MT Bureau

As India will be moving to the new emission regime from April this year, the two-wheeler manufacturing companies have fielded new models of new variants with BS-VI engines.

Suzuki Motorcycle

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL), a subsidiary of two-wheeler manufacturer, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has moved from BS-IV to BS-VI vehicles with its top-selling scooter, Access 125. It is endowed with new features including Eco Assist illumination, Fuel Injection engine, External fuel filling lid and LED headlamp. Powered by Suzuki Eco Performance Technology, the updated BS-VI engine delivers 8.7ps@6,750rpm, 10Nm@5,500rpm offering top-class power performance at low fuel consumption.

The Eco Assist illumination helps the rider to get optimum throttle usage. Green light indicates that the riding patterns are compatible with fuel-efficient riding. The advanced Fuel Injection engine technology provides smooth power delivery, thus offering optimum combustion efficiency in different riding conditions. It also helps in easy starting even in cold condition. External fuel filling lid provides the ease of refueling without opening the seat. The new super bright LED headlamp will help enhance night visibility for a stress-free ride. Offering a good balance on the road, the scooter is also equipped with Combined Brake System (CBS), which enables to operate both brakes only by left lever.

Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “We have our first BS-VI product ahead of the regulation enforcement deadline of April 1. For more than a decade now, Suzuki Access 125 has been among the segment’s top-selling scooter known for its performance and popular tagline as ‘Kam Peeta Hai,’ and has enjoyed immense love and support from the customers in the country. We are confident that the BS-VI-compliant Access 125 will be adored even more by Indian consumers. The All-New Access 125 comes loaded with new features which will further enhance the over-all riding experience for the customers.”

Offering comfort as a necessity, Suzuki Access 125 has long seat, enlarged floorboard larger under-seat storage and easy start system. It is designed to offer premium look with its rich bodywork, stylish edgy lines, LED tail lamp and chrome plate finish. The new Special Edition model offers standard USB DC socket for charging mobile phones on the go.

Piaggio India

Piaggio India has introduced Fuel Injection technology in its entire Vespa and Aprilia scooter range to comply with BS-VI emission standard. This technological change enhances the consumer riding experience and enables Piaggio to deliver its range of 2-wheelers manufactured in India complying with the green objectives.

Aprilia SR Range gets a new high performance 160cc engine with 11 PS peak power at its disposal and delivers extraordinary fun to its riders. In line with the Aprilia brand ethos ‘Designed for Racers, Built for Riders,’ the SR range continuously reinvents itself to reflect the high performance DNA of the brand. This high-performance couples, with the high compliance to greener technology and the Aprilia Storm on other end, deliver the Aprilia philosophy to their Gen Z customers by complying with greener standards.

Diego Graffi, Managing Director and CEO, Piaggio India, said, “We are pleased to transition effectively into BS-VI emission norms for our Vespa and Aprilia range of scooters, ahead of the deadline. We have achieved significant reduction in emission through our advanced combustion system. As a global brand, we understand the need to innovate and evolve, in order to build the mobility for future.”

Honda

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd (HMSI) has launched its first BS-VI motorcycle, the next generation 125cc advanced and stylish SP 125 BS-VI, with a starting price of INR 72,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Minoru Kato, President, CEO and Managing Director, HMSI, said, “We are overwhelmed with the love India has given to the country’s first BS-VI 2-wheeler, Activa 125 BS-VI. Taking forward the journey of #AQuietRevolution, we have introduced yet another radical product. The SP125 BS-VI would raise the bar for technology, style and performance in the 125cc motorcycle segment.’’

Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, HMSI, said, “With Honda’s superior technology and many first-in-segment features, SP 125 BS-VI provides the best riding performance with 16 percent more fuel efficiency.”

The SP 125 BS-VI is designed and built for the next era of transformation with first-in-class features and offering the best value for money. At the heart of SP 125 ticks BS-VI-compliant Honda’s trusted 125cc PGM-FI HET (Honda Eco Technology) engine, boosted by Enhanced Smart Power (eSP). The Sophisticated, Precise and Sensitive eSP optimizes performance by reducing friction, enables silent start, and provides a smooth eco-friendly ride.

eSP technology is an integration of Honda ACG starter, programmed fuel injection, friction reduction, mileage-up, full digital meter, fuel efficiency details, ECO Indicator, HET tubeless tyre, and five-speed Transmission.

