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      Hero MotoCorp April 2021 Sales At 3.72 L – Splendor, Deluxe, Passion, Pleasure

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      Image – Indian IdentityHero MotoCorp sees subdued sales in April 2021 owing to temp closure of plant ops, and closure of dealerships across regions

      As Covid-19 infections continue to reach new highs in India, the auto industry is blighted by its spread. Depending on strategies to arrest growth, in recent week many a state government has issued lockdown orders.
      This apart, manufacturers are dealing with shortage of parts and interrupted supply chains. While the market hasn’t completely shutdown as was the case in April 2020, current challenges are many.
      In this atmosphere of uncertainty, Hero MotoCorp has reported domestic wholesales at 3,42,614 units. The auto manufacturer has also extended plant closures by 6 days to arrest the spread of Covid-19. Operations will be resumed on May 10, 2021. Including exports, total sales in April 2021 is reported at 3,72,285 units. MoM decline stood at 35.47 percent, down from 5,76,957 units. Volume decline is reported at just over 2 lakh units.
      Sales in April 2021
      Of total sales, motorcycles sales in the domestic market continues to lead from the front. Wholesales was reported at 3,39,329 units accounting for 91.15 percent of domestic sales. MoM decline stood at 35.32 percent, down from 5,24,608 units. Volume loss stood at 1,85,279 units.
      Hero MotoCorp Sales April 2021
      Scooter sales is reported at 32,956 units accounting for the remainder of domestic sales. MoM decline stood at 37.05 percent, down from 52,349 units. Volume loss stood at 19,393 units. Exports are reported at 29,671 units, accounting for 7.97 percent of total sales. MoM decline is reported at 9 percent, down from 32,617 units at volume loss at just under 3k units.
      Hero says sales in April ’21 was subdued owing to temporary closure of plant ops, and the fact that retail outlets remain have again been shut across many regions. These are state issued orders planned to stop the spread of the current devastation of the pandemic. As manufacturing and dealer dispatches remained shut in April 2020, there is no comparable YoY data for manufacturers for April 2021.
      Hero extends closure at plants
      Hero is committed to safety and has stopped work at its manufacturing facilities in IndiaIndia, its Global Parts Center (GPC) in Neemrana, and the R&D facility – the Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur till May 9, 2021. Plant ops will resume on May 10th.
      All corporate offices are on Work from Home (WFH) mode, and personnel that are required to visit office are doing so on a limited and rotational basis. The situation is being monitored continuously, and Hero MotoCorp aims to compensate for production loss during the remainder of the quarter. More

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      2021 Honda CB500X First Units Start Arriving At Dealer Showroom

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      2021 Honda CB500X arriving at a dealer showroom. First in Kerala.2021 Honda CB500X enters a segment wherein it takes on the likes of Benelli TRK 502 and Kawasaki Versys 650
      2021 Honda CB500X is a road based adventure bike that has just been introduced in India. It is priced at Rs.6.87 lakhs (ex-sh) and is offered in 1 variant and 2 colour options of Grand Prix Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic.
      Targeting the adventurous biker segment in the country, the new CB500X comes in with touring features with particular attention to seat height, riding position and an adjustable windscreen. This is the company’s first offering in the 500cc motorcycle segment in the country and, though priced higher, the CB500X takes on the Benelli TRK 502 and Kawasaki Versys 650 in terms of competition.
      Honda CB500X comes in via the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route and is sold via the company’s exclusive BigWing Dealerships. First units have now arrived at dealer showrooms across India while deliveries are also expected to start soon. Video below is credit to Radiant Clicks LifeStyle.
      Inspired by the Africa Twin
      Honda CB500X borrows some design inspiration from the Africa Twin. It gets LED head and tail lamps along with LED indicators, a large adjustable windscreen, angular bodywork and seat height at 830mm. It sports a 17.7 liter fuel tank and dimensions stand at 2,156mm length, 828 mm width and 1,412 mm height.
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      It gets a wheelbase of 1,443mm and ground clearance at 181 mm with kerb weight of 199 kgs while it rides on on 19 inch front and 17 inch rear alloy wheels fitted with 110/80 and 160/60 section of tyres respectively. As against a TFT display, the CB500X gets a negative LCD display with no traction control, quickshifter or cornering ABS being offered.
      The Honda CB500X gets its power via a 471cc, parallel twin, liquid cooled engine offering 47 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 43 Nm torque at 6,500rpm mated to a 6 speed transmission with slip and assist clutch.
      It gets telescopic suspension in the front and Honda ProLINK monoshock at the rear while braking is via 310mm disc brake with two pot caliper in the front and 240mm disc with single piston at the rear. The bike also receives Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) technology that detects sudden braking following with it automatically activates hazard lights to warn nearby vehicles.
      2022 Honda CB400X and CB400F
      Even as the Honda CB500X has been officially launched in India, two other Honda bikes, 2022 Honda CB400X and CB400F have made their global debut but are not set for launch in India. Having been shown off at the Shanghai Auto Show in China, the CB400X is an adventure tourer while the CB400F is a naked streetfighter. The two bikes share similar features and get their power via the same 399cc parallel twin engine that makes 44.2 hp power and 37 Nm torque when mated to a 6 speed gearbox. More

