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    Yamaha Sales, Exports Breakup April 2021 – FZ, RayZR, R15, MT15, Fascino

    Image – The Sameer VlogsYamaha has registered MoM de-growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports in April 21
    A total of 37,318 units were sold in domestic markets in April 21, down 19.30 percent as against 46,241 units sold in March 21. Exports on the other hand dipped 35.23 percent with shipments to the tune of 21,558 units in April 21, as against 33,284 units shipped in March 21.
    As with every other automaker in India, the adverse impact of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic affected sales badly, and Yamaha Motor India was no exception. Other two wheeler makers such as Hero, Bajaj, Suzuki TVS, and Royal Enfield were able to limit the impact of the pandemic by capitalizing on exports but that was not the case for Yamaha that noted de-growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports.
    Yamaha Domestic Sales April 21
    Taking domestic sales into account, wherein each model in the company lineup posted de-growth, the company saw its FZ motorcycle in the lead. Sales for April 21 stood at 12,298 units and was the only model to record sales past the 10,000 unit mark. March sales had stood at 16,563 units relating to a MoM de-growth of 25.75 percent.
    Yamaha is in the process of expanding its FZ range with a new FZ-X model. This neo retro styled model is positioned as an entry level retro motorcycle, with launch set for the coming months.
    Yamaha Sales, Exports Breakup – April 2021
    At No.3 was the Yamaha R15 with domestic sales at 6,022 units, down 13.82 percent over 6,988 units sold in March 21. Last month, Yamaha launched the R15 V3 with a new paint scheme for the Indian market and it is now presented in four colours of Metallic Red, Racing Blue, Thunder Grey and Dark Knight.
    Lower down the order was the Yamaha MT15 at No.4 with sales of 5,692 units, down from 6,472 units sold in March 21 while it was closely followed by the Fascino, of which 5,612 units were sold in April 21, a MoM de-growth of 27.34 percent as against 7,724 units sold in March 21. Of the FZ25 bike, only 182 units were sold in domestic markets.
    Yamaha Exports April 21
    Shipments to global markets also suffered in terms of MoM figures. Like in domestic markets, the Yamaha FZ and RayZR also found top spots on the export list though both suffered de-growth. FZ exports dipped 43.55 percent MoM to 7,376 units while RayZR exports fell 12.77 percent to 4,796 units.
    Yamaha SZ and Saluto found more preference in global markets with the Saluto reporting significant growth of 603.85 percent to 1,830 units in April 21, a steep increase over 20 units shipped in March 21.
    Yamaha Cruz, FZ-25, Saluto RX and R15 each suffered lower MoM exports while Yamaha MT15 and Fascino again posted positive export figures. MT15 exports increased from 240 units to 280 units MoM while Fascino saw a 48.15 percent increase to 120 units in April 21 as against 81 units exported in March 21.
    Apart from making a global reveal for the YZF-R7, Yamaha has also revealed the 2022 Zuma 125 off-road scooter with feature and mechanical updates, but exclusively for global markets with launch in India not on the cards. More

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    Kawasaki Ninja ZX4R With 400cc 4 Cylinder Engine – Launch Planned ?

    Image for reference
    Currently, at a price of Rs 3.18 lakh (ex-showroom), Ninja 300 acts as the entry-level product of Kawasaki in India
    While Kawasaki is fending off competition from other superbike brands across the globe, the best way to counter them is to press the foot down and launch new attractive products for itself. The iconic Japanese moniker was able to pull a large section of riders by launching its entry-level supersport motorcycle Ninja ZX-25R in Asia and Australia in July last year.
    The range also comprises other middleweight supersport bikes such as Ninja ZX-6R and Ninja ZX-10R. With all three motorcycles widely applauded for their performance and dynamics, rumours suggest that Team Green is now planning to expand the ZX lineup by introducing a new Ninja ZX-4R.
    New Ninja ZX-4R
    Reports indicate that this new Ninja ZX-4R will most likely be based on the smaller ZX-25R instead of the larger ZX-6R in order to keep the cost in check in various markets across the world. Ninja 25-R’s platform could prove to be more cost-effective since it can be extended to accommodate a slightly bigger model. For example, the front alloy wheel can house a dual disc set-up which could double up the anchorage power for ZX-4R.
    Updated Powertrain
    The ZX-4R, like other models in the series, will be powered by a high-revving inline four-cylinder motor but carrying a displacement of 400cc. Murmurs going around claim that this engine has been built by enlarging the bore of the ZX-25R while also adding a new set of crank and pistons.
    Kawasaki ZX25R
    This will be complemented by an updated ECU to ramp up the power and torque output. However, no official output figures have been revealed yet.
    While ZX-25R pushes out 50 bhp, the enlarged motor in ZX-4R could likely churn out 65 horses. This would make it around 20 bhp more powerful than the 400cc parallel-twin motor of the standard Ninja 400.
    Figures like these would put it against the likes of more premium supersport motorcycles such as Aprilia RS660 and the upcoming Yamaha R7. To handle the extra firepower, Ninja ZX-4R could be equipped with more premium hardware.
    Updated Dynamics
    This will include a pair of inverted forks at front, a linked mono-shock at rear, twin front discs with radial calipers and a single disc at rear. It is also likely to offer features like a bi-directional quick-shifter, a traction control system and multiple riding modes as standard. At this point in time, everything is mere speculation but if indeed such a motorcycle based on ZX-25R is in development, it shouldn’t be too long before it comes out. More

