More stories

  • in

    New Honda Scooters Patented In India – Design Sketches Leak

    Design patents for 125cc NS125LA and 150cc Winner X are most likely aimed at protecting Honda’s intellectual property in Indian marketHonda Winner 150ccHonda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) recently got the design patents for NS125LA and Winner X scooters in India. These scooters are available for sale in international markets and are positioned as commuter bikes.While 125cc NS125LA scooter is exclusively meant for Chinese market, the 150cc Winner X underbone scooter is sold in Asian markets such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Winner X is sold as Supra GTR in Indonesia, whereas in Malaysia, it is named RS150R/RS-X.Honda NS125LA, Winner XHonda NS125LA has a classic, retro design with round headlamp and smooth, curvy body panelling. Its attractive, laidback design, coupled with a range of utilitarian features, makes it suitable for all age groups. The scooter is powered by a 124.9cc air-cooled motor that generates 8.97 hp of max power and 9.87 Nm of peak torque. This is a different engine, as compared to the one used with Activa 125.Honda Winner X blends in the best of both worlds, the speed and agility of a motorcycle and comfort and practicality associated with a scooter. Winner X was launched in 2016 and has received multiple updates over the years. It is powered by a 150cc motor that generates 15.6 hp and 13.5 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Some key features of Honda Winner X include full digital display, keyless operation, all-LED lighting and USB charging port.Honda NS125LA patented in IndiaIndia launch plans?It does not appear that Honda is planning to launch NS125LA and Winner X in Indian market. Design patents may just be a proactive move on part of the company to secure its intellectual property in the country. NS125LA, in particular, has a fairly unique and attractive design. There could be a possibility that its design or part of it may be copied.Honda Winner X patented in IndiaWhile established OEMs may not be a suspect, there could be a threat of design infringement from emerging players in Indian two-wheeler segment. It especially concerns the EV segment, where new electric scooters are being launched at regular intervals. Honda itself may have plans to use the design of NS125LA for one of its products in future. There could be several other possibilities, which is where the design patents come into play.In its current form, the NS125LA scooter does not even meet the BS6 emission standards. It works in China, as emission norms there are relatively less strict. In case of 150cc Winner X, the scooter does not suit Indian consumer preferences. There’s hardly any demand for geared underbone scooters in the country. All these factors indicate that Honda NS125LA and Winner X are unlikely to be launched in India.Honda Winner X patented in IndiaHonda has different plans for India, one of which is an entry-level 100cc commuter bike. It will primarily rival Hero Splendor and HF Deluxe. Honda is also working to launch its first electric two-wheeler in India. While Benly e: electric scooter has been spotted on road tests multiple times, Honda could introduce an entirely new product. Launch is expected in 2023. More

  • in

    Suzuki Burgman 125EX Top Variant Launch Price Rs 1.12 L

    Updated version of the scooter is already sold as Burgman Street 125EX in overseas markets such as the UKSuzuki Burgman 125EXSuzuki’s second bestselling scooter in India, Burgman Street 125 now gets a new top variant. Called Burgman Street EX, key highlights include improved stability, higher fuel efficiency and new tech features. The updates appear similar to new Burgman Street 125EX sold in the UK.Price for the new Burgman Street EX125 is Rs 1,12,300, ex-sh Delhi. This makes it Rs 23k more expensive than the existing standard variant of Burgman, and Rs 19k more expensive than the Ride Connect edition. The EX-variant is positioned as the top-spec variant. It will primarily rival Aprilia SXR 125 and also take on other scooters such as TVS Ntorq, Honda Grazia, Activa 125 and Yamaha RayZR.Suzuki Burgman 125 range – Dec 2022 price listSuzuki Burgman 125EX FeaturesAs compared to the current model that has 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheels, updated EX variant will have 12-inch wheels at both ends. This will not only improve stability, but also the scooter’s posturing. Ergonomics are likely to be improved as well with the larger rear wheel.Burgman Street 125EX has a rear carrier with integrated grab rail. The rear carrier can hold an optional top case that is offered as a genuine accessory. The updated scooter is equipped with a long seat with thick padding to ensure optimal comfort for both rider and pillion. Tapering seat design ensures that there is no discomfort in handling the scooter in stop position.Suzuki Burgman 125EXThe current version is available in a wide range of shades. Street EX is offered in 3 colour options of – Metallic Matte Platinum Silver No 2, Metallic Royal Bronze and Metallic Matte Black No 2. Burgman Street 125EX is equipped with low-power consuming, high intensity LED lights that ensure improved visibility in dark conditions. At rear, the scooter has LED combination light with integrated turn signals.Full-digital LCD instrument panel has been updated on the EX-variant to accommodate new features like engine auto stop start (EASS), malfunction notification and master warning. Another useful feature is Suzuki Eco Drive, which informs the user when the scooter is being used in a fuel-efficient manner. With the Eco Drive indicator, users can adjust their riding style to boost fuel economy.Bluetooth-based features available with the current Ride Connect model have been carried forward with the updated EX variant. It includes turn-by-turn navigation, phone battery level display, over-speed warning, ETA updates and alerts for missed calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages.Suzuki Burgman 125EXSuzuki Burgman Street 125EX SpecsPowering the scooter is a 124cc, air-cooled motor that generates 8.6 PS of max power at 6,500 rpm and 10 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 rpm. It is mated to a CVT gearbox. In comparison, the existing Burgman scooter engine delivers 8.7 PS power at 6,750 rpm. Torque output is the same.The scooter is also equipped with a Silent Starter System, which ensures a quiet and smooth engine starts every time. Suspension system comprises telescopic forks at front and swingarm type rear suspension. The scooter has front disc and rear drum brakes, integrated with a combined braking system.Suzuki Burgman 125EXCommenting on the launch, Mr. Satoshi Uchida, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. said, “The love and affection that our Burgman Street got from the Indian customers prompted us to launch the All New Burgman Street EX in the country immediately after the global unveil. This is a special product from the house of Suzuki that incorporates latest technology thus offering an unparalleled ride experience.” More

