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      CFMoto Electric Scooter Planned For India Launch – Ather 450X Rival

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      CFMOTO ZEEHO Electric Scooter
      Upon its launch, Zeeho Cyber e-scooter will compete against the likes of Ather 450X and Bajaj Chetak Electric

      CFMoto had been out of the news for over a year until it recently made its comeback with the BS6 updated 300NK. This will be followed by its faired sibling 300SR which is expected to be launched in India in the coming months. In fact, the Chinese automaker has planned to launch a new product every eight months.
      The company has revealed that the 650cc trio is also expected to arrive in India soon. However, the bikemaker isn’t only looking to bring in new conventionally IC-powered two-wheelers in the country. The brand is also looking ahead in future and developing electric mobility solutions that would also make it to the country.
      Zeeho Cyber e-scooter
      At the end of last year, CFMoto launched its new subsidiary brand Zeeho which will spearhead the company’s electric mobility division. It also revealed the Cyber concept electric scooter which reports suggest might be launched in India in the near future. Like the petrol-powered two-wheelers from CFMoto, the upcoming electric two-wheelers under the Zeeho brand will also be designed by Kiska Designs.
      Concept Design
      Zeeho Cyber concept sports a futuristic design although the production-spec model is expected to be a lot different. At front, the e-scooter concept gets an LED headlamp which is flanked by two wing-like LED light panels.
      CFmoto Zeeho Cyber Electric Scooter Concept
      Its front fairing is sporty and muscular yet sleeker than its rear end. The side fairing extends backward to meet the LED taillights which are essentially facing sideways. The seat looks exceptionally small to accommodate a pillion.
      Specifications
      Coming to its specifications, the concept featured a pouch-style 4kWh lithium-ion battery manufactured by Farasis Energy that is paired with Zeeho’s indigenously developed Cobra 10 kW water-cooled motor. This powertrain is capable of producing an output of 13.4 bhp and a humongous 213 Nm of peak torque.
      This torque figure helps the e-scooter sprint 0-50 kmph in just 2.9 seconds while its top speed has been capped at 110 kmph. The company claims a range of 130 km on a single charge as per NEDC (New European Driving Cycle).
      CFmoto Zeeho Cyber Electric Scooter Concept
      There are three driving modes on offer as well namely- Eco, Street and Sport which clearly reveal their utility. The company claims a lifespan of 2,500 cycles which roughly translates to eight years of normal usage or 3 lakh kilometres. The battery could be rejuvenated from 0 to 80 % using a fast charger for 30 minutes. The battery pack can operate in temperatures ranging from -20-degree to 55-degree celsius which makes it suitable for most countries.
      As per the company, the India-spec model has slightly different specifications than its international version. Zeeho will also be looking to extend its lineup to electric bikes as well which should also be introduced in India. According to reports, CFMoto intends to launch Zeeho Cyber in India towards the end of this year following its international debut in June 2021.
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      Hero Destini, Maestro Scooter 100 Million Edition Launched – First Look

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      Hero Destini and Maestro – 100 Million Edition
      Limited edition models are introduced to add more zing and uniqueness to consumer choices

      Having reached the 100 million production milestone, world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp is celebrating the joy with customers by launching 100 million limited editions of its popular motorcycles and scooters. The 100 millionth unit produced was a Hero Xtreme 160R motorcycle. This milestone was achieved earlier this year in January.
      After launching 100 million limited editions of Xtreme 160R, Splendor Plus and Passion Pro, the company has now introduced 100 million editions of its popular scooters – Hero Destini 125 and Maestro Edge 110. The limited editions of both scooters have cosmetic updates and there are no changes to engine or features.
      Hero Destini 125 100 million edition
      Destini 125 100 million edition gets dual-tone paint scheme of white and red. While the outer body panels have the white shade, the floor board area gets the red paint. The Destini logo on the side panel also has the red paint. Another change is the 100 million edition sticker on the front panel. Apart from these, there are no other changes.
      If we look at colour options for standard Destini 125, the choices include Matt Grey Silver, Noble Red, Pearl Silver White, Panther Black, Chestnut Bronze and Candy Blazing Red. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video by Gear Update below.
      [embedded content]
      With the updates, Destini 125 100 million edition costs Rs 72,250 (ex-showroom, Delhi). In comparison, the standard LX and VX variants are priced at Rs 66,960 and Rs 70,450, respectively. Hero Destini 125 is powered by a 124.6 cc air-cooled engine that is capable of generating 9 bhp of max power at 7,000 rpm and 10.4 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 rpm.
      Hero Maestro Edge 110 100 million edition
      While design and styling is the same as earlier, the 100 million edition of Maestro Edge 110 gets new grey and white decals. This creates an exciting contrast with the red coloured body panels. The 100 million edition sticker has been placed on the front panel.
      Colour options for standard Maestro Edge 110 include Midnight Blue, Seal Silver, Candy Blazing Red, Pearl Fadeless White, Panther Black and Techno Blue. Customers going for Maestro Edge 110 100 million edition will have to shell out Rs 65,250 (ex-showroom, Delhi). In comparison, the standard VX and ZX variants of Maestro Edge 110 are available at Rs 61,950 and Rs 63,450, respectively. Engine is the same as earlier, a 110.9 cc, air cooled unit that makes 8 bhp at 7,250 rpm and 8.75 Nm at 5,750 rpm.
      100 million editions of both scooters are priced Rs 1,800 more than their respective top-spec standard models. Folks who want to add some level of uniqueness to their rides can certainly choose the limited edition. On the other hand, price-conscious customers are unlikely to be willing to pay more for cosmetic enhancements. More

