Suzuki Motorcycle India, the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has launched a new edition for its flagship scooter the Suzuki Access ‘Ride Connect Edition.

The scooter now features a Bluetooth enabled multi-function coloured Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) digital instrument cluster, which not only adds aesthetic value but also provides a host of connected features for the user.

The digital instrument features a 4.2-inch coloured TFT display with a clean and intuitive layout that provides the information the rider requires. The Suzuki Access Ride Connect TFT Edition also debuts a new Pearl Mat Aqua Silver colour. The scooter can be had at INR 101,900 (ex-showroom Delhi). The scooter is offered in five colour options including the newly introduced Pearl Mat Aqua Silver along with the existing Metallic Mat Black No. 2, Metallic Mat Stellar Blue, Pearl Grace White and Solid Ice Green colours available in the Suzuki Access range.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “The Suzuki Access has long been a trusted companion for urban riders and with its latest upgrade, we are adding a new layer of modern functionality and flair. The coloured TFT digital display and the elegant new colour elevate the everyday riding experience while staying true to the scooter’s strength of reliability, comfort and efficiency.”

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is commissioning its fourth production line at its fourth plant – Vithalapur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Interestingly, the announcement coincides with Honda Motor Co's milestone of producing 500 million two-wheelers globally. It was in 1949 that Honda Dream D-Type was introduced as a mass market two-wheeler offering.

The company aims to invest around INR 9.2 billion towards the fourth line, which will add an additional 650,000 units capacity for 125cc class motorcycles per annum. It is set to begin operation in 2027, which will bring the total capacity to 2.61 million units. This will make it the largest assembly plant for Honda motorcycles globally.

At present, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India operates four production plants with a total production capacity of 6.14 million units. It was after 25 years since the start of production that the cumulative production volume reached 70 million units in April.

The fourth plant started operation in February 2016 with an annual production capacity of 600,000 units, and in June of the same year, the company expanded its capacity to 1.2 million units with the start of its second line. Furthermore, the third line started operation in January 2024, taking annual production capacity to 1.96 million units.

The fresh investment is expected to create 1,800 new jobs. Furthermore, the company aims to increase its total two-wheeler manufacturing capacity to 7 million units in 2027 by further expansion across its plants in the country.

Tsutsumu Otani, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “Honda has long been investing and expanding its production capacity in India, the world’s largest motorcycle market, to bring joy to its customers. 25 years on, with much support, HMSI has reached the milestone of 70 million units of cumulative production. With the additional investment in our fourth plant, Honda will continue to deliver attractive products and services to its customers around the world who have higher expectations and trust in the company, and further solidify its Indian motorcycle business.”

Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer, Honda Motor Co, “For Honda, motorcycle business is our founder’s business, and will continue to be the company’s core business. In the motorcycle business, we have built the trust of our customers through our many products and services, which has enabled us to achieve a cumulative production volume of 500 million units. I would like to thank our customers and all stakeholders who were involved in achieving this milestone, from development to production, sales, and service. Honda will continue to take on the challenge of expanding the joy of our customers around the world.”

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Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has announced a strategic move to revive and reshape the future of KTM, by acquiring a controlling stake in the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, subject to regulatory approvals. This marks a significant shift from Bajaj’s previous role as a minority investor to a leading force in KTM’s global operations.

The move comes amid KTM’s ongoing debt restructuring process, triggered by severe liquidity issues that hampered its day-to-day operations. Through its Dutch subsidiary, Bajaj Auto International Holdings (BAIHBV), Bajaj has arranged a debt funding package of EUR 800 million to support KTM’s recovery and growth. Of this, EUR 200 million has already been infused, with the remaining EUR 600 million being deployed now.

For the unversed, KTM, along with its subsidiaries, entered court-supervised restructuring in November 2024 after failing to manage its rising debt. A plan approved by creditors in February 2025 mandates a 30 percent payout of claims by 23 May 2025. If this payment is not made on time, KTM could be pushed into insolvency.

The funds raised by Bajaj will cover these creditor payments and revive operations. Once payments are confirmed by the Austrian court, the restructuring process is expected to conclude by mid-June 2025.

Path to Ownership

Bajaj currently holds an indirect 37.5 percent stake in Pierer Mobility (PMAG), the parent company of KTM. The proposed deal involves Bajaj acquiring full control of Pierer Bajaj (PBAG), which holds a majority in PMAG. This change in ownership structure will proceed once necessary approvals are obtained from Austrian regulatory bodies.

