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      Honda 300cc Scrambler Trademarked – Upcoming RE Hunter 350 Rival?

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      Honda is expected to take design inspirations from older CL series motorcycles in its past lineupHonda Scrambler – Render by Young MachineWe have said this before and we’ll say it again, the Indian motorcycle market doesn’t get enough good motorcycles that other markets get. Especially Japan. I don’t know what to say, but JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) always gets the good stuff. One such addition is the new CL300.Honda has a CB series for naked street motorcycles. They have a CBR series for faired track machines. And also CL series motorcycles that are scrambler motorcycles with retro appeal. In most cases, Honda makes CL series motorcycles that are based on street naked CB series of motorcycles. But the new CL300 is based on the Rebel series cruiser motorcycle.Honda 300cc ScramblerWe had heard about a possible Honda CL500 Scrambler was cooking in Honda’s labs. It was specifically rumored for JDM. To further fuel speculations, Honda trademarked the name CL500. Fast-forwarding to 2022, it hasn’t been materialized yet.CL500 was supposed to be a scrambler variant of the Rebel 500 cruiser. Design patents of CL500 further strengthened this speculation. There were also rumours of a CL250 that was supposed to take inspiration from 1960s CL250 with a twin-cylinder quarter-liter engine. But the modern CL250 was rumoured to be based on the new Rebel 300 cruiser.Honda Scrambler – Render based on leaked patentBut now, Honda has filed a trademark in the name of CL300 rendering CL250 rumours as false. CL300 will be a scrambler version of Honda’s popular cruiser Rebel 300 and is also likely to get the same chassis with slightly revised subframe. Engine and transmission are expected to be the same too. Honda has trademarked the name CL500 alongside CL300 in Thailand, New Zealand and Australia. This could mean that both scrambler motorcycles can be launched at once.Both CL300 and CL500 will share chassis and other hardware from Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 respectively. They might get taller seats with other bits to fit into the scrambler styling. Both CL300 and CL500 are expected to get conventional telescopic front suspension like their Rebel counterparts. Unlike the spoked wheels on the older CL series bikes, the newer CL300 and CL500 are likely to get alloy wheels like Rebel cruisers.Specs & LaunchHonda Rebel motorcycles are modern single-seat cruisers that strike the perfect balance between retro and modern cruisers. CL300 will get Rebel 300’s 286cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It gets a 6-speed gearbox, 41mm front telescopic forks and dual shocks at the rear. CL300 gets 16” wheels wrapped with 130/90 rubber at front and 150/80 rubber at the rear. It weighs 168 kg and has a relatively small 11-litre fuel tank.Honda Scrambler – Patent leaksCL500, however, is based on Rebel 500 which gets a larger 471cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It gets the same suspension, brakes and tyres as the smaller Rebel 300. It gets the same fuel tank too, but due to the larger engine, it weighs a respectable 185 kg.Honda hasn’t yet revealed the timeline for the new CL300 and CL500 launch. But both of them are expected to be JDM-specific at launch. They are trademarked in Thailand and Australia and might eventually get launched there too. Both Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 were rumoured to make it to India. But that has not happened yet. Honda is likely to trademark the CL300 and CL500 in India. If launched, it could be a rival to the likes of Yezdi Scrambler and upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter 350.Source More

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      New Bajaj Pulsar N160 Arrives At Dealer Showroom – Exhaust Note

