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      BMW G 310 R BS6 Facelift Teased – Gets KTM Duke 390 Like Colour Alloys

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      The G 310 twins’ launch has been in the loop for a very long time now due to the ongoing crisis of Covid-19 pandemic across the country
      A few days ago we had reported that BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle wing, of the Bavarian auto giant has started accepting bookings of their upcoming G 310 twins, though unofficially. Now, we can confirm that the company will start accepting bookings of the duo from 1st Sep. Launch will take place later in Sep.

      The G 310 R and G 310 GS are the entry-level motorcycles from BMW and the only ones that are manufactured completely in India. While the BS6 versions were expected to hit the roads much earlier this year, the German company’s plan was withheld due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. However, now it seems that BMW is ready with the launch of these bikes which is expected around the corner.
      Design
      From the teaser image, quite a few things are noticeable. For starters, the predominance of orange colour in many functional parts of the bike like the alloys and the frame. Plus the extremely horizontal rear fender clearly shows it has taken some inspiration from the KTM counterparts.

      The bikes have been spotted testing on Indian as well as European roads on multiple occasions. The visual highlights in the teaser image were not visible earlier in the spied images. However, the front suspension is found to be coloured in gold.
      The updated G 310 twins will all carry a newly designed headlamp unit and an altered digital instrument console as well. The overall shape of the headlamp unit is similar but the cluster carries a new sportier design with integrated LED DRLs. The new bikes are visibly sharper and muscular than their mellowed BS4 predecessors. It also sports a reconfigured exhaust pipe. Though there are no official details of the spec around the bike, it is expected to be high on features.
      Powertrain

      As far as powertrain is concerned, both the G 310 twins are expected to be powered by a BS6 updated 313cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor which returned output of 34 PS of power and 28 Nm of peak torque in its BS4 form. This is the same unit that powers TVS Motor’s flagship product- the Apache RR310. This engine will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox. For the uninitiated, the BMW G 310 Twins are manufactured locally at TVS Motor’s Hosur facility. The bike duo shares its powertrain as well as its platform with the Apache RR310.
      Expected Launch
      The updated G 310 twins are expected to be significantly cheaper than their BS4 counterparts. In their BS4 versions, G 310 R and G 310 GS were offered at an ex-showroom price of Rs 2.99 lakh and Rs 3.49 lakh. The G 310 R is a naked streetfighter whereas the G 310 GS is an adventure tourer motorcycle. Upon launch, the former will compete with the likes of KTM 390 Duke. Whereas, the G 310 GS will take on the likes of KTM Adventure 390 and Royal Enfield Himalayan. We can expect the bikes to be out in the coming few weeks. More

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      Harley Davidson 338R Spied Undisguised For The First Time

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      While Harley Davidson as a brand is more prominently known for its high-end bobbers, the bike manufacturer has also been developing an entry-level bike for masses
      In recent times, American bike maker Harley-Davidson’s grip in the market has been on the wane. Since beginning, the premium bike manufacturer has positioned itself as a brand that primarily caters to a niche segment of bikers. However, off late, due to the economic slowdown and various other reasons, Harleys seem to be losing their old-school charm.

      While traditional bike enthusiasts would still dig for a Harley, with each day passing new models will leave a bigger hole to the consumer’s pocket. Therefore, in light of recent events, Harley Davidson has been developing an entry-level motorcycle which will be much more affordable than its current line of products and cater to a younger audience.
      Dubbed as ‘338R’, this new bike has been the talk of the town for quite some time now. Now, we have got hold of a spied image which is supposed of the final production-spec of the 338R. From the looks of it, the bike is a lightweight naked street racer that will go well with young speed seekers.

      Harley 338R Launch Timeline
      The said image has broken cover in many social media apps. It seems that the image has been clicked at the factory site of QJ Motors, the parent company of Benelli, in China. For reference, Harley-Davidson, back in June last year, had announced its plan to develop an entry-level parallel-twin engine bike in partnership with Qianjiang Motors.
      Design
      With the fuel tank clearly sporting ‘Harley Davidson’ badging and the rear fender showcasing the ‘338R’ branding, reports suggest that it uses the same structure as that of Benelli 302S. If one looks closely at the spy shot, they can clearly view the frame set- mainframe and subframe, suspension, wheels, brakes and even the swing arm to be borrowed from 302S. However, certain changes have been made to the bodywork and the engine will bear slightly more capacity.
      Powertrain
      The 338R is believed to be powered by a 338cc unit which is good to generate a power of 43 bhp. That’s a jump of 5 bhp from the 300cc unit employed by 302S. The engine of 338R is said to be crafted by combining the crankshaft and bottom end of the 300cc unit of 302S and the pistons and cylinders from the larger unit of 502S. The increase in power is evident due to the 13 percent increase in displacement.

