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      KTM 750 Duke, ADV Launch Next Year – To Be Made In China By CFMOTO

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      Image for referenceManufactured in China, KTM’s 750cc motorcycles could be offered at an affordable price point
      As part of their joint venture with China based CFMoto, KTM is currently developing an entirely new 750cc platform. The global unveil of these new KTM motorcycles is scheduled to take place by 2022.
      KTM has a partnership with CFMoto since 2011. The latter is responsible for importing and selling KTM motorcycles in China. In 2020, CFMoto also started manufacturing KTM motorcycles, as part of KTM’s expansion strategy in China. This partnership is something similar to the arrangement that KTM has with Bajaj in India.
      KTM 750cc motorcycles – what to expect
      Initially, the 750cc platform will be used to develop 750 Duke, 750 Adventure and 750 Supermoto. The 750 Duke will work as a replacement for 790 Duke, which is expected to be discontinued. KTM has already introduced the new 890 range, so 790cc range may no longer be required. KTM 750cc motorcycles will be positioned between the 890cc range and upcoming KTM 490cc parallel-twin range.
      The 490cc range will be manufactured in India by Bajaj at its production facility in Chakan, near Pune. It will serve the needs of both domestic markets and exports.
      KTM 790 Adventure at India Bike Week
      There’s still very little that’s known about KTM’s new 750cc range. In terms of pricing, KTM 750cc motorcycles could be relatively affordable in comparison to 790cc range. However, don’t expect KTM to cut down on features to reduce cost.
      Offering a range of high-tech features is one of the key USPs of KTM motorcycles. It’s unlikely that the company would want to compromise on that. However, it is possible that reduction in production costs may be passed on to customers in the form of lower prices.
      KTM 750cc range India launch
      It is not yet certain if KTM will introduce the new 750cc range in Indian market. However, going by the popularity of KTM bikes in India, the 750cc range could eventually make its way in the country. As of now, KTM is focused on smaller capacity 125cc, 200cc, 250cc and 390cc motorcycles. These have registered consistent numbers in both domestic sales and exports.
      In the domestic market, the primary volume generators for KTM are its 200cc, 125cc and 250cc motorcycles. In overseas markets, the preference is more for 390cc and 125cc motorcycles. Next on the agenda are KTM electric scooters, which will be based on Chetak platform. A new production facility is currently being built by Bajaj, which will be utilized for manufacturing KTM electric scooters. These are expected to be launched by 2022. More

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      Revolt Electric Motorcycles Bookings Closed As Demand Increases

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      Revolt RV400RattanIndia backed Revolt has paused accepting any fresh bookings on its website following overwhelming response from the consumers for the RV 300 and RV 400
      RattanIndia has recently marked its entry into the two wheeler EV space through investment in Revolt Intellicorp Pvt Ltd. The company has noted high demand for its two electric bikes RV 300 and RV 400 and have hence stopped accepting any further bookings on the company website.
      The company will re-open bookings once current orders are met. The new acquisition will see the company old 50 percent stake in Revolt while Rajiv Rattan will be Chairman of the board of Revolt.
      Revolt has its production set up in Manesar in Haryana and presence in Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. The company produces two electric bikes the RV 300 and RV 400, both of which offer a range of 150 kms on single charge, a top speed of 100 km/h and have battery charging time of 4 hours. The company offers a warranty of 1,50,000 kms on the 3.24 kWh battery, the highest offered by any other two wheeler electric vehicle maker in the country.
      Revolt Intellicorp Expansion Plans
      Revolt has announced fresh capital investment to expand both its distributor and service network to 35 cities across India. This investment of Rs.150 crores funding from RattanIndia Enterprises Limited will go a long way in not only expanding the company foot print across India but also in other South Asian markets.
      Revolt RV400 electric motorcycle image for reference.
      Revolt electric motorcycle RV400 prices increased to Rs 1.04 lakh are priced at Rs.95,000 and Rs.1.19 lakhs via a one-time payment plan while a monthly payment plan is also on offer with total payments working out to a bit more. Following the price hike, booking amount and EMI plans for the RV300 start at Rs. 7,199 and Rs. 3,174, respectively while the RV400 can be booked for Rs. 7,999 with EMIs at Rs 4,399.
      RV 300 is the smaller of the two electric bikes. It rides on a 1,350mm long wheelbase, down 30mm as compared to that seen on the RV 400. It also has a lower has a kerb weight down 7 kgs as compared to the 101 kg weight of the RV 400 but offers a higher range as offered by the RV 400.
      In Eco mode, the bike is capable of 180 kms on single charge while in Normal and Sport mode, this goes down to 110 km and 80 km respectively. Top speed is however lower at 65 km/h. RV 400 boasts of a compact design. It receives adjustable foot pegs and plastic surrounds on its headlamp. It gets a bolt on sub frame, USD fork and monoshock and disc brakes.
      ARAI claims a range of 156 kms for the RV 400. The RV 300 and RV400 are the country’s first AI enabled electric two wheeler offerings and do not have any direct rivals. More

