India Yamaha Motor (IYM) has announced the appointment of Itaru Otani as the new Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group. He succeeds Eishin Chihana who had assumed the position in December 2021.

The company states that Otani brings over three decades of experience with Yamaha Motor Company, having held key leadership roles across global markets, including Australia, Brazil, and Japan.

With expertise spanning sales, marketing, and corporate strategy, he has consistently focused on motorcycle business operations, strengthening Yamaha’s position worldwide. Prior to this role, Otani served as Chief General Manager, leading the Land Mobility Business Operations based out of Japan.               

Itaru Otani said, “It’s a privilege to lead Yamaha in a country as vibrant and full of potential as India. The aspirations of Indian consumers are evolving rapidly, and we see incredible opportunities to bring in products that blend Yamaha’s global expertise with the unique needs and desires of Indian riders. Our focus will be on promoting exciting, stylish and sporty two-wheelers that not only align with the market’s expectations but also set new benchmarks in design, quality, and innovation. I am looking forward to further strengthen Yamaha in India under ‘The Call of the Blue’ brand campaign and drive forward our long-term vision by unlocking new avenues of growth in one of the world’s most dynamic two-wheeler markets.”

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Gaurav Gupta, the President of TVS Motor's two-wheeler business in India, has been chosen as the Vice President of the International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA). He will represent the Indian automobile industry's association, SIAM, in this global role. IMMA is based in Geneva and acts as the worldwide voice for companies that make motorcycles, scooters and three-wheelers. Its members include industry associations from major markets like India, Europe, Japan, United States and several countries in Southeast Asia.

The core goal of IMMA is to support motorcycling that is safe, environmentally sustainable and economically practical. To achieve this, the organisation works directly with international regulators. For almost 70 years, IMMA has been actively involved with the United Nations committees that create global vehicle safety and design rules. It also partners with other important groups like the International Transport Forum and the OECD to improve traffic safety data and analysis.

A key part of IMMA's mission is protecting riders. In 2013, it joined the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration to work more closely with the World Health Organization. This partnership specifically aims to reduce accidents and enhance safety for the billions of people worldwide who use powered two- and three-wheelers for transportation.

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Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson have jointly introduced the all-new Harley-Davidson H-D X440 T as the latest addition to their co-developed premium motorcycle lineup. The launch marks a significant expansion of the partnership, introducing a new model that delivers performance, agility, and design, while offering the latest modern riding aids.

The H-D X440 T starts at INR  279,500 (ex-showroom). It debuts with several new features, such as the introduction of Ride by Wire with Switchable Traction Control and Switchable ABS (rear only). New Ride Modes (Road and Rain). A redesigned rear sub-frame with a tail section and grab handles for better pillion ergonomics. Panic Braking Alert, where all indicators signal emergency braking by blinking four times faster than the standard rate when deceleration is higher than 2.4 m/s2.

Bookings for the H-D X440 T open on 7th December 2025 across the Harley-Davidson and Hero Premia dealer network in India.

Alongside the X440 T, the partners also unveiled the top-of-the-line Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) motorcycles in India, introducing the CVO Street Glide and the CVO Road Glide.

The partners stated that the launch of the original Harley-Davidson X440 in July 2023 was a success for the brand, broadening access to the Harley-Davidson community in India.

Building on the momentum of the Harley-Davidson X440, Harley-Davidson India announced actor Ahaan Panday as its new Brand Ambassador. Panday will lead upcoming campaigns, product showcases and rider community initiatives.

Kolja Rebstock, Senior Vice-President - International Markets, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, said, “The success of the H-D X440 established a strong foundation for our brand’s evolution in India, and the H-D X440 T represents the next strategic step in bringing advanced technology and a dynamic, sport-oriented appeal to a new generation of riders. At the same time, the introduction of our CVO™ flagship models underscores our commitment to delivering the full Harley-Davidson experience across the entire premium motorcycling spectrum from accessible entry points to the pinnacle of Grand American Touring.”

