Ahoy Bikes launched an electroluminescent-technology-based bike, which enhances the safety of riders and aspirational value.

The new technology uses an electroluminescent paint-like coating system, which emits light when an electric current is passed through it, increasing the bike’s visibility through many types of atmospheric conditions such as dark fog, snow, and smoke. “In India, one of the major concerns of cyclists is safety, especially when the visibility is low. Second, most people do not find any aspirational value with their bicycles, unlike motorcycles and cars. There are very few people who own a bicycle with pride. The new bicycle will also appeal to young kids and encourage them to take physical activities,” said Abhishek Mitra, Director, Ahoy Bikes.

The company had started working on electroluminescent technology during the lockdown. It had joined hands with the US-based company Lumilor. The main task for the company was to make the electroluminescent-technology affordable for Indian consumers. “We have been working on the technology to get the cost down and bring it in the affordability range. This is the first electroluminescent bicycle, the production model that has been launched on a mass scale project,” Mitra said. A wide range of Luminous bikes will be available at an affordable price range. The prices begin at INR 20,000 onwards.

The company also manufactures all-terrain bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, kids bikes and balance bikes.

Like other bicycle companies, Ahoy is also experiencing a surge in demand post COVID. According to him, the demand for bicycles has surged between 300 percent to 350 percent post-COVID due to growing health consciousness and adaptation of social distancing and gyms closure.

According to the All-India Cycles Manufacturers Association, the bicycle industry was growing at 5-7 percent every year, but it is now expected to grow at 15-20 percent because of the coronavirus pandemic, led by a surge in first-time users.

As per the industry data, India is the second-largest manufacturer and the third consumer of bicycles globally. India manufacturers 22 million bicycles every year, with an annual turnover of INR 7,000 crore. According to industry numbers, 22 million cycles were sold in 2018-19, and 18 million were sold in 2019-20.

Talking about growing trends from bicyclists, Mitra pointed out that Indian consumers are looking for the product’s right value. “Customers want quality products. They are ready to spend a little bit more where they can find value in the products. We are giving the best of the class quality bikes with the best of class components. We are trying to offer different products in the industry so that customers can feel good about the product,” he said.

Ahoy Bikes would also make customisation options available with this new technology for cyclists willing to customise their existing bicycles.

Indian consumers are also largely influenced by international brands in terms of weight, features and performance. According to him, different bicyclist enthusiasts have other choices, and the company targets the mid-premium segment and consumers who want to upgrade their basic bicycles.

The company also sees itself entering the safety gear segment, but not soon. “Yes, we have plans to get into bicycle safety gear business, but let’s see when we can utilise them,” he added.

Ahoy has around 200 dealers in its network across the country, mainly concentrating in the North and West regions. Ahoy aims to heighten the number of dealers to 350 in FY21-22 with an increasing focus on the south region.

As for its product strategy, Ahoy also intends to attract dealers through its distinctive products instead of ramping up dealer numbers. “We do not want to push our products to the dealers. We are trying to create products that differentiate ourselves in the market and create a pull factor. And the new electroluminescent-technology-based bikes is an example of it,” he said.

Tractions on the e-commerce portal have surged, especially after COVID surge. However, Mitra thinks buying a bicycle online is yet not a convenient mode for consumers. “Buying a bicycle online is easy. But getting it assembled and serviced is a challenge. You get the bicycle’s delivery in a semi-assembled state and, to assemble it, you need to find a professional mechanic for whom you will have to pay. Even the dealer from which you can get the bicycle assembled will not be pleased about your online purchase. Let me say that too. Maybe he will charge you more. So deliberately, we are not getting into e-commerce, but we are trying to get into omnichannel sales. Consumers can visit our website and get to know about the products and buy them from the website or from the nearest dealer. If a consumer buys from the website, we deliver the product through our dealer only in a fully assembled state. That’s how we promote our dealers as well,” explained the Ahoy Director.

Ahoy entered the bicycle manufacturing business in 2018. However, the company has been in the industry for over three decades supplying components from plastic moulded and PVC components to OEMs. The component manufacturing business it shelved in 2016-17 and started a bicycle making factory in Delhi NCR 2018, and the Ahoy brand was launched. The knowledge of the bicycle component business has helped Ahoy to expand its current business rapidly.

