production

World’s first Production Model Cargo Motorcycle

‘World’s first’ cargo Two-Wheeler aims to be a disruptor in logistics After around 6 years of development work, an electric scooter designed to be a cargo carrier, is gearing up for commercial production. Customer trials of this EV, by a Pune city, India, start-up, have begun, and its market introduction is expected during the first half of this year. Two-wheelers including scooters, motorcycles, mopeds and even bicycles are commonly seen on India’s roads, delivering everything from groceries, medicines, restaurant orders to online orders from the top ecommerce websites. Most private courier delivery companies also empoy two-wheelers. These vehicles work for B2B as well as B2C sectors. City traffic will always spot these buzzing around trying to get ahead to make maximum deliveries per day. So it is not a rural trend at all, though that’s the fastest growing market for two-wheelers. Fleet management concept includes a fleet of two-wheelers by entrepreneurs who take up franchises for making deliveries.

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Aprilia to compete with Enfields?

There might be an Aprilia model to compete with Royal Enfield Classic 350 which is a top-selling model in its class since launch. A new test mule has been spotted in Europe and it has a similar engine casing as the RS 457. It also features old-school styling and body parts that indicates that the world is finally noticing the timeless appeal (and profits) of Enfield models which have built a nice empire in mid-capacity motorcycles for over a decade now. A new retro-styled test bike is getting testes around Europe which on close scrutiny of spied photos suggests it is an Aprilia. Multiple aspects convince eager enthusiasts to claim it is an upcoming Aprilia motorcycle. Engine casing visible on the right hand side is similar to the RS 457’s unit. This test model’s motor appears to be larger in the images. It has a larger exhaust also. But there are many features giving it an appearance of RS 457. However, the design is not very impressive so this would have to be a very early prototype. The aesthetics of its headlight, tank shrouds, and the tail section, seem as if they were all assembled by a local garage shop. A retrofitted model is not exactly a test mule so the mystery is intriguing indeed. RS 457 uses a 457cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with 47.6bhp and 43.5Nm linked to a six-speed gearbox. It has a slipper clutch. Aprilia may carry these forward with different tuning. A slim USD front forks, dual rear shocks, and single disc at both ends are possible indications as well. Its alloy wheels and TVS tyres seem to be borrowed from the RS. It could take any amount of time before Aprilia debuts this retro-styled motorcycle in production form. The current iteration of RS 457 has

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Shotgun 650 announced with details

Royal Enfield officially revealed the production Shotgun 650 to the world on 12-December-2023. After the limited edition Motoverse bike, the details of the model to be launched worldwide in 2024 has been revealed. It has the same 650cc engine as seen on the Super Meteor however it has a much higher ground clearance and a very dramatic design that would appeal to factory custom and modern-retro-bike enthusiasts alike. Check out the launch video and artwork below as well as a comparison with its pre-established sibling: FEATURES Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Wheelbase 1,465mm (about 57.6 inches) 1,500mm (about 59 inches) Ground clearance 140mm (about 5.5 inches) 135mm (about 5.3 inches) Length 2,220mm (about 87.4 inches) 2,260mm (about 88.98 inches) Width 820mm (about 32.2 inches) 890mm (about 35 inches) Height 1,105mm (about 43.5 inches) 1,155mm (about 45.5 inches) Seat height 795mm (about 31.2 inches) 740mm (about 29.1 inches) Rake and trail 25.3 degrees and 101.4mm (about 4.09 inches) 27.6 degrees and 119.38mm (about 4.7 inches) Fuel capacity 13.8 liters (about 3.6 gallons) 15.7 liters (about 4.15 gallons) Curb weight 240 kilograms (about 529 pounds) 241 kilograms (about 531.3 pounds)   LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON RECENT MODELS BY ROYAL ENFIELD IN COMMENTS BELOW

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Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition

In 2024, Suzuki is celebrating 25th anniversary of Hayabusa with a limited edition model and a big party next week at the In-N-Out Burger Finals of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. While the industry and market focusses on more practical and economical middleweight twin-engines,and daily commute two-wheelers– Hayabusa still continues to exist. The first Hayabusa debuted in 1999, with nearly 300,000 units produced. Till date, people still remember and admire it as the fastest production motorcycle in the world. The 25th Anniversary Edition Suzuki Hayabusa retails for $19,599. It is offered in a glass blaze orange and sparkle black paint scheme. * * * * * * * * * * * * Get the latest tech, news, reviews, events and fun at your inbox. Click to test ride the Bikernet.com free weekly newsletter.

