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      New Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6 India Launch Likely In Early 2021

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      File photo.
      Due to heavy localisation, we do not expect Kawasaki to increase prices of BS6 compliant Ninja 300 by a huge margin

      Around this time last year, Kawasaki discontinued its entry-level offering Ninja 300 which complied with the now outdated BS4 emission norms. Now, after a year reports have emerged that Ninja 300 might make a return to Indian soil soon. As per Shifting-Gears, who first reported the news, the entry-level Ninja is expected to hit markets at the end of last quarter of current fiscal year 2020-21.
      This means it is expected to be launched early next year. The localised version of Ninja 300 was first launched in India two years ago. The bike with its affordable pricing went on to bring very good sales volume for the Japanese superbike maker.
      In 2018, components such as body panels, brakes, cables, tyres and headlights of Ninja 300 were localised. Come 2020, Team Green intends to localise the bike even further by locally assembling the engine. The company is currently working on involving more localised components within the powertrain. This could further help in bringing down its price.
      Expected Mechanicals
      Speaking of its powertrain, Ninja 300 derives its power from a 296cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel-twin engine. In its BS4 form, this unit kicked out 39 PS of power at 11000 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 10000 rpm and was linked to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch as standard.

      It is built on a tubular steel frame which is assisted by 37mm telescopic forks at front and a preload adjustable mono-shock. Anchoring duties are handled by a 290mm single disc upfront and a 220mm disc at rear complemented by dual-channel ABS as standard.
      It rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels with rubber profiles of 110/70 at front and 140/70 at front made by MRF. It tips the weighing scale at 179 kg and has a seat height of 785 mm. The updated Ninja 300 is likely to carry the same set of specifications.
      Design & Features
      The BS6 compliant Ninja 300 is also expected to sport the same styling as the India-spec model. Just like the other machines in the Ninja series, it features a sporty new gmass-forward, minimalist-tail design. It gets signature Kawasaki dual LED headlights and a new floating-style windscreen with a gap between cowl and windscreen. In terms of features, it will get a part-digital part-analog instrument cluster and heat management technology.
      Kawasaki recently unveiled the 2021 Ninja 250 in Japan which is expected to go on sale later this month. Globally, Ninja 250 is the entry-level offering for the Ninja range of bikes. However, in many international markets like India, the company has replaced the quarter-litre motorcycle with Ninja 300. Upon its launch, it is expected to rival the likes of KTM RC 390, TVS Apache RR 310.
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      Detel Launches India’s Cheapest BIS Helmet For Rs 699

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      India’s Cheapest BIS Helmet – Detel TRED
      Durable and affordable Detel Tred helmet launched in India to encourage rider road safety

      Two wheeler helmet manufacturers are keen on the inclusion of protective helmets as per BIS certification and publication of Quality Control Order (QCO). The conversation has been ongoing for years, and as per Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety’s order, a committee was formed to focus on lighter helmets in India that suit climatic conditions and are compliant.
      Committee members consisted of experts, doctors from AIIMS, and also BIS members. Following a detailed analysis in March 2018, a recommendation for lighter helmets was made, and accepted by the Ministry. The overarching principles are good quality and lighter helmets.
      India road safety and helmets
      Keeping in mind the high number of road fatalities, the need for helmet safety norms is a primary requirement. The situation is even more grim considering not all cases are reported correctly. The problem is further aggravated because of the poor quality of helmets in use. The number of two-wheeler users in India is high, and the number of people using unsafe helmets or not using helmets is equally high.
      Improper enforcement of traffic rules, and complete disregard for traffic rules further complicates the problem. A large number of motorcycle and scooter users find no merit in using a two-wheeler. The dialogue around the safety afforded by the sue of helmets needs to be commonplace, and a requirement through auditing bodies to ensure that unsafe helmets don’t make their way to the marketplace.
      Detel TRED
      The BIS mandate and stricter enforcement of traffic rules can help save lives. Detel has now launched an open face helmet, Tred at an affordable price tag to ensure safety for all. Available at a price of Rs 699, the BIS-certified helmet is designed for comfort, safety, and durability at an affordable price tag.
      The product is currently available on sale on the company website, and on Amazon. Bulk purchase orders are to be executed at B2BAdda. The Motor Vehicles Act mandates that manufacturers must offer two BIS-standard helmets with each two-wheeler purchased. Both rider and pillion are both at risk, and need to be safeguarded.
      Detel TRED BIS Helmet Features
      Helmets mandatory for pillion riders
      Built on advanced tech and with focus on quality for a safe helmet, the unisex product has been manufactured keeping in mind the everyday use of a rider. The helmet features a removable interiors aspect as per individual need. Chikpad and visor are easily detachable. Visor is scratch free and its head comes with a reflector for safety during night riding.
      Yogesh Bhatia, Founder, Detel says, “We sincerely appreciate Govt proposed initiatives for road safety. With helmets made mandatory for pillion riders, many customers rely on roadside poor-quality helmets which do not serve the purpose and pose a potential hazard to life. Being a fast growing helmet manufacturer, Detel ensures that the helmet is both economical and safe for its customers.” More

