Classic Legends has launched its third brand – an iconic British brand called as BSA, which at one time was also the biggest brand in the world – in India on the eve of the 78th Independence Day. 

The launch of BSA brand – that was born in Birmingham (England) and is also known as the Birmingham Small Arms Company – is accompanied by the launch of the Gold Star 650 cc classic looking motorcycle, the first units of which were shipped to the UK from the manufacturing plant at Pithampur (near Indore) in late 2022. 

Tasting success un markets of Europe, Turkey, New Zealand and Philippines, the Gold Star 650 motorcycle is a modern piece of engineering that reflects the DNA and brand recall of the iconic British motorcycle brand that BSA was until it went into oblivion.   

Of the opinion that bringing BSA to India is about sharing a piece of world motorcycling history with India, Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, mentioned at the launch of the Golda Star 650, that the indomitable spirit of BSA, a brand built in the fires of battle is imbued in the new Gold Star. The motorcycle embodies the essence of motorcycling excellence," averred Anupam Thareja, Co-founder of Classic Legends Pvt Ltd. “Every detail, from the tank's iconic shape to the engine's big single character, has been meticulously crafted to capture the spirit of BSA's golden age while delivering the performance, reliability, and innovation that define a global brand. We've poured our hearts into ensuring it lives up to the storied legacy that has set the gold standard for generations worldwide,” he elaborated. 

Touted as India’s biggest single cylinder motorcycle with a bore of 100 mm, the BSA Gold Star is quite understated in its styling. The BSA museum in Birmingham was involved in getting the motorcycle to have the right DNA. A DNA that would resurrect the experience of what the iconic BSA motorcycles were to ride and cherish before the brand stalled.

The liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 652 cc produces a peak power of 45.6 PS and a peak torque of 55 Nm. The single-cylinder unit was developed by the Technical University of Graz (Austria) while Rotax offered a starting point. It snuggly fits into a frame that was developed by Ricardo Motorcycles of UK. 

With Redline Studios of UK doing the design and styling of the motorcycle, the Classic Legends R&D centre in Pune (India) played a major role in integrating the motorcycle with deep localisation level.

The consideration from the start was to build a heritage motorcycle with British design that is modern yet of the single cylinder kind since that to be a Gold Star. To go with the idea, best-in-class components were sourced such as the Brembo brakes with dual channel ABS. 

Flaunting aluminium Excel rims and Pirelli tyres, the Gold Star 650 motorcycle can attain a top speed of over 160 kmph (100 miles). 

What is the biggest highlight is the NVH. It is far superior than anticipated, according to a company source, and was achieved through much engineering effort that would mean moving the engine oil sump away from under the crankcase. This, he explained, helped get the ergonomics right. To ensure that the tank, seat and other components fell into place the way they should have. 

Getting the ergonomics right facilitated low CG and in-turn a superior NVH, he quipped. Stating that a silent chain was used with three guides, he explained that a balancer shaft was also fitted to aid NVH. 
Particular attention was also given to get a flat torque curve so that it is at home in Indian riding conditions. 

With a five-speed transmission and a light action clutch, the Gold Star 650 is claimed to offer a consistent throttle response rather than be a bit jerky or bit unpredictable. With particular attention to ride and handling, the BSA Gold Star motorcycle was subjected to a series of virtual and field validations (and testing) to achieve the desired results. 

No less than 500,000 km of cumulative endurance testing was carried out in India and UK; 1000 cumulative hours of engine testing was carried out; 100,000 cumulative km of roller bed testing was carried out, and 200,000 km of road testing was carried out. 

Replete with features such as a 12-volt socket and USB charging port and adjustable rear shock absorbers, the BSA Gold Star is priced at INR 2,99,00 ex showroom. It will be available at select 40 dealerships out of the 400 dealerships that Classic Legends has as part of its retail channel network starting with immediate effect. 

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Hero MotoCorp has announced its entry into Ecuador after forming a partnership with Quilmotors, which will serve as the official distributor for the company and will manage assembly, sales, and service operations throughout the country.

The company is opening a facility in Guayaquil on Avenida de las Américas to display its portfolio. The site includes a parts inventory and service workshops with future expansion plans include establishing a presence in Quito, Manta and the Manabi province.

The product range for the Ecuadorian market consists of eight models:

• Naked Sports: The Hunk 125R and Hunk 160R 4V.
• Dual Purpose: The XPulse 200 4V and XPulse 200 4V Pro.
• Workhorse Range: The Eco Deluxe and Eco 150.
• Scooters: The Xoom 110 and Xoom 125R.

The two-wheelers will come with a five-year warranty or 60,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice-President - Global Business, Global Product Planning and Global Market Insights, Hero MotoCorp, said: “Ecuador presents strong opportunity for us, driven by evolving customer aspirations and increasing demand for reliable, high-quality mobility solutions. Our partnership with Quilmotors combines their deep local market expertise with our global capabilities, making them an ideal partner. Our focus is on building a future-ready ecosystem – spanning sales, service, and customer experience – anchored in trust, accessibility and performance. We are confident that our technologically superior product range with new age styling and cutting-edge performance will excite Ecuadorian riders.”

