Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has announced its official entry into France in partnership with GD France. This move expands the company’s presence to 52 international markets and deepens its European footprint following successful expansions in Italy, Spain and the UK.

The French debut was marked by the launch of the company’s Euro 5+ range, led by the Hunk 440 motorcycle, at the UTAC Mortefontaine proving ground near Paris.

Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice President, Hero MotoCorp, said: "Building on our presence in Italy, Spain, and the UK, Hero MotoCorp’s entry into the France market marks another milestone in our journey of global expansion. Our partnership with GD France, further strengthens our European footprint. The launch of the Hunk 440 reflects our deep understanding of French riders and their expectations for reliability, superior-quality and performance-driven machine. The new Hunk 440 not only delivers on these expectations but also offers an ownership experience that is both accessible and aspirational. This unique combination of superior engineering, refined design and long-lasting performance is set to disrupt the current segment and offers the first-time owners as well as seasoned enthusiasts alike the opportunity to begin their motorcycling journey with a true sense of limitless freedom.”

GD France will distribute the Hero MotoCorp product range, initially through a network of 30 official sales and service outlets across major French cities, with plans to expand to over 50 dealers by 2026.

Ghislain GUIOT, CEO, GD France, said, “We are proud to partner with Hero MotoCorp for their entry into the French market. Both Hero MotoCorp and GD France share a deep commitment to putting customers first and ensuring a seamless ownership experience, supported by a robust sales and service network across the country. Beginning with the Hunk 440, we aim to offer riders a unique combination of technology and value - a combination that we believe will deeply resonate with consumers in France.”

The flagship Hunk 440 is E5+ and EU-compliant, entering the A2 performance category with a focus on city commuting and motorway acceleration. It delivers 36 Nm of low-end torque at 4000 rpm and a peak power of 27 bhp at 6,000 rpm. The Hunk 440 comes with high tensile steel trellis frame for stability and handling. Equipped with dual-channel ABS on 320 mm front and 240 mm rear discs, USD Cartridge Forks by KYB, a full-digital and connected TFT display and turn-by-turn navigation.

The Hunk 440 is available starting at EUR 3,599 (including VAT) in two colours: Twilight Blue and Phantom Black.

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Piaggio Vehicles-owned motorcycle brand Aprilia has introduced the RS 660 Phillip Island Tribute, a limited-edition motorcycle produced to mark its victory record at the Australian circuit.

The vehicle will be on display at the EICMA exhibition in Milan from 5 to 8 November. The special edition commemorates Aprilia's 10 Grand Prix victories at Phillip Island, including the 2025 MotoGP win by Raúl Fernández on the RS-GP, which marked the manufacturer's 300th World Championship victory. The release coincides with the circuit's departure from the MotoGP calendar after 2027.

The motorcycle features a white, green and red livery incorporating the Phillip Island Circuit logo, track layout and chequered flag graphics on the side panels. The fuel tank displays a badge detailing Aprilia's victory count at the track, while the individual serial number is engraved on the steering head plate. The pillion seat cover is included as standard equipment.

Technically based on the standard RS 660, the motorcycle is powered by a front-mounted 660 cc parallel-twin engine delivering 105 horsepower at 10,400 rpm and 70 Nm of torque at 8,400 rpm, with a 35 kW restricted variant also available.

The engine acts as a load-bearing element within an aluminium frame. Electronics include a six-axis inertial platform managing traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control, cornering ABS, launch control, cruise control, adjustable engine mapping and a bidirectional quickshifter.

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Italian superbike maker Ducati has introduced the Formula 73 in India, a limited-series motorcycle restricted to 873 numbered units globally at INR 2 million (ex-showroom).

Interestingly, the entire allocation reserved for the Indian market has sold out.

The Formula 73 pays tribute to the 1973 750 Super Sport Desmo, incorporating a silver and aqua green livery, a vertical gold stripe on the fuel tank, clip-on handlebars with bar-end mirrors, a tapered tail, and billet aluminium components.

