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      Yamaha R15S V3 Launch Price Rs 1.57 L – Rs 26k Cheaper Than V4 Top Variant

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      New Yamaha R15S V3 LaunchYamaha India launched the more advanced R15 V4 in Sep 2021 – Today they have launched the cheaper version of the same, R15S V3.0
      Yamaha Motor India has launched a new and more affordable sports bike called R15S V3. It is a cheaper version of the recently launched R15 V4.0. Targeting buyers with a limited budget, the R15S has undercut the R15 V4 in price.
      Yamaha R15S V3 Launch Price
      Price of the R15S V3 starts from Rs 1.57 lakh, while that of the R15 V4.0 starts from Rs 1.71 lakh for base variant and goes all the way to Rs 1.83 lakh. This makes the R15S V3 about Rs 14k cheaper than the base V4 and Rs 26k cheaper than the top of the line R15M V4. All prices are ex-sh, Delhi.
      Mr. Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, “The YZF-R15 in its Version 3.0 was a huge success as it proved to be the most exhilarating model in the 150cc supersport segment with advanced technology and features.” In Sep 2021, Yamaha recorded sales over 11k units for the R15V4.
      “While the YZF-R15 V4 is being highly appreciated by customers across India, our research has shown that customers are also looking for a more viable option to commute with a pillion, without having to compromise on the Racing DNA of the R15. At Yamaha we are always listening to what our customers’ demand and make every possible attempt to meet those demands. Hence, the R15S V3 with a Unibody Seat was evident.”
      New Yamaha R15S V3 Launch
      It may be recalled that when the company initially introduced the YZF-R15 V2.0, the V1 motorcycle, under R15S moniker was re-launched so as to offer a more affordable version of the bike to buyers. This new R15S has followed a similar approach.
      Yamaha R15S V3 Specs
      The R15S V3 variant is powered by a 155cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve engine that produces maximum power of 18.6 PS at 10,000rpm, with a torque output of 14.1 Nm at 8,500rpm. The fuel-injected motor with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It will continue to feature a Multi Function LCD Instrument Cluster with Gear Shift Indicator, Dual Channel ABS, Assist & Slipper Clutch, Side stand with engine cut-off Switch, Deltabox Frame, Aluminum Swingarm, and a Super Wide 140/70-R17 Radial Rear Tyre.
      In terms of dimensions, the new Yamaha R15S will stand 1,990mm in length, 725mm in width and 1135mm in height with a wheelbase of 1,325mm. Gross weight will be at 292 kgs and it will receive features such as radial tyre at the rear, side stand engine cut off switch and a dual horn set up. Only one colour option is on offer – Racing Blue.
      Yamaha India Chairman further added, “After the introduction of the brand Campaign ‘The Call of the Blue’ in 2018, the R15 model range witnessed a staggering growth in sales. Considering the period between January 2018 to October 2021, we have garnered a total sale of 276,445 units, which is a remarkable accomplishment. This clearly states the success of ‘The Call of the Blue’ campaign, which was launched to testify the company’s commitment of offering two wheelers that add up to the global spirit of Yamaha Racing and the brand’s global image of ‘Excitement, Stylish and Sporty’.” More

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      Bajaj Pulsar 250cc First Owner Takes Delivery In Pune

