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Tag: bike

  • Triumph Motorcycles Recalls Over 12,000 Bikes In The US

    Triumph Motorcycles Recalls Over 12,000 Bikes In The US

    Triumph Motorcycles USA is recalling more than 12,000 motorcycles for a potential fault, where the clutch cable may come in contact with the wiring harness, causing loss of electrical power. As many as 12,654 motorcycles are likely to be affected by the recall, and spans across Triumph modern classic models. The affected models are 2016-2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 and Bonneville T120 Black, 2017-2019 Bonneville T100 and T100 Black, 2017-2018 Street Cup and Street Scrambler, and 2016-2018 Street Twin motorcycles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), clutch cable may contact the main harness cover and cause damage to wiring within the main harness, and lead to a loss of electrical power to various electrical circuits.

    Triumph will notify owners of the affected motorcycles, and dealers will replace the original securing guide for the clutch cable and main harness with an updated one, free of charge. Owners may also get in touch with Triumph dealerships directly, or with Triumph customer service to check if their motorcycles are affected by the latest recall. So far, the recall has been issued only in the US for the affected motorcycles, and there’s no update yet if any bikes in India are likely to be affected by the same issue. If you’re a Triumph owner, the official Triumph website does have a provision for checking your VIN (vehicle identification number) to see if that particular motorcycle is under recall.

    The Triumph modern classic range is the most popular range of motorcycles from the British motorcycle brand globally. As much as 60-70 per cent of Triumph Motorcycles’ sales across the world come from the modern classic range in the Bonneville family. In India too, the Triumph Bonneville range is the most popular range of motorcycles from the British brand.

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  • Ducati CEO Hints At Panigale V4 Streetfighter

    Ducati CEO Hints At Panigale V4 Streetfighter

    Is Ducati planning to introduce a naked version of the Panigale V4 superbike? That’s the question that’s been doing the rounds for some time now, especially after a custom-built naked Ducati Panigale V4 was unveiled by Italian design house Officine GP. That custom naked, called the V4 Penta, isn’t an official Ducati creation, but now Ducati Motor Holding’s CEO Claudio Domenicali himself has hinted that a production naked version of the Panigale V4 may indeed be in the works. Domenicali didn’t exactly spell out that a naked V4 is under production, but his cryptic remarks in an interview have led to speculation that a naked version of the Panigale V4 may indeed be in the making.

    In an interview with Swiss website Acid Moto, the Ducati CEO talked about future plans of the company, including plans of an electric model from Ducati. But Domenicali revealed little and denied reports that a supersport V4 was in the works. When asked about the possibility of a streetfighter-style model based on the Panigale V4 engine, instead of replying to the question, Domenicali replied with another question.

    “Do you think Ducati should produce such a bike?” he asked. When the interviewers replied in the affirmative, and said “yes” to that question, which led Domenicali to conclude that “It will therefore be made as soon as possible!” Now, this doesn’t necessarily confirm whether Ducati has plans to make the V4 streetfighter, or if it’s already under production. But his comments certainly are interesting, more so because just around a month ago, a custom stripped down V4 was unveiled by Officine GP. The V4 Penta as it’s called, was not a Ducati commissioned build, but it certainly gives Ducati the chance to gauge market reaction, and it seems a naked V4 could see production sooner than later.

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  • Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 India Launching

    Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 India Launching

    Carandbike has learnt that Royal Enfield will be launching the Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor 650 in India sometime on the 13th , 14th or the 15th of November, 2018. Most probably, the company will club the launch of the 650 Twins with its annual event, the ‘Royal Enfield Rider Mania’. The Royal Enfield 650 twins have been in coming for the longest time now and we have already ridden them in California and were quite impressed by what the bikes offer as an overall package. The bikes were first officially showcased at last year’s EICMA show and Royal Enfield has taken its time to launch the motorcycles in India. The company wants the two motorcycles to be flawless in each and every manner and hence, the delay in the launch.

    The Royal Enfield 650 Twins could be best described as modern classic motorcycles. They are the most powerful motorcycles from Royal Enfield till date. Both the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 share the same engine, chassis, 18-inch wheels and brakes, but motorcycle wears a completely different character and personality. There is no liquid-cooling, ride-by-wire or electronics apart from the dual-channel ABS which is standard. This is probably because it will help Royal Enfield to price the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 competitively.

