Hero MotoCorp has filed a design patent for a new dual-sport motorcycle, with some details indicating that the model could enter a segment the brand last played in with the Impulse.
Air-cooled engine with kickstarter visible in the patent drawings
Carburettor suggests it could also be for export markets
Disc brakes at both ends with what looks like long-travel suspension
New Hero dual-sport motorcycle: What the patent reveals
Design cues drawn from existing Hero models across different segments
The new motorcycle in the patent filing has an air-cooled engine with no oil-cooler, suggesting that it will likely be a smaller-capacity powerplant displacing somewhere in the 150-200cc range, well below the liquid-cooled Xpulse 421 that’s currently under development. The images also reveal that the engine will feature a kickstarter, but it’s safe to assume that an electric starter will also be present. If this is indeed a small-capacity engine as we suspect, the Impulse moniker could even be in contention for a revival.
While this means the new model could sit close to the existing XPulse 200 4V and XPulse 210, the overall profile appears slimmer, and the potentially smaller engine could also make it lighter and easier to handle.
The overall silhouette and tank shrouds also bear a closer resemblance to the old Impulse than to the current XPulse range. Lighting elements seem to be drawn from existing Hero models – the tail lamp resembles the unit on the Xtreme 125R and XPulse 210, while the headlight is similar to the Xtreme 160R and now-discontinued Passion Pro 110 XTEC unit. Other visible elements include a raised front mudguard and a high-mounted exhaust, a telescopic fork and monoshock suspension setup, and disc brakes at both ends.
However, there is one aspect that is a little puzzling. In the images, we can see what looks like a fuel tap on the left side of the engine and a choke knob on the left handlebar – both indicating a carburetted setup. It’s highly unlikely that it would comply with our country’s emission norms, so the bike in this specific form could be intended for export markets where carburetted engines are still permitted.
That said, other details suggest a different version of the bike seen here could make it to India. Regulatory requirements like the front number plate and a saree guard are both visible, suggesting Hero could also be designing the bike with the local market in mind.
There’s little other information right now, but we’ll update this story as we learn more. A patent filing also doesn’t necessarily mean that the bike will go on sale in the near future. In terms of confirmed upcoming products from the brand, we can expect the production-ready Xpulse 421 to make its official debut at EICMA 2026.
The Grecale is Maserati’s take on the mid-size luxury SUV and in SUV-crazy India will likely be the first port of call for buyers intrigued by the iconic brand. It’s been updated outside, inside and under the hood to help convert that mystique into sales.
2027 Maserati Grecale Exterior Design and Engineering – 8/10
Like most Maseratis, the Grecale is one of those cars that looks better in the metal than it does in photographs. There’s Italian flair to the design, with the proportions finely balanced across its 4.8m length. The classic Maserati cues – voluptuous fenders, vents aft of the front wheels and the cut of the glasshouse – are all there and help establish the marque, even in profile.
The 2027 Grecale gets a more prominent concave grille with the Trident logo at its centre.
The key visual change comes at the front. A strong horizontal crease visually divides the face into two distinct sections. The upper portion retains the familiar sculpted Maserati look, while the lower section adopts a far more technical and aggressive appearance. Larger air intakes flank a more pronounced concave grille, with the Trident logo taking centre stage. The changes aren’t dramatic, but they make the Grecale look considerably sportier and give it much stronger road presence. Ahem, that visual link to the humble Suzuki Swift is also less pronounced now.
Signature vents on the front fenders add character to the Grecale’s profile.
There are minor tweaks to the trim elsewhere and, as ever, there’s lots of scope to customise the appearance. I wouldn’t change our test car’s arresting Verde Royale-on-black colour scheme, thank you very much.
2027 Maserati Grecale Interior Space and Comfort – 8/10
The cabin continues to combine rich leather upholstery with stitched dashboard detailing.
Not much has changed inside, but that’s no bad thing because this remains a cabin that strikes a nice balance between modern technology and traditional Italian craftsmanship.
