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Time of India
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Superbikes in India: How millennials are turning high-speed riding into a lifestyle
Fill It, Shut It, Never Forget It The story is the same on most weekends. The quiet chill early in the morning is broken by the roar of burning dinosaur juice. Cubic capacities spit fire and turn the wheels for riders in search of peace. India is witnessing a surge in the popularity of high-end bikes. Clearly, as the Indian economy grows, so has the appetite for premium experiences. Riders are increasingly drawn to not just the machines, but the full package — cuttingedge tech, safety and a vibrant riding culture. Among superbikes, models like the Yamaha YZF-R1 , Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R , Ducati Panigale V4 , BMW S1000RR and Suzuki Hayabusa are all finding fans around the country. Adventure bikes like Triumph Tiger and tourers like Honda Gold Wing bookend the high-end bike market. According to data from Jato Dynamics, Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Triumph have together sold around 6,500 bikes that cost upwards of `10 lakh since 2023. Motorcycle manufacturers have responded to demand with more accessible models and upgrade paths that let enthusiasts evolve from casual riders to high-performance explorers. Local assembly and innovation in electric and hybrid superbikes should drive further adoption. Beyond speed and engineering, high-end machines have become a symbol of lifestyle and community. From nippy weekend group rides to leisurely cross-country road trips, the culture around biking has deepened. Destinations like Leh, Spiti, Tawang, the western ghats, Wayanad and coastal routes of Tamil Nadu and Goa have become pilgrimages for these modern nomads. The rise of riding schools, track days and official biking clubs has given structure to the culture. These events build skills, strengthen bonds and help riders experience their machines to the fullest. More importantly, they are making superbiking a shared passion. Manufacturers are investing in this growing culture. Ducati, for example, highlights its Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) events and has seven active Ducati Official Clubs (DOCs) across India, with more on the way in Chennai and Kochi. 'These rides are not just leisure; they reflect the spirit of our brand and strengthen community advocacy,' says Bipul Chandra, MD, Ducati India. BMW Motorrad India is equally committed, planning over 72 rides in 2024 through its Weekend Escapes and BMW Safaris. 'We're not just selling motorcycles — we're creating unforgettable journeys,' says Vikram Pawah, president and CEO, BMW Group India. As a result of all of this, India's superbike accessories market is witnessing a surge, with motorcycle enthusiasts seeking enhanced safety, perfor mance and personalisation, says Vivek Jaising, founding partner, Performance Racing, a leading accessories major. Brands are also introducing high-quality riding gear tailored to Indian consumers, Jaising points out. Vroom With a View 1. Manali to Leh The dream ride for every adventurous biker, passing through high altitude regions of Baralacha La and Tanglang La, with scenic views of the Beas river and Suraj Tal. • Distance: 474 kms approx • Estimated riding time: 2 days • Suggested route: Manali › Rohtang Pass › Keylong › Jispa › Baralacha La › Sarchu › Pang › Leh 2. Ahmedabad to Kutch On this route, bikers can explore the surreal landscapes of the Rann of Kutch — a vast salt marsh in Gujarat — and Modhera Sun Temple, a 10th-century architectural marvel. • Distance: 400-450 kms approx • Estimated riding time: 7-9 hours • Suggested route: Ahmedabad › Viramgam › Maliya › Bhachau › Bhuj-Dhordo (Rann of Kutch) 3. Darjeeling to Gangtok Lush valleys, misty Kanchenjunga mountains, and vibrant culture all come together to make this one of the most beautiful routes. • Distance: 97-125 kms approx • Estimated riding time: 3-5 hours • Suggested route: Via Teesta Bazar or via Lamahatta, a slightly longer but scenic route. 4. Chennai to Pondicherry Cruising along the Bay of Bengal with glimpses of the sea almost the entire way, lined by coconut groves, fishing villages and backwaters make this an ideal biking route on a weekend. • Distance: 155 kms via East Coast Road (ECR) • Estimated riding time: 3.5-4 hours • Suggested Route: Chennai › Mahabalipuram › Kalpakkam › Pondicherry via East Coast Road 5. Bengaluru to Ooty One of South India's most picturesque routes, offering a blend of smooth highways, dense forests and the famous 36 hairpin bends. • Distance: 270-300 kms approx • Estimated riding time: 6-8 hours • Suggested route: Bangalore › Mysore › Gundlupet › Bandipur › Mudumalai › Masinagudi › Ooty 6. Jaipur to Jaisalmer A motorcycle journey across the