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      Bajaj Pulsar 250cc First Owner Takes DeliveryBajaj Pulsar F250 and N250 share the same oil-cooled 250 cc engine that makes 24.5 hp and 21.5 Nm of torque – Both sport single channel ABS
      Bajaj Pulsar F250 and N250 are the biggest motorcycles introduced under the Pulsar brand. Launched in India on 28th October 2021, the Pulsar naked street fighter style is priced at Rs 1.38 lakh, Bajaj Pulsar F250, semi-faired motorcycle is priced at Rs 1.40 lakh. Deliveries have started from today. First owner took delivery at a dealership in Pune today morning.
      Bajaj said, “Bajaj Auto has commenced deliveries of the all-new Pulsar 250 launched last month. The first delivery of Pulsar F250 was done in Pune on 15th November 2021 from Shourya Bajaj showroom at Chinchwad.” Watch the first owner of Bajaj Pulsar 250cc taking delivery in the video below, credit to D17 VLOGS.
      [embedded content]
      Pulsar F250 and N250 – Differences
      Both the bikes share some striking similarities in terms of design and are yet distinctly different where positioning and riding stance is concerned. Both Pulsars receive LED projector headlights and massive tyres measuring 100/80 R17 front and 130/70 R17 rear. They also share the same tubular framework and disc brake arrangement standing 300 mm front and 230 mm rear while single-channel ABS is offered as common features along with 14 liter fuel tank capacities.
      Feature wise, the Pulsar F250 and N250 also sport an ‘Infinity Display’ instrument console. This includes a gear position indicator, distance-to-empty readout, range indicator and clock along with a USB charging socket near the fuel tank flap. Both the bikes sport split seats, LED tail lamp and multi-spoke alloy wheels. Striking differences also tell the new Pulsar F250 and N250 apart. For starters, they are positioned in two varying segments.
      Bajaj Pulsar 250cc First Owner Takes Delivery
      Positioning and Rivals – Pulsar N250 is a naked street-fighter while the F250 is a semi fared motorcycle. The N250 takes on the Suzuki Gixxer 250 in its segment even as the latter is priced significantly higher. In the same price segment it will also take on Yamaha FZ 25 and TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. N250 has no direct rival but will compete with Suzuki Gixxer SF and Hero Xtreme 200S in a similar price range.
      Colour Options and Price – Even as both Pulsar F250 and N250 share a common colour scheme of Techno Grey, the F250 gets an additional colour of Racing Red to set it apart. Pricewise the N250 is priced at Rs 1.38 lakh while the Pulsar F250 is more expensive by Rs 2,000 at Rs 1.40 lakh.
      Features – True to its touring stance, the Pulsar F250 gets a tall windscreen for rider protection and sharp body panels along with reverse boomerang shaped LED DRLs. It also sports clip on handle bars. The N250 on the other hand receives a more contemporary design with LED DRLs and single LED projector headlamp. Handle bars are flat and wide set for better maneuverability in city traffic conditions and relating to better cornering. Another difference is that the rear-view mirrors of the street fighter are installed on the front apron while the its naked counterpart gets similar units which are mounted on the handlebar.
      Kerb Weight – This is another area where the two new Pulsars differ, albeit marginally. The Bajaj Pulsar N250 weighs a total of 162 kgs as against a kerb weight of 164 kgs seen on its semi faired F250 counterpart.
      Engine Specs – Sharing identical engines, Bajaj Pulsar N250 and F250 are powered by a BS6 compliant 249.07cc, single cylinder, 4stroke, SOHC, 2 valve, oil cooled, fuel injected engine. This engine offers 24.5 hp power at 8,750 rpm and 21.5 Nm peak torque at 6,500 rpm mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox with assist and slipper clutch. They also share the single channel ABS system and suspension in the form of 37mm telescopic fork in the front and monoshock at the rear. More

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      Honda 350cc Sales Cross 30k In 1 Yr – Royal Enfield Rival Aims For 10x Growth

