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      in Bike

      Harley Davidson India To Reveal Updated Dealer Network By Dec 2020

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      Harley Davidson Motorcycles India
      Existing Harley Davidson India dealer network will remain active till 31st Dec

      Harley-Davidson India customers have received communication from the company to assure them of what 2021 and beyond will look like. For starters, the company is working closely with Hero Motocorp to ensure a continued and hassle-free customer experience starting next year.
      For now, all aspects of owning a Harley-Davidson are continuing just as they have until now. This includes accessories, gear, HOG activities, warranty, and service. All such, inclusions that are currently active will continue seamlessly from January 2021 in a renewed setup.
      Current Harley Davidson dealers will operate until December 31, 2020. The updated dealership and service network that will be operational in the new year will be commented before the end of 2020.
      Harley Davidson customer outreach
      The company remains engaged with Hero MotoCorp to ensure the Harley-Davidson experience isn’t affected. All concerns related to transitioning are a foremost thought at the company, and as updates are available, the same will be communicated with customers. Harley Davidson will continue to bring new motorcycles to the country. Such details will be communicated closer to launch date.
      Hero will take care of Harley Motorcycle Sales and Service in India
      Parts and accessories requirements will be available to order at dealers, and can be checked at the nearest dealer. The Financial Services Team will continue with customer Planned Maintenance Programme, and Extended Warranty.
      The association between both manufacturers and for long been one of a guessing game. Prior to the confirmation a few weeks earlier, Harley Davidson’s expected association meant all major names in the country were up for discussion. Despite rumours no formal announcements were forthcoming.
      It’s only in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic that Harley’s Davidson’s Indian business arm has been laid bare and geared the brunt of rapid and extreme sales contraction. Limitations that led to the situation had long been burying its claws deep into Harley Davidson’s ability to have a sustainable business plan in India.
      Harley Davidson India business model
      When exiting its sales and manufacturing operations in India, the company said this is part of a company-wide 5-year restructuring plan to rewire, focus on high-priority markets, and streamline its product lineup. It’s Bawal assembly plant has been responsible for assembling the few 1,000 units the manufacturer sold each other. Being a ‘complete knock-down’ (CBU) assembly plant means parts and components were shipped from US, and assembled here for India.
      The allure and premise of Harley Davidson in India has always been an expensive one, and its business model didn’t help in achieving a more price efficient system. Even though the company did go on to make smaller engine bikes for the lock market, that too found few takers and wasn’t transformative in terms of converting buyers as the company had hoped. More

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      in Bike

      Kawasaki W175 Sub 200cc Motorcycle Spied In India For First Time

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      Kawasaki W175 Spied in Pune
      The Kawasaki W175 is likely to adopt an electronic fuel injection system to comply with BS6 emission standards

      It seems the Japanese brands are suddenly interested in the Indian retro-classic roadster segment where homegrown Royal Enfield has a near-monopoly. Honda just introduced the H’ness CB350 which was specifically developed for India. Now, Kawasaki is gearing up to introduce its W175 compact displacement roadster in the country.
      Kawasaki W175
      A test mule of the Kawasaki W175 has been spotted for the first time in India, bolstering the previous reports that the company is considering it for our market. When launched, the W175 will be the most affordable model in the brand’s Indian lineup.
      With its utterly simply design characterized by a circular headlamp, slender fuel tank and a long saddle, the Kawasaki W175 oozes classic appeal. Interestingly, there is not a lot of chrome, and that is a good thing. A simple mud-guard mounted taillight, spoke wheels, fork gaiters and single-pod instrument cluster further add to the motorcycle’s old-school appeal.
      Specifications
      Just like its modest design, there is nothing particularly special about the Kawasaki W175’s technical specifications. Power comes from a single-cylinder, air-cooled 177 cc engine which breathes via a carburetor in markets like Indonesia and Philippines. However, the BS6 emission norms in India is likely force the motorcycle to adopt electronic fuel injection.
      Kawasaki W175 Spied in Pune
      In its carebureted avatar, the motor produces a sedate 13.05 hp and 13.2 Nm of torque. The motorcycle employs a 5-speed gearbox. With a kerb weight of 126 kg, the Kawasaki W175 is a light roadster which targets people who prefer a relaxed and unhurried riding style.
      The motorcycle is equipped with telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers, a single front disc and rear drum brake. The India-spec version will be equipped with a single-channel ABS.
      India launch
      The Kawasaki W175 is most likely to be assembled locally but we doubt if the company can match the localization levels of its intended rivals. With an estimated price tag of around INR 1.40 lakhs (ex-showroom), the classic Kawasaki will have a lot of modern, better equipped and more powerful rivals to fend off.
      It will lock horns with the likes of Honda Hornet 2.0, TVS Apache RTR 200, Hero Xtreme 160R, and so on. The motorcycle would be hoping to take advantage of the residual brand recall Kawasaki has in the Indian small displacement market. It would be a positioned as a brand shaper rather than a full fledged volume generator. Kawasaki’s relatively limited dealership network would also make it challenging to realize the W175’s full potential.
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      KTM 250 Adventure Launch Price Rs 2.48 L – EMI Starting From Rs 5.5k