      Harley 338 will share its parts, engines, chassis with Qianjiang’s QJ350
      While the American company originally announced the bike with a 338cc unit, it later renamed the prototype as ‘HD350’ suggesting its capacity had been increased further. The final detail on specifications is yet to be revealed whether it will be a 350cc unit or a 338cc unit. Either way, it won’t make much of a difference as far as output is concerned.
      Expected Launch
      This naked street racer has been developed by the company keeping in mind the Asian markets where such bikes have been raging hot. Therefore, it is unlikely to find its place in the US and other Western markets, where Harley is proudly known for its big bikes. The question arises whether this bike will make its way to India or not. With recent reports suggesting Harley Davidson shutting its operations in India by nearly 30 percent, things seem a little tricky right now. However, if it did launch and is priced competitively, it will surely find takers.
      The bike was supposed to be officially launched worldwide sometime later this year, however, chances look bleak now since the pandemic has impacted the time frame adversely.
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      Honda Hornet sub 200cc Launch Price Rs 1.26 L – Pulsar, Apache Rival

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      The new sports commuter from Honda Motorcycle India marks the brand’s entry into the 180-200cc segment
      Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the all-new 2020MY BS6-compliant sports commuter, Hornet 2.0 on its first-ever digital launch platform. Dubbed ‘street sport bike’, the new Honda Hornet 2.0 comes in four colours: Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Sangria Red Metallic, Matte Marvel Blue Metallic and Matte Axis Grey Metallic. Ex-showroom prices start at Rs 1.26 lakh.

      The Japanese automaker, which celebrates 20 years on the Indian market, states that the Hornet 2.0 was developed with key inputs from its motorsport division. To emphasis this, the virtual launch was conducted at Buddh International Circut (BIC), Greater Noida.
      This is the very first product from Honda Motorcycle India to play in our market’s highly competitive 180-200cc segment. To announce the news, the all-new Honda Hornet 2.0 boasts of some segment-first features and equipment as well. It primarily rivals the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Bajaj Pulsar NS200, Hero Xpulse 200T and to an extent, KTM 200 Duke.

      Atsushi Ogata, MD, President and CEO of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), comments that the brand’s latest offering is “set to create a new benchmark among young motorcycle enthusiasts”. It further marks HMSI’s portfolio expansion. Yadwinder Singh Guleria, Director (Sales & Marketing) of HMSI shares that the new Hornet 2.0 is a “transformation of Honda’s racing DNA into street riding”. It is a “call out to those who want to fly against the wind,” states Mr Guleria.
      Notable highlights
      The new Honda Hornet 2.0 sports a forward-leaning riding position and an aerodynamic design language. It gets LED lighting all around among other interesting additions. The list includes golden USD front forks (a first in the sub-200cc segment), digital instrument console with ‘negative liquid crystal meter’; petal disc brakes (276mm and 220mm), single-channel ABS, engine kill switch, wider tubeless tyres (110/70R17 and 140/70/R17 units at the front and rear, respectively), hazard switch, etc.
      Honda Hornet 2.0 Specs
       
      Length
      2047 mm
      Width
      783 mm
      Height
      1064 mm
      Wheelbase
      1355 mm
      Ground Clearance
      167 mm
      Seat Length
      590mm
      Kerb Weight
      142 kgs
      Fuel Tank
      12 L
       
       
      Engine
      184cc
      Power
      17.26 bhp @ 8500 rpm
      Torque
      16.1 Nm @ 6000 rpm
      FI
      Yes
      Transmission
      5 Speed
       
       
      Front Tyre
      110/70 – R17
      Rear Tyre
      140/70 – R17
      Front Brake
      276 mm Disc
      Rear Brake
      220 mm Disc
      ABS
      Single
      Front Suspension
      USD
      Rear Suspension
      Mono
      Frame Type
      Diamond
      For enhanced ergonomics, the key inlet is situated on the fuel tank. It also gets split seats, a short-and-stubby muffler and 5-spoke alloy wheels. Honda Motorcycle India offers a special warranty package of six years for the Hornet 2.0. This combines a 3-year standard scheme with an optional 3-year top-up.
      Engine & specs
      Powering the new Honda Hornet 2.0 is a BS6-compliant 184.4cc HET PGM-FI air-cooled single-cylinder engine, good for 17bhp @ 8,500rpm and a best-in-class midrange torque of 16.1Nm @ 6,000rpm. The 5-speed transmission helps it cross 200 metres from a standstill in 11.25 seconds. The motorcycle has a kerb weight of 142kg and holds a 12-litre fuel tank. Multiple colour options are on offer with the new Honda Hornet. More

