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      Kawasaki New Motorcycle Launch Teasers – Ninja 300 BS6, Versys X300?

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      Kawasaki Versys X 300
      The two new motorcycles from Kawasaki India are expected to augment its entry-level portfolio and one of them appears to be an adventure tourer

      Without revealing much, Kawasaki India’s social media handles have released a teaser showing two motorcycles under a green veil. The caption reads “Ride with passion, the new age sensation. Stay tuned”.
      We expect the two new motorcycles to be launched in the coming weeks. If we were to guess, Kawasaki is gearing up to reintroduce its best selling Ninja 300 in BS6 avatar while also augment its medium displacement portfolio with its Versys-X 300 adventure tourer.
      Kawasaki Versys-X 300
      Given that the medium displacement adventure tourers are steadily gaining momentum in the country, it would be a logical move to usher in the Versys-X 300. While there is no official confirmation on its launch, the teaser clearly shows the motorcycle on the right to be considerably taller than the one on the left, leading us to speculate what’s under the wrap.
      The KTM 390 Adventure has done well to activate this niche in India and hence the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 does not need to lay the groundwork. Textbook styling, long-travel suspension system, spoke wheels, dual-purpose tyres and a strong character makes the baby Versys an attractive proposition.
      Kawasaki India Teaser
      The Ninja derived 300 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor with its refined and effortless performance credentials only adds to its overall appeal. Given that the Versys-X 300 is not going to be as localized as its primary rival, expect the prices to be considerably higher. Something in the ballpark of INR 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom) is likely.
      Rather than going against the KTM 390 Adventure head-on, the Kawasaki adventure tourer, if launched in India, will aim to emerge as a more premium alternative. However, feature highlights are rather modest and include a digi-analog instrument console, dual-channel ABS, and slipper and assist clutch.
      Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6
      The Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6 will retain the time proven 296 cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine which is paired to a 6-speed transmission. The BS4 version churned out 38.4 hp and 27 Nm of torque but we may see a slight drop in these figures as the motor prioritizes emission performance. That said, the difference in output figures are expected to be negligible.
      Kawasaki Ninja 300
      Visually, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6 is expected to remain identical to the BS4 version but the Japanese brand may chose to use this opportunity to introduce new colour options. The equipment level are expected to stay the same too. The fully faired compact supersports motorcycle will continue to rival the KTM RC 390. Expect the price tag to be slightly above INR 3 lakh mark (ex-showroom).
      The two new launches in the affordable end of the premium motorcycle segment is expected to bring in considerable incremental sales to Kawasaki India’s table. More

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      2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 Features, Changes, Mileage, Performance – Detailed

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      Image – Nitish Neo
      Bajaj Pulsar 180 is now a naked roadster and hence stands 10 kgs lighter as compared to the Pulsar 180F

