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      Bajaj Chetak Vs TVS iQube – Electric Scooter Sales Sep 2021

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      Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter In New Topaz Blue ColourIncreasing fuel prices have worked as a catalyst to boost electric two-wheeler sales in the country
      While there is no dearth of electric two-wheeler brands in the country, Chetak and iQube are currently the only ones offered by established auto companies. Barring a few months, combined sales of Chetak and iQube have consistently risen since January 2021. From 241 units in January, sales are now at 1,408 units in September.
      This could be indicative of growing consumer confidence in electric two-wheelers. The shift is happening due to several reasons including rising fuel prices and subsidies announced by the government.
      Prices of many electric two-wheelers are now at par with popular petrol-powered two-wheelers. With subsidies, some electric scooters are even priced lower than popular petrol scooters. Adequate range and availability of charging infrastructure are other factors contributing to increasing sales of electric vehicles.
      Electric Scooter Sales – 5X YoY growth
      Combined sales of Chetak and iQube was 295 units in September last year. Comparing with September 2021, the numbers have risen quite close to 5X in YoY terms. Since June this year, combined sales of Chetak and iQube has been consistently above the 1k mark. Total sales during Jan-Sep period are 6,667 units. TVS iQube is ahead with 3,670 units, as compared to 2,997 units of Bajaj Chetak.
      Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube – Sep 2021 Sales
      Chetak sales in September is at 642 units. YoY numbers have more than doubled, as compared to 288 units sold in September last year. Chetak MoM growth is at 76.37%, as compared to 364 units sold in August 2021. iQube sales in September is at 766 units. YoY growth is 10843%, as compared to 7 units sold in September last year. MoM growth is 18.03%, as compared to 649 units sold in August 2021.
      Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube In 2021
      Shortage of auto components
      While global shortage of auto components has affected most OEMs, companies like Bajaj are among the ones who have been hit hardest. This is why sales are on the slower side despite getting high number of bookings. The shortage situation, especially that of semiconductors is expected to continue till next year. Tech companies worldwide are making fresh investments to open new facilities and boost production at existing units. Supply situation may take several months to return back to normal.
      In the near future, other mainstream auto companies like Honda and Hero MotoCorp are expected to launch their respective electric two-wheelers. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is expected to launch their electric scooter by next fiscal year. Honda BENLY e electric scooter has already been spotted testing here. However, it’s not certain if India will get BENLY e electric scooter or some other model. The electric scooter being planned by Honda will be targeted at global markets as well.
      Hero MotoCorp is expected to launch its first electric product in March 2022. Another model will be launched in second half of next year. Hero had partnered with Taiwan-based EV manufacturer Gogoro to develop its electric scooters. Gogoro will also be involved in developing battery swapping infrastructure for Hero’s upcoming electric two-wheelers. Bajaj and TVS will be observing these developments closely. More

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      KTM India Sales, Exports Sep 2021 – Duke, RC 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

