Ahoy Bikes launched an electroluminescent-technology-based bike, which enhances the safety of riders and aspirational value.
The new technology uses an electroluminescent paint-like coating system, which emits light when an electric current is passed through it, increasing the bike’s visibility through many types of atmospheric conditions such as dark fog, snow, and smoke. “In India, one of the major concerns of cyclists is safety, especially when the visibility is low. Second, most people do not find any aspirational value with their bicycles, unlike motorcycles and cars. There are very few people who own a bicycle with pride. The new bicycle will also appeal to young kids and encourage them to take physical activities,” said Abhishek Mitra, Director, Ahoy Bikes.
The company had started working on electroluminescent technology during the lockdown. It had joined hands with the US-based company Lumilor. The main task for the company was to make the electroluminescent-technology affordable for Indian consumers. “We have been working on the technology to get the cost down and bring it in the affordability range. This is the first electroluminescent bicycle, the production model that has been launched on a mass scale project,” Mitra said. A wide range of Luminous bikes will be available at an affordable price range. The prices begin at INR 20,000 onwards.
The company also manufactures all-terrain bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, kids bikes and balance bikes.
Like other bicycle companies, Ahoy is also experiencing a surge in demand post COVID. According to him, the demand for bicycles has surged between 300 percent to 350 percent post-COVID due to growing health consciousness and adaptation of social distancing and gyms closure.
According to the All-India Cycles Manufacturers Association, the bicycle industry was growing at 5-7 percent every year, but it is now expected to grow at 15-20 percent because of the coronavirus pandemic, led by a surge in first-time users.
As per the industry data, India is the second-largest manufacturer and the third consumer of bicycles globally. India manufacturers 22 million bicycles every year, with an annual turnover of INR 7,000 crore. According to industry numbers, 22 million cycles were sold in 2018-19, and 18 million were sold in 2019-20.
Talking about growing trends from bicyclists, Mitra pointed out that Indian consumers are looking for the product’s right value. “Customers want quality products. They are ready to spend a little bit more where they can find value in the products. We are giving the best of the class quality bikes with the best of class components. We are trying to offer different products in the industry so that customers can feel good about the product,” he said.
Ahoy Bikes would also make customisation options available with this new technology for cyclists willing to customise their existing bicycles.
Indian consumers are also largely influenced by international brands in terms of weight, features and performance. According to him, different bicyclist enthusiasts have other choices, and the company targets the mid-premium segment and consumers who want to upgrade their basic bicycles.
The company also sees itself entering the safety gear segment, but not soon. “Yes, we have plans to get into bicycle safety gear business, but let’s see when we can utilise them,” he added.
Ahoy has around 200 dealers in its network across the country, mainly concentrating in the North and West regions. Ahoy aims to heighten the number of dealers to 350 in FY21-22 with an increasing focus on the south region.
As for its product strategy, Ahoy also intends to attract dealers through its distinctive products instead of ramping up dealer numbers. “We do not want to push our products to the dealers. We are trying to create products that differentiate ourselves in the market and create a pull factor. And the new electroluminescent-technology-based bikes is an example of it,” he said.
Tractions on the e-commerce portal have surged, especially after COVID surge. However, Mitra thinks buying a bicycle online is yet not a convenient mode for consumers. “Buying a bicycle online is easy. But getting it assembled and serviced is a challenge. You get the bicycle’s delivery in a semi-assembled state and, to assemble it, you need to find a professional mechanic for whom you will have to pay. Even the dealer from which you can get the bicycle assembled will not be pleased about your online purchase. Let me say that too. Maybe he will charge you more. So deliberately, we are not getting into e-commerce, but we are trying to get into omnichannel sales. Consumers can visit our website and get to know about the products and buy them from the website or from the nearest dealer. If a consumer buys from the website, we deliver the product through our dealer only in a fully assembled state. That’s how we promote our dealers as well,” explained the Ahoy Director.
