Relatively low cost of ownership and an increase in demand in urban and semi-urban areas are the primary drivers behind the growth of India’s 2-wheeler market. Post the COVID-19 era, there is a general sentiment among the consumers, considering 2-wheelers as the preferred alternative to public transport and shared mobility. The 2-wheeler segment is expected to play a vital role in boosting the automotive sector post- COVID-19 by providing affordable personal mobility alternatives while we observe social distancing.

As the 2-wheeler market continues to boom in India, it is essential to also focus on the safety aspects related to the vehicles.

According to the World Road Statistics Report 2018, India has the largest number of road accident deaths across 199 countries. A report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows that 2-wheeler deaths have increased on a year-on-year basis, rising by 38 percent from 2009 to 2019.

The Indian Government has implemented various new policies related to automotive safety in the last few years. Today’s consumer is also more conscious about safety and looks at key features that ensure safety instead of viewing it as an option confined to premium variants. Today, vehicle safety is transitioning from cost-addition to value addition.

The consumers are continually looking for technology upgrades in all the departments, be it safety or convenience. This has pushed us to be innovative and flexible in adapting globally proven safety technologies to local requirements in the form of effective products.

Anti- Lock Braking System (ABS)

ABS is a piece of safety equipment that prevents the wheels of a vehicle from locking up under emergency, panic, or harsh braking conditions. The introduction of ABS will significantly impact improved road safety, with other factors such as the safety belt and the introduction of speed limits playing a role alongside ABS’s spread. All 2-wheelers over 125-cc are mandated to have ABS as of April 2019 in India.

At Continental, we have a range of solutions in the ABS segment suited to all vehicle types. India has a range of lighter 2-wheelers, where ABS is not mandated. The MiniMAB - One Channel ABS for Motorcycles is suited to scooters and small motorcycles. The small and lightweight solution is easily adaptable to smaller vehicles because only one wheel speed sensor is required. The system prevents the front wheel from locking up and avoids falls or the vehicle from becoming unstable.

Beyond ABS:

As a technology company, Continental is at the forefront of safety technologies. We have all the relevant products for different demands such as ABS ride modes, traction control, optimised curve braking, motorcycle hold & go, and Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS).

These technologies have a lot of scopes to gain prominence in the safety department in India. ARAS include functionalities like,

● Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist: Warns the rider of vehicles driving in the blind spot area. The alert helps facilitate safe lane changes. The rearward-facing radar sensor monitors the road area behind and next to the motorcycle and warns if a lane change cannot be recommended.

● Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Forward Collision Warning: Supports the rider in avoiding run-up accidents by a radar-aided early threat assessment. It detects critical traffic situations and ensures optimum use of the available braking power. When a rear-end accident threatens, the motorcyclist will be alerted first before the EBA function supports his active braking system with slight pre-brake pressure.

● Intelligent Headlight Assist: The ARAS function Intelligent Headlight Assist (IHA) enables better vision at night. Motorcyclists can delegate the constant tedious task of changing from high to low beam to the electronic co-pilot. It detects the vehicles’ lights in front and oncoming vehicles and switches the high-beam headlamp on whenever possible to ensure optimum lighting of the road.

● Traffic Sign Assist: Detects traffic signs using a front camera and displays them to the rider. Failure to see a road sign displaying the permissible maximum speed can be expensive. Especially for people who rely on their driving license for their work, the consequences can be unpleasant. Traffic Sign Recognition has a display on the instrument panel to remind drivers of the current speed limit. This is achieved through multiple uses of the same camera, which is also used for the Lane Departure Warning system. When combined with high-performance software, it can even recognise speed limit signs. Digitised speed limit information of the onboard navigation system will be incorporated to be prepared for roads not assigned with speed limit signs.

● Adaptive Cruise Control: Relives the rider by automatically controlling throttle and brake to maintain the safe riding distance with the vehicle ahead.

Other technologies like Continental’s eHorizon for 2-wheelers is a cloud-based data management service that enables a variety of use-cases, increases safety, eco-efficiency, and enhances riding pleasure. The data, such as road geometry, traffic signs, or temporary events on the road, is collected and aggregated from various sources and transmitted back to the vehicle to either predictively inform the motorcyclist on relevant information on the route or to enhance vehicle functions directly.

This “swarm-intelligent system” uses technologies already present in vehicles, like camera systems, to classify road conditions like dry, wet, very wet (risk of aquaplaning), snowy, or icy. Based on that information, dynamic friction charts can be created and then used to forecast how well the tyres will grip the road stretch in question. I believe both these technologies have a good scope in the market, like India. Then again, a reliable ecosystem is vital to enable it.

We at Continental, with a strong legacy in-vehicle safety systems and inspired by its Vision Zero - Zero Fatalities, Zero Injuries, and Zero Crashes are committed to improving safety across the world awareness through various global and local forums. (MT)

NB: Thalavai Venkatesan is the Head of Sales & Key Account Management, Continental Automotive India. Views expressed are personal.

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Goa will host Motoverse 2025, an annual moto-culture festival, from November 21–23, 2025. The event is a gathering for riders, enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Motoverse 2025 will feature custom motorcycle builds and new innovations, including the Flying Flea and the Himalayan Electric test bed. The festival plans to debut new products and initiatives. A structured club championship will be introduced for the Dirt Track events. The Art of Motorcycling will conclude with a finale and the Motoreel stage will host industry figures and adventurers.

