News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 100 Shares159 Views

      in Bike

      TVS iQube Recalled To Inspect Chassis Bridge Tube

      by

      TVS iQubeTVS iQube is one of the best selling electric scooter on sale in India – With about 3 lakh units sold till dateThe TVS iQube has firmly established itself as one of India’s most popular and widely accepted electric scooters, especially among families. With nearly 300,000 units sold to date, the iQube has become a household name in the Indian electric vehicle market. To maintain its leading position, TVS has been diligent in refreshing the iQube lineup, consistently incorporating more features, options, and extending the range to meet the evolving needs of its customers.TVS iQube Recalled – What’s the fuss about?Recently, the iQube gained significant attention on social media due to a viral video that brought to light a potential flaw in the scooter’s chassis. The video, which has garnered almost 32 million (3.2 crore) views, shows a concerning issue that prompted TVS to take swift action in the form of a recall.The issue came to public attention when Mohit Badaya shared a video on social media, revealing that iQube scooter’s chassis had been damaged even though the scooter had not been involved in any accident or crash. The video quickly went viral, sparking a wave of responses from other iQube owners who reported experiencing similar issues with their vehicles. The widespread attention and the nature of the complaints highlighted a significant concern that needed to be addressed promptly to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.Official recall initiatedIn response to these concerns, TVS Motor has issued a voluntary recall for its popular iQube electric scooters. The recall affects iQube electric scooters manufactured between July 10, 2023, and September 9, 2023. TVS will conduct thorough inspections on these scooters to verify the integrity of the chassis bridge tube, ensuring that the ride and handling remain up to specifications over extended usage.TVS has not disclosed the exact number of scooters affected by this recall. However, industry speculations suggest that the recall could involve around 45,000 units, based on the production volumes between July 10, 2023, and September 9, 2023.TVS dealerships will be contacting affected iQube owners individually to initiate the recall process. Each affected scooter will undergo a comprehensive inspection to check for chassis damage and potential weaknesses. Any necessary repairs or replacements will be carried out free of charge to the customers. This proactive measure aims to maintain the high safety and performance standards that TVS iQube is known for.This recall underscores TVS’s commitment to customer safety and its proactive approach in addressing potential issues. By swiftly responding to the concerns raised by users, TVS not only aims to rectify the problem but also to reinforce the trust that customers have in the brand. As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability remains paramount for manufacturers. More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Bike

