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Harley-Davidson Potentially Working On A 200cc Roadster

In a surprising turn of events, Harley-Davidson, is rumored to be on the brink of introducing a 200cc single-cylinder motorcycle, igniting speculations of a potential face-off with Royal Enfield in the highly competitive sub-300cc motorcycle segment in India.

recent sightings fueled rumors of a smaller 200cc Harley-Davidson roadster, tentatively named the X 210.
The introduction of the X 210 could provide Harley-Davidson with a more affordable entry point into the market.

A few months ago, Harley-Davidson unveiled the X 440, its first single-cylinder offering in decades, with aspirations to capture market share from Royal Enfield’s globally renowned 350cc lineup.

However, recent sightings of a test mule resembling the X 440 in India have fueled rumors of a smaller 200cc Harley-Davidson roadster, tentatively named the X 210. This development has raised questions about the possibility of Harley-Davidson expanding its small-displacement portfolio.

One compelling reason for Harley-Davidson to consider a 200cc roadster is its strategic intent to challenge Royal Enfield’s dominance in the sub-300cc segment.

While the X 440 boasts competitive pricing, it still falls short of matching Royal Enfield’s extensive 350cc range. The introduction of the X 210 could provide Harley-Davidson with a more affordable entry point into the market.

The demographics of the Indian market play a significant role in this potential move. India has witnessed a strong demand for sub-300cc motorcycles, with consumers willing to compromise on certain features if the pricing is competitive.

Another crucial factor contributing to the feasibility of the X 210 is Harley-Davidson’s partnership with Hero MotoCorp in India.

Hero MotoCorp recently introduced a new 210cc, liquid-cooled engine producing 25 horsepower and approximately 15 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant could serve as the heart of the X 210, with some fine-tuning to align it with Harley-Davidson’s characteristic focus on low-end torque.

However, not all signs point definitively toward the X 210 becoming a reality. The test mule spotted in India closely resembles the X 440 in terms of design and exhaust layout.

Furthermore, neither Harley-Davidson nor Hero MotoCorp has officially filed any documentation or statements regarding a 200cc roadster.

What can be confirmed, however, is that Harley-Davidson India is actively working on the Nightster 440, a motorcycle expected to offer a premium Harley-Davidson cruiser experience, differentiating itself from the X 440 and showcasing the brand’s commitment to diversifying its lineup.

Hero MotoCorp Garners Over 25,000 Bookings For Highly Anticipated Harley-Davidson X440

Hero MotoCorp, India’s leading motorcycle manufacturer, has made a resounding entry into the premium motorcycle segment with the Harley-Davidson X440, as it announces an overwhelming response of 25,597 bookings.

The booking phase, which commenced on July 4, has now concluded, but a new booking window is on the horizon, as stated in a press release by the company today.
Scheduled to initiate production at the Garden Factory in Neemrana, Rajasthan, come September, Hero MotoCorp is primed to deliver the Harley-Davidson X440 to eagerly awaiting customers starting in October.

Niranjan Gupta, Chief Executive Officer at Hero MotoCorp, expressed his delight at the tremendous reception the Harley-Davidson X440 has garnered.

“We are delighted with the customer response to Harley-Davidson X440. It is heartening to see the confidence shown by the customers in Hero MotoCorp’s foray into this segment … and that majority of our bookings are coming from the top end model, indicating that customers are willing to pay higher price for the right brand and right model.

“This is just the beginning of our journey to win in the premium segment,” he said.

The Harley-Davidson X440 is a remarkable collaboration between the iconic Harley-Davidson brand and the innovation-driven Hero MotoCorp. As the bookings flood in, it is evident that the alliance between these two industry giants has struck a chord with Indian motorcycle enthusiasts.

Hero MotoCorp has positioned itself as a stalwart in the two-wheeler market, and the impressive response to the Harley-Davidson X440 only underscores the company’s commitment to excellence and its ability to cater to a diverse range of consumer preferences.