      In 2019, Bajaj discontinued the Pulsar 180, and replaced it with 180F. Now they have brought back the Pulsar 180 in 2021. It is priced from Rs 1.08 lakhs, making it Rs.7k cheaper as compared to the Pulsar 180F which carried a price tag of Rs.1.15 lakhs, ex-sh prices. Bookings have opened and initial examples move into company showrooms.
      Bajaj Pulsar 180 Styling Elements
      Borrowing design inspiration from the Pulsar 150, new Pulsar 180 is seen with sporty body graphics across its fuel tank and front fender. It also receives split seats, pillion grab rails and multi spoke black finished alloy wheels.
      Headlamp is halogen and it comes along with twin pilot lamps. It continues to sport the same instrument cluster as seen on its 180F counterpart with an digital-analogue tachometer and LCD screen relaying information in terms of speed and fuel and an odometer.
      The 2021 Pulsar 180 is offered in two colour options of Laser Black and Nuclear Blue. Other design highlights also include a tinted windshield, clip on handlebars and black rear view mirrors. Below is a detailed first look video of the new Pulsar 180, credit to Youtube channel Nitish Neo.
      [embedded content]
      Engine, Braking and Suspension
      The naked roadster gets powered by a 178.6cc, single cylinder, 2 valve, air cooled engine that also powers the 180F. This engine makes 17.02 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 14.2 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm, which is lower by 0.2 hp and 0.3 Nm as compared to the engine on the Pulsar 180F. The engine gets mated to a 5 speed gearbox. Kerb weight stands at 145 kgs which is 10 kgs lighter as compared to the 180F since it is devoid of fairing.
      Braking and suspension is also carried over from the Pulsar 180F with 280mm front and 230mm rear disc setup and a single-channel ABS system and telescopic front forks and five-step adjustable gas-charged mono-shock at the rear. Mileage of new Pulsar 180 is more or less the same as before and there is no huge improvement in this department.
      Rivals
      The new Bajaj Pulsar 180 enters a segment where it will take on TVS Apache RTR 180 (Rs.1.08,270). It will also compete with the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Pulsar NS160, Yamaha FZS FI-V3 and Hero Xtreme 160R in a similar price range.
      In related news, Bajaj Auto is also gearing up to add more motorcycles to the Pulsar range, that will include 250cc bikes. The Bajaj Pulsar NS250 and RS250 are pegged for launch later this year. They will share both platform and engine with the KTM 250 Duke. The Pulsar RS250 will compete with the Suzuki Gixxer SF250 while the Pulsar NS250 compete with the Suzuki Gixxer 250. More

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      'F1 Drive to Survive' Season 3 Will Hit Netflix on March 19

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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.

      COVID-19 forced many cancellations in Formula 1, from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix to almost every event on the calendar outside of Europe when the season actually began. It did not, however, cancel production of the Netflix documentary series Drive to Survive, which was able to film throughout the shortened, rescheduled season. Netflix will debut the third season of the documentary series on its platform on March 19.

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      A quick teaser posted on the official F1 Twitter account hints at a season focused on the challenge of keeping a globe-trotting championship together in a year defined by new concerns and roadblocks. The in-weekend cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix, the day cars were set to take to the track in competition for the first time all season, will surely be a significant storyline early in the season, as will the race to get the championship back online on relatively short notice before the Austrian Grand Prix in July.
      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.

      In addition to COVID concerns, other major storylines for the season are likely to include AlphaTauri’s miraculous win at Monza, the massive fireball at Bahrain that injured Haas F1’s Romain Grosjean, and the lasting impact of a year of racing headlined by Lewis Hamilton, who spent 2020 fighting for justice and cementing his résumé as the greatest ever to race. Given how past seasons of Drive to Survive have gone, the hard-fought battle for third place in the championship—ultimately contested between McLaren, Racing Point, and Renault—should also be a major talking point.

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      SAIC Maxus V90 Villa Edition Adds Second Story to the Classic RV

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      If you’ve ever thought there should really be a way to enjoy #VanLife in an RV-based Transformer, look no further than the SAIC Maxus Life Home V90 Villa Edition.
      With a luxury bar and living space, an elevator, and an upstairs Zen tea room, the V90 Villa would certainly draw attention at the campsite, even though it looks relatively normal when it’s driving down the road.
      Unfortunately, this RV is meant for the China market, where it will sell for a little over $413,000.
      When thinking of way to make an RV larger, most people think longer. Some imagine a wider motorhome. But the Chinese engineers behind the SAIC Maxus Life Home V90 Villa Edition had a different idea: why not extend upward? They didn’t imagine just a simple pop-up roof, either, but a full-fledged upper level with a walk-out deck.

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      The two-story RV is full of surprises. When it’s in driving mode, the V90 Villa Edition looks like a fairly standard RV. But when it opens up, Transformers style, at the spot where you’re planning to spend the night, it becomes more than a tiny home on wheels. First, you can extend the V90 Villa’s pop-out sides, which give the main floor a total size of 215 square feet. This space includes the living room, kitchen, “luxury bar,” and bathroom.