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      KTM 250 Duke vs Adventure – The Bucket List
      The new KTM 250 Adventure will get a digital LCD instrument panel with all essential readouts

      KTM India has launched new 250 Adventure motorcycle in India. It is the company’s latest entry level offering in the ADV lineup. Bookings have officially opened today. Initial examples have moved into company dealerships. Price starts from Rs 2,48,256, ex-sh, Delhi. EMI scheme is also on offer, starting from Rs 5,500.
      At this price point, the new KTM 250 Adventure is cheaper than the 390 ADV by about Rs 57k while it is more expensive than the Duke 250 by approx Rs 40k. It is also only slightly cheaper (by Rs 8k), than the more powerful KTM RC 390. All prices are ex-sh.
      The new KTM 250 Adventure is powered by a 248.8 cc engine that also powers the 250 Duke. This single cylinder, liquid cooled engine offers 29.6 hp power at 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm torque at 7,000 rpm mated to a 6 speed gearbox.
      In terms of design, the KTM 250 Adventure entry-level adventure-tourer images have surfaced online giving us an ideal of some changes in terms of design elements. It will receive halogen lamps with LED DRLs and will sit on 19 inch front and 17 inch rear wheels fitted with MRF Mogrip Meteor FM2 tubeless tyres. Below is a detailed ride and first impression review of KTM D250 Adventure by The Bucket List.
      [embedded content]
      For better touring and off roading facilities, the 250 Adventure receives 858mm seat height. It will also receive sculpted 14.5 liter fuel tank, knobby tyres, high set handlebars and short tail with an upswept exhaust. Dry wt is at 156 kgs.
      LCD instrument cluster and not TFT display
      Based on the KTM 390 Adventure, the new 250 Adventure will borrow several design elements from its elder sibling, but will miss out on a full colour TFT display. It will instead receive an LCD instrument cluster which looks like a completely new unit.
      This new black and white cluster will miss out on smartphone/Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation but will offer information on gear lever position, clock, tachometer, odometer, trip meter and warning texts.
      Suspension is via 43mm WP forks in the front and monoshock set up at the rear. Braking will be handled by 320mm disc brake in the front and 230mm disc brake at the rear. It will not receive traction control system and ride-by-wire system and its only riding aid will be via switchable ABS with off-road mode. It will compete with the Hero Xpulse 200 and BMW G 310 GS in this segment.
      Add more to your Adventure – A wide array of KTM PowerParts has been specifically designed to further enhance the aesthetics and performance of the KTM 250 Adventure. The list of KTM PowerParts for the KTM 250 Adventure includes GPS brackets, radiator protection grill, crash bungs, headlamp protection and handlebar pads. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Hummer Electric SUV Unofficially Revealed During Investor Meet

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      Hummer Electric SUV
      General Motors had revealed its plan for reviving the ‘Hummer’ moniker some time back in a fully electrified avatar

