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      125cc Motorcycle Sales Mar 2022 – Shine, Pulsar, Glamour, Raider, KTM

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      TVS Raider and KTM 125 Series were the only 125cc motorcycles that registered negative MoM growths in March 2022Image – Lokesh Pimple125cc segment of motorcycles is one of the hottest segments in the two-wheeler industry. This space offers the best balance between ease of riding and adequate performance primarily required for daily commutes. Although sales volume in this category has seen a sharp decline in recent months, it still generates appreciable monthly volumes.A total of 2,02,064 units of 125cc motorcycles were sold by OEMs all across India in March 2022. In comparison, 2,34,327 units of such bikes were sold across the country during the same month last year which has resulted in a YoY decline of 13.77 percent.125cc Motorcycle Sales Mar 2022 –In February this year, OEMs dispatched 1,71,171 units of 125cc bikes across the nation leading to an MoM growth of 18 percent. Leading this space is Honda CB Shine with a market share of over 47 percent. 95,197 units of Shine were sold by Honda across India in March this year. This led to a YoY drop of 19.29 percent and an MoM growth of 16.52 percent.The second spot was taken by Bajaj Auto which retails two derivatives of 125cc Pulsar in this segment- Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125. Both bikes cumulatively recorded a monthly volume of 39,687 units that resulted in a YoY decline of 5.41 percent and an MoM growth of 32.26 percent. In March last year, Bajaj sold 41,956 units of 125cc Pulsar’s whereas this number stood at 30,006 units for February this year.125cc Motorcycle Sales March 2022 vs March 2021 (YoY)Hero MotoCorp ConsolidatesHero MotoCorp broke into the list with Glamour which registered a sales volume of 31,037 units in March this year. In the previous month, Hero dispatched 27,406 units of Glamour, which resulted in an MoM growth of 13.25 percent. During March last year, this volume stood at 32,371 units which led to a YoY decline of 4.12 percent.The second offering from Hero occupied the fourth spot with a total of 23,829 units dispatched in March this year. The company sold 40,338 units of Super Splendor in March last year and 16,743 units were sold in February this year. This led to a YoY decline of 41 percent and MoM growth of 42.32 percent.TVS, KTM lag behind in numbersThe latest entrant in this list is TVS Raider which accumulated a volume of 12,128 units in March this year. During February this year, TVS dispatched 14,744 units of Raider which has translated to an MoM decline of 17.74 percent. The last spot was occupied by KTM which retails two motorcycles in the 125cc category in India- Duke 125 and RC 125.125cc Motorcycle Sales March 2022 vs Feb 2022 (MoM)Both bikes from the Austrian brand accounted for a volume of only 186 units in March this year. During the same period last year, this volume stood at 1,719 units which led to a massive YoY drop of 89.18 percent. In February this year, KTM sold 572 units of its 125cc machines across the country leading to an MoM drop of 67.48 percent. More

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      2022 Yamaha Cygnus GT 125cc Scooter Gets New Deluxe Edition

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      The Deluxe Edition of Yamaha Cygnus GT gets only cosmetic upgrades over the standard model2022 Yamaha Cygnus 125cc ScooterApart from an exotic line of motorcycles, Yamaha also boasts some interesting scooters under its portfolio in global markets. This includes Cygnus GT which is based on the same 125cc platform underpinning Fascino and RayZR sold in India. In fact, the Cygnus brand was used with RayZR in the country when it was first launched in 2016.Cygnus GT has received a new Deluxe Edition in China which receives cosmetic enhancements over the standard iteration of the scooter. The revised styling makes the Cygnus GT look aesthetically more pleasing.Yamaha Cygnus GT Deluxe EditionGetting into details, the subtle cosmetic updates lend the scooter a shaper and more aggressive appeal. Upfront, it gets a new headlamp cluster which is flanked by twin LED DRLs while indicators are mounted above the main headlight cluster on the handlebar, thus giving the scooter an angry-looking face. This revised styling of the front fascia also makes it look bigger than its regular sibling.The Deluxe Edition gets a relatively flat seat with a slight hunch at the pillion side. Blacked-out components like the floorboard, alloy wheels, exhaust muffler and other internals lend the scooter a sporty dual-tone theme. A 3D emblem of the model brand has been slapped onto the side panel in a sporty layout with the ‘GT’ written in contrast colour.2022 Yamaha Cygnus 125cc Scooter – FeaturesFeatures & Powertrain SpecsIn terms of features, it gets a fully digital LCD instrument console, LED illumination and a remote ignition key. As for powertrain, the Deluxe Edition is powered by the same 125cc air-cooled, single-cylinder motor that propels the standard model. This unit kicks out 8 bhp and 9.7 Nm of peak torque which is slightly lesser than the India-spec 125cc scooters. However, a very light kerb weight ensures an optimum power to weight ratio.This Deluxe iteration of Cygnus GT has already gone on sale in China and has received a marginal price hike. Cygnus GT is unlikely to make it to Indian shores but Yamaha is reportedly working on developing a new scooter for the Indian market. However, details about this upcoming model still remain undisclosed.Other updates from YamahaYamaha is also planning to venture into the electric mobility space in India. The Japanese brand recently presented its first battery-powered offering to dealers in India last month. The company had globally unveiled its first two electric scooters- E01 and Neo’s, earlier this year which is expected to make debuts in several international markets in the coming future.2022 Yamaha Cygnus 125cc ScooterYamaha increased prices of its scooter lineup in India recently. Highest price hike has been witnessed by Aerox 155 which is now priced at Rs 1,36,800. Prices of Fascino have been increased by Rs 800 – Rs 1,000. RaZR prices are up in a similar range for May 2022. More