      2024 Bajaj Chetak New Variant Launch Price Rs 96k – 123 Kms Range, 5 Colours

      by

      2024 Bajaj Chetak New VariantNew entry-level model of Bajaj Chetak will compete with other budget-friendly electric scooters like the Ola S1 Air and Ather 450SWith its rugged full metal body and reliable performance, Bajaj Chetak has emerged as one of the popular electric scooters in the country. In FY2024, Chetak was ranked at fourth place in the list of bestselling electric two-wheelers. Its market share was at 11.31%.New Chetak base variant to boost salesBajaj has launched a new affordable version of Chetak, called Chetak 2901. It is priced at Rs 95,998, ex-sh Bangalore. 5 colour options are on offer – Red, White, Black, Lime Yellow and Azure Blue. It will be available in over 500 showrooms across India. It delivers 123 kilometres (ARAI-certified) range.2024 Bajaj Chetak New VariantMr. Eric Vas, President, President, Urbanite, Bajaj Auto Ltd., shared, “We are pleased to announce the start of shipments of Chetak 2901 to Chetak dealerships. The Chetak 2901 is designed, specced and priced to attract customers who are currently purchasing a petrol scooter to a proper full size metal body electric scooter that can match and exceed a petrol scooter, without denting their wallet.The Chetak 2901 can be had for an on-road price close to that of a petrol scooter and comes with more than 123 kms of ARAI certified range. Retails to consumers shall start from 15 June onwards. We believe Chetak 2901 shall dramatically expand the electric scooter market.”2024 Bajaj Chetak New VariantChetak 2901 offers a range of features designed to enhance rider comfort and convenience, including a Coloured Digital Console, Alloy Wheels, and Bluetooth Connectivity. For those seeking additional upgrades, the TecPac package is available. The TecPac provides advanced features such as Hill Hold, Reverse, Sport and Economy modes, Call and Music Control, Follow Me Home lights, and enhanced Bluetooth App connectivity.3 Chetak Variants On OfferThis new Chetak 2901 variant joins the existing 2 Bajaj Chetak variants – Chetak Urbane and Chetak Premium. These are equipped with 2.9 kWh and 3.2 kWh battery packs while range is 113 km and 126 km, respectively. Both scooters have a top speed of 73 kmph. Chetak Urbane variant is available at a starting price of Rs 1.23 lakh. Chetak Premium starts at Rs 1.47 lakh.Bajaj’s strategy to launch an affordable version of Chetak is in line with emerging trends in the industry. Many electric two-wheeler brands such as Ola Electric and Ather have introduced affordable variants for consumers. One of the objectives is to reduce the adverse impact coming from reduction in government subsidies. It is to note that many states have completely stopped subsidies for EVs, as the allocated funds have been exhausted.Affordable EVs will make it easier for consumers to make the switch from ICE to electric. If ICE age were to end, the new breed of affordable electric two-wheelers would play a crucial role. Chetak Premium, Chetak Urbane, and Chetak 2901 have received approval for the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) subsidy from the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI). Bajaj Auto Ltd. is part of the Government of India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Electric Vehicles. More

    • 150 Shares129 Views

      in Bike

      Bajaj Brazil Plant Starts Production – 2025 Pulsar NS160, Pulsar NS200 Launched

      by

      2025 Pulsar NS200 (Dominar 200)When compared to Indian models, both Dominar 160 (Pulsar NS160) and Dominar 200 (Pulsar NS200) miss out the new fascia and fully digital instrumentationThe Pune-based 2W and 3W manufacturing stalwart, Bajaj Auto, has been very active in both the Indian market and in international markets. Late last month, Bajaj’s international ambitions gains more prominence as the company’s Manaus plant in Brazil commenced production. At the same time, 2025 Puslar NS160 and Pulsar NS200 were launched in Brazil with subtle updates.Bajaj Brazil Plant Production CommencedIn the Indian market, Bajaj’s manufacturing presence is spread across a wide variety of vehicle types ranging from ICE and electric 2W vehicles, ICE and electric 3W vehicles along with commercial 4W vehicles (Qute). Nameplates like Pulsar and Chetak hold some of the most brand recall and cult following.2025 Pulsar NS160 (Dominar 160)Most of Bajaj’s international business operated with a manufacturing setup in India. Soon, Bajaj commenced operations in Colombia plant so that they could better cater to more than 75 countries. Bajaj is expanding its manufacturing operations and has eyed Brazil for a long time. Almost a year ago, Bajaj Auto announced its Manaus manufacturing facility in Brazil.This facility will be set up under its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bajaj Do Brazil. Where location is concerned, Bajaj has chosen Manaus as its new production base, which is a special economic zone in Northern Brazil. Currently, Bajaj only sell Dominar 400, Dominar 200 (Pulsar NS200) and Dominar 160 (Pulsar NS160) in Brazil.2025 Pulsar NS160 (Dominar 160)All of these vehicles will now be manufactured in Brazil instead of assembling them in association with Dafra in the capital city of Amazonas state in Brazil. Plant capacity is touted to be 20,000 units per annum with scope for expansion. The company is highly likely to manufacture alliance vehicles from KTM, Husqvarna and Triumph as well.This way, marketing and logistics in both Americas and Europe are more cost-effective and establish better relevancy. The new Manaus plant in Brazil is said to reach full capacity by the end of this month and manufactured units will reach dealerships soon.2025 Pulsar NS160 (Dominar 160)2025 Pulsar NS200 and Pulsar NS160Along with commencing production of its first overseas manufacturing facility, Bajaj has also launched 2025 Pulsar NS200 and Pulsar NS160 in Brazil. However, these are called Dominar 200 and Dominar 160 over there.The main update has to be the inclusion of dual-channel ABS with both Dominar 160 and Dominar 200. Also, smaller Dominar now gets the same set of fat tyres from Dominar 200. Which are 100/80-17 at the front and 130/70-17 at the rear. Other than that, there are new colours on offer with wheels and USD front forks painted in Grey.2025 Pulsar NS160 (Dominar 160) InstrumentationPowertrains remain the same and Dominar 160 continues to get a 17 bhp 160cc engine and Dominar 200 continues to get a 24.5 bhp 199cc engine as before. Apart from the changes mentioned above, cycle parts and other components remain the same. Notably, Brazilian models miss out on the new fascia and fully digital instrument cluster we get in India.Also read – Bajaj trademarked Fighter name Source More

