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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Chennai-headquartered mid-sized motorcycle major Royal Enfield has launched the Classic 350 Gorkha Edition in India, priced at INR 210,684 ex-showroom, New Delhi.

The new variant is finished in a Gorkha Green paint scheme and features insignia displaying crossed Khukris, reflecting design references to the Gorkha Regiment. Mechanical specifications retain the J-series engine and standard frame configuration, while additions include an assist and slipper clutch alongside a Type-C USB charging port.

Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Enfield, said, "With the Classic 350 Gorkha Edition, we pay tribute to an extraordinary military legacy defined by fierce bravery, loyalty and absolute honour. Every detail stays true to the timeless character of the Classic 350, while the bespoke Gorkha insignia speak of the values that have defined this regiment for generations. The Gorkha apparel collection extends that tribute beyond the ride, giving our community a way to carry that legacy forward with pride and purpose."

Lieutenant General Sanjeev Chauhan, President, Gorkha Brigade, said, "The strength of the Gorkha Regiment lies not only in its history, but in the values of courage, discipline and honour that have been upheld across generations. It is a privilege to see this legacy acknowledged through the Royal Enfield Classic 350 Gorkha Edition, which pays tribute to the spirit and traditions of the Gorkha soldiers with dignity and respect."

Royal Enfield also introduced an accompanying merchandise line, designated as the Gorkha Collection. The range includes helmets, leather boots, headgear and apparel designed using military-inspired colour options including olive green, crimson, black, and bronze.

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India Yamaha Motor has announced updates to its 125cc Fi Hybrid scooter line-up, which introduces new colour schemes, revised body graphics and technology features across the RayZR and Fascino model ranges.

The RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid receives updated paint finishes and graphics. Within the range, the Street Rally variant now incorporates a Colour TFT Instrument Cluster with Turn-by-Turn navigation functionality for smartphone integration.

The Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid also receives colour updates and bodywork revisions. Pricing for the RayZR range starts at INR 79,880 for the Drum brake variant in Metallic Black, moving to INR 87,680 for the Disc variant available in Metallic Black, Dark Matte Blue, and Ice Fluo Vermillion.

The Street Rally variant with an LCD cluster is priced at INR 93,930 in Ice Fluo Vermillion and Matte Black, while the TFT instrument cluster model costs INR 100,440 in Matte Titan and Matte Black.

The Fascino line-up begins at INR 78,980 for the Drum variant in Yellow Cocktail, rising to INR 91,070 for the Disc variant offered in Metallic Light Green, Cool Blue Metallic and Matte Black. The Fascino S variant is priced at INR 99,030 in Metallic Orangish Gray. Both model lines retain Yamaha’s Smart Motor Generator Hybrid Technology, featuring power assist, silent start and automatic engine stop-start systems.

Hardware across the range includes telescopic front suspension, 21-litre under-seat storage compartments, side-stand engine cut-off switches and E20 fuel compatibility. The Fascino S and RayZR Street Rally TFT variants also feature answer-back function capabilities.

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of scooters and motorcycles, has appointed Srihari Mulgund as its new Chief Strategy Officer, effective 17 August 2026. Following the appointment, Mulgund joins the company's executive leadership team and assumes a senior management role under regulatory listing rules.

He comes with over 24 years of experience across engineering, product development, and strategic planning within the automotive industry, having worked in the United States, Japan, China and India.

Prior to joining Hero MotoCorp, he served as a Partner at EY-Parthenon, where he managed advisory engagements covering electric vehicles, battery technology, internal combustion engines, supply chains and mobility systems.

His career history also includes executive roles at Aisin AW, FEV Inc and Ricardo Strategic Consulting India, where he served as President.

Mulgund holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Engineering in Mysore, a master's degree from the University of Toledo, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

In his new position, Mulgund will oversee the formulation and execution of corporate growth plans, technological development initiatives and market strategy frameworks across the company's business divisions.

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Ducati has launched the fifth-generation Monster motorcycle in India, with prices starting from INR 1.39 million ex-showroom. The model arrives following recognition at the Red Dot Design Award 2026, where it won in the Product Design category.

The Monster introduces an 890 cc V2 engine featuring Intake Variable Timing (IVT), it produces 111 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 91.1 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm, with valve clearance maintenance intervals set at 45,000 km.

The motorcycle uses a monocoque frame, a technopolymer subframe and a double-sided swingarm, bringing the overall weight without fuel to 175 kg. The suspension is handled by a 43 mm Showa upside-down front forks and a rear Showa monoshock. Braking is handled by dual 320 mm front discs with Brembo M4.32 radial calipers, while the vehicle rides on Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres. Ergonomic changes include a seat height of 815 mm and repositioned handlebars.

Electronic systems are managed via a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU), which includes cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control and four riding modes. System settings are displayed on a five-inch TFT screen operated via a handlebar-mounted joystick.

The model is available in Monster and Monster+ variants across three colour schemes, with the Monster+ including a headlight cowl and passenger seat cover. Ducati offers two maintenance coverage packages, Ducati Protect (+) and Ducati Protect (Pro), which cover servicing parts and labour for up to four years.

Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said, “The Ducati Monster has always been the bike that introduced people to what a Ducati really feels like, and this new generation makes that experience more accessible than ever. With the new V2 engine, class-leading maintenance intervals and a completely reimagined design, it's a bike built for riders who want the full Ducati experience in a form that's easy to live with every day.”

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