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    KTM India Sales, Exports May 2021 – Duke, RC 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    KTM IndiaKTM range of motorcycles under 400cc are locally manufactured by Bajaj Auto at their facility in Chakan near Pune
    With most states across the country under full or partial lockdowns for a major part of last month, automotive sales took a serious beating. KTM also had to bear the same brunt with both domestic sales and exports plummeting drastically due to disruptions caused due to the pandemic in production as well as sales.
    Domestic Sales
    KTM was able to sell only 943 units of its motorcycles in the domestic market in May this year, in comparison to 4,522 units sold in April. This translates to a drop in MoM growth by 79.15 percent. The list was headed by the 200 series of KTM bikes which registered 375 units in May as opposed to 1,410 units sold the previous month.
    This resulted in MoM degrowth of 73.40 percent. The company retails Duke and RC branded bikes in the 200 series in India. This was followed by the 125 series which accounted for 28.74 percent of total KTM domestic sales in May. The company sold 271 units of 125cc motorcycles last month which included Duke 125 and RC 125 as opposed to 1,172 units sold in April this year. This translated to a negative MoM growth of 76.88 percent.
    The 250 series comprises Duke and Adventure range of bikes and recorded sales of 168 units last month. In comparison, the Austrian brand sold 1,089 units in April which resulted in a decline of MoM sales by 84.57 percent.
    KTM India Sales and Exports April 2021
    The bikemaker sold 129 units of its 390 series motorcycles in May as compared to 851 units in April this year thus translating to a negative MoM growth of 84.84 percent. The 390 series in India comprises all three models- Duke, Adventure and RC.
    Export Figures Low As Well
    Numbers weren’t encouraging in the exports section as well, however, they did outnumber the domestic figure. KTM shipped a total of 9,290 units of its motorcycles from India to overseas markets in May. This is still less in comparison to 12,477 units exported the previous month. This resulted in a drop in MoM sales figures by 25.54 percent.
    At 3,888 units, the 390 series accounted for the most exports last month. In comparison, KTM shipped 5,563 units of the 390 series abroad in April this year which translates to an MoM decline of 30.11 percent. The company exported 2,290 units of the 200cc bikes as compared to 3,685 units shipped in April this year. This translates to an MoM decline of 37.86 percent.
    KTM India exported 1,978 units of the entry-level 125cc bikes in May 2021 as compared to 2,316 units shipped previous month. This accounted for an MoM degrowth of 14.59 percent. The 250 series was the only range that witnessed a positive MoM growth of 24.21 percent last month. KTM dispatched 1,134 units of the quarter-litre motorcycles in May and 913 units in April this year. More

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    Ampere Electric Scooter Price Cut – Now Cheaper Than Activa, Jupiter

    Ampere Electric ScootersIncrease in FAME-II subsidy has reduced the price gap between electric and petrol powered two wheelers
    High acquisition cost has been a major hurdle in taking electric scooters to the masses. Even though sales have been higher year-on-year, they are still a fraction of sales of petrol powered two wheelers. Thankfully, with FAME-II subsidy increased, electric two wheeler sales can get a boost in the coming months.
    Several EV manufacturers have reduced prices post the increase in FAME-II subsidy. The latest announcement of price reduction comes from Ampere Vehicles, which is a subsidiary of Greaves Cotton Limited. Ampere electric scooters are known in the market for their competitive pricing, decent range and peppy performance.
    Ampere Zeal and Magnus Pro new prices
    Ampere electric scooters have become cheaper by up to Rs 9,000. Zeal, which was earlier available at Rs 68,990 is now priced at Rs 59,990. Similarly, Magnus Pro price has been reduced from Rs 74,990 to Rs 65,990.
    All prices are ex-showroom, Bengaluru. The price reduction is made possible by the company’s decision to pass on the benefits of FAME-II subsidy revision to its customers. Below are revised prices, ex-sh Bangalore.

