable for locks and keys) and medical referral (payable for medical attention). Digital RSA is only available for India as of now.[embedded content][embedded content]In global markets like Australia, Europe and North America, RSA is complimentary throughout the warranty period. In India, however, it is only complimentary for the first year and then it has to be renewed on a yearly basis for a nominal price of around Rs. 1000.  More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Bike

      Suzuki Katana India Launch Price Rs 13.61 L – Blue, Silver Colours

      by

      In India, Suzuki Katana will be offered as a CBU – It is powered by a 999cm3 four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-four engine2022 Suzuki Katana IndiaWith a growing market for large displacement, premium motorcycles in India, more such models have arrived on our shores in recent years. The newest addition to this list is Suzuki Katana. Priced from Rs 13.61 lakh, ex-sh, the new Suzuki Katana is now on sale across the company’s Bike zone dealerships from today.2022 Suzuki Katana StylingThe most striking highlight of Katana is its sharp, cutting-edge styling inspired by a kind of Japanese sword named KATANA, hence the name. Up front, it gets a hexagonal projector headlamp cluster which is headlined by a short windscreen. Front end is encased within a quarter fairing which enhances the bike’s aerodynamic appeal and also houses LED DRLs.Sharp cuts and creases dominate the body panels giving Katana its distinct styling. Other prominent visual highlights include a single-piece contoured seat, a floating tail section, a muscular fuel tank, a rear tyre hugger, a side-slung exhaust canister and colour-coded alloy wheels. The updated Katana can be had in two colour options namely Metallic Mat Stellar Blue and Metallic Mystic Silver.Commenting on the launch, Mr. Satoshi Uchida, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. said, “We feel proud to announce the launch of the KATANA in India. The KATANA reflects Suzuki’s ongoing commitment to fine craftsmanship and its willingness to sweat every detail to get them right. The launch is a part of our strategy to solidify our big bike portfolio in the country. We received a lot of queries from motorcycle enthusiasts after showcasing the KATANA in the last auto expo. It is based on the positive feedback of our potential customers that we decided to introduce the KATANA in India. We are confident that KATANA will be able to make its own cult following in India too.”2022 Suzuki Katana IndiaFor 2022, Suzuki has updated the powertrain of the Katana which features the same 999cc 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine as before. This motor is now Euro 5 compliant and is rated to dish out 150 bhp at 11,000rpm and a peak torque of 106 Nm at 9,250rpm. The mill now churns out 2 horses more than its predecessor and this has been achieved thanks to new intake and exhaust cams, valve springs and airbox.Features & UnderpinningsPower is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox with an upgraded slip and assist clutch. Suzuki has tweaked the electronics suite of the flagship street naked bike called Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) which now comes with a bidirectional quick-shifter as standard.It also comprises rider-aided features like a revised throttle-by-wire system, three ride modes, and a reworked five-level traction control system. In addition, the fully digital instrument console has been updated with a new ‘night mode’ for better visibility during the dark.2022 Suzuki Katana IndiaKatana is based on the same twin-spar aluminium alloy frame that underpins other flagship 1000cc models like GSX-S1000, VStrom 1050 and GSX-S1000GT. This frame is suspended on 43mm KYB inverted forks up front and a mono-shock at rear that has been tuned for adjustable rebound damping and spring preload. Braking duties are handled by twin disc brakes at front and a single disc at rear. More

