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      Hero Harley 500cc Motorcycles Launch Planned – To Rival Royal Enfield

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      Upcoming 300cc cruiser from Harley DavidsonHarley connection can provide Hero the right thrust to enter the middleweight segment
      When Hero-Harley partnership for announced last year, there were quite a few questions and ambiguities about its scope and objectives. Things are starting to get clearer now, as Hero MotoCorp is said to be planning twin model bikes for middleweight segment. This arrangement would be something similar to BMW-TVS venture that’s led to the production of bikes like Apache RR 310 and BMW G 310 R.
      As part of Hero-Harley partnership, Hero is currently managing distribution, sales and service for Harley Davidson. As per the agreement, Hero will be developing mid-capacity bikes for Harley as well.
      Rebadged versions of these will be developed under the Hero brand also. These are expected to be positioned as relatively affordable options, as compared to Harley bikes of same capacity. The twin models are expected to share much of their hardware such as engine, chassis, etc.
      Challenger to Royal Enfield
      Globally, the middleweight motorcycle segment comprises products with engine capacity of 500cc to 900cc. In the Indian market, the preferences are skewed heavily in favour of 350cc-400cc motorcycles.
      Harley Davidson 300cc Roadster. Image – Cycle World.
      This segment is dominated by Royal Enfield, which commands around 90% market share. This is where Hero will be positioning its middleweight motorcycles. According to the company’s CFO, Niranjan Gupta, the development of these motorcycles is already underway. However, there’s no exact timeline about when these bikes will be unveiled.
      With Harley’s support, Hero could get a good start in the middleweight motorcycle segment. It can also seek encouragement from the fact that Honda CB350 has been registering consistent sales month after month. New products in this space may not influence hard-core Royal Enfield fans. However, folks with a neutral outlook can definitely think about trying something new.
      Portfolio expansion
      For years, Hero has remained the undisputed leader of commuter motorcycles. However, its dream of creating a bestseller in premium motorcycle segment is yet to be achieved. A number of attempts were made in the past such as 225cc Karizma ZMR. This had to be withdrawn in 2019 due to lack of desired sales numbers.
      Hero’s current portfolio maxes out at 200cc with products like Xpulse 200, Xpulse 200T and Xtreme 200S. These have been generating decent sales numbers, but there’s need to expand portfolio. The profit margin is much higher with premium motorcycles. For example, the profit margin on Pulsar is around double that of Hero’s bestseller Splendor.
      It will be interesting to see how the market responds to middleweight Hero motorcycles. As of now, the brand is synonymous with affordable commuter motorcycles. Breaking into the cult-like following of Royal Enfield has been a challenge for all manufacturers. It will continue to be so for Hero as well.
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      Upcoming Ather Electric Scooter Patent Leaks – More Range Than 450X?

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      Upcoming Ather Electric Scooter Sketch PatentedAther is reportedly developing a new e-scooter that will offer more range than the current 450x
      Ather Energy has been among the most prominent name in recent times in the Indian automotive market when it comes to electric mobility in the two-wheeler segment. The company rolled out its first electric two-wheeler in the form Ather 450 e-scooter back in 2018 which was met with more than favourable responses.
      This was followed up by two more premium and more powerful successors- 450X and 450 Plus. The Bangalore-based startup about six months ago shifted its manufacturing base from Bangalore to Hosur in Tamil Nadu in order to increase its annual production capacity. This is in line with the company’s idea of expansion with more new products.
      Expected Design
      Ather has filed design patents for a new electric scooter in India. The patent image shows a scooter that appears to be larger than the existing 450X and the design is in line with contemporary Maxi-style scooters.
      Signature Maxi scooter styling elements in the patent include a tall windscreen upfront and a front-heavy fairing. It gets a flat single-piece seat along with a wide front apron featuring a sleek LED headlamp.
      Upcoming Ather Electric Scooter patents
      Contrary to the design of Maxi scooters, this one gets an absolutely flat floorboard and minimalist rear section. Other styling highlights include a short front fender, black alloy wheels, chiselled side body panels and a disc brake at front. Apart from the exterior design, Ather has also patented the swingarm as well as the chassis of a new electric scooter.
      Obviously, this is just a patent and the final production-spec model could end up looking very different from this one. If this e-scooter does come into existence, then it is likely to be offered as a premium product with more features, improved range and more power.
      Ather 450X
      Ather Energy’s current e-scooter 450X has been very well received across the Indian market. It is offered in two variants- Plus and Pro with the former being priced at Rs. 1,41,621 and the latter being pegged at a price of Rs. 1,60,633 (both prices are ex-showroom). It comes in three colour options- grey, green and white. 450X comes with a bagful of features including a Bluetooth-enabled (4.2) touchscreen instrument cluster, all LED lighting, integrated 4G LTE SIM connectivity and music & call controls among others.
      As far as performance goes, the powertrain features a 2.9kWh battery pack which feeds energy to a 3.3kW electric motor rated to produce an output of 8.04 bhp and 26 Nm of torque. It can sprint 0-40 kmph in 3.3 seconds and claims a range of 85km on a single charge. Hardware configurations comprise telescopic forks at front and a rear mono-shock at rear. Braking duties are handled by single disc brakes at both ends. More

