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Is the Jawa owner going to be impressed by the new Honda CB350
The post Jawa Owner Test Rides Honda CB350 – Unlikely To Make A Switch appeared first on RushLane by Satya Singh. More
TVS Creon Concept
TVS is on aggressive mode as the brand has filed multiple trademarks recently
TVS Motor Company has recently filed a few trademarks which suggest that the Hosur-based automaker might be bringing in new products in the near future. Reports of the company registering trademarks of Zepplin R and Fiero have already been shared by us.
Now, details of another trademark filed by the brand for the name TVS Retron have been leaked. It is not exactly known as to which product will carry this name in future. As of now, there could be many possibilities which we could think of.
An Electric Scooter
Narrowing down, we have come to three probabilities where the ‘Retron’ name might be utilized. The first scenario is of a retro electric scooter. This e-scooter might be positioned above iQube and would be pitted against the likes of Ather 450X and Bajaj Chetak Electric.
The company had earlier previewed TVS Creon electric scooter as a concept at the AutoExpo 2018. The model was powered by a pack of three Lithium-ion batteries which gave out 12 kW of instant power.
TVS Retron Name Registered On 2nd Nov 2020.
This TVS electric scooter claimed a single-charge range of 80 km and an impressive performance of 0-60 kmph in just 5.1 seconds. The battery could be recharged via a fast charger which could juice up the battery to 80 percent in just 60 minutes.
A Retro Motorcycle Based on Apache
Second possibility is that TVS could utilise Apache’s platform to build an entry-level retro motorcycle. There is no such bike in the 150-160cc space and TVS could very well make use of this void and gain a first-mover advantage.
If this plan does materialize, TVS might position it just slightly below Apache RTR 160 and it will appeal to a wider section of classic motorcycle lovers. The new bike is expected to feature classic elements such as a round headlight and taillight, a retro fuel tank and a flat seat.
A bigger version of Radeon
Third possibility lies in a bigger version of the classically styled Radeon since the two names sound similar. Utilizing the 110cc motor for this bike seems unlikely since the brand already has two motorcycles using 110cc units and the upcoming Victor BS6 too will employ the same motor. A 125cc mill makes more sense and the Retron name could very well justify it.
Hero MotoCorp did a same thing with Splendor when they launched a classic version of it called Splendor Pro Classic. It sported a cafe-racer style seat with a pillion cowl, club man-style handlebars, chrome embellished fenders and mirrors; and spoked wheels.
It will be interesting to see what TVS has in its mind but currently, there are not many details to speculate further. Only time and TVS can tell what it is planning ahead. However, one thing is for sure that with all the new trademarks we can expect interesting stuff from the bikemaker in the coming future. More
Honda NX 125
The Honda NX125 gets dual LED headlamps, front disc and alloy wheels
The Honda NX125 automatic scooter has been launched in China to cater to the entry level two wheeler market. The urban runabout now looks much sharper and sportier than most of its contemporaries. More international markets are set to receive the updated scooter but we don’t expect it to make it to our shores.
2021 Honda NX125
The new NX125 wears a properly urban bodywork with multi-layered front apron with sharp edges, angular peeled-up LED headlamps, generously proportioned seat and a heavily contoured engine cover. The dual-tone color theme goes very well with the overall styling. The NX125’s updated styling reminds us of the Honda Grazia in more ways than one but the Indian-spec scooter feels watered down in comparison.
The 2021 Honda NX125 comes with decent under seat storage space in addition to a pair of cubby holes on the front apron. As far as equipment list is concerned, the facelifted scooter offers a fully digital instrument console, USB charger, LED headlamps and so on.
Powertrain and specifications
Powering the China-spec 2021 Honda NX125 is an air-cooled fuel-injected engine which is not very different from the one employed by the India-spec Grazia. The 125 cc motor is rated at 8.7 hp and 9.7 Nm of torque. Of course, the transmission is a CVT.
The NX125 is equipped with telescopic front forks, rear monoshock and sits on 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheels. Braking system is composed of a front disc and a rear drum unit, both governed by cost-effective combi-braking system.
Despite its imposing looks, the automatic scooter weights a reasonably light 106 kg. The fuel tank has a capacity of 6 liters. The scooter is priced at 9,580 yuan (around INR 1.07 lakh).