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      Suzuki Gixxer 250, SF250 Recalled In India Over Excessive Vibration Issues

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      Suzuki Gixxer 250
      While Gixxer 250 competes against the likes of Bajaj Dominar 250, Yamaha FZ25 and KTM 250 Duke, SF250 competes against Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 and KTM RC 200
      Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited has issued a recall for its quarter-litre offerings in the country- Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF250. The former being a naked streetfighter while the latter being an entry-level faired superbike. The reason given for this recall is that certain customers have felt excessive vibrations on the bike.
      Cause of Recall
      While the official notification issued by the company is difficult to decode, the main synopsis concluded is that excess vibration is felt due to improper positioning of the balancer shaft in the engine. It further says that the incorrect positioning of crank balancer gear drive may lead to two out of the six mounting lugs of taillamp being compromised in worst-case vibration.
      However, the bikemaker has maintained that this would not affect the functioning of the motorcycle in any way. A total of 199 units that were manufactured between August 12, 2019 and March 21, 2021 have been affected by this latest recall.
      Although, there has been no official confirmation sent from Suzuki India to company workshops yet regarding this development. However, it has been revealed that the repair work for this would only take a couple of hours.
      Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
      The Japanese brand is likely to send out notifications to affected customers through emails or text messages. Given, the current situation of rising cases of the Covid-19 pandemic, Suzuki would want customers to schedule an appointment before visiting a workshop in order to ensure minimum waiting time. As usual, the repair activity would be carried out free of cost to the customer.
      Gixxer 250, SF250 Specs
      Suzuki introduced the BS6 compliant Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF250 last year. Both models are powered by the same 249cc 4-valve SOHC single-cylinder oil-cooled motor that pumps out 26.13 bhp at 9300rpm and 22.6 Nm of peak torque at 7300rpm. These figures are slightly lower than their BS4 counterparts. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox. Both motorcycles also share the same cycle parts.
      They are underpinned by a diamond frame which is suspended on telescopic forks up front and a swingarm-mounted mono-shock at rear. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends which are assisted by dual-channel ABS. Both receive a 12-litre fuel tank. While Gixxer 250 weighs 156 kilos, its faired sibling weighs slightly heavier at 161kg due to its extra body panels.
      Made in India Gixxer 250 was recently launched in Japan at a price of JPY 4,48,800 ( equivalent to 3.09 lakh). In India, it can be availed at a price of INR 1.67 lakh, ex-sh. More

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      Aprilia SXR 125 Scooter Detailed In First Look Walkaround

