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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Keeping true to the motto of offering classic two-wheelers, revoking the spirit of Jawa and Yezdi motorcycles of the yesteryears, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles has unveiled the new Yezdi Adventure motorcycle that combines retro styling with modern technological developments that are desired of the customers and dictated by the regulations. 

Indicating a clear improvement over the first generation Jawa and Yezdi machines, an outcome of research and development as well as the efforts to understanding the needs and aspirations of the customers, the company has treated the new Adventure machine with a   classic-ADV styling, which includes a redesigned main cage, a rally-style peak and striking new colours. 
Drawing attention are the striking looking twin LED headlamps (of Lumax make) at front. Balancing aspirational details and practical accessibility, the skeleton-like structure that works as a protection on either side comes into view. It partly covers the large, 15.5-litre large tank and acts as a protector in case of a fall so that the tank is not damaged. The structure could be also used to mount a small auxiliary fuel tank on either side in case of a long, arduous journey through a desolate countryside. 
The rear styling of the new motorcycle includes twin LED tail lamps. It marks a near complete redesign of the rear portion over the model it succeeds. With a manufacturing facility at Pithampur near Indore and a research and development centre in Pune, the company, which is said to be in the process of developing a more powerful 450 cc engine for its next line of products, has equipped the new (2025) Adventure motorcycle with a 334 cc ‘Aplha 2’ liquid-cooled single cylinder fuel injected engine that is OBD2 and E20 compliant. The bore and stroke of the engine is 81 mm and 65 mm respectively. 
Entering a market that is roughly defined as ‘mid-size adventure’ motorcycle market that consists of the Hero Xpulse, KTM 390 Adventure, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and a few others, the new adventure-tourer motorcycle is equipped with an advanced advanced traction control system that incorporates three ABD modes – Road, Rain and Off-road.  
Working to expand its dealer network to 500 numbers by the festive season from the current count of around 300, the company has engineered the ABS such that it is switchable for varied terrain. 
The motorcycle has been engineered to offer a seat height of 815 mm to suit riders of diverse heights. The gearbox is a six-speed constant mesh variety where the first few ratios are designed to ensure a strong thrust (the kind that is favourable during off-road riding) and the later ratios are designed to be wide enough to support on-road touring. 
Featuring an adjustable windscreen and a digital instrument cluster, the new motorcycle has seen gear-based fuel mapping for smooth power delivery across the rev range. 
Available in six distinctive colours, the machine is priced upwards of INR 214,900 and up till INR 226,900 ex-showroom Delhi. Price wise, it is approximately INR 80,000 less than the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. 
Speaking at the launch with Boman Irani of the erstwhile Ideal Jawa Mysore, in Mumbai, Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles, said, “We have created India’s most honest adventure touring motorcycle. We did it with our signature style – it is a classic and it is a Yezdi.” “It is a motorcycle that the Indian adventure bikers were waiting for with the right combination of design, technology and performance born of India roads,” he explained.    

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TVS Motor Company has become the official race machine provider for the National Championship Pro Stock 200 class at the 2025 Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC), which is scheduled from 6 June 2025 to 8 June 2025 at MIC, Chennai. 
This is the first time in the history of Indian motorsports that a brand has been entrusted to design, develop and provide race-tuned motorcycles specifically for the National Championship. The breakthrough paves the way to democratise two-wheeler racing, making it easier and more affordable for independent racers to participate, reflecting FMSCI and MMSC’s vision of expanding competitive motorsport. 
The National Championship Pro Stock 200 at INMRC 2025 is a new and exciting format introduced by the MIC to elevate competition and support independent racing teams. As part of this development, TVSM will provide race-tuned TVS Apache GP200R motorcycles to independent teams, who will engage their racers to compete in this championship class.
PETRONAS TVS Racing team will provide complete technical support and machine service and maintenance to ensure peak performance throughout the season. With 20 years of TVS Apache’s racing heritage behind it, this milestone marks a powerful step forward in Indian motorsports. The selection process for participating teams and racers was recently concluded at the Madras International Circuit on 28 May 2025. Seven teams and twelve racers have been selected for this dynamic new class.
Vimal Sumbly, Head - Premium Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “At TVS Motor Company, our racing DNA drives us to innovate and lead from the front. We are proud to be the first two-wheeler manufacturer in Indian motorsport history to provide race-tuned machines to independent teams for the National Championship. This landmark development, supported by the vision of the Madras International Circuit makes it easier and more affordable for independent teams to participate and compete at the highest level. This year holds even greater significance as we mark two decades of our flagship performance brand, the TVS Apache – a true embodiment of our ‘Track to Road’ philosophy. As we charge into the new season, we aim not just to race, but to raise the bar for motorsports in India once again.”

