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

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      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

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      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Instrument Cluster Spied – Gets Tripper Navigation

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      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350
      The new-gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 is expected to be launched in the next few weeks

      Royal Enfield has its hands full with its recent commitment to launch at least four new products every year. Late last year, the brand launched its all-new cruiser Meteor 350 which was followed by an updated version of Himalayan early this year. For the next quarter, it is expected that the Chennai-based bikemaker will introduce a new generation model of Classic 350.
      Test mules of the upcoming Classic 350 have been spotted on numerous occasions recently. Seeing all spy shots, there hardly seems to be any cosmetic difference between the new model and the current model, at first glance at least. It is evident that Royal Enfield wouldn’t want to tinker with the design of a bike that has been the company’s best-seller for many years.
      Revised Instrument Cluster
      However, there are some crucial additions to this motorcycle that would make the upcoming iteration of the retro-styled classic bike a little more than just bare bones. For the first time, the revamped instrument cluster of the upcoming Classic 350 has been spied.
      We get to notice two important additions- a small digital display along with a Tipper Navigation pod beside it. The digital display will probably read out basic information from the odometer and fuel gauge. It retains the manual speedometer.
      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350
      The Tripper Navigation made its first appearance in Meteor 350 and later on the update Himalayan and would soon be made available on all models across Royal Enfield’s range. It provides turn-by-turn navigation on the display pod when connected to the rider’s smartphone via the Royal Enfield App where one can enter destination information. The app world in association with Google Maps which feeds the data on the display screen of the pod.
      Styling
      As mentioned earlier, Royal Enfield has not made many changes to its overall design with most of its elements being carried over from the current model. This includes circular headlamps with chrome bezels, chrome-plated exhaust, broad rear fenders, circular rearview mirrors and a teardrop-shaped fuel tank.
      The only notable updates spotted are narrower round LED lights and turn indicators. It gets new split seats with better cushioning for a more comfortable long-distance ride. It now gets a new single-piece grab rail which is positioned slightly higher for better reach to the pillion.
      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350
      Specifications
      As far as hardware is concerned it will be based on a new J platform the same which underpins Meteor 350. It is built on a double-cradle chassis instead of a single downtube frame as in the current model though suspension setup hasn’t been tinkered much.
      The new-gen Classic 350 will be powered by an all-new 348cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine which churns out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. This is 1 bhp more and 1 Nm less than the current model’s output. It will be linked to a new 5-speed gearbox. Upon its launch, it will rival the likes of Benelli Imperiale, Jawa Forty-Two and Honda H’Ness CB350. More

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      Royal Enfield Cruiser 650 Ground Clearance Detailed In New Spy Shots

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      Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser
      The upcoming 650cc cruiser twins are likely to offer different riding dynamics and wear different monikers

      Royal Enfield fans are an excited bunch as the company has plans to launch multiple new products, hence every spy shot of an upcoming motorcycle gets noticed. While the company has quite a few exciting launches headed in the coming future, one of the bikes that has garnered a lot of attention is the brand’s upcoming 650cc cruiser.
      Test mules of the cruiser have been spotted on multiple occasions over the past year or so but only a couple of months we came to know that there might be more than one derivative of the upcoming bike. It might be the case of two different models or two different variants of the same model.
      Building on the popularity of 650cc Twins, this new cruiser will share its underpinnings as well as its power source with the twin roadsters. The first hint of a new addition to the Royal Enfield family was dropped at the EICMA 2018 where it showcased the KX Bobber Concept. When the first prototype was spotted last year, it bore a lot of resemblance with the concept displayed at EICMA.
      Design Highlights
      Among the two derivatives of the cruiser spotted earlier, one boasts of a traditional cruiser setup with forward-set footpegs, a wide handlebar and a typical low-slung stance. The other one has a more conventional upright seating position with center-set footpegs and slightly shorter handlebars. While the former is expected to wear a brand new name tag, the latter is expected to wear the branding of either Classic 650 or Meteor 650.