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      Hero MotoCorp Signs 10 Harley Davidson India Dealers Into Their Network

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      File Photo
      Hero will keep the premium Harley Davidson dream alive in India beginning at dealership level

      Harley-Davidson saw a steady dip in demand in the country. Dismal performance could be blamed on its high pricing along with wrong product portfolio and marketing strategy. Harley-Davidson paid higher attention to the more expensive cruiser bikes in the country while its competitors also offered more affordable and technologically advanced lineup in varying categories.
      This resulted in rival brand offerings appealing to a wider and more diverse segment of buyers in the country – and thus higher sales. For Harley, this resulted in the end of the road of their India operations.
      A few weeks after shutting down the only factory in India citing poor sales and mounting losses, and part of a move to restructure, Harley Davidson announced its association with Hero MotoCorp. The two bike manufacturers have signed a non-equity partnership through which Hero MotoCorp will sell the premium range of motorcycles under the Harley Davidson banner.
      This is not the first of its kind of such two wheeler tie-up. There is the BMW Motorrad-TVS partnership forged in 2013 to make mid engine premium bikes. Triumph of UK has partnered with Bajaj Auto to introduce mid-size motorcycle for India and global markets. There is also the KTM Husquvarna –Bajaj association wherein Bajaj Auto owns about 48% stake in KTM. Jawa, BSA, Yezdi and Mahindra are some of the oldest brands which are being brought to India by Classic Legends in partnership with Mahindra.
      File Photo.
      Hero – Harley Deal
      Getting back to the Hero MotoCorp partnership with Harley-Davidson, the Indian giant, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters in terms of volumes, will hold the boat steady here. Hero MotoCorp conducts its production operations via 8 manufacturing units out of which 6 are located in India while there are one each in Columbia and Bangladesh.
      Only last month it was announced how transition will progress. This included the announcement of a clear future path for current Harley-Davidson India dealers by year-end. All changes comes into effect from January 1, 2021.
      Since Harley’s departure in September 2020, dealers have discussed compensation packages on offer. Existing contracts expire at the end of 2020. Harley-Davidson Dealers Association is steadfast in its demand for fair-compensation for all dealers, representing all 33 Harley-Davidson outlets in India. Collectively, the brand bastions have been on a Blackfoot since Harley-Davidson announced withdrawal of independent operations in India, and announce its partnership with Hero MotoCorp.
      Considering the time-bound, take it or leave it situation on offer, 10 of 33 dealer partners have accepted terms to be a part of Hero MotoCorp’s dealership network. Meanwhile, dealers continue to wait to hear from Harley-Davidson on matters pertaining to adequate compensation. The on offer new dealership contracts being held off for 23 of the 33 dealers is indicative of how the situation isn’t beneficial to anyone.
      Harley Dealers Unhappy
      Hero MotoCorp is absorbing only 33 percent of dealers. The remainder are treading with uncertainty in regard to dealer partner investments and future business outlook. This includes the 10 who ‘will be coerced to act without receiving any benefit’. The plight of the 23 dealers who are not being approached by Hero MotoCorp to be a part of its dealership network is unknown. The association feels ‘that providing us with a fair deal is Harley-Davidson’s undeniable responsibility towards us’. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tata Nexon Electric Maintains No 1 Position – Sales Cross 2,200 Units