Ahoy entered the bicycle manufacturing business in 2018. However, the company has been in the industry for over three decades supplying components from plastic moulded and PVC components to OEMs. The component manufacturing business it shelved in 2016-17 and started a bicycle making factory in Delhi NCR 2018, and the Ahoy brand was launched. The knowledge of the bicycle component business has helped Ahoy to expand its current business rapidly.
“The biggest advantage was for us was a network of OEMs, suppliers and vendors across the country we have built over the years. We had supplied the components to OEMs and dealers, procured raw materials vendors over three decades, and created our credibility. Those three decades in the bicycle component business helped us to understand the industry deeply. Being a component maker, we visited various factories from OEMs, suppliers, and vendors. They shared their knowledge and experience about the business, which would have been impossible if we had been only into bicycle manufacturing. We also understood the pain points of the suppliers, vendors and consumers, and that’s where our products find values,” he said.
Ahoy has no plans to export bicycles in the near future. Electric motor-driven bicycles are gaining popularity in India. He also sees the future as e-mobility but added the company does not have any plans to manufacture e-bicycles. “As of now, we are focusing our energies on building, you know, this particular kind of products which are different for different from what other people are offering,” he said.
The company has a production capacity of producing 20,000 units per month. The current challenge for Ahoy is the supply of components to make bicycles. “Demand for bicycle has gone up exponentially, but the supply chain has gone up haywire. Supply-demand has widened,” he added. (MT)
Jawa Yezdi Expands Online Sales, Launches On Amazon To Boost Festive Season Bookings
- By MT Bureau
- October 07, 2025
Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles is significantly expanding its digital retail strategy by launching on e-commerce platform Amazon, following its successful debut on Flipkart last year. This move is part of the brand’s push to reshape how consumers purchase premium motorcycles in India, particularly ahead of the crucial festive season.
The brand's motorcycles are now available for purchase on Amazon across over 40 cities, with plans to rapidly increase this reach to more than 100 cities.
Jawa Yezdi claims it pioneered the online sale of high-performance 350cc classic motorcycles when it partnered with Flipkart in October 2024. The brand says this initial move not only established a new premium-classic motorcycle category in e-commerce but also set a new industry benchmark.
Sharad Agarwal, Chief Business Officer, Classic Legends, "We went into e-commerce a year back with the simple belief: If our young consumers did not hesitate to book a holiday or buy a car online, then they should be able to own a Jawa or Yezdi the same way. Starting with Flipkart and now expanding to Amazon, we're making the ownership journey easier and more transparent while keeping the soul of motorcycling intact."
Furthermore, the company has also expanded its dealer network to over 450 touchpoints across India.
The models which are retailing on both Amazon and Flipkart include the Jawa 350, 42, 42 FJ, 42 Bobber, Perak and the Yezdi Adventure Single Headlight. Additionally, Amazon has listed the Yezdi Scrambler.
India Bike Week Set For Goa Return On 12th December, Custom Builders To Compete For UK Trip
- By MT Bureau
- October 07, 2025
The India Bike Week (IBW) festival is gearing up for its annual return to Goa in December 2025, where it will host thousands of riders, clubs, and brands for a two-day celebration – 12th and 13th December – of motorcycling culture. Now in its 12th year, the event is set to feature expanded arenas, mentorship rides and a significant custom bike competition with an international prize.
Martin Da Costa, CEO & Founder, Seventy EMG, said, “Over the years, India Bike Week has grown into a true celebration of the motorcycling spirit in India – a melting pot of stories, machines and the people who ride them. Each edition has been bigger, bolder and more unforgettable than the last. As we gear up for IBW 2025, we’re excited to once again bring together the country’s vibrant riding community for what promises to be our most thrilling chapter yet. From the IBW Chai & Pakoda Rides to the Jameson Bike Build Off and everything in between, this year is all about pushing boundaries and celebrating the freedom of the open road.”
A key highlight of the 2025 event is the Jameson IBW Bike Build Off. This prestigious competition challenges India’s top custom builders, with three finalists being shortlisted from over 30 entries. Each finalist will receive a brand-new Harley-Davidson X440 and a build budget of INR 150,000 to transform the stock machine into a bespoke masterpiece.
