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      Royal Enfield Oct 2020 Sales Decline YoY – MoM Registers Growth

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      Image – Aung
      Royal Enfield’s Oct 2020 total sales including exports stood at 66,891 units – a decline of over 7%

      As the world awaits Royal Enfield Meteor 350 launch scheduled on November 6, 2020, the manufacturer has reported October 2020 sales. Albeit at a decline, the manufacturer has reported MoM sales gain.
      Total sales including exports amount to 66,891 units, down 7 percent from 71,964 units reported a year earlier. Exports fell 9 percent to 4,033 units from 4,426 units.
      Disruptions in global business logistics have played some part in this, and a recovery is expected as business operations ease. Royal Enfield is committed to exports in the mid-segment, and has been increasing export destinations in recent months.
      Domestic Sales
      Domestic sales fell to 62,858, down 6.9 percent from 67,538 units sold in October 2019. In the up to 350cc segment, sales stood at 60,467 units, down 6 percent from 64,257 units. The segment is Royal Enfield’s stronghold for decades at an end.
      Royal Enfield Sales Oct 2020
      For now though Royal Enfield is building on its classic appeal in the segment. It already has the Himalayan to do what Classic can’t.?? 6,424 units were sold in the segment above 350 cc (Himalayan, ). Segment sales contracted by 17 percent, down from 7,707 units sold in October 2019.
      And the company is now set to introduce yet another segment offering with Meteor 350. Though launch was expected last month, it’s still in time for the ongoing festive season. Pre-booking numbers are available at the moment. ?
      Battle For 200-500cc Segment
      The mid-size segment has seen growing interest not just from potential buyers, and has seen manufacturers step up to the game. It’s also a segment that’s dear to Royal Enfield, and the brand would need to diversify as an opportunity presents itself to ensure little chunks of the segment aren’t snatched from it. Currently, RE has a market share of 81% in the 200-500cc segment motorcycles in India.
      ??While Royal Enfield has for long enjoyed the classic and retro tag in the 350 segment, the cc range as a whole has seen a range of new offerings from manufacturers in recent years. While this doesn’t pose a sales challenge for RE, it does recognise the fact that there are those who would buy a mid-segment bike, and this number though small, is growing. Honda CB350 launched last month is however a direct RE Classic 350 cc competitor.
      Honda is selling CB350 DLX at Rs 1.85 lakh and DLX Pro at Rs 1.9 lakh at its Big Wing dealerships. Considering, the number of such dealerships are limited for now, Honda two wheelers is quickly remedying that by inaugurating more such dealerships. Jawa and Jawa 42 pose a small challenge to RE. Total Jawa retail sales in September 2020 was reported at 2,121 units. There’s also the Benelli Imperiale 400. Other mid segment plays include the BMW twins, Apache 310, and a range of KTM and Duke bikes. More

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      Hero MotoCorp Oct 2020 Sales Record New High – Thanks To Splendor

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      Hero Splendor
      Hero MotoCorp total sales have crossed the 8 lakh mark in a single calendar month for the first time in history

