By T Murrali

As India will be moving to the new emission regime from April this year, the manufacturing companies are fielding new models of new variants with BS-VI engines. India Yamaha Motor (IYM) has announced a slew of new brands, in line with its concept of ‘The Call of the Blue’ that carved out the ‘The Yamaha Uniqueness’ of product line-ups and experiences through the ‘Blue Square’ network. IYM has fielded four vehicles with several innovative features and technologies, with plans to create a strong network of dealers; nonetheless, it has still kept a conservative sales growth target of 4 percent.

In 2019, the company sold 624,000 units (with 40 percent scooters and the rest motorcycles), witnessing a 13 percent drop in sales over the previous year, matching the industry average. It exported 296,000 units during the year. For 2020, IYM has set a target of 650,000 units with the same break-up for scooters and motorcycles. This is just 4 percent more than last year’s sales. However, it aims to raise exports to 315,000 units.

Ravinder Singh, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Planning Group, Yamaha Motors India Sales Pvt Ltd, said, “We have been able to increase our market share in deluxe and premium segments and maintain it in the scooter segment (for Fascino), thanks to our focused brand strategy: ‘The Call of the Blue.’ Our success in 2020 will depend on creating a strong network and we have started working on this direction. ‘Blue Square’ is one such initiative.”

‘Blue Square’ 

‘Blue square’ is a unique concept intended to offer Yamaha’s racing DNA to exciting, stylish and sporty products and experiences. ‘The Call of the Blue’ started in 2018 expanded to products and experiences in 2019.

‘Blue Square’ is created as a destination for all two-wheeler enthusiasts. The concept was to expand the company’s uniqueness for fuelling the passion for riding in India featuring a wide range of riding gears and accessories along with the two-wheeler line-ups that deliver good driving experience. Yamaha Blue Square Showrooms will serve the excitement to grow into a popular culture by turning it into an aspiration for every young rider.

To a question on how ‘Blue Square’ will help the company to strengthen its market position, Singh said the company’s objective is to focus on youngsters. It launched the brand campaign ‘The Call of the Blue’ mainly to connect with the young customers. Now IYM is taking it to the next level with ‘Blue Square,’ which according to him is more of the brand connection, linking its BTL (below the line) activities. “From ATL (above the line) activities to BTL, we are connecting the customers and giving the experience of sporty and stylish vehicles, which is our core DNA, to the product.” The additional dealerships planned for this year will be primarily for ‘Blue Square’ outlets, he said. 

Many of the existing dealerships will also be upgraded to deal with its new introductions of 155cc motorcycle MT-15 and the 125cc scooters, the Ray ZR 125 FI and Street Rally 125 FI, and the iconic Fascino 125 FI. Shifting from the 110cc segment, IYM is strengthening its market in the 125cc scooter segment and the motorcycle line-up.

MT-15

Known for its balance of torque and agility, MT-15 has enhanced control postures and single-channel ABS. A special colour ‘Ice Fluo-Vermillion’ was also introduced. It received rave reviews in many countries for its distinctively aggressive appearance. The new BS-VI compliant MT-15 has a rear radial tyre. Its advanced design expressing torque and agility is popularised further by a minimal look, dynamic headlight, short tail and an overall finish that illustrates its unique style.

The new bike comes with VVA engine for nimble acceleration with model-specific ECU,  optimized secondary reduction gear ratio for snappy riding in town, A&S clutch for stress-free gear shifts, motard-like riding position with a great deal of freedom on a tight, concentrated silhouette, 282mm front disc brake with single-channel ABS for excellent stopping power. The advanced design expressing torque and agility is further accentuated by dynamic front face styling headlight, short tail with a vertical tail light and overall graphics and finish.

Ray ZR 125 FI, Street Rally 125 FI

The new scooters come with several new features, new engine technologies and are available in a range of new colours. The new Ray ZR 125 FI and Street Rally 125 FI are powered by a BS-VI compliant, air cooled, fuel injected, 125cc blue core engine that produces a power output of 8.2 PS @ 6,500 RPM and a torque of 9.7 Nm @ 5,000 RPM. The power output and economy are 30 percent and 16 percent higher respectively than the earlier scooters.

