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      Kawasaki W175 Street Launched For Rs. 1.35 Lakh – Features Added, Price Slashed

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      Kawasaki W175 Street LaunchedThe new prices for Kawasaki W175 Street has been reduced by Rs. 12,000 at Rs. 1.35 lakh (ex-sh), which is introductory for a limited periodThe surge in classic bikes has hit an all-time high, in Indian automotive sector. However, this soaring demand for classic bikes is seen in the 350cc segment where Honda, Yezdi and Jawa are Royal Enfield. But lower down, Kawasaki intends to make a mark in classic bike space by launching Street version of W175 with revised pricing and added features.Kawasaki W175 Street Launched For Rs. 1.35 LakhPrices for Kawasaki W175 Street start from Rs. 1.35 lakh (ex-sh). This is Rs. 12,000 more affordable than standard W175 that was on sale till now. The Japanese brand has mentioned that the Rs. 1.35 lakh (ex-sh) price is introductory and will be subject to increment. Kawasaki didn’t mention duration of introductory offer and the standard rates after that.There are two new colours – Candy Emerald Green and Metallic Moondust Grey. Kawasaki is offering alloy wheels on W175 Street and since these are alloys, tubeless tyres make their way into W175 as well for the first time, adding a ton of convenience. Other than these, there are no feature additions or any changes to standard kit.Tyre size is the same too – 80/100-17 front and 100-90-17 rear. On closer inspection with spec sheets, there seems to be slight variations with seat height, ground clearance and wheelbase when compared to current model.[embedded content]The new colours add a dramatic effect with the black alloy wheels. With Metallic Moondust Grey, Kawasaki is adding pin stripes to ally wheels, something that Candy Emerald Green lacks. But Candy Emerald Green is likely to be the highest-selling colour as Green is Kawasaki’s signature shade and it is the only colour that has ‘KAWASAKI’ branding on fuel tank.Specs and powertrainsKawasaki brand name is the decisive factor in W175 Street’s buying decision. Other than Candy Emerald Gree, other shades from standard W175 and W175 Street have ‘W’ branding on fuel tank. Other design highlights include extensive blackened elements and retro elements that radiate timeless charm.Kawasaki W175 Street is still powered by the same 177cc single-cylinder air cooled engine that produces 13 bhp of peak power and 13.3 Nm of peak torque. The 5-speed gearbox is standard and resr of the componentry consisting RSU telescopic front forks, twin shock-absorber rear suspension, front disc brake and rear drum, along with conventional features list.Kawasaki W175 Street Alloy WheelsSpeaking of features list, there is a small LCD screen in its circular instrument cluster for trip meters and the likes. Analog speedo, halogen lighting all around, circular headlights and ORVMs speak of its retro charm. The primary highlights for Kawasaki W175 Street is its weight. Or the lack thereof. Because the figure is just 135 kg. If I was looking for a motorcycle to gift my father or uncles, this would be it. More

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      Ola S1 X+ Price Slashed By Rs. 20,000 – New Price Starts From Rs. 89,999

