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    2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Green, Silver, Black – 3 New Colours Launch Soon

    2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Pine Green
    Updated 2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan is all set to be launched in India in the coming days

    One of the popular adventure-ready motorcycles in the country, Royal Enfield Himalayan will soon be launched in its updated avatar. Himalayan has been witnessing good demand in global markets as well and is currently the second most exported Royal Enfield motorcycle. The updated model could help boost sales further.
    Updated Himalayan design and colours
    In terms of design, updated Himalayan will be largely the same as earlier. A few minor changes can be incorporated, for example, a redesign of the metal frame mounted near the fuel tank. In the current model, the frame has been reported to inconvenience some taller riders, as it used to touch the knees.
    In the updated variant, the frame looks smaller and more forward-set. This will hopefully address any issues that riders may have faced when riding the current model.
    In line with the company’s strategy to increase personalization options for customers, 2021 Himalayan will get new colour options. These are shades of silver, matte black and pine green.
    2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Mirage Silver
    It is possible that some existing colours such as solid white may be discontinued. In its current iteration, Himalayan is offered in colour options of Gravel Grey, Sleet Grey, Snow White, Granite Black, Rock Red, and Lake Blue.
    Updated Himalayan to get Tripper navigation
    One of the most important updates for 2021 Himalayan will be Tripper navigation, which was introduced for the first time with Royal Enfield Meteor 350. A segment-first feature, Tripper navigation is advantageous for users, as it does away with the need to use the mobile screen for turn-by-turn navigation. Tripper navigation system has a dedicated display unit located near the main instrument console, which displays the navigational arrows for the destination.
    For using Tripper navigation, users just need to pair it with their smartphone and use the Royal Enfield app to get directions to the destination. It is to note that Tripper display only shows navigational arrows and not calls or messages.
    2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Granite Black
    Engine will be the same as the current model, a 411 cc BS6, air cooled, FI unit that is capable of churning out 24.3 bhp of max power and 32 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox. It was expected that power and torque output may be increased on the updated Himalayan – but that is not going to be the case.
    Mechanical parts will be the same as earlier such as the half-duplex split cradle frame, 41 mm telescopic front forks and monoshock with linkage suspension at the rear. Braking duties are performed by 300 mm disc at the front and 240 mm disc at the rear. Himalayan is offered with dual-channel ABS (switchable to single channel).
    With the updates, new Himalayan could cost slightly higher. The current model retails in the range of Rs 1.91 lakh to Rs 1.96 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom).
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    Kabira KM 4000 Electric Motorcycle Spied In Goa – Launch In Feb 2021

    Kabira KM 4000 Electric Motorcycle
    Upon their launch, KM 3000 and KM 4000 will take on the likes of the Revolt RV 400, Okinawa Cruiser and Hero Electric AE-47

    Kabira Mobility recently announced that it will soon be launching two high-speed electric bikes in India next month. Named KM 3000 and KM 4000, production and development of these two electric motorcycles has been completely localised.
    A few days ago, the company started accepting bookings for the two bikes through its official website. Days ahead of its launch, a testing prototype of the bike was spotted testing in Verna area of Goa where one of the facilities of Kabira Mobility is located.
    Going by images of the test mule, it looks as if it was KM 4000 since it had a naked design and more upright and more pointed tail section than KM 3000 which is a faired motorcycle. Images are credit to automotive enthusiast Dhruvik.
    Design & Features
    Covered in white paint, it is difficult to point out any distinguishing element from the spied images. While it was difficult to spot any badging in the bike, the test rider was seen wearing a T-shirt with Kabira mobility and its logo printed on its back.
    Kabira KM 4000 Electric Motorcycle
    According to the launch announcement, both these bikes are fairly modern in their designs with sleek aerodynamic profiles. Both bikes will be provided with smart features such as a fireproof battery, park assist and more. To make them an appealing option to consider, Kabira will also offer Road-Side Assistance (RSA), fast charging and combi brakes.
    Specifications
    Details about these motorcycles are very sparse at the moment. Both these electric bikes will be powered by a DeltaEV BLDC Motor which will be good enough for a maximum range of 150 km on a single charge. A top speed of 120 kmph can be clocked by these bikes.
    Spy shots reveal that the front wheel gets dual disc brakes – something that is yet to be seen on an electric motorcycle in India. It also gets a digital console and upside down forks in the front. Rear suspension is taken care by a monoshock. More details about the bike are expected to be revealed at the time of its launch next month.
    Kabira KM 4000 Electric Motorcycle
    About Kabira Mobility
    Headquartered in Goa, Kabira Mobility is an electric vehicle start-up that has currently two manufacturing facilities in India- Verna in Goa and Dharwad in Karnataka. At the last edition of AutoExpo in 2020, the company launched six different models of electric scooters, one of which has been specifically designed for differently-abled riders. Range if all these scooters cater to the needs of executives, college students and last-mile delivery fleet.
    The company claims both the impending launches as “one of the biggest breakthroughs in 2021 for the Electric Vehicle Industry in India”. Theyhave plans to expand its footprint in the country and also go global in future. More

