Retail News CRM

Tag: bike

  • Ather Energy Launches New Compact Home Charger Ather Dot

    Ather Energy Launches New Compact Home Charger Ather Dot

    Electric scooter start-up Ather Energy has announced the launch of a new home charging point – Ather Dot, for its Ather 450 customers in Chennai & Bengaluru. The new charger has been designed specifically for the Ather 450 electric scooter and company says that it took a lot of feedback from its existing customers to make this charging point smaller, lighter and easy to install. The new Ather Dot comes with surge protection and authenticated power transfer so that it’s safe and works only with an Ather scooter. The new Ather Dot also comes with several safety measures like auto cut-off function and it also gets app integration, which means owners can also monitor the charging levels through their mobile app.

    In its official launch announcement, Ather Energy said, “Ather has been working with its customers in the past year to make improvements and changes to its intelligent scooter, the Ather 450. One of those was to take the charger off-board. Taking it off helps in improving weight distribution and also improves vehicle dynamics. All this without a drastic change in the charging performance.”

    The new Ather Dot comes with surge protection and authenticated power transfer so that it’s safe and works only with an Ather scooter

    The new Ather Dot unit weighs just 3.5 kg and comes with a 2-metre long output cable and 1.2-meter long input cable. The charging unit delivers a 60 V, 12 A DC supply, which is capable of offering 0 to 80 percent charge in just 4 hours and 30 minutes, while 0 to 100 percent takes 5 hours and 15 minutes. Ather says that the charging patterns data show that most Bengaluru owners charge either overnight or during the day at their workplace. So, the slight spike in the charging time will not affect the charging behavior and usage of the owners. Furthermore, the charging time at the Ather Grid, the company’s fast chargers placed across the city, remains the same.

    Customers can get their new Ather Dot installed by the company for ₹ 1800, which includes standard installation, consumables, labour charges and even GST. However, Ather says that the installation of Ather Dot is a simple process, and for customers who might want to get the unit installed by their local electricians, the company will provide an installation manual as well.

    The new Ather Dot charging point will be shipped to them post completing the payment for the Ather 450 and prior its delivery. While the unit will be delivered to all Chennai customers along with scooter, in Bengaluru, all the customers taking delivery after October 2019 will get the Ather 450 with the new charging point.

    Lees ook:

  • Revolt RV 400 Electric Motorcycle Launched

    Revolt RV 400 Electric Motorcycle Launched

    Revolt Intellicorp has launched the company’s first electric motorcycle, touted as India’s first artificial intelligence-enabled motorcycle, the Revolt RV 400. The Revolt RV 400 e-motorcycle is positioned to compete with conventional 125 cc motorcycles and is the brand’s flagship offering. In addition to the RV 400, the bike maker also introduced the new entry-level RV 300 that remains the most affordable offering from the company. Both bikes are being offered with a payment plan with the RV 300’s prices start at ₹ 2999 per month (for 37 months), while the payment plan for the RV 400 starts at ₹ 3499 for the standard variant, going up to ₹ 3999 (for 37 months) for the premium variant.

    The Revolt RV400 is equipped with an embedded 4G LTE SIM which enables the internet and cloud-connected features of the motorcycle. A dedicated Revolt mobile app offers real-time motorcycle diagnostics, satellite navigation, bike locator, geo-fencing for security, doorstep battery service and access to a battery charging network, called the Battery Switch, as well as online payment gateway.

    The lithium-ion battery of the RV 400 has an ARAI-certified range of 156 km on a single charge, and it will take less than four hours to fully charge the battery. The removable battery can be easily charged either at home or the workplace, with the help of an on-board charger, and re-charged batteries can also be ordered via the app with doorstep delivery options as well. The RV 400 is a quiet, electric motorcycle and the 3kW electric motor offers 175 Nm of instant torque, with a claimed top speed of 85 kmph. The company is also offering an unlimited warranty on the battery of the RV 400.

