Hero

Hero MotoCorp finally gets a podium finish at Dakar Rally

Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport team of the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters – Hero MotoCorp, has created history becoming the first ever Indian manufacturer team to finish on the podium of the legendary Dakar Rally. Hero MotoSports Team Rally was formed in 2016 and it participated in its first Dakar Rally in 2017. Over the years, the team has achieved multiple podiums, wins and stage wins at top rally-raids across the world. In its fifth year at Saudi Arabia, the 2024 edition of Dakar Rally was undoubtedly the toughest so far – longer stages, extreme terrains, and confusing navigation right from the start. Two new formats of racing were also introduced by the organizers to add more spice – a marathon stage early on in the race, and a 48H chrono stage during which the competitors were split across several bivouacs – away from their teams, and surviving on bare minimum essentials. As many as one-third of the competitors who started the race retired from the rally across the 14 days of grind. To get to a Dakar podium is no small feat – a thousand things need to be right, and yet, each kilometer of these many thousands can destroy a result with a tiny mistake. 8,000 kilometers at the world’s toughest rally conquered with a top-2 result – Hero has made it clear they’re here to stay. Ross Branch finished the Rally at the second place for the Hero Factory Team. His consistent performance over the 12 stages saw him at the first and second spots in the overall rankings throughout the Rally.

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The cousin for Harley-Davidson X440

Even as X440 takes on the local behemoth Royal Enfield, the global two-wheeled giant Hero MotoCorp’s Mavrick 440 was unveiled in India at Hero World 2024. Based on the Harley-Davidson X440, it features a power-roadster design philosophy and will be available for bookings in February 2024. The Mavrick was co-developed in association with Harley-Davidson and is based on the X440. Available in five colour options, across variants, dealerships will accept bookings from February 2024 with deliveries beginning April 2024. Harley-Davidson X440 and Mavrick 440 share the same engine and trellis frame. Yet it looks drastically different and may not appeal to those who loved the X440 design derived from Harley-Davidson XR1200. Mavrick 440 will likely compete well against those left behind by the X440, including the big four Japanese brands. In all of this, the other retro-cruisers such as recently announced Honda CB350 and Jawa Forty-two and the Roadsters from Yezdi and TVS seem lost in the noise, with less brand appeal and even less after-sales expectations. Find out the detailed specs, features and updates at https://www.heromotocorp.com/en-in/motorcycles/Mavrick.html With the launch of Mavrick 440, the buyers of Harley-Davidson X440 might also breathe a sigh of relief as the doubt for after-sales-service and parts might get resolved. Hopefully, H-D’s franchising strategy with Hero and Chinese QJ Motors (for China market) is a long-term strategy. I doubt if Harley-Davidson will again disappear overnight —since Hero has engaged so much resources, it is likely a tight, well-planned partnership. * * * *

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Hero MotoCorp announces streetfighter juxtaposed to Harley-Davidson X440

Hero ‘Maverick’ is the upcoming streetfighter, positioned against Harley-Davidson X440. It will also go up against the popular Yamaha MT lineup. Hero and Harley-Davidson are working together but who will win in their respective sales volumes? Hero MotoCorp is the exclusive distributor and service provider for Harley-Davidson in India. Together they built and launched the X440 last year to good pre-booking numbers. The forthcoming Hero Mavrick will share identical foundational elements, such as the trellis frame and the 440 cc oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine. However, it will undergo several modifications to distinguish itself more distinctly from its American counterpart. While Harley-Davidson X440 is categorized as a roadster, the forthcoming Mavrick will be positioned as a streetfighter. It all starts with a cool name. That’s how marketing and branding works. I bet Hero MotoCorp will sell a lot more of these Maverick bikes than H-D’s X440 bikes—- no doubt inspired from a ‘Top Tom’ movie of the same name. If Hero MotoCorp don’t show an advertisement featuring airplane pilots, aspiring owners will probably be disappointed. These will also compete well against existing Yamaha lineup including Yamaha MT-15. Bajaj Pulsar is still a well-known common model and Hero now has its Karizma ZMR as well as Maverick to rival Bajaj. * * * * Subscribe to be in the loop of all things on two-wheels, click to roll. Free weekly newsletter. Once a week, no spam, nothing but motorcycle related content.

