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      Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 First Look Walkaround And Exhaust Note

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      Image – Biker Prakash ChoudharyBajaj Pulsar NS 125 is the third iteration and an entry level offering in the NS segment after the NS 200 and NS 160
      Bajaj Auto Limited has extended its Pulsar lineup with the new NS 125. Launched in India at Rs.93,690 (ex-sh), this entry level sportsbike costs about Rs 15-20k more than the regular Pulsar 125 currently on sale in the country. At the same time, it is cheaper than the Duke 125 by about Rs 70k.
      The new Pulsar NS 125 is offered in colour options of Beach Blue, Fiery Orange, Burnt Red and Pewter Grey while its body gets a high gloss metallic paint finish and it rides on bronze coloured alloy wheels.
      Segment First Features
      Several segment first features make their way onto the Pulsar NS 125. These include a rigid perimeter framework relating to added stiffness while low flex offers better handling facilities. It also receives a Nitrox mono-shock absorber aiding better stability at varying riding speed and on different road conditions.
      Targeting a younger and more adventurous segment of buyers, the Pulsar NS 125 gets sporty features with a signature wolf eyed headlamp cluster with twin pilot lamps, twin strip LED tail lamps and a split grab rail. Below is a first look walkaround video of new Pulsar NS 125 along with exhaust note. Video is credit to Biker Prakash Choudhary.
      [embedded content]
      New NS 125, likes its elder sibling, gets similar styling and is heavier than the regular Pulsar 125 by around 4 kgs. It has a total kerb weight of 144 kgs. Dimensions stand at 2,012mm length, 810mm width and 1,078mm height with a 1,353mm long wheelbase. It gets ground clearance at 179mm, saddle height at 805mm and rides on 17 inch alloy wheels with the tyre size 80 section at front and 100 at the rear.
      Technical Details
      Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 gets its power via the same 125cc, single cylinder, air cooled, fuel injected DTS-i engine that also powers the Pulsar 125 which offers 12 PS power at 5,500 rpm and 11 Nm torque at 7,000 rpm mated to a 5 speed constant mesh gearbox. Braking is via 240mm front disc and 130mm rear drum with CBS. Suspension is via telescopic front and mono shocks at the rear.
      Bajaj has been noticing huge increase in sales of Pulsar, post the launch of the 125 cc range. With the NS125, they aim to increase sales of Pulsar range even further. They aim to target young bikers who want a stylish entry level motorcycle in the 125cc segment.
      Bajaj Auto also offers the Pulsar NS series which includes the NS 200 and NS 160. The NS 200 was launched first as a new age and stylish Pulsar. The NS 160 came in with class leading power, advanced features and stylish looks at a highly competitive price point. Now the new entry-level NS 125 model comes in with class leading features, a powerful engine and sporty accents to strengthen the brands position in the entry level sports bike segment. More

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      Top 10 Motorcycles FY2021 – Hero Splendor Leads With 24.6 Lakh Sales

