More stories

  • in

    BMW Electric Two Wheeler Concept Combining Bicycle And Motorbike

    New BMW Electric Motorcycle / Bicycle ConceptElectric two-wheeler space has virtually limitless possibilities in terms of design, form and function
    As part of its plans to introduce innovative products for urban mobility, BMW Motorrad has unveiled the Vision AMBY concept. By combining the benefits of a bicycle and a motorbike, BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY could spawn an entirely new range of electric two-wheelers in the future. Battery powered electric bicycles already exist, but Vision AMBY is way ahead in terms of hi-tech features, usability and practicality.
    BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY design and features
    A quick glance reveals that Vision AMBY is just like any other bicycle. However, in functional terms, it’s more of a motorbike. At the front, the bike has a small headlight and a U-shaped BMW Motorrad light signature. The latter is indicative of the origins of this concept electric bike. Other unique aspects of the bike include its large-dimensioned front forks. These are covered with thick protectors, which ensure a rugged look and feel for the bike.
    Handlebar is placed ergonomically and at the right height, suitable for both on-road and off-road tracks. The bike utilizes 26-inch wheel at the front and 24-inch wheel at rear. These are shod with chunky tyres, the front being thinner for optimal turning. Rear tyre is relatively thicker and rounder, which enhances its off-roading capabilities.
    The bike is equipped with a sleek seat that seamlessly merges with the rising upper frame. Combined with taller front section, the stance looks similar to that of a BMW Enduro motorbike. At the rear, the bike has double LED element tail light.
    New BMW Electric Motorcycle / Bicycle Concept
    BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY range and specs
    As per WMTC, the bike has range of around 110 km. Three ride modes are available, allowing varying speeds based on type of track. The bike is fitted with intelligent systems that can automatically detect the type of track. Speed is then accordingly adjusted. For cycle paths, the bike can travel at speeds of up to 25 kmph. For city roads and out of town / multi-lane roads, top speed is 45 kmph and 60 kmph, respectively.
    For travelling at higher speeds, the rider will need driving licence, insurance licence plate and helmet. These requirements are the same as that of riding a standard motorbike. Vision AMBY comes with a throttle grip for acceleration. It does not have pedals. It is to note that BMW Motorrad has unveiled another e-bike named i Vision AMBY. This comes with pedals instead of a throttle grip. To get power from electric drive, the rider has to continuously use the pedal.
    Battery and drive unit on Vision AMBY are integrated into a compact casing placed at the centre. Overall, the bike weighs 65 kg. This is much lighter in comparison to standard electric two-wheelers.
    For an interactive experience, BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY is equipped with smartphone connectivity. The bike is future-proof, as it can be updated with a host of features. Possibilities for the future include an optimized ABS system, tyre pressure monitoring system, and proximity warning radar. More