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      Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Looks Sleek, Sporty – New Spy Shots

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      Hunter 350 has a relatively crisp profile, as compared to other RE bikes such as Classic 350 and MeteorNew Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Images – KarunakaranWith new challengers such as Honda CB350 RS and Yezdi Scrambler entering the scene, Royal Enfield will soon launch a new 350cc bike. It is expected to be called Hunter, a name that has already been trademarked by the company.By introducing new products at regular intervals, Royal Enfield will aim to maintain its dominance in the 350cc motorcycle segment. It currently commands more than 90% market share in this space. Latest images are credited to automotive enthusiast Karunakaran.Royal Enfield Hunter 350 – New Spy ShotsWhile it carries the signature silhouette of Royal Enfield 350cc bikes, Hunter has a more athletic and sporty profile. It appears compact with its shortened fender, slimmer fuel tank and sporty single-piece seat. The bike does not utilize a windscreen and has a bare-bones side profile. Exhaust is a shorter, leaner unit, as compared to the long pipes seen with other Royal Enfield 350cc bikes.Considering its design, Hunter 350 seems ready for both city streets as well as some high speed fun on wide open roads. The bike was earlier spotted on road test cruising effortlessly at speeds of more than 120 kmph. Hunter has ergonomically placed wide handlebar and centrally mounted foot pegs. These features along with low-seat height will ensure optimal control and handling across varied riding environments.New Royal Enfield Hunter 350In terms of styling, Hunter 350 has the signature retro bits such as round headlamp and rear view mirrors, broad rear fender and round tail lamp. Twin pod instrument console will be the same as that available with Meteor 350. There’s a larger dial on the left that displays standard info such as speed, rpm, etc. The smaller unit on the right will be the Tripper display for turn-by-turn navigation.Hunter 350 will appeal to folks who want a powerful ride that can effortlessly zip through city streets. It is likely to be more agile and manoeuvrable, as compared to other 350cc RE bikes. Hunter has a unique, throaty exhaust note, which enhances overall ride experience.Royal Enfield Hunter 350 specsHunter 350 will borrow much of its hardware from Meteor and new-gen Classic 350. It includes the new J1D platform and the new 350cc engine that generates 20.2 bhp of max power and 27 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. For a sportier ride experience, it is possible that some changes could be introduced to power delivery. Hunter will need to be quicker if it wants to dominate bustling city streets.New Royal Enfield Hunter 350Other components like suspension and brakes will be same as that of other new-gen 350cc RE bikes. Dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard. It is expected that Hunter 350 will be launched at a competitive price point. It could be available at a starting price of around Rs 1.70 lakh. In comparison, Honda CB350 RS prices start at Rs 2.01 lakh for monotone colour variant and Rs 2.02 lakh for dual-tone variant. More

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      Bajaj Blade Name Trademark Filed – New Electric Scooter?

