Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport team of the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, Hero MotoCorp, has taken the lead position at the ongoing Rallye du Maroc 2024 with an impressive performance in Stage 1. Hero team pilot Ross Branch emerged as the fastest rider of the stage.

Riders Ross Branch, Sebastian Buhler and Nacho Cornejo, who were competing in the premier Rally GP Class, finished the first stage in 1st, 6th and 8th place, respectively. In the overall Rally GP Class standings, they are currently ranked 1st, 6th and 9th. Branch had the advantage of starting 11th for Stage 1 after placing second in the Prologue, which he capitalised by finishing first by a 48-second cushion over his closest rival. Cornejo started the stage today and made a determined effort to go cautiously across the incredibly challenging terrain, reaching the finish line without suffering any significant errors.

The first complete Stage of the 2024 edition included 180 km of timed sections and an additional 200 km of liaisons. The event organisers had to make last-minute changes to the race strategy yesterday when floods caused delays in the cars' arrival at the bivouac in Zagora. Participants in Stage 1 were dispatched on the Stage 2 course, although with a shorter mileage and later start times. However, this circuit around Zagora turned out to be one of the most difficult stages that Maroc has experienced recently. On rocky, uneven paths badly harmed by the rains, the day began with dangerous pathways that lay ahead, with much of the original routes swept away. In the last stretch, where visible, rolling trails guided the way to the finish line, the riders finally found some solace after risking their journey across narrow dunes.

In Stage 2, the participants will return to the original course planned for Stage 1. This second loop around Zagora will be one of the longest specialities in this year, spanning 314 km in the Sahara and an additional 158 kilometres in road sections.

Rallye du Maroc is the fifth and final round of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) 2024. Since the second race of this season, Branch has held the top place in the standings chart, and this impressive perfoemance in the Maroc Rally has increased his chances of winning the World Championship title.

Branch said, "I’m happy to have finished Stage 1 with a good result. It was a really tough one – definitely one of the most challenging stages I’ve ever ridden at Rallye Du Maroc! The tracks were really beaten up and washed away from yesterday’s rains, but I managed to pull through. Nacho did an amazing job opening the track; I can only imagine how much more difficult it would have been for him. Opening the Stage tomorrow will be a mammoth task, but we’re pushing forward with confidence."

Buhler said, "It was a very difficult Stage – perhaps one of the hardest I’ve ever ridden here at Maroc. The terrain was full of rocks and rivers, making it challenging to manoeuvre. I tried to maintain a good pace, but it wasn’t easy – every time I went full on the gas, I seemed to be hitting something. I’m glad to have finished well, and I hope tomorrow will be a bit smoother."

Cornejo said, "Stage 1 is complete, and it was very rough, thanks to the rains from yesterday. I did my best opening the Stage, and lost a few minutes here and there. But overall, I’m happy with my focus and navigation. Tomorrow is a new day, so we’ll keep pushing and doing our best – one day at a time."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Amazon India, one of the leading online marketplaces, has announced that its two-wheeler store on Amazon.in has achieved a 2x year-on-year growth in sales. The surge in demand is primarily led by consumers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities who are increasingly buying premium and electric vehicles alongside standard commuter motorcycles.

The e-commerce platform currently offers a selection of more than 20 brands such as Triumph, KTM, Royal Enfield, Bajaj Auto, Ather Energy and Hero MotoCorp across the electric, premium and commuter segments. The digital storefront is supported by an integrated network of more than 3,000 original equipment manufacturer (OEM) authorised dealers.

The platform’s sales data highlights that online two-wheeler procurement has become a notable trend outside metropolitan areas.

Approximately two in three two-wheeler buyers on Amazon.in come from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. In terms of electric two-wheelers, the consumer share from beyond the metros rises to seven in 10 buyers. Within the last 12 months, customers from more than 2,300 Tier 3 towns purchased a two-wheeler for the first time on the platform.

In terms of geography, Kakinada, Tirupati, and Nellore registered the highest acceleration in the South, showing up to a 12x increase in bookings. Purnia and Samastipur emerged as new demand pockets in the East, growing up to 7x. While bookings from Nagaur, Jind, Jamnagar, Bilaspur, and Rajkot grew up to 6x in the West and North.

Moreover, consumers are increasingly selecting models equipped with premium features, connected technology, advanced safety systems and long-term ownership value. This behavioural shift is reflected across multiple product categories with the average price of a two-wheeler purchased on the platform now exceeding INR 100,000. The premium segment recorded the fastest acceleration, growing nearly 5x year-on-year.

Commuter bike sales more than doubled, while internal combustion engine (ICE) scooters grew 1.5x over the same period. In the electric two-wheeler segment, the INR 100,000 to INR 150,000 price segment now accounted for over half of all EV demand on the platform, moving consumer interest away from entry-level options.

To build customer confidence, every dealer operating on Amazon.in is OEM authorised. This structure guarantees that buyers receive genuine products backed by original manufacturer warranties.

The digital platform allows customers to shop 24x7, compare various brands and fuel types, read verified owner reviews, and view specific ex-showroom prices mapped to their exact pin code. Payments are fully digitised using credit cards, debit cards, UPI, and net banking. Transactions made via credit cards incur zero Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges and feature fraud protection.

Amazon India has deployed several AI-powered features and data tools to compress the vehicle research cycle and assist customers with their purchasing decisions.