With the success of the Harley-Davidson X440’s initial booking phase, all eyes are now on the upcoming production and delivery stages.

Hero MotoCorp Raises Prices Of Harley-Davidson X440 Motorcycle Following Overwhelming Pre-Orders

Hero MotoCorp, the renowned two-wheeler manufacturer, announced a price hike of INR10,500 (RM500) for the new India-made Harley-Davidson X440.

the made in India Harley-Davidson has garnered a lot of attention since it’s launch.
the X440 runs on a single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine that’s capable of making 27hp & 38Nm.

This decision comes just days after the Chief Executive of Harley-Davidson expressed delight over the remarkable number of pre-orders for the X440, surpassing the company’s initial expectations.

The Harley-Davidson X440, which is set to be priced at INR239,500 (RM13.1k) and above, will now include the price increase across all its variants, as per the statement issued by Hero. Customers can anticipate deliveries to commence in October.

Harley-Davidson, after discontinuing most of its dealer network in India in 2020, joined forces with Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest motorcycle maker, to develop and market a series of its branded bikes in the country. Their initial offering, the X440, marks the beginning of their strategic partnership.

Harley-Davidson CEO, Jochen Zeitz, expressed his contentment during an earnings call last week, stating, “We’ve been extremely pleased with the reception that the X440 has received since launch, with pre-orders exceeding initial expectations from launch.”

Pre-Orders For The Harley-Davidson X440 Is Exceeding Expectations In India

Harley-Davidson’s latest move to tap into the booming Indian motorbike market has seen astonishing success, as pre-orders for their X440 model have exceeded all expectations.

Harley-Davidson X440 is surprisingly popular in India with the initial bookings exceeding expectations.
the X440 is said to go up against the formidable Royal Enfield in India.

The iconic U.S. big-bike manufacturer, in partnership with India’s Hero Motor Co, is making an aggressive comeback into the Indian market with their affordable and powerful X440 model, priced below INR233,000 (RM12.8k).

The X440, Harley-Davidson’s latest offering, marks a significant milestone for the brand as it re-enters the Indian market after a decade. The decision to collaborate with Hero Motor Co, the world’s largest motorcycle maker, has proven to be a strategic masterstroke, enabling them to penetrate the Indian market with a highly competitive product.

“We’ve been extremely pleased with the reception that the X440 has received since launch, with pre-orders exceeding initial expectations from launch,” said a delighted Jochen Zeitz, Harley-Davidson CEO, during an earnings call with analysts.

However, Harley-Davidson faces a formidable opponent in the form of Royal Enfield, the century-old Indian brand known for its strong fan base and widespread presence across the country.

The challenge of going head-to-head with Royal Enfield in a market that is deeply loyal to the domestic brand cannot be underestimated. Royal Enfield’s extensive network of showrooms and robust after-sales service has cemented its position as a preferred choice among Indian motorbike enthusiasts.

With the X440 generating a buzz in the Indian market, the motorcycle makers are betting on its success to pave the way for Harley-Davidson’s resurgence in the country.

Hero MotoCorp To Electrify The Indian Market With Zero Motorcycles

In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize the Indian motorcycle market, Hero MotoCorp has unveiled its grand vision for electric mobility by teaming up with California-based electric motorcycle manufacturer, Zero Motorcycles.

The partnership, fueled by a substantial USD60 million investment, is set to electrify the industry and drive a monumental shift towards sustainable transportation.
The announcement, which first surfaced in September 2022, left enthusiasts speculating about Hero MotoCorp’s intentions.

With a strong legacy in traditional combustion-powered two-wheelers, Hero ventured into the electric realm earlier in 2022 with the launch of their first electric two-wheeler, the Vida V1, developed in collaboration with Taiwanese electric scooter and tech company, Gogoro.

