India

Norton Opens First Flagship Showroom

Norton Opens First Flagship Showroom At The Bike Shed London Five additional United Kingdom locations will comprise the brand’s early distribution network. with inputs by Dustin Wheelen from https://www.rideapart.com Indian automotive giant TVS had acquired Norton Motorcycles in April 2020 after a tumultuous period in the OEM’s history. However, since then this legendary British brand has kept its head down, opening its Solihull factory, hiring a new CEO, and receiving a £100M British Pounds Sterling (~$125M USD) investment in two years’ time. In October, 2022, Norton started rolling out its 2023 Commando 961. With a firm eager to get its products into riders’ hands, Norton opens its first retail location within London’s The Bike Shed. “Seeing the Norton brand move from within the four walls of Norton HQ and out into the marketplace is positive on a number of levels,” claimed Norton Chief Commercial Officer Christian Gladwell. “More dealers mean more riders enjoying the results of the hard work and dedication that the entire team at Norton has contributed towards.” Known as Norton Atelier, this space will showcase Norton’s V4SV superbike alongside the Commando 961. Customers can purchase and/or test ride both models at the Shoreditch Bike Shed chapter. Norton apparel designed by Savile Row fashion designer Nick Tentis is also available at the new showroom. Tentis’ has also influenced this retail space itself. “For the first one I wanted to create a space reflecting the history and values of the Norton brand while also creating the perfect environment to display the new clothing collection,” explained Tentis. Norton will also establish showrooms at Krazy Horse London, Crawley’s P&H Motorcycles, Sheffield’s Via Moto, Bodmin’s Thor Motorcycles, and Cheshire’s Oakmere Motor Group. These locations will offer test rides, maintenance, and parts and accessories. We can’t wait for this epic brand to expand […]

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Bajaj-Triumph Frankenstein Baby

Triumph decided to counter Royal Enfield’s might in the sub-750cc segment by attacking its homebase. They decided to tie-up with Bajaj who have successfully launched KTM and Husqvarna bikes in India. However, the last time Bajaj challenged Enfield’s cruiser segment by ridiculing Enfields as ancient clumsy elephants, they failed miserably and the viewers were disappointed with the dismal method of launching the new Bajaj long-distance bike called ‘Dominar’. Since then, the Dominar brand of Bajaj is the black sheep in the family which no one talks about and no one really wants to buy. It would be a big surprise if these two new proposed Frankenstein babies of Triumph and Bajaj can dent anything in Enfield ‘s lineup. It is forever expected to be launched ‘soon’. It missed its deadline to be showcased at EICMA where Royal Enfield shined again as a sole saviour of two-wheeled automotive segment from India. Most likely, the Bajaj-Triumph franchise / partnership will just grab the market-share away from Honda 350 and Jawa 290. Honda 350 is available at only a handful of Big Wing Dealerships. Jawa 290 has poor customer experiences for their authorised service centers. Worse still, it will dilute the great brand image that Triumph motorcycles already enjoys in India with decent sales of their models YoY. Hell, they are bigger than Polaris and surely more popular than Honda or Kawasaki with Triumph’s range of models, including classic retro styling, adventure-tourer, racing finesse, off-road ready models and more. Have a look at the spied models of Triumph-Bajaj in the below video Pssst!!! Hey, you got to peek into the Cantina for true classics !!! CLICK TO KNOW MORE….

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Eicher Motors Ltd announces strategic investment in Stark Future SL

