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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Custom Black With Stripes From 650 GT

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350Royal Enfield is also preparing a cruiser in the 650cc twin-cylinder platform which is expected to make its debut by the end of this year
      Royal Enfield is basking on its newly launched cruiser Meteor 350 which has turned out to be a raging success all over India. Meteor 350 was officially launched in India in November last year and has since seen an overwhelming response as far as bookings are concerned.
      The new cruiser is offered in three trims- Fireball, Stellar and Supernova while each of them come with their individual colour options. Each shade on offer in Meteor does appeal to the bike’s retro-style theme however, we believe a black colour option would have provided much more oomph and class to the motorcycle.
      Custom Paint Job
      We are proved right when we see a Meteor 350 wrapped in a custom glossy black paint scheme. Images are credited to the Instagram profile of Arjun BK @_bee___kay_ and the bike looks exquisite in this shade.
      The paint job has been carried out on the base Fireball trim of Meteor which already comes with a blacked-out theme. This includes components such as engine casing, exhaust pipe, footpegs, handlebar, side body panels, alloy wheels and grab rails are dipped in black colour.
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350
      This dark theme complements the custom black paint while two silver stripes stickering on the fuel tank adds a nice sporty contrast to the overall look. If you notice carefully, the stripes on the fuel tank are inspired from Continental GT 650.
      The retro theme with styling elements such as a round headlamp, turn indicators and taillamp, a circumferential LED DRL on the headlamp, a wide handlebar, and circular instrument dials amplify the appeal of this custom black colour. The glossiness further adds glaze and premiumness to the cruiser.
      This custom colour scheme has been inspired by a Black Magic paint option previously offered in Continental GT 650. The twin-cylinder cafe racer along with its twin, Interceptor 650, recently underwent a cosmetic overhaul which saw the addition of new colour options. On seeing this, maybe Royal Enfield could extend this colour scheme to other models in its official lineup.
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350
      Mechanical Specs
      Meteor 350 is powered by an all-new 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, long-stroke motor which cranks out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. This unit is mated to a new 5-speed gearbox. The motorcycle is underpinned by a new J1D architecture which comprises a double-cradle frame suspended on telescopic forks at front and twin-sided shock absorbers at rear. Braking hardware consists of single discs on both wheels while safety net is provided by dual-channel ABS.
      The cruiser motorcycle has been serving as a replacement for Thunderbird 350 and is currently priced between Rs 1.80 lakh and Rs. 1.95 lakh (ex-showroom). While there are no direct rivals of Meteor 350 in this segment, it competes against the likes of Honda H’ness CB 350, Jawa Forty-Two, and Benelli Imperiale 400. More

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      Bajaj Pulsar 250F Spied Testing – Likely To Be The Fastest Pulsar Yet

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      2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220FWhen Bajaj launched Pulsar 220F, it was branded as The Fastest Indian – Upcoming 250F will sit above the 220F
      Bajaj Auto is planning to expand its Pulsar range of sporty commuted motorcycles by adding new models in the coming future. A few weeks ago, a test mule of what was speculated to be a naked version of new Pulsar 250 was spotted testing.
      In addition to this, the Chakan-based bikemaker introduced the entry-level Pulsar NS125 into the lineup last month. The company also gave a mild refresh to Pulsar 150, 180 and 220F models with new colour options. Now, a semi-faired version of the upcoming quarter-litre Pulsar has been spotted conducting trial tests on roads.
      This upcoming quarter-litre sports commuter is expected to carry either F or RS nomenclature which are usually associated with faired motorcycles. In most likelihood, it will be named 250F just like the current flagship in the lineup 220F. Although the test prototype spotted was heavily wrapped in camouflage, it did reveal a few obvious details about its styling.
      Expected Design & Features
      For instance, like Pulsar 220F, the upcoming 250F is likely to receive a front-heavy fairing adjoining the fuel tank and headlamp section. It gets a tall handlebar which provides easy maneuverability and an aggressive stance thanks to a muscular fuel tank with extended shrouds and bikini fairing.
      2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220F
      Other notable highlights include upswept side exhaust, an upright tail section and a split seat setup. The rear end of the prototype, especially the split grab rails and curved taillight are reminiscent of its immediate rival brand TVS Apache.
      In terms of features, it is expected to offer an all-LED lighting setup and all-digital instrument console with colour display. If Bajaj is generous then it may also offer Bluetooth connectivity. Although images of the bike’s front end are not available at the moment, it is expected to boast a tall windscreen to counter a strong windblast.
      Expected Specs
      Coming to its specifications, Bajaj is expected to offer a whole new 250cc oil-cooled motor for its quarter-litre Pulsar motorcycles. The company already has a 248.8cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine at its disposal which it utilises for its own Dominar and other KTM and Husqvarna models. The new 250cc motor on Pulsar 250 will be capable of generating around 24 bhp and will be paired with a six-speed gearbox.
      2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220F
      Other mechanical components should include conventional telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Braking duties will be handled by single disc brakes on both ends which will be assisted by dual-channel ABS as standard. It is also expected to be offered with multiple ride modes. Upon its launch, Pulsar 250F will lock its horns with Suzuki Gixxer SF250.
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      Honda PCX Electric Scooter Patent Registered In India

