The cruisers from the company began with Citybike in 1990 followed by Lightning in 1997 and then Thunderbird in 2002. Since then the Thunderbird has received multiple upgrades before being discontinued in March 2020.

The Lightning started the cruiser segment in the country, and the Thunderbird took it forward. But now the Meteor is all ready to become the torchbearer for the cruiser segment in India taking reins from the Thunderbird.

The Meteor name is borrowed from an iconic Royal Enfield motorcycle launched back in the 1950s. The old Meteor was a magnificent touring motorcycle with a reputation that has stood the test of time. The new Meteor 350 carries Royal Enfield’s signature styling but with many firsts and is set to be an equally great machine for our times.

Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director of Eicher Motors Ltd, said, “The Meteor 350 is a supremely refined, easy and accessible cruiser in a charming combination of classic cruiser styling with modern capability. The excellent ergonomics, motorcycle’s poise, its agile handling and up-rated braking, resulting in an unmatched ride experience make it an easy choice for both experienced and new riders”.

The new 350cc engine in the Meteor is built from scratch by the Royal Enfield engineers and designers at their state-of-the-art technical centres in Chennai, India and Bruntingthorpe, United Kingdom. The 349cc air-oil- cooled motor generates 20.2 bhp and 27nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The new engine allows the inclusion of a balancer shaft for permitting a smooth and well-mannered ride experience. The throttle response of the electronic fuel injection has been optimised for dependable starting and effortless, linear acceleration while still maintaining the Royal Enfield’ thump.’ The quality of refinement - mechanical, fittings and finish - has been raised to a new level to give a premium and modern motorcycle satisfaction, while retaining the all- important Royal Enfield DNA. The 5-speed gearbox on the new bike gets an overdrive gear that helps with stress-free driving and economical highway cruising and a 7-plate clutch for easy gear changes in built-up traffic.

The new motorcycle gets twin downtube spline frame construction that is designed to inspire confidence in the twisties, be rock-solid on the highway and easily manoeuvrable on busy city streets. The low seat height and centre of gravity in combination with its inherent strength and rigidity results in the optimal motorcycle for the urban rider who seeks adventure on long getaways. The 41mm forks upfront with 130mm of travel and twin-tube emulsion shock absorbers with 6-step preload adjustment at the rear make the bike handle better and improve ride quality. For authentic cruiser experience, the footpegs are forward-mounted, with a heel and toe gearshift.

The Meteor 350 gets a new TBT (Turn-By-Turn) navigation pod known as the Royal Enfield tripper. It is a highly focused navigation display device for real-time directions, built with Google Maps Platform. Meteor 350 becomes the first Indian bike to use Google Maps’ two-wheeler navigation feature to display the best route to reach your destination. Paired via the Royal Enfield App to the rider’s smartphone, the Tripper clearly and efficiently gives the required level of information whilst remaining discreet and unintrusive.

Alongside the Meteor 350’s launch, the company also announced Royal Enfield’s Make It Yours-MiY-initiative. An inventive and unique motorcycle personalisation tool, MiY allows Meteor 350 owners to tap into thousands of possible combinations when they order their motorcycle via the Royal Enfield App, on the website or at a dealership.

The Meteor 350 is available in three editions, the Fireball, the Stellar and the Supernova. The Fireball edition is available in vibrant red or yellow single colour fuel tank, matching wheel rim lining and features blacked-out cycle parts and engine, which are finished in machined fins. The Stellar edition is available in contemporary red, blue or matt black tanks and matching body components. It also comes with chrome handlebars, an exhaust and a comfortable backrest for the pillion. The top-of-the-line Supernova comes n dual-tone blue or brown with matching body parts and features detailed machined wheels, a choice of premium seats and a windscreen.

Standard equipment includes alloy wheels and tubeless tyres giving riders convenience and peace of mind, especially on long journeys. A 100/90 R19 tyres are used at the front, and 140/70 R17’s at the rear to add to the cruiser appearance. Braking is taken care by a 300mm disk at the front and a 270mm at the rear with dual-channel ABS. All variants also get a new instrument cluster which combines the timeless elegance of a ‘dancing needle’ analogue speedometer with the functionality of an LCD for essentials such as gear indicator, fuel gauge, clock and trip meter. Besides, a USB port is discreetly mounted below the handlebar to enable charging on the go. The bike also gets the clean, contemporary look of LEDs with the efficiency and timeless appeal of a well-sorted Halogen headlamp for both the head and taillight. Handlebar controls and switchgear quality feel premium with rotary power and lighting switches giving a gentle nod to the past. The bike is available in seven standard colourways under three edition, and MiY allows an additional eight colourway option.