    Both motorcycles will be available in three variants, which are standard, custom and chrome. We expect all variants of the motorcycles to be launched in India and we are kind of looking forward to ride the ‘Chrome’ variant especially. We expect the prices of the 650 Twins to start at ₹ 3 lakh mark. Royal Enfield said that the prices will be disruptive. The intent of the interceptor 650 is to be a natural upgrade to the 350s and the 500s and therefore, it will be a motorcycle meant for high volumes and if we read it right, Royal Enfield believes the same and we could see the Interceptor being priced even below ₹ 3 lakh. At that price point, it will be going up against the single-cylinder performance naked motorcycles such as the KTM 390 Duke and the BMW G 310 R. We will update you as soon as we have confirmation on the final date.

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  • KTM 125 Duke Bookings Open In India

    KTM 125 Duke Bookings Open In India

    In a surprising move, KTM India is likely to introduce the 125 Duke in India by the end of the year in the country. KTM dealerships in Mumbai and Pune have confirmed to carandbike that they are accepting bookings for the new entry-level street-fighter at a token amount of ₹ 1000. While the launch date has not been officially announced yet, reports suggest the launch is likely to happen by December 2018. Deliveries will commence soon after the launch. This will be the updated KTM 125 Duke that was revealed at the end of 2016 and shares its styling with the KTM 250 Duke. The naked motorcycle will also be the most expensive 125 cc offering to go on sale in the country.

    Power on the KTM 125 Duke will come from the 124.7 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine tuned for 15 bhp and 12 Nm of peak torque. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The bike comes with USD forks up front and a monoshock suspension setup at the rear, while braking performance comes from a 300 mm front and 230 mm disc at the rear.

    Internationally, the 125 Duke is offered with ABS as standard, which could be skipped on the India-spec model since it is not mandatory for motorcycles below 125 ccc. Moreover, the bike will get a price advantage with the absence of ABS. The bike is likely to get CBS (Combined Braking System) instead, which is a lot cheaper in comparison. The TFT screen that is offered on the KTM 390 Duke is also likely to be given a miss to keep costs in check.

    It is to be noted that the KTM 125 Duke was always intended to be an export-only offering ever since KTM commenced operations in India. While the motorcycle benefits from the same cycle parts as its older siblings, it also emerges as a more expensive offering compared to other “premium” 125 cc motorcycles. In Europe, the 125 Duke is largely targeted at A1 license holders with the government restrictions in place, making it a good-looking, fun-to-ride 125 cc bike for young buyers.

    In India, the 125 cc segment is seen largely as a commuter segment for anyone looking for more power without compromising on efficiency. The KTM 125 Duke clearly does not belong to that segment, but could just be a lucrative choice for those looking at a fun-to-ride urban runabout. In terms of competition, the 125 Duke will compete against the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3, Yamaha FZ 25, Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 and the likes. So, yes, prices are likely to be around ₹ 1.50 lakh (on-road), which will make it about ₹ 20,000-30,000 cheaper than the KTM 200 Duke.

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  • World Debut Of A New Motorcycle Brand

    World Debut Of A New Motorcycle Brand

    Conceived, designed and built in New York City, Vanguard is an exciting, entirely new and wholly distinct motorcycle brand. Vanguard, with its forward-thinking design and pioneering features, is a product without equivalent as well as a brand with the potential to bring new perspectives to the motorcycle industry.

    Vanguard is excited to invite members of the media and public to come see its new Roadster in person. The world premiere is scheduled for the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in New York City on December 9th.

    DESIGN

    Form and function have never been more complimentary. The Vanguard Roadster has a striking contemporary silhouette, the result of clear and well-informed design decisions. The lines emerged from breaking everything down into rethinking needs and solutions.

    MOTORCYCLES

    The Vanguard Roadster is a running prototype, with production slated for 2018. It boasts many unique features including a frameless structural engine, unitized crankcase, integrated exhaust and a tablet-size digital dashboard with rear-view camera.

    The Roadster is the first of 3 motorcycles built on a common powertrain platform that will cover all riding positions: Roadster, Cruiser and Racer.

    PRODUCTION

    Vanguard motorcycles will be assembled in New York City at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The modular construction, based on large sub-assemblies, revisits traditional manufacturing methods. Combined with worldwide sourcing and the support of key motorcycle vendors, Vanguard will deliver exceptional value and quality.

    SALES

    Starting at $29,995, a premium price within reach, the Vanguard Roadster is a strong alternative to current premium motorcycles. Selected dealers are signing up to be the ambassadors of this game-changing brand.

