Bikes Lover

Bajaj Pulsar RS400 could use the same 373.3 cc triple-spark engine found in the Dominar 400 producing 40 PS and 35 Nm Speculations surround the debut of the Bajaj Pulsar RS400 in India have been there for many years and alleged near-production prototypes were also spotted. However, it did not come into fruition as Bajaj concentrated on launching the Dominar 400 instead as opposed to expanding the Pulsar range beyond 200 cc. While KTM widened its 390 series with the addition of the Adv, Bajaj has rather been quite with the Dominar 400 as it did not get the attention it deserves among customers. Despite multiple price hikes, the Dominar 400 did get a major update addressing some of its issues and it still remains as a highly accessible with packed features for its price tag. The latest rumour mill indicates that Bajaj Pulsar RS400 is in the works but it is not for India. The supersport is said to go on sale in Indonesia first as early as August 2020 and it will have com...

With increased focus on boosting economic activity during Lockdown 4.0, Honda2Wheelers India will resume production at its four plants in a phased manner The first plant to resume production will be the one located at Narsapura in Karnataka. This is the company’s biggest plant and it will be operational from May 25. The other three plants will be restarted in the first week of June. These are located at Tapukara in Rajasthan, Manesar in Haryana and Vithalapur in Gujarat. Along with Honda’s best seller Activa – production of other scooters and motorcycles will also commence. Manufacturing is expected to commence in a seamless manner, as all of Honda’s 300+ suppliers have received the necessary approvals to restart their plants. The company is unlikely to face any shortage or parts. Honda suppliers are expected to resume production at their respective plants in the coming days. Honda is following a calibrated approach to manage its ecosystem to ensure stable and efficient ope...

James Bond movie no 25, No Time To Die will feature a special Triumph Scrambler 1200 James Bond movie franchise and its association with British automotive brands is a longstanding tradition. It is something auto enthusiasts eagerly anticipate when every Bond movie inches closer to its release date. The 25th James Bond movie, No Time to Die, was originally supposed to be released worldwide in April but it has been postponed due to the pandemic. As the fans wait for Daniel Craig to do his thing on the big screen, Triumph Motorcycle has announced a special edition Scrambler 1200 to celebrate its collaboration with the popular movie franchise. The Triumph Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition is limited to just 250 units worldwide, and as the name suggests, is inspired by the custom Scrambler 1200 motorcycles featured in No Time to Die’s action sequences. Based on the top-end Scrambler 1200 XE, the Bond Edition features ‘premium 007 bodywork’, complete with exhaust number board, l...

Royal Enfield, the Chennai-headquartered iconic motorcycle manufacturer, sells even motorcycles in European markets and in Korea, where it has issued a recall for some models Royal Enfield is easily among the most iconic names in the Indian motorcycle market today. The retro-style motorcycle manufacturer sells a range of motorcycles in India, which includes models like the Bullet, Classic, Himalayan and the 650-twins. What’s more, the motorcycle manufacturer even exports motorcycles to many markets in Europe and to South Korea. It is in these international markets that the company has issued a recall for 15,200 units to replace a brake part. The motorcycles that fall under this recall drive include the Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650 and Himalayan, which are three of its latest motorcycles. The voluntarily recall has been issued after the company found out a brake calliper corrosion-related issue in models sold in these countries. On further investigating ...

BMW F 900 R rivals KTM 790 Duke, Ducati Monster 821 and Kawasaki Z900, while F 900 XR puts up against Ducati Multistrada 950 and Kawasaki Versys 1000 BMW Motorrad India has today launched the F 900 R and the F 900 XR motorcycles in the country. The F 900 R Standard is priced at Rs. 9.90 lakh while the F 900 XR Standard costs Rs. 10.50 lakh and the F 900 XR Pro at Rs. 11.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The German manufacturer is currently working on improving its middleweight range in the country, and the launch of these two new motorcycles is a part of the plan. While the F 900 R and the F 900 XR are based on the same platform, are powered by the same engine and share the same components as well, the former is a naked roadster while the latter is a sport tourer. The bikes get a different design altogether, which gives each one of them their own unique identity while also offers different riding dynamics. Powering the two bikes is an 895 cc parallel-twin engine putting out 105 ...

