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      Royal Enfield Classic 350 Bobber Named Green Goblin – Modified For Rs 1.5L, Inspired By KX Concept

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      Royal Enfield Classic 350 Bobber
      Apart from a 650cc cruiser, Royal Enfield is also planning to launch a new generation model of Classic 350 next year

      Royal Enfield is planning to put its foot down with the bikemaker planning to launch as many as 28 new bikes in the next seven years which means at least one new motorcycle every quarter. One of those bikes is speculated to be a cruiser motorcycle based on the 650cc platform which has been previously spotted on many occasions.
      Reportedly, the design inspiration behind this cruiser bike codenamed KX650 is the KX Bobber Concept which made its world premiere at the EICMA 2018 in Milan, Italy. Although actual images of the KX650 spied earlier turns out to be a lot different from the KX Bobber Concept.
      However, an Enfield motorcycle owner and enthusiast seems to have taken serious inspiration from KX Concept and modified his Classic 350 following the bobber’s design language. Uploaded on his social media handle, Sofyan Hasan has been riding this bike, which he has named Green Goblin.
      Going by the images there are a number of modifications the owner has made to the bike. Everything has been done by the owner himself, from designing to actually making it.
      Royal Enfield 838 KX Concept image for reference.
      Design Modification on Green Goblin
      For starters, it gets a new seat which sits much lower and is much thinner than the stock one. Both front and rear fenders have been chopped into half making them shorter.
      Another major change is its fuel tank which gets a flat contour on sides with a prominent bifurcation created between the top and side profile. This gives it a slight aerodynamic look. More importantly, it seems to get a different front suspension setup with conventional twin shock absorbers in place.
      Royal Enfield Classic 350 based Bobber
      The bike in picture gets standard wire-spoked wheels. Handlebars also seem to be taller than usual just like those offered in a proper cruiser. Front end also gets a slight rake in its angle which further gives it a lower stance and increases its wheelbase slightly which means a more planted ride. The owner says that all mod jobs have been carried out personally by him and cost him around USD 2,000 (about Rs 1.48 lakhs) in total.
      Royal Enfield’s next cruiser in line will be the production version of KX650 which is expected to come out sometime next year. It will be powered by the same 648cc parallel-twin engine which is offered in Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. This unit kicks out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. A lot of its styling cues are expected to be borrowed from the recently launched Meteor 350.
      Meteor 350
      The Chennai-based manufacturer launched its latest cruiser offering last month. It is underpinned by an all-new J platform and is powered by a brand new 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine which pushes out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. It is offered in three variants- Fireball, Stellar and Supernova at a starting price of Rs. 1.75 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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      Aprilia SXR 160 Arrives In Showroom – First Impression, Test Rides Start

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      Aprilia SXR 160 Scooter
      As of now, Aprilia SXR 160 does not have any direct rivals in India has started reaching showrooms across the country

      Piaggio is all set to finally launched its much anticipated Aprilia SXR 160 in India after numerous delays thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. Though official launch is a few days away, dealers have started receiving the scooter across India.
      Some dealers have also started giving test ride to prospective customers. As per dealers, the new Aprilia SXR 160 is priced at Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom). It is a maxi-style scooter, which will rival Suzuki Burgman in India. It made its maiden appearance at the AutoExpo held earlier this year in February.
      Aprilia started accepting bookings for the maxi scooter last week at a token amount of Rs 5,000. The scooter went into production at Aprilia’s Baramati plant near Pune in Maharashtra at the start of this month. Now, a detailed test ride and first impression video of the Aprilia SXR 160 has surfaced online.
      Uploaded by DBS Vlogs on their YouTube channel, the video focuses on intricate details about the power scooter. At first glance, it looks much bigger than normal scooters found running on Indian scooters. In fact, it gets one of the largest wheelbases in scooters available in India. SXR 160 offers a wheelbase of 1353mm which is 90mm longer than Suzuki Burgman 125 which is also considered a sort of Maxi scooter.
      [embedded content]
      Design
      Elaborating on design, the vlogger focuses on the front end which split LED headlights inspired by RS660 with C-shaped DRLs integrated onto them that make the scooter more stylish. Scooters getting LED DRLs are still a very rare sight in India. Another noticeable highlight is the blacked-out fly screen which protects the riders from gusting winds.
      The visor, though quite big, has been set low so that it doesn’t obstruct rider’s visibility. It gets a wide and comfortable seat with enough room for rider and pillion. Also, it offers ample space on its flat footboard to keep some luggage.