      Hero MotoCorp Ltd has sold 8,06,848 motorcycles and scooters in October 2020. This isn’t just a high point but to put it in perspective, it’s the manufacturer’s highest-ever sales in any single month at 34.64 percent gain, up from 5,99,248 units sold in October 2020.
      While this isn’t enough to recover sales lost at the start of FY21 on account of Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown, the high sales milestone is a shot in the arm considering a few months earlier now one new if any sort of sales recovery was possible this year.
      Clearly those uncertainties are behind Hero Motocorp, and the brand would be quite hopeful about November sales too. The festive season each year is a time when auto manufacturers count on the increased number of footfalls to dealerships to seal a deal, and this year that has been in plenty. Keeping in mind current positive sales sentiment, November too is a period manufacturer’s will be closely monitoring.
      Hero Sales Report
      Motorcycles make up the majority of Hero MotoCorp sales and accounted for 7,32,498 units at 32.54 percent growth from 5,52,672 units having gained 1,79,826 units in volume. The remainder 9.21 percent sales is contributed by scooters, sales for which accounted for 74,350 units, up 59.63 percent from 46,576 units sold a year earlier. Majority of motorcycles sales were thanks to Splendor and HF Deluxe. These two register about 70% of total sales of Hero Moto.
      Hero MotoCorp Sales Oct 2020
      Hero’s dominance in the domestic market accounts for 7,91,137 units of total sales, up from 5,86,988 units sold last year. Exports are reported at 15,711 units having gained 28.15 percent, up from 12,260 units last year.
      Hero MotoCorp has reported double-digit growth of 35 percent over 5,99,248 units sold in October 2019. This is partly on account of low base sales last year as the auto industry was already dealing with slowdown as FY20 progressed.
      Sales Momentum To Continue In Nov
      Furthermore, current safety requirements harbour on personal vehicles because of the risks posed by using public transport, and their unavailability in large tracts of public transport routes.
      As the job and labour market limp back to regular commutes, a company like Hero MotoCorp can rely on its mass market commuter bike reputation to tide by. Sudden sales slowdown in April also means deferred buying decisions are now being realised. In all, the sum total of circumstances is seeing Hero MotoCorp enjoy its numero uno position even more this season.
      Current positive turnaround in customer sentiment in motorcycle segments, and restarting of the supply chain, logistics and business ops has helped Hero MotoCorp do what seemed unthinkable just a few weeks earlier.
      Higher dispatches during the month means Hero’s touch-points now have adequate inventories in line with market demand. In Q2 FY21(July-September), market share across product categories and geographies has improved. The company expects to continue building on current momentum. More

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      Honda CB350 First Service Cost Details – Cheaper Than RE Classic 350 ?

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      Image – Abhinav Bhatt
      The Honda CB350 is the most affordable product in the company’s BigWing lineup – Is the service cost affordable?

      Honda BigWing, the premium motorcycle outlet network of the Japanese brand, has commenced deliveries of the much hyped H’ness 350 retro-classic motorcycle a few days ago and one of the first customers managed to clock a little over 700 km in 8 days and logged his experience through a video.
      Honda CB350 first service cost
      Service and Maintenance costs are among the major factors which buyers take into consideration before purchasing a new car or a bike. Royal Enfield Classic 350’s low service cost has been a major factor that has helped the bike become a leader in the segment. Honda CB350 has managed to match the Royal Enfield in terms of looks / design, beaten in terms of power / torque. But will the CB350 manage to beat RE Classic 350 in terms of service and maintenance costs?
      The Honda CB350’s first free service is scheduled at 1,000 km, and as expect, the motorcycle was subjected to regular inspections and consumables change. It is to be noted that the CB350 can be serviced only at Honda BigWing centers of which there are only a handful in India at the moment. However, given the volume potential the most affordable Honda premium bike, the company would be expanding the presence of its BigWing outlets briskly.
      Coming back to the first service, the motorcycle received new engine oil (Idemitsu 10W30) which is priced at INR 1,066 for 2 liters, a new oil filter which is priced at around INR 63.55, O-ring for 103.92 and a washer for 3.12. Honda does not charge the customer for labor and washing during the free service. Below is the detailed video by Abhinav Bhatt explaining the first service of Honda CB350.
      [embedded content]
      Since the motorcycle is equipped with a maintenance-free viscous air-filter, it does not require regular cleaning but needs to be replaced once in 18,000 km. Honda CB350 first service cost stands at Rs 1,469 including all taxes. In comparison, cost of Royal Enfield Classic 350 first service is about Rs 1,300.
      Honda CB350 First Service Cost is under Rs 1,500
      Honda CB350 Free Services
      Honda offers three free services for the CB350 and this means you only pay for the consumables and not labor. The second free service is scheduled at 6,000 km or 6 months while the third and last free service is scheduled at 12,000 km or 1 year. The roadster has a service interval of 6,000 km. Once the free services are lapsed, Honda BigWing stores will be charging around INR 700 as labor charge in addition the prices of consumables.
      Honda Service Quality
      The Honda BigWing outlets have been handling only low volume sportsbikes so far but with the CB350, the premium service centers are expected to have a significant increase in the quantum of business. The Honda CB350 is expected to force most of the BigWing stores to expand their service capacities.
      The Honda CB350 first service video by the customer shows that the technicians paid good attention to detail by checking the fasteners, adjusting the clutch lever and throttle for play, calibrating the chain slack and checking the tyre pressures. The customer who was recording the whole process from the comfort of the owners’ lounge was left impressed by the quality of work Honda BigWing’s service personnel displayed.
      This is a far better service experience than given by Royal Enfield. But we also have to consider that this was the first Honda CB350 that had come for service. Will Honda manage to maintain similar levels of checks and maintenance once sales and service outlets increase; only time will tell. For now, it seems Honda has come all prepared to offer some serious competition to RE; who has enjoyed a near monopoly for years in this segment. More

