Credited of resuurecting some of the most coveted two-wheeler brands in the world such as BSA and Jawa/Yezdi brand of motorcycles, Classic Legends is ready for electrification in India, mentioned Co-Founder Anupam Thareja at a function recently in Kolkata for the launch of the Jawa 42 FJ.  

He said that the company is all set for enter the electric two-wheeler market in India but is not looking at pioneering the effort. planning to be one of the pioneers. “At Classic Legends, we're prepared for this transition. While we don’t aim to be the first to market, we've invested heavily in research and development over the past four years, improving our technology year after year. Our engineers are constantly working to make electric vehicles better, faster, longer-lasting, smoother and with enhanced user interfaces. We're focused on making electrification more efficient and practical,” he added. 

Commenting that electrification is a gradual process and it has already begun in India with impressive strides, Thareja said, "The country's progress has been anything but linear—it's advancing rapidly. In the two-wheeler segment, scooters are leading the charge because they are ideal for intra-city commutes. On the other hand, the electric motorcycle market is still relatively small."

Providing an example of fitting a 500-km range battery into a motorcycle, which would make it larger than the motorcycle itself, Thareja averred, "The advancements in technology and infrastructure are essential prerequisites for widespread motorcycle electrification.”

Revealing that the company has already entered the electric motorcycle market in Europe, Thareja commented, "In India, we have just introduced the biggest single-cylinder motorcycle the BSA Golstar and the Jawa 42 FJ, which marks an exciting new chapter for the '42 Lfe' theme." 

Increasing market share

Launching the Jawa 42 FJ in the eastern India market starting with the launch in Kolkata, Classic Legends is keen that this motorcycle builds on the success of the 42 and 42 Bobber. A 350 cc neo-classic model, the Jawa 42 FJ points to superior design and an unparalleled riding experience.

With first set of deliveries of the new motorcycle already carried out in Kolkata, Classic Legends is working to expand its network in Bengal. It is working to take the touchpoint network from the present 13 to more than 20 by the end of this fiscal. The company, in this direction, is planning to open 200 showrooms across India as well. These would be across Tier I, II and III cities. 

With some of its models competing with another retro-motorcycle maker Royal Enfield, Classic Legends has impressive plans to increase its market share in place. They are engineered to ‘increase the overall neo-classic motorcycle market, said Thareja.

Planning to sell 100,000 units of its Jawa and Yezdi range by the third quarter of FY2025-26, the company is working towards quickly gaining the ground it lost to Covid-19 pandemic.  

"We aim to gain higher sales in the premium motorcycles segment. Presently we are selling 4,000 to 5,000 units per month among the brands which the company owns. We aim at selling one lakh units per annum in the next 12 months,” said Thareja. 

“We may be a four-year-old company, but Covid effectively took out two years. If you discount those, it feels like in just two years, everyone knows about Jawa. Today, when someone considers buying a 350cc motorcycle, the brands under Classic Legends are as prominent as any other in the market. As we gradually introduce new models with varied pricing and segmentation, our focus isn’t just on increasing market share. Our goal is to expand the motorcycling community, not just our slice of the motorcycle market. In the next 12 months, we expect to surpass the 100,000-unit sales mark. Currently, we sell around 5,000 bikes monthly across both the Jawa and Yezdi brands,” he explained. 

Enter BSA Goldstar

Partnering with e-commerce platform Flipkart, which has helped with the sale of its motorcycles, Classic Legends is banking big on the BSA Goldstar 650 retro-classic motorcycle in India. Launched on the even of India’s 78th Independence Day in Mumbai and produced at the company's plant in Pithampur, Indore, the BSA Goldstar 650 is already being sold in the overseas markets of Europe such as UK. 

Commenting on the rationale behind relaunching this iconic machine, a company official noted, “When you look at this motorcycle space today, there aren't many players. You have Triumph, but Harley Davidson doesn’t compete with the BSA Goldstar. In the mid-cc segment, it’s really just Classic Legends and Royal Enfield. The 650cc segment is highly competitive, but it’s also about expanding the spectrum of options available in the market.”

“Royal Enfield popularised the 650cc segment by introducing a two-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, Kawasaki offers three-cylinder engines, and Honda provides four-cylinder options. What makes Classic Legends stand out is that we brought back the big single-cylinder engine, which has been absent from this category for over a decade. It offers a unique riding experience and will contribute to enhancing India's motorcycle culture. Even if volumes take time to grow, this segment will continue to thrive.”

Thareja, who owns 20 percent stake in Classic Legends, said that Jawa and BSA bikes are also sold in the Czech Republic and the UK respectively, besides India.

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, and Thums Up, one of India’s leading soft drink brands under The Coca-Cola Company, have launched Thunderwheels 2.0 campaign.

The partners stated that following the success of last year’s collaboration, the new Thunderwheels 2.0 initiative brings an opportunity for consumers to win the all-new Hero Xtreme 250R motorcycle. The consumers have to scan QR codes on the special edition Thums Up packs to win a chance to own the Xtreme 250R.

Aashish Midha, Head of Marketing – India BU, Hero MotoCorp said, “The phenomenal response to Thunderwheels last year reaffirmed how deeply this initiative connects with the new generation of riders. Today’s youth want machines that reflect their individuality, confidence, and passion. With the Xtreme 250R, Hero MotoCorp is delivering a motorcycle built for agility, power, and style—designed for those who ride with intent. Our partnership with Thums Up amplifies this spirit, creating a shared culture of boldness, self-expression, and unstoppable energy on the road.”  

