MT Bureau

As India will be moving to the new emission regime from April this year, the two-wheeler manufacturing companies have fielded new models of new variants with BS-VI engines.

Suzuki Motorcycle

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL), a subsidiary of two-wheeler manufacturer, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has moved from BS-IV to BS-VI vehicles with its top-selling scooter, Access 125. It is endowed with new features including Eco Assist illumination, Fuel Injection engine, External fuel filling lid and LED headlamp. Powered by Suzuki Eco Performance Technology, the updated BS-VI engine delivers 8.7ps@6,750rpm, 10Nm@5,500rpm offering top-class power performance at low fuel consumption.

The Eco Assist illumination helps the rider to get optimum throttle usage. Green light indicates that the riding patterns are compatible with fuel-efficient riding. The advanced Fuel Injection engine technology provides smooth power delivery, thus offering optimum combustion efficiency in different riding conditions. It also helps in easy starting even in cold condition. External fuel filling lid provides the ease of refueling without opening the seat. The new super bright LED headlamp will help enhance night visibility for a stress-free ride. Offering a good balance on the road, the scooter is also equipped with Combined Brake System (CBS), which enables to operate both brakes only by left lever.

Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “We have our first BS-VI product ahead of the regulation enforcement deadline of April 1. For more than a decade now, Suzuki Access 125 has been among the segment’s top-selling scooter known for its performance and popular tagline as ‘Kam Peeta Hai,’ and has enjoyed immense love and support from the customers in the country. We are confident that the BS-VI-compliant Access 125 will be adored even more by Indian consumers. The All-New Access 125 comes loaded with new features which will further enhance the over-all riding experience for the customers.”

Offering comfort as a necessity, Suzuki Access 125 has long seat, enlarged floorboard larger under-seat storage and easy start system. It is designed to offer premium look with its rich bodywork, stylish edgy lines, LED tail lamp and chrome plate finish. The new Special Edition model offers standard USB DC socket for charging mobile phones on the go.

Piaggio India

Piaggio India has introduced Fuel Injection technology in its entire Vespa and Aprilia scooter range to comply with BS-VI emission standard. This technological change enhances the consumer riding experience and enables Piaggio to deliver its range of 2-wheelers manufactured in India complying with the green objectives.

Aprilia SR Range gets a new high performance 160cc engine with 11 PS peak power at its disposal and delivers extraordinary fun to its riders. In line with the Aprilia brand ethos ‘Designed for Racers, Built for Riders,’ the SR range continuously reinvents itself to reflect the high performance DNA of the brand. This high-performance couples, with the high compliance to greener technology and the Aprilia Storm on other end, deliver the Aprilia philosophy to their Gen Z customers by complying with greener standards.

Diego Graffi, Managing Director and CEO, Piaggio India, said, “We are pleased to transition effectively into BS-VI emission norms for our Vespa and Aprilia range of scooters, ahead of the deadline. We have achieved significant reduction in emission through our advanced combustion system. As a global brand, we understand the need to innovate and evolve, in order to build the mobility for future.”

Honda

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd (HMSI) has launched its first BS-VI motorcycle, the next generation 125cc advanced and stylish SP 125 BS-VI, with a starting price of INR 72,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Minoru Kato, President, CEO and Managing Director, HMSI, said, “We are overwhelmed with the love India has given to the country’s first BS-VI 2-wheeler, Activa 125 BS-VI. Taking forward the journey of #AQuietRevolution, we have introduced yet another radical product. The SP125 BS-VI would raise the bar for technology, style and performance in the 125cc motorcycle segment.’’

Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, HMSI, said, “With Honda’s superior technology and many first-in-segment features, SP 125 BS-VI provides the best riding performance with 16 percent more fuel efficiency.”

The SP 125 BS-VI is designed and built for the next era of transformation with first-in-class features and offering the best value for money. At the heart of SP 125 ticks BS-VI-compliant Honda’s trusted 125cc PGM-FI HET (Honda Eco Technology) engine, boosted by Enhanced Smart Power (eSP). The Sophisticated, Precise and Sensitive eSP optimizes performance by reducing friction, enables silent start, and provides a smooth eco-friendly ride.

eSP technology is an integration of Honda ACG starter, programmed fuel injection, friction reduction, mileage-up, full digital meter, fuel efficiency details, ECO Indicator, HET tubeless tyre, and five-speed Transmission.

