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.

British classic motorcycling brand Triumph Motorcycles recently hosted its first-ever ‘Legends Ride’ in Delhi NCR, bringing together over 50 passionate Triumph motorcycle riders across category – from modern classics to street tourers and long-distance adventure bikes.

The riders rode through Delhi to the Heritage Transport Museum in Taoru, Haryana, celebrating the spirit of motorcycling and riding community.

The company claims that Delhi has become the second biggest market for its customers.

Manik Nangia, President - ProBiking - Bajaj Auto, said, “The overwhelming response to the ‘Legends Ride’ reinforces Triumph’s growing legacy in Delhi. Triumph riders set a benchmark for passionate and responsible riding, and we are excited to create more such experiences that bring motorcyclists together.”

Triumph Motorcycles has introduced four new colour options – Caspian Blue / Pearl Metallic White, Lava Red Gloss / Pearl Metallic White, Phantom Black / Pearl Metallic White and Phantom Black / Storm Grey – for the Speed T4 with prices starting at INR 199,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Speed T4 now features a brushed steel finished exhaust, 3D 'Speed T4' emblem on the side panel, an updated frame colour and a new tyre sticker design.

It continues to be powered by the 400cc engine which delivers 31 PS @ 7,000 rpm and 36 Nm @ 5,000 rpm, low-end torque between 3,500-5,500 rpm.

Other key features include manual throttle body control, slipper clutch, 43mm telescopic fork, dual channel ABS and a console with USB port.

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.

Italian two-wheeler brand Aprilia has launched the Tuono 457 naked motorcycle in India at price starting INR 395,000. The Tuono 457 builds on the RS 457’s success, which the company said offers a naked bike experience designed for daily riding and leisure.

The motorcycle incorporates compact surfaces and a recognisable LED front light cluster with a triple headlight setup. The tank is shaped for ergonomics and sportiness, complementing the wide handlebar for a dynamic ride.

Powered by a 457cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, the Tuono 457 delivers 35 kW (47.6 hp) at 9,400 rpm and 43.5 Nm torque at 6,700 rpm, with 82 percent torque available at 3,000 rpm.

The Tuono 457 features an aluminium frame, which the company said is developed using Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) for the best rigidity-to-weight balance. The 41 mm fork offers 120 mm travel with preload adjustment, while the rear shock absorber has 130 mm travel and supports an asymmetrical steel swingarm. The braking system includes ByBre calipers with 320 mm front and 220 mm rear discs, supported by a Bosch two-channel ABS system.

The motorcycle offers three riding modes – eco, sport and rain – adjusting power delivery and traction control levels. The Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) can be adjusted on the go and ABS can be disengaged from the rear wheel for track use. The bike is equipped with a 5-inch TFT colour display, backlit handlebar controls and Bluetooth connectivity via the Aprilia India app for infotainment and navigation.

The Tuono 457 can be had in two graphics options: Piranha Red and Puma Gray.

Diego Graffi, Chairman and MD, Piaggio Vehicles, said, “I am thrilled to introduce to India the Aprilia Tuono 457, a year after we introduced the segment disruptor Aprilia RS457. There were a lot of enquiries for naked sibling to the RS and Tuono 457 is the latest heir to a tradition of excellence in high-handlebar sports bikes offering a superb, adrenaline-filled ride. The Tuono 457 has a number of differences that render it all the more exclusive: it is the only bike in the range that does not have a fairing integrated into the frame. In its place - for the first time on a Tuono - is a pared-back light cluster, worthy of a true naked bike. It’s the most non-conformist and rebellious Tuono that has ever been, and whilst it retains the core features of all Tuono bikes, the new model boasts an all-new look, designed to satisfy the needs and desires of the youngest generation at which it is aimed.”

Actor and Brand Ambassador John Abraham added, “Like many other bikers, I was also hoping for a Tuono 457 to be introduced to India. The Aprilia Tuono has a legendary portfolio and I am sure the new Tuono 457 will completely dominate the naked segment. The bike is agile, powerful and looks distinct and incredible, all things that one expects from Aprilia. I think this will be the perfect city and urban riding bike and I cant wait to get this bike home.”