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      in Bike

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

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      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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      in Electric Cars

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

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      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

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      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

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      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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      2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser KX650 Near Production Ready Spy Shots

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      2021 Royal Enfield Cruiser 650
      Royal Enfiled KX650 cruiser will be powered by the same 649cc engine powering the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650

      That Royal Enfield has been planning to extend its range of 650cc motorcycles has already been in news for a long time now. The Chennai-based bikemaker has been planning to utilise its 650cc unit in a proper cruiser bike next.
      Royal Enfield had also presented its Concept KX bobber at EICMA in Milan in 2018. Post that, there were reports indicating that there would be a cruiser from the company in coming years. Although no official information has been shared by Royal Enfield regarding this till date. But recently, there were spy shots clicked of a RE test mule, which looks like their upcoming 650cc cruiser.
      Design
      After the first spy shots appeared, buzz over the upcoming 2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser has increased even more. Now, we have another set of spy images with us which gives few more details about the upcoming motorcycle. In this case, as well, the prototype was devoid of any camouflage.
      KX650 features a low slung profile, circular headlamps, long wheelbase, slender fuel tank and alloy wheels. Unlike the KX Concept bobber, the KX650 cruiser gets split seats for pillion instead of a single-piece seat. From the parts seen on board, it is likely that this is a near-production ready test mule.
      2021 Royal Enfield Cruiser 650
      Other eye-grabbing highlights are twin pipe exhausts, a wide handlebar, round LED taillights and round turn indicators. The rear fender noticeably looks fatter than the front one. Overall the KX650 resembles a modern cruiser with retro classic design elements.
      Hardware & Features
      It rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels with thick profile tyres. The Royal Enfield Cruiser is also expected to employ upside-down USD forks at front which is the first in the brand’s range of motorcycles.
      2021 Royal Enfield Cruiser 650
      At rear it has opted for conventional twin shock absorbers. Surprisingly it doesn’t get radially mounted brake calipers as shown in the image. It is expected to offer features like a slipper clutch with assist, dual-channel ABS and semi-digital instrument cluster with tripper navigation from Meteor 350.
      Powertrain
      The KX650 will be powered by a 649cc twin engine which is capable of generating 47 PS of power and 52 Nm of peak torque. It is likely to be paired with a six-speed gearbox. The same powertrain is also employed in Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650.
      Launch of the new RE cruiser 650 is expected later this year, around Diwali 2021 period. Ahead of that, Royal Enfield will launch new gen Classic 350, Facelifted 650 Twins Int and Conti GT. When launched, the cruiser is expected to be priced around under Rs 4 lakh on road.
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      2021 Royal Enfield 650 Twins Conti GT Spied – Facelift With Tripper Navigation?

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      2021 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Spied
      While Interceptor is a retro classic roadster, Continental GT 650 is a retro cafe racer

      Ever since their launch in 2018, the 650 Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT have been the eye candy for Royal Enfield consumers. Especially those seeking a fun and spirited motorcycle to ride something different from retro commuter and cruiser motorcycles for which the brand is best known.
      The models have been instrumental for Royal Enfield’s resurgence as a global brand since both the models have received positive feedback from Royal Enfield customers of overseas markets. Now, the brand is looking to give a minor mid-life facelift to both its premium offerings.
      Changes Expected
      Spy shots of the 2021 RE 650 Twins have been clicked by automotive enthusiast Arjun, near ECR in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Though there has been no official announcement regarding a facelift for Interceptor 650 and Conti GT 650, recent announcements by Royal Enfield and the timing of these getting spied, does indicate towards an incoming facelift for 650 Twins.
      Recently, Royal Enfield claimed that they would be launching at least 28 new motorcycles in the next seven years; which means one new motorcycle every quarter. It is likely that a mid-life facelift to the 650 Twins fits the bill. If that is the case, these are the first reported set of 650 Twins Facelift. If we were to guess, then this new facelifted 650 Twins are expected to launch sometime next year.
      2021 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Spied
      New Colours, Tripper Navigation
      The RE 650 Interceptor facelift and Continental GT 650 Facelift are not likely to incorporate any major changes, maybe only small cosmetic changes, new colours or a slight tweak to its engine to draw more output of it. In all probability, Royal Enfield will give facelift to Continental GT and Interceptor at the same time.
      Facelifted RE 650 Twins will continue with the same retro classic styling with round halogen headlamps, spoked wheels (alloys launch planned), minimal body panels and twin exhaust mufflers. It is also likely to get bluetooth enabled tripper navigation, which was recently launched with Meteor 350.
      2021 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Spied
      Engine
      Both 650 Twins are powered by a 648c parallel-twin oil-cooled engine which in its BS6 form churns out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. This unit is linked to a 6-speed gearbox. While Interceptor 650 is offered at a starting price of Rs 2.66 lakh, Continental GT 650 is pegged at a starting price of Rs 2.82 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom).
      Facelifted 650 Twins might get a minor bump in price, in comparison to the current prices. Royal Enfield has also announced that from Feb 2021, the 650 Twins will come with optional alloys. Existing customers can purchase the same from company dealers or via their website and get them replaced on their motorcycles. It is likely that the facelifted 650 Twins come with factory fitted alloys when launched later next year. More

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      in Electric Cars

      2021 Tata Nano Electric Spied With Digital Speedometer – Jayem Neo

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      Tata Nano Electric – Jayem Neo
      The Tata Nano EV with standard airbag and ABS would be an interesting proposition in the current scenario