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      All new Bajaj Pulsar N160 comes with revised styling, more refinement and featuresNew Bajaj Pulsar N160After multiple spy shots and a couple of teasers released on the internet by the company, Bajaj has launched the new Pulsar N160 in the market. With prices starting Rs 1,22,854 (ex-showroom), the new naked street fighter is almost Rs 5,000 pricier than Pulsar NS 160 which is deemed as its spiritual predecessor.As of now, Bajaj hasn’t confirmed the fate of Pulsar NS160 but in all probability, the Chakan-based manufacturer will be pulling the plug on the model. Keeping two motorcycles with the same brand name in the same category with a similar engine configuration doesn’t make sense.Bajaj Pulsar N160 WalkaroundOfficial bookings for the new Pulsar N160 are now open. Bajaj is offering Pulsar N160 in two variants- single-channel ABS and dual-channel ABS, the latter being priced at Rs 1,27,853 (ex-showroom). This bike is based on a new tubular frame which is different from the one currently underpinning the Pulsar NS 160.In terms of design, Pulsar N160 is starkly similar to the flagship N250 with common highlights like a single-pod LED headlamp with eyebrow-shaped twin LED DRLs. Other prominent visual highlights include extended tank shrouds, a raised tail section, split-style seats, split grab rails, a rear tyre hugger and an X-shaped LED tail lamp. Even alloy wheels and box-section swingarm appear to be borrowed from its quarter-litre sibling. Below is a detailed first look walkaround video of New Pulsar N160, credited to SouRik Motoworld.[embedded content][embedded content]Bajaj is offering a total of four colour options with Pulsar N160. The single-channel variant is being offered in three paint schemes including Caribbean Blue, Racing Red and Techno Grey. The dual-channel variant is solely being offered in Brooklyn Black shade. The bike weighs a hefty 154 kilos (dual-channel variant) and gets a seat height of 795mm.In terms of features, it gets all-LED lighting, USB connectivity and a digital instrument cluster with readouts for Gear indicator, Clock, Fuel economy and Range indicator. The bike gets a fuel tank capacity worth 14 litres.Hardware, Engine SpecsCycle parts of the new Pulsar N160 comprise a suspension setup consisting of 37mm telescopic forks up front and a mono-shock with Nitrox at rear. Braking duties are carried out by a 300mm disc at front and a 230mm rotor at rear aided by an optional dual-channel ABS. The naked streetfighter rides on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 100/80 and 130/70 tubeless rubbers at front and rear respectively.New Bajaj Pulsar N160 vs TVS Apache 160 – Specs, Features pic.twitter.com/XgTlRpbegF— RushLane (@rushlane) June 26, 2022Powering Pulsar N160 is an all-new 164.82cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, Oil cooled engine that pushes out 16 PS of power at 8750rpm and a peak torque of 14.65 Nm at 6750rpm. This unit is paired with a constant mesh 5-speed gearbox. It will directly lock horns with TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. More

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      Hero Splendor XTEC Vs Passion XTEC – Walkaround Comparison

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      Hero Passion XTec gets a 5-year warranty which is one of the best in segmentHero Splendor XTEC vs Passion XTECHero MotoCorp is the largest motorcycle manufacturer in India and has a strong global presence too. Even though the company has been developing and launching motorcycles with larger engine capacity and higher prices, it is utterly committed to the budget commuter segment too.Hero MotoCorp has undivided attention toward the commuter segment. It has products like HF 100 which is so good in terms of value, very few can actually compete with it. Recently, Hero MotoCorp has been on a product revitalisation strategy and is giving budget motorcycles features like XTec that is a segment first. After the launch of Splendor Plus XTec, it is the turn of Hero Passion to get the same treatment.Hero Splendor XTEC vs Passion XTECFor starters, Hero’s XTec system is already doing duties on Glamour 125 XTec, Pleasure+ 110 XTec, Destini 125 XTec and the recently launched Splendor+ XTec. The fifth vehicle in Hero’s portfolio to get an XTec system is Passion XTec. With this system, Hero aims to be the 110cc segment leader.The motorcycle has seen subtle design changes in the form of a new headlamp design making it look sporty. Headlamp gets a projector unit inside it which is powered by LEDs which is a segment-first feature. This new LED headlight promises 12% more light throw when compared to a conventional halogen bulb that is expected at this price segment. Other design features include a 3D chrome logo and taping for the wheels making it slightly more appealing. Below is a walkaround comparison between the new Splendor XTEC and Passion XTEC, credited to Yo Rider.[embedded content][embedded content]Coming to the heart of the update, Hero Passion gets the new XTec system. It replaces the old analog instrument cluster with a fully digital one with blue backlighting. It gets Bluetooth connectivity and unlocks new possibilities for Passion. Call alert, SMS alert, phone battery percentage, caller name display, USB charging port, RTMI (Real Time Mileage Indicator), low fuel indicator, service schedule reminder, side stand indicator and engine cut-off feature.Specs & PricingNew Hero Passion XTec comes with a 110cc single-cylinder engine making 9 bhp of power at 7500 RMP and 9.79 Nm of torque at 5000 RPM. Passion XTec also comes with Hero’s patented i3S technology which makes it deliver superior fuel efficiency figures.It retains the same chassis and suspension components in the form of conventional telescopic forks at front and twin shocks at the rear. Passion XTec also gets an option for a front disc brake. It gets a combi braking system too.Hero Splendor XTEC vs Passion XTEC – Specs ComparisonThe drum brake variant of Passion XTec is priced at Rs. 74,590 (ex-sh, Delhi) and disc variant is priced at Rs. 78,990 (ex-sh, Delhi). At this price, the price hike for XTec system is quite justified and provides a lot of value to the buyer. It competes with other 110cc bikes in the category like TVS Star City Plus, Honda Livo, Honda CD 110 Dream, TVS Radeon and Hero’s own Splendor iSmart 110. More