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Real World Images Leak Before 6th Nov Launch

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is replacement to the Thunderbird – It is a new gen motorcycle

      Meteor 350 will be the company’s first next-gen product to go on sale this year. Launch is on 6th Nov, as Meteor 350’s rival has already arrived in the form of Honda CB350. To meet evolving customer needs and expectations, Meteor 350 has been equipped with a range of updates including new colour options, an entirely new platform, a new engine and tech upgrades.
      Royal Enfield’s new 350 cc engine will be more efficient in comparison to the existing unit. It will be paired with a newly developed transmission and clutch, which have been designed to reduce friction. As a result, the new powertrain will allow smooth gear shifts and increase the life of clutch and other moving parts.
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350
      Another key update for Meteor 350 is the new platform codenamed ‘J1D’. This will be used for several other next-gen products that will be launched by Royal Enfield in the coming months. Suspension system of Meteor 350 will comprise telescopic 41 mm forks with 130 mm of travel at the front and adjustable twin springs at the rear.
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350
      Braking system has 300 mm and 270 mm front and rear discs, integrated with dual-channel ABS. Front and rear wheels are 19-inch and 17-inch, respectively, shod with 100/90 and 140/70 tyres, respectively.
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350
      Meteor 350 new features
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will work as a replacement for Thunderbird range of motorcycles. Meteor will be the first next-gen product to be launched by Royal Enfield. Meteor 350 comes with a range of changes. Several new components can be seen such as the headlight, instrument console, rear fender and tail light. Other updates include teardrop shaped fuel tank, split seat, new alloy wheel design, and LED daytime running lights.

      Meteor will not be offered in an all-LED setup. Meteor will have halogen headlamp. However, rival Honda CB350 aka the H’ness has been launched with an all-LED setup. It is possible that Royal Enfield may offer at a later date.

      In this leaked version, the bike comes in a unique dual-tone colour theme. Most parts are blacked out and only the tank has the secondary colour shade. The combo of brown against the mostly black background creates an exciting contrast. It is expected that Meteor 350 will have several more attractive colour shades to fulfil the personalization needs of its customers.

      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will work as a replacement for Thunderbird 350 and Thunderbird 350X. It is expected to be launched in the price range of Rs 1.65 lakh to Rs 1.70 lakh. In addition to Honda CB350, Meteor 350 will also compete with Jawa.