The styling concept is ‘Armored Energy’ which evokes the feeling of a powerful motorcycle laced to proportions, details, striking design and new technologies. The sporty, sharp-looking headlight is Class C-compliant while the Y-shaped LED position light adds greater originality to the design. The turn signals at the front and rear use individual mounting stalks like those used for motorcycles. The Ray ZR 125 FI is available in both drum and disc brake versions, and the disc brake version gets digital instrument cluster as a new feature. The new Ray ZR 125 FI is available in a wide range of colour variants including Dark Matte Blue, Metallic Black, Cyan Blue, Matte Red Metallic and Reddish Yellow Cocktail.

The new Street Rally 125 FI also fuses motorcycle elements with those of a scooter and scatters them throughout the design. Brush guards shield the rider's hands from oncoming airflow and add a sporty, adventure-influenced touch to the machine. It additionally offers fully digital instrument cluster, side panels designed to look like a rugged frame, block-pattern tyre, sporty coloured wheel stripes (front and rear) and side panels intended to look like metallic protectors. The new Street Rally 125 FI is available in two colours: Deep Purplish Blue Metallic and Sparkle Green.

Fascino 125 FI

The new Fascino 125 FI is powered by a BS-VI compliant, air cooled, fuel injected, 125cc blue core engine that produces a power output of 8.2 PS @ 6,500 RPM and a torque of 9.7 Nm @ 5,000 RPM. The power output and economy are 30 percent and 16 percent higher respectively than the earlier scooters.

Along with the new features and technologies, the visual impression of the new Fascino 125 FI rests on its classic European styling as it gets an all-new exterior design, higher quality bodywork, newly designed headlight, new gauges and other features that produce a feeling of elegance and status. The new scooter is designed to be a fashionable vehicle with styling that embodies strength, refinement and beauty along with classical touches. The vehicle is available in disc and drum brakes and a wide range of colour variants including Vivid Red, Metallic Black, Yellow Cocktail, Matte Blue, Dark Matte Blue, Suave Copper and Cyan Blue.

Lightweighting

The body weight of the new Ray ZR 125 FI, Street Rally 125 FI and Fascino 125 FI is 99 kg, which is, at the least, 4 kg lighter than Yamaha's earlier scooters. All the new scooters come with ‘stop & start system’ that prevents engine idling and subsequent start with a single throttle twist which uses the sensors to assess the riding environment. The vehicles have front disc brake with unified brake system. In addition, the smart motor-generator fitted to these vehicles uses electronic controls to bring a quieter engine start without the need for a separate conventional electric starter. One of the key features is the ‘side stand engine cut-off switch,’ which prevents the engine from starting if the side-stand is not retracted. This is a unique feature as it can prevent accidents and ensure safety of the rider.

Talking to this publication on the objective to introduce the engine cut-off switch to the side-stand, Yasuo Ishihara, Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Research & Development India Pvt Ltd, said that in Europe these safety systems are mandatory. Since it is a safety feature the company wanted to introduce it in India also. “We have decided to incorporate this feature in the two-wheelers (Ray and Fascino) that we have launched now. In a phased manner this feature will be introduced in all the models we produce.”

The company has also introduced stop-start systems and this was possible as it replaced the starter motor with a combined generator-cum-starter motor. Ishihara said that in India the traffic is dense with more stopping and starting conditions, not only at traffic lights but also on congested roads. This mild hybrid helps in managing these situations while conserving fuel. However, when there are frequent stops and starts, the power drawn will be more from the battery; therefore the company has increased the battery capacity.

Yamaha has also reduced the total kerb weight by 4 kg. This was achieved as the design team was given very stringent targets to reduce weight. There were targets set for every major part in the vehicle. This combined with high-end design helped the company achieve weight reduction despite increasing the sheet metal content. For instance, in the earlier version of the scooters, the front fender was in plastic but in the BS-VI version this has been replaced with metal. According to him, one of the reasons for weight reduction was that the vehicles have no starter motors, since the generators do that function. Despite introducing new technologies, localisation in all the models is over 90 percent, he said.