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      Bajaj Pulsar 250F Spied Testing – Likely To Be The Fastest Pulsar Yet

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      2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220FWhen Bajaj launched Pulsar 220F, it was branded as The Fastest Indian – Upcoming 250F will sit above the 220F
      Bajaj Auto is planning to expand its Pulsar range of sporty commuted motorcycles by adding new models in the coming future. A few weeks ago, a test mule of what was speculated to be a naked version of new Pulsar 250 was spotted testing.
      In addition to this, the Chakan-based bikemaker introduced the entry-level Pulsar NS125 into the lineup last month. The company also gave a mild refresh to Pulsar 150, 180 and 220F models with new colour options. Now, a semi-faired version of the upcoming quarter-litre Pulsar has been spotted conducting trial tests on roads.
      This upcoming quarter-litre sports commuter is expected to carry either F or RS nomenclature which are usually associated with faired motorcycles. In most likelihood, it will be named 250F just like the current flagship in the lineup 220F. Although the test prototype spotted was heavily wrapped in camouflage, it did reveal a few obvious details about its styling.
      Expected Design & Features
      For instance, like Pulsar 220F, the upcoming 250F is likely to receive a front-heavy fairing adjoining the fuel tank and headlamp section. It gets a tall handlebar which provides easy maneuverability and an aggressive stance thanks to a muscular fuel tank with extended shrouds and bikini fairing.
      2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220F
      Other notable highlights include upswept side exhaust, an upright tail section and a split seat setup. The rear end of the prototype, especially the split grab rails and curved taillight are reminiscent of its immediate rival brand TVS Apache.
      In terms of features, it is expected to offer an all-LED lighting setup and all-digital instrument console with colour display. If Bajaj is generous then it may also offer Bluetooth connectivity. Although images of the bike’s front end are not available at the moment, it is expected to boast a tall windscreen to counter a strong windblast.
      Expected Specs
      Coming to its specifications, Bajaj is expected to offer a whole new 250cc oil-cooled motor for its quarter-litre Pulsar motorcycles. The company already has a 248.8cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine at its disposal which it utilises for its own Dominar and other KTM and Husqvarna models. The new 250cc motor on Pulsar 250 will be capable of generating around 24 bhp and will be paired with a six-speed gearbox.
      2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220F
      Other mechanical components should include conventional telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Braking duties will be handled by single disc brakes on both ends which will be assisted by dual-channel ABS as standard. It is also expected to be offered with multiple ride modes. Upon its launch, Pulsar 250F will lock its horns with Suzuki Gixxer SF250.
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      2021 Yamaha XSR125 Makes Global Debut – Official Specs Revealed

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      2021 Yamaha XSR 125Daily commutes will be a lot more fun with neo-retro flavoured Yamaha XSR125
      With XSR125, Yamaha has expanded its 125cc portfolio in European markets. The bike utilizes the same platform as that of MT-125 and R125. It has a distinctive look and feel, something that will make it easily noticeable on the streets. Yamaha XSR125 packs in a range of hi-tech features and promises to deliver superior, all-round performance.
      2021 Yamaha XSR125 key features
      The bike’s strong retro flavour is evident in its circular headlamp, rounded fuel tank design, and long flat seat. The modern twist is in the full LED headlight and snazzy LED tail light. Body panelling is bare minimum with the underbelly completely revealing the engine, radiator and other components. A prominent engine guard can be seen, which enhances the bike’s rugged profile.
      2021 Yamaha XSR 125
      Yamaha XSR125 is equipped with a retro themed circular LCD meter. It has a contrasting mix of satin black background with outer chrome surround. A range of premium detailing can also be seen with features such as aluminium brackets, tuck and roll seat and painted mudguards.
      Colour options for Yamaha XSR125 include Redline, Impact Yellow, and Tech Black. The nifty looking decals on the fuel tank in contrasting shade enhance the bike’s sporty profile.
      2021 Yamaha XSR 125
      Yamaha XSR125 engine and specs
      Powering Yamaha XSR125 is a 124cc liquid cooled SOHC motor that is capable of generating 14.7bhp of max power at 10,000 rpm and 11.5 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. It is mated to a constant mesh 6-speed transmission. XSR125 delivers the max power output, as allowed for A1 category vehicles. The engine is Euro 5 compliant and is equipped with advanced Variable Valve Actuation for optimal power and torque delivery.