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      TVS Subsidiary Norton Powers New Zongshen Cyclone RX6

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      Zongshen Cyclone RX6Zongshen Cyclone RX6 will be available in two derivatives- a touring friendly variant and an off-road biased model
      Global automotive collaborations have led to the advent of some of the finest products in the past. Mutual sharing of resources, knowledge and technology has mostly been beneficial for the auto world. This has become more prevalent in recent times. The most recent example being Zongshen Cyclone RX6.
      The adventure tourer made its debut in its final production form in the recently concluded 2021 Shanghai Motor Show. The biggest highlight though is a Norton-derived 650cc parallel-twin engine which powers Cyclone RX6. Back in 2017, the iconic British brand inked a deal with its Chinese counterpart of sharing the 650cc twin between each other.
      Powertrain Specs
      Getting into details, the bike is propelled by a 650cc, DOHC, twin-cam, four-valve parallel-twin which returns an output of 70 bhp and 62 Nm of peak torque. This puts it in the same region as Kawasaki Versys 650, Yamaha Tracer 700 and Suzuki V-Strom 650. However, it still generates 14 horses less than Norton’s own Atlas Ranger and Atlas Nomad Scramblers. The twin-can parallel-twin motor is itself derived from a 12,000cc V4 which propels Norton’s V4 RR superbike.
      Design & Features
      Coming to its design, RX6 looks like a typical adventure bike with a lanky physique of a tourer. It gets signature styling elements of contemporary ADV models such as a large front fairing,a beefy 21-litre fuel tank and a windscreen. The seats are flat and there is also provision for mounting one’s luggage and also receives a side-slung exhaust and option saddlebags for touring purposes.
      Zongshen Cyclone RX6
      It comes with plenty of creature comforts such as a color TFT dashboard, electronically adjustable windscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, full LED lighting with a twin-pod LED headlight and keyless ignition along with a bunch of electronic aids.
      Mechanical Setup
      Hardware configuration of the ADV comprises a suspension setup that features upside-down forks from Kayaba and an asymmetrically mounted mono-shock at rear. Cyclone RX6 will be made available in two trims. First, a touring variant that features a touring-oriented suspension and 17-inch cast alloy rims shod by Pirelli tyres.
      The other being an off-road biased model which comes with extra suspension travel and wire-spoke wheels. Braking duties are handled by Nissin-sourced petal-type twin rotors at front and a single disc at the back. Safety net is provided by a dual-channel ABS. It tips the weighing scales at 245kg.
      Zongshen Cyclone RX6
      Prices for Cyclone RX6 will be revealed in the coming days as it goes on sale in China. It is expected to arrive in European markets at a later stage as a Norton branded model, however, an India launch looks very unlikely. It is to be pointed out that Norton Motorcycles is now is a fully-owned subsidiary of TVS Motor Company. More

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      KTM 125 Duke Based Husqvarna 125cc Motorcycle Production Starts