deserts of Rajasthan and its different landscapes, cultural richness with stops at Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Mehrangarh Fort. • Distance: 652 kms approx via NH48 and NH62 • Estimated riding time: Around 10.5-11 hours • Suggested route: Jaipur › Kishangarh › Ajmer › Beawar › Pali › Jodhpur › Phalodi › Jaisalmer 7. Delhi to Jim Corbett national park/ Nainital The drive from Delhi to Jim Corbett National Park and Nainital is a blend of winding hill roads and immense scenic beauty. • Distance: 245-290 kms approx • Estimated riding time: 5.5-7 hours • Route 1: Via NH9 (Delhi › Gajraula › Moradabad › Kashipur › Ramnagar) is the fastest and most popular route. • Route 2: Via NH9 and NH121 (Delhi › Hapur › Garhmukteshwar › Amroha › Moradabad › Kashipur › Ramnagar) is slightly longer, but you get a mix of heritage sites and scenic beauty. 8. Delhi tO Nainital Similar to the Jim Corbett route, this one has plenty of twisty turns. • Distance: 300 kms approx • Estimated riding time: 6-7 hours • Suggested route: Delhi › Hapur › Garhmukteshwar › Moradabad › Rampur › Bhimtal › Nainital Short runs
Economic Times
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Superbikes in India: How millennials are turning high-speed riding into a lifestyle
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The story is the same on most weekends. The quiet chill early in the morning is broken by the roar of burning dinosaur juice. Cubic capacities spit fire and turn the wheels for riders in search of peace. India is witnessing a surge in the popularity of high-end as the Indian economy grows, so has the appetite for premium experiences. Riders are increasingly drawn to not just the machines, but the full package — cuttingedge tech, safety and a vibrant riding culture. Among superbikes, models like the Yamaha YZF-R1 BMW S1000RR and Suzuki Hayabusa are all finding fans around the country. Adventure bikes like Triumph Tiger and tourers like Honda Gold Wing bookend the high-end bike to data from Jato Dynamics, Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Triumph have together sold around 6500 bikes that cost upwards of `10 lakh since 2023. Motorcycle manufacturers have responded to demand with more accessible models and upgrade paths that let enthusiasts evolve from casual riders to high-performance explorers. Local assembly and innovation in electric and hybrid superbikes should drive further speed and engineering, high-end machines have become a symbol of lifestyle and community. From nippy weekend group rides to leisurely cross-country road trips, the culture around biking has deepened. Destinations like Leh, Spiti, Tawang, the western ghats, Wayanad and coastal routes of Tamil Nadu and Goa have become pilgrimages for these modern rise of riding schools, track days and official biking clubs has given structure to the culture. These events build skills, strengthen bonds and help riders experience their machines to the fullest. More importantly, they are making superbiking a shared are investing in this growing culture. Ducati, for example, highlights its Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) events and has seven active Ducati Official Clubs (DOCs) across India, with more on the way in Chennai and Kochi. 'These rides are not just leisure; they reflect the spirit of our brand and strengthen community advocacy,' says Bipul Chandra, MD, Ducati Motorrad India is equally committed, planning over 72 rides in 2024 through its Weekend Escapes and BMW Safaris. 'We're not just selling motorcycles — we're creating unforgettable journeys,' says Vikram Pawah, president and CEO, BMW Group a result of all of this, India's superbike accessories market is witnessing a surge, with motorcycle enthusiasts seeking enhanced safety, perfor mance and personalisation, says Vivek Jaising, founding partner, Performance Racing, a leading accessories major. Brands are also introducing high-quality riding gear tailored to Indian consumers, Jaising points dream ride for every adventurous biker, passing through high altitude regions of Baralacha La and Tanglang La, with scenic views of the Beas river and Suraj Tal.• Distance: 474 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 2 days• Suggested route: Manali › Rohtang Pass › Keylong › Jispa › Baralacha La › Sarchu › Pang › LehOn this route, bikers can explore the surreal landscapes of the Rann of Kutch — a vast salt marsh in Gujarat — and Modhera Sun Temple, a 10th-century architectural marvel.• Distance: 400-450 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 7-9 hours• Suggested route: Ahmedabad› Viramgam › Maliya › Bhachau › Bhuj-Dhordo (Rann of Kutch)Lush valleys, misty Kanchenjunga mountains, and vibrant culture all come together to make this one of the most beautiful routes.