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      New Hero Xpulse 300, Xtreme 300S Spied – Himalayan, Pulsar Rival ?

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      Hero was one of the OG companies to introduce India to ADVs, semi-faired and fully-faired bikesNew Hero Motorcycles Spied – Xpulse 300 and Xtreme 300S ?Hero MotoCorp is the largest motorcycle company in the world in terms of sales volume. But most of its sales come from entry level budget commuters that often don’t appeal to enthusiasts. So, the company had introduced its 200cc platform and had based XPulse 200 off-roader, XPulse 200T tourer and a fully-faired sporty Xtreme 200 S too.While XPulse 200 off-roader soon became an instant hit, the other two were not received that well. But Hero had promised the launch of their 300cc platform a couple of years ago which has not materialized until now. But it looks like they have interesting launches planned for 2023.Two new motorcycles have been spied testing in Leh Ladakh region by Gowtham Naidu. One is an adventure motorcycle and the other is a fully faired motorcycle. There is no confirmation as of now what these motorcycles are, but as per our best guess, these are likely to be upcoming Hero MotoCorp motorcycles.New Hero XPulse 300The main highlight of this development will be Hero XPulse 300 as Indian automotive enthusiasts had been waiting for a no-nonsense off-roader at an affordable price. Only Hero can pull something like this as we have seen with incredible value for money XPulse 200 that recently got a Rally Edition.New Hero Xpulse 300 Spied In Leh Ladakh?Back in 2020, Hero had showcased a 300cc engine mated to a trellis frame. Right now, Hero doesn’t have any trellis-frame product, except for the Hero 450RR Dakar Rally motorcycle (which isn’t road-legal). The showcased frame also had a red finish on its frame as the race-only 450RR.Hero Xpulse 300 Concept vs Production SpiedIn the video, Gowtham Naidu mentions that it is a Himalayan 450 test mule. But upon closer inspection, we could easily spot the same clutch cover, red trellis frame, front spoked wheels with petal disc, same swingarm and the chrome finished side stand from the concept shown in February 2020. The test mule also has the RJ 14 registration plate, which is Jaipur, where Hero R&D is located.New Hero XPulse 300 gets spoked wheels at the front and back. It is likely to retain the 21” at front and 18” at the rear as XPulse 200. But owing to larger size, it is likely to get fatter rubber. Beak at the front is also present, but is visually stubbier than on XPulse 200. The upcoming off-roader will compete with Royal Enfield Himalayan, KTM 390 Adventure, Yezdi Adventure and BMW G 310 GS that recently got colour upgrades.Hero Xpulse 300 Concept vs Production SpiedNew Hero Xtreme 300SComing to Hero’s fully-faired 300cc test mule, it does look like a sizeable product and not lean and sharp like KTM RC 390. Going with previous fully-faired Hero bikes like Karizma ZMR, we can expect Xtreme 300S to be a decently large product. Xtreme 300S gets neatly designed fairing, alloy wheels, sporty clip-on handlebars and a lot more.Xtreme 300S is likely to get the same 300 cc engine as the XPulse 300 but in a different state of tune to suit the character of the bike. It will get road-spec tyres unlike AT tyres on XPulse 300. If Hero pulls off the design well, we might witness popularity of Hero’s fully-faired products going up significantly. In effect, 300S would be a fitting alternative to current faired machines like RC 390, BMW G 310 RR, and Apache RR 310.Hero Xtreme 300S Fully Faired Motorcycle?Specs & LaunchWe can expect the engine to displace a little over 300cc and make almost 27-30 bhp and around 25 Nm of torque. Both XPulse 300 and Xtreme 300S will get the same engines. Hero is also likely to introduce an XPulse 300T, a touring version of this platform at a later date.If everything goes according to Hero’s roadmap, we can expect both XPulse 300 and Xtreme 300S to launch in early 2023. In typical Hero MotoCorp fashion, upcoming XPulse 300 and Xtreme 300S will be extremely value for money. They will undercut competition by a significant margin too.Source More

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      TVS Creon Based Electric Scooter Spied Testing For First Time ?