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      Image for referenceIn the initial phase, the manufactured units will be entirely exported to European markets
      As of now, Husqvarna offers only Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 250 in the Indian market. Bajaj manufactures Husqvarna 201 and 401 cc motorcycles at the same facility. But these are currently meant only for exports. Svartpilen 125 is the newest addition, which could be introduced in the Indian market at a later date.
      Earlier this year in February, Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 was launched in Europe. Hungary was among the first country to get it, where it was offered at a starting price of HUF 1.64 million (approx. Rs 4.02 lakh). The entry-level Husqvarna is imported from India as completely built-up (CBU) units.
      It is expected that Vitpilen 125 will also be added to the list of Husqvarna motorcycles being manufactured by Bajaj at its Chakan production centre. Vitpilen 125 will head to European markets first.
      Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 design and features
      In terms of looks, Svartpilen 125 is almost identical to its bigger siblings. The bike features retro-modern design and comes with sleek bodywork. Some key features include round LED headlamp, LED DRL ring around the headlamp, minimal body panels, LCD instrument cluster, bronze engine cover, and low profile seat.
      Husqvarna Svartpilen 125
      The 17-inch wheels are wire-spoke units that are shod with dual sport tyres at both ends. The bike offers a comfortable, upright riding stance, which makes it suitable for city streets as well as mild off-road environments.
      Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 engine and specs
      Svartpilen 125 will borrow its engine and most other hardware from KTM 125 Duke. The 124.7cc, liquid cooled, DOHC motor is capable of generating 15 hp of max power at 9,500 rpm and 12 Nm of max torque at 7,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission. Top speed is around 100 kmph.
      The bike utilizes a powder coated steel trellis frame, suspended on 43mm WP Apex USD forks at front and WP Apex monoshock rear suspension with 5-step preload adjustability. Braking duties are performed by 320 mm disc at the front and 230 mm disc at the rear. Callipers used are ByBre four-piston at the front and ByBre single-piston, floating type at the rear. Dual-channel Bosch ABS is offered as standard.
      Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 India launch
      Considering the immense interest in entry-level performance biking segment in the country, Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 could be introduced in the Indian market. It could be positioned as a relatively affordable option as compared to KTM 125 Duke. The latter is currently offered at a starting price of Rs 1.62 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Husqvarna has followed the same strategy for its 250cc twins that are priced lower than KTM 250 Duke. More

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      Joy E-Bike April 2021 Electric Scooter, Motorcycle Sales Report Growth

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      Joy E-Bikes Electric Motorcycles. File photo.Joy E-Bike growth and expansion plans saw the manufacturer report sales of 493 units in April 2021
      Joy E-Bike Manufacturer Wardwizard Innovations and Mobility reports sales growth for April 2021 at 493 units. To get to this point, the company was able to increase its number of dealerships. The company is also listed on BSE under the electric vehicle category.
      E-bike sales has been reported at units in April 2021. Gennext electric scooter accounted for 80 percent of total monthly sales at 392 of 493. Wolf electric motorcycle accounted for 15 percent of total sales at 76 of 493 units. 220 dealerships were onboarded in February 2021. Manufacturing got underway in January 2021 at the OEM plant in Vadodara, Gujarat.
      Dealer network
      Current dealership count of 220 is distributed pan India. This includes Maharashtra (19), Gujarat (17), Orissa (4), West Bengal (7), Madhya Pradesh (13) and Chhattisgarh (4).
      Sheetal Bhalerao, CEO, Wardwizard Group said, “It is indeed heartening to see the overwhelming response to Joy E-bike and sales shoot up so high in three months since our OEM plant began to operate in Vadodara. With restraints on public transport and the heightened environmental consciousness of the millennial generation, e-bikes are the perfect solution for mobility.”
      Source – Joy E-Bike/ Facebook
      Electric two-wheeler sales in 2020
      Joy E-Bike is enthused about catering to this specific customer segment, and is eager to meet demand. In the present situation, India continues to battle daily highs of Covid-19 infection staying just below the 4 lakh daily reported infection mark. The times are distressing.
      However, despite the circumstances that got us to this state of absolute mismanagement, FY21 didn’t completely disappoint two-wheeler manufacturers. With ample focus on the need to stay safe, more and more people have considered avenues of safer daily commute options. And this has meant, two-wheelers have gotten a lot more attention in the past fiscal.
      Add to this, the need for jobs has meant more and more people have needed a two-wheeler so they can be employed as delivery personnel, and runners. And while, major e-commerce companies are committed to a cleaner and greener future, currently electric two-wheelers are not a big part of delivery fleets.
      Source – Joy E-Bike/ Facebook
      As such, currently, the majority of electric two-wheeler sales are thought to be for personal use. And through this difficult year of pandemic, not just traditional two-wheeler sales but also electric two-wheeler sales in India has increased.
      This is not difficult to understand considering availability of reliable public transport has been hampered through a varying range of lockdowns. 27k electric two-wheelers were registered in India in 2020. Sales movement is expected in 2021 too. Joy e-bike offers a range of EVs, including 4 high-speed offerings, and two low-speed models. More

