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      Hero MotoCorp Electric Scooters Launch Next Year – Chetak, Ather Rival

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      Hero MotoCorp has partnered with Taiwan’s GogoroHero MotoCorp is yet to decide on a new brand name for its dedicated EV vertical since it cannot use the ‘Hero’ brand
      Hero MotoCorp will be venturing into the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing space by launching its first battery-powered two-wheeler in March 2022. This development has been confirmed by CFO of the brand, Niranjan Gupta in an interaction with PTI. It has also come to light that this electric scooter has been developed independently by Hero.
      Last month, chairman and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, Dr. Pawan Munjal, teased a pre-production prototype of the upcoming electric scooter during the company’s 10th anniversary celebration live stream recently. While no details of this scooter were revealed during the event, it gave us a rough idea of what to expect from the upcoming e-scooter.
      On the other hand, Hero is also planning to launch its second electric scooter by the second half of next year. This two-wheeler will be developed in association with Taiwan-based EV manufacturer Gogoro. The two brands announced a partnership earlier this year which involved the use of battery swapping technology in upcoming electric two-wheelers.
      Design of e-scooter
      Coming back to the indigenously developed two-wheeler, it is an all-new electric scooter wearing a distinct design. For starters, the scooter appears to stand on 12-inch front and 10-inch rear black alloy wheels which look sporty. In all probability, it will be powered by a mid-ship mounted electric motor since the rear wheel did not feature a hub-mounted motor.
      Hero MotoCorp FIrst electric scooter
      Unlike the Gogoro electric scooters patented in India a few months ago, the e-scooter from Hero MotoCorp misses out on double-sided swingarms. Black embellishments on the handlebar, side and rear fenders and floorboard give the scooter a dual-tone colour theme that looks very sporty. Other notable styling highlights include a short flyscreen, a long split seat and curvy bodywork. The pillion seat is detachable which is intended for use in last-mile services.
      Separate brand name for EV lineup
      More details on the upcoming electric scooter will hopefully be revealed ahead of its launch in the next few months. However, the company has a lot to figure out before launching its first battery-powered model.
      As previously revealed, the company cannot use the brand ‘Hero’ for its EV lineup since this right has been held by Hero Electric, a separate EV manufacturing entity. Hero MotoCorp is yet to decide on a brand name for its dedicated electric vehicle (EV) vertical.
      Gogoro Electric Scooter name patented in India
      Upon its launch, the upcoming e-scooter from Hero will compete against a raft of other electric scooters such as Ather 450X, Ola S1, Bajaj Chetak, Simple One and TVS iQube. The company CFO also revealed that the recent shortage of semiconductor chips has had no effect on production of two-wheelers. The bikemaker is gearing up to stock its inventories for the festive season. More

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      Royal Enfield Classic Based Zeus Bobber From Neev Motorcycles