Felipe Estrada, Representative, Quilmotors, added, “It is an honour to partner with and represent the world’s largest motorcycles and scooters manufacturer. Hero MotoCorp is a globally respected brand and we are confident that its technology, quality and performance will strongly resonate with customers in Ecuador. We look forward to demonstrating the versatility of the brand’s product portfolio, supported by best-in-class sales and service ecosystem in the country.”

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Chennai-headquartered mid-sized motorcycle major Royal Enfield has introduced its Heritage Collection, a premium lifestyle apparel line designed to translate the brand’s 125-year motorcycling legacy into contemporary urban fashion.

The collection focuses on a ‘built for the city, rooted in history’ philosophy, blending archival design elements with modern materials. The company says by utilising durable fabrics like cotton twills and canvas blends, the range aims to offer the pragmatic utility associated with the brand’s mechanical roots while ensuring comfort for everyday wear.

The collection distinguishes itself through the subtle use of historical iconography and a muted, earthy colour palette:

• The 1910 Cannon Logo: A nod to the brand's earliest manufacturing days.
• 1893 ‘Made Like a Gun’ Slogan: Reaffirming the company’s original ethos of resilience and precision.
• 1969 Series II Interceptor Badge: Integrating symbols from one of the brand's most iconic twin-cylinder motorcycles.

Royal Enfield has developed these garments with a focus on ‘aesthetic restraint,’ ensuring that historical references do not compromise modern wearability. It uses heavyweight cottons and stretch-enabled fabrics selected for texture and movement. A mix of relaxed and structured forms that balance freedom of movement with a refined visual proportion. The design cues mirror the company’s mechanical engineering history, translated into textile construction.

Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Enfield, said, "These garments are not merely echoes of the past; but are active, intentional and contemporary interpretations that allow people to engage with Royal Enfield’s legacy in a meaningful way. Designed for riders and style enthusiasts alike, this collection merges craftsmanship with a clear sense of purpose."

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched a new marketing campaign featuring actor Ishaan Khatter to promote its Xoom scooter range to young riders.

The campaign, titled ‘Get, Set, Xoom,’ uses a high-energy musical theme based on the song ‘Xoom Xoom Xoom Baba,’ performed by Usha Uthup. The film, created by McCann India, depicts Khatter performing stunts and going on a spontaneous scooter date, intended to blend thrill with youthful energy.

The Hero Xoom series is designed to resonate with ‘young India’ through a focus on contemporary design and performance-driven technology. The portfolio includes three specific models: Xoom 110, Xoom 125 and Xoom 160.

The Xoom range incorporates several features tailored for new-age riders, including fastest acceleration in its class and front disc brakes. Large ‘14-14’ wheels and a sporty aesthetic. LED projector headlamps for improved visibility and presence.

Aashish Midha, Head of Marketing, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Hero Xoom reflects our focus on building products and brands that resonate with young India. With its distinctive design, performance-driven features and strong street presence, it offers a differentiated riding experience."

Ishaan Khatter added, “What I love about this film is that it blends thrill with a touch of romance. We have set it around a fun, spontaneous scooter date, brought alive with a recreated version of a truly iconic song.”

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Royal Enfield has announced the launch of its inaugural Himalayan Base Camp – Ladakh Edition, a three-day community confluence designed to bring together riders, climbers and overlanders.

Based in Leh, Ladakh, at an altitude of 11,480 feet, the event moves away from traditional festival formats to create an immersive, hands-on environment focused on the ‘Adventure mindset.’

The program is structured around active participation rather than observation. It will feature a range of curated expeditions, expert-led sessions and skill-based workshops covering multiple disciplines. Beyond motorcycling, the event includes activities such as overlanding, cycling and mountaineering. Technical challenges include bouldering, kayaking and high-altitude skills workshops.

Mohit Dhar Jayal, Chief Brand Officer, Royal Enfield, said, “The Himalayan Base Camp is a rendezvous point for all adventurers, regardless of whether they are driven by horsepower, willpower or their own two feet. The program combines action, instruction and a variety of expeditions that will take adventurers out of their comfort zone - and bring them back to base with a whole new set of skills and experiences.”

The Ladakh edition is positioned as a shared space for co-creators where aficionados define the spirit of adventure. By returning to its ‘spiritual ground,’ Royal Enfield aims to fuel specific subcultures within the adventure community, offering challenges that range from technical boulder crawling to high-speed valley expeditions. The event is designed to be accessible to all, emphasising a collective defining of what adventure looks like at high altitudes.

This new addition to the Royal Enfield calendar joins their established marquee rides like the Himalayan Odyssey and Moto Himalaya, further solidifying the brand's presence in the global adventure-lifestyle ecosystem.

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