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      in Bike

      2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125 India Launch Price Rs 94k – 4 New Colours

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      2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125New Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 launched to further strengthen and widen Bajaj’s entry sport bike segment
      New Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is the auto manufacturers sportiest 125cc segment offering. Pulsar NS125 entry sportsbike is designed to cater to the needs of young enthusiasts. The engine delivers power of 12 PS and torque of 11 Nm for segment topping performance. In keeping with the spirit of Pulsar, power comes from a 125cc BS6 DTS-i engine characterised by superior power, and immediate throttle response.
      Segment-first features include a rigid perimeter frame for high-stiffness, and low flex for sharp handling. Nitrox mono-shock absorber helps with stability at varying riding speed. This makes for greater handling and stability on varied road types.
      2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125
      Pulsar NS 125 is now available at a price point of Rs 93,690, ex-sh Delhi. The entry level product widens the Pulsar ‘NS’ range of motorcycles’ portfolio and strengthens brand appeal and utility in the sports motorcycle branding front.
      Pulsar NS 125 features
      Pulsar NS 125 is available in four colour options, including Beach Blue, Fiery Orange, Burnt Red and Pewter Grey. The body is decked in high gloss metallic paint. The perimeter frame and alloys are finished in bronze shade.
      2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125
      Signature wolf-eyed headlamp cluster is matched with twin pilot lamps. The infinity twin-strip LED Tail lamps, split grab rail and smart design belly pan complete the external design aspects for a touch of sharpness.
      Pulsar NS series has a firm grip on the entry sport segment. And over time, Bajaj has ensured there’s something for everyone in the Pulsar range, whether NS or not. The NS range benefits from its product range which includes Pulsar NS 200, and NS 160. The portfolio affirms the need for varied products across segments that can pack in a punch at an attractive price point.
      First-time sport biking enthusiast
      NS 160 is available at a price point of Rs 1,10,086, and NS 200 is available at a price of Rs 1,33,222. NS 125 intends to bring in yet more buyers into the fold by offering something to the first-time sport biking enthusiast.
      2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125
      Sarang Kanade, President – Motorcycles, Bajaj Auto said “We are excited to bring the pedigree of the higher cc Pulsar NS series bikes, for first-time performance riding enthusiasts. The thrill that the new Pulsar NS 125 is built to offer, will appeal to a large segment of customers with its multiple class leading features. The Pulsar 125 has been very well received by consumers and we are confident that the new NS 125 will further strengthen the brand’s position in the Entry Sport Bike segment”. More

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      in Electric Cars

      New Honda HRV Inspired Electric SUV Prototype Debuts

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      Honda HRV inspired electric SUV – e:prototype
      The production model based on Honda SUV e: prototype is expected to go on sale by spring of 2022
      Auto Shanghai 2021 being held from April 21-28, 2021 has the all new Honda SUV e-prototype on display. It is being showcased at the upcoming all electric model from the brand that will go on sale from Spring 2022.
      The new SUV, which currently goes by the codename e-prototype, is the first of 10 such electric vehicles being planned by Honda for launch over the next 5 years. It bears a striking resemblance to the e:concept which was shown off at the 2020 Beijing Motor Show but in a more production ready format.
      Exterior Inspired by new HR-V
      Where its exterior styling is concerned, the new Honda e:prototype borrows design inspiration from the new HR-V. It gets a thin LED strip in the front, LED eye shaped headlamps, thin LED strips at the top and slim side mirrors. The LED logo in the front hides the panel which is its charging port.
      On the sides are black body cladding, retractable front door handles and at the rear there are tail lamps linked by a light bar and the Honda logo in the center. Twin light strips are also seen on the rear bumper and it gets a prominent tailgate spoiler and contrasting black roofline to offer a floating roof effect.
      New Honda HRV is being planned for India launch
      Third Gen Honda Connect
      Honda E:Prototype comes in with third generation Honda Connect. It will also receive Honda’s ADAS next gen advanced safety and driver assist system. ADAS allows driver to experience new technologies with better safety and comforts of mobility.
      Honda Connect offers advanced functions like connectivity, smartphone link and OTA – Over-the-Air updates based on voice recognition interface. Besides being offered with the e:Prototype, Honda Connect will also make its way onto other Honda models in the second half of this year.
      The AI powered system also offers users connectivity to smart home appliances and online shopping and also supports digital key via the smartphone. No details of powertrain or any other technical spec were revealed and will be announced once the model enters production.
      Honda HRV inspired electric SUV – e:prototype
      At Auto Shanghai 2021, Honda also unveiled the Breeze PHEV which is based on the Honda CR-V. This is the company’s first plug in hybrid model and is based on Honda’s Sport Hybrid i-MMD hybrid system. It offers an impressive electric range and promises to go on sale by later this year. Breeze PHEV is being introduced by GAC Honda (Guangqi Honda or Guangzhou Honda), a JV between GAC Group and Honda Motor Company. More