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      Royal Enfield Classic Modified Into A Bobber
      Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycles including Classic, Bullet and Thunderbird were discontinued after BS6 emission norms kicked in
      Royal Enfield motorcycles are among the most custom-friendly bikes in the aftermarket industry. A robust frame makes it possible for designers to modify them in a whole new configuration. This is further aided by simple, no-nonsense retro designs of the base models.
      Delhi-based aftermarket workshop Neev Motorcycles has created many such customised Royal Enfield bikes which look unique in composition yet retain classic Royal Enfield characteristics underneath. Another such motorcycle has been designed and conceptualised by Neev which reminds us of good old choppers of Western markets.
      Royal Enfield Classic Bobber Zeus – Design Upgrades
      The donor model used in this case is a Classic 500 which has been converted into a bobber. The bike on the outset looks outrageous and something out of this world and hence has been aptly named after the Greek God ‘Zeus’. Getting into details, the motorcycle has been equipped with a unique fuel tank design that fortifies it with complex curves in order to add a glimpse of novelty to its style.
      As evident, the bike features minimal body panels which gives it a clean look. It wears a beautiful dual-tone custom paint job with glossy black and matte silver. The exhaust has been designed and crafted out of stainless steel which looks premium and ravishing.
      Royal Enfield Classic Modified Into A Bobber
      Other custom-built parts include a finely crafted handlebar, toolbox, and fenders that look aesthetically pleasing. All the components mentioned above have been built by hand.
      Both front and rear fenders have been chopped short while front forks have been covered by aluminium bars. At rear, folks at Neev have incorporated a longer swingarm which is attached to the presumably stock twin shock absorbers.
      Other hand-built accessories include a carburetor cover, wheel covers and a new leather seat. Components such as the headlight, taillight, turn indicators, rearview mirrors and a single pod instrument console are high-end aftermarket accessories.
      Royal Enfield Classic Modified Into A Bobber
      Mechanical Specs
      There are not many details regarding the bike’s engine but therefore it is assumed that the stock powertrain is in place. This 499cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected motor kicked out 27 bhp at 5250 rpm and a peak torque 41.3 Nm at 4000 rpm. The engine is linked to a 5-speed gearbox. Suspension setup consists of telescopic front forks and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear.
      Braking duties are carried out by a 280 mm disc at front and a 240 mm disc or drum at rear. The motorcycle rolls on stock 18-inch wire-spoke wheels shod with chubbier tyres. With an increase in diameter and a new swingarm, wheelbase of the stock Classic 500 has been extended slightly. More

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      Yamaha R15 V4, R15M First Batch Delivery Starts – Walkaround, Exhaust Sound

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      New Yamaha R15M, R15 V4 Delivery Starts. Image – MRD VlogsNew Yamaha R15 V4 will continue to rival the likes of KTM RC 125, Pulsar RS200 and TVS Apache RTR200 4V
      One of the popular entry-level sports bikes in the country, Yamaha R15 has been launched in its new avatar. Yamaha has also launched R15M along with the regular R15 V4. Both bikes get a range of enhancements including visual as well as functional updates.
      New Yamaha R15 V4 Walkaround
      New-gen Yamaha R15 V4 packs in several cosmetic enhancements. Overall styling has been inspired by new YZR-R7 that was unveiled earlier this year in May. R15 V4 has an updated front fascia with LED projector set-up. This replaces the twin-eye LED headlights in use with existing R15 V3. The headlamp is flanked by sharp LED DRLs, which ensure a dominating street presence for the bike.
      Price of the new Yamaha R15 V4 starts from Rs 1.68 lakh for the Metallic Red colour and Rs 1.69 lakh for the Dark Knight. Racing Blue R15 V4 is priced at Rs 1.73 lakh while R15M in Silver costs Rs 1.78 lakh. There is also the R15M Monster Edition, priced at Rs 1.8 lakh. All prices are ex-sh.
      In other updates, R15 V4 gets redesigned visor, sculpted fuel tank, and new fairing. Exhaust has also been updated with a stubbier unit that wears a metallic finish. At the rear, the bike gets sportier tail lamp. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video and exhaust note of new Yamaha R15 V4 and R15M in the video below by MRD Vlogs.
      [embedded content]
      With new R15 V4, Yamaha has also fulfilled the long-pending demand of USD forks. As international-spec R15 V3 is equipped with USD forks, it was a bit of disappointment that the Indian version came with conventional telescopic forks.
      Users can now expect improved ride dynamics and handling, especially at high speeds, when braking or negotiating uneven surfaces. Wrapped in golden shade, the USD forks also work to enhance the bike’s sporty profile.
      Delivery of the new Yamaha R15 V4 as well as that of the R15M has started across India. One of the first owner, of the new R15 in India, is Farhan Ahmed, who also owns previous gen R15. Considering that India is the first country where the R15 V4 has been launched first, Farhan is likely the first owner of new R15 V4 in the world.
      New Yamaha R15M, R15 V4 Delivery Starts. Image – MRD Vlogs
      New Yamaha R15 V4 engine and specs
      Powering new Yamaha R15 V4 is the same 155 cc, liquid cooled, SOHC motor as the current model. It is capable of generating 18.6 ps of max power at 10,000 rpm and 14.1 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh transmission.
      R15 V4 will continue using performance boosting tech such as variable valve actuation (VVA) and assist and slipper clutch. VVA comprises two intake valve cams that are used independently. One is for low to mid-range rpm whereas the other is for high rpm. These switch at 7,400 rpm mark, which ensures optimal torque availability across the rev range including at low rpm.
      Assist and slipper clutch works to ensure smooth gearshifts during rapid deceleration. Another benefit is lighter clutch pull, which reduces rider fatigue. R15 V4 utilizes a deltabox frame with monocross suspension at rear. Braking duties are performed by 282 mm disc at the front and 220 mm disc at rear. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. It also gets traction control as well as quickshifter. More