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    Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter Spied Up Close – Chetak, Ather Rival

    Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter
    Suzuki is expected to launch an electric scooter with the Burgman moniker sometime later this year

    With a rise in electric mobility solutions, many manufacturers are looking to introduce electric offerings in the near future especially in the two-wheeler segment. Plus with stricter emission norms in place, electric powertrains make good sense to bring down harmful pollutants in the air.
    Over recent past, many new electric scooters have been launched or revealed in India and many other manufacturers are planning to introduce such models in coming future. One of them is Suzuki which is planning to bring an electrified version of its power scooter Burgman.
    Latest Spy Shots
    Two prototypes of the electric scooter were recently spotted testing again in Delhi-NCR. Like in previous instances, the biggest highlight from the images is the absence of an exhaust canister which is clearly visible.
    The electric scooter is very similar to Burgman Street in terms of its design. Both test mules sported the same white and blue dual-tone paint scheme as in previous sightings.
    Suzuki Burgman Electric
    Suzuki had first revealed its intentions of developing an electric scooter for the Indian market back in 2018. However, at the time it wasn’t known that the Japanese manufacturer will be branding it as Burgman. Although tagging it as Burgman does seem a sensible decision since Suzuki’s first electric scooter will be expensive and it needs a strong donor with attractive styling and features to justify its price.
    Design & Features
    Speaking of its styling, it carries forward the maxi-style design of its petrol counterpart. It sports a white-blue paint scheme with blue highlights on the lower parts of the side panel and near handlebars.
    It also features dual shock absorbers now in order to handle the extra weight from the lithium-ion battery packs. Although it does feature standard telescopic forks at front and alloy wheels which are carried from the regular model.
    Suzuki Burgman Electric
    Apart from this, Suzuki is also set to offer all features which come on Burgman Street as standard on the electric scooter. These include an LED headlamp, LED taillights, a fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth as well as smartphone connectivity. A couple of months ago, Suzuki released the latest version of Suzuki Connect which now offers features such as Whatsapp alerts, SMS and CALL alerts, turn-by-turn navigation, charging status, riding status, etc.
    Expected Specifications
    Details of its powertrain are yet to be disclosed although one could expect Suzuki to offer a battery pack of 3-4 kWh and paired to a motor generating 5-6 kW of power. Its single-charge range would be around 80-90 km while it can attain a clock speed of around 80 kmph. It is expected to be offered at a price of over 1 lakh (ex-showroom). Upon its launch, it will compete against the likes of TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and Ather 450X.
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    Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser Spied With Pillion Backrest In New Spy Shots

    Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser. Image – Deepak
    Going by the latest spy shots, there could be multiple variants of KX650 cruiser which offer different riding dynamics