      SXR 160 can also hold some key belongings thanks to decently spacious under-seat storage which comes with an accessory light. It receives a wide handlebar which makes for an upright riding stature for better comfort. The angular front apron also goes well with its overall design.
      Features on offer
      In terms of features, it offers an all-LED lighting setup, a 210 cm sq. fully digital instrument console that offers essential readouts like speed, odometer trip meter, ABS status fuel-efficiency, etc. Although it does miss out on Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. It also comes with a USB charging port on its front glove box.

      SXR 160 rolls on 12-inch 5 spoke petal machined alloys. Anchorage duties are handled by a 220mm disc on front wheel while the rear wheel gets a drum brake which is assisted by a single-channel ABS. It also misses out on an external fuel cap.
      Powertrain
      When it comes to its powertrain, it is powered by the same 160.0cc three-valve single-cylinder motor which produces 0.7 bhp of power at 7,600rpm and peak torque of 12 Nm at 6000rpm. It is the same unit that is offered in SR 160. It comes linked to a CVT gearbox. Suspension duties on the scooter are taken care of by telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock unit at rear. Deliveries will start in a few days. More

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      KTM 790 Adventure India Launch Likely By March 2021

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      KTM 790 Adventure at India Bike Week
      Design-wise, KTM 790 Adventure will be similar to its smaller sibling 390 Adventure

      KTM has shown the Indian biking community what a proper adventure tourer actually is when they launched 390 Adventure around this time last year at the India Bike Week in Goa. At the same event, KTM had also showcased the KTM 790 Adventure.
      Though, they had not launched the bigger 790 ADV at the event, it was later revealed that the company had plans to launch 790 Adventure in India for the last quarter of FY 2020. With that period almost around, Fast Bikes now reports that KTM has started testing the motorcycle around Pune.
      Like its other offerings, 790 Adventure is likely to share its mechanicals with its naked counterpart- 790 Duke. This means it will be powered by the same 799cc parallel-twin engine offered in the latter.
      Powertrain Details
      However, it will be offered in a different state of tune than the naked streetfighter in order to improve its low and mid-range ride. This unit in its Euro-5 compliance in the ADV puts out a healthy 94 bhp and 88 Nm of peak torque. This unit is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch for smoother gear shifts. KTM claims a fuel efficiency of 22.5 kmpl on this motor.
      KTM 790 Adventure in India
      Hardware Used
      In terms of dynamics, 790 Adventure is built on a tubular chromium-molybdenum-steel frame that utilises its engine as a stress member. Suspension duties on the bike are carried out by WP APEX 43 USDs at front which offers 200mm of travel and a WP APEX mono-shock at rear which also offers travel of 200mm. It rolls on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoked wheels wrapped around by dual-purpose tyres.
      Anchoring duties are taken care of by two radially-mounted J Juan calipers clamped on 320mm disc rotors and a single two-piston caliper mounted on a 260mm disc.790 Adventure tips the weighing scales at 189 kg making it one of the lightest in its segment. Saddle height is pegged at 850mm and the bike offers a very high ground clearance of 230mm which would be very useful while going undulated paths.
      Features on offer
      In terms of goodies, 790 Adventure likes its smaller sibling, is well loaded with electronic gizmos such as a Bosch 9.1 MP system which handles cornering ABS and off-road ABS. Other notable features include a full LED headlight with LED DRLs, coloured TFT display and KTM My Ride App connectivity tech which gives access to music, phone calls and navigation.
      It also receives three ride modes- Street, Rain, Off-road and an optional extra – Rally; with the convenience of ride-by-wire throttle and lean-sensitive traction control with off-road modes. Upon its launch, it will directly lock horns with the new Triumph Tiger 900 and is expected to be offered at an aggressive price tag, like the 790 Duke. More

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      Peugeot Django, Pulsion 125cc Scooters Spied In Pune – Fascino, Vespa Rival

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      Peugeot Django 125
      Mahindra owns Peugeot Two Wheeler division and has plans to launch scooters in India