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      in Bike

      Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Chennai And Hyderabad Launch Soon

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      Image – Nitish NeoBajaj Chetak electric scooter recently received a price hike of up to Rs 28k – Bookings are currently closed
      The Bajaj Chetak electric scooter, launched in January 2020 entered the electric two wheeler segment with much fanfare. It managed to garner bookings to the extent of 2,000 units but then the COVID-19 pandemic struck and sales ebbed. Till March 2021, Chetak scooter sales stood at about 1,400 units.
      Chetak’s Next Two New Cities
      This is only from two cities – Pune and Bangalore. Bajaj has not launched Chetak in any other city till now. They had plans to launch Chetak in multiple cities by end of 2020, but due to Covid19, that plan has gotten delayed.
      As on date, Bajaj Auto is only selling this e-scooter via its 13 dealerships in the cities of Pune and Bengaluru. Bajaj Auto has just announced the next two cities which will get their state of the art electric scooter. These are Chennai and Hyderabad. Both these cities are expected to get the Chetak in the next few days. Exact timeline has not been announced yet.
      Bajaj Chetak Electric Expansion Plans
      Chetak Price Hike
      Bajaj Chetak is presented in two variants of Urbane and Premium. At the time of launch in Jan 2020, these were priced at Rs.1,00,000 and Rs.1,15,000 respectively. After the recent price hike in April 2021, these variants are now priced at Rs 1,42,620 and Rs 1,44,620. All prices are ex-sh.
      Both the variants are powered by the same powertrain with the key difference being a drum brake in the Urbane. The company has also revealed future plans to make the Chetak a global brand with the first step being initiated to patent the Chetak electric design for the European markets.
      Bajaj Chetak e-scooter is powered by an electric motor producing 3.8kW/4.1kW continuous/peak power along with a 3 kWh lithium ion battery. It promises a range of 95 kms while in Eco mode and 85 km in Sports mode. The battery has a 3 year/50,000 km warranty.
      Software Update
      Bajaj recently announced a software upgrade, the first for the e-scooter since launch. This software update will see the Chetak with a more accurate range indicator. The company has been contacting owners to bring in the Chetak for the software update which has to be done by a technician at the company’s authorized service center.
      There is a diagnostic tool required for the software upgrade. A port will connect this tool to e-scooter which is located near the right hand side of the pillion footrest. The installation takes a matter of 10 minutes to install but it takes more than 24 hours to take effect.
      Steps to be followed for the software upgrade includes the complete 100 percent SoC charge of the vehicle battery. The e-scooter then has to be ridden till 15 percent SoC following which it has to rest for 12 hours and then again battery should be charged upto 100 percent SoC and again taken for a ride till 15 percent SoC. This will once again be followed by a 12 hour rest and recharge upto 100 percent SoC so as to complete the software upgrade.
      Once completed, the Chetak e-scooter will note two changes. Firstly there will be an improved accuracy in range reading. The fluctuations in actual and displayed distance to empty will be reduced particularly in the case of downhill riding. This will give the rider an accurate assessment of remaining charge. The range will also be enhanced. When taken to the test, the Bajaj Chetak with the software update could travel over a 94 km distance using 94 percent charge while the remaining 6 percent charge allowed the rider to continue till 100 kms. More