    • 163 Shares119 Views

      in Bike

      Yamaha R15S New Black Colour Launch – Rs 1k Price Hike, July 2022

      by

      Yamaha YZF-R15S Version 3.0 is based on old YZF-R15 Version 3.0 sold alongside YZF-R15 Version 4.0Yamaha R15 S New Colour – Matte BlackYamaha has successfully established itself as a premium motorcycle manufacturer in India. With no budget commuters to offer, India Yamaha Motor’s motorcycle (IYM) portfolio now starts from the FZ which is priced at Rs. 1.12 lakh. But the company’s YZF range of motorcycles has been the perfect portal for owning an entry-level sporty machine that can set your favourite track on fire.At its 4th generation, YZF-R15 V4 has taken the OG R15’s legacy which was sold as R15S when R15 V2 was launched. Thus starting the saga of S versions of R15 bikes. When R15 V3 was launched, R15 V2 became the R15S V2 and now that R15 V4 is the top dog, Yamaha still sells the previous-gen V3 model as R15S V3.But over the years, the value proposition of the R15 range is getting thinner and thinner. Today, if you want to buy a R15 V4, you have to shell out over Rs. 1.77 lakh (ex-sh). For just Rs. 7,000 more, you can buy a Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 that has a similar ethos too. As cliche as it may sound, there’s no replacement for displacement. Its just true.Yamaha R15S New Black Colour LaunchYamaha R15 V3 was a good motorcycle when launched. It lacked USD forks and some other kit that global models got and after the launch of R15 V4 in India, R15 V3 is still manufactured and sold alongside the newer model under new R15S V3 name.Yamaha R15 S New Colour – Matte BlackR15S V3 is a fully faired track-focused machine that was aimed at providing the feel of the sport bike to the masses. It has a potent and taut Delta Box frame and good dynamics. It is powered by a 155cc single-cylinder SOHC 4V petrol engine making 18.1 bhp of power at 10,000 RPM and 14.1 Nm of torque at 8500 RPM. This engine gets a modern liquid cooling system to keep the temps in check as it is a high-compression and high-revving engine.This engine was coupled with a smooth 6-speed gearbox. It got 17” wheels with 100 section and 80 profile tyre and a fat 140 section and 70 profile tyre at the rear. It also came with a telescopic suspension setup at front and a monoshock setup at the rear. Adding to its track racing ability was its low 142 kg kerb weight which made sure that attacking corners was just as easy as expected from a sporty machine.New Matte Black ColourIt came with a single colour option named Racing Blue and in Yamaha’s surveys, they received valuable info that customers expected a new colour with the R15S. Keeping the product fresh and responding to their surveys, IYM has launched a new Matte Black option on top of the Racing Blue that was already available. This new shade makes the R15S V3 look stealthy and a lot more sportier.Yamaha Motorcycle Prices July 2022Along with the launch of this new shade, Yamaha has also raised the price of the motorcycle to Rs. 1,60,900 (ex-sh) in July 2022 which is Rs. 1,000 more than what it used to be in June 2022. This price hike is over the price hike most Yamaha products received last month. The updated price applies to both Racing Blue and Matte Black options. More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Electric Two Wheeler Sales June 2022 – Okinawa, Ampere, Ola, Ather, Revolt

      by

      Low total cost of ownership of electric two-wheelers along with easier maintenance are considered as one of the biggest selling points for models in this segmentOla Electric ScooterElectric two wheeler sales in India increased 9.89 percent on a Month-on-Month (MoM) basis. Total sales among the leading 8 top electric vehicle makers in the country stood at 38,693 units, up from 35,212 units sold in May 2022. This was a volume growth of 3,481 units. Okinawa Autotech topped the sales list in June 2022, Ampere was at No.2 while Hero Electric was the 3rd best selling electric two wheeler maker in the said month. Ola was relegated to No.4 on this list .Okinawa Autotech topped the list despite a MoM de-growth. Sales stood at 6,976 units, down 21.51 percent over 8,888 units sold in May 2022. Their new Okhi-90 high speed electric scooter is priced at Rs 1.22 lakhs. To keep up with demand, the company is planning a new mega factory to increase production capacity besides its current facility in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. Okinawa commanded 18.03 percent share on this list.Electric Two Wheeler Sales June 2022 – Ola Slips To No 4At No. 2 was Ampere Electric with sales of 6,534 units in the past month. This was a MoM growth of 18.18 percent to 6,534 units, up from 5,529 units sold in June 2021. This was a 1,005 volume growth with the company holding a 16.89 percent share. Ampere Electric, also recently announced the roll-out of its 50,000th electric scooter from the new Ranipet facility in Tamil Nadu. This facility commenced operations late in 2021 with the milestone unit rolling out of the plant just 7 months later.Hero Electric sales increased 136.80 percent MoM. Sales which had stood at 2,739 units in May 2022 increased to 6,486 units in the past month. Hero Electric along with Hero MotoCorp had been in a long standing legal battle which had just reached its conclusive end in favour of Hero MotoCorp being granted permission to use the trademark ‘Hero’ for its electric vehicles.Electric Two Wheeler Sales June 2022Ola, once a top selling electric two wheeler maker in India is down to No.4 in June 2022. Ola’s sales dipped by 34.47 percent compared to May 2022 to 5,689 units in June 2022 as against 8,681 units sold in May 2022. TVS Motor Company electric two wheeler sales (wholesales) that consisted of the new iQube stood at 4,667 units in June 2022, up 76.98 percent over 2,637 units sold in May 2022. This was a 2,030 unit volume growth with a 12.06 percent share.Ather, Revolt, WardWizardAther Energy sales increased to 3,797 units in June 2022, up 22.56 percent over 3,098 units sold in May 2022. This was a 699 unit volume growth with a 9.81 percent share. The company currently sells the 450X and 450 Plus in India, both of which command good attention thanks to the smart connected features and other advanced technology that they offer.Sales of Revolt, at No.7, also increased by 52.62 percent MoM to 2,419 units, up from 1,585 units sold in May 2022. This related to an 834 unit volume growth with the company commanding a 6.25 percent share. In June 2022, the company opened its new flagship store in Rajkot. This is the brand’s 3rd store in Gujarat and the 26th store across the country. The company targets 40+ stores by the end of this year.There was also WardWizard Joy eBikes (retail sales) on this list with 2,125 units sold in the past month, a 3.41 percent MoM increase over 2,055 units sold in May 2022. Joy e-bike prices start from Rs. 42,387. Joy e-bike offers 5 models in India with Monster, Wolf and Honeybee being most in demand. The Monster is the most expensive and is priced at Rs. 1,00,875. More