      It was last year that Mahindra purchased 100 percent stake in Peugeot Motorcycles. Mahindra Two Wheelers division has plans to not only launch Peugeot scooters and motorcycles in India, but to also export them from India.
      Retro styled scooter lovers could have more options to choose from in the near future, as two new Peugeot scooters have been spied on test in Pune. Currently, the retro styled scooter segment is dominated by the likes of Yamaha Fascino and Vespa that offers several products in 125cc and 150cc range. Peugeot Motorcycles could also introduce Pulsion 125, which is a maxi scooter built for urban commutes.
      Peugeot Django 125
      Based on the legendary S55 scooter, Django 125 lets retro fans relive the glorious era of the 1950s. It is distinguishable with its curvy, aerodynamic body panels, simple yet elegant styling, round headlamp and rear view mirrors, LED lights, split saddle seats, chrome accents, large grab rails, and body coloured deck. The one spotted in India comes with a dual-tone colour theme of red and white.
      Django 125 is powered by a 124.6 cc, air cooled engine. Power and torque output varies based on the country. In its home market France, the engine is tuned to deliver 10.2 hp of max power and 8.9 Nm of max torque.
      Peugeot Django 125
      The scooter utilizes a tubular steel chassis with hydraulic telescopic fork at the front and hydraulic shock absorber at the rear. The scooter has disc brakes at both ends and single-channel ABS is offered as standard.
      Some key features available with Django 125 include USB charging, under saddle storage, semi-digital instrument console, and retractable aluminium footrest. Security features include an anti-theft mechanical lock and steering lock.
      Peugeot Pulsion 125
      Peugeot Pulsion 125
      This is designed to offer max comfort and convenience to city commuters. Negotiating traffic can become real easy with Pulsion 125, as it comes with a peppy 124.8cc, liquid cooled engine that delivers 14.4 hp at 9000 rpm and 11.9 Nm torque at 7000 rpm. The scooter comes with relaxed, upright riding position, which ensures optimal comfort during city rides.
      The maxi-scooter is equipped with i-Connect connectivity tech that allows users to connect their smartphones with the instrument console. Users can manage calls, text messages, and access turn-by-turn navigation. The instrument panel is a raised unit, which makes it easier to see useful information without the need to take the eyes off the road.
      Peugeot Pulsion 125
      Talking a bit about design, Pulsion 125 comes with a dominating profile. Some key features include chequered grille, LED DRLs, dual headlights, tall windscreen, TFT colour display, and single piece step-up seat.
      Peugeot Motorcycles is one of the oldest two-wheeler manufacturers in the world, having started operations in early twentieth century. It currently functions as a 100% subsidiary of Mahindra Two Wheelers. The company sells its products at various destinations across the globe including European countries, Asia-Pacific and Australia.
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      Royal Enfield Has 95% Market Share In 251cc To 500cc Segment – Classic 350 Best Seller

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      Royal Enfield Classic 350
      With most two wheeler manufacturers focusing on entry level motorcycles, Royal Enfield is leading the race in 251-500cc segment like no one else

      It’s true that Royal Enfield has been facing competition from multiple rival products in recent times. The list includes motorcycles from Honda, Mahindra, TVS, Yamaha, Bajaj, KTM, Benelli, Jawa and Kawasaki. However, despite the best efforts of rivals, Royal Enfield continues to enjoy a monopoly of sorts in the 251cc to 500cc motorcycle segment.
      95% market share in April-November 2020
      Royal Enfield’s dominance is clearly evident when we look at sales data for the period between April and November 2020. In the 251cc to 500cc segment, the company sold a total of 3,11,388 units during the eight months. About 70% of the sales, is thanks to just one motorcycle – Classic 350.
      In comparison, sales of rivals are just a fraction. In terms of sales, the nearest rival is Bajaj + KTM, with collective sales of 9,870 units. This is just a little above 3% of Royal Enfield sales. Bajaj had infamously tried to defame Royal Enfield by a series of ads called Haathi Mat Paalo. That seems to have not helped them at all.
      Next is Honda with sales of 5,357 units. This is 1.72% of Royal Enfield sales. TVS + BMW are even farther away with 2,189 units sold during April-November 2020. This is less than 1% of Royal Enfield sales. Next is Mahindra with sales of 179 units. Yamaha and Kawasaki sales during the period were zero units.
      Motorcycle sales 251cc to 500cc – April to Nov 2020
      Overall, a total of 3,28,983 units were sold in 251cc to 500cc motorcycle segment between April and November 2020. At 3,11,388 units, Royal Enfield sales are close to 95% of the total.
      Difficult to unseat Royal Enfield
      While we have heard the David and Goliath story, Royal Enfield is unlikely to lose its commanding position anytime soon. There are several reasons why Royal Enfield is so difficult to beat. One of them is the fact that Royal Enfield motorcycles are associated with pride, power and prestige. They are a lifestyle / fashion statement, with a cult like following. On the streets, Royal Enfield motorcycles easily dominate other bikes with their aggressive profile, size and the signature exhaust note.
      Another reason is that Royal Enfield has a broad range of products to suit individual needs and preferences. Moreover, every single product has plenty of options in terms of colour choices and accessories. To make things even easier and beneficial for customers, the company recently launched the ‘Make it Yours‘ platform. This allows users to customize their motorcycle exactly as per their requirements.
      Even when it commands 95% market share, Royal Enfield is unlikely to take things lightly. The company is working proactively to not just maintain its lead, but to extend it even further. For that, Royal Enfield has planned several new product launches in the coming years.
      The first of its next-gen products, Meteor 350, has already emerged a bestseller in the segment. Several more are in the works including a 350cc version of the popular Interceptor 650. Royal Enfield will also be launching the next-get models of its current bestsellers such as Classic 350, Electra and Bullet. More

