Embodying Aprilia’s ‘Designed for Racers, Built for Riders’ philosophy, the new SXR 160 brings to life the Crossmax design styling, sporty appeal, fun riding experience, great ergonomics and comfort. Designed in Italy, SXR 160 is expected to set a new benchmark in India’s premium two-wheeler segment as it will deliver a strong differentiation and drive the trend of the future. It will come in 160 CC BS-VI and 125 CC BS-VI options with 3V Tech FI Engine technology. These will be complemented by a host of features like LED twin head and tail lights technology with Daytime Eyeline Position Lamps, large lit up under storage area and split glove box with USB charging in the front, integrated dark fly screen, raised convenient steering handle bar,

large 210 cm multifunction all digital cluster including mileage indicator, Anti-lock Braking System and disc brake, twelve-inch, 5 spoke petal machined rim alloy wheels with wide pattern tyres, dark chrome embellishments, and sporty eye-catching chrome garnish exhaust.

The SXR 160 will be available in four vibrant colours – Red, Blue, White and Black. Riders can choose also from a wide range of specially designed accessories like connectivity, mobile docking system and merchandise like Aprilia helmets and apparel. Booking for SXR 160 will commence online from August 2020.

Vespa Elettrica 

Piaggio Group’s sustainability consideration and long experience in electric mobility have provided technological solutions for increasingly sustainable and liveable urban habitat globally. Vespa Elettrica produced in Italy demonstrated Piaggio Group’s technological solution for electric mobility.

As the Indian market is witnessing a quick transition on adoption of electric mobility solutions, Piaggio believes that there will be strong market growth over the coming three to five years with product and technological innovations and cost rationalisation. Piaggio Group plans to offer an excellent electric mobility solution which will be highly differentiated and will be the unparalleled choice to environmentally-conscious Indian consumers. 

Shedding light on the opportunity the company sees for Aprilia SXR 160 and Electric-mobility in India, Diego Graffi, Managing Director and CEO, Piaggio India, said, “India continues to remain a strategic market for us. In the past few years we have seen the changing preferences of the Indian consumers. Aligned to these changes, we are proud to introduce new products which cut across categories and fulfil the needs of our customers. Aprilia SXR 160 is set to create a new category benchmark. With the growing changes in the electric two-wheeler ecosystem Piaggio India is in the process of introducing innovative electric -mobility solutions in India keeping the local consumer in mind. We are exploring multiple platforms for designing electric mobility solutions for India.”

 In addition to these, Piaggio India had on display the limited-edition Vespa Racing Sixties Vespa 2020 Facelifts: Vespa RED, Vespa SXL/ VXL Facelift Aprilia SR 160 and Aprilia Storm 125 with disc brakes. These are all expected to be launched in Q2, 2020. 

Interesting global product propositions such as Moto Guzzi V85 TT and RSV4 1100 Factory were also on display at the Piaggio Pavilion.

Vespa was launched in India in April 2012. The Company has a state-of-the-art plant in Baramati, Maharashtra. (MT)

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.   

TVS Motor Company, a leading manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers, has introduced the updated TVS Apache RR310, its flagship offering in the premium sports motorcycle category.

The 2025 edition is now compliant to the OBD-2B norms with prices starting at INR 277,999 (ex-showroom India). As part of 20th anniversary commemoration of the TVS Apache series, the TVS Apache RR 310 now gets segment-first Sequential TSL and Cornering Drag Torque Control (RT-DSC). It also features Launch Control (RT-DSC), Gen-2 Race Computer with Multi Language Support and 8 Spoke Alloy Wheels.

Available in two variants with three BTO customisation options, the Apache RR 310 continues to build upon TVS Racing’s pedigree.

The Apache RR 310 is powered by a refined reverse-inclined DOHC engine, which produces 38 PS at 9,800 rpm and a peak torque of 29 Nm at 7,900 rpm.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, "Since its debut in 2017, the TVS Apache RR 310 has emerged as a formidable force in the super-premium sport motorcycle segment, redefining performance benchmarks through its race-bred DNA. Rooted in over 43 years of TVS Racing heritage, it embodies our relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. The latest evolution of the RR 310 integrates cutting-edge technologies such as segment-first: sequential turn signal lamps (TSL), Launch Control and Drag Torque Control – reinforcing our leadership in rider-focused advancements. The new BTO Race Replica colourway pays tribute to our record-breaking TVS Asia One Make Championship legacy. With this latest avatar, the Apache RR 310 not only pushes the boundaries of track performance but also elevates everyday rideability – delivering a thrilling yet refined experience that appeals to both spirited racers and discerning enthusiasts.”