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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

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      Bajaj Pulsar P125 Spotted Testing Without Camouflage For The First Time

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      New Bajaj Pulsar P125 spottedThe upcoming Bajaj Pulsar P125 will sport the same design and componentry as the now discontinued Pulsar P150, with Pulsar 125’s powertrainLeading Indian 2W and 3W manufacturer, Bajaj Auto, is on the verge of expanding its 125cc Pulsar portfolio. Current 125cc Pulsar lineup includes OG Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125. The latest entrant to this highly competitive segment is Bajaj Pulsar P150. Launch must be nearing as the test mules donned zero camouflage.Bajaj Pulsar P125 spotted testing – Does it make sense?In a rather surprising move, Bajaj replaced Pulsar P150 with Pulsar N150. We say surprising because Bajaj is known to hold on to its motorcycle designs and Pulsar P range debuted in November 2022. For context, design of OG Pulsar is around 15 years old. But what happens to all the dyes, jigs and manufacturing equipment dedicated to making body parts for discontinued Pulsar P150?This is where the new Pulsar test mule comes into play. Bajaj seems to be shifting Pulsar P range from 150cc to 125cc class. Lacklustre sales registered by Pulsar P150 seem to be a primary reason for its discontinuation. 150cc Pulsar buyers sought some beef and brawn that P150 never could never bring to the table.Hence the introduction of Pulsar N150. Now Pulsar P range will re-spawn in 125cc category which makes a lot of sense for Bajaj. We say this because it is 125cc Pulsars, attracting highest footfall in showrooms and they seem to have highest conversion rates as well.Pulsar P125 – Same design as P150Sales charts reflect the same with 125cc Pulsar being Bajaj’s best-seller with 35% of the company’s total sales in September 2023. Launch is likely to happen soon and it will be positioned between OG Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125. Price of around Rs. 90,000 (ex-sh) would be logical too.What does the new Pulsar P125 pack?First set of spy shots reveals an overall similar silhouette to Pulsar P150. This test mule shows zero camouflage on it. We would wager that none of the body panels and components from Pulsar P range will be altered.Sleek and slender body, attractive LED headlight assembly with a large projector and a unibrow-type LED DRL signature, extended tank shrouds, clip-on handlebars, an engine cowl, single-piece seat, a conventional grab handle, a semi-digital instrument cluster, a USB port and twin-LED tail lights are some of the highlights.As per componentry, upcoming Bajaj Pulsar P125 will come equipped with RSU telescopic front forks, single disc setup at the front with single-channel ABS, rear drum brake, conventional box-section swingarm, similar 17-inch alloy wheels as P150 and the same 124cc single-cylinder engine.Speaking of engine, it will develop around 11 bhp of peak power and 11 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Fuel efficiency is likely to be around 50 km/l. Primary rivals are TVS Raider 125, Honda SP 125 and Hero’s Glamour XTEC and rumoured Xtreme 125, along with Bajaj’s own OG Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125. More

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      Hero At 2023 EICMA Show – Xoom 160, Xoom 125 Unveiled