  • in

    KTM Duke Based 2022 Husqvarna New Gen Spied Testing For First Time

    New gen 2022 Husqvarna SvartpilenSvartpilen 401 is manufactured in India by Bajaj, but it is currently meant only for export markets
    With its compact, sporty profile, peppy performance and ability to tackle varied terrains, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 has emerged as a popular choice in several global markets. Now a new model has been spotted in UK, which appears to be the successor to existing variant. The test mule can be seen with a multitude of updates, so much so that it can be easily mistaken for an entirely new product.
    New Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 key updates
    One of the most striking changes is the new steel trellis frame. It has an entirely new design and is visually sportier and more pronounced, as compared to that of current model. More of the frame is now exposed, which works to enhance the bike’s rugged character. For example, the rear trellis sub-frame is now clearly visible. In the current model, the rear sub-frame is hidden under side panels.
    One interesting thing to note is that the test mule has its trellis frame in white shade. While it creates an exciting contrast against blacked-out components, this theme is unlikely to make it to production stage. Going by its core meaning of ‘Black Arrow’, the trellis frame will eventually be blacked-out for Svartpilen 401. Unless of course, Husqvarna has plans to be more flexible in its approach and focus exclusively on things that look better.
    Another key change is a new alloy lattice swingarm that has been bolted to the back of the frame. It appears to be similar to the one currently in use with KTM motorcycles. Visually, the lattice swingarm seems lighter as compared to the one used on existing model.
    New gen 2022 Husqvarna Svartpilen
    New Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 gets a standard tail section with space for number plate. The current model has a non-existent tail section and number plate is mounted on rear tyre hugger. Other changes evident on the test mule include a new radial front brake calliper. This should be able to improve the bike’s braking capabilities.
    The bike has also been fitted with a compact fly screen. However, it’s not certain if it will be offered as standard or as an accessory. Another likely update could be a full-colour TFT instrument console. However, it’s not clear in these spy shots.
    New Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 engine
    It is evident that the test mule is equipped with a new engine. It looks almost same to the ones spotted with new KTM 390 Duke and RC390. As the engine panels appear entirely new, a major overhaul could be expected. The focus could be on improving efficiency and performance rather than just jacking up power and torque output.
    New gen 2022 Husqvarna Svartpilen
    In its current form, Svartpilen 401 is powered by a 373 cc, single cylinder motor that is capable of generating 44 hp of max power at 9,000 rpm and 37 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
    As the test mule doesn’t seem to be production-ready, launch this year is unlikely. With the updates, new Svartpilen 401 could get costlier. The current model is offered at a starting price of £4,849 in UK.
    New gen 2022 Husqvarna Svartpilen
    Source More

  • in

    Top 10 Motorcycles 150cc To 200cc Jul 2021 – Apache, Pulsar, R15, MT15, Gixxer

    New Yamaha MT15 with Bluetooth launch soonHonda X Blade witnessed the maximum MoM growth of 952.75 percent and while KTM 200 witnessed the highest YoY growth of 115.47 percent
    The 150cc-200cc segment of motorcycles has remained one of the most sought-after segments of two-wheelers in India over the years. A total of 1,18,581 bikes from this category were sold across the country in July 2021. This led to an MoM growth of 15.20 percent while the YoY monthly sales declined 8.48 percent.
    Apache, Pulsar Dominate Segment
    The segment was headed by TVS-branded Apache motorcycle with 27,288 units of the sporty motorcycles dispatched to dealerships across the country last month. In comparison, TVS sold 30,233 units of Apache in June this year and 33,664 units in July last year.
    This led to a decline in MoM as well as YoY sales volume by 9.74 percent and 18.94 percent respectively. Apache was closely followed by its rival Pulsar brand of motorcycles from Bajaj Auto.
    The Chakan-based manufacturer sold 26,943 units of Pulsar motorcycles last month. This figure stood at 38,769 units during July last year and 28,344 units in June this year. It translated to negative YoY and MoM growths of 30.50 and 4.94 percent.
    Motorcycle Sales 150cc-200cc segment Jul 2021 vs Jul 2020 (YoY)
    Japanese Brands Enjoy Success
    Honda broke into the list in third place by selling 21,735 units of Unicorn 160 last month. In June this year, the Japanese auto giant dispatched 17,260 units of the sporty commuter whereas in July last year, this figure stood at 20,213 units. This meant an MoM growth of 25.93 percent and a YoY growth of 7.53 percent.
    Another Japanese OEM made the list in fourth place by shipping 18,066 units of FZ. This translated to an MoM growth of 63 percent and YoY growth of 20.06 percent. Yamaha continued its positive streak with R15 by selling 7,280 units of the entry-level superbike. The faired sportbike registered MoM and YoY growths of 45 percent and 6 percent respectively.
    Yamaha R15 was followed by its naked sibling, MT15, by recording a sales volume of 5,316 units last month as opposed to 3,928 units sold in July last year and 3,628 units in June this year. This has resulted in YoY growth of 35.34 percent and YoY growth of 46.53 percent.
    Motorcycle Sales 150cc-200cc segment Jul 2021 vs Jun 2021 (MoM)
    Suzuki sold 2,937 units of Gixxer in July this year against 1,034 units in June and 2,162 units during July last year. This translates to MoM and YoY growth of 184 percent and 35.85 percent.
    Others trailing behind
    Hero entered the list by selling 2,302 units of Xtreme 160R last month and gaining MoM growth of 126.35 percent. 2,019 units of 200cc motorcycles from KTM were dispatched across India thus witnessing a YoY growth of 115.47 percent and MoM growth of 43.80 percent. Bajaj sold 1,866 units of Avenger 150 Street in July this year. The cruiser registered MoM growth of 8.68 percent and a YoY decline of 38.50 percent. More