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      Ather Electric Scooter Delivery Promised In 3 Weeks – Via Full Payment Option

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      Ather 450X
      Buyers will be assured of a buyback value of Rs. 85k for the 450X and Rs 75k for the 450 Plus; after a three year period

      Ather 450X and 450 Plus electric scooters are now set to be delivered to customers who have made pre-bookings. A new window is being opened for these patrons to complete their payment formalities while deliveries are promised from mid November.
      Today, Ather announced the opening of full payment option for both their scooters – 450X and the 450 Plus. Once you have made the full payment, Ather has guaranteed delivery within 3 weeks period. This payment option is only launched in Bangalore and Chennai. Other cities are expected to get this option at a later date. 450X is priced at Rs 1.59 lakhs while the 450 Plus is priced at Rs 1.4 lakhs.
      4 Subscription Packs
      There are 4 subscription plans on offer. These include Ather Connect Lite for basic connected features and include a periodic maintenance. Ather Connect Pro, Ather Service Lite and Ather Service Pro are the other three options.
      Customers opting for Ather Service Lite benefit from periodic maintenance packs along with road side assistance and labor chargers. Ather Service Pro assures premium service experience and free charging via the Ather Grid till March 2021.
      Ather in Delhi
      Ather Leasing Options and Assured Buy Back
      Ather Energy has also introduced new leasing options for the 450X scooter for which it has partnered with Autovert, a Bengaluru based automotive financing firm. These start at down payment options of Rs.25,000 going up to Rs.60,000 while monthly rentals along with service and insurance starts off at Rs.3,900. Customers can exit this scheme after one year or retain the same while they also have a choice to surrender the vehicle after a three year lease period.
      Where the buy-back scheme is concerned, Ather Energy promises a maximum of Rs.85,000 on the Ather 450X after a period of three years while on the Ather 450 Plus this figure stands at Rs.75,000. The company has put a limit on mileage at 30,000 kms.
      Variants, Features, Battery Specs
      Ather 450X is offered in Plus and Pro variants. It receives a 7 inch touchscreen offering readouts, etc. There is also an Android based open source operating system with features such as map navigation and on board diagnostics, Bluetooth for music and access to incoming calls, and 4G connectivity via an in-built e-sim card.
      Ather 450X is capable of three riding modes of Eco, Ride and Sport while there is also a Wrap mode allowing the scooter to accelerate from 0 to 40 km/h in 3.29 seconds. The 450X also sports parking assist system with reverse and forward mode, under-seat illumination with 22 liter storage and regenerative braking.
      The Ather 450X EV also gets dedicated app for directing riders to the closest charging station, view vehicle statistics, save locations and store documents. Battery specs include an IP67 rated 2.9 kWh lithium ion battery pack offering 8 hp power and 26 Nm torque. This allows the scooter to reach a top speed of 80 km/h and riding range of 85 km on single charge.
      Network Expansion
      Plans are afoot to introduce the scooter in Delhi by Diwali while the company continues to expand its charging infrastructure with 135-140 public charging points to be added which will continue to offer customers free charging till 31st March 2021. Other plans for FY 2021 include expansion to 15-16 cities taking launch plans to 25 cities across India by the end of that year.
      There is also a new plant coming up in Hosur, Tamil Nadu by the end of this year. Exports prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic were planned to countries of South East Asia, Europe and Latin America. These plans are back on track though what was expected to take 12 months could now take upto 2 years. More

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      Top 10 150cc to 200cc Motorcycles Sep 2020 – Pulsar, Apache, Hornet, Xtreme

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      New Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS
      Bajaj Pulsar continues to be the leader in the segment with over 25% market share for Sep 2020