      Engine type
      Liquid-cooled, SOHC, Single cylinder, 4-stroke

      Displacement
      124cc

      Bore x stroke
      52.0 x 58.6 mm

      Compression ratio
      11.2 : 1

      Maximum power
      11.0 kW @ 10,000 rpm

      Maximum torque
      11.5 Nm @ 8,000 rpm

      Lubrication system
      Wet sump

      Clutch type
      Wet, Multiple Disc

      Ignition system
      TCI

      Starter system
      Electric

      Transmission system
      Constant Mesh, 6-speed

      Final transmission
      Chain

      Fuel consumption
      47 kmpl

      CO2 emission
      47 g / km

      Fuel system
      Electronic Fuel Injection

      Frame
      Diamond

      Caster angle
      26º

      Trail
      95 mm

      Front suspension system
      Upside-down telescopic fork, Ø37 mm

      Rear suspension system
      Swingarm

      Front travel
      130 mm

      Rear travel
      110 mm

      Front brake
      Hydraulic single disc, Ø 267 mm

      Rear brake
      Hydraulic single disc, Ø 220 mm

      Front tyre
      110/70-17

      Rear tyre
      140/70-17

      Overall length
      1960 mm

      Overall width
      800 mm

      Overall height
      1065 mm

      Seat height
      815 mm

      Wheel base
      1330 mm

      Minimum ground clearance
      160 mm

      Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank)
      140 kg

      Fuel tank capacity
      11 litres

      Oil tank capacity
      1.05 litres

      Yamaha XSR125 utilizes a strong and lightweight deltabox frame. Suspension system comprises 37mm USD front forks and swingarm rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 267mm front and 220mm rear discs. The bike weighs 140kg, offers 160mm ground clearance and can carry 11 litres of fuel.
      Will India get Yamaha XSR125?
      There’s considerable demand for sports-oriented 125cc motorcycles in India. Bikes like KTM 125 Duke have been a big hit with customers. However, in case of Yamaha, it is unlikely that XSR125 will be launched anytime soon in India.
      As of now, Yamaha is working to launch FZ-X retro-themed motorcycle, which is based on FZ- S Fi. Yamaha has created multiple 150cc bestsellers in the Indian market and FZ-X launch will further strengthen its position in this segment. Yamaha would like to focus on its strengths instead of experimenting with the 125cc motorcycle segment in the Indian market. More

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      Husqvarna Electric Scooter Vektorr Concept Debuts – Based On Bajaj Chetak