    The Revolt RV 400 is available for order on Amazon as well as the Revolt Intellicorp official website. The RV 400 also boasts of a choice of synthesized sounds, which can be selected by the rider from the Revolt App. The Revolt RV 400 is now available in Delhi and Pune and soon availability will be extended to other cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Chennai in the next few months.

    The smaller Revolt RV 300 is powered by a 1.5 kW motor that uses a 2.7 kW battery pack that promises a range of 80-150 km on a single charge. The top speed is rated at 65 kmph. The electric motorcycle will come with an 8 years/75,000 km warranty, with a service interval at every 10,000 km. Revolt is also offering a free tire replacement, one set in three years, but only for the premium variant of the RC400. Bookings for the Revolt RV 300 and RV 400 will open from August 29,2019.

    Lees ook:

  • Harley-Davidson Street 750 10th Anniversary Edition Launched In India

    Harley-Davidson Street 750 10th Anniversary Edition Launched In India

    American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson completes ten years in India this year, and to commemorate the occasion, the company has introduced a limited edition version of its entry-level offering. The Harley-Davidson Street 750 10th Anniversary Edition is priced at ₹ 5.47 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and becomes the first motorcycle in the bike maker’s line-up to meet the upcoming BS6 emission norms. The special model is about ₹ 13,000 more expensive than the standard version, and production is restricted to just 300 units in order to maintain the exclusivity on the model.

    The Harley-Davidson Street 750 10th Anniversary Edition remains largely identical to the standard model, but you do get the new Indian motif on the fuel tank and on the tail section just above the taillight. The bike continues to sport black finished alloy wheels, along with fork gaiters on the front forks. The short seat remains the same too on the 2020 Street 750.

    Mechanically, the Harley Street 750 anniversary edition the same components. The bike draws power from the same 749 cc liquid-cooled, V-Twin Revolution X engine that has been upgraded for the new and stringent emission norms, and churns out 60 Nm of peak torque at 3750 rpm, while paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The bike uses telescopic forks up front and twin shocks at the rear for suspension duties, while braking performance comes from disc brakes with dual-channel ABS.

    Apart from announcing the new Street 750, Harley-Davidson India also unveiled the LiveWire in the country. The production-spec version of the much-awaited motorcycle remains only an unveil for now and there has been no announcement on the launch of the motorcycle.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Harley-Davidson LiveWire Unveiled In India

    Harley-Davidson LiveWire Unveiled In India

    Harley-Davidson has launched the American motorcycle manufacturer’s first electric motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson LiveWire in India. The LiveWire is the first model in a broad portfolio of electric motorcycles from Harley-Davidson and is priced at US$ 29,799 and will be available on sale at Harley-Davidson dealerships in the US, Canada and European countries. For now, Harley-Davidson India has just showcased the LiveWire in India, but it could well be launched in India, in a few years from now. If at all it’s launched, we expect the LiveWire to be priced at around ₹ 40-50 lakh in India.

    The LiveWire is powered by the all-electric Harley-Davidson Revelation powertrain which puts out 103.5 bhp of power and 116 Nm of instant torque. The LiveWire has claimed acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3 seconds and roll-on acceleration from 100 kmph to 129 kmph in 1.9 seconds. The electric powertrain requires no clutch and no gear shifting, so just a twist of the throttle is all that is required. There is regenerative braking as well, and the LiveWire produces a unique futuristic sound complementing the smooth electric power.

    The LiveWire is loaded with electronics, including cornering anti-lock braking system (ABS), cornering enhanced traction control system, rear wheel lift mitigation, as well as a drag-torque slip control system which manages rear wheel slip and prevent rear-wheel lock due to the regenerative braking. A 4.3-inch full-colour TFT touchscreen panel offers the rider controls to seven riding modes, including four pre-programmed modes – Road, Rain, Sport and Range. Additionally, there are three more fully customisable modes, where the power (maximum rate of acceleration), regeneration (braking effect when off-throttle), throttle response and traction control settings can be fully customised.

