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    TVS Apache 165 RP Race Performance Teased Ahead Of Launch

    TVS Apache 165 Race Performance – RenderUpon launch, TVS Apache 165 RP is expected to be priced at a premium of around Rs 5000-7000 over RTR 160 4V
    Earlier this year, TVS had filed a new trademark for a more performance-oriented motorcycle in the Apache range. The registered trademark read as ‘TVS Apache 165 RP’. The Hosur-based bikemaker has now released an official teaser, which says that TVS RP Race Performance is Coming Soon.
    For starters, RP stands for ‘Race Performance’ which was revealed in the short 14-second teaser. In all probability, TVS would be launching RP Editions based on multiple Apache models in the future. The first of them is expected to be Apache RTR 165 RP which will be based on RTR 160 4V.
    TVS Apache 165 RP Race Performance Teased
    The video teaser doesn’t reveal much except that the upcoming motorcycle will be “the pinnacle of performance”. Hence, models in the RP series will specifically cater to enthusiasts who seek more performance extracted out of their machine.
    For this, TVS could be using a rebored version of the 159.7cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that currently powers Apache RTR 160 4V. It could also offer some new kits, like they offered with Apache 310 earlier this year. This kits will allow owners to tune their motorcycles as per their need.
    [embedded content]
    In its current form, this fuel-injected motor dishes out 17.63 bhp and 14.73 Nm of peak torque which in itself is segment-leading. When rebored and retuned, this power plant will pump out a few extra horses and twisting force. In all likelihood, this engine will be paired with the same 5-speed transmission, however, certain tweaks could be made to the gear ratios.
    Expected Updates
    TVS is also expected to make some styling revisions to Apache RTR 165 RP in order to distinguish itself from RTR 160 4V and make it look sportier than its sibling. Ergonomics of the bike will also be altered to provide a more aggressive riding posture, thanks to a lower-set clip-on handlebar accompanied by slightly rear-set footpegs.
    Not just ergonomics but adjustments would also be made to the hardware configurations of the bike. A suspension setup comprising telescopic forks at front and a Showa-sourced mono-shock unit at rear with preload adjustability are expected to be carried forward to Apache RTR 165 RP. However, damping of both front and rear units is expected to be stiffer in order to provide better handling and stability at high speeds.
    Image for reference
    A stronger braking setup is expected to be offered by TVS so that it offers plenty of bite. Disc brakes at both ends will be complemented by a dual-channel ABS as standard ABS. There is data of its powertrain specs available as of now but we expect details to come our way in the near future.
    In terms of features, all gizmos on offer in RTR 160 4V are expected to be carried forward to RTR 165 RP. These include all-LD illumination, a fully digital instrument console, LED DRLs, Glide Through Traffic (GTT) technology, a one-touch start and a wave bite ignition key. TVS might also throw in the brand’s connectivity solution called SmartXonnect. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar Sales Nov 2021 – 125, 150, 160, 180, 200, 220, 250