All company dealerships across Bangalore, Mysore, Belgaum, Bijapur and Mangalore are now open while production operations have commenced at the company’s Baramati plant Vespa and Aprilia dealerships in Karanataka have opened doors following over 45 days of lockdown. The dealerships in Bangalore, Mysore, Belgaum, Mangalore, Bijapur, Davangere, Shimoga and Udupi have all been given strict instructions in following safety and hygiene standards so as to safeguard not only the health of its workers and staff but also visitors to these showrooms and workshops. Along with opening of these dealerships, the opening of other dealer showrooms will be done in a phased manner over the next few days following relaxation of lock down by local authorities. Sanitization protocols of all touch points are in place and everyone will have to adhere to strict social distancing norms. Use of Aarogya Setu App, contactless greeting, wearing of protective gear such as masks and gloves and use ...

This 1:1 scale model of RE 650 Twin is being towed by a Jaguar F-Pace, by Royal Enfield dealer in Latvia Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 have both been success stories for the company ever since launched. These two bikes have found fan following not only in India but also in global markets, valued for their style, performance and price. It is the fact that they offer exceptional value for money makes them even more attractive to buyers. But times are tough. Corona virus has taken a huge toll on the auto industry, not only in India, but globally. With each passing day, it is getting difficult for auto industry. Dealers are suffering, as there are hardly any new sales for most dealers. At such a time, it gets important to stand out. That can be done by using innovative advertizing methods, which will get you noticed. One such Royal Enfield dealer in Latvia has tried something that has not been done before with a RE motorcycle. Royal Enfield Latvi...

Upcoming Benelli SRK 600 is a street fighter motorcycle that could be launched as a premium alternative to TNT 600i as it will come with better styling and more features Many months ago, a rather stylish streetfighter Benelli motorcycle with 600 badging was spotted in China for the first time ever. Back then, it sparked rumours that the new motorcycle would be the next-generation model of the TNT 600i. Surprisingly, however, the new-gen TNT 600i that was finally launched turned out to be more of a facelift rather than an all-new version. As it turned out, the motorcycle was spied in China is not the new TNT 600i but the SRK 600, which looks poised to become a more premium alternative to the TNT 600i as it will have more upmarket styling and more features. Visually, the new model will have a street fighter look with a sporty headlamp and a sleek cowl. It will also have a Sharply-styled fuel bolder tank extensions. The tail-end looks rather stubby and features a sleek ta...

Suzuki motorcycles and scooters has commenced production operations following permissions from local authorities After nearly two months of lockdown, two wheeler makers in the country are slowly and steadily getting back to restart of production. Hero MotoCorp, Honda commenced production last week. Other brands are also expected to restart production soon as almost all other two wheeler makers have received clearance from local authorities to once again kick start their manufacturing processes. Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has been given permission to commence manufacturing operations at its facility at Kherki Dhaula, Gurugram. Production had been stopped on 23rd March 2020 following the lockdown announced by the Government of India in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Currently operating with limited workforce, Suzuki Motorcycle has issued a press statement outlining the safety precautions be...

The Royal Enfield Interceptor MCH Scrambler gets a few mods by RE dealer that help in reducing weight, make the bike more powerful, and improve on and off-road handling The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is more popular in the international markets than it is here in India, especially in European countries. One such country in Europe is Latvia, where the RE dealer is currently offering a custom-made version of the Interceptor at a € 2530.00 premium over the bike’s standard price. Keep reading to know more details about the modifications. The ‘Royal Enfield Interceptor MCH Scrambler’ is built by Moto Classic House for the Royal Enfield dealership in Latvia, and has been equipped with genuine Royal Enfield accessories. However, it also gets a lot of aftermarket accessories including a Zard scrambler exhaust which helps shave of 12 kg of weight from the bike, an engine ECU booster, a motocross bike handlebar etc. The standard RE Interceptor has a kerb weight of 202 kg, an...

Reports state that future Royal Enfield models would get digital instrument console and turn-by-turn navigation Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield has been working on the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ power plant for quite some time. It plans to introduce a range of interesting products (reportedly named Sherpa, Hunter, Roadster, etc.) in the new decade, starting with the Meteor 350. Replacing its Thunderbird 350 range, Royal Enfield’s upcoming Meteor 350 was spied on multiple occasions in recent times. In fact, a rough idea of its pricing was also leaked from an online configurator platform. Compared to the current BS6 and discontinued BS4 single-cylinder models, the next-gen UCE products are expected to offer substantial improvements in terms of performance, fuel economy, reliability and NVH controls. Royal Enfield will finally ditch the archaic OHV or tappet-valve arrangement for a better and efficient OHC setup. However, the ‘350’ models would remain air-cool...

