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      Hero Xtreme 200S BS6 Launch Price Rs 1.15 L – Rivals Bajaj Pulsar 220F

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      BS6 Hero Xtreme 200S
      Hero Xtreme 200S will lock horns with Bajaj Pulsar 220F, which is priced at Rs 1.24 lakhs

      Hero MotoCorp has finally launched its fully-faired bike Xtreme 200S in its BS6 derivative. The bike was not yet been upgraded to the latest emission norms and, therefore, has not been in sale since April this year. Now, the brand has launched the latest iteration of its flagship motorcycle in India. Price is Rs 1,15,715, ex-sh; making it about Rs 9k cheaper than Pulsar 22F.
      Powertrain & Tranmission
      Hero utilizes the same 199.6cc single-cylinder motor on Xtreme 200S which has been upgraded to BS6 emission norms in Xpulse 200. This unit is also set to receive an oil-cooler as seen on the adventure tourer. It will continue to be mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
      As in the case with most updated BS6 two-wheelers, power figures on the new Xtreme 200S will be slightly altered. Output figures on the BS4 version read as 18.4 PS of maximum power and 17.1 Nm of peak torque. In its BS6 avatar, it now delivers 17.8 BHP @ 8500 RPM and an impressive torque of 16.4 Nm @ 6500 RPM. This means, power and torque figures, both have declined in BS6 avatar, when compared to BS4 figures.
      Design & Features
      Speaking of design, the BS6 Xtreme 200S sports the same styling with similar fairing as seen on its predecessor. Although, it now gets a new paint scheme called Pearl Fadeless White. Earlier two colours of Sports Red, Panther Black, which were on sale in BS4 avatar, continue to be on sale in BS6 avatar as well.
      BS6 Hero Xtreme 200S
      Equipment offered on the bike is also expected to remain same which shall consist of LED headlamp, LED taillight and an all-digital instrument console that comes equipped with Bluetooth-enabled turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts and gear position indicator. The Xtreme 200S comes with a 7-step adjustable mono shock suspension that offers superior ride handling, 276 mm Front Disc with single channel ABS and 220 mm Rear Disc for added safety.
      Commenting on the launch, Naveen Chauhan, Head – Sales and Aftersales, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The new Xtreme 200S showcases our focused approach to the premium segment. Our premium products like the Xtreme 160R and XPulse 200 BS-VI are receiving an overwhelming response from the customers. I am confident that the Xtreme 200S will build on their success.”
      Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Our horizontal strategy catering to all customer categories has worked really well and has allowed us to grow our market share in the premium motorcycle segment. We are confident that the BS-VI Xtreme 200S will continue its strong performance and further fortify our presence in the segment.”
      Hero Xtreme 200R No More?
      Hero Xtreme 200S is a fully faired bike based on its naked version Xtreme 200R; which in all likelihood is discontinued. Thanks to Xtreme 160R. Its smaller sibling Xtreme 160R made its debut a few months ago and has received a generous response overall. The naked roadster is offered in two variants at a starting price of Rs 99,850 going up to Rs 1,03,500 (ex-showroom).
      Hero Xtreme 160R is based on the Hero 1.R concept showcased at EICMA in Milan, Italy in 2019. The smaller Xtreme 160 is much sportier than its bigger sibling. The 160R attempts to be a sportier rendition of its elder faired sibling with minimum body panels, LED headlamp, heavily contoured single-piece seat, smoked-out LED taillight with ‘H’ signature and prominent chiseled fuel tank with contrast coloured extensions.
      The Xtreme 160R is powered by a 163cc single-cylinder, SOHC engine which produces 15 bhp and 14 Nm of peak torque. Same 5-speed gearbox used in Xtreme 200S is offered in Xtreme 160R.  More

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      Okinawa, Ampere To Increase Electric Scooter Production – Set Up New Plant

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      Okinawa Electric Scooters
      Tamil Nadu has grown into a promising hub for EV manufacturing in India with 100 percent tax exemption

