UM Renegade Commando: First Look Review
US-based motorcycle manufacturer UM Global first announced its intentions of entering the Indian market during the 2014 Auto Expo. Having collaborated with Lohia Auto as its joint venture partner, the company will launch its first batch of models at the 2016 Auto Expo. Amongst these first few models will be the Renegade Commando, an entry-level cruiser.
The stylish fenders, large fuel tank, dual exhaust pipes and round headlamps lend the Renegade Commando an old-school charm. The low-slung seats and high-set handlebars have been influenced by traditional American cruisers and provide a comfortable seating position for long rides. It gets a single-pod instrument console and a round headlamp which further boosts the bike’s cruiser image.
Though the Renegade Commando is powered by a single-cylinder engine, it gets a one into two exhaust system, which increases the aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle. It also gets interesting touches like floorboards for the rider, USB charging port and blind spot mirrors. The Renegade Commando rides on 16-inch front and a 15-inch rear spoke wheels.
The suspension setup consists of USD forks at the front and conventional twin hydraulic spring suspension at the rear. It gets a disc brake at the front and a drum unit in the rear. Currently, the most powerful Renegade Commando sold in other global markets is powered by an air-cooled 225cc single-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 18bhp and 15.5Nm of torque through a five-speed gearbox. For the Indian market, UM is developing a new 300cc unit, technical details of which are yet unknown.
For the Indian market, UM has set up a research and development centre in Delhi, which is developing two new engines. While one of these will be a 300cc engine powering the Renegade Commando, the other engine will be a 350cc, water-cooled V-twin unit for its future range of models. UM will locally produce all the motorcycles at Lohia Auto’s plant in Kashipur, Uttarakhand. This should help them keep the prices competitive.
The Renegade Commando will be offered in three paint schemes- midnight camo, baja dessert and super blackout. The Renegade Commando will compete with the Royal Enfield Classic 350. We can expect it to be priced around Rs 1.5 lakh.