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      Hero Xoom 160 UnveiledAt 2023 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy, Hero MotoCorp went in heavy with two new scooter showcases – Xoom 160 and Xoom 125India’s largest 2W manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, just took the veil off two new scooters at 2023 EICMA Show, Milan. These are all new motorcycles that will make it to production soon after the testing phase. The main attraction was Hero’s new Xoom 160 ADV maxi scooter, along with Xoom 125.Hero Xoom 160 – SUV of 2WFor a very long time, Hero lacked a premium scooter with a higher displacement engine with higher performance. That quest ends now, as Hero has just unveiled its first-ever 160cc scooter in the form of Xoom 160. After teasing it a couple of times, Hero fully unveiled Xoom 160 at 2023 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy.Xoom 160 is a far more premium product than any scooter that came out of Hero’s stables. This could mean export potential to various global markets including Europe, where Hero has a presence. We see this philosophy in the way Hero has built this machine. Components look high quality and the fit and finish, seem to be among the best of Hero product.Hero calls it “SUV of 2W” and “Champion Of Off-beat Rides”. Given Hero’s extensive expertise in rallying and off-roading, we would wager that rough-road ability will be the best, among any scooter on sale in India. The 160cc engine is the key strength for Xoom 160, mated to a CVT.Hero Xoom 160 FasciaThis pits it directly against Yamaha Aerox 155. Other notable elements with Xoom 160 are twin-pod headlights, all LED lighting, a tall windscreen, a non-step-through floorboard with a spine-mounted fuel tank, large under-seat storage, decent mm ground clearance, TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth, music and navigation control, block-pattern tyres, ergonomic seating, rear luggage rack, optional top box and more.There is single-channel ABS too with a single disc brake setup at both ends. Hero Xoom 160 looks production ready and launch could happen in 2024.Hero Xoom 125R Premium Scooter – Ntorq RivalWhen Hero launched Xoom 110 scooter in India, many wondered why was it not a 125cc scooter? Well, Hero has got your back. At 2023 EICMA Show, the company unveiled Xoom 125, which will primarily rival TVS’ Ntorq 125, hailed as segment-best. Hero has not stuck its 125cc engine on Xoom and called it a day.Hero Xoom 125 UnveiledIn fact, Xoom 125 looks like a much more premium version of Xoom 110. Maybe Hero has export intentions with this scooter. Hero needed a 125cc sporty premium scooter, pronto. We say premium because it has quite an upmarket and feistier appeal when compared to Xoom 110. The LED headlights are sleeker and have a more appealing DRL signature.Turn indicators are LEDs, character lines and contours with front, rear and sides that are a lot more sophisticated and look expensive and tedious to manufacture. Fully digital instrument cluster is all-new and has Bluetooth and navigation support. There are useful storage pockets behind apron as well. More

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      Royal Enfield HIM-E Electric Himalayan Unveiled With Himalayan Rally Edition

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      Royal Enfield HIM-E UnveiledAs opposed to the ADVs of the past, Royal Enfield HIM-E electric Himalayan testbed shows sustainable explorations on two wheels for the futureIconic motorcycle manufacturer, Royal Enfield, has been taking significant strides to expand its portfolio. We recently saw the launch of Bullet 350 and Himalayan 450 will launch in the coming days. Now, Royal Enfield is taking steps in an all-new zero-emission direction by unveiling Electric Himalayan Testbed at 2023 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy.Royal Enfield HIM-E Electric Himalayan TestbedThis is the hot stuff from Royal Enfield’s booth at 2023 EICMA Show. The new Electric Himalayan Testbed is to demonstrate what an electric Royal Enfield motorcycle could look like in the future. With this concept, Royal Enfield is actively pursuing sustainable explorations for future motorcycles. Not only sustainability, HIM-E boasts better performance at high altitudes as it doesn’t require oxygen to combust.Being a spiritual home for Royal Enfield, Himalayas have been a calling for the brand. And, a major inspiration for developing Himalayan 411. Over the past seven years, Himalayan has been a global phenomenon in affordable adventure touring. Royal Enfield’s Electric Mobility team had been tasked with carving a creative yet, quintessentially Royal Enfield product.This way, purpose and innovation meet with RE’s DNA. According to company, Electric Himalayan is not to cram as many batteries as possible in one motorcycle. But to allow rider to soak in the music of silence. So, a rider hears more of his surroundings and less of their motorcycle. Something which is not possible with regular Himalayan.Royal Enfield HIM-E powertrainWe can see that the main battery is a primary stress member of the frame. It looks robust and has a Spartan appeal. Round headlights, tall windscreen, gold-finished USD telescopic front forks, Ohlins rear mono-shock suspension, Red-finished frame, single-piece seat that even extends over its tank, custom cast swingarm, RE logo on motor casing, HIM-E branding on side panels are notable elements.Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally Edition Showcased at EICMAThe brand has a massive fan following with a slew of 350cc motorcycles and a few 650cc products. Now, its product portfolio will be expanded to incorporate a brand new platform with Sherpa 450 engine. This platform has debuted with the new Royal Enfield Himalayan. At 2023 EICMA Show, Royal Enfield showcased Rally Edition of new Himalayan.With Rally Edition, Royal Enfield Himalayan is made slightly sleeker, especially at the rear. There is a new sub frame that looks much cleaner and minimal. Seat is flatter and there is no rack as well. Exhaust looks much beefier than regular Himalayan and adds to overall macho appeal of this off-road machine.Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally EditionThe body panel covering this rear subframe is also brand new and it has RALLY lettering too. Another highlight is knuckle guards that look sturdy and designed to take a beating. It also dons other accessories that we have detailed before. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tata Avinya To Get JLR EMA Platform – Major Gains In Range, Safety, Performance