• Distance: 97-125 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 3-5 hours• Suggested route: Via Teesta Bazar or via Lamahatta, a slightly longer but scenic along the Bay of Bengal with glimpses of the sea almost the entire way, lined by coconut groves, fishing villages and backwaters make this an ideal biking route on a weekend.• Distance: 155 kms via East Coast Road (ECR)• Estimated riding time: 3.5-4 hours• Suggested Route: Chennai › Mahabalipuram › Kalpakkam › Pondicherry via East Coast RoadOne of South India's most picturesque routes, offering a blend of smooth highways, dense forests and the famous 36 hairpin bends.• Distance: 270-300 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 6-8 hours• Suggested route: Bangalore › Mysore › Gundlupet › Bandipur › Mudumalai › Masinagudi › OotyA motorcycle journey across the deserts of Rajasthan and its different landscapes, cultural richness with stops at Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Mehrangarh Fort.• Distance: 652 kms approx via NH48 and NH62• Estimated riding time: Around 10.5-11 hours• Suggested route: Jaipur › Kishangarh › Ajmer › Beawar › Pali › Jodhpur › Phalodi › JaisalmerThe drive from Delhi to Jim Corbett National Park and Nainital is a blend of winding hill roads and immense scenic beauty.• Distance: 245-290 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 5.5-7 hours• Route 1: Via NH9 (Delhi › Gajraula › Moradabad › Kashipur › Ramnagar) is the fastest and most popular route.• Route 2: Via NH9 and NH121 (Delhi › Hapur › Garhmukteshwar › Amroha › Moradabad › Kashipur › Ramnagar) is slightly longer, but you get a mix of heritage sites and scenic to the Jim Corbett route, this one has plenty of twisty turns.• Distance: 300 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 6-7 hours• Suggested route: Delhi › Hapur › Garhmukteshwar › Moradabad › Rampur › Bhimtal › Nainital
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Superbikes in India: How millennials are turning high-speed riding into a lifestyle
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The story is the same on most weekends. The quiet chill early in the morning is broken by the roar of burning dinosaur juice. Cubic capacities spit fire and turn the wheels for riders in search of peace. India is witnessing a surge in the popularity of high-end as the Indian economy grows, so has the appetite for premium experiences. Riders are increasingly drawn to not just the machines, but the full package — cuttingedge tech, safety and a vibrant riding culture. Among superbikes, models like the Yamaha YZF-R1 BMW S1000RR and Suzuki Hayabusa are all finding fans around the country. Adventure bikes like Triumph Tiger and tourers like Honda Gold Wing bookend the high-end bike to data from Jato Dynamics, Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Triumph have together sold around 6500 bikes that cost upwards of `10 lakh since 2023. Motorcycle manufacturers have responded to demand with more accessible models and upgrade paths that let enthusiasts evolve from casual riders to high-performance explorers. Local assembly and innovation in electric and hybrid superbikes should drive further speed and engineering, high-end machines have become a symbol of lifestyle and community. From nippy weekend group rides to leisurely cross-country road trips, the culture around biking has deepened. Destinations like Leh, Spiti, Tawang, the western ghats, Wayanad and coastal routes of Tamil Nadu and Goa have become pilgrimages for these modern rise of riding schools, track days and official biking clubs has given structure to the culture. These events build skills, strengthen bonds and help riders experience their machines to the fullest. More importantly, they are making superbiking a shared are investing in this growing culture. Ducati, for example, highlights its Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) events and has seven active Ducati Official Clubs (DOCs) across India, with more on the way in Chennai and Kochi. 'These rides are not just leisure; they reflect the spirit of our brand and strengthen community advocacy,' says Bipul Chandra, MD, Ducati Motorrad India is equally committed, planning over 72 rides in 2024 through its Weekend Escapes and BMW Safaris. 'We're not just selling motorcycles — we're creating unforgettable journeys,' says Vikram Pawah, president and CEO, BMW Group a result of all of this, India's superbike accessories market is witnessing a surge, with motorcycle enthusiasts seeking enhanced safety, perfor mance and personalisation, says Vivek Jaising, founding partner, Performance Racing, a leading accessories major. Brands are also introducing high-quality riding gear tailored to Indian consumers, Jaising points dream ride for every adventurous biker, passing through high altitude regions of Baralacha La and Tanglang La, with scenic views of the Beas river and Suraj Tal.