Hero MotoCorp Launches Splendor+ XTEC

ROLE OF INDIAN RUBBER INSTITUTE IN SKILL DEVELOPMENT – DR. D BANERJEE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE, AT JSS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, MYSORE

Hero MotoCorp today launched the new edition of motorcycle Splendor – the Splendor+ XTEC. 

The company said in a release that the new Hero Splendor+ ‘XTEC’ have features including a full digital meter with Bluetooth connectivity, call and SMS alert, RTMI (Real Time Mileage Indicator), low fuel indicator, LED high intensity position lamp (HIPL) and exclusive graphics. 

It also has an integrated USB Charger, Side-Stand Engine Cut-off and i3S Technology, (Idle Stop-Start System). 

It will be available at Hero MotoCorp dealerships at a starting price of INR 72,900 (Ex-showroom, Delhi). It also comes with a 5-year warranty, the release indicated. 

Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy and Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Hero Splendor is the most popular and the best-selling motorcycle in India, a true companion to millions across India. It has been an icon for almost three decades and will still continue to inspire many with the launch of the Splendor+ XTEC model, adding technologically advanced features and a smart modern design. This is the latest model complementing the XTEC technology umbrella that has been an overwhelming success since its launch on the Hero Glamour 125, Pleasure+ 110 and Destini 125.” 

Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Growth Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Hero Splendor has been a trend-setter for decades. The motorcycle has been impressing a diverse range of customers with its trust, style, performance and its enhanced range of comfort features. We are certain, Hero Splendor+ XTEC will yet again set a new benchmark – in terms of both technology and visual style, and deliver on the brand promise of comfort and safety.” 

The company said the full digital display offers practical and user-friendly functions, such as incoming and missed call alerts, new message alerts, two trip metre along with the RTMI (Real Time Mileage Indicator) and low fuel indicator. It also features a side-stand visual indication and a ‘Side-stand Engine cut-off’. The motorcycle also features a bank-angle-sensor that cuts-off the engine during a fall. 

The LED High Intensity Position Lamp (HIPL) and new graphics lends Splendor+ XTEC, a great new look. The unconventional LED strip enhances an iconic front end. 

The four new colour schemes in Sparkling Beta Blue, Canvas Black, Tornado Grey and Pearl White highlight the dynamic appearance of the new Splendor+ XTEC, the release pointed out. 

It comes with a 97.2cc BS-VI compliant engine producing a remarkable power output of 7.9 BHP @ 7000 RPM and torque on demand of 8.05 NM @ 6000. It also comes with the i3S patented technology for a better fuel efficiency, the release added. (MT)

Ather Energy Targets To Double Experience Centres To 700 Touchpoints

Ather Energy

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.

Triumph Speed T4 Gets New Baja Orange Colour Scheme

Triumph Speed T4

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.

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

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

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).

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

Suzuki GSX-8R

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.