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      Force Gurkha Electric Launched In UK (Rs 53 L) By MW Motors – Thar EV Rival

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      Force Gurkha Electric launched in the UKCzech automotive startup MW Motors’ Spartan EV 2.0 utilizes Force Gurkha’s chassis and bodyshell, while the electric powertrain is entirely newFor folks who want the G-Wagen experience at an affordable price point, Czech-based automotive startup MW Motors has launched the new Spartan EV 2.0. It is a new-gen version of the original Spartan EV that was based on a Russian military 4×4 model named UAZ Hunter. Spartan EV 2.0 is available in the UK at a starting price of £49,995 (approx. Rs 52.86 lakh).Spartan EV 2.0 design and featuresExteriors of Spartan EV 2.0 are largely the same as Force Gurkha. It includes the round LED headlamps with circular DRLs, prominent bumper with fog lamps, flared wheel arches, rectangular ORVMs, roof rack and running boards. At rear too, the vertically positioned tail lamps, bumper and roof ladder are the same as Force Gurkha. There’s a rear mounted spare tyre as well.Force Gurkha Electric launchedColour options for Spartan EV 2.0 are the same as Force Gurkha. There are five basic options of bright orange, army green, grey, white and red. Talking about some of the unique features of Spartan EV 2.0, the electric SUV gets a closed-off grille. A new set of alloy wheels have been used.Spartan EV 2.0 interiorsInside too, there are a number of similarities with Force Gurkha. It includes the design of the AC vents, steering wheel and the climate control dials. The outline of the 7-inch touchscreen and the instrument console seems familiar to that of Force Gurkha. However, Spartan EV 2.0 has a fully digital instrument console. The infotainment system is also likely to have a different OS.Force Gurkha Electric launchedSpartan EV 2.0 specs, range, performanceAt 4,116 mm long, Spartan EV 2.0 can be highly agile and maneuverable. Ground clearance is 200 mm and wading depth is 700 mm. The SUV has a gross weight of 3,375 kg and can carry a load of 1,025 kg. Towing capacity is 3,000 kg. Cargo storage space at the rear is 1,718 litres. In terms of off-roading capabilities, Spartan EV 2.0 has approach angle of 38° and departure angle of 35°.Spartan EV 2.0 is equipped with a 61.1 kWh Lithium-ion battery, connected to a permanent magnet synchronous motor. It generates 177 PS of max power and 1,075 Nm of peak torque. The SUV offers a range of 150 miles (approx. 241 km). Both standard and fast charging options are available. With the fast charger, 20% to 80% charge can be achieved in just 36 minutes. The SUV also has V2L (Vehicle-to-load) feature that can be used to charge tools and equipment.Spartan EV 2.0 has manually operated differential locks at front and rear. The SUV can be operated in 2WD High, 4WD High and 4WD Low configuration. Regenerative braking is available to improve range. Safety kit includes features such as hill descent control, ABS and tyre pressure monitoring system.Spartan EV 2.0 India launch prospectsIn the UK, the Spartan EV 2.0 has been homologated as a light commercial vehicle. It is primarily targeted at users associated with forestry, agriculture, mining, nature conservation and extreme sports sectors.Spartan EV 2.0 has global potential and enthusiasts in India will surely like to try it. It can even emerge a bestseller, as there are hardly any rivals in this space. Mahindra is working on Thar electric, but it is planned for launch in 2026. If MW Motors can expedite plans in collaboration with Force Motors, Spartan EV 2.0 can become a reality in India. More

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      2024 KTM RC 390 Gets New Colours – Full Details