Automatic scooter segment in India
Not long ago, the 125 cc automatic scooter segment in India was considered to be premium but the BS6 emission regulations have transformed it into a mass market segment. This space in India is currently populated by Honda’s Grazia and Activa 125, TVS Ntorq, Aprilia Storm 125, Suzuki Access 125, the Vespa range and the Yamaha scooter range which includes RayZR and Fascino.
It is not just the 125 cc scooters that are witnessing increased demand. The country is also starting to embrace fully electric scooters as evident from strong starts of several brands. From established OEMs like Bajaj and TVS to startups like Ather, Ampere and BGauss, things are moving pretty fast in this space.
With increased importance for private mode of transport in the current times, we expect automatic scooters to widen their market share in our country. More
GoZero Electric Bike
GoZero Skellig series is an eco-friendly and cost effective personal commute range
Today, GoZero Mobility launched its new range of performance electric bikes, designed in Great Britain, and manufactured in India. Extensive hours of research have gone into developing Skellig Pro to combine off-roading and city commuting, and built on a consumer centric approach.
The three new models unveiled are Skellig, Skellig Lite and Skellig Pro series aimed to promote fitness and green commute. Current circumstances have meant more and more people have had to time to step back and look at the larger picture of life. With more people benefitting from the efficiency of work from home, and other rethinking daily commute options, cycling is once again on people’s minds.
Prices
With e-bikes being a logical solution for quick, safe and environment-friendly intra-city commute that helps maintain required physical distance, it’s an investment that’s good for the body, and wallet. GoZero Skellig packs in EnerDrive 210 Wh lithium battery pack (800 cycles), and 250 W GoZero Drive Motor. Ride modes include Throttle Mode, 5-level Peddle-Assist Mode, Walk Mode, and Cruise Mode. Features include an alloy stem handle, 26×1.95 tyres, and a premium counter-body suspension fork.
GoZero Skellig lithium battery pack
GoZero Skellig Lite uses EnerDrive 210 Wh lithium battery pack (800 cycles) and a 250 W drive motor. GoZero Drive Control 2.0 is charged with 3 modes of pedal-assist. Alongside regular Skellig bits, it features specialized V-brakes and an independent rigid suspension fork. Both Skellig and Skellig Lite attain max speed of 25 kmph, and ride range of 25 km on a single charge. EnerDrive Battery packs can be charged in 2.5 hours.
GoZero Skellig Pro
GoZero Mobility Pro version is a hybrid e-bike meant for off-roading and city commute, both. It features an advanced EnerDrive 400 Wh lithium battery pack (2000 cycles), and is supported by a composite mild steel frame, 7-speed gear system with a Advanced front suspension fork, alloy stem handle, 26×2.35 inches tyres and GoZero front and rear disc brakes.
Drive Control Version 4.0 LCD display and a flashlight with a guide-me-home enabled lighting system. is included. Max speed is capped at 25 kmph, and it goes through a 70 km range on a single charge at about 3 hours to recharge from 0-95 percent.
GoZero Skellig Lite
GoZero Skellig sales
Pre-orders for Skellig Series open on November 8, and Amazon orders from November 12. Delivery starts on Nov 25th. Fit series (Active performance wear) range orders commence on November 10, and deliveries start from November 20th. Products will be retailed through several offline and online stores.
GoZero’s previous models, One, and Mile were received well. Skellig Lite, Skellig, Skellig Pro are available at a price of Rs 19,999, 24,999 and 34,999, respectively. Skellig and Skellig Pro are available both online and offline, and Skellig Lite is available only online (GoZero website and other e-commerce platforms).
GoZero Skellig
GoZero CEO, Ankit Kumar said, “This year we are doing things differently, we are launching the Pro version of Skellig, launching our Make. Fit series of active performance wear and releasing our new toll-free lines for our customers.” More
Digital Render
Currently, Hero Xpulse 200 is the most affordable adventure tourer bike in India and Honda will be looking to disrupt this segment of entry-level ADVs in India
Adventure motorcycles are the next big thing in the Indian automotive market. Gauging by the segment’s immense popularity over the past couple of years, every two-wheeler brand now wants to have an adventure bike in its product profile.