    The LiveWire has a cast aluminium rigid frame which is said to offer precise and responsive handling, and front and rear Showa suspension, with Showa Separate Function Front Fork Big Piston and a Showa balanced free rear cushion-lite monoshock rear is said to offer a comfortable ride and precise handling. Braking is handled by Brembo Monobloc front brake calipers gripping dual 300 mm diameter rotors on the front wheel. The LiveWire runs on 17-inch wheels shod with Michelin Scorcher Sport tyres with a 180 mm rear tyre width and 120 mm front tyre width. Riders can also use the H-D Connect service, together with the H-D App which will offer bike vitals, including battery charge, bike location, and a security system as well.

    The permanent magnet electric motor is located low on the LiveWire to lower the centre of gravity and aid in the motorcycle’s handling, despite its 249 kg kerb weight. The high-voltage 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery has a claimed range of 225 km while ridden in the city, with 142 km of claimed range on the highway. Additionally, a small 12-volt lithium ion battery provides power for start-up and key fob recognition. Full charging time of the battery with a Level 1 on-board charger is 12 hours from a standard household power outlet, while a DC Fast Charger will fully charge the LiveWire in just 60 minutes. So far, there’s no word on if and when, the LiveWire will be commercially available in India. As things stand today, the fast charger cannot be used in India, and can only be used in European and other international markets.

    Lees ook:

  • Yamaha Tracer Mini Adventure Tourer Spotted In Vietnam

    Yamaha Tracer Mini Adventure Tourer Spotted In Vietnam

    Yamaha may be looking at introducing a small displacement adventure tourer in the Yamaha Tracer range, as a latest spy shot from Vietnam seems to suggest. There are not enough details about what the powerplant of this mini adventure touring motorcycle is, but speculations point to a Yamaha Tracer with either a 125 cc, or a 150 cc engine. From the looks of the spy shot, it appears that the mini Tracer is near production ready, and Yamaha Vietnam may soon unveil the model, in all likelihood, at the upcoming Ho Chi Minh Motorshow later this month.

    What is also not clear at this stage is whether Yamaha will be introducing a 125 cc Tracer, or a bigger 150 cc Tracer based on the Yamaha MT-15. So far, Yamaha has two models in the Tracer range, based on the MT-09 and the MT-07, called the Tracer 900 and the Tracer 700 respectively. But none of the models in the Yamaha Tracer family are offered on sale in India. If Yamaha does decide to introduce a 150 cc Tracer, and if it is eventually manufactured completely in India, we could look at a possible launch sometime in 2020, but that would also depend on if at all India Yamaha will be looking at demand for such a model in the world’s largest two-wheeler market.

    A production-ready model of the mini Yamaha Tracer, in both 125 cc and 150 cc variants, could well be unveiled in November this year at the EICMA show in Milan. We are of course, excited at the prospect of a compact adventure tourer in the lower end of the displacement spectrum, and if Yamaha does decide to introduce such a model in India, it will certainly make for a very attractive package. The current naked 150 cc Yamaha MT-15 has been well-received in India, and a touring variant could well make for a good product strategy in India.

  • Suzuki Access 125 Alloy Wheel Drum Brake Variant Launched

    Suzuki Access 125 Alloy Wheel Drum Brake Variant Launched

    Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL) has introduced a new variant of its bestselling 125 cc scooter, with drum brakes and alloy wheels. According to Suzuki Motorcycle India, there has been a rising demand for the alloy wheel option in scooters, and so the new variant has been introduced. The Suzuki Access 125 with alloy wheels and drum brakes has been priced at ₹ 59,891 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Suzuki Access 125 Special Edition, with alloy wheels and a front disc brake, is priced at ₹ 61,788 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

    “We are delighted to introduce the new alloy wheel with drum brake variant of Suzuki Access 125. Lately, we have witnessed increased demand for alloy wheel option, and the new variant is launched keeping customer preference in mind. Suzuki Access 125 has proven its mettle and emerged as a preferred family scooter in India. We are hopeful that the new variant will add more customers to the Suzuki family,” said Devashish Handa, Vice President – Sales, Marketing & After Sales, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited.

