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      in Electric Cars

      Maruti YY8 Electric SUV Launch Plan 2024 – 1.5 Lakh Production Target (Scoop)

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      Render for reference. Credit – Mightyseed DesignsMaruti YY8 will be made at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant and will also spawn a Toyota derivativeMaruti has been running several test mules of Japan-spec WagonR electric all over the country for a while now. It was initially expected that the country’s leading automaker will foray into EV space with its popular econo-hatchback, however, we have learnt that Maruti’s debut electric vehicle is going to be a mass market mini SUV.Maruti YY8 Electric SUVMaruti has green lighted a new electric SUV project, codenamed YY8. Information about the upcoming Maruti YY8 (codename) is scarce as of now but it will adopt an SUV-ish body with compact footprints. We expect it to compete with the future EV variant of the brisk selling Tata Punch.While technical specifications are still under wraps, the Maruti YY8 electric crossover will benefit from Suzuki’s partnership with Toyota. This would mean, the vehicle in question will also be sold with Toyota branding both in India and in select overseas markets.Touted to be ready for the market sometime in 2024 (with a possible debut at the Auto Expo), the electric mini SUV from Maruti will be manufactured at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant. It looks like both Maruti and Toyota have aggressive sales targets for this vehicle, as the expected production target per year is 1.5 lakh units.Render for reference, by Rajshekhar DassClearly, the OEMs are betting on accelerated EV adoption in the country, facilitated by current and future incentives from state and central governments. The charging infrastructure across the country is also expected to grow at a strong pace in the coming years.Maruti Electric SUV ArchitectureWith Suzuki’s lightweight Heartect and Toyota’s DNGA at disposal, it is unclear which architecture will the Maruti YY8 adopt. Both platforms are versatile and EV compatible. The Heartect is already heavily localized in India with a well established supply chain apparatus, making for a short time-to-market.On the other hand, Toyota’s DNGA has a better benefit due to economies of scale on a global level. This architecture is likely to be the basis of upcoming Toyota / Maruti SUV to rival Hyundai Creta. If that is the case, it implies that Toyota has already managed to localize this architecture to meet mass-market price targets in India.We expect the electric mini SUV to be priced under INR 10 lakhs. Drive range of around 250-350 kms should be a good place to start for an entry-level EV in India. The lithium-ion battery is most likely to be sourced locally from the Toshiba facility which is also located in Gujarat. All major OEMs are working intensely on their respective mass-market electric vehicles for India and we expect to see an avalanche of new launches as we approach the middle part of this decade. More

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      in Bike

      2022 Yamaha FZS25 Launched With Two New Colours – Price Rs 1.43 L

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      2022 Yamaha FZS25 New Colour – Matte CopperYamaha FZ25 and FZS 25 competes against other naked quarter-litre bikes such as Bajaj Pulsar N250 and Suzuki Gixxer 250
      2021 was a busy year for Yamaha with the all-important launch of the fourth-gen R15. The company also launched its first maxi scooter in India in the form of Aerox 155. The next big-ticket launch from Yamaha is expected to be the new-gen version of MT-15 which is the naked streetfighter iteration of R15. Before that, they have updated FZS25.
      Yamaha continues to provide regular updates on its product lineup in order to keep prospective buyers interested. The Japanese bikemaker has added two new colour options to its naked quarter-litre offering- FZS25 for 2022. The new shades added to the palette include Matte Copper and Matte Black.
      2022 Yamaha FZS25 – New Colour Options
      Yamaha has updated the FZS25 as well as the FZ25. While the former has been priced at Rs 1,43,300, the latter is pegged at a price tag of Rs 1,38,800 (both prices ex-showroom). FZ25 will be offered with colour options of Racing Blue and Metallic Black while new colours of Matte Copper and Matte Black will be offered with FZS25.
      Apart from new colour options, nothing has been changed in the quarter-litre naked streetfighter. Both dual-tone colour options enhance the bike’s sporty appeal. To complement the overall aesthetics, both colour options come with copper-coloured alloy rims which seem a little flashy. The standard variant is also offered with a MotoGP-inspired livery.
      2022 Yamaha FZS25 New Colour – Matte Black
      Engine Specs, Hardware & Features
      Powering FZ25 is a 249cc, air-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder engine that generates 20.5 bhp at 8,000rpm and 20.1 Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm. This engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Suspension duties are taken care of by telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear.
      Anchorage is handled by disc brakes (282mm front and 220mm rear) at both ends aided by dual-channel ABS. The motorcycle rides on 17-inch alloy wheels on both ends which are shod with 100 section front and 140 section rear rubber.
      Features such as all-LED illumination, negative LCD instrument cluster, under cowling and side stand with engine cut-off switch are offered as standard in both variants. The top-spec S variant benefits from additional hardware like a long visor, brush guards on the handle grips and golden alloy wheels.
      Yamaha recently updated the smaller FZ25 a couple of weeks ago. The 2022 FZ Fi and FZS Fi have received a new LED headlamp. With this update, the FZ range of bikes receives all-LED illumination as standard. The Japanese bikemaker has also updated the colour palette on the street naked bike with new options to choose from. More

