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      Honda CBR Motorcycle Range Could Get Computer Assisted Clutch Tech

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      Image for reference.The clutch-by-wire tech will provide a very light clutch lever action which might lead to automatic clutching in future
      Honda has been at the forefront of developing new technologies, especially in the two-wheeler segment. With the evolution of ride-by-wire technology, automakers have been able to incorporate various rider assist features such as multiple ride modes, traction control and wheelie control to name a few.
      The Japanese auto giant has taken another leap forward and is developing a new ride-by-wire clutch. The company has filed patents regarding the same at the US Patent Office which throws some light into this upcoming technology. The purpose of this system is, as usual, to limit physical linkage and replace them with a bunch of electronic chips.
      Honda Clutch By Wire System
      New Clutch-By-Wire Operation
      This system uses hydraulic and electronic principles to remove a direct link between the clutch lever and the clutch plate. Patent drawings show a conventional handlebar-mounted lever whose position is observed by an electronic position sensor.
      The heart of the system still features a hydraulic pressure control unit which is operated on the basis of the information it receives from the position sensor. It also receives a bunch of other information such as engine rpm, vehicle speed and throttle opening.
      Honda Clutch By Wire System
      Based on all this information, the hydraulic pressure control unit decided to actuate the clutch. However, contradictory to a conventional clutch system, in this case, the clutch is always dis-engaged in a resting state. In present clutch setups, transmission and engine are connected to each other in their resting state and only disengages them when the clutch lever is pulled. Therefore, the clutch-by-wire allows the engine and transmission to remain disconnected in the event of a failure.
      Advantages
      Since there is no mechanical link between lever and clutch, the clutch-by-wire can offer a very light lever action. However, to give it a familiar feel at lever, Honda will be equipping it with a “reactive force generation device” as shown in the patents which act against the lever. The clutch action will still be a lot lighter but would surely not feel alien.
      This setup could offer a host of inherent advantages, in addition to a light lever action, which could work together with other computer powered electronic rider aids like a quick-shifter and traction control to offer seamless and smooth gear shifts.
      Honda Clutch By Wire System
      It could also facilitate an anti-stall system of sorts which could prevent the engine from stalling during bumper to bumper traffic. On the downside, though, critics believe that this would increase complexity of the system and hence would also increase chances of failure and also add up to the final cost of the motorcycle.
      This also means that Honda will reserve this technology only for the higher spectrum of its lineup. Given the success it witnessed with the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) setup in Africa Twin, there is no reason why the Japanese bikemaker can’t pull this off. Expect the flagship range of CBR motorcycles to get this system first. More

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      Top 10 Motorcycles 200cc To 500cc May 2021 – Classic, Pulsar, Meteor, CB350

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      Image – Bullet TowerTVS Motor’s sole offering in this segment- Apache RR 310 recorded sale of only 41 units in May 2021, thereby, witnessing an MoM decline of 86.10 percent
      Mid-displacement category of motorcycles in recent times has gained wide popularity due to new offerings in this segment. However, due to the recent surge in Covid-19 infections, businesses across the country including the automotive sector have been impacted severely. Sales of all automobiles have taken a nosedive during the last month.
      The segment of displacement between 200cc and 400cc motorcycles has seen a massive downfall in sales figures for May 2021. All models under this category have witnessed a decline when compared to the previous month’s figures. A total of 22,044 motorcycles under this category were sold last month as opposed to 58,878 units sold in April this year.
      Royal Enfield Leads Segment
      This translates to an MoM decline in sales by 62.56 percent. The segment was spearheaded by Royal Enfield as usual with as many as four of the top five selling models under its belt. The list is topped by Classic 350 with 9,239 units of sales volume recorded last month.
      In April, the figure stood at 23,298 units which resulted in a 60.34 percent MoM decline in sales. It was followed by its sibling Bullet 350 in the second spot with 4,557 units sold last month.
      Top 10 Motorcycles May 2021 – 200cc to 500cc Segment
      Royal Enfield sold 9,908 units of the retro motorcycle in April which translated to a MoM degrowth of 54.01 percent. The third spot was taken by the brand’s latest cruiser offering Meteor 350 with a sales volume of 3,375 units registered last month.
      The figure stood at 7,844 units for the previous month which translated to a negative MoM growth of 56.97 percent. The electric self-start version of Bullet, formerly known as Electra, registered sales of 2,112 units against 3,631 units sold last month.
      Negative Growth for all models
      Negative growth of 41.83 percent was, therefore, recorded. Bajaj broke into the list with its flagship Pulsar 220F. The faired sports commuter registered sales of 1026 units last month instead of 3,914 units sold in April. This translates to a 73.79 percent MoM decline in sales. Royal Enfield Himalayan (463 units) and Honda CB350 (428 units) were not able to breach the 1000-mark figure and recorded MoM degrowth of 83.55 percent and 85.58 percent.
      Bajaj Avenger 220 (178 units), KTM 250 series (168 units), Yamaha FZ25 (140 units) and KTM 390 series (129 units) were only able to retail over 100 units. All of them recorded a decline in MoM figures of 72.72 percent, 84.57 percent, 23,08 percent and 84.84 percent respectively. Rest of the bikes in this space, the likes of Dominar 400 (62 units), Dominar 250 (59 units) and more, were not able to breach even the 100-mark figure. More