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      Image – Miraj AcharyaKTM India domestic sales grew marginally on a MoM basis while YoY sales dipped significantly by 39.62 percent
      MoM growth was reported in KTM India domestic sales in the past month, up 1.48 percent over sales in August 2021. Sales which had stood at 4,389 units in August 2021 increased to 4,454 units in September 2021, an increase of 65 units. This growth was solely due to increased demand for the KTM 200 (Duke and RC) while every other model in the company lineup posed de-growth.
      On a YoY basis, KTM domestic sales dipped as much as 39.62 percent. Sales which had stood at 7,377 units in September 2020 increased to 4,454 units in the past month, a difference of 2,923 units. In this case, it was the KTM 250 (Duke and ADV) that showed positive results while all other models posted de-growth.
      KTM India Sales Sep 2021
      KTM 200 (Duke and RC) saw an 18.16 percent YoY de-growth to 2,326 units in September 2021, down from 2,842 units sold in September 2020 with a share of 52.22 percent. KTM 250 sales increased 4.17 percent YoY to 1,173 units while holding onto a share of 26.34 percent.
      Sales of the KTM 125 (Duke and RC) and of the KTM 390 (Duke, ADV and RC) dipped 73.75 percent and 68.71 percent respectively to 582 units and 373 units in September 2021. These figures were down from 2,217 units and 1,192 units sold respectively in September 2020.
      KTM India Sales and Exports – Sep 2021 vs Sep 2020 (YoY)
      MoM domestic sales saw the KTM 200 in top form with a 62.89 percent growth to 2,326 units and a share of 32.54 percent. This was against 1,428 units sold in August 2021. KTM 250, 125 and 390 all posted a MoM de-growth with the 390 dipping 50.92 percent in September 2021 to 373 units, down from 760 units sold in August 2021.
      KTM Exports Sep 2021
      On a YoY basis, KTM India has reported a 29.31 percent growth in terms of exports. Exports which had stood at 2,856 units in September 2020 increased to 3,693 units in the past month. Shipments of the KTM 200 (Duke and RC) were up 67.69 percent to 2,247 units, from 1,340 units shipped in September 2020.
      KTM 390 (Duke, ADV and RC) saw a total of 893 units shipped in the past month, down 7.56 percent over 966 units shipped in September 2020. KTM 250 (Duke and ADV) exports were more or less on par at 553 units in September 2021 from 550 units exported in September 2020.
      KTM India Sales and Exports – Sep 2021 vs Aug 2021 (MoM)
      On a MoM basis, KTM India posted increased exports. Exports which had stood at 2,810 units in August 2021, increased 31.42 percent to 3,693 units in September 2021. KTM 200 and 390 saw increased demand in export markets.
      KTM 200 exports increased 42.04 percent to 2,247 units while 390 exports surged 123.25 percent to 893 units, from 400 units shipped in August 2021. Shipments of the KTM 250 dipped 33.21 percent to 553 units in the past month as against 828 units shipped in the same month of the previous year.
      New Launches From KTM India
      KTM India announced launch of next gen RC200 and RC125 in India earlier this month. Introduced at introductory prices of Rs 2.09 lakh and Rs 1.82 lakh respectively, the updated bikes have started moving into company dealerships.
      Both these bikes get fresh updates over their earlier counterparts with new chassis, steel trellis frame and bolt on sub-frames. KTM India will next launch the larger capacity RC390, likely to take place in early 2022. More

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      350cc Motorcycle Sales Sep 2021 – Classic, Meteor, CB350, Bullet, Electra

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      New Royal Enfield Classic 350Global shortage of auto components has dragged down sales of 350cc motorcycles with most registering negative growth
      The 350cc segment motorcycles include Royal Enfield Classic, Meteor, Bullet, Electra and Honda CB350. Other motorcycles are also there, like Jawa, Benelli, etc – But their sales numbers have not been revealed yet.
      The 350cc motorcycle segment registered sales of of 25,709 units in the domestic market in September 2021. YoY growth is down by -51.89%, as compared to 53,442 units sold in September last year. MoM growth is also negative at -29.65%, as compared to 36,543 units sold in August 2021. All except Honda H’ness CB350 have negative MoM growth in September.
      In exports, YoY growth is at 392.84%. A total of 3,440 units were exported in September 2021, as compared to 698 units in September last year. MoM export growth is negative at -12.22%, as compared to 3,919 units exported in August 2021.
      350cc Motorcycle Sales Sep 2021
      Even though its YoY sales are down by more than 60%, Royal Enfield Classic 350 continues to dominate the 350cc segment. A total of 13,751 units were sold in September 2021, as compared to 38,827 units in the corresponding period last year. Classic 350 percentage share in sales is at 53.49%. MoM growth is also negative at -41.37%, as compared to 23,453 units sold in August 2021. Classic 350 sales in September are more than the combined sales of all other motorcycles in this segment.
      350cc Motorcycle Sales Sep 2021 vs Sep 2020 (YoY)
      At number two in the list is Meteor 350 with sales of 6,184 units in September. Share in sales is at 24.05%. MoM growth is down by -3.09%, as compared to 6,381 units sold in August 2021. CB350 is third with sales of 2,995 units in September. Share in sales is at 11.65%. In MoM terms, CB350 is the only motorcycle with positive growth. CB350 has made impressive gain of 186.06%, as compared to 1,047 units sold in August 2021. Taking lead over Bullet and Electra is a significant achievement for CB350.
      Bullet 350 is fourth in the list with sales of 2,107 units in September 2021. The motorcycle has lost more than 3/4th of its sales, as compared to 8,883 units sold in September last year. Share in sales is at 8.20%. MoM growth is also negative at -43.04%, as compared to 3,699 units sold in August 2021.
      Electra 350 is fifth with sales of 672 units in September 2021. At -88.28%, it has the biggest drop in YoY growth in percentage terms. Sales during the corresponding period last year were at 5,732 units. Share in sales is at 2.61%. MoM growth is down by -65.77%, as compared to 1,963 units sold in August 2021.
      350cc Motorcycle Sales Sep 2021 vs Aug 2021 (MoM)
      350cc motorcycles exports
      In exports, Meteor 350 maintains its lead. A total of 1,530 units were exported in September 2021, commanding a market share of 44.48%. MoM exports are down by -35.66%, as compared to 2,378 units exported in August 2021. Classic 350 is second with exports of 1,273 units. YoY growth is 82.38%, as compared to 698 units exported in September last year. Share in exports is at 37.01%. MoM exports growth is up by 77.05%, as compared to 719 units exported in August.
      CB350, Bullet, Electra are next with exports of 570, 64, and 3 units, respectively. Share in exports is at 16.57%, 1.86% and 0.09%, respectively. CB350 MoM export numbers are down by -30.66%, as compared to 822 units exported in August 2021. More