    Bajaj Pulsar NS 200Bajaj Auto reported a 12 percent YoY de-growth in two wheeler sales last month even as it was the No.1 motorcycle maker in November 2021
    Bajaj Pulsar sales have not been so promising either in terms of domestic sales or exports, both of which have posted YoY and MoM de-growth. Last month, Bajaj Auto announced that plans were afoot to update the existing range of Pulsar bikes with new gen models. The company is known to be working on these new gen models and with the Pulsar 125 and 150 bringing in most sales, these could be the two that will receive the updates first.
    Bajaj Pulsar Sales Nov 2021 – Domestic Market
    Bajaj Pulsar sales in November 2021 stood at 61,913 units, down 40.98 percent over 1,04,904 units sold in November 2020. It was also a MoM de-growth of 28.42 percent over 86,500 units sold in October 2021. Each model in the Pulsar range has posted de-growth.
    Pulsar 125 contributed the most to total sales in the past month. Sales stood at 42,311 units, down 25.18 percent over 56,549 units sold in November 2020 but with a share of 68.24 percent over 56.26 percent held in October 2021 when sales had stood at 48,662 units.
    Pulsar 150 sales also dipped 57.41 percent YoY and 46.59 percent MoM to 13,084 units in November 2021 down from 30,719 units sold in November 2020. In October 2021, sales had stood at 24,495 units. Share also dipped from 28.32 percent held in October 2021 to 21.13 percent in the past month.
    Bajaj Pulsar Sales and Exports breakup – Nov 2021 vs Nov 2020 (YoY)
    Of the Pulsar 160, 180 and 200, the company noted sales to the extent of 5,874 units last month, down 44.17 percent over 4,648 units sold in November 2020. MoM sales dipped 20.70 percent from 7,407 units sold in October 2021 even as share went up from 8.56 percent to 9.49 percent.
    Sales of Pulsar 220F / 250 fell by 90.85 percent to 644 units last month, down from 7,114 units sold in November 2020 while MoM sales dipped 89.15 percent over 5,936 units sold in October 2021. Pulsar 220F has been discontinued, as it makes way for new gen N250 and F250.
    Bajaj Pulsar Exports November 2021
    Exports of the Pulsar brand also suffered de-growth in November 2021. Shipments dipped to 23,850 units, down 26.71 percent over 32,540 units sold in November 2020 while MoM exports fell 10.71 percent from 26,711 units sold in October 2021.
    Bajaj Pulsar Sales and Exports breakup – Nov 2021 vs Oct 2021 (MoM)
    In global market, it was Pulsar 220F (1,536 units) that posted a YoY and MoM growth while the Pulsar 150 (10,632 units) saw a marginal increase on a MoM basis. Pulsar 160,180 and 200 exports fell 33.72 percent YoY to 9,410 units while MoM shipments dipped 1945 percent over 11,682 units sold in October 2021. Pulsar 125 exports fell 60.96 percent YoY to 2,272 units and 45.23 percent MoM from 4,148 units exported in October 2021.
    Taking total sales of the Pulsar range into account, sales dipped YoY and MoM. YoY sales were down 37.60 percent to 85,763 units from 1,37,444 units sold in November 2020 and down 24.24 percent over 1,13,211 units sold in October 2021. Even as each of the models in this range dipped YoY, growth was seen on a MoM basis in all models under the Pulsar range except for Pulsar 125 which fell 11.43 percent to 46,773 units.
    Bajaj Pulsar Sales + Exports Nov 2021 More

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    Okinawa Electric Scooter Sales In 2021 Records 1 Lakh Milestone

    Okinawa Electric Scooter SalesOkinawa reports sales milestone of over 1,00,000 units in India in 2021 largely attributed to the family e-scooter success
    Okinawa has attained yet another milestone in its exciting journey as a new and leading electric vehicle brand in India. The company reports that sales have surpassed the 1,00,000 units milestone in India. This includes high-speed and low-speed models that Okinawa sells.
    Through 2021, Okinawa sales has been dominated by iPraise+ and Praise Pro electric scooter. Sales momentum has been helped largely by the locally manufactured iPraise+ and Praise Pro. They accounted for about 60 – 70 per cent share of yearly sales.
    Okinawa dealer network
    In order to improve its footprint and reach out to more and more buyers, Okinawa has focused on increasing its dealership network. This helps meet growing demand for its family e-scooters. Current dealership count stands at 400+ points spread across metro cities, Tier 2, Tier 3 cities, and rural markets.
    Okinawa Galaxy experience centre in Uttarakhand lets customers know more. In order to let customers better understand design and high-tech capabilities of its products, 50 more Okinawa Galaxy Stores will be inaugurated through the country in 2022.
    Okinawa Electric Scooter Sales In 2021
    Total investment through the next three years is earmarked at Rs 500 crore. Through Phase I, Rs 250 crore is to be invested. Gradually, investment will be increased over the coming years. Okinawa operates its own assembly line for motors and controls. Localisation is set to reach 100 per cent with the exception of battery cells. These units will continue to be imported. Okinawa is geared up to launch its new ‘High Speed Electric Scooter’ in Q1 2022.
    Okinawa riding experience
    In recent years, understanding of electric two-wheelers has gained mainstream attention. Better understanding has raised awareness around such products, and as a result purchases have improved. With companies reporting improved sales, manufacturers are taking the bull by its horns. R&D investments have improved, and the number of launches each year continues to increase.
    Stakeholder investments too have improved on the back of positivity. In a market that is still small by volume, Okinawa has been met with success when it comes to mass penetration of e2Ws in India. Through months of difficulty brought on by Covid19 pandemic, Okinawa is reputed as the second most selling E2W in India.
    Jeetender Sharma, MD and Founder of Okinawa Autotech, remarked of the milestone achievement, “We are glad and appreciative to those who expressed their belief in Okinawa and therefore helped us achieve this milestone. With our dynamic product selection and unique riding experiences, Okinawa has set new milestones in the mass penetration of Electric Two-Wheelers in India since its beginning.
    We’ve had only one strategy from the start: raise awareness and debunk all kinds of myths around EVs. We will continue to cater to the requirements of the purists, while also fulfilling the aspirations of a new base of the youth who have a very different approach with two-wheelers. We remain committed in our endeavour to serve our consumers with exciting new launches and curated experiences.” More

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    Top 10 Motorcycles 500cc+ Nov 2021 – 650 Twins, Ninja, Trident, Hayabusa

    Royal Enfield 650 Modified By STG TrackerOther than 650cc Twins from Royal Enfield, no other motorcycle was able to touch four or even three-figure sales mark in November 2021
    Popularity of premium motorcycles has seen a rise over the last few years. However, the recent crisis courtesy of semiconductor chip shortages has put a dent in their sales figures in recent months. A total of 2,491 motorcycles from this segment with engine displacement above 500cc were sold across the country in November 2021.
    In comparison, during the same period last year, a total of 1,364 bikes from this category were sold which has translated to YoY growth of 82.62 percent. The top spot was taken by the 650cc Twins from Royal Enfield- Interceptor and Continental GT. Both motorcycles combined to generate a monthly volume of 2,154 units.
    Motorcycles 500cc+ Nov 2021 – RE 650 Twins Take Bulk Of Volume
    The 650 Twins accounted for a whopping 86.47 percent of market share in this segment. A total of 1,109 units of 650 Twins were sold in November last year which led to YoY growth of 94.23 percent. The second spot was occupied by Kawasaki Z900 which recorded a monthly volume of 49 units last month as opposed to 59 units sold in November last year. This led to a YoY degrowth of 17 percent.
    Triumph Garners Decent Volume
    The third spot was taken by Triumph Trident with 32 units dispatched across the country last month. Trident, which was launched earlier this year, is currently the most affordable offering by the iconic British brand in India. Kawasaki sold 31 units of Ninja 650 in November this year as opposed to 21 units sold during the same period last year. This translates to YoY growth of 47.62 percent.
    Nov 2021 Motorcycle sales 500cc+ segment
    Triumph sold 26 units of Street Triple last month which resulted in a YoY decline of 13.33 percent. During November last year, the British brand sold 30 units of the naked streetfighter in India. It was followed by the brand’s flagship motorcycle- Rocket III with a total of 24 units sold across the country. With 10 units of the power cruiser sold in November last year, a YoY growth of 71.43 percent was registered.
    Japanese brands show presence
    Flagship high-speed sports bikes such as Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, Ninja 1000 and Suzuki Hayabusa also made their presence felt with 18 units, 15 units and 17 units sold respectively last month. The adventure tourer range of Kawasaki- Versys, made it to the list with 1000cc and 650cc iterations. Both motorcycles accounted for respective volumes of 12 units and 11 units last month.
    This led to YoY growth of 71.43 percent and a YoY decline of 47.62 percent. Versys 650 was immediately followed by its nearest rival in the form of Suzuki V-Strom 650 at the twelfth spot. The Japanese bikemaker was able to sell only 10 units of the adventure tourer which translated to 16.67 percent.

    No
    500cc+ Motorcycles Sales
    Nov-21
    Nov-20
    %

    1
    650 Twin
    2,154
    1,109
    94.23

    2
    Z900
    49
    59
    -16.95

    3
    Trident
    32
    0

    4
    Ninja650
    31
    21
    47.62

    5
    Street Triple
    26
    30
    -13.33

    6
    Rocket III
    24
    14
    71.43

    7
    Ninja ZX-10R
    18
    0

    8
    Hayabusa
    17
    0

    9
    Ninja1000
    15
    15
    0

    10
    Versys 1000
    12
    7
    71.43

    11
    Versys 650
    11
    21
    -47.62

    12
    DL650XA
    10
    12
    -16.67

    13
    883 Iron
    10
    0

    14
    Sportster S
    10
    0

    15
    Vulcan S
    9
    13
    -30.77

    16
    Street Scrambler
    7
    0

    17
    Speed Twin
    7
    0

    18
    Tiger 900
    5
    13
    -61.54

    19
    1200 X-Forty Eight
    5
    0

    20
    Fat Boy 114
    5
    0

    21
    Low Rider
    5
    0

    22
    Fat Bob
    4
    0

    23
    Street Twin
    3
    19
    -84.21

    24
    Boneville T120
    3
    5
    -40.00

    25
    Low Rider Special
    3
    0

    26
    CBR 650F
    2
    0

    27
    Z650
    2
    8
    -75.00

    28
    Boneville T100
    2
    5
    -60.00

    29
    RSV4 Factory
    2
    0

    30
    Boneville Speedmaster
    2
    5
    -60.00

    31
    Roadking
    2
    0

    32
    Aprilia RS660
    1
    0

    33
    Tuono V4
    1
    0

    34
    Boneville Bobber
    1
    0

    35
    Electra Glide
    1
    0

    36
    Fat Boy
    0
    2
    -100.00

    37
    Low Rider S
    0
    2
    -100.00

    38
    Tiger 800 XCx
    0
    1
    -100.00

    39
    883 Iron
    0
    1
    -100.00

    40
    CBR 1000RR
    0
    1
    -100.00

    41
    Africa Twin
    0
    1
    -100.00


    Total
    2,491
    1,364
    82.62

    Even after quitting independent operations, Harley Davidson bikes remain on sale in India courtesy of dealerships run by Hero MotoCorp. The most popular bikes from Harley- the Iron 883 and Sportster S accounted for only 10 units each in November this year. More

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    2022 Yamaha Crosser 150cc Adventure Motorcycle Debuts

    2022 Yamaha Crosser 150 Adv Motorcycle LaunchedInternationally, Yamaha Crosser 150 will serve as a perfect rival to the recently launched Honda CB150X
    After Honda, it’s time for its Japanese counterpart Yamaha to set foot in the entry-level adventure motorcycle space. Yamaha has launched Crosser 150 ABS in Brazil which will serve as the brand’s entry-level offering in the ADV segment. Prices start at R$ 15,590 (approx. INR 2.09 lakh).
    The motorcycle will be available in two variants- 150S and 150Z, the latter being priced at R$ 15,790 (approx. INR 2.12 lakh). It is offered with four colour options-Black Eclipse, Sports White, Competition Blue and Dakar Sand. Design of the Crosser 150 is in line with contemporary adventure bikes.
    2022 Yamaha Crosser 150 – Design
    Crosser 150 features signature ADV highlights such as a tall stance and a rugged appearance with minimalistic body panels. The Z variant feels slightly more rugged thanks to a longer beak upfront and fork gaiters. However, both variants make use of a small headlamp and a tiny flyscreen, a slight departure from contemporary ADVs.
    Other highlights include fuel tank extensions with air scoops, arrowhead-shaped mirrors, and a side-mounted high-slung exhaust. A tall handlebar, with a high saddle and ground clearance, are other notable mentions when it comes to the styling of Crosser 150. Crosser 150 also receives a luggage mounting rack at rear which enhances its touring credentials.
    2022 Yamaha Crosser 150 Adv Motorcycle Launched
    Features & Dynamics
    In terms of features, the bike is pretty basic with its semi-digital instrument console being the biggest highlight. Illumination of the motorcycle is taken care of by modest bulb-type lighting. Crosser 150 rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheels which are shod with dual-purpose Metzeler Tourance tyres. These units are said to provide excellent grip while treading into off-road surfaces.
    2022 Yamaha Crosser 150 Adv Motorcycle Launched
    While the suspension setup features simple telescopic forks upfront and a mono-shock at rear, there is plenty of travel on offer for undulated surfaces at both ends. Braking is carried out by a single disc brake at each wheel aided by ABS to avoid skidding while stopping aggressively.
    Powertrain Specs
    Powering Crosser 150 is a 149cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that kicks out 12.2 bhp of power and 12.74 Nm of peak torque. This unit is paired with a five-speed gearbox. The best thing about this motor is that it can run on multiple types of fuel such as petrol, ethanol or both, which improves fuel efficiency.
    2022 Yamaha Crosser 150 Adv Motorcycle Launched
    Considering its overall package, Crosser 150 could actually be a very good proposition in the Indian mass market if priced right. However, Yamaha isn’t likely to launch this entry-level ADV tourer to our shores anytime soon. But given the rise in popularity of adventure tourers in India in recent years, Yamaha would want to tap into this segment at some point in the future. More

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    Ola Electric Scooter True Range 135 Kms – How To Achieve In Real World

    Image – Bhavish Aggarwal
    Ola Electric has revealed the true range for the S1 Pro e-scooter which stands at 135km on a single charge
    The electric scooters from Ola generated a frenzy in the online world and continue to garner interest even four months after their unveiling due to various reasons. While electric vehicles are mobility solutions for the future, hesitancy in their acceptance remains even now. The primary reason behind this is range anxiety among the masses.
    People are still concerned about the distance an EV can travel on a single charge. Ola offers a claimed range of 181 kms on S1 Pro e-scooter which sounds impressive on paper. However, expecting this range in a real-world scenario would be unreasonable and the Bengaluru-based EV startup has now come up with an explanation for it.
    The company has said that the ARAI-certified range of 181 kms has been attained when tested under a controlled lab environment. However, such a condition would be vastly different when driving in a real-world scenario. Ola has also shared the true range of S1 Pro which stands at 135 kms on a single charge.
    Ola Electric Scooter Range In Real World
    Automotive enthusiast Anish Deshpande asked Ola about the true range of their electric scooter in real world conditions. To this, Ola Electric scooter support team has replied with specific details.
    Conditions under which you can achieve the True Range of 135 kms from Ola electric scooter S1 Pro in real world
    The EV maker has laid out a set of conditions for buyers to achieve this range. For starters, the 135 kms range can be achieved when only there is only the rider and no pillion. Weight of the rider has been considered 70 kgs with no other load being carried on the scooter. For city driving conditions, a maximum 3-5 percent incline has been taken into account.
    The entire duration of the ride has to be covered in the Normal ride mode with a moderate riding style. Even weather conditions have been pre-defined between 24 and 35-degree celsius. Implementation of all these conditions should provide the said 135 kms range. With deliveries commencing recently, it will be interesting to hear from buyers in this regard.
    Ola Electric recently started shipment of the first batch of its e-scooters across the country after several delays. There are two variants of the electric scooter on sale- S1 and S1 Pro, priced at Rs 1.0 lakh and Rs 1.30 lakh (both prices ex-show) respectively. Both variants of the scooter are powered by an 8.5kW electric motor with a continuous output of 5.5 kW.
    Battery Specs
    That said, S1 Pro features a larger battery pack of 3.97 kWh whereas S1 gets a smaller battery pack of 2.98 kWh. There has been no approval of a true range in S1, however, previous claims of an ARAI-rated range has been pegged at 121 kms. The true range of the base S1 trim will also be exciting to see in the coming future. More

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    2022 Tork Electric Motorcycle Production Spec Spied Testing