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      Aprilia SXR 160 Scooter Spied At Dealer Yard Ahead Of Launch

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      Aprilia SXR 160
      Aprilia SXR 160 was first presented at this year’s Auto Expo held in February at Greater Noida

      Piaggio is expected to launch its highly anticipated Aprilia SXR 160 in a few days. Bookings for the maxi-style scooter at a token amount of Rs 5000 commenced a week back. The scooter has already gone into production at Aprilia’s Baramati plant near Pune in Maharashtra.
      The power scooter made its maiden appearance at this year’s Auto Expo and is slated to be the first proper Maxi scooter in India discounting Suzuki Burgman 125 and TVS Ntorq. Now, a video has emerged on YouTube which suggests that SXR 160 has started reaching dealerships across the country.
      Uploaded by ‘VJNS vlogs’, the video shows SXR 160 reaching a dealership in Mumbai. It was supposed to launch a lot earlier after its appearance at the Auto Expo, however, the global pandemic of Covid-19 forced makers to defer their plans. The scooter has been designed in Italy specifically for the Indian market.
      Design & Features
      Speaking of its design, it gets a bold front end with split LED headlights inspired by RS660 with C-shaped DRLs integrated onto them that make the scooter more stylish. LED DRLs have been very rare in scooters offered in India until now. Talking about other elements associated with designing of Aprilia SXR 160, it gets a big windscreen upfront. It receives a large enough footboard with ample space for luggage.
      [embedded content]
      SXR 160 is offered with a wide and flat comfortable seat with plenty of under-seat storage. It receives a wide handlebar which makes for an upright riding stature for better comfort. The angular front apron also goes well with its overall design.
      Design elements to the rear include an LED tail lamp with integrated rear blinkers. Other notable design highlights include exhaust embellished in chrome and 12-inch 5 spoke petal machined alloys.
      2021 Aprilia SXR160
      In terms of features, it gets a 210 cm sq. fully digital instrument console that offers essential readouts like speed, odometer trip meter, ABS status fuel-efficiency, etc. It is also expected to come with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB charging port.
      Buyers can also opt for mobile connectivity accessory which allows riders to connect their smartphones which helps them in locating it, raising security alarm and if needed even immobilizing it.
      2021 Aprilia SXR160
      Mechanical Details
      Coming to its powertrains, it is powered by a 160.03cc, three-valve, single-cylinder motor which generates 10.7 bhp of power at 7,600rpm and peak torque of 12 Nm at 6000rpm. It is the same unit that is offered in SR 160. It comes paired with a CVT gearbox. Suspension duties on the scooter are expected to be handled by telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock unit at rear.
      Expected Price
      Upon its launch, SXR 160 will not have any direct rivals in the country. It is expected to be priced around Rs 1.15-1.25 lakh (ex-showroom). Aprilia also intends to launch a smaller version of the power scooter- SXR 125 in India at a later stage. More

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      2021 Yamaha R3 Makes Global Debut – Launch Next Year

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      2021 Yamaha R3
      Ahead of its launch next year, 2021 Yamaha R3 has been unveiled for Japanese market

