Pro Moto XC- Ashish Raorane has set the fastest known time record from Batal to Kunzum La, Himachal Pradesh, on the KTM Adventure 390.

Ashish on the KTM 390 Adventure went head-to-head with 11-time Raid de Himalaya winner, Suresh Rana, and his rally-spec championship car on a high-speed face off for the title of Kunzum Kaiser.

The World’s Highest Hill Climb Challenge is a 12.5 km treacherous mountain pass stretch from Batal (4000 m) to Kunzum La (4551 m) with 20 hairpin bends. The average temperature is -5 degree Celsius. 

Suresh hit the road first to set the time on his rally-spec championship car. The car started at a blistering pace, but unfortunately, due to engine block damage on turn 18, he had to bow out. The time set at turn 18 was a very competitive 11 minutes 49 seconds.

Ashish was next to take on the challenge on the entry-level sports tourer. He pushed the machine to its limits and continued to lead the time on every turn. He reached the Kunzum La finish line at an impressive time of 13 minutes and 4 seconds, thereby setting the fastest known time record.

A marine engineer by profession, Ashish has been racing international rallies as a privateer or the past 3 years. Last year, he competed in the Baja World Championship, finishing 12th in the world rankings. He also became the first Indian to complete the Africa Eco Race. Ashish also participated in the 2021 Dakar Rally with his KTM 450 Rally Replica machine.

Ashish said, “Considering the altitude at which this challenge is taking place, cold sub-zero temperatures, windy conditions, treacherous nature of the road due to loose rocks and hairpin bends, this was definitely a very dangerous challenge. But I was confident that the KTM 390 Adventure and I will conquer this challenge. I first rode the KTM 390 Adventure during the launch in Pune, and I really loved the way the bike handles and ergonomics that the bike has.”

Speaking on the occasion, Narayan Sundararaman, Head of Marketing at Bajaj Auto Ltd. said “The KTM 390 Adventure has seen a phenomenal response since its launch and holds promise of offering a truly capable and versatile adventure tourer to the biking enthusiasts. The World’s Highest Hill Climb Challenge has given us an opportunity to demonstrate the off-road credentials of KTM 390 Adventure. The recent years have witnessed an increasing trend in adventure touring and the interest in outdoor exploration is on the rise. The 390 Adventure has been conceptualized to address this trend and has been designed for adventure travel.” (MT)

TVS Motor Company, a leading manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers, has introduced the updated TVS Apache RR310, its flagship offering in the premium sports motorcycle category.

The 2025 edition is now compliant to the OBD-2B norms with prices starting at INR 277,999 (ex-showroom India). As part of 20th anniversary commemoration of the TVS Apache series, the TVS Apache RR 310 now gets segment-first Sequential TSL and Cornering Drag Torque Control (RT-DSC). It also features Launch Control (RT-DSC), Gen-2 Race Computer with Multi Language Support and 8 Spoke Alloy Wheels.

Available in two variants with three BTO customisation options, the Apache RR 310 continues to build upon TVS Racing’s pedigree.

The Apache RR 310 is powered by a refined reverse-inclined DOHC engine, which produces 38 PS at 9,800 rpm and a peak torque of 29 Nm at 7,900 rpm.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, "Since its debut in 2017, the TVS Apache RR 310 has emerged as a formidable force in the super-premium sport motorcycle segment, redefining performance benchmarks through its race-bred DNA. Rooted in over 43 years of TVS Racing heritage, it embodies our relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. The latest evolution of the RR 310 integrates cutting-edge technologies such as segment-first: sequential turn signal lamps (TSL), Launch Control and Drag Torque Control – reinforcing our leadership in rider-focused advancements. The new BTO Race Replica colourway pays tribute to our record-breaking TVS Asia One Make Championship legacy. With this latest avatar, the Apache RR 310 not only pushes the boundaries of track performance but also elevates everyday rideability – delivering a thrilling yet refined experience that appeals to both spirited racers and discerning enthusiasts.”