• Distance: 474 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 2 days• Suggested route: Manali › Rohtang Pass › Keylong › Jispa › Baralacha La › Sarchu › Pang › LehOn this route, bikers can explore the surreal landscapes of the Rann of Kutch — a vast salt marsh in Gujarat — and Modhera Sun Temple, a 10th-century architectural marvel.• Distance: 400-450 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 7-9 hours• Suggested route: Ahmedabad› Viramgam › Maliya › Bhachau › Bhuj-Dhordo (Rann of Kutch)Lush valleys, misty Kanchenjunga mountains, and vibrant culture all come together to make this one of the most beautiful routes.• Distance: 97-125 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 3-5 hours• Suggested route: Via Teesta Bazar or via Lamahatta, a slightly longer but scenic along the Bay of Bengal with glimpses of the sea almost the entire way, lined by coconut groves, fishing villages and backwaters make this an ideal biking route on a weekend.• Distance: 155 kms via East Coast Road (ECR)• Estimated riding time: 3.5-4 hours• Suggested Route: Chennai › Mahabalipuram › Kalpakkam › Pondicherry via East Coast RoadOne of South India's most picturesque routes, offering a blend of smooth highways, dense forests and the famous 36 hairpin bends.• Distance: 270-300 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 6-8 hours• Suggested route: Bangalore › Mysore › Gundlupet › Bandipur › Mudumalai › Masinagudi › OotyA motorcycle journey across the deserts of Rajasthan and its different landscapes, cultural richness with stops at Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Mehrangarh Fort.• Distance: 652 kms approx via NH48 and NH62• Estimated riding time: Around 10.5-11 hours• Suggested route: Jaipur › Kishangarh › Ajmer › Beawar › Pali › Jodhpur › Phalodi › JaisalmerThe drive from Delhi to Jim Corbett National Park and Nainital is a blend of winding hill roads and immense scenic beauty.• Distance: 245-290 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 5.5-7 hours• Route 1: Via NH9 (Delhi › Gajraula › Moradabad › Kashipur › Ramnagar) is the fastest and most popular route.• Route 2: Via NH9 and NH121 (Delhi › Hapur › Garhmukteshwar › Amroha › Moradabad › Kashipur › Ramnagar) is slightly longer, but you get a mix of heritage sites and scenic to the Jim Corbett route, this one has plenty of twisty turns.• Distance: 300 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 6-7 hours• Suggested route: Delhi › Hapur › Garhmukteshwar › Moradabad › Rampur › Bhimtal › Nainital
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Yahoo
2 killed in violent crash in Long Beach
Traffic detectives are investigating a violent crash that left two people dead in Long Beach Sunday evening. It happened around 7:35 p.m. near Wardlow Road and Woodruff Avenue, involving an SUV and a motorcycle, according to the Long Beach Police Department. Authorities said a 2025 Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle was traveling northbound on Woodruff Avenue when it collided with a 2006 Toyota Highlander that was turning left onto Wardlow Road. Long Beach Fire Department personnel responded and transported the driver of the Highlander to a local hospital. The motorcyclist and a passenger in the Highlander were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The motorcyclist was identified as Austin Patrick Fett, a 28-year-old resident of Lakewood. The identity of the passenger is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, officials said. Police said impaired driving is not being investigated as a factor in the crash. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Efrain Pineda at 562-570-7355. Anonymous tips can be submitted online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rea eager to flip Superbike script after leading in testing
Pata Prometeon Yamaha rider and six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea finished the recent Motul F IM Superbike World Championship test at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto in Spain with the quickest time on the second day in rain-lashed conditions, Rea utilized the opportunity to familiarize himself with the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R1, but also stopped the clocks with the two best laps of the day at 1m53.058s and 1m53.636s, Rea said, 'Big thanks to the crew for their efforts, two days of good information and now we more to Portugal in quick succession to keep putting the package together for Australia,' At age 37, Rea comes off a bitterly disappointing 2024 World Superbike Championship season where he placed a lowly 13th overall in the point standings with one podium finish. Having left Kawasaki after winning six WorldSBK Championships in a row from 2015 through 2020, Rea went winless across the entire season for the first time in his 18-year-career. New to the Yamaha organization in 2024, Rea and the team struggled all season long with development of the Yamaha, investigating countless research and development options to get the R1 up to maximum speed. After a top to bottom reset during the offseason and the inclusion of Rea's longtime colleague Oriol Pallares as his new crew chief, Rea and company have gone to work in preseason testing. 