More stories

  • in

    Tork Kratos Electric Motorcycle Launch On 26th Jan – Revolt Rival

    Tork T6X Electric MotorcycleTork Kratos will be powered by a first of its kind axial flux electric motor with an energy efficiency of 90-96 percent
    Tork Motors finally has a launch date for its upcoming electric motorcycle called Kratos. The Pune-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer will be launching its first electric two-wheeler on January 26 this year through a virtual event. Official bookings for the electric bike also start on the same day.
    Interested buyers will be able to reserve their bikes with an online order. According to the company, deliveries of Kratos are expected to commence around March this year. At the time of its reveal back in Sep 2016, the motorcycle was expected to be priced at Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom).
    Tork Kratos based on T6X
    Formerly known as Tork T6X, the electric motorcycle has been in development for almost six years. Tork claims that Kratos is the country’s first indigenously designed and engineered motorcycle to go on sale.
    The market already has prominent brand names like Revolt and Ultraviolette which have developed battery-powered motorcycles. However, the former has DNA of the British brand Super Soco and the latter is yet to go on sale in the country.
    Tork Kratos Electric Motorcycle
    Kratos is said to be the fifth working prototype of T6X which has been developed for the production line. The electric bike will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Chakan. The manufacturer intends to sell around 5,000-10,000 units per annum for the first three years.
    Multiple iterations of T6X have been spotted on previous occasions with most of the bodywork on the initial test mules from a Yamaha FZ-16 donor bike. However, the production-spec Kratos is expected to be a completely new motorcycle with new bodywork. Tork has gone in with a sporty styling for Kratos with sharp fuel tank extensions, edgy body panels and split seats.
    Battery & Electric Motor specs
    The battery-powered motorcycle will feature the company’s proprietary, Tork LIION, lithium-ion battery pack. This battery will supply energy to an axial flux motor which is said to have an efficiency rating of 90-96 percent. The company says that a larger battery pack will ensure a greater range on a single charge although official specifications will be revealed at the time of its launch.
    Tork T6X Electric Motorcycle
    The earlier T6X prototype was powered by a 6kW (peak power) DC axial flux motor which produced 27 Nm of torque. The company claimed a range of 100 kms on a single charge and had a top speed of 100 kmph. It came with a fast charger that could rejuvenate the battery from 0-80 percent in an hour. Further, the battery pack was IP67-rated for optimum protection against water damage and came with an aluminium alloy casing.
    Features Expected
    Like most EVs, Kratos will be equipped with a dedicated operating system that will manage the dynamics of the vehicle. Called TIROS (Tork Intuitive Response Operating System), this AI system will analyze and compile the data for every ride and will manage crucial components such as real-time power consumption and management, and range predictions. Additionally, it also features a 4.3 inch TFT screen enabled with app and cloud connectivity, geo-fencing, etc. More

  • in

    Hero Splendor Electric Conversion Kit Demand High – GoGoA1

    Hero Splendor ElectricEV Conversion Kit company GoGoA1 announces footprint expansion to 50+ franchises across India
    An EV conversion kit does exactly what it says. And for it to be dependable, it must be RTO approved. Most recently such kits were mentioned in relation to older cars plying in NCR streets.
    With such vehicles falling foul to current norms of worthiness to ply on roads, such vehicles could get a new lease of life if they were converted to EVs. The idea sounds good. The problem however is complex considering there are no OEMs who manufacture and sell such EV conversion kits.
    GoGoA1 is empanelled by Delhi Government under compliance with National Green Tribunal(NGT). This makes them the only company from Maharashtra to participate in a process to convert 10 year old Hero Splendor motorcylces into electric vehicles. Hero Splendor Electric Conversion Kit cost is about Rs 35k. Range claimed is up to 151 kms.
    This in turn benefits existing motorcycle owners as one can continue to use the bike for longer. Life span increase estimation of existing vehicles is at about 5-7 years. These would also not fall into the new scrappage policy.
    Hero Splendor Electric
    Policy support for retrofitting companies
    Current laws pertaining to retrofitting are stringent. Only authorized state agencies can install the retrofit kits. For this to be a robust platform teeming with tech and innovation, more RTO Approved companies should be recognised.
    Policy support for retrofitting companies from governing bodies is a need. Such kits convert current vehicles into being EV capable without adding new vehicles. Extending the life of vehicles that are at risk from the new scrappage policy could still be kept on the road.
    Keeping in mind potential demand, private players have entered the market. In recent years, EVs are an important part of future mobility discussions. Given potential demand, the two wheeler market in India has seen a spurt of new entrants at the manufacturing end.
    Petrol to electric conversion kit by GoGoA1
    Never before has such a large multitude of two wheelers manufacturers entered the marketplace in such quicktime. And while this transition begins, the opportunity for transitioning could be made easy through retrofitted kits.
    50+ franchises
    GoGoA1, a Mumbai based entity offers a RTO-Approved Electric Conversion Kit for motorcycles. And they say, demand has increased by 60 percent since the announcement. Since demand for EVs is already increasing, more-so for two-wheelers, it’s but natural that the company’s retrofit kit is filling the gap for smoother transitions. GoGoA1 is focused on ‘transformation of existing fuel 2 wheelers, 3-wheelers, and cars into electric-powered technologies by creating hybrid and complete conversion kits’.
    Shrikant Shinde, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, GoGoA1 shared, “We have a strong footprint of franchise networks with over 50+ franchises registered pan India in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Delhi and across India”. For all the franchise owners GoGoA1 provides options including partnering for installation of the conversion kit, battery swapping and leasing the vehicle”. More

