To enable motorcycle enthusiasts looking for a premium set of wheels, BMW Motorrad has announced that it will introduce the all-new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12 in India. Both motorcycles are available as Completely Built-up Units (CBU) and will commence deliveries from September 2024. 

Available at an ex-showroom price of INR 2,090,000 and INR 1,990,00 respectively, the two motorcycles adhere to the roadster and cruiser design philosophy each. They are built on a common, versatile platform that consists of a one-piece tubular spaceframe, an airbox positioned flat under the seat and an angled spring strut. 

The R 12 nineT is equipped with an aluminium tank with brushed and clear-coated side panels as part of a design focus on the ‘essential. This design thinking also reflects from the design of the seat and the tail-hump, both of which create a rising, dynamic line in visual terms. 

The focus on essential design is supported by the compact and short rear end. The shorter fuel tank (30 mm shorter and narrower in the rear) ensures significantly improved ergonomics and a more front-oriented seating position compared to its predecessor. 

The steel tank of the R 12, on the other hand, is reminiscent of the so-called ‘Toaster Tanks’ of the 1970s BMW 5 models and emphasises the typical design language of a cruiser in a classic teardrop shape. The large 19-inch front wheel and the small 16-inch rear wheel complement the overall design and help with the proportions as well. The classic cruiser design is also reflected in the relaxed seating position with low seat height and wide handlebars. 

Both the motorcycles feature an air/oil-cooled boxer engine of 1,170 cc displacement capacity and does 109 bhp on the R 12 nineT and 95 hp on the R 12. 

Aiding high dynamic qualities, the newly developed tubular bridge steel spaceframe eliminates the need for previous fastenings, reducing weight and giving the two motorcycles a cleaner and more classic appearance. The rear frame, also made of tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame. The left-mounted ‘Twin Pipe’ exhaust system with two rear silencers with reverse cone design caters to both the desire for a classically designed roadster and a cruiser.  

On the all-new BMW R 12 nineT, the manifolds and the front silencer are chrome-plated and the rear silencer is electro-polished. The all-new R 12, on the other hand, features electro-polished manifolds along with a front silencer and rear silencer with a brushed surface. 

The R 12 nineT and R 12 feature upside-down telescopic forks with a 45 mm slider tube diameter. The rear wheel suspension of the R 12 nineT features a Paralever swinging arm combined with a directly linked sprint strut, which is now angled diagonally compared to the previous R nineT series. 

Both the motorbikes are fitted with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which ensures a high level of driving safety when accelerating. In addition, they also possess an engine drag torque control and tyre pressure control. 

The riding modes include rain, road and dynamic as standard. The roll and rock modes on the R 12 help the rider to adapt his or her riding behaviour as per personal preferences. 

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said, “BMW Motorrad established the segment of classic bikes with the R nineT. This particular segment invites purists riders who want to focus on the original, and at the same time enjoy dynamic riding. The all-new R 12 series takes this path of emotional, original motorcycle riding even further. While the all-new BMW R 12 nineT as a classic roadster aims to make a stylish impression in urban environments, the all-new BMW R 12 embodies a classic cruiser for every day that makes you feel good and allows you to enjoy freedom. The most important values are charisma and individuality. Both motorcycles combine the authentic character of the boxer engine and the design language of traditional motorcycle eras with innovative technology and modular concept that offers the rider maximum customisation options.”

TVS Motor Company, a leading two- and three-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the updated TVS Apache RTR 160 4V at INR 139,000.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7cc, oil-cooled, fuel-injected, 4-valve, which produces 17.55 PS at 9,250 rpm and 14.73 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm.

It comes with a segment-first 37mm Upside Down (USD) suspension and three ride modes — Sport, Urban, and Rain, which the company claims enhance control, stability, and adaptability across diverse riding conditions.

Like with most of the new models from the TVS Motor Co’s stable, the Apache RTR 160 4V now comes with TVS SmartXonnect technology, which provides Bluetooth connectivity, providing turn-by-turn navigation, call & SMS alerts, and voice assist.

In terms of design, the refreshed TVS Apache RTR 160 4V’s can be had in three colour options – Granite Grey, Matte Black, and Pearl White, which are complemented by sporty, race-inspired graphics, golden-finish USD forks, and red alloy wheels. 

