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    TVS iQube Electric Scooter Launch Planned In 20 Cities – Take On Bajak Chetak

    TVS iQubeDemand for electric two wheelers is expected to witness an upsurge in the coming years
    A segment initially nourished largely by startups and tech firms, the electric two wheeler space has started to get attention from mainstream manufacturers. TVS, which already has iQube, has now revealed mega plans to boost its EV footprint.
    The company is planning to invest around Rs 500-600 crore in FY22, most of which will be used for EVs and emerging technologies and products. Around Rs 150 crore will be exclusively channelled for EV projects, which will include development of electric three-wheelers.
    TVS iQube in 20 new cities
    According to KN Radhakrishnan, director & CEO of TVS, there are plans to introduce its iQube electric scooter in 20 new cities. This expansion is expected to be completed by end of current fiscal. As may be recalled, iQube was originally launched in Bengaluru. Later, it was introduced in Delhi as well.
    In the next phase, iQube could be launched in other top cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. Several Tier I cities are also expected to be covered.
    TVS iQube
    TVS has not revealed the list of cities yet. The preference is likely to be for cities that have greater acceptance of electric two wheelers. Availability of battery charging infrastructure could be another factor for selection of cities that will get iQube.
    Rivals working on similar plans
    TVS plans reflect industry trends, wherein other electric two wheeler manufacturers are working on similar expansion plans. For example, Ather Energy has already expanded operations to top cities as well as several smaller cities. It has plans to cover more cities this year. Ather is also working to boost its network of charging stations.
    Bajaj Auto has similar plans for its Chetak electric scooter. Chetak was originally launched in Pune and later introduced in Bengaluru. By the end of this financial year, Bajaj has plans to launch Chetak in 30 new cities.
    Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube – FY 2021 Sales
    Another company with aggressive EV plans is Ola Electric, which is currently building a mega manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu. When completed, Ola will be able to produce around 10 million vehicles per year. Ola is also developing an extensive network of high-speed charging stations.
    In first year, more than 5k Ola charging stations will be set up in 100 cities. This will be ramped up to over 1 lakh charging stations spread across 400 cities. Easy availability of fast charging stations is a prerequisite for increased acceptance of EVs.
    Other companies such as Husqvarna and KTM are also working to introduce electric two wheelers in the Indian market. Mainstream manufacturers such as Hero MotoCorp, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha are also expected to enter the EV space soon. Hero MotoCorp has already partnered with Taiwan-based Gogoro to develop electric vehicles and battery swapping infrastructure. More

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    2021 Yamaha XSR125 Makes Global Debut – Official Specs Revealed

    2021 Yamaha XSR 125Daily commutes will be a lot more fun with neo-retro flavoured Yamaha XSR125
    With XSR125, Yamaha has expanded its 125cc portfolio in European markets. The bike utilizes the same platform as that of MT-125 and R125. It has a distinctive look and feel, something that will make it easily noticeable on the streets. Yamaha XSR125 packs in a range of hi-tech features and promises to deliver superior, all-round performance.
    2021 Yamaha XSR125 key features
    The bike’s strong retro flavour is evident in its circular headlamp, rounded fuel tank design, and long flat seat. The modern twist is in the full LED headlight and snazzy LED tail light. Body panelling is bare minimum with the underbelly completely revealing the engine, radiator and other components. A prominent engine guard can be seen, which enhances the bike’s rugged profile.
    2021 Yamaha XSR 125
    Yamaha XSR125 is equipped with a retro themed circular LCD meter. It has a contrasting mix of satin black background with outer chrome surround. A range of premium detailing can also be seen with features such as aluminium brackets, tuck and roll seat and painted mudguards.
    Colour options for Yamaha XSR125 include Redline, Impact Yellow, and Tech Black. The nifty looking decals on the fuel tank in contrasting shade enhance the bike’s sporty profile.
    2021 Yamaha XSR 125
    Yamaha XSR125 engine and specs
    Powering Yamaha XSR125 is a 124cc liquid cooled SOHC motor that is capable of generating 14.7bhp of max power at 10,000 rpm and 11.5 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. It is mated to a constant mesh 6-speed transmission. XSR125 delivers the max power output, as allowed for A1 category vehicles. The engine is Euro 5 compliant and is equipped with advanced Variable Valve Actuation for optimal power and torque delivery.

