Before we get into what the Classic is all about, let’s first address BMW’s biggest Boxer motor ever, the 1,802cc Boxer twin-engine. This colossal powertrain roars out 90bhp with an impressive torque output of 158Nm. Even though the figures might be slightly overwhelming, the good thing is that at least 150Nm is available below 2,000rpm, ensuring that power accessible with a slight twist of the throttle. This 110kg air-oil cooled two-cylinder four-stroke engine is crafted in a unique horizontal design, making it look like something from a sci-fi movie. To add the typical American cruiser riding experience, BMW decided not to add a counterbalance to experience mechanical vibrations. Another unique feature the R18 Classic has is that when you fire up the engine by pressing the ignition button, the cruiser grumbles alive and hops to the left. Mated to a slick 6-speed transmission, it too offers the traditional chunky clunk sound every time you up-or-downshift it. To make life easier for the rider, the R18 Classic also comes with reverse gear as an optional feature.

The R 18 Classic has three riding modes: Rock, Roll and Rain. Roll is your standard or normal riding mode, which is ideal for your daily commute. Rock is the Sport mode, where the throttle response is sharper and holds the revs a bit longer. As the name suggests, Rain ensures limited power output and a lot of traction control for wet conditions.

As the Classic is a vintage tourer, it uses a balance of chrome and an all-black finish. Starting from the front, it comes with 16-inch tyres with twin 300mm disc brakes in front along with beefy front forks and a simple circular LED headlamp. The Classic, unlike the regular R 18, gets additional LEDs lights on either side of the headlight for better illumination. It also comes with a big windscreen for wind protection, keeping in mind that it can go over 180kmph. As it is a tourer, the Classic gets a pillion seat and saddlebags to haul your luggage. The rear gets a mono-shock neatly tucked in with a single 300mm disc brake. The Classic also sports pinstripes on the tank and the rear wheel cover.

Unlike other cruisers, the Classic offers an upright riding stance as the engine’s horizontal layout doesn’t give any room for the footpegs to be pushed forward. The hand bars are easy to reach and ensure comfortable ergonomics.

The R 18 Classic may look like a vintage bike, but it comes fully loaded with contemporary features like traction control along with Automatic Stability Control to tackle dry or wet conditions and Dynamic Engine Brake Control, Keyless Ride system which replaces the conventional ignition steering lock, Electronic Cruise Control and Hill Start Control. (MT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Norton Motorcycles has officially begun production of its new Atlas model range at TVS Motor Company’s manufacturing facility in Hosur, India. The first units were marked by a roll-out ceremony on 24 June 2026, attended by Dr Sutapa Choudhury, British Deputy High Commissioner.

This production milestone precedes the global launch of the Atlas and Atlas GT scheduled for next month, with customer deliveries expected to commence later in Q3 of 2026.

The new Atlas range is designed and engineered at Norton’s headquarters in Solihull, UK. Both models are powered by the same 585cc liquid-cooled parallel twin with a 270-degree firing order. The chassis is built uses lightweight steel trellis frame, while electronics in the motorcycle include Bosch six-axis IMU, lean-sensitive rider aids, five configurable rider modes, cornering cruise control, 8-inch TFT display and smartphone connectivity. The motorcycles get fully adjustable KYB suspension.

The Atlas is configured for all-terrain use with a 19-inch front wheel, while the Atlas GT features 17-inch wheels at both ends, prioritising on-road performance.

The decision to manufacture the Atlas range in Hosur leverages the industrial infrastructure and supply-chain capabilities of TVS Motor Company, which owns Norton. While Solihull continues to focus on the production of the Manx R superbike, the Hosur plant provides the necessary scale for the brand's entry into the competitive middleweight adventure and sport-touring segments.

K N Radhakrishnan, Director and CEO, TVS Motor Company, said, “The first Atlas roll-out at Hosur is a proud moment - one that brings together the best of both Norton and TVS Motor Company: British design and engineering capability with Indian manufacturing excellence, and a shared commitment to quality for customers worldwide.”

Richard Arnold, Executive Director, Norton Motorcycles, added, “The Atlas name is emblematic of an era when motorcycling was synonymous with adventure. We are proudly carrying that legacy forward with a line-up of modern, quintessentially British adventure motorcycles.”

The Atlas range is scheduled for introduction in the Indian market later in the year. Sales and service will be managed through TVS Paddock, a new premium retail channel set to launch in Q2 FY27, designed to provide a bespoke customer experience tailored to the brand's positioning.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Hero MotoSports Team Rally at the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur.

Marking a decade of participation in global rally racing, the company announced several strategic initiatives to shape the future of the team.

Hero MotoCorp has renewed its partnership with the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), the organisers of the Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, for another five years.

The company launched a development initiative designed to identify and train young Indian off-road racing talent. The programme will provide a structured two-to-three-year development path, covering riding technique, navigation and physical conditioning.

