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    Yamaha XSR 250 Spied Testing For The First Time – Bajaj Dominar Rival?

    2021 Yamaha XSR 250 Spied TestingA new test mule has been spotted on Yamuna Expressway – Believed to be Yamaha XSR 250 for the Indian market
    In recent years, the popularity of retro classic motorcycles has found a new resurgence in India with new players other than Royal Enfield like Jawa, Benelli and Honda making an entry into this segment and garnering the attention of traditional motorcyclists. However, mass-selling manufacturers haven’t yet shown any interest in venturing into this space anytime soon.
    However, it seems Yamaha might be making some progress in this regard. It is already known that the Japanese bikemaker retails XSR 155 retro-style motorcycle in international markets. This bike is based on the same underpinnings and powertrain as YZF R15 V3 and its naked sibling MT15.
    XSR 250 in making?
    As of now, the launch of XSR 155 has not been confirmed by Yamaha but we think the company might want to build a retro motorcycle at a higher segment for the Indian market. This model might cater to the competitive quarter-litre class of motorcycles and might wear the ‘XSR’ branding. In fact, earlier in 2019, it was reported that the Japanese manufacturer was indeed planning to extend its XSR lineup in its global lineup of products.
    Now, spy images of a test motorcycle have been clicked on Yamuna Expressway by automotive enthusiast Junaid. Though there is no branding seen on the said motorcycle, Yamaha has been known to test their upcoming motorcycles on this highway often.
    2021 Yamaha XSR 250 Spied Testing
    At this point in time, it is very difficult to make an accurate presumption about this bike. However, going by these spy shots, the silhouette is very similar to images of the possible XSR 250 prototype which made its appearance in an Indonesian auto magazine in 2019.
    The test mule is wearing similar alloys, front suspension to those of existing Yamaha motorcycles like the FZ series. The engine unit also looks similar. It delivers a more relaxed riding position with large seat and good cushioning. It also seems to have a larger fuel tank – all points indicating towards this new motorcycle being a highway cruiser. Instrument cluster seen is a digital unit.
    Expected Specifications
    The motorcycle’s design is expected to feature retro bodywork along the lines of XSR family and positioned between XSR 155 and XSR 750. It is likely to be powered by the same 250cc engine which powers the FZ25 in India. This unit delivers about 21 PS and 20 Nm via 5 speed gearbox.
    2021 Yamaha XSR 250 Spied Testing
    Suspension setup is likely to comprise inverted telescopic forks at front and mono-shock at rear. Braking duties will be handled by a single disc at each end assisted by dual-channel ABS as standard. A prototype of this was earlier speculated to make its debut at last year’s Auto Expo, however, that didn’t happen. With test mule now on the road, expect the launch of this new Yamaha XSR motorcycle to take place in a few months.
    If not the 250, this new Yamaha motorcycle could be powered by a 149cc unit, which powers the FZ FI and FZS FI currently. If that is the case, this test mule could be the Indianized version of XSR 155 which is currently on sale in the international market. Yamaha India has already launched R15, MT15 in similar style – lower features to keep costs in check. Yamaha has stronger sales in the 150 cc segment and launching a 150cc XSR will definitely help the company further strengthen their market share in the segment.
    Yamaha XSR 150 or the XSR 250 ?
    Yamaha 250cc Sales
    The 250cc segment is growing rapidly. Recently, Bajaj launched multiple motorcycles in this segment, and has plans to launch even more. Yamaha already have a localized 250cc engine, which makes it a more logical choice for this upcoming motorcycle.
    FZ25 sales have been below expectations (0 units sold in Feb 2021) and launching more motorcycles in 250cc segment, will help Yamaha benefit better from this engine that has been specially developed for India. It is highly localized, allowing Yamaha to price the FZ25 competitively in the Rs 1.6 lakh range (ex-sh). Expect the Yamaha XSR250 to be priced in a similar range. Once launched, it could take on the likes of Bajaj Dominar 250 as well as could be a more affordable option against the likes of Honda CB350 and Royal Enfield Classic 350. More