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      Image – JerishHonda is targeting sales of 300,000 units per annum in the 250-500cc motorcycle category in the next three years
      Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) has revealed that it is looking to introduce multiple new models in the middleweight segments to take on market leader Royal Enfield. The mid displacement segment between 300cc and 700cc has been dominated by the Chennai-based bikemaker for a long time now.
      The Japanese brand, on the other hand, has only two models in this space- H’Ness CB350 and CB350 RS, both of them being fairly recent launches. The company is targeting sales of 300,000 units per annum in the category in the next three years with the new portfolio of locally manufactured mid displacement motorcycles.
      Together, sales of Honda CB350 and CB350RS has crossed the 30,000 sales mark in Oct 2021. This also marks the 1st anniversary of the Honda 350cc motorcycles in India. Honda aims to increase the yearly sales by 10 times in the segment, to take on Royal Enfield – who has about 90% market share.
      In an interaction with a leading newspaper, Atsushi Ogata, President, HMSI revealed that sooner or later Honda will add new products to its lineup. The number of models in the mid displacement segment of motorcycles will increase year by year. The company intends for sales to increase up to 3 lakh units within three years.
      Honda 350cc sales since launch last year
      Honda BigWing expansion
      The bikemaker will also look to expand its reach across the country as currently, it has 70 Big Wing outlets in the market. The company has said that it will expand its presence to 300 customer touchpoints in the next three years and is working to put in place 100 Big Wing outlets to cover top 50 UIO (units in operation) areas by the end of the ongoing financial year.
      HMSI intends to quicken the dealer expansion process in order to cover the top 100 UIO areas in the upcoming financial year. In addition, the sales team of HMSI is also trying to utilise its existing Big Wing dealership network by convincing dealer partners to consider the small branch concept in small towns as well.
      As per data provided by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), as many as 276,365 motorcycles with engine capacities between 250cc and 500cc were sold during the first seven months of the ongoing financial year FY2021-22. This has resulted in YoY growth of 4.2 percent. However, during the same period, overall sales of motorcycles declined by 1 percent and stood at 5,369,358 units.
      Royal Enfield Dominates
      Royal Enfield continues to dominate this space with a sales volume of 244,964 units recorded between April and October 2021. However, the company’s monopoly has been challenged in recent times as it faces heat from new competitors with its market share falling 700 basis points over the year-ago period. Meanwhile, Honda’s market share in this space has increased to 6.8 percent in comparison to 0.5 percent in Apr-Oct FY21.
      That said, Royal Enfield is working on a plethora of new products which will be launched in the coming few months. Currently, the brand retails three motorcycles in the 350cc category including Bullet, Meteor and Classic. It will also add Hunter 350, a retro classic roadster, to the lineup in the near future.
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      New Suzuki Electric Scooter Officially Teased Ahead Of Launch Tomorrow

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      New Suzuki Electric ScooterSuzuki has previously announced that it is working on an electric scooter for India and this could very well be it
      The welcoming response received from the Indian audience for sporty automatic scooters like Honda Dio, Yamaha RayZR, Aprilia SR series and TVS NTORQ has apparently made Suzuki pause and take notice. While the Japanese brand does cover the premium automatic scooter segment with its stylish Burgman, there still is a void in its portfolio when it comes to a sleek and sporty offering.
      New Suzuki Electric Scooter – Design
      A video has emerged online containing a few key details of what looks like an upcoming Suzuki automatic scooter. The low quality images point towards a sporty offering which looks set to be pitted against the aforementioned competitors.
      Just like its intended rivals, the new Suzuki scooter features an edgy front apron with integrated headlamp (possibly appointed with LED elements). A small visor and clear lens turn indicators are located on the handlebar cowl.
      The tail is characterized by a unique split brake-light setup. The video goes on to reveal the scooter’s fully digital dashboard which is reported to have Bluetooth connectivity. Other noticeable elements are split grab rails, simple-looking rear-view mirrors, engine kill switch and bright colour options. The video claims that the new product is aimed at Gen-Z and ends with the caption, “Zipping is the new cruising”.
      The rear wheel setup matches that of the Burgman electric scooter test mule
      Technical details
      The powertrain details are not clear as of now but we hope to have a better idea in a matter of few hours – as Suzuki Electric scooter launch is scheduled for tomorrow; 18th Nov, 2021. The lightening logo built into the wordings “More…Per…” at the end of the video suggests that the scooter could be housing a completely or partially electrified propulsion system.
      The lightening logo in the letter ‘O’ of the word ‘MORE’ – hints at the scooter being electric.
      It is to be noted that prototypes of electric version of Burgman were spied testing in the country on more than one occasion. Those could have been the development mules for this new Suzuki scooter.
      That said, if the two wheeler were to be equipped with a conventional IC engine, then the Burgman’s 125 cc air-cooled, fuel-injected unit mated to a CVT is the most likely candidate. The motor produces 8.7 hp and 10 Nm of torque. Take a look at the teaser video below.
      [embedded content]
      Will it work?
      After struggling to make inroads during the initial years as an independent brand, Suzuki has now found its rhythm in the highly competitive Indian two wheeler market. While the Gixxer series has managed to carve a niche for itself in the mid-premium compact displacement motorcycle space, the brand’s Access and Burgman Street achieved the same feat in the scooter segment.
      The new model is a part of Suzuki’s efforts to consolidate its progress in the market. We expect the new Suzuki scooter to be packed with best-in-segment features, and carry a very tempting price tag. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates. More