    Ampere Electric Scooter
    New Price
    Old Price
    Diff

    Zeal
    59,990
    68,990
    -9,000

    Magnus Pro
    65,990
    74,990
    -9,000

    With prices reduced, users can certainly think about switching to an electric scooter. As an example, we can compare prices with Honda Activa, which is the top selling scooter in the country. Activa 6G standard model is priced at Rs 69,924 whereas the DLX model retails at Rs 71,670 in Bengaluru. TVS Jupiter, which is the 2nd best selling scooter, is priced from Rs 66,824, ex-Bengaluru. So, both Ampere Zeal and Magnus Pro are now cheaper than Activa as well as Jupiter – India’s top 2 selling scooters.
    Ampere Electric Scooters
    Ampere Zeal and Magnus – features and specs
    With range of 80 km for Magnus and 85-90 km for Zeal, the scooters should suffice for everyday commutes. Both scooters offer fast acceleration and top speed of 55kmph. They can easily negotiate city riding environment, which includes things like upslopes and flyovers. Both scooters come with detachable batteries, which allow users to recharge them in the comfort of their homes.
    Another benefit that users can get is extremely low running cost of just 15p per km. For a 100 km commute, the running cost will be just Rs 15. That’s even cheaper than the price you will be charged in a bus, local train or metro.
    Customers buying Ampere Zeal or Magnus Pro can choose an ownership plan that best suits their budget. One option is the full subscription plan where customers can select the down payment amount as per their choice.
    In ‘power + subscription’ plan, customers stand to gain in the form of low monthly EMIs. Both plans come with benefits such as comprehensive full vehicle insurance, full vehicle service and maintenance costs, registration & RTO charges, and unlimited kilometres usage. More

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    Ampere Electric Scooter Price Cut Makes Them Cheaper Than Activa, Jupiter

    Ampere Electric ScootersIncrease in FAME-II subsidy has reduced the price gap between electric and petrol powered two wheelers
    High acquisition cost has been a major hurdle in taking electric scooters to the masses. Even though sales have been higher year-on-year, they are still a fraction of sales of petrol powered two wheelers. Thankfully, with FAME-II subsidy increased, electric two wheeler sales can get a boost in the coming months.
    Several EV manufacturers have reduced prices post the increase in FAME-II subsidy. The latest announcement of price reduction comes from Ampere Vehicles, which is a subsidiary of Greaves Cotton Limited. Ampere electric scooters are known in the market for their competitive pricing, decent range and peppy performance.
    Ampere Zeal and Magnus Pro new prices
    Ampere electric scooters have become cheaper by up to Rs 9,000. Zeal, which was earlier available at Rs 68,990 is now priced at Rs 59,990. Similarly, Magnus Pro price has been reduced from Rs 74,990 to Rs 65,990.
    All prices are ex-showroom, Bengaluru. The price reduction is made possible by the company’s decision to pass on the benefits of FAME-II subsidy revision to its customers. Below are revised prices, ex-sh Bangalore.

    Ampere Electric Scooter
    New Price
    Old Price
    Diff

    Zeal
    59,990
    68,990
    -9,000

    Magnus Pro
    65,990
    74,990
    -9,000

    With prices reduced, users can certainly think about switching to an electric scooter. As an example, we can compare prices with Honda Activa, which is the top selling scooter in the country. Activa 6G standard model is priced at Rs 69,924 whereas the DLX model retails at Rs 71,670 in Bengaluru. TVS Jupiter, which is the 2nd best selling scooter, is priced from Rs 66,824, ex-Bengaluru. So, both Ampere Zeal and Magnus Pro are now cheaper than Activa as well as Jupiter – India’s top 2 selling scooters.
    Ampere Electric Scooters
    Ampere Zeal and Magnus – features and specs
    With range of 80 km for Magnus and 85-90 km for Zeal, the scooters should suffice for everyday commutes. Both scooters offer fast acceleration and top speed of 55kmph. They can easily negotiate city riding environment, which includes things like upslopes and flyovers. Both scooters come with detachable batteries, which allow users to recharge them in the comfort of their homes.
    Another benefit that users can get is extremely low running cost of just 15p per km. For a 100 km commute, the running cost will be just Rs 15. That’s even cheaper than the price you will be charged in a bus, local train or metro.
    Customers buying Ampere Zeal or Magnus Pro can choose an ownership plan that best suits their budget. One option is the full subscription plan where customers can select the down payment amount as per their choice.
    In ‘power + subscription’ plan, customers stand to gain in the form of low monthly EMIs. Both plans come with benefits such as comprehensive full vehicle insurance, full vehicle service and maintenance costs, registration & RTO charges, and unlimited kilometres usage. More

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    350cc Motorcycle Sales May 2021 – Classic, Bullet, Meteor, Electra, CB350

