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    Royal Enfield Recalls 2.36 Lakh Motorcycles – Meteor, Bullet, Classic

    Image for reference. Credit – stayaliveRoyal Enfield through a media release assured that it is committed to swiftly implement the recall action
    Royal Enfield has issued a recall of its motorcycles due to a manufacturing defect found in one of the parts used across some of its models. This recall is said to affect as many as 236,966 units of specific models including Meteor 350, Classic 350 and Bullet 350.
    Defect Identified
    In a mail released by the Chennai-based bikemaker, it states that the defect is in the ignition coil that can cause misfiring and reduced vehicle performance. In some exceptional cases, it can even cause an electric short circuit. The defect was uncovered during routine internal testing.
    The company has further stated that has been clearly identified and is limited to only specific batches of material sourced from an external supplier. The recall is set to affect motorcycles manufactured between December 2020 and April 2021.
    Meteor models affected and set to be recalled have been manufactured between the above-mentioned period. While Bullet and Classic models affected have been manufactured and sold between January and April 2021.
    New Royal Enfield Classic
    Recall Process
    Royal Enfield estimates that less than 10 percent of these bikes recalled will require replacement of the suspected part. The motorcycles will undergo inspection and if required, replacement of the said defective part and no extra cost will be charged on the customers.
    Although the iconic brand hasn’t revealed a specific start date for the recall activity, the service teams, and/or local dealerships will begin reaching out to consumers whose motorcycle Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) number falls within the manufacturing period mentioned above.
    Customers can also reach out to their local Royal Enfield Workshops proactively from their end or call Royal Enfield on 1800-210-007 to verify. This recall action will be applicable to Meteor. Classic and Bullet models sold not just in India but in other countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand as well. The company has reiterated that it has very stringent sourcing protocols and that all its motorcycles are rigorously tested to global validation standards of quality and durability.
    Classic, Bullet, Meteor Specs
    While Classic and Bullet share the same older generation underpinnings and 350cc motor, Meteor 350 is based on the new generation architecture and engine. Classic 350 and Bullet 350 are powered by a 346cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which produces 19.2 bhp and 28 N of peak torque.
    Whereas, the latest cruiser from Royal Enfield is powered by a 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, long-stroke motor which kicks out 20.2 bhp of power and 27 Nm of peak torque. All three motorcycles are offered with a five-speed gearbox. More

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    KTM India Sales, Exports Breakup April 2021 – Duke, RC 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    Image – Motor MurahKTM India domestic sales dipped while exports reported growth in April 2021
    Two-wheeler sales in India during the month of April 2021 were badly affected by second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. The second wave swept the nation and lockdowns and plants being shut threw production and sales into complete turmoil. The situation is set to get worse in May 21 with every two wheeler maker reporting lower footfalls as a result of the lockdown.
    KTM India sales figures for April 2021 are now available. While we cannot compare sales with that of April 2020 when sales were nil, we do compare it to sales in March 21, the month in which two wheeler sales had shown some semblance of improvement.
    KTM India Domestic Sales
    KTM India has reported de-growth in terms of domestic sales to the extent of 27.26 percent. Sales which had stood at 6,217 units in March 21 dipped to 4,522 units in April 21. The company’s 200cc range posted the highest sales with 1,410 units sold in April 21, down by 36.66 percent as against 2,226 units sold in March 21.
    KTM’s 200cc range commands a 31.81 percent share and does contribute reasonable numbers each month even as it is one of the costliest 200cc bikes in India, with a starting price of Rs 1.82 lakh.
    KTM India Sales and Exports April 2021
    KTM 125cc range also saw lower MoM sales at 1,172 units sold in April 21 as against 1,719 units sold in March 21. KTM India has been actively testing the updated 125 Duke and 250 Duke, both of which have been noted with new overall designs and revised engines, frames, sub-frames, swing-arms.
    Sales of the KTM 250 and 390 also fell substantially to 1,089 units and 851 units in April 21 respectively. This was against 1,249 units and 1,023 units sold in March 21. KTM 390 is also set to get a major overhaul for 2022 with complete overhaul of its design, hardware and electronic package, and will hit road across India early next year. The old bike has been taken off the shelf to make place for the new bike.
    KTM India Exports
    KTM India noted a 161.90 percent growth in exports in April 21 to 12,477 units, up from 4,764 units exported in March 21, a volume gain of 7,713 units. The KTM 390 was most in demand in global markets with 5,563 units shipped in the past month, up from 2,392 units exported in March 21.
    The KTM 200cc noted the most percentage growth at 458.33 percent to 3,685 units, up from 660 units exported in March 21. Export growth was also noted in the case of the KTM 125 and 250, growing 83.81 percent and 101.99 percent to 2,316 units and 913 units respectively. These lower domestic sales but higher exports took total KTM sales in April 2021 to 16,999 units, up 54.80 percent over 10,981 units sold in March 21. More