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      New Hero Splendor. Image – Consumer ABSTop 10 motorcycles report cumulative sales de-growth of 10.49 percent in FY21
      In the new environment of the COVID-19 era, when the need for personal means of travel is at an all-time high, motorcycle sales in India have suffered a negative impact. Taking into account the top 10 motorcycles sold in FY21, it may be noted that sales dipped 10.49 percent to 84,27,562 units, down 9,87,331 units as against 94,13,893 units sold in FY20.
      Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj Auto ruled the list while Honda, Royal Enfield and TVS Motor also made their contributions. Among each of these offerings, only Honda CB Shine and Bajaj Pulsar noted positive sales while each of the other motorcycles in the list posted de-growth.
      Hero Splendor at No. 1
      It was the Hero Splendor at No. 1 that commanded a 29.19 percent share in top 10 motorcycle sales in FY21. The Hero Splendor, an entry level commuter bike that boasts of high mileage and lower cost of maintenance saw sales of 24,60,248 units in the past year, down 6.55 percent as against 26,32,800 units sold in FY20.
      Hero MotoCorp had the HF Deluxe at No.2 but also suffering a de-growth, down 19 percent to 16,61,272 units sold in FY21 as compared to 20,50,974 units sold in FY20. Hero MotoCorp has just launched the new HF 100 in India priced at Rs.49,400. It is the most affordable model in the company lineup, positioned below the HF Deluxe with which it shares some styling cues.
      Top 10 Motorcycles FY2021 (April 2020 to March 2021)
      There was also the Hero Passion and Glamour on this list of top 10 motorcycles sold in FY21. Positioned at Nos. 5 and 6 respectively, both bikes saw de-growth in the past year. Passion sales dipped marginally by 2.95 percent to 4,87,455 units, down from 5,02,264 units sold in FY20. Sales of the Glamour motorcycle on the other hand, suffered a relatively high percentage of de-growth at 23.18 percent to 4,62,912 units as against 6,02,623 units sold in FY20.
      Honda CB Shine recorded the third highest sales in FY21. The CB Shine is a popular buy in the premium commuter segment and posted positive sales in the past year at 9,88,201 units, up 4.20 percent as against 9,48,384 units sold in FY20.
      Bajaj Pulsar Posts Sales Growth
      Sales of the Bajaj Pulsar range of bikes also noted positive growth. It was positioned at No. 4 with 10.51 percent growth to 9,45,978 units, up from 8,56,026 units sold in FY20. Bajaj Auto Limited has recently added to the Pulsar range with the new NS 125, an entry level model priced at Rs. 93,690.
      The Bajaj CT was also on the list at No.10 with the most de-growth among each of the top 10 motorcycles sold in FY21. De-growth stood at 41.06 percent with 2,83,027 units sold in FY21, down from 4,80,204 units sold in FY20. Platina sales dipped 21.89 percent to 4,51,685 units commanding a 5.36 percentage share.
      Royal Enfield and TVS Motor also featured on this list. RE Classic 350 was at No. 8 with 3,61,140 units sold down 9.29 percent as against 3,98,144 units sold in FY20. TVS Apache was at No.9 with 3,25,644 units sold, de-growth of 10.84 percent as compared to 3,65,237 units sold in FY20. The company has recently hiked the prices of the Apache range. Apache RTR 200 4V and 160 4V prices have been hiked and prices of the RTR 160 and RTR 180 have also increased by Rs 1,295. More

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      TVS iQube March 2021 Sales Highest Till Date – Beats Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter

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      Image – Auto Tech Zone
      Through an uncertain FY21, Bajaj Chetak electric scooter sales reach 1.4k units
      Being competitive in the electric two-wheeler segment is currently a small number game. For starters not everyone is participating yet. However, this doesn’t paint a complete picture. Grassroot level efforts are most oft not widely discussed, and patterns being enforced maybe difficult to understand.
      Nevertheless, the space will prove to be an exciting one as the push for electric vehicle adoption receives a timely impetus. For now, subsidy and rebate options exist under government policies if the vehicle qualifies as per set parameters.
      In India, both Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor are playing the electric scooter game through flagship models. Bajaj brought back its Chetak scooter in an all new electric avatar. Its the only electric vehicle in the company’s current portfolio. And TVS introduced iQube.
      Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube
      There is no historic data when it comes to checking progress or growth on account of both e-ecooters being fairly new launches. And both were launched only months before Covid-19 pandemic rocked our world. Given that one can understand that sales plans and growth plans have all but gone awry. When sales came to an abrupt end in March, companies were only able to pick up on some activity in June.
      Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube – March 2021 Sales
      Through trials and tribulations when a trying fiscal ended, Bajaj Chetak came out n top at just under 1.4k unit sales. TVS iQube sales were clocked at 1,110 units. What’s interesting though is in March 2021, TVS managed to report iQube wholesales at a whopping 355 units. However given how logistics works, it’s most likely that both companies are still dealing with clearing the order books that were filled months earlier.
      Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube – FY 2021 Sales
      Electric scooter market
      When launched early in 2020, Bajaj Chetak bookings were said to be at 2k units. Even through the fiscal, the company has failed to sell that many units. And through the fiscal ended Match 2021, Bajaj has entertained bookings and has had periods where they haven’t accepted any.
      Where development and sales is concerned, Bangalore proves to be an important city for electric two wheeler manufacturers. The initial push came from Ather, which is associated with Hero Motocorp. The two wheeler manufacturing giant also sells its own electric scooters through its Hero Electric arm.
      Delhi has proven to be another important city in this regard. These set patterns can help determine that city based focus will mean that one can expect a more developed charging network in such focus cities. Bajaj Chetak sales will soon begin in Hyderabad and Chennai. More

