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      KTM RC200 New Colour Scheme Spied At Dealer Yard – Launch Soon

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      With festive period nearing, KTM India is getting ready to launch a new colour scheme for RC 200
      If the KTM RC 200 is on your mind, customers can take delight in a new colour scheme. The ongoing festive season is a traditional period of heightened sales activity, and a new colour option, adds all the more spunk to the range, and thereby, sales.

      Already on dispatch from plant to reach dealerships, BS6 KTM RC 200 in new colour scheme has been spotted ahead of launch. BS6 KTM RC 200 was first launched in Jan 2020. Since then, it is being offered with a colour scheme which has plenty of black paint with orange graphics and orange wheels.
      In its new avatar, the tank and partial fairing is orange, and the remainder bits in black. Graphics are in grey and white combination. While orange wheels are a telltale KTM style, this one features an orange trellis frame, and black wheels.

      Engine Specs
      BS6 2020 RC 200 features a 199cc, single-cylinder engine that returns 24.6bhp and 19.2Nm, paired to a six-speed gearbox. The colour revision may also warrant a small price revision. This isn’t unexpected considering most manufacturers have used the last couple of weeks to introduce price revisions for a range of two wheelers. Not just the RC 200, but colour revisions are expected on RC 125 too.
      Sales
      KTM 200 range (Duke + RC) is the brand’s strongpoint, contributing to a lion’s share of sales in India. Only last month, sales fell shy of 3k units by a mere 8 units in the domestic market for the KTM 200. That’s a whopping 40 percent of total domestic sales. The 200 cc range also enjoys dominance in exports though exports did decline by 35 percent last month and fell to below 900 units, compared to a highpoint of 1,387 units a year earlier.
      Next Gen RC 200
      Next gen KTM RC 200
      While the current colour revision is something to look forward to, the company has already started road tests of the next-gen RC 200, which is likely to be launched in 2021. A business decision revision owing to Covid-19 pandemic, considering the bike was expected to get on the market in 2020 itself.
      Considering India’s importance for KTM both in terms of market size, and production, when launched, the next range bikes are most likely to show up here fast. Since the BS6 engine is already in play, it could be reworked to improve torque and power.
      Current RC 200 is available at a retail price of just below 2 lakhs. The latest play with colours is a common ploy at KTM. With the bikes already being popular, refreshing the colour range on a regular basis helps introduce newness, and keep a dialogue going. It goes without saying that KTM while revising colour schemes sticks to its core colour theme, and mostly resorts to reversing colour picks.
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      Ather 450X Series1 Collector’s Edition Scooter Launched – Sporty and Black

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      Ather Energy’s initial launch plan targets consumers in 11 cities with the brand aiming to expand further to 10 more cities by the end of 2021
      Earlier this year, Bengaluru-based Ather Energy had announced 450X Collector’s Edition electric scooter. This was done to pay tribute to those thousands of customers who had shown faith in the brand Ather, and booked the 450X even before the company had revealed the scooter or announced its price.

      Today, Ather has finally taken wraps off their 450X Collector’s Edition. Called ‘Series1’, this is a limited edition production electric scooter, only for those who had booked 450X even before it was revealed. All those customers will now get a change to own Series1. Anyone else is not eligible to buy this scooter. The 450X and the Series1 would have been available to consumers had not been for the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent nationwide lockdown.
      Design & Features on offer
      We already know that the 450X is more powerful and feature loaded than the standard 450. The 450X Collector’s Edition Series1 gets all the power and fancy tech of 450X with some cosmetic upgrades. The Series1 comes with a high-gloss metallic black body colour combined with red accents which enhances its sporty appeal. This colour scheme is starkly different from the existing colour palette of grey, white and mint green.
      [embedded content]
      The highlights are the translucent body panels which give a sneak peek of what’s underneath the scooter. Ather has been true to its commitment of providing an ‘inside-out design’ of this limited edition scooter. This is also the first scooter in India to offer tinted translucent panels.
      Ather will start shipping the 450X Series1 by November. But the translucent panels will only be made available by March 2021. Owners will get delivery with regular panels now, and that can be replaced once translucent panels arrive next year. Also, Ather says that only the chassis is visible through these panels, while what you store n the underseat storage is safe and not visible.