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    350cc Motorcycle Sales April 2021 – Classic, Bullet, Meteor, Electra, CB350

    Image – Jet WheelsWhile domestic MoM growth is negative, exports have registered impressive numbers
    A total of 47,650 units were sold in the domestic market in April 2021, which is negative MoM growth of -22.14%. Sales during March 2021 were higher at 61,201 units. Excluding Bullet 350, all other motorcycles in the list have negative MoM growth. The on-going challenges due to pandemic and lockdown are primarily responsible for drop in sales.
    On the other hand, exports have registered 57.96% MoM growth in April 2021. A total of 2,720 units were exported in April 2021, as compared to 1,722 units in March 2021. All motorcycles have positive MoM growth.
    350cc motorcycle domestic sales April 2021
    Royal Enfield Classic 350 continues to lead, even though MoM growth is down by -26.50%. A total of 23,298 units were sold in April, as compared to 31,696 units in March. Classic 350 commanded a market share of 48.89% in April 2021.
    At number two is Bullet 350 with sales of 9,908 units in April. MoM growth is at 2.22%, as compared to 9,693 units sold in March. Bullet market share is at 20.79%. Meteor 350 takes the third spot with sales of 7,844 units in April. MoM numbers are down by -25.97%, as compared to 10,596 units sold in March. Market share is at 16.46%.
    350cc Motorcycle Sales and Exports – April 2021
    Next is Electra 350 with sales of 3,631 units. MoM sales growth is negative at -26.11%, as compared to 4,914 units sold in March. Market share is at 7.62%. At number five is Honda CB350 with sales of 2,969 units. MoM growth is down by -30.99%, as compared to 4,302 units sold in March. CB350 market share is at 6.23%.
    350cc motorcycle exports April 2021
    Meteor 350 leads with 1,143 units exported in April 2021. MoM growth is at 28.43%, as compared to 890 units exported in March 2021. Meteor 350 percentage share in exports is at 42.02%. At number two is CB350, which appears to be gaining popularity in overseas markets. MoM export growth is a whopping 460.00%, up from 150 units in March to 840 units in April. Share in exports is at 30.88%.
    Classic 350 is next with exports of 724 units in April. MoM growth is 6.63%, as compared to 679 units exported in March. Share in exports is at 26.62%. At number four is Electra 350 with exports of 13 units. MoM growth is 333.33%, as compared to 3 units exported in March. Share in exports is at 0.48%.
    Challenges for the auto sector are expected to continue for some more time till the pandemic situation comes under control. Lockdown in various cities is creating production hurdles as well as adversely impacting demand. New product launches and deliveries have been impacted as a result. Hopefully, just like last year, the auto sector will be able to make a strong comeback by end of this fiscal. More

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    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Posts Highest Ever Sales, Beats TVS iQube – April 2021

    Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterBoth Chetak and iQube will soon be available in multiple cities pan India
    While there are many electric two wheeler brands in the market, Chetak and iQube are the only ones from mainstream manufacturers. Sales numbers are still relatively small, as compared to that of petrol powered two wheelers.
    But that could change soon, as both Bajaj and TVS have planned to expand their presence in more cities in the country. Chetak is currently available in Pune and Bengaluru, whereas iQube has presence in Bengaluru and Delhi.
    Chetak vs. iQube sales April 2021
    Bajaj appears to have resolved the problems related to shortage of imported components for Chetak. It’s evident in April sales that have zoomed a whopping 464.44% MoM. A total of 508 units were sold in April, as compared to 90 units in March. With this, Chetak has taken the lead over iQube. In earlier months, iQube used to be ahead.
    As Chetak’s production was affected due to short supply of components, iQube had taken the lead since December last year. It had maintained the lead till March 2021. In April, iQube sales were 307 units. MoM sales growth is down by -13.52%, as compared to 355 units sold in March.
    Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube Sales
    Chetak vs. iQube sales Jan-April 2021
    If we look at the first four months of this year, iQube still has the lead in terms of overall sales. Total sales of iQube in Jan-April period is 1,076 units, as compared to 778 units of Chetak. If Chetak maintains the momentum it has in April, it could be ahead of iQube by year end in overall sales.
    If we compare the two scooters, it’s easy to see that they offer matching features. Both scooters have a classic, elegant design, which would appeal to most people. Both scooters get their power from IP67 rated water and dust resistant lithium-ion batteries. The battery warranty of 50k km / 3 years is also the same for both scooters.
    For folks who are looking for longer range, their first choice could be Chetak. That’s because Chetak offers 95 km in Eco mode, as compared to 75 km of iQube. However, iQube has top speed of 78 kmph as compared to Chetak’s 70 kmph (Approx. based on user reviews).
    It remains to be seen who will emerge a winner in the long term. A lot will depend on how rapidly the expansion plans are executed, reliability of after sales service and availability of charging stations. By end of this fiscal, TVS has plans to launch iQube in 20 new cities. Bajaj has an even more aggressive plan to expand operations to 30 new cities. More

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    2022 Kia EV6 Coming to U.S. Next Year with Claimed 300 Miles of Range

    Kia has released detailed U.S. specs for the 2022 EV6 electric crossover.The least powerful version has rear-wheel drive and 167 hp, while the performance GT model has all-wheel drive and 576 hp.The standard EV6 models will arrive in the U.S. early in 2022, with the GT arriving in late 2022.When Kia’s new 2022 EV6 electric car arrives in the U.S., it will offer an extremely broad lineup including two battery-pack sizes, one- and two-motor configurations, and a ridiculously large horsepower spread. The least powerful EV6 has 167 horsepower while the most powerful GT version has more than three times as much, with 576 hp.The base model has a single electric motor that powers the rear wheels and a 58.0-kWh battery pack. There’s also a rear-wheel-drive EV6 with the larger 77.4-kWh battery pack that should offer the longest range of any model. Kia claims that multiple configurations will meet its claim of 300 miles on a charge, but hasn’t yet offered specific numbers.

    Kia

    The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration requires opting for the larger battery pack. Its front and rear electric motors provide a total of 313 horsepower, and Kia claims it gets to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The top-dog EV6 is the GT model, which has the 77.4-kWh battery pack and more powerful front and rear electric motors for a total of 576 hp. Kia says it accelerates to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds.The EV6 will be able to charge at DC fast-chargers at up to 350 kilowatts, meaning it can add a claimed 70 miles of range in 5 minutes and go from 10 to 80 percent charge in 18 minutes, Kia says.

    Kia

    A First Edition model will be offered in three different color combinations: white with a green interior, yellow with a black interior, and matte grey with a black interior. It will be limited to 1500 units and reservations will open June 3. It has AWD and the larger battery as standard and comes fully loaded with options such as a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels, and a premium audio system.We expect the EV6 to start around $45,000 when it reaches U.S. showrooms early in 2022. The GT is likely to cost considerably more, possibly around $55,000.
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    2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Leaks During President Biden's Visit

    The White House via YouTube

    Images of the Ford F-150 Lightning have leaked out as part of President Biden’s visit to Michigan.It looks much like the gas truck but with a few key differences that make it look more futuristic.The full truck will be revealed tomorrow, May 19, on Ford’s website.Ford’s new F-150 Lightning has appeared ahead of its official debut as part of President Biden’s visit to the Ford Rouge electric-vehicle facility in Michigan. The new electric pickup is visible behind Biden alongside the gas F-150 and several historic Ford pickup trucks.
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    The Lightning appears to have the same body as the standard F-150 but its headlights and wheels are different. It’s a crew-cab model which means it’s likely to offer the shorter 5.5-foot bed offered on the F-150. Other photos posted on Twitter show its six-spoke wheels are likely to be exclusive to the Lightning.
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    We’re expecting the F-150 Lightning to come standard with two electric motors providing all-wheel-drive capability. Ford has claimed it will be more powerful and quicker than any of the gas-powered F-150 models. It will have a large battery pack that should provide at least 300 miles of range. A video from Ford’s proving grounds shows Biden driving a prototype version of the Lightning and mentioning a 60 mph acceleration time in the 4.3 to 4.4 second range.
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    More details are coming tomorrow, May 19, as part of Ford’s official debut of the Lightning on its YouTube channel.
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    Top 10 Two Wheelers April 2021 – Splendor, Activa, Pulsar, Apache, Jupiter

