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    2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Detailed In Official Video

    2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
    Priced at £15,999 (equivalent to INR 16.39 lakh), KTM 1290 Super Adventure R gets revised styling and a new powerplant

    KTM is known to possess a wide array of motorcycles under its portfolio which makes it an ideal brand to look out for if one is a true biking enthusiast. Among all the segments, we feel that adventure motorcycles are its forte since it has a long list of derivatives and configurations plus the fact that they are easily customisable.
    The Austrian bikemaker has now revealed the latest avatar of the meanest and the baddest adventure tourers under its roof. The brand has given its flagship 1290 Super Adventure R a significant makeover for 2021. Recently, its sibling Super Adventure S made its debut with which it shares a lot of mechanicals.
    Revised Styling
    To start with its styling, 1290 Super Adventure R looks nothing like its other adventure tourer siblings from KTM. it wears a heavily revised bodywork and it isn’t just for show. The new panel improves ergonomics when the rider decides to trot on to some broken paths.
    In fact, the colour scheme with respect to other KTM models is rather funky. Flashes of orange have been retained in the frame and external crashes while panels have been sprayed predominantly with blue and white that resemble the brand’s machines seen in the Dakar Rally.
    [embedded content]
    The bike’s frontal area is reduced which makes it slimmer than before, thus making it easier for handling on tougher undulated terrains. More noticeably it misses out on a traditional beak which most contemporary ADVs get.
    It boasts a shorter, rally-inspired adjustable windscreen along with a high-strength tapered aluminium handlebar. It gets an all-new single-piece stepped-up seat but at 880mm, it is one heck of a climb even for taller riders even though it is down by 10mm.
    Mechanical Specifications
    Underneath that skin, it features a new Euro 5-compliant 1301ccc LC8 V-twin liquid-cooled engine which kicks out 160 bhp and 138 Nm of peak torque. It is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a hydraulically actuated slipper clutch.
    2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
    Also by shredding around 1.6 kg, which has been achieved by employing new crankcases, this bike now gets a stronger power to weight ratio. This motor has also received an updated cooling system and fresh coatings in its latest update.
    The hardware setup is equally impressive for adventure trails. The Harley Davidson Pan America-rival is built on a Chromium-Molybdenum Steel trellis frame with an aluminium subframe suspended on a fully adjustable WP XPLOR 48mm fork at front and a WP XPLOR shock absorber at rear with both units having a travel of 220mm. It rides on 21-inch rear and 18-inch rear wrapped around by Bridgestone tubeless tyres. Stopping power comes from 4-piston and 2-piston Brembo callipers at front and rear respectively.
    Features & Electronic Aids
    Being a flagship, the ergonomics and mechanicals are complemented by loads of electronics that assist the rider. These include a 6-axis IMU, motor slip regulation, a quick shifter, off-road ABS, traction control and stability control. It gets four standard riding modes including Rain, Street, Sport, and Offroad and an additional Rally mode as an option. Other notable features include a 7-inch TFT instrument display which is compatible with KTM My Ride connectivity app. More

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    2021 Yamaha NMax 155 Scooter Gets Updated With New Colours