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Leaks – 7 Colours, 3 Variants of Fireball, Stellar, Supernova

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      The new-gen ‘UCE 350’ Royal Enfield Meteor 350 comes in three variants (Fireball, Stellar & Supernova) and seven colours
      Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield is almost ready to launch its new-gen ‘UCE 350’ range that starts with the much-awaited Meteor 350. Essentially a replacement to the now discontinued BS4-compliant Thunderbird and ThunderbirdX 350 siblings, the 2020 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 sits on an all-new platform, gets an improved air-cooled power plant and features a host of modern equipment.

      Over the months, we have shared multiple spy images and videos of the Meteor 350. Many have spotted the cruiser doing test runs across the stretches of India. Exciting times lie ahead of Royal Enfield fans since the British-origin automaker plans several interesting products for the near future. Using the same ~350cc mill, another prototype (supposedly dubbed ‘Hunter 350’) is also doing rounds wearing heavy camouflage.

      To the surprise of many, the company has even revealed that it is working on all-electric models for the years to come. A Royal Enfield without the typical ‘thump’, or virtually zero noise for that matter, may upset hardcore ‘RE fans’. However, this is something to think about at a later stage. Let us dive into what is hitting our market in a few months’ time or maybe even weeks.
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 brochure leaked
      We bring you an exclusive glimpse into what the upcoming new-gen ‘UCE 350’ model offers. In a brochure leak (more like a dealers’ overview), one can understand the variants, colours and cosmetic features of the new Royal Enfield Meteor 350. There are seven colours in total: Fireball Yellow, Fireball Red, Stellar Red metallic, Stellar Black matte, Stellar Blue metallic, Supernova Brown dual-tone and Supernova Blue dual-tone.

      As the names suggest, the 2020 Meteor 350 comes in three variants: Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. It is worth mentioning that the ‘Fireball’ variant was previously leaked from an online configurator page.
      Cosmetic highlights of the Meteor Fireball variant include blacked-out components, single-colour fuel tank, body graphics, machined cooling fins and coloured wheel rim. ‘Stellar’ adds body-coloured components, premium badges, chrome elements and a backrest. Finally comes the Supernova variant sporting dual-tone paint scheme, machined alloy wheels, premium seat upholstery, flyscreen and chrome turn signals.

      ‘Tripper Navigation’ (most likely inbuilt navigation with turn-by-turn directions) remains standard. We have already shared a real-life image of the same. The semi-digital dual-pod instrument console also features Bluetooth connectivity — a first for Royal Enfield.
      Possible engine characteristics & pricing

      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Speedometer
      Unlike the archaic tappet-valve arrange of the current-gen BS6 ‘UCE 350’ mill, the new avatar might have an OHC (Over Head Cam) setup. This can boost output by a significant margin. For reference, the existing 346cc air-cooled FI single-cylinder engine generates just about 20bhp and 28Nm. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is expected to get a 5-speed transmission as its predecessor. Ex-showroom prices should start at roughly Rs 1.65 lakh (Rs 10,000-15,000 over the Thunderbird 350). More

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      New Honda 200cc Motorcycle Launch Teaser Video – Pulsar, Apache rival

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      Once launched, Honda Motorcycle India’s very first 200cc model will replace the CB Hornet 160R
      Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) plans to launch an all-new product in the highly active 150-200cc segment. At the moment, the Japanese automaker offers nothing to the Indian market’s widening single-cylinder sports or sports commuter motorcycle category, except for the Honda CB300R. The neo-retro naked sports motorcycle has not been updated to BS6 emission norms yet.

      The 2020MY Honda CB300R BS6 might be launched by the end of this year. Sold exclusively via Honda Wing World outlets, the streetfighter was removed from the official HMSI website a few months ago. In BS4 format, prices started at Rs 2.41 lakh ex-showroom.
      At the moment, the 150-200cc motorcycle category in India is dominated by the likes of Bajaj Auto, KTM India, Yamaha Motor India and TVS Motor Company. Hero MotoCorp has also strengthened its presence by launching the Xtreme 160R. Meanwhile, Honda Motorcycle India is stronger in the mass-production budget commuter segment.