Now, the veil has been lifted as the Hero MotoCorp Annual Report for 2023 sheds light on the electrifying details of the Zero partnership. The report outlines Hero’s strategic plans to co-develop premium electric motorcycles, utilizing Zero’s expertise to create innovative and high-performance EVs. The collaboration aims to diversify Hero’s EV portfolio, reaching a broader customer base and capitalizing on the global trend towards electric mobility.

Notably, the report emphasizes that this partnership goes beyond just technological exchange. It combines Zero’s cutting-edge powertrain and electric motorcycle development prowess with Hero’s vast scale in manufacturing, sourcing, and marketing, creating a powerful synergy in the realm of sustainable mobility.

For Hero MotoCorp, the alliance with Zero Motorcycles represents a momentous opportunity to spearhead the electric mobility revolution in India. As the largest motorcycle market in the world, India is ripe for transformative change.

Hero MotoCorp envisions bridging the gap between international clean mobility options and Indian consumers by bringing the entire Zero portfolio into the country.

To achieve this, Zero Motorcycles will set up local manufacturing facilities in India, further bolstering the nation’s efforts to promote indigenous electric vehicle production. With Zero’s global reputation for excellence in electric motorcycles, combined with Hero MotoCorp’s extensive experience in manufacturing and distribution, the partnership is poised to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility not just in India but also across global markets.

Harley-Davidson Nightster 440 Dalam Pembangunan

Baru-baru ini, Harley-Davidson telah pun mengorak langkah sulung dalam pasaran motosikal mampu milik menerusi pelancaran X440 yang dibangunkan bersama rakan kongsi di India, Hero MotoCorp.

Harley-Davidson X440 merupakan motosikal berkonsepkan ‘roadster’ yang dibangunkan khas untuk pasaran India. Sejak perasmian model tersebut , rata-rata berpendapat Harley-Davidson dan Hero MotoCorp akan turut membangunkan beberapa model lain mengguna pakai platform yang sama.

Dakwaan itu akhirnya terjawab apabila Hero MotoCorp telah mempatenkan nama Nightster 440 di India sekaligus mengesahkan ketibaan sebuah lagi model dikuasakan enjin serba baharu itu.

Nama Nightster bukanlah baru kerana jenama motosikal dari Amerika Syarikat itu telah pun menawarkan versi lebih besar dan berkuasa dengan enjin V-Twin 975cc. Menariknya, Nightster merupakan keluarga ‘Sport’ Harley-Davidson bersama-sama Sportster.

Ini bermakna, kami jangkakan Nightster 440 juga akan muncul sebagai model lebih ‘sporty’ berbanding X440 sedia ada.

Untuk rekod, enjin satu silinder 440cc dibangunkan Hero MotoCorp itu menawarkan 27hp pada 6,000rpm dan 38Nm pada 4,000rpm.

The G 310 Range Is The Best-Selling BMW’s In India

India witnessed over 15 million brand new motorcycles hit the roads in 2022.

Motorcycles have become an indispensable part of Indian mobility, with the nation’s landscape showcasing the significant role they play.
the G 310 range accounted more than 90 percent of BMW Motorrad India’s sales.

While the Indian market offers a different selection of models compared to the West, some well-known manufacturers have managed to establish a strong presence. Among them, BMW stands out for making remarkable strides in India, largely due to its G 310 model range.

The BMW G 310 series, consisting of the G 310 R, G 310 GS, and G 310 RR, has captured the Indian motorcycling enthusiasts’ hearts. Although not entirely a product of BMW, the G 310 range is a result of a collaboration with TVS, a prominent Indian motorcycle manufacturer with close ties to European brands.

BMW entrusted TVS to develop and produce these motorcycles, which were then adorned with BMW’s signature bodywork and branding before being introduced to the global market.

The G 310 lineup, known for being the most accessible motorcycles to bear the prestigious BMW badge, has become a symbol of aspiration, not only in India but also worldwide.

During the first half of 2023, BMW Motorrad India recorded a remarkable sales figure of 4,667 units, with an astonishing 90 percent of them being G 310 models. This remarkable achievement translated into a remarkable 50-percent sales growth for the Indian arm of the German motorcycle manufacturer when compared to the same period in the previous year.