      The company has put a price tag of JPY 687,500 on the updated motorcycle, which is approximately Rs 4.89 lakh in Indian currency. Yamaha aims to sell at least 3700 units of updated R3 in Japan on an annual basis.
      What’s new in updated Yamaha R3?
      Changes are fairly limited on 2021 Yamaha R3. It appears that one of the company’s key objectives is to provide more personalization options to customers. Towards that end, updated Yamaha R3 gets a new Cyan colour option.
      This looks quite exciting and goes well with other colour shades used on the motorcycle. This new colour option also seems a bit radical, as it’s not something that one would usually see on a motorcycle. For folks who want to flaunt their rides, this peppy new colour can be a lot of fun on the streets.
      Shades of cyan can be seen on the headlight cowl, front fender, fairing and fuel tank. It creates an interesting contrast with the blacked-out parts of the motorcycle. The bike’s trendy profile is further enhanced with the multi-coloured graphics and red alloy wheels. Overall, the motorcycle looks striking in its new colour and is an absolute head turner.
      2021 Yamaha R3
      The earlier Matte Black shade has also been updated slightly on 2021 Yamaha R3. The third colour option of Deep Purple Blue Metallic has been retained, just as it was earlier.
      2021 Yamaha R3 engine
      Updated Yamaha R3 will be using the same engine as earlier. It is powered by a 320 cc, liquid cooled, parallel-twin DOHC motor that is capable of delivering max power of 42 ps at 10,750 rpm and max torque of 29 Nm at 9,000 rpm. This is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Most other cycle parts will also be the same as the current model.
      2021 Yamaha R3
      Earlier, Yamaha had unveiled 2021 R3 in US market. There too, the changes were minor and included a new Electric Teal colour option. In US, the updated bike will go on sale for USD 5,299 (Rs 3.89 lakhs). Yamaha R3 has top speed of around 110 mph (~ 180 km/h) and it can reach 0-62 mph (0-100 kmph) in 5.5 seconds. Fuel efficiency is estimated to be around 56 miles per gallon (~ 24 kmpl).
      2021 Yamaha R3 India launch
      It is not certain if Yamaha will reintroduce R3 in the Indian market. It was available earlier in BS4 format and was quite popular among bike enthusiasts. However, due to some reasons, the motorcycle was not updated to BS6. As a result, it is currently in discontinued state.
      It is possible that Yamaha may do a rethink, as there’s growing interest in performance oriented biking in the country. In that case, 2021 Yamaha R3 could be launched in India next year. It will compete with rivals such as KTM RC 390 and TVS Apache RR 310. More

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      2021 Royal Enfield INT 350 Spied On Video – To Share Engine With Classic 350

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      Credit – miles_on_smile / soulrider_sk
      Royal Enfield is working on launching multiple new motorcycles in India over the next few years

      Faced with increased competition, Royal Enfield is working in a proactive manner to maintain its dominance. The Chennai based manufacturer is currently the market leader in 200cc to 500cc motorcycle segment, commanding a market share in excess of 75 percent.
      One of the key strategies deployed by the company in recent times is to launch new products at regular intervals. This keeps customers engaged and they can easily find the best fit according to their specific needs and tastes.
      Interceptor 350 design and features
      After the successful launch of Meteor 350, Royal Enfield has started road tests of a new motorcycle. This appears to be a 350cc version of the popular Interceptor 650. It is possible that the new motorcycle is launched as ‘Interceptor 350’ or it could get an entirely new name.
      Spy shots reveal that there are quite a few features that appear to be borrowed from Interceptor 650. For example, the tail section and rectangular turn indicators appear similar to that of Interceptor 650. Below is a spy video of the new 2021 Royal Enfield INT 350, shared by miles_on_smile.
      [embedded content]
      However, there are some obvious differences, for example, the single exhaust in place of the twin exhaust seen on Interceptor 650. Royal Enfield’s new 350cc motorcycle is expected to be equipped with standard telescopic forks at the front and twin spring rear shock absorbers at the rear. It will have disc brakes at both ends and dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard.
      Interceptor 350 is likely to get Tripper navigation, which is a first-in-segment feature introduced with Meteor 350. It comes with a dedicated display that shows directions for the destination entered by the user.
      Interceptor 350 engine
      In terms of hardware, Interceptor 350 will be sharing several components with recently launched Meteor 350 and the upcoming Classic 350. Sharing of components among different products is a common strategy in the auto industry. This helps reduce development costs and get better deals with parts suppliers. Interceptor 350 is likely to use the same engine as that of Meteor 350.
      The 349 cc single cylinder, air and oil cooled engine is capable of delivering max power of 20.2 hp at 6,100 rpm and max torque of 27 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Transmission used is a 5-speed unit. It is possible that the engine may be offered in a different state of tune on Interceptor 350.
      Cost benefit
      While 650 twins are already the most affordable in their class, they are still out of reach of many customers. With Interceptor 350, Royal Enfield will be able to provide a similar experience at lower cost. It is expected that Interceptor 350 will be priced under Rs 1.8 lakh. Launch is expected by next year. More