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      Image – Kajal
      Tata Nexon EV sales have a great showing in Sept-Nov 2020, to take total sales till date to 2.2k units.

      Tata Nexon EV sales have surpassed the 2,000 sales milestone. Of this, a 1000 units were sold in a matter of 3 months. In over 10 months since launch, Nexon EV sales accounted for 2,200 units as of November 2020 in the personal mobility front.
      In August 2020, Tata Motors rolled out its 1000th Nexon EV. The following 1000 units were retailed in the following 3 months (Sept-Nov 2020). Tata Motors says the car has a ‘compelling value-proposition’. For now, Nexon EV is the best-selling electric car in India. At present, Tata Motors leads the EV segment with 74 percent market share.
      Shailesh Chandra, President – Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “This is a moment of great pride for us and those working with us in our journey to accelerate the adoption of EVs in India. The Tata Nexon EV, since launch, has captured the imagination of the entire nation and has consistently led the way for the electric vehicle segment. Offering thrilling performance, connected drive experience with zero emissions and at an attractive pricing, the Nexon EV has found widespread acceptance among its customers.”
      Benefits of buying an EV
      Increase in demand for EVs is attributed to increased awareness, improved and available charging infra, government incentives, better customer understanding of EVs, and lower operating cost. Government support comes from registration benefits and road tax. Tata Motors hopes EVs are soon most desirable and a mainstream choice for vehicle users.
      Image – Prakash
      Tata Motors’ e-mobility ecosystem, Tata uniEVerse is curated to speed up EV adoption in India. This is achieved by leveraging strengths and experience of other Tata Group companies to foster a sustainable EV environment. The scope of Tata uniEVerse gives customers access to a suite of e-mobility offerings. this includes icharging solutions, innovative retail experiences and easy financing options.
      Advent of EVs in India
      Back in September 2020, the government’s EV procuring arm, Energy Efficiency Services (EESL) placed an order for 150 units of Tata Nexon EV and 100 units of Hyundai Kona EV. A shift in policy and outlook in recent years has seen EESL back the use of electric cars for the use of govt officials.
      EV adoption is now a multi prong strategy that’s been furthered through public transport needs as well as personal mobility. In the public service front, the focus lies on use of electric buses. Last mile connectivity bigwigs are engaged in building e-rickshaws.
      Electric scooters have taken the lead where it comes to personal mobility solutions. In the electric passenger car segment, choices for now are less than limited with the choice limited to Hyundai Kona, MG ZS EV, Mahindra eVerito and Tata Nexon and Tigor EV. While clubbed together as a handful of EVs available, the vehicles are vastly different when it comes to segment classification, and thereby budget. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Hyundai Kona Electric Recalled In India – Over Battery Fire Issues Reported Globally

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      File Photo.
      Hyundai Kona competes with other electric crossovers such as MG ZS EV and Tata Nexon EV in India