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      Aprilia SR 125, SR 160 Launch Price – Expensive By Up To Rs 14k

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      New Aprilia SR 125 and SR 160 Launched. Image – Wheels Magic2022 Aprilia SR 125 and SR 160 gets cosmetic updates and a few additional features onboard
      After launching premium middleweight motorcycles in the form of Tuono 660 and RS 660 in September this year, Aprilia is targeting the mass-market space by introducing an updated SR scooters. The facelifted SR 125 and SR 160 has been launched at a starting price of Rs 1.08 lakh and Rs 1.17 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. This is about Rs 11k and Rs 14k more expensive than the outgoing variants.
      Bookings for the updated SR scooters have already commenced at authorized Aprilia dealerships or through the company’s official India website. Units of the facelifted SR 125 and SR 160 scooter have started reaching dealerships across the country.
      The new SR range of scooters have been previously spied on multiple occasions and is essentially a cosmetically rehashed version of the outgoing model. That said, in its latest iteration, the new SR 125 and SR 160 get some additional features and plenty of styling updates although the overall design has remained quite similar. It will be available in five colours including Grey, White, Red, Blue, and Black.
      Like the pre-facelift model, the new SR 160 is available in three trims- standard, Carbon and Race Edition. Carbon fibre detailing on the fenders are offered in the Carbon variant. Take look at the detailed walkaround video of new Aprilia SR scooters in the video below by Wheels Magic.
      [embedded content]
      New Aprilia SR – Styling Updates
      Speaking of its styling, the updated SR scooters flaunt a redesigned front fascia which is more aggressive than its predecessor. It features a new V-shaped LED headlamp cluster flanked by LED DRLs on both sides. A grey tint on the headlight cluster has been added to lend a sporty appeal to the scooter. The front apron also boasts new creases enhancing the scooter’s aerodynamic qualities.
      Another striking highlight is the restyled X-shaped LED taillight. The blacked-out body panels on the new SR 125 and SR 160 such as fenders, handlebar, grab rail, alloy wheels and floorboard accentuate its sporty appeal. It continues to feature the same set of turn indicators housed on the sides of the handlebar.
      Aprilia has also retained the tricolour insignia of the Italian flag on the front fender of the scooter. Another noticeable update is a larger single-piece grab rail replacing the split grab rails in the outgoing SR scooters.
      New Aprilia SR 125 and SR 160 Launched
      Features & Mechanical Specs
      In terms of features, it gets a fully-digital instrument console that is similar to the one offered in SXR160. This unit is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. Add ons such as a windscreen and perimeter-type crash guards will be offered as accessories. Hardware configurations of the scooter have also been left intact. Suspension setup on SR comprises telescopic forks upfront and a single-sided rear shock absorber.
      Braking duties are handled by a 220mm disc at front and 140mm drum at rear aided by a single-channel ABS. No updates have been made to the powertrain as well. The new SR 160 is powered by the same 160cc, air-cooled, three-valve engine which kicks out 10.84 bhp and 11.6 Nm of peak torque. SR 125 delivers 9.92 PS of power and 9.7 Nm of torque. More