      Electric Vehicle (EV) revolution has surely kicked in recently with many EV startups and manufacturers scaling up their operations in recent times. This has been boosted by the fact that the central and many state governments have drafted in respective EV policies that offer incentives to companies as well as buyers in order to encourage sales of EVs.
      Tamil Nadu, like many other states, has been trying to pitch itself as a potential EV manufacturing hub. Hence it is on radar of several EV brands and startups who are looking to expand their production capacity with tax concessions in picture. The latest brands in line are Ampere Electric and Okinawa.
      According to a report, Ampere and Okinawa are looking to make fresh investments in Tamil Nadu. Both brands have demonstrated immediate or long term interest in investing in the Southern state. Principal Secretary of Tamil Nadu, N Muruganandam, recently stated that the state government is under discussions with several EV manufacturers including Ampere Electric.
      Ampere, Okinawa look to invest in Tamil Nadu
      Ampere, a subsidiary of Greaves Cotton, is planning to invest around INR 400 crore in order to expand its existing capacity to 2.50 lakh units per annum. Currently, the company is running a facility with an annual production capacity of 50,000. The company will decide on the investment depending on incentives offered by Tamil Nadu government.
      Ampere Electric Scooters
      Other than Ampere, Okinawa as well is thinking of investing in Tamil Nadu as 60 percent of its sales come from the southern states of which Tamil Nadu itself accounts for 20 percent alone. The company is seriously considering setting up an assembly line in Tamil Nadu, its second in the country after the Bhiwadi-based plant in Rajasthan.
      Other prospective brands in line
      Tamil Nadu government recently announced its decision to offer a 100 percent tax exemption to all electric vehicles. This has attracted many other EV as well as charging companies to set up their business here.
      In a few years time, Hyundai Motor Company and Groupe PSA, which have their respective Hyundai and Citroen manufacturing facilities in the state, could also assemble EVs here. The former could also announce investments to manufacture EVs under its Hyundai Smart EV project in future here in Tamil Nadu.
      At some point American automaker, Ford could also manufacture EVs at its Tamil Nadu facility with platforms and powertrains licensed from Mahindra Electric. More electric mobility solutions providers such as Sun Mobility which is known for installation of charging infrastructure and swappable batteries will also look to set up its operation in the southern state.
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      Yamaha Fascino, RayZR, FZ, FZS Prices Hiked – Nov 2020 Price List

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      Yamaha Scooters
      Yamaha India has been enjoying a steady growth in sales post the lock down and is poised for yet another strong result in November

      Yamaha India has increased the prices of its automatic scooter range and its popular 150 cc FZ series. The price increases for are marginal but this is not the first time the Japanese two wheeler maker implemented a price hike. The latest round of price hike comes when the entire two wheeler industry is enjoying a significant improvement in demand during this festive season.
      Yamaha India price hike
      The Yamaha FZ-FI and FZS-FI are now dearer by INR 1,000. The base FZ-FI is now retailed at INR 1,02,700 lakh while the sportier FZS-FI is priced at INR 1,04,700. The FZS-FI Dark Knight edition carries an updated price tag of INR 1,07,700 (both prices are ex-showroom, Delhi).
      Yamaha Price List Nov 2020 – Fascino, Ray, FZ, FZ-S
      Yamaha’s BS6 family of automatic scooters which received a brand new 125 cc fuel-injected engine has been doing pretty well in the post-lockdown rush. The Fascino 125 FI and RayZR 125 FI witnessed a price hike of INR 800. Depending on the variant, the Fascino is priced between INR 69,530 and INR 73,060. The sporty RayZR ranges from INR 70,330 to INR 74,330 (all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi).
      Specifications at a glance
      The Yamaha motorcycles and scooters which received significant updates earlier this year continue without any recent changes or additions for the festive season. The FZ-FI and FZS-FI twins are powered by a 149 cc air-cooled engine which puts out 12.4 hp and 13.6 Nm of torque. Transmission is a 5-speed unit.
      Yamaha FZ-S FI
      The duo is equipped with telescopic front fork, rear monoshock, alloy wheels with 100/80-17 front and 140/60-R17 rear tubeless tyres, 282 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear unit. Feature highlights include a negative LED instrument console, single-channel ABS and LED headlight.
      The Yamaha Fascino 125 FI and RayZR 125 FI are propelled by a fuel-injected 125 cc air-cooled motor which is good for 8.2 hp and 9.7 Nm of torque. The scooters employ a V-belt CVT. They are also equipped with Start Stop Sytem (SSS) and a Smart Motor Generator.
      Yamaha India sales
      Yamaha India witnesses an impressive YoY sales growth of over 30% in October 2020. The company has been posting increased sales for four consecutive months and is poised for yet another strong result in November and December, thanks to Diwali and Christmas.
      Yamaha’s track record in highly competitive 100-125 cc commuter motorcycle segment has been forgettable to say the least. The company’s strategic shift in focus from commuter motorcycles to premium motorcycles and scooters seems to have worked well in its favor. More