Ravi Avalur, Head, Harley-Davidson Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The expansion of the X440 platform with the new model marks a significant milestone in deepening our partnership with Harley-Davidson and reinforces Hero MotoCorp’s strategic focus on the premium motorcycle segment. With advanced rider technologies and contemporary styling, the H-D X440 T strengthens our position in a category central to our long-term growth agenda. Our collaboration continues to deliver aspirational, high-quality products that align with the evolving preferences of modern Indian riders. The introduction of Ahaan Panday as our brand ambassador further complements this strategy, enhancing our appeal to a new generation and reflecting Hero MotoCorp’s vision to lead India’s premium motorcycling landscape.”

The pricing for the expanded H-D X440 line-up and the CVO models is as follows:

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  - Ankit Kuamar December 07, 2025 12:18 PM

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TVS Motor Company (TVSM) announced initiatives focusing on technology, safety and rider training on Day 2 of its flagship TVS MotoSoul 5.0 motorcycling festival. The company showcased the Aegis Rider Vision AR HUD Helmet, announced a partnership between TVS Racing and MT Helmets, and launched the TVS Racing Offroad Training Academy.

The Aegis Rider Vision Helmet uses advanced Augmented Reality (AR) Head-Up Display (HUD) technology for rider safety. It employs spatial anchoring to project essential information, such as navigation cues, speed, safety alerts, and notifications, directly into the rider’s line of sight, ensuring uninterrupted focus on the road.

The helmet features a binocular µOLED projection system, an integrated action camera, wireless connectivity, adaptive brightness and a 7,000 mAh battery. It pairs with TVS motorcycles via a companion app for customised display information. Developed with Nexx Helmets, its carbon fibre shell meets standards including ECE 22.06 and CE certification.

TVS Racing has formed a partnership with MT Helmets, a premium helmet manufacturer, to introduce helmets engineered for superior aerodynamics, comfort, and global-standard safety, starting at INR 5,999. The collaboration merges TVS Racing’s performance ethos with MT’s protection science.

As part of its ‘Ride for Change’ initiative, TVS Motor Company also organised a children’s helmet distribution drive in Vagator, distributing 100 helmets to students to encourage early awareness of road safety.

TVS Motor Co also launched the TVS Racing ‘Offroad’ Training Academy, a specialised platform designed to help riders develop foundational off-road and adventure riding skills. Led by TVS Racing champions and international instructors, the academy focuses on Level 1 skill building, covering bike handling, terrain navigation, body control, balance, and obstacle riding for riders with limited off-road experience.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, "MotoSoul has always been a reflection of creating a platform for the future of motorcycling. Day 1 celebrated design, individuality and creative expression, while Day 2 strengthened our focus on innovation, advanced technology and rider experiences. Together, they represent the culture we want to build, one that is progressive, responsible and deeply connected to its community. As we look ahead, our aim is to expand this platform further, bringing even more innovation, collaboration and rider-centric experiences to MotoSoul next year."

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Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has introduced a new variant for Pulsar N160 motorcycle at INR 123,983 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The new variant comes with gold USD forks, a single-seat configuration and is available in four new colour options – Pearl Metallic White, Racing Red, Polar Sky Blue and Black.

The company stated that it found that when the Pulsar N160 was first launched with a split seat, it was well received by customers, but later on their research showed that there was demand for a single seat configuration too.

Sarang Kanade, President, MCBU, Bajaj Auto, said, “The new Pulsar N160 with gold USD forks and a single seat has been developed from customer insights and our commitment to the evolving needs of the industry. This upgrade delivers enhanced comfort, with a premium stance while staying the N series represents – power, precision, control, along with an unmatched riding experience. We hope to induct a generation of Pulsarmaniacs with the new Pulsar N160, and introduce them to the world of the Definitely Daring”

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