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 sets a new benchmark for cruisers. It is built from the ground up for those who not only need a unique motorcycle for city riding but also long for a thoroughbred mount that allows them to head out on the highway and escape the pressures of daily life. The Meteor 350 will be available at a starting price of INR 1,75,817 for the Fireball, INR 1,81,326 for the Stellar, and at INR. 1,90,536 for the Supernova editions. (all ex-showroom Chennai prices) MT

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has recorded its highest YoY dispatch performance for February, with 558,216 units sold. This represents a 44 percent increase compared to the 388,068 units dispatched during the same month in 2025.

The company also reported an 18 percent increase in VAHAN registrations, totalling 458,346 units for the month.

Hero MotoCorp attributed the growth to the 100cc–125cc motorcycle segment and the scooter category, specifically the Xoom and Destini models.

VIDA, the electric mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, recorded a threefold increase in market share compared to February 2025. Registrations for VIDA reached 12,514 units, reflecting a shift in consumer adoption of electric vehicles in the company's markets.

The international business division saw dispatches rise from 30,772 units to 41,248 units. This double-digit growth in global markets was attributed to demand for the company’s portfolio of premium motorcycles.

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TVS Motor Company (TVSM), one of the leading two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturers, has recorded monthly sales of 529,308 units for February 2026, up 31 percent YoY, as compared to the 403,976 units sold last year.

The company’s international business achieved its highest sales to date, with total exports reaching 158,000 units during the month.

Total two-wheeler sales rose by 30 percent, increasing from 391,889 units in the previous year to 507,862 units. Within this segment, domestic sales grew by 32 percent, reaching 365,471 units.

In February 2026, the company sold 241,282 motorcycles, up 25 percent YoY, 219,895 scooters, up 34 percent YoY, while three-wheeler sales grew by 77 percent YoY to 21,446 units.

The electric vehicle (EV) segment recorded a 60 percent growth rate, with sales rising from 24,017 units in February 2025 to 38,386 units in February 2026.

Total exports for the company registered a 27 percent increase, moving from 124,993 units to 158,268 units. Two-wheeler exports specifically saw a 23 percent rise, reaching 142,391 units.

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Hero MotoCorp, in collaboration with the Haryana Police and the Raahgiri Foundation, organised a women’s night rally titled #SheRidesForSafety. The event featured 150 women riders who completed a 9-kilometre route through the streets of Gurugram during late evening hours to promote road safety and inclusivity.

The rally was flagged off by Dr Arpit Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dr Rajesh Mohan, Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Police and Sanjay Bhan, Vice-President at Hero MotoCorp. During the event, fourteen women traffic police officers were honoured for their contributions to safe mobility.

The rally is a component of ‘Ride Safe India’, a three-month campaign launched in January 2026. The programme is based on the 4Es of road safety – Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Care – as defined by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH).

The campaign includes training sessions, awareness drives and school activations designed to establish safe riding as a social responsibility. By focusing on women at the centre of the narrative, the initiative aims to address safety and behavioural change across urban communities.

Latika Taneja, Head of Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs & CSR, Hero MotoCorp, said, “As the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, with millions riding Hero MotoCorp’s vehicles every day, road safety is not simply a priority, it is a responsibility that defines us. Through our Ride Safe India campaign, we are working to shape a culture of safety by driving sustained behaviour change across communities. Today’s women’s rally reaffirms our belief that safe mobility is fundamental to true empowerment because when women move freely and safely, societies move forward with them.”

Dr Arpit Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Headquarters, Gurugram Police, stated, “Initiatives like the Ride Safe India go far beyond road safety awareness, they send a decisive message that our roads belong to every citizen, at every hour. We are proud to stand alongside Hero MotoCorp in creating a safer, more inclusive public space. As a department, we remain committed to partnering with organizations that translate intent into visible, on-ground impact.”

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Japanese two-wheeler maker Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) has inaugurated Himalayan Suzuki in Gangtok, marking the company’s first retail entry into the state of Sikkim. With this opening, the subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation now maintains a presence across every state in India.

The facility, located at Lower Sichey, operates as a ‘3S’ outlet, providing sales, service and spare parts. The expansion into the North-East is intended to address demand for vehicles capable of operating in terrain characterised by inclines and varied road conditions.

Himalayan Suzuki retails the company’s full domestic portfolio. The service wing is equipped with tools for maintenance and is staffed by professionals trained to manage the manufacturer's technical requirements.

The company’s product portfolio includes Access, Avenis, Burgman Street, and the electric e-ACCESS scooters. The GIXXER, GIXXER SF, GIXXER 250, GIXXER SF 250 and the V-STROM SX in the motorcycle segment.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “Sikkim is an important market for us in the North-East. The state’s unique terrain calls for two-wheelers that offer consistent performance and reliability across inclines and varied road conditions. Suzuki’s portfolio has been well accepted in such environments. With the inauguration of Himalayan Suzuki in Gangtok, customers will now have easier access to our complete range of scooters & motorcycles and after-sales support. We sincerely thank our dealer partner, Himalayan Suzuki, for their collaboration in making this possible. With this addition, SMIPL is now present across all states of India.”

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