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    Abstract Porsche 911 Art Car Comes up for Auction

    This boldly painted 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera, the second in a series of “art cars” created for a Canadian museum, is up for auction on Bring a Trailer.The eye-catching look was dreamt up by Canadian artist Jean-Pierre Lafrance and painted onto the car by specialist Yves Thibeault using several techniques, from airbrushing to finger-painting.The 911 underneath uses 3.2-liter flat-six and a five-speed manual transmission, and bidding currently sits at $57,000 with four days left.Most new cars are painted white, black, grey, or silver, so a vibrant paint color helps your car stand out amongst the sea of anonymous vehicles. But if you want to make it really easy to remember where you parked at the big-box store, you should spring for this 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera coupe, an “art car” for sale on auction site Bring a Trailer boasting a one-of-a-kind paint job.

    Bring a Trailer

    This Porsche was the second in a string of 911s custom-painted for the Art Cars Project, which saw several artists decorate the iconic German sports car as part of a collaboration with the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec in Canada. Called “Masterpiece II,” this particular art car’s abstract look was created by Canadian painter Jean-Pierre Lafrance. Lafrance’s vision was then applied to the Porsche by auto-body painter Yves Thibeault via a number of techniques, from airbrushing to finger-painting.

    Bring a Trailer

    Underneath the snazzy paint is a stock 1989 Porsche 911, powered by a 3.2-liter flat-six that made 217 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque when new. It has a five-speed manual transmission and the 205/55 front and 225/50 rear Dunlop SP Sport 5000 tires are wrapped around white 16-inch Fuchs wheels. The interior is decked out in Mahogany leather upholstery and features niceties such as power front seats, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, and a Blaupunkt cassette stereo system. There’s also a sunroof.

    The odometer shows 114,000 miles, but the listing notes that the Carfax report shows mileage inconsistencies in January 2011 and June 2021. The car was acquired by the current owner back in 2013, and less than 1000 miles have been added since. “Masterpiece II” has recently been serviced and is being offered on dealer consignment in California with an Arizona title. Currently, bidding sits at $57,000 with four days remaining on the auction, but expect the price to rise in the coming days, as another 1989 Porsche 911 art car from the same project sold for $72,000 on Bring a Trailer earlier this year.
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    Royal Enfield Sales Sep 2021 – Classic 350, Meteor, Bullet, Himalayan

    Image – Auto Travel TechRoyal Enfield reports domestic wholesales decline at 51.54 percent in September 2021
    Royal Enfield September 2021 total sales fell to 33,529 units. Down 44 percent from just over 60k units. Sales volume fell by 26,802 units. YTD sales is still in the green at just under 2.5 lakh units, up from 2,08,078 units for the same 6 months in 2020.
    The upto 350cc segment, which happens to be Royal Enfield’s core strength has taken a hard hit. In this segment, they sell Classic 350, Meteor, Bullet and Electra. Wholesales fell to around 25k units, down from 54,434 units at 53.12 percent decline. YTD segment sales grew 10 percent at 2,08,201 units, up from 1,89,608 units.
    The above 350cc segment stayed in the green, at just over 8k units, up from about 5.9k units at 35.81 percent growth. In this segment, RE sells Himalayan and 650 Twins – Continental GT and Interceptor. Sales volume grew by just over 2.1k units in the segment. Exports in this segment grew by 52.41 percent at about 6.3k units, up from 4,131 units. Exports volume grew by 2,165 units.
    RE Domestic sales volume fell by about 29k units. Down at 27,233 units from 56.2k units. Sales decline is reported at 51.54 percent. MoM total sales decline is reported at 26.89 percent.
    Royal Enfield Sales Sep 2021
    Demand for semiconductors
    Demand for semiconductors remains necessary, but a shortage of supply may limit the amount of new chips that can be introduced into production. Continuing shortages of product due to high demand and tight supplies caused the semiconductor industry’s production volumes for September to remain flat with those of August.
    Across the industry, the lack of new products can be traced back to a tight supply capacity. However, manufacturers have in select instances been able to keep to schedule and introduce new product lines.
    The bottom line is that if you don’t have any chips, you need to pay more to get them from other sources. This is a necessity considering its impact of production. As such, procurement of parts continues to be a key focus area.
    Royal Enfield Sales Sep 2021
    Things to look up in Q3 FY22
    Though things are expected to look up in Q3 FY22, despite this, supply of components is still expected to remain tight for many generations of existing products. The primary cause of the lack in supply is is oft attributed to production taking longer than anticipated to meet pent up demand. These slower production rates as compared to demand is limiting how much product can be shipped out.
    The second factor that has led parts availability being tight is some components being used more often by high-volume customers who have smaller weights/smaller demand for some items relative to market trends. In all, while things are expected to look up, it could still be a while until matters on the chip front are smooth sailing. More