  • in

    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Vs Yezdi Roadster – Specs, Price Comparison

    Yezdi Roadster. Image – Biker Prakash ChoudharyBoth Yezdi Roadster and Royal Enfield Meteor closely match each other’s specs and prices
    Classic Legends recently brought the Yezdi brand back to life by launching three motorcycles under its anvil- Adventure, Scrambler and Roadster. All three bikes hold distinct identities in the brand’s lineup. With this launch, Classic Legends has thrown in another dice to take on the supremacy of Royal Enfield in the 250-500cc motorcycle segment.
    While Adventure locks horns with Royal Enfield Himalayan, Scrambler will rival the upcoming Scram 411 from the Chennai-based bikemaker. On the other hand, Yezdi Roadster appears to take on Meteor 350. This story focuses on how both these motorcycles stack up against each other, on paper of course.
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Vs Yezdi Roadster
    When it comes to design, both motorcycles feature a low-sling cruiser-like stance with a new-retro design theme. While Yezdi has stayed clear from terming it as a cruiser, Royal Enfield is happy to call Meteor one. That said, neither of the bikes can be called proper cruisers and more roadsters trying to be cruisers. Meteor gives a slightly more cruiser feel due to its wide and tall handlebar as opposed to the low-set handlebar in Roadster.
    That said, both motorcycles receive centre-set footpegs which give better ability to maneuver than a traditional cruiser and a comfortable riding posture. Both flaunt a neo-retro styling theme with common elements such as round headlamps, teardrop-shaped fuel tanks and circular turn tail lights, turn indicators and rearview mirrors. Roadster looks slightly bulkier than Meteor thanks to the broader fenders in the former.
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 vs Yezdi Roadster
    Powertrain Specs
    Meteor is powered by a 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled SOHC motor whereas Roadster is propelled by a smaller 334cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC motor. Despite being at a disadvantage for a smaller cubic capacity, Roadster extracts more power and torque from its engine. While the engine in Meteor kicks out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, the one in Roadster pumps out 29.7 bhp and 29 Nm of torque.
    Dynamics
    As far as dynamics are concerned, both motorcycles are underpinned by a similar dual-cradle frame. Chassis on both bikes are suspended on telescopic forks upfront and twin shock absorbers at rear. In terms of braking, both motorcycles utilise disc brakes at both ends aided by a dual-channel ABS. While Yezdi offers a larger front disc of 320mm, Royal Enfield provides a larger rotor of 270mm at rear.
    Meteor offers a more accessible saddle of 765mm as compared to a 790mm seat height of Roadster. However, Roadster is slightly more nimble at 184kg in comparison to 191kg of Meteor which should translate to sharper handling. Meteor also features a larger 15-litre fuel tank as compared to a 12.5-litre tank in Roadster that should provide a longer range to Meteor.
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 vs Yezdi Roadster
    Features and Price
    In terms of features, Roadster gets all-LED lighting in addition to a semi-digital instrument console. It, however, misses out on Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation which is offered as standard in Meteor. The latter also gets LED DRLs, an LED taillight and a USB charger.
    Coming to prices, both motorcycles are very closely priced to each other but Roadster offers a slightly lower starting price of Rs 1.98 lakh. On the other hand, prices for Meteor start at Rs 2.01 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). More

