Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has initiated a multi-city campaign titled ‘Suzuki Motofest’. The programme is designed to provide on-ground experiences to two-wheeler enthusiasts and customers across India.

The festival will be held at dealerships and public locations, targeting college students, professionals and existing owners. The initiative focuses on product assessment in real-world environments through several event formats.

Suzuki Motofest includes activities tailored to different rider segments:

• Test Ride Hubs: Open-format test rides at marketplaces and lifestyle centres to evaluate vehicle handling and comfort.
• Campus Engagements: University events featuring the Avenis x Naruto Shippuden collaboration, combining mobility with anime themes through test rides and interactive sessions.
• Product Showcases: Regional previews of new colour options for the GIXXER SF 250 and GIXXER 250 at dealerships.
• Community Rides: Organised group rides intended to connect owners and influencers while promoting motorcycling safety.

To support the campaign, SMIPL has introduced a range of incentives valid for the duration of the Motofest ranging from extended warranty, insurance to vouchers.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “Suzuki Motofest is a celebration of joy and excitement that comes with riding a Suzuki two-wheeler. We are taking this experience beyond the showroom and closer to customers through multiple on-ground activities. The idea is to let aspiring riders and enthusiasts feel the performance and dynamic appeal of our two-wheelers first-hand while strengthening our growing Suzuki community across India.”

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), one of the largest two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, is set to invest around INR 15 billion to install a third production line at its manufacturing facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan. The expansion is designed to meet increasing domestic demand for scooters and motorcycles.

The new production line is scheduled to commence operations in 2028. It will have an annual capacity of 670,000 units, raising the Tapukara plant’s total yearly output to 2.01 million units. To support this project, HMSI will acquire 73,700 sqmt of additional land.

The expansion is expected to generate over 2,000 new jobs in the Alwar district, increase HMSI’s total Indian production capacity from 6.25 million to approximately 8 million units by FY2028. This will support the OEM to manufacture various commuter models using automated machining and production efficiency technologies.

At present, HMSI operates four plants in India, in addition to the Tapukara project, a fourth line at the Vithalapur plant in Gujarat is progressing toward a 2027 start date. Since beginning Indian operations in 2001, the company has produced over 70 million units.

The Tapukara factory originally opened in 2011. Continuous efficiency improvements are projected to bring its current baseline capacity to 1.34 million units by the end of the 2026 financial year, prior to the new line's integration.

Tsutsumu Otani, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said,"India is entering a new phase of mobility transformation, and HMSI is committed to leading this journey with responsibility and purpose. Strengthening our production ecosystem at Tapukara is an important step towards building greater resilience, flexibility, and future readiness across our supply chain. This expansion will help us respond more effectively to market demand and continue delivering value that supports the aspirations of millions of customers. In line with our commitment to safer, cleaner, and more accessible mobility, we remain focused on long-term sustainable growth that advances mobility and strengthens the company’s foundation for the future.”

Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, added, “Rajasthan continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for world-class manufacturing. The capacity expansion by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India in their Tapukara situated manufacturing plant is a step forward in that direction. HMSI’s continued investment in the region will not only enhance manufacturing capabilities but also generate employment and contribute to growth of the automotive ecosystem in the region.”

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The Helmet Manufacturers Association of India has reported a significant increase in the cost of raw materials used in helmet production. The association attributes the surge to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, which have impacted the petrochemical markets.

Data from the association indicates steep price rises across several critical components:

• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): Increased by nearly 74 percent.
• ABS and Polycarbonate (PC): Risen by approximately 40 percent.
• Polypropylene (PP): Increased by 45 percent.
• PVC and Packaging: Risen by 33 percent and 47 percent respectively.

These materials are essential for impact absorption and shell construction. The price volatility is driven by higher freight costs and fluctuations in crude oil markets linked to ongoing international conflicts.

India is one of the world’s largest two-wheeler markets, with annual sales exceeding 20 million units and is valued at over USD 2 billion.

The association has warned that rising costs may lead some manufacturers to reduce EPS density or use non-virgin materials to maintain margins. There are also concerns regarding the proliferation of counterfeit or non-compliant BIS certifications in the market.