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    New Yezdi Or Jawa Scrambler Test Mule Spied – RE Hunter, CB350RS Rival

    New Yezdi or Jawa Scrambler on testThe crank case design of the engine is remarkable similar to that of the Yezdi RoadKing
    An interesting new camouflaged prototype of a retro-classic scrambler was spotted testing along the Pune to Nashik highway. While the identity of the test mule was concealed, there are some strong clues which point towards it being the upcoming Yezdi motorcycle under Classic Legends. It could also be the Jawa Scrambler that is currently in the works.
    Is it a new Yezdi motorcycle?
    We all know that Classic Legends, a part of Mahindra, is working on reviving BSA and Yezdi brands after bringing back the venerable Jawa nameplate to life. With added support from Mahindra in terms of hiring new personnel both in India and abroad to support the projects, Classic Legends’ medium term plans seem to be afoot at a brisk pace.
    New Yezdi or Jawa Scrambler on test
    When Classic Legends derived the new Jawa Motorcycles from the Mahindra Mojo platform, particular care was taken to replicate the brand’s vintage design traits including the crankcase. In the same fashion, the test mule which was spied recently, although devoid of production spec body panels, does feature a crankcase which is pretty similar to the yesteryear’s Yezdi RoadKing.
    Design
    The prototype is still far away from being production ready but we can see that it is progressing towards a scrambler body style. The cantilevered tailpiece, the tyres, riding posture and the general minimalist approach are expected to be carried forward to the final version as well.
    Engine casing resembles Yezdi
    We also expect the motorcycle to be equipped with modern features like LED taillight, a digital console (at least partially digital) and dual-channel ABS. From what we can see, the motor is a liquid-cooled unit with twin-silencers.
    New Yezdi or Jawa Scrambler on test
    The exhaust canister is still work in progress, but the configuration reminds us of the first iteration of Mojo. The new Yezdi motorcycle’s displacement should be around 300 cc. Power is estimated to be in the same ballpark as the Jawa siblings – around 27 to 30 hp.
    Market positioning
    Yezdi brand still evokes a strong sense of nostalgia among the Indian motorcycle enthusiasts. The new motorcycle will benefit from the lessons Classic Legends learnt from the execution of its Jawa projects. The upcoming motorcycle, from the looks of it, is expected to be positioned as a sportier alternative to the Jawa models. Competition will come from the likes of newly launched Honda CB350RS and the upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter 350.
    Classic Legends is also working on reviving BSA, yet another long forgotten two wheeler brand that has a strong potential in the current times. While Mahindra could not make the Mojo work commercially, it surely has found a way to extract the untapped potential of the platform through Classic Legends’ business model. More

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    2021 Royal Enfield 650 INT, Conti GT Launched – Price, Brochure, Details

    2021 Royal Enfield 650 New ColoursRoyal Enfield has officially launched the new 650 Twins in India today
    Royal Enfield had made its intentions clear a while back that it will be launching one new or updated product every quarter of the year for the next seven years. This means four new launches every year. It started with Meteor 350 late last year and the updated Himalayan earlier this year.
    This is likely to be followed by the new generation Classic 350. In the meantime, they have launched the 650cc Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT today, with minor update