      GMC officially unveiled the first part of its highly ambitious project of fully electrified vehicles last month. The Hummer electric pick-up truck revealed that it has nothing to do with its predecessors and it is indeed a start of a new revolution by the American auto giant.
      Now, GMC has unofficially given us a sneak peek at the second part of this mega project- Hummer Electric SUV and visually it shares a lot of commonalities with its sibling. Images of the SUV were inadvertently revealed during an investor conference recently.
      Common Design & functionalities
      The SUV prototype is seen parked behind the company’s presenter’s, Executive Vice President, Doug Parks and CEO Mary Barra. The long roof derivative of the Hummer EV seems to be a near final production-spec model.
      The SUV shares its front end and bloated fenders with the pickup truck model while its overall silhouette is identical to the latter. It also shares the blacked-out roof and white colour scheme from the pick-up truck revealed earlier which is the limited-edition first-year Edition-1 model.
      Hummer Electric SUV Teaser
      Edition 1 Hummer EV went on sale a few days back and was completely sold out for the entire year in a few moments. As expected, the SUV is essentially the pickup truck rebadged with a permanent roof over the bed area. In all probability, the SUV version will share most of its features and mechanicals with its SUT sibling. This means the SUV will carry similar design elements such as center LED headlights with each letter of ‘HUMMER’ embossed in individual panels.
      Expected similar 35-inch alloy wheels with the option of 37-inchers like the military Humvees. Rear of the SUV has not been revealed yet but expect it to be in line with the design of Hummer electric pick-up truck so is the case with its interiors. It is also expected to be provided with a body-armour underneath to protect it from all sorts of damages which is set to protect the vehicle essentials while venturing off the tarmac.
      Functionalities of the pick-up truck too are also set to be retained in the SUV with a large central screen and a digital gauge cluster. It is offered with tonnes of off-roading features which enhances its off-roading prowess, the highlight being a ‘crab walk mode’ which enhances its maneuverability on a tricky path by moving diagonally.
      Expected Launch
      Hummer Electric SUV is also likely to draw energy from General Motors’ all-new Ultium batteries paired to a three-motor setup. This powertrain can generate up to a humongous 1000 bhp and 15,600 Nm of torque. While GMC has already revealed that the pickup truck will be launched late next year, the SUV will be made available a year later in 2022 as a 2023 model.
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      in Bike

      Royal Enfield Sales, Exports Oct 2020 – Classic, Bullet, Himalayan, 650 Twins

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      Royal Enfield Classic 350
      Royal Enfield sold a total of 62,858 motorcycles in domestic markets in October 2020, witnessing a decline of 6.93 percent

      Royal Enfield, with its motorcycle range that includes the likes of the Bullet 350, Classic 350, Himalayan, Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650, noted dip both in domestic sales and exports in October 2020.
      When taking into account total sales (domestic + exports), the company sold 66,891 units in the past month, down 7 percent as against 71,964 units sold in the same month of the previous year.
      Domestic sales dipped 6.93 percent to 62,858 units, down from 67,538 units sold in Oct 19 while exports dipped to 4,033 units, down 8.88 percent as against 4,426 units sold in the same month of the previous year. The company’s market share in the two wheeler segment in India stood at under 4 percent during the past month.
      Classic 350 Best Selling RE
      In terms of domestic sales, it was seen that the Classic 350 commanded a major chunk of total sales along with the Bullet 350 and Electra 350. Classic 350 sales increased 7.75 percent to 41,953 units in the past month, commanding a 66.74 percent share while Bullet 350 sales dipped 27.51 percent with share of 17.82 percent.
      Royal Enfield Oct 2020 Domestic Sales
      Electra sales also noted a significant increase of 14.11 percent to 6,405 units in Oct 20, up from 5,613 unit sold in Oct 19. The Himalayan and 650 Twins – Interceptor and Continental GT also contributed 1,791 units and 1,506 units to domestic sales.
      The TB 350, Bullet 500, Classic 500 and TB500 which were on sale in the past year. But have not been on sale since BS6 was implemented in India since April 2020. However, the Classic 500 continues to be exported to global markets.
      Royal Enfield Oct 2020 Exports
      Where exports were concerned, it was the RE 650 Twins that noted the maximum sales despite de-growth. 1,571 units of these two bikes were exported, down 44.78 percent as against 2,845 units exported in Oct 19. There was a surge in demand for the Classic 350 with exports increasing to 906 units, up 642.62 percent over 122 units exported in the same month of the previous year. The Classic 500 noted a 67.14 percent increase in exports to 712 units, up from 426 units exported in Oct 19.
      No
      RE Domestic
      Oct-20
      Oct-19
      1
      Classic 350
      41,953
      38,936
      2
      Bullet 350
      11,203
      15,454
      3
      Electra 350
      6,405
      5,613
      4
      Himalayan
      1,791
      1,172
      5
      650 Twins
      1,506
      1,724
      6
      TB 350
      0
      4,108
      7
      Bullet 500
      0
      49
      8
      Classic 500
      0
      391
      9
      TB 500
      0
      91
      –
      Total
      62,858
      67,538
      RE Meteor 350 a recent addition
      Earlier this month Royal Enfield launched the new Meteor 350 in India. It is priced from Rs.1.76 lakhs and presented in three variants of Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. The Meteor 350 is positioned on a new J platform and takes the place of the new defunct Thunderbird X. It sports some similarities in its design but gets a new engine. The 350cc air cooled, single cylinder engine makes 20.2 hp power and 27 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed gearbox. More

