KTM AG

Bajaj Auto-owned Austrian two-wheeler brand KTM do Brasil has inaugurated its new manufacturing facility in Manaus, Amazonas, featuring an annual installed capacity of 20,000 units. The site currently employs 100 personnel across direct and indirect functions and is dedicated to producing KTM and Husqvarna models.

The plant represents an investment of approximately 20 million Brazilian Reais in infrastructure and assembly equipment. Operating on a Completely Knocked Down basis, the facility handles kit preparation, engine assembly, motorcycle assembly, quality testing, packaging and logistics dispatch.

The local production replaces the company's previous contract assembly arrangement with Dafra Motos, establishing a direct manufacturing presence in Brazil. Initial operational targets project assembly of 3,500 units by the end of 2026, ahead of volume scaling planned through 2027.

The Manaus facility will assemble 10 motorcycle models across the motocross, enduro and adventure segments. The motocross line includes the KTM 250 SX-F and KTM 450 SX-F, while the enduro range comprises the KTM 250 EXC-F, 350 EXC-F 6DAYS, 300 EXC and 300 EXC 6DAYS, alongside the Husqvarna FE 350 and TE 300 PRO.

Local assembly also encompasses the KTM 390 ADVENTURE R and KTM 390 ADVENTURE X, priced at 37,990 Reais and 33,990 Reais respectively. The production output will supply KTM's Brazilian retail network, which currently numbers 12 dealership locations with expansion plans targeting 30 outlets by 2027.

Rakesh Sharma, Joint MD, Bajaj Auto, said, "Brazil is an important market in the global portfolio of both Bajaj and KTM, and the inauguration of the KTM facility co located with the Bajaj Auto facility in Manaus is yet another signal of our commitment to Brazil. The Bajaj and KTM partnership is anchored on complementary strengths, and now we bring these strengths together to serve the passionate riding community of Brazil and build a strong business."

Fabian Steinbacher, Vice-President Operations, KTM AG, said, "Every motorcycle built in Manaus carries the KTM promise: performance, innovation, quality, and riding pleasure. The same processes, quality standards, and technical requirements apply here as in Austria. This achievement is the result of the outstanding commitment of our Brazilian team and the close partnership with our colleagues in Austria."

Petra Preining, Chief Financial Officer, Bajaj Mobility AG and KTM AG, said, "The successful start of production in Manaus demonstrates what is possible here, and we have ambitious plans for the future. The facility is designed to grow alongside the market, both in terms of capacity and product portfolio. At the same time, we are strengthening our competitiveness through local value creation, high cost efficiency and a flexible production structure. This creates the foundation for sustainable growth and sets the course for a strong and profitable future in Brazil."

BMW Motorrad India Launches F 450 GS Sport Variant At INR 590,000

BMW F 450 GS Sport

BMW Motorrad India has introduced the 'Sport' variant of the BMW F 450 GS adventure motorcycle in India, priced at INR 590,000 (ex-showroom).

The BMW F 450 GS Sport features Racing Red paintwork, a clear Rallye windscreen, black hand protectors, off-road footrests, and a plastic engine guard. Technical and equipment additions to the Sport variant include Sport Suspension, Gear Shift Assistant Pro, and Riding Modes Pro.

The motorcycle is powered by a newly developed two-cylinder inline engine generating 48 hp and 43 Nm of torque. Standard electronic assistance systems and hardware include ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Engine Drag Control, and a 6.5-inch TFT instrument display operated via a multi-controller interface.

Financing solutions offered through BMW India Financial Services include monthly instalments starting at INR 9,999. The motorcycle comes with a standard warranty covering three years with unlimited kilometres, with options to extend coverage to a fourth and fifth year alongside 24x7 roadside assistance.

Hero MotoCorp Launches Xtreme 125R Stealth Edition With TFT Instrument Cluster At INR 116,250

Hero Xtreme 125R

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the Xtreme 125R Stealth Edition with TFT, introducing technology and safety features to its sporty 125cc motorcycle segment. The model is available across Hero MotoCorp dealerships nationwide at a price of INR 116,250 (ex-showroom, pan-India).

The new variant incorporates a 4.2-inch TFT instrument display with Bluetooth connectivity, integrating turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS notifications and music playback controls.

The motorcycle features a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) providing real-time pressure readouts and system alerts, marking the introduction of the technology to the 125cc motorcycle category. Visual updates include coloured alloy wheels and a Midnight Black paint finish with Pearl Red accents. The model retains its existing mechanical specifications, featuring dual-channel ABS, cruise control, and three selectable riding modes comprising Rain, Road, and Sport.