      Cruisers generally have a longer wheelbase and low seat height. This combination probably results in lower ground clearance. The latest spy video is credit to way2speed. As can be seen above, the video gives a better idea about the ground clearance of the 650cc Cruiser.
      Design-wise, both motorcycles adopt retro classic elements although the KX650 looks like a proper cruiser while the other one is a classic roadster. The former also wears a fatter 130 section of tyres and a larger rear fender. Common design elements on both bikes include a retro-styled round headlamp, a low split-style saddle and twin exhausts. A pillion backrest could be offered as an accessory on both bikes.
      Expected Hardware, Features & Powertrain
      As mentioned earlier, both bikes will share underpinnings with the current 650cc Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT. However, suspension setup is likely to be different. These cruisers are expected to feature upside down USD forks at front and twin shock absorbers at rear which are mounted at a greater angle than what is seen on 650 Twins.
      RE 650cc cruiser
      Disc brakes on both ends are almost a given. Other features expected to be on offer are dual-channel ABS, slipper and assist clutch and a semi-digital instrument console with a dedicated pod for Tripper Navigation.
      As far as powertrain is concerned, it will draw its power from the familiar 648cc parallel-twin air-cooled motor that cranks out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. It will be mated to a six-speed gearbox. More details on these motorcycles are expected to be furnished ahead of their launch. We expect at least one of them hit showrooms by the end of this year. More

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      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Side View Spied – New Exhaust System

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      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 – New Gen
      The 350 cc single-cylinder engine will be shared with the Meteor

      The next generation Royal Enfield Classic 350 has been spotted testing in its near-production guise once again. This time, the latest spy shot gives us a closer look at the motorcycle and its side view – detailing the new exhaust system. We have learnt that the motorcycle is very close to launch and it could be in the showrooms in a few weeks.
      New Royal Enfield Classic 350
      The new Classic 350 is easily the most anticipated member of Royal Enfield’s next generation family based on the modular J platform. The launch which was originally planned for 2020 was delayed due to several reasons not the least of which is the ongoing pandemic. It seems the Chennai-based retro-classic specialist has sorted out the final details and is geared up to bring in the next iteration in a matter of weeks.
      Based on the spyshots, we can say that nothing much has changed. The current Classic 350 is still the best selling RE even at the very end of its lifespan, strongly indicating that the old-school styling is still popular among loyalists. We do get a slightly revised headlamp cowl, fuel tank and seats. We expect the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 to be equipped with Tripper Navigation system.
      Royal Enfield has recently introduced alloy wheels and dark colour themes for the Classic 350, and these cosmetic features are likely to be carried forward by the next gen model even though the prototypes are equipped with traditional spoke wheels and chrome finished components.
      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 New Exhaust System – Catbox has been removed from under the engine. Instead, New Classic 350 will have catalytic converter on inside of the silencer bend pipe.
      Specifications
      Powering the next generation classic roadster will be the new 350 cc SOHC air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine which debuted on the Meteor. With 20.2 hp and 27 Nm of torque, the motor will offer a decent balance between highway performance and fuel efficiency. The transmission will continue to be a 5-speed unit.
      The modern setup in addition to several quality related improvements are expected to make the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 much more refined and robust compared to the outgoing model which is known for its niggles despite its undeniable charm.
      The company added an auxiliary catalytic converter chamber on the exhaust downtube to make the current engine meet the BS6 emission norms. The addition was an ad-hoc solution until the new model arrives. The test mules of next generation model do away with this additional component, thereby reverting to the old sleek exhaust system.
      Prospects
      With an all-new engine and several tangible improvements, the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 is all set to take the best selling nameplate to a new level. It will be supported by a slightly more modern looking roadster called the Hunter 350 which will go after the likes of Honda H’ness CB350. RE’s product onslaught is about to begin. More

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      Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser KX650 Spied Testing With Pillion

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      2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser
      Royal Enfield is working on at least two new derivatives of its well received 650 cc parallel-twin platform

      Royal Enfield’s product pipeline for this year looks very exiting. The company is in the process of transforming its entire portfolio, representing a clear shift in the paradigm. In order to achieve its long term goal of establishing leadership in the global medium displacement motorcycle segment, Royal Enfield needs to aggressively expand its product lineup, offer cool new features and increase the overall quality. That is exactly what brewing at the brand’s tech centers in India and the UK.
      Royal Enfield cruiser 650
      Following the strong response to its flagship twin-clinder 650 cc models, Royal Enfield is working on variant extensions on this platform in a bid to cater to wider tastes.
      First hint of a new family member was provided in the form of KX bobber concept at the EICMA 2018. After almost two years, first prototypes of a 650 cc twin-cylinder cruiser started to appear in public last year.
      A near production ready prototype of the Royal Enfield cruiser 650 has been spotted up close once again in Chennai, giving us a proper idea on what to expect. The latest spy shot shows the test mule being tested with pillion. It is to be noted that RE is also working on a roadster variant which is sufficiently different from this cruiser as well as the existing Interceptor 650.
      2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser
      With a low seat height, quintessential feet-forward riding position and a front heavy stance, the Royal Enfield cruiser 650 sticks to the script. The test mule appears to be riding on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels just like the Meteor 350.
      The circular headlamp, turn indicators and taillight set a retro-classic tone and the simple fuel tank (we liked the KX’s unit better though) and instrument dial fit right into the scheme of things. Speaking of the instrument dial, it will incorporate Tripper Navigation system which is currently available in Meteor 350 and updated Himalayan.
      Hardware
      In the interest of economies of scale, Royal Enfield is likely to carry forward the existing 650 cc twin-cylinder, air-cooled, parallel-twin engine which produces 47 hp and 57 Nm of torque in its current state of tune. The 6-speed transmission with tweaked ratios should make for good mile munching. The video gives us a sample of how the motorcycle sounds like and we like what we hear.
      2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser
      In a first for modern Royal Enfields, the cruiser 650 is equipped with an inverted telescopic front fork. The rear employs traditional twin shock absorbers.
      Rivals
      Globally, the Royal Enfield cruiser 650 will be aimed at the likes of Kawasaki Vulcan 650, Harley Davidson Street, Honda Rebel, and so on. In India, the upcoming medium displacement motorcycle is expected to be have a starting price a shade under INR 3 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a compelling proposition. More