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      2024 KTM RC 390 Gets New ColoursAs opposed to 390 Duke, 2024 KTM RC 390 only gets two new exciting colours while remaining the same mechanicallyKTM India has been porting its 390 lineup to the new 399cc engine. First of the bunch was 390 Duke, which was launched in India and you can rear our first-ride review here. However, RC 390 and 390 Adventure are yet to make the transition to this new engine. Before that, KTM might introduce new colour options to keep the product fresh.2024 KTM RC 390 RevealedGlobally, KTM has unveiled two new colours for RC 390 and these are highly likely to be offered on India-spec models too. KTM has not added any design changes to the 2024 RC 390, except for new colours. It still boasts the same race-inspired package. The new colours are exciting.One includes a base Blue shade with hints of orange and white on it along with large RC stickering in white colour. While second colourway has the front half of RC 390 covered in bright orange, while other half gets black body panels accentuated by orange coloured subframe. This colourway gets a large RC stickering on fairing in faded black effect.Just like the current model, 2024 KTM RC 390 is positioned on a split-steel trellis frame as was seen with current 390 Adventure and previous generation KTM 390 Duke. It gets LED head and tail lamps along with integrated LED blinkers, handlebars with 2 step height adjustment feature and a 13.7-liter fuel tank.2024 KTM RC 390Its Grand Prix inspired styling is in the form of race-inspired likes across its bodywork, while its design now protects the rider from wind and weather and allows for better heat management with its outer and inner panels directing airflow away from the rider.Same ol’ 373.27cc engine2024 KTM RC 390 is powered by the same 373.27cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve petrol engine. Peak power is at 42 hp at 9,000 rpm and peak torque is at 37 Nm at 7,000 rpm. The engine gets mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slip and assist clutch. The new 399cc engine ekes out more performance.Electronics package includes Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), Lean Angle Sensitive ABS, Dual-Channel ABS with SUPERMOTO mode and power-assisted anti-hopping slipper clutch. It also gets Quickshifter+ as part of its standard kit. Onboard features also include a TFT multi-function display unit as is also seen on the KTM 390 Adv with MTM MY RIDE along with Bluetooth connectivity mated to the user’s smartphone.Braking system consists of a 320mm disc in the front and a 230mm disc at the rear, which are mounted on the wheel spokes as against its wheel hubs. Suspension is via WP Apex USD fork in the front and WP Apex adjustable mono-shock at the rear. Where competition is concerned, the 2024 RC 390 will take on the TVS Apache RR 310 and the upcoming Triumph Thruxton. More

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      Honda Electric Scooter, Flex Fuel Motorcycle – Bharat Mobility Expo 2024

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      Honda e: SwapAt Honda’s pavilion at Bharat Mobility Expo 2024, the company showcased a wide variety of products across various sectorsThe Japanese auto giant, Honda, has set up a massive demonstrative pavilion at ongoing Bharat Mobility Expo 2024. Honda is a group of companies operating in different sectors. At Bharat Mobility Expo 2024, Honda made its presence known across Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), Honda Power Pack Energy India (HEID), Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL) and HIPP (Honda India Power Products).Honda Electric Scooter, Flex Fuel MotorcycleThis is the first ever Bharat Mobility Expo ever and commenced today, extending to 3rd of February at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Honda is showcasing what it has to offer in India’s future of mobility. Bharat Mobility Expo 2024 acts as a platform for the company to showcase their products in commitment towards sustainability, road safety, zero traffic collision fatalities and carbon neutrality.Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India (HMSI) showcased the most interesting product among the rest. We’re talking about HMSI’s first flex-fuel powered motorcycle developed specially for Indian market. This move aligns with Indian Government’s alternative fuel direction and initiatives as well.Honda showcased a pre-production model that uses what the company calls “Flex Tech” technology. This motorcycle runs on flex fuel, which is a blend of Ethanol and gasoline. This is HMSI’s first-ever flex fuel capable offering and represents Honda’s decade-plus experience in active pursuits in flex fuel arena in Latin American markets like Brazil.Honda’s new flex-fuel capable bikeThe engine on this vehicle is a 293.52cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine compatible with up to E85 fuel (85% Ethanol blend). In the electrification realm, Honda Power Pack Energy India (HEID) proudly showcases its technology that is set to accelerate India’s electric mobility adoption. HEID is betting big on swappable battery tech.At the Expo, HEID will showcase Honda e: Swap, a battery-swapping solution developed for 2W and 3W applications. With Honda e: Swap, HEID intends to reshape the landscape of electric mobility in India. As of now, Honda e: Swap stations are operational in Bengaluru, Karnataka and there are plans to extend these to all major tier-1 cities.Honda Sensing DemonstratedHonda Cars India Limited (HCIL) is working on an electric version of its Elevate SUV. Until then, HCIL has showcased its City e:HEV and Elevate SUV at Bharat Mobility Expo 2024. Both of them feature Honda Sensing ADAS suite that aligns with Honda’s zero traffic collision fatalities goal. City e:HEV packs Honda’s two-motor strong hybrid system.Honda Bharat Mobility Expo 2024Lastly, Honda India Power Products (HIPP) showcased its new range of power tools at Bharat Mobility Expo 2024. HIPP’s new range of Li-ion battery powered robotic lawnmowers, hand-held grass trimmers, hedge trimmers and blowers comprised its extensive lawn and garden range. That’s not it. HIPP will showcase bio-fuel compatible portable inverter generator, 4-stroke Honda Marine engine, and others. More

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      Mahindra XUV.e9 EV Coupe Reveals Flamboyant Design

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      Mahindra XUV.e9 EV CoupeWhen compared to XUV.e8 with a regular monocoque SUV proportions, Mahindra XUV.e9 EV Coupe emerges as significantly more stylishCoupe SUVs have been catching up in recent times. What started as a design trend with BMW X6 has reached mainstream car markets. Mahindra is also taking up the trend and developing XUV.e9 and BE.09. There have been spy shots showing profile, but the new spy shots show rear section as well.Mahindra XUV.e9 EV CoupeFor starters, the new XUV.e9 is essentially an electrified version of upcoming XUV700 Coupe or XUV800. While XUV.e8 is an electrified version of XUV700, XUV.e9 is an electrified version of XUV800, which could be launched at a later date. To ace aerodynamic performance of a coupe SUV, Mahindra seems to be benchmarking a Tesla Model Y, spotted at Mahindra’s premises.The recent XUV.e9 spy shots were captured by automotive enthusiast Anto Leo Thomson. This particular test mule was found trundling along near Paranur toll gate outside Mahindra City, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. These are the clearest and the closest pictures of XUV.e9 yet. Most of the components like tail lights and headlights seem to be production-spec.In many Mahindra prototypes, we have seen temporary tail lights, but these seem to be finalised. We can see how massive Mahindra XUV.e9 looks and the massive road presence it exudes. Wheels look a tad small for a vehicle of this size. However, the coupe roof line is the primary highlight here.Mahindra XUV.e9 EV Coupe shapeIt smoothly flows into rear section that features a connected tail light design along with a fake air vent-type element. We can see split aero rear spoiler along with a shark fin antenna. Front door handles are flush, but rear door handle is in the C-pillar. Chunky body claddings will cut down on visual mass too.Immersive interiorsAnto Leo Thomson also mentioned that this particular test mule features a triple-screen setup – one for main infotainment, one for driver’s instrumentation and one for front passenger. We will see Mahindra’s new steering wheel which looks to be inspired by Tata’s new steering design. Like BE.05, XUV.e9 could feature a fixed glass roof too.Powertrain-wise, Mahindra’s new INGLO platform will underpin this stylish coupe SUV. Battery size will vary between 60 kWh to 80 kWh. Single motor RWD and dual motor AWD layouts will be offered as options. Performance with these SUVs will be plenty with instant electric torque. Mahindra demonstrated a 200 km/h top speed as well.Mahindra BE.09 Production DesignIn India, Tata Tigor was the first mainstream coupe vehicle, followed by Maruti Suzuki Fronx. That said, Mahindra had established interests in coupe vehicles much earlier and had even showcased XUV500 Aero Concept with a sloping roof line. The new BE.09 and XUV.e9 are spiritual successors of that design. More

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      Bajaj Sales Jan 2024 – Two Wheelers and CVs Register Growth

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      New Bajaj Pulsar N 150Bajaj Auto has seen its two wheeler and commercial vehicle segments report growth both in terms of YoY and YTD basis in domestic markets even as CV exports experience some declineIn the two wheeler segment, domestic sales grew by 36 percent YoY to 1,93,350 units in January 2024, up from 1,42,368 units sold in January 2023. It was also significant growth on a MoM basis as compared to 1,58,370 units sold in December 2023.Bajaj Auto YoY Sales January 2024Exports also posted a YoY growth of 14 percent to 1,14,898 units in January 2024, up 14 percent from 1,00,678 units sold in January 2023. This took total two wheeler sales to 3,08,248 units in January 2024, up 27 percent from 2,43,047 units sold in January 2023.Bajaj Auto Sales Jan 2024In the commercial vehicle space, the company has recorded a 12 percent YoY growth in domestic sales which stood at 36,693 units in the past month, up from 32,842 units sold in January 2023. Exports dipped by 8 percent to 11,069 units, down from 12,046 units shipped in January 2023. This took total CV sales up 6 percent to 47,762 units in January 2024 from 44,888 units sold in the same month last year.Combining sales both in the two-wheeler and commercial vehicle segments, sales in domestic markets grew by 31 percent YoY to 2,30,043 units, up from 1,75,210 units sold in January 2023. Exports also showed off a 12 percent YoY growth to 1,25,967 units, up from 1,12,725 units sold in January 2023. Total CV sales (domestic + exports) thus stood at 3,56,010 units in the past month, relating to a 24 percent YoY growth over 2,87,935 units sold in January 2023.Bajaj Auto Sales YTDBajaj Auto YTD Sales – April – January 2024Taking into account two wheeler sales in the past 10 month, Bajaj Auto has seen a 24 percent rise in domestic sales. Sales stood at 18,97,054 units in the April-January 2024 period, up from 15,33,261 units sold in the same period of 2023. Exports however, dipped significantly by 14 percent to 12,22,300 units in the April-Jan 2024 period, down from 14,27,220 units shipped in April-Jan 2023. This saw total two wheeler sales at 31,19,354 units in the 2024 period up 5 percent from 29,60,481 units sold in the same period of the previous year.In the commercial vehicle segment as well, Bajaj Auto experienced growth across domestic sales, while exports suffered a setback. In domestic markets, there was a phenomenal growth of 67 percent to 3,90,382 units, up from just 2,33,543 units sold in April-Jan 2023 period. CV exports dipped by 21 percent on a YTD basis to 1,28,631 units, down from 1,62,040 units shipped in the April-Jan 2023 period. This took total sales in this segment up 31 percent to 5,19,013 units during the April-Jan 2024 period from 3,95,583 units sold in the same 10 month period last year.Total sales (domestic + exports) thus went up 8 percent on a YTD basis. This included 22,87,436 units sold in domestic markets and 13,50,931 units which were exported. Total sales thus stood at 36,38,367 units in April-Jan 2024 when compared to 33,56,064 units sold in April-Jan 2023. More

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      Hero Sales Breakup December 2023 – Splendor, Pleasure, Xtreme, Xpulse

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      Hero Splendor Black EditionAnalysing Hero sales breakup December 2023, it is clear that company’s premium products need a significant push to boost salesIndia’s largest 2W manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, closed its accounts for the year 2023 with a total of 3,91,735 units (domestic + exports) sold in December 2023. When compared to the numbers of November 2023, there was a significant decline. However, the company is poised to rack up numbers in 2024 with a slew of new products.Hero Sales Breakup December 2023 – Domestic MarketAt this point, Splendor topping 2W sales with a huge lead has become quite a routine. That stayed true in December 2023 as well. With 2,27,748 units sold, Splendor accounted for 60.63% of Hero’s domestic sales. Splendor saw 1.02% YoY growth with 2,305 units volume gain YoY. For some reason, popularity of HF Deluxe seems to have dropped drastically.Numbers almost halved YoY at 43.34% YoY decline as Hero sold 61,056 HF Deluxe over 1,07,755 units sold in December 2022. Despite that, HF Deluxe accounted for 16.25% of Hero’s domestic sales. In 3rd place, we have Passion with 33,551 units sold and a staggering 1,273.47% YoY growth, gaining 31,274 units in volume YoY.4th position was secured by Pleasure which is Hero’s best-selling scooter in domestic market. Hero sold 24,862 Pleasures over 23,814 units sold last year and saw 4.4% YoY growth. Glamour secured 5th spot with 11,382 units. Compared to 8,163 units sold last year, Glamour gained 39.43% in sales YoY and 3,219 units in volume growth.Hero Sales Breakup December 2023 – DomesticDestini 125 is Hero’s second highest-selling scooter in India and contributed 10,191 units with 11.71% YoY growth. Relatively newer scooter, Xoom 110, saw just 2,102 units sold last month. Hero is poised to launch Xoom 125 and Xoom 160 in the coming months, which will be a boost for Hero’s new scooter design language.Karizma XMR 210 clocked 1,747 units, while Vida managed 1,120 units with 833.33% YoY growth. Hero’s Xpulse 200 ADV sold 1,105 units which is 23.33% YoY growth. Xtreme 160R 4V and Xtreme 200S 4V combined, clocked 736 units, which is a 47.43% YoY decline. In total, Hero’s total domestic sales stood at 3,75,625 units with a 1.50% YoY decline as opposed to 3,81,334 units sold a year ago.Exports (International Business)While Splendor topped domestic sales charts, it is Hero Hunk topped export charts. Hunk clocked 4,084 units and accounts for 25.35% of Hero’s total exports and saw 65.14% YoY growth. Hunk is different for different markets ranging from OG Hunk sold in India to Xtreme 160R rebadged as Hunk.Hero Sales Breakup December 2023 – ExportsHero shipped 3,874 units of HF Deluxe and it saw a 35.54% YoY decline and managed to capture 24.05% of Hero’s total exports. Xpulse 200 faired better abroad than it did in India by shipping 2,687 units and almost quadrupled its numbers at 196.58% YoY growth. Glamour and Splendor also quadrupled their numbers with 2,356 and 2,024 units sold respectively and registering 203.61% and 228.04% YoY growth respectively.Maestro’s shipments numbered 910, while Pleasure managed to ship 84 units and Karizma just 1. Hero’s total exports stood at 16,110 units. This is a 25.72% YoY growth over 12,814 units shipped in December 2022. Volume gain stood at 3,296 units. More

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      2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160, N150 Launched – New Tech Inbound

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      2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 & N1502024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 will take the fight directly to TVS Apache RTR 160 4V which has been considered a benchmark in the segmentWith progressing technology, Bajaj is playing catch-up to keep its popular Pulsar motorcycle lineup up-to-date. After offering USD front forks with Pulsar NS160 and Pulsar NS200, Bajaj has now turned its progressive gaze at Pulsar N150 and Pulsar N160. The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 and Pulsar N150 bring technology that is first-ever for Bajaj.2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 & Pulsar N150Bajaj has been the de facto king of performance commuter motorcycles in India. With the launch of Pulsar series of motorcycles, Bajaj carved out a niche for itself. Bajaj developed Pulsar series to provide tech-laden, good-looking, performant and sporty commuter motorcycles for the average Indian without breaking his/her bank.The new technology that 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 and Pulsar N150 feature is a fully digital instrument LCD cluster. The headline figure, however, is that this instrument cluster now supports Bluetooth connectivity with a dedicated Bajaj Ride Connect App. To cycle through this interface on the go, there is a new Mode button on left switchgear.2024 Pulsar N160 price starts from Rs. 1,30,560 (ex-sh) offered in three shades – Black, Red and Blue, while Pulsar N150 price starts from Rs. 1,17,677 offered in Black and White shades. Where design is concerned, 2024 Pulsar N160 and N150 look identical to their predecessors, drawing inspiration from their bigger brother, Pulsar N250.Bajaj Ride Connect AppNew features!With the addition of Bluetooth connectivity, users can now connect their smartphone with their beloved Pulsar N160 and N150. Doing so, you get to accept or reject calls on the go, mobile notification alerts, mobile signal strength and battery level. Apart from that, gear position indicator, distance to empty, instant fuel economy and average fuel economy are notable features.Design, chassis and other cycle parts are the same as before including body panels, fuel tank, and headlamp assembly. Pulsar N160’s 164.82cc DTS-i engine makes 15.8 bhp of power and 14.65 Nm of torque. We can expect fuel economy figures of around 45 kmpl from this engine.Pulsar N150, on the other hand, gets a 149.68cc engine that generates 14.3 bhp and 13.5 Nm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Bajaj promises best-in-class power and torque, best-in-class passing acceleration (30-70 kph), smoothest gear shifts and an accentuated exhaust note with both bikes.Bajaj New Console FeaturesStriking designBajaj Pulsar N160 shares most of its features with its elder sibling N250. It gets naked wolf LED DRLs, Bi-LED projector headlamps, and a digital instrument console like N250 with features like gear position indicator. Overall motorcycle design is muscular and aggressive that fits the bill for younger riders.2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 and Pulsar N150 are steps in the right direction. With modern technology, Bajaj better positions its products as opposed to Apache 160 and Apache 160 4V from TVS, FZ lineup from Yamaha, Xtreme 160R 4V and Gixxer 150 from Suzuki. More