    Image – ArunWhile domestic sales are negative, exports have posted double-digit MoM growth
    A total of 19,711 units were sold in the domestic market in May. MoM sales are down by -58.63%, as compared to 47,650 units sold in April. All motorcycles have negative MoM growth.
    In exports, MoM numbers are up by 40.55%. A total of 3,823 units were exported in May, as compared to 2,720 units in April. With the exception of Meteor 350, all motorcycles have negative MoM growth.
    350cc motorcycle domestic sales – Classic 350 leads
    Royal Enfield Classic 350 maintains its lead in May with sales of 9,239 units. MoM de-growth is at -60.34%, as compared to 23,298 units sold in April. Classic 350 market share is at 46.87%.
    Bullet 350 is next with sales of 4,557 units. MoM sales are down by -54.01%, as compared to 9,908 units sold in April. Market share is at 23.12%. At number three is Meteor 350 with sales of 3,375 units. MoM growth is down by -56.97%, as compared to 7,844 units sold in April. Market share is at 17.12%.
    350cc Motorcycle Segment Sales / Exports May 2021
    Electra is fourth with sales of 2,112 units. MoM de-growth is at -41.83%, as compared to 3,631 units sold in April. Market share is at 10.71%. At number five is Honda H’ness CB350 with max MoM de-growth in percentage terms. It has lost -85.58% of its MoM sales, down from 2,969 units in April to 428 units in May. Market share is at 2.17%.
    CB350’s above average MoM loss could be due to the fact that most of its BigWing dealerships are located in major cities. As several of these top cities were under lockdown and restrictions, sales have been adversely impacted. In comparison, Royal Enfield has a much wider dealer network, not limited to top cities.
    350cc motorcycle exports – Meteor 350 on top
    Meteor 350 leads in exports with a total of 2,887 units sent overseas in May. It has registered a massive 152.58% jump in MoM numbers, as compared to 1,143 units exported in April. Percentage share in exports is at 75.52%. If it was not for Meteor’s positive growth, the overall MoM export numbers for this segment would have been in the red.
    Classic 350 is at second spot with exports of 564 units in May. MoM growth is negative at -22.10%, as compared to 724 units exported in April. Share in exports is at 14.75%. CB350 is third with exports of 372 units. MoM numbers have more than halved, as compared to 840 units exported in April.
    Overall situation in auto industry is expected to improve in the coming months. Covid cases are on the decline, which has prompted authorities to initiate the unlock process. Sales and export numbers for 350cc motorcycle segment are likely to be better in coming months, as human activity and businesses return to normalcy. More

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    Hero Electric Scooter Optima HX Price Reduced To Rs 53,600

    Hero Optima Electric ScooterPrice of select electric scooters and motorcycles in India have come down by a considerable margin – Thanks to changes in a govt policy
    Following recent revisions in the FAME-II scheme by the Government of India, wherein there is a 50 percent added subsidy at Rs 15,000 per kWh on electric bikes and scooters, a number of electric vehicle makers in the country responded with price cuts, passing on the benefits to customers. Ather, TVS, Ampere and Okinawa have announced revised prices and these price cuts, of a maximum Rs 14,500, have closed the gap further as against their petrol powered counterparts.
    The subsidy on the Ather 450 Plus which was at Rs 29,000 now stands at Rs 43,500. It is priced at Rs 1,25,490 in Bengaluru and at Rs 1,13,416 in Delhi. Ather 450X following the subsidy is priced at Rs.1,32,426.
    TVS Motor has also reduced the price of the iQube by Rs 11,250 to a new pricing of Rs 1,00,777. Ampere Magnus is now offered at Rs 65,990 from an earlier pricing of Rs 4,990 and Ampere Zeal prices have been reduced from Rs 68,990 to Rs 59,990 following the amendment.
    Similarly, Okinawa Autotech has reduced prices of three of its models iPraise+, Praise Pro, Ridge+ in the range of Rs 7,209 to Rs 17,892 with effect from June 11. The single battery variant of Hero Optima HX electric scooter which was earlier priced at Rs 61,640 has now been reduced to Rs 53,600 following the amendment
    Hero Electric Scooter
    Hero Electric Cuts Price of Optima HX
    Hero Electric has also slashed prices of the Optima HX electric scooter single battery variant. The earlier price of Rs 61,640 has now been brought down to Rs 53,600. Hero Optima HX e-scooter is offered in two versions of single battery and dual battery.
    Its single battery variant sports a 1,200 watt electric motor with a 51.2V/30 Ah portable battery, offering a range of 82 km per charge and a top speed of 42 km/h. Charging time of the battery is accomplished in 5 hours upto 100 percent. Following the FAME-II update, the dual battery model, is now priced at Rs 58,980 and offers a range of 122 kms on single charge.
    Hero Optima HX Features
    Hero Optima HX is also open for booking via the company website for Rs 2,999. It is presented in color options of Red, Grey, Blue, and White. Its features include LED headlamp and apron mounted turn indicators. It gets step up seating with single piece pillion grab rail, a digital instrument cluster, remote lock and an anti-theft alarm system while it rides on 12 inch alloy wheels.
    The electric scooter sports dual shock absorbers and telescopic forks at the rear and front respectively while braking is via drum brakes. Hero Electric Optima competes with similarly priced scooters from Ampere Electric and Okinawa. More