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    TVS Sales Sep 2021 – Apache, Raider, Jupiter, Ntorq, iQube Electric

    Image – Lokesh PimpleTVS has registered YoY growth of 6 percent and 2 percent in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments respectively for September 2021
    TVS Motor Company registered a cumulative sale of 347,156 units in September this year which has resulted in YoY growth of almost 6 percent. In September last year, the company was able to sell 327,692 vehicles. The cumulative monthly sales for August this year stood at 2,90,694 units.
    TVS Motor Sep 2021 Two-Wheeler Sales
    These figures include sales volume of both two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The two-wheeler segment of TVS registered a sales volume of 332,511 units last month which translated to YoY growth of 6.12 percent. The monthly sales figure for two-wheelers during the same month last year stood at 313,332 units.
    The Hosur-based manufacturer recorded a total of 244,084 units of two-wheelers in September this year as compared to 241,762 units sold during the same period last year. This led to marginal YoY growth of 0.96 percent.
    In August 2021, TVS sold a total of 1,79,999 two-wheelers in the domestic market which resulted in a positive MoM growth of 35.60 percent last month. Leading the sales charts were Apache, Jupiter, Ntorq, XL100. Their iQube electric scooter and the new Raider also added to sales.
    TVS Motor Sales Sep 2021 vs Sep 2020 (YoY)
    With pandemic restrictions easing and the festive season soon approaching, TVS expects retails to improve significantly in coming months. The bikemaker was able to sell 1,66,046 units of motorcycles last month as opposed to 1,39,698 units sold in September last year. This resulted in YoY growth of 18.86 percent.
    Motorcycle, Three-Wheeler Sales
    MoM growth of 24.11 percent for motorcycle sales was registered in September this year. TVS dispatched 1,04,091 units of scooters last month in comparison to 103,877 units dispatched in September 2020. This resulted in a marginal MoM growth of 0.21 percent. Sales volume of mopeds declined by 10.58 percent YoY as the company registered a sales volume of 62,374 units in September this year.
    A total of 14,645 three-wheelers from TVS were dispatched last month as against sales of 14,360 units in September 2020. This translated to YoY growth of 2 percent. However, most of these units were shipped to foreign markets as only 813 units of three-wheelers were sold in the domestic market in September this year.
    TVS Motor Sales Sep 2021 vs Aug 2021 (MoM)
    Exports & Second Quarter Sales
    The company’s total exports registered a YoY growth of 20 percent with a sales volume of 102,259 units in the month of September 2021 as opposed to 85,163 units sold in September 2020. Two-wheeler exports registered a growth of 24 YoY with sales of 88,427 units in September this year as against sales of 71,570 units in September last year.
    During the second quarter of the current financial year, two-wheelers posted a growth of 4 percent with a sales volume of 8.70 lakh units instead of 8.34 lakh units in the second quarter FY 20-21. Three-wheeler segment of the company registered a growth of 41 percent with sales of 0.47 lakh units in the second quarter of the current year as opposed to 0.33 lakh units in the second quarter of FY 20-21. More

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    Upcoming Benelli 650cc Adventure Motorcycle Patent Design Leaks

