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      Yamaha R2 Trademark Filed – New 200cc Motorcycle Based On R15?

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      Image for reference. Credit – Moto SonicYamaha is testing a new model in India, but it’s not certain if it is R15 V4, R3 or something else
      In a new development, it has been revealed that Yamaha has trademarked a new name ‘R2’. This name has been registered in several international markets such as Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Philippines. Going by the company’s usual naming convention, R2 is likely to be a 200cc motorcycle. Other bikes in this range include R15, R3, R6, R7 and the litre-class R1.
      Inspired by R7
      As the test mule spotted on road tests in India was heavily camouflaged, there are different viewpoints as to exactly which model it is. Among the things that can be said with a certain level of conviction is that the test mule borrows styling bits from its elder sibling R7.
      This is especially true for the front fascia, where we can see a single LED headlight setup and integrated sleek LED DRLs. Side panels also appear to be inspired from Yamaha R7. However, ambiguities exist due to the camouflage.
      Another thing to note is that the test mule appears to be bigger than R15 V3. This creates the possibility that Yamaha’s new bike for the Indian market could be R3 or even R2. However, with limited info available, it’s just speculations at this point of time.
      Yamaha R2 Trademark Filed
      One thing that is quite clear is that the test mule has USD forks at the front. In international markets, both R15 and R3 are equipped with USD forks.
      Yamaha R2 engine
      As of now, Yamaha does not have a 200cc motor that could possibly comply with stringent emission standards such as Euro 5 or BS6. In essence, if the company is serious about a 200cc bike, it will have to design and develop the engine from scratch. Considering that the name has been registered, Yamaha may have already started working on or already developed a 200cc motor.
      Registering a name, however, does not necessarily mean that the product will be launched. Often, auto companies operate as part of their proactive strategy to safeguard certain names that could be used in the future. It is possible that the new R2 name could have been registered on the same lines.
      With the R2, users can expect better performance in comparison to R15 V3. The latter is equipped with a 155cc, liquid cooled, SOHC motor that is capable of generating max power of 18.6 ps at 10,000 rpm and peak torque of 14.1 Nm at 8,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh transmission. Just like R15, R2 is likely to be equipped with features like Variable Valves Actuation (VVA). More

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      Ola Electric Scooter Reverse Mode Teased – Deliveries Across India From Day 1

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      Ola Electric ScooterOla electric scooter is expected to share most of its specs and features with its Dutch twin- Etergo Appscooter
      Ola CEO and co-founder, Bhavish Aggarwal, has finally confirmed a launch date for the company’s highly anticipated electric scooter. The e-scooter will officially be launched on 15th August, India’s 75th Independence Day. On the same day, Simple Energy is also launching their electric scooter. Specifications and price of the upcoming scooter are expected to be revealed on the launch date itself.
      Pre-bookings for the electric scooter started a couple of weeks ago at a token amount of just Rs 499. Within 24 hours, the company claimed that it had earned bookings well over a lakh though the current number of bookings is unavailable. What is known is that Ola Electric has received bookings from more than 1,000 cities across India. What is even more fascinating is that Ola has stated that they will start deliveries across India – from Day 1.
      Variants & Colour Options
      Ola Electric, the EV manufacturing arm of the mobility sharing major, has filed three trademarks for three names which are Series S, S1, and S1 Pro. In all probability, the upcoming scooter would be called Series S whereas S1 and S1 Pro are likely to be the two variants on offer.
      The overall design of the e-scooter is expected to remain similar regardless of the variant. The difference between the variants is expected to be in terms of colour options and ride range. Speaking of colour options, the company earlier teased the various paint schemes on offer. The electric scooter will be offered in both matte and glossy finishes in nine shades including Red, Blue, Yellow, Silver, Gold, Pink, Black, Blue, Grey and White. It will also get a reverse mode, which is now teased officially.
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      Expected Specs & Features
      Other than this, previous teasers have indicated that the new e-scooter from Ola will offer a range of class-leading attributes such as under-seat storage, single-charge range and app-based keyless access to the scooter.
      While exact specs of the electric scooter are not yet known, it has been revealed that the upcoming Ola scooter will be based on Etergo Appscooter. Hence, most of its specs and features are expected to be borrowed from its Dutch twin. This includes alloy wheels, a Lithium-ion battery, a 6kW motor, a digital instrument console, cloud connectivity and more. The digital instrument display will additionally feature Bluetooth connectivity that will allow users to pair their smartphones with the scooter.
      Ola Futurefactory
      The electric scooter will reportedly be manufactured at the company’s new facility which is being built at a frantic pace in Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu. Called the Ola Futurefactory, this 500-acre facility will be the largest electric two-wheeler manufacturing plant in the world. Once operational, this plant will have an annual production capacity of 2 million units in the first phase.
      In all likelihood, the first batch of scooters will be locally manufactured in India. This will help the company to price it under Rs 1 lakh along with a slew of benefits offered by the FAME II policies and subsidies from the state government. Ola is also building a massive Hypercharging network comprising 400 cities across India. More