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      New TVS Motorcycle Spied – Apache Based Retro To Rival Yamaha FZX?

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      New TVS Motorcycle Spied Testing. Credit – Ashish Kadam.There have been rumours about TVS developing a retro-style commuter motorcycle for some time now
      TVS Motor Company is working on a number of upcoming models and this fact could be established by various trademarks filed by the bikemaker in recent times. One of the trademarks registered by the company which gained a lot of traction in online media was Retron.
      Initially, it was speculated to be reserved for the brand’s upcoming electric scooter based on the Creon Concept. However, now it has been suspected to be utilised for the upcoming retro-style classic motorcycle from TVS. Recently, a new motorcycle test mule was spied in Hosur near the company’s manufacturing site.
      TVS Retron Spied ?
      The image is credited to Ashish Kadam which shows a disguised prototype of the retro motorcycle conducting trial tests. Retron is expected to be based on the same underpinnings as Apache RTR 160 hence one could identify many elements of this motorcycle with the modern sporty roadster.
      Some distinct attributes noticeable are a single-piece grab rail for the pillion, a single-piece saddle and an upswept exhaust canister. The LED taillight looks like an auxiliary unit while the rear fender extends from the tail section.
      New TVS Retron Based On Apache?
      The motorcycle rolls on alloy wheels shod with meaty tyres with a wider profile and cross-section. There are minimum body panels on the side indicating that it could be naked roadster. The spy image of the bike only focuses on the rear and side profiles of the motorcycle and hence does not reveal any detail of its front face.
      However, if we hazard a guess, it could flaunt a signature retro-style design with a round headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank and circular rearview mirrors. From the looks of it, the upcoming motorcycle appears to carry a circular instrument console with part analogue and part digital readouts.
      New TVS Motorcycle – Expected Specs
      Coming to specifications, the bike seen in the images has been equipped with telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Stopping power is achieved from disc brakes at both ends. We expect TVS to offer dual-channel ABS on this motorcycle. It is expected to be powered by a 159.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that propels Apache RTR 160.
      New TVS Retron Based On Apache?
      It will be interesting to see in which configuration this engine will be offered. If offered in a 2-valve setup, this motor can kick out 15.3 bhp and 13.9 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, if offered in a 4-valve setup, this power mill dishes out 17.39 bhp and a peak torque of 14.73 Nm. In either case, the bike will be offered with a 5-speed gearbox.
      Upon launch, it is expected to rival the likes of Yamaha FZ-X. More spy images of Retron in future could help us decode more details about this upcoming retro motorcycle. As of now, there are hardly any details to speculate a launch timeline or expected price. More