    • 138 Shares199 Views

      in Bike

      Royal Enfield Trademarks Two New Logos – For Upcoming 650cc Bikes?

      by

      Royal Enfield Trademarks Two New LogosThe new pictorial logo trademarked by Royal Enfield is already offered with a few colourways of Classic 350 and Interceptor 650If we take India’s classic or retro styled motorcycle market, it is completely tilted towards one brand, Royal Enfield. The company has a lot of vehicles in the making and the next launch is Guerrilla 450. Now, Royal Enfield has patented two new logos and one of them could go on a future motorcycle.Two new Royal Enfield Trademarks – What are they for?With a slew of 350cc, 450cc and 650cc motorcycles, Royal Enfield has positioned itself as the country’s de facto classic bike manufacturer. The company has went strength to strength and has successfully garnered an unprecedented cult following and impeccable brand loyalty among customers.Royal Enfield New LogoMost of this following is because of the nostalgia Royal Enfield invokes. To further dwell on this nostalgia, Royal Enfield has trademarked two new logos in India for future use. One of them is the one Royal Enfield has been using since the post World War II era. This logo has company’s current word logo and a crown on top of it, housed in a winged background.In recent times, Royal Enfield has used this same logo on some of their bikes including Classic 350 and Interceptor 650. To be more specific, Canyon Red, Cali Green and Mark II colourways of Interceptor 650 along with Chrome Bronze and Chrome Red colourways on Classic 350 get this exact logo.Royal Enfield New Logo DetailEven though the logo is not really new and has been used on existing motorcycles, Royal Enfield has trademarked it recently. As seen in the image below, trademark application is dated 5th of June 2024, which is yesterday. Said trademark status reads ‘Formalities Chk Pass’.Royal Enfield is currently working on a multitude of vehicles and this logo can make it to one of them. Most probably, it will go on upcoming Classic 650 and Classic 350 Bobber along with Scram 650, considering the same logo is seen on Classic 350 and Interceptor 650.Royal Enfield New LogoCompany’s new word logo (font)There was another logo that Royal Enfield has trademarked alongside the aforementioned logo. Comparatively, this is an all-new logo and is more of a wordmark in a stylised font. It reads ‘Royal Enfield’ with an underline beneath it. This logo is less likely to make it on a motorcycle’s fuel tank.Royal Enfield New Logo DetailRoyal Enfield sells a lot of merchandise and printables. We can see this logo on a T-shirt or luggage or some other clothing and baggage. For fans and followers to showcase their brand affiliation. More details regarding these new logos will be revealed in the future.Also read – Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 logo trademarked More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      2024 Honda BeAT Scooter Range Launched Starting IDR 18.43 Million (Rs 94.5K)