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      BMW G310R And G310GS Price Hike Aug 2021 – New Price List

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      Image – Behindwoods AirThe recent price hike is not across product range but only for 3 of its models G310R, G 310GS and 1250GSA Pro
      BMW Motorrad India has increased prices of G310R and G310GS in India with effect from 1st August 2021. The street-naked motorcycle and adventure-tourer receive a price hike of Rs 10,000 respectively. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Vinod Natesan for sharing the update.
      Following the price increase, BMW G 310 R now retails at Rs 2.60 lakh from an earlier pricing of Rs 2.50 lakh while the G 310 GS costs Rs 3.00 lakh as against its earlier price of Rs 2.90 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom India.
      BMW G310 GS On Road Price Aug 2021
      This is the second time this year that the company has hiked prices for these two model. In January 2021, BMW Motorrad had hiked prices by Rs 5,000. Price of the R 1250 GSA Pro has also been increased from 1st August 2021 by Rs 5,000 and now retails at Rs 22.40 lakh from Rs 22.35 lakhs. All other prices in the company range remain unchanged.
      In Jan 2021, the company also hiked price of the F900 range wherein the F900R cost Rs 90,000 more at Rs 10.80 lakh while the F 900 XR, Standard and Pro saw Rs 45,000 and Rs 90,000 hike respectively to current prices of Rs 10.95 lakh and 12.40 lakh.
      BMW Motorrad India Price Aug 2021
      Latest Launches From BMW Motorrad India
      BMW Motorrad recently launched the 2021 BMW R 1250 GS range with new features and colour options. These two motorcycles, which come in as CBUs, are powered by a 1254cc, 2 cylinder, in-line Boxer engine offering 136 hp power at 7,750 rpm and 143 Nm torque at 6,250 rpm. On board features include dynamic traction control, integral ABS Pro, hill start control, engine brake control and for the first time a 6 axis IMU. Customers can also opt for cornering headlamps.
      Standard features also see full LED lighting, a TFT instrument cluster, USB socket and multiple ride modes. Colour options on the BMW R 1250 GS include Solid White and Triple Black while the Adventure version comes in with Triple Black and Ice Grey colour scheme. In India, BMW R 1250 GS range competes with the soon to be launched Harley Davidson Pan America 1250.
      In June 2021, BMW Motorrad also launched the 2021 BMW S 1000 R. It is presented in three trims of Standard at Rs 17.9 lakh, Pro at Rs 19.75 lakh the Pro M Sport at Rs 22.50 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom). BMW S 1000 R comes in as a completely built-up unit (CBU).
      It gets its power via a 999cc, in-line 4 engine that also powers the S 1000RR but de-tuned to offer 167 hp power at 11,000 rpm and 114 Nm torque at 9,250 rpm. The gearbox has also been optimized for street use sporting longer 4th, 5th and 6th gear as compared to that seen on the RR, offering lower revs for cruising. The S 1000 R competes with Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS, Ducati Streetfighter V4 and Kawasaki Z H2. More

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      2021 Bajaj Dominar 250 Updated With Dual Tone Colours – Same Price

