The Royal Enfield Scram 440 gets a more refined engine and a six-speed gearbox
[Read more…] about Royal Enfield Scram 440 – The Lone RangerRoyal Enfield Scram 440 – The Lone Ranger
NEW ISSUE
Aprilia SR 175 hp.e – Scooter with a Dual Personality
The Aprilia SR 175 hp.e is the most premium scooter from the Italian brand in India yet. But the story is different when you start riding it
[Read more…] about Aprilia SR 175 hp.e – Scooter with a Dual PersonalitySEPTEMBER 2025
GST: A Vexatious Issue
The government has decided to lower the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate for motorcycles. Come 22 September 2025, there will be two rates: while motorcycles with a capacity of up to 350 cc will attract the lower rate of 18 per cent. Those above 350 cc will entail 40 per cent GST, as per the official notification from the GST Council as of now.
The idea of two slabs is not good for the two-wheeler industry. It will not encourage manufacturers to develop large-capacity motorcycles with a view to competing on the international level. As of today, only two Indian manufacturers make motorcycles with a capacity of over 400 cc: Classic Legends and Royal Enfield. Ideally, the GST for all motorcycles should be 10 per cent.
Furthermore, the cost of sub-125-cc bikes will not come down significantly on account of the imminent rule that will make the anti-lock braking system (ABS) mandatory for such motorcycles. Once the rule comes into force, it will increase the price of small bikes. In India, we have plenty of motorcycle-related norms compared to some of the other countries in the world. Instead of making things mandatory for bikes, the government would do well to concentrate on better roads and infrastructure for the people who pay one of the highest road taxes in the world.
The use of E20 fuel is going to wreak havoc, especially on old bikes that have carburettors. The corrosive nature of the alcohol-based fuel will disintegrate the rubber parts, such as rubber intake manifolds and float valves, and cause damage to the piston cylinder liner and the combustion chamber when the bike is not in regular use.
On another note, there should be a concise syllabus for schoolchildren, teaching them the dos and don’ts of traffic and instilling basic civic sense related to how to behave on a public road and obey the basic traffic rules.
Aspi Bhathena
Editor
20TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL : AUGUST 2025
Yet Another Milestone
Bike India celebrates its 20th anniversary this month. I still remember sitting with the senior management of Next Gen Publishing in Mumbai, discussing whether we should launch an automotive magazine like the other existing magazines in the country, or two separate magazines for cars and bikes, as in all mature markets around the world. We are happy to say that 20 years down the line, Bike India is the only dedicated bike magazine in the country.
The reason we have been able to sustain this bike-only endeavour over all those years is thanks to the unstinting support of our readers and the two-wheeler manufacturers. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the unsung heroes like the marketing team, the design team, and our copy desk editor. You never get to see their pictures, but it is the hard work they put in throughout the year that helps us bring out the magazine month after month.
Today, high-end sports motorcycles have become very accessible. Anyone can buy one even if they do not have the full amount ready. They can always take a loan to buy one. Buying the bike is the least of the problems, though. They need to respect the bike and learn how to ride it properly. If the bike is capable of doing 300 km/h, it does not mean that you try that speed on the road. A motorcycle capable of doing 300 km/h is a very safe bike at 100 or 120 km/h compared to a bike that is built to do 140 or 150 km/h. The brakes and handling of the big bike have the capability to stop from a very high speed compared to a bike that is designed to do 150 km/h, because its brakes are meant to stop it from 150 km/h. Buy a superbike if you can afford one, but treat it with respect, and the bike will give you a lot of riding joy. Always remember to wear proper riding gear and ride safely.
Aspi Bhathena
Editor
BGauss RUV350 Max – Not Your Typical Electric Scooter
We rode the BGauss RUV350 Max on public roads and some aspects of this electric
scooter surprised us
