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Harley-Davidson enthusiasts and motorcycle aficionados alike have been eagerly anticipating the unveiling of the highly anticipated made-in-India bike from the iconic American manufacturer. 

  • The X440 is born out of partnership between Harley-Davidson and India’s giant, Hero MotorCorp.
  • Powering the X440 is a single-cylinder oil-cooled 440cc engine.

Now, after months of speculation, Harley-Davidson has officially introduced the world to their latest creation: the Harley-Davidson X440. This motorcycle is the result of the collaboration between Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp, and it brings a refreshing change to the table with its distinct design.

The Harley-Davidson X440 breaks away from the brand’s traditional cruiser aesthetics and takes inspiration from the classic XR roadsters. With its flat handlebar, neutral ergonomics, and robust appearance, this bike promises to deliver a unique riding experience. 

At the heart of the X440 sits an oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 440cc. Unfortunately, the power figures will only be reveal during the bike’s official launch in July.

Ergonomically, the X440 maintains a neutral stance, departing from the typical forward-set footpegs and swept-back handlebars of cruisers. The mid-set footpegs and flat handlebar, mounted on substantial risers, promote an upright and possibly slightly sporty riding position, ensuring comfort during urban rides.

While several aspects of the X440 remain consistent with the initial images, there have been some changes, particularly in the choice of tires. The motorcycle now gets MRF tires instead of CEAT. With 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel sizes, the X440 exudes a commanding presence on the road.

The attention to detail on the X440 is evident, with circular design elements present in the headlights, indicators, and mirrors. The oval-shaped tail-lamp adds a unique touch, emerging from the rear fender. Notably, the headlight features an LED DRL bar running across its center, while the indicators boast intricate Harley logos.

Beneath its striking bodywork, the X440 features a tubular frame with a single-downtube design. It boasts an upside-down fork and preload-adjustable twin shock absorbers, ensuring a comfortable and responsive ride. Additionally, the motorcycle is equipped with a single disc brake at both ends, accompanied by dual-channel ABS as standard.

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Reports coming out of India allege that rumoured KTM 390 Adventure plus smaller 200 Adventure models will debut soon.

(more…)

Hayabusa

India becomes new production home for Suzuki Hayabusa hypersport.

Reports by several India-based sources confirms that the Suzuki Hayabusa model has been inducted into a local assembly (CKD) program in the country whichs boasts one of Asia’s biggest two-wheeled market.

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This marks the first time that the Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa is being produced outside of its native home of Japan. Whilst this new program will mainly cater to the local Indian market, further reports suggests possibility of the made-in-India Hayabusa entering other markets around the region, but this plans remains unconfirmed presently.

One India-based site called xBHP reports that the Suzuki Hayabusa will be imported as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits and assembled in Suzuki’s assembly plant in Gurgaon. The site further adds that the specification for the made-in-India version remains unchanged from the fully imported (CBU) version as well.  (more…)

Suzuki Hayabusa inducted into CKD local assembly program in India. (more…)

New rounds of reports from India-based sources indicating that rumoured KTM 390 Adventure plus smaller 200 version will debut this year. (more…)

The upcoming road-going versions of the Husqvarna 401 Vitpilen and 401 Svartpilen concepts rumoured to enter production in India. (more…)

The much-hyped about Royal Enfield Himalayan adventure bike debuts officially in India. (more…)

BMW Motorrad rocked the motorcycling world when it finally decided to go big by going down-market. The firm has a strong foothold in the large-capacity segments already, so perhaps the creation of the all-new BMW G310R was inevitable.

It may be small, BMW has set its sights for world domination with its newest model. The firm recently released a promotional video that details some of the bike’s special traits and features in better.

If you didn’t know, the BMW G310R is the fruit of the German powerhouse’s partnership with India’s leading bike manufacturer, TVS. It comes powered using a newly developed 313cc single-cylinder engine with a claimed output of 34hp to propel a claimed unladen weight of 158.5kg (more details in our launch story).

Taking a few notes from Austrian rivals KTM, the BMW G310R is being mass-produced in India. The effort should see the baby beemer being priced similarly to its Austrian segment rival (read KTM 390 Duke). Suffice to say, this is one bike we are anxiously waiting for in 2016.

Source: YouTube via Visordown

After numerous spyshots and being teased as a stunting concept, the worldwide wait for the new small capacity BMW bike is finally over.

Meet the all-new BMW G310R, BMW Motorrad brand’s first ever sub-500cc model that was developed in partnership with Indian manufacturer TVS.

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Unveiled online just recently, the new ‘baby beemer’ enters the ever-growing yet lucrative lightweight bikes segment, and will surely stand as a strong rival against segment favourites like KTM and the usuals from Japanese powerhouses. Here’s what we’ve managed to garner so far about this small yet feisty new made-in-India BMW.

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As previewed in the concept, the BMW G310R is powered using a newly developed liquid-cooled DOHC 313cc single-cylinder heart with four valves. Unique traits here are its 80mm x 62.1mm bore x stroke figures, followed by its backward-tilted cylinder in open-deck design with the cylinder head turned by 180 degrees, making it possible to position the intake tract at the front.

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As a result, the mill develops 34hp at 9,800rpm and peak torque of 28Nm at 7,500rpm. All that power is channelled to the rear wheel using a six-speed constant mesh transmission primed with a wet multi-plate clutch and a chain drive system.

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The powertrain is encased within a Tubular steel frame design that was built with a grid structure whilst having a bolt-on rear frame and a long swingarm assembly made using cast aluminium. Up front sees a pair of 41mm telescopic inverted forks that are combined with steering geometry honed towards safe and predictable handling, offering 140mm of fork travel too. The wheelbase stands at 1,374mm with the adjustable rear shock mounted directly whilst boasting 131mm of travel as well.

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Next comes a set of lightweight yet strong 17-inch five-spoke wheels front and aft that are shod in 110/70/17 (front) and 150/60/17 (rear) tyre sizes. Anchors come in the form of single discs all round measuring 300mm up front and 240mm in the rear, radially-mounted four-piston caliper in front, as well as the BMW Motorrad ABS suite primed as standard.

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Notably, the BMW G310R also gets a decently-sized 11-litre fuel tank, a low unladen weight of 158.5kg and a standard seat height of 785mm. Despite its size, BMW further claimed that the new G310R is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 145km/h as well.

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BMW did mentioned that low and high seat heights are available with optional accessories ranging from 760mm through to 815mm. Other additional accessories available include luggage, top boxes, a centrestand, LED indicators, a 12-volt charging socket and heated grips too.

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As far as the design goes, much of the G310R’s lines are inspired by the bigger S1000R streetfighter. The basic paint scheme on offer is a black and white combination with silver highlights, followed by a more premium metallic blue and grey scheme plus a Pearl White option as well.

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Excited? So are we, and the news just gets better as insiders at BMW hints at more variants to come soon based on the G310R. That includes a half faired and ‘adventure’ bike versions slated to debut at a later stage.

The new BMW G310R will be debuting at EICMA later this month with markets sales set to commence early next year. We are not sure when it will arrive locally, but all signs indicate that this is one BMW worth waiting for indeed. Check out the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below to see the bike in full detail.

2016 BMW G310R (static)

2016 BMW G310R (action)

Sources BMW Motorrad / Visordown, MCN and MoreBikes

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