    Royal Enfield a couple of months ago announced that it will be launching at least one model every quarter for the next seven years and it set the ball rolling with the launch of its new cruiser Meteor 350. This motorcycle features a brand new chassis and engine which marks the beginning of the new generation of motorcycles from the bikemaker.
    The brand is looking to extend its line of cruiser motorcycles as it is planning to launch a cruiser bike on the 650cc platform. Internally codenamed KX650, this motorcycle has been spotted testing on multiple occasions in recent months. It draws its design inspirations and its name from KX Bobber Concept displayed at EICMA in 2019.
    It has now been spied once again, but this time with an added accessory – pillion backrest. Earlier spy shots of the Cruiser 650 did not feature a pillion backrest. The latest one, credit to automotive enthusiast Deepak, shows the upcoming 650 cruiser with a pillion backrest.
    Two new 650 Twins Incoming
    Earlier sets of images showed test riders sitting in a typical feet-forward cruiser-like position. However, in the new crop of images, the test rider is seen in a more conventional riding position with his feet coming straight downward rather than forward. The foot-pegs are more towards centre rather than forward.
    Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser
    On the earlier spotted test mule, rear subframe of the bike was not visible which is visible in the current images. Also the motorcycle spied earlier had a visibly longer rear fender than the current test mule.
    Looking at this motorcycle, it misses out on a long, low stance which could be seen in the test mules of earlier spy shots. This gives us an indication that this might be a totally different model based on the same platform and featuring the same engine. One could be the cruiser, while the other could be the Classic 650 or the Meteor 650.
    Different dynamics
    However, hardware setup in this iteration of the 650cc cruiser is likely to differ from those found in 650 Twins- Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. This bike features metal tubing along its sides which is contrasting with the one spotted earlier. Its suspension setup will be slightly different as it will consist of upside-down USD forks at front and twin shocks at rear which is mounted at a greater angle than what is seen on 650 Twins.
    The test mule seen in the last images does not look like the final production-spec model. However, with Royal Enfield’s aggressive launch plans, we can expect this bike to make its debut sometime later this year itself. Other notable additions seen on this test bike are a wraparound engine guard, a tall windscreen and mounting points for rear pillion grab rails.
    Expected Powertrain Specs
    Coming to its powertrain, it will be powered by the same 648cc parallel-twin air-cooled motor which does its duty on the Interceptor and Continental GT. This unit pushes out an output of 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. It will be mated to a six-speed gearbox. More details on this are likely to be revealed by Royal Enfield in the coming few months. More

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    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 650 cc Twin Spied With New Gen 350 – Gets Alloys

    Royal Enfield Classic 650cc Twin
    The Royal Enfield Classic has an unassailable lead in the Indian medium displacement motorcycle segment and why not augment it with a 650 cc variant?

    If you are a Royal Enfield fan, there is a lot to be cheerful about in 2021 as the retro classic brand is gearing up for a new product launches in regular intervals. Royal Enfield has plans to launch one new motorcycle every 4 months in India.
    While things are going to start with model year refreshes and minor updates, quite a few next-generation thumpers are in the pipeline for later this year. We all know the new 650 cc cruiser is on its way but RE has surprised by testing another twin-cylinder prototype that we believe to be the Classic 650!
    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 650 spied
    A recent spyshot of accessorized 650 cruiser was actually wrongly identified. The prototype featured a conventional roadster riding posture compared to the previously spied cruiser test mule‘s feet-forward stance. Not just that, the accessorized test mule also featured considerably higher seat height.
    We have come across a new spy shot of the mystery Royal Enfield 650 roadster in question, parked alongside a new gen Classic 350 prototype. The image is credit to automotive enthusiast Ganesan.
    Royal Enfield Classic 650cc Twin with new gen Classic 350. Footpegs positioning on both motorcycles is similar. Pillion seat is larger as compared to the 650cc cruiser spied earlier.
    As you can see, they both share quite a lot in common in terms of basic design elements – circular headlamps, almond shaped fuel tank, split seats and roughly same seat height – and ergonomics. The motorcycle features black alloy wheels, front and rear discs, twin exhaust pipes, and an eccentrically mounted circular instrument dial.
    Royal Enfield KX650 Cruiser with footpegs in the front, lower seat height and smaller pillion seat
    Though the engine of the 650cc Classic is seen in black, it is likely that it is just a cover. As the spy shot shows that the cover is broken at one point, and one can clearly see the chrome / silver engine underneath.
    Why Classic 650 when you already have Interceptor 650?
    The Royal Enfield Classic 650 would be an ideal spiritual successor to the now defunct 500 cc variant which had a sizeable fan following. More powerful and refined twin-cylinder engine, the trademark retro design and a nameplate with huge brand recall make for a compelling combo.
    Royal Enfield KX650 Cruiser with footpegs in the front, lower seat height and smaller pillion seat
    To give you a perspective, more than half of RE’s sales volume is accounted for by the Classic 350; which is at the end of its life cycle and this shows how strong the Classic brand is. So, why not augment it with a 650 variant?
    While the Interceptor 650 already covers the medium displacement roadster niche for RE, the company appears to be confident that there is sufficient difference in the appeal of the Classic 650 to have it alongside. The inverted telescopic fork, split seats with removable pillion unit and an old-school body-coloured headlamp housing distance the Royal Enfield Classic 650 from its sibling.
    Powertrain
    In its existing state of tune, the motor produces 47 hp and 52 Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed transmission. We may see a minor tweak to the gear ratios to suite the Royal Enfield Classic 650’s relaxed mile-munching nature. With more variants being spun off the same platform, RE would be able to leverage the economies of scale to come up with very competitive pricing for its upcoming products. More