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      in Electric Cars

      2022 Mercedes Benz EQS Electric Debuts With 770 Kms Range

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      2022 Mercedes EQS ElectricThe EQS has one of the best aerodynamics with the lowest drag coefficient in its segment of 0.20
      With demand shifting to non-fossil fuel energy sources gaining momentum in the last few years, the German carmaker has a string of new electric cars ready for launch within its dedicated EV sub-brand ‘EQ’. However, the marque isn’t going to compromise on a few things that have earned it the brand image the company enjoys today, one of them being luxury.
      S-Class stands at the top-end of Mercedes Benz’s global lineup and is the epitome of luxury on wheels. The carmaker has now taken the covers off the fully electric version of the luxury sedan called EQS. The electric sedan will be offered in two variants- 450+ and 580 4Matic and is expected to go on sale by the end of this year.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      Exterior Styling
      EQS is based on the Vision EQS concept that made its maiden appearance in 2019, however, sports a few differences in its actual production form. Its appearance is commanded by Mercedes’ “one-bow roofline” design philosophy that essentially forms a projectile roofline.
      The roof arches back to a heavily angled liftback-style tailgate giving the sedan a sportier appeal than its fossil-fueled sibling. At front end, it gets a black faux grille panel flanked by angular headlights on both sides with a “three-dimensional star pattern”.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      The headlight clusters are themselves joined by a horizontal light bar. The electric sedan’s body is made of aluminium making it very light for its size and wrapped by a two-tone colour scheme with a contrasting upper half.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      It features a fixed clamshell bonnet that doubles up as front wheel arches. The doors are frameless as expected from this range of cars and feature the same flush door handles as its IC engine-powered counterpart.
      The electric S-class is built on the brand’s new dedicated EVA (Electric Vehicle Architecture) platform that will also underpin the upcoming EQE. At a length measuring 5265mm, it is closer to the long wheelbase version of S-Class rather than the standard S-Class. Other dimensions read as 1,926mm wide in width and1,512mm tall while the wheelbase measures a staggering 3,210mm. Despite the enormous size, Mercedes claims a very low drag coefficient of only 0.20.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      Powertrains specs & Performance
      The 450+ trim comes powered by a single rear-wheel biased motor while the 580 4Matic trim comes with a dual motor setup providing all-wheel-drive functionality. The former returns an output of 329 bhp and 458 Nm of peak torque and is capable of sprinting 0-100 kmph in just 6.2 seconds. The latter receives a combined output of 516 bhp and 856 Nm of peak torque while 0-100 kmph acceleration time reduces to a meagre 4.3 seconds.
      However, top speed on both variants have been capped at 210 kmph which results in a more than an impressive driving range of 770km on a single charge as per WLTP cycle. The motors are fed by a 107.8kWh battery pack but Mercedes says it will also offer a smaller 90 kWh battery at the time of launch. The company has also revealed that a more powerful 715 bhp AMG version of the sedan based in the same twin-motor setup as 580 4Matic is in making.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      Interior & Features on offer
      Step inside the cabin and one would feel that he/she has time travelled to future. The biggest highlight (literally) is the new digital Hyperscreen dashboard which contains three screens, eight CPUs, 24GB of RAM and the latest MBUX software. The cabin is a proper definition of opulence and comes with all bells and whistles one receives in a modern-day car and much more.
      Some feature highlights include a Burmester surround sound system comprising 15 speakers, a rear-wheel steering system, OTA software updates, a panoramic sunroof, multi-zone climate control to name only a few. Safety kit on offer features driver-assist technologies such as lane-keeping assist, steering assist, adaptive cruise control, etc.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      EQS is slated for an international launch in the US towards the end of 2021 at an expected price of USD 100,000 that translates to approx INR 75 lakh. Indian market is also likely to see EQS on the roads at some stage next year maybe. In India, it will be sold as a CBU. More

