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      Hero Electric Scooter Sales Dispatch 0 Units In April 2022 – Here’s Why

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      Hero Electric posts zero dispatches in April 2022; attributes it to the ongoing global chips shortageHero Electric Scooter Optima HXA global chip shortage continues to plague manufacturers. Expectations point to an improvement in the situation in H2 2022. With reduced production, acquiring them remains a key issue. And with a chip shortage looming overhead, the only logical outcome is production loss.Hero Electric Scooter Chips ShortageHero Electric has over time, secured a sustainable top position in the fledgeling electric scooter segment. However, the E2W brand finds itself severely affected by the chips shortage. Resultantly, Hero Electric posts zero dispatches in April 2022.Simultaneously, those in the orderbook find their vehicle delivery wait period stands extended. Waiting period is now over 60 days. The situation is so acute at present that there are dealerships, which have no stock to display.As with anything that isn’t fully entrenched and established, the Indian electric two-wheeler industry is dealing with plenty of teething matters. And being under the limelight following a recent spate of fires in quick succession, industry wide think-tanks are expected to work overtime. This bodes well for long term robustness as eliminating drawbacks in the initial stages will make way for stringent safety policies. Focus is currently heightened on battery management systems and vehicle wellbeing.Electric Two Wheeler Retail Sales March 2022 – FADA / Vinkesh GulatiHero Electric production capacityIn FY22, Hero Electric reported a sales milestone of 100,000 units. However, the start to FY23 is slow going on account of the chips shortage. However, Hero Electric isn’t sitting by and twiddling its thumbs. The delivery gap period is being utilised effectively to ramp up production capacity. This is true for its Ludhiana and Pitampur plant.The manufacturer is also working towards a smoother supply chain flow. There are plenty of pointers estimating EV growth. This is evident through increased customer demand. Hero is diligent about enhanced battery testing. And carries out thorough audits of the battery production factories. This enhances battery systems’ safety and consumer security. This month, Hero Electric observed ‘Battery Safety Month’. Dealerships communicated with consumers regarding best practices in handling batteries, and identifying red flags by themselves. EV robust growth pathSohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric, said, “It’s like putting an emergency brake on a fast moving train. Our sales were almost doubling month on month and we somehow managed with sourcing from different geographies but the war collapsed a major supply chain resulting in this disruption. While apologising to customers for waiting so long  for their favourite bikes, Gill assured that the company has geared up alternate sources and would soon resume production.”“Meanwhile we are using this time to enhance our plant capacity to increase our production volumes as well as revisit our systems and processes related to batteries to further reinforce the quality assurance of our bikes. The recent happenings of fire incidents is an awakening call for the industry and we believe that even the best of the companies should introspect and constantly improve their designs and quality to repose confidence in the electric mobility that is going through such a robust growth path.” More

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      Bajaj Sales, Exports Breakup Mar 2022 – Pulsar, Dominar, Chetak, CT, Platina

