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      New KTM 390 Adventure Bookings Start (Unofficially) Ahead Of Launch

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      KTM 390 EnduroWith KTM 390 Adventure S and 390 Enduro R, Team Orange is catering to enthusiasts and thrill seekers, upgrading from small bikes
      With Indian automotive market maturing, there is an increased demand for premium motorcycles. Majority of these buyers are upgrading from smaller motorcycles and aspire to own something bigger. KTM is among the OEMs catering to this niche with its 390 lineup, which just got larger with the introduction of new 390 Adventure and 390 Enduro.
      Team Orange recently unveiled 390 Adventure S and 390 Enduro R at India Bike Week event held in Goa. These motorcycles are set to launch soon and the company is expected to announce prices in January 2024. Ahead of launch, a few dealerships have commenced unofficial bookings for these motorcycles.
      New KTM 390 Adventure Bookings
      Ahead of an official launch, few KTM dealerships has commenced unofficial bookings of the upcoming 390 Adventure S and 390 Enduro R. These motorcycles are expected to launch soon and are some of the hottest and most anticipated launches in India.
      With excitement levels high among buyers, many would be tempted to reserve one for themselves. Getting a highly anticipated motorcycle at the earliest after launch is a nice thing. KTM dealers understand this and are accepting unofficial bookings from enthusiasts. Booking amount will vary as it is dealer-level.
      India-spec KTM 390 Adventure S, 390 Enduro R
      390 Adventure is getting a major generational update with all-new powertrains, improved cycle parts and revamped features. That said, 390 Enduro is the new motorcycle lineup from KTM which debuted at 2024 EICMA alongside 390 SMC. At India Bike Week in Goa, KTM showcased 390 Adventure S and 390 Enduro R.
      The new 390 Adventure S needs no introduction as it is the successor of a well-established adventure tourer. The S variant is below the fully loaded R variant but is well kitted out than X variant. 390 Enduro, however, is being introduced for the first time and was showcased only with the top-spec R variant.
      What do they pack?
      Depending on market reception, KTM might introduce more variants in the future for both Adventure and Enduro offerings. 390 Adventure S Adventure Tourer packs 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheels, non-adjustable suspension, a tall windscreen, a semi-fairing for wind protection and a TFT instrument screen.
      390 Adventure S
      390 Enduro R, on the other hand, gets a smaller instrument screen, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke wheels, fully adjustable suspension with more suspension travel and is a proper off-roader. Both bikes are powered by the same 399cc liquid-cooled motor with 45 bhp and 40 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. More

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      in Electric Cars

      New Electric Pickup Truck Spied Testing – Rivals Tata Ace EV, Mahindra Zeo EV

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      New Electric Pickup Truck SpiedThe long and flat load bay without wheel well intrusions might be the main strength of this new electric pickup truck from Montra
      The electric SCV (Small Commercial Vehicle) segment currently has fewer offerings. Notable among them are Tata Motors’ Ace EV and Mahindra’s just-launched ZEO EV with BaaS (Battery as a Service) program. There seems to be a new entrant into this segment, as suggested by the recent spy shots of an electric SCV, there seems to be a new player.
      Said spy shots look like they’re from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. From the looks of it, this particular test mule seems to be from Montra Electric by Murugappa Group, a subsidiary of TII (Tube Investments of India). This particular test mule from Montra Electric looks close to production as well. Let’s take a look.
      New Electric Pickup Truck
      New Electric Pickup Truck Spied
      India as an automotive market, is quite young. Electric vehicle penetration is still in the infant stages and most of the effort is reflected in electric 2W PV and CV segments. While electric 3W rickshaws and cargo trucks have caught on, there are fewer electric 4W PVs on sale in India. OEMs are taking notice of this.
      Montra Electric has commenced testing of their maiden electric SCV and it has quite a few likeable qualities about it. For starters, the design is boxy, which lends strong road presence. At the same time, it allows for better space optimisation for the cabin. Speaking of the cabin, we could not get a sneak peek through these spy shots.
      Montra Electric SCV
      Just like the exteriors, Montra has covered interiors with camouflage too. Notable elements on the outside include dual windshield wipers, manually adjustable IRVMs, low-set headlights, steel wheels, and a pronounced cavity near the bumper that acts as a step for the ingress and egress of occupants.
      What to expect?
      Behind this cabin, we have a rather long load bay. Considering the comercial applications, this is a flat load bay without any wheel well intrusions. Large load bay is likely to be the main strength of this un-named electric pickup truck from Montra. We can also see a sliding window in this cabin’s rear.
      Montra Electric SCV
      Montra Electric is among the electric mobility providers in India looking at the coveted eSCVs. The company already has an established electric 3W portfolio in the form of Super Auto. This electric auto rickshaw has an attractive design and spacious cabin. It boasts a ‘Super Range’ of up to 203 km (claimed).
      There’s a good probability that Montra’s upcoming electric SCV might share most of its powertrains and features from Super Auto. Features like fully digital instrument cluster and Super Drive Modes might make their way on this new electric pickup truck too. Launch could be in 2025.
      Montra Electric SCV More