      While electric vehicles (EVs) have already established a wide footprint in many international markets, Indian consumers are still warming up to the idea of vehicles running on batteries and electric motors. However, since its technology is relatively new to the automotive world, we often get to see many defects come across with regards to EVs.
      Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) on Tuesday stated that they will be recalling 456 units of its electric crossover Kona. The company added that the selected models have been manufactured between 1 April 2020 and 31 October 2020.
      Cause of recall
      The South Korean automaker added that it initiated a recall to inspect the problem with its high-voltage battery system in its electric crossover. This is in line with cases of Kona Electric catching fire recently. As many as 13 such incidents have been reported in overseas countries including one each in Canada and Austria. It is being speculated that the high voltage battery system in Kona might be the reason behind this fire.
      Hyundai has assured its customers that all defects will be checked and resolved free of cost. It further added that all Kona Electric owners will be notified about this in a phased manner after which customers can bring their cars to their nearest authorized Hyundai Electric vehicle dealers.
      Hyundai Kona getting charged at the PlugNgo electric car charging station in Delhi
      Other Cases of recall
      The safety recall has been deemed as a proactive response to a suspected defective production of high-voltage batteries used in the vehicles. Similar cases of recall might be issued in other countries where the electric UV is retailed.
      This is not the first time that Kona Electric has been issued a recall. Earlier this year, the brand had issued a recall in regards to software updates and battery replacements. This recall involved Kona electric crossover manufactured between September 2017 and March 2020.
      Batteries used in Kona Electric are made by LG Chem Ltd. LG said that it has conducted a joint experiment with Hyundai to recreate fire but it did not. Therefore, the fire could not be attributed to faulty battery cells and so the exact cause of fire is yet to be known.
      Kona EV in India
      Hyundai launched its first EV offering in India in April 2019 at a price of Rs 23.7 lakh (ex-showroom). The electrified crossover UV is powered by a 39.2 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor which results in an output of 135 Bhp and 395 Nm of peak torque.
      It has an ARAI certified single-charge driving range of up to 452 km. Using a simple home AC charger, it takes around 6-10 hours for batteries to get fully charged. On using a DC fast charger it takes around 57 minutes for the battery to juice from 0 to 80 percent. More

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      Two Wheeler Sales, Exports Nov 2020 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Enfield, Suzuki, Yamaha

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      File Photo
      Most two wheeler brands in the country registered growth in November 2020 when compared to the same month of the previous year