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      in Bike

      Bajaj Twinner Trademark Filed – New Pulsar 500cc Twin Cylinder ?

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      Render image for reference.Bajaj Auto is developing multiple new products in the premium segment of two-wheelers with KTM and Triumph
      Bajaj Auto has been looking to foray into the premium segment of mid-displacement motorcycles for many years and hence has stitched many partnerships with international brands like KTM and Triumph. The Chakan-based automaker has filed a new trademark named ‘Twinner’ which could be used for an upcoming twin-cylinder motorcycle.
      As per the trademark certificate, the name has been proposed for motorcycles and scooters among others, however, there hasn’t been any confirmation on the same by Bajaj yet. Bajaj has joined hands with the iconic British manufacturer Triumph to develop affordable mid-capacity motorcycles specifically for the Indian market.
      Parallel-twin motors developed by Bajaj-KTM
      It should be noted that Bajaj is already developing a new 490cc parallel-twin engine in association with KTM which will be utilised in multiple upcoming models under the Austrian brand such as 490 Adventure, 490 Duke, RC490, and 490 Supermoto/Enduro.
      This 490cc parallel-twin motor could also power upcoming Bajaj models as well. Whether this engine will be the source of power for the Twinner is yet to be seen. It is possible that Bajaj could launch these motorcycles under the Pulsar brand – Bajaj Pulsar 500cc Twinner or the likes.
      Bajaj Twinner Trademark Filed
      Registrations of trademarks in the auto industry don’t guarantee a market launch. Bajaj has filed multiple trademarks in recent times including ‘Fluor’, ‘Fluir’, and ‘Neuron’. Most of them are likely to be utilised by the brand’s upcoming electric two-wheelers. That said, the Twinner trademark application doesn’t mention the use of electric vehicles.
      Bajaj-Triumph joint venture
      This motorcycle will cater to the 200cc-700cc engine capacity and it is squarely aimed at a segment dominated by Royal Enfield for the past many decades. As per earlier reports, the first product from the Bajaj and Triumph joint venture was expected to make its global debut this year. However, due to unavoidable delays, the market launch of the upcoming bike got pushed to 2023.
      The first of the upcoming motorcycles is expected to be globally unveiled towards the end of this year. These bikes are expected to flaunt a neo-retro design similar to the Bonneville range of motorcycles from Triumph. Retro-styled bikes are currently the blue-eyed boys in the motorcycling community all over the world. However, other than the trademark filed, there isn’t any significant detail revealed.
      Bajaj New EV Plant
      This is interesting since Bajaj recently laid the foundation stone for its new EV manufacturing plant in Akurdi near Pune in Maharashtra. Bajaj has announced an investment of Rs 300 crore for this new facility which on completion will have an annual production capacity of 50,000 EVs. The first vehicle from this plant is expected to roll out by June this year. More