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      Honda Sales Breakup May 2022 – Activa, CB Shine, Dio, CB350

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      Honda two wheeler domestic sales increased 727.71 percent YoY to 3,20,857 units in May 2022 and commanded a 26.99 percent market shareHonda Vario 160 – Patent filed in India.Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) reported its domestic sales for the month of May 2022 at 3,20,857 units, up 727.72 percent over 38,764 units sold in May 2021. Exports on the other hand increased 65.09 percent YoY to 32,036 units in the past month, up from 19,405 units sold in May 2021.The company has announced its plan to develop flex-fuel technologies for the Indian market in the near future as against fully electric two-wheelers. This decision comes following the company’s outstanding performance in sale of flex-fuel vehicles – CG150 TITAN MIX and NXR 150 Bros Mix and BIZ 125 Flex in Brazil over the past decade. It is also in line with the Government of India policy for wide scale adoption of flex-fuel technologies.Honda Sales Breakup May 2022In domestic markets, it was the Honda Activa that commanded the list with 1,49,407 units sold in the past month, up 778.55 percent over 17,006 units sold in May 2021. This was volume growth of 1,32,401 units with a 46.56 percent share in the company lineup. The Honda Activa was also the best-selling scooter in the country, leading over the TVS Jupiter by a significant margin.CB Shine was at No. 2 with sales of 1,19,765 units in May 2022, up 716.62 percent over 14,666 units sold in May 2021 relating to volume growth of 1,05,099 units and a 37.33 percent share. At No. 3 on the domestic list was Honda Dio scooter of which the company sold 20,497 units in the past month, up 1107.84 percent over 1,697 units sold in May 2021.Honda Sales Breakup May 2022Honda also noted increased demand for the Dream (10,551 units), Livo (9,937 units) and Hness 350 (3,308 units) while the company sold 3,133 units of the Unicorn 160 in the past month, up 137.35 percent over 1,320 units sold in May 2021. Honda noted a significant increase in demand for the X-Blade of which the company sold 1,519 units in May 2022, up 50533.33 percent over just 3 units sold in May 2021. Hornet 2.0 also saw its sales increase several fold on a YoY basis to 1,436 units, up 15,855.56 percent over 9 units sold in May 2021.CB200X sales stood at 778 units last month, while Honda noted a YoY de-growth in the case of Grazia sales which dipped to 479 units last month down 24.92 percent over 638 units sold in May 2021. Africa Twin (19 units), CBR 650 (18 units), Gold Wing (6 units) and CB300R (4 units) were also sold in the company month.Honda Two Wheeler Exports – May 2022Honda Navi, which is a combination of a scooter and a motorcycle, was most in demand in global markets in May 2022. Sales stood at 7,741 units, up 119.17 percent over 3,532 units sold in May 2022. This was a volume growth of 4,209 units with a 24.16 percent share.Honda Exports Breakup May 2022At No. 2 was the Honda Dio with a 68.20 percent YoY growth to 7,601 units in May 2022, up from 4,519 units sold in May 2021. Honda X–Blade exports also increased YoY by 44.38 percent to 4,288 units, from 2,970 units sold in May 2021 leading to a 1,318 unit volume growth with a 13.38 percent share.CB Shine (3,230 units), Dream (2,644 units), Livo (2,100 units), CB 350 (1,500 units) and Unicorn 160 (1,200 units) all posted a YoY growth in exports in May 2022. However, Honda Hornet 160R saw a 2.75 percent de-growth in terms of exports down to 1,132 units from 1,164 units shipped in May 2021. Aviator exports also fell 28.57 percent to 600 units in May 2022 from 840 units exported in May 2021 while exports of Grazia, Activa, Unicorn 150 and Hornet 2.0 were down to 0 units. More