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      2021 Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 New TVC Released – Racing Thrill Unleashed

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      2021 Bajaj Pulsar RS 200
      Bajaj Pulsar RS200 competes against other faired sportsbikes such as KTM RC 200, Yamaha R15 V3 and Suzuki Gixxer SF 250

      RS200 already received a mild facelift last year when it got upgraded to BS6 emission norms. It is offered in a solitary trim level at a price pegged at Rs 1.52 lakh (ex-showroom). There has been no change in its design ever since it first went on sale in the country.
      The bike continues to sport a fully-faired styling, the only one apart from the flagship Pulsar 220F in Bajaj Auto’s entire lineup. Other design highlights in Pulsar RS200 include a dual-projector headlamp setup, twin running LED DRLs and an odd-looking LED tail lamp.
      New TVC
      Bajaj has recently released a new TV commercial on its YouTube channel. The latest TVC shows two mules of the faired sporty commuter bike in the shadows. Tag line of the commercial is – Racing Thrill Unleashed.
      Currently, the flagship Pulsar is available with three paint options namely Burnt Red, Metallic Pearl White and Pewter Grey. Other than getting new colour schemes and BS6 upgrade, no new updates either cosmetic or mechanically have been made in Pulsar RS200 since launch.
      [embedded content]
      Features & Powertrain
      Coming to features, the sporty commuter motorcycle is offered with gizmos such as a semi-digital instrument cluster, LED turn indicators, a service-due indicator and nothing much. For added visibility at dark, Bajaj offers backlit switches in RS200.
      It has been built on a perimeter frame which is suspended on a chunky telescopic fork at front and a gas-charged mono-shock. Anchoring duties are handled by a single 300mm disc at front and a 230mm disc at rear while a safety net is provided by a dual-channel ABS as standard.
      Pulsar RS200 derives its power from a 199.5cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled motor which pushes out 24.2 bhp at 9750 rpm and a peak torque of 18.7 Nm at 8000rpm. This unit is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike is rated to return a claimed fuel efficiency of 35 kmpl while it can clock a top speed of 141 kmph.
      Upcoming Pulsar Models
      The Chakan-based bikemaker is looking to expand its Pulsar range of motorcycles by introducing new models with different configurations. This includes a new bike in the quarter-litre segment.
      Specimens of the bike were recently spotted testing on roads although ambiguity remains regarding the expected powertrain on offer. Some experts believe that Bajaj might offer a new 250cc air-cooled motor while logic dictates that the company could utilise the 249cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which powers Dominar 250 and KTM 250 series. More

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      Two Wheeler Retail Sales Feb 2021 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, RE, Suzuki, Yamaha, Jawa, BMW

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      Hero Splendor
      Two-wheeler registrations for February 2021 on a decline but electric 2W sales up

