Ducati has launched the BSVI versions of the Panigale V4 sports bike and the Diavel 1260 power cruiser at INR 23.50 lakh and INR 18.49 lakh (ex-showroom). With this launch, Ducati expanded its BSVI line up to eight motorcycles, with four more launches expected sometime during the year.
Panigale V4/ V4S
Ducati has maintained the power and torque levels of the Panigale V4 and the V4 S by introducing a 10 mm larger exhaust catalyst with a new technology of impregnation of noble metals to maximise its ability to convert exhaust gases. The Desmosedici Stradale engine now produces the same 214 hp and 124 Nm as the previous generation model.
To help improve the stability and responsiveness on the racetrack, Ducati has tweaked the structural, aerodynamic, & electronic characteristics of the Panigale V4 model range. In addition, the Panigale V4 has received aerodynamic upgrades that now reflects the V4 R and includes Plexiglas- headlight fairing and side fairings, lateral extractors for efficient airflow over the radiators and other Aerodynamic members.
The brand has also upgraded the V4’s electronic package to the latest DTC EVO 3 derived from the Ducati Corse. The system is more predictive and monitors the angular movement of the crankshaft and the speed of the rear wheel to prevent slippage during mid-corner acceleration.
The new electronics package consists of:
• ABS Cornering EVO
• Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 3
• Ducati Slide Control (DSC)
• Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO
• Ducati Power Launch (DPL)
• Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO 2
• Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO
• Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) EVO
The 2021 Panigale V4 gets new riding modes that the rider can compare to help him select the best set-up for track use. Along with the existing Sport and Street mode, the company has added two specific mappings to the Race mode and split it into Race A and Race B.
Other additions to the Panigale V4 and the V4 S include:
• Chain guard fin to protect the rider from contacting the chain and the crown in the event of a slide
• Heated grips for comfort when riding in cold weathers
• Ignition key with a more modern and elegant grip
• Self-bleeding brake and clutch pumps from the Superleggera V4
In its BSVI avatar, the Panigale V4 costs INR 23.5 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Panigale V4 S costs INR 28.4 lakh (ex-showroom).
Diavel 1260/ 1260 S
In its latest BSVI avatar, the Ducati Diavel has gained both weight and power. The 2021 model has gained three kilograms of weight due to the BS6 upgrade while producing three bhp more than the outgoing model. The twin-cylinder Ducati Testastretta DVT engine in the Diavel now has a peak power of 162 hp and 129 Nm.
In its BSVI avatar, Ducati has changed the Diavel’s chassis set-up. The bike now features an aluminium swingarm attached to a tubular steel Trellis frame sized to give the power cruiser cornering agility and easy riding characteristics.
The more expensive Diavel 1260 S gets a fully adjustable Ohlins 48 mm fork and shock absorber, while the standard Diavel 1260 gets only a fully adjustable suspension at the front and a monoshock at the rear.
Ducati has upgraded both the Diavel 1260 and the 1260 S with improved riding modes. The Ducati 1260 owners get access to the Ducati Link app that lets rider configure each parameter of the desired ride mode in a user-friendly manner. The bike receives three distinctive ride modes in Sport, Touring and Urban.
The Diavel 1260 S comes equipped with a six-axis Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that measures the pitch and roll of the bike, increasing the safety standards. The electronic package on the Diavel 1260 S include:
• Bosch Cornering ABS EVO
• Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO
• Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO
• Ducati Power Launch (DPL) with Dragster mode
• Cruise Control
The TFT on the Diavel gets four display modes, with the default mode provides a minimal must-have level of information while the other three are associated with the riding modes. The TFT on the Diavel 1260 S comes equipped with Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) that lets users connect their phone to the dashboard via Bluetooth for calls, music and messages.
The Diavel 1260 costs INR 18.49 lakh (ex-showroom), while the 1260 S costs INR 21.49 lakh (ex-showroom). (MT)
Hero MotoCorp Reports 44% Wholesales Growth In February 2026
- By MT Bureau
- March 01, 2026
Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has recorded its highest YoY dispatch performance for February, with 558,216 units sold. This represents a 44 percent increase compared to the 388,068 units dispatched during the same month in 2025.
The company also reported an 18 percent increase in VAHAN registrations, totalling 458,346 units for the month.
Hero MotoCorp attributed the growth to the 100cc–125cc motorcycle segment and the scooter category, specifically the Xoom and Destini models.
VIDA, the electric mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, recorded a threefold increase in market share compared to February 2025. Registrations for VIDA reached 12,514 units, reflecting a shift in consumer adoption of electric vehicles in the company's markets.