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      New TVS Jupiter 125 Launch Likely On Oct 7 – Honda Activa Rival

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      TVS Jupiter 125 RenderTVS Jupiter 125 will join the long list of scooters under the 125cc category in India from next month
      TVS has teased the launch of a new product for next month. For now, TVS has not revealed what the produced it. But is likely going to be all new Jupiter 125. The company had previously announced earlier this month that they will be launching two new 125cc models in the near future.
      Post that announcement, TVS has already launched a new 125cc motorcycle called Raider at a starting price of Rs 77,500 (ex-showroom). The next 125cc product in line is expected to be the much awaited 125cc version of Jupiter – the best selling scooter from TVS. Once launched, new TVS Jupiter 125 will take on the likes of Suzuki Access, Honda Activa 125, Hero Destini 125, Maestro Edge 125 and Yamaha Fascino 125.
      Difference in styling and features
      The teaser shared by TVS, hardly reveals anything. It has the text – Come experience more. With the emphasis on the word MORE. Considering that it is the Jupiter 125, you can expect more power, more torque, more features from this upcoming scooter.
      The photo shows a pair of LED DRLs which are expected to be mounted on the front apron. These are different from the ones seen in the current 110cc iteration of Jupiter. The ones shown in the teaser look sleeker and sharper. We can expect a few more subtle cosmetic variations on the upcoming Jupiter 125 in comparison to its lesser powered sibling.
      TVS Jupiter 125 Launch Teaser?
      Also, expect TVS to offer new paint schemes on the new 125cc scooter in order to differentiate from the current Jupiter 110. In addition, new features such as a digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity could be added to the equipment of Jupiter 125. Other features expected to be offered include LED headlight and taillight, USB charger and external fuel filler cap.
      Like the current Jupiter model, the upcoming 125cc Jupiter will also be a practical scooter with decent under-seat storage and a sizeable flat footboard. It will be slightly heavier than the 110cc Jupiter due to a larger engine. That said, underpinnings on the new Jupiter will most probably be identical featuring telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock mounted on swingarm.
      New TVS Jupiter 125 – Expected Powertrain Specs
      Powering Jupiter 125 will be the same 124.8cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine as in Ntorq. In the latter, it is available in two states of tunes- 10.2 PS of power / 10.8 Nm of torque (on Race XP variant) and 9.38 PS of power / 10.5 Nm of torque (standard variants).
      In Jupiter, it is likely to deliver a slightly lower output than the standard Ntorq while being mated to a CVT gearbox. Unlike Ntorq, Jupiter will be equipped with an ET fuel injector instead of a Race Tuned Fuel injector (RT FI) for better fuel economy.
      Jupiter 125 will be the fifth scooter offered by the Hosur-based two-wheeler manufacturer. Its lineup includes scooters such as Scooter Pep+, Scooty Zest, Jupiter 110 and Ntorq 125. It is expected to be positioned in between Jupiter 110 and Ntorq in the company’s scooter lineup. More

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      2021 Ducati Monster India Launch Price Rs 11 L Onwards