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      Husqvarna Electric Scooter Concept – VektorrHusqvarna has taken wraps off their electric scooter concept – Production version is scheduled to be launched next year
      A few days after revealing the E-Pilen electric motorcycle concept, Husqvarna has taken wraps of their electric scooter concept. Called Vektorr, this is a concept version of the upcoming electric scooter. Speaking about the scooter, Husqvarna says, it is “an eco-friendly offering that brings the future of personal urban transport into the present.”
      Not much has been revealed in terms of actual specs, dimensions or technology. What is mentioned as of now, is that this scooter has a top speed of 45 kmph and a ride range of up to 95 kms on full charge. Interestingly, there is no mention of swappable battery – a feature which was announced with the Husqvarna electric motorcycle concept.
      Husqvarna Vektorr Electric Scooter
      Speaking about the design, the new electric scooter carries on with Husqvarna’s design language. In the front, you have the circular headlight with circular LED DRL border. Husqvarna says, “The Vektorr Concept is the first electric scooter ever produced by Husqvarna Motorcycles and is aimed squarely at the urban commuter who demands a compact, stylish and effective personal transport solution to fit their busy lifestyle.”
      The seat is wide and long, enough for rider as well as pillion. Front as well as rear has a single spring suspension. In the front you have a disc brake while rear has a drum brake. Alloys look larger, production spec version could get 12 inch alloys.
      Husqvarna Electric Scooter Concept – Vektorr
      Based On Bajaj Chetak Platform
      Pierer Mobility, owners of KTM and Husqvarna had revealed in their report that the upcoming Husqvarna electric scooter will be based on Bajaj Chetak, which is currently on sale in India. The report also added that it will be made in India.
      Interestingly, the two scooters have many similarities. Bajaj Chetak too does not offer swappable battery option, has a similar range of 95 kms, has single spring suspension in the front and rear, has disc brake in front and drum brake at rear.
      Launch Timeline
      Husqvarna Vektorr Electric Scooter is expected to enter production sometime next year, at the Bajaj Auto plant near Pune. Bajaj is currently in the process of increasing production capacity for their KTM, Husqvarna and Chetak brands. Plan is to increase production by 5 lakh units annually, in the first phase.
      Husqvarna Electric Scooter Concept – Vektorr
      Launch of the Husqvarna electric scooter could first take place in Europe. After which, it will be launched in India. Expect price to be on the higher side. Recently, Bajaj increased price of their Chetak scooter, and it now retails at an ex-sh price of about Rs 1.45 lakhs. Once launched, it will rival the likes of Ather 450X and upcoming Ola Electric Scooter. More

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      KTM 750 Duke, ADV Launch Next Year – To Be Made In China By CFMOTO

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      Image for referenceManufactured in China, KTM’s 750cc motorcycles could be offered at an affordable price point
      As part of their joint venture with China based CFMoto, KTM is currently developing an entirely new 750cc platform. The global unveil of these new KTM motorcycles is scheduled to take place by 2022.
      KTM has a partnership with CFMoto since 2011. The latter is responsible for importing and selling KTM motorcycles in China. In 2020, CFMoto also started manufacturing KTM motorcycles, as part of KTM’s expansion strategy in China. This partnership is something similar to the arrangement that KTM has with Bajaj in India.
      KTM 750cc motorcycles – what to expect
      Initially, the 750cc platform will be used to develop 750 Duke, 750 Adventure and 750 Supermoto. The 750 Duke will work as a replacement for 790 Duke, which is expected to be discontinued. KTM has already introduced the new 890 range, so 790cc range may no longer be required. KTM 750cc motorcycles will be positioned between the 890cc range and upcoming KTM 490cc parallel-twin range.
      The 490cc range will be manufactured in India by Bajaj at its production facility in Chakan, near Pune. It will serve the needs of both domestic markets and exports.
      KTM 790 Adventure at India Bike Week
      There’s still very little that’s known about KTM’s new 750cc range. In terms of pricing, KTM 750cc motorcycles could be relatively affordable in comparison to 790cc range. However, don’t expect KTM to cut down on features to reduce cost.
      Offering a range of high-tech features is one of the key USPs of KTM motorcycles. It’s unlikely that the company would want to compromise on that. However, it is possible that reduction in production costs may be passed on to customers in the form of lower prices.
      KTM 750cc range India launch
      It is not yet certain if KTM will introduce the new 750cc range in Indian market. However, going by the popularity of KTM bikes in India, the 750cc range could eventually make its way in the country. As of now, KTM is focused on smaller capacity 125cc, 200cc, 250cc and 390cc motorcycles. These have registered consistent numbers in both domestic sales and exports.
      In the domestic market, the primary volume generators for KTM are its 200cc, 125cc and 250cc motorcycles. In overseas markets, the preference is more for 390cc and 125cc motorcycles. Next on the agenda are KTM electric scooters, which will be based on Chetak platform. A new production facility is currently being built by Bajaj, which will be utilized for manufacturing KTM electric scooters. These are expected to be launched by 2022. More

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      Bajaj Trademarks Fluir, Fluor Names – For Future Electric Motorcycle?