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      2022 Ather Electric Scooter Facelift Details Leak – New Battery, More Power, Range

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      With more power output and range on offer, we expect the updated Ather 450X to be more expensive than the current modelAther Electric ScooterWith Ola taking lead in sales, TVS launching updated iQube with more range, it is now time for Ather to give their electric scooter an update. Ather Energy is all set to launch an updated version of its primary seller 450X. 2022 Ather Electric Scooter 450X will come with some additional features and changes to its specifications.A leaked approval document filed by Ather Energy at the ARAI (Automotive Research Institute of India) in Pune, gives ideas regarding updates on the scooter. The updates aren’t drastic and yet they are likely to impact the riding experience of owners significantly.2022 Ather 450X Facelift – UpdatesFor starters, the updated Ather 450X will receive a new 3.66kW Lithium-ion battery pack which is an upgrade from the current 2.6kW unit. This has resulted in an increase in peak power and also affects the maximum range on a full charge positively. Also, Ather will offer the premium electric scooter in two settings.In the first setting, 450X gets five riding modes including Warp Mode, Sport Mode, Ride Mode, Eco Mode and the new Smart Eco Mode. The second setting, which seems to be a variant with some reduced battery capacity, gets four riding modes with no Warp mode on offer. In all probability, the second setting will be locked and only available to owners at some special requests.2022 Ather Electric Scooter 450X Facelift – Details LeakMore Power, More Range AvailableThe type approval document mentions that peak power output for the updated 450X will be 6.4kW in the most aggressive Warp mode. The nominal output stands at 3.1kW for the same mode. Peak and nominal power outputs decrease with a change in mode from Sport to Eco. For Sport Mode, peak and nominal output are rated at 5.8kW and 3.1kW respectively.By installing a more powerful battery, 450X will make some serious improvements as far as range is concerned. For setting 1, maximum range is rated at 146km and for setting 2 it strangely drops to 108km for a single charge. These are ARAI-rated figures and real-world range will expectedly differ from these figures.Change in dimensionsInterestingly, overall length and wheelbase of the updated 450X have been increased by 25mm and 9mm respectively from the current model. Overall, height has also been increased by 11mm although width remains the same. Although there is no mention of features, we expect Ather to make some tweaks to the scooter’s equipment as well. It could well be the first proper facelift given to Ather electric scooter.Currently, Ather 450X is loaded with features like full-LED lighting, a 4.2-inch touchscreen instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, integrated 4G LTE SIM connectivity, onboard navigation, digital document storage, music & call controls, reverse mode, etc. Hardware setup on the electric scooter comprises telescopic front forks, rear mono-shock, and disc brakes on both wheels. More

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      New Royal Enfield Meteor 350X Variant Spied Ahead Of Launch