“The biggest advantage was for us was a network of OEMs, suppliers and vendors across the country we have built over the years. We had supplied the components to OEMs and dealers, procured raw materials vendors over three decades, and created our credibility. Those three decades in the bicycle component business helped us to understand the industry deeply. Being a component maker, we visited various factories from OEMs, suppliers, and vendors. They shared their knowledge and experience about the business, which would have been impossible if we had been only into bicycle manufacturing. We also understood the pain points of the suppliers, vendors and consumers, and that’s where our products find values,” he said.

Ahoy has no plans to export bicycles in the near future. Electric motor-driven bicycles are gaining popularity in India. He also sees the future as e-mobility but added the company does not have any plans to manufacture e-bicycles. “As of now, we are focusing our energies on building, you know, this particular kind of products which are different for different from what other people are offering,” he said.

The company has a production capacity of producing 20,000 units per month. The current challenge for Ahoy is the supply of components to make bicycles. “Demand for bicycle has gone up exponentially, but the supply chain has gone up haywire. Supply-demand has widened,” he added. (MT)

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Classic Legends, one of the leading mid-sized motorcycle manufacturers, has been granted a patent for an adjustable visor and speedometer system. The patent, initially featured on the 2025 Yezdi Adventure, is valid for 20 years from 21 March 2023. This mechanical innovation allows riders to modify the height and position of the interface to suit their stature and comfort during road or off-road use.

The company has developed a portfolio of intellectual property, including a previous patent for an Airfilter Multifrequency Resonator used in its 650cc models, such as the BSA Gold Star. Unlike standard resonators that target a single frequency, this technology dampens air-filter noise across the engine's entire revolution range. Classic Legends also introduced the Alpha 2 liquid-cooled 334cc engine, which focuses on thermal efficiency and performance within the mid-capacity segment.

The OEM’s approach focuses on ergonomics and mechanical function. On the 2025 Yezdi Adventure, a centrally routed exhaust is used to manage heat and improve comfort, while twin headlamps are employed for illumination width. For the 2025 Yezdi Roadster, design decisions regarding chassis geometry and mounting strategies allow for adjustable seating and specific riding triangles.

Susheel Sinha, Head – R&D, Classic Legends, said, “This patent may solve a specific rider-interface problem, but it represents how we think about motorcycles. At Classic Legends, performance engineering is not about feature accumulation. It has to bring mechanical clarity and durability to how a motorcycle feels over years of use. It is the same with design decisions that start with the rider and the road. The recognition is fresh encouragement for us to keep building rider-centric motorcycles with a strong engineering foundation.”

Classic Legends continues to invest in in-house R&D and engineering talent, resulting in two granted patents and two pending filings. The company manufactures the 650cc engine for the BSA Gold Star, which is among the largest single-cylinder engines in production in India. Its product range has previously introduced technologies to the mid-sized category including six-speed gearboxes, traction control, and assist and slipper clutches.

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Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) has introduced new colours and refreshed graphics for its Gixxer SF 250 and Gixxer 250 motorcycle range. 

The Gixxer SF 250 is now available in Glass Sparkle Black and Pearl Glacier White/Metallic Mat Platinum Silver No.2, alongside the existing Metallic Triton Blue/Pearl Glacier White. On the other hand, the Gixxer 250 offers three choices: Pearl Glacier White/Metallic Mat Platinum Silver No.2, Metallic Triton Blue/Glass Sparkle Black, and Glass Sparkle Black.

Both motorcycles are powered by a 250cc single-cylinder engine with a Single Overhead Camshaft design, producing 26.5 Ps at 9,300rpm and 22.2 Nm at 7,300rpm. The engine utilises Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology and the Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) to balance acceleration with fuel consumption and maintenance. The bikes feature a chassis designed for stability, LED lighting and a digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity.