      SAIC

      SAIC

      Upstairs, which you reach via elevator, you’ll find the second-level extension gives you another 133 square feet that can be used as an “open, sunlight room,” a Zen tea room, or a study, Maxus said, with windows that can transition from clear to opaque depending on your privacy needs. You can’t store large furniture up there, so the company website shows the space with lots of low tables and pillows.

      SAIC

      The V90 Villa Edition uses LED lighting in the taillights, as accent lights on the outside of the RV, and as a way to create a gentle atmosphere while you’re out on the upper deck. The interior living spaces can be outfitted with any number of convenience and luxury items, such as a JBL sound system, washing machine, kitchenette and air conditioner. There’s an app-driven infotainment screen in the dashboard with navigation. There’s also a pull-out cooking area behind the RV’s rear passenger-side wheel that can turn your campsite into a kitchen with an even better view.

      SAIC

      We will note here that the company website doesn’t feature any actual pictures of the V90 Villa Edition, just renderings, including one of a Level 4 autonomous drive lidar sensor on the top of the front end. That said, SAIC Maxus sells a wide variety of RVs in China and other versions of the V90 are pictured on the company website. The basic (i.e., non-Villa) edition of the Life Home V90 starts at the equivalent of $70,960, but according to New Atlas, the V90 Villa Edition starts at just over $413,000.

      SAIC

      This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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.

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      Get the Story behind This Custom-Painted McLaren 765LT

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      Road & Track will be chatting all things McLaren next week. Want in?
      For the next episode of Inside Track, the magazine’s virtual Q&A series, our friends at R&T are excited to welcome guests Andy Thomas, McLaren of the Americas VP, and Dave Shuten, renowned builder from Galpin Speed Shop, star of Discovery’s Car Kings, and artist behind this 765LT that appears on the latest cover of Road & Track. It’s all happening on Thursday, February 25, at 5:00 p.m. ET, and they’d love for you to join them.
      Register Here
      In this episode, Road & Track executive editor Dan Pund will sit down with Thomas and Shuten to discuss the custom-painted 765LT and the recent launch of the all-new Artura—a creation that draws together decades of McLaren’s pioneering expertise. If you want to see it all go down, head over to the dedicated sign-up page here.
      Inside Track is one of the many offerings of the newly revamped Road & Track. They’re hosting live events, virtual experiences, and adventures around the globe. They will also be hosting driving rallies at racetracks and on the most epic roads, holding discussions and debates on cool topics with some of the most influential people in the car world, and giving members the white-glove treatment at concours and auto show events.
      Plus, you can access McLaren’s global reveal of the Artura here and read all about the new car here.
      If you want to get in on the fun, become a member of The Track Club. You’ll get every issue of Road & Track magazine, plus a whole lot more. Find more details on the membership tiers and exclusive discounts at roadandtrack.com/join, and check out the full experiences lineup at experiences.roadandtrack.com.
      This content was provided by the Road & Track marketing team.

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      2021 Yamaha MT15 With New Attire Launched In Thailand

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      2021 Yamaha MT15
      International-spec MT-15 features an inverted front fork and an aluminium swingarm instead of conventional telescopic front forks and a box-section swingarm

