Ducati has launched the BSVI versions of the Panigale V4 sports bike and the Diavel 1260 power cruiser at INR 23.50 lakh and INR 18.49 lakh (ex-showroom). With this launch, Ducati expanded its BSVI line up to eight motorcycles, with four more launches expected sometime during the year.

Panigale V4/ V4S

Ducati has maintained the power and torque levels of the Panigale V4 and the V4 S by introducing a 10 mm larger exhaust catalyst with a new technology of impregnation of noble metals to maximise its ability to convert exhaust gases. The Desmosedici Stradale engine now produces the same 214 hp and 124 Nm as the previous generation model.

To help improve the stability and responsiveness on the racetrack, Ducati has tweaked the structural, aerodynamic, & electronic characteristics of the Panigale V4 model range. In addition, the Panigale V4 has received aerodynamic upgrades that now reflects the V4 R and includes Plexiglas- headlight fairing and side fairings, lateral extractors for efficient airflow over the radiators and other Aerodynamic members.

The brand has also upgraded the V4’s electronic package to the latest DTC EVO 3 derived from the Ducati Corse. The system is more predictive and monitors the angular movement of the crankshaft and the speed of the rear wheel to prevent slippage during mid-corner acceleration.

The new electronics package consists of:

•          ABS Cornering EVO

•          Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 3

•          Ducati Slide Control (DSC)

•          Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO

•          Ducati Power Launch (DPL)

•          Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO 2

•          Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO

•          Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) EVO

The 2021 Panigale V4 gets new riding modes that the rider can compare to help him select the best set-up for track use. Along with the existing Sport and Street mode, the company has added two specific mappings to the Race mode and split it into Race A and Race B.

Other additions to the Panigale V4 and the V4 S include:

• Chain guard fin to protect the rider from contacting the chain and the crown in the event of a slide

• Heated grips for comfort when riding in cold weathers

• Ignition key with a more modern and elegant grip

• Self-bleeding brake and clutch pumps from the Superleggera V4
In its BSVI avatar, the Panigale V4 costs INR 23.5 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Panigale V4 S costs INR 28.4 lakh (ex-showroom).

Diavel 1260/ 1260 S

In its latest BSVI avatar, the Ducati Diavel has gained both weight and power. The 2021 model has gained three kilograms of weight due to the BS6 upgrade while producing three bhp more than the outgoing model. The twin-cylinder Ducati Testastretta DVT engine in the Diavel now has a peak power of 162 hp and 129 Nm.

In its BSVI avatar, Ducati has changed the Diavel’s chassis set-up. The bike now features an aluminium swingarm attached to a tubular steel Trellis frame sized to give the power cruiser cornering agility and easy riding characteristics.

The more expensive Diavel 1260 S gets a fully adjustable Ohlins 48 mm fork and shock absorber, while the standard Diavel 1260 gets only a fully adjustable suspension at the front and a monoshock at the rear.

Ducati has upgraded both the Diavel 1260 and the 1260 S with improved riding modes. The Ducati 1260 owners get access to the Ducati Link app that lets rider configure each parameter of the desired ride mode in a user-friendly manner. The bike receives three distinctive ride modes in Sport, Touring and Urban.

The Diavel 1260 S comes equipped with a six-axis Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that measures the pitch and roll of the bike, increasing the safety standards. The electronic package on the Diavel 1260 S include:

• Bosch Cornering ABS EVO

• Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO

• Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO

• Ducati Power Launch (DPL) with Dragster mode

• Cruise Control

The TFT on the Diavel gets four display modes, with the default mode provides a minimal must-have level of information while the other three are associated with the riding modes. The TFT on the Diavel 1260 S comes equipped with Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) that lets users connect their phone to the dashboard via Bluetooth for calls, music and messages.

The Diavel 1260 costs INR 18.49 lakh (ex-showroom), while the 1260 S costs INR 21.49 lakh (ex-showroom). (MT)

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.”