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    TVS Apache 160 Supermoto Edition Imagined – Licensed To Thrill

    TVS Apache Supermoto Edition
    RTR 160 is one of the bestsellers for TVS in its Apache range
    One of the popular performance oriented bikes in the county, TVS Apache RTR 160 has proved its mettle on city streets as well as on the racetrack. The bike has undergone several updates over the years and has a dominating road presence in its current form. It has also received a number of functional updates including those related to engine performance and tech features.
    But there’s always scope for making things even better. That’s exactly what ‘Abin Designs’ had in mind when they came up with a Supermoto version of Apache RTR 160. Rendered digitally, the Apache RTR 160 Supermoto edition looks absolutely stunning. It’s an idea that seems worth to be brought to life. Hopefully, a customization shop might take notice and would be interested in executing this project in the real world.
    TVS Apache RTR 160 Supermoto edition key features
    Some striking features that immediately grab your attention include the golden USD front forks, golden brake callipers, knuckle guards, underseat exhaust and wider tyres.
    The headlight section gets a sleek makeover and it packs an extended nose that doubles up as a high rise mudguard. The stock front fenders have been clipped short and painted in black for a sportier look and feel. The design of the windshield has also been updated.
    TVS Apache Supermoto Edition
    In terms of functional updates, the Supermoto edition gets monoshock rear suspension. The swingarm has also been altered for a groovier look and feel. Features and components that have been left untouched include the fuel tank and its graphics, engine cowl, single piece seat, split grab rails, and tail section.
    TVS Apache RTR 160 stock version – engine and specs
    Apache RTR 160 is equipped with a 159.7cc air cooled motor that is capable of generating 15.53 PS of max power at 8400 rpm and 13.9 Nm of max torque at 7000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    The bike utilizes a double cradle chassis. It has telescopic front suspension with hydraulic dampers and Monotube Inverted Gas-filled shox (MIG) with spring aid at the rear. Braking duties are performed by 270 mm petal disc at the front. At the rear, the options include 130mm drum or 200mm disc brakes.
    The bike is offered with single channel ABS as standard. This has been tested and perfected on the track. It ensures sharp feedback and optimal control even when negotiating tough corners. TVS Apache RTR 160 prices start at Rs 1.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). With the updates, the Supermoto version will apparently be costlier. More

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    Royal Enfield Sales, Exports April 2021 – Classic, Bullet, Himalayan, 650 Twins