      Yamaha has launched its entry-level naked streetfighter MT-15 in Thailand with new colour schemes which resemble its bigger, meaner and more powerful sibling MT-09. To be specific, the 2021 MT-15 is now offered in three paint options including Racing Blue, Matt Black and Metallic Gray.
      The good thing though, the Japanese bikemaker hasn’t increased the prices of the bike and is still offered at a price of THB 98,500 (equivalent to INR 2.38 lakh). All three colour variants feature the brand’s signature slanted stripes on its fuel tank like MT-09. And also sports the large MT logo on its tank shrouds.
      Difference between India-spec, Thai-spec MT-15
      One can also notice colour-coded stripes on its tail section too which are nicely complemented by colour-coded stripes on the wheel rims. This visual accentuates the sporty appeal of the naked motorcycle. In India though, consumers get Ice Fluo Vermillion, Dark Matte Blue and Metallic black as colour schemes. However, Indian customers get customisation options that let one opt from as many as eleven colour combinations.
      The Thai-spec model although comes with superior underpinnings. Its hardware setup features a more premium upside-down USD front suspension finished in golden colour along with an aluminium swingarm.
      2021 Yamaha MT15
      The India-spec model, on the other hand, sadly gets conventional telescopic forks at front and a box-section swingarm. Other features on offer in the Indian model include LED headlamps, LED taillights, a digital speedometer, disc brakes on both ends and single-channel ABS.
      Powertrain Specs
      MT-15 in Thailand comes with the same powertrain as the Indian version which features a Euro-5/BS6 compliant 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled four-valve motor. This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch and returns an output of 18.5 bhp at 10,000rpm and 14.7 Nm of peak torque at 8500rpm. The bike shares its underpinning, hardware and engine with its faired cousin R-15.
      Other Yamaha Models
      Yamaha has been busy launching updated products in Thailand. A few days ago, the Japanese brand launched its premium Maxi-styled scooter named Aerox 155. As the name suggests, it derives its power from the same 155cc engine which also drives MT-15 and R15.
      2021 Yamaha MT15
      Although, in Aerox this unit is slightly detuned and churns out 15.4 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 13.9 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Equipped with electronic fuel injection (EFI), this unit is linked to a traditional V-belt CVT to carry out transmission duties.
      The Japanese manufacturer has also registered a new trademark with the name FZ-X which is speculated to be the company’s upcoming adventure motorcycle in India. It is likely to be underpinned by the same platform as its quarter-litre sibling FZ25 and FZS25 and hence it is expected to be powered by the same 249cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. More

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      Komaki CAT Electric Two Wheeler Launch Price Rs 75k – Payload 350 kgs, Range 125 kms

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      Credot e-wheeler
      Komaki XGT CAT 2.0 boasts a load bearing capacity of 300-350 kgs, thanks to hydraulic shock absorbers on the rear

      Following recent launches of the Komaki TN95, Komaki SE and Komiaki M5, the Delhi based electric two wheeler maker has now introduced the new XGT CAT 2.0 heavy load carrier.
      Komaki XGT CAT 2.0 is being offered in two variants with Gel (72V42Ah) or a Li-Ion (72V30Ah) batteries and priced at Rs.75,000 and Rs.85,000 respectively. It is portrayed as a heavy loader with weight carrying capacity of 300-350 kgs and hence targets the commercial segment of buyers in the country.
      Load Bearing Capacity and Suspension
      Komaki XGT CAT 2.0 is fitted with highly efficient shock absorbers at the rear allowing for this added load bearing capacity. The scooter boasts of a rigid and tested iron body to take on the extra weight. It gets a convertible pillion seat that unfolds to offer added storage space while the front mounted carrier also allows for extra storage.
      Despite this high load factor, the e-scooter can still tackle Indian road conditions with ease. Its wide footboard also serves as space for extra baggage. Detailed first look walkaround of the Komaki electric two wheeler can be seen below.
      [embedded content]
      Komaki has fitted the scooter with highly efficient 6 spring assisted hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear allowing for stability even while taking on pot holes. Braking is via a dual disc braking system. On-board features include front LED headlamps, a digital instrument cluster, side mounted foot rests for rider and pillion rider and rides on 12 inch wheels fitted with tubeless tyres.
      The new Komaki XGT CAT 2.0 gets its power via two battery options. These include a 72V42 Ah Gel battery and a 72V30 Ah lithium-ion battery. These batteries take 1-1.5 units per charge and are capable of a range of around 125 kms with top speed pegged at between 25-30 km/h.
      Other offerings from Komaki
      Apart from the new Komaki XGT CAT 2.0, the company has three high-speed electric two-wheelers in India. The Komaki TN95 and SE are scooters while the M5 is a motorcycle. TN95 and SE are priced at Rs. 98,000 and Rs. 96,000 respectively. The M5 electric motorcycle carries a price tag of Rs. 99,000.
      Komaki Cat 2.0 Specs
      Komaki SE electric scooter which is fitted with a 3,000W BLDC motor paired with a lithium-ion battery. This scooter is offered in colour options of Garnet Red, Deep Blue, Metallic Gold and Jet Black. It receives features of LED headlamp with LED DRL, an all-digital instrument panel, USB mobile charger, anti-theft system, reverse assist and cruise control along with in built Bluetooth speaker. The new Komaki SE electric scooter offers a range of 100-140 kms on a full charge. Top speed is pegged at over 85km/h.
      Every scooter in the Komaki electric range undergoes a 3 stage quality check that assesses the raw material used, an in-process inspection in the semi assembled stage and the final inspection of the finished product. More