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      Honda PCX Electric scooter showcased in India. File photo.Honda PCX electric scooter has already been showcased to select dealers in India
      Honda, just like other mainstream automakers, is looking to develop a dedicated electric lineup of its own, particularly in the two-wheeler division in India. With future mobility heavily dependent on battery-powered technologies, Honda has also started developing its electric two-wheelers for its international markets.
      However, none of them, as of now, have been confirmed for India. Though the Japanese auto giant did recently filed patents for the fully electrified version of PCX scooter. These patents were filed last month but it will be too premature to assume that the scooter will be launched in India anytime soon.
      More Details
      Earlier in January this year, the company revealed that it has no plans to launch an electric version of PCX in India even though a prototype of the same was showcased to dealers in 2020. Back then, Honda said it was trying to gauge consumer response.
      Honda is known to have filed numerous patents in India previously that did not make it to production. However, it does reveal that the bikemaker is looking to bring electric two-wheeler mobility in India.
      Honda PCX Electric scooter showcased in India. File photo.
      Honda electric scooter was initially expected to be launched somewhere by the end of 2021 but with the second wave of Covid-19 wreaking havoc across the country, it will most probably be delayed a few months. It is likely to borrow certain design cues and technologies from the PCX electric scooter.
      Expected Design & Features
      In international market, Honda offers PCX branded scooters in three powertrain options- IC-engine, petrol/hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The fully electric version has been patented in India.
      It carries a muscular and aggressive maxi-style design with clean body lines, a front-heavy fairing and a prominent apron. At front it gets twin-pod headlamps and a tall windscreen to protect one from excessive wind blast. Other design highlights include a stepped-up single-piece seat, a split type footboard, black alloy wheels and a stylish grab rail to name a few.
      In terms of features, the e-scooter gets an all-digital LCD instrument cluster, remote start key, USB C-port and a controller unit located on the floorboard. Hardware consists of a suspension setup comprising telescopic forks at front and twin-sided shocks at rear. Braking duties are carried out by 220 mm front and rear disc brakes while safety is provided by a single-channel ABS.
      Powertrain Specs
      As far as powertrain specs are concerned, the e-scooter is powered by a swingarm-mounted AC motor that can generate 4.2kW and 18 Nm. This electric motor is fed energy from a Li-ion twin battery pack which offers a paltry range of only 41 km on a single charge. In all likelihood, to address this issue, Honda could induct bakery swapping technology as well. More

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      Suzuki Sales, Exports Break Up March 2021 – Access, Burgman, Gixxer, Intruder

