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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Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), a franchise-based off-road motorcycle league, held the Season 2 launch of the competition in Mumbai. The event saw popular Indian actor Salman Khan further deepening his involvement with the event, by not only being the brand ambassador, but also his plans to become an investor in the league.

Furthermore, ISRL also aims to setup ‘ISRL Proving Grounds’, a dedicated grassroots motorsport development facility spread across 7 acres in Pune. It will offer amateur racing, kids’ track, motocross, supercross, ATVs and electric bikes among others.

ISRL, owned by Team Supercross India, is led by former international racers Veer Patel (two-time national SX Champion) and Eeshan Lokhande.

Salman Khan, said, “I’ve always been passionate about motorcycles and off-roading, when I saw what ISRL is building bringing together world-class talent, supporting home-grown athletes, and creating an entire ecosystem and lifestyle around the sport, I knew this was something I wanted to be part of, not just as a face, but as a believer. This league is about pushing boundaries, and that’s something I connect with deeply. With the launch of the ‘ISRL Proving Grounds’, we’re giving India’s youth the opportunity to access the support, tools and coaching they need to chase big dreams and compete on a global stage. At the same time, ISRL is equally focused on promoting responsible riding and the importance of safety for racers and fans.”

Veer Patel, Managing Director, ISRL, said, “Salman Khan’s evolution from brand ambassador to investor is a testament to his confidence in ISRL’s vision. This move brings unmatched cultural capital and mainstream trust to our league, reinforcing our positioning as a credible, scalable business built for India’s next generation. His association sends a clear message to the market that Supercross is ready to lead the future of motorsport, youth engagement and brand innovation in India.”

ISRL is positioning itself as India’s sole dedicated platform for experiential growth within the automotive industry, offering brands a unique live-action format to connect with passionate bikers and young audiences. Following an its debut season across Pune, Ahmedabad and Bangalore, ISRL's five-year roadmap includes rapid expansion, international collaborations and significant growth in franchise value and sponsorships, aiming to redefine India's sports-entertainment and automotive marketing landscape.

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has launched the updated 2025 Apache RTR 310 at introductory prices starting INR 239,990.

The OBD2B-compliant 2025 TVS Apache RTR 310 now with the Build-To-Order (BTO) platform and Dynamic Pro Kit (DPK) offerings. It gets a host of new features such as Gen-2 cluster with multi-language UI, USD 43 Dia front suspension (base variant), sequential turn signal lamp (TSL) with new styling, hand guards, transparent clutch cover, key less ride (DPK), drag torque control, cornering drag torque control (BTO & DPK) and launch control feature in RT-DSC.

The motorcycle delivers 35.6 PS at 9,700 rpm and 28.7 Nm at 6,650 rpm. It also gets three new colour options with graphics, along with iconic Race Replica Sepang Blue on the top-end BTO variant.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “The TVS Apache RTR 310 has been a trendsetter in the naked sports segment since its debut. With the 2025 edition, we’re building on its bold legacy by integrating future-ready tech, intuitive digital interfaces, standout styling and with unwavering commitment to rider safety. This refreshed freestyler reflects the new era of motorcycling, one that is connected, customisable and committed to sustainability. We’re proud to bring this upgraded experience to our community of TVS Apache riders who live to push boundaries every day.”

The 2025 Apache RTR 310 is now available in five variants across key markets such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Chennai.

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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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