Target Customers               

The target customers for the three scooters, according to the company, are the youth (18-24 years) who are high on adventure, and who find the true reflection of their riding personality by the mobility they ride and its performance. Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India group of companies, said, “Customers can now take the experience of all such exciting Yamaha two-wheelers at the new ‘Blue Square’ outlets of Yamaha which is conceptualized to garner the racing spirit along with its comfort, ambience and the beacon of the Yamaha Blue. The company also plans to expand its brand strategy of ‘The Call of the Blue’ including product strategies and networks in 2020. The ‘Blue Square’ which was opened recently in Chennai will expand to 100 outlets in 2020 and eventually would consolidate the 125cc scooter market share and sports market share for the brand. The ‘Call of the Blue’ will be scaled up in 2020 to offer the excitement, sporty and stylish experiences to a wider audience.”

Digital Communication

On the communication side, he said, the company is more focused on the digital platform. Despite fielding new stylish models with more safety features and power, the company has set itself a growth of just 4 percent for the current calendar over 2019. Seeking his reason for this, Singh said it is justified. “At this moment we are very conservative. We are talking to dealers and we are also taking feedback from people like you. We see a clear shift from 110cc to 125cc (in scooters) and it will increase in the coming years as people are further upgrading.” Therefore, the segment will further evolve. But it all depends on increasing affordability, which is directly linked to economic growth. The key point is that India is a country where more than 50 percent of the population is young. This is precisely the reason for the company to field products targeting the youth, he said. “Based on the features and the pricing we are going to get a good amount of market share in this segment; still we are taking cautious steps,” he explained.

The company will focus on three areas to connect with its customers easily - Premium, Deluxe and Scooters. Otherwise, connecting with customers from the commuting point of view would be difficult for Yamaha. This is the reason for the company to upgrade its scooters to 125cc, Shitara said.

Currently, IYM has 593 dealers across India with about 2,000 touch points. The company has allotted INR 1,500 crore for building capacity and capabilities, to be spent over four years from 2018. It had to invest INR 16 crore to develop BS-VI engines. Though modifications to the engine were minimal, the additions were in the form of double catalytic converters for exhaust, O2 sensors and advanced OBD modules. Investments have also gone into precision machining of parts for BS-VI related elements, and the development of new parts.  (MT)

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has launched the updated 2025 Apache RTR 310 at introductory prices starting INR 239,990.

The OBD2B-compliant 2025 TVS Apache RTR 310 now with the Build-To-Order (BTO) platform and Dynamic Pro Kit (DPK) offerings. It gets a host of new features such as Gen-2 cluster with multi-language UI, USD 43 Dia front suspension (base variant), sequential turn signal lamp (TSL) with new styling, hand guards, transparent clutch cover, key less ride (DPK), drag torque control, cornering drag torque control (BTO & DPK) and launch control feature in RT-DSC.

The motorcycle delivers 35.6 PS at 9,700 rpm and 28.7 Nm at 6,650 rpm. It also gets three new colour options with graphics, along with iconic Race Replica Sepang Blue on the top-end BTO variant.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “The TVS Apache RTR 310 has been a trendsetter in the naked sports segment since its debut. With the 2025 edition, we’re building on its bold legacy by integrating future-ready tech, intuitive digital interfaces, standout styling and with unwavering commitment to rider safety. This refreshed freestyler reflects the new era of motorcycling, one that is connected, customisable and committed to sustainability. We’re proud to bring this upgraded experience to our community of TVS Apache riders who live to push boundaries every day.”

The 2025 Apache RTR 310 is now available in five variants across key markets such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Chennai.

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Bajaj Auto-owned Austrian motorcycle brand KTM has launched KTM Service on Wheels (SOW) in Leh circuit, which is aimed at providing aftersales service to motorcyclists on the Manali, Keylong – Jispa - Sarchu route.

KTM's Service on Wheels will function between Jispa and Sarchu, providing quick response and assurance of safety for riders on these remote stretches. With this the company now features touchpoints at Bhuntar, Manali, Keylong and Leh, supported by a full-fledged 3S dealership in Leh.

The company shared that it will now be able to offer quick repair, spares backup, or preventive inspections for KTM riders at 12,500 feet.