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      in Bike

      New Yamaha EMF Electric Scooter Debuts With Swappable Battery

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      New Yamaha EMF Electric ScooterDeveloped in collaboration with sustainable mobility solutions provider Gogoro, Yamaha EMF will first go on sale in Taiwan
      After EC-05 that was unveiled in 2019, Yamaha EMF is the second electric vehicle to be developed in collaboration with Gogoro. Partnering with Gogoro in EV space offers multiple benefits including a readymade battery architecture and access to a wide network of battery swapping stations. In India, Hero MotoCorp has also partnered with Gogoro to develop electric vehicles and battery swapping infrastructure.
      Yamaha EMF Electric Scooter – styling and features
      As compared to the current breed of Yamaha two-wheelers, EMF electric scooter appears to have an entirely distinct DNA. Hinting towards its evolution, Yamaha EMF is quite like the transformation into an entirely new species. The scooter has a futuristic look and feel combined with powerful, aggressive styling. Three colour options are on offer, Dark Black, Dark Green and Light Blue.
      Some key features of Yamaha EMF include stacked dual LED headlamps, flat front apron with chiselled profile, trendy rear view mirrors, digital instrument console, single piece seat and afterburner-styled dual LED tail lights. The scooter has quite a few unique features such as a small storage space at the centre of the floorboard. This can be used for various accessories, cup, bottle, etc.
      Instead of a key, the scooter can be turned on/off with an NFC card. This makes it a lot easier to carry, store and use. A range of connectivity features are available, which can be accessed via Yamaha app. Some key connectivity features include last parking location, turn-by-turn navigation, and fleet management system.
      New Yamaha EMF Electric Scooter
      Yamaha EMF specs
      Yamaha EMF electric scooter utilizes a mid-mounted motor that generates 10.30 ps of max power at 3,000 rpm and 26 Nm of peak torque at 2,500 rpm. It can accelerate from 0 to 50 kmph in 3.5 seconds. Yamaha is yet to reveal the scooter’s top speed, but it could be around 100 kmph.
      Range is not really a concern in Taiwan, as the scooter will be relying on Gogoro’s extensive battery swapping network. As per estimates, around 97% electric two-wheelers in Taiwan utilize Gogoro’s battery swapping. Whenever the battery runs low, Yamaha EMF users can visit the nearby swapping station to get a fully-charged battery. Overall experience is quite similar to that of getting petrol/diesel at a fuel station.
      Yamaha EMF has a lightweight frame with high torsional rigidity. It has been designed to achieve improved control and handling. Suspension system comprises upright front forks and dual rear shock absorbers. Braking duties are performed by 200 mm disc at front and 190 mm disc at rear. The scooter has CBS for efficient braking.
      New Yamaha EMF Electric Scooter
      In Taiwan, Yamaha EMF electric scooter is available at a starting price of NT$ 102,800. This is approximately INR 2.77 lakh. It is not certain if and when Yamaha EMF will be launched in Indian market. Here, the first electric vehicle from Yamaha is likely to be E01 e-scooter. This was recently spotted on road tests. Yamaha has already trademarked the names E01 and EC-05 for Indian market. More