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      Ola S1 X+ Price SlashedAs opposed to the original pricing at launch of Rs. 1,09,999, Ola S1 X+ price has been slashed to Rs. 89,999, which is Rs. 20,000 lower (ex-sh)India’s leading electric 2W manufacturer, Ola Electric, has been on the offensive in offering aggressive pricing. Recent examples are the S1 X and S1 X+. Adding to already aggressive pricing, Ola Electric has introduced price-slashing exercises to ride the wave of popularity with Ola S1 X+. Called “December to Remember” offer, prices have been reduced by Rs. 20,000.Ola S1 X+ Price Slashed By Rs. 20,000In a surprising move, Ola Electric has slashed prices for its already VFM S1 X+ electric scooter. New Ola S1 X+ price starts from Rs. 89,999 as opposed to Rs. 1,09,999 quoted at launch. Deliveries were supposed to start from December and should commence any day now. All the bookings done in December month are eligible for this offer. All prices ex-sh.If you remember correctly, the Rs. 89,999 price tag was for Ola S1 X. Now the same pricing is shifted to Ola S1 X+ with a 3 kWh battery. There is no announced price revision with regular S1 X with 2 kWh battery. It would be logical for Ola Electric to upgrade all the S1 X bookings towards S1 X+ as it wouldn’t make sense to deliver S1 X at that price anymore.That is likely to be the case too, going by Ola’s previous strategies. This is a commendable move by Ola Electric to establish brand allegiance and loyalty among customers. We say this because Ola S1 X and S1 X+ gets the same powertrains from Ola S1 Air along with reduced features according to pricing.Ola S1 X RangeRival scooter brand has implied a similar strategy, but their affordable lineup starts from Rs. 1.3 lakh (ex-sh), which is Rs. 40,000 more expensive than Ola S1 X+ with a 3 kWh battery. Simple Energy is coming up with an affordable electric scooter under Dot One sub-brand, that would start below Rs. 1 lakh (ex-sh).What does S1 X+ pack?As you might recall, Ola S1 X+ is a slightly stripped down version of S1 Air that features slightly different design aesthetics. For starters, S1 X range of electric scooters has a different headlight cowl that creates a distinct identity.Adding to it is the new LCD instrument panel that is a non-touch panel and sports fewer features when compared to S1 Air, S1 and S1 Pro. The instrument panel on S1 X+ is a 5-inch unit with multiple segmented approach, keyless unlock and smart connectivity, while standard S1 X gets a smaller 3-inch unit, a physical key and no smart connectivity.Where powertrains are concerned, S1 X+ gets a standard 3 kWh battery that is good for a claimed 151 km of range from a single charge. The motor has 6 kW of peak power which is good enough for 90 km/h top speed. There are three riding modes too – Eco, Normal and Sports. More

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      Tata Sumo Electric Render In Multiple Colours – Bolero EV Rival

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      Tata Sumo EV RenderIn electric format, Tata Sumo displays a high level of sophistication and finesse in comparison to the ICE modelTata has successfully resurrected the legendary Safari and there are plans to bring back Sierra as well. Another name that seems to have potential to get a second life is Tata Sumo. To understand the possibilities, digital maestro Pratyush Rout has come up with an exciting render of Tata Sumo electric.Tata Sumo electric renderICE version of Tata Sumo had a powerful street presence. It was one of the key factors that had made the SUV popular. In its electric format, Sumo comes across as a more premium offering. However, the core silhouette and robust street presence are not entirely lost. The boxy profile has been retained, with the edges getting a smooth makeover. The design updates make the SUV appropriate for family use as well.Tata Sumo EV RenderSome of the key highlights include sleek headlamps similar to that of Harrier, full-width LED lighting element, a closed-off grille, trapezoidal fog lamps and prominent front bumper. The heavy bonnet seen with the ICE version has been chiselled out to achieve a refined appearance. Side profile has squared wheel arches, large alloy wheels, flush door handles, dual-tone rear view mirrors and blacked-out B and C pillars. At rear, Sumo electric will look great with sporty tail lamps and rugged bumper.In its electric format, Sumo will shift to a monocoque chassis. With an electric powertrain, a lot more space should be available. Sumo electric will also be getting a range of new equipment and features. These could be borrowed from Tata’s updated models such as Harrier facelift and Safari facelift.Tata Sumo EV RenderSome of the key highlights could include a large touchscreen for the infotainment system, a full digital instrument console and Tata’s new two-spoke steering wheel with backlit Tata logo. Top-spec variants could be equipped with ADAS.Tata Sumo EV RenderTata Sumo electric performanceTata Sumo electric could use a tweaked version of the powertrain to be deployed with upcoming Harrier electric and Safari electric. Tata Sumo can have a range of around 400 km to 500 km. Just like existing Tata electric cars, Sumo electric could get a long-range version at a higher price point.Performance is expected to be much better in comparison to the ICE version. The last version, Sumo Gold, was equipped with a 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. It generated 85 hp of max power and 250 Nm of peak torque.Tata Sumo EV RenderWhile Sumo was quite popular once, it had to face stiff competition from rivals like Mahindra Bolero in later years. Prior to its discontinuation in 2019, there weren’t many takers for the SUV. With stricter safety and emission norms, a decision was taken to discontinue Tata Sumo. As Mahindra has confirmed Bolero electric, it is possible that Tata may bring back Sumo electric. It will be interesting to see how Sumo and Bolero face-off in electric format. More