In a related transaction, Bajaj has also taken over a EUR 80 million loan agreement originally signed by a Pierer group company to prevent complications that might jeopardise the restructuring.

• The EUR 800 million debt package is structured in two parts:
• EUR 200 million: Already disbursed in four tranches during FY2024 and early 2025.
• EUR 600 million: Now being deployed – includes a EUR 450 million secured loan to KTM AG and EUR 150 million in convertible bonds routed through PBAG to support working capital and creditor payments.

These funds were raised via bank loans by BAIHBV and internal contributions from Bajaj Auto.

With the immediate goal of concluding the restructuring process and restarting production, Bajaj is preparing for a broader transformation of KTM’s operations. Key upcoming steps include:

• Revamping KTM’s governance and reconstituting its board.
• Launching a turnaround strategy to restore business momentum.
• Expanding the existing India-based joint development and manufacturing program.
• Exploring strategic partnerships for long-term growth.

Bajaj’s expanded role in KTM is expected to drive global expansion, elevate the brand’s premium image and boost innovation in high-performance motorcycle technologies.

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has unveiled the all-new X-ADV, a crossover two-wheeler that merges the rugged appeal of an adventure bike with the everyday practicality of a maxi-scooter.

Priced at INR 1.19 million (ex-showroom Gurugram), the X-ADV is now open for bookings through Honda’s BigWing dealerships, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in June 2025.

A 745cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine powers the maxi-scooter, mated to a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), delivering 43.1 kW and 69 Nm of torque. It features ride-by-wire throttle with four preset riding modes plus a customisable User mode, along with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and cruise control for added versatility.

On the tech and comfort front, the X-ADV offers a 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, USB Type-C charging port and a spacious 22-litre under-seat compartment. Dual-channel ABS, wire-spoke wheels and premium suspension components further boost its urban and off-road credentials.

Tsutsumu Otani, MD, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “At Honda, we constantly challenge conventions to redefine the motorcycling experience. The X-ADV is a statement of innovation and design evolution – a machine that breaks boundaries between adventure and urban mobility.”

With this launch, Honda aims to strengthen its premium BigWing portfolio, targeting a new segment of adventure-scooter enthusiasts in India.

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the Rebel 500 motorcycle in India at INR 512,000. The cruiser motorcycle will be available at select BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai and Bengaluru, with deliveries commencing from June.

The Rebel 500 is a retro-styled cruiser, which blends classic bobber aesthetics with modern design cues, It offers a distinctive option in the middleweight cruiser segment.

The motorcycle is built around a tubular steel frame that emphasises a minimalist design, highlighted by fat tyres, blacked-out components and a steeply raked fuel tank. A low seat height of just 690 mm makes it particularly accessible to a wide range of riders, offering both comfort and confidence, especially at lower speeds.

In India, the Rebel 500 will be available exclusively in the Standard variant and a single Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic colour scheme. The model features a two-up seat setup, accommodating both rider and pillion. Enhancing its modern appeal, the bike comes equipped with an all-LED lighting system, including a signature round headlamp and a compact inverted LCD instrument display.

Powering the Rebel 500 is a 471cc, liquid-cooled, 8-valve, parallel twin-cylinder engine. It delivers 34 kW of maximum power at 8,500 RPM and 43.3 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 RPM, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The engine is tuned for a torque-rich low-end response and linear power delivery, making it suitable for both urban commuting and relaxed highway cruising. A stubby exhaust adds a characteristic cruiser soundtrack.

Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and Showa dual shock absorbers at the rear, designed to offer a smooth and stable ride. Braking is managed by a 296mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS for added safety. The Rebel 500 rides on Dunlop tyres, with a 130/90-16 section at the front and 150/80-16 at the rear.

Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are delighted to introduce the globally acclaimed Rebel 500 in India. This much-anticipated cruiser motorcycle has received tremendous response across international markets, and we are confident it will appeal to Indian riders as well. The Rebel 500 is more than just a motorcycle — it’s a statement of style, performance, and freedom. With its distinctive design, punchy performance, and Honda’s trusted engineering, we believe it will resonate strongly with both seasoned and emerging riders across the country.”

Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are very excited to bring the Rebel 500 to Indian shores. It has been a motorcycle that riding enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for years, and it’s now finally here. Designed to let you express your individuality, the Rebel 500 blends timeless cruiser styling with modern touches to stand apart from the crowd. With its unmistakable street presence, torquey engine, and laid-back ergonomics, the Rebel 500 is perfect for riders looking for a machine that’s both engaging and a unique extension of their soul.”

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