    2021 Yamaha NMAX 155
    NMax 155 shares the same 155cc motor with Yamaha Aerox 155 and YZF R15 V3

    Yamaha has introduced a new colour option on its flagship scooter NMax 155 in Indonesia. The Maxi-style scooter will now be available in a Prestige Silver colour option which also gets a gloss black-finished bodywork accompanied by brushed gold-finished alloy wheels.
    Apart from this cosmetic update, rest of the scooter is identical to the regular model. The Japanese brand believes that addition of this new colour option will further widen the choices for the consumers. Other colours on offer include Maxi Signature Black and Matte Blue.
    Styling
    This colour scheme was also introduced in other Yamaha models such as the recently launched Aerox 155 scooter. Design-wise, this version of NMax 155 is same as the rest of the lineup which gets a maxi-style body.
    It gets an LED headlight and taillight, a black screen guard and a sloping single-piece seat. The silver colour option has been specifically developed by Yamaha to fully expose the curves of the scooter’s body in order to make it look more elegant and premium which it does.
    2021 Yamaha NMAX 155
    Powertrain Specs
    The Japanese automaker retails NMax 155 in three variants- standard, Connected and Connected with ABS and has been made available across the entire range. Underneath its body, it gets a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which also drives its sibling Aerox 155 and YZF R15 V3.
    In Nmax, this unit kicks out 15.4 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 13.9 Nm at 6,500 rpm and is mated to a traditional V-belt CVT to carry out transmission duties. In its latest iteration, it is equipped with electronic fuel injection (EFI) as well.
    Features on offer
    The new NMax is also offered with loads of modern gizmos such as a TFT digital instrument cluster, keyless system, traction control system, idle start/stop system and an electric power socket. It gets a Communication Control Unit (CCU) technology which could be connected to Yamaha’s Y-Connect application on a smartphone via Bluetooth. It provides information such as message and call notifications, parking location, recommended maintenance, fuel consumption and malfunction notification.
    2021 Yamaha NMAX 155
    The Maxi scooter measures 1935mm in length, 740mm in width and 1160mm in height. Its saddle height is pegged at 765 mm while it tips the weighing scales at 131 kg. It employs a ‘backbone frame’ that is suspended on telescopic forks at front and a swingarm rear suspension. As good as it looks and performs on the road, Yamaha is unlikely to launch NMax 155 in India anytime soon as it would be difficult for the company to price it competitively. More

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    Electric Scooter Full Charge In 15 Minutes – New Gen Battery Charging Tech By Indian Startup

    Log 9 Battery Pack Powered Electric Scooter
    The technology is claimed to offer 5x more power while being 5x safer

    Bangalore-based deep technology startup Log 9 Materials which was incubated by IIT Roorkee has unveiled rapid charging battery packs for two and three-wheeler electric vehicles. The battery packs which are claimed to be fully charged in under 15 minutes will be targeting the B2B segment once the pilot runs are completed.
    Log 9 Materials ultra-fast charging battery packs
    Based on supercapacitor technology, Log 9’s ultra-fast charging battery packs employ graphene which is claimed to make them superior as compared to their conventional lithium-ion counterparts. The company says that the rapid charging battery packs can last more than 15 years thereby arriving at a very low cost/km ratio.
    The graphene based supercapacitor battery packs are also claimed to be five times more powerful and five times better when it comes to fire and impact resistance when compared to widely used lithium-ion battery packs. As far as the range is concerned, the two wheeler (scooters, motorcycles) battery packs are said to offer a true range of 70 km on a full charge while the three wheeler (rickshaw / cargo) battery packs are good for 60-80 km.
    Log 9 has commenced large scale pilot projects with logistic, mobility and e-commerce giants including Amazon, Delhivery, Vogo, Shadaowfax etc. The pilot program is expected to run for few more months before the commercial launch. The focus will be on the intra-city B2B segment which also includes two wheelers used for food deliveries.
    Log 9 Battery Pack Powered Electric 3 Wheeler
    Advantages and prospects
    The current two and three wheelers EVs in our market have an average charging time of 4 to 5 hours. Given that a fleet’s revenue generating capacity is directly linked to downtime, rapid charging batteries have significant potential in increasing profitability in the long run.
    Speaking about the business prospects, Log 9’s Founder and CEO Akshay Singhal revealed that the company has identified OEMs and fleet operators in both two and three wheeler segments for the integration of its graphene-based rapid charging battery packs.It is estimated that there are nearly 10 lakh two wheelers involved in the country’s last mile delivery segment and this population is projected to triple by 2025. This is also the segment which is witnessing largest EV adoption in the country.
    Log 9 believes that its ultra-fast charging battery packs are the most viable solution to maximize the performance of last-mile two and three wheeler applications. The technology is claimed to be much more cost effective than battery swapping approach which involves heavy investments and operational hassles.
    Log 9 Materials has been working on various energy storage solutions for electric vehicle applications. It is said to be the only company in the country to be actively working on Alumininum fuel cell technology which is suitable for long haul LCVs and HCVs. This project is currently in development stage. More

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    Royal Enfield Cruiser 650 Ground Clearance Detailed In New Spy Shots

    Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser
    The upcoming 650cc cruiser twins are likely to offer different riding dynamics and wear different monikers