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      Bajaj Freerider Trademark Filed – Name Of New Electric Motorcycle?

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      Image of Zero Motorcycle for referenceOptions for electric motorcycle are fairly limited, as compared to electric scooters
      After Chetak, Bajaj may be planning to introduce its first electric motorcycle. Indications for that come from a trademark application filed by the company. The trademark application has been filed for ‘Freerider’ name under Class 12.
      This class covers various automobiles including electric vehicles. Since KTM already has a lightweight e-bike named Freeride E-XC, it has led to speculations that Freerider could be Bajaj’s first electric motorcycle.
      Bajaj Freerider design and features
      It is likely that Bajaj Freerider will be using the same platform as that of Husqvarna E-Pilen. Components like the frame, suspension system and braking apparatus could be the same. E-Pilen concept was revealed earlier this year in April. Production is expected to commence later this year. E-Pilen could be launched towards the end of this year or in 2022.
      E-Pilen concept shares several of its features with Svartpilen and Vitpilen. Some examples include round headlamp, wide handlebar, sculpted fuel tank that houses the battery pack, and exposed trellis frame.
      Bajaj Freerider – Trademark Filed
      In terms of design, Bajaj Freerider will have its unique set of features. It’s too early to comment, but the electric motorcycle is likely to use a neo-retro design theme. This is in vogue and highly preferred by younger folks. Freerider is expected to have a sharp, sporty design, which will match the needs of its target audience. Eye-catchy graphics and decals will also be part of the package.
      Bajaj Freerider powertrain
      Freerider is expected to use the same electric powertrain as that of E-Pilen concept. E-Pilen is equipped with an 8kW (10.73 bhp) electric motor. Details about power output are yet to be revealed. The motorcycle will have a range of around 100 km, which should be sufficient for city needs.
      To take care of range anxiety, E-Pilen will be equipped with swappable batteries. It is apparent that the company will be focusing on developing the necessary infrastructure to sustain its electric two wheelers.
      Bajaj Freerider can hit the markets sooner than expected. That’s because Bajaj has been collaborating with KTM for developing a common electric platform. It is expected to spawn multiple electric two wheelers in the range of 3kW to 10kW. Most of these will be using a 48v electric system.
      KTM and Husqvarna are also working on a new electric scooter, which will be utilizing Bajaj Chetak’s platform. It is likely that Freerider will be a premium lifestyle product, just like Chetak. It won’t be cheap, even with the subsidies. More

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      Yamaha FZ-X First Batch Arrives At Dealer Showroom – Detailed Walkaround