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      2W Retail Sales Nov 2024 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Suzuki, Yamaha, Ola, Ather

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      Hero PassionThe two-wheeler segment showed off strong performance as it recorded double-digit YoY, MoM and YTD growth in retail sales
      As announced by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), the two-wheeler segment has recorded outstanding sales growth. Sales in Nov 2024 improved by 26.67% to 26,15,953 units which was well over the 20,65,095 units sold in October 2024. The segment also posted a 15.80% YoY improvement from 22,58,970 units sold in Nov 2023.
      Taking into account year-to-date sales, the 2W segment saw a 14.04% growth to 1,32,59,744 units in the FY25 period. There had been 1,16,27,404 units sold in the FY24 period. New model launches, both in the ICE and electric segment have played a vital part in these improved sales.
      2W Retail Sales Nov 2024 – Hero at No. 1
      Hero MotoCorp topped sales charts once again with 9,15,468 units in Nov 2024. This was a marked growth from 8,04,498 units sold in Nov 2023. The company commanded a 35% market share. The new Hero Mavrick 440 and the upcoming Vida V2 line-up is set to contribute to efficient sales in the coming months.
      At No. 2, Honda also saw its sales surge considerably in the past month. Sales stood at 6,54,564 units in Nov 2024, well over 5,15,128 units sales in Nov 2023. Market share also went up to 25.02% from 22.80% YoY.
      2W Retail Sales Nov 2024
      TVS Motor has seen retail sales at 4,20,990 units in Nov 2023. This was a 54,094 unit volume increase from 3,66,896 unit sales in Nov 2023. 2025 TVS Ronin has just been unveiled. This upcoming model, prices of which are yet to be revealed, will be a direct rival to the RE Hunter 350 in its segment.
      Retail sales of Bajaj Auto also went up dramatically to 3,04,221 units in Nov 2024 from 2,75,119 units sold in Nov 2023. Bajaj Auto is now gearing up for the launch of the new Chetak electric scooter later this month. It promises to come with several feature updates over its current version along with improvements in range.
      Royal Enfield too saw its retail sales improve to 93,530 units in Nov 2024 from 83,974 unit sales in Nov 2023. Suzuki sales were at 91,972 units, up from 83,121 units on a YoY basis while Yamaha sales went up to 68,266 units in the past month, well over 64,133 units sold in Nov 2023.
      Ola Electric Sales Decline YoY
      In the electric two-wheeler segment, even as Ola Electric recorded sales well over that of Ather, the company suffered a YoY decline as retail sales stood at 29,204 units in Nov 2024. This was down from 30,073 units sold in Nov 2023. In Nov, the company also teased a new electric scooter with a removable battery which will be directed towards the last-mile mobility sector.
      Ather sales grew to 12,760 units last month. This was a significant improvement over 9,342 unit sales of Nov 2023. Greaves sales saw a marginal YoY growth to 4,469 units in Nov 2024 from 4,416 units sold in Nov 2023. Classic Legends too saw its sales increase to 4,148 units from 3,316 units YoY.
      Piaggio sales, on the other hand, declined to 3,154 units in the past month from 3,475 units sold in the same month last year. Other two-wheeler OEMs, which also included some EV makers, added 13,207 units to total retail sales last month. This was a marked decline from 15,479 units sold in Nov 2023. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Hyundai Set To Strengthen India’s Fast Charging Infra With 600 New EV Chargers