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      Bajaj Auto sales dipped in domestic market by 40.87 percent while exports improved 2.18 percent YoYBajaj Pulsar 200Bajaj Auto Limited has seen significant de-growth in domestic sales in the past month. Total sales (domestic + exports) stood at 2,48,116 units in March 2022 as compared to 3,16,426 units sold in March 2021. Domestic sales dipped 40.87 percent YoY to 1,03,292 units in March 2022 over 1,74,694 units sold in March 2021. Exports on the other hand exceeded domestic sales in the past month. Exports stood at 1,44,824 units, up 2.18 percent over 1,41,732 units shipped in March 2021.Bajaj Auto has the Pulsar, Platina, CT, Dominar and Avenger in its company lineup along with the Chetak electric scooter. Sales in domestic market last month saw each of these motorcycle models receive lower sales while sales of the Chetak e-scooter increase significantly. Bajaj Pulsar and Platina were at Nos. 5 and 6 on the list of best-selling two wheelers in FY2022.Bajaj Sales Breakup March 2022Bajaj Pulsar was the highest selling model with 67,339 units sold last month, down 21.70 percent over 85,999 units sold in March 2021. Pulsar commands a 65.19 percent share. In the Pulsar range, it was the Pulsar 125 and 150cc that received the most attention with 39,687 units and 18,044 units sold respectively. Pulsar 200cc sales stood at 7,077 units while there were 2,531 units of Pulsars 250cc sold last month. Bajaj Platina sales dipped 60.95 percent in March 2022 to 26,952 units. This was as against 69,025 units sold in March 2021 relating to a volume loss of 42,073 units while Platina holds a 26.09 percent share in the company lineup.Bajaj CT sales also suffered a YoY degrowth to 5,211 units, down 62.50 percent over 13,895 units sold in March 2021. Of the Avenger series, Bajaj Auto sold 1,680 units in the past month, down 58.18 percent over 4,017 units sold in the corresponding period of previous year. The Avenger saw the 200cc model more in demand with sales of 1,582 units over the 250cc of which 98 units were sold last month.Bajaj Sales Breakup March 2022Dominar sales also fell 33.81 percent YoY to 1,104 units down from 1,668 units sold in March 2021. There were 694 units of Dominar 250cc sold along with 410 units of Dominar 400cc. Chetak e-scooter sales on the other hand, increased 1017.78 percent to 1,006 units last month, over just 90 units sold in March 2021 thus leading to volume growth of 916 units.Bajaj Auto Limited has also introduced a price hike across all models from April 2022. Prices have been increased from Rs 819 to Rs 4,913 relating to a percentage increase of 1.22 to 3.14. The highest price increase is seen for the Dominar 400 which is now priced at Rs 2,22,386 as against earlier pricing of Rs 2,17,473.Bajaj Exports Breakup March 2022Exports of Bajaj Auto Limited ended on a positive note last month. In fact, exports exceeded domestic sales by 41,532 units. Two wheeler exports stood at 1,44,824 units in March 2022, up 2.18 percent over 1,42,732 units sold in March 2021. It was the 75-110cc bikes that commanded more attention in export markets.Bajaj Exports Breakup March 2022Bajaj Boxer commanded this list with 90,016 units shipped in March 2022, up 7.43 percent over 83,788 units sold in March 2021. The Boxer commands a 62.16 percent share and the Boxer 110cc saw sales of 75,264 units, up 11.70 percent over 67,380 units sold in March 2021. Boxer 125cc sales were at 6,368 units while Boxer 150cc sales dipped 31.19 percent to 8,384 units in March 2022.Pulsar exports dipped 13.74 percent to 22,648 units, down from 26,256 units sold in March 2021 relating to a 3,608 unit volume de-growth. Pulsar 200cc sales were at 9,618 units in March 2022, down 29.25 percent over 13,588 units shipped in March 2021, while Pulsar 125cc sales increased to 3,408 units, up 1.31 percent on a MoM basis.CT exports increased 15.14 percent to 16,368 units while Bajaj Discover and Platina exports fell 20.06 percent and 28.21 percent respectively to 10,616 units and 2,102 units in March 2022. Bajaj Dominar and Avenger saw increased demand in global markets. Dominar exports increased 114.45 percent to 2,672 units up from 1,928 units sold in March 2021 while there was a significant increase in exports of the Avenger by 2133.33 percent to 402 units, up from 18 units shipped in March 2021. More

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      Yamaha R15 Modified Into An Adventure Motorcycle – Render