There are still four displays: a digital instrument cluster, a large central touchscreen, a lower touchscreen for climate control functions and Maserati’s signature clock. Each has been subtly updated. The digital clock gets a revised face and new glass designed to mimic the appearance of a conventional analogue timepiece while retaining its digital functionality.
The digital clock gets a new face and glass designed to imitate an analogue timepiece.
Lower down, the old gear selector buttons have made way for metallic toggle switches that look and feel richer. The steering wheel has also been redone with a squared-off shape that feels great to hold. Behind it sit Maserati’s trademark oversized aluminium paddle shifters, mounted to the steering column, and they remain among the most satisfying paddle shifters you’ll use in any performance SUV.
Grecale’s aluminium paddle shifters are among the most satisfying to use.
Despite the screen-heavy layout, the Grecale’s interior isn’t lacking on warmth. Rich leather upholstery, beautifully stitched dashboard trim and some plush materials (exposed carbon fibre for the win) tell you a lot of love and work has gone into putting the interior together. Some plastics do feel ordinary, though.
Rear passengers get good kneeroom and headroom, although the backrest is not reclinable.
The front seats are supportive and are the best ones in the house. While rear seat space is better than that of a Porsche Macan (the car the Grecale was built to beat), it’s not the ideal buy for chauffeur-driven buyers who will see more value in a like-priced Merc GLE or BMW X5.
Rear-seat passengers will find kneeroom and headroom more than adequate, although a reclinable backrest would have added another layer of comfort.
2027 Maserati Grecale Performance and Refinement – 8/10
The Grecale continues to be offered in three flavours – GT, Modena and Trofeo – but today’s Modena isn’t exactly the same as the one before. While the Modena was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol producing 330hp, the new Modena, confusingly enough, also gets Maserati’s 3.0-litre Nettuno V6, with output pegged at 390hp. It neatly bridges the gap between the entry-level 300hp Grecale GT and the full-fat 530hp Trofeo.
2027 Grecale Modena switches to 3.0-litre V6 from the erstwhile 2.0-litre 4-cylinder mill.
It’s easy to fall for the charms of the ‘new’ Modena. The new 390hp V6 comes across as a much more natural fit for something with the Maserati badge. There’s ready power at hand and a nice pull past 6,500rpm when the roads allow. There’s great fun working through the gears too, partly because of the feel at the paddles and partly because of the ‘braaap’ from the exhaust during shifts. The soundtrack, in general, is very appealing, with a gentle growl growing into a muscle-car burble. How much of that sound originates from the engine and exhaust, and how much is enhanced through the speakers, is difficult to tell, but the end result is undeniably enjoyable.
2027 Maserati Grecale Ride Comfort and Handling – 8/10
Its sporty setup lets some road imperfections through, but it stops short of feeling uncomfortable.
What’s also easy to glean is that the Grecale isn’t trying to be a soft, comfort-focused luxury SUV. There is a definite sporting edge to the way it rides and handles. You’ll feel bumps and imperfections in the road more readily than you would in some rivals, although it never crosses the line into feeling harsh or uncomfortable.
Adaptive dampers let you adjust the suspension response through via drive modes.
Adaptive dampers allow you to tailor the suspension’s responses depending on the selected drive mode, and while they do make a noticeable difference, even the most comfort-oriented setting stops short of completely isolating you from the road. The way to look at it is that it allows a little more of the driving experience to filter through, reminding you that this is a Maserati first and an SUV second. The crisp handling is up there with the now-retired Porsche Macan ICE, and that’s high praise.
2027 Maserati Grecale Price and Verdict – 8/10
The updates for 2026 may not completely transform the Grecale, but they make an already distinctive luxury SUV a more convincing proposition. The sharper styling gives it greater visual presence, while the introduction of the V6-powered Modena fills an important gap in the range. More importantly, it strengthens the Grecale’s case for anyone in the market for an SUV that prioritises driver appeal.
The timing couldn’t be better either. Maserati is renewing its focus on India with a new dealer network and a stronger push in the market. The Grecale will continue to command a premium over similarly sized luxury SUVs (we expect the range to start at Rs 1.2 crore ex-showroom), but it has the style and character to charm its way into contention.
