Valeo Gets Orders From 14 Bicycle Makers

Continental India Bags Multiple Awards At 2021 Zinnov Awards

Valeo has announced that it received orders from 14 bicycle manufacturers for its electric assistance technology. 

Its customers include La Manufacture Française du Cycle (through its Sunn brand), Ateliers HeritageBike, VUF Bikes, Cycleurope and FUELL. 

In December 2020, the Group announced that it was revolutionising e-bike drivetrains with its 48V automatic gearbox system. The order book should lead to the delivery of more than 100,000 units in 2024 to all customers, the company said in a release, adding the assembly will take place at the Isle d'Abeau plant (Isère, France). 

Valeo will also roll out the necessary technical assistance to all the bike distribution networks chosen by bike manufacturers. 

Valeo's technology comprises a 48V electric motor and a seven-speed automatic, adaptive gearbox (developed in partnership with French company Effigear) in a single unit located in the pedal assembly. Valeo's electric assistance system will be found on all types of bikes (including trekking bikes, mountain bikes and cargo bikes), the release added. (MT)

Hero MotoCorp Reports Q1 FY2026 Profit At INR 11.26 Billion

Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has reported its financial results with standalone revenue of INR 95.79 billion and a net profit of INR 11.26 billion, up 65 percent YoY for Q1 FY2026.

The consolidated profit includes a onetime gain of INR 7.22 billion, on the back of dilution of investment in associates.

During the quarter, the company sold 1.36 million two-wheelers, with growth in the 125cc scooter segment (Destini 125, Xoom 125) and 100cc motorcycle segment (HF Deluxe Pro). Hero’s electric mobility brand, VIDA, continued to gain traction, while international operations outperformed industry trends.

The company expects demand to remain healthy in the coming quarters on the back of the upcoming festive season and a robust line-up of new products.

Vivek Anand, Chief Financial Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Our profitability and margins remained resilient, supported by strong demand for our entry & deluxe motorcycles and 125cc scooter segments. We are witnessing good traction in our electric mobility business (VIDA), and global operations also remained ahead of industry, reflecting the strength of our brand in international markets. With favourable customer sentiment, upcoming festive season and a robust pipeline of new product launches, we are confident of sustaining and driving growth in the coming quarters.”

Triumph Thruxton 400 Launched At INR 274,137 In India

Triumph Thruxton 400

Triumph has launched the new Thruxton 400 in India at prices starting INR 274,137, with a global release planned for later in the year.

The Thruxton 400 joins Triumph's Modern Classic line-up with the bike's chassis and suspension have been revised to provide a sportier ride. Rider technology includes switchable traction control, a torque-assist clutch, a ride-by-wire throttle, and an integrated analogue speedometer with an LCD screen. The Thruxton 400 has service intervals of 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months and comes with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty. The motorcycle is built with a new fairing housing a classic round LED headlight and has four colour scheme option – Lava Red Gloss and Aluminum Silver, Pearl Metallic White and Storm Grey, Metallic Racing Yellow with Aluminum Silver and Phantom Black with Aluminum Silver

The motorcycle features a 398cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a 12:1 compression ratio, producing 42 PS (30.89 kW) at 9,000 rpm and 37.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. It features a six-speed gearbox, a wet multi-plate slip & assist clutch and is equipped with a Bosch electronic fuel injection system. The motorcycle chassis is a hybrid spine/perimeter tubular steel frame with a twin-sided, cast aluminium alloy swingarm. It has a wheelbase of 1371 mm, a seat height of 805 mm and a wet weight of 181 kg. Featuring a 13-litre fuel tank capacity, the motorcycle comes with a claimed fuel efficiency of 27km per litre.

In terms of suspension, on the front it gets 43mm upside-down forks with 140mm of wheel travel, while the rear suspension uses a gas monoshock RSU with an external reservoir and preload adjustment, providing 130mm of wheel travel.

For stoppage, it uses a single 300mm fixed disc with a four-piston radial caliper on the front and single 230mm fixed disc with a single-piston floating caliper on the back, both with ABS.

Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer, Triumph Motorcycles, said, “The Thruxton name is synonymous with an exhilarating ride, a focused riding position and the iconic cafe racer silhouette. The new Thruxton 400 delivers all that and more, representing exceptional value that will appeal to a younger audience who long to own a stylish motorcycle with the modern performance and premium finish of a Triumph. With its uprated engine and sportier ergonomics, the Thruxton 400 is an exciting addition to our Modern Classic range, building on the accessibility and confidence inspiring handling that has made the 400 range so popular.”

Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto, said, “The Triumph business in India has seen tremendous momentum over the past year – from expanding our network and experience stores to a growing community of passionate riders who are engaging deeply through regular rides and events. The response to the Modern Classic 400cc range has exceeded expectations, and the new Thruxton 400 is a worthy addition. It blends authentic cafe racer styling with exhilarating performance and exceptional build quality. With this launch, we continue to offer Indian riders not just motorcycles, but iconic machines that evoke emotion and foster community.”

Steelbird Launches Vintage 3.0 Open-Face Retro Helmet At INR 1,299

Steelbird Vintage 3.0

Delhi-NCR-based Steelbird Helmets, one of India’s leading helmet manufacturers, has expanded its product line-up with Vintage 3.0 series, an open-face helmet inspired by retro designs of 1970s at prices starting INR 1,299.

Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Helmets, said, “At Steelbird, we don’t just make helmets – we create riding companions that reflect a rider’s identity. The Vintage 3.0 is a salute to motorcycling heritage, combining retro design with cutting-edge safety and unmatched comfort. It’s for riders who want to stand out, stay safe, and feel free on every ride.”

The Vintage 3.0 features an advanced screw-free Quick Release Mechanism that allows riders to easily switch between the heritage-style peak and a full protective visor. It can also accommodate Steelbird’s 3-in-1 mask system and comes with a rear elastic strap holder to anchor riding goggles securely.

In terms of safety, the Vintage 3.0 meets ISI (IS 4151:2015) and DOT (FMVSS 218, USA) standards. Vintage 3.0 helmet uses high-impact ABS outer shell, high-density EPS liner, breathable mesh and soft, removable cheek pads that can be washed and reinstalled. The optical-grade visor features high-quality polycarbonate to provide visual clarity, UV protection and scratch resistance. The micrometric quick-release buckle system is tested to endure up to 225 kg of load, aligning with stringent European norms for rider safety. It weighs around 1,000 + 50gm, making it ideal for extended uses. The helmet is available if 15 colour options, including – Sea Blue, Coral Peach, Cherry Red, Battle Green, Armada Blue and Glossy Black. It comes in three shell sizes — Medium (580 mm), Large (600 mm) and Extra Large (620 mm).

Suzuki Motorcycle India Intros New Dual-Tone Colour For Avenis Scooter

Suzuki Avenis

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has introduced a vibrant new dual-tone colour for its sporty 125cc scooter – Suzuki Avenis.

The scooter is now available in new Metallic Matte Platinum Silver No. 2 / Glass Sparkle Black colour, in addition to the existing Glossy Sparkle Black / Pearl Glacier White, Glossy Sparkle Black / Pearl Mira Red, and Glossy Sparkle Black.

Mechanically unchanged, the Suzuki Avenis continues to be powered by a BS6 OBD-2B-compliant 124.3cc, all aluminium, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that is BS6 OBD-2B compliant, which produces 8.7 PS @ 6,750 rpm and 10 Nm @ 5,500 rpm.

It is equipped with Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology for a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The scooter comes with front box with USB socket, external hinge-type fuel cap, long and comfortable and sporty step seat and 21.8L large under-seat storage. Further, the Avenis features a telescopic front suspension, Combined Brake System, large 12-inch front tyre and a side stand interlock system.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “At Suzuki Motorcycle India, we focus on offering products that reflect the evolving preferences of riders. The new colour on the Avenis adds a bold twist to its sporty personality and gives our young customers another exciting way to express their style on the streets. With this addition, we continue to enhance the appeal of Avenis while keeping the excitement alive.”

The Suzuki Avenis is priced at INR 91,400 for the Standard Edition, while the Ride Connect Edition is priced at INR 93,200 (both ex-showroom Delhi).