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      Image of Zero Motorcycle for reference
      The upcoming Bajaj electric motorcycle will rival the likes of other electric motorcycles such as Revolt RV400 and Okinawa Cruiser among others
      Bajaj Auto, like every other OEM in India, is looking to broaden its product portfolio. It has come to light that the Pune based two-wheeler manufacturer has filed new trademarks for Fluir and Fluor monikers in the country. Speculations indicate that these names would be used for the brand’s upcoming range of electric products.
      Fluir is a Spanish word that stands for flow (of steam or fluids). Since both the names sound similar, it might be the case where only one brand name gets utilised. Bajaj already retails an electric two-wheeler in the form of Chetak electric scooter. It is possible that at least one of these two trademarks could be used for an electric motorcycle.
      Bajaj FLUIR
      Upcoming Electric Two-wheelers
      While trademark applications don’t say that they can only be used for a battery-powered vehicle. However, adding more sub-brands for conventional IC engine-powered vehicles does not make much sense since Bajaj already has at least five of them in its current lineup.
      If Bajaj uses these monikers for conventionally powered two-wheelers, the company will most probably have to delete some models from its portfolio which is not likely to happen in the near future.
      Bajaj FLUOR
      An electric motorcycle seems the best bet since the trio alliance of Bajaj, KTM and Husqvarna are planning to amplify their electric lineup of models. While the Austrian and Swedish bikemakers will be utilising the platform of Chetak Electric to build their own respective e-scooters, Bajaj might very well do the same with its own version of a rebadged Husqvarna E-Pilen which was recently revealed to the world.
      If it turns out the way we speculate, the new electric bike from the Indian automaker is expected to be powered by a 8kW electric motor. While other specifications are yet to be revealed, the bike in all probability will feature a battery swapping technology to address range anxiety issues. A similarly specced bike is also expected to don the orange of KTM at some stage.
      Chetak Electric
      On the other hand, Chetak Electric is powered by a 3kWh battery pack paired with a 4kW electric motor which returns a peak output of 16 Nm torque. It is offered with two drive modes- Eco and Sport.
      The e-scooter offers a maximum range of 95km in Eco mode while in Sport mode it offers a range of 85km on a single charge. Bajaj retails Chetak in two trims namely Urbane and Premium at a starting price of Rs 1.42 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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      Yamaha FZ-X Spied Nr Atal Tunnel During TVC Shoot In 3 New Colours

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      New Yamaha FZ-XUpon its launch, Yamaha FZ-X will become the most affordable retro-style classic motorcycle in India
      Recently it was revealed that Yamaha is working on developing a new motorcycle based on its exciting 150cc lineup which comprises FZ Fi and FZS Fi. This new bike was spotted testing a few weeks ago in the Yamuna Expressway and was earlier believed to be part of the XSR brand of motorcycles sold in foreign markets.
      It turned out, Yamaha will be using its FZ moniker in the upcoming bike which wears a retro design. Now, production-spec FZ-X has been spied near Atal tunnel by automotive enthusiast Surya Dagar.
      New Yamaha FZ-X
      There are total of three FZ-X motorcycles in 3 different colours of Blue, Orange and Black. These were spotted undisguised while being shot for upcoming launch TVC.
      Dimension & Design
      The spied images revealed that FZ-X will wear an entirely different top hat in comparison to its naked streetfighter siblings. This establishes the change in its dimensions which according to the leaked document, FZ-X will outstretch FZ Fi by 30mm, 5mm and 35mm in its length, width and height respectively. In exact figures, the classic roadster will measure 2,020mm in length, 785mm in width and 1,115mm in height.
      New Yamaha FZ-X
      As mentioned earlier, FZ-X will carry a retro-themed design with a conventional teardrop-shaped fuel tank, circular headlamp and aluminum brackets on both sides. In addition, FZ-X gets a boomerang-shaped radiator guard that differs from the one found in FZ Fi that gives the naked street racer a hunkered-down look. We also notice that the front suspension gets fork gaiters on the telescopic forks apart from the mono-shock at rear.
      New Yamaha FZ-X
      The motorcycle features a flat seat design, upright handlebars and center-set footpegs that must ensure a comfortable riding position. The relaxed ride posture would make it ideally suitable for short city commutes as well as highway cruising. Other notable highlights expected to be included are an upswept exhaust and a digital instrument console.
      Powertrain Specs
      As for specifications, it will be powered by the same 149cc air-cooled SOHC engine that also propels FZ Fi V3 and FZS Fi V3. This unit is tuned to churn out 12.2 bhp at 7,500rpm and 13.6 Nm of peak torque at 5,500rpm while being mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Braking duties will be carried out 282mm and 220mm front and rear disc brakes respectively which will be further assisted by a single-channel ABS.
      Expect the new FZ-X to be offered at the same price as FZ Fi which currently starts at Rs 1.04 lakh (ex-showroom). No information regarding its prospective launch is yet available but we expect the motorcycle to hit showrooms just ahead of the festive season later this year. More