    Benelli 650cc Adventure Patent DesignThe upcoming 650cc ADV bike from Benelli is likely to be a road-biased tourer rather than a hardcore trail-bashing adventure motorcycle
    Benelli has its hand full with many upcoming models on the verge of rolling out from its assembly line. This has been possible thanks to the multiple models designed and conceptualised by its parent company Qianjiang Group. The Chinese automaker has filed numerous trademarks and design patents for upcoming motorcycles which are likely to wear brand names of both its subsidiaries- QJMotor and Benelli.
    While bikes with the former brand name will specifically cater to consumers in China, the letter will be developed keeping in mind the various international markets. Qianjiang has filed another design patent, this time for an all-new adventure motorcycle featuring a 650cc V-Twin engine.
    Benelli 650cc Adventure – Brand new design
    From the leaked patent images, it is very evident this is a brand new motorcycle that is very unique from contemporary middleweight ADVs currently in the market. Upfront, the bike gets a small flyscreen, a single pod headlight flanked by twin LED DRLs on each side, long semi-fairing and handguards. However, it marks a stark departure with the absence of signature beak in modern adventure tourers replaced by a tyre-hugging front mudguard.
    The saddle is a split-seat affair with a very accessible rider seat and raised pillion seat. It also gets a chunky pillion grab rail that extends into a large luggage mounting rack thus expressing its touring capabilities. Other notable styling highlights include a high-set exhaust canister with heat shields, a massive fuel tank and a huge engine underbelly cowl.
    Benelli 650cc Adventure Patent Design
    As of now, it is very uncertain for which brand- Benelli or QJMotor, this patent has been registered for. However, on a closer inspection, one can spot a tiny ‘Benelli’ logo on the lower left of the front fork. Use of Brembo brakes also hints towards this machine being developed for the Italian brand.
    Expected Specifications
    Coming to specifications, the bike is underpinned by a 650cc platform which is a completely new tubular steel trellis frame and unlike any other architecture shared between Benelli and QJMotor. Currently, these two brands share the same 500cc and 750cc parallel-twin engines among themselves while there is also a new 600cc four-cylinder engine in the making. The new 650cc V-Twin motor is expected to dish out around 70 horses.
    While patents show the bike standing on wire-spoked rims with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, they are shod with road-going tubeless tyres which makes it more of a tourer than an adventure bike. Even then it should be capable enough to tackle mild off-roading conditions. This is thanks to longer suspension travel from the inverted forks at front and breaking hardware from Brembo.
    This new 650cc adventure tourer could be positioned in between TRK502 and the upcoming TRK750 in Benelli’s international lineup and could possibly be named TRK650. When it debuts, it will be pitted against the likes of other middleweight ADVs such as Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-Strom 650 and the upcoming Triumph Tiger Sport 660.

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    Komaki XGT-X1 Electric Scooter Sales Crosses 25,000

    Komaki Electric ScooterThis e-scooter is priced at less than Rs 60,000 for the Lithium ion battery variant and under Rs 45,000 for the Gel battery
    Komaki Electric Vehicles states that its XGT-X1 electric scooter is now the most affordable scooter in the country. First launched in June 2020, a recent price cut now sees this scooter priced at Rs 60,000 for the lithium-ion battery version and at under Rs 45,000 for the Gel battery.
    Offering a range of upto 120 kms per charge in Eco mode, Komaki claims that their XGT-X1 is the most economical scooter of which the company has sold 25,000 units to date. Komaki XGT-X1 is offered with a warranty of 2+1 (1-year service warranty) years for its lithium-ion batteries and 1 year for the lead-acid battery pack.
    Best in Class Features
    Ideally suited for both urban and semi urban buyers in India, Komaki XGT-X1 comes in with a range of features, some of which are best in class. It gets a big seat that is comfortable for two along with a large trunk for multiple storage options. It also receives a smart dashboard, sensors for remote diagnosis of the scooter and remote lock.
    Telescopic front suspension, a synchronized braking system and anti-theft locking are also a part of the features on the e-scooter while it rides on sized up BIS wheels. An Emergency Repair Switch allows the scooter to repair itself in the event of any problem. Komaki XGT-X1 also takes advantage of what is called an iQ system. This helps the dash display with multiple sensors of for self-diagnosis and wirelessly updatable features.
    Komaki Dealer
    Komaki Models
    Besides Komaki XGT-X1 electric scooter, the company also offers a range of 9 license exempted models and 3 high speed registration models. These models cater to a wide range of buyers in the country. Sales for 2021 have reached the 21,000 unit mark and dealership expansion is on the cards from a current 300 dealers to a 500 count. Production is also being increased by 4,000 units from a current 4,500 units to 8,500 units to meet this increased demand.
    Each of the Komaki models are powered by electric only. These bikes price starts at Rs. 29,500 for Super and goes upto Rs. 99,000 for M-5. Komaki Xone and XGT KM and among the popular e-scooters in India.
    Komaki also sells the Xone e-scooter at Rs 45,000. It is presented in a single STD variant and is powered by a 60V motor connected to a 20-30Ah lead acid battery claiming a range stands at 85km per charge with a battery charging time of 6-8 hours. It gets a full body crash guard for added protection and is offered in a single colour of Air Blue. The scooter uses telescopic fork in the front and shock absorber at the rear with stopping power via disc brake in the front and drum brake at the rear.
    Komaki XGT KM STD is priced at Rs 42,500. It offers a range of 85 km per charge and rides on alloy wheels with disc and drum brakes at the front and rear respectively. The other bikes in the company lineup are the Komaki MX3 at Rs. 95,000, X2 Vogue priced at Rs. 47,000, TN-95 at Rs. 98,000, SE at Rs. 96,000, M-5 at Rs. 99,000 and XGT X5 priced from Rs. 72,500 – 90,500. More