The festival will incorporate a split-stage music format. The Main Stage will feature acts like Hanumankind, The Yellow Diary and Parvaaz. The lineup includes a collaboration between Kutle Khan and Karsh Kale. The festival also announced its first international electronic music act. The Hilltop Stage will highlight a new generation of independent artists.

A new concept, Motohub, will provide a dedicated space for riders to connect. It will feature film screenings and interactive zones. The event will also offer group registration incentives for riding crews to promote community participation. Motoverse 2025 will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing achievements within the motorcycling community.

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Hero MotoCorp has launched the all-new Glamour X 125, positioning it as India’s ‘most futuristic’ 125cc motorcycle at prices starting INR 89,999 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Drum brake variant and INR 99,999 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Disc brake variant.

The company said the launch of Glamour X follows the success of the Xtreme 125R, which now features several first-in-segment innovations, including the world’s first Low Battery Kick Startability, powered by the new AERA (Advanced Electronic Ride Assist) Tech. The bike also introduces a Ride-by-Wire system for precise throttle control, Cruise Control for relaxed long-distance riding, and three distinct ride modes – Eco, Road and Power. Additionally, a Panic Brake Alert system enhances safety by warning trailing vehicles during emergency stops.

From a design perspective, the Glamour X 125 has a muscular stance with sharp lines and a signature 'H' full LED lighting package. The advanced Multi-Colour LCD instrument cluster includes Bluetooth connectivity, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and a gear position advisory.

Powering the motorcycle is the new Sprint-EBT engine, which produces 11.4 BHP at 8250 RPM. This engine is designed for a combination of performance, refinement, and fuel efficiency, featuring a silent cam chain and a balancer shaft to minimise noise and vibration. The bike also offers a comfortable riding position with a wide handlebar, enhanced pillion comfort, and a USB charging port.

Ashutosh Varma, Chief Business Officer, Hero MotoCorp’s India Business Unit, said, “The 125cc segment continues to be a growth engine for the motorcycle industry, attracting both the aspirational first-time buyers and value-conscious upgraders. While the Xtreme 125R leads in performance and the Super Splendor in fuel efficiency; the new Glamour X introduces innovative technology, first-in-segment features, and a bold new striking design. This strategy expands the brand’s reach across various sub-segments; boosting volumes and market share while further strengthening the company’s leadership.”

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Pune-headquartered automotive major Bajaj Auto marked India's 79th Independence Day with 'The Great Indian Ride', an event that brought together Chetak riders for a cultural parade in Bengaluru on 16 August 2025. The ride was a celebration of patriotism and heritage, uniting generations of riders.

More than just a scooter rally, the company stated that 'The Great Indian Ride' was a tribute to the values that have shaped both India's progress and the Chetak's legacy of innovation. A diverse group of riders, including Chetak owners, brand friends and influencers, rode through historic routes like MG Road and Netaji Road, making stops at national landmarks such as Freedom Park. The riders were dressed in traditional Indian attire with tri-colour motifs, bringing the city to life.

The ride concluded with a memorable finale. All the Chetaks were parked to form the number '79', and the national flag was hoisted, creating a striking visual from a bird's eye view. The event established the Chetak as a cultural movement rooted in Indian values, rather than just a product. It was designed to be visually iconic and emotionally resonant, redefining the role of scooters in Indian mobility by associating them with pride and national identity.

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India Yamaha Motor, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, has updated its 125cc Fi Hybrid scooter range with new features and colour options.

The company’s hybrid scooter lineup now features the ‘Enhanced Power Assist’ function, which delivers high torque, stronger acceleration and performance. Powered by a high-performance battery, the function allows users to squeeze more power from the scooter, which will be useful when starting from standstill, carrying loads or climbing inclines. The scooters continue to be equipped with the Smart Motor Generator (SMG) technology, Silent Start and Stop & Start System (SSS) tech.

Furthermore, the Fascino S scooter now features a Colour TFT Instrument Cluster equipped with Turn-by-Turn (TBT) Navigation, using smartphone connectivity through the Y-Connect app. It is also integrated with Google Maps to support Turn-by-Turn (TBT) navigation.

In terms of colour options, the Fascino S 125 Fi Hybrid, is now available in Matte Grey colour option, while the disc-brake variant gets Metallic Light Green and drum-brake variant gets Metallic White options. Alongside, the RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid Street Rally is offered in a Matte Grey Metallic hue, and the RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid disc variant features a Silver White Cocktail shade.

Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, “Yamaha’s 125cc Hybrid scooter range has consistently delighted customers with its dynamic styling, superior comfort, and fuel-efficient performance. The introduction of the new ‘Enhanced Power Assist’ function marks another step forward in enhancing everyday riding convenience and instilling greater confidence among commuters.”

“Further elevating the appeal, the launch of new colour variants brings a refreshing vibrancy to the entire scooter lineup. These updates are a direct reflection of the insightful feedback received from customers through our various engagement platforms. We are confident that these thoughtful upgrades will resonate strongly with our customers and continue to strengthen Yamaha’s presence in the 125cc scooter segment,” he said.

The scooters continue to be powered by Yamaha’s air-cooled, fuel-injected (FI) and 125cc Blue Core Hybrid engine. The Fascino S and RayZR Street Rally variants additionally offer the Answer Back feature and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). 

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