Hero Motocorp

Motorcycles

How Royal Enfield became the top-selling big bike in the world

As India's gargantuan motorcycle market matures, Indian manufacturers are partnering with or acquiring brand names that focus on provenance, heritage and authenticity: Peugeot (since 1901), Triumph (since 1902), BSA (since 1903) and Husqvarna (since 1903).

The EBR 1190 SX streetfighter (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)

Motorcycles

Erik Buell Racing ceases operations

In unexpected and disappointing news for bike fans, Erik Buell Racing (EBR) announced on April 16 that it has ceased operations. Facing a debt of US$20 million the company has filed for protection from its creditors under Chapter 128.

Clockwise from top left: The featherweight Hastur 620cc Streetfighter; lightweight 250cc HX250R sports bike; 35 kg SimplECity urban electric motorcycle; 100 kg "ion" fuel cell prototype with two-wheel-drive, hubless maglev wheels, collision detection & avoidance, telematics, Lithium-Air batteries and futuristic M-Link suspension; ZIR superscooter; LEAP Serial hybrid scooter, world's most fuel-efficient scooter with 200 mpg (U.S.) and 240 mpg (imp) PLUS electric. Not pictured is the RNT hybrid turbo-diesel-electric prototype we covered last week. Exciting times indeed!

Motorcycles

Hero vs. Honda: Battle of the Titans (starring Erik Buell)

From 1984 to 2010, Hero Honda grew to become the world's largest motorcycle company. Then the partners divorced, with Hero getting the company and the use of Honda's designs until the end of 2014. Then what? Hero showed 20 new motorcycles last week.

Hero Motocorp suddenly seems more than capable of replacing Honda's technology, it also seems capable of producing machinery better suited for the emerging market it currently serves, but also of producing truly ingenious solutions that existing long term manufacturers with deeply-rooted R&D structures could simply never envisage.

Motorcycles

Hero's 2WD diesel-electric RNT radically rethinks the motorcycle as an all-purpose utility vehicle

Hero’s RNT offers utility transport for the developing world plus some ingenious benefits beyond just mobility. Its 13.5 hp 150cc diesel engine has an optional turbo. There’s an electric motor up front, a 1500 W, 230 V generator, the LED headlight unclips to offer a portable light, and much more ...