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    New Electric Rickshaw With Headrest For Driver And Passengers – Spied In Chennai

    Image – Agastine
    A lot of non-OEM entities are interested in participating in e-mobility and this new electric rickshaw could be such an example

    The electric mobility is steadily taking shape in India, starting with urban scooters and auto rickshaws. Mahindra’s Treo electric rickshaw demonstrated the high potential of electric 3-wheelers in the country by becoming the first such product to cross 5,000-unit sales mark in a short period of time. It is only natural that other OEMs scrambling to get their own zero emission passenger three-wheeler ready for the market.
    Mysterious new electric rickshaw spotted testing in Chennai
    Automotive enthusiast from Chennai, Agastine has spotted this heavily disguised three wheeler prototype testing on Old Mahabalipuram Road. He reports that it was an electric vehicle and it reached speeds of up to 75 kmph. He also added that the vehicle displayed impressive acceleration characteristics.
    While our first guess was Mahindra since the automaker has its R&D HQ in the city, a quick look into our archives of spy shots revealed that the OEM’s prototypes usually carry TN-19 temporary license plates. Moreover, Mahindra’s electric prototypes are based out of its Bangalore division which specializes in e-mobility.
    So, which brand does this electric auto rickshaw prototype belong to? As of now, our guess is as good as yours. The birth of electric mobility has made it easier for cash rich non-OEM entities to diversify into vehicle manufacturing with early mover’s advantage.
    New Electric Rickshaw
    This prototype could very well belong to a new brand which has its roots either in auto component manufacturing or in a sector that has an indirect link to the automotive industry.
    Recently, Ola Electric division has been in the news for announcing plans to invest Rs 2,500 crore in Tamil Nadu, for setting up world’s largest electric scooter manufacturing plant. In a related news, patent images of an Ola electric rickshaw was also leaked a few days ago.
    Salient features
    Looking at the spyshot, the first thing that catches our attention is the head rests for driver and three passengers. The headrests, the LED taillights and the fact that the vehicle is capable of doing high speeds indicate that this auto rickshaw is aiming to be positioned at the higher end of the price sensitive segment.
    New Electric Rickshaw
    For reference, the Mahindra Treo is powered by an 8 kW electric motor which is capable of propelling it to a top-speed of 55 kmph. We estimate the mysterious electric rickshaw prototype to be at least twice as powerful, based on the observer’s report.
    The vehicle appears to be taller than an average passenger 3-wheeler and is equipped with a sturdy protection bar at the rear, possibly to prevent any serious damage to the powertrain. If you happen to know any information about this electric auto rickshaw, please get in touch with us. More

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    2021 RE Himalayan Tripper Navigation Display Unit Detailed In New Spy Shots

    2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan
    Tripper Navigation feature is expected to be offered in future Royal Enfield models like the new-gen Classic 350