    There are no other mechanical changes on the drum brake, alloy wheel variant of the Suzuki Access 125. The engine is the same, all-aluminium, four-stroke, single-cylinder 124 cc engine, which produces 8.5 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 10.2 Nm of peak torque at 5,000 rpm. The new variant gets Suzuki’s easy start system, long seat and enlarged floor board for a relaxed riding position. It also comes with combined braking system (CBS). The Suzuki Access 125 also gets central locking and a unique safety shutter for security. The Access 125 drum brake variant is available in four colour options – Pearl Suzuki Deep Blue, Glass Sparkle Black, Metallic Matt Fibroin Gray and Pearl Mirage White.

    The Suzuki Access 125 is Suzuki Motorcycle India’s largest-selling model, accounting for more than 90 per cent of the company’s monthly sales. The Suzuki Access 125 is also the highest-selling scooter in the 125 cc segment. Suzuki also offers the Suzuki Burgman Street 125 in the 125 cc scooter segment.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Honda Deauville Touring Motorcycle May Be Re-Introduced

    Honda Deauville Touring Motorcycle May Be Re-Introduced

    Reports from France suggest that Honda may be working on a new version of its once-popular touring motorcycle with the Deauville name. According to French motorcycle website Motostation.com, the new Honda Deauville will be based on the current Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin. So, according to the report, the new bike will feature the same 998 cc, liquid-cooled engine which puts out under 100 bhp of power and 97 Nm of peak torque and will also feature the automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT) as well.

    The mid-range touring motorcycle with the Honda Deauville name was in production from 1998 till 2013, and was named after the popular French seaside resort. The old Deauville had a liquid-cooled v-twin engine and featured a shaft drive, with the first generation model featuring a 650 cc v-twin engine. The second-generation model (2002-2005) featured updated bodywork, enlarged panniers and some technical modifications. The third-generation model (2006-2013) got an engine displacement bump to 680 cc, and was eventually discontinued in 2013.

    So far, Honda doesn’t have a pure road-going touring model, apart from the Africa Twin adventure touring model and the Honda Gold Wing at the luxury end of touring. The Deauville could well meet a niche segment which doesn’t seem to have too many models in the touring category from many manufacturers at this stage. So, will Honda go the dedicated touring way and introduce a new model with hard panniers and mini Gold Wing looks? Time will tell. But for now, it’s interesting news to see that Honda is at least looking at possible demand, at least in Europe for now, for such a model, if at all it is introduced.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Regent No. 1 Retro-Styled Electric Motorcycle To Debut Next Year

    Regent No. 1 Retro-Styled Electric Motorcycle To Debut Next Year

    Sweden-based Regent Motorcycles is an electric motorcycle manufacturer that recently showcased the company’s first product – the retro-styled Regent No. 1 electric motorcycle. The production prototype was unveiled on May 10, 2019 at the MC Massan Swedish Motorcycle Fair, and encouraged by the response the Regent No. 1 received at that event, the company now intends to ramp up production for a commercial launch of the Regent No. 1 by May 2020. The bike is priced at 9,500 Euros (around ₹ 7.5 lakh) with a 10 per cent discount for the first 100 bikes and Regent is already accepting pre-orders on the company’s website.

    The Regent No. 1 is powered by a rear hub motor which can produced around 11 bhp of power upto 20 bhp, and has a top speed of 120 kmph. The battery is a 72 V and 80 Ah pack, offering 6 kWh capacity, and is said to offer a range of 150 km on a single charge. The bike weighs around 130 kg, and has a steel frame, standard telescopic fork and dual rear shocks featuring chromed out coilover springs. The 18-inch spoked wheels come standard with disc brakes with ABS and regenerative braking.

