Royal Enfield, Alpinestars Introduce Riding Apparel Collection

BorgWarner to Grow Electric Vehicle Revenue to 45 Percent

Royal Enfield and celebrated Italian riding gear brand, Alpinestars, have collaborated to create a riding apparel collection. The company said in a statement that both Royal Enfield and Alpinestars have a rich legacy in the world of motorcycling and this collaboration symbolises an amalgamation of authenticity and safety. 

Founded in 1963 in Asolo, Italy, Alpinestars is now a world-leading manufacturer of professional racing products, motorcycling airbag protection, high-performance apparel, gear and technical footwear, the release said. The brand is trusted and worn by many world racing athletes from Formula 1, NASCAR, AMA and World Motocross and MotoGP.  

The company said that the partnership aims to provide Indian riders with the essential tools needed to make the best of their adventures. 

B. Govindarajan, Executive Director, Royal Enfield said, “For riding enthusiasts, their riding apparel and gear is a very personal means for self-expression, on and off the saddle. Keeping this in mind, at Royal Enfield, we keep updating our range of apparel and attempt to bring an enviable collection through collaborations with the best global brands, for our riders. We are super-thrilled to collaborate with Alpinestars, an iconic brand that has elevated safe and stylish riding experience for motorcyclists around the world. Both Royal Enfield and Alpinestars brands are known for creating world-class riding apparel, footwear and gloves with focus on rider safety, and this collaboration aims to take that a notch higher. Royal Enfield is committed to bringing technology developments with best-in-class quality and this association is an effort to make high-quality gear accessible to all via Royal Enfield's strong presence across markets.” 

The collection includes armour-infused riding jackets, gloves and riding trousers that meet global safety norms of safety, performance and comfort, the release said. All the riding jackets and riding trousers under this range are CE Certified with Class A protection under Personal Protective Equipment regulations and come with Alpinestars Nucleon flex pro CE level 2 armour. Additionally, the products also come with Alpinestars' patented Drystar technology. The Drystar membrane makes the gear waterproof, yet breathable and allows riders to endure all-weather conditions while keeping the rider dry and comfortable. The range also includes three gloves, all of which are CE certified to level 1 EN13594:2015, KP and have been developed with best-in-class features such as knuckle protection, palm protection, padding, cuff adjusters, screen-friendly fingertips, accordion stretch panels, and constructed with high-quality abrasion resistance goat nappa leather, Polyester Air mesh and Drystar waterproof membrane among others. 

The company said the collection would be available in India across Royal Enfield stores, Amazon and Royal Enfield’s official website (store.royalenfield.com) with a price range of INR 5,200 to INR 18,900. 

The all-season jacket is engineered to deliver optimal protection and weather performance for ideal comfort. It comes with Alpinestar Nucleon flex pro CE Level 2 armour and the entire jacket is CE certified to “Class A”. It has a modular construction and the most advanced materials technologies available and can accommodate the Tech-Air 5 Airbag System. It will be available in Black and Khaki colours. The jacket is priced at INR 17,500, the release said. 

The casually-styled Solano 2 layer riding jacket is available in black colour. It also comes with CE certified to “Class A” and Alpinestar Nucleon flex pro CE Level 2 armour protection. The Jacket is completely waterproof and comes with a detachable sleeveless thermal winter liner and is equipped with eight pockets for real-world practicality, The jacket is priced at INR 18,900. 

The gloves are light, aggressively styled and highly durable summer-friendly gloves constructed from a mix of air mesh and perforated leather. It comes with CE Level 1 certification and features such as a touch screen compatible index fingertip for use with smartphones and GPS systems. The gloves are priced at INR 5200. 

Appropriate for both the road and the racetrack, SYNCRO Dryster gloves are made with DRYSTAR membrane technology for 100 per cent waterproof and breathable all-weather performance. The gloves incorporate a host of safety features such as a Viscoelastic knuckle protection system for effective impact protection, padded palm, ergonomic stretch accordions on fingers for superior fit and flexibility for touch screen compatible fingertips. The gloves are priced at INR 6,900. 

The Gareth Leather Glove features a goat Nappa leather construction to ensure high levels of abrasion resistance and a more comfortable experience. These gloves are designed with a slim wrist to make sure that the gloves sit better within the sleeves of a jacket. In addition, it's a waterproof glove incorporating Alpinestars Drystar 100 per cent waterproof and breathable membrane. Gloves are fully CE certified motorcycling with CE Level 1 and come with PVC covered knuckles for enhanced protection against impacts and a touchscreen compatible index finger. The Gloves are available in black and olive colour, priced at INR 5,200. 

Gravity drystar riding trousers come with an optimised fit for high performance. Its exclusive drystar construction ensures 100 per cent waterproofing and is adaptable to all weather conditions with great levels of breathability. The customised range with Alpinestars takes inspiration from Royal Enfield’s endeavour to be the rider’s alley in their quest for exploration. With purpose-built protective gear, and laid-back, vibrant lifestyle apparel; a showcase of rich expressions building relevance around the motorcycling way of life. The riding trousers are priced at INR 14,500, the release added. (MT)

Ather Energy Targets To Double Experience Centres To 700 Touchpoints

Ather Energy

Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ather Energy has announced its ambitious plans to double its retail network to 700 experience centres by FY2026.