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      With electric two-wheeler sales registering strong growth, it’s an opportune time for OEMs to expand their EV portfolioFirst spy shot of TVS Creon Electric Scooter?India’s third largest two-wheeler manufacturer, TVS has allocated funds worth Rs 1,000 crore for development of new electric vehicles. It will include electric scooters, motorcycles and three-wheelers. One of the upcoming electric scooters could be based on the Creon Concept that was showcased at 2018 Auto Expo. A test mule with similar design was recently spotted on road tests in Bengaluru.TVS had marked its entry in EV space with iQube and recently launched the updated 2022 model. A total of three variants are on offer, iQube, iQube S and iQube ST. While the new iQube offers higher range and new features, its design and styling are largely the same as the earlier model. Among the list of cosmetic changes are 10 new colour options.2023 TVS Creon Electric ScooterIn comparison to iQube, TVS new Creon-based electric scooter will have sharper, more aggressive styling. While iQube comes across as classy and elegant, TVS new electric scooter is likely to get a sporty, maxi-styled profile. It will be positioned primarily as a performance-oriented two-wheeler, as compared to the utilitarian iQube.Some key features that the test mule reveals include an aggressive, muscular front fascia, large instrument panel, step-up seat design and integrated grab rails. Some features such as the rectangular rear view mirrors appear to be borrowed from iQube.TVS Creon ConceptA number of other components could also be borrowed from iQube to reduce development and production cost. Riding posture seems fairly comfortable with low-seat height and ergonomically-placed handlebar. The seat is long and wide and there’s ample space for pillion rider as well.TVS Creon-based electric scooter performanceAs compared to iQube, TVS Creon-based electric scooter is likely to have higher numbers in terms of things like power output, acceleration, top speed, etc. Creon Concept showcased at 2018 Auto Expo was equipped with triple battery packs that generated 12 kW of power. The scooter’s range was claimed at around 80 km and it could accelerate from 0 to 60 kmph in 5.1 seconds.For practical purposes, TVS new electric scooter could utilize a tweaked version of the existing powertrain used with new iQube. Top-spec variant of the new iQube is equipped with dual battery packs. These are IP67 rated against dust and water. The battery packs are enclosed inside high strength aluminium extrusion casing, which ensures effective protection against the elements.TVS Creon ConceptiQube utilizes a 4.4 khW motor that can accelerate from 0-40 kmph in just 4.2 seconds. Range is 145 km on a full charge with dual-battery setup. Top speed is 82 kmph. Charging the batteries from 0 to 80% takes around 5 hours when using the new 650 W charger.Just like iQube, TVS new Creon-based electric scooter will be getting a range of connectivity features via TVS SmartXonnect app. It supports Alexa and offers features such as live vehicle tracking, geo fencing, crash alert, anti-theft alert, navigation assist, last parked location and proactive vehicle diagnosis. More

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      2022 Yamaha R3 India Launch Likely By Diwali This Year