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      Trademark application for Bajaj Blade was filed in March and is currently under evaluation from registration authorityImage for referenceWith eyes on the future, Bajaj is proactively working on multiple new products. Evidence to that can be seen in the trademark applications filed by the company in recent times. In March, two applications were filed for Pulsar Elan and Pulsar Eleganz. Now, another name ‘Bajaj Blade’ has emerged, which was also filed in March. While Pulsar Eleganz name has been approved, Pulsar Elan and Bajaj Blade are awaiting approval.Bajaj Blade electric scooter?Trademark application for Bajaj Blade has been filed under Class 12. This makes it difficult to make an accurate guess, as this class includes everything from motorcycles to scooters, electric vehicles and three wheelers.Based on recent developments, it can be said that Bajaj’s primary focus will be its Pulsar motorcycles and electric two-wheelers. The company is currently on a mission to upgrade its Pulsar range and also introduce some new models. Another focus area is electric two-wheelers, which is where Bajaj Blade seems to fit in most appropriately.As may be recalled, Bajaj Blade name was used by the company to showcase a 125cc scooter at 2006 Auto Expo. This increases the possibility that Bajaj Blade could be a modern interpretation of the earlier Blade scooter. Bajaj Blade electric scooter is likely to have sportier styling, targeted at younger audiences. It will be different from Chetak, which has the classic, old-school retro look and feel.Bajaj Blade Trademark RegisteredInterestingly, the name Blade belongs to Mahindra Two Wheelers. Bajaj had applied for Blade trademark back in 2006 as well, but was refused. They have now once again applied in 2022. While the trademark application has been filed, it is not certain exactly when Bajaj Blade will be seen in flesh and blood. If it’s an electric scooter, launch is unlikely before 2023 or even 2024.To make it appealing to young users who prefer style and performance, Bajaj could equip the Blade electric scooter with a larger battery pack and higher capacity motor. This would mean an even higher pricing than Chetak, which is already one of the costliest electric two-wheelers in the country. Chetak ex-showroom price in Delhi is currently Rs 1.48 lakh.Bajaj Blade commuter bike?Even though Bajaj Blade is more likely to be an electric scooter, the possibility of a new commuter bike cannot be completely ruled out. One of the main reasons being, Bajaj had said that their electric vehicles will be branded under Chetak, and not Bajaj. Considering that the trademark filed is Bajaj Blade, it is likely that this could not be an electric vehicle.Bajaj currently sells Platina and CT commuter bikes in the domestic market, which are among the most affordable in this segment. These continue to register consistent sales for the company. Platina was ranked in the top ten list of bestselling two wheelers in FY 2022 with sales of 5,75,847 units.However, Bajaj’s commuter portfolio looks jaded even though the bikes have received updates at regular intervals. A brand new commuter bike can infuse fresh blood to boost sales further. In the past, Bajaj had used funky names like XCD 125, Wind 125 and Byk for its commuter motorcycles. As the ‘Blade’ name also seems eccentric, it could be a new commuter bike from Bajaj. More

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      Ather Raises Rs 991 Cr In Funding – New Electric Scooters Incoming

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      India’s sovereign wealth fund, NIIFL, Hero MotoCorp lead Series E funding. Ather Energy raises $128 millionAther Electric ScooterAther Energy has reported a strong start in 2022. In April 2022, the manufacturer reported its highest ever monthly sales having delivered 3,779 units. Simultaneously, bookings for Ather 450X have been growing 25 percent quarter-on-quarter.Currently, the company’s retail sales network spans 32 cities with 38 Experience Centres. This will be expanded to 150 Experience Centres in 100 cities by 2023. And now the manufacturer boasts of yet another feather in its cap. It has bagged the first direct investment in the electric mobility manufacturing sector by the country’s sovereign wealth fund.NIIFL, Hero MotoCorp – Ather investorsThe Series E funding amounts to $128 million or Rs 991 crores. Investment agreements were signed with National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited’s (NIIFL) Strategic Opportunities Fund (SOF), Hero MotoCorp, a leading shareholder of Ather, and additional investors. The latest infusion of cash adds to the amount raised in earlier rounds of funding. To date, Ather Energy has raised over $230 million financing. Tiger Global and Flipkart cofounder, Sachin Bansal are investors.In this round, Hero MotoCorp invested $56 mil, about Rs 420 crore. Most of the remaining amount is invested by NIIFL. Other existing investors, including angel founders further boosted the round with minor investments. To date Hero MotoCorp is the largest investor. Ather Energy plans to remain independent with investor goals aligned towards an Initial Public Offering (IPO).Ather electric scooter fast charging techElectric two-wheeler segmentAs has been previously stated by the company, funding is earmarked to attain certain time-bound goals. This includes expansion of its manufacturing facilities, research and development, charging infrastructure, and retail network growth. Ather also has plans to launch new electric scooters, based on their current 450 series.Being NIIFL’s first direct investment in the manufacturing sector and in electric mobility bodes well. Both avenues have often been discussed and are key to ‘India’s green mission and decarbonisation goals’. NIIFL investment is a boost to the electric 2-wheeler sector in India. A segment in early stages development, and one with serious growth goals by the end of the decade.The funding directly supports 1st-gen local entrepreneur-manufacturers. Ather has already proven its growth potential with a limited line of new products built with a high level of indigenisation. SOF has previously invested in Aseem Infrastructure Finance, NIIF IFL, and Manipal Hospitals.Ather Energy capacity enhancementTarun Mehta, CEO, Ather Energy, said “The switch to electric is inevitable and FY 21-22 was the turning point for electric two-wheeler adoption in India. We are super excited to have NIIF come on board as an investor. They have been at the forefront of the country’s green transition through their investments and initiatives, and we look forward to our association.We would also like to thank Hero MotoCorp, our long-term investor and strategic partner who continues to support our growth. The current round of investment will help us enhance capacities across the board, bring additional focus on new platforms, expand into new geographies, expand our fast-charging network and double down on the reputation we’ve built for making a product that’s high on quality.” More

