European premium motorcycle manufacturer Ducati India has expanded its ‘Ducati Protect’ Periodic Maintenance Contract programme across its complete range of new motorcycles in the Indian market.

The maintenance package is available exclusively for new models and must be activated on the date of sale alongside the vehicle warranty. The contract covers scheduled maintenance requirements, including replacement parts, labour costs and lubricants, protecting owners against future service price increases.

Servicing under the contract is performed by certified technicians across authorised Ducati dealerships using manufacturer parts. The contract remains transferable to subsequent owners if the vehicle is sold. Consumable items are excluded from package coverage under the program terms.

Bipul Chandra, MD, Ducati India, said, "At Ducati, we are committed to delivering an ownership experience that goes far beyond the ride itself. With Ducati Protect now available across our entire new model range, clients can enjoy complete peace of mind knowing their motorcycle is backed by comprehensive maintenance from Ducati-certified technicians using genuine parts. By helping keep the motorcycle in optimal condition throughout its lifecycle, Ducati Protect not only preserves the performance and value of the bike but also enhances the overall riding experience, allowing owners to focus on what matters most - enjoying every ride with confidence."

The expansion follows an initial trial of the program earlier in the year. Detailed package pricing varies by model and is available through Ducati's dealership network across India.

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Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles has listed its 2026 Yezdi motorcycle lineup on e-commerce platforms Amazon.in and Flipkart to expand retail accessibility during the festive period. The online listings include the Yezdi Adventure in Yellow Falcon, the Yezdi Roadster in Green Mamba and the Yezdi Scrambler in Grey Panther.

The e-listing enables customers to purchase the vehicles online at ex-showroom prices before completing documentation, registration and insurance formalities through local authorised dealerships. Vehicle handovers will take place at the brand's network of more than 450 dealership touchpoints across India.

Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, "Yezdi has always attracted riders who prefer to do things their own way. The 2026 range builds on that spirit through three purpose-built motorcycles, each with its own character and purpose. The Yellow Falcon Adventure, Green Mamba Roadster and Grey Panther Scrambler give riders more ways to choose a motorcycle that reflects how and where they ride. Bringing the range to Amazon.in and Flipkart is another step towards making Yezdi more accessible and giving riders another way to discover and book their preferred motorcycle this festive season."

The updated product range incorporates technical and visual revisions across models. The Yezdi Adventure features tubeless cross-spoke wheels alongside its 334cc liquid-cooled Alpha2 engine generating 29.6 PS and 29.8 Nm of torque. The Yezdi Roadster receives a matte green paint scheme, brown seating and copper graphics, retaining the 334cc Alpha2 engine with a six-speed transmission and assist-and-slipper clutch.

The Yezdi Scrambler carries a metallic grey finish, powered by the 334cc KATAR engine producing 30 PS, 30 Nm of torque and a fuel efficiency rating of 30 kilometres per litre.

The e-commerce sales initiative is backed by the company's Ownership Assurance Program. The ownership package comprises a four-year or 50,000-kilometre standard warranty, extended warranty options up to six years, roadside assistance coverage up to eight years and annual maintenance contracts spanning up to five years across its national network.

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Bajaj Auto-owned Austrian two-wheeler brand KTM do Brasil has inaugurated its new manufacturing facility in Manaus, Amazonas, featuring an annual installed capacity of 20,000 units. The site currently employs 100 personnel across direct and indirect functions and is dedicated to producing KTM and Husqvarna models.

The plant represents an investment of approximately 20 million Brazilian Reais in infrastructure and assembly equipment. Operating on a Completely Knocked Down basis, the facility handles kit preparation, engine assembly, motorcycle assembly, quality testing, packaging and logistics dispatch.

The local production replaces the company's previous contract assembly arrangement with Dafra Motos, establishing a direct manufacturing presence in Brazil. Initial operational targets project assembly of 3,500 units by the end of 2026, ahead of volume scaling planned through 2027.

The Manaus facility will assemble 10 motorcycle models across the motocross, enduro and adventure segments. The motocross line includes the KTM 250 SX-F and KTM 450 SX-F, while the enduro range comprises the KTM 250 EXC-F, 350 EXC-F 6DAYS, 300 EXC and 300 EXC 6DAYS, alongside the Husqvarna FE 350 and TE 300 PRO.

Local assembly also encompasses the KTM 390 ADVENTURE R and KTM 390 ADVENTURE X, priced at 37,990 Reais and 33,990 Reais respectively. The production output will supply KTM's Brazilian retail network, which currently numbers 12 dealership locations with expansion plans targeting 30 outlets by 2027.

Rakesh Sharma, Joint MD, Bajaj Auto, said, "Brazil is an important market in the global portfolio of both Bajaj and KTM, and the inauguration of the KTM facility co located with the Bajaj Auto facility in Manaus is yet another signal of our commitment to Brazil. The Bajaj and KTM partnership is anchored on complementary strengths, and now we bring these strengths together to serve the passionate riding community of Brazil and build a strong business."