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      Hyundai India EV ChargersOut of these 600 planned EV chargers, 100 will be installed in Tamil Nadu state – 10 of which will, will be functional by 2024 end
      Electric vehicle penetration is becoming more and more evident in the mainstream segment. This encourages car manufacturers to invest in electric mobility and offer compelling EVs to the masses. However, launching EVs is only half the story. The other half is offering a robust fast charging infrastructure.
      Among India’s leading car manufacturers, HMIL (Hyundai Motor India Ltd), has recognised a need to establish a robust EV charging infra in the Asian subcontinent. The company is committing to empower Indian EV buyers by installing up to 600 electric vehicle fast chargers across the country in the next 7 years.
      Hyundai India EV Chargers
      Ahead of the launch of its maiden mass-market electric car, Hyundai India has announced the launch of 600 electric vehicle fast charging stations across the country. The company is set to install these EV chargers across major cities and highways through strategic partnerships with partners like ChargeZone, Statiq and Shell India.
      The goal is to empower Indian EV buyers (irrespective of car brand) to facilitate long-distance travelling with EVs. A hassle-free Kashmir to Kanyakumari drive is what the company aims as an example to illustrate their vision. HMIL’s myHyundai app will play a crucial role in this ambitious move of offering a robust 24X7 charging station network.
      Hyundai Ioniq 5
      Key locations for the charging stations include all major cities in India like Gurugram, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Chennai. All major highways like Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Jaipur, Hyderabad-Vijayawada, Mumbai-Pune, Mumbai-Surat, Bengaluru-Pune, and Pune-Kolhapur will benefit from this move.
      Time Frame
      HMIL’s 600 charging stations planned for India will come equipped with multiple configurations like DC 150 kW + DC 60 kW + DC 30 kW or DC 150 kW + DC 30 kW + DC 60 kW. The company aims to install up to 600 EV charging stations across India within the next 7 years. By the end of this month, Hyundai promises to have 50 stations functional.
      Out of these 600 charging stations planned, Hyundai will install 100 within the Tamil Nadu state as part of an MoU signed between HMIL and Tamil Nadu Government. 10 of these 100 will be operational by the end of this month.
      Upcoming Hyundai Creta EV Spied
      Statement from HMIL
      Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Jae Wan Ryu, Function Head – Corporate Planning, HMIL said, “The EV market is expected to grow robustly by 2030. Studies conducted by HMIL have highlighted that customers are apprehensive about driving their EVs for long- distance commutes on highways due to a lack of charging infrastructure.
      Keeping this in mind, HMIL has taken the initiative of installing fast EV chargers on key highways, in addition to major cities. With access to HMC’s global EV and battery technology, HMIL is well-positioned to build a comprehensive EV ecosystem in India. We are actively investing in infrastructure to support the expected growth in demand for electric vehicles.” More

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      Maruti eVitara Electric SUV Spied Up Close Ahead Of Launch In 2025