    2021 RE INT 650
    Price Ex-Sh, Karnataka

    Standard (single tone)
    2,59,244

    Custom (dual tone)
    2,67,370

    Chrome
    2,88,898

    2021 RE Conti 650
    Price Ex-Sh, Karnataka

    Standard (single tone)
    2,75,491

    Custom (dual tone)
    2,83,620

    Chrome
    2,97,134

    New Colours
    2021 Continental GT 650 is available in 5 colour choices of Rocker Red, Mr Clean, Dux Deluxe, British Racing Green and Ventura Storm. Prices ranges from Rs 2.75 lakh to Rs 2.97 lakh, ex-sh, Karnataka.
    New INT 650 is offered in 7 colour options of Mark Two, Baker Express, Sunset Strip, Downtown Drag, Ventura Blue, Canyon Red and Orange Crush. Price ranges from Rs 2.59 lakh to Rs 2.88 lakh, ex-sh Karnataka.
    2021 RE INT 650 Accessories
    Styling To Remain Same
    The motorcycle carries forward the same design from the current model with new colour options and subtle revisions in cosmetics. The updated Interceptor like its twin sibling features the same design elements including round halogen headlamps, wire-spoke wheels, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a flat seat and twin exhaust pipes. It is also speculated that Royal Enfield will offer alloy wheels as options for the facelifted Interceptor 650.
    2021 Royal Enfield 650
    No Tripper Navigation
    The digital display pod seen on new RE’s, shows turn-by-turn navigation after being paired to the Royal Enfield App via Bluetooth where the location needs to be entered on the rider’s smartphone. This functionality made its debut in Meteor 350 followed by the updated Himalayan.
    There were rumours that with this update, there will be the addition of a Tripper Navigation pod in the instrument cluster. However, the facelifted RE 650 twins which have arrived at the dealer, does not feature a tripper navigation system.
    2021 Royal Enfield 650 New Colour
    Powertrain Specs
    Mechanical specs of the updated Interceptor 650 and Continental GT remain unaltered. The modern roadster employs a 648cc parallel-twin engine which pushes out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. It is linked to a six-speed gearbox.
    Vinod K. Dasari, CEO Royal Enfield said “The launch of the 650 Twins marked a new chapter for Royal Enfield and for the mid-sized motorcycle segment. The global success of these motorcycles over the last couple of years has been phenomenal with the Interceptor growing the 500cc+ category by more than 4-times in India, and also becoming the best selling naked motorcycle in the mid-sized category in the UK in 2020.” More

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    2021 KTM RC 125 Side View Spied – Pillion Seat Higher Than R15 V3?

    2021 KTM RC 125 / RC 200. Image – ChinmayKTM will launch a completely revamped RC lineup in India which includes RC 125, RC 200 and RC 390 sometime during the course of this year
    KTM had commenced trial production of the next generation RC 200 at the end of last year. We expected the updated faired motorcycle to make its debut by the first quarter of this year. However, there are no signs of the motorcycle as of now.
    Although, on a couple of instances, the new RC 200 has been spotted testing on Indian roads in recent months which suggests that the motorcycle is still in its developmental phase. Another set of spy shots of the upcoming faired sports bike has emerged online where a test mule is seen conducting pre-launch tests.
    RC 200 Revised Styling
    Even though the prototype was wrapped under heavy camouflage, we could notice certain design aspects which had been taken over from RC 390. One thing is for sure, that the upcoming RC range will wear a completely different top hot compared to its predecessor.
    The biggest variation noticed is the single-piece headlamp as opposed to a twin-pod headlamp cluster. The halogen unit is flanked by a similar LED DRL strip on its borders. In addition, it also gets a taller windscreen and new LED turn indicators which are integrated onto the wing mirrors.
    2021 KTM RC 125 / RC 200. Image – Chinmay
    The revised windscreen has been designed not only to provide better protection from the wind but also to enhance its aerodynamic properties. The new split seating setup is certainly not as attractive as the previous model but looks more convenient and hopefully more convenient.
    The spy shots indicate a more compliant riding position which includes handlebars fitted closer to the rider and center set footpegs that offer an upright riding stance. Other notable changes witnessed are redesigned 5-spoke alloy wheels finished in Electric Orange, slimmer fairing and proper split grab rails. Pillion seat has been raised significantly.
    New Features
    In addition to all the updates mentioned above, the upcoming RC 125 / 200 also gets a new underbelly exhaust setup and a new rear subframe. Previous spy pics also revealed that the bike will get new body graphics and decals that will accentuate its sporty appeal. The latest spy pics also reveal a new and larger TFT digital instrument console which is expected to feature smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth.
    2021 KTM RC 125 / RC 200. Image – Chinmay
    RC 200 Updated Design
    Not only RC 200 but the Austrian bikemaker is looking to completely overhaul its entire RC lineup in India including RS 125 and RC 390. Latest spy shots of RC 390 also suggest a completely revamped design. The new generation faired sports bike also features a heavily redesigned front end with dual projector headlamps being replaced by a single headlamp unit. However, unlike its smaller sibling, it gets a full LED lighting setup.
    Like RC 200, front fairing of RC 390 also looks revised which gives it a sharper look and improved aerodynamic efficiency. The shape of the fuel tank has been altered too which also seems to have improved rider ergonomics. The split seat setup of RC 390 is uncannily similar to its smaller sibling although the pillion seat still looks very inaccessible for its height. RC 125, on the other hand, is likely to wear a similar look to RC 200 which would feature a compact fairing.
    2021 KTM RC 125 / RC 200. Image – Chinmay
    Updated RC Lineup Powertrain
    As far as performance is concerned, all three motorcycles are expected to carry forward their respective powertrains. RC 125 will be powered by a 125cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which pushes out 14.5 bhp and 12 Nm of peak torque. RC 200 will draw its power from a 199.5cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that pumps out 24.6 bhp and 19.2 Nm of torque.
    And finally, RC 390 would derive its energy from the same 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor that churns out 44 bhp and 35 Nm of torque. While RC 125’s motor is likely to be paired with a 5-speed transmission, the other two are expected to be offered with a 6-speed gearbox. All three bikes will be built on a Trellis frame suspended on USD WP forks at front and a mono-shock unit at rear. More

