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  • Upcoming Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser New Spy Shot – Launch 2021

    Launch of the Upcoming Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser is expected to take place in the second half of 2021

    The Royal Enfield 650 Twin engine has given the retro classic brand a solid credibility in the medium displacement segment not only in India but also in international markets. Thanks to the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650, Royal Enfield is gaining more and more visibility on a global scale. So, it makes logical sense for the company to milk this engine as much as possible and come up with more body styles.
    Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser
    Royal Enfield’s intention to come up with a medium displacement twin-cylinder premium cruiser was first revealed by the KX Concept which debuted at EICMA in Milan, Italy, last year.
    The company did not announce any solid plans to come up with a production version, but the twin-cylinder cruiser is well on its way to the market, as evident form the recently spotted near-production prototype.

    The same has now been spotted again. While Royal Enfield hinted that a possible production version of the KX would get a 834 cc engine, we have reasons to believe that the final production version is likely to carry forward the existing 650 Twin without much changes. For starters, the prototype sports a single front disc which is atypical of a product with higher displacement.
    Royal Enfield 650 Twin
    On board the Interceptor and Continental GT, the 648 cc parallel-twin engine develops 47 hp and 52 Nm of torque. We expect the cruiser to have identical power outputs but the 6-speed gearbox is likely to feature tweaked ratios to promote better bottom end torque for the typical cruiser riding experience.
    Suspension and brakes
    The Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser features upside-down front telescopic forks and regular twin-rear shock absorbers. Just like its siblings, the upcoming model employs twin silencers. Braking system consists of a disc brake at either end. The alloy wheels come shod with generously proportioned tyres.
    Launch
    The Royal Enfield 650 cruiser is expected to undertake an extensive testing regime which means we are not likely to see the launch happening in 2020. The company’s immediate focus is to introduce its next generation range of 350 cc models based on the new platform.
    The next motorcycles which will be launched by Royal Enfield, will be the Meteor 350 and Classic 350. Meteor 350 launch has been pushed back to post Diwali 2020 period while that of Classic 350 has been pushed back to post April 2021. Launch of the RE 650 cruiser will take place after that, most likely by Diwali 2021. Once launched, it is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 4 lakhs, on-road. More

  • KTM 250 Adventure Leaks From Dealer Showcase Event – Launch Soon

    Upon its launch, the KTM 250 Adventure will compete against the likes of Hero Xpulse 200 and Royal Enfield Himalayan

    KTM is all set to make its fans beaming with joy by introducing its entry-level adventure tourer. The Austrian bike maker is expected to launch the 250 Adventure soon around the festive season later this month. Ahead of that, KTM India has showcased the motorcycle to their dealers in India.
    KTM had earlier revealed its plan to launch the 250 Adventure motorcycle in the first quarter of 2020. However, that as not happened. Instead, BAJAJ-KTM launched Husqvarna 250 Twins in February. The launch of KTM 250 was further delayed due to the outbreak of Covid-19. But now it seems the Austrian brand is finally ready to launch its entry-level tourer.
    The company is currently formulating the pre-launch training process of the upcoming 250 Adventure. Although KTM has not officially revealed this upcoming motorcycle, from the leaked video and spy shots plenty of details can be obtained. Below is the leaked video from the dealer showcase event of KTM 250 Adventure in India, giving the first look at the upcoming motorcycle.
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    Design
    From the images seen until now, it can be said that the 250 Adventure will be an amalgam of 250 Duke and 390 Adventure. Much of its design has been inspired by its elder sibling. However, it is expected to get the single-piece headlamp instead of the split headlamp setup in the new 390 Adventure. Also to keep the cost in check, it is expected to be a halogen unit although it could be equipped with LED DRLs.
    Features
    In KTM’s product portfolio, the 250 Adventure will be placed above 250 Duke at a premium of Rs 30,000-35,000. For this additional premium, the 250 Adventure will get KTM 390 Adventure-like styling and some extra features. This includes a TFT instrument cluster unlike the LCD unit present in its naked sibling.
    This unit will read out essential information but may miss out Bluetooth connectivity present in 390 Adventure. Since being an entry-level bike, the younger adventure tourer is also set to miss other features such as offroad ABS, traction control system, ride by wire and multiple riding modes.
    Mechanical Details
    The 250 Adventure will draw its power from the same 249cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine which also powers its naked sibling. This unit is capable enough to produce 30 bhp at 9000rpm and 24 Nm of peak torque at 7500rpm. It will be paired with a six-speed gearbox assisted by a slipper clutch.
    Hardware used on the bike is expected to be the same as 390 Adventure which means it will be built on the same steel trellis frame. Suspension duties will be carried out by WP Apex 43 mm USD at front and mono-shock at rear. The 250 Adventure is expected to be priced around Rs 2.35 lakh (ex-showroom) which will be about Rs 65k lower than 390 Adventure. More