The specifications of the race-tuned Apache GP200 R are, 
Displacement: 200 cc
Kerb Weight: 105 Kg
Maximum Power: A 40 percent increase from 19.5 bhp
Top Speed: Over 155 kmph

The modification details include a modified cylinder head for higher volumetric efficiency, high lift camshaft, high compression ratio, advanced ECU with closed-loop control, quick shifter, data logging capabilities, fine-tuned induction and exhaust system, adjustable front and rear suspension, aerodynamic bodywork, lighter racing wheels, aluminium subframe, and higher brake power.
 

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Ather Energy Limited has announced that its family scooter, the Rizta, has crossed the one lakh unit retail sales milestone within a year of its launch. The e-scooter has received a strong response from family scooter buyers across India, since its unveiling in April 2024, contributing to significant growth in Ather’s market share.

Commenting on this milestone, Ravneet Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, “Hitting the one lakh milestone with the Rizta is a big moment for us. The Rizta, which was built from the ground up with a focus on addressing the needs of Indian families, has played a key role in expanding our reach and connecting with a much wider set of customers. It combines practically everything a family scooter needs: a spacious and comfortable seat, ample storage, safety features, and reliability to make every day commuting effortless.” “All of this is packaged in great design that Ather has come to be known for. In less than a year since its launch, the Rizta has helped us grow our market share significantly across multiple states, broadened our consumer profile, and accelerated adoption in states where our presence was earlier limited,” he added.  

Expanding the reach of Ather Energy into the family e-scooter market that has the likes of TVS iQube, the Rizta is claimed to have contributed to its manufacturer’s efforts in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh to scale up. This is particularly said to be the case in the second quarter of FY25. The family e-scooter is known to account for around 60 percent of the total sales to date.

As per the Vahan data, Ather Energy has described itself as the Number one brand in South India with the 450 and Rizta as the products. The Rizta features a 56-litre under-seat storage space; a wide and comfortable seat; a spacious floorboard; ‘SkidControl’ traction control system that manages motor torque to prevent loss of traction on low friction surfaces like gravel, sand, water or oil; tow and theft alert, which notifies the owner about any unauthorised movement of their scooters; emergency stop system which flashes the tail light rapidly to indicate to the vehicle behind that you’re coming to a sudden halt; a software enabled ‘Live Location Sharing’ which is a part of the AtherStack 6 and allows riders to share their location with a preset contact in just a few clicks and enhances the safety of riders in emergency situations, and Google Maps on the dashboard for easy navigation.

The electric powertrain of the family e-scooter is similar to that of the 450.

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Japanese two-wheeler major India Yamaha Motor (IYM) has introduced five-year Roadside Assistance (RSA) program, as part of its 40-year milestone in India.

The program will offer customers an extended RSA program for five years at just INR 975, which will bring forth peace-of-mind, especially during an unforeseen on-road emergency.

The company will provide – towing support in case of breakdown or accident, battery jumpstart assistance, flat tyre support, running repair services for minor issues and medical assistance in case of emergencies.

The new initiative will further complement Yamaha’s recent 10-year ‘Total Warranty Program’, which offers customers to get 2+8 years extended warranty.

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