BMW Motorrad Launches G 310 R, G 310 GS

TVS SRICHAKRA RAMPING UP FOR EUROPEAN EXPANSION

Developed in Munich and manufactured by TVS Motor Company at its mother plant in Hosur, BMW Motorrad India today launched the new BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS.

The ex-showroom prices are INR 2.45 lakh and INR 2.85 lakh and to support aspirants, BMW India Financial Services offer EMI starting at INR 4,500 & INR 5,500 respectively.

The G 310 R is available in Cosmic Black, Polar White and ‘Style Sport’ in Limestone Metallic (additional INR 10,000 on ex-showroom price). The 310 GS comes in Polar White, ‘40 years of GS’ Edition in Cosmic Black and ‘Style Rallye’ in Kyanite blue Metallic (additional INR 6,000 on ex-showroom price for the ‘Style Rallye’ and ‘40 years of GS’ Edition). In both bikes, the engine housing covers for the alternator, clutch and water pump are finished in new Titanium Grey metallic color. 

The bikes come with a standard warranty for ‘three years, unlimited kilometers. The warranty can be extended to fourth and fifth year at an additional cost of INR 16,250. The first 500 customers will avail a special price of INR 5,499, stated the company. Road-Side Assistance, a 24x7 365 days package further ensures prompt services in case of breakdown and towing situations. An exclusive range of accessories and lifestyle merchandise has been developed specially for the bikes. 

Both models feature a full-LED headlight for even better visibility at night and LED flashing turn indicators and LED brake lights for increased visibility in traffic. This ensures particularly bright and homogeneous illumination of the road. The new LED headlight connections eliminate any light cone vibrations on uneven roads.

Both, the clutch lever and the handbrake lever are now adjustable in four stages. It provides ergonomic benefits, particularly for people with small hands. New high-end details such as the standard upside-down fork, quality materials, supplementary fittings and excellent workmanship all reflect the finest within the segment, clearly underscoring the premium aspiration of these models.

The new bikes are powered by BS-VI 313-cc water-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine with four valves and two overhead camshafts with electronic fuel injection. With an output of 34 hp at 9,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 28 Nm at 7,500 rpm, the engine is an ideal partner for dynamic riding pleasure. A remarkable feature of the engine is its backward-tilted cylinder in open-deck design with the cylinder head turned by 180 degrees, making it possible to position the intake tract at the front, viewed in the direction of travel. The motorcycles accelerate from 0 – 50 km/hr in just 2.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 143 km/hr.

The 6-speed gearbox transfers the torque with an optimised transmission ratio. The slipper clutch with self-reinforcement provides precise actuation and smooth downshifts.

The newly introduced ‘Ride by Wire’ system passes on the rider’s commands directly from a sensor on the twist grip to the engine control system resulting in even finer control and improved throttle response. Thanks to the electromotive throttle controller, automatic idle speed increase when starting also prevents a possible sudden stalling of the engine.

The suspension has a torsionally stiff, highly robust tubular steel frame in grid structure with bolt-on rear frame. The front wheel suspension is taken care of by a solid upside-down fork while at the rear there is an aluminium swinging arm in conjunction with a directly mounted spring strut. The suspension geometry is designed for easy handling, stability and a neutral cornering response, which makes for an active riding character and maximum riding fun.

The high-performance brake system with 2-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ensures efficient deceleration and short braking distances. The standard multi-function instrument cluster has a large display that offers excellent clarity and a range of information. (MT)

Hero MotoSports

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Hero MotoSports Team Rally at the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur.

Marking a decade of participation in global rally racing, the company announced several strategic initiatives to shape the future of the team.

Hero MotoCorp has renewed its partnership with the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), the organisers of the Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, for another five years.

The company launched a development initiative designed to identify and train young Indian off-road racing talent. The programme will provide a structured two-to-three-year development path, covering riding technique, navigation and physical conditioning.

Furthermore, the company has signed 18-year-old Shlok Ghorpade, a national supercross racer from Maharashtra to its team. He has begun training with FIM World Rally-Raid Champion Ross Branch and is preparing for an intensive race simulation programme in Morocco.

Founded in 2016, Hero MotoSports Team Rally was established to test technology in demanding conditions and elevate India's standing in international motorsport. Over the past decade, the team has competed in the Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, securing multiple podium finishes.

Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Over the past decade, Hero MotoSports Team Rally has evolved from a bold ambition into a globally respected rally racing team, proudly representing India on the world stage. This milestone celebrates our past achievements while firmly defining our vision for the future.”

“The renewal of our partnership with ASO strengthens our long-term commitment to global rally racing. Furthermore, the India’s Next Dakar Hero program reflects our deep belief that India possesses immense untapped motosports talent waiting to be discovered and nurtured. By welcoming Shlok Ghorpade to the team, we aim to build a sustainable pathway for homegrown Indian riders to compete and excel at the highest levels of the sport,” he added,

The event featured a showcase of the team's Dakar machines and a performance by its riders, including Ross Branch, Nacho Cornejo and Michael Docherty.

Aprilia Launches Tuono 457 Special Edition At INR 399,000 In India

Puma Grey

Aprilia India, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has introduced the 2026 Special Edition Tuono 457, paying homage to the heritage of the 2006 Tuono 1000R. Available in Mamba Black and Puma Grey, the model is priced at INR 399,000 (ex-showroom Maharashtra) and is available for pre-booking at select showrooms.

The special edition retains the 457cc parallel-twin engine, producing 47.6 hp (35 kW) and 43.5 Nm of torque. Key technical features include an aluminium chassis, ride-by-wire throttle, multi-level traction control and a TFT digital instrument cluster.

