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Morgan 3 Wheeler Is Dead, but It's Going Out with a Bang
The Morgan 3 Wheeler, which looks vintage but has been built only since 2011, is being discontinued early in 2021.
The company has already sold all 33 limited-run copies of the final P101 3 Wheeler, priced at $59,000 in four styles called Belly Tank, Aviator, Race Car, and Dazzleship (pictured above).
Morgan plans to bring back the 3 Wheeler with a European-emissions-compliant motorcycle engine in the near future.
While the Morgan 3 Wheeler is about as English as it’s possible to be without saying “Tally ho” or knowing the minor rules of cricket, this eccentric retro-trike has used an American heart since it was launched in 2011. Which is the reason it is about to retire, in its present form at least: the air-cooled S&S V-twin motorcycle engine is unable to meet forthcoming European emissions standards.2013 Morgan 3 Wheeler Tested: Three for the Road
2020 Morgan Plus 4: Unchanged since 1950
Morgan Plus Six Is a Window to the Past
The British sports-car maker has announced that production of the current 3 Wheeler will end early next year, with the celebratory edition wearing one of four eye-catching liveries to see it out in style. The company says that all 33 production slots of the limited run P101 have already been allocated, so if you want one you are too late.
While Morgan has four-wheeled models to sell in other parts of the world, the 3 Wheeler’s demise seems to raise an existential threat to the brand in America, where it has been the only vehicle that Morgan’s tenacious dealers have been able to offer for some time. The company has already told us it is hoping to bring its new BMW-powered aluminum-framed models to the U.S. under federal replica car legislation and we have already driven both the Plus Four and Plus Six in Britain. We’re also assured it will be launching a new three-wheeled model after what we’re told will be a brief gap, one that will be fully type approved for the U.S.
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.Next 3 Won’t Be an EV
This won’t be a version of the electric 3 Wheeler the company started work on a few years ago—the stylish EV3, which replaced the S&S motor with a 20.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack wrapped in stylish brass conductive cooling fins. That was canned before reaching series production, and although Morgan insiders say that electrification of all of its models will happen in the medium-term future, we’re told to expect the next-gen 3 Wheeler to launch with a combustion powerplant capable of passing European emissions, most likely a water-cooled motorcycle engine.View Photos
Morgan
The 21st-century 3 Wheeler was inspired by the cars that Morgan started out building more than a century earlier and became one of the company’s most successful models of all time, selling more than 2500 examples. (Morgan typically makes just 850 cars of all sorts a year.) We drove a 2013 3 Wheeler on a tour of some of California’s abandoned towns, a memorable story written by the late Davey Johnson that is well worth another read.
The runout P101 3 Wheeler gets disc wheels in place of wire spokes and Hella driving lamps which we’re told have been positioned carefully to reduce turbulence around the front suspension. Black or white paint is offered, with the option of one of four graphics packs: the Belly Tank is inspired by lake racers and features what is described as a “distressed effect”; the Aviator brings RAF bomber–inspired nose art; the Race Car brings stripes and roundels; and the Dazzleship, seen here, carries a version of the Art Deco patterns that were intended to disguise the size and course of British warships from enemy submarines.
Morgan admits it could easily have sold out a much larger allocation of the P101. We’re told that 10 will be coming to buyers in the U.S., with the trike’s official MSRP a hefty $59,000.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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Husqvarna 401 Spied With KTM Badge On Engine – Based On Duke 390
Husqvarna 401 Spied With KTM badge
While the Svartpilen is an urban tourer, the Vitpilen is termed as a cafe racerSwedish motorcycle brand Husqvarna set foot in India with the launch of its naked twins- Svratpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250. A couple of months earlier, we reported that Husqvarna will now launch their naked twins with upgraded engines in the form of Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401.
Recently, one of the twins was spotted testing outside Pune by automotive enthusiast Padmasinh Patil. It is to be noted that Husqvarna is a subsidiary of Austrian motorcycle brand KTM and both are manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s facility in Chakan near Pune in Maharashtra.
Powertrain & Transmission
Like their 250 siblings, the 401 Twins will also share its powertrains with its KTM Duke counterpart. Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 will borrow the same 373.2 cc single-cylinder cooled DOHC engine from Duke 390.
This motor produces 44 PS of power and 37.5 Nm of peak torque and is paired to a six-speed gearbox. This engine is known for its high compression ratio which results in such impressive output figures. The same unit is also employed in Bajaj Dominar 400. The test mule spotted, had Husqvarna badging on its right side and KTM badging on its left side.Coming to the test mule spied, it is difficult to predict exactly which model it is- Svartpilen or Vitpilen since it is wrapped in heavy camouflage. It is anyways difficult to differentiate between the two in terms of design. While Svartpilen is termed as an urban scrambler, the Vitpilen is looked on more as a cafe racer. The 401 twins will also share their underpinnings with 390 Duke.
