Norton Motorcycles Begins to Evolve into Electric Motorcycles

 Norton Motorcycles is a motorcycle company known for its heritage. But in its new form, the British brand is poised to join the electric vehicle revolution. It is ready to start this project within the next 30 months to develop a battery-powered iron horse that lives up to the Norton name.

Under the ownership of the Indian manufacturing giant since 2020, following the collapse of the previous Norton iteration under Stuart Garner, Norton's finances are now more stable. That is already reflected in the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Solihull, UK and the release of several products. Among these are the reengineered V4SV superbike and the V4CR café racer. The Atlas model was originally developed during the Garner era but was delayed by the company's collapse and restructuring.

On June 17, 2022, Norton Motorcycles finally made a big announcement. His party made a big plan with the name 'Project Zero Emission Norton'. This is a completely new Norton project under TVS ownership.

The company has also received funding from the Advanced Propulsion Center (APC) 19 initiative, a government organization that aims to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission transportation technologies. APC 19 will distribute £25m to the UK auto sector, or up to 50 per cent of the investment made by entrants. But so far Norton has not made any announcements regarding spending or how much APC-19 is giving away.

“This significant funding investment is an important milestone, as it marks the beginning of the electrification journey and fulfills our ten-year product plan. Norton is an example of modern luxury and is not afraid to challenge the status quo, innovating for the future of mobility while staying true to our British heritage. It also focuses on our desire to support the UK in its mission for a clean automotive future,” said Robert Hentschel, CEO of Norton.

Meanwhile Ian Constance, Chief Executive of APC said Norton is an iconic British brand with a proud history. From making motorcycles, supporting British efforts during the second world war, to developing the world's first production superbike. “They are now looking to the future with electric motorcycles that can deliver both performance and range. It also has a positive impact on UK manufacturing and a greener environment.”

In its development, Norton did not do it alone. He has formed partnerships with several companies. Among them is Delta Cosworth, an electric powertrain specialist owned by the legendary company Cosworth. Headquartered at Silverstone and ready to develop Norton battery packs.

Then HiSpeed Ltd, an engineering firm based in Bicester to develop electric drive units, and is responsible for creating new motors for Norton. Formaplex Technologies, which specializes in carbon fiber and composites. M&I Materials, a specialist materials manufacturer based in Manchester who helped create cooling systems using MIVOLT dielectric fluid that can immerse electrical components.

Then INDRA, a company that develops and manufactures chargers. As well as the Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick, a collaboration between academia and industry that has also assisted Triumph with its TE-1 electric bicycle project.

“Working with world-class partners, we are confident that Norton's Zero Emission project will eliminate the current dispute between conventional and electric motorcycles. We wanted to create an EV product that drivers want by blending Norton's design DNA without compromise with racing performance, touring range and lightweight handling," said Robert.

According to Andrew McGordon, Reader, Energy Applications Group at WMG, University of Warwick, this project can produce extraordinary products. “WMG is excited to be a partner on this project that exploits our research in battery and systems modeling to develop zero-prototype modeling and validation methodologies, including predictive intelligence, charging and Vehicle to Grid technologies. We will bring extensive electrification experience to this project after working in many sectors,” he said.

A 30-month timescale means the project will be completed by the end of 2024. Norton expects the project to produce the motorcycle that many riders around the world want. In addition, these jobs are expected to create many jobs in UK manufacturing and R&D.

Apart from Norton, Triumph and Ducati are also on their way to developing their own electric motorcycles, not to mention the ongoing efforts of BMW and some secret projects from the Japanese motorcycle industry. In the next few years we can certainly see a revolution in the performance of electric vehicles and their ability to compete with conventional gasoline powered engines.

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AHM Releases New Adventurer Scooter Teaser, Is This All New Honda ADV 160?

 PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM) surprised by spreading a new product teaser image on its official Instagram account Monday (20/6). A strategy that Honda rarely uses when preparing a new motorcycle for consumers.

there will be something exciting in June you know! Gather here, Admin Honda spill the first clue first," wrote Honda in the Instagram caption column.

From the silhouette of the image shown, it is certain that this is an automatic motorcycle adventure. The headlights have similarities to the Honda ADV 150 which was launched at the 2019 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).