    Royal Enfield Himalayan will soon be given a mid-life facelift later this year. Test mules of the updated adventure tourer has been spotted on a couple of occasions in the past month. Among other updates, the most prominent inclusion to the 2021 Himalayan is going to be the app-based Tripper Navigation system.
    The latest spy image clearly shows the instrument cluster with an extra pod which is presumably the smartphone-based Tripper Navigation. It offers turn-by-turn navigation to riders with locations entered on their phone. This system was first introduced in the recently launched Meteor 350.
    Himalayan Tripper
    This Tripper Navigation is expected to be offered in other Royal Enfield models such as Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 later. Images of the test mule show the Himalayan wearing a Lake Blue colour scheme which is on offer since the BS6 update last year.
    The latest iteration of Himalayan is not expected to witness any massive updates both in terms of its design and specifications. Expect a minor price bump, due to the addition of this new feature.
    2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan
    Specs
    This 2021 iteration of Himalayan might receive a more refined engine. It is powered by a BS6 compliant 411cc single-cylinder fuel-injected motor which generated 24.3 bhp and 32 Nm of peak torque. This unit is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. It will be interesting to see if Royal Enfield decides to elevate its output since, as of now, its returns are very modest for an engine of that capacity.
    Its equipment list is likely to be identical to the current model. Though Royal Enfield might throw in a few extra colour options. Currently, the bikemaker offers as many as six paint options namely- Rock Red, Gravel Gray, Granite Black, Snow White and Lake Blue. The adventure motorcycle is offered at a starting price of Rs 1.91 lakh and goes up to Rs 1.96 lakh (both prices ex-showroom).
    Other RE models in pipeline
    As far as its launch is concerned, the updated Himalayan is expected to hit showrooms during the first quarter of 2021 itself. In fact, Royal Enfield has a plethora of new launches lined up for this year as the company had earlier revealed its intentions of introducing one new model every quarter for the next seven years. The updated Himalayan will be followed by the new generation model of Classic which is also expected to receive the Tripper Navigation.
    Later towards the middle of 2021, the Chennai-based bikemaker is expected to launch the facelifted 650 twins- Interceptor and Continental GT. Royal Enfield has also been testing its upcoming cruiser KX650 quite extensively in the past few months. It will be based on the same 650cc platform as Interceptor and Continental GT.
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    2021 Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter Spied – Bajaj Chetak Rival Detailed

    2021 Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter
    The Suzuki Burgman electric scooter eschews on the exhaust canister but gains an addition shock absorber at the rear

    Suzuki Burgman electric scooter has been doing trial runs in public without camouflage for a few weeks now, and it has been caught on tape up close. Latest spy shots and video are credit to automotive enthusiast Abhishak Mann, who shared them on Rushlane Spylane Facebook group.
    Suzuki Burgman electric
    Touted to be Suzuki’s first EV in our market, the scooter carries forward the IC-engined model’s styling but things under the skin are significantly different. Last year, Suzuki made its intention of venturing into the promising electric scooter segment clear. The Burgman electric, going by the state of the prototypes, is on track to be introduced sometime later this year.
    Apart from the new dual-tone colour theme, the obvious difference between the IC-engine model and the electric one is the addition of another shock absorber at the rear to handle the extra weight. Detailed specifications are still under wraps but we expect the motor to be >permanent magnet synchronous unit (AC) mounted close to the vehicle’s center of gravity.
    The motor is likely to employ a belt drive and is estimated to have a power output of 5-6 kW. The Suzuki Burgman electric is expected to be equipped with a lithium-ion battery with an estimated range of 100 to 120 km. The scooter will receive FAME-II subsidy just like its rivals.
    2021 Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter
    Equipment
    Being a premium offering, the Suzuki Burgman electric will come with a comprehensive array of features. For starters, just like its IC-engined sibling, the EV is equipped with front disc brake, a fully digital instrument console, alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. We can expect the Suzuki electric scooter to come with smartphone connectivity and a dedicated app.
    2021 Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter
    The prototypes spotted so far have been featuring halogen headlamp with LED DRLs while the petrol model which is currently on sale is offered with full LED setup. It remains to be seen if it is a cost cutting measure or the final production-ready version will get LED headlights.
    2021 Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter
    When it comes to performance, we expect the Suzuki Burgman electric to have a top-speed of around 80 kmph with a 0-40 kmph acceleration time of under 4 seconds. In other words, the performance will be on par with its primary rivals.
    Design
    The Burgman’s imposing presence and a comfortable setup for long commute would give it an edge over the competition. The maxi-scooter body style dwarfs other premium electric scooters in the market like the Ather 450X, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak. The design highlights include a massive front apron with prominent headlamp, generously proportioned seat, alloy grab rail and smart-looking rear combination lights.
    2021 Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter
    The electric scooter market is getting more and more attention from mainstream OEMs and this year is set to witness significant activity in this space. With more people inclined towards personal mode of transport, the electric scooter segment is expected to receive a huge boost in appeal.
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