Hero MotoCorp Launches Splendor+ XTEC

ROLE OF INDIAN RUBBER INSTITUTE IN SKILL DEVELOPMENT – DR. D BANERJEE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE, AT JSS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, MYSORE

Hero MotoCorp today launched the new edition of motorcycle Splendor – the Splendor+ XTEC. 

The company said in a release that the new Hero Splendor+ ‘XTEC’ have features including a full digital meter with Bluetooth connectivity, call and SMS alert, RTMI (Real Time Mileage Indicator), low fuel indicator, LED high intensity position lamp (HIPL) and exclusive graphics. 

It also has an integrated USB Charger, Side-Stand Engine Cut-off and i3S Technology, (Idle Stop-Start System). 

It will be available at Hero MotoCorp dealerships at a starting price of INR 72,900 (Ex-showroom, Delhi). It also comes with a 5-year warranty, the release indicated. 

Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy and Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Hero Splendor is the most popular and the best-selling motorcycle in India, a true companion to millions across India. It has been an icon for almost three decades and will still continue to inspire many with the launch of the Splendor+ XTEC model, adding technologically advanced features and a smart modern design. This is the latest model complementing the XTEC technology umbrella that has been an overwhelming success since its launch on the Hero Glamour 125, Pleasure+ 110 and Destini 125.” 

Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Growth Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Hero Splendor has been a trend-setter for decades. The motorcycle has been impressing a diverse range of customers with its trust, style, performance and its enhanced range of comfort features. We are certain, Hero Splendor+ XTEC will yet again set a new benchmark – in terms of both technology and visual style, and deliver on the brand promise of comfort and safety.” 

The company said the full digital display offers practical and user-friendly functions, such as incoming and missed call alerts, new message alerts, two trip metre along with the RTMI (Real Time Mileage Indicator) and low fuel indicator. It also features a side-stand visual indication and a ‘Side-stand Engine cut-off’. The motorcycle also features a bank-angle-sensor that cuts-off the engine during a fall. 

The LED High Intensity Position Lamp (HIPL) and new graphics lends Splendor+ XTEC, a great new look. The unconventional LED strip enhances an iconic front end. 

The four new colour schemes in Sparkling Beta Blue, Canvas Black, Tornado Grey and Pearl White highlight the dynamic appearance of the new Splendor+ XTEC, the release pointed out. 

It comes with a 97.2cc BS-VI compliant engine producing a remarkable power output of 7.9 BHP @ 7000 RPM and torque on demand of 8.05 NM @ 6000. It also comes with the i3S patented technology for a better fuel efficiency, the release added. (MT)

Royal Enfield Hosts HunterHood Street Culture In Kochi

Royal Enfield - HunterHood

Chennai-headquartered mid-sized motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield brought its street culture platform, HunterHood, to Kochi on 8 August 2026, combining music, art, skateboarding, urban sports and creative expression. The sixth edition of the event followed previous iterations in Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Shillong and Lucknow.

Inspired by the Hunter 350 motorcycle, HunterHood serves as a platform for street-inspired cultures, gathering communities of artists, musicians, dancers, painters, urban sports enthusiasts and designers. Prior to the main event, Royal Enfield hosted a Community Pre-Jam on 7 August in collaboration with Loop Skatepark to engage local skaters and street communities.

The main stage featured performances from Kerala's independent and hip-hop music scene, including Tribe Mama MaryKali, Ranj x Clifr, GABRI, MC Couper, Baby Jean and Dabzee. The Community Stage presented rapper Ameekha Liyana Ansar, DJ Dsco Patrol (Nihell), street culture collective We Are The Boom and Chenda Melam percussion performances.

Skateboarding demonstrations were conducted by the Fly Squad Skateboarding Community and Kovalam Skate Club. Live graffiti, visual art and interactive installations were created on site by HH Art Spaces, Alan Pappy, Trespassers, SquidWorks, Karthik Venugopal, Samriddhi Arora and Om Chopra. Additionally, Kerala-based artist collective Trespassers completed a ten-day mural project focused on local youth culture and riding.

The event incorporated interactive workshops covering skimboarding, football, cricket, basketball and graffiti. Custom motorcycle builds were displayed by XLNC Customs, JD Customs, Garuda Machina, Kunwar Customs and Eimor Customs. The venue also featured an illuminated tunnel installation incorporating lights, Malayalam conversations and cinema dialogues to replicate the experience of riding through the city.