  • KTM RC200 New Colour Scheme Spied At Dealer Yard – Launch Soon

    With festive period nearing, KTM India is getting ready to launch a new colour scheme for RC 200
    If the KTM RC 200 is on your mind, customers can take delight in a new colour scheme. The ongoing festive season is a traditional period of heightened sales activity, and a new colour option, adds all the more spunk to the range, and thereby, sales.

    Already on dispatch from plant to reach dealerships, BS6 KTM RC 200 in new colour scheme has been spotted ahead of launch. BS6 KTM RC 200 was first launched in Jan 2020. Since then, it is being offered with a colour scheme which has plenty of black paint with orange graphics and orange wheels.
    In its new avatar, the tank and partial fairing is orange, and the remainder bits in black. Graphics are in grey and white combination. While orange wheels are a telltale KTM style, this one features an orange trellis frame, and black wheels.

    Engine Specs
    BS6 2020 RC 200 features a 199cc, single-cylinder engine that returns 24.6bhp and 19.2Nm, paired to a six-speed gearbox. The colour revision may also warrant a small price revision. This isn’t unexpected considering most manufacturers have used the last couple of weeks to introduce price revisions for a range of two wheelers. Not just the RC 200, but colour revisions are expected on RC 125 too.
    Sales
    KTM 200 range (Duke + RC) is the brand’s strongpoint, contributing to a lion’s share of sales in India. Only last month, sales fell shy of 3k units by a mere 8 units in the domestic market for the KTM 200. That’s a whopping 40 percent of total domestic sales. The 200 cc range also enjoys dominance in exports though exports did decline by 35 percent last month and fell to below 900 units, compared to a highpoint of 1,387 units a year earlier.
    Next Gen RC 200
    Next gen KTM RC 200
    While the current colour revision is something to look forward to, the company has already started road tests of the next-gen RC 200, which is likely to be launched in 2021. A business decision revision owing to Covid-19 pandemic, considering the bike was expected to get on the market in 2020 itself.
    Considering India’s importance for KTM both in terms of market size, and production, when launched, the next range bikes are most likely to show up here fast. Since the BS6 engine is already in play, it could be reworked to improve torque and power.
    Current RC 200 is available at a retail price of just below 2 lakhs. The latest play with colours is a common ploy at KTM. With the bikes already being popular, refreshing the colour range on a regular basis helps introduce newness, and keep a dialogue going. It goes without saying that KTM while revising colour schemes sticks to its core colour theme, and mostly resorts to reversing colour picks.
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  • 2021 KTM RC 125, 200 Spied Testing For The First Time – New Design

    The new RC 125 / 200 will continue to share most of its elements with its elder sibling- RC 390 which was spotted earlier
    It is a well-known fact that KTM has been developing the next-gen RC 390 for a long time now. It was expected to make its debut sometime this year but thanks to novel coronavirus, the Austrian bikemaker had to defer the plans. The fully-faired motorcycle was recently spotted with no wraps around, revealing several key details.

    Now we might have reason to believe that KTM might also be developing a younger sibling to RC 390- the RC 200 and RC 125. A string of new spy shots has surfaced online which supports our claim. Given that the images show a full-faired bike, it is given that it will belong to the RC range.
    How is different from the recently spotted RC 390?
    The question arises though how is it the RC 200 or RC 125, and not the keenly anticipated RC 390? The overall silhouette of the bike seen is similar to RC 390. The dressing, the extended rear horizontal fender, headlight and taillight design, all seem identical to the ones present on the faired monster from the Austrians. The bike in pictures was given an all-black colour scheme which makes it difficult to spot the intricate details while racing along.