  • in

    Royal Enfield New Classic 350 Vs Old Classic 350 – Vibration Test

    Image – Nitin AutoroidsThe 2021 RE Classic 350 comes in with a fresh range of features and new J series, 349cc engine which it shares with the Meteor 350
    Royal Enfield has launched the new Classic 350 retro styled motorcycle. This motorcycle has a strong fan base in the country. In its new avatar, the 2021 RE Classic 350 gets some feature updates. It is being offered in 5 trims of Redditch, Halcyon, Signals, Dark and Chrome.
    Bookings have opened on the company website, or at the nearest Royal Enfield Store while customers can book test rides and customize their Classic 350 via the Royal Enfield App. The new RE Classic 350 comes in with a 3 year warranty along with 1 year Roadside Assistance (RSA).
    Vibration Test – Old vs New Royal Enfield Classic 350
    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 gets to a new J Series, single cylinder, 4 stroke, EFI unit that also powers the Meteor 350. This engine offers 20.2 hp power at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm mated to a 5 speed constant mesh gearbox.
    This engine continues to give out the prototypical thump of exhaust as seen on its current counterpart. Not only that, it is this engine which has removed the vibrations from Classic 350. You feel no vibrations while riding the motorcycle. Minor vibrations seep in once you cross 80-100 kmph. Take a look at the vibration test of Royal Enfield New Classic 350 Vs Old Classic 350 in the video below by Nitin Autoroids.
    [embedded content]
    Dimensions and Features
    2021 RE Classic 350 measures 2,145mm in length, 785 mm in width and 1,090mm in height. It sits on a 1,390 wheelbase and gets ground clearance at 170 mm which is 3mm higher compared to the outgoing model. Fuel tank capacity stands at 13 liters. Braking is via front disc brake and rear drum brake with single channel ABS offered as standard. It receives telescopic suspension and rear twin tube emulsion shocks while it rides on 19 inch wheel front and 18 inch wheel at the rear.
    Feature updates seen on the new Classic 350 shows off a new semi digital instrument cluster with analogue speedometer and LCD with fuel display and odometer. It also gets a new lighting system with halogen bulbs – an updated headlamp unit and refreshed tail lamp cluster. It sports Royal Enfield’s Tripper Navigation System and a new USB port positioned just below the handlebar.
    Price and Colour Options
    RE Classic entry level Redditch is priced at Rs 1,84,374 while Classic 350 Halcyon carries a price tag of Rs 1,92,123. The Signals variant is at Rs 2,04,367 while the top of the line Dark and Chrome variants are priced at Rs 2,11,465 and Rs 2,15,118 respectively – all prices are ex-showroom Delhi.
    RE Classic 350 is being presented in a total of 11 colour options. The Redditch trim gets two colours of Redditch Sage Green and Redditch Grey. Classic 350 Halcyon variant comes in three colours of Halcyon Green, Halcyon Black and Halcyon Grey while the Signals variant has two options of Signals Marsh Grey and Signals Desert Sand.
    RE Classic 350 Dark variant will sport colour options of Dark Stealth Black and Dark Gunmetal Grey while the top spec Chrome variant gets two colours of Chrome Red and Chrome Bronze. Classic 350 will continue to rival the Honda H’Ness CB350, Benelli Imperiale and Jawa models. More