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      New Aprilia SXR 125. Image – Jet wheelsAprilia SXR 125 draws a strong resemblance to Aprilia’s big bikes like the RSV4 and Tuono V4
      Following the launch of the SXR160 in December 2020, Aprilia now brings in a new premium, lightweight commuter maxi scooter called Aprilia SXR 125. This scooter has made its debut in the Indian two wheeler market and bookings have opened at Rs.5,000 via company site or at any of the authorized Piaggio dealerships in the country.
      The maxi scooter is the first scooter designed in Italy for the Indian market. Just like the SXR 160, the SXR 125 enters production at the Aprilia’s newest plant in Baramati plant in Maharashtra and will be officially available from the end of April. Earlier last month, Aprilia SXR 125 along with SXR 160 went on sale in Nepal markets.
      Aprilia SXR 125 Style and Features
      The new Aprilia SXR 125 will be based on the SXR 160’s platform and follows the same design philosophy. It gets aggressive body styling with a three way split twin front headlamps with full LED lighting system and DRLs, a digital instrument panel with Bluetooth connectivity and large display of all rider information, USB charging port, a large windshield and generous front storage space and lit-up under-seat storage.
      It is also seen with prominent side body panels, body graphics and extensive chrome accents to enhance premium appeal. The new Aprilia SXR 125 gets a single piece seat setup which is well cushioned for rider’s comfort. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video by Jet Wheels below.
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      The SXR 125 dimensions stand 1,985mm in length, 1,261mm in height and 806mm in width. It will be presented in colour options of Matt Black, Glossy White, Glossy Red and Matt Blue and will get a fuel tank of 7 liter capacity.
      BS6 125 cc Engine Specs
      Aprilia SXR 125 will get its power via a 125 cc, single cylinder, 3 valve, fuel injected engine that also powers the SR 125. This engine offers peak power of 9.4 hp at 7,600 rpm and 8.2 Nm peak torque at 6,520 rpm. The engine is mated to a CVT gearbox.
      Braking and suspension are via 220mm front disc and 140mm rear disc brake along with CBS (Combined Braking System) with conventional telescopic forks and monoshock. The SXR 125 will ride on 12 inch alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres.
      The new Aprilia SXR 125 will not have any direct rivals when it comes to price. But it can be seen as a rival to the TVS NTorq and the Suzuki Burgman Street in terms of engine capacity. Official price has not been announced, but the company website states that the price is Rs 1.15 lakh. More

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      Hero March 2021 Sales, Exports Breakup – Splendor, Passion, Maestro, Destini

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      Hero SplendorHero MotoCorp domestic wholesales and exports growth reported for March 2021
      March 2021 saw Hero MotoCorp report total wholesales at over 5 lakh units. The feat is no ordinary one, and the manufacturer was able to hit the target multiple times through FY21. More than half of its domestic sales cam from Hero Splendor.
      Sales is reported at 2.8 lakh units, up from 1,43,736 units YoY. Volume gain stood at 1,36,354 units. HF Deluxe contributed to a little over 26 percent in sales. Sales is reported at 1,44,505 units, up from 1,14,969 units. Volume gain stood at a little below 30k units at growth of 25.69 percent.
      Hero MotoCorp has a strong grip on the mass market commuter motorcycle market, and this is demonstrated through the sheer volume of its leading two-wheeler lineup. The manufacturer also sells a small number of scooters. While the bulk of its monthly sales is contributed by the success of Splendor and HF Deluxe, the remainder of its motorcycles and scooters make up for the remainder of its sales.
      Glamour, Passion and Pleasure sales
      Hero Glamour, Passion, and Pleasure sales accounted for about 91k units. Glamour sales was up at 32,371 units, up from 12,713 units. Volume gain stood at almost 20k units to account for about 6 percent of domestic sales.
      Hero Domestic Sales – March 2021
      Passion sales grew to just over 30k units from just under 18k units. Volume gain is reported at 12,527 units. It’s share in total sales was also pegged at just under 6 percent. Pleasure scooter sales grew to 28,516 units, up from 13,898 units at volume gain of 14,618 units.
      Destini 125 sales crossed the 14k units mark from a little under 10k units. YoY sales growth stood at 47.47 percent at volume gain of 4.5k units. Maestro sales reached 8k units, up from 3.5k units. Volume gain stood at 4,467 units.
      Xtreme 160R sales stood at 3,840 units. And XPulse 200 sales at 2,485 units. In total, domestic wholesales grew to 5,44,340 units at 12.37 percent YoY growth. Volume gain stood at about 60k units, up from 4,84,433 units.
      Hero Exports – March 2021
      Hero MotoCorp March 2021 exports
      While Hero MotoCorp enjoys great market prominence in India, exports are seemingly low as compared to its closest competitors. This sees Bajaj and TVS enjoy far more volumes in exports though domestic sales remains lower than Hero MotoCorp. HF Deluxe rules the export log at just over 9k units.
      The manufacturer’s biggest volume product Splendor sees exports at 7,106 units. Achiever exports are reported at 4,573 units, and that of Xtreme 150 at 3,319 units. Hunk exports fell to 2,375 units. Pulse 200 exports grew to 2,375 units. The remainder of the export wagon saw numbers below 1,000 units each. Exports for the month grew to 32,617, up from 21,034 units at volume gain of 11,583 units. More