      by

      2024 Honda BeAT Scooter RangeConsidering OEMs like Aprilia, Yamaha and Hero (upcoming) are offering scooters with 14-inch wheels, we hope Honda offers one tooIndonesia is among the biggest scooter markets in Asian continent. Many legacy manufacturers and other OEMs have been operational here. Honda is among major players in Indonesia. To further consolidate its position in the market, Honda has just launched MY24 BeAT and BeAT Street with subtle updates to design and features.2024 Honda BeAT Scooter Range – What are the updates?In Indonesia, Honda’s BeAT has been one of the popular scooter offerings with good reception from the buyers. Capitalising on it further, the company has just launched 2024 Honda BeAT with a multitude of exterior revisions and feature updates to keep the product fresh.Where exterior design changes are concerned, Honda has implemented a new design language with body panels radiating a sharper look. Overall design now looks less edgy and a lot less busier than it did before. There are new headlights and tail lights design. New BeAT gets LED headlights too.Standard 2024 Honda BeAT gets taller 14-inch alloy wheels as standard fitment. There is a new instrument cluster too, with a digital LCD screen in the middle. All variants gets battery charge state indicator and alarms, while CBS variant onwards get 12W USB charger, parking brake lock feature and side stand engine kill switch.2024 Honda BeAT StandardHigher-spec Honda BeAT Deluxe variant gets an engine idling start/stop system along with and a silent starter/generator system. Notably, Honda BeAT Deluxe is the only variant to get company’s new Smart Key.Changes with Honda BeAT StreetApart from the standard BeAT, Honda has also launched the 2024 BeAT Street. Where design is concerned, not a lot is different between the two. For starters, we can see a unique design with the Street where it gets an exposed handlebar and misses out on a cowl in this area that standard BeAT gets.Other than that, there are unique colourways and graphics with BeAT Street. When we bring scooter’s stance into the picture, there are stark differences between BeAT and BeAT Street as the latter comes equipped with smaller 12-inch alloy wheels with fatter tyres, as opposed to 14-inch alloys on the former.2024 Honda BeAT StreetOther than that, both scooters share almost all of their features and attributes. Powertrain-wise, both scooters come equipped with the same 110cc engine that generates 8.85 bhp of peak power and 9.2 Nm of peak torque. Claimed fuel efficiency is around 60.6 km/l. Both BeAT and BeAT Street start from IDR 18.43 million OTR (94.5K) and we hope Honda considers offering a 14-inch wheel-equipped scooter in the Indian 110cc scooter segment.2024 Honda BeAT Engine More

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Tata Ace Long Range EV Kit By Northway Motors Boasts Up To 350km Range

      by

      Tata Ace Long Range EV Kit By NorthwayWhen compared to existing electric transport vehicles, Tata Ace EV Long Range kit by Northway Motors promises all-day work without rechargingIf you have read our EV converted Maruti Suzuki Ignis story that could go 200 km/h on the dyno, you must be familiar with Pune-based Northway Motors. This company specializes in aftermarket electric conversion kits for a multitude of vehicles and now, the company has put together a conversion kit for Tata Ace to extract as much as 350 km on a single charge.This electric converted Tata Ace goes up to 350 kmTata Motors has launched an all-electric version of Tata Ace. Called, Tata Ace EV, this is a potent vehicle that has found association with multiple intra-city and last-mile delivery operations. Launched at a starting price (at launch) of Rs. 9.99 lakh (Ex-sh), it does address a lot of issues in mobility sector.Tata Ace Long Range EV Kit By NorthwayHowever, Northway Motors has identified a key set of problems in electric vehicles for last-mile delivery and is also extending its solutions for inter-city deliveries as well. According to Northway’s market study, a vehicle like Tata Ace (ICE) will cover 80km – 100km in last-mile delivery operations and around 200 km in inter-city deliveries.Conventional electric transport vehicles often need to recharge within that day to meet these criteria and can result in unforeseen losses for fleet operators or business owners. Also, frequent fast charging will degrade battery health at a faster rate and will not be able to deliver a longer product life span. Adding to it are fewer charging ports along with the queue and waiting period.[embedded content]To address these shortcomings, Northway Motors has come up with Tata Ace EV Long Range kit that has a 39 kWh battery pack and promises around 270 km of range when fully loaded, 300 km of range when semi-loaded and 350 km of range when fully empty. This 39 kWh battery pack supports fast charging too.90% made in IndiaHowever, company recommends slower charging overnight and the higher range negates the need for frequent top-ups to get to the end of a productive day. This retrofitted kit is compatible with both the new Tata Ace and older ones. Because it is mounted so low in the chassis, it lends better driveability and weight distribution.Tata Ace Long Range EV Kit By NorthwayOver the ‘Drive’ mode, Northway has also implemented a ‘Load’ mode where this retrofitted kit produces maximum load-bearing performance for scenarios like inclines. The battery and motor are in-house-assembled and wiring harness, vehicle controller, chargers and wiring harness are in-house developed.Northway Motors promises a safe and legal product for Tata Ace owners (new and existing) that ensures lowest running cost in the business and highest ROI (Rate Of Return). Coupled with this battery, the kit’s electric motor works with Ace’ existing gearbox and negates the need for gearshifts and clutch operation.Tata Ace Long Range EV Kit By NorthwayWith a vacuum pump, brakes on this converted vehicle work as they work on a stock vehicle. There is an auxiliary battery for miscellaneous vehicle functions too. The company gave a suitable example of Pune-Mumbai delivery trips and the ‘up to 350 km’ range certainly makes a strong proposition. More