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    Bajaj Sales Sep 2021 – Pulsar, Avenger, CT100, Platina, Dominar, Chetak

    Image – Biker BabuDomestic sales dipped 21 percent YoY while exports remained flat with a 1 percent growth
    Bajaj Auto Limited has released their sales report for September 2021. Taking two wheeler and commercial vehicle sales (domestic and exports) into account, there was a 9 percent de-growth to 4,02,021 units in the past month, down from 4,41,306 units sold in September 2020.
    Two Wheeler sales in domestic markets dipped 21 percent to 1,73,945 units a de-growth over 2,1,500 units sold in September 2020. Exports on the other hand increased 1 percent YoY to 1,87,091 units in September 2021 from 1,85,351 units shipped in August 2020. The Bajaj Pulsar range and Chetak e-scooter have actively contributed to these sales figures.
    This took total sales in this segment down 11 percent to 3,61,036 units, from 4,04,851 units sold in August 2020. In the two wheeler range for domestic markets, Bajaj has on offer their Pulsar, Dominar, Platina, CT, Avenger, Chetak, etc. For exports, it was their Boxer range which managed to top the charts.
    Commercial Vehicle Sales
    Commercial vehicles faired better, in terms of domestic sales with a 99 percent YoY increase to 18,403 units, up from 9,231 units sold in August 2020. There was however, a 17 percent de-growth reported in terms of exports which dipped to 22,582 units, down from 27,224 units shipped in September 2020.
    Bajaj Sales Sep 2021 vs Sep 2020
    Higher domestic sales saw this segment report a 12 percent YoY increase to 40,985 units in the past month, up from 36,455 units sold in September 2020. This took total sales (2 wheeler and CV) to 1,92,348 units in domestic markets and to 2,09,673 in global markets to a total of 4,02,021 units over 4,41,306 units sold in the same month of the previous year.
    YTD Sales
    Taking into account the period April to September 2021, sales were more positive both in terms of domestic sales and exports and in the case of two wheelers and commercial vehicles. Two wheeler domestic sales increased 13 percent to 8,30,700 units, up from 7,36,175 units sold in the 6 month period of 2020.
    Exports saw a surge of 75 percent to 10,98,520 units in the April-Sept 2021 period, up from 6,28,219 units shipped in the corresponding period of 2020. Total sales in this segment increased 41 percent to 19,29,220 units, up from 13,64,394 units in the 6 month period of 2020.
    Bajaj Sales FY21 vs FY20
    Commercial vehicle sales and exports increased 68 percent to 2,21,201 units, up from 1,32,046 units in the April-Sept 2020 period. In this segment, it was the domestic sales that showed off more positive results with a 105 percent YTD increase. Sales which had stood at 28,674 units in the April-Sept 2020 period, increased to 58,653 units in the corresponding period of 2021.
    Exports on the other hand saw a 57 percent YTD increase to 1,62,548 units, up from 1,03,372 units sold in April-Sept 2020. Total sales in this segment increased 68 percent to 2,21,201 units, up from 1,32,046 units. Total two wheeler and commercial vehicle sales increased 44 percent on a YTD basis to 21,50,421 units, up from 14,96,440 units sold in April-Sept 2020. More

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    2022 Yamaha RX 155 Powered By New R15 Engine – Render