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      Hayabusa First Lot Sold Out In India – Bookings Closed Even Before Deliveries Start

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      2021 Hayabusa. Image – Suzuki Europe.Legendary Hayabusa is back with new features and several tech updates – Price in India starts from Rs 16.4 lakh, ex-sh
      After its global unveil, Hayabusa has now been launched in India. The legendary superbike has been a preferred choice for enthusiasts in the country and that is true for the new gen as well. Even before the deliveries can start, the entire first lot of new Hayabusa in India has been sold out.
      Bookings have now been closed across India. A total of 101 units of 2021 Hayabusa were available for India in the first lot. Deliveries of the new Busa will start from mid next month.
      As may be recalled, Hayabusa was discontinued in India and other parts of the world due to new stringent emission norms. At that time, it was believed that Hayabusa will be relegated to history books for good. However, Suzuki has chosen to resurrect the legend, probably based on consumer feedback and market dynamics.
      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa key updates
      New Hayabusa looks sharper, as is evident in the updated front fascia and revised fairing. Other visual enhancements include new LED headlight, sculpted fuel tank, chrome plated twin exhaust and two-part LED tail light. The font used for ‘Hayabusa’ logo is also new, which comes across as bolder and sportier.
      2021 Hayabusa. Image – Suzuki Europe.
      New Hayabusa packs in a range of tech upgrades such as ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, six-axis IMU system, three power mode selector, multi-level engine brake control, ABS cornering package, active speed limiter, six ride modes, launch control and hill hold control.
      New Hayabusa powertrain
      Suzuki has chosen to use the same engine as earlier, a 1340 cc, liquid cooled, inline, four-cylinder unit. The engine has been tweaked to comply with new emission norms, as mandated under BS6 / Euro-5. Addition of new components such as new catalytic converter, fuel intake system and updated exhaust system has played a critical role in achieving emission compliance.
      In its BS6 form, the engine dishes out max power of 187 bhp and peak torque of 150 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and equipped with two-way quick shifter. Next-gen Hayabusa will offer fuel efficiency of 18.06 kmpl, which is less than 21.5 kmpl of BS4 model.
      New Hayabusa price
      In the Indian market, new Hayabusa is priced from Rs 16.4 lakh (ex-showroom). This is significantly higher than the last known starting price of Rs 13.70 lakh for BS4 model. New Hayabusa will primarily rival Kawasaki Ninja H2 in the Indian market.
      Considering its wide fan following, new Hayabusa is expected to register strong sales after its launch. Sales number will be available once deliveries start. The BS4 model was entirely sold out, something that is evidence to its iconic status. Initially, new Hayabusa will be imported as CBU. Later, CKD option is likely to be utilized. This is the same process that has been used for other motorcycles. More

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      2021 Yamaha Bolt Cruiser Gets Updated With R-Spec Variant