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      Top 10 Two Wheelers Sep 2021 – Splendor, Activa, Pulsar, Apache, Jupiter

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      Image – Knots RiderTotal sales for top 10 two-wheelers falls by 8.3 percent in September 2021 – Splendor maintains lead over Activa
      Of the top 10 two-wheelers sold, the fight for top of the podium never fails to get one’s attention. As always, the top 2 contenders remain Hero Splendor and Honda Activa. Seeing just how narrow the margin is between both top contenders, it really cold be anyone’s game in any given game.
      For both manufacturers, the stake is high considering even a small fluctuation can topple the other. Furthermore, both top selling two-wheelers make up the lion’s share of sales for both Hero MotoCorp and Honda Motorcycles.
      Top 10 Two Wheelers Sep 2021
      Growth patterns have long been tried and tested, and over time, sales trends have given both manufacturers the opportunity to build on their core strength. Hero has over time become the country’s biggest motorcycle brand, and Honda has strides with dominance when it comes to scooters. Given the sheer demand of two-wheelers in the country, both brands tend to continue to build on their aces.
      For September 2021, Hero Splendor sales is reported at 2,77,296 units, marginally lower by about a percent. Down from just over 2.8 lakhs units, volume loss stood at just under 3k units. Hero Activa sales fell to 2,45,352 units, down from 2,57,900 units. Volume loss stood at 12,548 units, down by just under 5 percent.
      Top 10 Two Wheelers Sep 2021
      Honda CB shine sales grew by almost 20 percent, up at 1,42,386 units from 1,18,994 units. Volume gain is reported at 23,392 units. Considering the top band saw an overall sales decline, this was a good show.
      Hero HF Deluxe sales decline is considerably high at 37.77 percent. sales is reported at 1,34,539 units, down from 2,16,201 units. Volume loss was above 81k units. Bajaj Platina picked up momentum at 82,559 units reported sold. Salesgrowth is reported at 48.77 percent, up from 55,496 units. Volume gain stood at about 27k units.
      Bajaj Pulsar sales decline
      TVS XL 100, the only two-wheeler of its kind continues to bring in numbers for the manufacturer. The moped is in fact the brand’s bestseller month after month. Last month sales was reported at 61,664 units, down from 68,929 units. Volume loss stood at 7.2k units, down 10.54 percent. Bajaj Pulsar sales fell below 58k units, down from over lakh units. Volume loss stood at 44,724 units at a decline of 43.55 percent. Bajaj Pulsar 250 launch is now awaited.

      Top 10 2Wheelers
      Sep-21
      Sep-20
      %

      1. Hero Splendor
      2,77,296
      2,80,250
      -1.05

      2. Honda Activa
      2,45,352
      2,57,900
      -4.87

      3. Honda CB Shine
      1,42,386
      1,18,994
      19.66

      4. Hero HF Deluxe
      1,34,539
      2,16,201
      -37.77

      5. Bajaj Platina
      82,559
      55,496
      48.77

      6. TVS XL 100
      61,664
      68,929
      -10.54

      7. Bajaj Pulsar
      57,974
      1,02,698
      -43.55

      8. TVS Jupiter
      56,339
      56,085
      0.45

      9. Suzuki Access
      45,040
      53,031
      -15.07

      10. TVS Apache
      40,661
      37,788
      7.60

      Total
      11,43,810
      12,47,372
      -8.30

      TVS Jupiter sales grew marginally, up at 56,339 units from 56,085 units. Suzuki Access, the manufacturer’s top selling scooter saw sales fall by just over 15 percent. Volume loss stood at about 8k units, down from 53k units.
      TVS Apache sales grew by 7.6 percent. Sales grew to over 40k units from 37,788 units at volume gain of 2,873 units. Total sales for the top of the lot fell to 11,43,810 units, down from 12,47,372 units. Volume loss stood at 1,03,562 units at 8.30 percent decline. More

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      2021 Yamaha Force 155cc Scooter Debuts – Based On R15, Aerox