    Engine type
    Liquid-cooled, SOHC, Single cylinder, 4-stroke

    Displacement
    124cc

    Bore x stroke
    52.0 x 58.6 mm

    Compression ratio
    11.2 : 1

    Maximum power
    11.0 kW @ 10,000 rpm

    Maximum torque
    11.5 Nm @ 8,000 rpm

    Lubrication system
    Wet sump

    Clutch type
    Wet, Multiple Disc

    Ignition system
    TCI

    Starter system
    Electric

    Transmission system
    Constant Mesh, 6-speed

    Final transmission
    Chain

    Fuel consumption
    47 kmpl

    CO2 emission
    47 g / km

    Fuel system
    Electronic Fuel Injection

    Frame
    Diamond

    Caster angle
    26º

    Trail
    95 mm

    Front suspension system
    Upside-down telescopic fork, Ø37 mm

    Rear suspension system
    Swingarm

    Front travel
    130 mm

    Rear travel
    110 mm

    Front brake
    Hydraulic single disc, Ø 267 mm

    Rear brake
    Hydraulic single disc, Ø 220 mm

    Front tyre
    110/70-17

    Rear tyre
    140/70-17

    Overall length
    1960 mm

    Overall width
    800 mm

    Overall height
    1065 mm

    Seat height
    815 mm

    Wheel base
    1330 mm

    Minimum ground clearance
    160 mm

    Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank)
    140 kg

    Fuel tank capacity
    11 litres

    Oil tank capacity
    1.05 litres

    Yamaha XSR125 utilizes a strong and lightweight deltabox frame. Suspension system comprises 37mm USD front forks and swingarm rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 267mm front and 220mm rear discs. The bike weighs 140kg, offers 160mm ground clearance and can carry 11 litres of fuel.
    Will India get Yamaha XSR125?
    There’s considerable demand for sports-oriented 125cc motorcycles in India. Bikes like KTM 125 Duke have been a big hit with customers. However, in case of Yamaha, it is unlikely that XSR125 will be launched anytime soon in India.
    As of now, Yamaha is working to launch FZ-X retro-themed motorcycle, which is based on FZ- S Fi. Yamaha has created multiple 150cc bestsellers in the Indian market and FZ-X launch will further strengthen its position in this segment. Yamaha would like to focus on its strengths instead of experimenting with the 125cc motorcycle segment in the Indian market. More

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    White Carbon Motors GT5 Electric Scooter Launch Price 1.15 L – Range Up To 150 Kms

    GT5 By White Carbon MotorsWhite Carbon GT5 and O3 offer top speeds of 50 km/h and 25 km/h respectively
    White Carbon Motors Limited, founded in January 2020 has its headquarters in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Led by Founder Mr. Pratik Singh Sankhla and his team, the company has two electric vehicles in their lineup named GT5 and the O3.
    While the O3, registered under GEDA and comes in with a Government subsidy, is designed for students and a younger segment of buyers, the GT5 is the flagship model which competes with other electric scooter brands such as Hero Electric, Okinawa, Ampere etc.
    O3 By White Carbon Motors
    Along with the manufacture of these two e-scooters, the company is also involved in the manufacture of spares and accessories that include brakes, gear boxes, axles, road wheels, suspension shock absorbers, radiators, silencers, exhaust pipes, steering wheels, steering columns and steering boxes and other parts.
    Specs, Range and Price – GT5
    The GT5 is priced at Rs.1,15,000 and is the company’s flagship model. It comes in with a digital speedometer and odometer, LED projector headlamp and LED tail lamp and turn indicators long with follow me low battery indicator and it rides on alloy wheels fitted with 120/70 R12 Tubeless at the front and rear. It also receives a comfortable seat with riding back support, USB charging and side stand indicator.
    GT5 Electric Scooter
    The GT5 stands 1,850mm in length, 675mm in width and 1,140mm in height with a wheelbase of 1,370mm. Loading capacity is at 245 kgs while overall weight is at 170 kgs.
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    GT5 is powered by a BLDC engine with a 3 kW Bosch motor. This offers a range of 100-150 km per charge, a top speed of 50 km/h and max torque of 58 Nm. The lithium-ion battery is charged in a matter of 3-4 hours offering acceleration from 0 to 45 km/h in 7- seconds. The GT5 gets an aluminum swing arm, disc brakes at the front and rear and suspension via telescopic and dual coil suspension at the front and rear respectively.
    Specs, Range and Price – O3
    The Carbon White O3 e-scooter is priced at Rs.55,900. It also receives a digital speedometer and odometer, LED headlight and LED tail lamps with LED turn indicators and rides on alloy wheels. It also receives USB charging feature, anti-theft alarm and customizable riding back support.
    O3 Electric Scooter
    Dimensions are at 1,740mm length, 700mm width and 1,040mm height. Overall weight is at 43 kgs without the battery and loading capacity stands at 120 kgs. Braking and suspension are via disc brake in the front and drum brake at the rear and telescopic suspension and dual coil suspension at the front and rear respectively.
    The O3 is powered by a BLDC electric motor with 1.15 kWh lithium ion battery pack. It offers a range of 70 km per charge and a top speed of 25 km/h.
    Distribution Channel
    White Carbon Motors is currently working on enhancing their distribution channels to focus on sales Pan India. The company is also working on a mid-range vehicle and to set up their own charging infrastructure. More

