Royal Enfield and celebrated Italian riding gear brand, Alpinestars, have collaborated to create a riding apparel collection. The company said in a statement that both Royal Enfield and Alpinestars have a rich legacy in the world of motorcycling and this collaboration symbolises an amalgamation of authenticity and safety. 

Founded in 1963 in Asolo, Italy, Alpinestars is now a world-leading manufacturer of professional racing products, motorcycling airbag protection, high-performance apparel, gear and technical footwear, the release said. The brand is trusted and worn by many world racing athletes from Formula 1, NASCAR, AMA and World Motocross and MotoGP.  

The company said that the partnership aims to provide Indian riders with the essential tools needed to make the best of their adventures. 

B. Govindarajan, Executive Director, Royal Enfield said, “For riding enthusiasts, their riding apparel and gear is a very personal means for self-expression, on and off the saddle. Keeping this in mind, at Royal Enfield, we keep updating our range of apparel and attempt to bring an enviable collection through collaborations with the best global brands, for our riders. We are super-thrilled to collaborate with Alpinestars, an iconic brand that has elevated safe and stylish riding experience for motorcyclists around the world. Both Royal Enfield and Alpinestars brands are known for creating world-class riding apparel, footwear and gloves with focus on rider safety, and this collaboration aims to take that a notch higher. Royal Enfield is committed to bringing technology developments with best-in-class quality and this association is an effort to make high-quality gear accessible to all via Royal Enfield's strong presence across markets.” 

The collection includes armour-infused riding jackets, gloves and riding trousers that meet global safety norms of safety, performance and comfort, the release said. All the riding jackets and riding trousers under this range are CE Certified with Class A protection under Personal Protective Equipment regulations and come with Alpinestars Nucleon flex pro CE level 2 armour. Additionally, the products also come with Alpinestars' patented Drystar technology. The Drystar membrane makes the gear waterproof, yet breathable and allows riders to endure all-weather conditions while keeping the rider dry and comfortable. The range also includes three gloves, all of which are CE certified to level 1 EN13594:2015, KP and have been developed with best-in-class features such as knuckle protection, palm protection, padding, cuff adjusters, screen-friendly fingertips, accordion stretch panels, and constructed with high-quality abrasion resistance goat nappa leather, Polyester Air mesh and Drystar waterproof membrane among others. 

The company said the collection would be available in India across Royal Enfield stores, Amazon and Royal Enfield’s official website (store.royalenfield.com) with a price range of INR 5,200 to INR 18,900. 

The all-season jacket is engineered to deliver optimal protection and weather performance for ideal comfort. It comes with Alpinestar Nucleon flex pro CE Level 2 armour and the entire jacket is CE certified to “Class A”. It has a modular construction and the most advanced materials technologies available and can accommodate the Tech-Air 5 Airbag System. It will be available in Black and Khaki colours. The jacket is priced at INR 17,500, the release said. 

The casually-styled Solano 2 layer riding jacket is available in black colour. It also comes with CE certified to “Class A” and Alpinestar Nucleon flex pro CE Level 2 armour protection. The Jacket is completely waterproof and comes with a detachable sleeveless thermal winter liner and is equipped with eight pockets for real-world practicality, The jacket is priced at INR 18,900. 

The gloves are light, aggressively styled and highly durable summer-friendly gloves constructed from a mix of air mesh and perforated leather. It comes with CE Level 1 certification and features such as a touch screen compatible index fingertip for use with smartphones and GPS systems. The gloves are priced at INR 5200. 

Appropriate for both the road and the racetrack, SYNCRO Dryster gloves are made with DRYSTAR membrane technology for 100 per cent waterproof and breathable all-weather performance. The gloves incorporate a host of safety features such as a Viscoelastic knuckle protection system for effective impact protection, padded palm, ergonomic stretch accordions on fingers for superior fit and flexibility for touch screen compatible fingertips. The gloves are priced at INR 6,900. 

The Gareth Leather Glove features a goat Nappa leather construction to ensure high levels of abrasion resistance and a more comfortable experience. These gloves are designed with a slim wrist to make sure that the gloves sit better within the sleeves of a jacket. In addition, it's a waterproof glove incorporating Alpinestars Drystar 100 per cent waterproof and breathable membrane. Gloves are fully CE certified motorcycling with CE Level 1 and come with PVC covered knuckles for enhanced protection against impacts and a touchscreen compatible index finger. The Gloves are available in black and olive colour, priced at INR 5,200. 

Gravity drystar riding trousers come with an optimised fit for high performance. Its exclusive drystar construction ensures 100 per cent waterproofing and is adaptable to all weather conditions with great levels of breathability. The customised range with Alpinestars takes inspiration from Royal Enfield’s endeavour to be the rider’s alley in their quest for exploration. With purpose-built protective gear, and laid-back, vibrant lifestyle apparel; a showcase of rich expressions building relevance around the motorcycling way of life. The riding trousers are priced at INR 14,500, the release added. (MT)

TVS Motor Company, a leading two- and three-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the updated TVS Apache RTR 160 4V at INR 139,000.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7cc, oil-cooled, fuel-injected, 4-valve, which produces 17.55 PS at 9,250 rpm and 14.73 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm.

