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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Bajaj Auto-owned Austrian motorcycle brand KTM has launched KTM Service on Wheels (SOW) in Leh circuit, which is aimed at providing aftersales service to motorcyclists on the Manali, Keylong – Jispa - Sarchu route.

KTM's Service on Wheels will function between Jispa and Sarchu, providing quick response and assurance of safety for riders on these remote stretches. With this the company now features touchpoints at Bhuntar, Manali, Keylong and Leh, supported by a full-fledged 3S dealership in Leh.

The company shared that it will now be able to offer quick repair, spares backup, or preventive inspections for KTM riders at 12,500 feet.

Manik Nangia, President, Probiking, Bajaj Auto Ltd said, “The KTM spirit is all about pushing boundaries, and we are proud to support our riders with unmatched service coverage through the Leh sector. With KTM Service on Wheels, we’re ensuring that adventure never has to stop due to service constraints. It’s our way of delivering true peace of mind, right in the heart of India’s most rugged motorcycling landscape.”

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India Yamaha Motor (IYM), a leading two-wheeler manufacturer, has introduced the 2025 FZ-X motorcycle with a 4.2-inch colour TFT instrument cluster and also incorporates turn-by-turn navigation at INR 149,990 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The 2025 FZ-X hybrid model is available in Matte Titan and incorporates a Smart Motor Generator (SMG) and a Stop & Start System (SSS). These enables quieter start, battery-assisted acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. The engine automatically shuts off when idle and restarts with clutch action.

The FZ-X Hybrid instrument cluster connects to smartphones via the Y-Connect app and offers Turn-by-Turn (TBT) navigation, integrated with Google Maps, providing directions, intersection details and road names.

Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, ““We were thrilled by the overwhelming response to our Hybrid Technology when we introduced it in the 2025 FZ-S Fi Hybrid. Extending this breakthrough to the FZ-X model felt like a natural next step. We are confident that adding hybrid power to the FZ-X model will further boost Yamaha’s appeal, particularly among riders who seek a practical yet premium riding experience. At Yamaha, we continually listen to our customers’ evolving needs, and this latest offering underscores our commitment to innovation. By integrating advanced technology with a deep understanding of rider needs, Yamaha is redefining the future of mobility.”

A standard FZ-X variant (non-hybrid) is also available at INR 129,990 (ex-showroom, Delhi) in Dark Matte Blue and Metallic Black.

The FZ-X has a neo-retro design and a metal body. It is powered by an air-cooled 149cc fuel-injected engine. The 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve motorcycle produces 12.4PS of power at 7,250rpm and 13.3Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. It also features a Traction Control System (TCS) and single-channel ABS. The motorcycle has telescopic front suspension and 7-step adjustable Monocross rear suspension.

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Bajaj Auto-owned Austrian two-wheeler specialist KTM has introduced two new models to the Indian market – the upgraded KTM 390 Adventure X and the global-spec KTM 390 Adventure Enduro R priced at INR 303,125 and INR 353,825, respectively.

The KTM 390 Adventure X, previously a successful entry point for long-distance and off-road touring enthusiasts, now gets advanced electronic features typically found in KTM's flagship models. Key upgrades include standard cruise control with both Cruise and Speed Limiter modes, multiple ride modes (Street, Rain, and Off-road) to adapt to varying road conditions, Cornering ABS (CABS) for enhanced safety during cornering, and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) for improved stability across different terrains.

The global-spec KTM 390 Adventure Enduro R is aimed at serious off-road riders seeking Dakar-honed performance. It features new suspension details to further enhance its capability for challenging trails and tough terrain.

The KTM 390 Adventure Enduro R is powered by a liquid-cooled, 398.63cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder DOHC engine delivering a maximum horsepower of 46 PS (33.8 kW) at 8500 rpm and a maximum torque of 39 Nm at 6500 rpm. It features an electronic throttle body, an electric starter and a wet, A&S multi-plate clutch, coupled with a constant mesh, 6-speed transmission. The fuel system is petrol-based with a 9-litre metal tank.

In terms of dimensions, the bike has an overall length of 2236mm, a width of 809mm, and a height of 1236mm. The wheelbase is 1477mm (+/−10mm) and boasts a ground clearance of 277mm with a seat height of 895mm. Suspension includes an adjustable 43mm inverted telescopic fork at the front with 230mm travel, and an adjustable mono-shock at the rear also with 230mm travel. Braking is handled by floating callipers with a 285mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS. The electrical system comprises a 12V 8 AH battery, LED headlamps, tail lamps and side indicators, along with a minimal TFT dashboard. It also includes Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) and a quick shifter.

KTM has expanded its presence significantly in India since 2012, now boasting over 450 stores and a customer base of nearly half a million, making India KTM's largest global market.

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Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has introduced the 2025 Pulsar NS400Z motorcycle at prices starting INR 192,328 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The refresh comes within a year of its launch, with over 20,000 units already sold in the country.

The new variant comes with a 373cc engine, which now delivers 43PS, up from 40PS, supported by a revised valvetrain, cam timings and intake duct. The company shared that the motorcycle engine uses a forged piston for better thermal stability, reduced friction and improved durability, to handle the extra power.

It can accelerate from zero to 60kmph in a claimed 2.7 seconds, down from 3.2 sec and 0 to 100kmph in 6.4 seconds down from 7.5 sec, with an improved top-speed of 157 kmph from 150 kmph, without compromising on the fuel efficiency.

By using a redesigned radiator cowl the thermal efficiency has improved, which results in the heat dissipation moving away from the riders’ legs. 

IT also gets new radial tyres in the front and rear, with a beefier 150 cross section rear tyre, for improved grip and better feedback. With a more powerful engine, the bike features a sintered brake pad for the front with improved stopping distance. 

What’s more, in Sports mode, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z gear shifting can be operated clutch-less, thanks to the sensor-less system designed for high-performance riding. It continues to sport 43 mm Champagne Gold USD forks, LED projector headlight, Bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation, music control, a lap timer and traction control.

Sumeet Narang, President, Marketing, Bajaj Auto, said, " The Pulsar NS400Z was built to set new benchmarks in accessible performance. Over the past year, we’ve listened closely to rider feedback and are proud to deliver a sharper, more powerful machine. With engineering upgrades and a first-of-its-kind clutch-less, full-throttle gear-shifting system co-developed with Bosch, the new NS400Z continues to push the limits of what a streetfighter can be. As we look ahead, our focus remains on elevating the Pulsar experience with purposeful upgrades that respond to the ever-evolving needs of Pulsar riders."

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