Manik Nangia, President, Probiking, Bajaj Auto Ltd said, “The KTM spirit is all about pushing boundaries, and we are proud to support our riders with unmatched service coverage through the Leh sector. With KTM Service on Wheels, we’re ensuring that adventure never has to stop due to service constraints. It’s our way of delivering true peace of mind, right in the heart of India’s most rugged motorcycling landscape.”

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India Yamaha Motor (IYM), a leading two-wheeler manufacturer, has introduced the 2025 FZ-X motorcycle with a 4.2-inch colour TFT instrument cluster and also incorporates turn-by-turn navigation at INR 149,990 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The 2025 FZ-X hybrid model is available in Matte Titan and incorporates a Smart Motor Generator (SMG) and a Stop & Start System (SSS). These enables quieter start, battery-assisted acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. The engine automatically shuts off when idle and restarts with clutch action.

The FZ-X Hybrid instrument cluster connects to smartphones via the Y-Connect app and offers Turn-by-Turn (TBT) navigation, integrated with Google Maps, providing directions, intersection details and road names.

Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, ““We were thrilled by the overwhelming response to our Hybrid Technology when we introduced it in the 2025 FZ-S Fi Hybrid. Extending this breakthrough to the FZ-X model felt like a natural next step. We are confident that adding hybrid power to the FZ-X model will further boost Yamaha’s appeal, particularly among riders who seek a practical yet premium riding experience. At Yamaha, we continually listen to our customers’ evolving needs, and this latest offering underscores our commitment to innovation. By integrating advanced technology with a deep understanding of rider needs, Yamaha is redefining the future of mobility.”

A standard FZ-X variant (non-hybrid) is also available at INR 129,990 (ex-showroom, Delhi) in Dark Matte Blue and Metallic Black.

The FZ-X has a neo-retro design and a metal body. It is powered by an air-cooled 149cc fuel-injected engine. The 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve motorcycle produces 12.4PS of power at 7,250rpm and 13.3Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. It also features a Traction Control System (TCS) and single-channel ABS. The motorcycle has telescopic front suspension and 7-step adjustable Monocross rear suspension.

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Bajaj Auto-owned Austrian two-wheeler specialist KTM has introduced two new models to the Indian market – the upgraded KTM 390 Adventure X and the global-spec KTM 390 Adventure Enduro R priced at INR 303,125 and INR 353,825, respectively.

The KTM 390 Adventure X, previously a successful entry point for long-distance and off-road touring enthusiasts, now gets advanced electronic features typically found in KTM's flagship models. Key upgrades include standard cruise control with both Cruise and Speed Limiter modes, multiple ride modes (Street, Rain, and Off-road) to adapt to varying road conditions, Cornering ABS (CABS) for enhanced safety during cornering, and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) for improved stability across different terrains.

The global-spec KTM 390 Adventure Enduro R is aimed at serious off-road riders seeking Dakar-honed performance. It features new suspension details to further enhance its capability for challenging trails and tough terrain.

The KTM 390 Adventure Enduro R is powered by a liquid-cooled, 398.63cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder DOHC engine delivering a maximum horsepower of 46 PS (33.8 kW) at 8500 rpm and a maximum torque of 39 Nm at 6500 rpm. It features an electronic throttle body, an electric starter and a wet, A&S multi-plate clutch, coupled with a constant mesh, 6-speed transmission. The fuel system is petrol-based with a 9-litre metal tank.

In terms of dimensions, the bike has an overall length of 2236mm, a width of 809mm, and a height of 1236mm. The wheelbase is 1477mm (+/−10mm) and boasts a ground clearance of 277mm with a seat height of 895mm. Suspension includes an adjustable 43mm inverted telescopic fork at the front with 230mm travel, and an adjustable mono-shock at the rear also with 230mm travel. Braking is handled by floating callipers with a 285mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS. The electrical system comprises a 12V 8 AH battery, LED headlamps, tail lamps and side indicators, along with a minimal TFT dashboard. It also includes Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) and a quick shifter.

KTM has expanded its presence significantly in India since 2012, now boasting over 450 stores and a customer base of nearly half a million, making India KTM's largest global market.

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