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TVS overtakes Yamaha’s Market Capitalisation

TVS overtakes Yamaha’s Market capitalisation to become third-largest two-wheeler maker in the world. The market capitalisation (Mcap) of Chennai-based (India) TVS Motor has surged 37% to $9.2 billion over the past six months, as per Bloomberg’s data. In contrast, Yamaha Motor saw an Mcap erosion of $1.6 billion from its August highs. Only seventeen months ago, TVS Motor Company was less than half the size of Yamaha Motor Co. Now, it has overtaken the Japanese two-wheeler giant in terms of market valuation. Investors continue to bet on a revival in both domestic and export markets, and TVS seemed the horse of choice, symbolic of its logo. BTW, Indian two-wheeler manufacturers make up four of the top five companies in the world. Bajaj Auto tops the list with a Mcap of $19 billion, followed by Eicher Motors with an $11.5 billion Mcap. Hero MotoCorp ranks fifth with a market valuation close to $8 billion. Additionally, TVS Motors has gained dominant position in EV scooters, and has managed to gain market share in every segment over the last few years. TVS makes the 310cc BMW engines and motorcycles sold in India. TVS also owns the Norton brand. US-based Harley-Davidson ranked seventh with an Mcap of $4.3 billion, three Chinese manufacturers are featured among the top ten two-wheeler makers in the world. * * * * * * * * Stay on top of the two-wheeled world, subscribe to Bikernet.com free weekly newsletter

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Harley-Davidson X 500 model specs for USA

Qianjiang-Produced Harley-Davidson X 500 is expected to be available in USA from 2024. US-specific owners manual has been published by Harley-Daivdson. The X 500 was announced for the Chinese market in April, and later for Australia and New Zealand, but the newly published owner’s manual assures a U.S. launch. There are distinct changes compared to the 2023 owner’s manual, adding information specific to the American market such as a U.S. vehicle identification number (VIN). The manual’s VIN breakdown specifically details the codes for models manufactured by Qianjiang in China for export to the United States. Warranty information and a clause marked as “Other Limitations” included six items in 2023 manual but for year 2024 manual there is an addition of a seventh item. This addition states United States customers are not allowed particular modifications that are not approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board. A definition of tampering with noise control or exhaust emissions control systems is mentioned. These were absent for the manual meant for Chinese market. X 500 is the second model to be produced under the partnership between Harley-Davidson and Qianjiang, following the X 350. The smaller engine model was not intended for US market as per Q1 2023 report, though X350RA variant to be used by Harley-Davidson’s Riding Academy. It is expected the people and dealerships (and media) will react fast & furiously to a Made-in-China Harley-Davidson being sold in USA. We can expect the same liquid-cooled 500cc Parallel-Twin engine, claiming 47 hp at 8,500 rpm and 33 lb-ft. at 5,000 rpm. The claimed wet weight remains 456 pounds, and the fuel economy is unchanged, still claiming 49 mpg. Valve inspections are scheduled for every 15,500 miles. Click & know more about Bikernet’s Free Weekly Newsletter 2024 Harley-Davidson X 500

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Suzuki To Premiere Its First Hydrogen Test Bike

Suzuki To Premiere Its First Hydrogen Test Bike At 2023 Japan Mobility Show The Suzuki Hydrogen Burgman is among several world premiere vehicles from the house of Hamamatsu. Suzuki has preferred the 2023 Japan Mobility Show as the event to unveil its first-ever hydrogen-powered two-wheeler for the world. The company has mentioned it a test vehicle, so it is not a concept. Suzuki is currently researching hydrogen engine development and has yet to put it into consumer focused production. The exhibit will include a test vehicle using a Burgman 400 ABS outfitted with a 70 megapascal (MPa) hydrogen tank and a corresponding engine. Suzuki will also host panels and show videos to illustrate its progress in hydrogen engine development. The 2023 Japan Mobility Show is scheduled to take place between October 28 and November 5, 2023 in Tokyo. * * * * * * * * * * * * Stay updated, stay ahead of the curve. Click and Sign up for the Weekly Newsletter from Bikernet Blog for free.