    • 138 Shares119 Views

      in Bike

      New TVS Ronin Cruiser First Photos Leak – Zepplin Inspired 225cc?

      by

      TVS Ronin 225cc air-cooled single-cylinder motor is estimated to have a power output of around 20 hpNew TVS Ronin Cruiser – 225cc?First images of the upcoming TVS Ronin motorcycle have leaked online ahead of its launch on 5th July. TVS Ronin images were found on the official TVS website by Shreyas Sreedhar.While the exact displacement has not been officially revealed yet, the images reveal an air-cooled single-cylinder motor. Latest reports strongly indicate that it is a 225 cc mill. Power output is expected to be in the 20 hp range, mated to 5 speed transmission.TVS Ronin 225cc – OverviewThe TVS Ronin 225cc adopts a neo-classic bodystyle which is a crossover between a traditional low-slung cruiser and a rugged scrambler. The bodywork includes a slender fuel tank with pronounced knee indents, old-school side panels and no tailpiece. The dual-tone colour scheme and black finished engine and wheels enhances the motorcycle’s aesthetic appeal.TVS Ronin 225cc announces itself as a player in the premium segment with its sturdy gold finished inverted telescopic front forks, alloy wheels, thick tyres and a full LED headlamp which is characterized by a T-shaped LED daytime running light. The motorcycle is equipped with a single round instrument cluster and LED turn indicators.New TVS Ronin Cruiser – 225cc?We think it is a fully digital unit which is likely to incorporate mobile phone connectivity, TVS SmartXonnect system. The brown saddle, chunky exhaust canister, front and rear disc brakes are other noteworthy elements. Expect Dual ABS to be on offer.The latest TVS 225 cc motorcycle derives its inspiration from the Zeppelin cruiser concept which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2018 but there are crucial differences. For instance, the concept employed a liquid-cooled motor, spoke wheels and a full fledged tailpiece which are all missing on the production-spec model. The equipment level indicates that the motorcycle could be priced from around Rs 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom).CompetitionThis is a completely new segment of motorcycle for TVS. Their current range of motorcycles on offer are in the 100cc to 200cc range and then in the 310cc. They do not have anything in between 200cc to 300cc. The upcoming TVS Ronin is expected to sit right in between this segment.TVS Ronin 225cc could even rival Royal Enfield Hunter 350 – in price segment250cc segment is seeing a rise in demand. We have seen Bajaj taking over the 250cc segment with multiple launches under brand Pulsar, KTM and Husqvarna. Upon launch, TVS Ronin 225 could rival the KTM 250s, Husqvarna 250s and the Pulsar 250s. It could also take on the upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter 350, which is expected to launch next month at a starting price of Rs 1.3 lakh, ex-sh.Source More