The impressive style definition with aggressive tank design and edgy graphics make the SP 125 BS-VI a complete head turner. The modern headlamp design and 5 spoke split alloy wheels add to its sporty character. The chrome finish muffler enhances the premium appeal. An integrated engine start/stop switch adds to convenience.

TVS Motor Company

TVS Motor Company has introduced the 2020 range of TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, which has Bluetooth-enabled SmartXonnect mobile application technology, and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS-VI motorcycles. It has also launched the new BS-VI TVS Jupiter equipped with ET-Fi (Ecothrust Fuel injection) technology.

TVS Apache RTR 4V motorcycles come equipped with attractive race graphics along with new LED headlamp with claw styled position lamps that offers best-in-class long range light penetration and enhanced widespread. The 2020 range of Apache series is enabled with Race Tuned-Fuel injection ‘RT-Fi’ technology.

Meghashyam Dighole, Head, (Marketing) Premium Motorcycles, TVS Motor Company,  said, “We are delighted to introduce the 2020 range of TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS-VI motorcycles. These motorcycles are testaments of our commitment to delighting Apache customers with a true racing experience. The 2020 range of Apache RTR series offers an array of premium features enabled by cutting edge technology and will transform performance biking. This marks the commencement of the transition of our vehicles to the BS-VI norms.”

Bajaj Auto is expected to launch its BS-VI versions including new brands in April 2020.

NB: Featured photo is representational.

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TVS Motor Company hosted the TVS Apache Racing Experience International (ARE GP) in Nepal. The event, held at the Vehicle Academy and Research Centre in Satungal, Kathmandu, marks the 20th anniversary of the TVS Apache series and represents the first international expansion of this racing programme.

The initiative provides a platform for owners to operate their motorcycles in a championship environment. Participants receive instruction in race craft and riding techniques from professionals. The selection round in Kathmandu attracted over 55 riders and 300 spectators. Competitors navigated a circuit featuring 10 corners, with performance tracked by lap timings.

The event featured three classes based on engine displacement: 160cc, 200cc and 310cc. The top three finishers in each category qualified for a final at the Madras International Circuit (MIC) in India, scheduled for April 2026. These finalists will compete against riders from four different nations.

Rewards for the championship winners include a trip to a MotoGP event, entry into the TVS India One Make Championship (OMC), and team apparel. The programme also provides winners with a tour of the TVS factory and access to brand events such as TVS MotoSoul. The day included stunt shows, gymkhana sessions and music to create a festival format for enthusiasts.

Vimal Sumbly, Head – Premium Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “As we celebrate 20 years of TVS Apache built on a legacy of TVS Racing, performance and racing led technology the international expansion of ARE GP is a natural extension of our journey to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in motorsport. ARE GP has played a pivotal role in nurturing grassroots motorsports, and Nepal’s rapidly growing community of performance enthusiasts makes it an ideal destination.”

Shahil Agrawal, Executive Director – Jagdamba Motors, added, “Motorsports has always inspired the younger generation and with the launch of TVS ARE GP internationally, starting with Nepal, the platform will support in channeling the aspiration and structure it professionally. The racing format will significantly enhance the visibility for performance motorcycling, nurture local talent and energise dealerships while bringing riders, enthusiasts and communities together. We are proud to partner with TVS Motor Company in creating opportunities for Nepalese riders to compete, grow and represent the country on an international stage.”

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Yulu, an electric vehicle company, has conducted rider awareness initiatives in Bengaluru and Delhi to mark National Road Safety Month. The activities, aligned with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) theme ‘Sadak Suraksha, Jeevan Raksha’, aimed to promote traffic discipline among electric vehicle (EV) users and delivery partners.

In Bengaluru, the company held a 5-kilometre rally focused on road safety and anti-drug awareness. The event was flagged off by Inspector R. Veeresh of the Vivek Nagar Police Station and included the participation of 30 police officials. The route covered junctions in Koramangala and surrounding areas to engage with residents and road users regarding responsible riding.

