Yamaha Unveils R15M in Carbon Fibre Pattern Graphics

Yamaha Unveils R15M in Carbon Fibre Pattern Graphics

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd has launched the R15M with a Carbon Fibre Pattern graphics, which encapsulates the spirit of top-tier Japanese motorcycle design and engineering. 

The motorcycle, featuring an 18.1 bhp 155 cc liquid-cooled engine that has been inspired by the R1 and is designed as a SuperSport in line with Yamaha’s Racing DNA, also gets upgrades that align with the company’s brand campaign, ‘The Call of the Blue’. 

The carbon fibre pattern is inspired by the legendary R1M’s carbon body work. Applied using modern water-dipping technology for exceptional finish, the carbon fibre pattern can be seen on the front cowl, sides fairing and the flanks of the rear side panels. 

The upgrades include an all-black fender, new decals on the tank and sides fairing along with blue wheels at both ends to complete its alluring race-derived aesthetics. The sports motorcycle also gets turn-by-turn navigation feature for a hassle-free riding and music and volume control function, which can be accessed through Y-Connect Application available on Play store (Android)/ App store (iOS). 

The rider simply needs to download and install the App on their smartphone to connect and sync with the bike. Not just that, the model also has an upgraded switchgear and a new LED license plate light for the convenience of the user.

Speaking regarding the development, Eishin Chihana, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “Yamaha motorcycles are well known for their exhilarating performance, exciting agility and eye-catching sporty design. Since its launch in 2008, the R15 has embodied class leading performance and has enabled numerous consumers in India to experience the joy of riding a SuperSport motorcycle with thoroughbred Yamaha Racing DNA. The young consumers in India are well versed with our international models and the lineage, styling and technology that percolates into the R15 from the R1 has also been significantly recognised and appreciated by them.”

“The new R15M raises this bar even higher, with its powerful engine, innovative features, racy decals and sporty carbon-fibre patterned accents. We are confident that the R15M will continue to delight our consumers who crave for a premium motorcycling experience, with ample performance to keep them enthralled for a long time to come”, he added.

Equipped with a traction control system, which is a dedicated electronic system that reduces the chances of wheel spin, the Yamaha R15M also comes with a ‘Quick Shifter’ that enables seamless gear shifts without the need for manual clutch operation or rolling back on the throttle while upshifting. The Assist and Slipper Clutch reduces the lever pulling effort for the rider and prevents excessive engine braking that might unsettle the bike’s rear end during rapid downshifting like when decelerating hard to attain the right entry speed for a corner.

The unique high-performance Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system provides optimal power and torque across the RPM range by operating one intake valve cam for low to mid-range revs and another one which kicks in at 7,400 rpm for the higher revs. 

Additional features include a fully digital colour TFT screen and Bluetooth Connectivity. Overall, these combined features ensure a smooth, enjoyable and comfortable riding experience while enhancing the sportiness of the R15M no matter where it is ridden.

These new updates underscore Yamaha's commitment to innovation and fulfilment of customer needs by understanding their evolving tastes and preferences in the segment. 

The motorcycle is priced at INR 208,300 ex showroom, Delhi. 

Hero MotoCorp Introduces XPulse 200 Series In The United Kingdom

Hero Xpulse 200

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched its XPulse 200 4V and XPulse 200 Pro motorcycles in the United Kingdom, expanding its international adventure motorcycle line-up.

The rollout represents the next phase of the manufacturer's European expansion, following its initial entry into the UK market last year through a distribution partnership with MotoGB.

The motorcycles were introduced at the Inch Perfect Trials in the Ribble Valley, marking the brand's latest European expansion following recent market entries in Italy and Spain. Distribution and aftersales service will be managed via MotoGB’s network of 36 sales and service outlets across the UK, with all models backed by a two-year warranty.

Both models are powered by a 199.6cc, four-stroke, four-valve, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine paired with a five-speed constant-mesh transmission. The engine produces 18.9 BHP at 8,500 RPM and 17.35 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM. The motorcycles feature an LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, a Class-D LED projector headlamp and three anti-lock braking system (ABS) modes (Road, Off-Road and Rally).