India Yamaha Motor Reintroduces MotoGP Editions, Updates FZ Colour Options

Yamaha India - MotoGP

India Yamaha Motor has announced the return of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition for the R15 V4 and MT-15 Version 2.0 motorcycle models. The release, the company says, responds to customer demand for the company's racing-livery options.

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition models display liveries inspired by Yamaha's racing division across the fuel tank, side panels, and tank shrouds. The R15 V4 MotoGP Edition is priced starting at INR 176,050 ex-showroom Delhi, while the MT-15 MotoGP Edition begins at INR 177,230.

Alongside the special editions, Yamaha updated colour variants across its FZ product range. The FZ-S Fi Hybrid receives an Ice Storm colour scheme, while the existing Matte Black version gets updated graphics. The FZ-S Fi line gains a Metallic Black finish.

Pricing for the updated FZ range starts at INR 129,880 ex-showroom Delhi for the standard FZ-S Fi, with the FZ-S Fi Hybrid variant priced at INR 139,200.

Studds Launches Raider Youth Full-Face Helmet At INR 1,175

Studds

Studds Accessories, one of the leading two-wheeler helmet manufacturer, has launched its latest product the Raider Youth, a full-face helmet designed for younger riders and adults requiring smaller head sizes at prices starting INR 1,175.

The release marks the introduction of a dedicated small-sized full-face model into the company's product line-up. The Raider Youth is an ISI-certified helmet that provides chin and lower-face coverage, moving beyond the open-face helmet designs that have traditionally dominated the youth and small-head-size segments in India. It is offered in two sizes: XXS (520 mm) and XS (540 mm), catering to children, teenagers and female riders or adults with smaller head dimensions.

The product features an outer shell constructed from ABS material paired with an expanded polystyrene (EPS) liner. The ventilation system uses top exhaust ports to channel airflow through the interior, while additional hardware includes a scratch-resistant quick-release visor, micro-fibre inner lining and a quick-release chin strap mechanism.

Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director, STUDDS Accessories, said, "Young riders today are more aware of style, comfort, and safety than ever before, and parents are increasingly seeking products that offer enhanced protection without compromising on usability. The Raider Youth has been developed to address these expectations through a purpose-built full-face design that delivers greater coverage and confidence for young riders. Its vibrant colour palette, modern styling, rider-focused comfort features, and trusted safety credentials have been brought together to make helmet usage both appealing and reassuring. We believe the Raider Youth will resonate strongly with young riders and their families while encouraging the habit of safe riding from an early age."

The initial launch comprises the Unicolor variant across 12 finish options, including solid, matte, and chameleon finishes: White, Black, Cherry Red, Flame Blue, Lavender Pink, Pastel Green, Petrol Blue, Dark Pink, Chameleon Pink, Chameleon Blue, Matt Black, and Military Green.

Anuj Dua

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s two-wheeler manufacturer, has appointed Anuj Dua as the new Chief Business Officer – Premium Segment to oversee its motorcycle and scooter operations in higher-displacement categories.

Dua brings experience from previous executive roles across Hero MotoCorp, Royal Enfield and Bajaj Auto, where he managed global product strategy, brand development and market expansion.

In his new role, Dua will manage product portfolio expansion, strategic partnerships, retail network development and customer engagement initiatives, including community events and branded merchandise across performance and lifestyle segments.

In FY2026, Hero MotoCorp expanded its product line-up through the introduction of models including the Glamour X, Xtreme 125R, Xtreme 250R, Xoom 160, XPulse 210 and the Harley-Davidson X440 T. To support these offerings, the manufacturer expanded its dedicated Hero Premia retail and service network to more than 130 stores across India. The standalone outlets feature specialised sales personnel and dedicated service bays.

Dr. Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, said, “The global mobility landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, led by rising consumer aspirations for premiumization including curated premium experiences. At Hero MotoCorp, we are responding to these transformative shifts with a future-focused strategy that combines innovation, design excellence, performance engineering and deeper customer engagement. Our expanding premium portfolio, retail transformation and motorsport initiatives are integral to this strategy, accelerating product innovation, strengthening brand aspiration, and reinforcing our position as a globally admired mobility brand which is proudly Made in India.”

At present, the company manufactures its premium range from its facility Neemrana, Rajasthan, which incorporates automated assembly lines and digital quality control systems. The vehicle platforms integrate electronic architecture supporting over-the-air software updates and rider assistance systems.

Additionally, the company utilises its Hero MotoSports division to evaluate chassis dynamics, electronic systems and powertrain durability for application across its commercial production models.