Tomac Makes Comeback in Minneapolis

Paddy Hopkirk Edition Of MINI Leaves No Time For Customers

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac made a heroic chargeback from last to sixth last night at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His championship performance salvaged points to retain his lead in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450SX Championship. Dylan Ferrandis ended the night with a ninth-place finish in the challenging conditions, the company said in a release. 

Tomac got off to a good start with a runner-up finish in his heat race after qualifying sixth. He didn’t get the start he was hoping for in the main and was 12th. He immediately went to work to make his way forward, but in the chaos of that first lap, the points leader was caught up in a racing incident with his teammate and unfortunately went down on the face of the triple jump. He rejoined at the back of the field, put his head down, and fought his way back through the pack, advancing to sixth on the penultimate lap. His heroic effort gives him a three-point lead in the championship as the series nears the halfway mark, the release said. 

Ferrandis showed speed early, earning his second fastest qualifier honors of the season. He then fought his way forward from seventh to a third-place finish in his heat race. The Frenchman didn’t get off the gate as he hoped in the main and was just outside of the top 10 and then was 12th after the first lap. From there, Ferrandis continued to forge on through adversity to finish ninth. 

The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team heads to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on 26 February, for the second Triple Crown of the season and Round 8 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450SX Championship. 

Jeremy Coker, Team Manager, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450, said, “We were having a good day in Minneapolis. The guys rode well in practice and qualified great, but our starts were not excellent in the main, and unfortunately, it put the guys in bad spots with other riders. They both fought hard and rode well. We will come back stronger next week.” 

Eli Tomac of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing said, “Well, it was not the result that we wanted, but it was a good recovery for what happened and the position I was in on the first lap. So, after that, it was just fighting for a position and trying to move forward. It was a really tough track, as usual, but even more tough tonight because it was a mix of ruts and a little bit of a dry surface. That was it; It was unfortunate what happened, and I was just trying to do my best to come forward.” 

Dylan Ferrandis of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing said, “The day started out well with another good qualifying, but unfortunately, I was in a lot of pain in the main event after my two big crashes at the previous races. I did what I could and finished ninth. We’ll keep working and try for better next week.” (MT)

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    TVS Motor Co Launches OBD2B Compliant 2025 Apache RR 310 At INR 277,999

    TVS Apache RR 310

    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.”

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      Ultraviolette Onboard MotoMondo As Official Distributor For UK & Benelux Region

      Ultraviolette Automotive

      Bengaluru-headquartered electric vehicle company Ultraviolette Automotive (Ultraviolette) has announced a latest strategic alliance with MotoMondo, as its official importer and distributor for the United Kingdom and the Benelux region, which includes Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

      This announcement is part of Ultravilotte’s ambition to expand its presence in the global market, especially the European region. As part of the understanding, the company will introduce the F77 MACH 2 Recon in the region for an introductory price of GBP 8,499 till 30 June 2025, post which the price will increase to GBP 9,399.

      Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said“We are thrilled to partner with MotoMondo to bring the Ultraviolette experience to the United Kingdom and Benelux region. This partnership represents a significant milestone in our global journey as we expand the Ultraviolette brand beyond India into some of the world's most mature and discerning motorcycling markets. MotoMondo’s proven expertise in establishing and growing premium motorcycle brands across Europe makes them the perfect partner to represent Ultraviolette in these key regions. Their deep understanding of the market, combined with a passion for innovation and motorcycling culture, ensures that the Ultraviolette ecosystem-from product experience to aftersales support, will be world-class from day one. This is just the beginning, and we’re incredibly excited about the road ahead.”

      Jan Ykema, Managing Director, MotoMondo, added, “We are proud to bring Ultraviolette, the most advanced electric motorcycle brand of the world, to the United Kingdom and Benelux region. Their technology is unprecedented, and we have only just seen the beginning! Ultraviolette will disrupt the current motorcycle market by offering a real alternative for all combustion engines.”

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        HMSI Launches OBD2B Compliant 2025 Honda Dio 125 Scooter At INR 96,749

        Honda Dio 125

        Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), one of the country's leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has launched the OBD2B-compliant Dio 125 scooter at INR 96,749 (ex-showroom Pune).

        The new Dio 125 gets refreshed colour scheme and graphics, 4.2-inch TFT display with mileage indicator, trip meter, eco indicator and range (distance to empty). Furthermore, it is compatible with Honda RoadSync app for providing navigation and call/message alerts, Smart key and a USB Type-C charging port.

        Mechanically, the Dio 125 remains unchanged and continues to be powered by a 123.92cc, single-cylinder PGM-Fi engine, which produces 6.11 kW of power and 10.5 Nm of torque.

        It will be available in two variants, DLX and H-Smart, with five colour options on sale.

        Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “For over 21 years, the Dio has been an iconic name in the Indian market, standing as a symbol of style, performance, and trust. It has consistently been the first choice for customers looking for a trendy and reliable moto-scooter. With the launch of the new OBD2B Dio 125, we are excited to take forward its iconic legacy, keeping the core concept of moto-scooter intact, with added value and excitement for our customers.”

        Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are ecstatic to introduce the new OBD2B version of Dio 125 – a scooter that has resonated with young India for years. With its refreshed graphics, advanced TFT display, and enhanced connectivity features, the new Dio 125 is designed to meet the evolving aspirations of today’s customers. True to its tagline, ‘Dio Wanna Have Fun?’, this moto scooter has always been a popular choice among India's younger generation, and this update will further strengthen its position in the segment.”

         

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          Suzuki Motorcycle India Partners Flipkart To Sell Two-Wheelers Online

          Suzuki Motorcycle India

          Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan has partnered Flipkart to introduce digital buying experience for its customers.

          From 15 April 2025, potential customers in eight Indian states – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Meghalaya and Mizoram will be able to book Suzuki scooters and motorcycles on Flipkart. To begin with customers will have options to purchase the Avenis scooter and GIXXER, GIXXER SF, GIXXER 250, GIXXER SF 250 and V-Strom SX motorcycles online.

          Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “As more customers now prefer digital platforms for their purchases, we are committed to meeting them where they are. By associating with Flipkart, we are leveraging the growing digital ecosystem to offer customers a convenient and trusted platform to explore and buy Suzuki two-wheelers. We believe this move will further strengthen our reach and customer engagement in the Indian market.”

          Sujith S Agashe, Senior Director, Electronics at Flipkart, said, “At Flipkart, we are constantly working to enhance our customer journey offering greater convenience and choice, backed by Flipkart’s trusted digital ecosystem. Our partnership with Suzuki Motorcycle India is a testament to this commitment, as we enable customers across the country to explore and book premium two-wheelers from the comfort of their homes. We are excited to bring greater convenience and choice to today’s digitally savvy consumers.”

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