    Despite the retro-styling, the Regent No. 1 comes with a host of modern technology. The instrument panel is a digital touch screen infotainment system, and the bike includes built-in GPS as an anti-theft device which powers the geofencing feature. The price tag is a bit on the higher side, and Regent Motorcycles is actively looking for investors as well. If the Regent No. 1 gives any indication, the next range of electric motorcycles from Regent will be interesting to see what they offer, both in terms of technology and features.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Erik Buell’s New Electric Bike FUELL Fluid Details Revealed

    Erik Buell’s New Electric Bike FUELL Fluid Details Revealed

    The FUELL Fluid electric bike is the first product from the new company spearheaded by motorcycle engineer Erik Buell. Buell was a former engineer with Harley-Davidson, and had founded his own motorcycle brand, the Buell Motorcycle Company and later Erik Buell Racing. The new company, called FUELL, is a partnership between Erik Buell and two other entities, Vanguard Motorcycles, and Spark Racing Technology. FUELL’s first product is the Fluid electric bike, and has a claimed range of 200 km from its two 1,008 Wh removable batteries.

    The FUELL Fluid e-bike has a mid-drive bofeili 500W pedal-assisted motor, giving it 100 Nm of torque, and comes equipped with a Gates Carbon Drive belt system and a Shimano Alfine 8-speed Geared Hub. The twin batteries can be charged up to 80 percent in just 2.5 hours and a full charge in 5 hours. According to FUELL, both of the Fluid e-bike’s 504wh batteries are removable and have the potential to be upgradable, as and when battery technology evolves. The Fluid e-bike sports a 3.2 IPC colour screen which displays information like speed, distance traveled, battery level and five configurable motor assist settings. The Fluid also comes equipped with adjustable suspension and hydraulic brakes for impressive stopping power. The Fluid e-bike is expected to be available from September 2019 and will be shipped worldwide. It’s priced at USD 2,999 (around ₹ 2 lakh in current exchange rates).

    Erik Buell, the man behind the FUELL brand, is considered to be a pioneer in motorcycle technology and was inducted into the American Motorcyclist’s Association Hall of Fame in 2002. He has over 40 years of engineering experience and founded Buell Motorcycle Company which eventually merged with Harley-Davidson. Erik Buell Racing followed the shutdown of Buell Motorcycle Company, and has an Indian connection as well, with Hero MotoCorp picking up 49.2 percent stake in the company in 2013. Erik Buell Racing was involved primarily in building race-ready motorcycles. Erik Buell Racing eventually shut shop in 2016, and the remnants of the company were sold to Liquid Asset Partners.

    FUELL, Erik Buell’s new electric bike venture is expected to introduce more electric motorcycle models in the coming years. The next FUELL product is expected to be the FUELL Flow, an electric motorcycle featuring a hub-mounted electric motor and side-mounted rear shock. The Flow is expected to be available in two variants – with one variant producing 11kW (around 15 bhp) and the other with 35 kW (around 37 bhp). With a history of motorcycle engineering, and racing, it will be interesting to see how the FUELL brand will evolve in the coming years, particularly at a time when the entire auto industry seems to be focussing on electric vehicles as the preferred choice of technology for the future.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • BMW Vision DC Roadster Concept Unveiled

    BMW Vision DC Roadster Concept Unveiled

    Electric motors are supposed to be the successor to the internal combustion engine and manufacturers are making the transition towards the electric mobility on both two and four wheels. BMW Motorrad, largely known for its evocative motorcycles is also working on an electric future for itself and is offering a glimpse of the future with its new Vision DC Roadster concept. BMW calls the ‘electrical awakening’ of the twin-cylinder Boxer engine that has powered the bike maker’s motorcycles for over 90 years. The BMW Vision DC Roadster is only a concept for now but could just preview a future Rnine T model with an electric drive.