      After discontinuing the sought-after Honda CBR250R faired sportsbike ahead of BS6 emission norms, the company has not introduced anything that is as desirable as popular names in the category mentioned above. However, an upcoming 200cc Honda motorcycle (a first for India) would put an end to this. It would most likely be a sports commuter, replacing the Honda CB Hornet 160R (yet to receive BS6 update).
      Honda’s new 200cc motorcycle – What to expect
      Rumours claim that it will be based on the Honda CBF190R sports commuter available in markets such as China and Latin America. In fact, HMSI had patented this motorcycle for Indian roads last year. Compared to its foreign counterpart, the Indian-spec CBF190R BS6 (or whatever it will be called) would sport some minor changes to bring prices down.
      For instance, one can be sure that it will employ traditional telescopic forks at the front rather than USD units. A flatter and more pillion friendly seating configuration can be expected as well. Take a look at the teaser video below.

      [embedded content]

      Once launched, it will lock horns with the latest TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and KTM 200 Duke. Other desirable alternatives include the Yamaha FZ 25, Suzuki Gixxer 250, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and even the Yamaha MT-15.
      Engine & specs
      The Chinese-spec Honda CBF190R is powered by a 184.4cc air-cooled FI single-cylinder engine good for 16.63bhp @ 8,000rpm and 16.3Nm @ 7,000rpm. This is mated to a 5-speed transmission. Specs are clearly below the current benchmark and hence, Honda Motorcycle India might develop an improved power plant for our market. Will it become an all-new Honda CB Hornet 200R? More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tata rolls out 1,000th Nexon Electric SUV – Records 62% market share

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      Tata Nexon Electric production has crossed the milestone figure of 1,000 units today
      Tata Motors has rolled out its 1000th Nexon EV. The company confirms segment dominance with 62 percent market share in Q1 FY21. Nexon Electric SUV is manufactured at the company’s Pune plant. The feat has been achieved in a little over 6-months since commercial launch.

      Indian EV segments across the spectrum are still in a nascent stage of production, and competition with most manufacturers not yet participating. This leaves buyers with a small variety to pick from. With only 4 automakers offering EVs for now, and not all of them existing in the same segment, Tata Motors finds itself at an advantageous position in the segment.
      Tata’s other EV offering, Electric Tigor sedan is available with a drive range of 140 km and 213 km, and is offered as a fleet only vehicle. Nexon EV is offered as a personal mobility option with a drive range of 312 km on a single charge. With drive range anxiety being one of many reasons potential buyers are sceptical, Nexon EV range puts a stop to such concerns for anyone considering an EV purchase.

      Tata Nexon Electric being delivered to respective owners. File photo.
      Recently announced Delhi EV Policy outline will help guide EV adaption in Delhi-NCR, and includes a host of benefits for EV buyers. Shailesh Chandra, President – Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors Ltd. said, “Acceptance of EVs is accelerating fast, and we are seeing growing interest in it from all parts of the country. The rollout of the 1000th Nexon EV in a short time span, despite the challenges of Covid-19, reflects the rising interest of personal segment buyers in EVs.
      Tata Motors will continue to innovate and develop comprehensive sustainable mobility solutions meeting global standards. EVs are the future and as the industry leader, we are committed to make them desirable and a mainstream choice for the customers.”
      Tata Nexon EV Subscription
      To expand its scope, Tata EV Subscription model has been introduced. The subscription plan begins at Rs.41,900 for a 3 year fixed plan. Customers can select from a 18, 24 to 36 month tenure. Subscription fee is inclusive of comprehensive insurance cover, road side assistance and end to end maintenance.
      For now, the service is available in Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru in collab with Orix Auto Infrastructure. Subscription rate is Rs.44,900 for a period of 24 months and Rs.47,900 for an 18 month leasing period.
      While a subscription plan is an easy road to car ownership, the finance model is fairly unexplored in the consumer segment. Tata uniEVerse e-mobility ecosystem looks to leverage Group company strengths to develop the EV environment. Customers can access e-mobility solutions, including charging stations, retail experiences and easy finance options. More

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      2021 KTM RC 390 spied in Europe with radically different front fairing

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      The heavily updated model will get new sub-frame and revised ergonomics
      The KTM RC 390 received several new features in 2017 including slipper clutch but unlike its street fighter sibling, it missed out on significant visual updates. Now that the Austrian two wheeler brand has introduced the long overdue 390 Adventure, it has turned its attention towards redesigning the super sports variant of the highly successful family.
      2021 KTM RC 390 spied in Europe

      The 2021 KTM RC 390 with drastic technical as well as cosmetic changes has been spotted testing in Europe ahead of its world premiere which is reported to take place towards the end of this year. A quick first glance is enough to note that the new motorcycle features a completely redesigned fairing and a rear sub-frame.
      The 2021 KTM RC 390 adopt the Duke’s vertically bifurcated full LED headlamp which is turning out to be the brand’s new design identity. The fairing is designed around the LED unit and features a tall windscreen and aerodynamic two-layered side panels. The LED turn indicators are integrated above the headlamp. Overall, the new RC 390 looks sleeker than its already sleek predecessor. The motorcycle also receives new five-spoke alloy wheels.