For context, Ather Energy currently operates 351 experience centres in India and 24 centres in Nepal and Sri Lanka. Furthermore, 46 percent of the retail touchpoints are in South India alone. The expansion is part of the EV maker’s strategy to provide first-hand experience of the product, quality and peace of mind to customers.

The company with the recent launch of Rizta e-scooter targeted for families, is now looking to scale up its presence across the country, including tripling its store count in north markets. The Rizta, Ather’s first family scooter had recently crossed 100,000 units retail sales milestone within a year of its launch. The e-scooter has become popular in key states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Rizta alone now contributes to nearly 60 percent of Ather’s total sales, unlocking new cities and bringing in a wider base of family buyers, setting the stage for a much stronger retail presence in the coming months.

Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, “Rizta’s phenomenal success has opened up new markets and brought a much larger set of family buyers into the Ather ecosystem. We’re seeing demand coming in from cities where our footprint was previously limited, and that gives us the confidence to scale faster. Expanding to 700 Experience Centres is about staying ahead of this demand curve and ensuring that wherever our customers are, they have easy access to the full Ather experience.”

At present, the company operates over 3,578 fast-charging points across India through the Ather Grid. The EV maker is also expanding its service footprint along with the expansion of its retail network across India, including Gold Service Centres in key cities.

Ather Energy currently has two manufacturing plants in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, one each for vehicle assembly and battery manufacturing and an upcoming third manufacturing facility in Bidkin, AURIC, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, which will scale up its manufacturing capacity to 1.42 million electric two-wheeler per annum.

Triumph Speed T4 Gets New Baja Orange Colour Scheme

Triumph Speed T4

Triumph Motorcycles India has launched a brand-new colour ‘Baja Orange’ for its best-selling Speed T4 motorcycle, which it said is inspired by the glow of desert dawns and the vibrancy of golden hour rides.

The Baja Orange Speed T4 400cc will be available at INR 205,000 (ex-showroom) and will continue to be powered by 400cc engine producing 31 PS @ 7,000 rpm and 36 Nm @ 5,000 rpm. Mechanically, it remains unchanged and continues to have a low-end torque in the range of 3,500 – 5,500 rpm. It features a slipper clutch for easy downshift, dual-channel ABS and 43 mm telescopic forks.

The Speed T4 sports a 3D badge, new frame colour and tyre stripe pattern.

The British motorcycle brand is experiencing significant momentum, posting an impressive 30 percent YoY growth from FY2024 to FY2025 for the Speed T4.

TVS Launches 2025 Apache RTR 200 4V With Racing-Inspired Upgrades

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

TVS Motor Company has launched the 2025 Apache RTR 200 4V, marking two decades of the brand’s racing legacy and celebrating a 6 million-strong global community of riders.

The new Apache RTR 200 4V features key mechanical and aesthetic upgrades, including OBD2B compliance, a 37mm Upside Down (USD) front suspension for improved control and a hydroformed handlebar that enhances handling stability. The motorcycle also sports refreshed graphics and bold red alloy wheels, offered in three colour options – Glossy Black, Matte Black, and Granite Grey.

Under the hood, the bike continues to deliver 20.8 PS at 9,000 rpm and 17.25 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. It’s equipped with dual-channel ABS, three ride modes (Urban, Sport, and Rain), a slipper clutch, adjustable brake and clutch levers, TVS SmartXonnect with Bluetooth and voice assist and a fully digital display with LED headlamps and DRLs.

First launched in 2016, the Apache RTR 200 4V has consistently introduced segment-first innovations, setting benchmarks in performance and safety.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “The upgraded 2025 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V continues this legacy – pushing the limits of design and engineering to offer next-generation riders a thrilling, track-bred experience on every ride.”

The 2025 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is now available at dealerships across India, with prices starting at INR 153,990 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Suzuki 2025 GSX-8R Motorcycle Is Now OBD-2B Compliant

Suzuki GSX-8R

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has introduced the OBD-2B compliant 2025 Suzuki GSX-8R motorcycle at INR 925,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The motorcycle continues to be powered by a 776cc parallel twin DOHC 4-valve-per-cylinder engine paired with a 270-degree crankshaft. It gets Suzuki’s patented Cross Balancer, which reduces vibration during the ride.

It also gets Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), the Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS), Ride-by-wire Electronic Throttle System, Bi-directional Quick Shift System, Suzuki Easy Start System and Low RPM Assist. The Suzuki GSX-8R is equipped with a six-speed transmission and Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS).

Deepak Mutreja, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “The OBD-2B update on the GSX-8R enhances its performance with improved emission monitoring, keeping it aligned with the latest regulatory requirements. This ensures that customers continue to enjoy a refined and responsive riding experience that also meets evolving environmental standards.”

It comes equipped with Hitachi Astemo (SHOWA) SFF-BP inverted front forks, paired with a Hitachi Astemo (SHOWA) link-type mono-shock rear suspension with preload adjuster. For braking, the motorcycle gets dual four-piston radial-mount front brake callipers with 310 mm outer diameter dual discs. It rides on lightweight cast aluminium wheels with Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tyres.