Weekly News Wrap-up: 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350, 2021 KTM RC 200 Spied, Yamaha ADV Incoming And More!

2020 ended with a few developments that gave us a hint of what we can expect this year

2020 has got to be one of the most eventful years both in the automotive industry and in general. As far as the world of two-wheelers is concerned, we witnessed a bunch of developments that give us an inkling of what 2021 holds in store. Here’s a recap of what transpired this week:

Facelifted KTM RC200 spotted:

The 2021 KTM RC200 was spotted earlier this week in a production-ready guise. Its design language is similar to that of the upcoming 2021 KTM RC390. But apart from the bodywork, what else is new? Check this out for more details.

Yamaha FZ-X trademarked:

Yamaha has recently applied for a trademark for the name “FZ-X.” Will it be a 250cc ADV based on the Yamaha Lander 250 or will it just be a touring-friendly variant of the Yamaha FZ25? Here’s our detailed analysis.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with smartphone connectivity incoming:

TVS recently launched the 2021 Apache RTR 160 4V with smartphone connectivity in Bangladesh, hinting at its arrival in its home market soon. The Apache RTR 160 4V already has an info-packed instrument cluster with 0-60 timer, top speed recorder, lap timer and the likes. Adding bluetooth-enabled smartphone connectivity will make the bike a lot more feature-packed, not to mention more practical, thanks to features like turn-by-turn navigation, SMS/ call alerts, race telemetry data, low fuel warning, and lean angle display.

These features work in conjunction with a TVS SmartXonnect app, and the functions can be accessed by a dedicated button on the switchgear. With this addition, the Apache RTR 160 4V will be one of the most feature-packed 160cc streetfighters in the segment. Expect TVS to launch the bike in about a month. It is likely to command a premium of around Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 over the current version, which starts from Rs 1,08,550 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Bajaj-Triumph bike launch delayed:

Bajaj and Triumph announced in early 2020 that the latter’s first sub-two-lakh-rupee bike was planned to be launched in 2022. However, the plans have now been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The timeline of its global debut has now been revised to 2023, as per an interview with Rajiv Bajaj, the Managing Director of Bajaj Auto. 

That being said, if the market situation bounces back to normal rapidly, and if the pandemic gets under control fast, Bajaj might also be able to make it under the earlier deadline. As per the joint venture, bikes displacing from 200-750cc will be made using Triumph’s research and development and Bajaj’s cost-effective manufacturing prowess. The maiden spawn from the marriage is likely to be a 250cc-250cc single-cylinder motorcycle to go up against popular bikes in its segment like the 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 (upcoming) and Honda H’Ness CB350. These Triumph bikes will help the British brand establish a stronger base in the highly lucrative mid-capacity segment. 

2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 spied without camouflage:

Representative Image

The 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 has been spotted testing without camouflage for the first time. The test mule featured the same tank logo and embellishment, tank pads on the side, Classic 350 logo on the side panels. Looks like Royal Enfield wants to make the 2021 iteration to look as close as the current-generation motorcycle. 

This may not be necessarily a bad thing for its target customers because the Royal Enfield Classic 350’s vintage looks coupled with the relaxed motor are the primary reasons that made the motorcycle a hit in the first place. So the familiarity factor plays a really important role in our market. That said, it is quite possible for Royal Enfield to jazz it up with different colour schemes any way, presumably at different price points. It is also likely that the colours will be highly customisable thanks to the Make It Yours initiative, so will be easy for those who want a unique-looking Classic 350. Expect Royal Enfield to launch this motorcycle in the first quarter of this calendar year.