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      2021 Yamaha FZ-X Specs Leak Ahead Of Launch – Based On FZ 150

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      2021 Yamaha FZ-XFZ-X will help Yamaha strengthen its portfolio in 150cc-200cc motorcycle segment
      Several speculations have been put to rest with Yamaha FZ-X getting type approval certificate. Earlier, it was believed that Yamaha was planning to launch XSR 250 in the Indian market. That too may be in the works. But it’s now certain that Yamaha will be launching FZ-X first in the Indian market.
      Yamaha FZ-X design and styling
      As revealed in spy shots, Yamaha FZ-X features modern-retro styling. This could be advantageous for the motorcycle, as there’s significant consumer interest in retro themed two-wheelers.
      Some of the key features include fork gaiters, a bulkier looking, box-type fuel tank, flat seat design and short tail. The motorcycle has been equipped with alloy wheels, sleek turn indicators, digital instrument cluster, and upswept exhaust.
      Yamaha FZ-X will offer a comfortable riding stance, which will be suitable for urban commutes as well as long distance touring. It is expected that FZ-X will have multiple India-specific features to suit driving conditions and consumer preferences in the country. Yamaha has followed the same strategy for its other motorcycles such as MT15 and R15.
      2021 Yamaha FZ-X Specs
      Yamaha FZ-X powertrain and specs
      Based on FZ, Yamaha FZ-X will be using the same 149 cc engine. The air-cooled, SOHC unit is capable of generating 12.4PS of max power at 7,250 rpm and 13.3 Nm of max torque at 5,500 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed, constant mesh transmission.
      Other hardware could also be same such as telescopic front forks and 7-step adjustable monocross rear suspension. Braking duties on FZ are performed by 282 mm disc at the front and 220 mm disc at the rear. Single channel ABS is offered as standard.
      In terms of dimensions, Yamaha FZ-X is longer, wider and taller than FZ. It measures 2020 mm in length, 785 mm in width and 1115 mm in height. In comparison, FZ measures 1,990mm x 780mm x 1,080mm (length x width x height). However, wheelbase of 1330 mm is the same for both motorcycles.
      2021 Yamaha FZ-X
      Yamaha already has a strong presence in 150cc-200cc motorcycle segment with products like FZ, R15 and MT15. Together, these motorcycles command around 20% market share in this space. In February list of bestselling 150cc-200cc motorcycles, FZ, R15 and MT15 were ranked at 4th, 5th and 6th place, respectively. Addition of FZ-X could help boost sales further.
      Talking about pricing, Yamaha FZ-X could retail at around the same price band as that of FZ. Yamaha FZ is available at a starting price of Rs 1.05 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). More

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      2022 KTM Duke 250, Duke 125 Spied Testing – New Details Revealed