The winning builder will secure a unique prize: an all-expenses-paid trip to the Adventure Bike Rider Festival in the UK in June 2026, where they will showcase their custom creation to a global audience.
The festival will also feature the IBW Flat Track Race, presented by Harley-Davidson. This will be a one-make race using custom-built Harley-Davidson 440X motorcycles prepared by Rajputana Customs. The competition, which has FMSCI presence, offers a grand prize of INR 1 million for the top three racers.
The road to Goa has already begun with the Gulf Syntrac Presents IBW Chai & Pakoda Rides rolling out across 20 cities, building community anticipation.
Additionally, overlanding expert Maral Yazarloo, who began her journey at IBW, will lead an exclusive Mentorship Ride from Mumbai to Goa along the Konkan Coast, offering selected riders practical skills and preparation tips for long-distance travel.
KTM Intros Academy of Safe Riding To Colleges With New 160 Duke
- By MT Bureau
- October 07, 2025
Bajaj Auto-owned KTM, the world's leading premium motorcycle manufacturer, is rolling out its 'Academy of Safe Riding' initiative across colleges in India, using the recently launched 160 Duke to teach safe riding fundamentals to the next generation of riders.
The programme, which has already visited over 20 institutions across the country, offers students a unique opportunity to hone their skills on the new 160 Duke, marketed as India’s most powerful 160cc motorcycle.
The initiative aims to combine the brand's 'Ready to Race' performance with responsible riding education. Students are given exclusive test rides on specially designed tracks and take part in interactive sessions led by KTM-certified trainers. The safe-riding drills are inspired by KTM's global motorsports expertise.
Manik Nangia, President, Probiking, Bajaj Auto, said, “The KTM 160 Duke represents the perfect gateway into the world of KTM. Through this college activation, we not only put students on the most exciting 160cc motorcycle – we also instilled the discipline and techniques that make every ride safer and more rewarding. This was KTM’s way of giving back to the community and shaping responsible riders for tomorrow.”
TVS Launches New Raider Variant With Boost Mode And ABS At INR 95,600
- By MT Bureau
- October 06, 2025
Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company (TVSM) has launched the most advanced TVS Raider variant with several segment-first features at prices starting INR 95,600 (ex-showroom Delhi) for TFT DD and INR 93,800 (ex-showroom Delhi) for SXC DD models.
The new TVS Raider includes ‘boost mode,’ a category-first feature with iGO Assist technology, delivering torque of 11.75Nm @ 6000rpm. The motorcycle includes segment-first Dual Disc Brakes and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). It also features GTT (Glide Through Technology) for low-speed manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency.
The motorcycle now has a new 90/90-17 Front and 110/80-17 Rear tyre configuration, which improves grip and handling. The bike has a metallic silver finish with red alloys.
Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice President — Head Commuter & EV Business and Head Corporate Brand & Media, TVS Motor Company, said, "The TVS Raider redefines what young riders can seek from their motorcycle. In 4-years it won the love of a million plus Gen Z riders. Today, the new TVS Raider is equipped with the exhilarating 'Boost mode' powered by iGO Assist tech, and another segment first - Dual Disc with ABS. With yet another segment-first Glide Through Technology (GTT) now can navigate through even slow traffic with ease. The stylish loaded new TVS Raider raises the 'wicked' bar yet again, bringing together thrilling performance, top-notch safety, and unmatched ease. We remain committed to creating motorcycles that our customers are delighted to ride and proud to own."
The TVS Raider continues to be powered by a 3-valve 125cc engine that produces 11.75 Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. Smart technology like iGO Assist with Boost Mode offers an instant power surge and GTT ensures smooth handling.
A segment-first safety feature, the Follow Me Headlamp, keeps the headlamp lit for a time after the ignition and engine are switched off, helping to light the way for the rider in dark areas. Riders can choose between two connected display options: a TFT with over 99 features or a reverse LCD with more than 85 features.
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