Parent Company of Royal Enfield, Eicher Motors Ltd, Announces Strategic Investment In Stark Future SL The Board of Eicher Motors Ltd. (EML) has approved an equity investment of 50 million euros, and plans for collaboration with the electric motorcycle manufacturer. Milwaukee, WI (Friday, December 29, 2022) – Eicher Motors Ltd., leading Indian multinational automobile company, and parent company of Royal Enfield, global leader in the middleweight motorcycles segment (250cc-750cc), today announced a strategic collaboration in the space of electric motorcycles with Spain-based Stark Future SL. As part of this collaboration, the Board of Directors of Eicher Motors Ltd. has today approved an investment of € 50 million for a close to 10.35% equity stake in Stark Future. With this investment, Eicher Motors Ltd., will have a seat on Stark Future’s Board, and will explore further opportunities to collaborate in the space of electric mobility. This investment has strategic significance for both Royal Enfield and for Stark Future, as both companies are keenly invested in creating innovative and sustainable solutions in global mobility. Stark Future recently launched its first high-performance electric motocross bike, the Stark VARG, which received an exceptional response from global media, professional riders and dealers. Speaking about Stark Future and this partnership, Eicher Motors Ltd Managing Director, Siddhartha Lal says, “We love the vision, passion and focus of the amazing team at Stark Future. Leisure motorcycles do not easily lend themselves to EV technology at this stage, due to challenges like the battery range, packaging, weight and cost. This has resulted in stunted growth of this segment till now. Stark Future has been able to understand and harness the potential of EV technology by dramatically outperforming ICE offerings, without compromising on range, weight, packaging and cost. They have created an absolutely astounding motocross motorcycle – the Stark VARG as

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BSA Scrambler At 2022 Motorcycle Live Show

by Janaki Jitchotvisut from https://www.rideapart.com/ It features subtle styling changes from the Gold Star on which it’s based. In November, 2021, the revived BSA Motorcycles proudly presented its first new motorcycle in decades, the 2022 BSA Gold Star. Fittingly, the reveal took place at the 2021 Motorcycle Live show, which is the U.K.’s biggest annual motorcycle event—and which, let’s not forget, is also held in the BSA birthplace of Birmingham. The new Goldie—powered by a liquid-cooled, dual overhead cam, 625cc single—was met with a mostly positive response. Fast-forward to 2022, and the latest edition of Motorcycle Live rolled into the NEC Birmingham events hall for visitors to see all the latest motorcycles on display. Of course, BSA was there, and of course it brought the Gold Star along. The company also brought along something new—a shiny new scrambler. At this point, we must caution you that it’s only a design concept at the moment—but this, friends, is our first look at a conceptual BSA Scrambler. According to BSA, this is the first design that was developed entirely in-house at BSA’s new West Midlands facility. While the team didn’t offer a whole lot in the way of details, since it is only a concept, it’s meant to “offer a snapshot of what the future could look like,” as well as “showcase the customization capability of BSA’s Gold Star platform.” The BSA Scrambler concept is built around same 652cc single found in the production BSA Gold Star. If you need a refresher, that engine makes a claimed 45 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, in addition to 55 newton-meters (or 40.5 pound-feet) of torque at 4,000 rpm. It’s also mated to a five-speed gearbox. The concept boasts a sportier look, with a particularly grippy-looking seat cover, high front mudguard, and what at least looks to

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Harley-Davidson Regains Number One Position In India’s High-End Motorcycle Segment

Earlier Harley-Davidson, exited the Indian market and again entered in 2020. by Sameer Contractor from https://www.carandbike.com/ by FPJ Web Desk from https://www.freepressjournal.in/ According to the data shared by SIAM, Harley sold 601 motorcycles in FY-2022, as compared to only 206 Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold during FY-2021. It’s a 37 per cent growth in sales as compared to last year. Hero MotoCorp took over Harley’s distribution in India in October 2020 including motorcycles, accessories, merchandise and more. The company is currently operating about 13 dealerships and 10 authorised service centres across the country. Harley-Davidson has witnessed a resurgence in its sales in India as the brand managed to regain the number one spot in the high-end motorcycle segment in the country. The company, which announced its exit and subsequent re-entry into the Indian market in 2020, has been on a road to a revival with partner Hero MotoCorp. According to the data shared by SIAM, Harley sold 601 motorcycles in FY-2022, of which 531 units were sold in the 1,000 cc and above two-wheeler segment. The company witnessed a 37 per cent growth year-on-year. In comparison, only 206 Harley-Davidson motorcycles were sold during FY-2021. When compared to other premium motorcycle brands, Harley was substantially ahead with Triumph Motorcycles India selling 336 units, Kawasaki selling 283 units, Suzuki selling 233 and Honda selling 71 units in the 1,000 cc and above motorcycle segment. The majority of the iconic American brand’s sales have been driven by its new launches, the Pan America 1250 adventure tourer and the Sportster S cruiser and mark a revolution, both in terms of a platform and segment for the manufacturer. It’s also noteworthy that a bulk of Harley’s previous sales in India were driven by entry-level offerings like the Street 750, Iron 883 and the Forty-Eight, which were locally

