Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has launched the updated NX500 with E-Clutch, an electronically controlled clutch designed to automate engagement during starts, stops, and gear shifts. The middleweight adventure tourer aims to deliver clutch-free riding while using Honda’s system to manage transitions. The updated NX500 is priced at ₹7.43 lakh ex-showroom and bookings are open.
Royal Enfield has been ranked the world’s third strongest automotive brand, ahead of Audi and Ferrari, in the Brand Finance Automotive Industry 2026 report. The company scored 88.9 for brand strength with an AAA rating, while its brand value rose 30% to $1.2 billion, fueled by global expansion and demand for retro-style motorcycles.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
The West Asia conflict is denting demand for entry-level motorcycles in India, with Bajaj Auto expecting growth to fall sharply from over 20% to about 7-9%. At the same time, electric scooters are accelerating as fuel prices and rising commodity costs push consumers toward EVs. Bajaj Auto’s Chetak sales are surging, signaling a tougher road ahead for petrol bikes.
Hero MotoCorp has reported record Q4 and FY26 profits, driven by stronger sales, premiumisation and faster EV growth. Revenue and volumes climbed, margins improved, and the company’s global expansion gained momentum. With these gains reinforcing its leadership, Hero now appears positioned for sustained mobility growth across both traditional motorcycles and electric models.
Harley-Davidson on Tuesday unveiled a fresh turnaround plan aimed at boosting motorcycle volumes by leaning into lower-priced models and strengthening its dealer network. The move comes as the company navigates changes under new CEO Artie Starrs, signaling a shift from premium-only demand toward broader affordability and wider retail execution to regain momentum.
Harley Davidson is unveiling a new turnaround plan, Back to the Bricks, aimed at reversing profit pressure by cutting costs and pushing more affordable motorcycles. The company also plans to strengthen its dealer network and roll out new offerings like the Sprint, alongside a revived Sportster. The effort targets cautious consumer spending amid broader economic strains.
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
Bajaj Auto has refreshed the Pulsar NS400Z with a new 349cc engine, joining KTM and Triumph’s shift toward 350cc performance bikes. The update appears driven by GST-linked pricing benefits in India. While peak power is slightly lower than before, Bajaj says the NS400Z retains its existing features and continues at the same price point.
India’s motorcycle makers are looking at Eicher’s 90s playbook to revive fading European brands, including the Enfield-style model of rescuing heritage names as local demand grows. But scaling a turnaround story across different markets, costs, and consumer tastes is a tougher test than it looks. The question now is whether the strategy can beat execution risk.
Honda says it will stop selling cars in South Korea by the end of 2026, while continuing after-sales services for existing customers. The move follows market shifts and Honda’s global restructuring. Instead, the automaker plans to concentrate more on motorcycles in South Korea and is also reportedly reducing petrol vehicle production in China.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.