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.

Royal Enfield, a leading motorcycle manufacturer, has introduced the 2025 Hunter 350 at prices starting INR 149,900 (ex-showroom Chennai).

The updated Hunter now comes with three new colour options, increased ground clearance, seat comfort, suspension and an intuitive ergonomic triangle for better ride handling.

Mechanically it remains unchanged, the Unter 350 continues to be powered by 349cc J-series engine. Interestingly, the Hunter 350 becomes the first Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycle to get slip-assist clutch. It also gets LED headlamps, tripper pod and type-C USB fast charging.

Yadvinder Singh Gulleria, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Enfield, said: “The 2025 Hunter 350 has been a standout motorcycle in our portfolio - agile, youthful and incredibly loved by first-time riders and city commuters. We have elevated its performance and added thoughtful upgrades that make it even more exciting to own and ride, turning every neighbourhood into their playground. It continues to reflect the pulse of the streets - and that’s why we chose HunterHood to bring it to life.”

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has achieved a new feat for its flagship scooter, the Suzuki Access.

The company has entered the India Book of Records for completing the fastest scooter ride from India’s lowest region – Kuttanad in Kerala – to the highest altitude village – Komic in Himachal Pradesh.

The feat was achieved by a dedicated team of riders who started their journey from Kuttanad at 7:20 AM, and reached Komic at 3:05 PM after four days, covering 3,696 km in 103 hours and 45 minutes.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “Thanks to Indian consumers for making Suzuki Access as one of the most loved scooters in India. We aim to continue winning their hearts with its performance, technology and comfort. This journey highlights the scooter’s strength beyond daily commuting – especially its strong pick-up and consistent performance for long distance rides across different road conditions. We truly appreciate the efforts of the riders and everyone for their support in making this achievement possible.”

New Delhi-headquartered Steelbird Hi-Tech India, a leading helmet manufacturer, has announced sales growth of 8.75 percent for FY2025, with record sales of 8.7 million helmets.

This translated to the company achieving INR 7.87 billion in revenue, up 10.07 percent YoY. Going forward, Steelbird aims to sell 10 million helmets in FY2026 and 15 million helmets annually with INR 13 billion revenue by FY2027.

The company has already undertaken aggressive expansion play marked by upgradation at its Baddi-based manufacturing units, where new robotic visor systems, automated paint shops and expanded assembly lines will increase daily production to 50,000 helmets per day.

The helmet maker is also setting up a new greenfield facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, expected to serve OEMs and aftermarket demand across South India.

Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, “Every helmet we make is a step toward saving a life. The WHO estimates over 300,000 fatalities due to road accidents in India annually – a figure that’s likely underreported. It’s not just about meeting sales goals; it’s about addressing a serious national concern. At Steelbird, we’ve made it our mission to bridge that gap by making high-quality, stylish, and affordable helmets accessible to every rider.”

At present, Steelbird operates over 200 exclusive Rider Shops across India and plans to scale up to 1,000 outlets in the coming years.

India has turned into a hotbed for electric vehicles and various forms of sustainable mobility, as seen at the Ride Asia and Ride Asia EV expos at Bharat Mandapam. From April 18 to April 20, several auto and manufacturing companies showcased their cutting-edge products and services across halls 4 and 5. A yet-to-be-launched hydrogen bicycle from Yo Byks and colourful scooters from Chinese two-wheeler manufacturer Yadea offered visitors unique sights and insights into sustainable mobility at the B2B event.

During an industry conference at Ride Asia, the growing importance of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) was highlighted. Leaders from both public and private sectors encouraged EV-based entrepreneurs, with RMI India MD Ghate Akshima Ghate describing the penetration of electric scooters into villages in a tier 2 city like Jammu, her hometown. She said, “ When people see clean, affordable, and accessible products in the market, they will adopt them. These value-based products must be made in India but adopted for India and the global export market.”

Chinese companies Hanhai Magnet and Yadea also demonstrated their presence at Bharat Mandapam. While Hanhai showcased well-engineered NDFEBs (Neo Dymium Magnets) for DC motors in EVs, Yadea had a collection of beautiful and highly efficient EV scooters. Two-wheeler companies Yo Bykes, Geekay Bikes, and many more were visible, with Geekay showing the dominance of Ludhiana as a cycle manufacturing hub. 180W and 300W fuel cells are being used for the hydrogen bicycles at Yo Byks, with each hydrogen cylinder being capable of running from 40-60 km. Along with the cycle, every buyer will also get a hydrogen generator to change the cylinder. The company’s portfolio of EV products also includes an innovative electric wheelchair.

ARL, RALCO, and Poddar Tyres were some of the tyre companies present at the expo. Delhi-based Rajulex Automotive was present to offer LED and regular light-based assemblies, horn products, and grab handles to e-rickshaw owners. For a city with 120,000 registered e-rickshaws, Rajulex Automotive provides services to keep public transport in good condition.