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      New Maruti eVitara Electric SUVIn India, Maruti eVitara electric SUV will rival the likes of Tata Curvv EV, Mahindra BE 6, MG ZS EV and upcoming Hyundai Creta EV
      In the Indian market, Maruti Suzuki used to be known as the maker of small and budget cars. The company has successfully expanded its portfolio with many premium offerings. All of Maruti’s vehicles are either ICE or self-charging Hybrids. Now, the company is gearing up to launch its maiden electric vehicle.
      eVitara debuted recently in Milan, Italy. Testing of this electric vehicle is underway and makes periodic appearances. The most recent spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Ankit who spotted this test mule in Gurgaon, Haryana. Let’s take a closer look at Suzuki’s maiden electric vehicle for the world and India.
      Maruti Suzuki eVitara Spied
      Maruti eVitara Electric SUV Spied
      The strategic partnership between Suzuki and Toyota has proved fruitful for both brands with multiple badge-engineered products between them. Suzuki’s new EV, which has been under rigorous testing, will spawn a Toyota counterpart, as confirmed by the brand recently. Production will commence in Spring 2025 and launch will happen by Summer 2025.
      The recent spy shots show eVitara from up close. It was draped in camouflage like previous test mules. We can see that it has quite a bit of road presence, owing to its strong design elements. Design-wise, recently debuted eVitara shows a striking sporty fascia with a closed-off grill and some aggression.
      Maruti eVitara Electric SUV Spied
      Headlights with LED DRLs look muscular with a strong presence and bumper includes an opening in the shape of a bull bar along with fog lights. Charging port is positioned at the front left quarter panel. Suzuki seems to be aiming for a slightly sloping roofline, which is in-trend currently in India and major global markets.
      It will measure 4,275 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, 1,635 mm in width and has a 2,700 mm long wheelbase. Minimum ground clearance is 180 mm and it has a kerb weight between 1,702 kg and 1,899 kg. There’s disc brakes on all four wheels. Wheel sizes will go up to 19-inches, but the one spotted in India had 18-inch wheels wrapped with 225/55 MRF Wanderer tyres.
      Maruti Suzuki eVitara Spied
      Specs & Features
      Suzuki eVitara and its Toyota counterpart will come equipped with either a 49 kWh or 61 kWh battery pack, with the latter offering dual-motor 4WD option. Based on a born-electric platform, eVitara is primarily a FWD vehicle packing up to a 172 bhp and 189 Nm motor. With 61 kWh variant, 4WD variant brings a rear electric motor with 64 bhp at the rear for a total system output of 181 bhp and 300 Nm.
      Interiors have been revealed too, featuring a floating centre console, vertically oriented AC vents, a 2-spoke steering wheel, dual free-standing screens with the latest connectivity suite and high-quality materials, as it is a global product. Speculations suggest Suzuki eVitara will launch in Europe and Japan first and then in markets like India, even though part of the production happens here. A similar strategy to Jimny lifestyle SUV. More

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      Ola to Ola Hain, Chetak Shola Hain – Says Rajiv Bajaj, As Chetak Beats Ola In Sales