    • 150 Shares119 Views

      in Bike

      Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Engine Mount Snaps – Here Is What Happened

      by

      Himalayan 450 Engine Mount SnapsChassis snapping or breakdown is a known issue with older Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 and has happened on multiple instancesRoyal Enfield New Himalayan 450 has earned quite a reputation for being a rugged off-road machine that can take anything India has to throw at it. It boasts robust construction along with a reputation of being indestructible (relatively). However, new images from the internet have made quite a splash, showing a few potential chinks in Royal Enfield Himalayan 450’s armour.Himalayan 450 engine mount snaps on two bikesA recent event from Tinsukia, Assam state, sparked a debate on social media platforms and other forums regarding structural integrity and soundness of Royal Enfield’s newest ADV. We can see in the images that the bike’s left chassis part has been damaged and it appears like a clean shear of the bike’s tubular trellis frame.Himalayan 450 Engine Mount Snaps – 1st IncidentDamage looks like it occurred close to bike’s left-side engine mount and subframe mount. However, engine is still in place as the right-side engine mount could have been intact. Radiator hose pipe looks like it came right off and there was quite some coolant spillage on the road. Considering this was a one-off instance, it seemed like there was user error or some external factors involved. Soon, another Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (Tamil Nadu registered) encountered a very similar situation.Himalayan 450 Engine Mount Snaps – 2nd IncidentOnly this time, damage was more severe, that both side engine mounts have been damaged and the engine ‘fell’ right off its frame. In Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, engine is a stressed member and is an integral part of its chassis. It is held bolted onto the main frame at multiple locations.Himalayan 450 Engine Mount Snaps – 2nd IncidentRoyal Enfield Explains What HappenedAll of the top mounts holding this engine seem to have been damaged and the engine just ‘fell’ off the bike’s mainframe. Looking at the motorcycle, it doesn’t look like it was in a crash. So what went wrong? Rushlane reached out to Royal Enfield, and as per their initial analysis by their tech team, the 2nd incident is similar to the 1st one.Himalayan 450 Chassis and Engine MountSpeaking about the 1st incident, Royal Enfield says that it happened because owner had installed aftermarket crash guard which was not approved by RE. It is likely that the engine mount was damaged because of aftermarket accessory, which resulted in the incident. Royal Enfield have fixed the Himalayan 450 from Assam and the said customer is happy with the result. 2nd incident also happened because of the same reason, says Royal Enfield.Owing to its off-roading appeal and go-anywhere capability, buyers looking at a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will expect a certain degree of over-engineering to achieve a durable product that doesn’t break down with minor incidents. There have been multiple instances where Himalayan 411 has had chassis damage and the company must have logically worked on it when developing the new Himalayan 450.Notably, Royal Enfield provided Rushlane with a long-term Himalayan 450 review sample and it was ridden on trails, hill climbs and other off-road scenarios and we didn’t face a similar issue on our unit. More

