Piaggio, Honda, KTM and Yamaha Sign Agreement For Promotion Of Swappable Batteries
- By MT Bureau
- September 07, 2021

Piaggio, Honda, KTM and Yamaha have officially signed an agreement for the creation of the Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC). The multinational two-wheeler brands had initially signed a letter of intent on the first of March.
The consortium aims to achieve widespread promotion of the use of light electric vehicles (mopeds, scooters, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles) in the transport sector. The founding members believe that the availability of commonly developed swappable battery solutions can bring about sustainable life-cycle management of batteries. They find it key to the development of low-voltage electro mobility.
The underlying aim of the consortium is to find solutions to the concerns customers may have regarding the future of electromobility, such as range, charging time and infrastructure, and costs. This will be achieved in accordance with four primary goals that involve the development and expansion of battery technology.
Michele Colaninno, Chief of Strategy and Product, Piaggio Group, said, “Urban mobility is going through a delicate moment of transition towards electrification. Thanks to our Consortium, representing four major global players, motorbikes will continue to play a key role in the urban context. Swappable batteries give the right answer to speed up the recharging time of vehicles, offering an additional valuable choice for users. Urban mobility is part of the Piaggio DNA and history. Our aim is to bring all our technological know-how and attitude for innovation to the Consortium.”
Yoshishige Nomura, Chief Officer, Motorcycle Operations, Honda, said, “Honda believes that the widespread adoption of electric motorcycles can play an important part in realising a more sustainable society. In the Consortium we have created, the founding members from the motorcycle industry and other stakeholders will work together towards standardising swappable batteries, their charging systems and surrounding infrastructure to create the environment for their use. Our final goal is to ensure that motorcycles will continue to be chosen as a useful method of transportation in future mobility.”
Stefan Pierer, CEO, PIERER Mobility AG, said, “Together with our partners, we will work to deliver a swappable battery system for low-voltage vehicles (48V) up to 11 kW capacity, based on international technical standards. We very much look forward to ensuring that electric-powered two-wheeler vehicles maintain their role in the future of urban and non-urban mobility.”
Takuya Kinoshita, Senior Executive Officer, Chief General Manager of Land Mobility Business Operations, Yamaha, said, “The Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium in Europe is finally ready to get to work. I hope that this first step forward will be a beacon that draws like-minded parties to our mission and leads to transformative changes for the future. We at Yamaha Motor are confident that through this initiative, we can help unify the differing technical specs and standards and contribute to maximising the merits of electric power for customers around the world.”(MT)
Hero MotoCorp Partners Pelpi International For Italy Market
- By MT Bureau
- October 13, 2025

Hero MotoCorp, a leading two-wheeler manufacturer globally, has announced its official entry into the Republic of Italy. This expansion marks the company’s entry into its 49th international market.
Product distribution will be managed by Pelpi International, a large distributor that offers sales, service, and parts through a network of over 160 dealers. Initial distribution will focus on key cities with 36 dealers, with plans to expand to 54 touchpoints.
The three models available at launch are the Xpulse 200 4V, Xpulse 200 4V Pro and Hunk 440. Both models comply with E5+ and EU standards.
Hunk 440: This model enters the L3e−A2 performance category. Its engine delivers torque of 36.0 Nm at 4000 rpm and power of 27 BHP at 6000 rpm. It features dual-channel ABS with 320 mm front and 240 mm rear discs, USD Cartridge Forks by KYB, a full-digital TFT display and navigation. The Hunk 440 starts at EUR 3,990 (Incl. VAT) and is available in Twilight Blue and Phantom Black.
Xpulse 200 Family: The Xpulse 200 4V Pro has a 4-Valve head that produces 18.9 BHP and 17.35 Nm torque. It includes three ABS Modes (Road, Off-road, and Rally). It is equipped with a digital speedometer, inverted LCD Display, navigation, and LED Projector headlamps. The Xpulse 200 4V starts at EUR 2,990, and the Xpulse 200 4V Pro at EUR 3,190.
Hero MotoCorp will offer a standard 3-year warranty and an additional 2-year warranty as a launch offer, extending the total warranty to 5 years.
Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice-President, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Entering Italy, the very heartland of two-wheeler culture, marks a defining milestone in Hero MotoCorp’s global expansion journey. We aim to redefine ‘The Future of Mobility’ at a global scale with next-gen smart mobility solutions that cater to diverse riding preferences. With products that reflect both the Explorer and Liberator spirit, we are inviting Italian riders to experience Limitless Freedom and Limitless Adventure every day. Our success in the Dakar Rally with Hero MotoSports is a testimony of our global engineering excellence and the innovation in products that we are bringing for Italy market."
Cesare Gali, Managing Director, Pelpi International, said, “We are proud to champion Hero MotoCorp’s entry into Italy. Their global scale, product quality, and the unparalleled commitment of a 5-year warranty give us immense confidence. The Hunk 440 and Xpulse 200 fill crucial, highly competitive segments in Italy, offering a unique blend of technology and value that will resonate deeply with Italian consumers.”
Pelpi International will make the brand available with 36 dealerships across key cities.
Royal Enfield Makes Available Entire 350cc Range On Amazon India
- By MT Bureau
- October 09, 2025