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      Top 10 Two Wheeler Exports Sep 2021 – Pulsar, Apache, Gixxer, Splendor

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      New Bajaj Pulsar 200Two-wheeler exports stayed buoyant in September 2021, registering YoY growth of 6.11%
      A total of 3,58,628 two-wheelers were exported in September 2021, as compared to 3,37,993 units in the corresponding period last year. Although YoY growth is positive, it is relatively less as compared to 37.33% growth in August 2021. Eight out of top 10 and fifteen out of top 20 two-wheelers have positive YoY growth in September.
      Bajaj continues to dominate with 4 of its bikes featured in top 10. These four bikes alone command close to 49% share in the export pie. TVS and Hero MotoCorp have two products each in top ten whereas Yamaha and Suzuki have one each. Overall export dominance seems to be in favour of motorcycles, as there’s no scooter in top 10. In top 20, there are only 4 scooters – TVS Ntorq, Honda Dio, Suzuki Burgman and Yamaha Ray.
      Two Wheeler Exports Sep 2021 – Boxer leads
      World’s favourite Indian continues to be Bajaj Boxer with exports of 1,03,516 units in September 2021. YoY growth is 2.14%, as compared to 1,01,344 units exported in September last year. Share in exports is at 28.86%. At number two in the list is TVS Star City with exports of 61,331 units in September 2021. YoY growth is 22.71%, as compared to 49,980 units exported in September last year. Share in exports is at 17.10%.
      Pulsar is third with exports of 35,710 units in September. YoY numbers are down by close to 20%, as compared to 44,175 units exported in September last year. Share in exports is at 9.96%.
      Two Wheeler Exports Sep 2021
      Bajaj recently expanded Pulsar range to include two new 250cc bikes, the naked N250 and its semi-faired sibling F250. Prices start at Rs 1.38 lakh and Rs 1.40 lakh, respectively. 250cc Pulsar gets a range of updates including a new 250cc engine, assist and clipper clutch, infinity display console and USB mobile charging.
      Next in the list is Bajaj Discover with exports of 18,199 units in September. YoY growth is at 17.14%, as compared to 15,536 units exported in September last year. Share in exports is at 5.07%. Bajaj CT is fifth with exports of 17,192 units in September. YoY growth is 23.33%, as compared to 13,940 units exported in September last year. Share in exports is at 4.79%.
      Hunk, Gixxer make impressive gains
      Placed at 7th place in the list, Hero Hunk has registered the biggest jump in YoY growth in top 10. A total of 6,999 units were exported in September 2021. YoY growth has more than doubled, as compared to 3,071 units exported in September last year. Share in exports is at 1.95%.