Fabian Steinbacher, Vice-President Operations, KTM AG, said, "Every motorcycle built in Manaus carries the KTM promise: performance, innovation, quality, and riding pleasure. The same processes, quality standards, and technical requirements apply here as in Austria. This achievement is the result of the outstanding commitment of our Brazilian team and the close partnership with our colleagues in Austria."

Petra Preining, Chief Financial Officer, Bajaj Mobility AG and KTM AG, said, "The successful start of production in Manaus demonstrates what is possible here, and we have ambitious plans for the future. The facility is designed to grow alongside the market, both in terms of capacity and product portfolio. At the same time, we are strengthening our competitiveness through local value creation, high cost efficiency and a flexible production structure. This creates the foundation for sustainable growth and sets the course for a strong and profitable future in Brazil."

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has expanded its motorcycle portfolio with the launch of the updated Xtreme 160R 4V and the refreshed Xtreme 250R at prices starting INR 127,000 and INR 198,000 (ex-showroom Delhi), respectively.

The Xtreme 160R 4V features a redesign and a 163cc four-valve, oil-cooled engine developing 17.1 PS and 14.6 Nm of torque. Equipment additions include ride-by-wire throttle control, three ride modes, segment-first cruise control, a panic brake alert system, dual-channel anti-lock braking, upside-down front forks, and a Bluetooth-enabled TFT instrument cluster. The variant lineup is priced from INR 127,000 for the standard model, INR 137,000 for the Pro version and INR 141,000 for the Carbon Edition ex-showroom Delhi.

The refreshed Xtreme 250R incorporates a 250cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine generating 30 PS and 25.3 Nm of torque, achieving zero-to-sixty acceleration in 3.2 seconds. Technical features comprise four ride modes, traction control, a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, gold-anodised upside-down front forks, and industry-first frequency-selective damping rear suspension. The model is priced at INR 198,000 ex-showroom Delhi across carbon red, carbon white, and carbon black colour options.

Anuj Dua, CBO of the Premium Segment, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Premiumisation remains one of the biggest growth opportunities ahead of us and we continue to strengthen our position in this segment through sharper product differentiation and enhanced riding experiences. The Xtreme family is a key pillar of this strategy. The all-new Xtreme 160R 4V brings the Xtreme DNA to a larger community of young riders as the fastest motorcycle in its segment, with a complete redesign and segment-first cruise control and Panic Brake Alert, while the newly launched Xtreme 250R raises the bar in its segment with Ride-by-wire, four ride modes, traction control, a quickshifter, segment-first cruise control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and the industry's first Frequency selective damping suspension. Backed by our Hero Premia network of more than 130 stores, these launches reflect our commitment to creating world-class, aspirational products and further strengthening our premium portfolio."

Customer bookings open on 17 October 2026, with deliveries scheduled to commence on 1 November 2026.

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Aprilia Racing has secured its first top 4^th sweep in MotoGP history at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, with four RS-GP26 motorcycles occupying the leading positions at the finish line.

Marco Bezzecchi won the race from second on the grid, recording a lap time of 1:29.960. The victory marks Bezzecchi's 5^th win of the season and his 11th in the top class, while representing the 300th premier class victory by an Italian rider in Grand Prix history.

Raúl Fernández of the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team finished 2nd, while Aprilia Racing's Jorge Martín completed the podium in 3^rd place. Ai Ogura took 4^th place to complete the sweep for the manufacturer. The result brings Aprilia Racing's season tally to 8 victories and 16 top-class wins overall, while moving Jorge Martín to the top of the riders' championship standings with 355 points.

"I’m happy with my race. I really wanted to leave Mandalika with a good result, and I’d been chasing this win since my injury at the Sachsenring. It felt really good. Clearly, with only five races left, the title is more lost than won. But that doesn’t change how I think or work, especially with my team. I’m not a rider who gives up. That’s who I am, and I’m happy to have met so many like-minded people along the way who I’m fortunate enough to work with," said Marco Bezzecchi.

"I’m happy with this podium because I achieved the best possible result. Marco and Raúl had something extra all weekend. I tried to close the gap, but they were faster. I’m still a little disappointed with yesterday’s result because I could have won, but I’m happy with today’s. As for the championship, the most important thing is to stay in the title fight and, above all, arrive in Valencia with a chance," said Jorge Martín.

Massimo Rivola, CEO, Aprilia Racing, said, "Once again, Aprilia means high drama, for better and for worse. Saturday started in the best possible way with pole position for Raúl Fernández, but the sprint was marred by a mistake at turn one and a serious error over Jorge’s front tyre pressure, for which we owe him an apology. At least Ai’s superb ride through the field salvaged something from it. Sunday, on the other hand, has been a day to remember, with four RS-GP bikes in the top four for the first time. We know it will be tough right to the end, but just as we don’t get disheartened when things go badly, we don’t get carried away when they go well. I want to congratulate everyone at Noale on their commitment and dedication, which are proving so valuable in this hard-fought season."

The result marks Aprilia's fourth podium lockout of the season, following previous finishes at Le Mans, Assen, and Silverstone, taking the Noale-based manufacturer to 310 total wins across all Grand Prix motorcycle classes.

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