  • in

    Hero Splendor Electric Conversion Kit Launched For Rs 35k By GoGoA1

    Hero Splendor with EV Conversion Kit By GoGoA1The EV conversion kit developed by GoGo1 is the first such conversion kit for motorcycles approved by RTO
    The global auto industry has unequivocally lent its support to electric mobility as battery-powered vehicles are seen as the best way to bring down emission levels. While new electric vehicles (EVs) are being brought to life every other day, there is no hiding the fact that the majority of mobility solutions at present still run on fossil fuels.
    To have an immediate impact on bringing down emission levels, many existing IC engine vehicles would require to run on battery. This could happen only with an EV conversion kit where the conventional IC engine is replaced with an electric powertrain comprising a battery and an electric motor.
    While an EV conversion kit for cars was recently launched a few weeks ago, a similar conversion kit for motorcycles has been developed and launched last month. Conceptualised by a Thane-based EV startup named GoGoA1, this is the first instance where an EV conversion kit for two-wheelers has been approved by RTO.
    More Details
    Cost of this conversion kit has been pegged at Rs 35,000 while an additional GST of Rs 6,300 is also applied. The entire kit is being provided with a 3-year warranty. This is excluding the battery pack. If you want the 151 kms range battery, the entire kit and battery cost will take the price to Rs 95,000. This excludes the cost of the donor motorcycle.
    Hero Splendor with EV Conversion Kit By GoGoA1
    Other components of this EV conversion kit consist of a DC to DC converter, a new throttle, wiring harness, key switch with controller box and new swing arms. Orders for this EV conversion kit can be booked online through the company’s official website. The materials will be delivered and installed at the local installation centre of GoGoA1.
    At present, GoGoA1 has local installation setups in 36 RTOs across the country which is expected to be expanded soon. Since it has been approved by RTO, its insurance will be applicable and its valuation will be updated accordingly. Also, since it is an EV the registration number on the bike won’t change but it would be provided a new green number plate.
    Powertrain Specs
    This EV conversion kit consists of a 2.8kWh battery pack that feeds energy to a 2kW brushless electric motor which is mounted on the hub of the rear wheel. A prototype of this kit has been fitted on a Hero Splendor which has been shown in the video attached below.
    [embedded content]
    The hub motor is integrated with a drum brake which comprises brake and shoes sourced from Bajaj Pulsar. Nominal output stands at 2.4 bhp and 63 Nm of torque. However, peak output could be stretched to 6.2 bhp (4.6kW) and 63 Nm of torque.
    Modified Hero Splendor Electric with this powertrain is claimed to attain a top speed of 80 kmph while it can return a range of 151 kms on a full charge. This powertrain has been equipped with battery regeneration technology which could recover 5-20 percent of the battery with the help of a 65A regenerative controller. Maximum efficiency of the electric motor has been rated at 92 percent. More

  • in

    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Registrations Open In Chennai, Hyderabad