    Speaking about the new BMW Vision DC Roadster, Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad explained, “The boxer engine is the heart of BMW Motorrad – an absolute stalwart of its character. But BMW Motorrad stands for visionary zero-emissions vehicle concepts, too. In view of this, one question that arises is: what would happen if we were to replace the boxer engine with an electric motor and the required battery? The Vision Bike shows how we’re able to retain the identity and iconic appearance of BMW Motorrad in distinctive form while at the same time presenting an exciting new type of riding a pleasure. After all: anyone who’s ever tried it out in practice knows very well that riding on two wheels is just as exciting when its electrically powered! The high level of torque right at set-off makes for breath-taking acceleration. This almost brutal power delivery creates a whole new experience of dynamic performance. And the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster puts a face to this experience.”

    The BMW Vision DC Roadster is built around a completely new architecture with the battery as its centerpiece. The manufacturer retains the iconic Boxer appearance with its concept of the future, which can be determined as an electric on closer inspection. The bike uses a vertically fitted, longitudinally oriented battery and is mounted in place of the conventional engine, while two side elements protrude with cooling ribs and integrated ventilators, which are quite similar to the cylinder heads on the Boxer engine. The cylinder-shaped electric motor itself is placed underneath the battery and is directly connected to the universal shaft. BMW Motorrad states that the Vision DC Roadster demonstrates a clever drive architecture that visually echoes the history of BMW Motorrad while taking it a step further.

    The design language on the BMW Vision DC Roadster is dynamic with the low front section and the short high rear. The design gives a sense of agility on the motorcycle, while a very interesting bit is the tubular structure that shows up like the skeleton of the motorcycle, replacing where a fuel tank would be placed. The aluminium frame structure also plays a key factor in the with the battery at the centre of the frame. Given the silence that comes along with electric motors, BMW has worked an innovative to denote that the bike is ready with the side cooling elements moving out slightly when the electric motor is turned on.

    The BMW Vision DC Roadster uses extensive cabon fibre and aluminium in its construction that further adds to its visual appeal. The red contrast elements and brushed aluminium around the battery, frame and cooling systems further emphasise on the bike geometry. There’s extensive attention to detail as well with the use of high quality materials throughout the concept. Details like the exposed universal shaft and the Duolever fork add a striking mechanical look to the motorcycle, while the flat U-shaped LED headlight with two compact lenses looks menacing. The taillight comprises two C-shaped LED elements that carry a minimalist look on the motorcycle. BMW says the Vision bike uses tyres exclusively made by Metzeler, while there are five fluorescent elements, each about the size of a postage stamp, integrated in the design for added visibility and graphic effect.

    In addition, BMW also revealed protective riding gear along with the Vision DC Roadster concept with integrated lighting and connectivity aspects. BMW Motorrad conveys the new concept is a symbol of the future of the manufacturer with alternate drive forms. The manufacturer has not yet revealed details on if and when there will be a production version to the concept, but we do see it coming in a torque-filled future closer than ever. And sure looks exciting!

  • Most Affordable Harley-Davidson Will Be A 338 cc Motorcycle

    Most Affordable Harley-Davidson Will Be A 338 cc Motorcycle

    Harley-Davidson confirmed the development of a small capacity motorcycle earlier this year and now the American bike maker has officially released details of what will be its smallest motorcycle yet. Harley has joined hands with China-based company – Qianjang Motorcycle – and willl be building a 338 cc naked motorcycle. The bike will be manufactured in China, one of the biggest auto markets in the world, and will be exported to a number of countries including India. Harley has also released a render image of the 338 cc motorcycle, which is more of an aggressive street-naked than the traditional cruiser design that the manufacturer is known for.

    Speaking about what will be most affordable offering from the company, Matt Levatich, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson said, “Harley-Davidson has always been about inspiring riders around the world. Our More Roads plan is all about bringing our brand of freedom to more people, in more places, in more ways. We’re excited about this opportunity to build more Harley riders in China, one of the world’s largest motorcycle markets, by creating new pathways to our brand.”