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      New Yamaha FZ-X 150cc Retro Motorcycle Spied Undisguised

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      2021 Yamaha FZ-X SpiedDespite being based on Yamaha FZ FI, the upcoming FZ-X will wear its own unique styling
      When a test mule of Yamaha was spotted in Yamuna Expressway a few weeks ago, it was presumed that the Japanese carmaker was planning to bring the XSR lineup to India. While later it was revealed that it won’t carry the XSR branding and instead will be named FZ-X even though the latter is also likely to be a retro-style bike like the former.
      Yamaha FZ-X will be based on FZ-FI V3 as revealed by a government approval document leaked a few days ago. It is speculated to share a lot in common with its international counterpart XSR 150 as far as styling and specifications are concerned. A new photo has now leaked, which shows the front quarter completely undisguised.
      2021 Yamaha FZ-X for India
      While underpinnings and powertrain are likely to be the same, the FZ-X roadster is likely to wear a different top hat in comparison to its naked streetfighter. When launched, it will create a new segment of entry-level retro motorcycles and will be positioned as a more affordable alternative to current entry-level retro-style classic motorcycles (300-400cc). This segment is currently dominated by Royal Enfield with rivals from Jawa, Benelli and Honda.
      Expected Design Elements
      This could turn out to be extremely beneficial for Yamaha as the bikemaker will try and utilise the first mover’s benefits to ramp up its sales volume. In terms of design, some of the highlights expected are a box-style fuel tank, fork gaiters, flat seat design, center-set footpegs, a comfortable riding position, upswept exhaust and a digital instrument cluster. The relaxed riding stance would be suitable for daily urban commutes as well as highway touring.
      2021 Yamaha FZ-X
      Expected Specs
      It will be powered by the same 149cc air-cooled SOHC engine that performs duties in FZ Fi and FZS Fi. This unit is rated to return an output of 12.2 bhp at 7,250rpm and 13 Nm of peak torque at 5,500rpm and will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
      Suspension setup will retain telescopic forks at front and a 7-step adjustable mono-shock at rear. Braking duties will be handled by 282m discs at front and 220m disc at rear assisted by single-channel ABS as standard.
      Dimension-wise, FZ-X will offer the same wheelbase of 1330mm as the naked street racer. However, in terms of length, width and height the former will outstretch the latter by 30mm, 5mm and 35mm respectively. This suggests that FZ-X will wear its own unique bodywork. In figures, the classic roadster will measure 2,020mm in length, 785mm in width and 1,115mm in height.
      When launched, FZ-X could be offered at the same price as FZ Fi which currently has a starting price of Rs 1.05 lakh (ex-showroom). Exact launch timeline is yet to be confirmed by Yamaha.
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      KTM India Sales, Exports March 2021 – Duke 125, 200, 250, RC 390, ADV