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      2021 Ducati MonsterDeliveries of the new Ducati Monster are expected to begin soon – It is available in two trims of Monster and Monster Plus
      After launching the SuperSport 950 in India, Ducati has now announced the launch of its naked iteration – the new 2021 Monster. Price starts from Rs 10.99 lakhs while Monster Plus is priced from Rs 11.24 lakhs. All prices are ex-sh.
      2021 Ducati Monster Prices
      Interested buyers can book the upcoming Monster at a token amount of Rs 1.0 lakh at their nearest Ducati dealerships till the current stocks last. The new generation Monster has been on sale internationally since its global debut last year.
      – Monster Red with Black Wheels – Rs 10, 99,000– Monster Dark Stealth with Black Wheels – Rs 11, 09,000– Monster Aviator Grey with GP Red Wheels – Rs 11, 09,000– Monster Plus Red with Black Wheels – Rs 11, 24,000– Monster Plus Dark Stealth with Black Wheels – Rs 11, 34,000– Monster Plus Aviator Grey with GP Red Wheels – Rs 11, 34,000
      The new-gen Monster features a plethora of changes over its predecessor which not only involves cosmetic overhaul but also mechanical upgrades. The 2021 Monster is underpinned by a new, lightweight frame and powered by a new engine.
      2021 Ducati Monster
      Updated Design
      The new-gen Monster gets serious aesthetic updates over the discontinued Monster 821 which makes it look more menacing. This is thanks to an oval-shaped LED headlight, rear panel, a muscular fuel tank design and a multi-barrel upswept exhaust with a slash-cut design. The integrated LED DRL is reminiscent of the outgoing Monster. The single-piece narrow seat widens the rear to meet the side panels, inspired by Panigale V4.
      All colour options receive a dual-tone theme with the lower portion including the engine bay completely blacked out, accentuating its sporty characteristics. As mentioned earlier, the new-gen Monster is underpinned by a short aluminium frame from the Panigale V4 which is attached directly to engine heads. It is supported by a glass fibre reinforced polymer sub-frame at rear. This results in an extremely nimble kerb weight of 166kg which is a whopping 18 kilos lighter than the previous-gen model.
      Features & New Powertrain
      Equipment on the new-gen Monster is packed with features consisting of full-LED lighting and a 4.3-inch TFT digital instrument display that is compatible with Bluetooth. It gets three riding modes including- Urban, Touring, and Sport. The naked motorcycle is packed with rider-aided electronics which comprise features such as traction control cornering ABS, ride-by-wire, wheelie control, a bi-directional quick-shifter and more.
      Powering this Monster is a 937cc Testastretta L-twin, liquid-cooled engine which also propels SuperSport 950. This motor cranks out 111 bhp at 9,250rpm and 93Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. The motorcycle will be on display across all Ducati dealerships in Delhi – NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Kolkata, and Chennai in the next few days. More

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      Suzuki Sales, Exports Breakup Aug 2021 – Access, Gixxer, Burgman, Intruder

