Hero electric had launched its Optima and Photon scooters back in 2014 to provide a zero emission solution to urban mobility. Today they have unveiled their lithium ion versions

Hero Electric today unveiled its new high-speed electric scooter with Lithium-ion batteries compared to the AGM VRLA batteries which did duty on the older bikes. The Photon Li is the high-speed scooter and boasts of a top speed of 45kmph and promises to run for 60km on a single charge. Hero claims that the motor and battery packs have been specifically developed for the Indian weather and road conditions. In addition, the motor boasts of a peak power of 1500W, a multi stage heavy duty charger that regulates the charge depending on the battery condition and an electronic controller for optimum torque delivery. It also boasts of telescopic suspension up front and a disc brake mounted on 10-inch rims. Other features include an anti-theft alarm and dual mode of power and economy. 

The Optima+ on the other hand is the low speed scooter and has a speed of 25kmph only. The battery pack at 20AH is half the size of the one on the photon which sports a 40AH battery. Though Hero claims its battery is good for 1500 cycles. The suspension are trailing link and comes with drum brakes only. The range stands at 65km on a full charge whereas the peak motor output is 250W.  The company is offering a 3 year warranty on the batteries and a life of 5 years. Both scooters will be launched on the 1st April 2016

Hero Electric has also introduced a first of its kind Electric Tipper waste management vehicle. The Tipper is priced at Rs 1.45 ;lakh ex-showroom Delhi without the battery, while the Electric Tipper with the battery carries a sticker price of Rs 1.75 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. It promises a range of 80km on a full charge and a top speed of 25kmph. It also comes with a 100AH lithium ion battery which requires 12 hours for a full charge. The Tipper also boasts of a pay load capability of 300kg and a peak power figure of 2000W.

Hero Electric has also launched its charging stations to improve the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in India and is in talks with various agencies and state governments to get them installed in various locations.

Courtesy : Zigwheels

Bajaj has had its new commuter motorcycle on test for a while now, with spy shots giving away details like the cruiser-derived design inspirations. Bajaj has now teased the motorcycle and has revealed the bike's name as the Bajaj 'V'. The official reveal takes place on Feb 1, ahead of the 2016 auto expo.

The unusual name has been derived from India's first aircraft carrier - the INS Vikrant. The connection to the battleship isn't limited to the name alone, as Bajaj claims the 'V' has been made out of melted scrap metal taken from the INS Vikrant.

The teaser images of the V reveal details like a front disc brake, the long seat, alloy wheels with five dual-spokes, café-racer like front end, telescopic front forks and twin-rear shock absorbers. The motorcycle is believed to be powered by a 150cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine mated to a 5-speed gearbox. 

Bajaj is likely to place the V in between the Discover and Pulsar.

Courtesy : Team-BHP

Yamaha will be showcasing two India-bound motorcycles at the 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi which will further expand the bike manufacturer’s offering in the streetbike segment in India

The newest addition to the MT family was showcased by Yamaha at the recent 2015 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. The MT-10 is a litre-class streetbike which borrows the same in-line four-pot 999cc engine that powers the fully faired Yamaha YZF-R1. Power output figures have not yet been disclosed by the manufacturer but will be customised to suit the dynamics of a naked street bike with emphasis on low and mid-range torque.
 
The Yamaha MT-10 has the looks of a raw streetbike with edgy lines giving it a muscular look. The frame is the similar Deltabox chassis that can also be found on the YZF-YR1. The MT-10 has a wide range of electronic goodies like switchable traction control with three levels, three riding modes, and slipper clutch. The MT-10 is also equipped with cruise control but can be engaged only in 4th, 5th and 6th gears.
 
On competition check, the Yamaha MT-10 is likely to be available in the India late 2016 and will be seen competing against the likes of MV Agusta Brutale 1090, Ducati Monster 1200S and the BMW S1000R.

Yamaha MT-03: Based on the lines of the MT bike range by Yamaha, the bike manufacturer had showcased the MT-03 at the 2015 EICMA motorcycle show. The MT-03 draws its looks from its smaller sibling, the Yamaha MT-25. The MT-03 will be showcased at the upcoming 2016 Auto Expo and will be the second offering by Yamaha in the 300cc segment.
 
Yamaha has given the MT-03 the same engine which powers the YZF-R3 which is capable of producing 42PS at 10,750rpm and peak torque of 29.6Nm at 9,000rpm mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Being a streetbike, we believe Yamaha will have some minor tweaks done to the engine to better suit the characteristic of the MT-03. The MT-03 weighs close to its fully faired sibling at 165kgs.
 
With Yamaha now having CKD-facilities available in India, the MT-03 has high chances of being assembled in India. On the price factor, being a naked streetbike the Yamaha MT-03 will cost around Rs 30 to 40,000 cheaper as compared to the YZF-R3 (Rs 3.25 lakh ex-showroom Delhi). The streetbike is expected to be launched by Yamaha late-2016 and will compete against the likes of the Kawasaki Z250, Benelli TNT 300 and the upcoming BMW G301R.

Courtesy : Zigwheels

Harley-Davidson will expand its Sportster range for the Indian market by launching the new 1200 Custom motorcycle at around Rs 9 to 10 lakh ex-showroom

Harley-Davidson is all-set to expect its Indian portfolio. The American bikemaker has invited us to ride its new product in Jodhpur on January 28th but refused to divulge any further information regarding the mystery bike. But according to our sources the new bike in question is the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom. The American bikemaker had recently removed the Sportster 883 from the Indian market and the new motorcycle is the replacement for the above. Service personals at the dealership are currently undergoing training for the new motorcycle with the first lot of motorcycles expected to be delivered by early February. The Sportster 1200 Custom will be the third motorcycle under the Sportster range for the Indian motorcycle market after the Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight and Iron 883.  The styling of the motorcycle is typical to an American cruiser with dollops of chrome and the design influence of the Sportster 883 can be easily seen albeit the proportion of the bike being understandably larger. 

Powering the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom is the same 1,200cc displacement V-twin powerplant as seen on the Forty-Eight. The air-cooled motor churns out 96Nm of peak torque at just 3,750rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear-wheel via a 5-speed gearbox using chain drive. Braking is done by disc brakes on both the ends while ABS is standard. The Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom will be locally assembled and we expect the motorcycle to carry a sticker price of around Rs 9 to 10 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. The Sportster 1200 will compete against the Indian Scout in our two-wheeler market. 

Courtesy : Zigwheels