  • in

    I Drove a Real-Life BMW M2 on a Virtual Racetrack and Survived

    BMW’s “M Mixed Reality” puts the user in a real car in a real environment and lets them drive on a digital racetrack.Wearing a virtual reality (VR) headset and driving a real BMW M2, I got to try the brand’s mixed-reality creation. BMW debuted M Mixed Reality earlier this year, and the technology has huge potential as a driver-training device.Driving a real car while wearing a virtual reality (VR) headset is almost always a terrible idea. I say almost always because there’s a time when not only is it okay, but it’s also a totally great (if surreal) experience. And I have the receipts—in the form of this video—to prove it.BMW’s Version of The MatrixBMW calls its mind-bending creation “M Mixed Reality.” It’s basically a driving simulator, but instead of the typical stationary devices that display virtual racetracks and mimic real-world feedback, the mixed-reality experience lets users drive on a virtual racetrack in a real car in a real environment. In this case, it’s the recently revealed 2023 BMW M2 at the brand’s M Driving Academy in Maisach, Germany.BMWWearing the VR headset while driving might look like a scene from the Sandra Bullock flick Bird Box, but I wasn’t actually driving blind. The headset allowed me to see reality until the virtual part was mixed in. I also had BMW M engineer Alexander Kuttner riding shotgun, providing directions and guidance. Fortunately for Kuttner, he had a brake pedal on his side in case things went off the rails. Virtual Track, Real Car, Real ConsequencesWhat admittedly sounds like a questionable concept is actually super entertaining and largely accessible, as long as you’re like me and don’t suffer from motion sickness. Having logged countless hours playing racing video games as well as having prior VR experience also helped. Despite those advantages, it still took me a moment to get my bearings. Never before had I found myself wearing a bulky VR headset when sitting behind the wheel of a real car with 453 horsepower at the disposal of my right foot.BMWOnce I was strapped into the safety harness in the M2’s driver’s seat and the VR headset was strapped to my skull, Kuttner directed me to follow a set of cones toward a designated spot on the runway of the old U.S. military base that BMW now uses for its driving academy. The flat asphalt surface and clear surroundings provided a perfect closed course, which is a necessity for this type of thing.When I reached the loading zone, Kuttner activated the mixed-reality sequence, and like Neo in The Matrix I was transported into a new kind of reality where what I did in the virtual world had real-life consequences. However, I didn’t just survive this experience, I thrived as soon as the virtual environment appeared before my eyes and a disembodied female voice began giving orders. Mario Kart Meets Forza MotorsportThe rules were simple: It’s a time-trial race where the fastest lap wins (although I had no clue what times I was competing against). The digital racetrack I drove on featured a simple figure-eight configuration. For an extra challenge, holographic walls popped up on either side of the track and had to be avoided to receive a time bonus. There were also floating “time coins” with BMW roundels inside that were scattered around the course like item boxes in Mario Kart. Unfortunately, driving through them only unlocked a time bonus rather than a shootable shell or a slippery banana.BMWBMWAs soon as the game said “GO!” I kicked the M2’s throttle and felt the familiar sensation of acceleration, yet in front of me was a road with glowing barriers and floating coins. I could also hear the car’s tires actually scrambling over loose debris on the road surface and the twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six snarling up the rev range. Despite the unmistakably digital world in front of me, the feedback I received from the car made it all feel so incredibly real. Almost instantly, I felt comfortable in the driver’s seat and wanted to set the quickest lap time possible, forgetting that poor Kuttner was still sitting next to me.With the VR headset tracking my vision and head movements, I was able to see my surroundings whenever I wanted just like in a real car. While I saw the M2’s real dashboard and my hands on the real steering wheel, everything else I saw was a virtual perspective. The technology also captures the car’s actual movements and transmits them into what I was seeing. It’s this blending of digital visual cues with real-life gravitational forces that makes M Mixed Reality feel so surreal, and it’s something I’ve never experienced in a driving simulator before. I hope to get another chance someday, because I only had the opportunity to do one warmup lap and one hot lap before I had to head back to the makeshift pits. Still, it was easily the coolest thing I’ve done in a while and something that I hope BMW will take from mixed reality to actuality.The Future of Driving Simulators? Earlier this year, BMW debuted its M Mixed Reality technology, but it was only last week during a trip to Germany with the automaker that I had the opportunity to try it. There, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel told me the mixed-reality tech is ideal for training racing drivers because of how much more immersive it can be compared with even the most advanced driving simulators. 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.Experience ///M Mixed Reality in the New BMW M2Watch onOf course, I can think of much broader uses for BMW’s innovative tech than simply a tool to teach professional drivers. How about a training method for first responders or even first-time drivers? The possibilities seem endless. On a more philosophical level, M Mixed Reality effectively showcases how the digital world and real world can be successfully merged. 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.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. More