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      Rajiv Bajaj at the launch of Chetak electric scooter. File photo.Rajiv Bajaj Declares Chetak the Best-Selling Electric Scooter, Reiterates Faith in Legacy Brands Over New-Age EV Makers
      In a significant milestone for Bajaj Auto, Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of the company, announced that their electric scooter, Chetak, has climbed to the top spot in the Indian electric scooter market. Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Bajaj shared that based on December VAHAN registration data, the Chetak has surpassed its competitors to become the best-selling electric scooter in the country.
      Bajaj Chetak Overtakes Ola
      “CNBC-TV18 is very lucky for me… my son Rishabh, who has been part of the Electric Chetak team for the past 2.5 years, told me this morning that based on December VAHAN registration data, our electric scooter Chetak is now the largest-selling electric scooter, not third largest, in the country. So, the award could not be better timed,” said Bajaj.
      This achievement comes as Bajaj Auto narrows the gap with Ola Electric, which had been holding the largest EV market share until November. Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company have been closing in on Ola’s lead in the fiercely competitive electric scooter market. Add to this, Bajaj is getting ready to launch new gen Chetak on 20th Dec.
      A Playful Jibe at Ola Electric
      While celebrating Chetak’s rise to the top, Bajaj couldn’t resist taking a playful dig at Ola Electric and its CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal. Commenting on the competitive landscape, Bajaj said, “Ola toh Ola hai, Chetak shola hai” — implying that while Ola remains a significant player, Chetak is a firebrand in the market.
      Ola Electric, led by Bhavish Aggarwal, has been dominating the Indian electric scooter segment for months, but the gap between Ola and its rivals has been shrinking. Bajaj Auto’s success with Chetak, alongside TVS Motor Company’s performance, reflects an increasingly competitive landscape in India’s EV market.
      A Proven Strategy: Betting on “BET” Over “OATS”
      This latest development adds weight to Rajiv Bajaj’s earlier remarks where he dismissed new-age EV makers as “OATS”—a reference to Ola, Ather, Tork, and Simple—while expressing confidence in “BET”—Bajaj, Enfield, and TVS. Bajaj famously said he would bet on BET rather than OATS, and this statement seems to be ringing true in the current market scenario.
      Ola Electric, which dominated the EV market until November, has registered declining sales, while Ather Energy is also witnessing challenges. Tork Motors is reportedly struggling for survival, and Simple Energy is still working on expanding its market reach. Meanwhile, legacy players like Bajaj and TVS have been steadily increasing their footprints by expanding dealerships and service networks, allowing them to gain an edge in the market.
      Expanding Networks and Market Share
      Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company have been steadily expanding their dealership and service networks, enhancing accessibility for customers across India, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where newer EV brands have faced challenges in establishing a foothold. Ola Electric, however, is not backing down. On December 20, the company plans to open 4,000 stores and service centers nationwide. Furthermore, Ola has ambitious plans for 2025, with multiple new product launches lined up, including electric motorcycles and electric rickshaws, signaling an intensifying competition in the EV market.
      Source More

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      2025 TVS Ronin Unveiled Ahead Of Launch – New Colours

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      2025 TVS RoninThe same 225.9cc single-cylinder oil-cooled engine is carried over with 2025 TVS Ronin with 20.1 bhp, 19.93 Nm and a 5-speed gearbox
      One of India’s leading 2W and 3W vehicle manufacturers, TVS Motor, has just unveiled the updated 2025 Ronin at MotoSoul 4.0. This is a welcome update to TVS Ronin, which directly takes on Royal Enfield’s Hunter 350. Prices for 2025 TVS Ronin will be revealed in January 2025.
      Updated 2025 TVS Ronin Unveiled
      On the final day of TVS MotoSoul 4.0, the company unveiled new and refreshed 2025 TVS RONIN. Alongside an impressive display of innovation, diverse racing formats, and pioneering collaborations, TVS showcased 2025 Ronin with new colours at Vagator, Goa. 2025 comes with vibrant colours and graphics along with an update to its components.
      The new colour options are Glacier Silver and Charcoal Ember. These new colours replace Delta Blue and Stargaze Black options seen with MY2024. With this update, TVS aims for a better sales proposition than before to tackle immediate rivals like the popular Royal Enfield Hunter 350.
      Apart from the new colours, there are a few mechanical updates as well, but not for all variants. TVS Ronin continues to be offered in three variants – SS, DS and TD. With the 2025 TVS Ronin, mid-spec DS variant has been updated with dual-channel ABS, for more assurance to rider ensuring a safer braking experience.
      2025 TVS Ronin – Glacier Silver
      Up until now, only the top-spec TD variant got dual-channel ABS, while base SS and mid-spec DS variants only got single-channel ABS. That’s changed with 2025 Ronin. Now, the upgrade to TD variant over DS variant will give adjustable levers and TVS’ SmartXonnect connectivity suite with Bluetooth and navigation.
      Price To Be Announced
      Currently, TVS Ronin is priced starting from Rs 1.35 lakh (Ex-sh) for base SS variant, Rs 1.57 lakh (Ex-sh) for mid-spec DS variant and Rs 1.7 lakh (Ex-sh) for top-spec TD variant. With the 2025 Ronin, there could be an increase in price, especially with the mid-spec DS variant as it gets the updated dual-channel ABS.
      Other components like the USD telescopic front forks and rear mono-shock, single disc brake setup at either end, remain the same. Powertrain is carried over unchanged too. The 225.9cc single-cylinder oil-cooled engine makes 20.1 bhp and 19.93 Nm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
      2025 TVS Ronin – Charcoal Ember
      Statement from TVS Motor
      Commenting on the last day of the festival, Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company said, “TVS MotoSoul 2024, with its theme ‘Feel the Adrenaline, Feel the Inspiration, Feel the Groove,’ has been a true celebration of passion, creativity, and community.
      With every edition, we aim to elevate the spirit of motorcycling, offering exciting experiences for riders and enthusiasts alike. It is inspiring to see the motorcycling community thrive, and we remain dedicated to creating unique experiences that strengthen the bond between man and machine.”
      Also read – TVS’ new 300cc engine debuts More