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      TVS Raider Name Registered – Apache ADV To Rival Hero Xpulse 200?

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      Image for reference
      The Hosur-based bikemaker has already filed four new trademarks which suggest that TVS might be planning on a number of big launches in future

      TVS Motor Company is currently on a spree to file trademarks for its upcoming products in future. These include Zepplin R, Fiero and Retron. The first one is most probably based on the Zeppelin cruiser concept presented at the 2018 Auto Expo. The latter two are still very uncertain as lots of options in terms of body style and segments can be considered for them.
      TVS has also filed a trademark named ‘Raider’, suggesting that the company might use it for its upcoming adventure motorcycle. If it turns out to be true, then this would be the first ADV bike in the Hosur-based bikemaker’s lineup.
      TVS’ Plans for the upcoming Raider
      Although there has been no official information shared by the brand, it is likely that TVS has been planning to develop a rugged off-roader or in other words an ADV bike for a long time now. It will be wrong to say that TVS has no experience in building an ADV.
      TVS has a rich legacy in motorsports including cross-country rallies like Dakar rally. The TVS motorsport team has won many laurels in national and international motorsport events.
      TVS Raider Registered
      In addition, they have also been manufacturing the BMW G 310 GS for the German automaker for some time now. The latest iteration of it was launched a couple of weeks back. Therefore, an adventure motorcycle does make very good sense for the company to widen its range of bikes and portfolio.
      Expected Powertrains
      Unlike the G 310 GS, the TVS Raider could be positioned as an entry-level ADV to compete against Hero Xpulse 200 and KTM 250 Adventure. This is an interesting segment for ADVs, and is expected to get good demand in coming years. Apart from Hero, Honda has also suggested to launch Hornet 2.0 based sub 200 cc adventure motorcycle in this segment.
      In all probability, the Raider ADV could be powered by a 198cc single-cylinder four-valve oil-cooled motor which generates 20.2bhp of power at 8,500rpm and 18.1Nm of peak torque at 7,000rpm. This unit will be paired with a 5-speed gearbox. This same unit also powers Apache RTR 200 4V which recently got an update.
      It will be easier to launch Raider 310, since there is already a platform for this engine which is utilised for an ADV (BMW G310GS). Raider 310 will be powered by the same engine used in the Apache RR 310 and BMW G 310 Twins. This motor cranks out 34 PS and 27 Nm of peak torque. The new ADV from TVS is expected to get a more off-road biased chassis with large spoked wheels, knobby tyres and high ground clearance. It is expected to feature functional styling with more focus on utility than flair.
      There is quite a bit of ambiguity regarding the specifications of this upcoming two-wheeler. In time, we expect TVS to share a few more details regarding its upcoming projects. If things do materialise then this ADV is expected to bridge the gap between Hero Xpulse 200 and Royal Enfield Himalayan. More

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      Royal Enfield Meteor vs Classic 350 Vibration Test – New vs Old Engine

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      Credit – Nitin Autoroids
      Classic 350 is the most preferred cruiser motorcycle in the country and the primary volumes and revenue generator for Royal Enfield