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      If an adventure tourer based on Yamaha R15 ever makes it to production, it will go up against Honda CB200X in the Indian marketYamaha R15 Adventure Motorcycle – RenderWhen it comes to entry-level sports bikes, Yamaha R15 invariably pops up in the mind of an enthusiast at first. Currently, in its fourth generation, this motorcycle is the perfect entry point for riders looking to perfect their track riding skills. The baby superbike received a generation upgrade six months ago and continues to generate decent monthly volume.What’s more fascinating is its underpinnings and powertrain that spawn across multiple models in Yamaha’s global lineup. It is available in a fully-faired sports bike form, a naked streetfighter form and a naked neo-retro roadster form along with a wide range of scooters.This makes us wonder if this platform and engine can be utilised for an entry-level adventure bike in future? At least Abin Design thinks so, who has created a digital rendering of an adventure sports bike based on R15. Images of this illustration are courtesy of the designer’s social media handles. It is clearly visible that this rendered design takes inspiration from R15.Yamaha R15 Adventure MotorcycleThe designer has given a lot of attention to small details. For starters, front end of this rendition is reminiscent of Honda CB200X with its aggressive front fascia featuring a sporty front cowl and compact wind protector. However, the single-pod LED headlamp flanked by sleek LED DRLs has been borrowed from the new-gen R15 V4. Creases and air vents on side fairing have also been inspired by the latest iteration of the sports bike.Yamaha R15 Adventure Motorcycle – RenderIt gets typical ADV highlights like a tall and wide handlebar, a sculpted fuel tank, a sleek rear cowl, a split-seat setup, semi-fairing on the sides and a raised tail section. The blacked-out elements including alloy wheels, underbelly protection, side panels and other internals provide a sporty appeal to the overall design. Semi-fairing comes with some sleek body graphics with R15 inscribed on it.This rendition of Yamaha R15 ADV has been rendered in two colour options- Red and Blue. Evidently, the designer has utilised an underbelly exhaust instead of side-on upswept exhaust canisters usually seen on contemporary ADVs. However, this iteration of Yamaha R15 has been termed as an adventure sports bike which means it is a sports tourer meant for munching long miles on tarmac instead of trail bashing on off-road conditions.Hardware & Powertrain SpecsIn this regard, R15 Adventure Sports has been equipped with road-biased slick tyres at both ends. Suspension duties are carried out by golden-coloured upside-down forks up front and a mono-shock absorber at the rear with preload adjustability. Braking duties are handled by single disc brakes at both ends aided by a dual-channel ABS as standard.Yamaha R15 Adventure Motorcycle – RenderPowering the Adventure Sports Tourer will be a familiar 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor with VVA technology. This engine pumps out 18.1 bhp and a peak torque of 14.2 Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed gearbox that benefits from a slip and assist clutch.Source More

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      Royal Enfield 650 Modified With Dustbin Fairing By indiMotard

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      Even though it may seem too heavy and slow, this monstrous custom Continental GT has already shared the podium at a racing eventRoyal Enfield 650 Modified by indiMotardLooks can be deceiving and a perfect example is this modified Continental GT 650 with dustbin fairing. This type of fairing was used several decades earlier for racing events. It was preferred, as it was believed to significantly reduce drag. However, due to the compromised balance and handling of such faired bikes, these were banned from racing in 1958.Now, around 70 decades later, the dustbin fairing has been resurrected by Bengaluru-based Greasehouse Customs and indiMotard. The idea was to strike a balance between looks and performance, which has been achieved with this customization project.The bike has received extensive changes including major performance upgrades. It has been nicknamed ‘Dunaali’, a double barrelled rifle long associated with power, influence and dominance in the Indian wild wild west.Continental GT dustbin fairing designDustbin fairings are called so owing to their resemblance to a large sized dustbin. This custom dustbin fairing on Continental GT appears to be an evolved version that is far more refined and aesthetically pleasing in comparison to its predecessors. The rounded front section bears a closer resemblance to the nose of an aircraft, a sub and even a Japanese bullet train.Royal Enfield 650 Modified by indiMotardMuch of the stock parts have been replaced with either custom built or aftermarket units. The bike utilizes a glossy finish all across. Several parts including the dustbin fairing and tank cover are made using carbon fibre. This not only looks great, but also helps reduce weight and add strength.Mechanical updatesThis customization project is not just a visual treat, but also involves major engine tweaks. While the stock Continental GT makes 47 hp of max power, this modified bike has been tuned to deliver 62.2 hp. Power delivery has been optimized for low revs as well.The engine gets a long list of changes including larger injectors, modified cylinder heads and use of high compression pistons from S&S Cycle. The engine was tuned with Race Dynamics’ Piggyback ECU and FuelX Autotune systems.As primary objective was to create the fastest Royal Enfield 650 drag motorcycle, a number of stock parts have been replaced with lighter units made from aluminium. It includes components like the machined clip-ons, swingarm, subframe and yokes with adjustable rake. The bike weighs 170 kg, which is significantly less than the 202 kg of stock Continental GT.Other key customizations include velocity stacks, customized two-into-one exhaust, quick shifter, Rekluse clutch, new grips, RCB brake master cylinder and UMA Racing quick throttle. Front suspension has been lowered and stiffened whereas rear stock units have been replaced with preload-adjustable YSS units.Customized Continental GT 650 has already proven its worth in terms of performance. In a recent drag race held in Bengaluru, the bike came third. It should be able to achieve even better results after further enhancements and fine tuning.Source More

