To enable motorcycle enthusiasts looking for a premium set of wheels, BMW Motorrad has announced that it will introduce the all-new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12 in India. Both motorcycles are available as Completely Built-up Units (CBU) and will commence deliveries from September 2024. 

Available at an ex-showroom price of INR 2,090,000 and INR 1,990,00 respectively, the two motorcycles adhere to the roadster and cruiser design philosophy each. They are built on a common, versatile platform that consists of a one-piece tubular spaceframe, an airbox positioned flat under the seat and an angled spring strut. 

The R 12 nineT is equipped with an aluminium tank with brushed and clear-coated side panels as part of a design focus on the ‘essential. This design thinking also reflects from the design of the seat and the tail-hump, both of which create a rising, dynamic line in visual terms. 

The focus on essential design is supported by the compact and short rear end. The shorter fuel tank (30 mm shorter and narrower in the rear) ensures significantly improved ergonomics and a more front-oriented seating position compared to its predecessor. 

The steel tank of the R 12, on the other hand, is reminiscent of the so-called ‘Toaster Tanks’ of the 1970s BMW 5 models and emphasises the typical design language of a cruiser in a classic teardrop shape. The large 19-inch front wheel and the small 16-inch rear wheel complement the overall design and help with the proportions as well. The classic cruiser design is also reflected in the relaxed seating position with low seat height and wide handlebars. 

Both the motorcycles feature an air/oil-cooled boxer engine of 1,170 cc displacement capacity and does 109 bhp on the R 12 nineT and 95 hp on the R 12. 

Aiding high dynamic qualities, the newly developed tubular bridge steel spaceframe eliminates the need for previous fastenings, reducing weight and giving the two motorcycles a cleaner and more classic appearance. The rear frame, also made of tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame. The left-mounted ‘Twin Pipe’ exhaust system with two rear silencers with reverse cone design caters to both the desire for a classically designed roadster and a cruiser.  

On the all-new BMW R 12 nineT, the manifolds and the front silencer are chrome-plated and the rear silencer is electro-polished. The all-new R 12, on the other hand, features electro-polished manifolds along with a front silencer and rear silencer with a brushed surface. 

The R 12 nineT and R 12 feature upside-down telescopic forks with a 45 mm slider tube diameter. The rear wheel suspension of the R 12 nineT features a Paralever swinging arm combined with a directly linked sprint strut, which is now angled diagonally compared to the previous R nineT series. 

Both the motorbikes are fitted with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which ensures a high level of driving safety when accelerating. In addition, they also possess an engine drag torque control and tyre pressure control. 

The riding modes include rain, road and dynamic as standard. The roll and rock modes on the R 12 help the rider to adapt his or her riding behaviour as per personal preferences. 

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said, “BMW Motorrad established the segment of classic bikes with the R nineT. This particular segment invites purists riders who want to focus on the original, and at the same time enjoy dynamic riding. The all-new R 12 series takes this path of emotional, original motorcycle riding even further. While the all-new BMW R 12 nineT as a classic roadster aims to make a stylish impression in urban environments, the all-new BMW R 12 embodies a classic cruiser for every day that makes you feel good and allows you to enjoy freedom. The most important values are charisma and individuality. Both motorcycles combine the authentic character of the boxer engine and the design language of traditional motorcycle eras with innovative technology and modular concept that offers the rider maximum customisation options.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has introduced the new Pulsar 150 and Pulsar 125 models with mechanical and technological updates to its most popular range.

The new Pulsar 150 carries an introductory price of INR 115,233 ex-showroom Delhi, while the Pulsar 125 is priced at INR 92,900.

First launched in 2001, the Pulsar line has recorded sales exceeding 20 million units across 40 countries over 25 years. The updated models retain the original chassis profile and fuel tank design while incorporating engineering changes to the engine, transmission, frame and suspension systems.

The new Pulsar 150 features a 149.5cc engine, which churns out 14 PS at 8,500 rpm and 13.7 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. The Pulsar 125 contains a 124.58cc engine delivering 12 PS at 8,000 rpm and 11 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Both models feature revised gear ratios to improve acceleration, a diamond-type frame using the engine as a structural member and a nitrogen-charged emulsion monoshock unit.

Additional updates include a 5-inch TFT display with navigation mirroring, digital document storage, call alerts and music management functions. The new Pulsar introduce three riding modes (Road, Rain and Sport), low-speed traffic assist technology, LED headlamps and an Integrated Starter Generator with start-stop functionality on top variants to reduce fuel consumption.

Sarang Kanade, Chief Business Officer – Two-wheeler Business Unit, Bajaj Auto, said, “For over 25 years, Pulsar has been more than just a motorcycle. It has been the first taste of performance for generations of riders – the muscular tank, the unmistakable grunt, the rush of acceleration and the attitude that made it impossible to ignore. Pulsar has always been ‘Definitely Daring’, and that spirit remains at the heart of the brand. With the new Pulsar 150 and Pulsar 125, we have retained everything that makes Pulsar iconic while reimagining what lies beneath it. The result is a new generation of Pulsars that feels familiar in all the right ways, but is built for the riders of today.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TVS Motor Co-owned British marquee brand Norton Motorcycles has received a Bronze award at the International Design Excellence Awards for its Manx R superbike in the Automotive and Transportation category.