In Delhi, Yulu joined a two-wheeler rally organised by MoRTH and the Delhi Traffic Police at Connaught Place. Flagged off by Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) DK Gupta, the event involved 200 riders. These participants interacted with commuters to highlight safety protocols.

The company utilises various platforms to communicate safety information, including in-app notifications, WhatsApp alerts, training videos and workshops held with local authorities. In Bengaluru, Yulu has also stationed safety marshals at junctions to assist riders and ensure compliance with traffic regulations at the request of the city's traffic police.

RK Misra, Co-Founder and President - Ecosystem Partnerships, Yulu, said, “Enabling people to navigate cities safely and securely is a vital part of Yulu’s mission. Therefore, we work closely with all relevant stakeholders — from delivery brands to gig workers and transport officials — to sensitise communities to the importance of responsible and safe riding.”

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Vega Auto has launched a nationwide public safety initiative, ‘Pehnoge to Bachoge’, to address the practice of two-wheeler users carrying helmets rather than wearing them. The campaign aims to shift consumer behaviour from owning helmets to avoid traffic fines to using them for protection on every journey.

India records over 400,000 road fatalities annually, with data showing that more than 55,000 two-wheeler riders die because helmets were not worn at the time of an accident. The campaign features a 60-second film set in Mumbai traffic, depicting everyday scenarios where riders treat helmets as accessories. The narrative ends with a crash to highlight that carrying a helmet provides no safety benefit.

The initiative uses the hashtag #WearItDontCarryIt and focuses on the gap between helmet sales and actual usage.

Vega Auto is calling on influencers, policymakers and citizens to promote helmet wearing as a non-negotiable habit. The campaign identifies a trend where helmets are frequently carried on arms, handlebars, or used as footrests while the rider's head remains unprotected.

Dilip Chandak, Chairman, Vega Auto, said, “Every year we sell lakhs of world-class helmets, yet we see the same heartbreaking sight on our roads where helmets dangle from handlebars, arms, or are used as footrests while heads remain unprotected. At Vega Auto, we celebrate when someone chooses Vega, but our job isn’t done until that helmet is worn on every journey. The statistics are heartbreaking because the solution already exists in millions of homes. Pehnoge toh Bachoge is our commitment to shift the nation from helmet ownership to helmet usage, from evading fines to embracing life. Let’s turn every helmet into the protection it was designed to be.”

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Classic Legends, one of the leading mid-sized motorcycle manufacturers, has been granted a patent for an adjustable visor and speedometer system. The patent, initially featured on the 2025 Yezdi Adventure, is valid for 20 years from 21 March 2023. This mechanical innovation allows riders to modify the height and position of the interface to suit their stature and comfort during road or off-road use.

The company has developed a portfolio of intellectual property, including a previous patent for an Airfilter Multifrequency Resonator used in its 650cc models, such as the BSA Gold Star. Unlike standard resonators that target a single frequency, this technology dampens air-filter noise across the engine's entire revolution range. Classic Legends also introduced the Alpha 2 liquid-cooled 334cc engine, which focuses on thermal efficiency and performance within the mid-capacity segment.

The OEM’s approach focuses on ergonomics and mechanical function. On the 2025 Yezdi Adventure, a centrally routed exhaust is used to manage heat and improve comfort, while twin headlamps are employed for illumination width. For the 2025 Yezdi Roadster, design decisions regarding chassis geometry and mounting strategies allow for adjustable seating and specific riding triangles.

Susheel Sinha, Head – R&D, Classic Legends, said, “This patent may solve a specific rider-interface problem, but it represents how we think about motorcycles. At Classic Legends, performance engineering is not about feature accumulation. It has to bring mechanical clarity and durability to how a motorcycle feels over years of use. It is the same with design decisions that start with the rider and the road. The recognition is fresh encouragement for us to keep building rider-centric motorcycles with a strong engineering foundation.”

Classic Legends continues to invest in in-house R&D and engineering talent, resulting in two granted patents and two pending filings. The company manufactures the 650cc engine for the BSA Gold Star, which is among the largest single-cylinder engines in production in India. Its product range has previously introduced technologies to the mid-sized category including six-speed gearboxes, traction control, and assist and slipper clutches.

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