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      Triumph Thruxton 400 Render Based On Latest Spy Shots – New Colours

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      New Triumph Thruxton 400 RenderJust like the other two Triumph 400s, Thruxton 400 will also be manufactured in India by Bajaj AutoTriumph has received a good response to its single-cylinder bikes, Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. They have already entered the top 5 list of bestselling 300cc to 500cc motorcycles in the country. The bikes have also been introduced across global markets such as Malaysia, Philippines, Japan and the United Kingdom. To woo an even larger segment of enthusiasts, Triumph is working on a cafe racer version based on the 400cc platform.Triumph Thruxton 400 – Key featuresFor folks who prefer the cafe racer look, Triumph currently sells the Thruxton 1200. Now that the 400cc platform has gotten off to a great start, it makes sense to launch a smaller capacity, affordably-priced Thruxton. The test mule reveals that the hardware is taken from Speed 400, whereas the outer form is inspired from Thruxton 1200. Based on the spy shots, Pratyush Rout has created a digital render of the upcoming Triumph Thruxton 400.New Triumph Thruxton 400 RenderThere are quite a few similarities such as the round LED headlight, bar-end mirrors and teardrop shaped fuel tank. The upswept exhaust, single-piece seat and 17-inch alloys are the same as that of Speed 400.Talking about unique features of Thruxton 400, the bike gets a cafe racer front cowl. It helps achieve a clear distinction with the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. The cowl fairing extends from the headlight to the bottom of the fuel tank. A decent sized windscreen is mounted in between the two panels. However, the larger capacity Thruxton 1200 does not have this front cowl.New Triumph Thruxton 400 RenderRiding ergonomics are another differentiating factor for Triumph Thruxton 400. The bike has rear set foot pegs and low-set handlebar, which necessitate a committed riding stance. Front LED indicators have been shifted downwards slightly to accommodate the front fairing. Some tweaks are also noticeable for the LED tail lamp and pillion grab rail. The test mule spotted overseas was wearing Pirelli Rosso 3 rubber. This is the same as that of Speed 400 meant for export markets. In India, Thruxton 400 is likely to get locally sourced Apollo or MRF tyres.New Triumph Thruxton 400 RenderTriumph Thruxton 400 specs, performanceMost of the hardware specs will be the same as Speed 400. A 398.15 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC engine delivers 40 PS of max power and 37.5 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Thruxton 400 will be using the tubular steel frame with bolt-on rear subframe, integrated with 43mm USD front forks and gas monoshock RSU at rear. While the Speed 400 has the USD forks in golden finish, the test mule was spotted with black coloured USD forks.Braking setup will have 300 mm and 230 mm discs at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS will be standard. The bike will have an analogue speedometer with integrated multi-function LCD screen.As the changes are mostly cosmetic, it shouldn’t take much time to launch Thruxton 400. The bike is likely to be launched in overseas markets first, before being introduced in India. First or second quarter of CY2024 are plausible timeframes for launch of Thruxton 400. More

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      Hyundai Creta EV Spotted Testing In Korea With Fake Exhaust