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      in Bike

      Ola Stops Production Of S1 Electric Scooter – Customers Notified

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      Ola Electric Only Making S1 Pro – S1 Production DelayedCustomers who have booked S1 have received communication that S1 variant will be manufactured only in late 2022
      Even as Ola Electric has commenced deliveries since December last year, not all customers seem to be happy. In the latest development, S1 buyers have been informed that S1 manufacturing has been shifted to late 2022. In its communication, Ola Electric has said that it will be prioritizing production of S1 Pro, as the vast majority of customers have opted for the top-spec variant.
      Options for S1 buyers
      With priority being given to S1 Pro, people who have booked base-spec S1 can choose the upgrade option. This can be done when the final payment window opens on Ola app on January 21 at 6 PM.
      Dispatches will continue throughout January and February. Customers may have to wait 10-20 days post-dispatch to get home delivery of their scooter. It will depend on customer’s location and RTO requirements in a particular city.
      For S1 customers who do not wish to upgrade, they have the option to wait till production resumes for that variant. It means waiting time of around 9-11 months. Customers will be notified as soon as production resumes for S1. They can then make the final payment. The third option for S1 buyers is that they can cancel the booking. This can be done on Ola app or by contacting their customer support team.
      Ola S1 Electric Scooter Discontinued Temporarily – Customers Notified
      S1 customer reactions
      Many S1 customers have shared their feedback on social channels. They are apparently miffed and are calling it a biased approach by the company. Things would have been different if production was delayed for all variants. But when priority is being given to a particular variant over other, it is naturally being opposed by buyers.
      Some customers are also saying that they are essentially being forced to upgrade to S1 Pro. This may not be possible for everyone, as it requires an additional payment of around Rs 30k.
      It remains to be seen how Ola Electric responds to such complaints. Many times in the past, businesses had to change their decisions based on consumer feedback.
      Ola S1 buyer reacts to the update
      S1 vs. S1 Pro
      While S1 can suffice for everyday needs, S1 Pro buyers get several additional benefits. For example, while S1 has ride modes of Normal and Sport, S1 Pro gets an additional Hyper ride mode. In Hyper mode, top speed of the scooter is 115 kmph. This may not be fully utilized in city conditions, but it can still come handy during overtaking. S1 top speed is 90 kmph.
      S1 Pro has faster acceleration as well, with 0-40 kmph achieved in 3 seconds. In comparison, S1 takes 3.6 seconds. Most useful benefit of S1 Pro is that it offers a higher range of 181 km. In comparison, S1 has range of 121 km. It is to note that true range can vary based on various factors. Higher range means more freedom to explore and fewer pit stops for charging, be it at home or outside. More

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      in Bike

      Yezdi Adventure Launch Price Rs 2.10 Lakh – Exhaust Note

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      Yezdi AdventureYezdi Adventure goes up against the likes of Royal Enfield Himalayan, BMW G 310 GS and KTM Adventure 250
      Classic Legends has pulled out a pleasant surprise by launching three new bikes under the defunct Yezdi brand. One of those models is Yezdi Adventure which has been spotted testing on roads on several occasions recently. The other two bikes are Yezdi Scrambler and Yezdi Roadster. Bookings and test rides open from today. Deliveries also start from today.
      As the name suggests, Classic Legends claim the motorcycle to be a proper adventure tourer built to tackle tough conditions. With prices starting at Rs 2.10 lakh (ex-showroom), it is also the flagship model of the Yezdi brand.
      Yezdi Adventure
      The motorcycle is available in a single fully-loaded trim with three colour options on offer- Slick Silver, Mambo Black and Ranger Camo. Prices vary according to the colour options on offer and top out at Rs 2.19 lakh (ex-showroom).
      Yezdi Adventure: Design
      In line with the spy shots circulated, Yezdi Adventure gets signature ADV styling elements such as a beak and large windscreen upfront along with a sculpted fuel tank and a tall stance. Below is a short video on the Yezdi exhaust note and instrument console.
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      It also features split-style seating and a raised tail section. Unlike rest of its siblings, Adventure gets a single exhaust pipe with an upswept canister.
      Yezdi Adventure
      In addition, Classic Legends have stuck with a neo-retro design language thanks to a round LED headlamp, fork gaiters and wire-spoked wheels. The bikemaker will be offering plenty of accessories to jazz up the look of the bike. Add ons such as saddlebags, pannier boxes, jerry cans and handguards accentuate the bike’s touring capabilities.
      Features on offer
      In terms of features, Yezdi Adventure has been equipped with a tilt-adjustable and fully digital LCD instrument display which provides a host of information. The instrument cluster is powered with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation as standard fitments. Other notable features include full LED illumination, USB port and Type-C charging point.
      Yezdi Adventure Specs
      Mechanical Specs
      Coming to specifics, Adventure is based on the same dual-cradle chassis as its other two siblings and Jawa cousins. However, adjustments have been made to suit its adventure touring characteristics. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks at front and a preload adjustable mono-shock at rear. The front and rear units offer travel of 200mm and 180mm respectively.
      In addition, Adventure stands tall with an impressive 220mm ground clearance. Braking duties are carried out by disc brakes at both ends with callipers from ByBre. The braking is aided by dual-channel ABS sourced from Continental. The motorcycle rides on 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels which are wrapped around with dual-purpose tyres.
      Yezdi Adventure Prices
      Powering Yezdi Adventure is the same 334cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine which propels Jawa Perak. However, the engine has been tweaked to suit its adventure characteristics and offers more bottom-end grunt. In Adventure, this motor kicks out 30.2 PS of power at 8000rpm and a peak torque of 29.9 Nm at 6500rpm. This unit is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. More

