Royal Enfield Concludes ArtOfMotorcycling Second Edition

Karl Haider to Step Down as Chairman of the Semperit Executive Board in 2025

Royal Enfield has concluded the second edition of its designing platform – ArtofMotorcycling. The creative platform was launched in 2020 to fuel creativity amongst the artists, creators and motorcycling enthusiasts by bringing out their love for motorcycling, the company said in a release. There was a 50 per cent jump in registrations at 15K this year, compared with the registrations last year. The jury members were leading fashion designers Shantanu and Nikhil, celebrated Illustrator Vimal Chandran and ace photographer Bobby Joshi and Royal Enfield’s community.  

This year’s top three winners were Harsh Namdeo (Bina, Madhya Pradesh), Ekant Singh (Noida) and Gautam Gajbar (Mumbai). They won an opportunity to co-create a capsule range with Royal Enfield. The next three winners -- Prashant Singh (New Delhi), Abhirath NC (Kerala) and Prathamesh Rumaji Shedge (Mumbai) -- bagged an opportunity to intern with Royal Enfield design teams. Abhirath and Prathamesh also won the rider’s choice award, chosen through a poll conducted on the brand’s Instagram page, Royal Enfield. The contest ended in a tie between the two, with Royal Enfield announcing two winners.  

Puneet Sood, National Business Head, North and West India, Nepal, Bhutan & Global Head, Apparel Business, said, “As a brand, Royal Enfield has always stood for self-expression. Our motorcycles have been the perfect canvas for customisation. The genesis of #ArtOfMotorcycling was to celebrate the ethos of exploration and motorcycling through the lens of art.
Like the first season we have received an awe-inspiring response to this season as well, with more than 15k registrations. We are very excited to note that 8 out of every 10 participants were non-Royal Enfield owners and majority participation came from small towns. The platform through the medium of art and motorcycling has indeed resulted in bringing together diverse communities, cutting across barriers like age, profession and geography.” 

Royal Enfield conceptualised this campaign to provide creators a platform to express their love for motorcycling through creative illustrations, the release said. This year’s winners will also get access to learning and collaboration opportunities at Royal Enfield in addition to having their designs featured on Royal Enfield merchandise.  

Designers Shantanu Mehra and Nikhil Mehra said, “As designers ourselves, we admire when art takes various forms of expressions. It’s inspiring to see such an overwhelming response from creative minds all over the world. We feel so honoured to be part of Art of Motorcycling with Royal Enfield and being on this immersive experience together. The way the participants have immersed their creative expression to put together their love for motorcycling is beyond impressive.” 

Bobby Joshi, founder, mentor and photographer, GoodShotz Photography Pvt. Ltd, said, “Art of Motorcycling Season 2 was a truly unique initiative and experience for me. I’m a photographer by trade and I always get a good kick out of going through visual art. The entries were not only exceptional in terms of quality, creativity, and craft but were also extremely inspiring and stimulating. I definitely had a memorable experience and journey as a jury.” 

Illustrator Vimal Chandran said, “It was an amazing experience being a part of Art of Motorcycling Season 2. As a visual artist myself, I love to see initiatives like these that promote artists of all kinds. To be a part of the initiative was a cherry on top, and I thoroughly enjoyed going through the entries.” (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.