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.

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has introduced its first flex-fuel vehicles – the Splendor+ Flex Fuel and the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel. The launch introduces the first flex-fuel motorcycles to India's 100cc mass-market segment, establishing a new milestone in the country's transition toward alternative fuels.

The Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel will be sold at INR 72,792 and Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel at INR 82,710 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Engineered for everyday commuting, these new models are fully compatible with ethanol-blended petrol ranging from E20 up to E85. The localised technology supports India's national directive to lower economic carbon intensity by 45 percent by 2030.

The vehicles were unveiled ahead of World Environment Day in New Delhi in the presence of Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), alongside Hero MotoCorp leadership.

Developed at Hero MotoCorp's Centre for Innovation & Technology (CIT) in Jaipur, the flex-fuel line features minimal-to-no imported component content. The initial market release is scheduled for July 2026 across Delhi and select regions of Maharashtra, with a nationwide rollout to follow shortly thereafter.

Both motorcycles are powered by a modified 97.2cc engine architecture engineered to dynamically adapt to varying ethanol-to-petrol ratios. When running on E85 fuel, the powertrain delivers a peak power output of 6.3 kW at 8,000 rpm and maximum torque of 8.3 Nm at 6,000 rpm. To handle the corrosive and chemical properties of high-concentration ethanol blends, both models incorporate revised Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and structurally upgraded fuel system components.

Harshavardhan Chitale, CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said, "The launch of the Flex Fuel-ready Splendor+ and HF Deluxe marks another important step in our commitment towards cleaner and sustainable mobility. Developed at our Centre for Innovation & Technology (CIT) in Jaipur, these motorcycles underscore our commitment to delivering future-ready and locally relevant technologies. With minimal-to-no import content, our motorcycles strongly reflect India’s disruptive capabilities in manufacturing, while reinforcing the Government of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat and long-term energy security.”

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has reported total wholesale dispatches of 570,068 units for May 2026, up 12 percent YoY, as compared to 507,701 units sold last year.

Overall domestic dispatches stood at 536,784 units for the month, registering around 10 percent growth compared to May 2025. The growth, the company said, was primarily driven by double-digit volume gains across the Deluxe 125cc, premium motorcycle and scooter segments. To further consolidate its position, the company launched the all-new Super Splendor XTEC 2.0 in the 125cc category.

On the exports front, sales grew around 78 percent YoY, albeit a low-year-ago base, with dispatches rising to 33,284 units in May 2026 from 18,704 units in May 2025. This global momentum was backed by an expanding premium product portfolio and targeted market entries.

The company's domestic retail momentum remained robust, supported by 496,957 official VAHAN registrations (excluding Telangana) recorded during the month.

Furthermore, VIDA, Hero MotoCorp’s emerging electric vehicle (EV) brand, continued its rapid retail scale-up, registering 19,052 units on the VAHAN platform in May 2026, up 166 percent over the corresponding period last year.

VIDA also commenced retail operations for the Dirt.E K3 electric motorcycle in select markets, expanding its product accessibility to target younger riding demographics.

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Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has recorded its highest-ever monthly sales volume, delivering 132,244 units in May 2026, up 3 percent YoY, as compared 128,897 units sold last year.

The milestone performance was driven by an all-time high in domestic dispatches alongside steady growth in international export markets.

Suzuki Motorcycle India saw positive momentum in both the domestic market and exports. The company sold 110,028 units in the domestic market, up 2 percent YoY, while exports came at 22,216 units, up 5 percent YoY.

In addition to whole vehicle distributions, the manufacturer's spare parts division recorded financial gains. Spare parts sales generated revenue of INR 953.60 million in May 2026, marking a 14 percent growth rate over the prior year's corresponding month.

The volume growth highlights the impact of rising customer demand and SMIPL's expanded market outreach. Moving into the next phase of the fiscal year, the company plans to focus on brand activations and targeted engagement initiatives to maintain momentum.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President of Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “SMIPL’s strong performance in May 2026, marked by the highest-ever monthly sales, reflects the positive response to our products and services in the market. The domestic growth highlights the impact of a customer-centric approach and sustained engagement efforts in building deeper connections. Going forward, the focus remains on further enriching customer experiences through impactful engagement initiatives and brand activations.”

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has reported total sales of 518,777 units for May 2026, marking a 12 percent YoY growth compared to the 465,109 units sold for the same month last year.

The sales include 459,611 units in the domestic market, up 10 percent YoY, while exports came at 59,166 units, up 24 percent YoY.

The company's performance indicates steady demand across the automotive two-wheeler market, supported by a product portfolio and a retail network of over 7,000 corporate touchpoints nationwide.

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