      However, just like everything else, it is not completely perfect. One issue that has often been pointed out is the significant vibration that the motorcycle generates. This issue has acquired even more prominence in recent times, as rivals like Jawa and recently launched Honda CB350 seem to be doing relatively better in terms of vibration.
      Is Meteor 350 vibration free?
      To take on rivals and meet evolving customer expectations, Royal Enfield recently launched its Meteor 350 motorcycle. This is the first of the several next-gen products that the company will introduce in the coming years.
      While Meteor 350 comes with a long list of features, the basic thing that many people want to know is whether the vibration issue has been fixed. The answer to that is quite clear in this video uploaded on YouTube.
      While a vibration meter would have provided scientifically verifiable evidence, this test utilizes a more basic tool – a glass of water. However, this test methodology seems quite effective in comparing vibrations coming from two motorcycles. A plastic glass has been used in this test, which is more sensitive to vibrations as compared to other materials such as metal or glass.
      [embedded content]
      When kept on Meteor 350 rear seat (with the engine on), the glass of water creates just a few ripples on the surface. There is no movement of the glass or water drops bouncing off the surface. When the engine is revved up, the vibrations seem to be even lower. The test is then carried out on the front seat with similar results.
      Things change dramatically on Classic 350, as the glass of water kept on the rear seat starts to move as soon as the engine is started. When revved up, the glass takes just a few seconds to move and fall from the motorcycle. This clearly shows that Meteor 350 has significantly less vibration, as compared to Classic 350.
      Reasons for low vibrations on Meteor 350
      There are several factors that have helped reduce vibrations on Meteor 350. The motorcycle utilizes an entirely new J series platform and completely new engine with SOHC setup that generates smooth tractable power. The engine is also equipped with a counter balancer that minimizes vibrations.
      Another factor is the enhanced chassis setup, which is stiffer, more durable and stronger. High specification suspension and improved seat cushioning could also contribute to low vibration on Meteor 350.
      With close to zero vibrations, Meteor 350 will be a lot more enjoyable on long journeys. Royal Enfield will also update its other products including Classic and Bullet with the new engine and chassis. Features like integrated Bluetooth powered navigation system are also expected to be offered as standard with several next-gen Royal Enfield motorcycles. More

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      Harley Davidson XR338 Street Tracker Concept Based On Benelli 300cc

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      Harley Davidson XR338 Street Tracker. Images – BikeExif
      The XR338 is a concept Harley Davidson 338R; which could influence the its street tracker version

      With global sales getting affected due to pandemic and closure of business operations in emerging markets such as India, the American manufacturer has not had a pleasant 2020. However, the brand has a very rich legacy over many years and it is confident about its resurgence in future.
      A couple of months ago the 338R from Harley was the talk of the town as several spied images and patent sketches had leaked on the internet giving us an idea of what the company’s future could look like. Termed as the ‘baby Harley’, this bike looked nothing like a typical Harley Davidson.

      Atypical because neither does the bike belong to a cruiser segment nor does it feature a big displacement powertrain. The motorcycle adopts a flat-track racer body style. Even though flat trackers aren’t quite the big thing these days, an Italian industrial design house has seen potential in this segment and therefore created its own concept prototype. Just like teased patent images of 338R, the XR338 too is based on Benelli 302S.
      Brief about Engines Engineering
      Founded by Alberto Strazzari in 1979, Engines Engineering (EE) specializes in motorcycle design and development and have worked previously with OEMs like Yamaha, Ducati, Honda, Benelli, Suzuki and many more.

      It has also provided its services for designing purposes for local Italian manufacturers. However, this is the first time it has attempted something like this on an existing model and turned it into something completely different.
      Design of XR338
      Dubbed as XR338, this naked street tracker is aimed primarily at the younger consumers of the US market. Design-wise, EE has admitted that the XR338 draws major inspirations from Harley-Davidson XR750. The iconic flat tracker is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. EE claims that the prototype is fully functional and 70 percent ready for production.