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At Largest Market: Two-wheeler sales crash to 10-year-low in FY22

Two-wheeler sales crash to 10-year-low in FY22; motorcycles fall below 9 mn India is the largest manufacturer of two-wheelers and also the largest market for it. (China being second) One of the primary reasons for this downfall is the spiraling cost of fuel prices. by John from https://www.newswwc.com/ New Delhi: Rural distress impacted the Indian two-wheeler segment, one of the largest in the world, in a big way that their sales in 2021-22 fell sharply, for the first time in ten years, to 13,466,000 units, as per the latest data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). It was in 2011-2012 that the two-wheeler sales were close to this number at 13,409,00. ( India’s Financial Year is calculated as from 01-April-2021 to 31-March-2022 ) Throughout the year, demand for motorcycles and scooters was impacted by rural distress and higher ownership cost amidst soaring fuel prices. Sales of two-wheelers, particularly motorcycles failed to gather momentum even during the festive months, leaving the companies burdened with a pile of unsold stocks. As a result, the overall sales of motorcycles fell below the 9-lakh mark for the first time since 2016-2017, SIAM report said. One of the primary reasons for this downfall is the spiraling cost of fuel prices. Barring two months, petrol prices escalated in almost all months of FY22, sometimes even thrice a month that severely impacted the demand of entry-level motorcycles which is the primary choice of the budget-conscious low-income consumers. New motorcycle sales are directly correlated with fuel prices, as 62% of the country’s fuel sales are consumed by the two-wheeler segment. According to market experts, spike in auto fuel prices has triggered the rate of deferment majorly among the consumers of below 125cc two-wheelers that hold about 80% of the total market. Besides, shortage of semiconductors and

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Summer Ride to Kolad Farmhouse

Friends as diverse as their range of motorcycle brands ride India’s Countryside There is this wonderful group of riders who have accumulated a million kms and plenty more goodwill. Musafirs motorcycle club started in 2010 and camaraderie, discovery, adventure, expertise and fun have ensured that they have been on a group ride almost every month since they started their club. The word ‘Musafir’ literally means ‘traveller’. There is plenty of information about The Musafirs group on their website and social media links. Do check it out and follow them on social media in case you plan to visit India anytime for long-distance riding adventures to splendid destinations. Their Website: https://themusafirs.com/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/musafirsmotorcycleclub The destination for 149th ride of Musafirs motorcycle group was Kolad. The ride was in a single-line formation. The neon-green reflective vests are for most of the riders. The red ones are for ‘Pilots’, ‘Pointers’ and ‘Shepherds’. CLICK HERE To Read this Travelogue from Incredible India – at Bikernet.com Subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter from Bikernet to stay updated on Motorcycle news, events, products, reviews, tech & tips and more. Click Here to Sign-up – it is Free and you can Unsubscribe anytime.

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Royal Enfield Successfully Completes Quest For The South Pole

90° SOUTH – QUEST FOR THE POLE, first-of-its-kind expedition on Royal Enfield Himalayans, commemorates 120 years of adventure and exploration on motorcycles. Milwaukee, WI (Wednesday, December 22, 2021) – Royal Enfield, the world’s oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production since 1901, has tested the endurance of man and machine time and again, and last week, it made history once again by successfully completing the 90° SOUTH Expedition, the quest for the South Pole on the Royal Enfield Himalayan. This extraordinary endeavor is a tribute to the brand’s 120-year commitment to pure motorcycling, and to the courage and resilience of countless riders and explorers who have made history on two wheels. On December 16, 2021, two riders Santhosh Vijay Kumar and Dean Coxson reached the geographic South Pole in 15 days, making the ambitious attempt a reality. The team arrived at Novo in Antarctica from Cape Town for four days of acclimatization, loading of supplies, checking equipment and the motorcycles. From Novo, the team covered an overland distance of 3200 km (1988 miles) over the next 9 days braving extreme weather conditions with temperatures between -30° to -25°C (-22° to -13°F) and wind speed of 60 km/h (37 mph), towards Ross Ice Shelf. The Ross Ice Shelf was the designated start point for the riders, however, an unexpected blizzard forced the team to alter their course. Instead of starting the ride from 86 South, the team started the 400-km (250-mile) ride from 87 degrees South. Despite a few initial roadblocks and a slight detour, the expedition team completed the quest by reaching the South Pole on December 16, 2021. For this expedition, two Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles were modified in-house, with functional upgrades to be able to navigate snow and ice, and function under extreme conditions in Antarctica. The motorcycles were

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Norton Motorcycles unveils new Café Racer bike

from https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/ by Enda Mullen The V4CR, a derivative of the company’s V4SV superbike, will go on show at Motorcycle Live Legendary manufacturer Norton Motorcycles has revealed a prototype of a new motorcycle. The V4CR, is a Café Racer derivative of the company’s V4SV superbike. It is the first prototype to be designed, engineered and built at the company’s recently opened global headquarters in Solihull. It shares the same engineering DNA as the superbike, including its 185bhp 1200cc V4 engine as well as some engineering advancements. Norton said the new V4CR’s stripped-back appearance showcases the craftsmanship and quality behind one of the most powerful British café racers out there. Fitted with a carbon fibre fuel tank and body panels, polished billet aluminium swingarm and frame, the V4CR also features compact framework and a shorter rear frame for an aggressive and commanding stance. Norton Motorcycles’ CEO Dr Robert Hentschel said: “The prototype VC4R is the next step in Norton’s strategic growth plan on its journey to becoming the world-leader in luxury hand-crafted motorcycles.” The V4CR prototype is Norton’s latest project to use the marque’s refined V4 platform, revised over the last 16 months by a team of 30 engineers and subject to tens of thousands of road and track miles, as part of Norton’s development process. The V4CR reintroduces fans to Norton’s iconic café racer heritage. Norton’s V4CR prototype will make its public debut at Motorcycle Live, taking place at the NEC in Solihull from December 4-12. Norton formally opened its Solihull headquarters in November this year. The motorcycle maker has a long and illustrious history, though fell on hard times before being revived. It became one of the most iconic British motorcycle brands, manufacturing famous models such as the 650SS, Atlas, Commando, Dominator, Manx, Navigator and many more. It gained

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Hero MotoCorp expands operations in Argentina

from https://www.business-standard.com/ by Press Trust of India Two-wheeler market leader Hero MotoCorp on Friday announced the expansion of operations in Argentina with the opening of its flagship dealership in Buenos Aires in partnership with Gilera Motors Argentina. Gilera Motors Argentina (GMA) will make new investments to rapidly expand all business operations for Hero MotoCorp’s products. This is expected to generate nearly 500 new jobs in the region, the company said in a regulatory filing. Further, GMA has also expanded its plant in Carlos Spegazzini province of Buenos Aires to completely renovate its infrastructure and adapt the latest automotive technologies that are incorporated in Hero MotoCorp products, it added. ABOUT HERO MOTOCORP Hero MotoCorp is the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world. In January 2021, Hero MotoCorp’s production exceeded 100 million two-wheelers. Hero MotoCorp is the Exclusive Distributor for Harley-Davidson motorcycles in India and manages the Authorized Dealerships, Service Centers and parts for the iconic American brand. HeroMotoCorp is present in South American and African nations and launched Hero brand in Mexico in January 2021 in Partnership with Grupo Salinas. Hero Motorsports Rally Team participates in international competitions including Dakar Rally. In July 2013, HeroMotoCorp acquired 49.2% shareholding in Erik Buell Racing, a motorcycle sport company which produced street and racing motorcycles based in East Troy, Wisconsin, United States. EBR filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and Hero MotoCorp acquired certain assets for ₹18.2 crore (equivalent to US$3.5 million in 2020). * * * * “We are happy to rapidly expand our operations in Argentina. We have already made significant progress since announcing our new association with Gilera Motors Argentina in October,” Hero MotoCorp Head – Global Business Sanjay Bhan said. The company has already inaugurated a flagship store and is focussed on scaling up sales and service across the country, he

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