It is powered by an air-cooled 803 cc Desmodue L-twin engine with desmodromic distribution, the vehicle delivers 73 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 65.2 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. The powertrain is paired with a Termignoni silencer and a Ride-by-Wire throttle system. The chassis utilises a steel trellis frame finished in aqua green, 17-inch spoked wheels fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres and an electronic package featuring cornering braking systems, traction control, directional quick-shifting and dual riding modes.

Bipul Chandra, MD, Ducati India, said, "The Formula 73 is a rolling masterpiece that pays homage to one of the most significant motorcycles in our history, the 1973 750 Super Sport Desmo. We are incredibly proud to secure a highly exclusive allocation of these limited-edition motorcycles for our passionate Ducatisti in India. With only 873 units produced globally, the arrival of the Formula 73 offers a rare opportunity for Indian collectors to own a piece of timeless Italian heritage seamlessly blended with modern Ducati performance."

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has signed a strategic partnership with ERMAR Sociedad Anónima, operating as Distrito Moto, to manage its sales and service network across Guatemala.

The partnership links Hero MotoCorp's vehicle manufacturing with ERMAR's retail operations in Central America. The network spans over 220 distribution points, incorporating more than 60 Distrito Moto sales locations and over 140 Tecno Fácil outlets across the country.

The operations provide vehicle distribution, replacement parts, service support and customer financing through Solvensa. Hero MotoCorp will provide a five-year or 60,000-kilometre warranty across its product line, which includes plans to introduce models such as the Hunk 250R, Xpulse 210, Hunk 150 Xtec ABS and Xoom 125.

Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice-President of Global Business, Global Product Planning and Global Market Insights, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Guatemala is a strategic market where over 100,000 customers have placed their trust in Hero. Our partnership with Distrito Moto, backed by the strength of ILP Group and Distelsa, reinforces our long-term commitment to these riders and our growth ambitions in Latin America. With a global legacy of engineering excellence, world-class products and a proven track record of delivering quality, reliability and customer-centric experiences, Hero is well positioned to create greater value for riders in Guatemala. With the planned introduction of the Hunk 250R, Xpulse 210, Hunk 150 Xtec ABS and Xoom 125, we look forward to meeting the evolving aspirations of Guatemalan customers."

Javier Lainez, Commercial Head, Distrito Moto, said, "Our ambition is to make Hero ownership accessible and rewarding for more Guatemalans. Through competitive pricing, financing options from Solvensa and dedicated customer support, we want riders to feel confident at every step - from choosing their motorcycle to keeping it running reliably."

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Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati has launched the Hypermotard V2 and Hypermotard V2 SP motorcycles in India at prices starting INR 1.65 million and INR 2.07 million, respectively, with bookings open across its dealership network.

The fourth-generation model features a technical platform, powered by an 890 cc twin-cylinder engine that generates 120 horsepower at 10,750 rpm and 94 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm. The engine incorporates variable intake valve timing and weighs 54.4 kg.

A monocoque frame using the engine as a structural element, combined with a double-sided aluminium swingarm, reduces total vehicle weight by 13 kg on the standard variant and 14 kg on the SP variant compared to the predecessor. The motorcycles feature a six-axis inertial measurement unit controlling cornering braking systems, traction control, wheelie control and directional quick-shifting functions.

The track-focused V2 SP includes Öhlins suspension components, Brembo M50 braking calipers, forged aluminium wheels, carbon fibre body panels and a lithium battery.

Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said, "We are immensely proud to introduce the Hypermotard V2 and V2 SP to the Indian market. This motorcycle is a true testament to Ducati's commitment to pure riding emotion, bringing supermotard agility and thrilling performance directly to the streets. The new V2 engine, the incredibly light monocoque chassis and the advanced electronics are engineered for one purpose to offer an unparalleled, adrenaline-fueled experience. For the discerning Indian enthusiast who demands both dynamic urban agility and track-ready excitement, the Hypermotard V2 is not just a motorcycle; it's the ultimate fun bike.”

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