Aprilia has introduced a suite of enhancements focused on ergonomics and daily usability, including an elevated handlebar, which is now repositioned to provide an upright posture, reducing rider strain.

A smoked-finish aero flyscreen designed to reduce wind fatigue, adjustable brake lever for customisation to suit rider hand size, improving braking modulation. Recalibrated suspension that is now a softer initial stroke to absorb road imperfections, with preload adjustability at both ends. Upgraded Saddle featuring high-resilience foam to dampen vibrations.

Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles, said, "The Special Edition Tuono 457 has been developed with a clear focus on enhancing rider comfort and everyday usability while preserving the high performance, precision and character that define Aprilia motorcycles. With the plethora of enhancements like the aerodynamic flyscreen, revised suspension setup, upgraded saddle, raised handlebar position and adjustable brake lever, the motorcycle is more comfortable and confidence-inspiring across urban rides and longer journeys."

"The new Mamba Black and Puma Grey liveries add an even stronger visual identity, making this a distinctive expression of Aprilia’s naked DNA. At the attractive pricing we are launching it, we believe this is most value-for-money naked twin cylinder mid-performance motorcycle available to Indian riders. With its segment-defining 47.6 hp twin-cylinder engine, electronic ride-by-wire throttle, and multi-level traction control, the Special Edition Tuono 457 firmly re-establishes itself as the absolute technical benchmark for the naked segment," he added.

Aprilia offers a 4-year or 48,000 km warranty on the motorcycle. Optional accessories include a passenger seat cover, USB socket, TPMS, quick shifter and fork sliders.

TVS Motor Company Mobilises Over 1,000 Riders for Nationwide Road Safety Movement

TVS

Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company celebrated World Motorcycle Day by organising a nationwide ride focused on road safety and responsible riding practices. The initiative involved more than 1,000 riders across 17 Indian cities.

The event drew participants from the TVS Apache Owners Group (AOG) and the TVS Ronin riding communities. The safety awareness campaign focused on the use of protective riding gear, adherence to traffic regulations, responsible urban and highway riding behaviour and respect for public spaces & local communities.

The event coincided with the ongoing 20-year anniversary of the TVS Apache brand, which has sold over 6.5 million units, over 500,000 registered members in the TVS Apache Owners Group (AOG).

The primary flagship ride for the nationwide movement was hosted in Bengaluru, gathering more than 100 customers for curated riding experiences and interactions with the TVS AOG and TVS Ronin CULT communities.

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Premium Business, TVS Motor Company, said, "Motorcycling today is about far more than travelling from one destination to another - it is a way of life shaped by freedom, discipline, responsibility and camaraderie. It was inspiring to see riders across India come together to celebrate the spirit of riding while demonstrating that true motorcycling begins with respect for the road, for fellow riders and for the communities we ride through. This year’s World Motorcycle Day celebration is especially meaningful as we continue to commemorate two decades of TVS Apache - a brand born from our racing DNA and today embraced by over 6 million customers globally. Over the years, TVS Apache and TVS Ronin have evolved beyond motorcycles to become communities that bring together passionate riders through performance, experiences and a shared love for motorcycling. Through initiatives like these, we remain committed to building a stronger riding culture and creating experiences that make every ride safe, responsible and memorable".

Two-Wheeler Sales In India To Grow 3–5% In FY2027 Says ICRA

Two-wheelers

The Indian two-wheeler industry is projected to achieve a moderate wholesale volume growth of 3–5 percent in FY2027, according to the latest sector update by credit rating agency ICRA.

While the sector enters the new fiscal year on a strong footing, the pace of growth is expected to normalise due to macroeconomic factors, a high base effect and geopolitical uncertainties.

Despite a more conservative outlook for the upcoming fiscal year, the industry continues to demonstrate baseline resilience, backed by healthy retail momentum and expanding international footprints.

The company stated that data from May 2026 highlights robust near-term demand dynamics across domestic and international channels. Domestic wholesales clocked 15.7 percent YoY growth, reaching 1.9 million units in May 2026. This volume was primarily driven by improved affordability stemming from GST 2.0 reforms and advanced consumer buying ahead of announced price hikes by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

On the other hand, retail sales maintained a steady upward trajectory, expanding 7.5 percent YoY during the month. Retail demand was supported by seasonal marriage season purchases and a highly diversified product mix spanning entry-level commuter options and aspirational premium models.

Exports surged 31.3 percent YoY in May 2026, which follows a strong performance in FY2026, where overall exports expanded by 23.3 percent, driven by expanding OEM product portfolios and a broader global acceptance of Indian two-wheeler brands.

The electric two-wheeler (E2W) market continues to outpace the broader internal combustion engine (ICE) segments in terms of growth velocity with EV penetration touching 8.9 percent (172,148 units) in May 2026, up 71.7 percent YoY.

This sharp rise in volume reflects improving ecosystem support, such as charging infrastructure expansion, and a structural shift in consumer acceptance toward electric mobility alternatives.

ICRA's moderate 3–5 percent growth projection for FY2027 balances several conflicting operational variables. Tailwinds includes sustained demand from ongoing GST rationalisation benefits and strong vehicle replacement demand from urban and semi-urban fleets.

On the other hand, growth could be constrained by extreme heatwaves that temporarily lower showroom footfalls, localised supply constraints for specific high-demand models and inflation-driven vehicle price adjustments.

Furthermore, a potentially weak or disrupted monsoon season triggered by El Niño patterns presents a risk to rural purchasing power.  Lastly, ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia remain a critical monitorable, as further escalation could destabilise global shipping lanes, disrupt manufacturing supply chains and increase raw material cost structures.