      Like the standard model it is based upon a distinct cast aluminum chassis and trellis frame which is visible under the seat. It is assisted by telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock suspension at rear which is also painted in red.
      Other standard features in the 450X like tyre pressure monitor, Bluetooth connectivity and regenerative braking have also been carried forward to Series1. It also features a 7-inch touchscreen on the dashboard carried from the standard 450X which gets a Series1 specific special intro screen and subtle hints of red in the UI designed for the scooters.
      Performance
      The Series1 gets the same mechanicals as that of 450X. It draws its power from a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) which is backed by a 2.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup is good enough to produce 6kW (8 bhp) of power and 26 Nm of peak torque which results in 0-40 kmph acceleration in just 3.3 seconds. It gets three riding modes- Eco, Ride, Sport, and a high-performance ‘Warp’ mode. It is also claimed to be one of the quickest scooters in the 125cc category.

      It received the improved charging technology from 450X which charges 50 percent faster than the standard 450. The claimed range is 85km according to the WLTP cycle. For every fast charging for ten minutes, it adds up 10km to the battery.
      Estimated Price and Availability
      The Ather 450X has been priced at Rs 1.59 lakh (ex-showroom). Price of Series1 has not been revealed. Ather says, “Price will be given to those who have pre-ordered 450X, if they want to opt for it.”
      Ather announced its first phase of expansion where the 450X will be sold across 11 cities across India and deliveries are set to begin from November. These include Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Coimbatore, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, and Kolkata. However, Ather added that initial batches of Series1 scooters will ship out with black panels which will be upgraded to the translucent panels in May 2021. More

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      Suzuki Intruder 250 Launch Teased For 7th Oct? – Bajaj Avenger Rival

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      Suzuki Motorcycle India has announced to launch a new motorcycle on 7th October 2020
      One of the fastest growing two wheeler brands in India, Suzuki Motorcycle will be launching a new motorcycle on 7th October. This has been confirmed via company’s latest teaser; which reads – “Introducing A Superior Way To Ride.” In addition to this, there is not much info revealed.

      If you look closely, the teaser image text has been imposed on a shape which resembles the digital speedometer of the Gixxer and Intruder motorcycles. Considering that the Gixxer series already has been launched with 155cc and 250cc engine option, it is likely that this new teaser more or less is indicating towards the launch of much awaited Intruder 250 cruiser motorcycle. Back in June this year, we had shared leaked patent images of Intruder 250.
      Existing Intruder is powered by the same 155cc engine which is seen on board the Gixxer 155cc. Not only that, the two also share a lot of parts like digital speedometer, brake system, etc. With Suzuki launching Gixxer 250 in India, it was only time that the Intruder 250 was launched.

      Engine Specs
      As mentioned before, new Suzuki Intruder 250 will be sharing engine with the existing Gixxer 250. It will be powered by a single cylinder 249cc oil cooled SOHC FI engine which is rated to deliver 26.5 PS @ 9300 rpm of power and 22.2 Nm @ 7300 rpm of peak torque. Engine is mated to a 6 speed gearbox while starter system is electric.
      In comparison, Intruder 150 FI receives a 154.9cc, single cylinder, 4 stroke, SOHC, air cooled engine offering 14.8 PS peak power at 8,000 rpm and 14 Nm peak torque at 6,000 rpm. This engine gets mated to a 5 speed gearbox.
      Dimensions of the new Suzuki Intruder 250 will be more or less similar to the Intruder 150 – which is 2130 mm long, 805mm wide, 1095 mm tall, 740 mm seat height, wheelbase of 1405 mm, ground clearance of 170 mm, fuel tank capacity of 11 liters. Kerb wt will be in the range of 165 kgs.
      Rivals
      Demand for cruiser motorcycles is on the rise. For long, it has been the territory of Royal Enfield motorcycles like the Classic, Bullet and the Thunderbird change. But times have been changing. In 2018, Jawa arrived; Bajaj also launched a more powerful Avenger – all with the aim to eat into the market share of Royal Enfield. But none have managed to succeed as RE enjoys near monopoly with over 85% market share.
      Now, in a span of few days, there is a likely chance that two new cruisers will be launched in India – both will be rival to the Royal Enfield’s. One will be from Honda, which will launch on 30th Sep (to be called Highness), the other will be from Suzuki, in the form of Intruder 250.
      With the launch of Intruder 250, Suzuki would be largely aiming at taking on the Bajaj Avenger series, which manages about 6k units sales every month. In comparison, the Intruder only manages about 150 units a month. More

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      Hero MotoCorp, Kia India Top Dealer Satisfaction Levels

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      The average satisfaction score across all segments were well below 600 points on a 1,000 point scale
      Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) has recently conducted Covid-19 Dealer Support Satisfaction Study. The report which was created in association with Singapore-based PremonAsia observes varying levels of support form OEMs to their respective dealer partners.
      Ranking parameters