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Delivery and Deliverance

A tale of two parties to a deal and one steadfast old iron engine Text and photos by Ujjwal Dey with illustrations from Wayfarer An Enfield Bullet 350 finds a home after being in limbo for four stressful months. The cast iron engine with right-hand-side gear shift is a well-known legend among motorcyclists, especially purists who don’t want the brand name “Bullet” associated with run-of-mill modern designs & engines. What misadventure occurred and what new adventures await? “First time in life I decided to purchase a used vehicle. An out of production cast-iron engine Enfield Bullet 350cc with right-hand-side gear shift which is the closest thing available to the 1955 Enfield Bullet 350 including chassis and engine design by the Britishers among other things such as dashboard, tank, hand-painted pinstripe, etc. These come with Green Tax for the alleged pollution they may or might be making. I got a fitness test certificate from the Road Transport office, where the ownership change is registered.” — Dey Click here to read this awesome anecdote about ‘love after love’. Believe it! * * * *

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SciFi Satire: Gavin Newsom and the Doomed Planet

News Media Love for ‘the man’ Gavin Newsom A political satire for ‘our times’ Are you tired of repeated news while walking left or right of the sidewalk ? Well, here is a dust of humor for your worn shoes and mind: a political satire on celebrated, ‘always-in-the-news’ man of today. A Hero in our Adventure expanding your ‘mind’s space’ Click Here to Read the latest from J. J. Solari

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Hero MotoCorp expands operations in Argentina

from https://www.business-standard.com/ by Press Trust of India Two-wheeler market leader Hero MotoCorp on Friday announced the expansion of operations in Argentina with the opening of its flagship dealership in Buenos Aires in partnership with Gilera Motors Argentina. Gilera Motors Argentina (GMA) will make new investments to rapidly expand all business operations for Hero MotoCorp’s products. This is expected to generate nearly 500 new jobs in the region, the company said in a regulatory filing. Further, GMA has also expanded its plant in Carlos Spegazzini province of Buenos Aires to completely renovate its infrastructure and adapt the latest automotive technologies that are incorporated in Hero MotoCorp products, it added. ABOUT HERO MOTOCORP Hero MotoCorp is the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world. In January 2021, Hero MotoCorp’s production exceeded 100 million two-wheelers. Hero MotoCorp is the Exclusive Distributor for Harley-Davidson motorcycles in India and manages the Authorized Dealerships, Service Centers and parts for the iconic American brand. HeroMotoCorp is present in South American and African nations and launched Hero brand in Mexico in January 2021 in Partnership with Grupo Salinas. Hero Motorsports Rally Team participates in international competitions including Dakar Rally. In July 2013, HeroMotoCorp acquired 49.2% shareholding in Erik Buell Racing, a motorcycle sport company which produced street and racing motorcycles based in East Troy, Wisconsin, United States. EBR filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and Hero MotoCorp acquired certain assets for ₹18.2 crore (equivalent to US$3.5 million in 2020). * * * * “We are happy to rapidly expand our operations in Argentina. We have already made significant progress since announcing our new association with Gilera Motors Argentina in October,” Hero MotoCorp Head – Global Business Sanjay Bhan said. The company has already inaugurated a flagship store and is focussed on scaling up sales and service across the country, he

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Thanks to All Service Personnel: 9/11

Thanks to All Service Personnel I would like to take a moment and thank all service guys and girls including Fire Fighters, Police, medical folks and our military crew. They do a magnificent job every day under extreme circumstances especially now and on the days surrounding 9/11. They live to a higher code, so brothers and sisters all over the country can ride free and safe. If you see a cop, a nurse, a fire fighter or a bro or broette in uniform today, say Thanks. Ride Free Forever, –Bandit Bikernet.com and 5-Ball Racing: https://www.bikernet.com/