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      in Motor News

      2021 Lincoln Nautilus Gets a Vastly Redesigned Interior, New Tech

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      The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has gained a revamped interior, including a 13.2-inch infotainment screen equipped with Ford’s new Sync 4 technology.
      The dashboard is redesigned with a multi-level look, with luxurious materials running horizontally across the front of the interior.
      The Nautilus is slated to reach dealers early next year.
      Don’t judge the new Lincoln Nautilus by its exterior; inside, the 2021 Nautilus sports a new and upgraded look which it draws from Lincoln’s other SUVs, including the Aviator and Corsair. Giving the interior this improved and more luxurious look is the standard 13.2-inch infotainment screen surrounded by more refined materials.

      2019 Lincoln Nautilus Improves on the Former MKX

      Updated 2021 Lincoln Nautilus to Debut November 20

      The new infotainment screen—the largest among Lincoln’s lineup—is powered by Ford’s new Sync 4, a system which is making its way across Ford’s lineup, luxury or otherwise. Sync 4 supports over-the-air updates and cordless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and in the Nautilus, it allows drivers to use their phones as keys.
      Lincoln has dropped the old dashboard in the Nautilus in favor of a multi-level one with luxurious materials, giving the SUV’s interior a stronger sense of refinement. The space below the infotainment screen sees the biggest change, as that cluster of buttons has been cleaned up and the plastic has gained a more polished look that matches the rest of the changes to the dashboard. The gearshifter has also been moved from its vertical position to just below the infotainment screen and now takes the piano-key form that Lincoln has introduced across its lineup.

      View Photos

      Lincoln

      The exterior does get a small update—albeit one not indicative of what’s inside—including dropping the left and right front lower air intakes. The engine options remain the same for 2021, which include the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque and the available 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.
      The 2021 Nautilus will go on sale early next year and we expect to get pricing information closer to when it reaches dealers.
      This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

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      in Bike

      Ather 450X Electric Scooter First Batch Delivered To Customers

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      Ather 450X Electric Scooter
      Hero MotoCorp currently holds maximum shares of Ather Energy at 37.84 percent followed by Sachin Bansal at 20.69 percent