    The upcoming Harley-Davidson 338 cc naked will be co-developed by the US-based manufacturer and Qianjang. The styling is a mix between a street-fighter and a scrambler, and is more of an urban naked. Considering that a lot of potential buyers for the upcoming offering will be young first-time Harley owners, the company will aim to provide a mix of old and new in design and technology. Although not much has been said about the underpinnings of the new motorcycle, the bike is likely to be underpinned by a Trellis frame with possibly a liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor, telescopic front forks, dual disc brakes and an analogue instrument console with a digital readout.

    The new Harley 338 cc motorcycle will be launched in China first by the end of 2020, and is likely to make it to other parts of Asia and other emerging markets by 2021. That’s also when we expect the India launch to take place with the model likely to be locally assembled at the company’s Haryana-based facility. With its smallest offering, Harley will be taking on Royal Enfield as well as the models to be produced under the Bajaj-Triumph alliance in the 350 cc cruiser segment. Royal Enfield currently rules this space growing aggressively in the middleweight motorcycle segment worldwide. Expect prices to be around the ₹ 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom) mark for the entry-level Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

    Lees ook:

  • MV Agusta Superveloce Will Be Launched Globally In 2020

    MV Agusta Superveloce Will Be Launched Globally In 2020

    Italian motorcycle manufacturer, MV Agusta, has announced that the very sexy Superveloce, which we saw at the 2018 EICMA Motorcycle show, will not only go into production but will also be launched internationally next year. The Superveloce is based on the F3 and is a tribute to the company’s glory years in the 1970s when they were big players in the Moto GP. The front end has been completely redesigned with new fairings and a retro circular headlamp. Moreover, the headlamp cover and the windscreen are tinted yellow, harking back to the ’70s. The concept model used a lot of carbon fiber and we believe that the final production model will have at least a few carbon fiber bits as well. There will be a full-color TFT screen on offer too. The lightweight and minimalistic tail fairing rest on a new sub-frame, which transforms the bike from a single seat to a dual seat version if need be.

    It will have the same 798 cc, 3-cylinder engine which will pump out close to 148 bhp and 88 Nm and will be paired to a 6-speed gearbox. However, folks at MV Agusta say that the engine will be completely re-mapped and will have a torquier mid-range with a lot more to play with at the top end. The bike will get a new airbox along with an asymmetrical 3-into-1-into-3 exhaust which means there will be two exhaust tips on the right and one on the left.

    This has been inspired the GP racing bikes of the 1970s. Expect these to pump up the power output as well. The company hasn’t released the exact specifications of the bike yet. We might see the production version of the Superveloce 800 at this year’s EICMA Motorcycle Show.

  • BMW Concept R18 Revealed

    BMW Concept R18 Revealed

    While BMW Motorrad has a motorcycle or two for almost every occasion and enthusiast, what it lacked was a retro-styled, chrome-laden, laidback cruiser motorcycle, something similar to what Harley-Davidson motorcycles have to offer. But that is set to change. At this year’s Concorso, d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW took the wraps of the Concept R18. It is a beautiful cruiser concept and the design language is similar to that of a bobber motorcycle. The good news is that BMW Motorrad confirms that the Concept R18 will go into production come 2020. In fact, BMW will be launching more such cruiser motorcycles in the future, although exact details are very sketchy at the moment.

    With its ‘factory-custom’ bobber styling, BMW has ensured that it catches the eye of the cruiser motorcycle enthusiast. It says that the R18 is a tribute to the original R5 which made its debut in 1936. The stance of the bike is similar to the 1936 R5 and there are other stylish retro touches such as a teardrop shaped fuel tank, open shaft drive, cantilever suspension et al. The bike gets a 21-inch wheel up front and an 18-inch wheel at the rear, shod with Metzeler Rille tires. Taking the retro quotient higher is the leaf-shaped single seat.

