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    Benelli Parent Firm Patents New 250cc And 350cc Sports Bike

    New 350cc From Benelli Parent
    Benelli had earlier announced that it will be launching seven new models in India in 2021 out of which three have already been introduced
    The partnership between Italian brand Benelli and Chinese automaker Qianjiang Motor has turned out to be a fruitful one. Since Qianjian has taken over Benelli’s operation, the latter has come out with a wide range of products which are mostly rebadged QJMotor models.
    Since QJMotor’s operations are limited to China, the company sells most of its premium bikes as rebranded Benelli models since the latter has a strong base in international markets. The Chinese counterpart has yet again patented a new model which it might be willing to ship to overseas markets.
    Design
    This new motorcycle is a 350cc supersport motorcycle with a typical faired design. In terms of looks, it features twin-beam LED headlights and a fully faired body. The bike sports contrasting body panels that extend from its rear edges of the headlights to divide the fairing into distinct upper and lower sections. This gives it a hint of resemblance to the final generation Triumph Daytona 675. However, unlike most Chinese auto manufacturers, this one isn’t a completely ripped-off design.
    All lighting seems to be LED units. The bike will be offered in two variants- the lower spec with a single front disc brake and the higher-spec trim with twin rotors at front. For a fully faired 350cc motorcycle, it weighs a manageable 179 kilos. Other notable highlights include a clip-on handlebar, split-style seats and front fairing-mounted rearview mirrors which give an impression of horns.
    New 250cc From Benelli Parent
    Powertrain
    Powering this motorcycle will be a new 353cc twin-cylinder motor which can push out around 36 horses. Suspension duties will be handled by inverted telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Will this motorcycle be rebranded as a Benelli in international markets is still a debatable question since Benelli has its own 302R.
    The latter recently got updated in China and the latest iteration is supposed to head towards India in the coming few weeks. It is a question if there is enough space for both QJ 353cc bike and the 302R under Benelli’s lineup.
    Quarter-litre Faired Sportsbike
    The 353cc motorcycle is not the only faired bike recently patented by Qianjiang. There is also another new sports bike that is powered by a 249cc single-cylinder motor. This engine can churn out 27.5 bhp and could weigh only 159kg. This model will also be available in two derivatives. The base trim will be based on a tubular steel frame with a double-sided swingarm whereas the higher-spec model will feature an aluminium single-sider.
    The more premium one will get a fully-floating front disc brake while the cheaper alternative will have to make do with a semi-floater. There will also be differences in the wheels of the two trims. None of the models mentioned above are likely to land on Indian shores anytime soon.
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    2022 Yamaha R7 First Photos Leak Ahead Of Global Debut

    2022 Yamaha R7
    Upon its launch, Yamaha YZF R7 will compete against the likes of Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Aprilia RS660
    The upcoming influx of middleweight superbikes will also feature the hotly anticipated Yamaha R7 which has been teased on the Japanese bikemaker’s official YouTube channel. Not only has the faired monster been teased in a marketing video, but images of a photoshoot featuring the upcoming R7 have also been leaked on the internet ahead of its global debut.
    The middleweight faired sports bike will officially show its face on 18 May 2021 as indicated by the video teaser. The new R7 will serve as a replacement for the outgoing YZF R6 which was discontinued last year since it did not comply with stricter emission standards. Images of the upcoming R7 have been leaked online on social media.
    2022 Yamaha R7
    Styling Highlights
    Apart from the date of its global debut, the teaser also reveals certain highlights of the bike’s design. The overall styling of the new R7 follows the design philosophy which has been prevalent in the R range of supersport motorcycles from the Japanese brand for ages now.
    The images show a prototype in Yamaha’s signature blue paint scheme which lends the motorcycle a sporty appeal. Upfront, R7 looks starkly different from its predecessor.
    2022 Yamaha R7
    While R6 came with R1-derived twin-pod LED headlamps, R7 will flaunt a completely redesigned fascia that features a single-pod LED headlight flanked by twin LED DRLs on both sides. The centre space in the front fairing occupied by the headlamp also flaunts an air scoop which gives it a twin-beam design at the front. Also, it appears to get a taller and wider windscreen than R6.
    2022 Yamaha R7
    Side fairing has also been revised which wears the ‘R7’ monikers. The muscular fuel tank features a signature grille pattern complemented by taut lines which enhance its aerodynamic qualities. The sharp and upright tail section makes it unmistakably a Yamaha R series product.
    Expected Specs
    While the exact specifications are yet to be revealed, we expect R7 to be based on the MT-07 platform. Hence, it is likely to be powered by a 689cc, parallel-twin motor with a 270-degree crank which spits out 72.4 bhp at 8,750rpm and a peak torque of 67 Nm at 6,500rpm.
    This unit will be linked to a six-speed gearbox and will feature a new exhaust setup. Hardware configurations are also expected to be derived from its naked streetfighter counterpart. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar 250F Spied Testing – Likely To Be The Fastest Pulsar Yet