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    Top 10 Two Wheelers Registering Highest Growth FY 2021 – Pulsar, Unicorn, MT15, CB Shine

    Bajaj PulsarThe first half of FY2020-21 saw a drastic drop in sales but that was compensated by a surge in demands and relaxation of restrictions in the second half
    Past year has been tough for business houses since the global outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Auto manufacturers in India and internationally have had to bear the same fate with sales dwindling amidst rising infections and lockdowns imposed in several nations. However, these restrictions were followed by a huge surge in automotive demands.
    This is reflected in two-wheeler sales figures for FY2020-21 which turned out to be better than the previous fiscal year of 2019-20. In the recently concluded fiscal year, the top-ten selling two-wheelers contributed a volume of about 19,86,937 units with a growth of about 7,34,925 units.
    Bajaj Pulsar, Honda Unicorn show highest growth
    Among them, Pulsar range of motorcycles from Bajaj saw the highest growth of 2,91,738 units. In total Bajaj sold 4,51,423 units of Pulsar bikes in the last fiscal in comparison to 1,59,695 units sold in FY2019-20. This resulted in YoY growth of 182.70 percent.
    This was followed by Honda Unicorn which sold 2,29,513 units in comparison to a meagre 15,058 units sold across the entire FY2019-20. This resulted in a growth of 2,14, 455 units and the highest growth percentage of 1424.20 percent.
    Top 10 Two Wheelers Registering Highest Growth In Sales – FY 2021
    Hero Pleasure, Destini record decent growth
    Hero Pleasure registered a growth of 48,265 units after it sold 2,03,594 units in the last fiscal. 1,55,329 units of the 110cc scooter were sold in the previous fiscal. The company’s flagship motorcycle sub-brand Xtreme witnessed a sales volume of 48,403 units in FY2020-21 as opposed to 8,541 units sold in FY2019-20. This resulted in a growth of 39,862 units.
    Honda CB Shine recorded a growth of 39,817 units as it sold 9,88,201 units in the recently concluded fiscal. Figures for the previous fiscal stood at 9,48,384 units. Hero Destini registered a sales volume of 48,403 units in FY2020-21 whereas, in the previous year, sales figures stood at 8,541 units. This translates to a growth of 39,862 units.
    Yamaha MT 15 took the seventh spot as it registered a growth of 26,505 units. After selling 20,417 units of the naked streetfighter in FY2019-20, the company witnessed sales of 46,922 units in the last fiscal.
    Ray, Xpulse, Sport Round-Up List
    The Japanese company’s Ray occupied the eighth spot after recording a growth of 23,613 units. A total of 1,30,648 units of the scooter were sold in the last fiscal as opposed to 1,07,485 units in FY2019-20. Hero Xpulse registered a growth of 17,051 units whereas TVS Sport managed growth of 1,14562 units. The bulk of the growth was generated by the top five on the list with a cumulative contribution of 17,57,433 units with a growth of 6,25,765 units. More