    Bajaj Chetak Bookings OpenBajaj Chetak competes against the likes of TVS iQube, Ather 450X and the upcoming Ola S1 and Simple One
    Bajaj Auto has reopened bookings for its sole electric two-wheeler offering Chetak. The company has expanded the e-scooter’s footprints to two new cities- Chennai and Hyderabad. Registrations for Chetak have commenced for the two new places in addition to the six cities in which the electric scooter was already available.
    These included Pune, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Aurangabad, Mysore and Mangalore. Interested buyers in these places can visit the brand’s official website and book the electric scooter. This requires them to authenticate themselves by filling in their contact number and then entering the OTP.
    Bajaj Chetak Registrations Open In Chennai And Hyderabad
    Once done, the buyer needs to fill out details such as city, dealer, variant and the colour of the scooter of his/her choice. After the selections have been filled, the detailed price break up of Chetak will be displayed on screen.
    The electric scooter can be booked at a token amount of Rs 2,000. It is to be noted that there only a limited number of Chetak on offer. Bookings will be closed after that.
    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Bookings Open
    Chetak Powertrain Specs
    Getting into specifications, Chetak electric scooter is powered by a 3.8kW electric motor that delivers a peak output of 5.4 bhp and 16.2 Nm of torque. The motor is fed energy from a 3kWh IP67 rated lithium-ion battery which offers a maximum range of up to 90 kms (in Eco mode) on a single charge. It takes 5 hours for the battery to get fully charged from 0-100 percent. The powertrain is available in two modes- Sport and Eco.
    Features, Variants on offer
    Bajaj has equipped the e-scooter with many innovative features including a reverse assist mode, regenerative braking and an onboard Intelligent Battery Management System (IBMS) to control charge and discharge seamlessly. Further, it gets modern amenities such as LED lighting, a USB charging port and a fully digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity.
    Chetak is offered in two variants- Urban and Premium. Price starts from Rs 1.41 lakh, ex-sh Pune (FAME price). It is available in a total of six colour options including pink, blue, black, red, yellow and white. Bajaj is hoping to expand the presence of Chetak by making it accessible in over 20 locations across India by next year.
    Newer Arrivals
    The Chakan-based two-wheeler manufacturer seems to be losing out to newbies in the electric mobility space. New electric scooters from Ola Electric, Simple Energy and Ather Energy are more premium offerings with better performance and range which are offered at similar or lower prices. Hence, Bajaj has its work cut out to iron out its limitations. More

  • in

    2021 Kawasaki KX250, KX450 India Launch Price Rs 8 Lakh Onwards

    New Kawasaki KX450Kawasaki also offers its entry-level motocross in the form of KX100 in India which is priced at Rs 4.87 lakh (ex-showroom)
    Kawasaki has launched the latest iterations of its adventure twins- KX250 and KX450 in India at a price of Rs. 7.99 lakh and Rs. 8.59 lakh respectively (both prices ex-showroom). Both motorcycles are meant for hardcore off-roading and could be classified as proper dirt bikes. These are not road-legal motorcycles.
    Bookings for the new KX250 and KX450 are open at all Kawasaki dealerships across the country. Starting with their design, both KX250 and KX450 are very similar in their styling barring a few minor variations. Underpinning the dirt bikes is a revised lightweight aluminium frame that is claimed to improve dynamics of the motorcycles.
    Updated Styling, Ergoomics
    Design of the motorcycles hasn’t been tinkered with, however, ergonomics on both bikes have been improved. This involves a redesigned fuel tank, a flatter tank seat and slimmer shrouds.
    The Japanese bikemaker has fitted the dirt bikes with an ERGO FIT adjustable handlebar while footpegs have also been repositioned. Further, the handlebar on both bikes has been equipped with a Renthal aluminium Fatbar as a standard feature to counter vibrations.
    New Kawasaki KX250
    Revised Hardware Configuration
    Handling of the bike has been improved too with a retuned race-ready suspension setup comprising 49mm inverted telescopic forks at front and a new Unit Trak unit at rear. Both units are adjustable for compression and rebound damping. For KW250, the suspension travel is pegged at 314mm and 316mm front and rear respectively.
    For K450, the figures stand at 305mm and 307mm for front and rear respectively. Braking hardware consists of single disc brakes with 270mm rotor and twin-piston calipers at front and 250mm rotor and a single-piston caliper at rear. KX250 weighs 107 kilos while KX450 tips the weighing scales at 110kg.
    Retuned powertrain
    Significant updates have been made to the powertrain for improved performance. KX250 is powered by a 249cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with factory-racer tuning. While exact output figures haven’t been shared, peak power output has been increased by 1.4 PS.
    New Kawasaki KX450
    This has been achieved by Revised processing for the throats of intake and exhaust manifolds. Also, crankcase has been redesigned to reduce weight which has impacted performance.
    A similar set of updates has also been made on the 449cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine powering KX450. Both powertrains are paired with a 5-speed gearbox. This is the first time that Kawasaki is offering a hydraulic clutch on its motocrosser range.
    More importantly, both motorcycles are offered with an electric start previously not offered. There is nothing much on offer as creature comforts since these bikes are built for a different purpose. Both bikes, however, receive a launch control mode. More