    The BMW Concept R18 gets a massive 1,800 cc boxer-twin engine which has been newly designed and the engine block and transmission are built out of blasted Aluminium. The engine badge bears the name of the concept bike and emphasizes the overall quality. In addition, Solex dual carburetors – similar to those in the BMW 2002 – hark back to the company’s construction history and add the final touch to the motorcycle’s heritage. Will it be coming to India? We are not quite sure at this point in time. But when it does reach international markets, it could very well take on other premium cruiser motorcycle manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson, Indian and Triumph.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Ducati First Quarter 2019 Sales Up Worldwide

    Ducati First Quarter 2019 Sales Up Worldwide

    Ducati has reported a five percent increase in sales worldwide in the first quarter of 2019. In all, Ducati delivered 12,541 motorcycles in the period from January to March 2019, compared to 11,949 motorcycles moved in the first quarter of 2018. And that’s not all; most segments from the Italian manufacturer showed growth in the first quarter, but the Hypermotard and Multistrada range showed the most growth, with sales increasing 18.6 percent. With 4,113 units sold in the first quarter, the Hypermotard and Multistrada are the company’s bestselling models.

    The Ducati Scrambler range continues to be a major revenue generator for the firm and already accounts for more than a quarter of Ducati’s overall sales. And in Q1 of 2019, sales of the Scrambler range shot up just short of 15 percent. Sales in the naked line-up, which includes the Monster and Diavel family, dipped slightly from 2018, by 1.13 percent. The Ducati Diavel 1260 has been introduced in 2019, but that hasn’t seemed to have enthused sales in the segment so far.

    Ducati’s superbike sales have dipped slightly, despite the introduction of the Panigale V4 line-up, and recorded a slip of 13.5 percent compared to the first quarter of 2018. In all, Ducati sold almost 600 more units in the first quarter of this year. With a naked V4 in the making, it remains to be seen how the upcoming new model will be received by the market. Based on the sales trend in the first quarter, it appears the neo-retro models in the Scrambler line-up will continue to be an important segment for Ducati, and could well display more volumes as the year progresses.

  • Hero Pleasure Plus 110 Launched In India

    Hero Pleasure Plus 110 Launched In India

    Hero MotoCorp’s second launch for the day is the all-new Pleasure Plus scooter. The new Hero Pleasure 110 is priced at ₹ 47,300going up to ₹ 49,300  and gets comprehensive upgrades over the outgoing version with a revised design, new colors and more features on offer. It still remains one of the most affordable scooters on sale and will be attracting a number of first-time female buyers. Bookings for the new Pleasure commence from today across the two-wheeler maker’s dealerships pan India, while deliveries will begin by the end of this month.

    The all-new Hero Pleasure had been given a number of revisions for a smart looking appearance. The scooter looks fresh with the bright colors, while the front apron gets a bow-tie like silver plastic cladding that lends a cute face to the model. The headlamp design is completely new and is an angular-upright shaped unit that gets a retro-touch while looking all modern. The side panels have been reworked and get brushed silver highlights for added effect. The taillights are new and the instrument console has been revised as well with a new digital display. The scooter comes with a USB charging slot as well.

    The 2019 Hero Pleasure Plus draws power from the more powerful 110 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that is tuned for 8 bhp and 8.7 Nm of peak torque. The motor is paired with a CVT unit. The more powerful engine replaces the 102 cc mill that was seen on the predecessor and belt out nearly 7 bhp and 8.1 Nm of peak torque. The updated scooter continues to use spring loaded shocks at either end that help keeps costs low. Braking performance too comes from the 130 mm drum brakes at the front and rear with Integrated Braking System (IBS) offered as standard.

    The Hero Pleasure has always been an entry-level offering and comprehensively updated version will certainly help the scooter solidify its position in that space. The aggressive pricing will also help the model that competes against the likes of the Honda Activa-i and the TVS Scooty Zest. Bookings for the updated Pleasure scooter are now open.

    Lees ook: