Ducati has unveiled the new V4 Granturismo engine for the next generation of Ducati Multistrada. It is said to be an extremely compact, lightweight, high-performance, torque-rich engine designed to meet the needs required in ‘adventouring’ use.

Ducati has guaranteed first in class materials that would deliver durability and reliability. The V4 Granturismo project is said to have been undertaken with the aim of ensuring maximum fluidity of operation combined with a substantial extension of maintenance intervals. The new distribution includes a spring valve return system, that brings the maintenance intervals of the V4 Granturismo to 60,000 km. Figures have been obtained thanks to the in-depth expertise Ducati acquired in the use of materials, treatments and technical solutions developed around the Desmodromic system (refers to the way that a poppet valve inside of an engine is controlled). 

Ducati claims that the new spring valve return system gives less stress to the components, if compared to the Desmo and thus, has achieved an outstanding milestone never set before by a motorcycle engine. The engine is said to ensure great regularity of operation at low revs and low loads while maintaining outright performance, power at high revs and the reach of an authentic sports engine. The V4 Granturismo delivers 125 kW (170 hp) of power at 10,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 125 Nm at 8,750 rpm. The new engine also comes with a counter-rotating crankshaft for improved handling and agility and exploits the ‘Twin Pulse’ technology that offers a full-bodied but perfectly manageable power delivery at every speed. It also adopts the strategy of deactivating the rear bank at idle. In this way, when the bike is stationary, the combustion process in the cylinders is halted and this improves the thermal comfort of the rider and passenger thanks to the lowering of temperatures while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption. All this is achieved while adhering to the stringent Euro 5 homologation norms.

The new V4 Granturismo engine is reportedly 1.2 kg lighter (with 66.7 kg) than the Testastretta twin-cylinder used on the previous Multistrada 1260. The 1,158 cc displacement engine is 85mm shorter, 95mm lower and only 20mm wider. This compact layout allowed Ducati engineers to house the engine in the frame more effectively and centrally in order to positively influence the position of the bike's center of gravity, with all the resulting benefits.

V4 Granturismo main technical data
 
1158 cc 4-cylinder 90° V engine
Bore x stroke 83 x 53,5 mm
Compression ratio 14:1
Maximum power 125 kW (170 hp) at 10,500 rpm
Maximum torque 125 Nm (12,7 Kgm) at 8,750 rpm
Euro 5 homologation
Distribution part chain, part gear - timing with dual overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder
Counter-rotating crankshaft with crank pins offset at 70°
Wet multiplate anti-patter servo clutch
Semi-dry sump lubrication with three oil pumps: 1 delivery and 2 return
Fuelling with four oval throttle bodies (46 mm diameter equivalent)
6-speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down System
60,000 km maintenance valves check interval
Deactivating rear bank

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched its XPulse 200 4V and XPulse 200 Pro motorcycles in the United Kingdom, expanding its international adventure motorcycle line-up.

The rollout represents the next phase of the manufacturer's European expansion, following its initial entry into the UK market last year through a distribution partnership with MotoGB.

The motorcycles were introduced at the Inch Perfect Trials in the Ribble Valley, marking the brand's latest European expansion following recent market entries in Italy and Spain. Distribution and aftersales service will be managed via MotoGB’s network of 36 sales and service outlets across the UK, with all models backed by a two-year warranty.

Both models are powered by a 199.6cc, four-stroke, four-valve, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine paired with a five-speed constant-mesh transmission. The engine produces 18.9 BHP at 8,500 RPM and 17.35 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM. The motorcycles feature an LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, a Class-D LED projector headlamp and three anti-lock braking system (ABS) modes (Road, Off-Road and Rally).

Harshavardhan Chitale, CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The launch of the XPulse 200 series marks an important step in strengthening Hero MotoCorp’s global adventure motorcycling portfolio in the UK. The XPulse has created a strong identity globally as an accessible yet highly capable adventure motorcycle that appeals to both - everyday riders and off-road enthusiasts. With its proven performance, versatility and adventure-focused DNA, we are confident that the XPulse range will strongly resonate with the riders. As we continue to expand across international markets, our focus remains on bringing globally benchmarked products and building deeper customer engagement worldwide.”