Dynamics
Huskies 401 are expected to borrow major functional components from its KTM counterpart. While the Huskies serve as a more stylish option, the KTM Duke is a more racy motorcycle. Several mechanical parts like- suspension units- USD forks at front and adjustable mono-shock at rear; trellis frame structure and brakes are expected to be carried forward from Duke 390.Design & Features
Although the Indian-spec Huskies 401 are likely to sport some additional attributes to distinguish itself from its European-spec model. For instance, the India-spec model is expected to ditch spoked wheels available in Europe for alloy rims. Additionally, pillion grab rails will be installed to comply with the safety norms set by the Indian Government.In terms of features, standard features such as an all-LED lighting setup, ABS from Bosch and a fully digital instrument cluster is set to be carried forward from the 250 Twins. Svartpilen has been built as an urban explorer, it is set to be equipped with dual-purpose tyres. On the other hand, Vitpilen has been developed as a cafe racer with road-biased tyres.
The 401 Huskies were expected to hit showrooms towards the end of this year. However, it now seems unlikely and is expected to be launched early next year. One expects the 401 Husky Twins to be priced around Rs 20,000 lower than KTM 390 Duke which is offered at a price of Rs 2.58 lakh. Apart from their Austrian cousin, 401 Huskies will also lock horns with Bajaj Dominar 400, BMW G310R. Husqvarna sales in India are at about 700 units per month, while exports are at about 1,000 units. More - in Bike
Bajaj Pulsar Completes 20 Years – All Pulsar Variants Launched Till Date
First Bajaj Pulsar With the Latest Pulsar
Ever since launch in 2001, Pulsar has been the benchmark for sport commuter motorcycles in the Indian two-wheeler marketThe late 1980s and 90s two-wheeler segment was completely dominated by Bajaj Auto due to durable and reliable scooters. But as the century came to close popularity of manually geared scooters took a huge hit and were replaced by gearless scooters.
However, all buyers did not feel inclined to an automatic scooter that was referred to as underbone. This is when motorcycles started making a resurgence. Lightweight commuter motorcycles were already present in huge numbers in the market. What was missing was a sporty commuter bike which was not only practical but also gave the pleasure of motorcycling to a certain extent.
Bajaj Pulsar 2001 to 2006
This is when Bajaj introduced the first sporty commuter motorcycle in the form of Pulsar which was to become a household name in the Indian two-wheeler market in future. Motorcycles prior to this were mostly on the extreme sides- some provided excellent performance while others returned a praiseworthy economy. Pulsar, however, was the best of both worlds.
2001-2003: Introduction of a whole new segment of motorcycles
First introduced in 2001 as 150cc and 180cc derivatives of it, this bike featured a retro classic design with a rounded headlamp and a tall-riding position and caught the attraction of many. Behind this pleasing design was a strong engine which put out a powerful performance at an output of 12 bhp and 15 bhp for the 150cc and 180cc versions respectively. Both units came mated to a 5-speed gearbox a rarity until then.
Bajaj Pulsar 2007 to 2011
The first major update came in 2003 with the birth of the iconic headlamp fairing and twin pilot lamps. Not only was the design updated but Bajaj introduced its very own DTS-i Digital Twin Spark Ignition technology along with a kill switch for the first time. This resulted in an increase in power output. Therefore, this update made it look more appealing as well as made it punchier than before.
2004-2007: Major updates turned commuter bikes fun to ride
The next update came a year later when Bajaj introduced 17-inch alloy wheels to the Pulsar. It also adopted twin Nitrox suspension and a patented exhaust technology. This was followed by one which is considered to be one of the biggest updates till date. In 2006, Pulsar got an all-digital speedometer which made it the first bike in India to display speed in numbers, instead of needles. Backlit switches also added to the convenience of riders. The design got sharper with edgier body styling and wolf-eyed’ twin pilot lamps.
Bajaj Pulsar 2012 to 2016
Following year was another milestone for the Pulsar family as Bajaj entered into the sports bike segment with the introduction of 200cc and 220cc bikes. Pulsar 200 and Pulsar 220-Fi were launched. The former was launched with an oil-cooled engine and carried a muscular styling. The latter came with a fuel-injected motor which would later prove to be so significant in stricter emission norms. Clip-on handlebars and a faired design also lent it a sports bike look.