Then it is also seen that there is a windscreen component that is large enough to be present on the front cover of the body. While the pull of the side body lines also have similarities with the ADV 150. So is it possible that the all new ADV 160 will be hatched by AHM?

We tried to confirm this to the General Manager of Corporate Communication of AHM, Ahmad Muhibbuddin. Although he does not want to talk about what products will be launched, he ensures that the new motorbike from Honda will be a surprise for Indonesian consumers.

"We'll see later, whether it's the correct model (Honda ADV 160) or there is another surprise from AHM. Wait and be patient, OK," said Muhib, his best friend.

The Right Time to Launch Honda ADV 160

The reason is because 2 of his brothers, the Honda PCX and Vario, have been refreshed with a 160 cc heart pacemaker configured with 4 valves. ADV which is also built from a similar engine design and construction is very likely to use the more powerful engine. 

Moreover, looking at the life cycle of a vehicle product, the ADV 150 is now 4 years old. Generally, the producers carried out a massive refresh strategy at that moment, this was also done on the PCX and Vario.

If you really carry a similar engine, it means that the all new ADV will be packed with a 4-Valve, ESP + engine with PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) fuel. Meanwhile, the diameter x step is 60 mm x 55.5 mm.

When referring to the performance of the Honda PCX 160, the maximum power can explode up to 15.8 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. Then the maximum torque of 14.7 Nm at 6500 rpm. This scooter uses a centrifugal dry clutch and CVT type distribution.

Predictions in addition to packing a new engine, the new Honda ADV will also have a design change to make it look more fierce. Then there is the opportunity that the ADV 160 is equipped with a big motor feature (MOGE) on the PCX 160, namely the HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control). This device is an active safety feature of traction control which will keep the rear tire spinning so that no slip (freewheel) occurs.

Or Maybe Honda ADV 250?

If it's not the Honda ADV 160, maybe AHM will bring in a new automatic option in the 250 cc class with the Honda ADV product. Previously, Honda was observed to have registered an adventure scooter design patent in the official Intellectual Property and Data Data (PDKI) of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia.

From the prototype image, this motorbike has the same design as the ADV 150 but in terms of shape it looks more gambot with the use of more advanced components. For example, the application of an upside down front suspension, a larger exhaust layout, and the embedding of handguard components.

The analysis of the ADV 250 is also worth selling in Indonesia because AHM has already sold the Forza 250. The company does not need to bother with research and invest more to use a new pacemaker. Moreover, manufacturers bearing the flapping wing logo often use the same engine but differ only in motor design.

So what motorcycle will Honda launch, could it be the ADV 160, ADV 250, or a new adventurous scooter model? We are waiting for a surprise from AHM

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Honda Finally Builds Electric Car Factory

 After announcing the partnership with Sony, Honda announced the start of construction of a new factory in China. Honda Motor China Investment Co., Ltd. announced that GAC Honda Automobile Co., Ltd (GAC Honda) has started construction work on an electric vehicle factory located in the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development District, in the city of Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

GAC Honda's new factory stands on an area of 400,000 square meters. GAC Honda leaked the total investment value of this factory of 3.49 billion R.M.B or around 521 million US Dollars. The factory is expected to be ready to operate in 2024 and produce a total production of 120,000 units annually.

The announcement of the construction of this factory had actually arrived at the beginning of the year along with Honda's plan to present future electrification products. This step is also intended to work on the Chinese market which has great potential in the development of environmentally friendly vehicles.

The plan is that Honda will present ten electric-based vehicles, namely the e: N Series in 2027. The models will be produced at Honda's GAC and Dongfeng Honda factories. Both factories are expected to be operational in 2024. It is estimated that the total production of these two factories will reach 1.73 million units per year.

GAC Honda Automobile Co., Ltd has been established since July 1998 with a total investment value of 541 million US Dollars. Share ownership in this company is divided by several parties. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. for 40 percent, Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd for about 10 percent and Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group) by 50 percent.

Regarding the electric vehicle roadmap, Honda looks ambitious with plans to introduce several models. For example in the American market, Honda will work closely with GM to present EV products in the form of the Honda Prologue and a large SUV model from the Acura brand. The Chinese market was worked on with the announcement of 10 future products until 2027. The Japanese market will introduce mini EV products for commercial use in early 2024. To further popularize EV products, Honda will manufacture electric vehicle products at competitive prices and continue to build the necessary infrastructure.