The international business division saw dispatches rise from 30,772 units to 41,248 units. This double-digit growth in global markets was attributed to demand for the company’s portfolio of premium motorcycles.
TVS Motor Company Sells 529,308 Units In February 2026
- By MT Bureau
- March 01, 2026
TVS Motor Company (TVSM), one of the leading two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturers, has recorded monthly sales of 529,308 units for February 2026, up 31 percent YoY, as compared to the 403,976 units sold last year.
The company’s international business achieved its highest sales to date, with total exports reaching 158,000 units during the month.
Total two-wheeler sales rose by 30 percent, increasing from 391,889 units in the previous year to 507,862 units. Within this segment, domestic sales grew by 32 percent, reaching 365,471 units.
In February 2026, the company sold 241,282 motorcycles, up 25 percent YoY, 219,895 scooters, up 34 percent YoY, while three-wheeler sales grew by 77 percent YoY to 21,446 units.
The electric vehicle (EV) segment recorded a 60 percent growth rate, with sales rising from 24,017 units in February 2025 to 38,386 units in February 2026.
Total exports for the company registered a 27 percent increase, moving from 124,993 units to 158,268 units. Two-wheeler exports specifically saw a 23 percent rise, reaching 142,391 units.
Hero MotoCorp Partners Haryana Police For Women’s Road Safety Rally
- By MT Bureau
- March 01, 2026
Hero MotoCorp, in collaboration with the Haryana Police and the Raahgiri Foundation, organised a women’s night rally titled #SheRidesForSafety. The event featured 150 women riders who completed a 9-kilometre route through the streets of Gurugram during late evening hours to promote road safety and inclusivity.
The rally was flagged off by Dr Arpit Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dr Rajesh Mohan, Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Police and Sanjay Bhan, Vice-President at Hero MotoCorp. During the event, fourteen women traffic police officers were honoured for their contributions to safe mobility.
The rally is a component of ‘Ride Safe India’, a three-month campaign launched in January 2026. The programme is based on the 4Es of road safety – Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Care – as defined by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH).
The campaign includes training sessions, awareness drives and school activations designed to establish safe riding as a social responsibility. By focusing on women at the centre of the narrative, the initiative aims to address safety and behavioural change across urban communities.
Latika Taneja, Head of Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs & CSR, Hero MotoCorp, said, “As the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, with millions riding Hero MotoCorp’s vehicles every day, road safety is not simply a priority, it is a responsibility that defines us. Through our Ride Safe India campaign, we are working to shape a culture of safety by driving sustained behaviour change across communities. Today’s women’s rally reaffirms our belief that safe mobility is fundamental to true empowerment because when women move freely and safely, societies move forward with them.”
Dr Arpit Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Headquarters, Gurugram Police, stated, “Initiatives like the Ride Safe India go far beyond road safety awareness, they send a decisive message that our roads belong to every citizen, at every hour. We are proud to stand alongside Hero MotoCorp in creating a safer, more inclusive public space. As a department, we remain committed to partnering with organizations that translate intent into visible, on-ground impact.”
Suzuki Motorcycle Expands India Presence With First Sikkim Dealership
- By MT Bureau
- February 28, 2026
Japanese two-wheeler maker Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) has inaugurated Himalayan Suzuki in Gangtok, marking the company’s first retail entry into the state of Sikkim. With this opening, the subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation now maintains a presence across every state in India.
The facility, located at Lower Sichey, operates as a ‘3S’ outlet, providing sales, service and spare parts. The expansion into the North-East is intended to address demand for vehicles capable of operating in terrain characterised by inclines and varied road conditions.
Himalayan Suzuki retails the company’s full domestic portfolio. The service wing is equipped with tools for maintenance and is staffed by professionals trained to manage the manufacturer's technical requirements.
The company’s product portfolio includes Access, Avenis, Burgman Street, and the electric e-ACCESS scooters. The GIXXER, GIXXER SF, GIXXER 250, GIXXER SF 250 and the V-STROM SX in the motorcycle segment.
Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “Sikkim is an important market for us in the North-East. The state’s unique terrain calls for two-wheelers that offer consistent performance and reliability across inclines and varied road conditions. Suzuki’s portfolio has been well accepted in such environments. With the inauguration of Himalayan Suzuki in Gangtok, customers will now have easier access to our complete range of scooters & motorcycles and after-sales support. We sincerely thank our dealer partner, Himalayan Suzuki, for their collaboration in making this possible. With this addition, SMIPL is now present across all states of India.”
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