CM Yogi Ayodhya visit: मुख्यमंत्री योगी आदित्यनाथ शुक्रवार (14 अगस्त) को अयोध्या दौरे पर पहुंचे। रामकथा पार्क हेलीपैड पर उतरने के बाद उन्होंने हनुमानगढ़ी और श्रीराम जन्मभूमि मंदिर में दर्शन-पूजन कर रामलला का आशीर्वाद लिया। इसके पश्चात वे श्रीराम जन्मभूमि मंदिर न्यास के प्रथम अध्यक्ष महंत रामचंद्र दास परमहंस जी महाराज की 23वीं पुण्यतिथि के अवसर पर दिगंबर अखाड़ा में आयोजित श्रद्धांजलि कार्यक्रम में शामिल हुए।
16 लाख गायों का संरक्षण
श्रद्धांजलि सभा के दौरान उपस्थित संतों ने राम मंदिर परिसर में महंत परमहंस रामचंद्र दास जी की भव्य प्रतिमा स्थापित करने की मांग प्रमुखता से उठाई। सीएम योगी ने संत रविदास मंदिर पहुंचकर महंत बनवारीपति दिवाकर जी महाराज को नमन किया और पूज्य संतों-महंतों से आत्मीय मुलाकात की। गौमाता के मुद्दे पर बोलते हुए सीएम योगी ने कहा कि गाय सनातन धर्म और भारत की अनमोल धरोहर है। उन्होंने गौ तस्करी और गोहत्या पर पूर्ण विराम लगाने की अपील की तथा बताया कि वर्तमान में प्रदेश में लगभग 16 लाख गायों का संरक्षण किया जा रहा है।
चढ़ावा चोरी मामले पर विपक्ष पर प्रहार
राम जन्मभूमि चढ़ावा चोरी मामले को लेकर विपक्ष पर निशाना साधते हुए मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि एसआईटी (SIT) जांच के आधार पर सख्त कार्रवाई जारी है। उन्होंने संकल्प दोहराया कि दूध का दूध और पानी का पानी होकर रहेगा और दोषियों को बख्शा नहीं जाएगा।
राम जन्मभूमि आंदोलन में योगदान को नमन
सीएम ने परमहंस जी के योगदान को याद करते हुए कहा कि उनका पूरा जीवन राम मंदिर के निर्माण और सनातन संस्कृति की रक्षा के लिए समर्पित रहा। संभल और देश के विभाजन का उल्लेख करते हुए योगी जी ने राष्ट्र को एकजुट रहने का संदेश दिया और कहा— 'हम बंटे थे, इसलिए कटे थे।'
योगी ने कहा कि अयोध्या के बदलते स्वरूप की सराहना करते हुए मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि आज अयोध्या अपने प्राचीन गौरव के अनुरूप विकसित होकर पुनः त्रेता युग की अलौकिक छवि पेश कर रही है।
रामलला और हनुमानगढ़ी में दर्शन
समाधि स्थल पर श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करने के बाद मुख्यमंत्री योगी आदित्यनाथ हनुमानगढ़ी पहुंचे। यहां उन्होंने बजरंगबली के दर्शन-पूजन कर प्रदेश और देश की सुख-समृद्धि की कामना की। इसके बाद हनुमानगढ़ी स्थित इमली बाग में पहुंचकर स्वर्गीय महंत संत रामदास को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की। हनुमानगढ़ी से मुख्यमंत्री सीधे श्रीराम जन्मभूमि मंदिर परिसर पहुंचे। यहां उन्होंने रामलला का दर्शन-पूजन किया।
EV manufacturer BGauss has launched the new OoWah MAX Plus scooter as part of their EV Pop which will sit above the existing OoWah EX. The brand says the scooter’s design and features have been centered around making urban commutes easier and that the model is aimed at first-time and young EV buyers.