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    New Yamaha Fascino 125cc Scooter With Hybrid Power – Detailed Video

    New Yamaha Fascino Hybrid Powered ScooterYamaha will reveal prices of the new Fascino Fi Hybrid at the time of its official launch
    While the auto industry was eagerly expecting the launch of a new retro motorcycle from Yamaha, the Japanese bikemaker surprised its fans by unveiling an updated Fascino also. Alongside, the company also laid down its upcoming revamp plan which starts with the launch of the new FZ-X.
    The 2021 Fascino 125 Fi comes with a host of cosmetic and feature updates. As per the new plan laid out, Yamaha models in India will offer Bluetooth connectivity and side stand engine cut-off as standard across its entire lineup. Hence, these two features have been automatic additions to the 125cc scooter’s equipment.
    Features on Offer
    In addition, the new Fascino comes with a full LED lighting setup including headlight, taillight and DRLs. The scooter has been equipped with a new digital instrument cluster which is compatible with Bluetooth connectivity as mentioned above. When connected via Yamaha Motorcycle Connect X App on a smartphone, the console can read a range of information such as call and text alerts.
    The rider can also access multiple information about the vehicle such as Locate my Vehicle, Riding History, Parking Record and Hazard remotely through his/her phone. Take a detailed look at the new scooter in the video below.
    [embedded content]
    Other standard features across the updated Fascino lineup include a multi-function key with seat opener function, a foldable convenience hook, a 21-litre under-seat storage capacity, and a maintenance-free battery apart from the obvious side stand engine cut-off switch. It also gets an optional USB phone charger on the top-end trim.
    New mild-hybrid technology
    However, the most eye-catching highlight is a new mild-hybrid technology attached to the powertrain. This hybrid powertrain in Fascino FI a new Smart Motor Generator (SMG) System. The SMG acts as an electric motor to give a power assist when one accelerates from a stop, thereby, reducing insecurity caused by the wobble during start-outs during stop-and-go traffic or uphill climbs. The power assist system is cancelled three seconds after starting or when the throttle is cut back or the engine rpm exceeds the prescribed level.
    Additionally, an indicator light on the instrument cluster tells the rider when this power assist function is in play. Benefits of the new mild-hybrid system are that the motor has become 16 percent more fuel efficient while retaining the similar specs.
    New Yamaha Fascino Hybrid Powered Scooter
    The updated Fascino is now offered in as many as nine colour options including three new ones namely- Vivid Red Special, Matt Black Special and Cool Blue Metallic in disc brake variant. Instead of Matte Black, the drum brake variant comes with Yellow Cocktail as an option.
    Mechanical Specs
    Fascino 125 FI continues to be powered by the same 125cc air-cooled, fuel-injected as before. While power output remains constant at 8.2bhp, peak torque output has increased from 9.7 Nm to 10.3 Nm. Rest of the specs in the scooter remain identical to the previous model. Suspension duties are carried out by telescopic forks up front and a mono-shock at rear while braking is carried out by a disc at front and drum at the rear with CBS as standard. More

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    Yamaha FZ-X Launch Price Rs 1.17 L – New 150cc Motorcycle (Walkaround)