Organised by the Industrial Designers Society of America, the annual awards ceremony took place in Pasadena, California, where Darren McNeill, Head of Marketing at Norton US, collected the honour. Interestingly, Manx R becomes the first production sports motorcycle with an internal combustion engine (ICE) to receive an IDEA award.

Simon Skinner, Head of Design, Norton Motorcycles, said, “The Manx R was created to challenge what a modern superbike can look and feel like. We wanted to move away from visual noise and create something more reductive, more crafted and more connected to the rider. Every surface, exposed component and detail had to earn its place. Winning an IDEA award is a proud moment for the whole Norton team because it recognises the depth of design thinking behind the bike, not just the finished object.”

The Manx R was developed as the primary model under Norton's Resurgence strategy following its acquisition by TVS Motor Company. Chief Creative Advisor Professor Gerry McGovern OBE shaped the design direction, while Simon Skinner led the engineering and styling teams at Norton’s headquarters in Solihull, UK.

Gerry McGovern said, “From the beginning, the ambition for Norton’s Resurgence was to create a design direction that was modern, emotionally engaging and worthy of the brand’s extraordinary heritage. The Manx R proves that motorcycles, like cars, can be objects of desire through proportion, stance, drama and detail. To see that recognised by an international jury of designers is a meaningful endorsement of the direction Norton has taken.”

The motorcycle features a V4 engine, semi-active suspension, Brembo brakes, rider assistance systems and an eight-inch TFT display. The Manx R superbike and the Atlas adventure motorcycle will go on sale in the United States starting in October 2026.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Chennai-headquartered mid-sized motorcycle major Royal Enfield has launched the Classic 350 Gorkha Edition in India, priced at INR 210,684 ex-showroom, New Delhi.

The new variant is finished in a Gorkha Green paint scheme and features insignia displaying crossed Khukris, reflecting design references to the Gorkha Regiment. Mechanical specifications retain the J-series engine and standard frame configuration, while additions include an assist and slipper clutch alongside a Type-C USB charging port.

Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Enfield, said, "With the Classic 350 Gorkha Edition, we pay tribute to an extraordinary military legacy defined by fierce bravery, loyalty and absolute honour. Every detail stays true to the timeless character of the Classic 350, while the bespoke Gorkha insignia speak of the values that have defined this regiment for generations. The Gorkha apparel collection extends that tribute beyond the ride, giving our community a way to carry that legacy forward with pride and purpose."

Lieutenant General Sanjeev Chauhan, President, Gorkha Brigade, said, "The strength of the Gorkha Regiment lies not only in its history, but in the values of courage, discipline and honour that have been upheld across generations. It is a privilege to see this legacy acknowledged through the Royal Enfield Classic 350 Gorkha Edition, which pays tribute to the spirit and traditions of the Gorkha soldiers with dignity and respect."

Royal Enfield also introduced an accompanying merchandise line, designated as the Gorkha Collection. The range includes helmets, leather boots, headgear and apparel designed using military-inspired colour options including olive green, crimson, black, and bronze.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

India Yamaha Motor has announced updates to its 125cc Fi Hybrid scooter line-up, which introduces new colour schemes, revised body graphics and technology features across the RayZR and Fascino model ranges.

The RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid receives updated paint finishes and graphics. Within the range, the Street Rally variant now incorporates a Colour TFT Instrument Cluster with Turn-by-Turn navigation functionality for smartphone integration.

The Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid also receives colour updates and bodywork revisions. Pricing for the RayZR range starts at INR 79,880 for the Drum brake variant in Metallic Black, moving to INR 87,680 for the Disc variant available in Metallic Black, Dark Matte Blue, and Ice Fluo Vermillion.

The Street Rally variant with an LCD cluster is priced at INR 93,930 in Ice Fluo Vermillion and Matte Black, while the TFT instrument cluster model costs INR 100,440 in Matte Titan and Matte Black.

The Fascino line-up begins at INR 78,980 for the Drum variant in Yellow Cocktail, rising to INR 91,070 for the Disc variant offered in Metallic Light Green, Cool Blue Metallic and Matte Black. The Fascino S variant is priced at INR 99,030 in Metallic Orangish Gray. Both model lines retain Yamaha’s Smart Motor Generator Hybrid Technology, featuring power assist, silent start and automatic engine stop-start systems.

Hardware across the range includes telescopic front suspension, 21-litre under-seat storage compartments, side-stand engine cut-off switches and E20 fuel compatibility. The Fascino S and RayZR Street Rally TFT variants also feature answer-back function capabilities.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!