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      Yamaha R3 was available earlier in India, but was discontinued due to stricter BS6 emission norms2022 Yamaha R3Yamaha YZF-R3 was launched in India in 2015, at a time when Yamaha had established itself as a leading provider of sports bikes in the country. However, due to the high pricing of Rs 3.25 lakh, Yamaha R3 could not register strong sales numbers. Last known price of the bike was Rs 3.51 lakh, which is higher than rivals like KTM RC 390 and TVS Apache RR310.BS6 version of Yamaha R3 was expected to be launched much earlier, but plans were delayed due to the pandemic. Sources tell Rushlane that R3 could be relaunched in India by Diwali 2022. If R3 has to emerge a bestseller, it is imperative that its pricing needs to be revised. It also has to deal with new competitors such as recently launched BMW G310RR. BMW’s entry-level faired bike is priced at Rs 2.85 lakh, which is around Rs 20k more than TVS Apache RR310.2022 Yamaha R3 featuresIn several international markets, Yamaha had launched the 2022 version of R3 this year. A number of updates including new colour options have been introduced since the time the bike was discontinued in India. 2022 R3 has sleek, aerodynamic design and refined aesthetics, inspired by MotoGP YZR-M1.Some key features include twin LED headlamp setup, central airduct for fast engine cooling, compact windscreen, front cowl mounted sporty rear view mirrors, side fairing mounted turn indicators, sculpted fuel tank, split seat design and upswept exhaust.2022 Yamaha R3Built for the tracks, Yamaha R3 has a committed riding stance with rear-set footpegs and low-set handlebar. The bike has a full digital instrument panel that displays a range of information such as fuel capacity, gear position, water temp, real time and average fuel economy, trip meter and clock.Yamaha R3 specsOver the years, Yamaha has worked to reduce R3’s weight to increase its power-to-weight ratio. A lightweight profile improves performance across racetracks as well as busy city streets. Changes made include tweaks to the chassis and use of lightweight, yet stronger pistons. 2022 R3 has a wet weight of 170 kg, which is less than both RC 390 and RR310. Another advantage is the low seat height of 780 mm, which helps improve balance and handling.Yamaha R3 has USD forks at front and preload adjustable monocross rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 298 mm and 220 mm disc at front and rear. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. The bike has 17-inch wheels at both ends, shod with 110/70 front and 140/70 rear tyres.Powering the bike is a 321cc, liquid cooled, DOHC motor that generates 40.4 bhp of max power at 10,750 rpm and 29.4 Nm of peak torque at 9,000 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch. The engine has high-rev architecture and advanced cylinder construction, which work to ensure smooth, vibration-free rides even at high speeds. More

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      Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Arrives At Dealer – First Undisguised Photos

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      Being the smallest Royal Enfield 350cc bike, Hunter 350 will have better capabilities across city streetsRoyal Enfield Hunter 350 Spied UndisguisedWhile Royal Enfield bikes continue to be bestsellers in their respective segments, it appears that evolutionary tendencies have started giving shape to what future products from the company could look like. The first among these is Hunter 350, which has shed a lot of bulk in comparison to Meteor and Classic 350.With Hunter 350, Royal Enfield will be targeting an entirely new segment of users. It can work for folks who are looking for a nimble-footed machine with retro profile. Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Spied Undisguised for the first time, credit to Surendar Jayavelu via Rushlane Spylane. There are multiple units seen in the photo. It looks like at a dealer yard. Colour options include monotone silver, dual tone white and blue, etc.Royal Enfield Hunter 350 dimensionsAs revealed in Type Approval certificate, Hunter 350 is 2,055 mm long, 800 mm wide, 1,055 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 1,370 mm. It is smaller and shorter in comparison to Classic and Meteor. Wheelbase is also smaller whereas width is more than Classis and less than Meteor. Gross volume weight is 360 kg, in comparison to 375 kg of Classic and 371 kg of Meteor. Hunter is likely to have a smaller fuel tank, as compared to 13-litre and 15-litre of Classic and Meteor, respectively.While Hunter’s kerb weight is not known at this point of time, it is likely to be around 160-170 kg. That’s a good 20-25 kg less than Classic (195 kg) and Meteor (191 kg). Being lightweight and using the same J-series 349.34 cc engine, Hunter 350 will have higher power-to-weight ratio. This will boost its capabilities in an urban environment. Opportunities for some high-speed fun on open roads and highways can also be explored.Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Spied UndisguisedHunter 350 featuresHunter 350 has retro styling with features such as round headlamp and rear view mirrors. Other key highlights include fork gaiters, multi-spoke alloy wheels, compact seat design and stubby exhaust. The bike will have relaxed ergonomics with centrally placed footpegs and slightly raised handlebar.It is likely that Hunter 350 will have a semi-digital instrument console. As Royal Enfield will be aiming to make Hunter its most affordable bike, some premium  features will not be offered as standard. For example, Tripper navigation could be offered as an option.In terms of hardware, Hunter 350 will be borrowing most of the equipment from Meteor. It includes the twin downtube spine frame, suspended on telescopic front forks and twin tube emulsion shock absorbers at rear. The bike could get 300 mm and 270 mm disc at front and rear, respectively. Hunter 350 is likely to get same-sized wheels at both ends, as compared to 19-inch front and 17-inch rear used with Meteor.Powering the bike will be the 349cc motor that generates 20.2 bhp of max power at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh transmission. There are unlikely to be any performance tweaks for Hunter 350. Hunter 350 is scheduled to debut on August 7. It could be priced in the range of Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 1.7 lakh (ex-sh). In terms of pricing, it will take on rivals like TVS Ronin, Bajaj Dominar 250 and Yamaha FZ25. More