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      in Bike

      Yezdi Scrambler, Roadster Launch Price Rs 2.05 Lakh, Rs 1.98 Lakh

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      Yezdi ScramblerYezdi Roadster will compete against Royal Enfield Meteor 350 while Scrambler will take on the upcoming Royal Enfield Scram 411
      Classic Legends has officially re-introduced the Yezdi brand in India by launching three new motorcycles. The most interesting bit of news is that the names of all three bikes represent the class of motorcycles they belong to.
      The range consists of Adventure, Scrambler and Roadster which will be retailed under the same roof as their Jawa cousins. All three Yezdi bikes are now open for bookings. Test rides have also started from today. Yezdi deliveries start from Day 1.
      Yezdi Roadster
      Details about Yezdi Adventure have been covered in a separate story, whereas this article will focus on Scrambler and Roadster. The former has been priced starting at Rs 2.05 lakh while prices for the latter commence at Rs 1.98 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). All three motorcycles had been teased on social media ahead of their launch.
      Yezdi Scrambler, Roadster: Design
      Both bikes have adopted a neo-retro design language which is reminiscent of the original Yezdi brand of the 1980s and 90s. Some common visual highlights include a round headlamp, circular rearview mirrors, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, engine radiator shrouds and fork gaiters. However, both motorcycles are significantly different in their design and characteristics.
      [embedded content]
      While Roadster offers a cruiser-like low stance with relaxed ergonomics, Scrambler is aimed more at a youthful section of riders who want to have a fun riding experience. Highlights on Scrambler include a single-piece seat with a ribbed pattern, a raised tail section with split grab rails and a luggage mounting rack. On the other hand, Roadster gets a single-piece flat seat with a pillion cowl and a broad rear fender.
      Yezdi Roadster Specs
      Both motorcycles get dual exhausts, however, the ones offered in Scrambler are slightly upswept in comparison to the straight line units offered in Roadster. While Scrambler rides wire-spoked rims, Roadster rolls on black alloy wheels. Like Adventure, both Roadster and Scrambler will be available in a single fully loaded trim with multiple colour options on offer.
      Colour Options & Features
      Roadster will be offered in five colour options- Smoke Grey, Steel Blue, Hunter Green, Gallant Grey and Sin Silver. Out of these the first three shades will be offered with a dark theme whereas the latter two are offered in a chrome theme. Scrambler comes with six paint schemes on offer- Fire Orange, Yelling Yellow, Outlaw Olive, Rebel Red, Mean Green and Midnight Blue.
      Yezdi Scrambler Specs
      In terms of features, both motorcycles are offered with LED headlamps and taillamps and a round, fully digital LED instrument console that provides a wide range of information. Scrambler offers a bit more creature comforts such as clear lens LED indicators, USB and Type C chagrin ports. It will be interesting to see if Classic Legends will offer features such as Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation as options on both these bikes.
      Mechanical Specs
      Powering both Scrambler and Roadster are the same 334cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which performs duties on Adventure and Jawa Perak. However, the engine has been tuned differently to suit characteristics in both motorcycles. In Roadster, this engine returns an output of 29.7 PS of power at 7300rpm and a peak torque of 29 Nm at 6500rpm.
      Yezdi Roadster Prices
      In Scrambler, this power mill churns out 29.1 PS at 8000rpm and 28.2 Nm at 6750rpm. Both bikes are offered with a 6-speed gearbox. The motorcycles are underpinned by the same dual cradle chassis but again have been tweaked to meet their individual characteristics. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks at front and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at rear with different travels. More