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      2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX To Come Equipped With Radar System

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      2021 Kawasaki H2 SX
      With the new Ninja H2 SX, Kawasaki joins the likes of BMW, KTM and Ducati to come equipped with radar-based systems

      Kawasaki is currently working on developing the new generation Ninja H2 SX and a test mule of the same was recently spotted testing somewhere in Japan. According to recent reports, this new Ninja H2 SX is expected to come equipped with radar-based assistance systems from the end of 2021.
      Radar-Based System From Bosch
      From a recent spy shot, we can spot a small camera hidden at the lower section of the windscreen which will be the first for a radar-based system. In addition, a small sensor unit has been placed under its headlight. To accommodate these inclusions, the Japanese bikemaker has made some updates to its front fascia.
      Back in 2019, Kawasaki had announced its partnership with Bosch in order to equip its premium motorcycles with radar-based systems. Therefore, it makes good sense to introduce it in one of its flagship products which are already heavily loaded with features.
      Although Kawasaki is not the only one to be offering this technology in the near future. Manufacturers such as KTM, BMW and Ducati have also presented similar technologies from Bosch in their respective offerings including 1290 Super Adventure S, R 1250 RT and Multistrada V4.
      2021 Kawasaki H2 SX
      Features & Updated Design
      The prime functionality of this technology is to provide radar-based adaptive cruise control for easier long-distance touring. Besides this new feature, there are going to other new creature comforts on offer. For instance, a fully digital TFT instrument cluster replaces the earlier part-analogue and part-digital console. The safety kit will consist of an adaptive distance and speed control, a collision warning and a blind spot assistant.
      The inclusion of new features has brought subtle changes to its styling just like its front fascia. Kawasaki has adapted the fairing, the windshield and the air ducts in accordance with the camera and sensor at front end. Contrary to recent convention, the license plate holder at the rear section is significantly longer and holds the license plate much lower.
      This adds to the speculation that the Japanese superbike brand might also offer a rear-facing radar-based system just like Multistrada V4. Or could just be the case where Kawasaki wants to improve the splash protection for the pillion.
      2021 Kawasaki H2 SX
      Powertrain Specs
      Mechanically, the upcoming Ninja H2 SX will not be any different from its predecessor. It will probably be underpinned by the same architecture and offer the same hardware setup. It will draw its power from a Euro-5 compliant 998cc Liquid-cooled, In-Line Four-cylinder engine which in its previous iteration churned out 200 PS of power and 137.3 Nm of peak torque.
      Ninja h2 SX is slated to make its debut towards the end of this year and is likely to go on sale starting early next year. It is still too early to comment whether or not it will arrive on Indian shores although we hope it does.
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      New Bajaj Pulsar 160 NS Spied Testing – Launch Likely In 2021

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      Image – Jupiter Lobo
      The new Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 gets significant cosmetic revision while the hardware appear to be retained