      FADA’s dealer support satisfaction study during COVID-19 lockdown focused on 6 parameters to rate the OEMs – support on financial matters, communication, dealer manpower, lockdown related affairs, restart of business and future business evolution.
      Passenger vehicle segment
      The ranking list which is based on a 1,000-point scale witnessed only two passenger vehicle brands surpassing 600 points. Kia with a score of 736 points emerged as a clear leader in the dealer satisfaction study while Toyota Kirloskar Motor finished second with a tally of 641. Tata and Honda found themselves trailing their competitors in the mass market segment. As far as luxury segment is concerned, Audi just managed to breech the 600-point mark to lead its compatriots BMW and Mercedes who scored 531 and 500 points respectively.
      Dealer Satisfaction Level in Car Segment – Points out of 1000.
      Kia’s top score is a reflection of its dealers’ satisfaction regarding communication and dealer manpower related affairs. Toyota’s dealers were happy about the automaker’s financial support such as expediting settlements and offering financial assistance on inventory.
      Two wheeler segment
      Country’s market leader Hero MotoCorp topped FADA’s COVID-19 dealer support satisfaction study with 623 points. Honda and Royal Enfield managed to breech 500-point mark but the satisfaction levels are low in general. India Yamaha scored a paltry 398.
      Dealer Satisfaction Level in Two Wheeler Segment – Points out of 1000.
      CV segment
      Satisfaction levels in three-wheeler segment was below 600 points with Bajaj coming closest to that limit at 559 points. Things were even worse in medium and heavy commercial vehicle segments where the top scorer, Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles (VECV), had a tally of 449 points. In the small and light CV segment, Mahindra scored 607 points while Tata Motors only managed to score 383 points. Force and Askok Leyland finished between the two.
      Dealer Satisfaction Level in 3W and CV Segment – Points out of 1000.
      Current outlook
      Even before the COVID-19 crisis, automobile dealers in India have been struggling due to a prolonged slowdown in the market. The pandemic couldn’t have come at a worst time. At times like these, support from the manufacturers become absolutely crucial for the dealer partners to ensure sustainability. With sales coming to a ground halt during lockdown period, several dealerships across the country were forced to shut down permanently while most others had to cut down on jobs.
      Moving forward, there is a general consensus among FADA members that there should be greater dealer empowerment in the future in addition to increased involvement in data analytics, digital marketing and technology. More

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      Harley Davidson Exits India, Employees To Be Laid Off – Official

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      No update on what will happen to existing dealer networks or customers of Harley Davidson motorcycles in India
      Today, Harley Davidson announced their official exit from the Indian market. Harley Davidson’s announcement of closing its manufacturing operations in India and reducing the size of its sales office in Gurgaon does not come as a surprise. Recently, the American cruiser brand revealed that it is withdraw from several international markets and focus only on 50 odd highly profitable ones.
      Harley Davidson India

      With only 2,500 units sold during last financial year, the Indian operations weren’t up to the HQ’s expectations. To make the matter’s worse, the outlook has been strongly affected by the ongoing pandemic situation. So, as a part of Harley Davidson’s ‘Rewire‘ medium-term restructuring strategy, the India operations will be wrapped up. The move will lead to job losses of approximately 70 employees in India.
      Harley Davidson operates an assembly plant in Bawal, Haryana which primarily builds Street 750, the brand’s best selling model in the country by far. In addition to India, HD is expected to walk out of several other markets.
      Harley Davidson India said that they are evaluating options to continue serving their existing customers for servicing and spares parts.
      The Rewire strategy
      Under the new leadership, Harley Davidson has made a major course correction by scaling back the aggressive expansion plans. The company now aims to focus in attention of handful of core markets and reduce its product portfolio by a good 30%. The scaling back will also affect the new models that were previously announced. For example, the Bronx 975 roadster which was destined to take on popular street fighters like the Triumph Speed Triple, Kawasaki Z900, etc., is now facing uncertainty.
      However, a recent spyshot of Harley Davidson 338 which is born out of a platform sharing partnership with China-based Qianjiang Group suggests that the entry-level motorcycle project is progressing as planned. The 338 would have given the new Royal Enfield range a run for its money in India but we guess we will never know.
      What now?
      There were reports that Harley Davidson is scouting for a viable partner in India to promote its upcoming medium displacement offerings. While there is no concrete evidence or announcements related to such a move, rumour mills indicate that Classic Legends and Hero MotoCorp are the leading contenders for a potential JV.
      If Harley Davidson can find a suitable partner in India, it could resume its operations with significantly reduced cost structure than before. If not operations, they could atleast offer servicing and spares to their existing customers. We do hope such a plan materializes. The American marque did say that it is “changing its business model in India and evaluating options to continue to serve its customers”.
      Harley Davidson joins the ever expanding list of automakers who walked out of India in the recent times. Other brands include GM, SsangYong, Fiat, UM Motorcycles, MAN and Scania. More