    • 138 Shares119 Views

      in Bike

      TVS Sales May 2024 – Jupiter, Apache, Ntorq, Raider, iQube, XL100

      by

      New TVS iQubeTVS Motor total sales of two and three wheelers grew substantially on a YoY basis by 11.89% though MoM sales declined on account of lower two wheeler salesTVS Motor Company has recorded outstanding sales growth in May 2024 on a YoY basis showing off its positive outlook in what is considered a highly competitive market. The company achieved an overall 11.89% YoY growth in May 2024 with sales across its two and three wheeler segment as well as 2 wheeler domestic sales and exports showing off an uptick. Three wheeler exports however experienced a sharp decline.TVS Motor 2W and 3W Sales May 2024 – YoY PerformanceTVS Motor achieved a 11.89% YoY improvement in sales (2W+3W) to 3,69,914 units as compared to 3,30,609 units in May 2023 relating to a 39,305 volume increase. Taking only two wheeler sales into account, motorcycle sales grew by 7.01% to 1,73,627 units, up from 1,62,248 units in May 2023. Motorcycles currently command a 48.28% share as against 40.41% held by scooter sales which have also improved by 19.93% YoY to 1,45,305 units. There had been 1,21,156 units sold in May 2023.TVS Sales May 2024Electric scooter sales grew by 4.02% YoY to 18,674 units while moped (XL100) sales were up 13.28% to 40,658 units. This took 2 wheeler domestic sales up 7.30% to 2,71,140 units in May 2024 from 2,52,690 units sold in May 2023 while exports surged 32.80% to 88,450 units. Total 2W (domestic + exports) sales thus increased 12.62% YoY to 3,59,590 units in the past month, up from 3,19,295 units sold in May 2023. Total 2W sales stood at 3,74,592 units in April 2024 relating to a significant MoM decline.Across the three wheeler segment as well, company sales increased by 37.80% in terms of domestic sales which improved to 1,808 units in the past month while exports fell by 14.86% from 10,002 units shipped in May 2023 to 8,516 units in May 2024. Lower exports resulted in lower total 3W sales by 8.75% to 10,324 units in May 2024. Total 2+3W domestic sales stood at 2,72,948 units, a 7.46% YoY growth while total exports of 2+3 wheeler improved by 26.58% to 96,966 units.TVS Sales May 2024 – YoY ComparisonMonth on Month (MoM) Performance – May 2024 Vs April 2024TVS has reported a 7.70% MoM decline in motorcycle sales in May 2024 to 1,73,627 units while scooter sales improved just marginally by 0.82% over 1,44,126 units sold in April 2024. E-scooter sales also saw a 7.30% growth while moped sales suffered a 4.01% setback over 42,356 units sold in April 2024.TVS Sales May 2024 – MoM ComparisonTotal two wheeler domestic sales thus dipped by 10.05% form 3,01,449 units sold in April 2024 to 2,71,140 units sold in May 2024 while exports increased by 20.93% to 88,450 units from 73,143 units shipped in April 2024. Total 2 wheeler sales thus saw a 4% MoM decline over 3,74,592 units sold.TVS Motor Company saw better performance across its three wheeler segment with domestic sales up 9.05% while exports surged 15.63% taking total 3 wheeler sales to 10,324 units in the past month, up 14.42% over 9,023 units sold in April 2024. Lower total (2+3W) domestic total sales by 9.95% but higher exports by 20.44% took total sales to 3,69,914 units in the last month, down by 3.57% over 3,83,615 units sold in April 2024.In other news, TVS has commenced deliveries of the TVS iQube top spec ST trim. It now receives a larger battery pack thereby relating to a higher range. TVS also plans to launch its first electric three wheeler as well as electric moped, for which TVS XL EV And E-XL names have been registered. More