    However, there are certain differences to this bike that support our claim. Firstly, the headlamp is a halogen one, not an LED setup, as seen on the RC 390. Also, the side-mounted single exhaust has been replaced by an underbelly unit. These are clear signs of a little cost-cutting done which is usually done for lower specced models to keep the price in check.
    Like its predecessor, the new-gen RC 125 and 200 is likely to share most of its components with its elder sibling. This includes larger front disc brakes, LED turn indicators and an updated fairing that houses a reconfigured headlamp with integrated LED DRLs to name a few.
    It is expected to utilise a new rear subframe. Just like the RC 390, the discs are attached to the wheel-spokes instead of the hub. What we can gather form these images is that the updated ergonomics is likely to suit taller riders.

    Powertrain
    In terms of powertrain, the new RC 200 and 125 are likely to employ the current BS6 compliant single cylinder motors, but with likely improvements in power and torque figures. The six-speed gearbox is also likely to be retained. Other mechanical specifications are also likely to be carried forward, with improvements. Since it will be manufactured by Bajaj Auto in India for the world, it is expected to hit local showrooms in India first. More

  • Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Engine Specs Leak – Power increases, Torque decreases

    The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will employ a new 350cc motor under the ‘UCE350’ range – Likely mated to 5-speed transmission unit
    Motorcycle enthusiasts have been eagerly and patiently waiting for the Meteor 350 for a very long time. Sources tell us that the launch is expected to take place on 22nd Sep. Ahead of launch, Youtube Channel Rider Lal has managed to reveal interesting new details about the motorcycle.
    Engine

    Meteor 350 will replace the Thunderbird 350 and Thunderbird 350X in the Chennai-based bike maker’s portfolio. The motorcycle is built upon a completely new platform codenamed ‘J1D’. Meteor will be the first of the new ‘UCE350’ range which will employ a completely new 350cc air-cooled motor which is set to be more efficient. The new generation Classic 350 is also being developed under this range.
    As per the leaked image, this new BS6 350cc engine of Meteor 350 will deliver 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. This when compared to the existing BS6 350cc engine of Classic 350, is about 0.4 bhp more, but 1 Nm less. Current Classic 350 BS6 which is on sale in India, delivers 19.8 bhp and 28 Nm torque. Do note that the current Classic 350 UCE engine is based on the older push-rod tech, while the new Meteor 350 UCE engine is based on the SOHC setup.
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Engine Specs
    Speaking about transmission, it is most likely a 5 speed unit. The leaked image states that the new transmission offers smooth gear shifts. Just like the engine, the clutch and transmission system is also newly developed. It has less number of parts and linkages – resulting in better clutch life and reduced friction.
    Variants & Features
    From the images leaked earlier, we know that Meteor 350 will be available in three variants- Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. Each variant will feature its unique set of components which distinguish them apart. The base Fireball trim will feature a coloured rim tape, body graphics with decals, single colour fuel tank and blacked-out components.

    The mid-spec Stellar variant will sport chrome finish on handlebars, premium badges, body-coloured components and a backrest for the pillion. On the hand, the top-end, Supernova trim will offer a premium seat upholstery, machined alloy wheels, chrome on indicators, a dual-tone colour scheme and a windscreen. Also, standard features such as inbuilt turn-by-turn navigation called ‘Tripper Navigation’ and semi-digital twin-pod instrument cluster will be offered across the range.
    Meteor 350 will be the most feature loaded RE motorcycle ever. Other features include bluetooth enabled turn by turn navigation system, USB charger for charging your devices on the go.
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Riding Stance
    Along with the actual motorcycle, miniature scale models will also go on sale later this month, as official merchandise. Leaked images give a clear visual understanding as to how the bike would actually look like. There will be a total of seven colours on offer across the range- Fireball Red, Fireball Yellow, Stellar Matte Black, Stellar Red Metallic, Stellar Blue Metallic, Supernova Blue dual-tone, Supernova Brown dual-tone.
    Royal Enfield will be using Ceat / Ace tyres for Meteor 350. The front and rear tyres will measure 100/90-19 and 140/70-17, respectively. Fuel tank capacity is 15 liters. Prices of the bike are expected to start from around Rs 1.65 lakh (ex-showroom). More

  • Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Official Scale Models Merchandise Leak

    The upcoming Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is built upon a completely new platform and will be powered by a new 350cc engine
    Anticipation for the much-awaited Meteor 350 from Royal Enfield grows higher and higher with each day passing as it gets nearer to launch. Till now, the Chennai-based bike manufacturer hasn’t revealed much about its upcoming cruiser neither has it officially released its images.