    • 125 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      Suzuki 2W Sales June 2022 – Gixxer, Access, Burgman, Avenis

      by

      Suzuki Two Wheeler YoY domestic sales up at 53k units – growth reported for June 2022, MoM sales declineImage – SouRik MotoworldThrough H1 2022, Suzuki 2W continues to improve on the sales front. For June 2022, the company reports domestic sales at 52,929 units. Owing to low base sales a year earlier, sales growth stood at a noticeable 30.77 percent, up from 40,474 units. Volume gain stood at 12,455 units.Of the manufacturer’s total business in India, domestic sales dominate at over three quarters of total business. Exports accounted for 22 percent of total business volume last month. Suzuki 2W exports are reported at 15k units in June 2022. Up from 9,188 units YoY, volume gain stood at 5.9k units. Sales growth stood at 64.23 percent. Total sales last month were reported at 68k units, up from 49,662 units. Volume gain stood at 18,356 units at 37 percent growth.Suzuki Q1 and Q2 2022 salesMoM domestic sales however were on a decline. Sales fell from 60,518 units to a 12.54 percent decline. Volume loss stood at 7,589 units. Exports improved by more than a third, up from 11k units. Volume gain stood at just over 4k units. Total sales fell from 71,526 units at volume loss of 3.5k units to a 4.9 percent decline.Total domestic sales in Q2 2022 stood at 1,67,774 units up from 1,16,866 units sold in Q2 2021. The large volume gap, and consequent recovery is attributed to low base sales a year ago. In curbing the spread of Covid-19 a year earlier, businesses were required to pare down on ops. Through Q1 2022, Suzuki 2W domestic sales were reported at 1,69,960 units, down from 1,76,756 units. Volume loss stood at 6,796 units at 3.84 percent sales decline.Suzuki 2W Sales June 2022 and Q2 2022Suzuki India a big marketWhile Suzuki two wheelers isn’t a top manufacturer in India, possibilities here are endless. And Suzuki has continually improved its position. It now sells more two-wheelers in the domestic market than Royal Enfield and Yamaha Motor India.And while volumes here may appear to be trailing the top three by a wide margin, for Suzuki, the Indian two wheeler market is its biggest. And Suzuki is intent on further improving its position and market share. Where vehicles are concerned, the Indian two-wheeler industry is huge. An iMarc report put Indian two wheeler market volume at 15.2 mill units in 2021. And growth is foretold in the next 5 years. This aligns well with Suzuki two wheelers growth plans.Demand growth for Suzuki two wheelersSatoshi Uchida, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. said, “In June 2022, we successfully registered an overall sales of 68,018 units, which translated into a Year-on-Year sales growth of 37%. This consistent sales performance is the result of growing demand for Suzuki two-wheelers in India and in the overseas markets.As a responsible company, we remain committed to delivering quality products to all our customers. We are grateful to all our customers, dealer partners and staff members for their continuous support and belief in the brand, Suzuki.” More

    • 125 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      Honda Sales June 2022 – Activa, Dio, CB350, Unicorn, Grazia

      by

      Honda two wheeler YoY domestic sales in June 2022 reported at growth, MoM sales too in the greenImage for reference.In June 2022, Honda domestic sales were reported at 3,55,560 units, up from 2,12,453 units YoY. Volume gain stood at 1,43,107 units at 67.36 percent growth. Honda’s domestic business is so large it accounts for over 90 percent of total business volume. Exports last month rose to 28,322 units from 20,044 units.Volume gain stood at 8,278 units at 41.30 percent growth. Total sales were up at 3,83,882 units from 2,32,497 units. Volume gain stood at 1,51,385 units at 65.11 percent growth. The YoY period up for comparison though isn’t without incident. A year earlier, businesses functioned at limited capacity in accordance with local rulings in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.Sales growth in Q2 2022MoM domestic sales are up from 3,20,844 units at volume gain of just under 35k units. Sales growth stood at 10.82 percent. Exports fell from 32,344 units at volume loss of 4k units. Sales decline is reported at 12.44 percent. Total sales were up from 3,53,188 units at 30,694 units volume gain. Growth stood at 8.69 percent.In Q1 2022, Honda 2W sales stood at 9,10,422 units, down by a quarter from 12,23,331 units. In Q2 2022, sales stood at 9,95,136 units, up from 4,91,316 units. The comparable quarter in 2021 was a period of constraint owing to Covid-19 regulations. Top selling models from Honda include Activa, CB Shine, Dio, Grazia, CB350, Unicorn, Hornet, etc.Honda Two Wheeler Sales June 2022Activa scooter lead uncontestedThere’s rather little that perturbs Honda two wheelers’ monthly sales. On the domestic front. Bajaj and TVS are the only two manufacturers that could vie for 2nd spot, but the sales gap isn’t an easy one to transcend. The same is true for Honda in comparison to Hero’s top of the table clout. The situation ensures Honda 2Ws continue to sit comfortably at 2nd spot, month after month. In truth, it’s been years now.In fact, Honda’s two wheeler business model is unique. While others in the top order rely on a motorcycle as a bestseller, Honda’s bestseller is a scooter. In this regard, Activa hasn’t only stood the test of time but has gone from strength to strength. This unique proposition ensures that scooter buyers continue to flock to Honda in droves. Add to this its bestselling motorcycle, CB Shine. Sales volume for which is over a lakh each month. The only other manufacturer that follows the same pattern is Suzuki with its Access.Growth expectation for FY23Atsushi Ogata, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said, “The growth expectations with which we set out in the beginning of FY ’23 is gradually turning into a reality. Timely arrival of monsoons has impacted the economic indicators favourably. We expect the coming months to sustain this upward trend as more customers look for two-wheeler mobility options.”With H1 results being a mixed bag, the industry is now focused on a favourable outcome for the monsoon season. This will be quickly followed up by the onset of a rather long festive season. More