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      2021 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec2021 Yamaha Bolt will be offered in two paint options- Metallic Black or Grayish Blue Metallic
      Yamaha boasts a wide range of motorcycles across a variety of body styles and segments in its international lineup. Unfortunately, this doesn’t hold true for the Indian market as many models have been discontinued in recent years and the Japanese manufacturer is only left with a paltry number of models.
      Meanwhile, its international lineup continues to grow stronger as it has launched an updated version of Bolt in its home market. For reference, the Bolt moniker was first introduced in 2013 as a 2014 model, specifically for the US market. In its upgraded form revealed recently, the big bobber-style cruiser will only be available in the R Spec trim while the base variant has been axed from the lineup.
      Traditional Cruiser Styling
      The new 2021 Bolt R Spec rides on premium 19-inch front and 16-inch rear alloy wheels with a brushed metallic finish wrapped around by tubeless tyres. The base variant, on the other hand, was offered only wire-spoke wheels.
      It flaunts a retro theme styling featuring round headlamps, taillamps, circular instrument cluster and a teardrop-shaped fuel tank. The split-seat design further enhances its bobber stance.
      2021 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
      Overall, the cruiser features elegant styling which is accentuated by a beautifully styled engine taking centre stage with a polished crankcase and cooling fins. It will be offered in two colour schemes- Metallic Black or Grayish Blue Metallic. The latter also comes with understated body graphics.
      2021 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
      Hardware Setup
      Hardware configuration of the motorcycle is kept intact. It is built on a dual cradle frame with the front end suspended on a pair of 41mm telescopic forks. While the rear end is suspended on a set of twin gas-charged shocks with gold-coloured external reservoirs. Anchorage is handled by front and rear 298mm petal disc brakes which are assisted by dual-channel ABS. At a kerb weight of 252kg, it surely is a very hefty machine. The fuel tank can hold up to 13-litres of fuel.
      Engine Specs
      Coming to its performance, it is powered by a 942cc V-Twin air-cooled, SOHC, fuel-injected engine that has been rated to return an output of 54 bhp at 5500rpm and 80 Nm of peak torque at 3000rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox that transfers power to the rear wheel via a belt drive just like traditional cruisers. This suggests it is an easy-going cruiser rather than a hustler.
      2021 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
      The latest iteration Bolt R Spec has been priced at 10,45,000 Japanese Yen which is equivalent to INR 7.14 lakh. Yamaha currently has no plans to ship this model to foreign markets, other than the USA may be. Hopefully, Yamaha brings a cruiser for a smaller segment to India since retro-styled motorcycles have been the flavour of motorcyclists in the country. More

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      2021 Aprilia RS 125 And Tuono 125 Debut In Italy – India Launch Unlikely

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      2021 Aprilia Tuono 125New Aprilia RS 125 and Tuono 125 come with visual, functional and engine updates
      Ahead of their launch in international markets, Aprilia has unveiled 2021 RS 125 And Tuono 125. A number of changes have been incorporated to keep the twins relevant to market trends.
      2021 Aprilia RS 125 and Tuono 125 key updates
      The 125cc twins get refreshed bodywork with new paint schemes. With the reworked body panels, the motorcycles look a lot sleeker and aggressive. The headlight assembly has been updated and it looks similar to that of SXR125 and SXR160. The semi-digital instrument cluster has also been replaced with a new fully-digital unit.
      The engine is the same as earlier, but it has been tweaked to comply with Euro 5 emission norms. Even with transition to Euro 5, power output remains the same as earlier at 15.2PS at 10,750rpm. As per European norms, this is the max power output allowed for motorcycles of this class. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
      In other changes, Aprilia RS 125 and Tuono 125 get wider rear tyres. The dual-channel ABS system has also been updated. There could be updates to suspension and braking system as well, but these will be confirmed at the time of launch.
      2021 Aprilia RS 125
      Will India get 2021 Aprilia RS 125 and Tuono 125?
      It is unlikely that Aprilia will introduce the 125cc twins in the Indian market. High pricing could be one of the reasons, something that would make the twins out of reach of most customers.
      For reference, we can compare with prices of bigger siblings – RS 660 and Tuono 660. These are scheduled for launch soon. As per a leaked document, prices of RS 660 and Tuono 660 start at Rs 13.39 lakh and Rs 13.09 lakh, respectively.
      Supposing that Aprilia RS 125 and Tuono 125 are launched in the Indian market, they will rival the likes of KTM RC125 and 125 Duke. The latter two would work out much cheaper. Moreover, there won’t be any major difference in performance between KTM 125 twins and Aprilia 125 twins. Due to these reasons, Aprilia may not choose to target the entry-level performance biking segment in India.
      2021 Aprilia
      However, Aprilia has confirmed that it is working on a 300-400cc motorcycle that will be especially designed for the Indian market. It will take on rivals such as KTM RC 390. An exact timeline is not available, but Aprilia’s new 300-400cc motorcycle for Indian market could take more than a year.
      Aprilia’s current focus in India is maxi-scooter segment, wherein the company has planned the launch of SXR125. It’s based on its bigger sibling, SXR160. Pre-order bookings are open for SXR125 for Rs 5k. Aprilia has officially revealed the price of SXR125 at Rs 1.16 lakh, ex-showroom (Delhi). More