Sometime earlier we had reported that Honda is developing an entry-level ADV bike based on the CRF250L Rally motorcycle. It will reportedly be rebranded to Africa Twin moniker and will be retailed as an entry-level model in the ADV range. However, that bike is most likely for international markets and not for India.
But there is good news for Honda fans in India. Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) is planning to develop an all-new adventure motorcycle based on the recently launched Hornet 2.0. It is speculated that this new adventure tourer could utilise the naked roadster’s new platform.
In a recent interaction with CarAndBike, Atsushi Ogata, President, CEO and MD, HMSI, confirmed this development. During this interaction, Ogata stated to exploring other options on both newly launched platforms of Hornet 2.0 and H’Ness CB350.
250cc Honda Africa Twin Render
One of the possibilities is the entry-level ADV based on Hornet 2.0’s architecture. During this discussion, Ogata did mention the CRF in a passing comment. From this discussion, it is clear that Honda is willing to expand its range of ADVs.
Expected Details
We can expect the design of this new bike to be in line with the Hornet 2.0. It will most likely be the same thing what KTM has done with their Duke and ADV range. That said the engine is expected to be the same as the one offered in Hornet 2.0. Its 184.4cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected motor is capable of pushing out 17 bhp of maximum power and 16.1 Nm of peak torque.
It will be fair enough for Honda since it has invested a lot in developing an all-new platform for Hornet 2.0 and would be feasible for the company to utilise it in developing other new products. As of now, there are very little details as to how or when we can see this bike in our market but judging by the conversation, it seems like Honda is still in planning stages and it would take years to finally hit the roads.
But one can never be sure with Honda. Out of the blue there will be a launch announcement, and before you know it, owners are posting video reviews of the new Honda Hornet 185cc Adv Motorcycle. We have already seen how efficient they are in hiding their upcoming projects before the actual launch – CB350 is one such example.
Expected Availability
This Honda ADV will be made in India from locally sourced components to keep the cost in check and will be retailed through its regular chain of dealerships. If plans do materialise then this new ADV from Honda will be the first real competitor to Hero Xpulse 200.
Render source More
New Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is the newest entrant in the growing 350cc motorcycle segment in India
To keep its portfolio relevant to evolving market trends and consumer expectations, Royal Enfield has launched the first of its next-gen products, the Meteor 350 cruiser. The motorcycle gets a range of upgrades including trendier design, a new chassis and engine, and connectivity tech.
While products like Classic 350 and Bullet 350 are already bestsellers, Meteor 350 could be an even more attractive option for customers, especially the young brigade. To understand its potential, here’s a quick comparison between Royal Enfield Meteor 350 vs. Classic 350 vs. Honda H’ness CB350 vs. Jawa Classic.
Design and styling
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 comes across as a thoroughbred cruiser with features such as round headlamps, round rear view mirrors, tear drop shaped fuel tank, turn indicators and rear tail light, broad rear fenders and liberal use of chrome accents.
The motorcycle offers a comfortable, upright riding stance, made possible with the low seat height, forward set foot pegs and high set handle bars. Meteor 350’s design is such that it can easily support the needs of both highway cruising and daily urban commute.
Talking about rivals, they too follow the retro theme and are designed for comfortable cruising. However, each one comes with its distinctive design aesthetics that give these motorcycles their unique character. For example, if you are looking for raw power and a dominating road presence, the option would be Classic 350.
Similarly, if you are looking for subtle elegance, the choice would be Honda CB350. If you want your ride to be splashier and youthful, the choice would be Meteor 350 or Jawa Classic. All these motorcycles are available in attractive colour options, allowing you to personalize as per your needs.
Engine & transmission
Powering Meteor 350 is a new J series 349 cc, air-oil cooled, SOHC engine that makes 20.2 hp of max power and 27 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. With its electronic fuel injection (EFI), Meteor delivers power on demand, which remains consistent across the rev range. The engine also delivers ample level of bottom-end torque.