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    2021 KTM RC 390 Spied Testing In India – Launch This Year

    2021 KTM RC390 Test Mule In India
    2021 KTM RC 390 features a revised bolt-on rear sub-frame, new front disc rotor and completely redesigned fairing panels
    2021 KTM RC 390 has been spotted for the first time in India as the fully faired motorcycle inches closer to its world premiere. Likely to be introduced first in India before being exported to international markets, the new generation RC 390 features extensive styling and mechanical changes.
    2021 KTM RC 390 – What we know so far?
    Second iteration of the Austrian brand’s compact supersports motorcycle family features a redesigned fairing which is edgier and leaner than before. The front fascia gets away with the beaky twin projector headlamp in favour of a shield-like full LED unit which is vertically bifurcated by a heat sink.
    The new headlamp design is an integral part of KTM’s current design identity and it is obvious that the rest of the fairing panels are designed around it. Also, the side panels are less concealing than before and sport vents to enhance cooling performance.
    2021 KTM RC 390 also benefits from a new bolt-on rear sub-frame which is designed to make taller riders more comfortable than before. Tailpiece has been revised subtly, exhaust canister and alloy wheels look new as well. The prototype features a plain black paint job but expect the production version of sport snazzy multi-colour liveries.
    2021 KTM RC390 In Europe. Image – Motorrad
    Specs at a glance
    New KTM RC family of motorcycles feature new type of front disc rotor which is mounted to the wheel spokes instead of the hub. Brake disc diameter appears to have been increased and this should translate to improved braking performance.
    The motorcycle continues to employ proven WP inverted telescopic front forks and rear monoshock. KTM may opt to employ MRF tyres on India-spec model just like it did with the Duke. Indian government’s restriction on import of tyres may have something to do with that.
    The familiar and immensely popular 373 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor is most likely to be retained as it is. With 44 hp and 35 Nm of torque, 2021 KTM RC 390 would still me the most powerful motorcycle in its class. The 6-speed transmission with slipper and assist clutch will be retained as well.
    Equipment
    In addition to full LED headlamp, 2021 KTM RC 390 will be equipped with the colour TFT instrument display which is found on the 390 Duke. Dual-channel ABS will be a standard fitment.
    New KTM RC 390 will be made at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant for the entire world, just like its 125 and 200 siblings. Expect to world premiere to take place sometime in mid-2021, post which it will be launched in India. The current model retails at INR 2.6 lakh (ex-showroom) and expect its successor to be marginally more expensive. Competition will come from the TVS Apache RR 310, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and so on.
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    2021 KTM RC 125 / 200 New Gen Motorcycle Spied – Revised Front Look