Chennai-headquartered mid-size motorcycle major Royal Enfield has further expanded its online presence on e-commerce platform Amazon India. The company is making available its entire range of 350cc motorcycles on the e-commerce platform.
The partnership aims to offer convenience in the purchasing process, in addition to payment options available on the platform. The purchase option is currently open to customers in five cities: Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, New Delhi and Pune.
The range of 350cc models available includes the Classic 350, Bullet 350, Hunter 350, Goan Classic 350 and the new Meteor 350. These will be sold through a dedicated Royal Enfield brand store on Amazon India.
Delivery and aftersales service will be handled by the customer’s chosen Royal Enfield dealership in the city. The brand page also allows customers to buy genuine motorcycle accessories (GMAs), riding gear and merchandise.
Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycles are now available on two e-commerce platforms, reaching ten cities in India. They are sold through Amazon.in in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, New Delhi and Pune, and via Flipkart.com in Bengaluru, Gurugram, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai.
- Aprilia
- Aprilia RSV4 X-GP
- Noale Racing Department
- Catalunya Grand Prix
- Aprilia Racing
- Massimo Rivola
Aprilia's Limited-Edition RSV4 X-GP Sells Out In Record 14 Days
- By MT Bureau
- October 08, 2025

Aprilia Racing has achieved global success with the limited-edition RSV4 X-GP, announcing that all 30 units sold out in just fourteen days following its introduction at the Catalunya Grand Prix.
The company stated that the immediate sell-out confirms the strong international appeal of Aprilia's ‘X’ brand, which the company states is a reference point for exclusivity, innovation and pure performance.
Enthusiasts from markets including Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Malaysia and the United States secured the bikes, with booking requests reportedly exceeding availability during the presentation weekend itself.
The RSV4 X-GP was created by the Noale Racing Department to mark the 10th anniversary of the RS-GP's debut in MotoGP, featuring the official MotoGP Team livery. It is the most powerful RSV4 ever built, boasting 238 HP for a mere 165 kg of weight, creating an ‘unprecedented riding experience.’
The bike introduces several track-focused innovations derived directly from the RS-GP prototype, notably becoming the first factory derivative bike in the world to feature leg and tail wings – aerodynamic solutions previously exclusive to the MotoGP machine. It also includes a structural carbon seat support.
Massimo Rivola, CEO, Aprilia Racing, said, “X confirms its status for Aprilia Racing as an exclusive and niche brand with enormous potential. Aprilia Racing is synonymous with innovation and it fills us with pride to see that, even at a strategic and product level, we have created an iconic brand and a new type of absolutely exclusive bike, conceived specifically for track enthusiasts.”
Suzuki Motorcycle India Intros New Colour Options For Gixxer And Gixxer SF
- By MT Bureau
- October 08, 2025

Suzuki Motorcycle India, the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has introduced new colour line-up for the Suzuki Gixxer SF and Gixxer motorcycles.
The fully faired Suzuki Gixxer SF priced at INR 137,231 (ex-showroom Delhi) gets two new colours - Metallic Oort Gray + Pearl Mira Red and Glass Sparkle Black + Metallic Oort Gray. The company is also providing exchange benefits up to INR 5,000 and extended warranty at INR 1,999 or insurance benefits up to INR 7,000 as part of the festive sales offer.
On the other hand, the Suzuki Gixxer priced at INR 126,421 (ex-showroom Delhi) gets three new colours - Metallic Oort Gray + Pearl Mira Red, Glass Sparkle Black + Metallic Oort Gray and Metallic Triton Blue + Glass Sparkle Black. The company is offering exchange benefits up to INR 5,000 along with an extended warranty at INR 1,999 or alternatively insurance benefits up to INR 6,000.
The Suzuki Gixxer SF and Gixxer are powered by a 155 cc, BS-VI OBD-2 B-compliant single-cylinder engine equipped with Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP), delivering 13.6 PS of power and 13.8 Nm of torque. This engine has a proven track record, having set a national endurance record in the 150cc category.
Both motorcycles feature European-inspired styling, highlighted by a LED headlamp and tail lamp, a sporty dual-muffler and split seats. The motorcycles also get a Bluetooth-enabled multi-function digital console with the Suzuki Ride Connect application. Key safety and performance features include single-channel ABS, wide radial tyres and a 7-step adjustable mono-shock for handling across varied conditions.
Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales and Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “The fresh colours of Gixxer SF and Gixxer underline Suzuki’s commitment to blending style, performance and innovation while catering to the aspirations of young Indian riders. With these enhancements, the motorcycles reflect Suzuki’s engineering and design philosophy, combining sporty character with comfort for both everyday city rides and long-distance touring. Along with attractive purchase benefits and easy ownership options, the updated line-up adds to the festive excitement and strengthens the connect of the GIXXER brand with customers across the country.”
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