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      Image – RamilSuzuki posted positive YoY growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports in March 2021
      Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) has reported its monthly sales. Taking the company’s 5 best selling models into account, there were a total of 60,222 units sold in domestic markets in March 2021 while exports stood at 9,710 units.
      Suzuki Domestic Sales MoM Sales Growth
      Suzuki sales in March 21 stood at 60,222 units, a growth of 77.60 percent over domestic sales of 33,909 units in March 20. It was also a 1.16 percent growth over 59,529 units sold in Feb 21, indicating steady growth over the past months even as the country is in the midst of deadly pandemic and lockdowns have been imposed across several parts of the country.
      The Suzuki Access was the company’s best-selling model in domestic markets. Sales in March 21 stood at 48,672, a growth of 83.83 percent over 26,476 units sold in March 20. The Access currently hold an 80.82 percent share in the company lineup. MoM sales were more or less flat with Feb 21 sales at 48,496 units.
      Sales of the Suzuki Burgman has also been equally noteworthy. March 21 saw a total of 9,037 units sold in domestic markets, an increase of 80.42 percent over 5,009 units sold in March 20. Burgman sales had stood at 8,533 units in Feb 21. The Burgman Street is currently priced from Rs 81,213 to Rs 84,711.
      Suzuki Domestic Sales March 2021
      Suzuki Gixxer and Gixxer 250
      Suzuki Gixxer posted de-growth YoY dipping -13.31 percent from 2,329 units sold in March 20 to 2,019 units in March 21. However, when compared to Feb 21, when sales stood at 1,823 units, it was a 10.75 percent MoM growth.
      The Gixxer 250 on the other hand noted a 1178.57 percent YoY growth from 28 units sold in March 20 to 358 units sold in March 21. MoM sales dipped from 549 units sold in Feb 21 a de-growth of -35.79 percent. Suzuki Intruder sales have been steadily rising from 67 units sold in March 20 to 128 units in Feb 21 and thereon to 136 units in March 21.
      Suzuki Exports Feb and March 2021
      The popular Suzuki Gixxer and Gixxer 250 tops the export charts for March 21. Gixxer exports increased 47.77 percent YoY from 3,814 units exported in March 20 to 5,636 units exported in the March 21.
      Suzuki Exports March 2021
      MoM exports however dipped -13.13 percent from 6,488 units exported in Feb 21. Gixxer 250 exports rose 74.53 percent YoY. In March 20, a total of 1,476 units of the Gixxer 250 were shipped, while this figure stood at 2,576 units in March 21. Feb 21 saw 2,300 units exported making it the only model in the company lineup to post positive MoM growth.
      Other bikes on the export list for March 21 included the Burgman (1,138 units), Lets (240 units), Hayate (120 units), while 0 units of the Intruder and Access were shipped. Each of these, except for the Access posted YoY growth while MoM exports dipped significantly. More

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      Ducati Streetfighter V4 Launched – Prices Start At Rs 20 Lakh

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      Ducati Streetfighter V4Ducati is working proactively to expand its footprint in the Indian market
      After adding three new scramblers earlier this year in January, Ducati has launched Streetfighter V4 at a starting price of 19.99 lakh. Top-spec V4 S variant is also on offer at a starting price of Rs 22.99 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom India.
      These new bikes are part of the company’s plan to introduce around 12 new products in the Indian market in 2021. The company is trying its best to speed up things at a time when operations remain affected due to the pandemic.
      Ducati Streetfighter V4
      Ducati Streetfighter V4 design and features
      Streetfighter V4 comes across as an ominous predator, ready to dominate the streets. Some key features include full-LED headlight, V-shaped DRL, 5-inch TFT instrument panel, and sculpted fuel tank. The bike is equipped with advanced aerodynamics such as biplane wings, which ensure a range of benefits. Some of these include agile handling and better control at high speed. The risk of wheel-up during acceleration is also reduced significantly.
      Talking about difference between Streetfighter V4 and V4S, the latter gets additional colour option of Dark Stealth. It’s a combo of dark grey frame and black wheels. The Ducati Red colour option is common for both variants. For a snazzier look, V4 S variant has been equipped with golden coloured USD front forks.
      Ducati Streetfighter V4
      In terms of functionality, Streetfighter V4 S gets 43mm Öhlins NIX30 event-based forks and Öhlins TTX36 event-based rear suspension. Steering damper is also from Öhlins. In comparison, the base V4 variant comes with 43 mm Showa BPF fork and Sachs rear suspension. Steering damper is from Sachs as well.
      Another difference can be seen in the wheels, with V4 S getting Marchesini aluminium forged units whereas V4 has aluminium alloy casted wheels. With the changes in equipment, V4 S variant is 2kg lighter than V4 variant.
      Ducati Streetfighter V4 engine
      Powering Streetfighter V4 is a 1,103 cc motor that is capable of generating 208 hp of max power at 13,000 rpm and 123 Nm of peak torque at 9,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The engine complies with Euro 5 / BS6 emission norms. This has been achieved through the use of advanced catalytic converter and a new technique that involves insertion of noble metals.
      Ducati Streetfighter V4
      The engine integrates advanced features such as slipper clutch, which ensures smooth operations and better control during sudden downshifts and hard braking. The bike also has Ducati Quick Shift EVO (DQS EVO), which allows the rider to change gears with the throttle open. DQS EVO works in combination with engine brake control and slipper clutch to ensure optimal performance.
      Bookings for 2021 Ducati Streetfighter V4 and V4 S have already started. Deliveries are expected to commence soon. However, there may be delays due to lockdown restrictions. More