    Image – Royal EnfieldWith lockdown restrictions, Royal Enfield sales and exports have turned negative in April
    A total of 48,789 units were sold in the domestic market in April, which is MoM de-growth of -19.76%. Sales during March were higher at 60,807 units. Only Bullet and 650 Twins have positive MoM growth in April.
    The situation is similar in exports, wherein MoM growth is down by -23.38%. A total of 4,509 units were exported in April, as compared to 5,885 units in March. The ones with positive growth are Meteor, Classic and Electra.
    Royal Enfield domestic sales April 2021
    Classic 350 continues to be the top selling product for the company with sales of 23,298 units in April. MoM growth is down by -26.49%, as compared to 31,694 units sold in March. Classic 350 share in sales is at 47.75%. Next is Bullet 350 with sales of 9,908 units in April. MoM sales have registered growth of 2.22%, as compared to 9,693 units sold in March. Share in sales is at 20.31%.
    At number three is Meteor 350 with sales of 7,844 units in April. MoM sales are down by -25.97%, as compared to 10,596 units sold in March. Meteor 350 share in sales is at 16.08%. Next in the list is Electra 350 with sales of 3,631 units in April. MoM sales are down by -26.11%, as compared to 4,914 units sold in March. Share in sales is at 7.44%.
    Royal Enfield sales and exports – April 2021
    Himalayan is at number five with sales of 2,815 units in April. Negative MoM growth for Himalayan is relatively less at just -2.86%. Sales during March were at 2,898 units. Himalayan share in sales is 5.77%. 650 Twins appear to be unaffected by on-going challenges, as MoM sales have zoomed by 27.77%. Sales are up from 1,012 units in March to 1,293 units in April. Share in sales is at 2.65%.
    Royal Enfield exports April 2021
    Himalayan has emerged as the bestseller in overseas markets in April. A total of 1,398 units were exported, which is MoM de-growth of -24.72%. Exports in March were at 1,857 units. Himalayan share in exports is at 31.00%. At number two is Meteor 350 with exports of 1,143 units in April. MoM growth is 28.43%, as compared to 890 units exported in March. Share in exports is at 25.35%.
    650 Twins are placed at third spot with exports of 1,046 units in April. MoM growth is down by -40.70%, as compared to 1,764 units exported in March. Share in exports is at 23.20%. Next is Classic 350 with exports of 724 units in April. MoM growth is up by 6.63%, as compared to 679 units exported in March. Share in exports is at 16.06%.
    At number five is Classic 500 with exports of 185 units. MoM growth is down by -73.23%, as compared to 691 units exported in March. Share in exports is at 4.10%. Next is Electra 350 with 13 units exported in April. MoM growth is up by 333.33%, as compared to 3 units exported in March. Share in exports is at 0.29%. More

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    Ride the Lightning: We Ride in Ford's New Electric F-150 Lightning

    The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup made its debut on Wednesday night in Dearborn, Michigan, but even before President Biden’s spin in it on Tuesday, Car and Driver got the opportunity to take a ride and check out the new truck. Here are some early impressions.The first thing we noticed, while cruising at 75 or 80 mph, was that there is just a whiff of wind noise penetrating the aluminum cabin. Impressive, considering this EV has the aerodynamics of a thick two-by-eight Lego brick. Tire noise, too, is absurdly low for rolling stock in size XL. I guess it makes sense that the Lightning isn’t loud. After all, it isn’t named “Thunder.”

    When the F-150 Lightning goes on sale, however, it has the potential to make a ton of noise. Even if the headline-grabbing $40K-plus price is just for a “commercial base” truck, there are still going to be a metric crap ton of takers for a $55K EP—that’s for “electric pickup”—that can get to 60 in about five seconds, or even quicker if you spend more and get the big battery. We felt it, and while the big pickup masks its speed with relative silence and pickup height, there is no denying what two electric motors with a combined 775 pound-feet of torque feels like off the line. The truck will go 105 mph, a governor set due to tire limitations, not driveline hardware. Those tires, size 275/50R-22, wrap around dorky-looking but aero-friendly wheels, which in addition to a blocked-off grille are the only exterior hints that this isn’t a normal F-150. Behind those wheels is a fully independent suspension, something no F-150 has ever had, no matter how sporty Ford’s SVT division could make the Lightnings that came before.

    Ford

    Among other dynamic advantages, the independent rear suspension (IRS) also reduces the unsprung mass, and for a stick-axle pickup, that’s usually a substantial amount of weight. The semi-trailing-arm IRS didn’t sag inappropriately with a 6000-pound trailer on the bumper. Granted, this was probably the trailer equivalent of a corner-weighted Le Mans prototype, because we didn’t so much as hear the ball-and-hitch interaction while climbing a moderate grade. Nevertheless, the motors didn’t seem stressed, either. At least, there is no audible increase in powertrain noise when load increases like you’d get with an engine. No one has ever said, “Jeez, look at that truck. I bet it handles like a car.” But the Lightning has potential to change that. In addition to the IRS, this EP will have the lowest center of gravity (CoG) ever measured for a half-ton pickup. The 1800-pound-plus battery and both motors live between the rails of a strengthened ladder frame, and above that is the aluminum body Ford spent so much money launching in 2015. And not only will the CoG be low, it will be further aft, too. Ford may have to pay Easy Spirit a royalty, but it could launch an ad campaign around “Looks like a boot, feels like a sneaker,” and it wouldn’t be lying. There was almost no body roll during moderately paced S-turns on a wide-open proving ground oval, a maneuver in a normal pickup that would make passengers feel like they were on the final voyage of the Golden Ray. Ford engineers point out that starting lighter with the aluminum body really helped with developing the Lightning and that it’s about 1000 pounds heavier than the gas equivalent, or about 6500 pounds at the curb. But even off-road, on a two-track, there is little sense that the Lightning is dragging around that much heft. The battery case is essentially one giant skidplate that can take fairly significant hits. How hard? Well, if we were going slower, the truck may have high-centered itself, but momentum kept us moving and unstuck. In off-road mode the accelerator mapping gets a bit longer at tip-in, affording the driver a little more control over the pace at low speed.