Rajeev Kapur, President of the Helmet Manufacturers Association of India and MD of Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, “The sharp rise in raw material prices due to global conflicts and supply chain disruptions is creating serious pressure on manufacturers. In such circumstances, there is a risk that some players may try to reduce EPS density, use non-virgin materials, or compromise on foam thickness to cut costs. Helmets are lifesaving products, and safety standards must never be compromised.”

“Bulk buyers such as vehicle OEMs, delivery companies, bike taxi operators and institutional fleet operators must exercise extreme caution while sourcing helmets. The industry is currently facing a serious challenge with the proliferation of fake or misused BIS certifications. A significant proportion of helmets claiming BIS certification in the market are either counterfeit or do not fully comply with prescribed safety standards,” he added.

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German luxury brand BMW Motorrad India has launched the M 1000 R roadster at prices starting INR 3.35 million. The motorcycle is available as a completely built-up unit (CBU), with pre-orders opening today at authorised dealerships with deliveries scheduled to commence in May 2026.

The M 1000 R is powered by a 999 cc water-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine, producing a peak output of 210 hp (154 kW) at 13,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 113 Nm at 11,100 rpm. The vehicle reaches 100 kmph in 3.2 seconds and has a maximum speed of 280 kmph.

The engine incorporates BMW ShiftCam technology to manage torque in the low and medium speed ranges. Mechanical components include titanium valves, camshafts and intake funnels for charge exchange at high speeds.

It features dual LED headlights and M Winglets that provide 11 kg of downforce at 220 kmph. The M Quick action throttle reduces the rotation angle required for acceleration. The rear frame and swingarm are finished in Platinum Grey metallic. Customers can also get an optional M Competition Package, which includes M Carbon wheels and GPS-Laptrigger, carbon covers for the rear wheel, chain & tank and adjustable footrest system.

The M 1000 R is equipped with a 6.5-inch TFT display and an OBD interface for data logging. Integrated riding modes include Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race and Race Pro 1-3. These modes adjust functions for the engine, traction control, wheelie control and ABS Pro using a 6-axis sensor box. The traction control system is derived from RR models.

It is available in two colour options Light White / M Motorsport and White Aluminium metallic matt.

BMW Motorrad India is providing a three-year warranty with no kilometre limit, with options for extensions to a fourth or fifth year. Roadside assistance is included as a 24-hour service.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW M 1000 R is a powerful expression of our M genetics, where a high-performance superbike meets a dynamic roadster. It is meticulously crafted for those who demand uncompromising performance both on the streets and the racetrack. With its unmistakable four-cylinder roar, the new M R is built for riders who relentlessly push their limits. This machine brings the uncompromising standards on M performance to the road, ensuring every ride is an authentic experience of power and precision.”

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Zelio E-Mobility, an electric vehicle start-up, has launched the 2026 variant of the X-Men+ low-speed electric scooter at INR 60,000.

The e-scooter comes with a claimed 120 km range, 25 kmph max speed, 12-inch rear wheel, hydraulic shock absorbers on both wheels and is available in Black, White, Blue & Gray colour options.

It is powered by a 60/72V BLDC motor, which consumes 1.5 units of electricity per charge. The X-Men+ supports both lithium and lead batteries, with charging times of four to five hours for lithium and eight to ten hours for lead.

As is the case with most e-scooters, the X-Men+ also comes with a reverse gear & parking switch, digital display, USB charging, anti-theft alarm and central locking. It comes with a two-year warranty, while the battery is covered by a one-year warranty.

Kunal Arya, Managing Director, Zelio E-Mobility, said, “Urban commuting demands reliability comfort and ease of use and the X-Men+ 2026 variant has been engineered to meet exactly those needs. With modern styling a larger rear wheel improved suspension and a host of rider-friendly features the X-Men+ 2026 variant provides a dependable and practical solution for city riders navigating daily traffic. This launch reinforces our commitment to practical purpose-built electric mobility for India.”

Established in 2021, Zelio E-Mobility has an annual manufacturing capacity of 72,000 units and operates a network of 350 outlets across 20 states and union territories in India.

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