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are proud to lead the way in engineering and innovation in motorcycles. With that commitment, we are excited to announce the upgrade of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with cutting-edge features and advanced technology. Built on a rich racing legacy, the TVS Apache Series proudly serves over 5.5 million enthusiasts, making it one of the fastest-growing premium motorcycle brands globally. We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our customers by integrating performance, technology, and style. By constantly evolving in our set of offerings, we have set new benchmarks for performance motorcycles in India.”

KAW Veloce Motors Pvt Ltd (KVMPL) has unveiled the Brixton brand of motorcycles (600 cc and 1200 cc) and an e-scooter of the Italian brand Velocifero (VLF) called Tennis in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

The unveiling of both the machines – the motorcycle with an ICE and the e-scooter with a battery and motor – at the Highland Club on the outskirts of the city took place amid much fanfare.

The Brixton motorcycle and VLF e-scooter – with an angular bodywork overall that is synonymous with Italian design culture and featuring a 2.1kW hub motor, and a range of 130 km – will be offered through the MotoHaus retail channel, the first outlet of which is set to be commissioned in a few days from now in Kolhapur.

Both the two-wheelers – the e-scooter is priced at INR 1,30,000 ex-showroom – are being put together (from a CKD kit) at a plant that is about 12 km from the launch venue as part of the Phase I strategy. To be offered through MotoHaus outlets in cities Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Jaipur, Vapi, Goa, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Nashik, Nagpur, Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara besides Kolhapur, the two vehicle brands are expected to be joined by a third Italian brand and an in-house electric two-wheeler brand at a later date.

Once the Phase I strategy plays out and the Bixton and VLF offerings find a footing in the Indian market, the company will embark on the Phase II strategy that will include a design and development centre at Kolhapur. The strategy will also include a manufacturing plant that can do 25,000 units and enable the engineering of a robust supply chain in terms of localisation.

It is at the Phase II level that investments from Brixton Motorcycles (Austria) and VLF are expected to come into the venture, which is initially supported by the parent company of KAW Veloce.

TVS Motor Company-owned British premium motorcycle brand Norton Motorcycles, has announced changes to its leadership structure.

The company has announced Dr. Robert Hentschel, currently CEO, will step back from his role effective immediately. He will transition to a non-executive director role within the company.

On the other hand, Nevijo Mance will join Norton Motorcycles as Executive Director, overseeing all upstream business operations, as part of the new leadership structure.

He will be responsible for product design, development and engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality control, and supply chain management.

In addition, Richard Arnold, who was appointed Executive Director in June 2024, will be responsible for downstream business operations, including marketing, brand management, sales, distribution, customer relationship management, aftersales service, product management, and public relations.

He will also be responsible for enhancing customer experience, expanding Norton’s market reach, and strengthening the brand’s presence across global markets.

Dr Rober had been leading the company since 2021, and has been instrumental in strengthening Norton’s foundations, guiding the company through crucial stages of its growth plan and establishing a strong operational base. He had played a key role in synergistic relationship with parent TVS Motor Company, which has been pivotal in advancing Norton’s progress and setting the stage for future success.

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a global manufacturer of two- and three-wheelers, has announced the date and venue for the fourth edition of its TVS MotoSoul festival. The two-day festival will be held at Vagator, Goa, on 6 and 7 December 2024 with a focus on eco-friendly branding and sustainable practices.

Riding on this year’s theme of ‘Feel the Adrenaline, Feel the Inspiration, Feel the Groove’, TVS MotoSoul 4.0 is expected to draw visitors not only from India but also from other countries where the company has a presence. The two-day event promises attractive sessions like culinary experiences, wellness and personal care sessions, bike trips and tricks sessions and community and bonding sessions, as well as live music performances by top artists. The festival will provide attendees with a chance to participate in motorsports including dirt track racing, stunt shows and flat track challenges. Additionally, the attendees will be able to interact with race champions, riding experts and motorcycling legends.

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS MotoSoul is a mark of the motorcycling spirit. It celebrates the bond between man and machine. Each edition has not only grown in scale but has also deepened this connection among enthusiasts. Our commitment goes beyond just motorcycles; we are devoted to nurturing a thriving ecosystem of riders. As we gear up for TVS MotoSoul 4.0, we are excited to redefine the journey with extraordinary experiences, all wrapped in a vibrant and colourful theme that captures the free-spirited essence of our community. We are confident that our mission to democratise these experiences will lead to one of the most exhilarating celebrations of riders and their journeys at TVS MotoSoul 4.0.”