    Image – MRD VlogsTotal top 10 two-wheelers sold in April 2021 report MoM gain over March 2021

    Two-wheeler wholesales in March and April 2021 are impossible to gauge keeping in mind the current business environment. With Covid-19 pandemic infection numbers being reported in lakhs each day in recent weeks, states have declared curated lockdowns. While this ensures essential services are not throttled, two wheeler sales have been affected.
    Keeping in mind the dangers of spreading Covid-19, dealerships are yet again no longer functional in the capacity they were a few months earlier. At the same time, manufacturing routines too have been adjusted with a number of companies pre-posing plant maintenance schedules.
    Considering a complete lockdown in April 2020, no automobile sales were registered a year earlier. For April 2021, Hero Splendor continued its chart topping performance. Wholesales is reported at 1,93,508 units. MoM growth stood at 34.63 percent, up from 1,43,736 units at volume gain at just under 50k units. In the top 10 two-wheeler chart, market share is reported at 28 percent.
    Honda Activa a high volume scooter
    Honda Activa MoM wholesales dipped by 4.43 percent. Numbers fell to 1,09678 units, down from 1,14,757 units at volume loss of just over 5k units. MS is pegged at below 16 percent. Honda’s CB Shine sits third on the to-selling list at 79,416 units. Sales fell by 8.33 percent, down from 86,633 units at volume loss of 7,217 units. MS stood at 11.51 percent.
    Top 10 Two Wheelers April 2021
    Hero’s HF Deluxe saw the steepest decline in the top order at almost 38 percent. MS hovered over 10 percent. Wholesales is reported at 71,294 units, down from 1,14,969 units at volume loss of 43,675 units.
    Bajaj Pulsar sales growth
    Bajaj Pulsar sales grew by about 30 percent. Sales is reported at 66,586 units, up from 51,454 units at volume gain of just over 15k units. Suzuki finds its Access scooter sales maintain a regular average. Wholesales is reported at 53,285 units. MoM volume gain doubled from 26,474 units. Volumes grew by 26,809 units.
    MoM Bajaj Platina sales grew by about two-thirds. Wholesales is reported at 35,467 units, up from 21,764 units at volume gain of 14,203 units. MS is pegged at just over 5 percent. TVS Apache growth is reported at 35.35 percent. Wholesales stood at 29,458 units, up from 21,764 units at volume gain of 7,694 units.

    Top 10 Two Wheelers
    Apr-21
    Mar-21
    %

    Splendor
    1,93,508
    1,43,736
    34.63

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

    CB Shine
    79,416
    86,633
    -8.33

    HF Deluxe
    71,294
    1,14,969
    -37.99

    Pulsar
    66,586
    51,454
    29.41

    Access
    53,285
    26,476
    101.26

    Platina
    35,467
    21,264
    66.79

    Apache
    29,458
    21,764
    35.35

    TVS XL
    25,977
    32,808
    -20.82

    Jupiter
    25,570
    21,001
    21.76

    Total
    6,90,239
    6,34,862
    8.72

    TVS XL moped MOM sales dipped by just over 20 percent, down at 26k units. Sales fell from 32,808 units at volume decline of 6,831 units. TVS Jupiter wholesales is reported at 25,570 units. MoM sales grew from 21k units at volume gain of 4,569 units. Total unit sales for the top ten two wheelers stood at 6,90,239 units. MoM gain stood at 55,377 units, up from 6,34,862 units at 8.72 percent growth. More

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    2022 Yamaha R7 Makes Global Debut – Official Specs Revealed