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      2022 KTM Duke 125, 250 Spied TestingKTM currently retails Duke 125 and Duke 250 in India at a price of Rs 1.51 lakh and Rs 2.17 lakh (ex-showroom)
      KTM is aggressively working towards revamping its current portfolio of products, especially the ones in the lower end of the spectrum. The lower end of KTM’s lineup (up to 400cc) has a sizeable market share in developing countries such as India. While we already know about KTM’s plan of bringing a new generation model of RC 390, it is certainly not the only which will receive a major upgrade in the near future.
      The Austrian bikemaker is also developing a new generation model of its entry-level Duke 125 along with its quarter-litre sibling Duke 250. Test prototypes of both models were recently spotted somewhere in Europe. Both motorcycles received their latest updates last year with emission standards upgraded to BS6 and Euro-5 norms.
      2022 KTM Duke 125, 250 Spied Testing
      The company also took this opportunity to provide the bikes with a few aesthetic updates. However, going by the images it looks as if the upgrades this time around will be sufficiently more prominent.
      For starters, it appears both motorcycles have ditched the looks of Duke 390 and worn bodywork of their own. Along with new styling elements, the bikes have incorporated some major changes under their skin in the form of chassis and powertrain updates.
      2022 KTM Duke 125, 250 Spied Testing
      Duke 125 Redesigned Style
      Starting with the smallest member of Duke family, KTM 125 flaunts the same two-piece frame configuration however the Trellis frame construction is visibly different with additional crossbeams making it more robust. In addition, the subframe looks much longer than the current version. It also gets a new swingarm with a new support brace that arches up and over the chain drive.
      2022 KTM Duke 125, 250 Spied Testing
      Interestingly, the Duke 125 mule spotted was not wearing any of its bodywork hence it is not possible to compare it with the current model although it does get a new headlamp unit.
      Duke 250- Mechanical Updates
      On the other, Duke 250 prototype was fully clothed with a new set of body panels giving it a new sense of identity. Unlike its smaller sibling, Duke 250 completely does away with the Trellis subframe and replaces it with a composite version in line with the flagship Duke 1290 which got upgraded earlier this year.
      2022 KTM Duke 125, 250 Spied Testing
      In accordance with the new subframe, the suspension setup now consists of a side-mounted rear shock that is starkly different from the center-mounted setup of the current iteration of Duke 250.
      The swingarm gets the same arched support brace from Duke 125. Seeing the similarity between the design of two swingarms, it is possible that the 125cc derivative could also feature a side-mounted shock at rear. Duke 125’s swingarm also boasts a new wavy design in line with the conventional trellis frame pattern. Other updates include knuckle guards at front and a redesigned headlamp unit.
      2022 KTM Duke 125, 250 Spied Testing
      Powertrain Specs
      Powertrains on both motorcycles are also expected to witness some updates. However, the nature of updates is yet to be known. Currently, Duke 125 is powered by a 124.7cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that pumps out 14 bhp at 9,250rpm and a peak torque of 12 Nm at 8000rpm. Whereas, Duke 250 draws its energy from a 248.8cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC engine that cranks out 29 bhp at 9000rpm and 24 Nm at 7500rpm. Both units are paired with a 6-speed gearbox.
      IMAGE SOURCE More

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      in Bike

      Bajaj Chetak Bookings Closed Again – Entire Batch Sold Out In 2 Days

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      Image – swift lifestyleBajaj Chetak is available in two variants of Premium and Urbane – Prices have been hiked, now start from Rs 1.42 lakh
      Bajaj Auto Limited had introduced the new Chetak electric scooter in January 2020. This not only brought back the much loved Chetak brand but also marked the foray of the company into the electric two wheeler space.
      Since the time of launch, plans to make Chetak available in more cities have faced multiple hurdles. First, it was the Covid19 induced lockdown and later, it was the shortage of parts. While lockdown issue is no longer there, but production is still on a limited basis, thanks to shortage of parts.
      Chetak Bookings Open & Close
      For most part of the year, since the launch of Chetak, it has not been on sale. The company has not been accepting bookings of their electric scooter as they do not want to amass huge booking numbers and make customers wait. Instead, they open the bookings for the next batch, as and when the existing batch of customers get delivery.
      For the next batch, Bajaj opened bookings of Chetak electric scooter on 13th April 2021. Today, on 15th April, 2021 Bajaj has announced that they have closed the bookings. In a matter of just 2 days, the entire batch of Chetak electric scooters got sold out.
      Bajaj Chetak Bookings Close
      Bajaj has not revealed the number of scooters got booked in this batch. This is what Bajaj said in a media statement, “A large number of confirmed orders were placed by customers requiring the Company to cease acceptance of bookings within 48 hours. The Company will review the supply situation and announce the next round of booking opportunity.”
      Mr. Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director at Bajaj Auto Ltd., said, “We are absolutely delighted to see the fabulous response to the re-opening of bookings for the Chetak electric scooter in Pune and Bengaluru. Covid-led disruptions last year resulted in an unintended and long waiting period but despite that we have seen very few cancellations of bookings.
      We thank our customers in Pune and Bengaluru for their patience and now this overwhelming response. We are conscious that customers would like to receive early deliveries of Chetak and start enjoying it as soon as possible, hence we have had to take the difficult decision of closing the bookings in view of continuing supply chain uncertainties. However, it is our endeavor to resolve the supply chain issues at the earliest, re-open bookings as well as roll into more cities within the next quarter.”
      Bajaj Auto Expansion Plans
      The Bajaj Chetak is only open for sale in Pune and Bengaluru while the company now plans to open bookings in more cities as they expand their electric scooter networks. Plans are to introduce the Chetak e-scooter to 30 new cities in FY2022. The company expects that production issues will be sorted over the next couple of months. The company had earlier set a target of selling 500 units per month but sales have been around 300 units per month.
      3 kWh Li-ion battery
      Bajaj Chetak is powered by a 3 kWh Li-Ion battery with a 3.8 kW electric motor. Power is rated at 5.5 hp with the e-scooter capable of delivering a range of 95 km while in Eco Mode and 85 km in Sport Mode. Charging is achieved upto 100 percent in 5 hours via a 5 Amp outlet and the bike maker offers a 3 year/50,000km warranty on the battery.
      Bajaj Chetak receives all LED head and tail lamps, LED DRLs and LED turn indicators. It also sports a digital instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity and Bluetooth, regenerative braking and 12 inch alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres measuring 90/90 at the front and a 90/100 at the rear. The bike receives reverse gear for tackling tight parking spots. Chetak rivals TVS iQube and Ather 450X. More