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    Yamaha XSR 125 Confirmed For Launch In Europe – Based On R125, MT125

    Yamaha XSR 155 Image for reference
    Yamaha XSR 125 will initially be on offer for European markets only
    The XSR brand from Yamaha has earned quite a name in the South Asian markets in the small capacity segment of motorcycles. The smallest of them all, XSR 125 has just been conformed and will be headed for European markets later this year. A type approval document of the 125cc XSR has been leaked on the internet revealing this development and certain specifications.
    Although any patent images of the same haven’t been revealed yet, in all probability it is likely to be inspired by XSR 155 in terms of design. XSR 155 is a very popular offering in several Asian markets and is likely to be based on R125 and MT125. Utilising the 125cc motor and underpinnings would not be difficult as both the models mentioned above are already on sale in Europe.
    Familiar Retro design
    The document leaked specifies that dimensions of the neo-retro motorcycle will be similar to XSR 155 except for its height which will be 10mm taller than its larger sibling. This is probably because the suspension setup will be tuned for a firmer ride in Europe.
    All other details including the design are expected to be nearly identical to XSR 155 which sports a neo scrambler styling. Some highlights include wide handlebars, circular headlamp and taillamp, a high tail section and a ripped single-piece seat.
    Yamaha XSR 155
    Features & Mechanical Specs
    Some of the features such as a fully digital, blue-backlit, circular instrument display and an LED lighting setup from XSR 155 are likely to trickle down to its smaller sibling. Hardware configurations of the upcoming retro motorcycle are likely to mirror its more powerful counterpart. This includes a diamond frame suspended on upside-down forks at front and a mono-shock at rear.
    The upcoming motorcycle will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels while braking duties will be carried out by a 292mm disc at front and 220mm disc at rear. This will be assisted by a dual-channel ABS as standard. As far as performance goes, it will be powered by the same 125cc single-cylinder motor from R125 and MT-125 which pushes out 15bhp and 11.5Nm of peak torque.
    This unit is paired with a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox. For a small displacement motorcycle and beginner riders, these numbers are more than plenty.
    Yamaha FZ-X
    The sad part is that this motorcycle is unlikely to be launched in India anytime soon. Instead, Yamaha will launch a retro-styled motorcycle in the form of FZ-X which is based on FZ- S Fi. Images of the upcoming motorcycle clicked during on-road trials have surfaced online on multiple occasions. It will be powered by a 149cc motor which produces 12.4 bhp at 7250rpm and 13.3 Nm of peak torque at 5500rpm. Launch of the retro-style bike is expected to take place in a couple of months. More

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    Two Wheeler Retail Sales FY 2021 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Yamaha, Jawa

    File photo.Every two wheeler maker in India has reported de-growth in FY21 while electric vehicles posted some growth
    Domestic retail sales of two-wheelers declined 31.51 percent year-on-year during the Coronavirus pandemic-hit FY21. This de-growth can be seen across every two wheeler maker in the country.
    Market analysts attribute this de-growth to the nationwide lockdown announced for 2 months in the past year along with a series of other regional lockdowns imposed over the following months of the year.
    According to data released by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), total two wheeler retails stood at 1,15,31,903 units, down 31.51 percent over 1,68,36,585 units retailed in FY20. This was a massive de-growth of 53,04,683 units.
    Hero MotoCorp Splendor and HF Deluxe
    As always it was Hero MotoCorp that topped the sales charts. Retail sales stood at 41,29,740 units in the past financial year, down 34.43 percent over 62,98,508 units sold in FY20. This two wheeler maker currently commands a 35.81 percent market share with strong sellers being the Hero Splendor and HF Deluxe.
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales FY 2021
    At No.2 spot and with a market share of 25.73 percent was Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India with 29.33 percent de-growth in terms of retail sales. Total retails in FY21 stood at 29,66,821 units, down from 41,98,259 units sold in FY20.
    The company has announced a temporary halt of its production operations across all four plants in Manesar (Haryana), Tapukara (Rajasthan), Vithalapur (Gujarat) and Narsapura (Karnataka), effective from May 1-15, 2021 for annual maintenance work with only essential staff working at all plants and various offices.
    TVS and Bajaj Auto
    TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto posted de-growth in terms of retail sales, down 28.56 percent and 36.33 percent respectively. Despite the slowdown across the two wheeler segment, Bajaj Auto plans to go ahead with its new launches. The Bajaj CT110X was recently launched at Rs.55,494 sitting on top of the CT line-up while the NS125 was also launched at the end of April, priced at Rs.93,690. The NS 125 has been well received and will help the company strengthen its positioned in the entry sport bike segment.