The plan for this electric vehicle will continue in 2026 where Honda will start using a new platform for EV products. Honda calls it the e:Architecture which combines hardware and software to maximize the EV driving experience. This step can be seen with the formation of a new company with Sony some time ago.

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AHM Will Release New Matic Adventure Motorcycle July 1, 2022, Great Opportunity to Deliver Honda ADV 160

 After spreading the new automatic adventure teaser image on its Instagram account, PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM) announced the launch date. The motorcycle, which is suspected to be the Honda ADV 160, will be introduced on Friday, July 1, 2022.

From the details of the invitation, there was no virtual launch session, but invited the media directly to the AHM Safety Riding & Training Center facility in the GICC area, Kota Deltamas, Cikarang, West Java. Later there will be 2 sessions, a product launch on July 1 and a test ride on July 6, 2022.

The launch strategy, which is rarely used by AHM, in recent years has been closed about new products. But this time the company is quite open in informing the new motorcycle although it has not specifically described what model will be introduced later.

Honda ADV 160 Coming Soon?

The opportunity for the Honda ADV to pack a 160 cc engine similar to the Vario and PCX is not surprising news. Previously, AHM has also provided a related grid at the launch of the Honda Vario and PCX.

Marketing Director of PT AHM, Thomas Wijaya said that his party always wanted to realize the wishes and needs of customers, including the birth of the Honda ADV 160. 

"It is possible that we will go to another type. But back again, according to what consumers need and what we can learn from the research we have done. We will study the ADV (160 cc engine) first, its needs," explained Thomas .

Indeed, the answer is fairly normative, not wrong because each manufacturer has their own strategy to compete in the market, including information on the launch of a new motorcycle.

To note, the Honda ADV 150 is now 4 years old. At that time, the 2019 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) arena was the venue for the launch. Well, generally vehicle manufacturers will regenerate or update every 4 years to stimulate market interest and balance consumer needs.

With a teaser that does lead to an adventurous automatic motorbike silhouette, the ADV 160 name has a greater chance of being born. If true, he will pack the exact same engine as the Vario and PCX. This means that the all new ADV will be loaded with a 4-Valve, eSP+ engine with PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) fuel. Meanwhile, the diameter x step is 60 mm x 55.5 mm.

Referring to the performance of the PCX 160, the maximum power can explode up to 15.8 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. Then the maximum torque of 14.7 Nm at 6500 rpm. This scooter uses a centrifugal dry clutch and CVT type distribution.

As for the completeness of features, the ADV 160 is said to be packing a traction control device or HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control). It is also reported that there will be changes to the meter panel, slight revisions to the appearance, and the use of new wheels that are likely to use the same stripe size as the PCX 160.

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BMW Motorrad Releases Teaser G 310 RR, Twin TVS Apache RR 310

 BMW Motorrad released a teaser ad about the latest entry-level sport bike. The new unit is the G 310 RR. This model is based on the same 313cc engine and platform as the G 310 R naked street fighter and G 310 GS. According to information circulating, it is ready to be launched on July 15, 2022. Although it is only in the introduction stage, the company's official website has already opened orders.

Looking back a little. BMW Motorrad has been in a partnership with TVS since 2015. In that year they gave birth to the G 310 R, followed by the BMW G 310 GS. The two new units are manufactured at TVS's factory in India. Then in early December 2017, the Indian manufacturing giant began designing its own product with an identical engine, the Apache RR310. The difference is that the model is a full fairing sport bike.

After five years of partnership, BMW seems to want an entry-level sportbike. Actually this is not really new news. The reason is that The Bavarian has displayed a carbon-wrapped concept motorbike that carries the name G 310 RR. It was shown at the BMW Motorrad Days event in Japan in 2018.