It comes with a segment-first 37mm Upside Down (USD) suspension and three ride modes — Sport, Urban, and Rain, which the company claims enhance control, stability, and adaptability across diverse riding conditions.

Like with most of the new models from the TVS Motor Co’s stable, the Apache RTR 160 4V now comes with TVS SmartXonnect technology, which provides Bluetooth connectivity, providing turn-by-turn navigation, call & SMS alerts, and voice assist.

In terms of design, the refreshed TVS Apache RTR 160 4V’s can be had in three colour options – Granite Grey, Matte Black, and Pearl White, which are complemented by sporty, race-inspired graphics, golden-finish USD forks, and red alloy wheels. 

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are proud to lead the way in engineering and innovation in motorcycles. With that commitment, we are excited to announce the upgrade of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with cutting-edge features and advanced technology. Built on a rich racing legacy, the TVS Apache Series proudly serves over 5.5 million enthusiasts, making it one of the fastest-growing premium motorcycle brands globally. We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our customers by integrating performance, technology, and style. By constantly evolving in our set of offerings, we have set new benchmarks for performance motorcycles in India.”

KAW Veloce Motors Pvt Ltd (KVMPL) has unveiled the Brixton brand of motorcycles (600 cc and 1200 cc) and an e-scooter of the Italian brand Velocifero (VLF) called Tennis in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

The unveiling of both the machines – the motorcycle with an ICE and the e-scooter with a battery and motor – at the Highland Club on the outskirts of the city took place amid much fanfare.

The Brixton motorcycle and VLF e-scooter – with an angular bodywork overall that is synonymous with Italian design culture and featuring a 2.1kW hub motor, and a range of 130 km – will be offered through the MotoHaus retail channel, the first outlet of which is set to be commissioned in a few days from now in Kolhapur.

Both the two-wheelers – the e-scooter is priced at INR 1,30,000 ex-showroom – are being put together (from a CKD kit) at a plant that is about 12 km from the launch venue as part of the Phase I strategy. To be offered through MotoHaus outlets in cities Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Jaipur, Vapi, Goa, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Nashik, Nagpur, Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara besides Kolhapur, the two vehicle brands are expected to be joined by a third Italian brand and an in-house electric two-wheeler brand at a later date.

Once the Phase I strategy plays out and the Bixton and VLF offerings find a footing in the Indian market, the company will embark on the Phase II strategy that will include a design and development centre at Kolhapur. The strategy will also include a manufacturing plant that can do 25,000 units and enable the engineering of a robust supply chain in terms of localisation.

It is at the Phase II level that investments from Brixton Motorcycles (Austria) and VLF are expected to come into the venture, which is initially supported by the parent company of KAW Veloce.

TVS Motor Company-owned British premium motorcycle brand Norton Motorcycles, has announced changes to its leadership structure.

The company has announced Dr. Robert Hentschel, currently CEO, will step back from his role effective immediately. He will transition to a non-executive director role within the company.

On the other hand, Nevijo Mance will join Norton Motorcycles as Executive Director, overseeing all upstream business operations, as part of the new leadership structure.

He will be responsible for product design, development and engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality control, and supply chain management.

In addition, Richard Arnold, who was appointed Executive Director in June 2024, will be responsible for downstream business operations, including marketing, brand management, sales, distribution, customer relationship management, aftersales service, product management, and public relations.

He will also be responsible for enhancing customer experience, expanding Norton’s market reach, and strengthening the brand’s presence across global markets.

Dr Rober had been leading the company since 2021, and has been instrumental in strengthening Norton’s foundations, guiding the company through crucial stages of its growth plan and establishing a strong operational base. He had played a key role in synergistic relationship with parent TVS Motor Company, which has been pivotal in advancing Norton’s progress and setting the stage for future success.

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a global manufacturer of two- and three-wheelers, has announced the date and venue for the fourth edition of its TVS MotoSoul festival. The two-day festival will be held at Vagator, Goa, on 6 and 7 December 2024 with a focus on eco-friendly branding and sustainable practices.

Riding on this year’s theme of ‘Feel the Adrenaline, Feel the Inspiration, Feel the Groove’, TVS MotoSoul 4.0 is expected to draw visitors not only from India but also from other countries where the company has a presence. The two-day event promises attractive sessions like culinary experiences, wellness and personal care sessions, bike trips and tricks sessions and community and bonding sessions, as well as live music performances by top artists. The festival will provide attendees with a chance to participate in motorsports including dirt track racing, stunt shows and flat track challenges. Additionally, the attendees will be able to interact with race champions, riding experts and motorcycling legends.

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS MotoSoul is a mark of the motorcycling spirit. It celebrates the bond between man and machine. Each edition has not only grown in scale but has also deepened this connection among enthusiasts. Our commitment goes beyond just motorcycles; we are devoted to nurturing a thriving ecosystem of riders. As we gear up for TVS MotoSoul 4.0, we are excited to redefine the journey with extraordinary experiences, all wrapped in a vibrant and colourful theme that captures the free-spirited essence of our community. We are confident that our mission to democratise these experiences will lead to one of the most exhilarating celebrations of riders and their journeys at TVS MotoSoul 4.0.”