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      2021 Bajaj Dominar 250Colour choices can play an important role in purchase decisions, especially among the young
      Aiming to boost sales, Bajaj has introduced three new colour options for Dominar 250. These are essentially orange, yellow and black in a dual-tone combo with matt silver. In the company’s lingo, these new colours for Dominar 250 are being referred to as Sparkling Black and Matt Silver, Citrus Rush and Matt Silver and Racing Red and Matt Silver.
      Sportier look and feel
      These new colour options have enhanced the overall aesthetics of Dominar 250. Key design elements of the bike are now more pronounced, which ensure a sharper look and feel. Earlier, Dominar 250 was offered in only two colour options. One of these called Canyon Red is a combo of red and black. The other called Charcoal Black is essentially an all-black theme.
      In the new colour schemes, there’s an interesting play of three different shades. While matt silver and black comprise the base background colour, the contrasting yellow, orange and sparking black work to highlight the bike’s core silhouette. These contrasting shades can be seen on the headlight, front fender, engine cowl, fuel tank and rear tail section. Wheel rim strips are also in the respective contrasting shade.
      Another key feature is that wheels are painted white in all three variants. In the earlier colour themes, wheels sported a blacked-out look. However, design of alloy wheels is the same. It is to note that white coloured wheels are also available with Pulsar NS 160, NS 200 and RS 200.
      2021 Bajaj Dominar 250
      Apart from the new colours, Bajaj has also reduced price of Dominar 250. From Rs 1.71 lakh earlier, prices were reduced to Rs 1.54 lakh in July. A price cut of almost 17k is not only significant, but also surprising.
      2021 Bajaj Dominar 250
      It’s because most other OEMs have announced multiple price hikes this year. Reduced price of Dominar 250 has not resulted in any changes or deletion of features. The bike is the same as earlier, but somehow Bajaj has been able to make it more affordable for potential customers.
      Dominar 250 engine and specs
      Except the new colours, there are no other changes to Dominar 250. It is powered by a 248.77cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, twin spark, FI engine that is capable of generating max power of 27 PS at 8500 rpm and peak torque of 23.5 Nm at 6500. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and comes with assist and slipper clutch.
      2021 Bajaj Dominar 250
      The bike utilizes a beam type perimeter frame integrated with USD forks at the front and multi-step adjustable monoshock with Nitrox at the rear. Braking duties are performed by 300 mm disc at front and 230 mm disc at rear. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. More

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      New Honda U-GO Electric Scooter Debuts With 133 Kms Range

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      Honda U-Go Electric ScooterWhile Honda has no intentions of bringing the U-Go e-scooter to India anytime soon, it would make a very tempting buy considering all the benefits added
      Honda’s future in electric mobility especially in the two-wheeler segment has been a point of discussion in recent months. While the auto giant has filed multiple patents for electric two-wheelers in India, none of them are confirmed to reach production levels eventually as of now.
      On the other hand, in China, Honda has already marked its presence in the electric mobility space. Wuyang Honda, the Chinese arm of Honda Motor Company, has launched a new electric scooter named U-Go at a rather affordable starting price of CNY 7,499 (approx. INR 86,000) and is offered in two variants- regular and low-speed.
      Simple Design
      The latter is priced at CNY 7,999 (approx. INR 91,700). In terms of design, it does remind us a wee bit of Ather 450X but no, it isn’t a Chinese rip-off, especially with the scooter donning the brand name of Honda. The company has adopted a clean and minimalist design approach for this electric scooter. It flaunts a sleek LED headlight with triple beams on the front apron and an LED DRL strip encircling the main cluster.
      The turn indicators are neatly integrated on the sides of the handlebar. The rear flaunts a slim LED taillight along with a single-piece pillion grab rail integrated onto the body. It gets a generously sized 350mm long floorboard. The blacked-out panels on the handlebar, floorboard, underbelly, tail section, rear suspension and rear mudguard add a hint of sporty contrast. The single-piece flat seat promises fairly simple riding ergonomics.
      Honda U-Go Electric Scooter
      Features on offer
      In terms of features, U-Go e-scooter gets a fairly spacious boot with an under-seat storage capacity of 26 litres. Other features include all-LED illumination, a utility glove box, an anti-theft alarm and a USB charging port.
      More importantly, it gets an LCD instrument console that provides basic information like speed, range, battery status and riding mode. The scooter rides on 12-inch front and 10-inch rear alloy wheels.
      Specifications
      Coming to its specifications, U-Go is powered by a 48V 30Ah Lithium-ion removable battery pack which is coupled with a 1.2kW hub motor on the regular model. The low-speed variant gets a less powerful 800W motor. The powertrain returns a maximum range of 65km which can be doubled 130km by the addition of a second battery. However, the addition of the second battery comes at the cost of reduced under-seat storage.
      Honda U-Go Electric Scooter
      The regular variant offers a top speed of 53kmph. Suspension duties on the electric scooter are handled by telescopic forks at front and dual shock absorbers at rear with preload adjustability. Braking hardware comprises a disc brake at front and a drum brake at rear. It gets a very accessible seat height of 740mm. More