      Although most of Benelli’s components are intact, it gets its own modified frame with the stock 302S trellis structure making way for a more flowing affair. EE has also added its own body, fuel system, LED lighting, instrumentation and a new pair of 18-inch custom wheels. Suspension has also been tweaked slightly in accordance with the new wheels and bike’s revised mass. It also receives a new exhaust muffler and ECU unit.
      EE has designed the XR338 keeping in mind the latest emission norms including Euro 5 standards, US DOT, and even CARB requirements thus removing most hurdles before production. EE claims to have built this prototype in 120 days and it would take another six months to complete the last 30 percent remaining for it to be production ready.

      Powertrain Utilised
      Benelli 302S is powered by a 300 cc twin-cylinder which pushes out 37.5 bhp and 25.6 Nm of peak torque. Even though XR338 will share its underpinnings with Qianjiang QJ350 and Benelli 302S, it is said to carry its own American heart and soul. Speculations are rife that the 338R will be powered by a 338cc parallel-twin engine which will produce 43 bhp. It is expected to be paired with a 6-speed transmission unit.
      Whether the XR338 draws some inspiration for folks at Harley Davidson is yet to be seen but its design is definitely a head-turner. Also, the future of 338R in India hangs in balance since Harley Davidson relinquishing its duties in the country and handing it over to Hero MotoCorp.
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      Two Wheeler Retail Sales Oct 2020 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, RE, Suzuki, Yamaha, Vespa

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      Hero Splendor
      October 2020 two-wheeler retail sales decline reported by FADA research

      FADA has reported two-wheeler retail sales for October 2020. Total two wheeler retail sales fell 26.82 percent down to 10,41,682 units from 14,23,394 units at 3,81,712 units volume loss. Whole sales report can be found here.
      Hero MotoCorp, Honda and TVS
      Hero Motocorp sales is reported at 3,33,563 units at 31.61 percent decline from 4,87,701 units. Volume loss stands at 1,54,138 units. The manufacturer enjoys 32.02 percent market share.
      Honda two wheelers sales decline is reported at 26.38 percent, down at 2,92,267 units from 3,96,996 units. Market share is reported at 28.06%. Volume loss stands at 1,04,729 units.
      TVS sales fell 18.29 percent, down at 1,56,063 units from 1,90,991 units. Market share stands at 14.98 percent. Volume loss is reported at 34,928 units. Below is the detailed retail sales table for Oct 2020 Two wheeler sales.
      Two Wheeler Retail Sales Oct 2020. Source – FADA
      Bajaj, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, and Yamaha
      Bajaj sales is down 32.30 percent at 1,18,486 units, down from 1,75,022 units. Market share is reported at 11.37 percent. Unit sales declined by 56,536 units. Royal Enfield sales fell 21.35 percent, down at 46,593 units from 59,242 units. Market share is 4.47 percent. Unit sales fell 12,649 units.
      Suzuki two Wheeler sales fell 20.12% at 43,361 units and volume loss of 10,919 units from 54,280 units. by Market share is close to RE at 4.16 percent. Yamaha sales is close at 41,961 units, down 11.05 percent from 47,174 units. Market share stands at 4.03 percent. Unit sales contracted 5213 units.
      No
      TW Retail Sales
      Oct-20
      Oct-19
      1
      Hero
      3,33,563
      4,87,701
      2
      Honda
      2,92,267
      3,96,996
      3
      TVS
      1,56,063
      1,90,991
      4
      Bajaj
      1,18,486
      1,75,022
      5
      Royal Enfield
      46,593
      59,242
      6
      Suzuki
      43,361
      54,280
      7
      Yamaha
      41,961
      47,174
      8
      Vespa Aprilia
      3,643
      6,090
      9
      Jawa
      2,516
      2,806
      10
      Harley Davidson
      120
      178
      11
      Kawasaki
      112
      281
      12
      BMW
      104
      218
      13
      Triumph
      72
      77
      14
      Ducati
      9
      18
      15
      Others / Electric
      2,613
      2,222
      –
      Total
      10,41,682
      14,23,394
      Vespa and Aprilia sales contracted to 3,648 units at a decline of 40.18 percent from 6,090 units. Market share stands at .35 percent. Jawa sales fell 10.33% down to 2,516 units from 2,806 units. Harley Davidson sales is reported at 120 units, down 32.58 percent from 178 units. Kawasaki sales fell 60.14% down at 112 units from 281 units.
      BMW Motorrad sales fell by 52.29 percent, down tp 104 units from 218 units. Prime sales is reported at 72 units, down from 77 units. Ducati sales halved at 9 units from 18 units. Total electric two wheeler sales is reported at 2613 units at a gain of 17.6 percent, up from 2222 units. Market share is reported at .25 share. Electric two wheelers is the only sub-segment that has reported gain last month.
      FADA retail sales
      With retail sales numbers being acquired basis RTO registrations and company sales reports being reported basis wholesale units, both numbers indicated differ. As per whole sales report for October 2020, most mass market manufacturers are in the green, barring Royal Enfield. For instance, Hero MotoCorp reported its highest ever sales last month having surpassed the 8 lakh unit mark. FADA retail sales however show that number to be at less than half.
      FADA retail numbers do not include data from AP, MP, LD & TS as these States/UT’s are not yet on Vahan 4. Vehicle Registration Data was collated on 08.11.20 and from Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, and Government of India, and is gathered from 1,257 of 1,464 RTOs. More