The BMW G 310 series is popular for its accessibility, providing riders with an entry point into the BMW brand. Equipped with relatively basic tech, the motorcycles still deliver respectable performance for their displacement class.

2023 Harley-Davidson X440 Rolls Out In India – 27hp, 38Nm

Harley-Davidson, in collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, has finally unveiled its highly anticipated motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson X440.

This new model aims to attract new riders and budget-conscious individuals with its approachable retro-style design and versatility for city riding.
The Harley-Davidson X440 will be available in three variants: Classic, Vivid, and Pinnacle. While all three models share the same foundation, they differ in styling cues and trim options.

The Classic variant, priced at INR229,000 (RM13k), features spoked wheels and monotone colourways, with a blacked-out engine for a sleek appearance. The Vivid model, priced at INR249,000 (RM14k), comes with alloy wheels and two-tone color schemes.

The top-tier Pinnacle variant, retailing at INR269,000 (RM15k), boasts two-tone alloy wheels, striking color combinations with 3D decals, and machined cooling fins for a premium aesthetic.

Under the X440’s chassis lies a 440cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine. Delivering 27 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 26 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, this motorcycle competes favourably with other retro-style 400cc bikes on the market. Power is transferred to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual transmission, enhanced with an assist slipper clutch for a smoother and more comfortable ride.

Designed to tackle India’s challenging road conditions, the Harley-Davidson X440 features robust and modern underpinnings. It comes equipped with a 43mm inverted front fork and gas-powered, preload-adjustable twin shocks at the rear.

The bike relies on front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS, provided by Brembo subsidiary ByBre, to ensure reliable stopping power. Additionally, the X440 rides on 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels fitted with MRF Zapper Hyke tires.

While the X440’s tech package remains simple, featuring only dual-channel ABS, it does offer a minimalist TFT display pod and a full set of LED lights. Notably, the motorcycle lacks traction control and rider modes, emphasising a back-to-basics approach.

With the launch of the Harley-Davidson X440, the iconic American motorcycle brand aims to tap into the Indian market’s growing demand for affordable and beginner-friendly motorcycles.

YouTuber Dies After Attempting To Hit 300km/h On His Kawasaki ZX-10R

The dangerous trend of attempting to reach the 300 km/h speed limit on motorcycles has claimed another life in India.

There’s been several incident where YouTubers and influencers in India been trying to hit the 300km/h mark solely for content purposes.
Agastya Chauhan is a popular YouTuber in India with 1.25 million subscribers.

This time, a known Youtuber with 1.25mil subscribers, Agastya Chauhan, lost his life after attempting similar speed.

The incident occurred on the Yamuna Expressway between Agra and Delhi in Uttar Pradesh. The 25-year old was riding his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. As he was attempting to reach the 300 km/h mark , he lost control of the bike and hit a divider on the expressway.

According to reports, the impact of the crash was severe with the YouTuber succumbed to a head injury and died on the spot.

While some reports have claimed that Chauhan was an experiend biker, others suggest that he was simply a YouTube influencer who had been riding bikes for a long time and making videos on them.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is a powerful machine that features a 998cc, inline four-cylinder engine capable of generating a maximum power of 197.3 Bhp at 13,000 rpm and a peak torque of 113.5 Nm at 11,500 rpm. The bike is electronically limited to a top speed of 299 km/h for safety reasons.

(source: Times of India)

Upcoming Triumph-Bajaj Scrambler Spied Testing In Latest Video

The Triumph-Bajaj partnership has been progressing steadily over recent months, and it seems that a new bike is on the horizon. A recent video posted on YouTube by The Fat Biker has given us the clearest look yet at a Triumph Bajaj test mule being tested on roads in India.

The test mule is seen with alloy wheels instead of wire-spoked wheels shown last year.
Reports suggest the all-new motorcycle is likely to break cover towards the end of 2023.