  • in

    Two Wheeler Sales Aug 2021 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Suzuki, Royal Enfield

    Image – Gentleman BikesHero, Honda and TVS commanded the domestic list while Bajaj Auto Limited was the favoured two wheeler maker in exports
    As the country enters the festive season, two wheeler sales have noted a definite surge over the past two months. Taking the leading two wheeler makers into account, total sales stood at 12,71,455 units in August 2021, up 5.90 percent MoM over 12,00,621 units sold in July 2021. However, when compared to August 2020 sales, numbers dipped 14.91 percent over 14,94,176 units sold in August 2020.
    Hero Maintains Lead – Honda Catches Up
    Hero MotoCorp lead the list with 4,31,137 units sold last month, down 24.19 percent over 5,68,678 units sold in August 2020. MoM sales remained flat at 4,31,137 units sold in the past month as against 4,29,208 units sold in July 2021. The company currently commands a 33.91 percent share and hopes for a revival with the upcoming festive season.
    Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India registered a YoY de-growth of 6.25 percent in August 2021 to 4,01,469 units sold as against 4,28,231 units sold in August 2020. Currently commanding a 31.58 percent share, the company has however, reported a 18.03 percent growth in a MoM basis as against 3,40,133 units sold in July 2021. At No. 3 was TVS Motors with de-growth of 17.6 percent YoY to 1,79,999 units sold but a 2.76 percent MoM growth from 1,75,169 units sold in July 2021.
    Bajaj Auto Limited suffered an 11.36 percent YoY de-growth to 1,57,971 units in August 2021 while MoM sales increased 1.11 percent over 1,56,232 units sold in July 2021. Suzuki sales surged 16.31 percent YoY and 2.01 percent MoM. Royal Enfield sales dipped 1.87 percent YoY and 0.56 percent MoM.
    Two Wheeler Sales Aug 2021
    Two Wheeler Exports
    Total exports stood at 3,45,053 units in the past month, up 41.01 percent over 2,44,698 units shipped in August 2020. MoM exports dipped 1.34 percent as against 3,49,728 units exported in July 2021.
    In export markets, Bajaj Auto scored at the top of the list with 26.25 percent YoY growth to 1,80,339 units shipped in the past month up from 1,42,838 units sold in August 2020. July 2021 exports stood at 1,74,337 units relating to a 3.44 percent growth. TVS shipments increased 60.16 percent to 94,314 units in the past month, up from 58,888 units shipped in August 2020. July 2021 had seen shipments of 87,559 units relating to a 7.71 percent growth.
    Honda has registered exports to the tune of 29,214 units in August 2021, up 85.63 percent over 15,738 units sold in August 2020. MoM exports however dipped 35.65 percent over 45,400 units shipped in July 2021. Hero MotoCorp exports increased 44.10 percent to 22,742 units last month, up from 15,782 units shipped in August 2020. MoM exports also dipped 9.72 percent over 25,190 units sold in July 2021.
    Two Wheeler Exports Aug 2021
    Suzuki and Royal Enfield exports increased 31.25 percent and 163.89 percent on a YoY basis. However, Suzuki suffered de-growth in terms of MoM shipments to 11,654 units, down from 12,494 units shipped in July 2021. Royal Enfield’s MoM exports increased 43.01 percent to 6,748 units in August 2021 over 4,748 units shipped in July 2021. The new Classic 350 has been added to the company lineup which is expected to draw in more demand both in domestic and export markets. More