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      Image – Sinha SuzukiSuzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited sold 61,809 units in domestic market and exported 11,654 units in August 2021
      Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited has posted positive YoY growth both in domestic and export markets for August 2021. Domestic sales stood at 61,809 units, up 13.47 percent over 54,471 units sold in August 2020. Exports on the other hand increased 144.47 percent YoY to 11,654 units, up from 4,767 units shipped in the same month of the previous year.
      Suzuki YoY Sales Growth
      Suzuki Access and Burgman posted positive growth in August 2021 while sales of the Gixxer, Gixxer 250 and Intruder dipped. The Access scooter was the best-selling model in the company’s domestic lineup with 49,135 units sold last month, up 18.44 percent over 41,484 units sold in August 2020 and currently commanding a 79.49 percent share.
      Burgman scooter sales on the other hand, increased 34.04 percent to 11,011 units, up from 8,215 units sold in August 2020. It holds a 17.81 percent share and along with the Access, featured on the list of 10 best-selling scooters in India in the past month.
      Suzuki is currently testing its first electric scooter in India which will be based on the Burgman maxi-scooter. The scooter has been spotted in a White and Blue two toned colour scheme reflecting its electric makeup. It is expected to receive a 3-4 kWh battery pack, paired to a 4-6kW electric motor to deliver a range of around 100 kms on single charge and a top speed of around 80 kmph.
      Suzuki Sales And Exports Aug 2021 Vs Aug 2020 (YoY)
      Domestic sales of Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Gixxer dipped 69.17 percent and 30.71 percent respectively to 1,279 units and 282 units in the past month, down from 4,149 units and 407 units sold in August 2020. The company also saw a 72.22 percent de-growth in sales of the Intruder which stood at 60 units, down from 216 units sold in August 2020 while 42 units of the Hayabusa were also sold.
      YoY exports which stood at 11,654 units, up 144.47 units over 4,767 units exported in August 2020 had the Gixxer among its most exported models. Gixxer exports stood at 5,174 units, up 74.97 percent higher as compared to 2,957 units exported in August 2020. Export numbers also increased for the Burgman (3,500 units), Gixxer 250 (2,692 units) and Intruder (188 units), though exports of the Lets scooter dipped 47.9 percent to 100 units in the past month, down from 192 units shipped in August 2020.
      MoM Sales and Exports
      Domestic sales increased 2.01 percent on a MoM basis to 61,809 units up from 60,589 units sold in July 2021, but exports dipped 6.72 percent over 12,494 units shipped in July 2021. In domestic markets, the Access and Burgman posted MoM sales growth up 4.58 percent and 8.98 percent respectively while domestic sales of Gixxer(-56.45 percent), Gixxer 250 (-32.05 percent), Intruder (-48.72 percent) and Hayabusa (-35.4 percent) suffered a de-growth.
      Suzuki Sales And Exports Aug 2021 Vs Jul 2021 (MoM)
      In export markets, MoM sales suffered de-growth with every model in the company lineup posting lower exports except for the Suzuki Burgman and Gixxer 250. Burgman exports increased 23.07 percent MoM to 3,500 units, up from 2,844 units shipped in July 2021 while Gixxer 250 exports stood at 2,692 units, up 18.69 percent over 2,268 units exported in July 2021. Exports of the Hayate and Access failed to take off. More

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      New Yamaha Aerox 155 Vs Aprilia SXR 160 Scooter – Specs Comparison

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      Yamaha Aerox 155
      Yamaha Aerox is a lot closer to being a proper Maxi scooter than SXR 160, thanks to its engine output
      Yamaha has launched its first Maxi-style scooter in India in the form of Aerox 155. The Maxi scooter space in India is pretty unexplored at the moment with the only notable inclusion being Aprilia SXR 160 which was launched last year. The Japanese brand homologated Aerox 155 earlier last month.
      While it won’t specifically cater to the mass segment of scooter buyers, it will definitely create a buzz in the market for those seeking a fun-to-ride scooter. Hence, a comparison of Aerox 155 with its only rival SXR 160 is in order to check how each one stacks up against the other.
      Yamaha Aerox 155
      Design & Dimensions
      Starting with design, both scooters get a Maxi styling with sharp features comprising a front-heavy faired body. It is to be noted that both aren’t full-fledged Maxi scooters as they only provide a visual appeal and only borrow the design aspect from the premium segment of scooters. Both scooters get a twin headlamp setup upfront in the apron with integrated turn indicators and position lights.
      SXR 160 also gets a large visor which Aerox 155 misses out on. Further, Aerox 155 gets a single-piece stepped-up seat whereas the single-piece saddle of SXR 160 is very much flat throughout. Also, the Japanese scooter features separate floorboards for both feet of the rider whereas its Italian counterpart gets a flat floorboard. In terms of dimensions, Aerox is longer than SXR but shorter and slimmer than its nearest rival. It also gets a smaller fuel tank of 5.5-litre capacity.
      New Yamaha Aerox 155 Vs Aprilia SXR 160
      Features And Specs
      In terms of features, both scooters offer a wide range of niceties. Common features on offer include LED headlight and taillights and a USB charging port. Moreover, both scooters get a fully digital instrument console compatible with Bluetooth and Smartphone connectivity. However, Aerox offers a tad more gizmos such as keyless entry and engine start/stop system and a slightly greater under-seat storage at 25 litres.
      Getting into hardware configurations, while Aerox is underpinned by an underbone chassis, SXR features a tubular chassis. Both scooters get telescopic forks upfront while rear suspension units comprise a mono-shock unit and twin shock absorbers in Aprilia and Yamaha. Braking duties on both scooters are carried out by a disc brake at front and drum brake at rear. Further, both scooters ride on 14-inch alloy wheels shod by tubeless tyres.
      Performance And Price
      It is in this department that Yamaha clearly outclasses Aprilia. The 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled motor powering Aerox pumps out 14.75 bhp and 13.8 Nm of peak torque. In comparison, the larger 160cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor propelling SXR only generates 10.8 bhp and 11.6 Nm of peak torque. The Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology in Aerox further improves rideability and power delivery from the motor.
      Aprilia SXR 160 Scooter
      Both Maxi-style scooters are closely priced to each other. While the Italian scooter is priced at Rs 1.25 lakh, its Japanese counterpart is being offered at a starting price of Rs 1.29 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom. More