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      2022 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Launch Price Rs 3.37 L – Three Colours

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      Last major update for Kawasaki Ninja 300 was in March 2021, when it was upgraded to meet BS6 emission standards2022 Kawasaki Ninja 300One of the popular entry-level sports bikes in the country, Kawasaki Ninja 300 has been launched in a new avatar. While there were quite a few expectations from enthusiasts, Kawasaki has not gone for any major overhaul. Most of the updates are centred around cosmetic enhancements.2022 Kawasaki Ninja 300To keep things fresh, Kawasaki regularly introduces new colour options for its bikes. In its present form, Ninja 300 is available in colour options of Lime Green, Candy Lime Green and Ebony. In the 2022 Ninja 300, these same colour options are on offer, with updated body graphics.In terms of design, the bike remains the same as earlier. It borrows much of its styling from its larger capacity siblings such as Ninja 600, Ninja 1000SX and Ninja ZX-10R. Some of the key features include aggressive dual headlamps, floating-style windscreen, front cowl mounted compact rear view mirrors, sculpted fuel tank, sporty graphics, step-up seat, short tail section and upswept exhaust.Even though it belongs to the supersport range, Ninja 300 has relatively comfortable riding ergonomics. It can work for both urban commutes as well as long distance rides on highways. As per user reviews, the bike does not produce any uncomfortable vibrations even when driven at speeds of over 100-120 kmph.2022 Kawasaki Ninja 300One of the issues Kawasaki needs to look into is ground clearance. The existing model has ground clearance of 140 mm. While this may be fine for highways, it can be a bit problematic in city conditions when dealing with obstacles like potholes and speed breakers.Another thing that users want is an updated instrument console. Ninja 300 can also do better with LED lights and DRLs to go with it. The current model is offered with standard halogen units. Some users have also wished for a gear position indicator. It remains to be seen if any of these changes are included in updated Ninja 300.No performance updatesUpdated Kawasaki Ninja 300 continues using the same 296 cc engine as earlier. The liquid cooled, parallel twin, DOHC, 8-valve motor generates 39 PS of max power at 11,000 rpm and 26.1 Nm of peak torque at 10,000 rpm. Engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Mileage is around 25-28 kmpl, based on the riding environment.2022 Kawasaki Ninja 300Ninja 300 is one of the few bikes in this segment to offer parallel twin motor. It is one of the key factors for the bike’s popularity. Folks like the bike’s impressive torque delivery and smooth performance at high speeds.Balance and handling are also pretty good at high speeds. Making it work are the 290mm and 220mm petal disc brakes and telescopic forks at front and gas-charged shock absorber at rear. Updated Ninja 300 will continue to rival the likes of KTM RC 390 and TVS Apache RR 310. More

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      TVS NTORQ XT Variant Teased – More Features, New Colour?

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      Ntorq is already fully loaded with as many as 30 features across performance, tech, safety and comfort and convenienceNew TVS Ntorq TeaserApart from being outstanding in terms of technology and performance, TVS Ntorq is also preferred for its sporty design and styling. The scooter is offered in four variants, each with its own unique styling and colour options. There’s the standard model, a Race edition, Super Squad edition and Race XP variant. This range will be expanded soon to include an entirely new Ntorq variant.TVS NTORQ XT – new variantAs revealed in the teaser, the new variant could be referred to as XT. It could focus on things like an updated instrument console and some new tech features. Just like other Ntorq variants, this new variant will also have its own unique styling and colour options. Apart from these, most other things will be the same as existing models.TVS Ntorq new variant could be the top-spec variant. It will be accordingly priced, somewhere close to Rs 90k. Ntorq range starts with the standard model that retails for Rs 77,106 (drum) and Rs 81,561 (disc). Race edition is available at a starting price of Rs 85,161 whereas Super Squad edition costs Rs 87,661. Range topping Race XP variant is offered at Rs 89,211. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.Performance updates unlikelyPowering new Ntorq variant will be the same 124.8cc motor as existing variants. The single cylinder, air cooled unit generates 9.25 bhp of max power and 10.5 Nm of peak torque. The scooter has a top speed of 95 kmph and can achieve 0 to 60 kmph in 9 seconds.New TVS Ntorq Thor and SpiderMan Editions launchedIt’s the extensive range of tech features that make Ntorq all the more exciting. The scooter comes with a Bluetooth connected full digital console, offering 60 features. It is powered by TVS Smart Xonnect platform with features like calls and SMS alert, navigation assist, and phone signal and phone battery strength display.Users can also access features like last parked location assist. They can get reports and analytics about their rides to better understand their riding behaviour. There is also an option to share the same on social platforms.Other useful features offered with TVS Ntorq include engine kill switch, pass by switch, 20 litres under seat storage, USB charger cum light, external fuel fill, low fuel indicator LED, dual steering lock and high speed alert. In terms of safety, key features include 220 mm roto petal disc brakes and parking brake.TVS Ntorq SalesWith the new variant, Ntorq sales could get a further boost. In FY 2022, Ntorq was placed in the top 5 list of best-selling scooters in the country. Sales in FY 2022 were at 2,49,277 units, as compared to 2,51,491 units in FY 2021. Market share was at 6.75%.While YoY growth was negative for Ntorq in FY 2022, it was relatively the lowest as compared to other scooters with negative growth. Only Suzuki Access and Burgman had registered positive YoY growth in FY 2022. More

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      Honda Sales Breakup March 2022 – Activa, Dio, Shine, Grazia, CB350

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      Honda Activa scooter was the best-selling model in the company lineup in domestic markets while it featured at No.10 in terms of exportsImage – The Bengal RiderHonda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) has posted a 21.71 percent de-growth in terms of domestic sales in the past month. Exports on the other hand dipped 21.91 percent YoY. Total sales (domestic + exports) stood at 3,23,164 units in March 2022 from 4,12,816 units sold in March 2021.Honda sales in domestic markets dipped to 3,09,280 units last month. This was a 21.71 percent de-growth over 3,95,037 units sold in March 2021 leading to an 85,757 volume de-growth. Every model in the company lineup posted a YoY de-growth except for the Dream, CB650 and Africa Twin.Honda Sales Breakup March 2022 – Activa No 1Honda Activa scooter topped the sales charts with sales of 1,60,361 units last month, down 19.50 percent over 1,99,208 units sold in March 2021. The Activa commands a 51.85 percent share. No other model was able to see sales above the 1 lakh unit mark. Honda Activa 125 and 6G have recently received a price hike of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 respectively.At No. 2 was the Honda CB Shine. Sales dipped 19.29 percent to 95,197 units last month, down from 1,17,943 units sold in March 2021. This was a 22,746 volume de-growth while the CB Shine commands a 30.78 percent share. Honda Dio scooter sales fell 27.23 percent to 16,501 units from 22,677 units sold in March 2021. Honda Dio also got more expensive from 1st April 2022 and is now available from Rs 66,862.Honda Sales Breakup March 2022Honda Dream sales increased 83.30 percent YoY to 16,352 units from 8,921 units sold in March 2021. However, Unicorn 160 (12,889 units), Hness 350 (3,406 units) and Livo (2,731 units) suffered heavy YoY de-growth. Grazia sales dipped 94.21 percent to 398 units from 6,879 units sold in March 2021 while Hornet 2.0 sales fell to 368 units from 2,058 units sold in March 2021 leading to an 82.12 percent YoY de-growth. Honda noted increased demand for its CB650 and Africa Twin with sales increasing 170 percent and 88.89 percent to 27 units and 17 units respectively.Honda 2W Exports March 2022It was also a YoY de-growth in terms of exports that the company suffered in the past month. Exports fell to 13,884 units, down 21.91 percent over 17,779 units shipped in March 2021. The Honda Dio was the most exported model with 3,904 units shipped in March 2022, down 19.12 percent over 4,827 units sold in March 2021. The Dio commands a 28.12 percent share.Honda Navi exports increased 5.82 percent YoY to 3,548 units as compared to 3,353 units shipped in the same month last year. CB Shine saw lower exports to the extent of 47.74 percent to 1,790 units, down from 3,425 units shipped in March 2021 while X-Blade was the 4th highest export with 1,380 units shipped, up 34.24 percent YoY over 1,028 units exported in March 2021.Honda Exports Breakup March 2022Honda Dream exports fell 19 percent YoY to 1,040 units while the Unicorn 160 and CB350 saw demand in global markets increase 100 percent and 200 percent to 768 units and 450 units respectively in March 2022. Even as Livo (400 units) and Grazia (240 units) saw lower YoY exports, that of the Activa scooter increased 25.64 percent to 196 units. Aviator (160 units) and Hornet 160R (8 units) completed the export list while there were 0 units of Unicorn 150 and Hornet 2.0 exported last month. HMSI now plans an onslaught into the electric mobility space with new technologies such as flex-fuel, etc. The company plans a host of new EV offerings over the next couple of years. More

