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Why I'm Gunning for Hero Xoom 160 - the scooter with potential for reviving a dying market!

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Hero Xoom 160 arrives at the right moment with the right recipe - credible performance, ADV styling , and a realistic price - to inject life into India's premium scooter niche that past icons couldn't scale, while fresh entrants like River Indie and VLF Mobster 135 signal broader momentum for revival. Earlier stars - Kinetic Blaze , Vespa 150 , Aprilia SXR 160 , and Yamaha Aerox - each excelled at their brief but stayed niche due to high prices, timing, and market priorities, leaving room for a well-rounded, mass-viable package like the Xoom 160 to push the segment into the mainstream. The Premium Scooter Problem in India India's sales charts consistently reward practical, value-forward 110–125cc scooters (Activa, Jupiter, Access, Dio, NTorq 125), while premium offerings rarely crack the top-five - an indicator of demand concentration at the commuter end. Aerox 155 monthly sales: 2,142 units in Sept 2024 and 2,424 i...

All-new Ultraviolette X47: A desirable package that caught my attention! First View Opinion.

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 The Ultraviolette X47 is a tech-forward electric crossover with an ADV stance, segment-first rear radar , integrated dual dashcams , and an introductory price that undercuts many premium ICE rivals —making it a genuinely desirable package at first sight for urban riders and light touring duties alike. With IDC range options up to 323 km and useful rider aids, it presents a compelling, future-ready alternative to 250–400cc streetfighters and scramblers in India. Design and stance Ultraviolette positions the X47 as a “Crossover,” blending streetfighter sharpness with adventure-tourer cues like a beak-style front fender, protective windscreen, and a taller, readiness-for-bad-roads posture that reads ADV at a glance. Hardware such as a 41mm USD fork , long-travel suspension, and 208mm ground clearance reinforces the go-anywhere intent while retaining everyday urban agility. A cast aluminum subframe , tidy tail, and crisp surfacing add to perceived quality and durability, wit...

Grand Vitara and Victoris: Tale of Two Same-Same-but-Different Maruti Suzuki Siblings!

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  The Maruti Suzuki brand has achieved household status in India by delivering vehicles known for practicality, reliability, and value. Two of its most talked-about siblings in recent times— Grand Vitara and the all-new Victoris —represent the brand’s contrasting but converging paths in the dynamic C-segment SUV category. Their stories reveal Maruti Suzuki’s evolving vision, strategic market outreach, and unquenchable thirst for dominance in a segment thriving on innovation and diversity. Grand Vitara: The Global SUV Finds Home in India Origins Abroad, Modest Beginnings at Home The Suzuki Vitara story began globally in 1988, designed to appeal to adventurers seeking a compact 4x4 with legitimate off-road credibility. The Grand Vitara label adorned later generations, which, in international markets, carved a reputation for versatility. In India, however, the Grand Vitara’s first innings—launched in 2007 as a CBU import—felt offbeat. Priced high and available as a petrol-only SU...

BSA Bantam 350 vs Jawa 42 FJ: "Two Shades of the Same Grey or Cousins with Distinct Personalities?" — My Opinion

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I’ll admit, viewing the BSA Bantam 350 and Jawa 42 FJ together feels like judging a pair of twins at their first family reunion. On paper, they share nearly everything - engine, chassis, even the parent company that manufactured them. So which story is more accurate: are these bikes mere clones clad in slightly different costumes, or do they actually reveal their own personalities once you crank the starter? A Brief Backstory: Classic Names, Modern Engines Both BSA and Jawa are legendary brands, known for stirring the souls of generations past. The BSA Bantam first flew the Union Jack in 1948, while Jawa’s Czech roots have long infused Indian roads with a sense of European flair. Fast-forward to 2025, and both names have been rebooted for young, style-savvy motorcyclists, especially in India and Europe. But this time, their mechanical DNA runs almost identical: both are crafted by Classic Legends, a Mahindra-owned revival factory that seeks to blend the old and new. Looks: The F...

Why Michelin Road 5 Makes More Sense on Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450! Here’s my take.

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  Introduction When it comes to choosing the right tires for your motorcycle, the decision can make a world of difference in your riding experience. After thoroughly examining various options, I firmly believe that the Michelin Road 5 tires are the ideal choice for the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450. Here's why: Unmatched Performance The Michelin Road 5 tires are renowned for their outstanding performance. The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 , equipped with its powerful 39.5 bhp Sherpa engine , communicative tubular chassis , and smooth 6-speed gearbox , demands tires that can match its prowess. The Michelin Road 5 delivers exceptional grip and stability, especially at higher speeds. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on highways, these tires provide a seamless and confident ride. Superior Comfort One of the key aspects that elevate the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is its comfortable ride. The Michelin Road 5 tires enhance this aspect by absorbing road imperfections an...