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      Top 10 Motorcycles 200cc To 500cc Aug 2021 – Classic, Meteor, Pulsar, CB350, KTM

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      Image – DSD CarsRoyal Enfield Himalayan recorded the highest YoY growth at 422.64 percent whereas Classic 350 was the overall highest selling motorcycle in this segment
      There weren’t many options in the premium 200cc-500cc motorcycle segment in India a few years back but today it is a very happening space with multiple offerings. The segment has always been dominated by Royal Enfield and despite a plethora of new options to consider from other brands, RE still remains unmatched in this category.
      A total of 49,263 units of motorcycles from this segment were sold across the country in August 2021. This was only 63 units less than the previous monthly sales volume in July which resulted in marginal degrowth of 0.13 percent. In comparison to August last year, this segment registered a sales volume of 49,326 units with a YoY decline of 19.09 percent.
      Royal Enfield Exudes Dominance
      The segment was led by Classic 350 which recorded 23,453 units which is an MoM growth of 38.86 percent. During the same period last year, Royal Enfield sold 34,791 units of the modern retro-style motorcycle thus recording a YoY decline of 32.59 percent.
      The brand’s latest cruiser offering Meteor 350 recorded a volume of 6,381 units in August this year. During the previous month, this figure stood at 8,777 units translating to an MoM decline of 27 percent.
      Motorcycle Sales 200cc To 500cc Segment – Aug 2021 vs Aug 2020 (YoY)
      Bajaj broke into the list with Pulsar 220 by registering a sales volume of 4,161 units in August this year. In July 2021, this figure stood at 3,484 units, therefore, resulting in an MoM decline of 19.43 percent. YoY decline of 25.13 percent was registered.
      Other Royal Enfield models like Bullet, Himalayan and Electra occupied the fourth, fifth and sixth places respectively. Out of these three, only Himalayan accounted for growth in both MoM (1.47 percent) and YoY (422.64 percent).
      KTM, Honda, Yamaha Lag Behind
      The 250 series of KTM recorded a sales volume of 1,444 units last month which accounted for MoM growth of 44.11 percent and YoY growth of 3.81 percent. Honda witnessed a downfall in sales of CB350 by 1,238 units in August this year. The Japanese brand recorded a volume of 1,047 units thus resulting in a MoM decline of 54.18 percent.
      Motorcycle Sales 200cc To 500cc Segment – Aug 2021 vs Jul 2021 (MoM)
      Yamaha was able to dispatch 991 units of FZ25 last month across the country translating to a YoY decline of 43 percent and MoM growth of 19.25 percent. The 390 Series of KTM registered a sales volume of 760 units with a YoY decline of 3.18 percent and an MoM growth of 12.43 percent. Avenger 220 Cruise from Bajaj recorded a sales volume of 641 units with an MoM and YoY decline of 4 percent and 24.14 percent.
      Bajaj sold 582 units of Dominar 400 and 400 units of its quarter-litre sibling last month. Both tourers witnessed a positive MoM growth of 41.61 percent and 11.39 percent respectively. However, their YoY figures declined by 24.90 percent and 66.59 percent respectively. More