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      2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Gets Two New Colour Options

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      2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400
      Enthusiasts would definitely want Kawasaki Ninja 400 to be re-launched in India
      As part of its 2021 update, Kawasaki Ninja 400 has received two new colour options in China. Customers can now choose from Metal Twilight Blue and Metal Deep Grey. The earlier colour options of KRT Lime Green and Metallic Spark Black will continue to be available.
      Design, engine, specs remain same
      Apart from the new colour options, Ninja 400 will be largely the same as earlier. The bike has an aggressive front fascia with twin LED headlights, darkened windscreen, and sporty rear view mirrors.
      The cockpit has a multi-function instrument console that displays a range of information including gear position. Other key features include clip-on style handlebar, low seat height, and upswept exhaust. The bike offers balanced ergonomics that’s both sporty and relaxed.
      Kawasaki Ninja 400 comes with a 399cc parallel twin engine. In China, the numbers are 46 ps of max power at 9600 RPM and 37.2 Nm of peak torque at 8000 RPM. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission.
      2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400
      Kawasaki Ninja 400 India launch prospects
      Ninja 400 was launched here in 2018 and it was counted amongst the best sub-400cc motorcycles available at that time. However, the motorcycle had limited sales in the country, primarily due to its high price tag of Rs 4.99 lakh (last known price, ex-showroom). As upgrade to BS6 would have further increased prices, it was decided to discontinue the bike. That happened in December 2019, around four months prior to the enforcement of BS6 emission norms.
      It is not certain if Kawasaki is planning to reintroduce Ninja 400 in the Indian market. It is among the bikes that Kawasaki has not updated to meet stricter emission norms like Euro 5 / BS6. Apart from China, Ninja 400 is available in markets where emission norms are not that stringent. These include countries like USA and Japan.
      For Ninja 400 to be viable for the Indian market, Kawasaki will have to work on reducing its price. One of its nearest rivals is KTM RC 390, which is available at a starting price of Rs 2.53 lakh. Benelli 302R is another contender, which is expected to be launched soon. It could be offered at a starting price of Rs 3.50 lakh.
      Competitive pricing can be quite beneficial for a price sensitive market like India. Companies like Bajaj and Yamaha have been getting good results with their competitive pricing strategy. We have seen something similar with BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS as well. If Ninja 400 can reduce the price gap with rivals, it can deliver better results in its second innings in the country. More

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      Hero MotoCorp To Launch Their First Electric Scooter In Q1 2022 – Chetak Rival

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      Hero Maestro Electric Scooter. Credit – 91 WheelsHero MotoCorp will rival the likes of Bajaj, TVS, Ather, Okinawa and other electric two-wheeler manufacturers in India
      While Hero MotoCorp is undoubtedly the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world, it is yet to actively venture into electric mobility like its immediate rivals Bajaj Auto and TVS MotoCorp (no Hero Electric is a separate entity altogether). Even though company chairman Pawan Munjal has invested heavily in Ather Energy, a brand like Hero with so many resources is bound to have an electric lineup of its own.
      The two-wheeler manufacturer has now announced that it will launch its first electric product by the end of the fiscal year of FY2021-22, which means between January and March next year. The development was confirmed by company CFO, Niranjan Gupta, in an interaction with a leading business news website.
      Partnership With Gogoro
      The brand is currently working on developing both fixed-battery and swappable battery EVs. The latter type is being developed in association with Hero MotoCorp’s Taiwanese partner Gogoro. The electric scooters and motorcycles will make use of Gogoro’s technology and will be sold and marketed by Hero. In fact, in addition to its own models, Hero MotoCorp could also launch rebadged Gogoro scooters although nothing is confirmed as of now.
      Due to a family pact with Hero Electric, Hero MotoCorp would have to launch its electric two-wheelers under a separate brand name so as not to create confusion. This new brand name will be announced close to the launch of its first electric two-wheeler. Maybe we could get a sneak peek into the upcoming brands at the AutoExpo scheduled for February 2022 (if it were to happen).
      Gogoro Electric Scooter
      Electric Maestro Edge
      Hero’s first electric two-wheeler is expected to be based on Maestro Edge which has also been spotted testing on a couple of occasions a few months back. The e-scooter is currently being developed at the company’s R&D centre in Jaipur (CIT). A prototype of the e-scooter made its first public appearance at the Hero World event last year.
      On first glance, the electric scooter looks very similar to its IC engine-powered counterpart. However, on a closer look, one can notice subtle cosmetic variations. For instance, the biggest difference is the absence of an exhaust setup complemented by contrasting gold-coloured alloy wheels and front forks. Other styling elements included a smoked LED headlamp and blacked-out visor and rearview mirrors.
      The bikemaker is still tight-lipped about the e-scooter’s specifications regarding its powertrain although it is expected to utilise a belt-driven motor. As far as features go, it is expected to be offered with three ride modes including drive, park and reverse which could be controlled from the left-hand side switchgear.
      The fully digital instrument cluster from the petrol-powered scooter is expected to be carried forward in this electric iteration. Other features likely to be on offer include keyless start/stop and internet connectivity.
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      Top 10 Motorcycles (150cc To 200cc) March 2021 – Pulsar, Apache, Unicorn, FZ, R15

