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.

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.”