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      2021 Yamaha Force 2.0Yamaha Force 2.0 will not be launched in India since it is based on Aerox 155 which is already on sale here
      Yamaha has launched the new Force 2.0 in Taiwan. It is based on Aerox 155 which was launched in India last month. In Taiwan it is launched at a price of TWD 99,000 which is roughly equivalent to Rs 2.66 lakh.
      In India, Yamaha has launched Aerox 155 at a price of Rs 1.29 lakh (ex-showroom). While Force 2.0 is based on Aerox, it shares plenty of differences with the latter especially in terms of styling.
      2021 Yamaha Force – Maxi-style Design
      Like Aerox, Force 2.0 sports a sharper design with an aggressive front face thanks to a sleeker twin headlamp setup and a heavily faired front panel. That said, Yamaha has continued with a halogen bulb for the headlamp. Side panels have also been redesigned and now flaunt a signature ‘A’-shaped element. It is offered with 4 colour options.
      Taillights are straight and not angular, unlike its predecessor which looks clean and simple. The most prominent difference in styling between Force 2.0 and Aerox is the flat floorboard in the former while the latter gets a spine running through the centre of the floorboard. Other variations in Force 2.0 include a flat single-piece seat and new alloy wheel designs.
      2021 Yamaha Force 155cc Scooter
      In terms of proportions, the wheelbase of the new Force has been reduced from 1405mm to 1340mm whereas the seat height has gone up from 805mm to 815mm. Overall dimensions stand at 1895 x 760 x 1120 mm (L x W x H). It rides on 13-inch alloy wheels instead of 14-inch units offered in Aerox. It is underpinned by a new chassis that is said to be 27 percent lighter. Kerb weight stands at 130 kgs.
      Mechanical Specs & Featuresgets 
      Powering Force 2.0 is the same 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor that is available in a wide range of motorcycles and scooters across the Yamaha lineup. In India, this motor powers the R15 V4, MT15 as well as the Aerox scooter. This motor pumps out 14.8 bhp at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 14 Nm at 6,500rpm on board the new Force 155cc. Equipped with electronic fuel injection (EFI), it uses a traditional V-belt CVT to carry out transmission duties.
      Yamaha has also made some tweaks to the hardware configurations of the scooter. Suspension setup now comprises a pair of preload-adjustable shock absorbers at rear while the front still gets telescopic forks. Braking duties are handled by 267mm front and 230mm rear disc brakes complemented by a dual-channel ABS. It delivers a mileage of 45 kmpl.
      [embedded content]
      Other notable features on offer include a 5.1-inch LCD instrument cluster, traction control, a silent starter and an external fuel filler cap. 2021 Yamaha Force 155cc Scooter gets halogen headlamp and turn indicators. Tail light is LED. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with Yamaha’s Y-connect platform with Bluetooth connectivity like Aerox 155. More

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      New Bajaj Pulsar 250 Teased For The First Time – Official

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      New Bajaj Pulsar 250
      Biggest Pulsars till date will be launched on Oct 28, as part of the brand’s 20th anniversary celebrations
      It was in November 2001 that Bajaj Pulsar 150 and Pulsar 180 were launched in the Indian market. Priced competitively, the bikes can be credited with popularizing performance-oriented biking in the country. Over the years, Pulsar range has been expanded to include several new products. Pulsar motorcycles continue to be bestsellers for the company.
      Bajaj Pulsar 250 Teased
      NS250 is expected to borrow some of the styling bits from existing naked NS motorcycles such as NS160 and NS200. On the same lines, 250F could have some features similar to that of Pulsar 220F. It is likely that Pulsar 250cc twins will utilize a new platform. Both bikes could share features such as headlamp and LED DRLs. They appear to have an aggressive front fascia.
      Talking about differences between the two bikes, NS250 utilizes a minimalistic front cowl in comparison to the larger, puffed-up unit used on 250F. On 250F, the front fairing merges seamlessly with the tank shrouds. NS250 has a small flyscreen, which is largely there as visual aid. 250F has a much larger flyscreen that should provide adequate wind protection.
      While the rear-view mirrors are the same, they are mounted differently. On NS250, the rear-view mirrors are placed on the handlebar. 250F has it on the front apron. Other things like front fender, engine cowl, crash guard, tail section and rear LED taillight appear to be the same on both bikes. Other key features include split-seat design, split grab rails, side-mounted twin-barrel exhaust canister and rear tyre hugger. Below is the first official teaser of the new Bajaj Pulsar 250.
      [embedded content]
      In terms of ergonomics, both bikes appear to have a comfortable riding stance. Foot pegs are centrally located on both bikes. One difference though is that 250F appears to have a slightly raised handlebar. In comparison, NS250 appears to use low set handlebar. This should allow a more committed riding posture, as and when needed.
      Pulsar NS250 and 250F engine and specs
      It is expected that Pulsar NS250 and 250F will get an entirely new 249cc engine. This will be different from the ones currently in use with Dominar 250 and KTM 250cc bikes. The new engine could churn out 24 bhp of max power and 20 Nm of peak torque. It will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
      Bajaj is expected to equip its biggest Pulsars with advanced tech such as variable valve actuation (VVA) and assist and slipper clutch. This will allow the new Pulsars to compete effectively with rival products from Suzuki and Yamaha. In other updates, the bikes could get Bluetooth-based connectivity features.
      Suspension system for Pulsar 250cc motorcycles comprises standard telescopic forks at front and a monoshock unit at rear. Braking duties will be performed by disc brakes at both ends. Dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard. More