Furthermore, the company has signed 18-year-old Shlok Ghorpade, a national supercross racer from Maharashtra to its team. He has begun training with FIM World Rally-Raid Champion Ross Branch and is preparing for an intensive race simulation programme in Morocco.

Founded in 2016, Hero MotoSports Team Rally was established to test technology in demanding conditions and elevate India's standing in international motorsport. Over the past decade, the team has competed in the Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, securing multiple podium finishes.

Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Over the past decade, Hero MotoSports Team Rally has evolved from a bold ambition into a globally respected rally racing team, proudly representing India on the world stage. This milestone celebrates our past achievements while firmly defining our vision for the future.”

“The renewal of our partnership with ASO strengthens our long-term commitment to global rally racing. Furthermore, the India’s Next Dakar Hero program reflects our deep belief that India possesses immense untapped motosports talent waiting to be discovered and nurtured. By welcoming Shlok Ghorpade to the team, we aim to build a sustainable pathway for homegrown Indian riders to compete and excel at the highest levels of the sport,” he added,

The event featured a showcase of the team's Dakar machines and a performance by its riders, including Ross Branch, Nacho Cornejo and Michael Docherty.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Aprilia India, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has introduced the 2026 Special Edition Tuono 457, paying homage to the heritage of the 2006 Tuono 1000R. Available in Mamba Black and Puma Grey, the model is priced at INR 399,000 (ex-showroom Maharashtra) and is available for pre-booking at select showrooms.

The special edition retains the 457cc parallel-twin engine, producing 47.6 hp (35 kW) and 43.5 Nm of torque. Key technical features include an aluminium chassis, ride-by-wire throttle, multi-level traction control and a TFT digital instrument cluster.

Aprilia has introduced a suite of enhancements focused on ergonomics and daily usability, including an elevated handlebar, which is now repositioned to provide an upright posture, reducing rider strain.

A smoked-finish aero flyscreen designed to reduce wind fatigue, adjustable brake lever for customisation to suit rider hand size, improving braking modulation. Recalibrated suspension that is now a softer initial stroke to absorb road imperfections, with preload adjustability at both ends. Upgraded Saddle featuring high-resilience foam to dampen vibrations.

Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles, said, "The Special Edition Tuono 457 has been developed with a clear focus on enhancing rider comfort and everyday usability while preserving the high performance, precision and character that define Aprilia motorcycles. With the plethora of enhancements like the aerodynamic flyscreen, revised suspension setup, upgraded saddle, raised handlebar position and adjustable brake lever, the motorcycle is more comfortable and confidence-inspiring across urban rides and longer journeys."

"The new Mamba Black and Puma Grey liveries add an even stronger visual identity, making this a distinctive expression of Aprilia’s naked DNA. At the attractive pricing we are launching it, we believe this is most value-for-money naked twin cylinder mid-performance motorcycle available to Indian riders. With its segment-defining 47.6 hp twin-cylinder engine, electronic ride-by-wire throttle, and multi-level traction control, the Special Edition Tuono 457 firmly re-establishes itself as the absolute technical benchmark for the naked segment," he added.

Aprilia offers a 4-year or 48,000 km warranty on the motorcycle. Optional accessories include a passenger seat cover, USB socket, TPMS, quick shifter and fork sliders.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company celebrated World Motorcycle Day by organising a nationwide ride focused on road safety and responsible riding practices. The initiative involved more than 1,000 riders across 17 Indian cities.

The event drew participants from the TVS Apache Owners Group (AOG) and the TVS Ronin riding communities. The safety awareness campaign focused on the use of protective riding gear, adherence to traffic regulations, responsible urban and highway riding behaviour and respect for public spaces & local communities.

The event coincided with the ongoing 20-year anniversary of the TVS Apache brand, which has sold over 6.5 million units, over 500,000 registered members in the TVS Apache Owners Group (AOG).

The primary flagship ride for the nationwide movement was hosted in Bengaluru, gathering more than 100 customers for curated riding experiences and interactions with the TVS AOG and TVS Ronin CULT communities.

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Premium Business, TVS Motor Company, said, "Motorcycling today is about far more than travelling from one destination to another - it is a way of life shaped by freedom, discipline, responsibility and camaraderie. It was inspiring to see riders across India come together to celebrate the spirit of riding while demonstrating that true motorcycling begins with respect for the road, for fellow riders and for the communities we ride through. This year’s World Motorcycle Day celebration is especially meaningful as we continue to commemorate two decades of TVS Apache - a brand born from our racing DNA and today embraced by over 6 million customers globally. Over the years, TVS Apache and TVS Ronin have evolved beyond motorcycles to become communities that bring together passionate riders through performance, experiences and a shared love for motorcycling. Through initiatives like these, we remain committed to building a stronger riding culture and creating experiences that make every ride safe, responsible and memorable".

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!