    Yamaha FZ-XFZ-X appears to have potential to become another bestseller for Yamaha
    Yamaha India has announced the launch of a new 150cc segment motorcycle today. Called the FZ-X, it is available in two variants. Without Bluetooth feature, price is Rs 1.17 lakh and with Bluetooth feature, price is Rs 1.20 lakh (ex-sh). Based on FZ-FI V3, Yamaha FZ-X could have the first mover advantage in entry-level retro motorcycle segment in the country.
    It can work as an affordable (and possibly easier to handle and maintain) alternative to popular 300-400cc retro-styled motorcycles. Retro enthusiasts with limited budget could choose Yamaha FZ-X over bigger bikes such as Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa, Honda CB350 and Benelli Imperiale 400.
    Yamaha FZ-X design and styling
    Yamaha FZ-X has modern-retro styling and looks familiar to XSR 150 that is available in international markets. Things that immediately grab your attention include box-type fuel tank, fork gaiters, flat seat and rear tyre hugger. FZ-X has been equipped with sleek turn indicators, digital instrument console, alloy wheels and upswept exhaust. It is expected that the motorcycle will be offered in a multitude of monotone and dual-tone colour options.
    With its comfortable riding stance, FZ-X can work well for both city rides and long distance touring. It is expected to get some exclusive features that will ensure optimal ride experience in Indian conditions.
    Yamaha FZ-X
    Yamaha FZ-X engine
    Powering Yamaha FZ-X will be the same 149 cc engine that does duty on FZ. The air-cooled, SOHC motor outputs max power of 12.4 PS at 7,250 rpm and peak torque of 13.3 Nm at 5,500 rpm. It utilizes a 5-speed, constant mesh transmission.
    Yamaha FZ-X
    Other mechanical parts could also be borrowed from FZ, for example, telescopic forks at the front and 7-step adjustable monocross rear suspension. Braking apparatus could be the same as FZ, 282 mm and 220 mm disc at the front and rear, respectively. FZ is equipped with dual-channel ABS, which is also expected for FZ-X.
    FZ-X has better road presence, as the motorcycle is longer, wider and taller in comparison to FZ. Yamaha FZ-X is 2020 mm long, 785 mm wide and 1115 mm tall. That’s a gain of 30mm (length), 5mm (width) and 35mm (height) over FZ. However, wheelbase of both motorcycles is the same at 1330 mm. Take a look at walkaround video below, by Auto Tech.
    [embedded content]
    If Yamaha FZ-X gets good response from the market, it could inspire other manufacturers to launch similar products in 150-200cc retro motorcycle segment. We have already seen rapid growth in entry-level performance biking segment in the country. Something similar can happen in this new segment created by Yamaha FZ-X. More

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    Honda Scooter Modified Into A MotoGP Inspired Race Machine

    2021 GTB Honda RCV ReplicaGTB, Malaysia has done a commendable job in creating a near replica of Honda’s MotoGP machine on a rather subtle RS150R scooter underbone
    Before one starts reading this, we should first get accustomed to Honda’s flagship racing prototype RC213V which has been racing for the Japanese bikemaker in MotoGP since 2012. The litre-class superbike has been specifically developed for race tracks and breathes out a massive 240 horses.
    The Repsol livery slapped onto its body panels is a further testament to its racing credentials. Inspired by this, a custom workshop based in Malaysia has replicated the fully-faired track machine at least on its styling front. In Malaysia, GTB stands for “Geng Tayar Besar” which translates to Big Wheel Gang and is famed for some of the most iconic aftermarket modifications in the recent past.
    Honda Repsol Inspired Graphics
    Honda RS150R is a sporty commuter scooter / moped with an underbone design that has been developed specifically to manoeuver through the bustling traffic of cities. Taking the RS150R as a donor model, the crew from GTB has slapped a replica bodywork and graphics in line with the styling of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) which features the Repsol branding prominently across the panels and fenders of the underbone.
    Apart from the beautiful wraps of the iconic orange/white/red livery and addition of Red Bull branding, styling of the Honda moped gets an edge with new aftermarket winglets inspired by MotoGP machines. Orange wheels bring the replica even closer to the real McCoy. Overall, the custom RS150R looks very sharp and made for tracks.
    Honda MotoGP Scooter Modidied
    Updated Dynamics
    However, the custom job isn’t just restricted to the fancy decals from Repsol and Red Bull. Apparently, GTB crew lead by Rudy Norman, has done a fair share of modifications underneath the moped’s skin as well.
    The most prominent of them being a pair of custom 17-inch alloy wheels shod by superbike-sized tyres. In order to make the sportbike hoops compatible, GTB had to fit the RS150R with a single-sided swingarm sourced from a VFR800.
    There are a plethora of other hardware changes incorporated on the RS150R including a custom build with fully adjustable Ohlins suspension from the Malaysian Cub Prix race machines. It also gets superbike-standard Brembo brakes and race-specific rubber on wheels for better performance on tracks. That being said, no tinkering has been done to the frame underneath the body in order to stay clear of all legal contradictions.
    Honda MotoGP Scooter Modidied
    Price Range of Modification
    Also, no changes have been reported in the engine department as well. It is still powered by a 149cc single-cylinder motor which kicks out a modest 15 horses. It still isn’t too bad for an occasional spin on tracks.
    Norman claims that such aftermarket products will be built on demand depending on what the customer wants and his pocket allows. He further adds that a custom RS150R could set back someone by RM10,000 to RM50,000 (approx. INR 1.8-9.0 lakh).

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