    PEOPLE

    Vanguard is led by renowned designer Edward Jacobs and serial entrepreneur Francois-Xavier Terny. Together they form a dynamic team of drive and vision.

    With a fresh perspective and unique approach, Vanguard promises to be a premium motorcycle brand of revolutionary effect.

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  • Little Vespa for the wanderlust

    Little Vespa for the wanderlust

    Naza Premira Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Vespa scooters in Malaysia, announced the arrival of the Vespa Sprint Adventure earlier this week. It is basically a customised Vespa Sprint 150cc ABS “designed with a unique adventurous look”, which probably means it is not quite ready to travel the world, but certainly looks the part.

    The Vespa Sprint Adventure is a derivative of the Vespa Sprint, which was launched by Naza last year. Among the features of the Sprint Adventure are sporty black matt details and travel accessories. Underneath the more rugged exterior is a new Piaggio i-Get 150cc single cylinder, four-stroke, air cooled engine with electronic injection. Pushing out 13hp at 7,750 rpm, and 12.8Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, the little mill is quite efficient, giving gas mileage of up to 42 km/l (Measured by the World Motorcycle Test Cycle). The exhaust system is also a new unit, which Vespa says makes the engine quieter while at the same time giving “a more full and pleasant timbre”.

    The Sprint Adventure is also equipped with an ABS brake system. The accessories that differentiate the Vespa Sprint Adventure from the standard variation are a black front and rear carrier as well as a smoked fly screen. The accessories will be received and assembled separately at the dealership. The Sprint Adventure is available in Green Matt and Desert Sand and will retail at RM17,000, rather steep for a 150cc scooter, notwithstanding its adventure “credentials”. The standard Sprint was priced at 15k with GST at its launch last year. In conjunction with the launch of the new limited edition scooter, an adventure tour of South East Asia is being organised with a fleet of the Vespas ridden by journalists, “influencers”, celebrities, photographers and Vespa adventure lovers participating. The convoy will take them from Vietnam to Singapore.

    Malaysia will be represented by photographer Mark Teo. A social media contest will also be held. More details can be found on the official Vespa Sprint Adventure (VSA) Facebook page and Instagram profile. Fun Fact: The Guinness Book of Records states the minimum distance around the world to be 29,000km in their recognised round the world attempts.

    At 42 km/l, it would require just 690.5 litres of petrol for the Vespa Sprint Adventure to circumnavigate the earth. At the current Malaysian RON95 price of RM1.80 (which is not really possible since the scooter would be travelling around the world), it would cost just RM1,243 in fuel costs for the entire journey!

  • India becomes Honda’s biggest 2 wheeler market

    India becomes Honda’s biggest 2 wheeler market

    Riding on a sustained double-digit growth in scooter volumes, Japanese auto major Honda has seen India emerge as its biggest two-wheeler market this financial year.

    Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) recently overtook the company’s volumes from the Indonesian market.
    Into the sixth year of the split with its Indian partner Hero, HMSI has sold 1.23 million units during the April-June quarter, 16 per cent more than the 1.06 million units sold in Indonesia.
    The corresponding volumes for India and Indonesia last year was 1.01 million and 1.03 million units, respectively. With this increased volume, India now brings 29 per cent of Honda’s global two wheeler sales compared to 25 per cent a year ago.
    In Indonesia, for instance, it commands 80 per cent share; the share in Vietnam is 70 per cent of the market.

    “Considering the low two-wheeler penetration in India, we believe that it will continue to lead the global two-wheeler market, as new demand will continue to come from rural and semi-urban areas in the future. The road infrastructure is increasing rapidly while public transport is not able to meet daily commuting needs of millions,” said Y S Guleria, senior vice-president, sales and marketing, HMSI.

    Honda is the second-biggest two-wheeler player in the Indian market.

    It is also present in the passenger vehicle market, where it is the sixth-largest player and has a five per cent share.

    In the two wheeler market, however, Honda enjoys a 28-per cent market share though Hero MotoCorp is the leader with a 37-per cent share. In the scooter segment, Honda sits on a strong 59-per cent share. It is this segment that is driving the company’s India volumes.

    Scooters account for two-thirds of HMSI’s India sales, up significantly from 54 per cent a year ago. The scooter market has grown 24 per cent this year so far on a rising base, helped by double digit growth for last two consecutive years. Motorcycles, as a segment, did not do well for last two years due to weakness in rural markets on sub normal monsoon. That is set to change this year.