  • in

    McLaren Selling Heritage Collection Cars (Temporarily) to Finance Artura

    McLaren is selling some of its vast collection of historical sports cars and Formula 1 cars to raise capital, as Bloomberg reported and Car and Driver confirmed with a McLaren spokesperson.The additional capital is needed to fund “certain technical upgrades” for the Artura supercar that have led to delivery delays, the automaker said.The Artura features a hybrid V-6 powertrain and is being produced on an all-new platform called MCLA. McLaren is taking a creative move to deal with a looming financial burden that appears to be closing in. As first reported by Bloomberg, the British sports-car manufacturer has sold cars from its own collection of heritage vehicles to help it fund the upcoming Artura hybrid supercar—but without losing custody of them.More on McLaren and the ArturaA McLaren spokesperson declined to provide Car and Driver with a list of which vehicles were sold but confirmed that the cars are not going away. In fact, they’re being licensed back to McLaren and are staying at the Woking headquarters. McLaren is hoping to buy the entire collection back as part of recapitalization plan involving shareholders, which it hopes to have finalized in Q1 next year according to the spokesperson.It’s no secret that McLaren has been strapped for cash for a few years now. In 2020, after pausing production and cutting 1200 employees from its workforce, the Woking, England, based outfit was bailed out by the National Bank of Bahrain. No surprise there, given that the Bahrain Sovereign Wealth Fund (Mumtalakat) is the primary shareholder of both the bank and McLaren. In that same year, the company was denied a line of credit with the British government worth roughly $160 million. One year later, McLaren agreed to a deal wherin the company would sell its Woking headquarters to a real estate investment trust for slightly over $200 million and stay on as a tenant on a 20-year lease. McLaren has been trying to sell from its collection for at least two years, but the company received pushback from holders of pre-existing debt. McLaren’s 2021 annual report states that there are about 54 vehicles in the collection and notes: “There is a market for these assets, and the Group may determine as appropriate to sell a specific and limited number of these cars to specialist collectors from around the world.” As of December 31, 2021, the heritage collection was worth the equivalent of about $42 million, according to the same annual report. That’s no surprise for a collection that includes Formula 1 cars driven by Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, and Mika Häkkinen plus the car that brought Lewis Hamilton his maiden World Championship. This content is imported from poll. 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.This content is imported from poll. 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. More