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      in Bike

      Jawa Yezdi Showroom First Look – All 6 Motorcycles Under One Roof

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      Jawa Yezdi ShowroomThe three new Yezdi motorcycles will be launched today – In adventure, scrambler and cruiser format
      Following revival of Jawa brand in 2018 and more recent BSA Motorcycle brand with the new Gold Star 650 roadster, Mahindra owned Classic Legends is now set to re-introduce the Yezdi brand in India today. Three new bikes under Yezdi brand will mark their entry into the country on January 13, 2022 and are expected to be called Yezdi Adventure, Yezdi Cruiser and Yezdi Roadking Scrambler.
      Even as the company has not revealed any official details of these upcoming bikes, Yezdi has shared multiple teasers over the last few days. Now, Co-founder of Classic Legends, Anupam Thareja has shared the first look of new Jawa Yezdi showrooms. The image is of Yuvraj Motors in Thane. This was previously an exclusive Jawa dealership, but has been modified ahead of Yezdi launch.
      Jawa Yezdi Showroom First Look
      Just like the above showroom, all Jawa showrooms across India will be modified to sell Yezdi motorcycles as well. Along with the Jawa Yezdi showroom photo shared by Anupam, he also stated, “My kinda brotherhood. Jai and Veeru are back tomorrow!”
      The three upcoming Yezdi bikes will pertain to different segments. Yezdi Adventure will compete against the RE Himalayan while Yezdi Scrambler could take on Jawa 42, Honda CB350 RS and soon to be launch Royal Enfield Hunter. Yezdi cruiser will rival both the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Classic 350.
      Yezdi Adventure Motorcycle – Render
      Along with the three new motorcycles from Yezdi, Classic Legends will now have 6 motorcycles to offer in total. 3 from Jawa and 3 from Yezdi. All six motorcycles will be sold under the same roof – via the extensive dealership network across India.
      Yezdi Motorcycles
      Yet to be officially unveiled, spy images show off some of the features on these upcoming Yezdi bikes. The Yezdi Adventure looks nearly identical to the Himalayan at first glance. It could sport long travel suspension along with a tall windscreen, spoked wheels and upright handlebars. It has also been spied with cylindrical turn signal, a raised front fender, rear view mirrors and split seats along with grab handles and knuckle guards.
      The Cruiser could get forward positioned foot pegs, high mounted handlebars and lower seating position for a more relaxed ride. It will also receive a slim fuel tank, rounded head and tail lamps and telescopic front forks along with two side mounted rear shocks. No details of the upcoming Yezdi Scrambler were revealed.
      2022 Yezdi Roadking Scrambler – Render
      Jawa Perak Sourced Engine
      The new Yezdi motorcycles are set to be powered by the same engine that is seen on the Jawa Perak Bobber. This 334cc single cylinder, liquid cooled engine makes 30 hp power and 32.74 Nm torque and gets mated to a 6 speed gearbox. The Yezdi bikes could get a slipper and assist clutch.
      Suspension could include telescopic fork in the front and monoshock at the rear with preload adjustability. Roadking scrambler could include 17 inch wheels at both ends while the Yezdi ADV could get larger 19 inch wheels at the front fitted with dual purpose tyres. Dual-channel ABS is expected to be offered as standard. Yezdi motorcycles prices will be released today, expected to be priced in the Rs 2 lakh range. More