      Ather earlier this year has launched a new line of products including 450X and 450 Plus. A couple of weeks ago, the e-scooter brand discontinued the standard 450 after the last of its unit rolled out of the assembly line in September. The company is now back in the headlines as first phase of deliveries of the Ather 450X electric scooter has already started.
      What’s more exciting is that customers who had booked their 450X in its initial stages after its launch at the start of this year, i.e., prior to 28 January 2020 will be eligible to upgrade their bookings to a limited-run 450X Series 1 Collector’s Edition at no extra cost. This special edition model of e-scooter comes with translucent body panels that reveal its cast aluminum chassis and trellis framework.
      Expansion of Ather network
      “Electric vehicles are here to stay and Ather Energy is playing a leading role in driving this change”, said Tarun Mehta, Co-founder and CEO, Ather Energy. He further went on to add that post the successful launch of its new product line, Ather is now looking forward to delivering the vehicles and seeing them across all cities.
      The startup will be expanding its footprints to new centers across the country including Ahmedabad, Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kolkata in coming days. The company also plans to install Ather Grid in each of the new places. Ather had initially started its operations in two cities- Bengaluru and Chennai.
      Ather 450X Electric Scooter First Batch
      Recently, the startup also revealed that it will be shifting its production base to Hosur in Tamil Nadu in order to meet the high prospective demands in coming years. This new manufacturing facility will be designed to roll out 1 million electric scooters every year.
      Ather 450X details
      Series 1 Collector’s Edition of 450X has already started shipping to dealers across the country, images of which have leaked online. The 450X is powered by a 2.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is paired with an electric motor generating 6kW/28 Nm and can return a single-charge range of 116 km. It has been priced at Rs 1.59 lakh (ex-showroom).
      Ather Energy, India’s first intelligent electric scooter manufacturer has received a fresh bout of investment amounting to $35 million which roughly translates to Rs 260 crore. In its latest round of Series D investment Sachin Bansal has invested a total of $23 million which when converted to INR translates to over Rs 170 crore.
      Bansal has been backing the Bengaluru-based electric scooter startup since its inception in 2014 as an Angel investor when it contributed $0.5 million. The latest investment takes Bansal’s contribution towards Ather Energy to $53 million. The other major investment in the latest Series D was made by Hero MotoCorp in the form of $12 million (or INR 90 crore). More

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      in Bike

      New TVS Apache 200 Arrives In Showroom – Ride Modes, Top Speed

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      Image – Biker Babu
      TVS Motor has just launched an updated Apache 200 with first in segment features like ride modes

      Launched earlier this month at Rs 1.31 lakh, new TVS Apache RTR 200 4V comes with a range of updates including multiple segment-first features. It was launched as part of the celebrations for achieving 4 million global sales milestone.
      As may be recalled, Apache RTR is currently the second bestselling brand in the 150cc to 200cc segment. With several new features and price hike of just around Rs 1k, sales could witness an upswing in the coming months.
      New TVS Apache RTR 200 4V test ride
      While specs and features look impressive, how does the bike perform in the real world? To answer such questions, YouTuber Dino’s Vault has posted his first ride review of new Apache RTR 200 4V. The test run was conducted on a largely traffic free road, allowing the rider to test the bike’s top speed as well as other functions such as riding modes, slipper clutch, etc.
      One of the key additions in new RTR 200 4V is the ride modes of Urban, Rain and Sport. The difference between these is in the power and torque output and ABS response. These ride modes are meant to be used in different environments.
      [embedded content]
      As the name suggests, Urban mode is for tackling heavy traffic in city conditions. Similarly Rain mode is for wet conditions whereas Sport mode is for highways and racetracks. ABS response is adjusted in the ride modes, with the full potential unlocked in Rain mode.
      In Urban and Rain mode, the power and torque output is reduced to 17.32 ps / 16.51 Nm. The bike’s full potential can be unleashed in Sport mode, where it churns out 20.82 ps / 17.25 Nm. As shown in the video, the bike accelerates quite quickly in Sport mode. It achieves a top speed of 129 kmph and appears to max out at that level.
      Other key updates
      Other segment-first features on-board new RTR 200 4V include premium Showa front suspension with preload adjustment and 3-step adjustable levers. The rider says that the adjustable levers have been really useful to him, as he has shorter fingers. Talking about the riding stance, the YouTuber says that the bike is quite comfortable even when it has slightly rear-set footpegs. He also likes the pulsating exhaust note, which has been a signature feature of Apache RTR motorcycles.
      In terms of visual enhancements, TVS has added a new race inspired Matte Blue colour option. This comprises an exciting dual-tone theme of black and blue, with the latter visible on the headlamp, tank, front fender, engine cowl, and tail section. Red decals further enhance the bike’s sporty profile. More