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      Hyundai Creta EV SpottedPerformance metrics with Hyundai Creta EV are likely to match the 158 bhp and 253 Nm of ICE Creta’s 1.5 turbo petrol with sub 10 second 0-100 km/h sprintIndia’s favourite compact SUV, Hyundai Creta, is currently on the verge of a facelift. Given that it is a Hyundai product, design is likely to be on the wilder side. New spy shots from South Korea reveal Hyundai Creta EV on testing which has a large fake exhaust strapped at the back. Design seems to be in line with upcoming ICE Creta facelift.Hyundai Creta EV Spotted TestingFor starters, Hyundai is leaning heavily on establishing a design that would stand out from other compact SUV rivals. We have seen this strategy with current Creta too, something that initially split opinions among enthusiasts. This step seems to be logical, considering there are now as many as nine contenders in compact SUV race.Front and the back are where most of Hyundai’s new design exercises are likely to fall into. As seen with spy shots both here and globally, Creta’s profile seems to be carried over. The recent Hyundai Creta EV spy shots from South Korea reveal a slightly different front fascia than what was observed with ICE Creta facelift test mules in India.Said spy shot is blurry and out of focus. Hence the amplified halo around LED DRLs. Speaking of LED DRLs, there seems to be four of them with the new test mules as opposed to two with previous samples. Initial speculations point towards a possibility of there being a different fascia with Creta EV than ICE Creta.Hyundai Creta EV FasciaThat said, there is a very big possibility that fascia is identical between upcoming Creta EV and Creta ICE versions. It might be down to the camouflage on newer spy shots that is slightly more open, revealing quad LED elements. Whereas, previous test mules donned camouflage that covered two of its inner LED elements.Fake exhaust suggests testing of electric powertrainThese Tetris-shaped LED elements are seen in rear tail lights too. Spilt headlight design with vertically arranged headlights might be common between both Creta EV and Creta ICE facelifts. Because of how blurry the spy shot is, we can’t say for sure. Front camera, radar module for ADAS suite and 360-degree view are likely features.On the inside, we can see a redesigned dashboard to accommodate a free-standing infotainment screen similar to Seltos facelift and multiple other Hyundai products. Powertrain-wise, this test mule is highly probable to be testing an electric powertrain owing to its fake exhaust.2024 Hyundai Creta Facelift SpiedAround 60 kWh battery with a claimed 500km range should prove logical with sub 10 seconds 0-100 km/h sprint. Matching ICE Creta’s 1.5L turbo petrol with 158 bhp and 253 Nm might be one of the primary goals for Hyundai. As per rivals, upcoming Tata Curvv EV, Citroen C3 Aircross EV and Honda Elevate EV are a few usual suspects. Hyundai Creta EV launch might happen by the end of 2024 or even 2025.Source More

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      Mahindra XUV700 Electric Coupe Spotted Testing – Production Name XUV.e9

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      Mahindra XUV700 Electric Coupe – XUV.e9Where powertrain is concerned, Mahindra XUV700 electric coupe a.k.a. XUV.e9 is likely to pack around 80 kWh battery with 300bhp dual motor AWD setupWith intentions to increase global presence in electric car race, Mahindra is set to launch an all-new BE and XUV.e range of electric SUVs. Mahindra XUV.e9 is the flagship among XUV.e sub-brand, which is basically a XUV700 electric coupe version. Test mules of XUV.e9 have been spotted for the first time, revealing a glimpse at exteriors and interiors.Mahindra XUV700 Electric Coupe Spotted TestingAfter XUV.e and BE range, Thar.e, Bolero.e and Scorpio.e will follow in the future, in no particular order. Currently, XUV700 is one of the hottest products in India, enjoying quite a fan following and immense popularity. Sky sky-high waiting period reflects the same. Mahindra is already testing XUV.e8, which is XUV700’s electric counterpart.Now, we get to see XUV.e9 prototypes on testing, which is Mahindra XUV700 electric coupe. In short, XUV.e9 is coupe version of XUV.e8, which is the electric counterpart of XUV700 ICE vehicle. With XUV.e9, Mahindra is not offering a sloping roofline to XUV.e8 and call it a day. That doesn’t seem to be the case.We can see a more pronounced bonnet with muscular creases and power bulges. There is a cavity in this prototype below its bonnet, which will be filled by a full-width LED light bar. This light bar looks slightly more sophisticated and stylised than what we saw on XUV.e8. There are makeshift headlights on this test mule that will be replaced with production-spec ones when launched.Mahindra XUV.e9 interiorThere is no opening in its grill as it is an electric vehicle. Lower bumper has air dams flanking a radar module for ADAS suite that resembles the one seen with XUV.e8 prototypes. Even through its camouflage, we can see thick body claddings all around this mid-size SUV. These claddings will cut down on visual bulk, quite a bit.Mahindra’s first-ever coupe vehicleWheels are camouflaged too. We can see this SUVs coupe side profile that paints quite a picture how Mahindra’s first-ever coupe vehicle will look like. The roofline slopes quite a bit and elegantly terminates at the end, flowing into rear section. Mahindra seems to have benchmarked a Tesla Model Y for aerodynamics.Unlike XUV500 Aero concept with suicide doors back in the day, this Mahindra XUV.e9 looks a lot more elegant, organic and mature. In the leaked picture, we can see the image of a smartphone with arrow mark suggesting to tilt phone. This is a common template used in vertical social media content.Mahindra XUV.e9 profileMaybe Mahindra is releasing a teaser in near future and these images are snippets from that teaser. On the inside, we can see a similar door pad design with a textured trim instead of faux wood finish. There is a 2-spoke steering wheel along with a slightly redesigned centre console. Main highlight is the triple 12.3-inch screen layout that spans across the dashboard.Mahindra XUV 700 electric coupe a.k.a. XUV.e9, is a strict 5-seater. Powertrain options are likely to be on the premium side. 80 kWh battery pack with 500 km range on a single charge, 300 bhp total system output from a dual-motor layout enabling AWD and a 200 km/h top speed as teased by Mahindra are possible. Launch is likely in 2025 or beyond.Source More