      No
      Two Wheeler Exports
      Sep-21
      Sep-20
      %

      1
      Boxer
      1,03,516
      1,01,344
      2.14

      2
      Star City
      61,331
      49,980
      22.71

      3
      Pulsar
      35,710
      44,175
      -19.16

      4
      Discover
      18,199
      15,536
      17.14

      5
      CT
      17,192
      13,940
      23.33

      6
      Apache
      12,224
      9,913
      23.31

      7
      Hunk
      6,999
      3,071
      127.91

      8
      FZ
      6,570
      9,022
      -27.18

      9
      Gixxer
      6,407
      3,373
      89.95

      10
      Splendor
      6,229
      6,210
      0.31

      11
      Ntorq
      6,208
      4,051
      53.25

      12
      Dio
      4,874
      3,807
      28.03

      13
      HF Deluxe
      4,843
      5,312
      -8.83

      14
      Platina
      4,263
      3,924
      8.64

      15
      Glamour
      4,246
      1,232
      244.64

      16
      Sport
      4,038
      3,228
      25.09

      17
      Navi
      3,450
      5,452
      -36.72

      18
      Burgman
      3,319
      1,263
      162.79

      19
      Ray
      2,772
      6,572
      -57.82

      20
      X Blade
      2,295
      732
      213.52

      21
      Himalayan
      2,294
      1,474
      55.63

      22
      KTM 200
      2,247
      1,340
      67.69

      23
      FZ25
      2,226
      940
      136.81

      24
      BMW G 310
      2,114
      886
      138.60

      25
      Crux
      1,804
      1,476
      22.22

      26
      Xpulse 200
      1,681
      1,481
      13.50

      27
      Dominar 400
      1,664
      1,413
      17.76

      28
      Meteor 350
      1,530
      0
      –

      29
      YD125
      1,500
      0
      –

      30
      SZ
      1,368
      816
      67.65

      31
      Grazia
      1,319
      960
      37.40

      32
      Dominar 250
      1,312
      1,260
      4.13

      33
      Gixxer 250
      1,298
      1,232
      5.36

      34
      Classic 350
      1,273
      698
      82.38

      35
      CB Shine
      1,264
      3,328
      -62.02

      36
      CB Hornet 160R
      1,144
      4,037
      -71.66

      37
      650 Twin
      1,089
      1,679
      -35.14

      38
      Saluto
      996
      215
      363.26

      39
      Vespa
      900
      167
      438.92

      40
      KTM 390
      893
      966
      -7.56

      41
      Aprilia SR150
      882
      405
      117.78

      42
      Aprilia SR 125
      864
      264
      227.27

      43
      Dream
      837
      910
      -8.02

      44
      Livo
      804
      1,100
      -26.91

      45
      Hayate
      800
      72
      1011.11

      46
      Victor
      800
      1,120
      -28.57

      47
      CB Unicorn 150
      720
      40
      1700.00

      48
      TVS XL
      710
      828
      -14.25

      49
      Maestro
      617
      229
      169.43

      50
      Avenger 220
      576
      371
      55.26

      51
      CB350
      570
      0
      –

      52
      KTM 250
      553
      550
      0.55

      53
      Husqvarna 401
      540
      292
      84.93

      54
      R15
      528
      440
      20.00

      55
      Radeon
      440
      40
      1000.00

      56
      CB Unicorn 160
      384
      672
      -42.86

      57
      Activa
      364
      520
      -30.00

      58
      Access
      344
      2
      17100

      59
      Saluto RX
      324
      1,000
      -67.60

      60
      Husqvarna 201
      288
      72
      300.00

      61
      Raider
      280
      0
      –

      62
      Wego
      230
      167
      37.72

      63
      Vespa
      190
      140
      35.71

      64
      Aprilia SR160
      176
      3
      5766.67

      65
      Alpha
      168
      112
      50.00

      66
      Aviator
      160
      0
      –

      67
      Lets
      144
      236
      -38.98

      68
      Pleasure
      108
      296
      -63.51

      69
      Xtreme.
      100
      0
      –

      70
      Avenger 160
      96
      0
      –

      71
      Intruder
      92
      288
      -68.06

      72
      Bullet 350
      64
      0
      –

      73
      Hero Destni 125
      60
      504
      -88.10

      74
      RR 310
      52
      0
      –

      75
      Classic 500
      43
      258
      -83.33

      76
      Husqvarna 251
      42
      168
      -75.00

      77
      Hornet 2.0
      40
      0
      –

      78
      SR 50 MT
      33
      1,088
      -96.97

      79
      Bullet Electra Twinspark
      3
      0
      –

      80
      MT 15
      1
      280
      -99.64

      81
      CB Twister
      0
      4,420
      -100.00

      82
      Fascino
      0
      1,960
      -100.00