    2022 Yamaha RX 155 – RenderWith the trend of resurrecting legendary brands, Yamaha RX seems eligible for a second life
    Yamaha RX series motorcycles were in production in India from 1985 to 2005. Most loved among them was RX100 that was produced from 1985 to 1996. The bike was hugely popular largely due to its unmatched speed, acceleration and agile handling. However, due to stricter emission norms, the bike was discontinued. It was followed by other RX motorcycles such as RXG, RX-Z and RX135. However, none of them could match the popularity of RX100.
    Yamaha RX 155 rendered
    With legendary bikes like Jawa getting successfully re-launched, there could be scope for Yamaha RX as well. Enthusiasts would surely want to try their hands on an all-new Yamaha RX. Following up on these possibilities, automotive artist Pratyush Rout has come up with a 155cc version of Yamaha RX. While the design is inspired by RX models, the bike borrows its engine from Yamaha R15.
    In this render, the bike gets an all-black colour theme. Most parts such as the engine, fenders, suspension, fuel tank, side panels, and spoke wheels have been blacked out. This ensures a dominating road presence, something that would be hard to miss on the streets.
    RX 155 borrows most of the styling bits from original RX bikes. It gets features such as circular headlamps and turn indicators, twin-pod instrument console, and wide handlebar. Design of the fuel tank, seat, fenders and tail section is largely the same as that of original RX.
    2022 Yamaha RX 155
    However, based on its updated powertrain, RX 155 gets a range of enhancements. These include wider front and rear tyres, fork gaiters and disc brakes. The basic suspension system remains unchanged – telescopic forks at front and dual rear suspension. Assuming that RX 155 reaches production stage, it is likely to be equipped with at least single-channel ABS. It is to note that Yamaha R15 is equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard.
    Yamaha RX 155 engine
    RX 155 will borrow its engine from R15. As may be recalled, Yamaha recently launched the new R15 V4. Although the engine is the same 155cc unit as earlier, it comes with updates such as Quick Shifter and Traction Control System. Quick shifter allows clutch-free gear shifting whereas traction control reduces the risk of wheelspin.
    The engine is capable of generating 18.4 ps of max power at 10,000 rpm and 14.2 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh transmission.
    2022 Yamaha RX 155
    The engine packs in other performance-oriented features such as assist and slipper clutch. This offers a range of benefits including reduced rider fatigue and avoidance of excessive engine braking. Another useful feature is variable valves actuation (VVA) that ensures ample torque delivery even at low RPM.
    RX155 could also be equipped with Y-Connect connectivity platform. This can be used to access a range of features such as last parking location, fuel consumption tracker, malfunction notification and maintenance recommendations. More

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    Kawasaki 125cc Range Updated For 2022 – Debuts With New Colours

    2022 Kawasaki Z125Due to pricing issues and market dynamics, Kawasaki Z125 and Ninja 125 are unlikely to be launched in India
    As part of its strategy to continually refresh its portfolio, Kawasaki has introduced updated colour options for Ninja 125 and Z125 2022 model. In the Indian market, Kawasaki Z range currently comprises Z650, Z900, Z H2 and Z H2 SE.
    Kawasaki 125cc Range – 2022 updated colour options
    A total of three colour options are available for Z125. One of these is Metallic Flat Spark Black / Pearl Flat Stardust White, which has been replaced with Pearl Flat Stardust White / Metallic Spark Black on the 2022 model.
    The only major difference is that the quantum of white paint has been reduced. It is now limited to the top section of the fuel tank, a small portion of tank shrouds and front fender. 2022 Z125 also gets updated graphics. These changes have ensured a refined look and feel for the bike.
    Another colour option is Metallic Flat Spark Black / Metallic Spark Black, which has been replaced with Metallic Flat Spark Black. The latter ditches the visual anomalies present on 2021 model due to its dual shades of black. The new colour theme brings the bike close to an all-black look and feel. Graphics have also been updated, just like other new colour themes.
    2022 Kawasaki Z125
    Refinements have also been introduced for the third colour option of Candy Lime Green / Metallic Spark Black. In 2022 model, lime green shade has been reduced significantly. It is largely limited to the headlamp cowl and front fender. In 2021 model, the lime green shade extends to the fuel tank and tank shrouds. The green bits have been replaced with black and light grey shades on 2022 model.
    Colour options on offer with the Ninja 125 are similar to Z125. These are Lime green/ebony/pearl blizzard white, Metallic spark black/metallic flat spark black, Pearl flat stardust white/metallic spark black. Ninja 125 also gets the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) colour scheme.
    Kawasaki 125cc 2022 engine and specs
    Engine and other hardware are the same as earlier for 2022. The bikes are powered by a 125cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4-valve motor. It is capable of generating 15 PS of max power at 10,000 rpm and 11.7 Nm of peak torque at 7,700 rpm. As per A1 driving license rules applicable in Europe, Z125 power and torque are at their max permissible limit. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
    2022 Kawasaki Ninja 125
    Kawasaki Z125 utilizes a tubular diamond steel frame with telescopic front forks and gas-charged rear shock with adjustable preload. Braking duties are performed by 290 mm and 220 mm single petal disc at front and rear, respectively. At both ends, the bike has dual piston calliper. ABS is offered as standard.
    In European markets, Z125 standard variant is priced at €4,399 (approx. Rs 3.80 lakh). The SE variant costs €4,499, which is around Rs 3.87 lakh. As of now, it doesn’t seem like Kawasaki is making any plans to bring Z125 to India. But in case it makes it to our shores, it will primarily rival the likes of KTM 125 Duke. The latter retails at a starting price of Rs 1.71 lakh. More