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      Image – The Bengal TigerWhile YoY numbers are positive, MoM sales growth turned negative in March
      Even with the on-going challenging times, 150-200cc motorcycle segment has registered an impressive 55.88% YoY sales growth in March 2021. A total of 1,40,418 units were sold, as compared to 90,080 units in March last year. However, these numbers may be a bit skewed, as lockdown was imposed last year on March 24.
      All motorcycles except Suzuki Gixxer have registered positive YoY growth in March 2021. In terms of MoM growth, sales are down by -1.90%. Sales were higher at 1,43,138 units in February 2021. Half of the motorcycles have negative MoM growth.
      Pulsar leads
      Bajaj Pulsar retains the top spot with sales of 38,571 units. YoY growth is 21.60%, as compared to 31,720 units sold in March last year. Pulsar share in sales is at 27.47%. MoM numbers are positive for Pulsar at 3.70%. Sales during February 2021 stood at 37,193 units.
      TVS Apache takes second spot with sales of 33,162 units. Apache has registered 52.37% YoY growth, as compared to 21,764 units sold in March last year. Its share in sales is at 23.62%. MoM growth is positive at 4.50%, as compared to 31,735 units sold in February 2021.
      Motorcycle Sales 150cc-200cc Segment March 2021 vs March 2020
      At number three is Honda Unicorn 160 with sales of 23,235 units. YoY growth is 60.62%, as compared to 14,466 units sold in March last year. Share in sales is at 16.55%. MoM growth is positive at 4.28%, as compared to 22,281 units sold in February 2021.
      Yamaha takes 4th, 5th and 6th
      The next three are Yamaha FZ, R15 and MT15. FZ sales are at 16,653 units, which is YoY growth of 66.46%. Sales in March last year stood at 10,004 units. Share in sales is at 11.86%. However, FZ MoM growth has turned negative at -6.43% in March 2021. Sales in February 2021 stood at 17,798 units.
      Yamaha R15 sales are at 6,988 units, registering YoY growth of 59.11%. Sales during March last year were at 4,392 units. R15 share in sales is at 4.98%. MoM growth is negative at -6.50%, as compared to 7,474 units sold in February 2021.
      Motorcycle Sales 150cc-200cc Segment March 2021 vs Feb 2021
      MT15 YoY sales have more than tripled, up from 2,040 units in March last year to 6,472 units in March 2021. Share in sales is at 4.61%. MoM growth is positive at 4.79%, as compared to 6,176 units sold in February 2021.
      Taken together, Yamaha motorcycles have sales of more than 30k units. Their combined share in sales is close to 22%. Yamaha will soon launch retro-styled FZ-X, which could emerge as another bestseller in this space.
      In percentage terms, max YoY growth is that of Hero Xpulse 200 (12325.00%) and Xtreme 160R (1363.92%). KTM 200 has also posted impressive YoY numbers, with sales growing more than 3x times in March 2021. However, all these three bikes have negative MoM growth. More