  • in

    Royal Enfield Mighty 350cc Is A Modified Classic 350 Bobber

    Based on a Royal Enfield Classic 350, Neev Motorcycles Mighty comes off as a retro-futuristic bobber bikeRoyal Enfield Mighty 350ccRoyal Enfield is often regarded as a blank canvas. Something on which an artist’s imagination can be visualised. Beauty is personified, in the eyes of its master. This is the reason why Royal Enfield is a hot favourite among custom bike enthusiasts and modders alike.Neev motorcycles have been building custom Royal Enfields for a long time. This custom modding company is quite renowned for its work. Their recent build is a bobber named ‘Mighty’ which is based on a Classic 350. For this, the company has built everything from scratch except for its engine. Let’s take a look.Royal Enfield Mighty 350cc by Neev MotorcyclesFor this custom bobber build based on Classic 350, Neev Motorcycles had to re-design and re-build the entire chassis. The wheelbase has been increased considerably which ensures a proper bobber look. Increasing wheelbase also ensures excellent straight-line stability as well. Something which a cruiser ought to have.While designing its chassis from scratch, Neev thought of giving ‘Mighty’ a monoshock rear suspension instead of twin shock absorbers from stock motorcycle. This is not the first time that Neev Motorcycles is building a custom Royal Enfield with a monoshock rear suspension. If we look at Godzilla, Queen and Yodha from Neev, they had monoshock rear suspension.Neev Motorcycles MightyAt the front, Neev has given it custom fork covers, a redesigned handlebar with bar-end mirrors, a small after-market LED headlight and more. The main highlight at front is 180 section Pirelli Angel ST tyre wrapped on 17” wire spoke wheels with a custom fender to add muscle. Bullet-style LED indicators enhance the look as well.Royal Enfield Mighty 350cc gets a custom dual-tone paint job with RE logo replaced by Mighty logo. At the side, we can see a custom swingarm, custom exhaust bend cover, carburetor cover, toolbox, belly cover, a custom single-seat with a quilted leather pattern and a lot more. Neev Motorcycles offers a bolt-on rear seat which gets its own backrest as well.Royal Enfield Mighty 350 FeaturesWire-spoke wheels get a white pinstripe, which adds to overall appeal. The same 180-section Pirelli Angel ST tyre is found at the rear as well. Other custom-built parts by Neev Motorcycles include fuel tank, tank badge with Mighty logo in brass, lathe machined axles and spacers and more.Neev Motorcycles MightyThere have been some after-market components as well. Some of them include LED lighting all around, K&N air filter, bar-end mirrors, a digital twin-pod instrument cluster, a rear tyre hugger, handlebar grips and foot pegs. Along with dual-tone custom paint job, Neev Motorcycles has also done powder coating, anodizing, zinc plating, chrome plating and polish. All-in-all, ‘Mighty’ by Neev Motorcycles based on Classic 350 comes off as a fantastic-looking bobber with a lot of muscle and attitude. More

  • in

    2023 Suzuki Burgman Street 125EX Launch Teaser – New Features

    Premium 125cc scooter segment is likely to heat up with the launch of new Suzuki Burgman Street 125EX in near futureSuzuki Burgman Street 125EXSuzuki Motorcycle India has shown consistent growth. In September 2022, Suzuki registered its highest-ever sales. Most of Suzuki’s strength in India comes from scooters and not motorcycles. For many reasons, Suzuki motorcycle sales have been dull for a long time.For reference, Suzuki sold 2,348 units of 150cc Gixxer duo and just 190 units of 250cc Gixxer trio in the month of September 2022. Suzuki’s budget and commuter motorcycle basket is currently empty. Suzuki only offers V-Strom 650 XT, Hayabusa and recently launched Katana in the big bikes category.With just scooters to bank on, Suzuki is set to strengthen its scooter portfolio in India. Access 125 is the highest-selling scooter for the brand followed by Burgman Street 125. Now, Suzuki is set to update its Burgman Street 125 with new features and enhancements to make it more appealing. Let’s take a look.2023 Suzuki Burgman Street 125EXAt INTERMOT Cologne International Motorcycle and Scooter Fair held in Germany, Suzuki showcased three of its 125cc scooters for Europe. These were Address 125, Avenis 125 and all-new Suzuki Burgman Street 125EX. Address 125 sold globally is the same as Access 125 that is sold in India.We’re coming with something special very soon.#ComingSoon #SuzukiIndia #SuzukiMotorcycle pic.twitter.com/6tWvBqNnit— Suzuki Motorcycle India (@suzuki2wheelers) December 5, 2022Of these three, it is Burgman Street 125EX that is making some buzz in India. Suzuki recently teased it on its social media handles revealing key updates that will come with this update. It is likely to be launched as the top-spec trim, while the outgoing scooter will be sold as a base-spec trim.For starters, Suzuki Burgman Street 125EX is still the same scooter as the outgoing model. Design and powertrain are kept identical. Suzuki is offering some key upgrades that are likely to offer more value to customers. A 12” rear alloy wheel as opposed to a 10” alloy wheel on the outgoing model. This way, Suzuki is adding more comfort and stability. Other features include a silent starter/generator like we have seen on Activa 6G and an auto start/stop system as we have seen with Yamaha’s 125cc scooters. All the features on the Ride Connect variant will be carried over to this new update.Powertrain ChangesSuzuki is now offering SEP-Alpha tech on Burgman Street 125 EX unlike the SEP (Suzuki Eco Performance) offered on the outgoing model. This is likely to be a tweaked version of SEP that is tuned towards more efficiency. Suzuki claims 56 km/l of fuel efficiency from this new EX variant of Burgman Street.2023 Suzuki Burgman Street 125 EXWith time, this SEP-Alpha is likely to also make it on Access 125 and Avenis 125. One can expect a slight price hike over the outgoing model owing to all the new features on an already feature-rich maxi-styled scooter. It is powered by a 124cc SOHC engine with 8.5 bhp and 10 Nm. Main feature highlights are LED headlights, Bluetooth connectivity and more.Launch timeline is not yet revealed, but it is likely to be sooner than one thinks. Its main rival is Aprilia SXR 125 and other rivals include TVS NTORQ, Honda Activa 125, Honda Grazia, Yamaha Ray ZR and the likes. For reference, Burgman Street currently starts from just under Rs. 90K. A price bump is likely. More