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      Yamaha FZ-X Walkaround – MRD VlogsThe new FZ-X borrows its engine from the FZ-FI motorcycle as it comes with a 149cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder unit delivering 12.3 hp
      India Yamaha Motors launched the new FZ-X retro styled motorcycle last week. Borrowing inspiration from the XSR Series from the international market, the new FZ-X comes in three colour options of Matte Copper, Matte Black and Metallic Blue.
      New Yamaha FZ-X has now started arriving at dealer showrooms. Test drives have started at select outlets. Deliveries are expected to start later this month. It is being offered in two variants, without Bluetooth priced at Rs.1,16,800 and with Bluetooth priced at Rs.1,19,800 – Ex-showroom Delhi.
      First Look
      True to its retro styling, the Yamaha FZ-X sports a rounded headlamp design, raised handle bars, step up seating and a grab rail at the rear. It also gets an engine cowl, LED headlight with LED DRLs and an LED tail lamp. It rides on 17 inch alloy wheels fitted with dual-purpose 100/80-17 (front) and 140/60-17 (rear) tubeless tyres and gets fork gaiters for a more rugged stance.
      A black panel runs across the center of the 10 liter capacity fuel tank while other features include an LCD cluster and Yamaha has also added a mobile charger to the bike as a standard fitment. As a part of its accessories, Yamaha is also offering a seat cover, tank pad, chrome mirrors and LED blinkers. Below is a detailed walkaround of new FZ-X by MRD Vlogs.
      [embedded content]
      The Yamaha FZ-X Bluetooth versions receives a Yamaha Y-Connect smartphone app and display for access to information such as calls, SMS and emails. The display also shows off fuel consumption, maintenance alerts and last parked location besides malfunction indication and fuel economy. On board safety equipment includes side stand with engine cut-off switch, lower engine protector guard and Bosch single-channel ABS.
      Dimensions stand at 2,020 mm length, 785mm width and 1,115mm height. It gets saddle height at 810mm, ground clearance at 165mm and kerb weight of 139 kgs while wheelbase is at 1,330mm.
      Engine, Suspension and Braking
      The new Yamaha FZ-X is powered by the same engine that is seen on the FZ-FI This 149cc, single cylinder, air cooled engine offers 12.2 hp power at 7,250 rpm and 13.3 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5 speed gearbox. Suspension is via 41mm telescopic fork in the front and 7 step preload adjustable mono-shock at the rear. Braking is via 282mm disc in the front and 220 mm rotor at the rear. Single channel ABS is offered as standard on both variants.
      The new Yamaha FZ-X will rival the likes of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Suzuki Gixxer and Aprilia SXR 125. It will also take on the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 and TVS Apache RTR 160. Yamaha’s current lineup in the 150-200cc motorcycle segments include the FZ, R15 and MT15 allowing the company to command a 20 percent market share. The new FZ-X will further strengthen the company’s hold in this segment. More

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      2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup Has Started Production

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      Hyundai has begun production of the 2022 Santa Cruz compact pickup.It’s built on the same line as the Santa Fe, Tucson, Sonata, and Elantra.The Santa Cruz should be reaching dealerships within the next few months.The Ford Maverick may have stolen the Hyundai Santa Cruz’s thunder as the newest compact pickup truck on the block, but now the race is on to see which can get to customers’ hands first. Hyundai has officially started production of the Santa Cruz at its factory in Alabama, and the company says it will start reaching dealerships within the next few months.The Santa Cruz is being built on the same assembly line as the Santa Fe SUV, the Sonata and Elantra sedans, and the Tucson SUV with which it shares many components. It offers the same base engine as the Tucson, a 2.5-liter inline-four, and also the turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four that’s available in the Santa Fe.

      We don’t have pricing yet for the Santa Cruz, but we expect it to start around $25,000. We also know it will be available with either front- or all-wheel drive and in SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and Limited trim levels. Shorter in length than the Maverick, the Santa Cruz has a 4.3-foot bed to the Ford’s 4.5-foot bed. The base front-wheel-drive Santa Cruz is rated to tow 3500 pounds, while the turbo model is expected to have a tow rating of 5000 pounds.
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      2022 Infiniti QX60 Is Redesigned with Family Luxury in Mind

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      The 2022 Infiniti QX60 is redesigned with many luxury details, inside and out, intended to make the mid-size SUV more enjoyable to live with.It keeps the same 3.5-liter V-6 as the outgoing model but swaps out the CVT for a nine-speed automatic transmission.Pricing is not yet available, but the new model is expected out by the end of the summer.Infiniti has been teasing out the launch of the redesigned 2022 QX60 for more than six months with peeks at a fashionable leather interior, promises of a geared transmission to replace the CVT, and an elegant concept build—the QX60 Monograph—that made it clear the incoming QX60 would be wider and more imposing than the outgoing model. The tease continues, as we still haven’t driven Infiniti’s mid-size family hauler, but now that we’ve seen it in the sheetmetal, we can report that fans of the previous QX60 will find the new version more comfortable and more stylish, with lots of clever details, both aesthetic and useful.
      If you liked the tall, square looks of the Monograph and its floating two-tone roof, you’re in luck, because the high fenders, large grille, slim lights, and blacked-out roof supports all make an appearance in the 2022 QX60, even though only the top Autograph trim will get the two-tone paint.