    2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220FWhen Bajaj launched Pulsar 220F, it was branded as The Fastest Indian – Upcoming 250F will sit above the 220F
    Bajaj Auto is planning to expand its Pulsar range of sporty commuted motorcycles by adding new models in the coming future. A few weeks ago, a test mule of what was speculated to be a naked version of new Pulsar 250 was spotted testing.
    In addition to this, the Chakan-based bikemaker introduced the entry-level Pulsar NS125 into the lineup last month. The company also gave a mild refresh to Pulsar 150, 180 and 220F models with new colour options. Now, a semi-faired version of the upcoming quarter-litre Pulsar has been spotted conducting trial tests on roads.
    This upcoming quarter-litre sports commuter is expected to carry either F or RS nomenclature which are usually associated with faired motorcycles. In most likelihood, it will be named 250F just like the current flagship in the lineup 220F. Although the test prototype spotted was heavily wrapped in camouflage, it did reveal a few obvious details about its styling.
    Expected Design & Features
    For instance, like Pulsar 220F, the upcoming 250F is likely to receive a front-heavy fairing adjoining the fuel tank and headlamp section. It gets a tall handlebar which provides easy maneuverability and an aggressive stance thanks to a muscular fuel tank with extended shrouds and bikini fairing.
    2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220F
    Other notable highlights include upswept side exhaust, an upright tail section and a split seat setup. The rear end of the prototype, especially the split grab rails and curved taillight are reminiscent of its immediate rival brand TVS Apache.
    In terms of features, it is expected to offer an all-LED lighting setup and all-digital instrument console with colour display. If Bajaj is generous then it may also offer Bluetooth connectivity. Although images of the bike’s front end are not available at the moment, it is expected to boast a tall windscreen to counter a strong windblast.
    Expected Specs
    Coming to its specifications, Bajaj is expected to offer a whole new 250cc oil-cooled motor for its quarter-litre Pulsar motorcycles. The company already has a 248.8cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine at its disposal which it utilises for its own Dominar and other KTM and Husqvarna models. The new 250cc motor on Pulsar 250 will be capable of generating around 24 bhp and will be paired with a six-speed gearbox.
    2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220F
    Other mechanical components should include conventional telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Braking duties will be handled by single disc brakes on both ends which will be assisted by dual-channel ABS as standard. It is also expected to be offered with multiple ride modes. Upon its launch, Pulsar 250F will lock its horns with Suzuki Gixxer SF250.
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    2022 KTM 390 Duke Spied Testing In Europe – New Updates