      With increased popularity of KTM’s A2 license-spec motorcycles in Europe, the company has felt the need to make the RC 390 (which was primarily designed to target Asian riders) better accommodate taller riders. This seems to be the reason for an all-new rear sub-frame and some ergonomic tweaks.
      Engine, suspension and brakes
      The 2021 KTM RC 390 is expected to retain the widely acclaimed 373 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled motor but international media reports suggest that it will benefit from new cylinder head and revised exhaust system to comply with Euro5 emission norms. The current version’s power figure of 44 hp is not expected to change much.

      The sturdy WP inverted telescopic front forks and rear monoshock configuration will also be retained as evident from the spyshots. The 2021 KTM RC 390 prototype features a new disc brake at the front. Interestingly, the disc is mounted on the spokes rather than being fastened to the hub. This way, the rotor is made only of the part that comes in contact with the brake pads, thus leading to reduced unsprung mass. The caliper as well as ABS encoder disc are mounted on the hub as usual.
      Launch
      The 2021 KTM RC 390 is expected to be ready towards the end of 2020. India being the sole production location, we are likely to receive the updated model first. Similar design updates can be seen on other variants of the RC family as well.

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      2020 Triumph Street Triple R BS6 India-launch price Rs 8.84 lakh

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      The new Triumph Street Triple R is more responsive with excellent low- and mid-range torque characteristics
      Triumph Motorcycles India has launched the all-new 2020MY Street Triple R BS6 at a starting price of Rs 8.84 lakh ex-showroom. The British marque has already launched the higher BS6-compliant Triumph Street Triple RS in the country, at a starting price of Rs 11.13 lakh ex-showroom. The ‘R’ is essentially a mid-spec ‘RS’. Triumph Motorcycles India claims that its latest offering is much “more accessible and affordable than before”.

      Shoeb Farooq, Business Head of Triumph Motorcycles India, states that the Indian motorcycle market’s ‘premium middleweight segment’ is growing at a rapid pace and is becoming increasingly competitive. He believes that the new Street Triple R would be a strong contestant in this genre as well as a perfect option for riders wanting an agile sportsbike with “racing DNA”. Its power plant is derived from the proven Triumph Moto2 portfolio. Primary rivals include the KTM 790 Duke, Kawasaki Z900, Yamaha MT-09 and BMW F 900 R.
      Changes & improvements
      For its 2020 model year, the Indian-spec Triumph Street Triple R features a refreshed bodywork complete with new flyscreen, full-LED twin headlamps, mirrors, air intake, exhaust and tail section. The middleweight is offered in two colours: Sapphire Black and Matt Silver Ice. Diablo Red + Aluminium Silver decals, alongside red accents, stay common. It weighs about 168kg (dry) and has a fuel tank capacity of 17.4 litres.

      [embedded content]

      Braking duties are carried out by Brembo four-piston radial monobloc callipers (twin 310mm discs) at the front and a single-piston sliding unit (single 220mm disc) at the rear, which is supported by a gullwing swingarm. The motorcycle rides on Showa 41mm USD forks and a piggyback reservoir monoshock. Both suspension systems feature fully adjustable preload, compression and rebound.
      The 17-inch cast aluminium alloy wheels are shod with 120/70R17- and 180/55R17-section Diablo Rosso III tyres at the front and rear, respectively. Other notable equipment include three riding modes (Road, Rain and Sport), bidirectional quickshifter, slip & assist clutch, semi-digital instrument console, ride-by-wire, dual-channel ABS, traction control, etc.
      Furthermore, riders can choose from over 60+ OEM accessories for better styling, comfort and safety. A performance-focused Arrow exhaust system is also included on the list.
      Engine & specs
      Powering the 2020MY Triumph Street Triple R is a BS6-compliant 765cc liquid-cooled inline-three engine churning out 116bhp @ 12,000rpm and 79Nm @ 9,350rpm. The engine is relatively more responsive and better on low- and mid-end torque thanks to 7 per cent lower rotational inertia. The 6-speed transmission has shorter first and second gear ratios. More