The new Honda CBR600RR is expected to make its debut in October this year, and it will go on to compete against the Kawasaki ZX-6R and Yamaha YZF-R6 upon arrival Honda has been working on introducing a new-gen model for the CBR600RR, and new reports suggest that the two-wheeler arm of the Japanese manufacturer will be showcasing the motorcycle at the 2020 Thai MotoGP, which is set to commence from October 4, 2020. The Honda CBR600RR was one of the most popular 600 cc motorcycles around, but the company had to pull the plug on the bike due to the high costs involved in upgrading the bike to comply with the stringent Euro 4 emission norms that became mandatory in 2017. However, rumours of the bike making a return to the market have been doing the rounds of the internet ever since. The 2021 Honda CBR600RR is expected to borrow a lot of styling cues from the bigger CBR1000RR. It would sport a twin-LED headlamp setup with an air intake placed in the middle. The front fairin...

The lockdown has been giving creative people fresh ideas and ample downtime to execute them We have been treated to some very interesting automotive concepts by designers of late and this futuristic take on the Yamaha FZ is right up there. Penned by Iranian-Indian transportation designer Aryan Hossein Alipour who is currently based in Turin, the electric street fighter concept is inspired by the original FZ-16, a sweet-handling, lightweight motorcycle. The FZ electric concept is characterized by bold and audacious surfaces, sporty front end with interesting LED lighting signature, girder-type front suspension with integrated handle bars and a cantilevered saddle with LED taillight embedded in it. The semi-concealed engine bay is composed of a massive battery and some components which look like they have come directly from a Star Wars flick. Just like a conventional motorcycle which has has the engine as a stressed member, this FZ electric concept integrates the batter...

The offer is valid on the entire range of Bajaj motorcycles sold in India till date In a customer-oriented initiative, Bajaj Auto has launched a special scheme wherein free battery recharge is available for all Bajaj motorcycles. Customers just need to visit their nearest authorized Bajaj service centre to avail this offer. The offer is valid till May 31, 2020. Owners of Bajaj motorcycles like Pulsar, CT 100, Platina, Dominar, Avenger, etc can avail this offer. Free battery recharge will be beneficial for customers who may not have been able to use their bikes during the lockdown period. The complete lockdown period had lasted for around 6 weeks, which is enough to drain the batteries of motorcycles left unused. Free battery recharge will help customers to use their Bajaj motorcycles with all available battery-linked functionalities. Bajaj’s free battery recharge offer will also help increase footfall at dealerships. It’s true that auto dealerships are now open in Gree...

The price hike means that the Pulsar 150 Twin Disc is now priced over Rs 1 lakh , while it continues to rival the TVS Apache RTR 160 and Yamaha FZ-S Bajaj Auto is known for launching its products at an introductory price, and increasing the prices subsequently. That is exactly what the homegrown manufacturer has done with the Pulsar 150; both variants of which have become about Rs 2,000 dearer than before. Do note that the bike was made to comply with the BS6 emission norms earlier this year, hence this price increase is not related to that. The BS6 Bajaj Pulsar 150 was previously priced at Rs 94,956 for the standard variant, while the twin disc version costed Rs 98,835 (both prices, ex-showroom Delhi). The Standard variant of the Pulsar 150 will now cost Rs 96,960, the Twin Disc trim’s price is now over Rs 1 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom Delhi). However, no other changes have been made to the bike. Powering the Pulsar 150 is a BS6-compliant 149.5 cc single-cylinder, ...

Jawa has plans to launch new motorcycles in the near future In an attempt to keep its audience engaged during the ongoing lockdown, Jawa Motorcycles recently announced an art contest campaign under the ‘Jawa Kommuniti Kustoms’ banner. The retro-classic motorcycle brand invited its fans to submit their entries of digitally customized versions of 42. The brand has shared top-4 final entries of its art contest on its social media handle ahead of announcing the final winner. The shortlisted entries give custom motorcycle builders and Jawa owners interesting modification ideas. It seems that the campaign is aimed at demonstrating the 42’s ability to take on customization. Aftermarket modifications contribute hugely to Royal Enfield motorcycles’ brand image, and being a direct rival, Jawa Motorcycles is aiming to achieve similar recognition. It is not surprising to see that the top entries of this art contest adopt adventure tourer, cafe racer and scrambler body style...