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      BS6 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Pro Launch Price Rs 11.95 Lakhs

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      After the launch of the BS6 compliant Panigale V2, Ducati has launched the Scrambler 1100 in India
      Italian motorcycling icon- Ducati had teased the much anticipated Scrambler in its BS6 guise a few days ago. Today, they have launched the same. BS6 Scrambler is on offer in two trims – Pro and Sport Pro, both powered by the same 1100cc L-Twin engine. Prices are Rs 11.95 lakhs and Rs 13.74 lakhs ex-sh, respectively. Bookings have opened across India at all authorized Ducati dealerships.

      The Scrambler 1100 will be the second BS6 offering by the Italian superbike manufacturer after Panigale V2 which was launched about a month ago. Panigale V2 has been priced at Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and is offered in a single variant with two colour schemes on offer- Ducati Red and White Rosso Livery.
      In the BS4 era, the Scrambler 1100 range consisted of three variants- 1100, 1100 Sport and 1100 Special. Scrambler 1100 range on offer in Europe in its Euro 5 compliance form comprising two variants- 1100 Pro and 1100 Sport Pro. In India as well, the Scrambler will be available in both the trims- 1100 Pro and 1100 Sport Pro.

      Design
      Coming to the design of the new Scrambler, there are quite a few noticeable changes on the updated model. For starters, it gets an updated seat and a revised paint scheme. It also sports new body graphics in addition to the new reconfigured twin-muffler exhaust system. The number plate holder has been repositioned and now sits fairly low. The extension of the rear fender has been chopped off and is much shorter now.
      Difference between Sport and Sport Pro
      There are quite a few distinguishing aspects that separate the two variants. For instance, the higher-spec Sport Pro variant is steered by a lower and flatter handlebar with bar-end cafe racer style mirrors on either end. It also features a premium Ohlins suspension. On the other hand, the 1100 Pro is equipped with a Marzocchi fork at front and Kayaba mono-shock at rear. The Sport Pro additionally gets a matte black paint scheme as well.

      Powertrain
      The updated Scrambler 1100s get a BS6 compliant 1079cc L-Twin air-cooled motor which churns out 86PS of power at 7500rpm and 88.4Nm of peak torque at 4750rpm. The power figures witness a drop of 1.1 PS from its BS4 counterpart. Transmission is via 6 speed gearbox.
      Features
      In terms of features, the Scrambler 1100 range gets three riding modes- City, Journey and Active. As far as safety is concerned it gets a cornering ABS from Bosch and a four-stage Ducati traction control or DTC. Both variants of Scrambler 1100 get Pirelli MT60 RS tyres specifically developed for the model and brake calipers from Brembo.
      Mr. Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India said, “Scrambler is one of the most characterful, free spirited and powerful entry level Ducati in our portfolio. The new Scrambler 1100 Pro range takes those qualities a notch higher allowing riders to explore endless possibilities on their rides. It’s a mix of style, comfort and performance that makes Scrambler 1100 Pro versatile and adaptive to everyone’s individual and demanding riding style. The meticulously thought Scrambler 1100 Pro and Sport Pro are designed to provide complete Scrambler experience as soon as you swing a leg over it. Both experienced and new riders will be able to extract the maximum out of this motorcycle considering its friendly nature and we expect them to have a lot of fun!” More

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      BMW R18 Cruiser Motorcycle India Launch Price Rs 18.9 Lakh

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      BMW R18 takes its inspiration from the design of the 1965 model R5 and is the first traditional cruiser from the German brand in India
      BMW Motorrad India has launched their flagship cruiser motorcycle in India today. The Heritage-Series bike is BMW’s answer to motorcycles in the cruiser segment from Indian Motorcycles and Harley Davidson. It will also take on the likes of Ducati Diavel 1260 and the recently introduced Triumph Rocket 3 GT.