      The exterior rewards an attentive walkaround. There are some neat little details, from the twists in the grille to the hatched silver trim plate inside the headlights. The production QX60 doesn’t get the flush door handles of the concept, but it does have the taillights with individual LEDs in a thin band that give the back of the SUV the look of a quickly departing spaceship. The only misstep we see in the exterior is the chrome faux exhaust tips at the bottom of the rear fascia. They don’t do anything, and why are they so shiny? Ah well, subjective. What isn’t subjective is that the 2022 QX60 doesn’t just look like it has a more aggressive stance; it’s measurable. The tires, 255/50-20 Bridgestones, are wider by 0.8 inch than before. The QX60’s track width measures 66.9 inches, 1.2 inches wider, and the overall height also gains 1.1 inches while losing 1.4 inches in length, resulting in a broad-shouldered machine that will still fit in a small garage. Under the big hood is the same naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 from the previous QX60, making 295 horsepower. Only now, instead of a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), it’s backed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. Tim Franklin, director of product planning for Infiniti Americas, says the move to a geared transmission reflects customer feedback, but also Infiniti’s goals of reaching a broader audience with the new QX60. “It’s a luxury vehicle, and people expect certain things,” he said, adding that the change also means that a properly equipped AWD QX60 is now rated to tow up to 6000 pounds, an increase of 1000 pounds over the last version. The QX60 is still built on a front-wheel-drive platform, but all-wheel drive that can automatically send up to half the power to the rear wheels will be available on every trim level.
      The exterior is dramatically new design for Infiniti, but the real changes come when you step inside. There might be one person who thinks the new interior isn’t an improvement over the old one, but we’d bet there aren’t two. Everything, from the shape of the dash with its sweeping, integrated console to the contrast piping around the seats, is more attractive and more comfortable. The available digital dash is clear and customizable. A 12.3-inch touchscreen sits surrounded by quilted leather, ready to display all your nav and infotainment needs, including Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay capability. And, as is sensible when offering wireless connectivity, there’s an optional wireless charging pad. Below the touchscreen, climate controls and massaging seat options are controlled through a backlit capacitive touchscreen, with hard knobs for power and temperature. If you don’t feel like cleaning smudges off the glossy displays, there are redundant physical button and rotary knob controls next to the cupholders, in front of a thick, padded armrest.

      Infiniti

      The second row offers an option of bench seat, making the QX60 a seven-passenger hauler, or captain’s chairs with a removable center console. Both versions feature one-touch buttons to tilt and slide the seats forward so third-row passengers can get in or out easily, even if there are child-safety seats in the second row. The seats fold quickly, and entrance to the third row requires no gymnastics, although the uncovered rails of the second row make third-row foot space uneven and messy. Visibility from the third row is good because of the QX60’s stepped-up seating design, which raises each row slightly above the one before it. The standard moonroof makes for even lighting throughout the cabin, but even though it isn’t a dreary back seat, it’s a cramped ride back there, best left to the small and flexible. If you’re carrying cargo that can’t complain, both rows fold nearly flat, offering 41.6 cubic feet of storage. There’s also a large underfloor cargo area, occupying space that was formerly taken up by subwoofers—which are now in the rear panels. The QX60, sibling to the Nissan Pathfinder, has been a popular vehicle for Infiniti. This redesign addresses criticisms of the dull interior and transmission which, if the price is right, should put it back in competition in the mid-size SUV segment where it squares off the Genesis GV80, BMW X5, and Volvo XC90, among others. The most recent QX60 was the 2020 model, which currently starts in the $45,000-to-$50,000 range, albeit with fewer trim levels. For the 2022 models, Infiniti has yet to release details of available trims, pricing, or EPA ratings, all of which are expected by the end of summer 2021. We hope by then we’ll be driving one.
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      Ford Announces EPA Range Estimates for 480-HP Mustang Mach-E GT

