Ducati Panigale V4 Gets Innovative Bosch Racetrack Tech

By MT Bureau
July 29, 2024

Gaining a few more seconds on corners, bettering the previous lap time, and delivering an outstanding performance is what riders on the racetrack keep a sight of. This involves challenges and one of them is to apply the right braking force, at the right time.

Premiering on the Ducati Panigale V4, Bosch’s innovate new racetrack technology in the form of race eCBS at the recent World Ducati Week 2024 in Misano (Italy) allows the front and rear brakes to be combined even if only one of them is applied.

In practice, once the front brake has been applied, for example, the ABS unit automatically increases the rear brake pressure as well. This is sans any rider input on the rear brake pedal.

With the development teams from Bosch and Ducati focusing on improving performance specifically for the racetrack starting from the existing eCBS function for everyday use, the new technology is designed such that the front brake pressure, lean angle, side-slip angle and rear-wheel slip 100 times per second is checked and the data obtained is incorporated into the calculation that is essentially of the ABS function.

With the aim being to ensure effective braking on both the wheels so that the motorcycle remains stable, the technology – only available in racetrack ABS modes – does not include a rear wheel ABS sensor. The riders are in full control of the rear brake if they want to use it manually.

So the race eCBS works in a way that it is able to keep the rear brake applied for a short moment at the apex of a corner, even after the rider has released the front brake, to bring the bike back into its racing line.

The major advantages of this next-level technology are that it improves braking stability, average deceleration, and cornering while braking on the racetrack without any need for additional effort to manually control the rear brake.

“The Bosch and Ducati Engineering teams have worked very intensively and in numerous tests on a function that specifically improves racetrack braking and cornering performance,” said Fevzi Yildirim, Head of Bosch Two-Wheeler and Powersports in Europe. “The Bosch race eCBS takes the safety and performance of sport motorcycles a big step forward, and is also further evidence of the ongoing fruitful cooperation between Bosch and Ducati,” he added.

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TVS Launches 2025 Apache RTR 200 4V With Racing-Inspired Upgrades

By MT Bureau
June 09, 2025

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 2025 GSX-8R Motorcycle Is Now OBD-2B Compliant

By MT Bureau
June 09, 2025

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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Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles Has Unveiled the New Yezdi Adventure

By Bhushan Mhapralkar
June 04, 2025

Keeping true to the motto of offering classic two-wheelers, revoking the spirit of Jawa and Yezdi motorcycles of the yesteryears, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles has unveiled the new Yezdi Adventure motorcycle that combines retro styling with modern technological developments that are desired of the customers and dictated by the regulations.

Indicating a clear improvement over the first generation Jawa and Yezdi machines, an outcome of research and development as well as the efforts to understanding the needs and aspirations of the customers, the company has treated the new Adventure machine with a classic-ADV styling, which includes a redesigned main cage, a rally-style peak and striking new colours.
Drawing attention are the striking looking twin LED headlamps (of Lumax make) at front. Balancing aspirational details and practical accessibility, the skeleton-like structure that works as a protection on either side comes into view. It partly covers the large, 15.5-litre large tank and acts as a protector in case of a fall so that the tank is not damaged. The structure could be also used to mount a small auxiliary fuel tank on either side in case of a long, arduous journey through a desolate countryside.
The rear styling of the new motorcycle includes twin LED tail lamps. It marks a near complete redesign of the rear portion over the model it succeeds. With a manufacturing facility at Pithampur near Indore and a research and development centre in Pune, the company, which is said to be in the process of developing a more powerful 450 cc engine for its next line of products, has equipped the new (2025) Adventure motorcycle with a 334 cc ‘Aplha 2’ liquid-cooled single cylinder fuel injected engine that is OBD2 and E20 compliant. The bore and stroke of the engine is 81 mm and 65 mm respectively.
Entering a market that is roughly defined as ‘mid-size adventure’ motorcycle market that consists of the Hero Xpulse, KTM 390 Adventure, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and a few others, the new adventure-tourer motorcycle is equipped with an advanced advanced traction control system that incorporates three ABD modes – Road, Rain and Off-road.
Working to expand its dealer network to 500 numbers by the festive season from the current count of around 300, the company has engineered the ABS such that it is switchable for varied terrain.
The motorcycle has been engineered to offer a seat height of 815 mm to suit riders of diverse heights. The gearbox is a six-speed constant mesh variety where the first few ratios are designed to ensure a strong thrust (the kind that is favourable during off-road riding) and the later ratios are designed to be wide enough to support on-road touring.
Featuring an adjustable windscreen and a digital instrument cluster, the new motorcycle has seen gear-based fuel mapping for smooth power delivery across the rev range.
Available in six distinctive colours, the machine is priced upwards of INR 214,900 and up till INR 226,900 ex-showroom Delhi. Price wise, it is approximately INR 80,000 less than the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
Speaking at the launch with Boman Irani of the erstwhile Ideal Jawa Mysore, in Mumbai, Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles, said, “We have created India’s most honest adventure touring motorcycle. We did it with our signature style – it is a classic and it is a Yezdi.” “It is a motorcycle that the Indian adventure bikers were waiting for with the right combination of design, technology and performance born of India roads,” he explained.

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TVS Motor Company Begins A New Era In Indian Motorsport

By MT Bureau
June 03, 2025

TVS Motor Company has become the official race machine provider for the National Championship Pro Stock 200 class at the 2025 Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC), which is scheduled from 6 June 2025 to 8 June 2025 at MIC, Chennai.
This is the first time in the history of Indian motorsports that a brand has been entrusted to design, develop and provide race-tuned motorcycles specifically for the National Championship. The breakthrough paves the way to democratise two-wheeler racing, making it easier and more affordable for independent racers to participate, reflecting FMSCI and MMSC’s vision of expanding competitive motorsport.
The National Championship Pro Stock 200 at INMRC 2025 is a new and exciting format introduced by the MIC to elevate competition and support independent racing teams. As part of this development, TVSM will provide race-tuned TVS Apache GP200R motorcycles to independent teams, who will engage their racers to compete in this championship class.
PETRONAS TVS Racing team will provide complete technical support and machine service and maintenance to ensure peak performance throughout the season. With 20 years of TVS Apache’s racing heritage behind it, this milestone marks a powerful step forward in Indian motorsports. The selection process for participating teams and racers was recently concluded at the Madras International Circuit on 28 May 2025. Seven teams and twelve racers have been selected for this dynamic new class.
Vimal Sumbly, Head - Premium Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “At TVS Motor Company, our racing DNA drives us to innovate and lead from the front. We are proud to be the first two-wheeler manufacturer in Indian motorsport history to provide race-tuned machines to independent teams for the National Championship. This landmark development, supported by the vision of the Madras International Circuit makes it easier and more affordable for independent teams to participate and compete at the highest level. This year holds even greater significance as we mark two decades of our flagship performance brand, the TVS Apache – a true embodiment of our ‘Track to Road’ philosophy. As we charge into the new season, we aim not just to race, but to raise the bar for motorsports in India once again.”

The specifications of the race-tuned Apache GP200 R are,
Displacement: 200 cc
Kerb Weight: 105 Kg
Maximum Power: A 40 percent increase from 19.5 bhp
Top Speed: Over 155 kmph

The modification details include a modified cylinder head for higher volumetric efficiency, high lift camshaft, high compression ratio, advanced ECU with closed-loop control, quick shifter, data logging capabilities, fine-tuned induction and exhaust system, adjustable front and rear suspension, aerodynamic bodywork, lighter racing wheels, aluminium subframe, and higher brake power.

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