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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

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      Bajaj Pulsar 250 Exhaust Sound Captured – Loudest Pulsar Yet

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      New Bajaj Pulsar 250 cc motorcyclesUpon its launch, the new Pulsar 250 siblings take on Suzuki Gixxer 250 and SF250 in addition to Yamaha FZ25
      After numerous spy shots and a few design renderings, Bajaj Auto has finally revealed the launch date of its new Pulsar 250. The flagship Pulsar-branded motorcycle, will be launched on 28th Oct 2021. With this launch, Bajaj will mark 20 years of the Pulsar range of sporty commuter motorcycles in India.
      It will be offered in two iterations- naked and semi-faired. From spy shots, it looks like the overall design of NS250 has drawn inspiration from its smaller siblings NS160 and NS200. Similar is the case with 250F which shares plenty of styling elements with Pulsar 220F.
      Bajaj Pulsar 250 Exhaust Sound
      Both motorcycles flaunt an aggressive front face featuring a single-pod LED headlamp cluster and integrated LED DRLs. Difference between the two models lies primarily in their styling. While NS250 doesn’t feature a prominent front apron, 250F on the hand, just like the current 220F, gets a large front apron comprising a headlamp cowl and a windscreen that integrates into the side fairing.
      Apart from the extended tank shrouds, no other form of body panels can be seen on the naked Pulsar NS250. That said, NS250 appears to have a slightly more committed riding posture than 250F. Side fairings have been incorporated on both bikes in order to enhance their aerodynamic capabilities. Tail sections of both bikes are fairly similar with the same split LED taillight design.
      [embedded content]
      Other highlights include split grab rails for the pillion, a split seating setup, an engine underbelly cowl, a clip-on handlebar, a rear tyre hugger and a side-mounted twin-barrel exhaust canister. From the spy video by Narinder Tandon, we get to hear the exhaust note of the two Pulsar 250cc motorcycles for the first time. Compared to any other Pulsar range, the sound emitted from the 250s is much louder.
      On 250F, rearview mirrors are mounted on the front apron whereas in NS250, rearview mirrors are installed on the handlebar. The semi-faired version of Pulsar 250 gets a large fly screen whereas its naked iteration features a smaller unit.
      Features & Mechanical Specs
      In terms of features, Pulsar 250 will be offered with a semi-digital instrument console. It is also likely to be enabled with Bluetooth connectivity. Hardware configurations of both motorcycles are identical.
      Suspension setup of Pulsar 250 consists of conventional telescopic forks upfront and a mono-shock linked to the swingarm at rear. Braking duties will be carried out by single disc brakes on both wheels which will be accompanied by a dual-channel ABS as standard.
      Powering the latest quarter-litre offerings from Bajaj will be a new 249cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine which is expected to dish out 24 bhp and 20 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be linked to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch. This motor has also been equipped with variable valve actuation (VVA) technology. More

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      2022 Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc Scrambler New Colours – Render

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      Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc Render
      Royal Enfield has an interesting lineup of launches – This includes 650cc Cruiser, 350cc Scrambler and many more
      Royal Enfield has plans to launch 4 new or updated bikes every year for the next 7 years. In the past 12 months, they have already launched the new Meteor 350, updated Himalayan, updated 650 Twins and the new Classic 350. The next motorcycle in line for launch could be the Hunter 350cc scrambler.
      This new offering will allow the company to further fortify its position in the Indian bike market, and more particularly in the 350 cc segment where it already commands more than 90% percent market share. Likely to be christened as Hunter upon launch sometime next year, the bike is currently doing the test rounds.
      It is is based on the new modular J platform, which it will share with the Meteor 350 and the new Classic 350. Thanks to latest spy shots, new design elements have come to the fore. On that basis, automotive rendering artist Pratyush Rout has created digital renders in 6 different colours.
      2022 Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc – Render
      New 2022 Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc looks young and sporty. It is aimed at new generation of motorcycle riders. It will be offered in both monotone and dual tone colour options. Spy shots of the model on test show off its athletic stance with blacked-out circular headlamp and body panels, a single seat setup, wide set handlebars and blacked out multi-spoke alloy wheels.
      Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc Render
      It gets well positioned footpegs that offer the rider a forward leaning stance. Features also include rear view mirrors, upswept exhaust and a shortened tail segment with a circular tail lamp.
      Just like Meteor, it will also sport a semi digital instrument cluster with an analogue speedometer and a rectangular multi information display unit. It could however miss out on the Tripper Navigation system seen on the new Himalayan and Meteor 350. Suspension and braking will be via telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers. Braking will be via disc brakes in front and rear.
      Engine Specs
      The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is likely to be powered by 349 cc, air cooled, single cylinder engine that also powers the Meteor and Classic. This engine produces 20.2 hp power and 27 Nm torque mated to a 5 speed transmission. The exhaust gets tuned for delivering a more crisper / raspier sound as compared to the other 350cc machines from RE.
      There are no indications on pricing as on date but it is likely that the RE Hunter 350 could come in within a price range that will undercut the Honda CB350 on arrival. Once launched, the new Hunter 350 will appeal to a younger segment of buyers in the country and compete with the Honda CB350RS and soon to be launched Yezdi Roadking. More