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      Harley Davidson Pan America 1250 Now In India – Unboxing By Himalayan Harley Dealer

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      First Harley Davidson Pan America 1250 In India. Image – Himalayan Harley Davidson, Chandigarh.Harley Davidson Pan America 1250 adventurer tourer will rival the BMW R 1250 GS and Ducati Multistrada V4 series in India
      Harley Davidson unveiled their all new motorcycle, the Pan America 1250 a few weeks ago in the USA. Now, the company is getting ready to unveil the motorcycle in India this Sunday, on 8th August 2021. That is also the day when Harley Davidson India’s Virtual Hog 2021 2.0 is scheduled.
      Ahead of that, the new Pan America 1250 has started arriving at select dealerships across India. One of the first units is now on display at the Himalayan Harley Davidson dealership located in Chandigarh. The dealership has now shared an unboxing video of the new Pan America 1250, which can be seen below.
      Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 – Features
      The new Harley tourer receives several adventure centric styling cues with a tall windscreen, split seating, side slung exhaust, semi fairing design elements and a 21 liter fuel tank. It will ride on alloy wheels as standard and receive tubeless tyres with cross spoke wheels as an option.
      On board features will also include LED lighting, a 6.8 inch colour TFT touchscreen display unit with Bluetooth, heated grips, steering damper, electronically adjustable semi active suspension and a tyre pressure monitoring system. An industry first feature will also include Adaptive Ride Height system which will be offered as an option. The bikes ride on 19 inch front and 17 inch rear alloy wheels.
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      The new Pan America is powered by a 1,252cc, Revolution Max V-Twin engine that offers 150 hp power at 9,000 rpm and 127 Nm torque at 6,750 rpm. These higher RPM figures are achieved due to a short stroke design in place of a long stroke one that offers a two fold increase in rev limit over that seen on Harley’s other V Twins.
      The engine also gets liquid cooling with variable valve timing, double overhead camshafts and 4 valve cylinder head. It gets mated to a 6 speed transmission with slipper clutch. Being built on a front frame, mid frame and sub frame bolt on, this results in lower overall weight standing at 242 kgs and 254 kgs on Standard and Special variant respectively.
      Suspension and braking is via fully-adjustable SHOWA USD fork and monoshock and radial mono-block four piston calipers with 320mm dual front brake and 280mm single brake at the rear.
      Price
      Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 is being presented in two variants of Standard and Special. These priced between Rs 16.90 lakh to 20.26 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It may be recalled that in October last year, Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson announced a partnership for the Indian market. As per the agreement, even as Harley had announced its exit front the country, Hero MotoCorp has taken over distribution rights for all Harley Davidson bikes, parts and merchandise.
      Hero MotoCorp has set up 12 exclusive Harley dealerships and increased its touch points. Around 100 Harley bikes constitute the first batch and also include the new Pan America 1250 adventurer tourer. The other models include Softail, Fat Bob, and Street Bob. The booking process has commenced for all models, which are priced from Rs 10-35 lakh and have been completely pre-booked, showing the outstanding demand that Harley bikes still command in the country. More

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      New Royal Enfield Classic 350 Launch Date 31st Aug – Unofficial Bookings Open