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      Mahindra Electric Pickup Truck To Debut On 15th Aug – Scoop

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      An electric pickup truck could finally be the right product for Mahindra to crack the elusive North American marketNew Mahindra Electric Pickup Truck – RenderEarlier this year, Mahindra teased three electric SUVs of varying sizes. The automaker is preparing for their global premiere in the UK on 15th of August, our Independence Day. The venue makes sense as majority of the design process of these vehicles has been handled by the UK-based Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE).We have learnt that one of the three upcoming EVs is a lifestyle pickup truck which will primarily be catering to the North American market. This array of zero emission products will usher in a new design era for Mahindra and Mahindra under the leadership of Pratap Bose. Mahindra North American Technical Center is said to be leading the engineering part.Mahindra Electric Pickup ConceptNothing much is known about the new Mahindra electric pickup or its siblings but we expect them to be based on a modular platform which is likely to take advantage of the recent component sharing tie-up with Volkswagen Group. As per the partnership, Mahindra gets to use critical EV components from the German giant’s MEB electric platform.Both single and dual-motor configurations are expected to be on offer but it’s too early to speculate about output figures or battery capacity. However, it is being rumoured that the battery packs will be sourced by LG and a Chinese supplier. All the three cars are estimated to have a range in excess of 400 km.Mahindra Born Electric SUVs – Teaser. Of these three, one is an electric pickup.The Indian SUV specialist has been having a strong aspiration to take the brand global for years now, but things haven’t panned out yet. However, a design center in the UK and a technical center in North America highlights that Mahindra has not given up on its global ambitions.Mahindra Electric International PlansThe acquisition of SsangYong failed to yield expected results and previous attempts to enter the North American market did not take off either. The Roxor has been marred by a lengthy legal battle with Jeep which eventually led Mahindra to significantly redesign its product. The company will be hoping that the new electric pickup truck and its SUV siblings could give it the much needed break in North America and other key overseas markets.In what comes as a significant boost to Mahindra’s global EV plans, British International Investment has announced an investment of up to INR 1,925 crore into a new electric 4 wheeler entity which will be wholly owned by M&M.To be incorporated under the banner Electric Vehicle Co., the new entity will have a capital infusion of around INR 8,000 cr (USD 1 billion) between FY24 and FY27 with both BII and M&M bringing in like-minded private investors. Further details about the EV Co. are expected to be revealed during the world premiere of the 3 new EVs next month. More

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      Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Specs Leak – Smallest RE Vs Classic, Meteor