    Ford

    While it is clear the Lightning isn’t supposed to carry its namesake’s performance torch, it inadvertently might, because of the impressive performance numbers it can generate and the underpinning hardware. When the Lightning goes on sale in about a year, there will be a lot more electric-truck options, from Rivian, GMC, and maybe even Tesla. This truck felt finished. While we’re sure Ford isn’t waiting around for the competition to catch up, the buzz those others are currently making may very well be drowned out by some unobtrusive wind noise.

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    2021 Acura TLX Type S Starts at $53,325

    Acura has released pricing for the new Type S version of the TLX sedan.It starts at $53,325 and offers a single option: summer tires.That starting price is higher than the Audi S4’s but lower than the BMW M34oi’s.Those who want the added power, performance, and prestige of the 2021 Acura TLX’s Type S version will have to pay a hefty premium for it. The V-6–powered Type S starts at $53,325, which is around $13,000 more than a four-cylinder TLX with all-wheel drive.

    The Type S comes standard with a 355-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. There’s only a single option available: $800 for a set of Pirelli P Zero summer tires and lightweight five-spoke 21-inch wheels to replace the standard all-season rubber. The Type S also comes standard with many features that are optional on the base TLX, such as navigation, a premium audio system, cooled front seats, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.Acura says that the Audi S4 and BMW M340i are the TLX Type S’s closest competitors, and the pricing bears that out. It fits in neatly between the cheaper S4, which starts at $50,945, and the more expensive M340i, which starts at $55,695 with rear-wheel drive or $57,695 with all-wheel drive. It’s also between the two in terms of power output, as the Audi’s turbo V-6 provides 349 hp and the BMW’s turbo inline-six provides 382 hp.Type S models will reach dealerships June 23, and Acura says it will only produce 2000 units of the 2021 model year TLX Type S. We assume the Type S will be available more widely for the 2022 model year, which should arrive later this year.
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    Top 10 Best Selling Scooters April 2021 – Activa, Access, Ntorq, Pleasure, Dio

    Honda ActivaScooter sales in April 21 grew by 9.02 percent with the Honda Activa topping the list
    Scooter sales in April 21 noted a 9.02 percent MoM growth to 2,66,989 units, up from 2,44,894 units sold in March 21. We are not comparing YoY sales as April 2020 was a month of 0 sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic led lockdown in the country.
    Honda Activa scooter topped the list with sales of 1,09,678 units in April 21, a de-growth of 4.43 percent over 1,14,757 units sold in March 21. The Honda Activa, which currently commands a 41.08 percent share in its segment, is the most popular scooter in India as on date. In the past 20 years a total of 2.5 crore units of the Activa have been sold. It is offered in 110 and 125 cc variants.
    At No. 2 was the Suzuki Access and the only other scooter to cross the 50,000 unit mark in the month of April 21. Sales of the Access were at 53,285 units, a growth of 101.26 percent over 26,476 units sold in March 21. The Access 125 is also a highly popular scooter and regaled for its high level of fuel efficiency and a recent survey conducted online between January–March 2021 saw the Suzuki Access as a winner offering mileage of 64 km/l approx.
    TVS Ntorq at No.3 also gained in terms of MoM sales which increased 117.13 percent to 19,959 units in April 21, up from 9,192 units sold in March 21. The automaker has also announced that the TVS NTORQ 125, has crossed the sales milestone of one lakh units in international markets.
    Top 10 Scooters April 2021
    Even as the Hero Pleasure noted significant growth at 31.66 percent MoM from 13,898 units sold in March 21 to 18,298 units sold in April 21, that of the Honda Dio dipped 41.52 percent, the highest percentage de-growth for any scooter sold last month. Dio sales which had stood at 29,528 units in March 21 dipped to 17,269 units in April 21. Honda Dio has been noting falling sales and suffered a 29 percent de-growth to 3,14,417 units in FY21 as against 4,39,799 units sold in FY20.