In comparison, Classic 350 is powered by a 346 cc, single cylinder engine that churns out 19.1 hp and 28 Nm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Honda CB350 comes with a 348 cc engine that generates 21 hp / 30 Nm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Jawa Classic is powered by a 293 cc engine that makes 26 hp / 27.05 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
Key features
Other than the halogen headlamp, Meteor has an all-LED setup including LED DRL and LED tail lamp. Classic 350 and Jawa Classic also come with halogen headlamp. In comparison, Honda CB350 has an all-LED setup including the headlamp.
A major upgrade for Meteor is its ‘Tripper Navigation’, which is a first for a Royal Enfield motorcycle. It’s quite unique because as compared to accessing navigation on a mobile screen, Meteor has a dedicated turn-by-turn navigation display unit placed next to the instrument pod. Tripper Navigation is powered by Google Maps and it works by connecting the user’s smartphone to the Tripper unit via Bluetooth.
CB350 does not have a dedicated display for turn-by-turn navigation, but it does offer Bluetooth connectivity. Users can access turn-by-turn navigation via their mobile devices. Both Meteor and CB350 come with USB charging ports. In comparison, features like Bluetooth, navigation and USB charging are not available with Classic 350 and Jawa Classic.
Price
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has been launched at a price range of Rs 1.75 lakh to Rs 1.9 lakh. In comparison, Classic 350 is priced from Rs 1.61 lakh to Rs 1.86 lakh. Honda CB350 is available from Rs 1.85 lakh to Rs 1.9 lakh whereas Jawa Classic has a starting price of Rs 1.64 lakh.
Which Motorcycle To Buy
If you want a thoroughly upgraded Thunderbird, then Meteor 350 would be the obvious choice. There is no other motorcycle in the segment which offers the cruiser package like the new Meteor 350. However, being new, there can be issues even though it comes from the house of Royal Enfield. It can take several months and may be even years to measure the real value, benefits and advantages offered by a new motorcycle. Manufacturers do carry out extensive tests before launching new products, but on-road conditions and driver skills can easily impact a motorcycle’s performance.
Classic 350 has a proven track record and it is the top selling cruiser in the country. There’s hardly anything to complain about Classic 350, except for the usual niggles. In a few months from now, RE will also launch upgraded new gen Classic 350, which will use the same chassis and engine as the new Meteor 350.
Talking about Honda CB350, it’s also a new motorcycle and is yet to be tested extensively by users over longer durations. However, coming from a leading global automaker, CB350 is unlikely to have any major issues. If you want smooth performance without being too loud or showy, CB350 could be appropriate for you.
Coming to Jawa Classic, the brand has had its share of bouquets and brickbats in the past. However, things are looking good for Jawa now as deliveries have been streamlined and reported bugs and issues have been mostly fixed in the BS6 variant. Jawa is one of the good looking motorcycles in this segment and it also has the highest power delivery. More
Image – Rawat k
The entry-level ADV from KTM shares its powertrains with its naked sibling whereas borrows its underpinnings from 390 Adventure
KTM is all set to launch its entry-level adventure motorcycle in India. The 250 Adventure had been in the Austrian bikemaker’s pipeline for a long time now and after numerous delays due to Covid-19 induced lockdown, it seems the bike will finally get to see daylight soon.
A few days ago we reported that KTM dealers across the country have unofficially started accepting bookings for the entry-level ADV for a token amount of Rs 1000-5000. This was followed by images of the bike being spotted in some of the showrooms which indicated that its imminent launch might be around corners.
Powertrain, Transmission Details
Now, KTM 250 Adventure official specs have been leaked, thus revealing all its details. New 250 Adventure makes use of a 249cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, the same which powers its naked sibling- 250 Duke. This unit is good enough to generate 30 bhp at 9000rpm and 24 Nm of peak torque at 7500rpm. It will be mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch which ensures smooth shifts.
Coming to its styling, most of its design attributes have been inspired by its elder sibling- 390 Adventure. However, one noticeable difference from its elder sibling is the use of a single-piece headlamp with a halogen unit instead of a dual-piece LED headlight offered in the larger KTM ADV. This is done to keep the cost in check. Inspiration from 250 Adventure is clearly evident in its knobby tyres, sculpted fuel tank, upswept exhaust and shot tail fender.
KTM 250 ADV vs 390 Adventure. Had tip to folks at TorqueTV for sharing the specs sheet
To ensure a comfortable riding position and optimal handling it comes with a tapered aluminium handlebar. It is available in two liveries- one which is dominated by orange, the brand’s quintessential colour while the other has black as its primary colour with orange decals.
