Royal Enfield Launches Thoroughbred Cruiser In Meteor 350

Royal Enfield Launches Thoroughbred Cruiser In Meteor 350

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

Classic Legends Secures New Patent For Rider Interface Innovation

Classic Legends - Yezdi Roadster

Classic Legends, one of the leading mid-sized motorcycle manufacturers, has been granted a patent for an adjustable visor and speedometer system. The patent, initially featured on the 2025 Yezdi Adventure, is valid for 20 years from 21 March 2023. This mechanical innovation allows riders to modify the height and position of the interface to suit their stature and comfort during road or off-road use.

The company has developed a portfolio of intellectual property, including a previous patent for an Airfilter Multifrequency Resonator used in its 650cc models, such as the BSA Gold Star. Unlike standard resonators that target a single frequency, this technology dampens air-filter noise across the engine's entire revolution range. Classic Legends also introduced the Alpha 2 liquid-cooled 334cc engine, which focuses on thermal efficiency and performance within the mid-capacity segment.

The OEM’s approach focuses on ergonomics and mechanical function. On the 2025 Yezdi Adventure, a centrally routed exhaust is used to manage heat and improve comfort, while twin headlamps are employed for illumination width. For the 2025 Yezdi Roadster, design decisions regarding chassis geometry and mounting strategies allow for adjustable seating and specific riding triangles.

Susheel Sinha, Head – R&D, Classic Legends, said, “This patent may solve a specific rider-interface problem, but it represents how we think about motorcycles. At Classic Legends, performance engineering is not about feature accumulation. It has to bring mechanical clarity and durability to how a motorcycle feels over years of use. It is the same with design decisions that start with the rider and the road. The recognition is fresh encouragement for us to keep building rider-centric motorcycles with a strong engineering foundation.”

Classic Legends continues to invest in in-house R&D and engineering talent, resulting in two granted patents and two pending filings. The company manufactures the 650cc engine for the BSA Gold Star, which is among the largest single-cylinder engines in production in India. Its product range has previously introduced technologies to the mid-sized category including six-speed gearboxes, traction control, and assist and slipper clutches.

Suzuki Gixxer Range Gets New Colours And Graphics Options

Suzuki Gixxer SF

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) has introduced new colours and refreshed graphics for its Gixxer SF 250 and Gixxer 250 motorcycle range. 

The Gixxer SF 250 is now available in Glass Sparkle Black and Pearl Glacier White/Metallic Mat Platinum Silver No.2, alongside the existing Metallic Triton Blue/Pearl Glacier White. On the other hand, the Gixxer 250 offers three choices: Pearl Glacier White/Metallic Mat Platinum Silver No.2, Metallic Triton Blue/Glass Sparkle Black, and Glass Sparkle Black.

Both motorcycles are powered by a 250cc single-cylinder engine with a Single Overhead Camshaft design, producing 26.5 Ps at 9,300rpm and 22.2 Nm at 7,300rpm. The engine utilises Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology and the Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) to balance acceleration with fuel consumption and maintenance. The bikes feature a chassis designed for stability, LED lighting and a digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity.

The Gixxer SF 250 is priced at INR 189,768 (ex-showroom Delhi), with ownership benefits including insurance savings and warranty benefits valued at up to INR 12,000. The Gixxer 250 is available for INR 181,517 (ex-showroom Delhi), offering similar benefits up to INR 10,000. Finance options are available with interest rates starting from 7.99 percent. Additionally, the GIXXER SF 250 is offered in a flex-fuel variant compliant with E-85 standards.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, "With the latest colour palette and graphics, the GIXXER SF 250 and GIXXER 250 gain a striking visual appeal that enhances their sporty character. These motorcycles seamlessly combine performance and advanced engineering, catering to riders who seek a sporty yet comfortable riding experience".