The impressive style definition with aggressive tank design and edgy graphics make the SP 125 BS-VI a complete head turner. The modern headlamp design and 5 spoke split alloy wheels add to its sporty character. The chrome finish muffler enhances the premium appeal. An integrated engine start/stop switch adds to convenience.

TVS Motor Company

TVS Motor Company has introduced the 2020 range of TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, which has Bluetooth-enabled SmartXonnect mobile application technology, and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS-VI motorcycles. It has also launched the new BS-VI TVS Jupiter equipped with ET-Fi (Ecothrust Fuel injection) technology.

TVS Apache RTR 4V motorcycles come equipped with attractive race graphics along with new LED headlamp with claw styled position lamps that offers best-in-class long range light penetration and enhanced widespread. The 2020 range of Apache series is enabled with Race Tuned-Fuel injection ‘RT-Fi’ technology.

Meghashyam Dighole, Head, (Marketing) Premium Motorcycles, TVS Motor Company,  said, “We are delighted to introduce the 2020 range of TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS-VI motorcycles. These motorcycles are testaments of our commitment to delighting Apache customers with a true racing experience. The 2020 range of Apache RTR series offers an array of premium features enabled by cutting edge technology and will transform performance biking. This marks the commencement of the transition of our vehicles to the BS-VI norms.”

Bajaj Auto is expected to launch its BS-VI versions including new brands in April 2020.

NB: Featured photo is representational.

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TVS Motor Company (TVSM) has announced a new media campaign for its flagship electric scooter, the TVS iQube. The initiative marks the brand's largest television-led rollout to date, featuring high-impact placements across major platforms, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and cinema.

The campaign highlights the adoption of the TVS iQube by more than 850,000 families in India. Currently, the electric scooter range is available across 3,300 dealerships in over 1,000 cities.

The promotional content focuses on the vehicle's application in daily routines, such as commutes and school runs. It integrates specific technical and design features into these scenarios, including – safety and control, utility and connectivity.

TVS Motor Co is positioning the iQube's value proposition on three principles: Choice regarding range and features, Peace of Mind concerning safety and the purchase experience and Simplicity of operation. The campaign is intended to accelerate the national adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by positioning the scooter as a versatile family transport solution.

Saurabh Kapoor, VP – Marketing, EV Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “We have always believed that meaningful innovation is rooted in the customer needs. TVS iQube’s journey has been built on the trust of lakhs of customers who have made it an integral part of their everyday lives. This campaign is a natural progression of that journey, strengthening our positioning as India’s favourite family EV. As we take this story to a national stage through television, including marquee platforms like the IPL, we are confident it will resonate deeply with audiences and further accelerate EV adoption across the country.”

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), one of the largest two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, is set to invest around INR 15 billion to install a third production line at its manufacturing facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan. The expansion is designed to meet increasing domestic demand for scooters and motorcycles.

The new production line is scheduled to commence operations in 2028. It will have an annual capacity of 670,000 units, raising the Tapukara plant’s total yearly output to 2.01 million units. To support this project, HMSI will acquire 73,700 sqmt of additional land.

The expansion is expected to generate over 2,000 new jobs in the Alwar district, increase HMSI’s total Indian production capacity from 6.25 million to approximately 8 million units by FY2028. This will support the OEM to manufacture various commuter models using automated machining and production efficiency technologies.

At present, HMSI operates four plants in India, in addition to the Tapukara project, a fourth line at the Vithalapur plant in Gujarat is progressing toward a 2027 start date. Since beginning Indian operations in 2001, the company has produced over 70 million units.

The Tapukara factory originally opened in 2011. Continuous efficiency improvements are projected to bring its current baseline capacity to 1.34 million units by the end of the 2026 financial year, prior to the new line's integration.

Tsutsumu Otani, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said,"India is entering a new phase of mobility transformation, and HMSI is committed to leading this journey with responsibility and purpose. Strengthening our production ecosystem at Tapukara is an important step towards building greater resilience, flexibility, and future readiness across our supply chain. This expansion will help us respond more effectively to market demand and continue delivering value that supports the aspirations of millions of customers. In line with our commitment to safer, cleaner, and more accessible mobility, we remain focused on long-term sustainable growth that advances mobility and strengthens the company’s foundation for the future.”

Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, added, “Rajasthan continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for world-class manufacturing. The capacity expansion by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India in their Tapukara situated manufacturing plant is a step forward in that direction. HMSI’s continued investment in the region will not only enhance manufacturing capabilities but also generate employment and contribute to growth of the automotive ecosystem in the region.”

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The Helmet Manufacturers Association of India has reported a significant increase in the cost of raw materials used in helmet production. The association attributes the surge to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, which have impacted the petrochemical markets.

Data from the association indicates steep price rises across several critical components:

• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): Increased by nearly 74 percent.
• ABS and Polycarbonate (PC): Risen by approximately 40 percent.
• Polypropylene (PP): Increased by 45 percent.
• PVC and Packaging: Risen by 33 percent and 47 percent respectively.

These materials are essential for impact absorption and shell construction. The price volatility is driven by higher freight costs and fluctuations in crude oil markets linked to ongoing international conflicts.

India is one of the world’s largest two-wheeler markets, with annual sales exceeding 20 million units and is valued at over USD 2 billion.

The association has warned that rising costs may lead some manufacturers to reduce EPS density or use non-virgin materials to maintain margins. There are also concerns regarding the proliferation of counterfeit or non-compliant BIS certifications in the market.

Rajeev Kapur, President of the Helmet Manufacturers Association of India and MD of Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, “The sharp rise in raw material prices due to global conflicts and supply chain disruptions is creating serious pressure on manufacturers. In such circumstances, there is a risk that some players may try to reduce EPS density, use non-virgin materials, or compromise on foam thickness to cut costs. Helmets are lifesaving products, and safety standards must never be compromised.”

“Bulk buyers such as vehicle OEMs, delivery companies, bike taxi operators and institutional fleet operators must exercise extreme caution while sourcing helmets. The industry is currently facing a serious challenge with the proliferation of fake or misused BIS certifications. A significant proportion of helmets claiming BIS certification in the market are either counterfeit or do not fully comply with prescribed safety standards,” he added.

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German luxury brand BMW Motorrad India has launched the M 1000 R roadster at prices starting INR 3.35 million. The motorcycle is available as a completely built-up unit (CBU), with pre-orders opening today at authorised dealerships with deliveries scheduled to commence in May 2026.

The M 1000 R is powered by a 999 cc water-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine, producing a peak output of 210 hp (154 kW) at 13,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 113 Nm at 11,100 rpm. The vehicle reaches 100 kmph in 3.2 seconds and has a maximum speed of 280 kmph.

The engine incorporates BMW ShiftCam technology to manage torque in the low and medium speed ranges. Mechanical components include titanium valves, camshafts and intake funnels for charge exchange at high speeds.

It features dual LED headlights and M Winglets that provide 11 kg of downforce at 220 kmph. The M Quick action throttle reduces the rotation angle required for acceleration. The rear frame and swingarm are finished in Platinum Grey metallic. Customers can also get an optional M Competition Package, which includes M Carbon wheels and GPS-Laptrigger, carbon covers for the rear wheel, chain & tank and adjustable footrest system.

The M 1000 R is equipped with a 6.5-inch TFT display and an OBD interface for data logging. Integrated riding modes include Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race and Race Pro 1-3. These modes adjust functions for the engine, traction control, wheelie control and ABS Pro using a 6-axis sensor box. The traction control system is derived from RR models.

It is available in two colour options Light White / M Motorsport and White Aluminium metallic matt.

BMW Motorrad India is providing a three-year warranty with no kilometre limit, with options for extensions to a fourth or fifth year. Roadside assistance is included as a 24-hour service.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW M 1000 R is a powerful expression of our M genetics, where a high-performance superbike meets a dynamic roadster. It is meticulously crafted for those who demand uncompromising performance both on the streets and the racetrack. With its unmistakable four-cylinder roar, the new M R is built for riders who relentlessly push their limits. This machine brings the uncompromising standards on M performance to the road, ensuring every ride is an authentic experience of power and precision.”

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