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      KTM DukeKTM India domestic sales and exports growth reported in March 2021
      Exports from India are important, and the Indian auto industry has great potential to be a force to reckon with at this front. Over time, manufacturers have found meaning in overseas business. Bajaj for one has been making strides at this front. Not only are Bajaj Auto exports creating a benchmark, but so are its KTM volumes.
      However Covid-19 pandemic related situation have reigned in business potential. And the fiscal ended in the red zone despite some efforts at recovery in recent months. KTM exports grew by almost a quarter in March 2021. Total exports are reported at 4,764 units up from 3,855 units units. Volume gain stood at 909 units at 23.58 percent growth.
      KTM India sales and exports – March 2021
      This of course on account of the fact that the first Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown was suddenly announced towards March 2020 end. This brought to a stop all auto manufacturing and sales accounting for low base sales.
      KTM 200 and KTM 390
      Considering growth in recent months, the company showed great heart in February 2021 with exports reported at 8,153 units. Given the volume, MoM decline in exports is reported at 41.57 percent. Volume contraction stood at 3,389 units.
      KTM India Mar 2021 Sales Break Up
      In the domestic market, wholesales in March 2021 are reported at 45.32 percent. Sales is up at 6,217 units, up from 4,278 units, at volume gain of 1,939 units. Sales growth stood at 45.32 percent. Of the KTM motorcycles sold in India, the 200cc range was able to consistently pack in the biggest punch accounting for the biggest share in sales. Last month 2,226 units were sold at 35 percent volume share. The KTM 390 range saw wholesales cross a 1,000 units.
      KTM India Mar 2021 Exports Break Up
      Total KTM sales in March 2021
      MoM sales growth is reported at 15.26 percent. Volume gain stood at 823 units, up from 5,394 units reported the month prior. At the time, KTM 200 wholesales were just below 2.5k units. Whole the unit sees great demand in India, globally, it’s the KTM 390 range that dominates KTM exports charts. In March 2021, 390 exports were reported at just under 2.4k units at 50 percent market share of total KTM exports. The month prior that number crossed 3k units. YoY 390 exports fell by 8.67 percent down from 2,619 units at volume loss of 227 units.
      In the domestic front, KTM reported growth in wholesales for all its offerings, barring the 125cc range last month. The later saw wholesales contract by just under 5 percent. The KTM 250 range saw sales pick up at 1,249 units, up from 375 units. In a MoM comparison, the KTM 200 range sold about 200 units lesser.
      Total wholesales in March 2021 is reported at 10,981 units, up from 8,133 units. Growth is reported at 35 percent at volume gain of 2,848 units. MoM decline stood at 18.94 percent. Wholesales fell from 13,547 units at volume loss of just over 2.5k units. More

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      Tesla Model S That Crashed in Texas May Not Have Been on 'Autopilot'

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      Michael Simari/Car and Driver

      In a crash and subsequent fire of a Tesla Model S near Houston, Texas, over the weekend, police say they are certain there was no one sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, implying it was using Autopilot at the time.Tesla CEO Elon Musk, however, said on Twitter that the car did not have the optional Full Self-Driving feature and that Autopilot could not have been engaged because the road did not have marked lane lines.Reuters reports that Harris County, Texas, police will subpoena Tesla for the car’s data to find out for certain.A crash and subsequent vehicle fire in Texas over the weekend has made major headlines for the fact that the 2019 Tesla Model S crashed at high speed with, police say, the two occupants sitting in the front and rear passenger seats with nobody at the wheel. Now police said they will subpoena the EV maker to get the car’s data and find out if its Autopilot feature was engaged.Tesla CEO Elon Musk insisted via Twitter that the car could not have been on Autopilot, saying it only can be engaged on a road with lane markings:
      This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

      An important note about Autopilot is that it is designed not to stay engaged without regular steering-wheel input, so the occupants of this Model S could not have climbed into the passenger seat or back seat for any significant period of time and continued using Autopilot even if it were engaged—unless they were purposely trying to fool the system by taping a weight to the steering wheel.Reuters reported that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will both investigate this accident. The crash occurred on Saturday when the vehicle, traveling at what police described as “a high speed” in the Houston area, missed a curve and crashed into a tree, then catching on fire. The bodies of the two occupants were in the vehicle’s two passenger seats, and the car’s owner was the person found in the back seat, according to Reuters.

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      Hennessey's Chief Engineer Updates Us on the Venom F5

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      This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

      Hennessey has previously stated that its upcoming Venom F5 will surpass the Bugatti Chiron’s record for fastest production car in the world, by reaching 310 mph.The Venom F5, the company claims, will eventually make 1817 horsepower from its twin-turbo V-8 engine.The specialist’s chief engineer said progress looks good but that the company is also working on making it a more well-rounded performance car beyond top speed.We’ve previously told you about Hennessey’s ambition to prove that the forthcoming Venom F5 is the fastest production car in the world. That milestone is still a way off, presuming the Hennessey manages to beat the Bugatti Chiron’s 304-mph record. But the Texas company has announced that the F5 has already passed the 200-mph mark during testing, and with its 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 making just half of what will be its eventual 1817-hp output.

      “We have been working up to the full output,” John Heinricy, Hennessey Performance’s chief engineer, explained. “It’s much easier to do the basics at a lower output to get the learnings in, and we can then build on that . . . But if you look at 900 horsepower and the [3053-pound] weight of the car, there’s no lack of performance.”