      The festive season brought in some cheer, not only for carmakers in India but also for major two wheeler brands. Sales growth has been reported across the two wheeler segment by Hero, Honda, Bajaj, TVS and Royal Enfield while total YoY growth stood at 13.44 percent.
      However, the same could not be said about MoM growth where each of these manufacturers noted de-growth. This is a general trend wherein sales peak during the festive months and fall soon after.
      Two wheeler sales in November 2020 increased to 15,94,304 units, up 13.44 percent as against 14,05,389 units sold in November 2019. This was a 1,88,915 unit increase marked by rising need for personal means of travel and the fact that most buyers had put purchases on hold over the past several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MoM sales however dipped substantially by 19.93 percent with 19,91,260 units sold in Oct 20.
      Hero and Honda claim sales charts
      Hero MotoCorp sales surged 13.83 percent to 5,75,957 units in Nov 20, up from 5,05,994 units sold in Nov 19. The company commands a 36.13 market share. Strong demand was noted across all segment including the Splendor+ and HF Deluxe along with the Glamour, Super Splendor and Xtreme 160R. The Destini and Pleasure scooters also witnessed strong customer preference. When taking MoM sales into account, Hero MotoCorp noted a 21.37 percent de-growth as against 7,32,498 units sold in Oct 20. Hero MotoCorp exports declined by 3.6% to 15,134 units in Nov 2020.
      Two Wheeler Sales Sales Nov 2020 vs Nov 2019 (YoY) vs Oct 2020 (MoM)
      The Honda Activa helped the company post 10.54 percent growth in Nov 20. Total Honda two wheeler sales stood at 4,12,641 units, up from 3,73,283 units sold in the same month of the previous year while the company commands a market share of 25.88 percent. MoM sales however dipped 16.55 percent as against 4,94,459 units sold in Oct 20. Honda exports declined by 11% to 20,565 units.
      TVS Motor Company noted a 29.58 percent growth in domestic sales in the past month. Domestic two-wheeler sales stood at 247,789 units sold in Nov 20 as against 191,222 units sold in the corresponding period last year. MoM sales dipped 17.78 percent as against 3,01,380 units sold in Oct 20. TVS exports increased by 9% to 63,370 units.
      Two Wheeler Exports Nov 2020
      Bajaj Auto Limited was another two wheeler maker to note sales past the 1 lakh unit mark. Sales for Nov 20 stood at 1,88,196 units, up 6.73 percent as compared to 1,76,337 units sold in Nov 19 with a market share of 11.80 percent. However, when taking MoM sales into account, the company noted 29.94 percent de-growth as 2,68,613 units had been sold in domestic markets in Oct 20. Bajaj maintained position as No 1 two wheeler exporter with 18% growth – exporting almost 1.97 lakh motorcycles.
      RE, Suzuki and Yamaha Sales
      Royal Enfield noted sales growth, albeit marginally by 1.36 percent. Sales in Nov 20 stood at 59,084 units up from 58,292 units sold in Nov 19 while MoM sales dipped 11.67 percent with 66,891 units sold in Oct 20. The new RE Meteor 350 Meteor was launched in November in a total of three variants namely Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. The company had received over 8,000 bookings in two weeks of launch. Models such as the Royal Enfield Bullet 350, Classic 350, Himalayan, Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 also added to company sales.
      Lower down the order were Suzuki Motorcycle India and Yamaha. Suzuki clocked 5.63 percent de-growth in Nov 20 with 57,429 units sold as against 60,855 units sold in the same month of the previous year. Currently commanding a 3.60 percent market share, the company also noted de-growth in terms of MoM sales as 67,225 units had been sold in Oct 20.
      No
      2Wheeler Domestic
      Nov-20
      Nov-19
      1
      Hero (+14%)
      5,75,957
      5,05,994
      2
      Honda (+11%)
      4,12,641
      3,73,283
      3
      TVS (+30%)
      2,47,789
      1,91,222
      4
      Bajaj (+7%)
      1,88,196
      1,76,337
      5
      Royal Enfield (+1%)
      59,084
      58,292
      6
      Suzuki (-6%)
      57,429
      60,855
      7
      Yamaha (+35%)
      53,208
      39,406
      –
      Total
      15,94,304
      14,05,389
      The Japanese two wheeler brand Yamaha has noted its fifth consecutive month of YoY sales growth after the lockdown was announced earlier this year. Sales increased 35.03 percent in Nov 20 with 53,208 units sold as against 39,406 units sold in Nov 19. An 11.30 percent de-growth was noted in MoM sales as against 60,176 units sold in Oct 20.
      Forecasts indicate that there could be increased demand for two wheelers in the country in view of stronger rural sentiments, improved finance availability and a gradual progress in business and economic activities in the months ahead. More

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      2021 Ducati Monster Makes Global Debut – Gets Lighter, More Powerful

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      2021 Ducati Monster
      The 2021 Ducati Monster achieves a staggering weight saving of 18 kg

      Ducati’s fifth and the final episode of its World Premiere series has landed, and the star of the show is the all-new Monster. The famous Italian street fighter has clocked sales of over 350,000 so far and the latest iteration emerges to be even more appealing. Like the Multistrada V4 which debuted a few weeks ago, 2021 Ducati Monster benefits from a comprehensive overhaul.
      2021 Ducati Monster
      Ducati started out with a mission of preserving the Monster’s minimalism while modernizing the overall package. The end result is a sporty looking compact sportsbike with a new full LED headlamp (the DRL reminds us of the MG Agusta Brutale though), a new fuel tank with ‘Bison-Back’ profile, dynamically sweeping LED indcators and a simple tailpiece.