2009-Present: Expansion of Pulsar Range of Bikes
In 2009, Bajaj introduced a lighter and smaller 135cc derivative of Pulsar called Pulsar 135 LS although it couldn’t spread the same magic as its peers. In 2012, Pulsar saw another major update when Bajaj introduced its Naked Sports range of motorcycles. The first bike under this was Pulsar NS200 which used a 200cc Liquid-cooled, DTS-i, triple spark engine. For the first time in this segment, a motorcycle used a liquid-cooled engine. The NS range further expanded with the introduction of NS160 in 2017.
Bajaj Pulsar 2018 – 2019
In 2015, Bajaj launched another Pulsar range with a focus on track friendly machines. This led to the birth of RS range with the introduction of RS200 in which ‘RS’ stood for Racing Sports and became the quickest Pulsar to be made till date as it could touch speeds beyond 150 kmph. It was launched with a fully-faired body and came to a six-speed gearbox.
The next big landmark came in 2018 when Bajaj launched the smallest and the most affordable Pulsar in the form of Pulsar 125. It sported the exact styling of its elder sibling Pulsar 150. It was powered by a 124cc engine and received neon coloured highlights for better visual appeal. More - in Bike
Royal Enfield Meteor Vs Honda CB350 Exhaust Sound Compared While Riding
Image – Abhinav Bhatt
Both Meteor 350 and H’Ness CB350 have distinct exhaust notes and both have been appreciated by audiencesWe have covered both the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Honda H’Ness CB350 quite extensively ever since they were launched. These two motorcycles have been compared to each other in many different aspects such as their real-world performance, highway performance, acceleration test and even their service costs.
It’s now time to compare an inherent quality of these motorcycles, something which has been a point of attraction for both these bikes- their exhaust notes. Now, Royal Enfield has always been known for its classic thump which gave it its famous recognition in a neighborhood. Does it still sound the same or does Honda stake a claim here?
A video, uploaded by Abhinav Bhatt on YouTube shows the comparison between exhaust notes of the two motorcycles. The vlogger rides both bikes individually one after another to give us an idea of what these bikes actually sound like.
While many might have heard these exhaust notes individually when tested side by side it gives us a difference in sounds of the two exhausts. Abhinav has ridden the two bikes on the same road, in the same manner, giving us a better idea at how the two bikes actually sound while riding in similar conditions. Take a look at the video below.
[embedded content]
Meteor 350 Exhaust Note
We already know that both are completely new bikes with brand new powertrains. Starting with Royal Enfield, this new generation 350cc engine is starkly different from the previous UCE 350 engine present. The prime difference being the use of an overhead camshaft (OHC) setup instead of a traditional pushrod setup. While the former has many benefits it dilutes, Royal Enfield’s signature ‘dug dug’ sound has been diluted which is a damper for many.
The engine is definitely quieter and refined thanks to the addition of a counter balancer shaft. This has also led to a reduction of vibrations quite considerably, therefore improved ride and handling. The exhaust note is a lot more pleasant and linear thump to it which would definitely lure young riders. Although its signature thump has not completely vanished and one can still get the same feel by the number of exhaust options offered by the company.
Honda CB350 Exhaust Note
On the other hand, Honda CB350 does remind us of an old school Royal Enfield motorcycle to some extent. It has that robust and raw thump of a retro motorcycle which older RE bikes were known for. In other words, traditional Royal Enfield lovers would like the sound of CB350 more than that of Meteor 350. However, by no means does this engine sound crude in any way and is equally refined as its nemesis.
Powertrain, Transmission Details
Meteor 350 is powered by a new 349 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine which returns an output of 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. This unit is mated to a new 5-speed gearbox. The CB350, on the other hand, is powered by a 348.36cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine which makes 20.8hp at 5,500rpm and 30Nm at 3,000rpm. It is paired with a 5-speed gearbox as well. More - in Motor News
We Tested 7 Handheld Vacuums for Cars and Picked Our Favorites
From brands like Bissell, Dyson, and Shark, these are some of the best—and worst—cordless handheld vacs you can buy today. More
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Honda Activa 6G Brown Colour Celebrates 20th Anniversary – Price Rs 1,500 More
Honda Activa 20th Anniversary Edition
A lot has changed in 20 years but Honda Activa continues to dominate scooter salesHonda Activa has carved a niche for itself in the Indian two wheeler industry, and has continued to build on its workhorse for over two decades now. Activa’s successful 20-year run has seen over 2 crore Indian customers.
The big 20 milestone is being celebrated with a special 20th anniversary edition Activa 6G. Over the years, HMSI has continued to upgrade Activa to ensure it stays relevant in the changing fcae of the two-wheeler industry here. This includes Combi-Brake System in 2009, Honda Eco Technology (HET) in 2013, and enhanced Smart Power (eSP) tech among other inputs in the 2020 Activa 6G.
