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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Japanese two-wheeler major India Yamaha Motor (IYM) has introduced five-year Roadside Assistance (RSA) program, as part of its 40-year milestone in India.

The program will offer customers an extended RSA program for five years at just INR 975, which will bring forth peace-of-mind, especially during an unforeseen on-road emergency.

The company will provide – towing support in case of breakdown or accident, battery jumpstart assistance, flat tyre support, running repair services for minor issues and medical assistance in case of emergencies.

The new initiative will further complement Yamaha’s recent 10-year ‘Total Warranty Program’, which offers customers to get 2+8 years extended warranty.

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TVS Motor Company, a leading two-wheeler manufacturer, has introduced the TVS Jupiter 125 Dual Tone SmartXonnect (SXC) at prices starting INR 88,942 (ex-showroom Delhi). The newest variant in the TVS Jupiter line-up comes with dual-tone colour options – Ivory- Brown and Ivory-Grey – and newly designed seat.

The Jupiter features the new signature LED headlamp and alloy wheels. It is powered by a 124.8 cc single-cylinder engine, producing 11.1 Nm torque at 4,500 rpm with iGO Assist technology.

For comfort, it has a long seat with a pillion backrest. Convenience features include 33-litre under-seat storage, front fuel-fill, and a 2-litre front open glove box. The Jupiter is equipped with a digital console that displays call and SMS alerts, mileage indicators, low fuel warnings and a trip meter. It is equipped with larger front and rear tyres for stability and road grip.

Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice President — Head Commuter & EV Business and Head Corporate Brand & Media, TVS Motor Company, said, “Today’s customers are not just buying a scooter, they are investing in a reflection of their progressiveness. After the successful launch of TVS Jupiter 110, it made perfect sense to give the TVS Jupiter 125 a fresh update. The TVS Jupiter 125 Dual Tone SXC represents that evolution, delivering an optimum mix of performance, comfort, and advanced connectivity. With this launch, we reinforce our ‘Zyada’ philosophy, giving our riders more of everything that matters.”

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ICRA, a leading investment information and credit rating agency, estimates that two-wheeler sales volume in India will grow between 6 percent to 9 percent YoY in FY2026.

The company stated that in April 2025, the domestic two-wheeler wholesales came at 1.39 million units, which was 18.8 percent lower, on the back of production shutdown undertaken by some OEMs for supply chain alignment and scheduled maintenance.

On the other hand, the retail sales remain steady registering a growth of 2 percent for the same period. The offtake was supported by the festive season (Chaitra Navratri, Akshay Tritiya, Baisakhi), which also translated to a sequential growth of around 12 percent.

Interestingly, it points out that electric two-wheelers continue to register a strong growth and maintain its 5-6 percent penetration in the overall two-wheeler sales. For instance, in March a total of 130,274 electric two-wheelers were sold, up 71 percent MoM. Similarly, the electric two-wheeler sales also saw moderation to 91,800 units last month.

On the export front, ICRA estimates that two-wheeler sales volumes reported a healthy growth of 14.8 percent on a partially curtailed base. But despite the growth, the volumes continue to be constrained to an extent by shortage of FOREX and inflationary pressures in markets catered (such as Nigeria).

Going forward, the company expects that two-wheeler sales will remain to grow albeit in single-digit percentage, primarily aided by steady replacement demand, expected recovery in urban demand and healthy rural incomes (driven by early indications of a normal monsoon).

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has expanded its premium motorcycle offerings with the launch of two new models: the CB750 Hornet and the flagship CB1000 Hornet SP. Interested customers can now place their bookings, with deliveries slated to begin from June 2025.

The all-new Honda CB750 Hornet enters the market with a price tag of INR 859,500 (ex-showroom Gurugram), while the more powerful CB1000 Hornet SP is priced at INR 1.23 million (ex-showroom Gurugram). The CB750 Hornet will be available across all BigWing Topline and BigWing dealerships, whereas the CB1000 Hornet SP will be exclusively retailed through BigWing Topline outlets.

Both motorcycles embody an ‘Aggressive X Pure’ styling concept, featuring a muscular streetfighter design with sharp bodywork, aggressive tank shrouds and an all-LED lighting system that includes a striking headlamp. The CB750 Hornet comes in Matte Pearl Glare White and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic, while the CB1000 Hornet SP boasts a single Matte Ballistic Black Metallic shade with subtle gold accents.

Under the hood, the CB750 Hornet is powered by a newly developed 755cc inline 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 67.5 kW of power and 75 Nm of torque. The CB1000 Hornet SP, on the other hand, houses a 999cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine delivering a robust 115.6 kW of power and 107 Nm of torque. Both models feature a 6-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch.

For superior handling and safety, the CB750 Hornet is equipped with a SHOWA SFF-BP front inverted fork and a Pro-Link monoshock at the rear, while the CB1000 Hornet SP boasts a SHOWA SFF-BP inverted fork upfront and an OHLINS TTX36 rear shock. Braking duties are handled by dual front disc brakes with dual-channel ABS as standard on both models.

Technological enhancements include a 5.0-inch full-colour TFT display with Honda’s RoadSync app connectivity for seamless smartphone integration, along with a new illuminated multi-functional switch. Rider aids on the CB750 Hornet include four riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain, and User), while the CB1000 Hornet SP offers five riding modes, including two customisable user modes, Honda Selectable Torque Control and a bi-directional quickshifter as standard.

Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The Indian premium motorcycle segment has shown tremendous growth over the years, especially among young and passionate riders looking for performance with style. With the launch of the CB750 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet SP, we aim to further strengthen our presence in the fun biking space. These motorcycles are a true representation of Honda’s legacy of engineering excellence, aggressive design, and thrilling performance. We are confident these Hornets will strike a chord with riders who seek a dynamic and sporty riding experience.”

Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “Hornet has always held a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts, and with the introduction of the CB750 and CB1000 Hornet SP, we are taking that legacy to the next level. These motorcycles combine cutting-edge technology, iconic design, and a commanding road presence, making them a compelling choice in their respective segments. The growing appetite for performance motorcycles in India excites us, and we believe these Hornets will resonate with every thrill-seeker out there. We look forward to a great response from the biking community.”

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