Back to the initial BMW teaser image. As expected, the overall silhouette of the German brand's full-faired sports bike is very similar to its Indian cousin. Although there are some subtle variations to distinguish the two models. The most striking is of course the BMW brand logo attached and the motorsport color "M" which is very similar to the 1000RR superbike

Although the figure in the picture is not complete, it can be seen that this sport motorbike has a sporty design. The pull of the body line from front to rear is still similar to the TVS sportbike. In another image shows a tricolor livery with red and blue colors on a white background typical of BMW. The side fairing features cool graphics with the word 'Race' written behind its name.

Another visual highlight that stands out is the split-style seats with a raised tail. The visor displayed on the Bavarian derivative sport bike is also slightly different from that seen on the Apache RR 310. It also appears that the small sportbike from BMW uses a mudguard or an additional fender at the rear. And the use of conventional front disc brakes, not the wavydisk type as seen in the Apache. Despite the design differences, the disc size may not change at 300mm at the front and 240mm at the rear.

While the black 5-spoke alloy wheels, racing-spec red trellis frame, and fat side exhaust tubes are still the same. But the shape of the taillights is slightly different from those offered in the Apache. Even so the fuel tank seen in the picture is identical. From another picture, it can be seen that BMW carries a digital instrument panel that is placed vertically. It's the same as the RR 310's, but the difference can be seen in the graphic display. On the other hand, the G 310 RR is available in another color, namely black with a matte finish.

Another notable highlight is the addition of a fully adjustable front USD (Up-Side-Down) suspension. The news circulating, the components use KYB alerts and are the same as those used on the Apache RR310. It has 15mm preload adjustment and 20 damping sets. The rear monoshock is also fully adjustable with 10 preload adjustment steps and 20 damping sets. Rigidity is adjustable, according to track requirements for an optimal racing experience.

The shock absorber option can certainly help the rider to tune the motorcycle in a more friendly way. Based on the riding style and terrain, the user can adjust the firmness and flexibility of the suspension system.

Although other details have not been disclosed by the manufacturer, the kitchen runway seems to still be based on existing products. That means it is powered by a 312cc, single-cylinder engine that is placed upside down and is liquid-cooled. The maximum power produced reaches 34 PS at 9,700 rpm and a peak torque of 27.3 Nm at 7,700 rpm. This peak performance is accessible with Sport and Track driving modes. In Urban and Rain mode, performance drops to 25.8 PS and 25 Nm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The top speed that can be achieved is 160 km / h and can reach 0-100 km / h in 7.17 seconds

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It turns out that this is how much maintenance costs for the Honda HR-V and HR-V RS Turbo!

 The All New Honda HR-V is the latest product from Honda in Indonesia. PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) even announced that the waiting time for this new product could reach five months, which indicates a positive response from Honda fans in the country.

Honda offers the All New HR-V in several variants. Interestingly, all of these variants have received a touch of Honda Sensing safety features. The lowest variant is the S CVT at a price of IDR 362.9 million, then there is the E CVT at a price of IDR 382.9 million and the SE CVT at a price of IDR 403.1 million. There is still a top variant with a turbo engine offer, namely the RS with a price reaching IDR 513.9 million.

So what is the cost of ownership of this latest HR-V? We received interesting information regarding the maintenance costs of this new Honda model, especially for the 1.5L engine model and the turbo engine in the RS variant.

First for the All New HR-V model with a conventional engine. For the owner, it is sufficient to provide funds of IDR 1,298 million consisting of the cost of spare parts and chemical liquids of IDR 658 thousand and service fees of IDR 640 thousand. This fund is issued every periodic maintenance at a distance of 10,000 km, 30,000 km, 50,000 km, 70,000 km and 90,000 kilometers.

Then on the 20,000 kilometer odometer note, the owner prepared a fund of IDR 1,289 million. This consists of part and chemical costs of Rp. 526 thousand and services of Rp. 763 thousand.

Proceed to the calculation of funds at a distance of 40,000 and 80,000 kilometers. Both have the same amount of maintenance funds, which is Rp. 2,047 million. This consists of the cost of spare parts and chemical liquids of Rp. 1,063 million and service fees of Rp. 984 thousand.

Continue to calculate the distance of 60,000. Currently the owner is required to prepare funds of around Rp. 1.701 million. This consists of the cost of spare parts and chemical fluids of Rp. 790 thousand and service fee of Rp. 911 thousand.