  • in

    Ather Electric Scooter Sales Nov 2022 – New Offers, Discounts

    As demand is expected to increase in the future, Ather has launched its second manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil NaduAther Electric ScooterAther has registered strong growth in November 2022, with YoY gain of 260.08%. A total of 7,234 units were sold in the month, as compared to 2,009 units in November last year.While YoY growth is commendable, MoM growth is down by -11.92%. Ather sales in October 2022 were higher at 8,213 units. This was something that was expected, as auto sales tend to taper off after the festive season. Ather has maintained its market share in November and expects sales to bounce back from January 2023 onwards.Production capacity expandedAther recently launched its second manufacturing facility in Hosur, taking overall production capacity to 420,000 units per year. As of now, the company is producing 600 scooters per day. It will soon be increased to around 1,500 units per day. Ather’s second manufacturing unit is twice as large in area, as compared to the first factory. It has 2 vehicle and 3 battery lines.While production has been boosted, Ather has ensured that there are no compromises on quality. It is among the EV brands that have had relatively fewer issues related to battery fire, low range, build quality, etc. Ather’s deep focus on quality continues, as more than 200 parameters are evaluated for every scooter that passes through the assembly line.Ather Electric Scooter Sales Nov 2022With increased automation, Ather has been able to reduce assembly time by 20%. Automation also helps reduce faults and defects linked to human error. A higher level of consistency and accuracy can be achieved with increased automation. However, the human element is still necessary, as there are tasks that machines cannot do. Ather currently provides direct employment to around 1,600 individuals.Ather has consistently expanded its retail footprint across the country. With increased production capacity, it has become imperative to explore newer sales hubs. Towards that end, Ather launched nine new retail outlets in November. The new outlets are located in Salem, Dwarka, Gurugram, Patna, Hassan, Jamnagar, Bengaluru and Tuticorin. With the new outlets, Ather has expanded its reach to 59 cities. It currently has 73 experience centres across India.Ather Electric Scooter Discounts, Offers – Dec 2022Ather is also working on reducing the acquisition burden on consumers. Even with FAME II subsidy, Ather 450 Plus and 450X are priced at Rs 1.34 lakh and Rs 1.56 lakh in Bengaluru. This is quite high, as compared to popular ICE-based scooter Honda Activa that is available at a starting price of Rs 75,000.Ather Electric Scooter Discounts / Offers Dec 2022To make it easier for consumers to switch to electric, Ather has launched a first-of-its-kind EV finance scheme in partnership with IDFC Bank. For example, Ather 450X with on-road price of Rs 1.62 lakh can be purchased at monthly EMI of Rs 3,456. This will be a 48-months loan with a fixed interest rate of 8.50%. Consumers will benefit from zero processing fee and low down payment of Rs 39,416. Down payment can be even lower in case the buyer opts for a vehicle exchange scheme. More