      With consumer sentiments improving across the country during the on-going festivities, two-wheeler segment has registered strong sales in recent months. While commuter bikes lead in volumes, the 150cc to 200cc segment has also been witnessing strong demand. The latter offers a number of options to folks who want to experience performance-oriented biking.
      In the 150cc to 200cc segment, a total of 1,82,075 units were sold in September. This translates into an impressive 78.98% YoY growth, as compared to 1,01,731 units sold in September last year. MoM growth is also positive at 14.81%. In August 2020, total sales stood at 1,58,593 units.
      Bajaj Pulsar tops the list
      One of the popular bikes in the country, Pulsar continues to maintain its dominance in the 150cc – 200cc segment. Bajaj currently offers five Pulsar bikes in this range – Pulsar 150, NS160, 180F, NS200 and RS200.
      A total of 46,041 units were sold in September, which is YoY gain of 33.78%. Sales during the corresponding period last year were 34,415 units. Pulsar MoM growth is 20.68%, as compared to 38,151 units sold in August 2020.
      Top selling 150cc to 200cc segment motorcycles Sep 2020 vs Sep 2019 YoY
      TVS Apache takes the second spot with a total of 37,788 units sold in September. YoY gain is 26.41%, as compared to 29,894 units sold in September last year. MoM growth is 12.67%, as compared to 33,540 units sold in August 2020. Apache range currently has Apache RTR 160, RTR 160 4V, RTR 180, RTR 200 4V and RTR 200 FI E100. These are among the popular performance bikes in the country.
      At number three is Honda Unicorn 160 with 31,242 units sold in September. As may be recalled, the BS6 version of this bike was launched earlier this year in February. MoM growth is a decent 6.12%, as compared to 29,441 units sold in August 2020. One of Honda’s bestselling motorcycles, Unicorn 160 recently achieved the milestone of having more than 2.5 million users.
      Top selling 150cc to 200cc segment motorcycles Sep 2020 vs Aug 2020 MoM.
      Yamaha FZ is at fourth place with a total of 20,184 units sold in September. YoY gain is 25.37%, as compared to 16,100 units sold in September last year. MoM gain is 12.96%, as compared to 17,868 units sold in August 2020. Yamaha FZ-FI and FZS-FI are popular for their aggressive looks, hi-tech features and relatively affordable pricing.
      Hero Xtreme 160R takes the fifth place with 12,930 units sold in September. MoM gain is 7.42%, as compared to 12,037 units sold in August 2020.
      Only two bikes with negative YoY growth
      Other 150cc-200cc bikes in top ten list include Honda Hornet 2.0 (launched in August), Honda X Blade, Bajaj Avenger, Yamaha R15 and Yamaha MT15. Among all bikes, the ones with negative YoY growth are R15 (4,696 units; -31.74%) and Suzuki Gixxer (1,955 units; -56.81%). KTM 200 is placed at eleventh place with 2,842 units sold in September. The numbers for Hero Xpulse 200 and Suzuki Intruder are 1,398 and 259 units, respectively. Also read – Top selling 200cc to 500 cc Motorcycles Sep 2020 More

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      Royal Enfield’s Siddhartha Lal Rides Meteor 350 – Front Revealed

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      Siddhartha Lal with Royal Enfield Meteor 350
      Meteor 350 is built on a completely new platform and will come equipped with new features as offerings

      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 had already generated quite a bit of buzz even before its official launch and it was bound to happen. For a bike so highly anticipated since its inception, numerous delays in launch have only heightened the anxiety levels of audiences especially Royal Enfield lovers.
      Just this week, the bikemaker announced its official launch date through a launch invite teaser featuring Royal Enfield CEO Vinod K Dasari. With its launch set for November 6, RE has shared multiple new teasers today of the upcoming retro-cruiser on its various social media handles.
      [embedded content]
      This has certainly peaked the excitement to another level. These new 15-second teasers, gives a brief glimpse of the upcoming bike, and of course the exhaust note. In addition to this teaser, Royal Enfield’s Boss, Siddhartha Lal has shared his own blog – where he explains the idea behind Meteor 350. In this, he is also seen riding the upcoming Meteor 350 on the open roads. The image also gives a clear look at the bike’s front end.
      Cruising Legacy of Royal Enfield
      The image shows typical round headlamps, round turn indicators and large windscreen suggesting the bike in this pic is top-spec trim. Lal has also gone on to explain the evolution of Meteor 350 and the brand’s cruiser motorcycles over the years. It all started in the 1980s when Royal Enfield developed Citybike which was the birth of quintessential American style cruiser bikes in India.