  • in

    Suzuki Avenis 125cc Scooter Arrives At Dealer Showrooms – Ntorq Rival

    Suzuki AvenisSuzuki Avenis enters a segment to compete with the likes of TVS NTorq 125, Honda Grazia 125 and new Aprilia SR 125
    125cc scooters have started to find more takers in the Indian market. Most two wheeler makers have a model or two in this segment, fitting it with the latest in styling and features. Suzuki Motorcycle India released their newest offering in this segment last month. It has now started arriving at dealer showrooms across India.
    Suzuki’s new Avenis 125cc scooter is set to attract the attention of a younger segment of buyers in the country. It receives sporty styling and state of the art connectivity features. The new Avenis is a more premium offering than Access 125, but will be positioned below the Burgman Street in the company lineup.
    Suzuki Avenis 125cc Scooter – Walkaround
    Suzuki Avenis is presented in 5 dual tone colour options. These include Metallic Matte Fibroin Grey / Metallic Lush Green, Pearl Blaze Orange / Glass Sparkle Black, Metallic Matte Black / Glass Sparkle Black and Pearl Mirage White / Metallic Matte Fibroin Grey, all of which are priced at Rs 86,700. The Metallic Triton Blue (Race Edition) on the other hand carries a higher price tag of Rs 87,000.
    Key features include Suzuki Ride Connect with Turn-By-Turn Navigation system. Body mounted LED headlamps, LED tail lamps and rear indicators along with ample under seat space and front box with USB socket are also among the features seen on the new Avenis. Below is a detailed walkaround review of the new Suzuki Avenis scooter, credit to MRD Vlogs.
    [embedded content]
    Avenis gets a Bluetooth enabled digital console which can be synced to the riders smartphone for access to incoming calls, SMS and WhatsApp alerts, missed calls and unread SMS updates. It also includes a speed excess warning, battery level display and estimated time of arrival.
    Its low body weight of 106 kgs, external hinge type fuel cap, motorcycle inspired rear indicators and sporty alloy wheels add to its sporty appeal. Avenis also sports distinctive body graphics, Suzuki branding, sporty muffler cover and split grab rails.
    The Suzuki Avenis console can be synced to both AndroidTM and iOS phones. The rider can download the ‘Suzuki Ride Connect’ application and install the application to allow for navigation assistance, last parked location and trip report.
    Suzuki Avenis
    Suzuki Avenis measures 1,895mm in length, 710 mm in width and 1,175mm in height. It gets ground clearance of 160mm, wheelbase of 1,265mm and kerb weight of 106 kgs. Underseat storage is at 12.8 liters while fuel tank is of 5.2 liter capacity.
    Engine Specs
    Suzuki Avenis Scooter gets its power via a 124cc, single cylinder motor that also powers the Access and Burgman Street. This engine offers 8.5 hp power at 6,750 rpm and 10 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
    It receives telescopic front suspension and Swing Arm at the rear while braking is via disc and drum at the front and rear respectively. Suzuki Avenis enters a segment wherein it finds much competition from the TVS Ntorq, Yamaha RayZR, Honda Grazia 125 and new Aprilia SR 125. More