      The rake angle, handlebar position and foot peg position have been tweaked to offer better ergonomics. The new Monster is claimed to be easier to handle in tight spots. The standard seat height is 820 mm which can be lowered to 800 mm by means of an accessory. If that isn’t short enough, Ducati also offers a special suspension spring kit that lowers the entire motorcycle to offer a ride height of 775 mm.
      There is a Plus variant with a compact visor and pillion seat cover as standard fitment. The 2021 Ducati Monster is available in three colour options namely Ducati Red, Matte Black and Aviator Grey (with fluorescent red rims). The motorcycle still is instantly recognizable as a Monster but has a decidedly modern appeal.

      Improvements under the surface
      The new Monster is a completely different vehicle under the skin compared to its predecessor. The most significant change comes in the form of the aluminium front frame derived from Panigale V4. The component which only weighs 3 kg brings a massive weight saving of 4.5 kg and is bolted directly to the head stock thereby making the engine a stressed member. The rear sub-frame is made of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) which saves about 2 kg compared to the Monster 821.
      That’s not all. Ducati engineers have undertaken a massive light-weighting exercise by optimizing each and every component. The swing arm, rims, engine and frame together contribute to a massive weight saving of 18 kg compared to the outgoing Monster. With a dry weight of 166 kg, the new motorcycle should be a lot more agile than before.

      Specifications
      Keeping with the upsizing trend to comply with the Euro-5 emission norms, the 2021 Ducati Monster’s 11-degree Testastretta liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine now displaces 937 cc. The power and torque figures stand at 111 hp (2 hp more than 821) and 93 Nm. Ducati says that the motor offers better low- and mid-range torque performance. Service interval to check the valve clearance, called as the Desmo Service, is at 30,000 km. Transmission is a 6-speed unit.
      Specs
      Monster, Monster+
      Monster 1200, Monster 1200S
      Engine
      Testastretta L-Twin
      Testastretta L-Twin
      Displacement
      937cc
      1198cc
      Power
      111hp @9250 rpm
      147 hp @ 9250 rpm
      Torque
      94 Nm @6500 rpm
      123 Nm @ 7750 rpm
      Transmission
      6 speed
      6 speed
      Cooling
      Liquid
      Liquid
      Drive
      Chain
      Chain
      Frame
      Aluminum Front
      Tubular steel trellis
      Front Suspension
      43mm USD
      Fully adjustable KYB 43mm USD / Fully adjustable Öhlins 48mm
      Rear Suspension
      Linkage-assisted adjustable mono
      Linkage-assisted adjustable mono / Linkage-assisted adjustable Öhlins shock
      Tyres
      Pirelli Diablo Rosso III
      Pirelli Diablo Rosso III
      Front Tyre
      120/70 x 17
      120/70 x 17
      Rear Tyre
      180/55 x 17
      190/55 x 17
      Front Brake
      320 mm dual disc
      320 mm / 330 mm dual
      Rear Brake
      245 mm single disc
      245 mm single disc
      ABS
      Cornering-aware
      Bosch Cornering ABS
      Wheelbase
      1474mm
      1486mm
      Seat Ht
      820mm
      795 mm or 820 mm
      Fuel Tank
      14 liters
      16.6 liters
      Kerb wt (including liquids)
      188 kgs
      213 kgs / 210 kgs
      Price
      $11,895 / $12,195
      $14,995 / $17,795
      The 2021 Ducati Monster is equipped with upside-down telescopic front forks and rear monoshock. The Brembo braking system consists of a 320 mm twin front discs with 2-piston calipers and a single-disc at the rear with single-piston caliper. The naked sportsbike is shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires with a larger 180 mm section rear unit.
      Equipment
      The new Ducati Monster boasts of a comprehensive electronic system including cornering ABS and traction control system, Ducati Wheelie Control and Launch Control. The motorcycle also gets three riding modes – Sport, Touring and Urban which change the engine maps as well as settings of the electronic aids.
      The Monster 937 features a colour TFT instrument console which can adopt the optional Ducati Multimedia System for smartphone connectivity. The new Ducati should arrive in India sometime next year. More