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      Benda LFC700 Cruiser Officially Revealed – Global Debut In July

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      Benda LFC 700Benda LFC700 has been designed as a futuristic mid-displacement power cruiser and is based on the LF-01 Concept unveiled last year
      Chinese automakers are infamous for ripping off designs from international models and using them for their own local versions. However, Benda Motorcycles quashed this theory when it officially unveiled LFC700 recently and is expected to go on sale from July 1 this year in China.
      The cruiser takes heavy inspiration, in terms of design, from its pre-production concept version showcased at the Chongqing Motor Show in China in September last year. The brand must be credited for adopting a thoroughly fresh design instead of ripping apart a BMW or Harley Davidson even though the overall styling feels a bit polarising.
      Overall Styling
      The motorcycle looks sharp and beefy while sleek and sophisticated aluminium body panels make it look futuristic. This is contrasting to contemporary mid-capacity displacement cruisers which usually adopt a retro-styling for a cruiser in this space.
      In this case, the motorcycle flaunts styling elements such as a round LED headlamp, metallic fork covers and brawny tank shrouds. The most notable highlight, however, is the fighter jet-inspired headlight that gets small gaps serving as air intake vents.
      Benda LFC 700
      The single-piece seat follows the motorcycle’s fluid design language and is extremely accessible at a height of 695mm. Further complemented by a low scoop stance, forward-set footpegs and a drag handlebar, the motorcycle would ensure a comfortable riding posture. However, the production-spec version could feature footboards, instead of the small pegs. The fat tyres, especially the 310mm cross-section at rear further add a hint of a bobber to its appeal.
      Features on offer
      The concept bike revealed earlier last year presented features such as a full-colour TFT display, a slipper assist clutch, cruise control, ride-by-wire throttle, ABS as well as hill start assist. However, the production version misses out on a couple of techs including ride-by-wire throttle and cruise control. In spite of this, LFC700 is one of the better-equipped machines in its segment.
      Engine, Hardware Specs
      Coming to performance, LFC700 is powered by a 680cc inline-four liquid-cooled engine that is capable of churning out 96.55 bhp at 12000rpm. This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch while top speed has been capped at 180 kmph. Speaking of its dynamics, the motorcycle is underpinned by a twin-spar frame with an all-aluminium body which constricts the weight of the motorcycle to 215 kilos.
      Benda LFC 700
      Hardware comprises a fully adjustable suspension setup featuring USD forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. It rides on 19-inch and 18-inch front and rear alloy wheels respectively. Braking duties are taken care of by disc brakes at both ends which are assisted by Bosch dual-channel ABS.
      Although prices are not yet revealed, its initial launch price is expected to be pegged between CNY 40,000 and CNY 50,000 (equivalent to INR 4.58 lakh-5.75 lakh). It is hardly expected to arrive at Indian shores since the company Benda Motorcycles has no base in India in the first place. More

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      Royal Enfield Thunderbird Gets Harley CVO Makeover That’s Drool Worthy