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      Tata Avinya production spec RenderAided by JLR’s EMA platform, Tata Avinya will spawn a new range of truly world-class EVsTo improve competencies, Tata Motors has been focusing on increasing synergies between its subsidiaries. A relevant example is Harrier and Safari, which have benefited immensely from JLR’s D8 platform. And now, something similar is being targeted for upcoming Avinya electric SUV.Avinya to get JLR’s EMA platformAs may be recalled, Tata has created an entirely new business subsidiary named Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd (TPEM) to focus exclusively on EVs. This will allow the company to handle the tough competition that is expected in EV space in the coming years. To give it more strength, a collaboration has been formed between Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd (TPEM) and Jaguar Land Rover Plc (JLR). The latter is also a fully-owned subsidiary of Tata Motors. The collaboration will ensure that upcoming Avinya and other EVs based on that platform can be launched within the targeted time frame.Tata AVINYA Electric ConceptAs part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two firms, JLR will be licensing its Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform to TPEM. For the services and technology sharing, TPEM will be paying a royalty fee to JLR. It will cover sharing of manufacturing know-hows, electrical architecture, battery pack and electric drive unit.JLR’s EMA platform will play a key role in expediting the development of TPEM’s ‘premium pure electric’ vehicles series ‘Avinya’. In addition to the MoU, the two firms will also sign an Engineering Services Agreement (ESA). This will take care of any change content requirements that TPEM may have for the first vehicle development.New Tata AvinyaJLR’s EMA platform – key benefitsTPEM’s collaboration with JLR is a step in the right direction. It will allow significant reduction in the development cost of Avinya range of EVs. JLR is ahead in the game and transferring the know-how and technology to another Tata subsidiary makes sense. It will enable Avinya series EVs to be globally competitive and future proof.Talking about JLR’s EMA platform, it will be used for JLR’s next generation of ‘pure electric’ mid-sized SUVs for international markets. These are scheduled to be launched from 2025 onwards. The EMA platform has been developed to offer a range of benefits. It includes significant gains across interior space, connectivity, comfort, software, over the air capabilities and advanced electrical and electronic (E&E) architecture. EMA platform will utilize a highly integrated propulsion system, comprising cell to pack battery technology, battery management and charging system. It will be able to deliver world class range and vehicle efficiency.With JLR’s assistance, TPEM will be able expedite its entry into the high-end EV segment. The advanced E&E architecture developed by JLR supports upgrades to L2+ autonomy, carrying all advanced connectivity, comfort and convenience features. TPEM will also gain in terms of faster adoption of safety (5-star EuroNCAP), Features Over the Air (FOTA), Software Over the Air (SOTA) and ultrafast charging systems for high performance vehicles. More

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      Royal Enfield Scram 450 (Himalayan Based) Render In Multiple Colourways