The XPulse 200 Pro includes hardware adaptations for off-road use, featuring handlebar risers to assist with standing positions and an extended gear shift lever designed to accommodate off-road riding boots. Both variants are equipped with protective bash plates, handguards, and a rear luggage plate with integrated cargo hooks as standard equipment.

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company, a part of TVS Group, has appointed Ravindran Shanmugam as an independent director for a 5-year term, effective 13 May 2026, pending shareholder approval.

Shanmugam is a technology entrepreneur and business leader with experience in digital transformation and AI platforms. He currently serves as the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Mablle, an AI-based interior design platform in Singapore. He has previously worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company and is an alumnus of the University of Oxford.

Sudarshan Venu, Chairman, TVS Motor Company, said, “Ravindran Shanmugam brings deep expertise in digital & consumer-focused businesses, and AI-led transformation, along with strong experience in strategy, entrepreneurship and scaling businesses across global markets. His perspectives will add valuable depth to the TVS Motor board as we continue to strengthen our future-ready growth ambitions. We are delighted to welcome him and look forward to benefiting from his insights and guidance.”

Ravindran Shanmugam, said, “I am honoured to join the board of TVS Motor Company, an institution with a strong legacy of engineering excellence, customer trust and global ambition. Mobility is being reshaped by technology, digital ecosystems, AI and evolving consumer expectations, and TVS Motor is well positioned to play a meaningful role in this transformation. I look forward to contributing to the board’s deliberations and supporting the company’s long-term growth journey with perspectives from technology-led transformation, platform businesses and consumer-focused innovation.”

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has reported revenue of INR 472.70 billion for FY2025-26, up 30 percent YoY, as compared to INR 362.51 billion last year.

The company reported its operating EBITDA for the year stood at 12.9 percent, while operating profit before tax reached INR 49.75 billion, up 40 percent YoY.

For FY2026, combined sales of two and three-wheelers increased by 24 percent to 5.88 million units. Within this total, motorcycle sales rose by 24 percent to 2.71 million units, while scooter sales grew by 27 percent to 2.41 million units.

Three-wheeler sales reached 219,000 units, an increase of 63 percent, while electric vehicle sales grew by 33 percent to 371,000 units, bringing the total customer base for this segment to more than 900,000.

For Q4 FY2026, the company recorded revenue of INR 128.08 billion, the operating EBITDA margin for the quarter was 13.1 percent. Normalised revenue for the quarter grew by 36 percent when excluding benefits from government incentive schemes recorded in the prior year.

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has officially launched the NX500 E-Clutch at a price of INR 743,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new variant introduces Honda's globally proven clutch automation technology to the mid-size adventure touring segment, priced approximately INR 111,000 higher than the standard manual version.

The E-Clutch system manages clutch engagement and disengagement during starting, gear shifting and stopping, effectively eliminating the need for the rider to pull the clutch lever. However, the system allows for manual override at any time and the motorcycle retains a traditional clutch lever for riders who prefer hands-on control.

The NX500 E-Clutch features a 471cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine producing 47 bhp and 43 Nm of torque. It gets a 6-speed gearbox with the automated E-Clutch system; the mechanism adds only 3 kg to the bike's kerb weight (now 199 kg). The motorcycle gets steel diamond frame with Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD front forks and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock.

In terms of stopping, it gets dual 296mm front discs and a 240mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS as standard.  

The NX500 features a 5-inch full-colour TFT display with Honda RoadSync (navigation, calls, music), Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and all-LED lighting.

Tsutsu Otani,  President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The Honda NX500 equipped with E Clutch technology enhances comfort and control across both urban and touring environments in India, by reducing rider fatigue, while retaining the engaging, hands-on riding experience that defines Honda motorcycles.”

The NX500 E-Clutch is available in two colour options – Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic and Pearl Horizon White.

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