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      The new variant will be sold alongside the variants that are already on sale today2022 Royal Enfield Meteor 350XLooks like Royal Enfield is on a spree of launching motorcycles with a ton of motorcycles currently under testing. Most expected launches are Meteor 650, Shotgun 650, Himalayan 450, 450 Scram, Hunter 350, new Bullet 350 and then a new variant of Meteor 350 too.Meteor 350 is one of Royal Enfield’s most popular motorcycles on sale in India. It strikes a right balance between price and performance while offering decent cruise ability too. We had covered this in the past predicting that the new variant of Meteor 350 will be a sportier version like Thunderbird’s X variants. But the new spy shot reveals very little changes to the motorcycle.New Meteor 350X VariantLooking at the spy shot, we are hard pressed to spot any additions or deletions Royal Enfield is going for. But there aren’t any. Everything we see on the new spy shot, already exists on the Meteor 350 that is on sale in India. But when we see closely, the changes start to fall in place.Royal Enfield’s Meteor 350 currently gets 3 variants. Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. Stellar and Supernova get classic colour shades and chrome exhaust to add retro flair. On top of colour differences, Stellar adds a backrest for the pillion and on top of it, Supernova adds a front windscreen. Base Fireball variant gets a sporty appeal with black finish on the entire motorcycle except for the red fuel tank.New Royal Enfield Meteor 350X Variant SpiedIf a customer wants a sporty look, he doesn’t get features like a windscreen and pillion backrest. If they go with these features, the sporty appeal is replaced with retro charm and the chrome bling. There was never a middle ground and that’s where this new variant will come in. In the spy shot, it gets a black rear mudguard, black exhaust and everything like on Fireball but it also gets a pillion backrest. This combination didn’t exist before.New Royal Enfield Meteor 350X can be expected to come with Fireball’s colour scheme along with Supernova’s features like a pillion backrest and a windscreen at front. For the sake of variety, Royal Enfield can also throw in sporty tyres and a slightly stiffened suspension to match the visual sportiness of the Meteor 350.Specs & LaunchThe new variant is expected to be launched in the coming days. We expect some styling changes, new colours and along with it, some new design elements can be deleted or added based on the flavour Royal Enfield is eyeing for.Meteor 350 is a well-sorted package in terms of powertrain and chassis. It is based on the company’s new ‘J’ platform and gets the new 349 cc JD1 engine by Royal Enfield. It makes 20.2 bhp of power at 6100 RPM and a healthy 27 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM. This engine is coupled to a 5-speed transmission. The new variant is expected to retain the same powertrain and chassis. When launched, it will lock horns with Honda CB350RS and classic cruisers from Jawa, Benelli Imperiale 400 and Yezdi Roadster. Also expect a slight price premium over the current top-spec Supernova variant. More

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      Hero Passion XTEC Launch Price Rs 75k – Gets LED DRLs, Bluetooth

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      Hero Motocorp is offering a 5-year standard warranty with Passion Xtec2022 Hero Passion XTECHero MotoCorp has expanded its Xtec lineup by introducing Passion Xtec at a starting price of Rs 74,590 (ex-showroom). Prior to this launch, the Xtec range from Hero comprised four models including Splendor+ XTec, Glamour 125 XTec, Pleasure+ 110 XTec and Destini 125 XTec.The Indian bikemaker is offering Passion Xtec in two variants- drum brake and disc brake, the latter gets a price tag of Rs 78,990 (ex-showroom). This makes it Rs 5,000-6,000 more expensive than base Passion Pro. For the additional premium, the Xtec version of Passion gets plenty of useful features over the standard model.Hero Passion Xtec – Features on offerSpeaking of features, Passion Xtec is laced with amenities like a first-in-class projector LED headlamp, a fully digital instrument cluster with readouts for Real-Time Mileage Indicator, Low-Fuel Indicator and Service Reminder; USB charging port and a side-stand engine cut-off switch. The instrument console is also enabled with Bluetooth connectivity that offers SMS and call alerts.The Blue backlit instrument cluster also shows phone battery percentage. The company has also claimed that the new LED headlamp offers the best in segment brightness with a 12 percent longer beam than the conventional halogen lamp. The latest iteration of the commuter motorcycle features a chromed 3D branding and rim tape on its fuel tank that increases its premium appeal.2022 Hero Passion XTECOn the occasion of this launch, Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Growth Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The Hero Passion is an iconic brand and enjoys massive customer trust for over a decade. With its new style and new attitude, the Passion XTec will appeal to the new age riders and with the latest technology features, it will set the benchmark for the segment.”2022 Hero Passion XTECPowertrain & Hardware SpecsMechanical specs of Passion Xtec remain identical to the standard model. Powering Passion Xtec is the same 110cc BS-VI compliant engine that produces an output of 9 bhp at 7500rpm and a peak torque of 9.79 Nm at 5,000rpm. This motor is paired with a 4-speed gearbox. It is also offered with the patented i3S start/stop technology for better fuel efficiency.Cycle parts of Passion Xtec also remain similar with a suspension setup consisting of conventional telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorbers at rear. Braking duties are handled by drum brakes as standard on both ends with an optional disc brake at front. Braking hardware is complemented by a Combi Braking System (CBS).2022 Hero Passion Prices June 2022The commuter bike rides on 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 80/100 sections of tyres at both front and rear ends. The motorcycle sits on a diamond frame with a wheelbase of 1,270 mm and a ground clearance of 180mm. It has a saddle height of 799mm. Hero MotoCorp will be increasing prices by up to Rs 3k from 1st July. More