The Gixxer SF 250 is priced at INR 189,768 (ex-showroom Delhi), with ownership benefits including insurance savings and warranty benefits valued at up to INR 12,000. The Gixxer 250 is available for INR 181,517 (ex-showroom Delhi), offering similar benefits up to INR 10,000. Finance options are available with interest rates starting from 7.99 percent. Additionally, the GIXXER SF 250 is offered in a flex-fuel variant compliant with E-85 standards.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, "With the latest colour palette and graphics, the GIXXER SF 250 and GIXXER 250 gain a striking visual appeal that enhances their sporty character. These motorcycles seamlessly combine performance and advanced engineering, catering to riders who seek a sporty yet comfortable riding experience".

Suzuki Motorcycle continues to promote the range through its Gixxer Pit Stop initiative across India, which includes test rides, maintenance sessions and exchange opportunities. The Gixxer SF 250 recently set a record by covering 3,259 kilometres in 24 hours. The company operates from its manufacturing plant in Gurugram, which has a production capacity of 1.3 million units per year.

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Italian superbike maker Ducati India has revealed its aggressive product roadmap for 2026, confirming the introduction of 10 new and updated motorcycles to the Indian market.

The announcement includes plans to expand the brand's dealer touchpoints to improve accessibility and service for its customer base.

The 2026 portfolio comprises the Desmo450 MX, New Multistrada V4 Rally (2026 Edition), Panigale V4 Lamborghini, Panigale V4 Marquez Replica, Panigale V2 Special Edition MM93, Panigale V2 Special Edition PB63, New Monster V2, Diavel V4 RS and the New Hypermotard V2/V2 SP. These follow the Panigale V4R, which was launched in India on 2 January 2026.

The launch schedule begins in the first quarter of 2026 with the Multistrada V4 Rally, the Panigale V4 Lamborghini, and the Desmo450 MX. The third quarter will see the arrival of the New Monster V2 and the Marc Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia Special Editions of the Panigale V2, followed by the Diavel V4 RS. The final quarter of the year will feature the Hypermotard V2 range in October, concluding with the Panigale V4 Marc Márquez Replica in December.

Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said, “2026 is poised to be another landmark year for Ducati as we continue to push boundaries with a portfolio of new launches that will set fresh benchmarks in the premium motorcycle segment. Our commitment to delivering the most sophisticated, performance-driven motorcycles to Indian customers has never been stronger. We are excited to introduce these exceptional new models, and with the expansion of our dealership network, we look forward to a successful and impactful year for Ducati in India.”

Ducati will open bookings at its dealerships in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Kolkata. Indicative pricing for the upcoming range will be released on the company's website ahead of the specific launch dates.

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Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) has announced a partnership with Greaves Finance, operating under the brand ev.fin, to provide financial solutions for the Suzuki e-Access electric scooter. The collaboration introduces buy-back upgrade assurances and retail finance options intended to lower the barriers to electric vehicle ownership.

The partnership combines SMIPL’s dealership network with the digital financial platform of ev.fin. The primary objective of the association is to provide customers with predictable resale values and credit support at the point of purchase.

To address concerns regarding the resale value of electric two-wheelers, SMIPL and ev.fin have introduced a structured buy-back programme. Customers can select from two primary plans: a 36-month term offering up to 60 percent of the ex-showroom value, or a 48-month term offering up to 50 percent of the effective ex-showroom price. This programme is designed to provide a guaranteed value for users looking to upgrade their vehicles in the future.

The ev.fin platform offers retail finance solutions including loans for up to 100 percent of the vehicle cost. Interest rates for the Suzuki e-Access start from 5.99 percent, with monthly instalments beginning at INR 3,999. The loan process is managed through a digital journey aimed at reducing processing times and offering customisable plans, such as low-down payment options.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “At Suzuki Motorcycle India, we continually look for ways to make the ownership journey easier and more reassuring for our customers. Through our association with Greaves Finance, we are introducing added value at both the purchase and resale stages of the Suzuki e-Access. With the assured buyback upgrade and tailored finance options, we bring more trust and peace of mind to EV ownership, while enhancing customer accessibility to electric two-wheelers.”

P B Sunil Kumar, Executive Director & CEO, Greaves Finance, said, “We are delighted to partner with Suzuki Motorcycle India to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. By offering Buyback upgrade options and customized financing through our ev.fin platform, we are eliminating the 'resale anxiety' often associated with EVs. Our goal is to provide a seamless, digital-first financial experience that makes the Suzuki e-Access an even more compelling choice for the Indian commuter.”

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