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    New Yamaha R9 Launch Price USD 12.5K (Rs 10.5L) – India-Bound?

    New Yamaha R9Being the fully-faired version of MT-09, new Yamaha R9 comes with the same 890cc in-line 3-cylinder engine and a host of electronics
    Yamaha has been significantly overhauling its fully faired portfolio. The company just updated their YZF-R3 to MY25 with new design language. Along with that, Yamaha has lifted the veil off its new R9, ushering into a new era of supersport motorcycles. It comes with enhanced aerodynamics for exceptional track excursions.
    New Yamaha R9
    With the launch of Yamaha R9, the company has been quenching the thirst of supersport motorcycle enthusiasts. With an appetite for cornering speed, Yamaha R9 is set to blaze the tracks in a few markets internationally. In USA, Yamaha R9 has been launched at USD 12,499 which turns out to be Rs 10.5 lakh in today’s currency exchange rates.
    New Yamaha R9
    There are three colour options with R9 – Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Raven Black and Intensity White / Redline. The first two colourways offer similar and minimal graphics, while Intensity White / Redline has more flamboyant stickers. Also, only the Yamaha Team Blue gets Blue coloured alloy wheels, while other two get Black ones.
    With the CP3 powertrain and the potent Supersport chassis, Yamaha is bringing track-capable performance to the streets. Yamaha R9 features a Deltabox Gravity Cast aluminium frame. The company claims this chassis to be the lightest on any Yamaha supersport yet.
    New Yamaha R9
    With 50:50 weight distribution, Yamaha promises exceptional agility and Supersport handling that can be tamed by a multitude of riders across wider experience levels. Like other Yamaha YZF-R motorcycles, R9 also comes with the latest R-Series styling with M-shaped front duct, angled LED DRLs, among others.
    Yamaha R9 also gets functional aerodynamic winglets at the front like MotoGP vehicle. These are intended to smoothen air flow and add considerable downforce at the front to improve handling characteristic at higher speeds. There is a TFT colour display as part of its instrumentation with a host of features.
    New Yamaha R9
    Electronics and Engine Specs
    There is a new 6-axis IMU, enabling 9-level Traction Control, 3-level Slide Control, 3-level Lift Control and a Brake Control system. Other notable features include 4-level Power Delivery Mode, two-level Engine Brake Management, Variable Speed Limiter, Yamaha Ride Control, Back Slip Regulator, cruise control and Launch Control.
    Yamaha R9 gets the same 890cc DOHC 4V/cyl liquid cooled in-line 3-cylinder engine as MT-09 with with around 120 PS of peak power and 93 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. 43mm KYB fully adjustable USD front forks, KYB adjustable rear mono-shock setup, dual 320 mm front discs with Brembo Stylema calipers, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 120/70 front and 180/55 rear Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tyres. More

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    2025 Yamaha R3 Launch Price USD 5499 (Rs 4.62L) – New Design Language

    2025 Yamaha R3 LaunchWith 2025 Yamaha R3, the company has brought this motorcycle to modern design DNA, making it in line with other YZF-R and YZR-M bikes
    Team Blue is revving the hearts of motorcycling enthusiasts across the world with the launch of updated YZF-R3. This motorcycle was mong the last ones in YZF-R lineup to feature the older design DNA and has been ported to new generation R-Series styling inspired from the flagship YZR-M1 racing bike.
    2025 Yamaha R3
    In USA, Yamaha has launched the 2025 R3 and has thoroughly updated it where design is concerned. 2025 Yamaha R3 has been priced at USD 5,499 in USA, which translates to Rs 4.62 lakh with today’s currency exchange rates. There are three colours on offer – Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Stealth Black and Lunar White / Nebula Blue.
    2025 Yamaha R3
    We can see a new fascia featuring Yamaha’s newer R-Series design language. Aggressive new front fairing is the main change, while sleeker side panels and a sharper tail section are notable too. R3 now gets a single projector headlight flanked by quad element LED DRL signature, split in two parts.
    Raised tail section gets LED brake lights and turn indicators are LEDs, this time around. Team Yamaha Blue and Matte Stealth Black colours have slightly minimal decals on side body fairing where we see smaller R3 stickers. With Lunar White / Nebula Blue, Yamaha is offering larger R3 stickers and a Yamaha sticker below it.
    2025 Yamaha R3
    Also, Team Yamaha Blue is the only colourway where the company is offering Blue alloy wheels and Gold USD forks finish, while other two get Black at both areas. 2025 R3 comes with a new LCD instrument cluster with Blue backlighting.
    New Yamaha R3 Cluster
    It features extensive telemetry along with Bluetooth connectivity and Y-Connect app support. No navigation, though. Yamaha has also added a USB-A charging port, which could have been USB-C. The motorcycle promises 50:50 weight distribution for enhanced agility and offers rider a committed riding position to exploit all of its handling characteristics.
    New Yamaha R3 Fascia
    What else is new?
    The company has incorporated modern fuel injection system and a short muffler design for mass centralisation. The high-revving 321cc DOHC 4V liquid cooled in-line twin cylinder engine. Power and torque figures are around 41 bhp and 30 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox and a slip and assist clutch for the first time.
    Sporty clip-on handlebars, USD telescopic front forks with 129.5 mm travel, preload adjustable rear monoshock with 124.5 mm travel, 298mm front single floating disc, 220 mm rear disc, dual channel ABS, 110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear Dunlop Sportmax tyres are some of the notable componentry. India launch is not confirmed yet. More

