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Showing posts with the label Opinion

TVS NTORQ 150: Pocket-sized Rocket?

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TVS NTORQ 150 : Pocket-sized Rocket? The Indian scooter market has always been a hotbed for innovation, but every so often, a new launch generates a buzz that redefines expectations. The all-new TVS NTORQ 150, hailed as India's " fastest hyper-sport scooter ," is aiming for exactly that - the point where convenience meets genuine performance. But is it really a "pocket-sized rocket," or does the marketing sizzle outweigh the real-world steak? Let's dive in. Sculpted for Speed: Design and Visual Impact The moment the TVS NTORQ 150 rolls into view, it commands attention. While it carries forward the sharp, youthful design DNA of its 125cc sibling , a closer look reveals aggressive new bodywork, racing-inspired graphics, and a sportier stance. The NTORQ 150's aerodynamic lines, LED lights , and pronounced edges are not just for show - they hint at the purposeful performance underneath. Available in four bold colours, the NTORQ 150 takes the "scooter a...

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...

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401: This One Made Me Fall in Love with the Idea of Scrambling!

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  There are motorcycles that you ride, enjoy, park, and forget about. And then there are motorcycles that seem to whisper something into your ears every time you saddle up - a suggestion, a dare, a promise of adventure where none existed before. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 , for me, was very much the latter. After spending a solid week with this motorcycle through dusty trails, congested city lanes, and open highway stretches, I can confidently say: this one made me fall in love with the  idea of scrambling . First Impressions: Neo-Retro with a Twist At first sight, the Svartpilen 401 doesn’t try to look like your typical retro scrambler. Husqvarna has gone bold with a  neo-retro-meets-futurism  language. The lines are sharp and geometric, with a single round LED headlamp that’s wrapped in a modern DRL ring. The tiny tank shrouds, slim tail section, and matte paint finishes give it an almost concept-bike vibe. Where a Ducati Scrambler looks playful and nostalgic...

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...

2025 KTM 390 Adventure X: Does X Mark the Spot?

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  **Update: KTM has upgraded the 390 Adventure X to X+ by adding IMU-based Cornering Traction Control, Cornering ABS, and Cruise Control, making it a better all-rounded package now.** In the ever-expanding world of adventure motorcycles, KTM has carved a niche for itself with its aggressive styling, performance-oriented machines, and a no-nonsense approach to off-road capability. The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X is the latest iteration in this lineage, positioned as a more accessible, road-biased sibling to the standard 390 Adventure . But does this stripped-down version still deliver the thrills and versatility that KTM promises? Design & Build Quality: Rugged Yet Familiar At first glance, the 390 Adventure X looks unmistakably KTM. The sharp, angular bodywork, vertically stacked LED projector headlamps with integrated DRLs, and the signature beak-style front fender all scream adventure. The bike borrows heavily from its elder siblings like the 890 Adventure, giving it a premium...

2025 Honda X-ADV 750: A Two-Wheeler with Multiple Personality Disorder

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  In the world of motorcycles and scooters, manufacturers often stick to well-defined categories—sport bikes, cruisers, adventure bikes, and scooters. But every once in a while, a machine comes along that refuses to be pigeonholed. Enter the 2025 Honda X-ADV 750 , a two-wheeler that defies conventional classification, blending the ruggedness of an adventure bike with the practicality of a maxi-scooter. It’s a machine with a split personality, capable of tackling urban commutes with ease while also venturing off the beaten path. Honda has long been known for pushing boundaries, and the X-ADV 750 is a testament to that philosophy. With its 745cc parallel-twin engine , dual-clutch transmission (DCT) , and off-road-ready suspension , this machine is as comfortable navigating city streets as it is carving through mountain trails. But is it truly the best of both worlds, or does its hybrid nature make it a jack of all trades and master of none? Let’s dive deep into what makes the 2025 Ho...

2025 Honda Rebel 500 Reaches Indian Shores: A Little Too Late?

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  Introduction The Honda Rebel 500 has finally arrived in India, marking a significant milestone in Honda’s premium motorcycle portfolio. A cruiser that has long been admired in international markets, the Rebel 500 is now available for Indian riders. But with the mid-capacity cruiser segment already bustling with competition, one question looms large— is Honda too late to the party? The Long-Awaited Arrival Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India ( HMSI ) has officially launched the Rebel 500 in India, priced at ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom) . The motorcycle is available exclusively through BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with deliveries set to begin in June 2025 . For years, Indian riders have been eagerly waiting for Honda to introduce the Rebel 500, a motorcycle that blends classic cruiser aesthetics with modern engineering . The Rebel 500 has been a favorite in global markets, offering a torquey parallel-twin engine, relaxed ergonomics, and a distincti...

2025 Honda CB350RS: "New Colour Schemes Got Me Wanting One in My Garage!"

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  The 2025 Honda CB350RS has taken the motorcycle world by storm with its new color schemes , making it a must-have for retro-motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors alike. The updated color palette not only enhances the bike's aesthetic appeal but also adds a touch of modernity to its classic design. In this blog, we'll delve into the new color schemes, the bike's features, and why the 2025 Honda CB350RS deserves a spot in your garage. A Splash of Color: New Schemes for 2025 Honda has introduced several new color schemes for the 2025 CB350RS, each designed to cater to different tastes and preferences. The new colours include: Pearl Deep Ground Grey ( Nardo Grey ) : This sleek and sophisticated shade adds a touch of elegance to the CB350RS. The Nardo Grey color scheme features yellow stickers on the side panels, giving the bike a distinctive look. This color exudes a sense of mystery and depth, making the bike stand out on the road. Pearl Ig...