Ashutosh Varma, CBO – India Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp, said, "The sporty 125cc segment continues to evolve rapidly, driven by young customers who seek motorcycles that reflect their aspirations—not just through performance and design, but also through advanced technology. The Xtreme 125R has already established itself as a benchmark in the category by bringing premium engineering and segment-leading features. The new Stealth Edition with TFT, further raises the bar by making connected technology and intelligent safety features even more accessible while creating lasting value for our customers and empowering them to truly Live Xtreme."

Ducati Launches Desmo450 MX Factory And Desmo450 EDX Off-Road Motorcycles In India

Ducati Desmo450 MX

Ducati India has announced the entry of its off-road motorcycle range into the Indian market with the launch of the Desmo450 MX Factory motocross bike and the Desmo450 EDX enduro model.

Both motorcycles are powered by a 449.6 cc single-cylinder engine featuring Desmodromic valve timing, producing 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm and 53.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm, with a rev limit set at 11,900 rpm.

The Desmo450 MX Factory weighs 104 kg without fuel and features an aluminium perimeter frame, an Akrapovič titanium exhaust system, Showa suspension with Dark Kashima coating, billet triple clamps, a holeshot device and a 7.2-litre fuel tank.

The Desmo450 EDX weighs 107.1 kg without fuel, incorporating an 8.5-litre fuel tank, handguards, a skid plate, a side stand, an 18-inch rear wheel and Showa suspension tuned for trail riding. Both models are equipped with closed-loop Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Quick Shift, Engine Brake Control, Power Launch and selectable riding modes.

"We are incredibly proud to bring the ultimate off-road experience to India with the launch of the Desmo450 MX Factory and the Desmo450 EDX. These motorcycles embody Ducati's racing spirit and our commitment to pure performance, translating our Desmodromic technology into the dirt segment for the very first time here. Whether you are looking to conquer the motocross track with the ultra-light MX Factory or push your limits on the trails with the versatile EDX, we are offering Indian riders machines that are born to compete and win. This dual launch marks a significant milestone in our commitment to the growing off-road community in India," said Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India.

The Ducati Desmo450 EDX is priced at INR 1.85 million (ex-showroom) in Ducati Red, while the Desmo450 MX Factory is priced at INR 2.12 million (ex-showroom) in the Ducati Corse 2025 livery. The company has opened bookings across all Ducati dealerships in the country.

Altigreen Enters Electric Two-Wheeler Segment With Launch Of Minsara

Minsara

Bengaluru-headquartered Altigreen, a unit of the Jakson Group, has announced its entry into the electric two-wheeler market with the launch of Minsara, an electric multi-utility two-wheeler designed for urban and rural applications.

The electric scooter is offered in three variants: the Minsara S featuring a 2.78 kWh battery with a 125 km range, the Minsara S+ with a 3.8 kWh battery delivering a 165 km range, and the battery-swappable Minsara SE.

Built on a rib-caged chassis, the e-scooter delivers 172 Nm of peak torque, a top speed of 75 kmph, 33 percent gradeability, and a gross vehicle weight rating of 264 kg. Engineering specifications include 17-inch alloy wheels, telescopic front suspension, dual disc brakes with a Combined Braking System, crash guard protection, and side-stand safety alerts. Priced from INR 124,000 (ex-showroom), it comes with a standard three-year or 30,000 km warranty with bookings opened across Bengaluru, Vijayawada and Noida. The company is set to begin deliveries from 1 December 2026.

Deepak Thakur, CEO, Jakson Green Vehicles, said, "India’s mobility requirements are as diverse as its people. From urban entrepreneurs and delivery professionals to farmers and small-business owners in rural markets, millions depend on two-wheelers as an essential part of their everyday lives and livelihoods. With MINSARA, we are introducing a product that brings together utility, performance and sustainable technology to meet these real-world needs. As part of JAKSON Group, Altigreen will play an important role in our vision of accelerating India’s transition towards cleaner, more productive and accessible mobility solutions. This launch reflects our commitment to technology-led products that create meaningful value for customers while contributing to a sustainable future."

Amitabh Saran, CTO and Founder, Altigreen, said, "At Altigreen, we have always believed that technology must solve real customer problems. Across India, two-wheelers support businesses, livelihoods and everyday responsibilities, often under demanding operating conditions. Quite naturally, MINSARA is engineered, ground-up, to be a segment leader. It is a timely and great addition to our existing three-wheeler cargo neEV series. It embodies our continued commitment towards innovative, Made-in-India electric mobility solutions. Supported by Altigreen’s growing 3S dealership network, best in class after-sales service and customer-centric ownership solutions, we aim to build lasting customer confidence. We believe our success will ultimately be measured by our customers success and progress in life."