The last record of maintenance costs at a distance of 100,000 kilometers. Owners of the latest Honda HR-V are required to provide IDR 2.504 million. This consists of spare parts costs of Rp. 1,667 million and service costs of Rp. 837 million.

Continue for information on ownership funds for turbo engine variants. The record of this fund looks bigger in some areas. For example, for periodic maintenance at a distance of 10,000, 30,000, 50,000, 70,000 and 90,000, the owner of the Honda HR-V RS turbo is required to prepare funds of Rp. 1,805 million. This consists of spare parts costs of Rp.1,042 million and service costs of Rp.763 thousand.

In calculating the cost at a distance of 20,000 kilometers, the owner has prepared a total of Rp. 1,640 million. This consists of the cost of spare parts and chemical liquids of Rp.852 thousand and services of Rp.788 thousand.

Then at a distance of 40,000 and 80,000 kilometers, the owner is required to provide maintenance funds of Rp. 2,399 million. This consisted of the cost of spare parts and chemical liquids of Rp. 1,390 million and service fees of Rp. 1.009 million.

Note that for a distance of 60,000 kilometers, the owner provides funds of around Rp. 2,399 million. This consisted of spare parts cost of 1,390 million and service fee of Rp1,009 million.

At a distance of 100,000 kilometers, the owner of the HR-V RS Turbo spent a maintenance fee of IDR 3,732 million. This consists of the cost of spare parts and chemicals of Rp.2,846 million and services of Rp.886 thousand.

Regarding spare parts and any chemical fluids that are replaced during maintenance, they usually consist of engine oil, axle oil, transmission oil for automatic transmissions, as well as grease and several other fluids. Owners can view information on replacement parts in accordance with the user manual. Some of them are spark plugs, oil filters, AC filters, and other parts. The calculation above also does not include spare parts that may need to be replaced or additional due to use.

For owners who want ease of ownership, Honda also still includes 24-hour emergency service. In addition, there is also a periodic service package offered at the time of the initial purchase of a new vehicle, called Honda Extra Care. Utilizing this package can save up to 100,000 kilometers of usage. As a disclaimer, the prices listed in this article can change at any time

 

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Using 'Hybrid' Technology, This is Yamaha Fazzio's Fuel Consumption

 After the Yamaha Fazzio was officially launched some time ago, finally coilOTO got the opportunity to try out the retro-style scooter firsthand.

Using Yamaha's new technology, Blue Core Hybrid, we are looking to find out the effect of this technology on fuel consumption.

Through a media test ride held by PT Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM) together with other media partners in Bogor (3/2), the total route taken is about 20 km.

Before starting the trip, we first tried to 

connect our device with the Y-Connect feature in this Yamaha Fazzio and reset the trip meter to zero.

Considering the meter cluster, the Yamaha Fazzio is not equipped with instructions for real-time average fuel consumption information.

OK, after confirming that we are connected to the Y-Connect system, we started our journey from The Bucket List Kitchen to go around the streets of Bogor.

Oh yes, just for information, our driver is 174 cm tall and weighs 65 kg. For maximum results, we activate the Start Stop System feature.

Not yet one kilometer, we have been treated to a road with downhill conditions and then straight uphill. Of course, going through the incline requires a larger gas opening.

After that we started to enter the city streets, a perfect simulation to describe how this Fazzio is driven in the city.

Even though the majority of the roads we pass are paved, we can't say that they are always smooth and flat, besides that, we are often faced with congested road conditions and stop and go conditions. The Start Stop System feature is also active when we stop in a red light situation.

Our impression is that the power produced by the 125 cc engine is quite responsive for city use, there are no 'slow' symptoms when you need more power when you want to catch up with other groups.

We don't always drive in economy mode, occasionally if we encounter a rather long straight road, we don't hesitate to open the gas casing excessively. The highest speed we can achieve is around 60 kph.

After almost an hour of driving, we finally returned to the starting point of the trip. Then we saw the trip meter which showed the number 19.9 km, which means our total trip almost touched 20 km.

Enough routes to describe everyday use. Well, then how about the results of fuel consumption?

We opened the Y-Connect app on our connected device, where it displayed the figure of 59.8 km per liter. However, strangely, the application recorded that the route we took was only 15 km.

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