The ride modes can be changed on the fly using the mode switch given on the handlebar, and each mode offers better advantages in specific weather conditions. In urban mode, the engine is tuned to deliver optimum power and control to tame the urban jungle with the ABS optimised for a quick response. The Rain mode is especially helpful during wet road conditions as it primes the ABS to deliver the maximum response with strong lever pulsation. The immediate response of the ABS helps the rider keep the vehicle in control even during adverse weather conditions.

In sport mode, the engine is tuned to deliver maximum power and sharp acceleration to take on the track or the highway. The ABS is set up for minimum intervention and highest permissible slip for faster lap time and better control to the rider. Besides the new RTR 200 4V also becomes the first bike in the 200cc segment to come with adjustable suspension. The high-performance front suspension from Showa gets preload adjustment that allows the rider to set it up for a plusher ride for the road or a stiffer setup for the track while the rear suspension from the same supplier is tuned for enhanced track performance.

The motorcycle also gets adjustable levers for the clutch and the brake. The levers are designed ergonomically with 3-step adjustment. Additionally, the bike has also lost one kg in weight. This reduction in weight and refinements to the brake system have made the vehicle deliver a sharper and improved brake performance.

Recently TVS Apache Series, the premium motorcycle brand, spans across two categories – Naked and Super Sports, celebrated the 4 million global sales milestone. The new updates to the RTR200 4V motorcycle put it in the same ballpark as the RR310 in terms of features. The updates have been honed to perfection by the company with its years of research, development and racing experience. They have helped the bike become more track friendly and a perfect companion for anybody who is a newbie to the track.

The 200cc segment in India is a fiercely competitive segment with every major manufacturer offering a bike. While competitors offer performance, the RTR is the only motorcycle that offers features useful in the city, on the highway and also at the track. The Glide Through Technology (GTT) on the RTR is especially helpful in the town where the rider can drive through stop and go traffic with ease without the engine stalling or using the accelerator. The RTR is the only 200cc street naked bike to get dual-channel ABS. The motorcycle also receives Rear-wheel Lift-off Protection (RLP) that quickly detects and recovers from wheel lock achieving higher stability through precise close-loop slip control. The system works well on both high friction(dry) and low friction(wet) surfaces.

Another feature unique to the Apache RTR 200 4V in the 200cc segment is the slipper clutch. The race-tuned slipper clutch accentuates the motorcycle’s performance, with 22% reduction in clutch force for quicker upshifts, enabling the rider to achieve better lap times. The technology also allows the rider to downshift at high-speed without experiencing wheel-hopping.

So with all updates included the RTR 200 4V starts at INR 1,31,50 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the dual-channel ABS variant. All these upgrades make the bike one of the hottest offering in the 200cc segment today. (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.”