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      Honda NX500 Trademark Filed – New 500cc ADV To Rival RE Himalayan 450?

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      From recent developments, it is clear that Honda is developing a mid-displacement as well as an entry-level adventure bike in the form of NX500 and NX200Image for reference.Honda recently filed trademarks for the names ‘NX’ and ‘NX500’ in the European Union in addition to another trademark filed by the company for ‘NX’ in New Zealand. This hints at the Japanese brand working on a new middleweight adventure bike. The NX moniker is usually associated with the Dominator range of Honda.The Dominator series comprised dual-sport adventure bikes popular in the 1980s and 90s. The most prominent of those was NX650 Dominator which was sold in international markets until 2003. In fact, the Honda Dominator range was one of the first proper adventure bikes on offer in global markets.Honda NX500 Adventure Bike In MakingWith the global motorcycle industry seeing an influx of mid-capacity ADVs in recent times, Honda seems to go back in time and revive one of its most popular name tags. The ‘Dominator’ moniker can’t be used since Norton already owns the trademark rights to it. Therefore, trademark applications only consist of the NX tag.The original NX500 was powered by a single-cylinder engine. The upcoming iteration of the middleweight ADV could be based on the underpinnings of Honda CB500X which itself is described as a road-biased adventure tourer. However, the upcoming NX500 is likely to be more capable off-road than its road-biased sibling with more suspension travel and dual-purpose tyres.Honda NX200 name registered in IndiaThis means it will be powered by the same 471cc eight-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine as CB500X which kicks out 47 bhp at 8,500rpm and 43.2 Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch. Honda might even opt for a bigger 21-inch front wheel in NX500 instead of a 19-inch unit offered in CB500. The rear wheel is likely to remain a 17-inch unit.Honda NX200 Also On CardsAs far as design goes, the new NX500 is expected to flaunt a similar styling as the flagship CRF 1100L Africa Twin. This can be proven through a series of design patents filed by Honda with the European Union Intellectual Property Office. However, there’s a big catch. These patents which were filed on 17 December 2021, showcase a smaller motorcycle.From the patent images, it can be seen that the bike features a smaller air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This unit appears to be similar to a 184.4 cc, single-cylinder motor that powers CB200X and Hornet 2.0. In fact, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) had trademarked the NX200 name in India last year but chose to launch a road-biased tourer in the form of CB200X.Upcoming 2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 – RenderThis also suggests that apart from NX500, Honda is also developing an entry-level adventure bike that could take on Hero Xpulse 200. As mentioned earlier, it will be powered by a 184cc, single-cylinder motor that kicks out 17.03 bhp at 8,500rpm and 16.1 Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm. This unit comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox.We expect at least one of these upcoming ADVs to reach Indian shores sometime. Upon launch in India, the NX200 could take on the likes of Hero Xpulse 200, while the NX200 could lock horns with the upcoming Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. More

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      Benelli Tornado 400cc Motorcycle Patent Leaks – KTM 390 Rival