Aman Lohan, Director of Home, Kitchen, and Outdoors at Amazon India, said, "The two-wheeler buying journey in India is often long and can get overwhelming with multiple options, fuel types and price points to consider. This feels more restrictive when you have limited selection, especially beyond the metros. For customers, Amazon.in brings together the largest selection by brands, price points and fuel types in one place with full price transparency and the convenience of digital payments. For brands, it expands their reach. Over the last two years, we have built the selection, the tools and the reach to serve both and will continue to expand through the year."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has expanded its premium BigWing lineup with the 2026 CB750 Hornet E-Clutch and XL750 Transalp E-Clutch, marking the first integration of E-Clutch technology into the 755-cc platform. The Gold Wing also receives a new colour option, while the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP remains the flagship supersport model, strengthening HMSI’s portfolio across street naked, adventure touring, luxury touring and high-performance categories.

The CB750 Hornet E-Clutch combines convenience with spirited riding, powered by a 755-cc engine producing 67.5 kW and 75 Nm of torque. Key features include Showa 41 mm upside-down front forks, dual 296 mm discs, a five-inch TFT display with RoadSync and multiple riding modes. The E-Clutch system enhances the streetfighter character for both city and winding roads.

The XL750 Transalp E-Clutch shares the same 755-cc engine and adds E-Clutch technology to Honda’s adventure touring platform for improved comfort across diverse terrains. It features Showa SFF-CA front suspension, a five-inch TFT screen with RoadSync, multiple riding modes including Gravel and a dual LED headlamp setup, making mixed-riding conditions more convenient.

The 2026 Gold Wing continues luxury touring with a new paint scheme, an 1833-cc six-cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission with reverse mode. Premium amenities include an electronically adjustable windscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an advanced audio system and an airbag. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP remains track focused with a 1,000-cc engine producing 160 kW, Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes and an Akrapovič exhaust.

Price and colour details:

Tsutsumu Otani, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “With the introduction of E-Clutch, Honda is further enhancing the premium motorcycling experience by offering greater comfort, ease of use and riding confidence. Designed to support customers across diverse riding environments – from everyday urban commuting to long-distance touring – this technology reflects Honda’s continued commitment to delivering advanced engineering and meaningful value to riders in India.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), part of TVS VENU, has delivered its fastest street performance motorcycle, the TVS Apache RTR 310, to Gurindervir Singh, India’s fastest 100m sprinter. The gesture honours Singh’s recent athletic achievements and symbolises a shared, uncompromising pursuit of speed between the nation’s quickest man and the brand’s most agile machine.

With a global community of over 6.5 million customers across 90 countries, TVS Apache continues to grow as one of the world’s fastest-rising motorcycle brands. Driven by a relentless focus on speed, precision and agility, the series has consistently redefined performance expectations for a new generation of riders.

The TVS Apache RTR 310 stands as a premium embodiment of this philosophy, engineered for those who refuse to compromise on performance. Singh recently set a new national benchmark in men’s 100m sprinting by clocking 10.09 seconds at the Federation Cup, reinforcing his status as a record-breaking athlete.

This partnership unites two forces driven by the same instinct to go faster and beyond. TVS Apache has pledged to continue championing individuals who mirror its racing DNA and share its unwavering drive for speed, precision and progress.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, "The TVS Apache RTR 310 goes beyond segment-first features to deliver a complete performance experience. With its bold streetfighter design, lightweight architecture and agile handling characteristics, it is engineered to move with precision and intent. Backed by over four decades of TVS Racing heritage since 1982, TVS Apache continues to redefine speed and performance-led innovation. Gurindervir Singh, India’s fastest athlete, represents this philosophy perfectly. His commitment to pushing limits mirrors our own, making this more than an association – it is the coming together of two icons of speed, united by a relentless drive to lead from the front.”

Singh said, "I am truly honoured to receive the TVS Apache RTR 310 from a brand that represents both performance and the pursuit of excellence. The TVS Apache RTR 310 is a machine that mirrors everything I chase on the track — speed, precision and the will to go faster. This recognition motivates me to continue pushing my limits and achieving new milestones while proudly representing India on the global stage."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a global leader in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments and a part of TVS VENU, has announced the launch of its premium motorcycle experience channel – TVS Paddock.

The strategic initiative comes in response to India's rapidly growing premium mobility market, where rising affluent consumers and shifting luxury lifestyles favour personalised, community-oriented brand interactions over standard product transactions.

TVS Paddock introduces a holistic retail environment that brings motorcycles, merchandise, personalisation and community spaces together under a single roof.

To create these spaces, TVS Motor Company partnered with Checkland Kindleysides, a London-based boutique retail design agency recognised for creating culture-shaping retail experiences. The resulting network reimagines the complete customer journey from initial product discovery to long-term aftersales support.

The TVS Paddock store aesthetics are explicitly modelled after TVS Motor Co’s four decades of racing heritage and mechanical engineering. It integrates end-to-end digital pathways streamline the vehicle exploration, customisation and transactional phases.

Specialised areas for Built-To-Order (BTO) customisation allow buyers to personalise their motorcycles.  A unique product layout approach engineered to enhance physical bike discovery and experiential presentation. Immersive zones dedicated to exclusive brand merchandise, performance apparel and collaborative accessories. These outlets will house specialised service capabilities and expert technical consultation to ensure high-tier aftersales support.

TVS Paddock is scheduled for an official commercial rollout in Q2 FY2027 (July–September). The network will function as an independent, premium retail ecosystem designed to strengthen customer connections through community building and tailored brand touchpoints.

Sudarshan Venu, Chairman, TVS Motor Company, said, "TVS Paddock is our strategic commitment to redefining premium ownership by bringing together innovation, personalisation, and immersive engagement to build deeper customer connections. The future of premium motorcycling will be defined by the experiences, communities, and ecosystems we create around them. As premium motorcycle customers continue to evolve, seeking deeper, meaningful and holistic engagement, TVS Paddock will cater to these aspirations and deliver a truly elevated brand experience."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!