The bike is believed to be a 400cc machine, with a neutral and upright seating position and mid-mounted foot pegs. It features cast wheels (19-inch up front and a 17-inch in the rear), high-mounted fenders front and rear, and an underslung exhaust with a dual-tipped canister mounted low on the right side. LED lighting is present throughout the bike, and the speedometer is analog.

While it’s not yet clear when the new Triumph-Bajaj bike will be formally revealed, bike press in India believes it will happen later in 2023.

The upcoming bike is expected to directly compete with other scramblers like the Royal Enfield Scram 411, the Yezdi Scrambler, and the Honda CB350RS.

With eight months to go until the formal reveal, enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting more information about this exciting new offering from the Triumph-Bajaj partnership. Stay tuned for more updates on this upcoming model.

Bajaj Takes Over Triumph Operations In India As Part Of Strategic Partnership

Bajaj Auto, an Indian multinational two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing company, has announced that it will be taking over all sales and service operations for Triumph Motorcycles in India.

Bajaj takes over Triumph Motorcycles distributorship in India.
The showroom will only be dedicated to selling Triumph bikes.

The move is part of the strategic partnership that was established by the two companies a few years ago. Bajaj and Triumph have also collaborated to co-develop new entry-level mid-capacity Triumph models that will be produced by Bajaj at its Chakan facility.

With this announcement, Triumph’s India operations will now be under Bajaj’s Probiking business. The business will be headed by Sumeet Narang, while Shoebh Farooq, who was previously the business head for Triumph India, has moved to Bajaj’s electric mobility arm, Chetak Technology Ltd.

As part of the partnership, the first new model is expected to launch in 2023, and it is anticipated to arrive in the next few months. Bajaj and Triumph have revealed that the new models will have various displacements ranging between 200 and 700cc.

To accommodate the new Triumph models, the company’s dealer network will be expanded from 15 cities to 120 cities within the next two years. The showrooms will be tiered, with some of them solely dedicated to higher-end bikes developed solely by Triumph and located in India’s biggest cities.

It has been made clear that Bajaj and Triumph-branded motorcycles will not be sold under the same roof. The Triumph operation will remain independent of both Bajaj and KTM, and the showrooms will be exclusive to the brand. The press release also states that “these new showrooms will be created in line with Triumph’s global standards.”

KTM To Release A New Flagship Variants Of The 390 Adventure

KTM’s partnership with Indian automotive giant Bajaj Auto has resulted in a lot of developments for KTM’s smaller-displacement machines. The latest news from KTM is the upcoming release of new variants of the 390 Adventure.

KTM developing a premium version of the 390 Adventure.
The upgraded 390 Adventure to feature adjustable suspension sourced from WP.

According to Indian motorcycling publication BikeWale, KTM is set to release a premium version of the 390 Adventure equipped with adjustable suspension. This upgraded suspension system, sourced from WP Suspension, will make the already capable 390 Adventure even more capable and could result in one of the most capable entry-level adventure bikes on the market. The new premium version is expected to be called the 390 Adventure R.

On the other end of the spectrum, KTM is also reportedly working on a lowered version of the 390 Adventure. With a seat height of 33.7 inches, the current 390 Adventure is much taller than most Asian inseams. The new lowered version will be a welcome addition to the Asian market, where accessibility is a key consideration for many riders.

Both new variants of the 390 Adventure are expected to hit the market as soon as May 2023, with India being the first to receive them. When mated to the bike’s advanced electronic rider aids, tried and tested engine, and lightweight chassis, the upgraded 390 Adventure could set a new standard in the adventure bike segment.

KTM’s partnership with Bajaj Auto has been ongoing for over a decade, with the Indian conglomerate holding a 48 percent stake in KTM AG. Bajaj Auto handles the production of KTM’s smaller-displacement machines, including bikes with engines ranging from 125cc to 390cc.

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