  • in

    2022 Honda X-ADV Scooter Trademark Accepted In India

    2022 Honda X-ADV ScooterHonda X-ADV has capabilities of an adventure motorcycle mated to comfort and convenience of a large-capacity scooter
    Exploring new territories has its risks , but it also unlocks the first mover advantage. Honda appears to be targeting something similar with the trademark registration of X-ADV in India. As of now, there’s hardly any product here that could be comparable to X-ADV in terms of its design and features. Trademark for X-ADV was filed in December last year and it has now been approved.
    Honda X-ADV styling and features
    On first glance, Honda X-ADV can be easily mistaken for a maxi-scooter. However, X-ADV is quite different in terms of its scope and purpose. It has been designed in a way that it can effortlessly tackle both city streets and off-road trails.
    Honda X-ADV has an aggressive front fascia with features such as dual LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, large windscreen, trendy LED turn signals, handguards, sculpted body panels, engine guard, step-up seat, upswept exhaust and edgy tail lamp.
    Improving the overall look and feel is golden coloured USD forks. Golden shade also highlights a section of front and rear disc brakes. In international markets, the bike is offered in vibrant colour options including Black Metallic, Pearl Deep Mud Gray, Grand Prix Red and Harvest Beige.
    2022 Honda X-ADV Scooter trademark accepted in India
    For enhanced overall ride experience, Honda X-ADV is equipped with a 5-inch TFT screen. A number of connectivity features can be accessed via Honda Smartphone Voice Control system. It currently supports Android devices only. Information displayed on the screen can be customized based on user needs and preferences.
    Apart from riding comfort, benefits of being part scooter comes in the form of underseat storage. 21-litre space is available, which can easily accommodate a full-face adventure-style helmet. Inside the storage space, there’s a USB Type-C charging port for smartphones and other devices.
    Honda X-ADV engine and specs
    Powering the bike is a 745cc, liquid cooled, 8-valve, SOHC parallel twin-cylinder motor. It generates 58 hp of max power at 6,750 rpm and 69 Nm of peak torque at 4,750 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT).
    2022 Honda X-ADV Scooter
    The bike can adapt to varied terrains and environments with 5 ride modes and throttle by wire controls. Pre-configured ride modes are Standard, Sport, Rain, and Gravel. Fifth ride mode ‘User’ is fully customizable and is meant for advanced users. The ride modes can be selected from left handlebar switches and TFT screen.
    Honda X-ADV utilizes tubular steel diamond-style frame, integrated with USD front forks and monoshock rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 296 mm and 240 mm discs at front and rear, respectively. The bike has 17-inch front and 15-inch rear steel spoke wheels, shod with block-pattern tyres.
    A premium product, Honda X-ADV will not be cheap if launched in India. In the UK, the bike is available at a starting price of £10,949. That’s approximately INR 11.10 lakh. More

  • in

    Microlino EV, Adorable Two-Seater, Going into Production in Europe

    Microlino 2.0 production is slated to start in March 2022 in Turin, Italy, with the first deliveries expected in April or May.The bubble car will go on sale in Switzerland first, before spreading to other western European markets.With an estimated top range of 143 miles when equipped with a 14.0-kWh battery, the Microlino 2.0 could prove to be a popular alternative to other small EVs as well as scooters and e-bikes.The bubble-shaped Microlino 2.0 is headed into production in a matter of weeks, despite delays and disruptions prompted by the pandemic. Micro Mobility Systems has revealed that production will begin in March 2022, following the model’s favorable debut at the Munich IAA Mobility show last fall.The Isetta-styled EV, designed and engineered by a Swiss company, is slated to be produced in Turin, Italy, and to go on sale in Switzerland later this year before a wider rollout in Europe. The two-seater will feature a 25-hp engine drawing power from a choice of three batteries, offering 6.0-, 10.5-, and 14.0-kWh capacities, which are expected to be good for 60, 109, and 143 miles of range, respectively.

    Micro Mobility Systems says that it is already producing pre-production examples for testing and process optimization, despite some component shortages. The company projects that the first customer examples will be delivered in April or May. The configurator is expected to go live in February, with the company reporting more than 24,000 reservations in fall 2021.”Our goal was to deliver the first vehicles to customers within the end of the year [2021], but the worldwide supply-chain chaos is affecting us like many other carmakers,” the company indicated. “Despite our preparations to order crucial parts way in advance, the situation has gotten much worse and is now affecting more and more parts. Now, even commodity parts like simple connectors for the wiring harness have become scarce and have lead times of up to 50 weeks!”The company has shared short videos, including the prototype drive below and a clip revealing some of the production hardware for the Microlino, including a stamping press and assembly robots.
    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.

    The bubble car won’t actually be classified as a car in the EU but rather as a quadricycle, allowing for more liberal licensing, but its 56-mph top speed will also keep it off the autoroutes. With a starting price of around $14,000, the Microlino 2.0 could be a popular alternative to other low-ranged EVs and electric scooters, as well as some actual electric cars with similar ranges.For example, the longest-range 143-mile trim level could eclipse the ranges of some larger EVs like the Mini Cooper SE and the Mazda MX-30, but it will be far cheaper to purchase and use for in-town driving, while taking up far less parking space than even something relatively small, like a Volkswagen ID.3. These range numbers are unofficial for now, but given its modest power requirements, a small and light vehicle can stretch its range past larger EVs even with a smaller battery.”The long-anticipated online configurator is almost ready and will be launched in February, with the first test drive events following soon afterwards,” the company added. “Apart from the three editions Urban, Dolce, and Competizione that we already unveiled, we will introduce the exclusive limited-edition for the first 500 Microlinos ever produced, called Pioneer Series.”Micro Mobility Systems does not have plans to offer the Microlino 2.0 in the U.S. at the moment, and given the reception that small electric hatches have received, that may seem quite logical. The main constraint for its maker at the moment is production capacity in Turin, given the demand in Europe. It will be quite some time before the Microlino could be ready for other global markets, ones friendlier to small EVs, with the company prioritizing western Europe first.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    This Is What the Ford Fusion Could Have Become