      Back in November 2017, Tata Motors and its long-standing collaborator Jayem Automotives announced a partnership to introduce electric version of the Tata Nano under the Jayem Neo brand. The Neo was originally supposed to be inducted into Ola Electric’s fleet with a reported order size of 400 units.
      After a delay of almost 2 years, in mid-2019, it was reported that Ola Electric secured a debt fund of INR 40 cr from Tata Motors Finance to purchase Jayem Neo EV as city taxi. Now, a 2021 Tata Nano electric test mule has been spotted in Akurdi, Pune.
      Tata Nano EV / Jayem Neo yet to see the light of day
      It’s been over three years since the first announcement but the Tata Nano EV a.k.a. Jayem Neo has neither been introduced as an urban taxi nor as a private vehicle. However, it seems Tata and Jayem haven’t completely ditched the project as evident from the recent spotting of an undisguised Neo test mule. Spy shots are credit to Pravin Nair, who shared the images on Rushlane Spylane Facebook Group.
      As far as design is concerned, the Jayem Neo is identical to the now-defunct Tata Nano but it does not feature Tata branding anywhere. This particular mule features black bumper to keep the costs low. Closer observation reveals that the Neo EV is equipped with a fully digital instrument display which is mounted above the center console.
      [embedded content]
      Specifications
      Based on the spy video from Smiley Tamilian Tech above, the Tata Nano EV is powered by a 17.7 kW, 48V (23 hp) electric motor supplied by Electra EV, which also supplies electric powertrain to Tiago and Tigor. According to the original arrangement made 3 years ago, Tata Motors was supposed supply Jayem with complete body panels of the car and the Coimbatore-based company was supposed to install the electric powertrain and retail it.
      Tata Motors discontinued the Nano as the poor demand did not justify re-engineering the vehicle to meet the latest vehicle safety norms. However, if the company still hopes to leverage the small car’s untapped potential in the emerging electric vehicle market, then a comprehensive safety update is necessary.
      Tata Nano Electric Specs
      Launch Plans
      Whether it is going to be marketed as Tata Nano EV or Jayem Neo, the urban runabout would have to be fitted with driver airbag, ABS, front passenger seat belt reminder and reverse parking sensor as standard. Top speed will be 85 kmph. It is also FAME II certified.
      The Tata Nano Electric will have a maximum range of 203 km. With AC on and 4 adults on board, the vehicle should return a range of around 140 km. We think that, with a silent powertrain and appropriate marketing strategy, the Tata Nano EV could be an interesting proposition as both urban taxi and a private vehicle. More

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      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Production Spec Spied Undisguised – Launch Soon

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      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350. Credit – Krishna
      Much awaited launch of the new gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 is near – First undisguised spy shots

      Royal Enfield has dominated the sub-400 cc retro segment for several years with bestsellers such as Classic 350. However, things could change dramatically in this space in the coming months with availability of new products such as Jawa and Honda H’ness (CB350). There are talks that Bajaj will also be entering this space with launch of a cruiser named ‘Neuron‘. However, this hasn’t been officially confirmed by Bajaj.
      Even though Royal Enfield has updated Classic 350 to BS6, it won’t be enough to match offerings of rival motorcycles. This is why the company had planned to launch next-gen Classic 350 during the festive season. However, this did not happen due to corona virus, supply chain bottlenecks and production constraints – all have been cited as reasons for the delay in launch of Classic 350.
      But it seems that Royal Enfield is getting ready to launch the new gen Classic 350 in the coming weeks as an undisguised production-ready variant has now been spied on public road. Caught on camera by automotive enthusiast Krishna, it looks like 2021 Classic 350 is nearer than one would expect.
      Next-gen Classic 350 design and features
      As revealed in spy shots, next-gen Classic 350 continues with the core design of its predecessor. Similarities with the current model include features like round headlamp, chrome rear view mirrors, teardrop-shaped turn indicators, broad rear fenders, and chrome plated exhaust. Talking about the wheels, it is not certain if production variant will have spoke wheels or alloy wheels.
      [embedded content]
      Although the test mules have been spotted with new body panels, it is expected that production variant will continue to focus on retro styling that RE fans prefer. However, to keep the motorcycle relevant to evolving market trends, next-gen Classic 350 will come with features such as LED DRL, semi-digital instrument console and new paint options. Just like Meteor 350, even the Classic 350 will not get LED headlamp.
      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350
      Next-gen Classic 350 has been built on the new modular J platform. This platform will be used for several other next-gen products that Royal Enfield will launch in the near future. It is expected that the new platform will be better in terms of handling, manoeuvrability and comfort. It could also be lighter, something that will improve power to weight ratio. This could make next-gen Classic 350 more agile in city conditions.
      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350
      Next-gen Classic 350 engine
      Powering next-gen Classic 350 will be an all-new 350 cc engine that will have the advanced SOHC setup. In comparison, the current 350 cc engine utilizes the archaic tappet-valve (push rod) system. It is expected that the new engine will fare better in terms of responsiveness and acceleration. Vibrations are also likely to be reduced. The new engine is capable of generating 20.2 bhp of max power at 6100 rpm and 27 Nm of max torque at 4000 rpm. This is mated to a 5-speed transmission.
      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350
      In terms of tech upgrades, next-gen Classic 350 could get Bluetooth connectivity. It will allow users to access a range of features via their smartphone. Rest of the equipment such as suspension, disk brakes and dual-channel ABS will be the same as the current model. Next-gen Classic 350 is expected to be offered in the price range of Rs 1.6 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. More