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      Kawasaki Ninja 400 BS6 Launch Price Rs 4.99 L – Official Website

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      Ninja 400 was available earlier in India, but had to be discontinued due to stricter BS6 emission norms2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 BS6Since April 2020 when BS6 emission norms came into effect, Kawasaki has worked consistently to expand its portfolio in India. Most of the models were updated to BS6 in 2020-2021. Among the ones that are still pending is Ninja 400. Not anymore.Kawasaki recently launched Euro 5 compliant version of Ninja 400 in international markets In Europe, Kawasaki has also updated Z400 to Euro 5 standards. Now they have launched the updated BS6 Ninja 400 in India. As per the official website, 2023 Ninja 400 India price starts from Rs 4.99 lakh, ex-sh. This is the same price at which the BS4 Ninja 400 was available, before it got discontinued.2023 Ninja 400 stylingKawasaki Ninja bikes are designed to be gorgeous and new Ninja 400 carries forward that pedigree. Quite a few styling bits have been borrowed from Ninja H2. Some of the key features include slim dual LED headlamps, sleek LED DRLs, transparent windscreen, front cowl-mounted funky rear view mirrors, low-set, wide handlebar, sculpted fuel tank, split-seat design and upswept exhaust. Bodywork adds significant volume, which ensures the big bike look and feel for Ninja 400.Colour options for Ninja 400 include Lime green and Metallic Carbon Gray. Both colour themes are equally appealing, although the Gray version appears to have a far more magnetic persona. It also looks superior in terms of aggression, dominance and street presence. Both colour variants have lively graphics that add an extra dose of sportiness.2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 BS6 – Launch price official websiteNew Ninja 400 has a hybrid cockpit, featuring a large analogue tachometer at the centre. On left are the warning lamps, while the right side has a multi-function LCD screen. Gear position indicator is placed centrally for easy viewability.New Ninja 400 performancePowering Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a 399cc, liquid cooled, parallel twin, DOCH, 8 valve motor that generates 45 PS of max power at 10,000 rpm and 37 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission. The engine has been tuned to deliver optimal performance across the rev range along with smooth response and controllability. Kawasaki has also improved the engine’s design, making it as compact as a 250cc motor.Ninja 400 utilizes a Trellis frame, integrated with 41mm telescopic forks at front and gas charged monoshock suspension with preload adjustability. Braking is handled by 310 mm and 220 mm petal discs at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS from Nissin is offered as standard.2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 BS6 – SpecsWith a relaxed rider triangle, Ninja 400 can suit a wide variety of rider sizes and riding environments. The bike has ergonomically placed handlebar and slightly foot-forward foot pegs, which ensure comfortable rides and optimal control and handling. Seat height of 785 mm also helps achieve better control and handling, even for shorter riders. More