Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport team of the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, Hero MotoCorp, has taken the lead position at the ongoing Rallye du Maroc 2024 with an impressive performance in Stage 1. Hero team pilot Ross Branch emerged as the fastest rider of the stage.

Riders Ross Branch, Sebastian Buhler and Nacho Cornejo, who were competing in the premier Rally GP Class, finished the first stage in 1st, 6th and 8th place, respectively. In the overall Rally GP Class standings, they are currently ranked 1st, 6th and 9th. Branch had the advantage of starting 11th for Stage 1 after placing second in the Prologue, which he capitalised by finishing first by a 48-second cushion over his closest rival. Cornejo started the stage today and made a determined effort to go cautiously across the incredibly challenging terrain, reaching the finish line without suffering any significant errors.

The first complete Stage of the 2024 edition included 180 km of timed sections and an additional 200 km of liaisons. The event organisers had to make last-minute changes to the race strategy yesterday when floods caused delays in the cars' arrival at the bivouac in Zagora. Participants in Stage 1 were dispatched on the Stage 2 course, although with a shorter mileage and later start times. However, this circuit around Zagora turned out to be one of the most difficult stages that Maroc has experienced recently. On rocky, uneven paths badly harmed by the rains, the day began with dangerous pathways that lay ahead, with much of the original routes swept away. In the last stretch, where visible, rolling trails guided the way to the finish line, the riders finally found some solace after risking their journey across narrow dunes.

In Stage 2, the participants will return to the original course planned for Stage 1. This second loop around Zagora will be one of the longest specialities in this year, spanning 314 km in the Sahara and an additional 158 kilometres in road sections.

Rallye du Maroc is the fifth and final round of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) 2024. Since the second race of this season, Branch has held the top place in the standings chart, and this impressive perfoemance in the Maroc Rally has increased his chances of winning the World Championship title.

Branch said, "I’m happy to have finished Stage 1 with a good result. It was a really tough one – definitely one of the most challenging stages I’ve ever ridden at Rallye Du Maroc! The tracks were really beaten up and washed away from yesterday’s rains, but I managed to pull through. Nacho did an amazing job opening the track; I can only imagine how much more difficult it would have been for him. Opening the Stage tomorrow will be a mammoth task, but we’re pushing forward with confidence."

Buhler said, "It was a very difficult Stage – perhaps one of the hardest I’ve ever ridden here at Maroc. The terrain was full of rocks and rivers, making it challenging to manoeuvre. I tried to maintain a good pace, but it wasn’t easy – every time I went full on the gas, I seemed to be hitting something. I’m glad to have finished well, and I hope tomorrow will be a bit smoother."

Cornejo said, "Stage 1 is complete, and it was very rough, thanks to the rains from yesterday. I did my best opening the Stage, and lost a few minutes here and there. But overall, I’m happy with my focus and navigation. Tomorrow is a new day, so we’ll keep pushing and doing our best – one day at a time."

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Suzuki Motorcycle India, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has opened its Suzuki Lounge outlet at Riddhi Auto Agencies in Thane, Maharashtra.

The facility combines a service workshop, customer area and vehicle display zone within a single site.

The workshop operates four service bays visible from the customer lounge through glass partitions to show maintenance procedures directly to vehicle owners.

The lounge area includes seating, discussion spaces, and a reception zone, alongside a product display section showing Suzuki’s motorcycle and scooter line-up.

Hari Krishna K, Executive Officer, Sales & After-Sales, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “Suzuki Lounge represents a significant step forward in our customer-centric approach and brings the spirit of ‘By Your Side’ into the service experience. Today’s customers expect more than just service. They seek transparency, comfort, and a premium experience. With Suzuki Lounge, we are creating an environment where customers can relax, stay connected, and confidently witness the care and expertise that goes into servicing their vehicles.”

The inauguration was conducted by Vivek Jain, Assistant Vice-President - After Sales, and Osamu Tani, Operation Manager - After Sales at Suzuki Motorcycle India. The Thane location serves as the inaugural deployment of the Suzuki Lounge concept across the company's Indian after-sales network.

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India Yamaha Motor has launched the YZF-R2 at prices starting at INR 230,500 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the base model in Metallic Black or Dark Bluish Gray colour options.

This marks the global debut of the model and expands the manufacturer's R-series portfolio in India. Built on a high-tensile steel tube diamond frame, the motorcycle represents Yamaha's entry into the 200cc motorcycle segment.

The YZF-R2 is powered by a 204cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC engine producing 26.5 PS of power and 19.1 Nm of torque. It features finger follower rocker arms with diamond-like carbon coating. The chassis yields a total kerb weight of 149 kg, supported by 37 mm upside-down front forks, a rear monoshock and a four-point engine mounting system.