      83
      Jive
      0
      1,162
      -100.00

      84
      Typhoon R 50
      0
      912
      -100.00

      85
      Street 500
      0
      260
      -100.00

      86
      Jupiter
      0
      195
      -100.00

      87
      Passion
      0
      90
      -100.00

      88
      Bullet 500
      0
      18
      -100.00

      89
      Thunderbird 350
      0
      4
      -100.00

      –
      Total
      3,58,628
      3,37,993
      6.11

      Something similar can be seen with Suzuki Gixxer that has registered YoY growth of 89.95%. Gixxer exports were at 6,407 units in September, as compared to 3,373 units in September last year. Share in exports is at 1.79%.
      Other two-wheelers in top 10 include TVS Apache (12,224 units), Yamaha FZ (6,570) and Hero Splendor (6,229). Among these, FZ has negative YoY growth. FZ exports are down from 9,022 units in September last year to 6,570 units in September 2021. In top 20, two-wheelers with negative YoY growth are HF Deluxe, Honda Navi and Yamaha Ray. More

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      Ola S1 Pro Vs Ather 450X – Electric Scooters Compared Side By Side

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      Image – Pradeep On WheelsCompetition in EV space will be a lot more intense and brutal owing to rapidly evolving technology
      Ather was among the first companies to launch their electric two-wheeler in India. Its flagship product is 450X, which has a comprehensive range of advanced features. However, 450X is likely to face stiff competition in the future from rival products like Ola S1 Pro. A side-by-side comparison between Ola S1 Pro vs Ather 450X can help understand which scooter offers more value.
      Ola S1 Pro Vs Ather 450X
      Ather 450X has a sporty profile, something that would appeal to young audiences. In comparison, Ola S1 Pro has a much simpler, clutter-free design. There are no unnecessary panels that could potentially increase drag. S1 Pro comes across as a cute scooter and its design is likely to be acceptable to a broader set of users. Moreover, there are 10 colour options for S1 Pro, as compared to 3 for Ather 450X.
      Ola S1 Pro has better numbers in most technical aspects. For example, S1 Pro has 3.97 kWh battery pack, connected to an 8.5 kW motor that generates 58 Nm torque at motor shaft. 450X has 2.9 kWh battery pack, connected to 6 kWh motor that generates 26 Nm of peak torque. Both scooters have fixed, non-removable batteries.
      In terms of range, S1 Pro offers almost double the numbers of 450X. In Normal mode, S1 Pro can travel 155 km, as compared to 85 km in Eco mode by 450X. For customers with range anxiety or folks who want to avoid frequent charging, Ola S1 Pro can be the preferred choice. However, range anxiety should not be a concern, as both manufacturers are building a wide network of fast charging stations. Take a look at the detailed comparison video below, credit to Pradeep on Wheels.
      [embedded content]
      Another plus for S1 Pro is its speed and acceleration. It can reach 0-40 kmph in 3 seconds whereas 450X takes 3.3 seconds. Top speed is 115 kmph for S1 Pro and 80 kmph for 450X. When on the road, S1 Pro users can load 75 km in 18 minutes using a fast charger. 450X numbers are much less at 15 km in 10 minutes. Overall charging time at home is also faster for S1 Pro.
      For everyday needs, S1 Pro offers bigger boot space as compared 450X. But there’s no lighting inside S1 Pro boot, as compared to 450X that has a small light to illuminate the underseat storage. Some users have pointed out to the protruding floorboard of S1 Pro, which can create problems for carrying items like cartons, suitcase, etc. In comparison, Ather 450X has a more useful flat floorboard.
      In terms of tech features, both scooters seem to be equally capable. However, S1 Pro has some additional features such as keyless access, voice, assistant, hill hold control and cruise control.
      Image – Pradeep On Wheels
      Price
      On-road price of Ather 450X in Bengaluru is Rs 1.51 lakh. In comparison, Ola S1 Pro works out cheaper at Rs 1.41 lakh. While Ola S1 Pro appears to be better equipped and also cheaper than Ather 450X, other factors can also influence consumer purchase decisions. For example, users may enquire about after sales services, maintenance cost, running cost, life of battery, etc. Build quality is another thing that users may want to assess in more detail.
      It is to note that while Ather has conventional dealer and service network, Ola Electric has chosen to work directly with its customers. Ola electric scooters will be delivered directly to the customer and serviced at their preferred location. The effectiveness of this new setup remains to be tested. More