    Improved sentiments in rural markets due to good rainfall and higher wages of the government employees will be positive growth triggers for the industry. Guleria said the Indian market has been showing constant growth in recent years while other big markets such as Indonesia and Brazil have been showing downtrend due to their economic slowdown.
    HMSI saw a capacity addition in June this year with the opening of its dedicated scooter plant in Gujarat that added 1.2 million unit annual production capacity. HSMI aims to end this year with total sales of 5.4 million units, up 26 per cent from last year’s 4.28 million units. Honda globally is expected to sell 18 million units this year.
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  • Ducati eyes gold in Indonesia’s big bike market

    Ducati eyes gold in Indonesia’s big bike market

    With the opening of its flagship store in Jakarta, Italian-based luxurious motorcycle manufacturer Ducati expects it will be able to tap into Indonesia’s growing big motorcycle market.

    The store, located in an elite area of Kemang, South Jakarta, opened up for the public on Monday and will serve as Ducati’s complete dealership, one-stop service, spare parts provider and certified used-bike re-seller in Indonesia.

    Garansindo Euro Sports, the new sole distributor of the Italian motorcycles, has allocated at least Rp 80 billion ( US$6 million ) in investment to finance the store and other sales supporting facilities including after-sale services.

    The store has started selling Ducati’s products such as the Monster 795, the Hypermotard, Multistrada, as well as Scrambler Ducati bikes like the Icon, Classic and Urban Enduro.

    The motorcycles carry an off-the-road price tag of between Rp 199 million and Rp 899 million. The Ducati Monster 1100, for example, sells for Rp 345 million, excluding taxes and other levies.

    Garansindo’s managing director Dhani Yahya said the 3,000 square-meter store was Ducati’s largest dealership in the world after the company’s distribution outlet in New Delhi, India.

    “This ambitious investment is expected to expand our market, which was previously considered inaccessible for our potential buyers and customers,” he said on Monday.

    Ducati’s service workshop is part of the flagship store and is able to handle up to 16 bikes per day. The workshop provides original Ducati spare parts imported directly from its plant in Thailand.

    Despite the country’s weak motorcycle sales, which continue to face pressures due to the country’s economic slowdown, Ducati is optimistic about the Indonesian market, given the country’s growing middle class.

    Dhani said that the market response toward Ducati motorbikes was positive so far as seen from the 2016 Indonesian International Motorshow, held in Jakarta last month. During the two-week exhibition, Garansindo managed to sell 52 Ducati motorbikes, a number Dhani said was a sizable one for premium bike sales.

    “The high number of purchased bikes last month proved that we can still generate large enthusiasm in this country,” he said.

    The opening of the flagship store is Garansindo’s first Ducati dealership after the distributor took over from PT Supermoto Indonesia last January. Dulcati’s sales declined last year and its old dealerships in Jakarta stopped operating after Supermoto Indonesia failed to maintain the business.

    To reverse Ducati’s mediocre sales history in Indonesia, Garansindo plans to open at least 12 branches across the archipelago by 2019.

    “Of course at present we will focus on developing this Kemang flagship store, but by 2019 we expect to add 12 more dealerships in places like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung and Bali,” Garansindo president director Mohammed El Abdullah said.

    One of Ducati’s customers, Firman Saladdin, said he expected better aftersales services after the dealership opening.

    “As a loyal customer, I want Ducati to improve its services and add more exclusive spare parts,” the Jakarta-based business consultant said.

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  • Indonesia just banned a $100 million Uber-like startup, and it is suddenly worth nothing

    Indonesia just banned a $100 million Uber-like startup, and it is suddenly worth nothing

    Go-Jek, the $100 million Indonesian start-up which provides an Uber like service with motorbikes has just been made illegal.

    Indonesian media is reporting that the Ministry of Transportation has asked local police to take action against the operators of internet based transport services as well as prohibit drivers of the service due to their effect on other forms of public transport.

    The government is claiming that their reasoning behind the bans of the services are due to the motorbikes not meeting the requirements needed for a public transport vehicle.

    Go-Jek currently has around 20,000 drivers in Indonesia across major cities such as Jakarta, Bandung and Bali, with many driving as their sole source of income.

    Just yesterday Google announced that Go-Jek was the most searched term in Indonesia in 2015.

    Uber and other local app based transport services such as Grab Taxi have also been banned in Indonesia as part of the ruling.