    2022 Tork Electric MotorcycleBharat Forge owns as much as 49 percent stake in Pune based EV maker Tork Motors
    Several new comers are marking their entry into the electric scooter segment. Ola launched the Ola S1 and S1 Pro electric scooters in India at Rs 99,999 and Rs 1,29,999 respectively. Bengaluru-based Simple Energy also unveiled its e-scooter at Rs.1,09,999. In addition to this, there are many electric scooters on offer from leading brands in the space like Hero Electric, Okinawa, Ampere, Ather etc. Bajaj and TVS also have an offering each in this space.
    Auto component manufacturer, Bharat Forge also entered this space recently, for which it has tied up with Tork Motors. The latter is a Pune-based EV manufacturer. Tork Motors has its own T6X, India’s first performance electric motorcycle, scheduled for launch in India in early 2022. Ahead of that, its production-spec variant has now been spied on test.
    Tork T6X electric motorcycle
    This electric motorcycle which has been under development for the past 7 years, it will come in with state of the art features and updated technology. It will launch in India in sometime next year and will be powered via lithium ion batteries. It is likely to offer a top speed of 100 km/h and a range of 100 kms on a single charge. Quick charging option could also be on offer.
    Tork Motors has also recently met with FAME II regulations which means that the upcoming products will stand to gain from these subsidies offered by the Government of India. Their customers will also take advantage of benefits being presented on electric vehicles by various State Governments.
    2022 Tork Electric Motorcycle
    Electric 2 and 3 wheeler market
    Bharat Forge seeks a 5-6 percent market share in this electric two and three wheeler segment along with electric trucks and buses, by 2025 along with Kalyani Powertrain (KPTL). KPTL is also in talks with vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators in respect to its e-mobility platform.
    The company seeks to supply sub-system, complete electric motors and light weight structural components and has also lowered capital expenditure guidance from an earlier Rs 300 crores announced in June 2021 to Rs 200-250 crores for FY22.
    Apart from partnering with Bharat Forge, Tork is also seeking an alliance with three wheeler makers for the supply of electric powertrains. This space is currently commanded by the likes of Mahindra, Piaggio and Atul Auto while automakers Bajaj Auto and TVS Motors are also set to enter the fray.
    Bharat Force also has a 50:50 investment with Refu Electronik GmbH of Germany for developing, manufacturing and selling on-board controllers and components used in the manufacture of hybrid and electric vehicles. Bharat Forge also used to controls a 35 percent stake in UK based Tevva Motors for development of powertrain solutions for commercial vehicles but has since exited from this alliance.

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    Royal Enfield Classic 350 Recalled Over Braking Issue – 26k Units Affected

    Image for reference. Credit – An ExplorerRoyal Enfield today announced a recall of 26,300 units of Classic 350 motorcycles made between 1st Sep 2021 and 5th Dec 2021
    A few days after the roll-out of 100,000th unit of the new gen 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 motorcycle, the company has now announced a recall. The 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Recall has affected 26,300 motorcycles which were made between Sep and Dec this year.
    Royal Enfield Classic 350 2021 Recall
    As per Royal Enfield, their technical team has discovered a potential issue in one of the parts – the brake reaction bracket attached to the motorcycle swing arm – used specifically on the 2021 single-channel ABS and rear drum brake Classic 350 motorcycles.
    They further add – Under specific riding conditions, it was discovered that exceptionally higher braking load applied on the rear brake pedal could lead to potential damage of the reaction bracket, which could further lead to unusual braking noise, and potential deterioration of braking efficiency in extreme conditions.
    The issue has only been found in Classic 350 motorcycles with rear drum brake and single channel ABS. All other motorcycle variants are not affected by this issue and are not part of the latest Royal Enfield recall.
    New Royal Enfield Classic 350
    Affected Owners
    Over the next few days, Royal Enfield and their dealerships will start contact owners of the motorcycles which are part of this recall. These owners will have to bring in their motorcycle to the dealership, where Royal Enfield will “reinforce the brake reaction bracket of the swing arm for all units.”
    Proactively, owners of Royal Enfield Classic 350 motorcycles can also check if their vehicle is part of this recall by checking with local dealers / workshops or by calling RE customer care. You can also check the same by visiting Royal Enfield website.
    Earlier Royal Enfield Recall
    This is not the first time Royal Enfield is recalling vehicles in 2021. Earlier in May this year, Royal Enfield had announced a recall which had affected over 2.3 lakh motorcycles. In that recall, it was the Bullet, Classic (old-gen) and Meteor that were affected. That recall was due to manufacturing defect in ignition coil.
    Speaking about the recalls, Royal Enfield says – “At Royal Enfield, we have robust and rigorous testing and development protocols, and adhere to global validation standards of quality and durability. However, issues like this can arise under specific, extreme riding conditions, and we are committed to resolving this at the soonest, with minimum inconvenience for our customers.” More