    2W Retail Sales
    FY21
    FY20
    %

    Hero
    41,29,740
    62,98,508
    -34.43

    Honda
    29,66,821
    41,98,259
    -29.33

    TVS
    17,05,416
    23,87,266
    -28.56

    Bajaj
    12,85,670
    20,19,170
    -36.33

    Enfield
    4,82,146
    6,39,385
    -24.59

    Suzuki
    4,31,746
    5,99,389
    -27.97

    Yamaha
    4,27,314
    5,59,484
    -23.62

    Piaggio
    37,377
    63,720
    -41.34

    Jawa
    20,801
    27,318
    -23.86

    BMW
    2,080
    2,828
    -26.45

    Kawasaki
    976
    3,075
    -68.26

    Harley
    907
    2,652
    -65.80

    Triumph
    639
    939
    -31.95

    Ducati
    176
    420
    -58.10

    Others / Electric
    40,094
    34,173
    17.33

    Total
    1,15,31,903
    1,68,36,586
    -31.51

    Every other two wheeler maker also posted de-growth in retail sales in FY21. Enfield retails dipped 24.59 percent while Suzuki reported a 27.97 percent dip in retails. Yamaha and Piaggio also suffered de-growth of 23.62 percent and 41.34 percent respectively. Kawasaki, Harley and Ducati saw its retails dip the most by 68.26 percent, 65.80 percent and 58.10 percent respectively. Jawa too has registered a decline of 23%.
    The only two wheeler segment to report positive retails was the electric segment which grew 17.33 percent to 40,094 units in FY21 up from 34,173 units sold in FY20. It is also two wheeler makers who plan an onslaught into this electric two wheeler segment in the months ahead.
    Suzuki plans to bring in the Burgman Street Electric which was spied on test for the first time in Delhi NCR and which once launched will go up against the likes of Bajaj Chetak, Ather 450X as well as the TVS iQube. Ola Electric is also in the process of setting up the largest mega facility and will make 1 e-scooter every 2 seconds. Ola will take on larger players such as Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor, and Hero Electric, along with startups like Ather Energy, Okinawa Autotech and Ampere Vehicles with their new e-scooter initiative. More

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    TVS XL Moped Modified To Look Like Harley Davidson Is A Valiant Attempt