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      Kawasaki Ninja 400 Based Hybrid Electric Motorcycle Prototype Unveiled

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      Kawasaki Ninja 400 Based Hybrid Electric Motorcycle PrototypeKawasaki is working on a wide range of fully electric and hybrid motorcycles for the next few years
      Kawasaki has made some major announcements recently which reveals the intentions of the Japanese superbike manufacturer for the future. The bikemaker has revealed that by 2035, all its models would run on electrified powertrains- either fully electric or hybrid electric vehicles, in major international markets.
      In regard to this idea, the company is planning to launch ten new fully electric and hybrid motorcycles by 2025. The first of them was recently showcased at a presentation meeting in Japan. The prototype revealed is slated to be the first hybrid electric motorcycle from Kawasaki.
      However, this isn’t the first motorcycle with an electric powertrain to be unveiled by the Japanese brand. Earlier in 2019, Kawasaki had revealed the electric Ninja 300 Concept, called EV Endeavor. Later the same year, the company filed patents for a hybrid motorcycle, images of which floated on the internet. The recent prototype unveiled is expected to be based on the same patents.
      Kawasaki Ninja 400 Hybrid Prototype – Details
      Going by the images, Kawasaki appears to have used Ninja 400 as the base for the exposed prototype of the hybrid bike. It features a parallel-twin engine which is bolted onto a new tubular steel frame with a large electric motor mounted above the transmission. The electric motor derives its energy from a small 48V battery pack located under the seat.
      Kawasaki Ninja 400 Based Hybrid Electric Motorcycle Prototype
      As per Kawasaki, the hybrid powertrain is equipped with a regenerative feature that tops up the battery when low on charge. Another interesting aspect of this hybrid motorcycle is that within city limits, the bike would completely run on battery and electric motor, cutting out power from the combustion engine. This mode will be useful when some cities introduce zero emissions zones in the future.
      Automated Transmission
      The bikemaker has equipped the prototype with GPS technology that automatically switches to electric power as soon as the bike enters city limits. Outside the city limits, the motorcycle will draw energy from both the combustion engine and electric motor in order to boost its performance. The entire system is paired with an automated transmission system with buttons for gear shifts.
      The setup comprises an automated clutch and a servo-operated shifter that enables gear shifts through push button changes. Other details revealed from the images include a pair of telescopic front forks and rear mono-shock supporting the tubular steel frame. Stopping power is provided by single disc brakes on both wheels while being linked to dual-channel ABS.
      Kawasaki Electric Motorcycle Prototype
      Although no exact timeline for its launch has been confirmed, we won’t be surprised if this motorcycle reaches production within a span of a year. That said, Kawasaki is not likely to bring this hybrid motorcycle to India since hybrid vehicles are not considered as electric vehicles in the country hence do not enjoy the same benefits under the FAME II policies. More