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      Yamaha R3 And MT-03 Launch Date Confirmed – T-minus 25 Days

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      Image for referenceYamaha R3, MT-03 will be available across 100 cities and sold exclusively through select Blue Square dealershipsAfter a long period of selling a 150cc motorcycle as its flagship, Yamaha is launching YFZ-R3 and MT-03 in India. More middle-weights may launch too, in the form of YZF-R7, MT-07 and Yamaha’s Tripple, MT-09. Yamaha has revealed the launch dates for R3 and MT-03. The bikes are scheduled to debut in India on December 15. Deliveries will commence soon after.Yamaha R3, MT-03 India launchThe multi-cylinder 300cc to 500cc motorcycle segment has been registering strong growth in recent years. With significant future potential, it’s natural for Yamaha to throw its hat into the ring. While MT-03 will be an entirely new product for India, R3 will be a relaunch. As may be recalled, fully faired Yamaha YZF-R3 was available in India in BS4 era. The Indian motorcycle market has evolved since then, in a way that presents significant opportunities for R3 and MT-03.To ensure a premium customer experience, Yamaha R3 and MT-03 will be sold exclusively via select Blue Square dealerships as disclosed before. Deliveries will commence in the same month, following the launch on December 15. Deliveries will be made in more than 100 cities across the country.Yamaha R3, MT-03 specs, performanceBoth R3 and MT-03 share the same 321 cc, liquid cooled, parallel twin-cylinder, DOHC engine. It generates 42 PS of max power and 29.5 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh transmission. Performance is further improved, as Yamaha R3 and MT-03 utilize a lightweight chassis.Yamaha R3 expected coloursBoth bikes have a diamond frame and will be getting USD forks at front and a mono-shock unit at the rear. Braking setup will have disc brakes at both ends, with dual-channel ABS as standard. R3 and MT-03 will have a multi-function digital instrument console. Users can access a range of information such as fuel capacity, gear position, clock, oil change indicator, water temp gauge, real-time and average fuel economy and trip meter.The screen has a simple UI that ensures easy readability and comprehension. The console has Bluetooth connectivity, which can be used to access more features and functions via Yamaha’s smartphone app. No navigation, though.CBU route means premium pricingIn the initial phase, Yamaha will be importing R3 and MT-03 as CBUs. Due to import duty, these bikes won’t have the cost advantage that Yamaha’s mainstream bikes have. It is possible that the CKD route can be considered at a later date based on demand. Pricing for R3 and MT-03 could be more than the respective offerings from KTM and Royal Enfield 650s.2023 Yamaha R3 New ColourPrimary rival for R3 is the upcoming locally manufactured Aprilia RS 457 and KTM RC 390 to some extent. While MT-03 doesn’t have direct comparable rivals, but will take on new KTM 390 Duke. Even though premium Yamaha products are generally not considered VFM, they should give Kawasaki offerings like Ninja 400, a run for their money. For context, Ninja 400 starts at Rs 5.24 lakh (ex-sh). More

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      Honda CB350 Launched – Company’s Biggest Dig At Classic 350 Yet!

