Royal Enfield has launched the 2022 Classic 350 with a starting price of INR 1.84 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai) in 5 variants and 11 colour options.

The newly-launched Classic’s styling does not stray too much from the previous model’s styling. It continues to feature the iconic teardrop fuel tank and headlamp that are synonymous with the long-dated heritage of the Classic brand.

The legacy of the Classic brand dates back to 1948 with the Royal Enfield Model G2, the first to have swinging arm rear suspension on a full production motorcycle. The Model G2 served as a strong design inspiration for the hugely popular Classic 500 and Classic 350 launched in 2008. 

The new Classic 350, according to the company, has a wider handlebar, strengthened grab rail, a new analogue dial with an LCD display and a USB port. It continues to be equipped with the same twin downtube frame­ –  now stiffer for better stability – and the same front and rear suspension.

For better comfort, the Classic has wider seats with soft-foam cushion padding. New handlebars with a slightly tweaked riding position add to better riding ergonomics.

The 349 cc, air-oil cooled, 5-speed, single-cylinder engine, borrowed directly from the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, generates a power of 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm and a torque of 27 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Unlike the Classic 350s of the past, the new model comes with smooth linear power delivery across the band. The new primary balancer shaft cuts down most of the vibrations experienced by previous Royal Enfield owners. Much to the joy of enthusiasts, the new Classic 350 retains the unmistakable thump of the exhaust note, although now refined and subdued to an extent.

Owing to massive demand from various audience backgrounds, Royal Enfield has revealed the motorcycle in five versions  Redditch, Halcyon, Signals, Dark and Chrome. The Redditch series comes in Grey and Sage Green colours. It has wire-spoked wheels, a single saddle and is the only series in the new Classic 350 range to get single-channel ABS. The Halcyon series is offered in Black, Grey and Green shades. It carries the wire-spoked wheels and gets dual-channel ABS.

The Signals variant is offered in Desert Sand and Marsh Grey options. It has wire-spoked wheels and dual-channel ABS. The Dark series, offered in Gunmetal Grey and Stealth Black colours, also comes with blacked components but gets alloy wheels over the wire-spoked wheels on the Signals variant.

The most expensive edition, the Chrome series is available in Bronze and Red paint options; it also gets the Tripper navigation assist as seen on the Meteor 350.

The Classic 350 weighs 195 kg and hosts a 13-litre fuel tank. It gets a 19-inch front wheel housing a 100/90-section tyre and an 18-inch rear wheel with a 120/80-section tyre. Braking duties are handled by a 300 mm front disc with a 2-piston floating caliper and a 270 mm rear disc with single-piston floating caliper. The Redditch variant, however, gets a 153 mm rear drum brake.

Bookings will open at 6 pm today and customers can also choose from as many as 35 accessories that have been developed for the classic-looking modern machine. Both the accessories and the motorcycle are offered with a three-year warranty and a year’s roadside assistance (for the bike).

Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director, Eicher Motors, said, “Through our history, we have been consistent in our pursuit to build timeless, classic, beautiful motorcycles that are great fun to ride, and the new Classic 350 does just that. Built ground-up, on our modern J-series engine, with an all-new chassis, the Classic 350 offers a tremendously refined and perfect ride experience that almost feels like riding again for the first time. The supremely well calibrated engine is super smooth, intuitively responsive and engaging, and has that gorgeous growl on acceleration. The all-new chassis inspires enormous confidence while handling and is especially well-mannered in tight traffic situations and around twisty corners. We are confident that the incredibly refined all-new Classic 350 will once again redefine the mid-size motorcycle space globally.” (MT)

 

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.”