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    2W Retail Sales Sept 2024 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, RE, Ola

    Honda Activa : Image – Gyani EnoughThe 2 wheeler retail sales list saw a new leader in September 2024 with Honda at No.1 ahead of Hero MotoCorp by large numbers
    Two wheeler retail sales in September 2024, as reported by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), saw a severe decline. Sales fell to 12,04,259 units in the past month, down from 13,16,300 units sold in September 2023. It was also a 10.01% MoM de-growth over 13,38,237 units sold in August 2024. 2W H1 FY 25 sales however, grew by 9.08% to 85,66,532 units from 78,53,618 units sold in the same 6 month period of H1 FY24.
    2W Retail Sales in Sept 2024 – HMSI Leads
    Not only was the 2W segment in the negative but overall retail sales also dipped by 9.25% YoY with 2W, PV and CVs reporting lower sales by 8.51%, 18.81%, and 10.45% YoY, respectively. On the other hand, sales of 3W and tractors improved by 0.66% and 14.69% on a year on year basis. The automobile sector now pins its hopes on a revival of sorts with several new launches in various segments and the festive season while improved stock availability could also boost sales even further.
    Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) emerged as the No. 1 seller in September 2024. This was despite a YoY decline. Sales dipped to 3,33,927 units in the past month, down from 3,49,784 units sold in Sept 2023. Market share of the company also grew to 27.73% over 26.57% YoY.
    Hero sales fell to 2,71,390 units in Sept 2024, down from 3,52,254 units sold in the same month last year. Market share dipped from 26.76% held in Sept 2023 to 22.54% last month. As launch date nears, the company is actively testing the new Xpulse 210 adventure tourer. Hero HF Dawn is also on its test rounds though the exact timeline of launch is yet to be announced.
    2W Retail Sales Sept 2024
    TVS retail sales fell by a good 8,000 units to 2,21,257 units in Sept 2024 down from 2,29,382 units sold in Sept 2023. Last month, the company introduced the new Ronin Festive Edition with new colour schemes and several other design elements, setting itself apart from its standard model. TVS also showed off an improvement in market share to 18.37% despite lower sales.
    Bajaj Auto also saw lower retail sales in the past month down to 1,41,668 units from 1,49,633 units sold in Sept 2023. Suzuki on the other hand reported improvement in sales to 74,287 units from 73,837 units sold in Sept 2023. Royal Enfield sales fell to 57,504 units from 64,159 units on a YoY basis taking its market share down to 4.78% from 4.87%. Yamaha sales improved marginally to 50,065 units in Sept 2024 from 49,639 units sold in Sept 2023.
    Ola, Ather Post YoY Sales Growth in Sept 2024
    In the electric vehicle segment, Ola Electric has seen an improvement in retail sales to 24,679 units, up from 18,711 units sold in Sept 2023. Market share also grew to 20.05% from 1.42% YoY. Ather Energy, also posted a significant sales growth to 12,718 units in the past month from 7,195 units sold in the same month last year while the company plans to stir up festive sales with new promotions and benefits to the extent of Rs 25,000 across its 450X and 450 Apex e-scooters.
    Greaves retail sales dipped to 2,777 units in Sept 2024 from 3,613 units sold in Sept 2023 while Piaggio sales also fell to 2,562 units from 2,954 units on a YoY basis. Classic Legends also posted lower retail sales at 2,125 units last month over 2,483 units sold in Sept 2023. Bgauss Auto however, saw sales improve quite remarkably to 1,237 units in Sept 2024 from 935 units sold in the same month last year. Other 2W makers which also included EV manufacturers added 8,063 units to total retail sales, down from 11,722 units sold in Sept 2023. More