Suzuki Motorcycle continues to promote the range through its Gixxer Pit Stop initiative across India, which includes test rides, maintenance sessions and exchange opportunities. The Gixxer SF 250 recently set a record by covering 3,259 kilometres in 24 hours. The company operates from its manufacturing plant in Gurugram, which has a production capacity of 1.3 million units per year.

Ducati India

Italian superbike maker Ducati India has revealed its aggressive product roadmap for 2026, confirming the introduction of 10 new and updated motorcycles to the Indian market.

The announcement includes plans to expand the brand's dealer touchpoints to improve accessibility and service for its customer base.

The 2026 portfolio comprises the Desmo450 MX, New Multistrada V4 Rally (2026 Edition), Panigale V4 Lamborghini, Panigale V4 Marquez Replica, Panigale V2 Special Edition MM93, Panigale V2 Special Edition PB63, New Monster V2, Diavel V4 RS and the New Hypermotard V2/V2 SP. These follow the Panigale V4R, which was launched in India on 2 January 2026.

The launch schedule begins in the first quarter of 2026 with the Multistrada V4 Rally, the Panigale V4 Lamborghini, and the Desmo450 MX. The third quarter will see the arrival of the New Monster V2 and the Marc Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia Special Editions of the Panigale V2, followed by the Diavel V4 RS. The final quarter of the year will feature the Hypermotard V2 range in October, concluding with the Panigale V4 Marc Márquez Replica in December.

Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said, “2026 is poised to be another landmark year for Ducati as we continue to push boundaries with a portfolio of new launches that will set fresh benchmarks in the premium motorcycle segment. Our commitment to delivering the most sophisticated, performance-driven motorcycles to Indian customers has never been stronger. We are excited to introduce these exceptional new models, and with the expansion of our dealership network, we look forward to a successful and impactful year for Ducati in India.”

Ducati will open bookings at its dealerships in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Kolkata. Indicative pricing for the upcoming range will be released on the company's website ahead of the specific launch dates.

Suzuki Motorcycle India And Greaves Finance Partner To Launch EV Financing For e-Access

Suzuki Motorcycle India - Greaves Finance

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) has announced a partnership with Greaves Finance, operating under the brand ev.fin, to provide financial solutions for the Suzuki e-Access electric scooter. The collaboration introduces buy-back upgrade assurances and retail finance options intended to lower the barriers to electric vehicle ownership.

The partnership combines SMIPL’s dealership network with the digital financial platform of ev.fin. The primary objective of the association is to provide customers with predictable resale values and credit support at the point of purchase.

To address concerns regarding the resale value of electric two-wheelers, SMIPL and ev.fin have introduced a structured buy-back programme. Customers can select from two primary plans: a 36-month term offering up to 60 percent of the ex-showroom value, or a 48-month term offering up to 50 percent of the effective ex-showroom price. This programme is designed to provide a guaranteed value for users looking to upgrade their vehicles in the future.

The ev.fin platform offers retail finance solutions including loans for up to 100 percent of the vehicle cost. Interest rates for the Suzuki e-Access start from 5.99 percent, with monthly instalments beginning at INR 3,999. The loan process is managed through a digital journey aimed at reducing processing times and offering customisable plans, such as low-down payment options.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “At Suzuki Motorcycle India, we continually look for ways to make the ownership journey easier and more reassuring for our customers. Through our association with Greaves Finance, we are introducing added value at both the purchase and resale stages of the Suzuki e-Access. With the assured buyback upgrade and tailored finance options, we bring more trust and peace of mind to EV ownership, while enhancing customer accessibility to electric two-wheelers.”

P B Sunil Kumar, Executive Director & CEO, Greaves Finance, said, “We are delighted to partner with Suzuki Motorcycle India to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. By offering Buyback upgrade options and customized financing through our ev.fin platform, we are eliminating the 'resale anxiety' often associated with EVs. Our goal is to provide a seamless, digital-first financial experience that makes the Suzuki e-Access an even more compelling choice for the Indian commuter.”