      The Bajaj Pulsar NS family of street fighters aged rather well. Started its innings with a 200 cc variant almost a decade ago, the NS nameplate later spawned a popular 160 variant with identical styling. The competition has come up with modern and better equipped compact displacement naked motorcycles, prompting Bajaj Auto to revisit the drawing board.
      New Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 spotted testing
      A prototype of what appears to be the next generation Bajaj Pulsar NS has been spotted testing on the public road for the first time. The air-cooling fins on the engine block strongly indicate that this is a 160 cc variant. The tyre sizes, thin front telescopic forks and box section swing arm also point towards the smaller engined variant.
      The revised bodywork appears to be production ready but the finer details are concealed by the camouflage. The most significant visual change is the fuel tank which now features longer extensions. The headlamp is also completely new with a compact projector unit and a redesigned casing.
      The tailpiece continues to retain familiarity but we expect the taillight to undergo revision. It is reasonable to assume that the new Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 will receive an updated fully digital instrument console. Spy images are credit to automotive enthusiast Jupiter Logo.
      Image – Jupiter Lobo
      Specifications
      The time proven 160.3 cc air / oil-cooled single-cylinder motor is expected to be carried forward. The underbelly exhaust has been done away with in favour of a conventional canister in a bid to meet the stricter emission standards. In its current avatar, the motor produces a healthy 17.2 hp and 14.6 Nm of torque, and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Changes, if any, are likely to be nominal.
      The perimeter frame, suspension and braking setup appear to have been carried forward without any changes. The sporty compact displacement naked motorcycle is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear discs with single-channel ABS.
      Bigger engined variant on its way?
      It is only a matter of time before the Pulsar NS 200 receives a successor and it is expected to adopt the bigger 250 cc liquid-cooled motor from the Dominar. A bigger engine would help create a sufficient distance from its 160 cc sibling in terms of market positioning and pricing, while also strengthening the brand’s quarter liter lineup.
      Rivals
      The new Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 will be pitted against the TVS Apache RTR 160, Hero Xtreme 160R and Yamaha FZS-FI. The brand pull and a modern design should give the new naked Pulsar an edge over its rivals. We expect the new motorcycle to be ready for the market sometime in the second half of this year to take advantage of the festive season. Expect a marginal increase in the price from current INR 1.10 lakh (Ex-showroom). More

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      Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Instrument Cluster Spied – Tripper Navigation Missing

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      Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Spied
      The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 employs an eccentrically placed digi-analog instrument console

      A camouflaged prototype Royal Enfield Hunter with some accessories was spied up close while stationary. The test mule appears to be not fully production ready but not far from it either. The latest spy shots give us a clear idea on how the motorcycle’s instrument panel looks like.
      Royal Enfield Hunter 350
      Royal Enfield is currently working on building a strong and eclectic range of 350 cc motorcycles based on its new generation J platform. The Meteor 350 which replaced the Thunderbird was the first of many new RE’s to come. While the loyalists are eagerly waiting for the next generation Classic 350, Royal Enfield threw a surprise in the form of another retro-classic Roadster.
      The Eicher-owned two wheeler brand has registered Hunter as a trademark, leading us to believe that the new 350 cc roadster will carry this moniker. To be positioned alongside the new Classic 350 as a sportier alternative to lure younger audience, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 will feature a sleek fuel tank, circular headlamp, possibly with LED elements, single-piece seat, LED taillight and a simple tailpiece.
      Going by the prototype, the Hunter 350 is most likely to be equipped with alloy wheels and black finished engine and exhaust pipe. The prototype was wearing chrome finished headlamp cowl but we expect the final production version to feature a black unit.
      Production version is expected to offer Tripper Navigation as well
      The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 employs a unique digi analog instrument console with a rectangular MID. While this particular mule does not feature an additional dial for Tripper Navigation system (Smartphone enabled turn-by-turn navigation), it is reasonable to assume the motorcycle to be offered with it at the time of launch.
      Specifications
      The Royal Enfield Hunter 350, as the spyshot shows, borrows its 349 cc air-cooled engine from the Meteor 350. Widely acclaimed for being much more refined than its predecessor, the new mill dishes out 20.2 hp and 27 Nm of torque. Gearbox is a conventional 5-speed unit.
      There is nothing particularly interesting about the suspension or braking system. The roadster employs traditional telescopic front forks covered with rubber gaiters, and twin-rear shock absorbers. Like all modern Royal Enfields, the Hunter is equipped with front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS.
      Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Instrument Cluster – Analog Speedometer, Digital MID
      On board the Royal Enfield Hunter, the speedometer is analog and is seen with markings in kmph as well as mph. The speedo is listed till max speed of 160 kmph / 100 mph – just like the new Meteor 350. Other details like fuel level, trip meters, etc are expected to be listed in the digital MID.
      Market positioning
      With the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, the company would be aiming to fend off fresh competition like the Honda CB350. Royal Enfield’s leadership in the Indian medium displacement segment continues to be strong even during the challenging year that was 2020.
      The Classic 350 continues to be a cash cow for the brand and with the new gen model coming later this year, things are only going to get stronger. The Hunter will be playing a consolidating role.
      Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Spied More