The Honda Gold Wing became the first motorcycle to be equipped with Apple CarPlay when the feature was introduced for the bike back in 2017, and now it gets Android Auto too The Honda Gold Wing is a series of touring motorcycles sold by Honda since over four decades. The Gold Wing is one of the most comfortable cruising motorcycles that money can buy you, and that is also the reason that the superbike is retailed at a starting price of Rs 27.79 lakh (ex-showroom) in India, making it Honda’s flagship offering in the country. From June onwards, Honda will start offering the Gold Wing with Android Auto connectivity, which will allow the rider to seamlessly access smartphone functions such as music, phone calls and messaging, given that the rider has an Android phone. There’s no need for Apple iPhone users to be jealous, since the Gold Wing received Apple CarPlay integration back in 2017. The Gold Wing draws power from a 1,833 cc flat-six engine that puts out 124.7 hp of m...

Bajaj Auto has announced that they are extending warranties of all their motorcycles for free For those in business, the need to operate is high on everyone’s mind. But of course, the consideration comes keeping in mind the safety of people. In recent days, companies are slowly able to begin operations on different fronts in minimal capacity and in strict adherence to directives from government and local authorities. With lockdown becoming norm toward March end, most queries revolved around what would happen to people’s exiting warranty plans for their vehicles. At the time, most auto manufacturers extended current warranty plans by about two months. But the lockdown isn’t lifted as yet, at least not fully though certain green zones are limping through minimal activity. All the while the country is observing a curfew post 7 pm. While lifting limitations during lockdown are anticipated, developments are highly depended on how the Covid-19 virus is responding in any area...

The 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 is priced higher by Rs 35,000 as compared to its 2019 counterpart 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650, showcased at the EICMA Show, has just been launched in India. It is a mid capacity sports tourer that borrows some of its looks from both the Ninja ZX-6R and Ninja 400. Bookings are now open for the new Ninja 650 which is priced at Rs.6.24 lakhs, higher by Rs.35,000 over its 2019 model. Feature updates on the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 includes new LED headlamps, a 4.3” full color TFT display and revised fairing. It also gets Bluetooth via Kawasaki’s Rideology app and GPS making it the first sub liter Kawasaki to receive these features. The new Ninja 650 also gets better pillion seating which is wider than before and with a taller backrest. The windshield has also been refurbished and is now lower and flush fit with the upper cowl. 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 gets 17” alloy wheels fitted with Dunlop Sportmax D214s tyres as against Dunlop Sportmax D21...

The 2021 Yamaha YZF R3 will likely retain the 321 cc twin-cylinder motor of the outgoing model. This engine puts out 42 PS of maximum power, and 30 Nm of peak torque Yamaha decided against upgrading the YZF R3 to comply with the latest emission norms, and the motorcycle was discontinued from the Indian market in March this year, before the BS6 deadline. This could be accredited to the bike’s depleting popularity, as well as the growing competition in the country. The YZF R3 globally received some updates in 2018, but the India-spec model did not get the updates. However, the bike is set to be on the receiving end of a generational update next year, and we expect that Yamaha could bring the new and updated bike back to the country. Here is a rendering of what the upcoming 2021 Yamaha YZF R3 could end up looking like – Inspiration for the bike’s design seems to be taken from the R1 and R6 superbikes. The front-end looks sleeker and more futuristic than before. It gets sl...

TVS Motor Company recently shared its plans to launch a new motorcycle by 2021 The Indian automotive industry is relatively inactive amidst the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and automakers are trying to minimise losses through new business strategies. As India enters its third phase of COVID-19 lockdown, most automakers have resumed operations at their manufacturing facilities and dealer networks, following proper safety guidelines. COVID-19 hit the industry at a time when OEMs were working on a range of products for this year as well as the new decade. The Indian market has also shifted to BS6 emission norms in the meantime. Owing to various reasons, several dealerships (across different vehicle categories) are left with unsold BS4 stock worth thousands of crore rupees. To help struggling dealers, some brands have also introduced a BS4 buyback policy. At present, major brands are gradually opening their development division to work on full efficiency in the weeks to come. I...