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)

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Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ather Energy has announced its ambitious plans to double its retail network to 700 experience centres by FY2026.

For context, Ather Energy currently operates 351 experience centres in India and 24 centres in Nepal and Sri Lanka. Furthermore, 46 percent of the retail touchpoints are in South India alone. The expansion is part of the EV maker’s strategy to provide first-hand experience of the product, quality and peace of mind to customers.

The company with the recent launch of Rizta e-scooter targeted for families, is now looking to scale up its presence across the country, including tripling its store count in north markets. The Rizta, Ather’s first family scooter had recently crossed 100,000 units retail sales milestone within a year of its launch. The e-scooter has become popular in key states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Rizta alone now contributes to nearly 60 percent of Ather’s total sales, unlocking new cities and bringing in a wider base of family buyers, setting the stage for a much stronger retail presence in the coming months.

Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, “Rizta’s phenomenal success has opened up new markets and brought a much larger set of family buyers into the Ather ecosystem. We’re seeing demand coming in from cities where our footprint was previously limited, and that gives us the confidence to scale faster. Expanding to 700 Experience Centres is about staying ahead of this demand curve and ensuring that wherever our customers are, they have easy access to the full Ather experience.”

At present, the company operates over 3,578 fast-charging points across India through the Ather Grid. The EV maker is also expanding its service footprint along with the expansion of its retail network across India, including Gold Service Centres in key cities.

Ather Energy currently has two manufacturing plants in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, one each for vehicle assembly and battery manufacturing and an upcoming third manufacturing facility in Bidkin, AURIC, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, which will scale up its manufacturing capacity to 1.42 million electric two-wheeler per annum.

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Triumph Motorcycles India has launched a brand-new colour ‘Baja Orange’ for its best-selling Speed T4 motorcycle, which it said is inspired by the glow of desert dawns and the vibrancy of golden hour rides.

The Baja Orange Speed T4 400cc will be available at INR 205,000 (ex-showroom) and will continue to be powered by 400cc engine producing 31 PS @ 7,000 rpm and 36 Nm @ 5,000 rpm. Mechanically, it remains unchanged and continues to have a low-end torque in the range of 3,500 – 5,500 rpm. It features a slipper clutch for easy downshift, dual-channel ABS and 43 mm telescopic forks.

The Speed T4 sports a 3D badge, new frame colour and tyre stripe pattern.

The British motorcycle brand is experiencing significant momentum, posting an impressive 30 percent YoY growth from FY2024 to FY2025 for the Speed T4.

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TVS Motor Company has launched the 2025 Apache RTR 200 4V, marking two decades of the brand’s racing legacy and celebrating a 6 million-strong global community of riders.

The new Apache RTR 200 4V features key mechanical and aesthetic upgrades, including OBD2B compliance, a 37mm Upside Down (USD) front suspension for improved control and a hydroformed handlebar that enhances handling stability. The motorcycle also sports refreshed graphics and bold red alloy wheels, offered in three colour options – Glossy Black, Matte Black, and Granite Grey.

Under the hood, the bike continues to deliver 20.8 PS at 9,000 rpm and 17.25 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. It’s equipped with dual-channel ABS, three ride modes (Urban, Sport, and Rain), a slipper clutch, adjustable brake and clutch levers, TVS SmartXonnect with Bluetooth and voice assist and a fully digital display with LED headlamps and DRLs.

First launched in 2016, the Apache RTR 200 4V has consistently introduced segment-first innovations, setting benchmarks in performance and safety.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “The upgraded 2025 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V continues this legacy – pushing the limits of design and engineering to offer next-generation riders a thrilling, track-bred experience on every ride.”

The 2025 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is now available at dealerships across India, with prices starting at INR 153,990 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

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Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has introduced the OBD-2B compliant 2025 Suzuki GSX-8R motorcycle at INR 925,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The motorcycle continues to be powered by a 776cc parallel twin DOHC 4-valve-per-cylinder engine paired with a 270-degree crankshaft. It gets Suzuki’s patented Cross Balancer, which reduces vibration during the ride.

It also gets Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), the Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS), Ride-by-wire Electronic Throttle System, Bi-directional Quick Shift System, Suzuki Easy Start System and Low RPM Assist. The Suzuki GSX-8R is equipped with a six-speed transmission and Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS).

Deepak Mutreja, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “The OBD-2B update on the GSX-8R enhances its performance with improved emission monitoring, keeping it aligned with the latest regulatory requirements. This ensures that customers continue to enjoy a refined and responsive riding experience that also meets evolving environmental standards.”

It comes equipped with Hitachi Astemo (SHOWA) SFF-BP inverted front forks, paired with a Hitachi Astemo (SHOWA) link-type mono-shock rear suspension with preload adjuster. For braking, the motorcycle gets dual four-piston radial-mount front brake callipers with 310 mm outer diameter dual discs. It rides on lightweight cast aluminium wheels with Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tyres.

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