    Image – Varun Painter
    After getting spied for the first time on the road last week, the new KTM RC has been spied again
    India launch of the new 2021 KTM RC 200 and RC 125 is slated for later this year. Test mules in pre-production format have been spied on test since early September in Europe. Now, the test mules have started getting spotted on Indian roads. The latest spy shot of the new gen KTM RC test mule was shared by Varun Painter.
    The 2021 KTM RC range is expected to receive several updates to justify this price hike. For starters, it will do away with the twin pod headlamp cluster and get new fairing with halogen lighting in its stead.
    The updated RC motorcycles will also receive DRLs and integrated indicators. Revised fairing will also be a part of the update while design changes to the rear will include an LED unit.
    More Comfortable Ride Position?
    The rider of the new KTM RC range of motorcycles is likely to be assured of a more comfortable ride. The upcoming model is expected to get a well cushioned seat, handlebars fitted closer to the rider for more comfort and foot pegs thus positioned for a more upright stance so as to enable better touring. The bike will also get a larger windscreen for better aerodynamics and to offer better wind protection to the rider.
    2021 KTM RC 200
    The new KTM RC 200 / 125 will also sport new body graphics in a black and orange colour scheme and a revised instrument cluster (could be same as the one seen on new gen 390 Duke and 390 ADV). It will come with smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth.
    BS6 Engine Specs
    The current KTM RC200 is powered by a 199.5cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled engine delivering about 25 hp power at 10,000 rpm and 19.2 Nm torque at 8,000 rpm. This is the same engine which will power the 2021 KTM RC200, with minor tuning. The engine will come mated to a 6 speed sequential gearbox, with slipper clutch as standard.
    Considering these updates, the 2021 KTM RC200 could be priced higher than the current model by about Rs.10-20k. Once launched, KTM will also bring in updated versions of the RC 125, RC 250 and RC 390 as well.
    New KTM Duke RCs planned for the year ahead also include the RC 390 which would get updated parts and reworked styling along with new LED headlights and TFT display. These updates will position the RC390 as a more premium offering than it is today.
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    Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser Spied Cruising On Highway By Interceptor Rider

    2021 Royal Enfield Cruiser 650cc
    The familiar 648 cc twin-cylinder air-cooled engine is expected to be retained without any changes to its output figures