    However, a series of spied images and videos have been doing rounds on the internet for a very long time. Recently, the brochures of the upcoming bike got leaked and we got some insights on the details. With the launch around the corner, we have received another set of exclusive images that might suggest what the final production-spec model would actually look like.
    The images we have received are of scaled miniature models of the actual production-spec which is expected to go on sale from 20th of September. Along with the new bike, RE will also launch miniature scale models of Meteor 350 as official merchandise. These leaked images reveal a lot more details about the upcoming cruiser bike. As we all know, the Meteor 350 is set to replace the outgoing Thunderbird 350 and Thunderbird 350X.

    Powertrain & Transmission
    The Meteor 350 will sit on an all-new platform codenamed ‘J1D’ which is set to underpin future models from Royal Enfield. It will be powered by a new 350cc powertrain which might have an OHC (Over Head Cam) setup. The current 350cc motor in Classic 350 and Bullet produces 20 bhp and 28 Nm of peak torque. The new unit is said to generate an output similar to its predecessor. This engine will be coupled with a 5-speed gearbox.
    Coming to the images shown here, they give a clear idea as to what the final product might be. These scaled miniature models will be sold as Royal Enfield merchandise alongside the actual bike. The pictures clearly show the low saddle height for the rider as seen in a cruiser.
    Variants & Features

    As reported earlier, the new Meteor 350 will be offered in three variants- Fireball, Stellar and top of the line Supernova. All three are visually distinctive from each other. The base Fireball variant will carry all blacked out components, a coloured rim tape in the alloys, graphics with decal and a single colour fuel tank. Meanwhile, the Stellar variant will have body-coloured components, chrome finish on handlebars and a backrest.
    On the other hand, the Supernova variant will sport machined alloy wheels, premium seats, windscreen and chrome indicators. All three variants also offer some common features such as a semi-digital Dual pod instrument cluster and inbuilt turn-by-turn navigation called ‘Tripper Navigation’.
    Expected Price

    The new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will employ a new instrument device that displays a lot more information such as tripmeter, odometer, gear, low-battery, drive modes, ABS MIL and many more. The Meteor is set to undergo the launch later this month and is expected to be priced around Rs 1.65 lakh (ex-showroom). More

  • 2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser on Video – Spotter shares New Details

    Does the new Royal Enfield 650cc cruiser come with belt drive? New images reveal more information
    First ever spy shots of the all new Royal Enfield 650cc cruiser are now all over the internet. All thanks to biker and automotive enthusiast, Karthick Jay, who spotted the upcoming RE on the Perungalatur to Tambaram highway, which is about 30 kms from the Royal Enfield manufacturing plant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