      FADA reports decline for two wheeler retails / registration in February 2021. Total decline is as high as 16.08 percent, down to under 11 lakh in retails. sales is reported at 10,91,288 units, down from just over 13 lakh units at volume loss of 2,09,076 units.
      As usual Hero takes the lead at over 3.5L units. Decline is at over a quarter at 28.92 percent, down from almost 5L units. Volume loss stood at 28.92 percent for market share (MS) of 32.12 percent. MoM decline is at 11.5 percent. Registration fell from 3.96L at volume loss of just over 45k units.
      Honda retails dipped to below 3 lakh units at 5.08 percent decline. MS stood at 27.22 percent. Retails fell to 2,97,029 units, down from 3,12,939 units at volume loss of 15,910 units. MoM decline was less steep at 1.75 percent. Retails fell from 3,02,329 units at volume loss of 5.3k units.
      Retail sales decline
      TVS reports YoY decline at 9.15 percent for 15.22 percent MS. Retails fell to 1,66,089 units from 1,82,807 units at volume loss of 16,718 units. MoM decline stood at 5.80 percent. Sales fell from 1,76,307 units at volume loss of just over 10k units. Bajaj saw sales fall by 20.41 percent for just over 11 percent MS. Retails fell to a little over 1.20L units, down from over 1.5L at volume loss of over 30k units. MoM decline is pegged at under 8 percent. Volumes fell from 1,30,735 units at volume loss of over 10k units.
      Two Wheeler Retail Sales Feb 2021 – FADA
      Royal Enfield claimed 4.83 MS following 6.71 percent decline. Sales fell to 52,713 units, down from 56,506 units at volume loss under 3.8k units. MoM decline is reported at 3.21 percent. Sales fell from 54,461 units at volume loss of 1,748 units.
      Electric two-wheeler sales growth
      Suzuki sales fell by about 1.5 percent for 4.31 percent MS. Sales were flat-fish at 47k units. Volume loss was limited at 750 units. MoM sales growth stood at about a percent, up from 46,611 units. Yamaha was able to report retail growth of 2.38 percent at volume gain of 1,033 units. Registration were up at 44,413 units from 43,380 units. MoM decline was marginal, down from 44,511 units. Piaggio sold 4,583 units at 2.41 percent decline. MoM growth is reported at 1.60 percent, up from 4,511 units.
      Jawa retails almost halved at 47.10 percent decline. Sales fell to 2,191 units, down from 4,142 units at volume loss of 1,951 units. MoM decline was lower at 4.11 percent, down from 2,285 units. Kawasaki sales too fell noticeably and more than halved. Retails are reported at 114 units down from 256 units. MoM decline stood at 5 percent down from 120 units. Triumph sales were flat at 71 units. The month earlier, 63 units were registered.
      Two Wheeler Retail Sales Feb 2021
      Harley sales are down to a tenth at 21 units, down from 215 units. In January 2021 too sales was limited at a mere 27 units. The company currently operates a lower number of dealerships following its restructuring and business association with Hero MotoCorp. 13 Ducati units were registered in February 2021. Others/Electric two-wheelers sales have grown considerably. Registrations grew to 5,753 units, up from 2,461 units at volume gain of 3,292 units.
      Disclaimer: The above numbers do not have figures from AP, MP, LD & TS as they are not yet on Vahan 4. Vehicle Registration Data has been collated as on 07.03.21 in collaboration with Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India and has been gathered from 1,274 out of 1,481 RTOs. More

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      Honda CB350 Recalled Over Defective Transmission Component

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      File photo of CB350 at service. Image – Abhinav Bhatt.
      The recall campaign will kick start on March 23 and the concerned customers will be notified by the company thorough telephone, SMS or email

      The Honda CB350’s strong run has suffered a minor setback in the form of a voluntary recall. Honda Motorcycle Scooter India (HMSI) has announced a recall of CB350 units that were manufactured between 25th November and 12 December.
      Honda CB350 recall
      The company has not revealed how many units were affected by the recall but considering that the production was constrained during the early phases of the launch, we don’t expect the numbers to be very high. It has come to light that a wrong grade of material was used in on of the retro-classic roadster’s transmission components. To be precise, the 4th gear on the countershaft is the potentially problematic component.
      While HMSI maintains that no failure or incidents related to the defect has been reported till date, the material mix up could lead to a bit of issues as the vehicle ages and the component undergoes more and more work cycles.
      When does it start?
      The recall campaign is set to commence on 23rd of March through Honda’s BigWing premium motorcycle dealerships across the country. The defective component in question will be replaced free of cost.
      Honda CB350
      The dealership should be contacting the concerned customers in the coming days. If you happen to own a Honda CB350, you can visit Hondabigwing.in website and check if your motorcycle is covered by the recall campaign or not by entering your VIN number in the dedicated section.
      The recall does not affect the recently launched derivative, the Honda CB350RS. Despite retailing its 350 family of motorcycles only through limited number of outlets, Honda has managed to quickly dispatch 10,000 units in a short span of time. The company is sitting on a healthy number of orders as well.
      Specs at a glance
      The Honda CB350 is the Japanese brand’s answer to the immensely popular Royal Enfield 350 family. Designed and developed specifically for the Indian market, the retro-classic roadster is equipped with a 348 cc motor which is tuned to deliver 21 hp and 30 Nm of torque. The performance figures are in the ballpark of the touring segment. The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
      Salient features include LED headlamp, assist and slipper clutch, digi-analog instrument cluster with smartphone enabled voice control system, dual-channel ABS, alloy wheels and so on.
      While a recall this early in its market run could be seen as a chink in its armor, we don’t expect this issue to adversely affect the popularity of the motorcycle of its appeal. It will continue to rival the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Classic 350. Royal Enfield is also preparing a sporty roadster that could go by the name Hunter 350. More