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      Meteor 350 Development Process Explained By Royal Enfield

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 tested across India, Spain and the UK.
      The video describes what changes and improvements have been made on Meteor 350 over the older Thunderbird 350

      Biking enthusiasts, especially Royal Enfield fans had been waiting for Meteor 350 with bated breath and its launch earlier last week sent the automotive industry into a frenzy. The cruiser replaces the outgoing Thunderbird model from Royal Enfield’s portfolio and has generally received a positive response from across the industry.
      While everyone is singing praises for the new bike, it is important for readers to know what went into development of the mid-segment cruiser. A team of leading technicians and engineers explain in a video released by Royal Enfield on its official Youtube channel, the development process and special attributes of Meteor 350.
      Updates on Meteor 350
      Meteor 350 has rightly been described as a progression and evolution from the outgoing Thunderbird as the Royal Enfield team had the exact thing in mind while developing the Meteor 350. Essentially Meteor 350 is the next generation of Thunderbird 350 with a brand new engine, chassis and subtle updates to design. This fact can also be established when one rides the Meteor and Thunderbird back to back.
      The development team consists of technicians, engineers and designers from various countries, with the new bike jointly developed and tested in Spain, the United Kingdom and India. Take a look at the video below.
      [embedded content]
      The video features inputs from following people;– Mark Wells, Head, Product Strategy & Development– Simon Warburton, Head, Product Strategy & Development– Chittaranjan Gogoi, Industrial Design– Anuj Dua, Product Strategy– James Young, Engine Development– Takashi Yamamoto, Head, Electronic Management System– Martin Neczaj, Chassis Design– S Sivakumar, Head, Industrial Design– Matthew Cardenas, Product Manager, Tripper Navigation
      Improvements made
      Even though most of its components are brand new and designed from scratch, it still retains most of Royal Enfield’s signature elements such as its characteristic exhaust thump and its road presence. The new engine though slightly low on torque than the previous generation 350cc engine has a wider torque band of 1000 rpm which makes it provides the essential low-end and mid-range thrust thus providing a comfortable ride in city as well as highway conditions.
      What the extra 1000 rpm of peak torque also does is reduce vibrations on the bike considerably which makes it easier to cruise at slightly higher speeds. The rake angle incorporated is optimised both for city commute as well as long-distance cruising.
      For the first time, Royal Enfield is also providing mass customisation for its customers through the brand’s ‘Make It Yours’ program from where the owners can choose from thousands of components and accessories to make their Meteor look exclusive.
      Other Details
      Royal Meteor 350 is the first bike from the retro classic motorcycle brand to be based on an all-new J platform which is set to underpin future models as well. The company also incorporated a brand new 349cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, long-stroke engine which makes 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. It is available in three variants namely- Fireball, Stellar and Supernova and is offered at a starting price of Rs 1.75 lakh (ex-showroom). More