    Ford revealed the new Mondeo at its China Design Center in Shanghai today, calling the sedan’s look “a bold new design language for China.”The new model will go on sale in China this year.If things were different and Ford hadn’t chosen to concentrate on SUVs and trucks in the U.S., this could have been the next Fusion for us.Ford killed off the Fusion mid-size sedan along with all of its other passenger cars in the U.S., but the four-door lives on in other markets. Now Ford has unveiled the new Mondeo for the China market, and it gives us an idea of what the next Fusion could have been in an alternate universe.The Mondeo follows Ford’s design language, which is also seen on the Evos and other China-market products, with a somewhat angular front end. The proportions are conventional mid-size-sedan fare, and the rear end takes cues from the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover.

    Ford

    Ford

    Ford hasn’t released mechanical details on the new Mondeo, but we reckon it’s front-wheel drive and powered by a turbo four-cylinder gas engine of some kind. The related Lincoln Zephyr sedan, also for China, has a turbo 2.0-liter four, but the Mondeo will likely offer smaller-displacement engines as well.

    Ford

    There’s no chance we’ll see the Mondeo on our shores anytime soon, as Ford is committed to its SUV and truck strategy in the States. But there have been rumors of a Fusion Active lifted wagon for a while, so it’s possible that model could be related to this Mondeo if it ever comes to fruition.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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 created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    'Rain Man' 1949 Buick Roadmaster Hits Scottsdale Auction

    Movie cars headed to auction are not rare, but this particular example, a 1949 Buick Roadmaster convertible seen in the 1988 movie Rain Man, has never been available for sale since actor Dustin Hoffman acquired it after the movie wrapped and kept it.Bonhams, presenting it at its Scottsdale auction on January 27, expects the Buick to bring in somewhere between $150,000 and $250,000.Other delightful classics up for sale that day include a 1958 AC Ace roadster, a 1989 Lamborghini Countach, and a 1965 Jaguar E-type coupe.If the Academy Awards ever handed out a prize for Best Supporting Car, the 1949 Buick Roadmaster convertible seen in the 1988 movie Rain Man should at least be a contender. Hagerty said as much in a profile of this famous car a few years ago, noting that it was a sort of third character in the film. The movie also raised awareness for autism at a time when that wasn’t a common topic of discussion. Whether or not you’re interested in the car for its movie connection, you’ll have a chance to buy it when the Bonhams auction firm’s Scottsdale auction starts taking bids later this month.
    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.

    The 2022 edition of the Bonhams Scottsdale auction will feature way more classic cars along with the Roadmaster, including a 1958 AC Ace roadster (expected to go for $325,000 to $375,000), a 1989 Lamborghini Countach (up to $350,000), and a 1965 Jaguar E-type Series I 4.2 coupe (up to $275,000).

    Bonhams

    But it’s the “I’m an excellent driver” Roadmaster that attracted our attention. Bonhams expects the Buick to fetch between $150,000 and $250,000 when the bids are all said and done. Not bad for a vehicle that sold for $3150 when it was new (around $34,045 in today’s money), especially considering that similar Roadmasters, ones that were not once the conveyance of actors Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, usually go for around $80,000.

    Bonhams

    The 1949 Buick Roadmaster has a 320-cubic-inch inline-eight-cylinder engine. It produces 150 horsepower that goes through a two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission to the wheels. The car features an independent front suspension and four hydraulic drum brakes.

    Bonhams

    The vehicle that will be sold at the Bonhams Scottsdale auction on January 27 is one of two that were used in the filming of Rain Man. Hoffman, who played the character Raymond Babbitt in the film, acquired the car after shooting wrapped. Bonhams said it has “remained in Hoffman’s ownership” but has been restored by Larry Payne of Glendora, California. Since the car hasn’t been seen much in the decades since Hoffman got it—it was shown at a 1989 Buick Car Club event—it looks pristine. It’s time to let someone else drive it anywhere they want, as slow as they want.

    Bonhams

    Rain Man was awarded Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay at the 61st Academy Awards in 1989. Hoffman also won for Best Actor. “The Buick’s been in storage too long,” Hoffman said in a statement. “It should be driven, enjoyed, and cherished.”The auction will be January 27 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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 created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More