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      Apart from being the smallest, Hunter 350 is also likely to be Royal Enfield’s most affordable motorcycle on offer today2022 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Specs LeakRoyal Enfield Hunter 350 has been in the news for so long that even Covid-19 memories seem like yesterday. Okay, not exactly. But you get the point. Royal Enfield has taken their sweet sweet time and now, finally, we can confidently say that Hunter 350 is a confirmed name and Royal Enfield will launch it soon.We have seen multiple spy shots of Royal Enfield Hunter 350 test mules for a couple of years now. We have also seen Hunter 350 accessories too of which some are expected to be standard fitment on the top-spec variant of Hunter 350. These add-ons might be a part of variants or Royal Enfield might also offer them as accessories. These add-ons were a fly screen, pillion backrest, fork gators and a pannier too.Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Specs LeakRecently, going by type approval certificate filed with NCT Delhi Transport Department, Hunter 350 is confirmed as the official name of Royal Enfield’s upcoming cruiser. It is based on Royal Enfield’s popular Meteor 350 platform which is dubbed as J-series platform.According to the document, we can clearly see that Royal Enfield has gone with a smaller vehicle in size and it looks like it too. It measures 2,055 mm in length, 800 mm in width, 1,055 mm in height and has a 1,370 mm wheelbase. When compared to Meteor 350, Hunter 350 cruiser motorcycle is 85 mm smaller in length, 45 mm narrower, 85 mm shorter and has a 30 mm smaller wheelbase too.2022 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Specs LeakDesign-wise, Royal Enfield Hunter 350 seems to be heavily inspired by Triumph Street Twin which is not a bad thing if you ask us. The smaller than usual (with Royal Enfield standards) size comes together to form a handsome-looking modern retro motorcycle that exudes a ton of classic charm.Hunter 350 vs Classic vs Meteor – Specs & FeaturesRoyal Enfield Hunter 350 specs vs Meteor vs ClassicHunter 350 will get the same J-series 349.34 cc engine as Meteor 350 and make 20 bhp according to the type approval certificate. Wheel sizes aren’t known yet, but we can say for sure that it will get alloy wheels that are identical in design to Meteor 350 alloy wheels.It will also get disc brakes at both ends, but due to the lower price point, Royal Enfield might only offer single-channel ABS. Tripper navigation might not make it on Hunter 350 as a standard. It may be offered as an option. The round instrument cluster might be part digital and part analog like we have seen from Royal Enfield before.New Royal Enfield 350cc Hunter. Image – Smart VikerSuspension components are identical to the ones found on Meteor 350. Due to the smaller overall size, we expect it to get around 12 litres of fuel tank capacity instead of Meteor 350’s 15 litres. Looking at the dimensions, we predict that Hunter 350 might weigh around 160-170 kg.In terms of pricing, Hunter 350 is likely to be priced around Rs. 1.5 to 1.7 lakh (ex-sh). At this price point, it competes with newly launched TVS Ronin, Yamaha FZ25, Bajaj Dominar 250 and the likes. Royal Enfield will launch Hunter 350 on 7th August 2022. If Royal Enfield gets the pricing and product placement spot on, they have another winner at their hands. More

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      2022 Hero Xpulse 200 4V Rally Edition Debuts – First Photos

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      The existing Rally kit was designed for Hero Xpulse 200 2V but the upcoming Rally kit and Rally Edition will be based on Xpulse 200 4V2022 Hero Xpulse 200 4V Rally Edition – Unveiled By Team Hero MotoSports in presence of CS SantoshHero Xpulse 200 4V is the most affordable entry-level adventure tourer in India and it is surprisingly capable for its relatively small engine displacement. The company is now preparing to launch a more off-road-oriented version of the adventure bike that will be more capable of taking on beaten paths.Called Rally Edition, this new variant of Xpulse 200 4V was unveiled today. Earlier, a type approval document filed by Hero MotoCorp at the NCT New Delhi’s Transport Department for registration was leaked online. The certificate mentions a new Rally Edition as well as the regular model.2022 Hero Xpulse 200 4V Rally EditionThis reveals that the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer is not only developing an all-new Rally Edition but also an updated Rally Kit for the existing Xpulse customers. Hero already retails a rally kit for Xpulse 200 2V at a price of Rs 38,000. However, the new Rally kit is expected to be more advanced than the existing one and will comprise components added in the upcoming Xpulse Rally Edition.The document further reveals dimensions of the Xpulse 200 4V with Rally kit and the new Rally Edition of the adventure tourer. As per the certificate, the bike with the Rally Kit will measure 2243mm, 850mm and 1308mm in length, width and height, respectively. On the other hand, the Rally Edition is bigger with its length, width and height measuring 2255mm, 850mm, and 1320mm, respectively.2022 Hero Xpulse 200 4V Rally Edition – Unveiled By Team Hero MotoSports in presence of CS SantoshWheelbase of the Rally Kit has been increased to 1419mm whereas the Rally Edition will receive an even bigger wheelbase at 1427mm. Increased dimensions could be the result of increased suspension travel at both ends. Standard Xpulse 200 gross weight stands at 288 kgs. The Rally kit version has GVW of 289kg while the Rally Edition GVW stands at 290kg. Both iterations will be based on Xpulse 200 4V.We expect ground clearance as well as seat height of both the Rally kit and Rally Edition to be greater than the regular model. XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition will feature longer travel suspension, a raised handlebar, wire-spoked wheels shod with knobby dual-purpose tyres and a longer side-stand to compensate for the additional height.Expected Powertrain Specs & PriceNo updates are expected to be made on the powertrain. Powering the current Xpulse 200 4V is a 199.6cc single-cylinder, air-cooled that makes 19 bhp and 17.35 Nm of peak torque. This unit is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The upcoming Xpulse 200 4V Rally Edition could also get a new LED headlight that was introduced in Turkey a few months earlier.2022 Hero Xpulse 200 4V Rally Edition Debuts – Unveiled By Team Hero MotoSports in presence of CS SantoshCurrently, Xpulse 200 4V is priced at Rs 1.32 lakh and we expect the new Rally Kit to be priced at around Rs 50,000. Thus, the new Rally Edition of Xpulse 200 4V could be priced around Rs 1.80 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). More details are expected to be revealed soon. More