    Royal Enfield fans are an excited bunch as the company has plans to launch multiple new products, hence every spy shot of an upcoming motorcycle gets noticed. While the company has quite a few exciting launches headed in the coming future, one of the bikes that has garnered a lot of attention is the brand’s upcoming 650cc cruiser.
    Test mules of the cruiser have been spotted on multiple occasions over the past year or so but only a couple of months we came to know that there might be more than one derivative of the upcoming bike. It might be the case of two different models or two different variants of the same model.
    Building on the popularity of 650cc Twins, this new cruiser will share its underpinnings as well as its power source with the twin roadsters. The first hint of a new addition to the Royal Enfield family was dropped at the EICMA 2018 where it showcased the KX Bobber Concept. When the first prototype was spotted last year, it bore a lot of resemblance with the concept displayed at EICMA.
    Design Highlights
    Among the two derivatives of the cruiser spotted earlier, one boasts of a traditional cruiser setup with forward-set footpegs, a wide handlebar and a typical low-slung stance. The other one has a more conventional upright seating position with center-set footpegs and slightly shorter handlebars. While the former is expected to wear a brand new name tag, the latter is expected to wear the branding of either Classic 650 or Meteor 650.

    Cruisers generally have a longer wheelbase and low seat height. This combination probably results in lower ground clearance. The latest spy video is credit to way2speed. As can be seen above, the video gives a better idea about the ground clearance of the 650cc Cruiser.
    Design-wise, both motorcycles adopt retro classic elements although the KX650 looks like a proper cruiser while the other one is a classic roadster. The former also wears a fatter 130 section of tyres and a larger rear fender. Common design elements on both bikes include a retro-styled round headlamp, a low split-style saddle and twin exhausts. A pillion backrest could be offered as an accessory on both bikes.
    Expected Hardware, Features & Powertrain
    As mentioned earlier, both bikes will share underpinnings with the current 650cc Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT. However, suspension setup is likely to be different. These cruisers are expected to feature upside down USD forks at front and twin shock absorbers at rear which are mounted at a greater angle than what is seen on 650 Twins.
    RE 650cc cruiser
    Disc brakes on both ends are almost a given. Other features expected to be on offer are dual-channel ABS, slipper and assist clutch and a semi-digital instrument console with a dedicated pod for Tripper Navigation.
    As far as powertrain is concerned, it will draw its power from the familiar 648cc parallel-twin air-cooled motor that cranks out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. It will be mated to a six-speed gearbox. More details on these motorcycles are expected to be furnished ahead of their launch. We expect at least one of them hit showrooms by the end of this year. More

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    Bajaj Platina 110 ABS Launch Price Rs 66k – Rs 1k More Than H Gear

    Bajaj Platina 110 ABS
    Platina is the first 110 cc commuter motorcycle in India to get ABS

    In a move that could make rivals sit up and take notice, Bajaj has launched its popular Platina 110 motorcycle with ABS. This will be a segment-first feature that could attract customers looking for improved safety.
    As per rules, ABS is mandatory only for two-wheelers above 125cc. For below 125cc motorcycles, it is mandatory to have combined breaking system (CBS). Platina 110 current model has CBS. It has 240mm disc at the front and 110 mm drum brake at the rear with CBS. The ABS variant will have single-channel ABS integrated with the front disc brake.
    Bajaj Platina 110 ABS other updates
    To ensure that the ABS variant does not become too pricey, Bajaj has downgraded some of the features available with current model (Platina H-gear). For example, the semi-digital instrument console has been replaced with a completely analogue unit. Platina 110 ABS has analogue speedometer and odometer unit on the left, which also displays the ABS icon. On the right, there is analogue fuel gauge along with other standard indictors.
    In comparison, the semi-digital instrument console on-board Platina 110 H-gear model has features such as trip meter, gear shift indicator, low battery indicator and clock. Another cost cutting measure is a standard sticker that replaces the 3D ‘Platina’ logo on the fuel tank.
    Bajaj Platina 110 ABS
    To create a distinct identity for Platina 110 ABS variant, Bajaj has introduced some visual updates. Key among them is white coloured alloy wheels.  It is to note that other Bajaj motorcycles such as the premium Pulsar RS and NS range have this type of styling. In other updates, turn indicators have been replaced with sleeker units and there is ‘ABS’ branding in gold shade.
    Bajaj Platina 110 ABS engine
    Bajaj Platina 110 ABS will continue using the 115.45 cc, single cylinder, electronic injection engine that is capable of generating 8.6 PS of max power at 7000 rpm and 9.81 Nm of peak torque at 5000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    Suspension system will also be the same as earlier; telescopic units at the front and Nitrox gas canister based rear suspension. Bajaj Platina 110 ABS will continue to offer superior comfort to users, which has been one of its primary USPs.
    Bajaj introducing a premium safety feature in its 110 cc monocycle is commendable. However, it remains to be seen if the strategy translates into sale volumes. Platina 110 ABS is priced at Rs 65,926 while the current model H Gear retails at a starting price of Rs 64,685 (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Price is an important factor in this segment, so not all customers may be willing to pay a higher price.
    Mr Sarang Kanade, President – Domestic Motorcycles Business Unit, Bajaj Auto Ltd said, “The new Platina 110 ABS offers unmatched safety by offering riders complete control over unforeseen braking scenarios. We hope that millions of Indians who ride across varying terrains & roads of the country would take cognizance of the need to keep themselves & their loved ones safe and upgrade to the best-in-segment braking technology. The brand Platina has an unmatched proposition of Comfort with over 7 million satisfied customers as a testament to its segment-leading attributes and now with the addition of ABS, it remains a generation ahead of its competitors.” More