Bengaluru-headquartered electric vehicle company Ultraviolette Automotive (Ultraviolette) has announced a latest strategic alliance with MotoMondo, as its official importer and distributor for the United Kingdom and the Benelux region, which includes Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

This announcement is part of Ultravilotte’s ambition to expand its presence in the global market, especially the European region. As part of the understanding, the company will introduce the F77 MACH 2 Recon in the region for an introductory price of GBP 8,499 till 30 June 2025, post which the price will increase to GBP 9,399.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said“We are thrilled to partner with MotoMondo to bring the Ultraviolette experience to the United Kingdom and Benelux region. This partnership represents a significant milestone in our global journey as we expand the Ultraviolette brand beyond India into some of the world's most mature and discerning motorcycling markets. MotoMondo’s proven expertise in establishing and growing premium motorcycle brands across Europe makes them the perfect partner to represent Ultraviolette in these key regions. Their deep understanding of the market, combined with a passion for innovation and motorcycling culture, ensures that the Ultraviolette ecosystem-from product experience to aftersales support, will be world-class from day one. This is just the beginning, and we’re incredibly excited about the road ahead.”

Jan Ykema, Managing Director, MotoMondo, added, “We are proud to bring Ultraviolette, the most advanced electric motorcycle brand of the world, to the United Kingdom and Benelux region. Their technology is unprecedented, and we have only just seen the beginning! Ultraviolette will disrupt the current motorcycle market by offering a real alternative for all combustion engines.”

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), one of the country's leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has launched the OBD2B-compliant Dio 125 scooter at INR 96,749 (ex-showroom Pune).

The new Dio 125 gets refreshed colour scheme and graphics, 4.2-inch TFT display with mileage indicator, trip meter, eco indicator and range (distance to empty). Furthermore, it is compatible with Honda RoadSync app for providing navigation and call/message alerts, Smart key and a USB Type-C charging port.

Mechanically, the Dio 125 remains unchanged and continues to be powered by a 123.92cc, single-cylinder PGM-Fi engine, which produces 6.11 kW of power and 10.5 Nm of torque.

It will be available in two variants, DLX and H-Smart, with five colour options on sale.

Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “For over 21 years, the Dio has been an iconic name in the Indian market, standing as a symbol of style, performance, and trust. It has consistently been the first choice for customers looking for a trendy and reliable moto-scooter. With the launch of the new OBD2B Dio 125, we are excited to take forward its iconic legacy, keeping the core concept of moto-scooter intact, with added value and excitement for our customers.”

Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are ecstatic to introduce the new OBD2B version of Dio 125 – a scooter that has resonated with young India for years. With its refreshed graphics, advanced TFT display, and enhanced connectivity features, the new Dio 125 is designed to meet the evolving aspirations of today’s customers. True to its tagline, ‘Dio Wanna Have Fun?’, this moto scooter has always been a popular choice among India's younger generation, and this update will further strengthen its position in the segment.”

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan has partnered Flipkart to introduce digital buying experience for its customers.

From 15 April 2025, potential customers in eight Indian states – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Meghalaya and Mizoram will be able to book Suzuki scooters and motorcycles on Flipkart. To begin with customers will have options to purchase the Avenis scooter and GIXXER, GIXXER SF, GIXXER 250, GIXXER SF 250 and V-Strom SX motorcycles online.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “As more customers now prefer digital platforms for their purchases, we are committed to meeting them where they are. By associating with Flipkart, we are leveraging the growing digital ecosystem to offer customers a convenient and trusted platform to explore and buy Suzuki two-wheelers. We believe this move will further strengthen our reach and customer engagement in the Indian market.”

Sujith S Agashe, Senior Director, Electronics at Flipkart, said, “At Flipkart, we are constantly working to enhance our customer journey offering greater convenience and choice, backed by Flipkart’s trusted digital ecosystem. Our partnership with Suzuki Motorcycle India is a testament to this commitment, as we enable customers across the country to explore and book premium two-wheelers from the comfort of their homes. We are excited to bring greater convenience and choice to today’s digitally savvy consumers.”