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      Hero Mavrick 440 Mileage Test Report – Real World Fuel Efficiency

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      Hero Mavrick 440 Mileage TestConsidering the displacement and performance it packs, Hero Mavrick 440 mileage test results in real-world conditions are impressive
      India’s leading motorcycle manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, needs no introduction. The company has an unmatched legacy in India and abroad with budget commuter offerings. Reliability, affordability, accessibility, fuel efficiency and economical running costs are the main forte of Hero and its budget commuters.
      Now, Hero has a proper big bike in their portfolio for the first time with Mavrick 440. But how much mileage (fuel Efficiency) can one expect out of Hero’s first big bike? Hero MotoCorp provided Rushlane with a review sample and here’s what the Mavrick 440 managed to eke out riding through a mixture of city (with traffic) and highways.
      Hero Mavrick 440
      Hero Mavrick 440 Mileage Report
      With the review sample provided by Hero MotoCorp, I embarked on a long weekend solo ride to experience Hero’s first-ever big bike. I took the motorcycle from my place in Pune to Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, then to Nashik and returned back to Pune in just two days. Mavrick 440 packs ample performance with a 440cc oil-cooled engine with 27 bhp and 36 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
      Hero Mavrick 440 – Start Of The Test
      I was curious to find out just how fuel-efficient Hero Mavrick 440 is. So, I followed a proper tank-to-tank method. Mavrick’s fuel tank was filled to the brim and travelled across city traffic and highway run, including a few bad patches of roads along the way. After riding it for 192.5 km, I filled the tank back again to the brim, at the same spot as before, for a close-to-accurate reading.
      Hero Mavrick 440 – End Of The Test
      As seen in our mileage test run, Hero Mavrick 440 consumed 4.48L of fuel to cover 192.5 km. This was a surprising result as the mileage figure (fuel efficiency) turned out to be an impressive 42.96 km/l. It has to be noted that the majority of this ride was done on highways within a set speed limit of 100 km/h.
      Hero Mavrick 440 – Fuel Consumed
      Around 10% of this 192.5 km mileage was in the city with reasonable traffic in and around Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Even on highways, throttle modulation was normal and I was not wringing it hard. Average highway speeds maintained across this ride were between 90 km/h and 100 km/h.
      Is the mileage good?
      Interestingly, bike’s instrument cluster showed a range of 451 km when the tank was filled to the brim. I felt like the Fuel gauge was generally inconsistent during my period with this motorcycle. In the city, especially in Pune traffic, I was getting around 25 km/l to 30 km/l, which is acceptable for a motorcycle of this displacement and performance.
      Hero Mavrick 440
      The sub 500cc premium single-cylinder motorcycle segment is gaining popularity and has been populated by multiple offerings across many brands. Royal Enfield has launched Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450, Bajaj-KTM duo has 390 Duke, 390 Adventure, RC 390 and Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, Bajaj-Triumph has Speed T4, Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X.
      Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson partnership are crashing the party with Mavrick 440 and X440 respectively. Hero Mavrick 440 is the more affordable offering, while still offering the same basic ethos as X440, sans the brand factor and a few nice-to-have elements. With pricing as the key strength, Mavrick 440 even undercuts Royal Enfield’s Classic 350. More