    2022 Yamaha R7
    The new Yamaha R7 shares its heart and most of its underpinning with its naked sibling MT-07
    Yamaha has officially unveiled its upcoming middleweight supersport tourer R7 which will be replacing the R6 from the Japanese bikemaker’s international lineup. The company shared a teaser of the faired motorcycle on its YouTube channel giving a sneak peek of the upcoming machine.
    A set of leaked images further clarified details about the superbike. Now, the manufacturer has officially revealed the motorcycle in its production form along with its specs and other details. Serving as a replacement to the outgoing R6, the latter was discontinued last year after it failed to comply with stricter Euro-5 emission standards.
    2022 Yamaha R7
    Updated Styling
    Starting with its design, Yamaha has retained the aggressive styling of R6 in the new R7 while adding a few subtle variations in order to distinguish itself from its predecessor. It gets a fully revised front end with a single-pod headlight instead of twin-pod LED units in R6. The LED headlight is positioned inside an air intake ram which also gives the front end of the bike a twin-beam design. The headlamp is also flanked by twin LED DRLs giving the motorcycle a menacing face.
    The front windscreen is taller than its predecessor providing better protection from windblast. The side fairings have also been completely revised that feature massive scoops redirecting hot air away from the rider’s legs.
    [embedded content]
    The muscular fuel tank features a signature grille pattern complemented by taut lines which enhance its aerodynamic qualities. The tail section is sharp and upright as a usual Yamaha R-series but looks more audacious than the previous iteration.
    The faired supersport motorcycle will be offered in two colour schemes- Raven Black and Team Yamaha Blue. Body-coloured alloy rims on the latter add an extra bit of sporty appeal to the bike. Other notable highlights include a clip-on handlebar, rear-set footpegs, split seat setup and underbelly exhaust with short muffler.
    Mechanical Specs
    The new R7 shares most of its mechanical bits with the MT-07 naked streetfighter. Hence, it will be powered by a 689cc parallel-twin engine which pumps out 72.4 bhp at 8,750rpm and 67 Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. This motor is mated to a six-speed gearbox.

    Yamaha R7 Specs
    Details

    Engine type
    2-cylinder, Liquid-cooled, EURO5, 4-stroke, 4-valves, DOHC

    Displacement
    689cc

    Bore x stroke
    80.0 x 68.6 mm

    Compression ratio
    11,5:1

    Maximum power
    54,0 kW (73,4 PS) @ 8.750 rpm

    Limited power version
    35,0 kW (47,6 PS) @ 7.750 rpm

    Maximum torque
    67,0 Nm (6.8 kg-m) @ 6.500 rpm

    Lubrication system
    Wet sump

    Clutch type
    Wet, Multiple Disc

    Ignition system
    TCI

    Starter system
    Electric

    Transmission system
    Constant Mesh, 6-speed

    Final transmission
    Chain

    Fuel system
    Fuel Injection

    Frame
    Diamond

    Caster angle
    23°40′

    Trail
    90 mm

    Front suspension system
    Telescopic fork

    Rear suspension system
    Swingarm, (link suspension)

    Front travel
    130 mm

    Rear travel
    130 mm

    Front brake
    Hydraulic dual disc brake, Ø298 mm

    Rear brake
    Hydraulic single disc brake, Ø245 mm

    Front tyre
    120/70ZR17M/C (58W) Tubeless

    Rear tyre
    180/55ZR17M/C (73W) Tubeless

    Overall length
    2.070 mm

    Overall width
    705 mm

    Overall height
    1.160 mm

    Seat height
    835 mm

    Wheel base
    1.395 mm

    Minimum ground clearance
    135 mm

    Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank)
    188 kg

    Fuel tank capacity
    13,0 l

    Oil tank capacity
    3,0 l

    The supersport bike employs the same frame as its naked sibling albeit with some minor modifications. However, the major change has been provided in the suspension setup which comprises upside-down forks at front instead of conventional telescopic forks.
    The rear is constant with the same mono-shock unit. Braking hardware consists of dual discs at front and a single disc at rear which are assisted by a dual-channel ABS. The bike is expected to go on sale in Europe in a few weeks time. Upon its launch, the new R7 will rival the likes of Aprilia RS660 and Kawasaki Ninja 650. More