The cruisers from the company began with Citybike in 1990 followed by Lightning in 1997 and then Thunderbird in 2002. Since then the Thunderbird has received multiple upgrades before being discontinued in March 2020.

The Lightning started the cruiser segment in the country, and the Thunderbird took it forward. But now the Meteor is all ready to become the torchbearer for the cruiser segment in India taking reins from the Thunderbird.

The Meteor name is borrowed from an iconic Royal Enfield motorcycle launched back in the 1950s. The old Meteor was a magnificent touring motorcycle with a reputation that has stood the test of time. The new Meteor 350 carries Royal Enfield’s signature styling but with many firsts and is set to be an equally great machine for our times.

Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director of Eicher Motors Ltd, said, “The Meteor 350 is a supremely refined, easy and accessible cruiser in a charming combination of classic cruiser styling with modern capability. The excellent ergonomics, motorcycle’s poise, its agile handling and up-rated braking, resulting in an unmatched ride experience make it an easy choice for both experienced and new riders”.

The new 350cc engine in the Meteor is built from scratch by the Royal Enfield engineers and designers at their state-of-the-art technical centres in Chennai, India and Bruntingthorpe, United Kingdom. The 349cc air-oil- cooled motor generates 20.2 bhp and 27nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The new engine allows the inclusion of a balancer shaft for permitting a smooth and well-mannered ride experience. The throttle response of the electronic fuel injection has been optimised for dependable starting and effortless, linear acceleration while still maintaining the Royal Enfield’ thump.’ The quality of refinement - mechanical, fittings and finish - has been raised to a new level to give a premium and modern motorcycle satisfaction, while retaining the all- important Royal Enfield DNA. The 5-speed gearbox on the new bike gets an overdrive gear that helps with stress-free driving and economical highway cruising and a 7-plate clutch for easy gear changes in built-up traffic.

The new motorcycle gets twin downtube spline frame construction that is designed to inspire confidence in the twisties, be rock-solid on the highway and easily manoeuvrable on busy city streets. The low seat height and centre of gravity in combination with its inherent strength and rigidity results in the optimal motorcycle for the urban rider who seeks adventure on long getaways. The 41mm forks upfront with 130mm of travel and twin-tube emulsion shock absorbers with 6-step preload adjustment at the rear make the bike handle better and improve ride quality. For authentic cruiser experience, the footpegs are forward-mounted, with a heel and toe gearshift.

The Meteor 350 gets a new TBT (Turn-By-Turn) navigation pod known as the Royal Enfield tripper. It is a highly focused navigation display device for real-time directions, built with Google Maps Platform. Meteor 350 becomes the first Indian bike to use Google Maps’ two-wheeler navigation feature to display the best route to reach your destination. Paired via the Royal Enfield App to the rider’s smartphone, the Tripper clearly and efficiently gives the required level of information whilst remaining discreet and unintrusive.

Alongside the Meteor 350’s launch, the company also announced Royal Enfield’s Make It Yours-MiY-initiative. An inventive and unique motorcycle personalisation tool, MiY allows Meteor 350 owners to tap into thousands of possible combinations when they order their motorcycle via the Royal Enfield App, on the website or at a dealership.

The Meteor 350 is available in three editions, the Fireball, the Stellar and the Supernova. The Fireball edition is available in vibrant red or yellow single colour fuel tank, matching wheel rim lining and features blacked-out cycle parts and engine, which are finished in machined fins. The Stellar edition is available in contemporary red, blue or matt black tanks and matching body components. It also comes with chrome handlebars, an exhaust and a comfortable backrest for the pillion. The top-of-the-line Supernova comes n dual-tone blue or brown with matching body parts and features detailed machined wheels, a choice of premium seats and a windscreen.

Standard equipment includes alloy wheels and tubeless tyres giving riders convenience and peace of mind, especially on long journeys. A 100/90 R19 tyres are used at the front, and 140/70 R17’s at the rear to add to the cruiser appearance. Braking is taken care by a 300mm disk at the front and a 270mm at the rear with dual-channel ABS. All variants also get a new instrument cluster which combines the timeless elegance of a ‘dancing needle’ analogue speedometer with the functionality of an LCD for essentials such as gear indicator, fuel gauge, clock and trip meter. Besides, a USB port is discreetly mounted below the handlebar to enable charging on the go. The bike also gets the clean, contemporary look of LEDs with the efficiency and timeless appeal of a well-sorted Halogen headlamp for both the head and taillight. Handlebar controls and switchgear quality feel premium with rotary power and lighting switches giving a gentle nod to the past. The bike is available in seven standard colourways under three edition, and MiY allows an additional eight colourway option.

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 sets a new benchmark for cruisers. It is built from the ground up for those who not only need a unique motorcycle for city riding but also long for a thoroughbred mount that allows them to head out on the highway and escape the pressures of daily life. The Meteor 350 will be available at a starting price of INR 1,75,817 for the Fireball, INR 1,81,326 for the Stellar, and at INR. 1,90,536 for the Supernova editions. (all ex-showroom Chennai prices) MT

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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