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      New Honda CB350 launched to rival Classic 350The new Honda CB350 is a textbook retro classic motorcycle with timeless design traits that should achieve some disruption in Classic 350’s salesClassic motorcycles are currently all the rage in 300 to 500cc segment. This segment operates in the price bracket of Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 2.5 lakh (ex-sh). Royal Enfield currently aces this segment with over 85% market share. Honda has sharpened the blades of its CB350 platform to rival Royal Enfield’s dominance in this segment. Say namaste to Honda CB350.Honda CB350 LaunchedIf you are wondering where the prefixes or suffixes went, there aren’t any. This is Honda CB350, and that’s it. No H’ness or RS. Just the CB350. Not confusing at all. The company is offering Honda CB350 in two trim levels – DLX and DLX Pro, priced at Rs. 1,99,900 and Rs. 2,17,800 respectively. New Honda CB350 is sold via Big Wing dealerships only.For context, Royal Enfield Classic 350 prices range between Rs. 1,93,080 and Rs. 2,24,755. Up until now, Honda rivaled RE’s slew of 350cc motorcycles with CB350 H’ness and CB350 RS. But couldn’t directly take on them because Royal Enfield was still heavy on timeless Classic-ness.Honda has figured this out, this time around, and is launching its biggest strike on Classic 350 with new CB350. We should say, this is by far the best-looking Royal Enfield rival and is highly likely to draw more customers away from Classic 350. Honda has achieved this feat by offering similar classic timeless design traits that were drawing buyers towards Classic 350.New Honda CB350 retro classic timeless designThe new timeless design is in the form of a new fuel tank, new side body panels, tank grips, new classic split seats with contrasting piping, classic grab rail, retro-looking mudguards at both ends that are larger than on H’ness or RS, shrouded RSU telescopic front forks, and a new retro exhaust. If you can’t bear Classic 350 sales, it looks like one does the trick.More features than a Royal Enfield Classic 350With retro classics, colours can either break or make the product. New classic CB350 gets a total of five colours – Precious Red Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Crust Metallic, Matte Marshal Green Metallic and Matte Dune Brown. Despite Honda going back in time where design is concerned, CB350 is still ahead where features are concerned.Top-spec DLX Pro comes equipped with all the bells and whistles including Honda Smartphone Voice Control System (HSVCS) with Bluetooth support, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC, which is basically Traction Control), Dual-channel ABS, 18-inch wheels, LED lighting, semi-digital instrumentation, double layer exhaust pipe preventing discolouration are notable features.New Honda CB350 new design detailsPower is derived from a 348.36cc single-cylinder engine that generates 20.8 bhp of peak power at 5500 RPM and 29.4 Nm of peak torque at 3000 RPM. There is a 5-speed gearbox along with a slip and assist clutch on offer too. The bold and low-pitched thumping sound should evoke a lot of nostalgia as well.Words from the manufacturerIntroducing Honda’s latest premium BigWing motorcycle, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to expand our mid-size 350cc motorcycle line-up with the launch of All-New CB350. It proudly takes forward the rich legacy of Honda’s CB DNA and will provide the joy of riding to our customers. We are confident that the launch of this retro classic motorcycle will excite new buyers to join the ever-growing CB family.”New Honda CB350 new exhaustCommenting on the debut of All-New CB350, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The introduction of All-New CB350 marks yet another significant milestone for our flourishing premium motorcycle business vertical. Ever since their launch, Honda’s middle-weight 350cc motorcycles have delighted customers across various markets. Together with our widespread network of premium BigWing dealerships, we are confident that the new CB350 will offer an exhilarating experience to buyers. Bookings are now open and deliveries will begin soon.”New Honda CB350 DLX More