Atsushi Ogata, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “The legend was born 20 years ago, when Honda realized The Power of Dreams of India with its debut model – Activa.”
Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Delighting lacs of new customers every month, Activa is the torch bearer of India’s two wheeler industry.”
Honda Activa 6G Prices – Nov 2020. AE = Anniversary Edition
Matte Mature Brown colour and gold bits
The specially curated 20th anniversary edition is available in a brand new Matte Mature Brown colour with distinctive gold embossed logos. For Honda, the 20th anniversary edition is as precious as gold.
It sports matte mature brown rear grab-rails, shiny embossed 20th year anniversary logo, and a special golden Activa logo. The front has new stripes, and front and rear tyres have black steel wheels. Inner cover and seats are finished in brown. The crankshaft is in black cover.20th anniversary edition Activa 6G
Cosmetic changes are galore to ensure the celebration is visible at all times. The BSVI engine is one that was worked on recently. Powered by eSP, the scooter feature 26 patent application inputs and advancements. The 110cc PGM-FI HET (Honda Eco Technology) engine returns 10 percent increased mileage.
The engine returns 7.68 hp power at 8,000 rpm, and 8.79 Nm torque at 5,250 rpm mated to a CVT. eSP and Honda ACG starter make for a silent start. Telescopic suspension and increased ground clearance improve ride quality over rough roads. Engine start/stop switch, easy to access external fuel lid through the integrated dual function switch, and bigger 12-inch front wheel are all new additions.20th anniversary edition Activa 6G is being despatched from today, and is available in 2 variants (Standard & Deluxe) at a price of Rs 66,816 for Standard, and Rs 68,316 for Deluxe (ex-sh, Gurugram, Haryana). This is at a small premium over the regular variants, wherein Standard is available at a price of Rs. 65,419, and Deluxe trim at Rs. 66,919. (Rs 1,500 more for the anniversary edition).
Honda Activa sales far exceed segment sales, and puts it at a spot that sees it outnumber bestselling motorcycles too. The Indian two wheeler market is dominated by motorcycle sales with Honda Activa being an exception. More - in Bike
Yamaha FZ25 Avengers Edition Unveiled – Captain Marvel, Black Panther
Yamaha FZ 25 Avengers Edition – Captain Marvel
Apart from Marvel superhero-inspired liveries and body decals, there have been no changes made on these special edition models from YamahaWell, if you are Marvel fan and have some interest in automobiles then it could be the best time for you. Recently, TVS Motor company introduced a special edition model of its power scooter called Ntorq Avengers Edition which took every Marvel fanboy by surprise.
This time it’s Yamaha’s turn to replicate something similar. Yamaha has launched its most popular quarter-litre motorcycle FZ25 in a Marvel-inspired Limited Editions model in Brazil. The FZ25 is popularly known as Fazer 250 in the South American country.
Yamaha FZ 25 Avengers Edition – Black Panther
Superheroes On Offer
The Avengers Edition of FZ25 has been offered in two themes- Captain Marvel and Black Panther. Apart from this, the Japanese bikemaker has launched a similar special edition model of its dual-purpose motorcycle Lander 250 which gets Captain America inspired colour scheme.
All three motorcycles get superhero-inspired liveries and decals on their body panels. The FZ25 comes with matching rims whereas the Lander 250 misses out on this design attribute.Interestingly, Yamaha FZ25 Avengers Edition has been priced at 18,090 Brazilian Real which roughly translates to INR 2.45 lakh and is Rs 4200 cheaper than the standard model. On the other hand, the Lander 250 is retailed at 19,290 Brazilian Real, which is around INR 2.62 lakh. Other than the change in body graphics, there has been no update on these bikes either aesthetic or mechanical.
Features & Mechanicals
The latest BS6 compliant FZ25 received a minor makeover earlier this year which brought an updated front face. Its wide range of equipment consists of an LED headlamp, digital instrument console, dual-channel ABS and a side-stand engine cut-off switch to name a few.In terms of powertrain, it draws its power from a 249cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled with an oil cooler, SOHC engine which puts out 21.5PS of power at 8000rpm and 20.59Nm of peak torque at 6500rpm. In comparison, the India-spec version generates 20.8PS at 8000rpm of power and 20.1Nm of torque at 6000rpm. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox.
Apart from these special edition models, Yamaha also offers R15 V3 derived NMax 160 in special Star Wars Edition in two colour variants: Galactic Empire and Alliance Rebel. The Marvel Edition FZ25 will surely attract a lot of younger audiences in our country if launched. However, there is no official word from the Japanese brand regarding this. Meanwhile, the manufacturer recently launched a colour customisation option for MT-15 in India which lest a buyer choose from 11 different colour combinations. More