'We were at Jerez for a couple of days, so it's nice to get back on the bike again,' said Rea, keen for major performance games come the launch of the new season at Phillip Island, Australia in late February. 'It's always a short off-season in World Superbike. We finished testing in November and then we start again in January, so it's nice to get back and blow the cobwebs out. 'I think after the disappointments of last year, everybody at Yamaha, including myself, we had to take a step forward,' continued Rea. 'Yamaha have got quite a few upgrades to the bike and new test items to try over the next few days in Portimao and then it is on to Australia. Everyone is a bit optimistic and excited for what's ahead, really. 'We've just started getting into some new items in recent days and I'm pretty excited to see the bike we start the season with. I know that we're going to take a step from last year. I'm looking forward to trying to be a little bit more competitive.' A perennial winner throughout his Superbike World Championship tenure with 119 wins and 263 podium scores collected along the way, Rea desperately wants to get back to triumphant form. 'I am a winner and I firmly believe that. It's just this change to Yamaha last year wasn't my expectation,' he said. 'I was disappointed with our performance and it just takes time. Hopefully after a year of working with these guys they start to listen and understand exactly what I need to be fast. There is no doubt that when I get the bike underneath me that I need, I'm 100-percent convinced that we can be competitive and fight at the front.' Rea, Uri Pallares and the entire Yamaha WorldSBK team were present at the Jerez circuit, focusing on chassis work and a fundamental base setup. 'Yes, it's quite a big change all over the bike,' said Rea of the Yamaha R1. 'The whole package from electronics, where we're trying to find some acceleration and power. We're working on chassis items. It's going to take time to figure everything out and put the package together, but that's what gives us optimism, you know? Certainly if we would have say on our hands and just hoped that things would get better, they wouldn't. So everyone has made a huge effort this off season, which is nice. 'We never gave up and I have to credit the team for that. Of course I'm sure I'll have my doubters around, but the people around me believe in me and believe in this project. Like I said, you could have two options. We could just do nothing and hope it all got better, or really go to town and try and develop the bike a bit and understand our position. And that's what was done. 'These are the hard days now trying to get through the test items, make the right choices and put a package together for round one. Step by step, I feel my confidence coming back. It does take time and laps and laps and laps, but I'm feeling much better on the bike and feeling much better in myself, as well. Yes, step by step we'll get there.' The struggles just make Rea all the more determined to get back to winning form. 'It's too easy to walk away after the career I've had,' he said. 'I'm still so motivated to try and make a nice story, you know? I want to try and finish this well with Yamaha and with myself. You know the results of my teammate Andrea Locatelli suffered, as well. It would be a nice story for Andrea and myself to do this together and try to get back to the front together. That would make it even more special. 'The World Superbike championship is stacked with good riders and manufacturers, so we're going to have to be really strong. Let's see what we can do. This is always a good part of the year, isn't it? There is always talk how many guys are going to be there in the championship, but in the end it is one or two guys that make the difference, so we need to try and be one of them.' Rea's first Superbike World Championship season was 2009 with the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda team, and it's been an amazing run for the racer out of Lame, Northern Ireland since then — one he does not feel is anywhere near complete. 'No, retirement is not there for me. Not just yet,' he insisted. 'I'm too headstrong to try and make the best out of this story. To be honest, I try not to think about that R word. I'm definitely keeping my powder dry on that sort of stuff because I can't think of my life without racing in it. Yeah, I don't think this story is done by far.' Story originally appeared on Racer