    2022 KTM 390 DukeThe new-gen KTM 390 Duke is expected to make its debut in India towards the end of this year with sales starting in early 2022
    We already know by now that KTM is currently working on upgrading its current lineup of motorcycles. The new-gen RC 390 is slated to go on sale in a few days while a couple of weeks ago, test mules of the new 125 Duke and 250 Duke were caught on camera conducting test trials somewhere in Europe.
    Now, images of the new generation 390 Duke have also surfaced online suggesting an imminent launch soon. While analysing the spy shots of Duke 125 and Duke 250 earlier, it was understood that the entry-level Dukes would be swaying away from the design philosophy carried by 390 Duke.
    Updated Styling
    However, on seeing the images of the new Duke 390, we have been assured that all the latest updates will be incorporated on all naked motorcycles under this range. Like its eighth-liter and quarter-liter counterparts, 2022 Duke 390 will adopt styling cues from the larger 890 Duke and the 1290 SuperDuke R. This includes a side-mounted mono-shock as well as a new swingarm.
    Some of the design highlights in the upcoming iteration of the naked streetfighter include a split dual LED headlight section with DRL, aggressive rearview mirrors, a sleeker LED tail lamp, and an aggressive fuel tank that has been with tank extension on both sides.
    2022 KTM 390 Duke
    It also gets a new underbelly exhaust which has been re-designed for higher ground clearance. The test mule was also spotted riding on new five-spoke cast wheels replacing the 10-spoke alloys in the current model.
    Improved Aerodynamics
    The most interesting highlight, however, is a dished section on the lower panel of the front tank extensions on the left side. While its exact purpose is yet unknown, it is believed that this panel will not only enhance the bike’s aerodynamic qualities but also improve rider’s comfort by sucking in the hot air from the engine. However, this design element is asymmetrical since it is absent from the right side of the motorcycle.
    Side profile of the updated 390 Duke suggests that it could employ the same simplified trellis frame and a composite subframe that was spotted in 250 Duke. The front suspension is likely to retain the current USD forks. Other notable updates include a short rear fender, new radiator covers and slim LED turn indicators. Overall, the new-gen model looks sharper than before thanks to completely revised bodywork.
    2022 KTM 390 Duke
    Updated Engine
    The engine casing also seems to be redesigned which means that engine although the same unit, will feature some updates. In its current iteration, 390 Duke is powered by a 373.2cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled unit which pushes out 43 bhp at 9,000rpm and a peak torque of 37 Nm at 7,000rpm. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. Other updates expected include new braking hardware and some new features onboard.
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    Yamaha FZ-X Spied Nr Atal Tunnel During TVC Shoot In 3 New Colours

    New Yamaha FZ-XUpon its launch, Yamaha FZ-X will become the most affordable retro-style classic motorcycle in India
    Recently it was revealed that Yamaha is working on developing a new motorcycle based on its exciting 150cc lineup which comprises FZ Fi and FZS Fi. This new bike was spotted testing a few weeks ago in the Yamuna Expressway and was earlier believed to be part of the XSR brand of motorcycles sold in foreign markets.
    It turned out, Yamaha will be using its FZ moniker in the upcoming bike which wears a retro design. Now, production-spec FZ-X has been spied near Atal tunnel by automotive enthusiast Surya Dagar.
    New Yamaha FZ-X
    There are total of three FZ-X motorcycles in 3 different colours of Blue, Orange and Black. These were spotted undisguised while being shot for upcoming launch TVC.
    Dimension & Design
    The spied images revealed that FZ-X will wear an entirely different top hat in comparison to its naked streetfighter siblings. This establishes the change in its dimensions which according to the leaked document, FZ-X will outstretch FZ Fi by 30mm, 5mm and 35mm in its length, width and height respectively. In exact figures, the classic roadster will measure 2,020mm in length, 785mm in width and 1,115mm in height.
    New Yamaha FZ-X
    As mentioned earlier, FZ-X will carry a retro-themed design with a conventional teardrop-shaped fuel tank, circular headlamp and aluminum brackets on both sides. In addition, FZ-X gets a boomerang-shaped radiator guard that differs from the one found in FZ Fi that gives the naked street racer a hunkered-down look. We also notice that the front suspension gets fork gaiters on the telescopic forks apart from the mono-shock at rear.
    New Yamaha FZ-X
    The motorcycle features a flat seat design, upright handlebars and center-set footpegs that must ensure a comfortable riding position. The relaxed ride posture would make it ideally suitable for short city commutes as well as highway cruising. Other notable highlights expected to be included are an upswept exhaust and a digital instrument console.
    Powertrain Specs
    As for specifications, it will be powered by the same 149cc air-cooled SOHC engine that also propels FZ Fi V3 and FZS Fi V3. This unit is tuned to churn out 12.2 bhp at 7,500rpm and 13.6 Nm of peak torque at 5,500rpm while being mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Braking duties will be carried out 282mm and 220mm front and rear disc brakes respectively which will be further assisted by a single-channel ABS.
    Expect the new FZ-X to be offered at the same price as FZ Fi which currently starts at Rs 1.04 lakh (ex-showroom). No information regarding its prospective launch is yet available but we expect the motorcycle to hit showrooms just ahead of the festive season later this year. More

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    Royal Enfield Shotgun Name Registered – For New 650cc Cruiser?

    Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser To be Named Shotgun?In addition to 650cc cruiser, Royal Enfield is also working on a 650cc roadster
    With 650 twins Interceptor and Continental GT emerging bestsellers in both domestic market and abroad, it seems logical to experiment with new products in this segment. One of these will be the 650cc cruiser, which is expected to be launched by end of this year. In international markets, Royal Enfield 650cc cruiser will take on rivals such as Honda Rebel, Kawasaki Vulcan 650 and Harley Davidson Street.
    Royal Enfield 650cc To Be Named Shotgun?
    As per a filing, Royal Enfield has registered a new name, which could be for this upcoming 650cc cruiser or the roadster. Royal Enfield Shotgun is the name that has been registered. Speaking about the cruiser, the retro theme is clearly the primary focus, as can be seen with the round headlamp and rear view mirrors, broad rear fenders, chrome dual exhaust and teardrop shaped turn indicators.
    Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser To be Named Shotgun?
    Royal Enfield 650cc cruiser has a comfortable, upright riding stance with forward-set foot pegs. The motorcycle has a wide handlebar, mounted at a height that appears to be ergonomically comfortable.
    It is likely that a large windscreen could be part of standard package or it could be offered as an accessory. A number of distinctive colour options are also expected for 650cc cruiser. Will it be called Royal Enfield Shotgun cruiser, that remains to be seen.
    Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser Spied
    Royal Enfield 650cc Shotgun engine
    Powering 650cc Shotgun cruiser will be the same 648cc twin-cylinder, air/oil-cooled unit that does duty on Interceptor and Continental GT. The engine is capable of generating 47 hp of max power at 7150 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 5250 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh transmission. It is possible that engine output specs may be tweaked in accordance with the needs of the cruiser.
    From the images, 650cc cruiser appears to be equipped with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels. This is the same setup used for Meteor 350. The motorcycle will have disc brakes at both ends and dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard.
    Talking about suspension, 650cc cruiser will have inverted telescopic front forks. It will be the first Royal Enfield motorcycle to get this feature. At the rear, the motorcycle will be using standard twin shock absorbers.
    Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser Spied
    Another key feature could be Tripper navigation, which is already available with Meteor 350 and updated Himalayan. Tripper navigation is all the more relevant for a cruiser. The system has a dedicated display on the instrument console for showing navigational directions. With Tripper navigation, the rider does not have to use their smartphone screen to get directions.
    While the idea of a 650cc cruiser seems good in theory, it remains to be seen how well the market responds to it. To make it attractive for customers, Royal Enfield is expected to launch 650cc cruiser at a competitive price point. A price tag of under Rs 4 lakh on-road, sounds like a pretty good deal in this segment. More

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    Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Scrambler Spied With Himalayan