    Top 10 Scooters
    Apr-21
    Mar-21
    %

    Honda Activa
    1,09,678
    1,14,757
    -4.43

    Suzuki Access
    53,285
    26,476
    101.26

    TVS NTORQ
    19,959
    9,192
    117.13

    Hero Pleasure
    18,298
    13,898
    31.66

    Honda Dio
    17,269
    29,528
    -41.52

    TVS Jupiter
    15,570
    21,001
    -25.86

    Hero Destini
    9,121
    9,523
    -4.22

    Suzuki Burgman
    8,154
    5,009
    62.79

    TVS Pep+
    8,143
    7,914
    2.89

    Yamaha RayZR
    7,512
    11,972
    -37.25

    Total
    2,66,989
    2,44,894
    9.02

    Jupiter and Destini scooter sales also dipped MoM by 25.86 percent and 4.22 percent respectively while at No.8, the Suzuki Burgman scooter noted substantial increase in sales. Burgman sales had stood at 5,009 units in March 21 but increased 62.79 percent to 8154 units in the past month.
    The Suzuki Burgman Street electric scooter has recently been spied on test and is expected to deliver a range of about 75km on a single charge and have a top-speed of around 65-70km/h.
    Pep+ sales also saw a marginal increase of 2.89 percent MoM, while Yamaha RayZR sales dipped 37.25 percent MoM from 11,972 units sold in March 21 to 7,512 units sold in the past month. Yamaha has suspended production operations at its units in Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) and Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh) from May 15-31 and hence sales for the month of May could also be affected. More

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    Benelli Parent Firm Patents New 250cc And 350cc Sports Bike

    New 350cc From Benelli Parent
    Benelli had earlier announced that it will be launching seven new models in India in 2021 out of which three have already been introduced
    The partnership between Italian brand Benelli and Chinese automaker Qianjiang Motor has turned out to be a fruitful one. Since Qianjian has taken over Benelli’s operation, the latter has come out with a wide range of products which are mostly rebadged QJMotor models.
    Since QJMotor’s operations are limited to China, the company sells most of its premium bikes as rebranded Benelli models since the latter has a strong base in international markets. The Chinese counterpart has yet again patented a new model which it might be willing to ship to overseas markets.
    Design
    This new motorcycle is a 350cc supersport motorcycle with a typical faired design. In terms of looks, it features twin-beam LED headlights and a fully faired body. The bike sports contrasting body panels that extend from its rear edges of the headlights to divide the fairing into distinct upper and lower sections. This gives it a hint of resemblance to the final generation Triumph Daytona 675. However, unlike most Chinese auto manufacturers, this one isn’t a completely ripped-off design.
    All lighting seems to be LED units. The bike will be offered in two variants- the lower spec with a single front disc brake and the higher-spec trim with twin rotors at front. For a fully faired 350cc motorcycle, it weighs a manageable 179 kilos. Other notable highlights include a clip-on handlebar, split-style seats and front fairing-mounted rearview mirrors which give an impression of horns.
    New 250cc From Benelli Parent
    Powertrain
    Powering this motorcycle will be a new 353cc twin-cylinder motor which can push out around 36 horses. Suspension duties will be handled by inverted telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Will this motorcycle be rebranded as a Benelli in international markets is still a debatable question since Benelli has its own 302R.
    The latter recently got updated in China and the latest iteration is supposed to head towards India in the coming few weeks. It is a question if there is enough space for both QJ 353cc bike and the 302R under Benelli’s lineup.
    Quarter-litre Faired Sportsbike
    The 353cc motorcycle is not the only faired bike recently patented by Qianjiang. There is also another new sports bike that is powered by a 249cc single-cylinder motor. This engine can churn out 27.5 bhp and could weigh only 159kg. This model will also be available in two derivatives. The base trim will be based on a tubular steel frame with a double-sided swingarm whereas the higher-spec model will feature an aluminium single-sider.
    The more premium one will get a fully-floating front disc brake while the cheaper alternative will have to make do with a semi-floater. There will also be differences in the wheels of the two trims. None of the models mentioned above are likely to land on Indian shores anytime soon.
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