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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Royal Enfield has announced the launch of its inaugural Himalayan Base Camp – Ladakh Edition, a three-day community confluence designed to bring together riders, climbers and overlanders.

Based in Leh, Ladakh, at an altitude of 11,480 feet, the event moves away from traditional festival formats to create an immersive, hands-on environment focused on the ‘Adventure mindset.’

The program is structured around active participation rather than observation. It will feature a range of curated expeditions, expert-led sessions and skill-based workshops covering multiple disciplines. Beyond motorcycling, the event includes activities such as overlanding, cycling and mountaineering. Technical challenges include bouldering, kayaking and high-altitude skills workshops.

Mohit Dhar Jayal, Chief Brand Officer, Royal Enfield, said, “The Himalayan Base Camp is a rendezvous point for all adventurers, regardless of whether they are driven by horsepower, willpower or their own two feet. The program combines action, instruction and a variety of expeditions that will take adventurers out of their comfort zone - and bring them back to base with a whole new set of skills and experiences.”

The Ladakh edition is positioned as a shared space for co-creators where aficionados define the spirit of adventure. By returning to its ‘spiritual ground,’ Royal Enfield aims to fuel specific subcultures within the adventure community, offering challenges that range from technical boulder crawling to high-speed valley expeditions. The event is designed to be accessible to all, emphasising a collective defining of what adventure looks like at high altitudes.

This new addition to the Royal Enfield calendar joins their established marquee rides like the Himalayan Odyssey and Moto Himalaya, further solidifying the brand's presence in the global adventure-lifestyle ecosystem.

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Indian Motorcycle and Legendary Productions have announced a new premium touring event, IBEX26: The Iberia Experience, scheduled to take place from 30 September to 4 October 2026.

Following the success of the Indian Riders Fest, this new venture shifts focus toward a more intimate, boutique experience, limited to just 220 participants on Spain’s Costa Blanca.

The event will be headquartered at the Hotel Occidental Pueblo Acantilado in El Campello, Alicante. This 4-star cliffside resort, designed to resemble a traditional whitewashed Iberian village, has been exclusively reserved for the event, ensuring a private environment for Indian Motorcycle owners and their passengers.

The riding programme features three signature routes developed in partnership with IMRG Alicante, the local Indian Motorcycle Riders Group. These routes are designed to showcase the diverse geography of the Alicante province:

• Route A (115 km): Traverses the Sierra de Aitana, featuring high-altitude mountain passes and the medieval clifftop village of Guadalest.
• Route B (140 km): Focuses on the inland valleys, passing through the almond groves of Xixona and reaching the Xorret de Catí viewpoint.
• Route C (155 km): A coastal and cultural loop taking in the Castillo de Santa Barbara in Alicante, the colourful houses of Villajoyosa, and the Valor chocolate museum.

IBEX26 is designed as an ‘all-inclusive’ experience where the regional culture is as central as the riding. Each evening at the hotel will feature a different themed culinary event, including a Valencian paella night with live flamenco performances and a gourmet tapas gala. An on-site ‘Iberian Market Place’ will also allow riders to engage with local artisan producers.

Jean-Marie Guyon, Founder, IBEX26 and Legendary Productions, said, “IBEX26 is everything the Indian Riders Fest taught us — and then a completely new conversation. We wanted to create something where the hotel, the roads, the food and the community are all equal parts of the experience. The Costa Blanca in October is one of the finest motorcycling environments in Europe.”

José Vicente Gomis Reig, President, IMRG Alicante, added, “We know these roads better than anyone. We have ridden every one of them and we know exactly which ones reward an Indian Motorcycle. It is a privilege to put that knowledge at the service of IBEX26.”

Registration for the event includes accommodation, all meals, GPX route files, and daily technical briefings, offering a turnkey touring solution for the Indian Motorcycle community.

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Italian two-wheeler major Vespa India has introduced the Vespa Tech 80th, an exclusive commemorative series launched on 23 April 2026.

This special edition marks the 80th anniversary of the original patent filing on 23 April 1946, bridging the gap between the brand's post-war origins and modern technology. Available in 125cc and 150cc variants, the series is designed as a tribute to the Italian icon's legacy of freedom and style.

The standout feature of the Vespa Tech 80th is its exclusive Verde Pastello green livery. This specific shade was retrieved from historical archives and is inspired by the very first single-colour Vespa models from the 1940s.

The aesthetic follows a minimalist and functional language where the body colour extends to the shield profile, passenger grab handles, mirrors and suspension linkages. This glossy finish is contrasted by darker green satin-finish elements, including a stitched saddle, rubber footrest inserts and handlebar grips.

Further historical nods include Verde Pastello rims with a diamond finish, inspired by the original 1946 Vespa 98. Each unit is marked by a commemorative ‘80th’ plaque on the front shield and a dedicated ‘80 years of Vespa Est. 1946’ badge on the backplate. To celebrate this milestone globally, Vespa will host a massive international gathering in Rome from 25 to 28 June 2026, which is expected to be the largest celebration in the brand's history.

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Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in India.

The Japanese automaker started production in India in 2006 and has evolved from its initial motorcycle launches to becoming a major player in the Indian mobility landscape, recently surpassing the milestone of 10 million units produced in India in 2026.

Suzuki’s journey in India began with the Heat 125 and Zeus 125 motorcycles, but it was the 2007 launch of the Access 125, which provided momentum for the brand in India’s 125cc scooter segment.

Since then, the company has expanded its lineup with the likes of the Burgman Street & the Avenis scooter, and performance motorcycles like the Gixxer series and V-Strom SX.

Suzuki Motorcycle India has also maintained a premium footprint with models such as the Hayabusa, GSX-8R and V-Strom 800 DE.

Furthermore, the Gurugram manufacturing facility now exports ‘Made-in-India’ Suzuki two-wheelers to 77 countries worldwide.

To meet increasing demand and prepare for the next decade of growth, Suzuki Motorcycle India has initiated groundwork for its second manufacturing plant in Kharkhoda. The company is also adopting a multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality, focusing on diverse power solutions tailored for the Indian market.

It was just recently that the company entered the EV space with the Suzuki e-Access and is also developing Gixxer SF 250 FFV, featuring E85-compliant flex-fuel technology.

Kenichi Umeda, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “Marking 20 years of start of production in India is a significant milestone for all of us at Suzuki Motorcycle India. This progress has enabled us to build an ecosystem founded on trust and collaboration, with presence across all states through 1,240 touchpoints. Looking ahead, our future growth strategy will be guided by a multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality, integrating diverse fuel and power solutions best suited to India.”

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