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      Ather 450x Electric Scooter Deliveries Suspended In Bangalore – Kochi Gets New Experience Center

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      Ather 450x electric scooter in Kochi
      Ather Energy opens doors to new dealership, Kochi Experience Centre inaugurated

      Ather Energy is keen on increasing its footprint in India, and the latest buzz is in Kochi, Kerala. The location for the newest dealership is Vytilla at Chakkiapadam Building, Ather Space Kochi.
      Earlier in the week, the e-scooter manufacturer scheduled test rides at Tiruchirapalli aided by a pop-up store in Annamalai Nagar. The Kochi Experience Centre opened its doors today, and the company looks forward to starting deliveries.
      FAME verification OTP
      In another announcement this week, Ather Energy has had to suspend deliveries in Bangalore. This is owing to that fact that as notified by TRAI, the OTP mechanism has been affected across the board. As a result, FAME verification is impacted as it needs an OTP to be shared.
      Keeping this in mind, deliveries in Bangalore are suspended for a few days. The Ather team will reach out to customers in regard to how to proceed if one has a delivery scheduled roundabout now.
      Ather Electric Scooter delivery suspended in Bangalore
      Ather Energy expansion
      Less than a month ago, Ather Energy began production at its Hosur facility. The move enables the manufacturer to increase manufacturing manifold. Annual capacity now stands at 1.10L scooters, and 1.20L battery packs. The company looks forward to using this capacity fully sometime in 2022. Following phase I targets, manufacturing can be expanded to 3.5L scooters annually.
      In recent months, electric two wheeler sales has improved for a number of manufacturers. This market is currently dominated e-scooters. Within the equation, Ather energy is a renowned first mover. The company currently sells Ather 450X and Ather 450 Plus in February 2021, retail sales improved by two-thirds.
      In the larger scheme of things, the Indian two wheeler market is a large one where production and sales numbers are concerned. As the electric two-wheeler market goes from strength to strength, the hope is to shift demand to EVs. The possibilities are endless considering it’s seemingly a wait and watch game now. While no Indian two-wheeler manufacturer has yet stepped forward to offer a timeline as to when they would go all electric, government guidelines for India’s EV goals are being revised on a regular basis.
      For now, in the limited scope of EV sales, Hero electric is already leading the charts. This is in line with its larger than life in the mass market two-wheeler segments we know it now. Bajaj and TVS have already introduced an e-scooter each. Most interestingly, Hero MotoCorp has a sizeable investment in Ather Energy. A recent fund infusement from Hero MotoCorp in 2020 is earmarked for market expansion and thereby improved its market presence. More

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      Hero Passion, Splendor, Xtreme 100 Million Edition And Xpulse 200T Launched

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      Hero Passion Pro 100 Million Edition. Image – Rohit Rider
      The Hero Motocorp 100 Million special edition models sport dual-tone red-white livery but there are no other changes