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      Old KTM 390 Adventure Gets New Ride Modes Via Software Update

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      KTM 390 leans more towards high-speed commuting over outright off-roading like some rivalsKTM 390 ADVAustrian brand KTM has been one of the strongest contenders in premium performance motorcycles. All KTM motorcycles across the price range have been keenly focused on giving maximum performance while weighing as less as possible. Making KTM products tailor-made for young audiences and enthusiasts alike.KTM 390 series of motorcycles rely on the same principles too. We have street naked 390 Duke, track-focused RC 390 and 390 Adventure that offers explosive performance in adventure tourer segment. KTM has updated the 390 Adventure for 2022 model year with new colour schemes, tougher wheels and 2 riding modes for an increment of Rs. 6,500 over the old model.Old KTM 390 Adventure – Riding Modes390 Adventure came with two riding modes namely Street and Off-Road mode on the 2022 update. These riding modes helped 390 Adventure customers to set the traction control system in two settings based on the terrain they were in. Now, KTM has offered these riding modes for the older model 390 Adventure as well.KTM intends to add riding modes offered with 2022 390 Adventure, on the old model too. Dealers have been provided with a revised ABS software Hex file and a thorough set of instructions to enable ride modes on old model 390 Adventure. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Karan Vazirani for sharing the exclusive update. KTM dealers are expected to flash the new software encoded within provided hex file on old model’s systems. By doing this, a new ROM containing the ride modes will be installed on old model 390 Adventure and the new ROM will bring newly added riding modes too.Old KTM 390 Ride Modes Install – Via Software UpdateBy doing this, KTM is offering value to their customers who bought old 390 Adventure. Because the previous model had all the hardware necessary to get these riding modes and only needed new software to make them operational which is exactly what KTM has done. This procedure is done at dealer level when a prospective old 390 Adventure owner brings their bike for service or KTM might notify them to do so.CompetitionKTM 390 Adventure was conceived to take the 390 platform to new segments. 390 Adventure brings an adventure tourers ergonomics, road presence, ground clearance and more attributes. It may not be an outright hardcore off-roader like Royal Enfield’s Himalayan and Hero XPulse 200 which were conceived as proper off-roaders from day one. KTM is also testing an enduro version of 390 Adventure with spoked wheels offering more off-roading ability.What 390 Adventure brings to the table is its fire-cracker 373 cc single-cylinder engine which makes 42.3 bhp of power at 9000 RPM and 37 Nm of torque at 7000 RPM. It gets a 19” alloy wheel at the front that is shod with 100/90 Metzeler AT tyre and a 17” alloy wheel at the rear shod with 130/80 Metzeler AT tyre. It gets WP Apex 43 mm USD forks at front and a WP Apex mono-shock unit at the rear.KTM 390 Adventure leans more towards the tourer in ‘adventure-tourer’ genre while XPulse 200 and Himalayan offer more off-roading prowess. 2022 KTM 390 Adventure is priced at Rs. 3.33 lakh (ex-sh) and gets two colour offerings namely Dark Galvano Black and our favourite Factory Racing Blue. More