    Royal Enfield Hunter 350Upon its launch, Royal Enfield Hunter 350 will be competing against the likes of Honda H’Ness CB350, Jawa Forty Two
    Royal Enfield has been busy developing new models for future as multiple test mules from the Chennai-based bikemaker’s assembly line have been spotted on various occasions in recent months. The new-gen Classic 350, Hunter 350 and a couple of new 650cc retro motorcycles are some of the new models expected to hit showrooms in the coming months.
    The new Classic 350 is most likely to be the next big launch from Royal Enfield, although which model it will be preceding is yet to be known. Test prototypes of both 650cc bikes, as well as Hunter 350, have been very frequently spotted on Indian roads. Recently, a test mule of Hunter 350 was spotted on the Tindivanam-Melmaruvathur highway.
    Royal Enfield Hunter 350
    New Hunter 350 Styling
    Like previously shot images, the latest test mule also flaunts common styling elements such as a slim teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a single-piece seat, round halogen headlamp with chrome bezel, round turn taillight with turn indicators and black alloy wheels that have been wrapped by tubeless tyres.
    The front suspension unit gets fork gaiters while the bike adopts an all-black theme for its mechanical components such as engine-gearbox assembly, handlebar, swingarm, exhaust pipe and footpegs. Overall, the bike exhibits a traditional retro-style classic design with hint of a scrambler.
    2021 Royal Enfield Hunter
    Hunter 350 will be built on the new J1D platform which currently underpins Meteor 350, however, unlike the cruiser, the roadster will be tad sportier in essence. It gets a straight and wide handlebar with centre-set footpegs which makes the riding posture upright against the more relaxed posture in Meteor.
    It also gets a shorter rear section in comparison to the cruiser. The latest spy pics also show a small backrest attached to the pillion seat, although it is most likely to be offered as an optional accessory.
    Other Styling, Feature Highlights
    Other styling highlights include a muscular front end, sweeping exhaust canister and wide tyres. One of the major additions will be a new Tripper Navigation Pod which offers turn-by-turn navigation on being connected to the Royal Enfield App on a smartphone with the help of Google Maps. The instrument cluster gets an analogue speedometer in addition to a digital display reading out information from the odometer and fuel gauge.
    Himalayan was also on test
    Powertrain Specs
    Coming to specifications, Hunter 350 will be powered by a new 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled OHC engine which returns an output of 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be linked to a 5-speed gearbox and is considered to be more efficient and refined in comparison to the previous-gen 350cc powertrain.
    As far as suspension setup is concerned, it will feature 35 mm telescopic forks at front and twin gas-charged shocks at rear. Whereas braking duties will be handled disc brakes on both wheels assisted by dual-channel ABS.

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    New Yamaha FZ-X 150cc Retro Motorcycle Spied Undisguised

    2021 Yamaha FZ-X SpiedDespite being based on Yamaha FZ FI, the upcoming FZ-X will wear its own unique styling
    When a test mule of Yamaha was spotted in Yamuna Expressway a few weeks ago, it was presumed that the Japanese carmaker was planning to bring the XSR lineup to India. While later it was revealed that it won’t carry the XSR branding and instead will be named FZ-X even though the latter is also likely to be a retro-style bike like the former.
    Yamaha FZ-X will be based on FZ-FI V3 as revealed by a government approval document leaked a few days ago. It is speculated to share a lot in common with its international counterpart XSR 150 as far as styling and specifications are concerned. A new photo has now leaked, which shows the front quarter completely undisguised.
    2021 Yamaha FZ-X for India
    While underpinnings and powertrain are likely to be the same, the FZ-X roadster is likely to wear a different top hat in comparison to its naked streetfighter. When launched, it will create a new segment of entry-level retro motorcycles and will be positioned as a more affordable alternative to current entry-level retro-style classic motorcycles (300-400cc). This segment is currently dominated by Royal Enfield with rivals from Jawa, Benelli and Honda.
    Expected Design Elements
    This could turn out to be extremely beneficial for Yamaha as the bikemaker will try and utilise the first mover’s benefits to ramp up its sales volume. In terms of design, some of the highlights expected are a box-style fuel tank, fork gaiters, flat seat design, center-set footpegs, a comfortable riding position, upswept exhaust and a digital instrument cluster. The relaxed riding stance would be suitable for daily urban commutes as well as highway touring.
    2021 Yamaha FZ-X
    Expected Specs
    It will be powered by the same 149cc air-cooled SOHC engine that performs duties in FZ Fi and FZS Fi. This unit is rated to return an output of 12.2 bhp at 7,250rpm and 13 Nm of peak torque at 5,500rpm and will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    Suspension setup will retain telescopic forks at front and a 7-step adjustable mono-shock at rear. Braking duties will be handled by 282m discs at front and 220m disc at rear assisted by single-channel ABS as standard.
    Dimension-wise, FZ-X will offer the same wheelbase of 1330mm as the naked street racer. However, in terms of length, width and height the former will outstretch the latter by 30mm, 5mm and 35mm respectively. This suggests that FZ-X will wear its own unique bodywork. In figures, the classic roadster will measure 2,020mm in length, 785mm in width and 1,115mm in height.
    When launched, FZ-X could be offered at the same price as FZ Fi which currently has a starting price of Rs 1.05 lakh (ex-showroom). Exact launch timeline is yet to be confirmed by Yamaha.
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