Ducati Panigale V4 R Launched At INR 8.49 Million

Ducati Panigale V4 R

Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati India has launched the Panigale V4 R at INR 8.49 million (ex-showroom). The motorcycle serves as the technical base for the World Superbike Championship models and is produced in a numbered series with the serial number displayed on the steering plate.

The Panigale V4 R is powered by a 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine capable of 16,500 rpm. It produces 218 hp in standard configuration, increasing to 235 hp with a racing exhaust and 239 hp when used with specific performance oil. The engine incorporates lighter pistons and a crankshaft with increased inertia, technologies developed from MotoGP. The gearbox features a racing layout where neutral is positioned below first gear to prevent accidental engagement during braking.

The chassis includes a front frame and a symmetrical swingarm designed for use with slick tyres. Aerodynamic updates include corner sidepods and larger wings that increase downforce by 25 percent compared to the previous model. The electronics suite uses an algorithm called Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO) to manage engine braking, traction control and wheelie control. A 6.9-inch TFT dashboard provides a visual representation of estimated tyre grip.

Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said, “We are immensely proud to introduce the Panigale V4 R to the Indian market. This motorcycle is a true testament to Ducati's racing soul and sporting DNA, bringing technology and performance from MotoGP and WorldSBK directly to the streets. The Desmosedici Stradale R engine, the advanced aerodynamics, and the racing-derived electronics are engineered for one purpose: to offer unparalleled performance on the track. For the discerning Indian enthusiast who demands the absolute best, the Panigale V4 R is not just a motorcycle; it's an experience of what it feels like to ride a true racing machine.”

The motorcycle is available in the Ducati Red livery across all dealerships in India. Standard equipment includes Ohlins suspension, Brembo Hypure calipers and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V4 tyres.

Hero MotoCorp Enters Ecuador With Quilmotors Partnership

Hero Hunk 160R 4V

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.”

Royal Enfield Launches Heritage Collection Apparel Range

Royal Enfield

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."

Hero MotoCorp Appoints Ishaan Khatter As Brand Ambassador For Hero Xoom Scooter

Hero Xoom

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.”

Royal Enfield Announces Himalayan Base Camp – Ladakh Edition

Royal Enfield - Ladakh Edition

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.