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    2022 Kia Stinger Gets $3000 Price Increase, New Base Engine for U.S.

    The 2022 Kia Stinger will be more expensive than before and have a new base engine.
    A turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four is now standard equipment for the U.S. model.
    Pricing starts at $37,125 and ranges up to $54,535 for a loaded V-6 AWD model.
    The 2022 Kia Stinger will soon arrive in the U.S. with a new base engine, revised styling, and a higher starting price. The updated hatchback starts at $37,125 for the GT-Line model, a $3000 increase over last year’s base price. You’ll get more for your money, though, as the 2022 Stinger has a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, increases of 45 hp and 61 pound-feet over the previous 2.0-liter engine.

    2022 Kia Stinger Adds Power, 2.5T Engine

    2022 Kia Stinger Reveals Its Updated Design

    2018 Kia Stinger GT Long-Term Test

    According to the EPA website, the bigger turbo-four even gets better fuel economy than before, with the highway rating for the rear-wheel-drive GT-Line rising from 29 mpg to 32 mpg. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, and all-wheel drive is a $2200 option for all versions of the Stinger.
    The Stinger’s upgrade engine remains a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6, which has slightly more power than last year’s model. It now makes 368 horsepower (an increase of 3 hp) and the same 376 pound-feet of torque. The V-6 Stinger starts at $44,735 for the GT1 trim, which is $1800 less than last year’s GT1 model. The cheaper (and less well-equipped) V-6–powered base GT model is no more. The loaded GT2 starts at $52,335, a $900 increase from last year.

    View Photos

    Kia

    Kia has yet to reveal photos of the U.S.-spec Stinger, but we don’t expect it to look much different than the global version seen here. There is a new color option called Ascot Green that we’re curious to see, and the GT-Line comes standard with 18-inch wheels with the GT1 and GT2 coming with 19-inchers.
    Look for more details on the 2022 Stinger to come soon, as it’s likely to reach U.S. dealerships within the next few months.
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    Volvo XC20 Electric SUV Planned For Launch – Hyundai Kona EV Rival

    Volvo XC20 Render by Auto Express
    Volvo is soon expected to launch the all-new XC40 Recharge in fully electric and plug-in hybrid configurations in global markets as well as India