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      Honda 350cc ADV Design Leaked – Himalayan Rival With Off-Road Hardware

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      Honda CRF300L. Image for illustration only.Other than Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, Honda CB350 ADV will rival Yezdi Adventure and upcoming Hero Xtreme 440 as wellWith travel currently being one of the most popular trending activities, it has proportionally increased appeal towards motorcycling and adventure riding. After Hero MotoCorp, Royal Enfield has cashed in this segment with Himalayan 411 and now Himalayan 450. Honda is now challenging Himalayan 450 with a new contender. Let’s take a look.Honda CB350 ADV Design PatentedThis would be Honda’s first attempt at proper ADV off-road motorcycle segment, not counting CB200X. The target in sight is definitely Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. But Honda’s new ADV will lock horns with other off-road motorcycles like Yezdi Adventure and upcoming Hero Xpulse 440 built on Harley-Davidson X440’s platform.Honda CB350 ADV DesignOne look at Honda CB350 ADV design patented, your first thought might go to Royal Enfield Himalayan 411. That said, there are only so many ways to design a purpose-built ADV motorcycle. Something similar as observed when we compared Royal Enfield Classic 350 with Honda’s new CB350 Classic. These initial observations are based on a 2D side profile flat image. Final production-spec motorcycle in 3D and with surface finishing will surely look very different than Himalayan. On closer inspection, we can see design differences between Honda and Royal Enfield, even though overall approach is similar.Both get a beak, large windscreen, side guards to mount luggage, headlight guard and more. Honda is going for a round headlight too. Rear subframe has a flat pillion seat that is set higher for comfort. Pillion grabrail will have a luggage rack too. We can see rider knuckle guards on handlebar as well.2023 Honda CB200XSimilar componentry as CB350Differences are more pronounced with selection of componentry. Honda is going for a cradle chassis that houses an air-cooled single-cylinder engine with a single up-swept exhaust. Honda is going for RSU telescopic front forks with long travel and these get fork gaiters too. At the rear, Honda CB350 ADV gets twin shock absorbers.For context, Royal Enfield Himalayan offers USD telescopic front forks and rear mono-shock setup. This is too early to say based on a single 2D image, but front wheel is likely to be around 19-inches and not 21-inches like Himalayan and Hero Xpulse. Wheels are wire-spoke type and we hope Honda is giving tubeless dual purpose tyres.Considering everything, we think Honda is taking CB350 and extracting an ADV version of it. And that explains all the component choices that Honda has made. Currently, CB350 has a 348cc air-cooled engine generating 20.78 bhp and 30 Nm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. We hope Honda is eking out more performance out of this engine to better rival Himalayan and Yezdi Adventure. Honda could launch it in 2025 and just like CB350, it is likely to be a global product as well. More