In-line with its commitment to promote sports, Hero MotoCorp announced the ‘Off-Road Riding Champion’ post a four month-long rigorous contest among riders and enthusiasts across the country dubbed as the Hero Dirt Biking Challenge (HDBC). Starting from July 2022, the sports league concluded with the final race where the top-20 riders from across the country competed for the title of HDBC champion.
Asad Khan emerged as the champion after the final race. Rakesh N and Gidyun were first and second runners-up respectively.
The winner, the first runner-up and the second runner-up received a Hero Xpulse 200 4V motorcycle other than sponsorship contracts worth INR 1,00,000, INR 6,00,000 and INR 4,00,000 respectively.
Olesya Dias was recognised as the ‘Best Female Off-Road Rider’ in the country for her rousing performance across all the rounds.
To be telecast on MTV and streamed over Voot, the HDBC concluding week was held in and around Hero MotoCorp’s world-class R&D hub, at Jaipur. The entire race and participation experience was designed at par with top international rally events and was curated by the Hero MotoSports Team Rally.
During the past few months, over 100,000 participants registered for the HDBC. It was after a rigorous nationwide contest that ran across four stages, 41 cities and over 120 days, the top-20 were short listed.
Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Growth Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The massive excitement and participation in Hero Dirt Biking Challenge, is proof that the off-road riding segment is growing in the country and Hero MotoCorp has been at the forefront of propagating this culture with the Hero Xpulse 200 4V. The Xpulse is a favourite of riders, whether they are professionals, amateurs or everyday users. HDBC is a one-of-its-kind initiative in the country that has opened doors for riding enthusiasts to achieve glory and has provided India with its future champions. We congratulate the winners and wish all the finalist the best for the future.”
Classic Legends Secures New Patent For Rider Interface Innovation
- By MT Bureau
- January 15, 2026
Classic Legends, one of the leading mid-sized motorcycle manufacturers, has been granted a patent for an adjustable visor and speedometer system. The patent, initially featured on the 2025 Yezdi Adventure, is valid for 20 years from 21 March 2023. This mechanical innovation allows riders to modify the height and position of the interface to suit their stature and comfort during road or off-road use.
The company has developed a portfolio of intellectual property, including a previous patent for an Airfilter Multifrequency Resonator used in its 650cc models, such as the BSA Gold Star. Unlike standard resonators that target a single frequency, this technology dampens air-filter noise across the engine's entire revolution range. Classic Legends also introduced the Alpha 2 liquid-cooled 334cc engine, which focuses on thermal efficiency and performance within the mid-capacity segment.
The OEM’s approach focuses on ergonomics and mechanical function. On the 2025 Yezdi Adventure, a centrally routed exhaust is used to manage heat and improve comfort, while twin headlamps are employed for illumination width. For the 2025 Yezdi Roadster, design decisions regarding chassis geometry and mounting strategies allow for adjustable seating and specific riding triangles.
Susheel Sinha, Head – R&D, Classic Legends, said, “This patent may solve a specific rider-interface problem, but it represents how we think about motorcycles. At Classic Legends, performance engineering is not about feature accumulation. It has to bring mechanical clarity and durability to how a motorcycle feels over years of use. It is the same with design decisions that start with the rider and the road. The recognition is fresh encouragement for us to keep building rider-centric motorcycles with a strong engineering foundation.”
Classic Legends continues to invest in in-house R&D and engineering talent, resulting in two granted patents and two pending filings. The company manufactures the 650cc engine for the BSA Gold Star, which is among the largest single-cylinder engines in production in India. Its product range has previously introduced technologies to the mid-sized category including six-speed gearboxes, traction control, and assist and slipper clutches.
Suzuki Gixxer Range Gets New Colours And Graphics Options
- By MT Bureau
- January 15, 2026
Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) has introduced new colours and refreshed graphics for its Gixxer SF 250 and Gixxer 250 motorcycle range.
The Gixxer SF 250 is now available in Glass Sparkle Black and Pearl Glacier White/Metallic Mat Platinum Silver No.2, alongside the existing Metallic Triton Blue/Pearl Glacier White. On the other hand, the Gixxer 250 offers three choices: Pearl Glacier White/Metallic Mat Platinum Silver No.2, Metallic Triton Blue/Glass Sparkle Black, and Glass Sparkle Black.
Both motorcycles are powered by a 250cc single-cylinder engine with a Single Overhead Camshaft design, producing 26.5 Ps at 9,300rpm and 22.2 Nm at 7,300rpm. The engine utilises Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology and the Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) to balance acceleration with fuel consumption and maintenance. The bikes feature a chassis designed for stability, LED lighting and a digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity.
The Gixxer SF 250 is priced at INR 189,768 (ex-showroom Delhi), with ownership benefits including insurance savings and warranty benefits valued at up to INR 12,000. The Gixxer 250 is available for INR 181,517 (ex-showroom Delhi), offering similar benefits up to INR 10,000. Finance options are available with interest rates starting from 7.99 percent. Additionally, the GIXXER SF 250 is offered in a flex-fuel variant compliant with E-85 standards.
Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, "With the latest colour palette and graphics, the GIXXER SF 250 and GIXXER 250 gain a striking visual appeal that enhances their sporty character. These motorcycles seamlessly combine performance and advanced engineering, catering to riders who seek a sporty yet comfortable riding experience".
Suzuki Motorcycle continues to promote the range through its Gixxer Pit Stop initiative across India, which includes test rides, maintenance sessions and exchange opportunities. The Gixxer SF 250 recently set a record by covering 3,259 kilometres in 24 hours. The company operates from its manufacturing plant in Gurugram, which has a production capacity of 1.3 million units per year.
- Ducati India
- Bipul Chandra
- Desmo450 MX
- New Multistrada V4 Rally (2026 Edition)
- Panigale V4 Lamborghini
- Panigale V4 Marquez Replica
- Panigale V2 Special Edition MM93
- Panigale V2 Special Edition PB63
- New Monster V2
- Diavel V4 RS
- Hypermotrad V2/V2 SP
- Panigale V4R
Ducati To Launch 10 New Models In India In 2026
- By MT Bureau
- January 13, 2026
Italian superbike maker Ducati India has revealed its aggressive product roadmap for 2026, confirming the introduction of 10 new and updated motorcycles to the Indian market.
The announcement includes plans to expand the brand's dealer touchpoints to improve accessibility and service for its customer base.
The 2026 portfolio comprises the Desmo450 MX, New Multistrada V4 Rally (2026 Edition), Panigale V4 Lamborghini, Panigale V4 Marquez Replica, Panigale V2 Special Edition MM93, Panigale V2 Special Edition PB63, New Monster V2, Diavel V4 RS and the New Hypermotard V2/V2 SP. These follow the Panigale V4R, which was launched in India on 2 January 2026.
The launch schedule begins in the first quarter of 2026 with the Multistrada V4 Rally, the Panigale V4 Lamborghini, and the Desmo450 MX. The third quarter will see the arrival of the New Monster V2 and the Marc Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia Special Editions of the Panigale V2, followed by the Diavel V4 RS. The final quarter of the year will feature the Hypermotard V2 range in October, concluding with the Panigale V4 Marc Márquez Replica in December.
Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said, “2026 is poised to be another landmark year for Ducati as we continue to push boundaries with a portfolio of new launches that will set fresh benchmarks in the premium motorcycle segment. Our commitment to delivering the most sophisticated, performance-driven motorcycles to Indian customers has never been stronger. We are excited to introduce these exceptional new models, and with the expansion of our dealership network, we look forward to a successful and impactful year for Ducati in India.”
Ducati will open bookings at its dealerships in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Kolkata. Indicative pricing for the upcoming range will be released on the company's website ahead of the specific launch dates.
- Suzuki Motorcycle India
- Greaves Finance
- Suzuki e-Access
- SMIPLE
- ev.fin
- Deepak Mutreja
- P B Sunil Kumar
Suzuki Motorcycle India And Greaves Finance Partner To Launch EV Financing For e-Access
- By MT Bureau
- January 13, 2026
Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) has announced a partnership with Greaves Finance, operating under the brand ev.fin, to provide financial solutions for the Suzuki e-Access electric scooter. The collaboration introduces buy-back upgrade assurances and retail finance options intended to lower the barriers to electric vehicle ownership.
The partnership combines SMIPL’s dealership network with the digital financial platform of ev.fin. The primary objective of the association is to provide customers with predictable resale values and credit support at the point of purchase.
To address concerns regarding the resale value of electric two-wheelers, SMIPL and ev.fin have introduced a structured buy-back programme. Customers can select from two primary plans: a 36-month term offering up to 60 percent of the ex-showroom value, or a 48-month term offering up to 50 percent of the effective ex-showroom price. This programme is designed to provide a guaranteed value for users looking to upgrade their vehicles in the future.
The ev.fin platform offers retail finance solutions including loans for up to 100 percent of the vehicle cost. Interest rates for the Suzuki e-Access start from 5.99 percent, with monthly instalments beginning at INR 3,999. The loan process is managed through a digital journey aimed at reducing processing times and offering customisable plans, such as low-down payment options.
Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “At Suzuki Motorcycle India, we continually look for ways to make the ownership journey easier and more reassuring for our customers. Through our association with Greaves Finance, we are introducing added value at both the purchase and resale stages of the Suzuki e-Access. With the assured buyback upgrade and tailored finance options, we bring more trust and peace of mind to EV ownership, while enhancing customer accessibility to electric two-wheelers.”
P B Sunil Kumar, Executive Director & CEO, Greaves Finance, said, “We are delighted to partner with Suzuki Motorcycle India to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. By offering Buyback upgrade options and customized financing through our ev.fin platform, we are eliminating the 'resale anxiety' often associated with EVs. Our goal is to provide a seamless, digital-first financial experience that makes the Suzuki e-Access an even more compelling choice for the Indian commuter.”

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