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Friggin’ Economies of Scale

by Ujjwal Dey with images & illustrations by Wayfarer In Harley-Davidson’s desperate search for volume sales, Will there be a smaller Harley-Davidson X210 in India? X440 is already the smallest engine – perhaps too small of an engine – to be considered a ‘real’ Harley for those who can actually afford to buy it. A rumoured Harley X210 may share the same design elements as the current X440. The smaller H-D is rumoured to be powered by the same 210cc single-cylinder engine found in the Hero Karizma XMR. Have a look at this editorial story giving you the background and the ground zero of Harley-Davidson’s new speculated adventure. Click Here to read this article, only on Bikernet.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * To Stay updated on all Motorcycle News and Events…simply Click & Subscribe to Bikernet’s FREE Weekly Newsletter

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Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is EPA Certified for US

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certified a new Royal Enfield model branded as Shotgun 650 for year 2024. This confirms the production version of the SG650 bobber concept will be coming to America. Royal Enfield presented the SG650 Twin concept at EICMA way back in 2021. Based on the platform that brought us the Continental GT and Interceptor 650, this concept motorcycle combined retro styling with a future-forward silver and blue livery. Since that unveiling, Royal Enfield introduced the more classically-styled Super Meteor 650 which used a similar chassis. Development of the bobber version will continue and give us a new model to be called ‘Shotgun 650’. SG650 concept is a single seat, with mid footpeg placement, handlebars positioned lower and further forward compared to the Super Meteor.The production model may look similar to the concept bike. Its headlight cowl incorporates Royal Enfield’s familiar combination of a round instrument cluster and smaller Tripper navigation display. It is expected that Royal Enfield will officially debut the production version of Shotgun 650 at EICMA, where it first showed off the concept version. * * * * * * * * * * * * Follow Bikernet Free Weekly Newsletter to get latest Motorcycling news, updates, reviews, tech, tips, events & lot of fun. Click here & take a test ride.

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Sturgis Buffalo Chip Evo Entanglement Bike Show

Three years in a row of the best prize package at the Rally! Long known as Harley-Davidson’s most reliable and approachable power plant, many moto-historians also say the Evo engine saved the MoCo. Its 16-year+ run followed the company’s buy-out by the “gang of 13” and it ushered in stability in those post-AMF days. The years of the Evo engine dovetailed with massive production numbers, too, so there are plenty of Evo powerplants still around. When the industry boomed in the late ‘90s and early 2000’s, Evo-style engines ran thousands more “American other” machines made by companies such as S&S Cycle to power Big Dogs, American Iron Horses, and many more. So where are all the Evos now? That’s what we want to know! Bring yours – factory or aftermarket – to enter the 3rd Annual Evo Entanglement Show, presented by S&S Cycle, at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip on Wednesday, August 9th. Besides an opportunity for awesome profiling, you could win an S&S V-111 engine, Paughco frame, tank & front end, and $1000 Baker certificate. And that’s just one of the prizes! Want to meet Sons of Anarchy actor Rusty Coones? Enter the show FREE (online in advance or day of show) to be eligible for the first-ever Rusty Coones Illusion Cycles Award, selected and presented by Rusty himself. The award includes a custom-made, one-off trophy crafted by Paul Wideman at Bare Knuckle Performance PLUS a super slick Whiteknuckler knife compliments of Lowbrow Customs Also meet Show Hero Paul Wideman of Bare Knuckle Performance and Artist Darren McKeag as they arrive on their Bare Knuckle Evo Custom Chops – the bikes they rode in from Missouri, bugs and all. Not enough? How about this: The first 100 people to register for the show – and it’s free to register –

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