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      Royal Enfield Scram 450 renderIn the slew of planned future products, Royal Enfield Scram 450 is one of the most attractiveThe cat is out of the bag and we all know that Royal Enfield Scram 450 is coming. We have been witnessing test mules of Scram 450 since May 2022. It was first spied testing alongside its ADV sibling Himalayan 450. These are likely to be sold alongside the current Himalayan and Scram 411. Rendering artist Pratyush Rout has penned down his version of Scram 450. Let’s take a look.Royal Enfield Scram 450 RenderThere is a new platform under development at Royal Enfield. This 450cc platform boasts a more tech-savvy engine with greater power and torque reserves. It is said to get a 6-speed gearbox, liquid cooling, LED lighting, and a lot more. It is evident that Royal Enfield Scram 450 will be pitted below Himalayan 450. We say this because there is a lot of equipment on Himalayan 450 which Scram 450 lacks.For instance, Scram 450 lacks front USD forks, split seats, rear luggage rack, spoked wheels, front windshield and some more. All of these are found on Himalayan 450. Our render encapsulates all of these elements based on test mules spotted till now. The name could be Scram 450 or the company may be inclined to go with other names like Guerrilla 450, trademarked already.Pratyush Rout has stuck to classic Royal Enfield design DNA that the brand used on Scram 411. Fuel tank on Scram 450 render is similar to that of Himalayan 450. Our render has a colour-coded tank extension too, with Royal Enfield lettering. Fuel tank gets Royal Enfield logo too. Our render has an attractive ribbed single-piece seat, a clean tail section along with LED turn indicators.Royal Enfield Scram 450 render colourwaysScram 450 gets a circular instrument console that is tilted toward rider. This ensures that the information on that screen will be in rider’s peripheral vision at all times. Other styling elements on Scram 450 render are coded headlight cowl, fork gaiters, LED turn indicators, and a cleaner overall profile.Specs & FeaturesHimalayan 450 is on the verge of launching, with production commenced recently. Scram 450 may launch at a later date. That said, there can be further revisions if Royal Enfield deems it worthy. Our renders replicate some of design attributes that Royal Enfield has previously implemented in terms of colours, branding and finishes.The new engine is a 450cc unit that gets liquid cooling and DOHC. There is a high possibility that this new engine may develop over 40 bhp and 40 Nm of torque. In contrast, 411cc engine that currently powers Himalayan and Scram 411 makes 24 bhp and 32 Nm.Royal Enfield Scram 450 render GreenModern features like a 6-speed gearbox and liquid cooling will be offered. Launch timeline is not yet confirmed officially. Given company’s history of extensive testing, Royal Enfield Scram 450 will be launched somewhere in mid-2023 or beyond. When launched, the main rivals for Scram 450 are Triumph Scrambler 400X and upcoming KTM 390 Enduro, that is spotted testing alongside 390 Adventure and Hero’s Xpulse 440. More

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      New Honda Electric Scooter Concept Debuts – Can Work For India

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      New Honda Electric Scooter Concept. Images – Paul TanAs part of its EV strategy, Honda has plans to introduce a minimum of 10 electric two-wheelers globally by 2025At the ongoing Japan Mobility Show, Honda is showcasing a wide range of products and advanced technologies. A significant percentage of these relate to the world of EVs. The latest unveil is an electric scooter prototype that Honda is calling SC e: Concept.Honda SC e: electric scooter conceptBased on its design, it is apparent that Honda SC e: electric scooter concept is meant for urban commutes. It comes across as a simple everyday use machine and does not have any radical design features. The overall profile is in line with the conventional theme used for scooters. However, there are some unique features such as the full-width LED DRLs.New Honda Electric Scooter ConceptHonda SC e: electric scooter concept gets contrasting blue highlights that enhance its visual appeal. The blue elements can be seen on the front lighting panel, handlebar, floorboard and rear tail section. They indicate the vehicle’s electric character and complement the ivory-white shade used for the scooter. Apart from these aspects, there isn’t anything extraordinary about Honda’s latest electric scooter concept.Ergonomics are pretty relaxed and comfortable. The single piece seat is long and wide, and comes with adequate foam thickness. It should be able to ensure optimal comfort for both rider and pillion. As the battery packs are installed under the seat, the flat floorboard area is accessible to be used for carrying a wide variety of stuff.New Honda Electric Scooter ConceptHowever, with the under-seat battery packs, storage space will be pretty sparse. Probably, just enough to accommodate a helmet or other small stuff. The prototype does not appear to have any storage space at front. However, that could change when the scooter reaches production stage. Front storage is a basic feature available with most commuter-focused scooters.New Honda Electric Scooter ConceptIn terms of tech integrations, Honda SC e: electric scooter concept is expected to get Bluetooth-based connectivity features. A rectangular space can be seen for a digital instrument cluster, although the prototype does not have it installed at the moment. The instrument console will have modest proportions, and won’t be as big as screens used with scooters like Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450X, etc.Honda SC e: electric scooter performanceHonda SC e: electric scooter concept has two swappable batteries. Honda refers to these as Mobile Power Pack. The company has stated that the scooter will have good speed and range. However, the exact numbers have not been revealed. The scooter has the motor mounted on the rear wheel. This is different from other commuter scooters that have hub-mounted motor. Hardware specs include telescopic forks at front and a single shock absorber at rear. Braking duties are performed by disc-drum combo.New Honda Electric Scooter ConceptHonda hasn’t revealed any details about the scooter’s powertrain. However, Honda has stated that the scooter’s performance will be in line with the tenets of clean electric mobility. The scooter will have zero CO2 emissions. It has been designed to provide quiet and comfortable rides to users. The scooter will be part of Honda’s roadmap to become carbon neutral by 2050.Source More