    TVS XL modified to like a Harley. Credit – sudus custom
    While the mechanical configuration hasn’t been tinkered, it does with a custom-made engine casing which gives it the appearance of a V-twin
    Despite its small size and capacity, TVS XL 100 is considered to be a workhorse of a two-wheeler. It is extremely efficient, frugal and reliable which makes it a favourite among people on a tight budget and those who conduct business on wheels. However, it would be highly optimistic to expect a powerful performance out of its humble powertrain.
    But that’s what aftermarket designers are- Optimistic as they look to create something special out of nothing. The latest case is a prime example in his regard where an XL 100 has modified to look like a miniature Harley Davidson. While it definitely doesn’t match in its size or capacity, its design definitely looks a close replica of the classical American bobber.
    TVS XL modified to like a Harley
    Aesthetic Modifications Made
    In a video uploaded by Sudus Customs on YouTube, the vlogger explains the modifications carried out on the moped. The designer has to be lauded for his efforts as the final product shares close resemblance with Harley Davidson Forty-Eight.
    In this aftermarket modification, the designer has given attention to each and every details. Almost every part of the custom-made bike is built from hands. Take a look at the detailed video below.
    [embedded content]
    The most iconic piece of attraction is a yellow-coloured fuel tank that has carved in shape just like the classic cruiser from Harley Davidson. It also features Harley Davidson and Forty-Eight brandings on the tank. It is a bolt-on tank and can be installed or removed easily. However, since the moped has no real body panels as such, a large section of the modified work is left uncovered. For instance, the huge gap between the fuel tank and motor.
    Is that a V-Twin there?
    The custom-made bike also features side boxes that are customised. The leather saddle can accommodate only the rider which has been fitted by positioning it above the rear suspension unit and then fastening the bolts.
    The most noticeably highlight is the engine compartment that wears a custom fibreglass casing. The cover encloses the tiny 100cc motor but gives it the shape of a classical V-Twin motor just like the ones that power Harley Davidson motorcycles.
    TVS XL modified to like a Harley
    The designer has also added a twin exhaust setup with custom-made mufflers although only one is functional. This setup lends a bit of heft to the moped. Other parts such as the front mudguard and rear fender have also been hand-made. It gets the same set of features which include a round headlamp with chrome bezels, round indicators and single pod analogue instrument cluster that provide a retro theme to the modified moped.
    In terms of specifications, new TVS XL 100 is powered by a 99.7cc four-stroke engine which delivers 4.3 bhp and 6.5 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, Harley Davidson Forty-Eight is propelled by a massive 1202cc parallel-twin motor that spits out 96 Nm of peak torque. More

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    2021 Yamaha NVX Scooter Debuts With R15 V3 155cc Engine

    2021 Yamaha NVX ScooterYamaha NVX is powered by the same 155cc VVA motor that propels YZF R15 V3 and MT-15
    South Asian markets boast a plethora of options when it comes to lightweight commuter scooters. In this regard, Yamaha has launched an updated version of NVX power scooter in Malaysia. The 2021 NVX is available in two trims- Standard and ABS.
    While the former has been priced at RM 8,998 (equivalent to ?1.61 lakh), the latter can be availed at RM 10,998 (equivalent to ?1.97 lakh). With this launch, Yamaha has expanded its 155cc motor lineup across its global lineup which currently consists of motorcycles such as YZF R15 V3, MT-15 and scooter models such as NMax, Aerox and NVX.
    2021 Yamaha NVX Scooter
    Updated Aesthetics
    The ripped physique along with aggressive character lines of NVX gives the scooter a masculine appeal. It receives sporty and sculpted body panels, funky body graphics and two-part LED headlights on the front apron. The blacked-out theme on the foot mounts and side slung exhaust enhance the sportiness of the scooter.
    Contrast coloured rims add a neat touch to the overall design. These styling elements are further complemented by new colour options in the form of Red and Cyan colours in the standard trim and Platinum SE and GP Blue paint schemes in the ABS variant.
    2021 Yamaha NVX Scooter
    New Features On Board
    Not just looks but the latest iteration of NVX is also very functional and packs a host of nifty features such as all-LED headlights, fully digital LCD instrument cluster, integrated indicators, hazard light switch,12V charging port, keyless start and idle start-stop system. The latest version of NVX is also equipped with connectivity tech provided by Yamaha Y-Connect app.
    2021 Yamaha NVX Scooter
    Through this functionality, the rider is able to obtain real-time information such as overall vehicle health check, fuel consumption, service reminder, scooter’s last known location and much more. The instrument panel will also be able to display all new messages and calls received on phone.
    Mechanical Specs
    Coming to its mechanical specs, the new NVX is powered by a 155 cc liquid-cooled VVA engine that has been tuned to push out 15.19 bhp at 8000rpm and 13.9 Nm at 9000rpm. Suspension duties are carried out by telescopic forks at front and adjustable twin shock absorbers at rear. On the other hand, anchorage is handled by a 230mm disc brake and a drum brake at rear. The scooter rides on 14-inch front and rear wheels.
    While the standard variant tips the weighing scales at 122 kilos, the ABS variant weighs 3kg more. Saddle height is very accessible at 790mm with a ground clearance of 149mm. Fuel tank capacity has also been increased from 4.5-litre to 5.5-litre which means more miles to go in a full tank. More