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Electric drive systems to convert petrol motorcycles

by Satya Singh from https://www.rushlane.com It’s good to know that electric two-wheelers are registering greater acceptability among users. However, sales of new electric scooters alone may take a long time to achieve the goal of 100% electric ecosystem. One also needs to focus on millions of fossil-fuel powered two-wheelers that continue to pollute the environment. The need of the hour is dedicated conversion kits that can be produced on a mass scale, are affordable and can be easily fitted in existing two-wheelers. Saietta electric motor for Continental GT UK-based Saietta Group specializes in developing electric drive systems for electric vehicles (EVs). It has come up with an electric motor that can be fitted directly onto Royal Enfield Continental GT. A number of tests are currently underway to assess overall performance and viability of converted Continental GT. The company has plans to mass-produce the motors, once everything has been fine-tuned and perfected. These motors will also be distributed to Indian OEMs through Padmini VNA. The latter is a leading manufacturer of advanced auto components. It is to note that Royal Enfield is in the process of developing its own range of electric motorcycles. These will continue to use the retro theme that can be seen on existing Royal Enfield motorcycles. However, it’s not certain when exactly these motorcycles will be launched. It’s also not certain if Royal Enfield will be able to dominate the electric segment, just as it does in 350cc to 650cc segment. It will be interesting to see how the king of thump performs in a green, silent world. Hero Xtreme electric motor Targeting the commuter segment, Saietta has converted a Hero Xtreme with an electric motor. This too has been equipped with a swappable battery system. As compared to charging an electric two-wheeler, a swapping ecosystem offers

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Harley-Davidson back in India through Hero Motorcycles

from https://www.financialexpress.com Harley-Davidson back in India: First batch including Pan America 1250 booked already. Hero MotoCorp has onboarded 12 Harley-Davidson dealers and increased its customer touch-points across the country. Around 100 Harley-Davidson bikes, constituting the first batch assigned to the Indian market this year, have been completely pre-booked indicating robust demand for the iconic brand in the count, according to an industry source. The booking process for 13 Harley-Davidson models, which are priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom), started in April this year after Hero MotoCorp announced the prices of the 2021 model range. In October last year, Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson announced a partnership for the Indian market. As per its licensing agreement, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has taken over the exclusive distribution rights of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, parts and merchandise in India, after the latter decided to close its operations in the country. Since then, Hero MotoCorp has onboarded 12 Harley-Davidson dealers and increased its customer touch-points across the country. The two-wheeler major is also developing a range of premium motorcycles that will be sold under the Harley-Davidson brand in India. “The company has received bookings for more than 100 motorcycles already, including a complete lot of the upcoming Pan America 1250 adventure motorcycles. “The other models include the likes of Softail, Fat Bob, and Street Bob motorcycles,” the industry source told PTI. Currently, Hero MotoCorp has 12 dealerships catering to the Harley bikes in the country. The source said there would be more units assigned to the country as the first lot is totally pre-booked. The iconic American brand has already started taking bookings for the next batch, he added. When contacted, a Hero MotoCorp spokesperson declined to comment saying, “We will be soon making an announcement on

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Global motorcycles’ leader unveils investment plan for Nigeria

by Taofik Salako from https://thenationonlineng.net World’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, Hero MotoCorp, has unveiled a reinvigorated strategy to invest in its Nigerian business and build a dominant market presence. It hopes to use its Nigerian business to leverage other markets in the West African sub-region. The New Delhi (India)-headquartered company has also launched a new motorcycle, ‘Hunter’ that is developed specially for the Nigerian market. Head, Global Business, Hero MotoCorp, Sanjay Bhan said Nigeria was a key market for the group, central to its growth plans in the region. He said the development of a Nigeria-specific motorcycle, ‘Hunter’, was a demonstration of the commitment of the group to the country. “Going forward too, we strive to bring our globally renowned products to Nigeria. Along with our partner KewalramChanrai Group, we are confident of delighting the customers and driving the market with our world-class products and services,” Bhan said. The diversified KewalramChanrai Group is the exclusive distributor of Hero MotoCorp in Nigeria. With its extensive experience in the automotive sector spanning several decades, KewalramChanrai Group will play an integral role in Hero MotoCorp’s growth plans in Nigeria. According to the growth plan, Hero MotoCorp – along with KewalramChanrai Group – is aiming to aggressively grow its presence in Nigeria and cater to the continuous demand for great quality products at affordable prices. The new strategy underscores Hero MotoCorp’s commitment towards Nigeria and to providing customers with an appealing and comprehensive range of products across the country. Managing Director, Automotive Division, KewalramChanrai Group, Anil Sahgal, said it was gladdening to be the exclusive partner of Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, in Nigeria. According to him, with the group expertise in the market and Hero MotoCorp’s global excellence, the partners will provide the best products and

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