    Royal Enfield has been busy testing several of its upcoming products including the 650 cc Cruier. The twin-cylinder tourer has been spotted on a highway once again, this time by a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 rider (Inigo M Sabastian) with a helmet-mounted camera.
    Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser – Styling
    The Royal Enfield Cruiser is the third derivative of the company’s popular 650 cc twin-cylinder platform. The product was previewed by KX bobber design concept at EICMA in 2018. However, the near-production ready test mules that have been doing rounds in public for several months look very different from the concept.
    2021 Royal Enfield Cruiser 650cc
    For starters, the fuel tank is almond shaped, sticking to RE’s conventional design language. The wheelbase is shorter compared to the KX and the seat height is noticeably taller. That said, the upcoming twin-cylinder Royal Enfield does follow textbook cruiser design with low-slung tail, forward-set foot pegs and a relaxed riding posture.
    What we know so far?
    The Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser adopts inverted telescopic front forks, a first for the brand in the modern era. The rear continues with traditional twin shock absorber units. The motorcycle is equipped with alloy wheels, front and rear disc brakes (most likely with standard dual-channel ABS), and twin silencers which are mounted very low. Spirited cornering maneuvers could scratch them.
    2021 Royal Enfield Cruiser 650cc
    The motorcycle is equipped with a single digi-analog instrument console. We expect the final production version to be equipped with another small dial incorporating Tripper Navigation system which works based on smartphone connectivity.
    The familiar 648 cc air-cooled parallel-twin engine is likely to be retained in the same state of tune as the Interceptor and Continental GT. To recap, the motor produces 47 hp and 52 Nm of torque. A 6-speed gearbox is connected to the motor by means of a slipper and assist clutch.
    When is it coming?
    Royal Enfield is gearing up for a massive product onslaught that will first see the retro-classic specialist renew its money making 350 cc portfolio. The recently launched Meteor 350 will be followed up by next generation Classic 350 and a sportier roadster which is reported to be called as Hunter 350. Then comes the 650 Cruiser and another twin-cylinder roadster that appears to be a spiritual successor to the now defunct Classic 500.
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    The product launch campaign which was delayed by the pandemic crisis is expected to kick start in the coming months and should run into 2022. The new models will play a crucial role not only in domestic growth but also in the company’s aspiration to establish global leadership in the medium displacement motorcycle segment. If you are a Royal Enfield fan, this year is going to be a very exciting one for sure. More

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    2021 KTM RC 200, 125 Spied Testing In India For First Time – New Gen

    2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
    The 2020 KTM RC 200 and its family members will feature revised rear sub-frame and new fairing panels

    The next generation KTM RC family of compact fully faired sportsbikes have been in the news for quite sometime now. The RC 125, 200 and 390 are much older than their Duke siblings but that is going to chance soon.
    A camouflaged prototype of what appears to be either 2021 KTM RC 200 or 125 has been spied testing in India for the first time. Images are credit to Wheel Tronicz on Instagram.
    2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
    2021 KTM RC 200 – New styling
    We think this prototype is either an RC 200 or 125 because the RC 390 prototypes which were spotted testing in Europe featured a conventional side slung exhaust canister to meet the stringent emission norms. This particular mule continues to employ underbelly exhaust indicating that a smaller displacement motor does not need larger catalytic converter and hence can manage with an underbelly unit.
    As with the new KTM RC 390, the smaller engined siblings will feature a completely overhauled styling. The new headlamp is in-line with the brand’s new design identity and the fairing around it has a slightly larger surface area than before.
    2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
    On the sides, the panels are more revealing than before. For example, the current motorcycle hides the base of the crank case but the upcoming model makes no attempt at concealing it.
    The bodywork is sharper than before but there is an awkward gap between the steering mount and the instrument console which may take a bit of getting used too. Another important change is the rear sub-frame but the tailpiece appears to be retained without significant styling changes. KTM has reportedly worked on making the 2021 RC family more comfortable for taller riders, so expect considerable change in ergonomics.
    Specifications at a glance
    The New Gen KTM RC 200, or the 125 and 390 for that matter, is likely to retain the engine without any change. In case of the RC 200, the existing 199.5 cc liquid-cooled mill dishes out a healthy 25 hp and 19.2 Nm of torque. Transmission is a 6-speed unit. Despite no changes, the motor will still be the most powerful unit in its segment.
    2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
    The trellis frame will continue to employ WP inverted telescopic front fork and rear monoshock suspension system. The 2021 KTM RC 200 and its brethren adopt new front disc brake whose rotor is mounted to the spokes rather than the wheel hub. The India-spec RC 200 is expected to carry forward a single-channel ABS to keep the costs in check while the export-spec variant is likely to offer dual-channel system as a standard fitment.
    The 2021 KTM RC 200, 390 and 125 will be made in India at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan facility for global consumption. India is expected to be the launch market for the new generation family of compact sportsbikes. Launch is expected sometime later this year. More