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      KTM RC 390 New Gen Launch Soon – Current Model Discontinued?

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      Image – car.spyshotsNext-gen KTM RC 390 will be launched in the Indian market first
      KTM India has removed the existing RC390 from their website. KTM dealers in India are no longer accepting bookings for the RC 390. It is unclear if this is because of shortage of parts, or is it because the new one is ready for launch.
      As evident in spy images, next-gen KTM RC 390 will pack in a range of updates. Everything from styling to bodywork, ergonomics, frame and safety has been updated. Next-gen KTM RC 390 will continue to rival the likes of TVS Apache RR 310, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and new Benelli 302R.
      Next-gen KTM RC 390 – design and styling
      New RC 390 gets full-LED headlamp, which appears to be similar to that of discontinued KTM RC8 superbike. Revisions can also be seen in the handlebar, frame, seats, and wheels. The transparent fairing at the front appears wider, which could provide better wind protection. It houses edgy, boomerang styled LED turn indicators. Another key update is air vents on the side panels, which will ensure optimized air flow.
      RC 390 new model gets larger fuel tank, which means less stops at fuel stations. The motorcycle has been equipped with a new rear sub-frame that will ensure more comfortable rides for tall users. Talking about ergonomics, next-gen RC 390 favours a relatively upright riding stance. This appears to be similar to that of TVS Apace RR 310.
      2021 KTM RC 200 – New RC 390 will carry similar styling
      In comparison, the current model has an aggressive riding position. In other updates, new RC 390 could get a TFT instrument cluster. This could be similar to the one in use with 390 Duke.
      Next-gen KTM RC 390 engine
      Current RC 390 comes with a 373 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that is capable of generating 44 hp of max power and 35 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch. It is expected that engine specs will remain the same as earlier.
      Even if there are some revisions to the engine, it would be minor in nature and unlikely to make any big difference in performance. It is possible though that KTM may introduce a larger exhaust canister and few emission related updates for next-gen RC 390.
      Suspension setup is the same as earlier – WP inverted telescopic front forks and monoshock unit at the rear. However, braking apparatus appears to have been updated with a larger disc at the front. This will ensure better stopping power.
      Next-gen KTM RC 390 price
      With the updates, next-gen KTM RC 390 is expected to be launched at a price of Rs 2.80 lakh. The current model is priced at Rs 2.65 lakh. Just like the current model, next-gen KTM RC 390 will be manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s production facility in Chakan, near Pune. More