Harshavardhan Chitale, CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The launch of the XPulse 200 series marks an important step in strengthening Hero MotoCorp’s global adventure motorcycling portfolio in the UK. The XPulse has created a strong identity globally as an accessible yet highly capable adventure motorcycle that appeals to both - everyday riders and off-road enthusiasts. With its proven performance, versatility and adventure-focused DNA, we are confident that the XPulse range will strongly resonate with the riders. As we continue to expand across international markets, our focus remains on bringing globally benchmarked products and building deeper customer engagement worldwide.”

The XPulse 200 Pro includes hardware adaptations for off-road use, featuring handlebar risers to assist with standing positions and an extended gear shift lever designed to accommodate off-road riding boots. Both variants are equipped with protective bash plates, handguards, and a rear luggage plate with integrated cargo hooks as standard equipment.

TVS Motor Company Appoints Ravindran Shanmugam As Independent Director

Ravindran Shanmugam

Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company, a part of TVS Group, has appointed Ravindran Shanmugam as an independent director for a 5-year term, effective 13 May 2026, pending shareholder approval.

Shanmugam is a technology entrepreneur and business leader with experience in digital transformation and AI platforms. He currently serves as the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Mablle, an AI-based interior design platform in Singapore. He has previously worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company and is an alumnus of the University of Oxford.

Sudarshan Venu, Chairman, TVS Motor Company, said, “Ravindran Shanmugam brings deep expertise in digital & consumer-focused businesses, and AI-led transformation, along with strong experience in strategy, entrepreneurship and scaling businesses across global markets. His perspectives will add valuable depth to the TVS Motor board as we continue to strengthen our future-ready growth ambitions. We are delighted to welcome him and look forward to benefiting from his insights and guidance.”

Ravindran Shanmugam, said, “I am honoured to join the board of TVS Motor Company, an institution with a strong legacy of engineering excellence, customer trust and global ambition. Mobility is being reshaped by technology, digital ecosystems, AI and evolving consumer expectations, and TVS Motor is well positioned to play a meaningful role in this transformation. I look forward to contributing to the board’s deliberations and supporting the company’s long-term growth journey with perspectives from technology-led transformation, platform businesses and consumer-focused innovation.”

TVS Motor Company Reports INR 49.75 Billion In Profit Before Tax For FY2026

TVS Motor Co

Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has reported revenue of INR 472.70 billion for FY2025-26, up 30 percent YoY, as compared to INR 362.51 billion last year.

The company reported its operating EBITDA for the year stood at 12.9 percent, while operating profit before tax reached INR 49.75 billion, up 40 percent YoY.

For FY2026, combined sales of two and three-wheelers increased by 24 percent to 5.88 million units. Within this total, motorcycle sales rose by 24 percent to 2.71 million units, while scooter sales grew by 27 percent to 2.41 million units.

Three-wheeler sales reached 219,000 units, an increase of 63 percent, while electric vehicle sales grew by 33 percent to 371,000 units, bringing the total customer base for this segment to more than 900,000.

For Q4 FY2026, the company recorded revenue of INR 128.08 billion, the operating EBITDA margin for the quarter was 13.1 percent. Normalised revenue for the quarter grew by 36 percent when excluding benefits from government incentive schemes recorded in the prior year.

Honda Launches NX500 With E-Clutch Technology In India At INR 743,900

Honda NX500

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has officially launched the NX500 E-Clutch at a price of INR 743,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new variant introduces Honda's globally proven clutch automation technology to the mid-size adventure touring segment, priced approximately INR 111,000 higher than the standard manual version.

The E-Clutch system manages clutch engagement and disengagement during starting, gear shifting and stopping, effectively eliminating the need for the rider to pull the clutch lever. However, the system allows for manual override at any time and the motorcycle retains a traditional clutch lever for riders who prefer hands-on control.

The NX500 E-Clutch features a 471cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine producing 47 bhp and 43 Nm of torque. It gets a 6-speed gearbox with the automated E-Clutch system; the mechanism adds only 3 kg to the bike's kerb weight (now 199 kg). The motorcycle gets steel diamond frame with Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD front forks and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock.

In terms of stopping, it gets dual 296mm front discs and a 240mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS as standard.  

The NX500 features a 5-inch full-colour TFT display with Honda RoadSync (navigation, calls, music), Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and all-LED lighting.

Tsutsu Otani,  President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The Honda NX500 equipped with E Clutch technology enhances comfort and control across both urban and touring environments in India, by reducing rider fatigue, while retaining the engaging, hands-on riding experience that defines Honda motorcycles.”

The NX500 E-Clutch is available in two colour options – Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic and Pearl Horizon White.