      This is the first attempt by BMW to bring a traditional cruiser bike to India. Price of standard edition is Rs 18.9 lakhs and that of First Edition is Rs 21.9 lakhs, ex-sh. Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “The all-new BMW R 18 is BMW Motorrad’s much-anticipated entry into the cruiser segment. Fans and motorcycling enthusiasts in India have been eagerly waiting for this day.”
      Design
      BMW R18 draws its design inspiration from the 1965 R5 model with cues taken from the traditional swingarm, fuel tank, the exposed shaft-drive and exhaust pipes. Overall, its design resembles that of a conventional old-school bobber that sits on a double-cradle steel frame. The frame also covers the beautifully sculpted engine which highlights the impressive presence of the bike.
      BMW R18 – Standard vs First Edition
      Its retro look gets further accentuated by a round headlamp, wide handlebars, an exhaust pipe finished in chrome and spoked wheels. BMW will be offering two variants of the R18- a standard completely blacked-out version and a First Edition with more white pinstripes and chrome. The First Edition will also feature further distinguishing elements such as a seat badge with a ‘First Edition’ clasp, a copper-lettered logo on the tank and a Blackstorm metallic paint job.
      Powertrain
      As far as performance is concerned, the R18 is powered by the largest twin-cylinder boxer motor of 1802cc displacement. This engine is capable of generating 91 bhp of power at 4,750rpm and 158Nm of peak torque at 3,000rpm. This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a shaft drive setup.

      Features
      In terms of features, the upcoming cruiser gets an all-LED Lighting setup, an analog instrument cluster, heated grips and an optional reverse gear. The safety equipment consists of ABS, traction control, hill-hold assist and switchable Automatic Stability Control (ASC). The ACS is complemented by MSR which prevents the rear wheel slip in case of aggressive downshifting and acceleration. Additionally, it gets three driving modes- Rain, Roll and Rock.
      Dynamics
      Suspension duties on the motorcycle is carried out by telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock unit at rear. Meanwhile, anchoring duties are carried out by dual discs of 300mm dia and single disc of 300mm dia at rear. The stand on 120/70 R 19 wheels at front and 180/65 B16 at rear.
      BMW R18 Specs
      While the high-end cruiser bike segment has not been very popular among the masses. However, BMW aims to attract a fair share of buyers who would definitely like to flaunt a premium bobber on the streets. More

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      Honda Teases Exhaust Note of New Motorcycle – Royal Enfield rival

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      Honda has released a new teaser with audio, indicating the soon-to-be-launched product could be a twin-cylinder cruiser
      Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) recently teased a new product which is scheduled to be launched on September 30. The teaser read “Your Highness is arriving”. The company has followed up the teaser with an audio of the exhaust note today. The solid thumping of the exhaust note makes us think the mystery Honda has a twin-cylinder heart.
      Is it Honda Rebel 500 Cruiser?

      The exhaust note also strongly indicates that the motorcycle in question could be a cruiser. If we combine the parameters twin-cylinder and cruiser, the first product that comes to mind is the Honda Rebel 500 cruiser.
      Products like Bajaj Avenger and Royal Enfield Thunderbird (which is soon to be succeeded by Meteor) has made the cruiser body style quite popular among Indian motorcycle enthusiasts. The relaxed riding position and unhurried yet effortless performance of a medium displacement cruiser make it an attractive proposition for daily urban grind and the occasional weekend getaway. With Royal Enfield not likely to address the 500 cc cruiser segment with its next generation J Platform range, the Honda Rebel 500 could slot in a sweet spot. Listen to the audio teaser below.
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      Honda Rebel 500 – Specifications
      The Rebel 500 is equipped with a 471 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine which is the mainstay of Honda’s hugely popular medium displacement range of motorcycles. Paired with a 6-speed transmission, the engine develops 45.5 hp and 44.6 Nm of torque. On board the cruiser, the motor is tuned to delivery good low-end torque and relaxed highway performance.
      As far as hardware goes, the Honda medium displacement cruiser sports a trellis frame, telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers, front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS, alloy wheels and high-profile tyres. A low-set saddle, high-mounted handlebar and forward-mounted rider foot pegs make for a quintessential cruiser ergonomics.
      The Honda Rebel 500 adopts textbook cruiser styling but integrates modern features like full LED headlamp and fully digital instrument console. The steeply inclined fuel tank gives it a unique character. The Rebel 500 weights 191 kg and carries a fuel tank capacity of 11.2 liters. As per the WMTC cycle, the cruiser’s fuel efficiency stands at 27 kmpl.
      Rivals
      The Honda Rebel 500, if launched in India, would be pitted against Royal Enfield’s upcoming 650 cc cruiser. It would also be pitched as a cheaper alternative to the Harley Davidson Street 750. We expect Honda to employ CKD assembly rather than import the cruiser as a CBU. This way, the pricing can be competitive.
      It is also possible that HMSI’s new mystery product is not exactly the Rebel 500 but a closely related variant which is fined tuned for the Indian market. We will know soon. More