Kia Syros: Ahead of its Time or Boxy Disaster?

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  The automotive industry is no stranger to bold design choices and technological innovations, but occasionally, a vehicle that polarizes opinions and sparks heated debates comes along. The Kia Syros , set to debut in early 2025, is one such vehicle. With its futuristic design, advanced features, and distinct styling, the Syros has already garnered much attention. The question on everyone's mind is: Is the Kia Syros ahead of its time, or is it a boxy disaster? Let’s explore this enigmatic SUV to find out. Design: Bold and Unconventional The Kia Syros is anything but ordinary when it comes to design. It embodies Kia's new " Opposites United " design philosophy, which seeks to blend contrasting elements into a harmonious whole. The Syros features an upright stance, squared shoulders, and a unique vertical headlight arrangement. The front end sports three stacked LED headlights paired with perpendicular-shaped LED DRLs , giving it a futuristic and somewhat robotic appear...

An Amazingly Desirable Battle for the Entry-Level Sedan Crown: 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire vs 2025 Honda Amaze

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  The entry-level sedan segment in India is witnessing an exciting duel with the launch of two highly anticipated models: the 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the 2025 Honda Amaze . Both vehicles promise to elevate the standards in this competitive segment, offering a blend of style, performance, and advanced features. Let’s take a closer look at how these two sedans stack up against each other in this battle for the entry-level sedan crown. Exterior Design and Dimensions 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire : The 2024 Dzire sports a refreshed design that exudes sophistication and modernity. Its wide front fascia, complete with a bold grille and sleek LED headlights , gives it a commanding road presence. The redesigned bumper and sculpted lines add to its contemporary appeal. The Dzire's dimensions have also been optimized to provide a balanced stance, making it look more robust and planted on the road. 2025 Honda Amaze: The 2025 Amaze, while retaining its understated elegance, introduces subtle ...

Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350: The Dawn of Factory Bobber in India?

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  Introduction The motorcycle industry in India has seen a resurgence of retro-styled bikes, and Royal Enfield has been at the forefront of this trend. With the launch of the Goan Classic 350 at the 2024 Motoverse event , Royal Enfield has introduced the first factory bobber in India, marking a significant milestone in the country's motorcycle landscape. Design and Styling The Goan Classic 350 is a bold and vibrant motorcycle that combines the timeless appeal of the Classic 350 with a modern bobber-inspired design. The bike features a low-slung design with a longer swingarm and retuned rear suspension for improved comfort and stability. The standout elements include the tall ape-hanger handlebars and a floating pillion seat , giving it a relaxed yet stylish character. Performance and Features Under the hood, the Goan Classic 350 is powered by the 349cc J-series engine , which produces 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm . The engine is mated to a 5-speed gear...

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: The First Blue-Blooded Maruti in India

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  The automotive landscape in India has been witnessing a steady transformation with the entry of more sophisticated and technologically advanced vehicles. Among these, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara stands out as a pioneer, marking a significant milestone in Maruti Suzuki 's journey. Dubbed the first "blue-blooded" Maruti in India , the Grand Vitara is not just a car; it’s a statement of luxury, performance, and innovation. One of its most compelling features is its hybrid system , which represents the future of sustainable mobility . In this blog, we'll explore what makes the Grand Vitara so special and delve into the workings of its hybrid system. A New Era for Maruti Suzuki Maruti Suzuki, a name synonymous with reliability and affordability in the Indian automotive market , has predominantly catered to the needs of the masses with its range of economical and fuel-efficient cars. However, the Grand Vitara represents a shift towards the premium segment , aimed at c...

KTM 1390 Duke R, 1290 Super Adventure R, 890 Twins Launched: Viable Upgrades or Too-Hot-To-Handle?

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  KTM , the Austrian motorcycle giant, has once again set the bar high with the launch of the KTM 1390 Duke R , 1290 Super Adventure R , and the 890 Twins . These new models are designed to thrill and challenge even the most experienced riders . But are they viable upgrades for the current market, or are they simply too hot to handle? Let’s explore these exciting new offerings in detail. The KTM 1390 Duke R: "The Ultimate Streetfighter " The KTM 1390 Duke R, often dubbed the "Ultimate Streetfighter," is a beast on wheels. This model is the epitome of KTM's dedication to delivering raw power and uncompromised performance in a sleek and aggressive package. Key Features: Engine and Performance: The 1390 Duke R is powered by a new 1,301cc LC8 V-twin engine , pushing out a jaw-dropping 180 horsepower. This engine is paired with an advanced ride-by-wire system , ensuring precise throttle control and exceptional acceleration. Chassis and Suspension: The lightweight chr...