    We all knew this was coming – the twin engine’d RE cruiser. It was only a matter of time, and now thanks to Karthick, we have a better idea about the bike and its launch timeline. From the spy shots, it is clear that this is a pre-production test mule, which is not very far from production ready. From this, one can expect the new Royal Enfield Cruiser 650cc to be launched by Diwali 2021.
    Belt Drive or Chain Drive
    From the spy video which was revealed last week, it was not clear whether the motorcycle has a chain drive or a belt drive. Many fans had the confusion over this. But with the latest spy images shared by Karthick, it is now clear that this RE cruiser has chain drive and not belt drive. Take a look at the video below.
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    As can be seen in the video above, what was mistaken for to be a belt drive, is in fact the disc brake. This is also the setup which is seen on board the 650 Twins – Interceptor and Continental. Both these RE bikes come with chain drive, which is on the left side of the rear wheel, while the disc brake setup is on the right side of the wheel. The new 2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser also has a similar setup.
    First Impressions
    In his youtube video, Karthick has tried answering some questions fans have had regarding the bike. Speaking about performance, he answered, “from what I have noticed the engine was so smooth just like continental the bike looked more like bobber version , I believe it’s the same 650 cc engine from the continental twins… The sound wasn’t so roaring it was just so smooth but so quick… It was chain drive … ”
    “Am not really sure about the suspension but as I said early it wasn’t a usual RE it was so quick and so responsive to throttle no sound but just gone. The bike comes with dual channel abs system and the cooling system is just like in the continental twins can see the liquid cooling radiator… Also the first bike from RE with upside down forks…”
    USD Forks
    Many fans have been waiting for RE with USD forks. Finally this will be answered, with the upcoming Cruiser 650. This will also be the first time we will see a Royal Enfield motorcycle with USD forks in the front. Disc brake setup is same as 650 Twins, single disc in the front and rear with dual ABS.
    Front tyre looks bigger than the rear. This will help the RE Cruiser 650 look longer and bigger than it actually is. Rear tyre is fatter than the ones we have seen on 650 Twins, which gets 130 section tyre. From the video, it looks like this will be the longest and biggest RE bike made till date, as far as the dimensions are concerned. The rider position is low slung, with footrest in forward position. This will help riders feet to stay away from the hot 650cc engine.
    The video also gives us a glimpse at the instrument cluster. For now, it seems like carrying the same unit, which will be seen in the upcoming Meteor 350. This unit comes with analog as well as digital display. There is also bluetooth compatibility, for turn by turn navigation.
    Expected to be launched next year, this new 650cc RE Cruiser will be priced higher than the 650 Twins, which are available in the range of Rs 2.65 lakhs to Rs 3 lakhs ex-sh. 2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser prices could be in the range of Rs 3.5 lakhs to Rs 4 lakhs. More

  • New Royal Enfield Cruiser spied – 650cc twin based on KX bobber concept?

    The motorcycle features a relaxed feet-forward riding posture typical of a slow-slung cruiser – First RE to get USD forks
    The Royal Enfield KX bobber concept which world premiered at EICMA 2018 in Milan is heading for production as evident from this video of a prototype testing in public. Images are credit to Karchick Jay. The test mule was devoid of heavy camouflage and looks almost production ready although some components could change before the bike meets assembly line.
    Bobber to cruiser

    Royal Enfield 838 cc KX Bobber concept
    From what we can see, Royal Enfield has stuck to the concept’s main design traits such as a low slung profile, long wheelbase, alloy wheels, circular headlamp and slender fuel tank. The test mule seems to be using a make-shift fuel tank but we expect the final production version to sport a new unit similar to the one on the concept. While the KX Concept adopted a Bobber look with a single-piece saddle, the production version adopts a more practical seat to accommodate a pillion rider as well.
    Another important thing to note is the front suspension. The KX Concept was showcased with an unconventional girder type front suspension but in its production guise, the new twin-cylinder Royal Enfield cruiser employs an USD fork (the only RE to do so). The retro-classic motorcycle specialist has opted to use conventional twin shock absorbers at the rear.
    Engine
    The new Royal Enfield cruiser is powered by a twin cylinder engine which appears to be based on the 650 cc unit that serves the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650. At the time of KX’s debut, the company hinted that the production model, if given the green light, would be featuring a larger engine displacement worthy of a flagship product.
    Royal Enfield Cruiser 650cc KX Bobber
    The KX Bobber concept employed a 834 cc air-cooled engine and hence, it is reasonable to expect the production version to have a higher displacement than the existing 650 Twin. However, given that the prototype only gets a single disc at the front, we don’t expect the final power output to be drastically higher than that of the 650 cc engine, irrespective of the new displacement.
    Launch
    Royal Enfield has been busy working on coming up with new generation models of its single-cylinder family which will include a new model named Meteor. We expect the brand to kick start a product blitzkrieg starting from early 2021.
    The new twin-cylinder Royal Enfield cruiser is expected to be ready towards the end of next year as the brand’s new flagship. With Harley Davidson reportedly planning to wrap things up in India, the new Cruiser could hit the ground running without any direct challenger. More