      Hero Motorcorp has introduced a range of special edition models to commemorate the significant production milestone of surpassing 100 million units. The world’s largest two wheeler maker in terms of volume also introduced a model year update of its Xpulse 200T dual-purpose motorcycle.
      2021 Hero Xpulse 200T
      The BS6-compliant 2021 Hero Xpulse 200T is priced at INR 1.13 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Considering that the Xpulse is still relatively new in the market, the company chose to retain the styling aspects. The BS6 version is available in three color options namely Sports Red, Matte Shield Gold and Panther Black.
      To recap, the Xpulse 200T is powered by a 199.6 cc oil-cooled single-cylinder engine which is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The power and torque figures stand at 18.1 hp and 16.15 Nm respectively. The motorcycle weighs 154 kg and has a ground clearance of 177 mm.
      Feature highlights include a fully digital instrument console with smartphone enabled turn-by-turn navigation system, LED headlamp, front and rear disc brakes with single-channel ABS, alloy wheels and so on. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video of the new Hero Xpulse 200T in the video below, credit to Iam Hyper Rider.
      [embedded content]
      100 Million special editions
      Hero Motocorp crossed the significant production milestone in January this year and the 100 millionth motorcycle was a Hero Xtreme 160R. The company has introduced three special edition variants and is set to launch more such variants in the coming days.
      Hero Xtreme 160R 100 Million Edition. Image – MotoXpert Khan
      The Hero Xtreme 160R 100 Million special edition is dearer than the regular two-disc variant by INR 1,800 at INR 1,08,750 (ex-showroom, Delhi). It gets a special white and red livery. There are no other visual enhancements. The street fighter continues to sport LED headlamps, taillight and turn indicators, digital instrument panel, side stand engine cut-off and so on. Power comes from a 163 cc air-cooled engine pushing out 15 hp and 14 Nm of torque.
      Similarly, the Hero Splendor Plus and Passon Pro 100 Million editions are also swathed in special red and white paint job. The special edition Splendor Plus is available in a single variant priced at INR 67,095 while the Passion Pro special edition is available in two variants – disc (INR 69,200) and drum (INR 71,400). All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
      New Hero Splendor 100 Million Edition. Image – ConsumerABS
      Power the Hero Splendor Plus is a time-proven 97.2 cc air-cooled engine which develops a modest 7.9 hp and 8.05 Nm of torque. The 113 cc air-cooled unit of the Passion Pro puts out 9 hp and 9.89 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles make do with a 4-speed transmission.
      Hero Motocorp will also launch 100 Million editions of Glamour, Destini 125 and Maestro Edge. These special edition versions are expected to have a limited production run for a few months. As a part of its market consolidation strategy, the Indian two wheeler stalwart is planning to introduce 10 new products every year. We can expect a significant electrification drive in the coming years. More

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      Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Custom Bobber By Neev Motorcycles Named Queen

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      Royal Enfield 500cc Custom By Neev Motorcycles
      Custom-built Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle by Delhi-based outfit Neev Motorcycles has been named ‘Queen’

      Over the years we have witnessed some of the most insane modifications conducted on Royal Enfield motorcycles. Robust and versatile architecture complemented by simple engine construction makes it to the top of the list in the aftermarket industry in India. Every now and then we come across some piece of work that simply blows our minds.
      The latest example is a point in case. A Royal Enfield Bullet 500 model has been turned into an old-school bobber. At first glance, the motorcycle looks a little outlandish and resembles the customised choppers featured in classic Western movies.
      Royal Enfield 500cc Custom By Neev Motorcycles
      However, there is more to it than just meeting the eyes. It gives you the impression of being owned by a royal with streaks of golden colour used here and there and hence has been aptly named ‘Queen’.
      It has been designed by Navneet Suri who runs a custom bike building/modification workshop called Neev Motorcycles which is based out of New Delhi. The workshop has been known for some of the most exquisite mod jobs in recent years especially on Royal Enfield models.
      Royal Enfield 500cc Custom By Neev Motorcycles
      All-new design
      The bike with its unconventional looks is surely a head-turner. Interestingly, a concept of this design was revealed back in 2018 and this is the first working prototype of that concept. It has been built on an all-new platform which has been lowered for a ground hugging look and gets a much longer wheelbase.
      For starters, at front, the bike gets a new custom LED headlamp and a wide straight handlebar. The most prominent highlight being a sleek fabricated fuel tank that slopes down to meet the custom-made seat.
      Complex curves have been incorporated in order to add a glimpse of novelty to its design. The custom paint with a combination of red and gloss black in addition to golden stripes further lends the motorcycle some exclusivity.
      Royal Enfield 500cc Custom By Neev Motorcycles
      Other custom-made parts include body panels, fenders and an esthetically designed exhaust made from stainless steel. The single-side spoke wheels and swingarm assembly have also been built in-house. The license plate is now mounted at the left swingarm. Queen rolls on 130-60/R23 and 240-50/R18 tyres at front and rear respectively.
      Same Powertrain
      The exact cost of this entire customisation is not yet revealed. No supposed changes have been made to its mechanical configurations. It still gets a 499cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected motor, which pushes out 27 bhp at 5250rpm and a peak torque of 41.3Nm at 4000rpm while being paired to a 5-speed gearbox. More