    Volvo is amplifying its plans of expanding its electric vehicles (EVs) portfolio by teasing a potential lineup of future electric crossovers. The Swedish automaker had earlier made its intentions clear that its entire lineup would turn fully electric by 2030. The company pushes ahead in its plans to convert half of its total sales volume to fully electric cars.
    The teaser image shows the prospective line of electric SUVs in the company’s lineup with the range-topping XC100 flagship. In addition to this, the company has also filed trademarks for entry-level models such as XC10 and XC20 that will be fully electric crossovers sitting below the electrified XC40.
    All-new XC20 as a pure EV
    While Volvo hasn’t confirmed any development, it has positively indicated that the upcoming XC20 will be its next big launch. The Swedish brand had earlier confirmed this new electric crossover will be underpinned by the new pure-electric platform developed by its parent company Geely. The Chinese manufacturer unveiled the pure EV-specific architecture underpinning the Lynk & Co Zero Concept at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show which is called Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA).
    XC40 is currently underpinned by the CMA platform which is a combination platform for EVs and combustion-engined cars and is not very suitable for smaller size cars. SEA, on the other hand, has been developed in China from materials sourced from Chinese suppliers which would make the car very cost effective.
    Volvo XC20 Render by Auto Express
    It would also make use of a battery smaller than XC40 Recharge which would be good enough to provide a single-charge range of around 350 km. Upon its debut, it will be directly rivaling the likes of Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro at international markets. More details are expected to be furnished in months to come.
    New Volvo Flagship XC100
    Meanwhile, Volvo’s lineup will be topped by its upcoming flagship electric SUV- XC100. The next-generation SUV is expected to make its debut in 2022 and will be based on the second generation of its large-car platform, named SPA2, which is currently under development. This new platform will allow Volvo to build cars longer than its current flagship full-size SUV XC90.
    The new SPA2 architecture could underpin models measuring up to 5.5 metres in length. As for XC100, it will be around 300mm longer than XC90 and significantly longer than BMW X7 and Mercedes Benz GLS with a three-row seating layout, a long wheelbase and a very spacious boot.
    It will be offered in fully-electric as well as plug-in hybrid powertrain options while a mild-hybrid powertrain could also be offered in lower-specced trims. It will be exclusively sold in larger and developed car markets of the US, China and Europe.
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    2021 CFMoto 300NK BS6 Launch Price Rs 2.29 L – KTM Duke Rival

    CFMOTO 300NK
    The 2021 CFMoto 300NK is offered with minute styling revisions and a BS6 updated engine

    For the entire 2020, we barely got to hear about Chinese bikemaker CFMoto. The company neither launched any new products nor did it update its existing ones. Many were made to believe that would put a full stop on the company’s operations in India with the outbreak of novel coronavirus until recently, after a long time it made its presence felt in social media.
    A few days ago, the manufacturer had shared a couple of teasers of the upcoming BS6 avatar of 300NK. Now, the Chinese brand has launched the updated naked streetfighter in India at the same price as its BS4 predecessor.  Therefore, the BS6 compliant 300NK will be retailed at a price of Rs 2.29 lakh (ex-showroom).
    Updated Design
    At first glance, one wouldn’t notice any major differences because there aren’t any. There are only subtle cosmetic variations from its BS4 iteration which include small tweaks to fuel tank covers and tank extensions.
    The updated 300NK continues to sport the same styling which features design elements such as a low-slung full-LED headlamp, an upswept rear section, a muscular fuel tank, an underbelly exhaust and a rear-fender mounted number plate.
    CFMOTO 300NK BS6
    Contrasting blue colours of its fuel tank cover and frame make it look edgier and sportier with the influence of KISKA. These are the same folks who have designed KTM’s Duke range of motorcycles. It rides on new Y-shaped spoke alloy wheels with new contrasting coloured rims instead of the older star alloy spoke design.
    BS6 Updated Engine
    The major update has been in its engine department which now complies with the latest BS6 emission norms. One can sport the large catalytic converter below the engine underbelly. It continues to be powered by a 292.4cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which in its BS4 guise kicked out 33.5 bhp and 20.5 Nm of peak torque.
    The exact specifications of the engine are yet to be revealed officially although output figures might alter slightly to its BS4 predecessor. It will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox but will miss out on a slip and assist clutch.
    Mechanical Configurations
    Its hardware setup has also remained untouched with it being based on a steel Trellis frame. Suspension duties will be taken care of by upside-down USD forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Braking duties will be handled by calipers from J. Juan which are chewed down by single discs at both ends. The braking setup will be assisted by dual-channel ABS.
    CFMoto 300NK will take on the likes of BMW G310R and KTM 250 Duke. Its launch will be followed by the introduction of other models of the Chinese brand including 650NK, 650MT and 650GT. The company is also planning to launch an electric two-wheeler in India at some stage in the near future. More