    • 175 Shares109 Views

      in Bike

      Hero Vida Electric Scooter Can Use HERO Branding – Hero Moto Vs Hero Electric

      by

      Hero MotoCorp and Hero Electric are two separate companies – Both are involved in a legal battleImage for reference.It may be recalled that Hero Electric had sought an injunction against Hero MotoCorp from use of the trademark ‘Hero’ for its electric vehicles. The issue was referred to the Delhi High Court last year by Vijay Munjal, along with his son Naveen Munjal, who owns Hero Electric, the largest electric two-wheeler company.This legal battle was against his cousin Pawan Munjal, Promoter and Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, claiming that the company had exclusive ownership rights of the ‘Hero’ brand for its upcoming lineup of its electric and eco-friendly products. In a recent ruling by the Delhi High Court, Hero MotoCorp has been granted permission to use the ‘Hero ’trademark for selling its electric vehicle lineup.Hero Moto Vs Hero Electric – RulingThe tribunal, which consisted of former Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and retired judges Indu Malhotra and Indermeet Kaur observed that Hero MotoCorp had claimed the use of ‘Hero’ for its upcoming electric vehicle lineup since 2012. The company is now close to launch of its electric vehicles under brand name ‘Vida – powered by Hero’.Hero MotoCorp’s Vida brand will house all electric vehicle initiatives and the company has even filed a patent for names such as Vida, Vida MotoCorp, Vida EV, Vida Electric, Vida Scooters and Vida Motorcycles for its EV endeavor.Hero Electric Scooter Optima HXThe Tribunal took into account the fact that Hero MotoCorp had spent over Rs 7,000 crores to enhance goodwill and gain reputation of the ‘Hero’ brand over the past 10 years as compared to Rs 65 crores which had been invested by the Naveen Munjal Group to promote ‘Hero Electric’.The Tribunal also noted that Hero MotoCorp had also made hefty investments to the tune of Rs 400 crores into their VIDA project along with investments made in Ather Energy, the Bengaluru based company for its fast charging technology. Hero owns 38 percent in this company and both firms are developing fast charging infrastructure.Good News For Hero MotoCorpThis ruling will boost Hero MotoCorp’s confidence, ahead of the launch of their first electric scooter later this year. Imagine if Hero Moto had to sell their electric scooters without the brand Hero or their existing dealership network. That would have been a nightmare for the No 1 motorcycle brand in the world.Hero MotoCorp Electric Scooter – Under VIDA BrandAs much as this is good news for Hero MotoCorp, it is bad news for Hero Electric, who is one of the leading electric scooter manufacturer in India. By default, most in the country mean Hero MotoCorp, when they refer to a Hero vehicle. Even today, there are people who think Hero Electric and Hero MotoCorp are the same company.If the arrival of new EV rivals like Ola, Ather was not enough, they will have a new problem at hand once Hero MotoCorp launches their range of Hero Vida electric scooters and motorcycles. Hero MotoCorp was scheduled to launch their first electric scooter in July. But parts shortage has forced them to delay the launch to later this year. More