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    New 2024 KTM 250 Duke Launch Price Rs 2.41 Lakh – Updated Features

    2024 KTM 250 Duke LaunchDespite all the added features, 2024 KTM 250 Duke continues to be powered by the same 249 cc engine with 29.5 bhp and 25 Nm of performance
    Iconic sporty motorcycle manufacturer, KTM, has been sprucing up its lineup in India. After a few speculations and spy shots, KTM launched the updated 200 Duke in India for a starting price of Rs 2.05 lakh (Ex-sh). Now, the company has done something similar with 2024 KTM 250 Duke. Let’s take a look.
    2024 KTM 250 Duke
    The updated 250 Duke has been launched in India, rather silently, similar to the company’s strategy with 200 Duke. There has been a few features added with the new 2024 KTM 250 Duke to keep it competitive against rivals like Bajaj Dominar 250, among others.
    2024 KTM 250 Duke Electric Orange
    Launch price for 2024 KTM 250 Duke is Rs 2.41 lakh (Ex-sh), which is a slight increment as opposed to the model it replaces. Price difference between new and old model is within a couple of thousand rupees and is determined by the added features this updated model brings to the table, as opposed to its predecessor.
    Updated model brings improvement in features list and equipment, making it a better proposition than before. This could be a good thing to boost sales around the festive season, which seems to be the same strategy for the just launched 200 Duke as well.
    2024 KTM 250 Duke Atlantic Blue
    Where features upgrade are concerned, updated 2024 KTM 250 Duke comes equipped with the same 5-inch colour TFT instrument screen as 390 Duke and recently, 200 Duke. This instrument screen. Company calls it bonded glass TFT dashboard and it supports Bluetooth connectivity with app support enabling music control and navigation.
    This display replaces the less sophisticated LCD unit, which also supported navigation. With the addition of this TFT dashboard, KTM has provided a 4-way menu controls on left switchgear too. Apart from this, updated 250 Duke gets the same LED DRLs as larger 390 Duke, which increases its design appeal among buyers.
    New KTM Duke 250 Ceramic White
    What else does it get?
    Apart from these aforementioned updates, there doesn’t seem to be any other changes with this motorcycle. KTM has retained rest of its componentry as is. So, we still get all the goodies like USD telescopic front forks, off-set mono-shock suspension setup, 17-inch alloy wheels, fancy banana-shaped swingarm, underbelly exhaust and single disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS, among others.
    Powertrain is the same 248cc DOHC 4V single-cylinder liquid cooled engine as before, generating 29.5 bhp of peak power and 25 Nm of peak torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox along with a slip and assist clutch.
    Also read – 2025 KTM 250 Adventure spied More

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    Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally Racer Debuts – Piloted By CS Santosh

    Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally RacerThe Himalayan Rally racer is likely featuring a modified Sherpa 450 engine, kicking out more performance than the stock bike’s 40 bhp and 40 Nm
    Royal Enfield’s 450cc platform has been a popular one and has now spawned a rally racer model. The first images of the upcoming bike have now been revealed from the Spanish Cuenca rally. Earlier, enthusiasts had witnessed a modified Himalayan 450 at the Swank Rally Di Sardegna, held in Italy.
    Himalayan Rally Racer – Styling and features
    From the images, it is evident that the Himalayan Rally racer model is in initial stages of development. The Spanish Cuenca rally is likely being used as a testing ground to identify the bike’s strengths and weaknesses. And with the renowned CS Santosh piloting the bike, some valuable feedback can be gained. Based on that, the necessary changes can be introduced in the rally-spec Himalayan.
    Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally-Spec Bike
    In its current form, rally-spec Himalayan comes across as a stripped-down version of the Himalayan 450. Some accessories from RE’s rally kit can be seen. The bike has knobby, rally-spec tyres and long-travel suspension. It is likely that the rally-spec Himalayan 450 will have different suspension and braking setup in comparison to the stock version.
    Images reveal that the side racks seen on the stock model have been removed. This improves handling and control across off-road tracks. A rally tower has been added at the front, something that is used to store rally essentials such as a road book. The production version of rally-spec Himalayan 450 could get digital GPS systems with advanced navigation functions.
    Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally-Spec Bike
    There can be various other possibilities such as a long-range fuel tank, reinforced frame and suspension and higher ground clearance. Rally-spec accessories such as skid plates and crash bars could be made available with the production model. Lighting systems could be upgraded to ensure improved visibility across low light / dark conditions.
    Rally-spec Himalayan 450 – Performance
    Visually, the engine appears to be the same as seen with the standard Himalayan 450. It also has the OEM radiator guard. However, given the gruelling conditions rally bikes have to endure, it is likely that the engine will see significant internal upgrades. For example, power output can be boosted to more than 50 hp.
    Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally-Spec Bike
    Rally bikes have high low-end torque, which allows enhanced control at slow speeds. Another common feature is wide-ratio gearboxes, designed to accommodate both crawling at low speeds and high-speed riding. In its stock form, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 generates 40 hp and 40 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox, slipper clutch and ride-by-wire throttle.
    It can take a couple of years or more for the rally-spec Himalayan 450 to reach production stage. The bike will need to be tested thoroughly, including participation in various other rally events, before it can be perfected. At the 2024 Rallye TT Cuenca, rally-spec Himalayan 450 came at 30th spot in its category. In the future, enthusiasts can even get to see the rally-spec Himalayan 450 at the Dakar Rally. Royal Enfield had hinted at it, although no official plans have been revealed. More