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      Ather Electric Scooter Prices April 2022 – In All Cities

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      Ather has consistently expanded its dealer network and is now available in 30 cities across 15 statesAther Electric ScooterAn early entrant in the electric two-wheeler space, Ather Energy continues to mature as a reliable brand. The company has witnessed steady growth and is ranked among the top 10 electric two-wheeler brands. Sales will get a boost in coming months, as new dealerships are opened across the country.Ather dealer network updateWhen it had started out in 2018, Ather had presence in only a couple of cities. Around four years later, Ather has expanded across most of the major cities in the country. In the West, Ather has presence in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa. Ather showrooms in northern and central India are available in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.Eastern states such as Assam and West Bengal have also been covered. Most dense network can be seen in the southern part of India, covering states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.Number of Ather dealerships are relatively more in this region, as compared to northern parts of the country. Ather is constantly looking to onboard new dealerships who may be willing to contribute to the EV revolution taking place in the country.Ather Electric Scooter Dealer Network as of April 2022Apart from expanding its dealer network, Ather is also focused on improving its charging infrastructure. Ather Grid currently has 350+ charging points across more than 30 cities. Users can quickly locate the nearest charging station via Ather app.Ather Grid points are equipped with DC fast chargers that can load battery power at the rate of 1.5 km per minute. Ather charging stations can be used by any electric vehicle that uses a 5 Amp charger. A lot more Ather Grid points are being added, which are playing a crucial role in eliminating the phenomenon of range anxiety.Ather electric scooter prices April 2022Prices of Ather electric scooters vary based on state subsidies and other exemptions such as NIL road tax and discounted RTO and registration charges. If we take Ather 450 Plus, it is the cheapest in Delhi. On-road price after FAME II and state subsidy is approx. Rs 1.24 lakh.Ather electric scooter prices – April 2022Delhi has been promoting the use of EVs by offering attractive subsidies. The state does not charge any road tax on electric two-wheelers and RTO / registration fee is among the lowest in the country. Other cities where on-road price of Ather 450 Plus is less than Rs 1.30 lakh include Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Nashik, Nagpur, Pune and Mumbai. These states too offer high EV subsidy and other concessions.Talking about Ather 450X, the scooter’s lowest on-road price is Rs 1.44 lakh in Delhi. At the other end of the spectrum, on-road price of the scooter is highest in Lucknow at Rs 1.75 lakh. 450 Plus is also costly at Rs 1.56 lakh in Lucknow. Other places where Ather scooters are relatively pricier include Noida, Gurugram, Malappuram, Tirur, Trivandrum, Kochi, Calicut, Siliguri, Guwahati and Indore. More