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      The EPA released range estimates for the Mustang Mach-E GT and GT Performance Edition—the former goes 270 miles on a charge while the latter can travel 260 miles.The GT and GT Performance Edition both have 480 horsepower and all-wheel drive.Deliveries of the GT and GT Performance begin in the fall, with prices for the GT starting at $61,000.With 480 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the top-of-the-line Mustang Mach-E GT claims to have the performance to live up to its iconic namesake. And now that the EPA has released estimates for both the GT and the GT Performance Edition models, we know that the higher-performance electric SUV’s range does not suffer massively compared to the Mustang Mach-E’s less powerful variants.
      The EPA estimates the range of the GT at 270 miles, while the GT Performance Edition, which has an extra 34 pound-feet of torque for a total of 634 pound-feet, will go 260 miles on a charge. The GT and GT Performance Edition are only available with the 88.0-kWh Extended Range (ER) battery and both have two electric motors, one on each axle, providing all-wheel drive.These estimates are on the higher end among Mach-E trim levels, with the GT’s 270 miles matching the range of the Premium ER AWD. Although the sporty Mach-E models can’t compete with the 305-mile range of the California Route 1 (which uses the ER RWD setup), both the GT and Performance Edition can travel significantly further than any Mach-E equipped with the 68.0-kWh Standard Range battery, which is good for 211 miles of range with AWD and 230 miles of range with RWD.

      The Mach-E’s closest rival is the Tesla Model Y Performance, which also utilizes a dual-motor AWD arrangement. The Model Y Performance’s motors make around 470 hp combined, shooting the egg-shaped crossover to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds in Car and Driver testing. The Model Y Performance also goes further on a charge than the Mach-E, with an EPA-rated 303 miles of range.The Mustang Mach-E GT starts at $61,000, about $1000 less than the Model Y Performance, and the GT Performance Edition costs an additional $5,000. Deliveries begin in the fall, and Ford says that more than half of the orders for the Mach-E GT so far have been for the Performance Edition.
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      TVS May 2021 Sales, Exports Breakup – Apache, XL 100, Sport, Jupiter, Scooty

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      Image – Yo RidersWhile restrictions across the country affected domestic sales, TVS made up for it by a satisfactory number of exports
      TVS Motor Company, like every other OEM, was at the receiving end of the second wave of the pandemic which forced various state governments across the country to impose curbs on movements and businesses. This affected sales and production operations of all auto manufacturers last month.
      Domestic Market- Apache Leads
      In domestic market, TVS was able to sell only 52,084 units of its two-wheelers last month. In comparison, the Hosur-based bikemaker retailed 1,30,981 two-wheelers in April this year, therefore, recording an MoM decline in sales by 60.24 percent last month.
      The Apache sub-brand of motorcycles registered the highest sales volume of 19,885 units in May 2021 as opposed to 29,458 units retailed in April this year. This translates to an MoM decline in sales by 32.50 percent. The company’s sole moped offering- XL managed to rake in 7,135 units last month instead of 25,977 units sold the previous month. A negative MoM growth of 72.53 percent was registered.
      Other models Witness Decline
      The brand’s entry-level motorcycle- Sport was the only model in TVS’ lineup which recorded growth, even though marginal. Against previous month’s sales volume of 6,870 units, Sport registered sales of 6,905 units in May 2021, obtaining a minuscule growth figure of 0.51 percent. The best-selling scooter- Jupiter, occupied third place by selling 6,153 units last month against 25,570 units sold in April 2021. Thus, it registered negative MoM degrowth of 75.94 percent.
      TVS Sales – May 2021
      Flagship scooter Ntorq recorded 4,337 units of sales volume last month as compared to 19,959 units sold the previous month. This translates to 78.27 percent of negative MoM growth. Radeon accounted for 3,058 units which dipped from 5,600 units sold in April. This was equivalent to an MoM degrowth of 45.39 percent. Star City also witnessed an MoM decline of 43.46 percent after it recorded a volume of 2,451 units and 4,335 units in May and April 2021 respectively.
      Scooty sub-brand comprises two models- Pep+ and Zest with both underbones registering below par numbers of 1,609 units and 510 units respectively and witnessing respective degrowths of 80.24 percent and 88.58 percent. The flagship Apache RR310 recorded only 41 units whereas the only electric offering from TVS- iQube, could not find a single buyer.
      Exports
      Interestingly, TVS fared better when it came to exports in May 2021. A total of 1,01,257 units were shipped to overseas markets last month which slightly more than 95,087 exported in April. The 125cc iteration of Star City topped the list of exports with 34,341 units shipped overseas and a marginal MoM growth of 4.34 percent.
      TVS Exports – May 2021
      The highest MOM growth of 89.17 percent was recorded by Wego scooter after 227 units were dispatched last month in comparison to 120 units sold in April. Wego stands discontinued in the Indian market since last year. 60 units of RR310 were shipped abroad last month as opposed to 151 units exported in April. It resulted in an MoM degrowth of 60.26 percent. More