Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has commenced its retail operations with the re-opening of more than 1,500 customer touch-points including authorized dealerships and service centers. These outlets contribute to around 30 percent of the company’s total domestic retail sales.

According to the company about 10,000 units of motorcycles and scooters have already been sold since the reopening of these customer touch points.  Keeping the safety and wellbeing of everyone as top-most priority, the company has issued a Restart Manual to all its Dealerships, Service Centers and Parts distributors.

The company also commenced vehicle dispatches from its manufacturing facilities for the current fiscal year (FY’21) on May 7.

All of Hero MotoCorp’s manufacturing facilities across the globe had halted operations since March 22 as a precautionary preventive measure against COVID-19. On May 4, Hero MotoCorp became the first two-wheeler manufacturer in the country to resume operations after it reopened three of its manufacturing plants at Dharuhera and Gurgaon in Haryana and Haridwar in Uttarakhand.

In addition to sharing the restart manuals with dealer partners and parts distributors, the company has also conducted intense training programs though webinars reaching to 700 internal sales, after-sales employees and over 7000 customer touch-points, already. (MT)

British classic motorcycling brand Triumph Motorcycles recently hosted its first-ever ‘Legends Ride’ in Delhi NCR, bringing together over 50 passionate Triumph motorcycle riders across category – from modern classics to street tourers and long-distance adventure bikes.

The riders rode through Delhi to the Heritage Transport Museum in Taoru, Haryana, celebrating the spirit of motorcycling and riding community.

The company claims that Delhi has become the second biggest market for its customers.

Manik Nangia, President - ProBiking - Bajaj Auto, said, “The overwhelming response to the ‘Legends Ride’ reinforces Triumph’s growing legacy in Delhi. Triumph riders set a benchmark for passionate and responsible riding, and we are excited to create more such experiences that bring motorcyclists together.”

Triumph Motorcycles has introduced four new colour options – Caspian Blue / Pearl Metallic White, Lava Red Gloss / Pearl Metallic White, Phantom Black / Pearl Metallic White and Phantom Black / Storm Grey – for the Speed T4 with prices starting at INR 199,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Speed T4 now features a brushed steel finished exhaust, 3D 'Speed T4' emblem on the side panel, an updated frame colour and a new tyre sticker design.

It continues to be powered by the 400cc engine which delivers 31 PS @ 7,000 rpm and 36 Nm @ 5,000 rpm, low-end torque between 3,500-5,500 rpm.

Other key features include manual throttle body control, slipper clutch, 43mm telescopic fork, dual channel ABS and a console with USB port.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), a leading two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the updated OBD2B-compliant Hornet 2.0 at INR 156,953 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Hornet 2.0 comes with a 4.2-inch TFT  display with Bluetooth connectivity using the Honda RoadSync app. It also gets a new USB C-type charging port, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and Dual Channel ABS for safety.

The motorcycle is powered by 184.40cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine, delivering 12.50 kW of power at 8500 RPM and 15.7 Nm of peak torque at 6000 RPM. Mated with a 5-speed gearbox, the Hornet 2.0 also gets an Assist & Slipper Clutch for smooth gear shifts.

Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The Hornet 2.0 has been a game-changer in the segment ever since it was first introduced in August 2020. Over the years, we have continuously updated the motorcycle and even introduced special MotoGP edition models, each receiving an overwhelming response from our customers. With the new OBD2B-compliant Hornet 2.0, we aim to take this legacy forward by offering an even more refined riding experience, coupled with cutting-edge technology and superior safety features.”

Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are thrilled to introduce the latest iteration of the Hornet 2.0, which comes with exciting new features and enhancements. The motorcycle now boasts aggressive new graphics, an advanced digital TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, and safety features like Honda Selectable Torque Control and Dual-Channel ABS. Designed for performance enthusiasts to challenge the streets, the Hornet 2.0 is all-set to redefine the streetfighter experience.”

In terms of styling, the Honda Hornet 2.0 gets new graphics on its body panels, an all-LED lighting set-up and four colour options – Pearl Igneous Black, Radiant Red Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic and Mat Axis Gray Metallic.

Italian two-wheeler brand Aprilia has launched the Tuono 457 naked motorcycle in India at price starting INR 395,000. The Tuono 457 builds on the RS 457’s success, which the company said offers a naked bike experience designed for daily riding and leisure.

The motorcycle incorporates compact surfaces and a recognisable LED front light cluster with a triple headlight setup. The tank is shaped for ergonomics and sportiness, complementing the wide handlebar for a dynamic ride.

Powered by a 457cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, the Tuono 457 delivers 35 kW (47.6 hp) at 9,400 rpm and 43.5 Nm torque at 6,700 rpm, with 82 percent torque available at 3,000 rpm.

The Tuono 457 features an aluminium frame, which the company said is developed using Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) for the best rigidity-to-weight balance. The 41 mm fork offers 120 mm travel with preload adjustment, while the rear shock absorber has 130 mm travel and supports an asymmetrical steel swingarm. The braking system includes ByBre calipers with 320 mm front and 220 mm rear discs, supported by a Bosch two-channel ABS system.

The motorcycle offers three riding modes – eco, sport and rain – adjusting power delivery and traction control levels. The Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) can be adjusted on the go and ABS can be disengaged from the rear wheel for track use. The bike is equipped with a 5-inch TFT colour display, backlit handlebar controls and Bluetooth connectivity via the Aprilia India app for infotainment and navigation.

The Tuono 457 can be had in two graphics options: Piranha Red and Puma Gray.

Diego Graffi, Chairman and MD, Piaggio Vehicles, said, “I am thrilled to introduce to India the Aprilia Tuono 457, a year after we introduced the segment disruptor Aprilia RS457. There were a lot of enquiries for naked sibling to the RS and Tuono 457 is the latest heir to a tradition of excellence in high-handlebar sports bikes offering a superb, adrenaline-filled ride. The Tuono 457 has a number of differences that render it all the more exclusive: it is the only bike in the range that does not have a fairing integrated into the frame. In its place - for the first time on a Tuono - is a pared-back light cluster, worthy of a true naked bike. It’s the most non-conformist and rebellious Tuono that has ever been, and whilst it retains the core features of all Tuono bikes, the new model boasts an all-new look, designed to satisfy the needs and desires of the youngest generation at which it is aimed.”

Actor and Brand Ambassador John Abraham added, “Like many other bikers, I was also hoping for a Tuono 457 to be introduced to India. The Aprilia Tuono has a legendary portfolio and I am sure the new Tuono 457 will completely dominate the naked segment. The bike is agile, powerful and looks distinct and incredible, all things that one expects from Aprilia. I think this will be the perfect city and urban riding bike and I cant wait to get this bike home.”