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      Image for reference. Credit – Bullet Tower.New Classic 350 will share most of its mechanicals including chassis and engine with Meteor 350
      After a long wait, new-gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 will be available at showrooms soon. It is expected that new Classic 350 will continue to delight users, just like its predecessors. Even though there have been new rivals like Honda CB350, Jawa and Benelli Imperiale 400, Classic 350 continues to lead with a comfortable margin. New-gen Classic 350 will have to take on new rivals including upcoming retro-styled products from Suzuki and Yamaha.
      New-gen Classic 350 design and features
      New Classic 350 continues with the signature retro elements such as round headlamp, tear-drop shaped fuel tank and turn indicators, and broad rear fenders. The motorcycle offers a comfortable riding stance with its mid set foot pegs and ergonomically shaped handlebar. The seats are expected to offer superior comfort. New-gen Classic 350 will be available in both single-seat and dual-seat variants.
      Updated Classic 350 will get new colour options. Based on the theme, the motorcycle could sport a blacked-out look or have chrome-heavy styling. Parts that qualify for chrome finish include the headlamp cowl, turn indicators, handlebar, front and rear suspension, rims, engine and exhaust. Exact details will vary based on the variant and colour.
      In other updates, new Classic 350 gets semi-digital instrument console. It combines an analogue speedometer and a digital display for odometer and fuel indicator. The bike has also been equipped with Tripper navigation system, which displays navigational arrows to the destination. It works when paired with the user’s smartphone via Bluetooth.
      New Gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 Launch Date 31st Aug 2021. Image – Power On Wheel
      New-gen Classic 350 engine and specs
      In terms of performance and ride quality, new Classic 350 will be far superior in comparison to its predecessor. The motorcycle utilizes an entirely new engine and J1D platform. These were first introduced with Meteor 350, which was launched in November last year. The new platform and engine will be used for upcoming new/next-gen 350cc products as well.
      The new 349cc, air-oil cooled, long stroke motor is capable of generating 20.2 bhp of max power at 6100 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh transmission. The engine is known for its smooth power delivery and adequate amount of bottom-end torque. With the use of a counter balance shaft, engine vibrations have been reduced significantly.
      New platform for Classic 350 comprises twin downtube spine frame integrated with telescopic forks at front and twin tube emulsion rear shock absorbers. The motorcycle is expected to get option of disc-drum (with single channel ABS) or disc brakes at both ends (with dual-channel ABS).
      Launch date of the new gen RE C350 is set for 31st Aug, 2021. Ahead of that, unofficial bookings have opened at select dealerships for a payment of Rs 10-20k – depending on the dealer. Official bookings have not opened yet. More

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      Royal Enfield Continental GT Electric Motorcycle – Powered By Saietta

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      Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle
      Climate change objectives can be achieved faster with conversion of existing vehicles to electric
      It’s good to know that electric two-wheelers are registering greater acceptability among users. However, sales of new electric scooters alone may take a long time to achieve the goal of 100% electric ecosystem. One also needs to focus on millions of fossil-fuel powered two-wheelers that continue to pollute the environment. The need of the hour is dedicated conversion kits that can be produced on a mass scale, are affordable and can be easily fitted in existing two-wheelers.
      Saietta electric motor for Continental GT
      UK-based Saietta Group specializes in developing electric drive systems for electric vehicles (EVs). It has come up with an electric motor that can be fitted directly onto Royal Enfield Continental GT. A number of tests are currently underway to assess overall performance and viability of converted Continental GT.
      Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle
      The company has plans to mass-produce the motors, once everything has been fine-tuned and perfected. These motors will also be distributed to Indian OEMs through Padmini VNA. The latter is a leading manufacturer of advanced auto components.
      It is to note that Royal Enfield is in the process of developing its own range of electric motorcycles. These will continue to use the retro theme that can be seen on existing Royal Enfield motorcycles. However, it’s not certain when exactly these motorcycles will be launched. It’s also not certain if Royal Enfield will be able to dominate the electric segment, just as it does in 350cc to 650cc segment. It will be interesting to see how the king of thump performs in a green, silent world.
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      Hero Xtreme electric motor
      Targeting the commuter segment, Saietta has converted a Hero Xtreme with an electric motor. This too has been equipped with a swappable battery system. As compared to charging an electric two-wheeler, a swapping ecosystem offers multiple benefits.
      Hero Xtreme Electric Motorcycle
      Batteries can be swapped within seconds whereas charging can take several minutes even with fast charger. Another benefit is that customers don’t have to invest in buying the battery. They just need to pay for using the battery, which works out much cheaper.
      From a design perspective, it is obvious that converted Continental GT and Hero Xtreme will need some sort of a body kit. In their current form, the motorcycles come across as a work-in-progress unit.
      Hero Xtreme Electric Motorcycle
      Existing users of these motorcycles are unlikely to make the switch to electric until the visual shortcomings are take care of. Even though the motor is an innovative work and pioneering move by Saietta, one cannot completely ignore aesthetics associated with a motorcycle. More