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      Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 Golden Black and Grey Red Colours Spied

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      Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 ColoursNew Himalayan is lighter, agile, future-ready and a better performer in comparison to its predecessorSince 2016, Royal Enfield Himalayan has been the preferred choice for enthusiasts looking for a budget off-road bike. Himalayan has made its mark across international markets as well. The experience of riding a Himalayan will get better with the all-new 452cc model. It is scheduled for launch on November 07, just a few days before Diwali.Himalayan 452 featuresIn terms of styling, Himalayan 452 is a lot sportier than the current model. The new version looks more agile and is expected to offer improved control and handling. The bike will also be lighter, with an unladen weight of 196 kg. In comparison, existing Himalayan 411 has a kerb weight of 199 kg. New Himalayan is longer and wider, measuring 2,245 mm and 852 mm, respectively. With handguards, the width will increase to 900 mm.Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 ColoursWheelbase is also longer at 1,510 mm, as compared to 1,465 mm of Himalayan 411. However, new Himalayan is shorter at 1,316 mm, compared to 1,370 mm of existing Himalayan. But if the tall screen is installed, new Himalayan will be 1,415 mm in height. New colours of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 have been spied. These are dual tone Golden Black and Grey Red.As compared to the flatbed type structure of the existing model, all-new Himalayan 452 has a bow-like arched profile. This is expected to have tangible benefits in ride quality and overall performance. Exactly how much of a difference it makes will only be known when one gets to ride the new Himalayan 452. Some of the key highlights of new Himalayan include USD front forks, all-LED lighting and a new instrument console.Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 ColoursSignature features such as circular headlamp and rear-view mirrors have been retained. New Himalayan has raised front fender, dual purpose tyres, new fuel tank design, front racks, more ergonomic seats and a stubby upswept exhaust. New Himalayan will be getting a comprehensive range of accessories including side panniers and top box.Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 ColoursHimalayan 452 performanceThe upcoming new model is officially registered as Himalayan 452. It gets its name from the new 451.65cc engine. Choosing 452 name seems a deliberate decision, as it creates a lot more exclusivity for the bike. Especially when it’s compared to ‘450′ that sounds quite generic and bland. The new engine generates 40 hp of peak power, way higher than 24.3 hp of the existing model. RPM is also higher at 8,000 revolutions per minute. This will ensure a range of benefits such as higher top speed, improved throttle response and enhanced cruising capabilities.Similar performance numbers can be seen with Triumph Speed 400, although it is not a direct rival to Himalayan 452. In terms of engine architecture, Himalayan 452 is expected to continue with the SOHC setup for the valve train. In comparison, Triumph has utilized a DOHC setup for Speed 400. Triumph has also launched the 400X scrambler. It is possible that a Triumph ADV version could be launched in future to directly rival new Himalayan 450. That battle will be quite intense and exciting to witness.New Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 could be launched at around Rs 3 lakh. An introductory, limited period price of around Rs 2.60 lakh to Rs 2.70 lakh is also possible. The current model is available at a starting price of Rs 2.16 lakh. More