      Hennessey

      Development work has been done both at Hennessey’s HQ in Texas and also on a 2.2-mile runway of a one-time U.S. Air Force base in Arkansas. Last year John Hennessey told us the F5 will make top speed runs on the 3.2-mile runway of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, but also on public roads if this proves insufficiently long to validate the car’s aimed-for 311-mph top speed.Although working toward the same ultimate performance goal, Heinricy is equally determined that the finished F5 will perform at lower speeds, with development work set to include both roads and technical race courses including Circuit of the Americas near Austin.”Sure, we’re focusing on top speed and being the fastest on the racetrack, but we’re also looking at the whole balance,” he said. “If you just look at top speed, you’re not going to make a car that is capable of everyday driving, we’re not going after just a single area . . . and if you get the basics together it’s going to be a lot easier to get the ultimate performance.”When asked to nominate a rival he particularly wants to beat, Heinricy said, “All of them.” He elaborated: “Sure, we want to make a car that can be compared to a Bugatti or the Konigsegg, but not just on top speed. We want to create a decathlete.”Heinricy was previously development chief for the Chevrolet Corvette, and he told us the F5 will offer similar usability. “I’ve spent my career trying to make cars accessible for regular customers,” he said. “It’s very much my focus here to make sure the car has that capability.”We look forward to testing both sides of the Venom F5’s character.

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      350cc Motorcycle Sales March 2021 – Classic, Meteor, Bullet, Hness CB350

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      Image – GauravRoyal Enfield Classic 350 is the most sold 350cc motorcycle in India, new generation model expected in a few weeks
      The retro-style classic segment of motorcycles once was clearly dominated by Royal Enfield. It still does command the space thanks to a loyal fanbase and a wide range of products in this space. However, in recent times it has faced stiff competition from new offerings from Honda, Benelli and Jawa.
      Domestic Sales
      In the 350cc segment, the Chennai-based bikemaker still enjoys a monopoly since it has three offerings against the one offered by Honda. A total of 61,201 motorcycles were sold in this space last month against l29,971 units sold in March last year that resulted in YoY growth of 104.20 percent even though MoM sales declined by 6.47 percent. Sales of Jawa and Benelli are not available.
      The segment was spearheaded by Royal Enfield Classic 350 with as many as 31,696 units sold in March this year. The figures stood at 24,304 units in March last year and 36,025 units in February this year.
      This resulted in YoY growth of 30.41 percent and a decline in MoM sales by 12.02 percent. Its sibling Bullet 350 managed to rake in 9,693 units last month against the previous month’s 11,044 units resulting in an MoM decline in sales by 12.23 percent.
      350cc Motorcycle Sales March 2021
      New Entrants- Meteor 350, CB350 Show Growth
      However, the longest-running motorcycle in production registered a massive YoY growth of 278 percent since it sold 2,507 units in March last year. The electric start version of Bullet, formerly known as Electra, recorded sales of 4,914 units that resulted in YoY growth of 55.51 percent and MoM decline of 24.1 percent. The company’s latest cruiser offering Meteor 350 registered sales of 10,596 units in March this year.
      In February 2021, the motorcycle witnessed sales of 8,624 units thus translating to an MoM growth of 22.87 percent. The list was rounded off by Honda’s latest roadster CB 350 in two forms- H’Ness and RS with a cumulative sales of 4,302 units. In comparison, the Japanese brand sold 3,268 units in February this year resulting in an MoM growth of 31.64 percent.
      Exports
      As far as exports are concerned, a total of 1,722 motorcycles from this segment were shipped to overseas countries. In comparison, last year during the same month, this figure stood at 416 units whereas this year in February, the numbers stood at 1,572 units. Therefore, it resulted in YoY growth of 75.84 percent and an MoM growth of 9.54 percent.
      350cc Motorcycle Exports March 2021
      Meteor 350 recorded the highest exports of 890 units which translates to an MoM of 383.70 percent. With 679 units dispatched abroad, Classic witnessed the highest YoY growth of 87.57 percent, however, its MoM sales declined by 38.66 percent. Honda shipped only 150 units of CB350 thus recording an MoM sales decline of 44.44 percent. More