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    New KTM 250 Adventure Spied Before Launch – Details Revealed

    New KTM 250 Adventure SpiedThe same 249 cc DOHC 4V single-cylinder engine with 30 bhp and 25 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox will power new KTM 250 Adventure
    Expanding its lineup, KTM has been working on development of a multitude of products. The company is set to unveil 390 Adventure R, 390 Enduro R and 390 SMC R at 2024 EICMA show. However, there are new developments in KTM’s 250 platform, which have been revealed through the latest spy shots.
    We’re talking about the new KTM 250 Adventure spied ahead of launch, which sheds light on expected changes over current model. With a multitude of changes, upcoming 250 Adventure will rival the likes of Yezdi Adventure, Kawasaki KLX 230 S and to some extent, upcoming Hero Xpulse 210 with Karizma engine.
    2025 KTM 250 Adventure Spied
    New KTM 250 Adventure
    Currently, KTM offers its Adventure lineup with 250 and 390 platforms. Both 250 Adventure and 390 Adventure are offered with the older design that debuted a long time ago. There have been multiple test mules of 2025 KTM 390 Adventure which features a brand new design language.
    This upcoming vehicle is a lot more edgier than current model. The recently spotted 2025 KTM 250 Adventure gets similar design too, but underpinned by the same engine as current 250 Duke. As seen in these spy shots, KTM has carried over its edgy design language we saw with upcoming 390 Adventure.
    2025 KTM 250 Adventure Spied
    However, there are a few elements that will easily differentiate 390 Adventure from 250 Adventure. For starters, 250 Adventure lacks LED DRLs, something which 390 Adventure gets. Other than that, 250 Adventure lacks the colour TFT screen that we have seen with new generation 390 Duke launched in India.
    This is slightly interesting because smaller and less expensive 200 Duke gets the same TFT screen as 390 Duke, but 250 Adventure is deprived of it. In its place, we get a less-flashy unit, which can be navigated via controls on the left switchgear. Other than these changes, new KTM 250 Adventure seems to be packing slightly skinnier tyres than the 2025 390 Adventure.
    2025 KTM 250 Adventure Spied
    ORVM stalks on 250 Adventure look similar to the ones seen on Pulsar NS400Z and Dominar models. Wheels are of wire-spoke design and looks like they are 19-inchers at the front and 18-inchers at the rear. We hope these are tubeless types. This is the first time KTM is offering wire-spoke wheels on 250 Adventure.
    Engine specs, Features
    We expect 250 Adventure to retain the same 249 cc DOHC 4V single-cylinder engine as current model. Around 30 bhp of peak power and 25 Nm of peak torque is expected out of this engine. A 6-speed gearbox and a slip and assist clutch will be offered. More details will be revealed in the future.
    Also read – 2025 KTM 390 Enduro spied
    Source More

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    New KTM 390 Enduro Spied Testing Ahead Of Launch