Some of the features form the larger ADV trickles down to smaller ADV like off-road ABS and 5-inch TFT screen but misses out on features such as Bluetooth connectivity, ride-by-wire, ride modes, traction control and more. Instrument cluster is expected to read out important information from the speedometer, odometer, ABS status and fuel gauge.
KTM 250 ADV vs 390 Adventure
Speaking of its dynamics, it shares its underpinnings with 390 Adventure based on a steel trellis frame. Suspension duties rest on WP Apex 43 mm USD at front and mono-shock at rear with a travel of 170mm and 177 mm respectively. Anchoring duties are carried out by disc brakes at both ends with a 320mm dia and 230mm dia rotor at front and rear respectively. It has a dry weight of 156 kg.
Estimated Price
KTM 250 Adventure is expected to be slotted higher than 250 Duke in the brand’s portfolio and is expected to be priced Rs 30,000-35,000 dearer than its naked sibling. Hence one can expect the new 250 Duke to be priced around Rs 2.30 lakh (ex-showroom) and will rival the likes of Hero Xpulse 200 and Royal Enfield Himalayan. More
Ather 450X Series 1
Ather 450X Series 1 is a Collector’s Limited Edition of the Ather 450X electric scooter
Last month, Ather Energy announced the launch of their 450X Series 1 electric scooter. This is a Limited edition of the 450X; and is being offered to those customers who pre-ordered the 450X prior to its reveal on 28th January 2020. If you ordered after 28th Jan, you are not eligible.
Ather says that the Series 1 is their way of thanking their customers who showed trust in them by booking their 450X scooter even before it was revealed. Deliveries of the Ather 450X are set to start in the coming days. Ahead of that, it has now arrived in the showroom. Below is a first look video, shared by James JDC.
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Ather 450X Series 1 Sporty Styling
This special edition is based on the flagship 450X and will be the first electric scooter to receive translucent body panels that reveal its cast aluminum chassis and trellis framework. This feature will be the main highlight of the special edition Series 1. Ather Energy has also confirmed that customers would receive the Collector’s Edition Series 1 from later this month.
Buyers will initially receive the Ather 450X Series 1 with black panels which would be replaced with translucent panels starting from March 2021. Deliveries will be start in 11 cities of Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Coimbatore, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Pune, Ahmedabad and Kolkata.
Ather 450X Series 1
The Ather 450X Series 1 is built on a light weight hybrid aluminum frame chassis and kerb weight will stand at 108 kgs. It will be seen in sporty colour options of red and black called ‘DayGlo Red’ and will receive distinctive ‘Series 1’ ‘450X’ stickers across it body.
Noticed on the model showcased in the video is a 7 inch touchscreen display. This display shows off an intro screen with the display offering information of over-the-air updates, on board navigation, auto indicator off, guide me home lamps and connected mobile App.
Ather 450X Series 1 gets a Snapdragon 212 Quadcore processor with 1.3Ghz, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage Android Open Source OS (AOSP) 7-inch TFT LCD, LED Backlit, Capacitative Touch. It also receives GNSS with AGPS positioning system and connectivity via 4G LTE Cat-4 WCDMA / EDGE, Bluetooth 4.2, BLE 5.0.
Power and Performance
Ather 450X Series 1 will be powered by the same motor as seen on the Ather 450X. This 2.6 kWh Lithium ion battery along with a 6kW/28 Nm motor offers a top speed of 80 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and a range of 116 kms on the Indian Driving Cycle and at 85 kms on TrueRange.
This makes the Ather 450X faster not only as compared to any other electric scooter but also when compared to a 125 cc petrol powered scooter currently on sale in the country. The scooter offers 4 riding modes of – Eco, Ride, Sport and Wrap. The battery can be charged via a home charger from 0-80 percent in 3 hours 35 minutes and from 0 to 100 percent in 5 hours 45 minutes.
Ather 450X is priced at Rs.1.59 lakhs which is inclusive of GST and FAMI II incentives. This price is inclusive of battery ownership but registration and insurance will be extra. Price of the Series 1 is same as that of the 450X. More