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      Royal Enfield Sales, Exports Break Up Jan 2021 – Classic, 650 Twins, Himalayan

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      Image – Debayan
      Royal Enfield has posted positive numbers in both domestic market and exports

      A total of 64,372 units were sold in domestic market in January 2021, which is modest YoY growth of 5.03%. Sales during the corresponding period last year stood at 61,291 units. In exports, numbers have more than doubled from 2,228 units in January last year to 4,515 units in January 2021.
      Royal Enfield domestic sales breakup – January 2021
      No surprises at number one, as Classic 350 continues to be the top selling motorcycle for Royal Enfield in domestic market. A total of 40,872 units were sold in January 2021, as compared to 40,834 units in January last year. YoY sales have grown marginally by 0.09%. Classic 350 share in sales is 63.49% in January 2021.
      Next is Bullet 350 with 11,570 units sold in January 2021. YoY growth is 21.04%, as compared to 9,559 units sold in January last year. Share in sales is 17.97%. Electra 350 is third with 5,431 units sold in January 2021. YoY sales are down -7.46%, as compared to 5,869 units sold in January last year. Electra share in sales is at 8.44%.
      At number four is Meteor 350 with sales of 5,073 units in January 2021. Launched in November last year, Meteor has emerged as a popular choice in 350cc segment. Meteor share in sales stands at 7.88% in January 2021. 650 Twins are next with 1,392 units sold in January 2021. YoY growth is 18.37%, as compared to 1,176 units sold in January last year. Share in sales is at 2.16%.
      Royal Enfield Domestic Sales Jan 2021
      At number six is Himalayan with 34 units sold in January 2021. YoY sales are down by -97.64%, as compared to 1,438 units sold in January last year. This massive drop is because Royal Enfield had temporarily suspended deliveries of Himalayan. It was done to ensure that customers can get the updated 2021 model. The updated model was launched earlier this month and deliveries have started.
      These numbers reveal that Royal Enfield’s 350cc motorcycles constitute the majority of the company’s sales. Taken together, Classic, Bullet, Electra and Meteor have close to 98% share.
      Royal Enfield exports breakup – January 2021
      Himalayan has the lead in exports with 1,819 units exported in January 2021. YoY growth is a whopping 583.83%, as compared to 266 units in January last year. 650 Twins is second with 1,200 units exported in January 2021. YoY growth is 4.90%, as compared to 1,144 units in January last year.
      Royal Enfield Exports Jan 2021
      At number three is Classic 350 with exports of 1,107 units. YoY growth is 155.07%, as compared to 434 units exported in January last year. Other motorcycles in the list are Classic 500 (184), Meteor 350 (184), Electra 350 (11), and Bullet 500 (10). With the exception of Meteor, all others have negative YoY growth. Thunderbird 350, Bullet 350 and Thunderbird 500 have zero exports in January 2021. More