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      The upcoming motorcycle seen in the patents could be part of the Tornado range of sports bikes from BenelliBenelli Tornado 400cc MotorcycleBenelli and its parent company Qianjiang have been on a rampage as far as development of new models is concerned. In recent times, we have come across several spy shots and design patents floating on the internet. Most of these design patents have been filed by QJ Motor, a subsidiary of Qianjiang.The Chinese bikemaker is currently at the helm of operations for itself as well as Benelli. In addition, QJ Motor has partnered with several international brands which include Harley Davidson, MV Agusta for their respective entry-level premium offerings. The latest addition to the list of upcoming bikes is a 400cc sports bike from Benelli.Benelli Tornado 400cc Motorcycle – Patent LeakThis new bike is expected to be retailed under Benelli’s supersport Tornado range. A wide range of Tornado bikes is expected to be added in the future including a 550cc twin and a 650cc four-cylinder. Expected to be called Tornado 402R, this fully-faired motorcycle is most likely based on GS400RR from QJ Motor which made its debut in China recently.The bike shown in the patent follows the design language seen in Benelli Tornado 252R. This includes a vertically oriented headlight cluster with LED DRLs on both sides and shape of the front fairing that are clearly borrowed from the quarter-litre sports bike. That said, the upcoming 402R flaunts some distinct styling attributes, the most prominent of those is a single-sided swingarm.Benelli Tornado 400cc MotorcycleIt also indicates QJ Motor’s hold on drawing board operations since similar single-sided swingarms have been seen in recent small capacity motorcycles at the budget end of the spectrum. Other highlights include split seats, a clip-on handlebar, a muscular fuel tank and a sleek side fairing. Overall, the 402R appears to be quite a handsome motorcycle.Hardware ConfigurationUnderpinnings seem to be borrowed from QJ Motor’s GS400RR which includes a tubular steel frame suspended on upside-down front forks and a rear mono-shock mounted on the swingarm. The Benelli iteration gets slightly lower specifications due to its cost-effective nature. For instance, 402R receives a single front disc brake and axially mounted caliper, compared to the dual front disc setup seen in GS400RR.Expected Powertrain SpecsPowering Benelli 402R will be a 399cc parallel-twin motor which also has been borrowed from its QJ cousin. While left-side engine covers appear slightly different from the one in GS400RR, the right-side engine covers are very similar. This motor also looks uncannily similar to Kawasaki’s 400cc parallel-twin motor powering Z400 and Ninja 400.If that is the case, this unit should be capable of dishing out 45hp at 10,000rpm and 38 Nm of peak torque at 8,000rpm while being mated to a 6-speed gearbox. A few days back, QJ Motor unveiled the new SRK 400 in its home market which looks to be based on similar underpinnings and powertrain. It will rival the likes of KTM RC 390 upon launch.SOURCE More

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      New Harley Davidson Electric Motorcycle S2 Del Mar – Sold Out In 18 Minutes

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      New electric motorcycle from Harley Davidson under the LiveWire brand is based on a modular EV platformNew Harley Davidson Electric Motorcycle – S2 Del Mar will be their most affordable yetHarley Davidson ventured into the electric mobility space back in 2019 with the launch of its electric motorcycle named LiveWire. Since then LiveWire has gone to become a separate vertical within the American motorcycle giant specifically dedicated to the company’s upcoming lineup of EVs.The first model under this spinoff brand was LiveWire One which made its debut in July last year. The iconic motorcycle brand has now revealed its next offering in the EV space – called S2 Del Mar Launch Edition. This new electric Harley Davidson is the second EV offering under the LiveWire brand.Harley Davidson LiveWire Electric S2 Del MarSince LiveWire One is a very costly affair at USD 22k (about INR 17 lakh), the brand needs an affordable EV offering to create a space among mass-market buyers. S2 Del Mar will be priced in the USD 15k region upon launch. This will be about Rs 8.9 lakh as per today’s currency conversion rates.The battery-powered motorcycle is based on a new modular Arrow EV architecture. This new platform will serve as a base for upcoming LiveWire electric bikes like S3 and S4. S2 Del Mar has been built on a monocoque frame that employs the battery pack with aluminium casing as the stressed member. Hence, the steering head, as well as the swingarm pivot, are linked to the battery pack.[embedded content][embedded content]Expected Motor & Battery DetailsThe company is still tight-lipped about exact details of the motor. That said, images reveal the motor sits just behind the pack, near the swingarm pivot. S2 Del Mar is expected to use an air-cooled setup for the battery considering it’s a relatively low-end offering compared to LiveWire One. The motor used in this bike is expected to return a performance equivalent to that of a 700cc IC engine-powered motorcycle. 0-100 kmph acceleration is achieved in about 3.5 seconds.Harley Davidson will be using “21700” type cells for the battery pack that should offer at least a 100 miles (160 kms) range on a single charge. Since the platform is a modular one, the brand can use batteries and motors of different sizes and specifications on future models. This architecture should also host multiple design styles for upcoming motorcycles.Design & Other DetailsSpeaking of design, S2 Del Mar has carried most of the styling attributes from its concept e-bike which follows a flat track theme. New images reveal the bike’s rear end that features the rear wheel, a stubby tail section and a tyre-hugger with an integrated number plate holder. Harley is also expected to equip this electric motorcycle with plenty of gizmos that will be updated OTA.Bookings for S2 Del Mar Launch Edition had opened earlier today. But had to be closed, as the entire first lot of 100 units got sold out in under 18 minutes. India launch of this new Harley Davidson electric motorcycle is not yet confirmed. Debut of the production bike is in 2023. More