    New KTM 390 EnduroThe new KTM 390 Enduro is set to debut at 2024 EICMA show alongside other motorcycles based on company’s 390, 990 and 1390 platforms
    It is raining ADVs in India, especially in the mainstream segment. We are awaiting Kawasaki KLX 230 S, Hero Xpulse 210, Xpulse 440, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Raid among others. From the house of KTM, there are two incoming ADVs, based on its top-tier 390 platform. The new spy shots show upcoming KTM 390 Enduro in production spec avatar. Let’s take a look.
    New KTM 390 Enduro Spied Testing
    The term ADV encompasses a broader range of motorcycles within it. From within KTM’s lineup, we only had the Adventure model, based on 390 and 250 platforms, which is more of an upright long-distance tourer, rather than a true-blue off-roader.
    So, KTM identified this and has formulated a more off-road-worthy vehicle based on the 390 platform. That is where the 390 Enduro comes into action, featuring fewer body panels without a fairing to break when it falls while off-roading, which is a common occurrence, even for seasoned off-road enthusiasts.
    We can see a small headlight, followed by a large beak, which protects the components above while landing from a jump. Even though we said fewer body panels, 390 Enduro has muscular and angular tank shrouds for a macho appeal. Fuel tank shape is quite unique with a bulging top and bike’s keyhole is on the fuel tank as well.
    KTM 390 Enduro
    There are frame sliders installed, which look like standard fitment. They protect the motorcycle when it falls. These spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Narinder Tandon. Notable elements seen on these spy shots are many. 390 Enduro features the same main frame as new 390 Duke, while the rear subframe is new and accommodates a relatively flat seat.
    What to expect?
    There is an extended tail section that houses bike’s rear registration plates and LED winkers. Components include 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke wheels wrapped with dual-sport tyres, USD telescopic front forks from WP that we hope are adjustable for compression and rebound, a rear mono-shock setup, single disc setup at both ends with dual-channel ABS, among others.
    Where features are concerned, 390 Enduro will get switchable ABS on rear wheel, a 5-inch TFT digital instrument cluster with music control and Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, and a host of controls on left switchgear to control it, all LED lighting, a USB charging port and adjustable brake and clutch levers, among others.
    KTM 390 Enduro
    Powertrains-wise, we can expect the same 398.63cc, DOHC 4V, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine generating around 46 hp of peak power and 39 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox, a slip and assist clutch and a bi-directional quick shifter. The company is set to debut the new KTM 390 Enduro at 2024 EICMA show, alongside other motorcycles. More

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    Ola Electric Faces Show Cause Notice Amid Consumer Complaints Surge

    Ola Electric Scooter outside a service outletThe Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a show cause notice to Ola Electric after a significant increase in consumer complaints regarding its e-scooters
    The notice, dated October 3, flags potential violations of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, citing service deficiencies, misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, and consumer rights violations. Ola Electric has been directed to respond within 15 days.
    Over 10,000 Complaints Lodged Against Ola Electric
    The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) registered 10,644 complaints between September 1, 2023, and August 30, 2024. Service delays for e-scooters accounted for 3,389 of these complaints, while 1,899 consumers reported delayed vehicle deliveries. Another 1,459 complaints involved unfulfilled service promises. Additional issues included manufacturing defects, improper refunds, recurring defects, and battery-related malfunctions.
    Ola Electric acknowledges the show cause notice
    Ola Electric acknowledges the show cause notice
    Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, confirmed that the CCPA is actively looking into the complaints and urged Ola Electric to resolve these issues promptly. National Consumer Helpline can be contacted via phone (1800-11-4000 , 1915), eMail (nch-ca@gov.in), website (https://consumerhelpline.gov.in), Google Play Store App, etc.
    National Consumer Helpline
    National Consumer Helpline
    Ola Electric Stock Takes a Hit
    On Monday, Ola Electric’s stock dropped nearly 9%, reaching an intra-day low of Rs 90.26. The company’s shares, which debuted on August 9, have since fallen 74% from their peak of Rs 157.40. In Q1 FY25, Ola Electric reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 347 crore, despite a 32.3% year-on-year revenue growth. The company raised Rs 6,154 crore through its IPO, which had initially seen strong investor interest with a 4.27 times subscription rate.
    Ola Electric share price – October 7, 2024.
    Twitter Users Voice Frustration Over Delayed Action
    The news of the CCPA’s show cause notice prompted strong reactions on social media. One Twitter user expressed frustration over the delayed response from consumer authorities, writing, “Don’t know why National Consumer Helpline has to wait for 10k+ complaints to act. When will they learn to be proactive n give some value and respect to the Indian consumer? It’s because of the lackadaisical attitude of these offices that corporates feel emboldened to sideline consumers.”
    Bhavish Aggarwal’s Social Media Spat Sparks Backlash
    This notice comes a day after Ola Electric CEO Bhavish Aggarwal’s feud with comedian Kunal Kamra on Sunday. Kamra posted a picture of Ola scooters gathering dust outside a dealership, which prompted Aggarwal to accuse him of being paid to criticize the company.
    The argument escalated on X (formerly Twitter), where Aggarwal deflected criticism of the company’s service issues and invited Kamra to work at an Ola service center. Aggarwal’s failure to acknowledge the rising consumer complaints added fuel to the online backlash, especially in light of reports that Ola Electric is receiving up to 80,000 complaints per month. More