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      Royal Enfield Thunderbird Modified
      It’s one of those modification projects that you would want for your own motorcycle
      Royal Enfield motorcycles have been one of the preferred options for modification projects. Their relatively simpler assembly and the ability to support modifications without causing structural issues are among the key reasons for their popularity among customization shops and enthusiasts. The latest mod job comes from Bengaluru-based Bulleteer Customs, who have carried out a Harley Davidson CVO inspired customization on Royal Enfield Thunderbird.
      Key updates
      Most of the changes in this modification project have been undertaken at the front and rear of the motorcycle. The most noticeable change at the front is the addition of a broad fairing. This is one of the key features that give the motorcycle the CVO look and feel.
      The front fairing has a modest sized windscreen, which should provide adequate protection. The fairing appears to have an aerodynamic profile, which should be helpful in tackling headwinds.
      At the rear, the motorcycle gets hard case panniers on both sides along with a hard case top box. These additions are also in line with Harley Davidson CVO. The additional storage should suffice for luggage and other equipment that people usually carry on long distance tours.
      Royal Enfield Thunderbird Modified
      To make the rides even more comfortable, custom designed seats have been added. The motorcycle has alloy wheels and makes use of various other aftermarket components such as LED headlamp, LED turn indicators, rear view mirrors, exhaust and tyres.
      Royal Enfield Thunderbird Modified
      The modified motorcycle has been named Royal Enfield Odyssey. The ‘Odyssey’ badging can be seen on the front fairing and rear panniers. It’s placed as part of the golden pinstripping (Madras stripes), which has been a signature feature of Royal Enfield motorcycles. For the uninitiated, it is worth noting that this pinstripping is still done by hand by highly skilled artists.
      Work in progress
      According to the modifier, this project will witness some more changes in the days to come. There are plans to introduce a cooler compartment that will allow space for beverages. A complete music system could also be added to the motorcycle.
      Royal Enfield Thunderbird Modified
      Harley CVO inspired Thunderbird modification looks great, but there’s room for improvements. For example, the middle section looks a bit hollowed. The engine apparatus does not look proportional to the large front fairing and pannier loaded rear section. If you look at original Harley CVO, it has a fat profile all around. If the middle section can be fixed, this modified Royal Enfield Odyssey will turn out much better.
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      Ola Electric Scooter Will Also Be Sold Internationally – Post India Launch

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      Ola Electric Scooter
      Ola electric scooter will be launched in key international markets in FY22 following its Indian debut
      The impending launch of Ola scooter has garnered much attention. While the Indian electric vehicle market continues to grow, volumes hardly make a dent. What’s needed is the right push button to make electric scooters a popular choice. And for now, that’s majorly missing.
      With Ola e-scooter mega factory project bringing spearheading a larger than life development, this could very bring a much needed growth impetus for electric scooters. Already product ready, Ola is currently working round the clock to bring up its production facility.
      Ola electric scooter launch
      While it may all seem a distant, Ola pretty much only needs a few weeks to bring its product to the market. Tentatively in July 2021. And that’s only a start. The company has a multi prong growth plan wherein international business is important. And this too will be executed in the current fiscal.
      In fact, opportunities are endless. And the giant 2.4k crore Tamil Nadu plant is just one chapter in this saga. The company is keen to take its Ola scooter product range to key markets in India within a short period of beginning sales in India.
      Ola Electric Scooter India Plant – 3D Render
      Work on the Hypercharger Network is ongoing. This in itself will be scaled up to be a force to reckon with. Plans are afoot to a lakh charging points over 400 cities. This offers insight to Ola’s plans of expansion in India. While most manufacturer’s selling electric two-wheelers in India have chosen to go from city to city as part of expansion, Ola has already set its sight over a larger territory.
      Hypercharger Network potential
      Another major difference from other electric two-wheeler manufacturers is its immediate focus on international markets. Traditional manufacturers are making space within existing plants to manufacture electric scooters.
      Newer manufacturers are building smaller plants. But Ola has spearheaded its idea with guns blazing. And with little or no competition in this space, Ola could very well lead as soon as it commences ops.
      Even the Hypercharger Network proffers possibilities. It will be expanded to cater to electric cars. And with that, the company offers just the slightest hint regarding its advent into production of electric four-wheelers in the years to come. One can start counting down the days to Q2 FY22, which will herald Ola’s electric scooter debut. More