Sumeli Chatterjee, Category Head – Sparkling Flavours, Coca-Cola India and South-West Asia, said, “Every experience by Thums Up is built to fuel adrenaline and push boundaries. Thums Up ThunderWheels 2.0, in partnership with Hero MotoCorp’s Xtreme 250R, is built for the riders and thrill seekers who want to push the boundaries and be unstoppable in their dreams. For us, this partnership is all about engaging with young consumers in the spaces that matter most to them. Taste the Thunder and scan the pack to unlock action packed series of raw, real, and energetic experiences.”

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Royal Enfield has launched a refreshed version of its popular cruiser, the Meteor 350 with prices starting INR 195,762 for the Fireball variant.

It comes in four distinct variants – Fireball, Stellar, Aurora, and Supernova – with seven new colour options. All models are powered by the same 349cc air-cooled 'J-series' engine, which produces 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. However, the new line-up features several standard upgrades: LED headlamps, Tripper pod for navigation, LED turn indicators, USB Type-C fast-charging port, Assist-and-slip clutch and Adjustable levers.

The Fireball and Stellar variants now include the LED headlamps and Tripper pod as standard features. Meanwhile, the top-tier Supernova and Aurora models now come with adjustable levers, making them fully-equipped for long-distance touring.

Royal Enfield has also revamped the aesthetics of the Meteor 350 with new colour schemes tailored to different rider preferences. The Supernova variant now offers modern colours with chrome finishes, while the Aurora variant features heritage-inspired schemes for a retro feel. The Stellar and Fireball variants, with their subtle and vibrant colours respectively, are aimed at younger riders seeking a solo, free-spirited experience.

B Govindarajan, Managing Director and CEO, Eicher Motors, said, “For decades, Royal Enfield's philosophy of pure, unadulterated riding has strongly resonated with many riders across geographies. The launch of the Meteor 350 back in the year 2020 has brought in a new generation of riders who seek a distinct identity on the road. Today, it has become a preferred choice for those who value the cruiser aesthetic and a laid-back style of riding, be it for quick city errands or for longer explorations beyond the city limits. The Meteor 350 is not just a motorcycle, but a lifestyle statement for relaxed journeys and memorable experiences on the open road. We are super excited to bring the refreshed and updated version of the Meteor 350 portfolio which we believe will further elevate the experience of our community."

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Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Ltd. (SMIPL), a subsidiary of Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corporation, has announced a new strategic partnership with Jana Small Finance Bank (JSFB), a rapidly growing institution in vehicle financing. This collaboration is designed to significantly improve customer access to financing for Suzuki's range of scooters and motorcycles across both urban and rural Indian markets.

By uniting SMIPL's widespread dealer network with JSFB's strong national presence, the alliance aims to make ownership more attainable. A key benefit for customers will be access to highly competitive financial products, which include attractive interest rates and expedited loan approvals that require minimal documentation. The partnership also promises to deliver flexibility through tailored repayment plans structured to suit a wide variety of individual financial situations.

Further enhancing the experience, JSFB will provide digital application platforms, continuous operational support, and the convenience of pre-approved loan offers. This comprehensive approach is intended to create a seamless, efficient and entirely transparent financing journey for every customer, from initial inquiry to final payment. The memorandum of understanding was formally executed by senior leadership from both organisations.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Ltd., said, “Customer convenience remains at the heart of everything we do at Suzuki Motorcycle India. Our association with Jana Small Finance Bank will expand financing options and bring added flexibility for two-wheeler customers across India. Through this partnership, we will also be able to deepen our presence in newer markets and benefit from JSFB’s vast network, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, allowing more customers to experience the joy of owning their favourite Suzuki two-wheeler.”

Pradeep Rebello, Business Head – Vehicle Loans, Jana Small Finance Bank, said, “At Jana Bank, we are committed to making financial inclusion a reality for millions. Our distribution with 809 branches, 4.6 million customers spread across 25 states coupled with this important partnership with Suzuki Motorcycle India allows us to serve our customers better by providing affordable and seamless financing for two-wheelers. With our digital-first processes, we ensure that every customer enjoys convenience, speed and trust in their loan journey. Our ability to support Suzuki’s expansive customer base demonstrates the power of our nationwide presence and dedication to delivering modern, inclusive banking solutions for all Indians.”

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has appointed Harshavardhan Chitale as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment, approved by the Board of Directors, is effective starting 5 January 2026.

Chitale brings more than three decades of global leadership experience to the role, with a strong background in industrial automation, digital transformation and information technology.

He has previously held senior executive positions at several multinational corporations, including serving as Global CEO of Signify's Professional Business, a leader in lighting solutions. During his time at Signify, Chitale led a global workforce of 12,000 employees and was credited with doubling the business’s profitability.

Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Harsh’s outstanding track record in driving growth, fostering innovation, and leading global transformation makes him the ideal leader for Hero MotoCorp at this pivotal moment. His vision and dynamism will accelerate our journey across electric and emerging mobility, premiumisation, digitalisation, sustainability and organisational renewal – shaping the future of mobility and beyond. With Harsh at the helm, Hero MotoCorp is well-positioned to realise its full potential and deliver enduring value to shareholders, customers, employees and society at large.”

Chitale's past roles also include Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Philips Lighting India and leadership positions at HCL Infosystems and Honeywell Automation India. He is also an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and an active angel investor in sectors like EVs and clean energy.

As part of the transition, Vikram Kasbekar, who served as Acting CEO, will work closely with Chitale to ensure a smooth handover. Kasbekar will continue to serve on the board as Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer.

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