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      in Bike

      Hero Could Launch New Electric Scooters, Motorcycles Under VIDA Brand

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      Image for reference. Hero Splendor converted into Electric motorcycleNew Hero MotoCorp electric scooter is getting ready for launch next year – It has been designed and developed at the company’s R&D centre in Jaipur, Rajasthan
      The entire global automotive industry is shifting towards electric mobility and the transition has started to take rapid steps. In India too, multiple new offerings in the electric vehicle space have been launched already, especially in the two-wheeler segment.
      However, the largest player in the two-wheeler segment hasn’t yet forayed into electric mobility. That said, Hero MotoCorp will soon be launching its first electric vehicle and some fresh details regarding the upcoming battery-powered two-wheeler have surfaced online. As we already know, this two-wheeler is expected to be launched by March 2022.
      Hero MotoCorp VIDA Electric
      Hero MotoCorp cannot use the ‘Hero’ brand for its upcoming battery-powered vehicles since Hero Electric, a separate EV manufacturing entity, holds exclusive rights for this brand in the EV segment. They are expected to launch an all new sub-brand, under which they will sell their range of upcoming electric scooters and motorcycles.
      Recently, Hero MotoCorp has registered multiple names with the name VIDA. The names that have been registered by Hero MotoCorp include – VIDA Electric, VIDA EV, VIDA Mobility, VIDA MotoCorp, VIDA Scooters and VIDA Motorcycles.
      Hero MotoCorp VIDA Electric
      It is likely that Hero will start its EV journey with an e-scooter which could be launched the first product under their ‘Vida Electric’ brand. The bikemaker has filed a trademark for this brand which is likely to serve as a sub-brand catering to only battery-powered vehicles.
      To be built in Chittoor
      The upcoming e-scooter will be manufactured at the company’s latest manufacturing facility located in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. Images of the upcoming e-scooter were leaked on the internet after Hero MotoCorp live-streamed its 10th anniversary celebration in August this year.
      Aptly called Garden Factory for its eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing practices, this plant will provide an integrated ecosystem for Battery Pack Manufacturing and Testing, Vehicle Assembly, and Vehicle End of Line Testing (EOL). It is also the youngest facility of Hero which started operations in March 2020.
      Gogoro Electric Scooter. Hero MotoCorp has partnered with Gogoro.
      Gogoro & Battery Swapping Tech
      From the images leaked earlier, the e-scooter didn’t seem to share any noticeable element with Gogoro electric scooters. For the uninitiated, Gogoro is a Taiwan-based EV manufacturer with whom Hero MotoCorp has announced a partnership earlier this year. Through this joint venture, the Indian bikemaker could make use of battery swapping technology of Gogoro in its upcoming electric two-wheelers.
      The upcoming Hero Vida electric scooter will sport a more conventional design unlike the ones offered by Gogoro. Some striking highlights of the Hero e-scooter are a single-sided rear suspension and a seemingly mid-mounted motor, Unlike Gogoro electric scooters, the e-scooter from Hero MotoCorp misses out on double-sided swingarms.
      The Hero e-scooter gets black embellishments on the handlebar, side and rear fenders and floorboard which give it a dual-tone colour theme that looks very sporty. Other notable styling highlights include a long split seat, a short flyscreen and curvy bodywork. The pillion seat is detachable which is intended for use in last-mile services. More