      This was followed by Lightning 535 in the 1990s which came with a very powerful 535cc engine and became an instant hit. However, the cruiser revolution was truly started with the advent of Thunderbird in 2002. It was a revolution in the truest sense since Royal Enfield for the first time offered a new 5-speed gearbox and moved the gear-shifting to the right side of the bike. This attracted a new set of audiences who wanted to upgrade to a cruiser bike.
      A more aggressive and sporty derivative of Thunderbird was launched in 2018 named Thunderbird X, aka TBX. The Thunderbird range of motorcycles was discontinued earlier this year and will be replaced by Meteor 350. Lal further goes on to say that the introduction of Meteor 350 adds a whole new chapter to the brand’s legacy as it comes with many firsts such as a brand new platform, a new powertrain and many new features. You can read his full blog here.
      Meteor 350 Estimated Price
      As discussed on many previous occasions, the Metro 350 will be offered in three variants- Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. It will be powered by a 349cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine which generates 20 bhp and a peak torque of 27 Nm. When it comes to price, it is expected to be pegged competitively between Rs 1.60 lakh and Rs 1.80 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). It will directly compete with Honda H’Ness CB350. More

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      Triumph Trident 660cc Roadster Debuts – India Launch 2021 As CKD

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      2021 Triumph Trident
      The Triumph Trident is powered by a 660 cc three-cylinder engine which benefits from ride-by-wire technology

      Triumph Motorcycles has entered the volume-rich affordable middle-weight naked motorcycle territory with its neo-classic Trident. The latest product from the British marque pays tribute to the original Trident of 1968 which kick started the three-cylinder saga. Positioned below the Street Triple, the roadster is not the most affordable member of Triumph’s three-cylinder family.
      [embedded content]
      Triumph Trident
      The 2021 Triumph Trident adopts a minimal design characterized by a classic fuel tank with knee pads, a stubby cantilevered tailpiece, circular LED headlamp and compact overall dimensions. The British middle-weight sportbike brings to table a classic flavor compared to its flashy Japanese rivals such as the Kawasaki Z650, Yamaha MT-O7 and Honda CB650R.
      2021 Triumph Trident
      Engine
      Triumph Trident is powered by a 660 cc, liquid-cooled, three-cylinder engine which incorporates 67 new components. Triumph says that the three-cylinder configuration combines the strong low-end torque of two-cylinder units and a spirited top-end of four-cylinder units.

      The engine produces 81 hp at 10,250 rpm and 64 Nm of torque (90% of which is available across most of the rev range) at 6,250 rpm. The motor is also available in a 47 hp / 59 Nm version for the European A2 license category and in a 54 hp / 59 Nm avatar for the Australian LAMS category. A slip and assist clutch pairs the motor with a 6-speed transmission.
      Chassis
      The Triumph Trident is underpinned by a steel tubular frame which is equipped with an aluminium swing-arm, Showa inverted front forks, Showa rear monoshock with preload adjust and 17-inch alloy wheels. Enhancing the handling package are is the factory fitted set of Michelin Road 5 tyres that measure 120/70-R17 (front) and 180/55-R17 (rear).

      Braking is taken care of by a pair of 310 mm front discs with Nissin two-piston sliding calipers and a disc at the rear with Nissin single-piston caliper. Of course, a dual-channel ABS is a standard fitment.
      Equipment
      The Triumph Trident is positioned as a premium offering in its segment. In addition to top-shelf suspension and braking hardware, the motorcycle comes equipped with a colour TFT screen along with a white-on-black LCD display, full LED lighting (headlamp, tail lamp and blinkers), adjustable traction control, ride-by-wire, road and rain riding modes, and so on.

      Launch and colours
      The most affordable triple-cylinder Triumph motorcycle will hit the dealerships in the UK in early 2021 before reaching our market via CKD route from Thailand. It will be available in four colour themes namely Silver Ice and Diablo Red, Matt Jet Black and Matt Silver Ice, Crystal White and Sapphire Black.
      The Triumph Trident will be offered with 2 year / unlimited km warranty and a range of 45 accessories that were developed alongside the bike. Fully accessorized Trident can be seen in the photos below. More