Hajime Aota, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, "The launch of the YZF-R2 marks a significant milestone in Yamaha's long-term growth strategy. The YZF-R2 is not an entry into a new segment; it is a motorcycle created for riders who are committed to the spirit of Yamaha R-series. Combining the authentic R-series DNA with lightweight performance and excellent fuel efficiency, it offers an exciting and accessible gateway to our supersport world. Inspired by the global R-Series flagship motorcycles and built on an all-new platform, the YZF-R2 reflects our confidence in India's engineering expertise and its growing role in Yamaha's global product strategy.

“We are deeply grateful to our R-series customers in India for their unwavering trust and passion, which have helped make the R-series one of Yamaha's most iconic motorcycle families in the country. Today, with over one million R-series motorcycles on Indian roads, this enduring relationship continues to inspire us to push the boundaries of innovation and performance. We are confident the YZF-R2 will build on this legacy, set a new benchmark in its segment, and inspire the next generation of Yamaha riders," said Aota.

The YZF-R2 comes with traction control, an assist and slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, a five-inch TFT display and selectable riding modes as standard.

Higher variants add a bi-directional quick shifter, while the top-tier R2M model incorporates adjustable suspension and a smart key system.

The Quick Shifter variant is priced at INR 239,500 in Matte White Pearl or Racing Blue, while the fully-loaded YZF-R2M can be had for INR 253,000 in Metallic Gray. Dealership availability across Yamaha's Blue Square network will begin in mid-September 2026.

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has launched the TVS Jupiter dual tone spectral range, introducing two new dual-tone options – Spectral Blue and Spectral Copper – to its 110cc scooter line-up. The release marks the first-time spectral colour-shifting finishes have been offered in this segment.

The TVS Jupiter dual-tone spectral range is priced at INR 89,825 ex-showroom Delhi and will be available across authorised TVS Motor dealerships.

The update incorporates design and functional changes, including colour-coordinated inner panels, a new seat finish, partial chrome mirrors and an integrated backrest. Lighting updates include sequential turn signal lamps, alongside the addition of a USB Type-C charging port. The model retains its 33-litre under-seat storage area, capable of holding two helmets and features the SmartXonnect system for navigation, call and SMS notifications.

The scooter is powered by a 113.3 cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine producing 5.9 kW of power and up to 9.8 Nm of torque, supported by the TVS iGO Assist system for acceleration and fuel efficiency.

Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice-President — Head Commuter & EV Business and Head Corporate Brand & Media, TVS Motor Company, said, “Young and Urban Indian families are increasingly exposed to new experiences, design and technology, shaping their aspirations for everyday mobility. TVS Jupiter has played a pivotal role in India’s scooterisation journey, winning the love and trust of millions of families and earning its place as the ‘Scooter of India’. Over the years, it has evolved, bringing meaningful innovations while staying true to what families value. Building on its progressive design and feature-rich offering, the new TVS Jupiter dual-tone takes this journey forward with a more contemporary offering, featuring first-in-segment spectral colours, complemented by first-in-segment Sequential Turn Signal Lamps and much more. Together, these enhancements reaffirm TVS Jupiter’s commitment to being the preferred choice of mobility for today’s new-age, modern families.”

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Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles has launched Jawa All Stars at prices starting INR 201,942 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Aurora Green and Red options, introducing new expressions of the Jawa 42 FJ motorcycle.

The company has positioned All Stars as a branding framework for its rider base, with the 42 FJ serving as the initial vehicle release under the initiative.

The motorcycle features aluminium tank panels, a 790 mm seat height, 178 mm ground clearance and a 12-litre fuel tank. Power comes from a 334-cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine producing 29.17 PS at 7,500 rpm and 29.62 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox and twin exhausts.

Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, “Jawa has always attracted riders who know exactly who they are. They have never followed trends for the sake of it, nor sought attention for making different choices. Over time, we realised there was a shared spirit that connected these riders. Jawa All Stars is our way of recognising and celebrating that spirit. It is a tribute to character, conduct, and courage, the values that have always felt inherently Jawa. The Jawa 42 FJ is the first expression of that philosophy, bringing it to life through contemporary design, performance, and a personality that is unmistakably its own.”

The vehicle chassis consists of a double-cradle frame, 41 mm telescopic front forks and gas-filled twin rear shock absorbers with five-step adjustable preload. Braking is handled by 320 mm front and 240 mm rear discs with dual-channel ABS, fitted to a 100/90-18 front tyre and 140/70 R17 rear tyre. Equipment includes a digital instrument cluster and LED lighting.

The Matte Black and Nebula Blue variants are priced at INR 207,942, while the Chrome edition is listed at INR 215,942. Retail distribution will operate across the company's network of more than 450 sales and service locations in India, supported by warranty coverage of up to four years or 50,000 kilometres.

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