Same motor as the OoWah EX, but a 0.7kWh bigger battery
Comes bundled with a 750W charger
What’s new on the OoWah MAX Plus
Essentially, the removable battery and colourways
The MAX Plus continues with the brand’s PMSM hub motor with 2.4kWh peak power (1.5kWh continuous), but a larger 3kWH LFP battery. The battery is rated by ARAI for 145km range, and it’s removable for charging at home. Despite the increase in size, top speed remains capped at a claimed 60kph. The battery is also CAN-enabled (Controller Area Network) which the brand says will allow it to continuously communicate with the vehicle. Both the motor and the battery are rated for IP67. It’s worth mentioning that BGauss previously had a MAX scooter that had the same but non-removable 3kWh battery. Besides that, the MAX Plus gains a reverse assist and a distance to empty indicator into the instrument cluster.
Going back to the scooter, the brand is bundling a 750W charger at no extra cost. With it, the scooter is rated to charge from 0-80 percent in 3 hours and 30 minutes, with 0-100 percent taking 4 hours and 55 minutes. Note that according to the spec sheet on BGauss website, with a 1350W charger the scooter can charge to 100 percent in 2 hours and 50 minutes, although details on the charger’s cost or availability are unclear. Dimensions for the scooter remain the same, with an accessible 765mm seat height and 160mm ground clearance, but the kerb weight has gone up to 104kg (compared to 97kg for the EX). The under seat storage is 21 litres.
Elsewhere too things remain the same with all LED lighting, drum brakes, CBS, and convenience features like limp home mode, USB charging, and the same warranties (3 years/36,000km for the vehicle and charger; 3 years/50,000km for the battery). The warranties are extendable up to 5 years/75,000km.
BGauss has priced the OoWah MAX Plus at Rs 1.23 lakh (ex-showroom) and the scooter is available in Emerald Shadow, Jamun Punch, Tangy Toma, and Zesty Red colours. The OoWah EX also continues to be available at Rs 94,990 (ex-showroom) and now has the same four colour options.
JSW MG has teased its upcoming new SUV for India, which is to be called the Hector Tomahawk, our sources have indicated. The official launch date is set for August 26, 2026. Sold as the Wuling Eksion in the Indonesian market, the upcoming Hector Tomahawk will sit atop JSW MG’s new ADAPT (Advanced Drive Architecture Platform Technology) platform. The Hector Tomahawk will be launched as a fully electric model first, and will be slotted above the Hector in the brand’s line-up in India.
Teaser confirms rectangular headlamps, signature LED DRLs, a panoramic sunroof and more
Will be offered in EV guise first; PHEV could arrive later
Seating for 7 occupants; bench-style second row
JSW MG Hector Tomahawk exterior design
The teaser offers a few important design details on the outside of this upcoming MG SUV
The official teaser confirms the rectangular LED headlamps first seen in spy shots. It also reveals details like the twin-element LED DRLs (daytime running lights) at the front and rear of the Hector Tomahawk. Observable details here also include the silver-finished alloy wheels, black plastic cladding under the doors, pronounced front fenders, pull-type door handles, prominent roof rails and wraparound LED tail-lamps. It’s clear from the teaser that the Hector Tomahawk sports chrome garnish along the windowline, plus a relatively flat roofline that leads to a roof spoiler.
In terms of dimensions, the JSW MG Hector Tomahawk is likely to have similar dimensions as the Wuling Eksion 7-seater that’s sold in Indonesia. For reference, the latter measures 4,745mm in length, 1,850mm in width, 1,755mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,9810mm. Its two-tone exterior colour options are likely to be offered in our market, too.
JSW MG Hector Tomahawk interior design and features
Apart from the exterior, the brand’s latest teaser also confirms a few details upcoming Hector Tomahawk’s interior. For starters, we now know that there will be 7 seats on offer, with a bench-style arrangement for the second row. The teaser also shows a beige colour theme for this cabin, along with a panoramic sunroof as part of the equipment that’ll be on offer. While more details are to be confirmed, the Hector Tomahawk EV could share much of the rest of its design and feature set with the Wuling Eksion. This means a minimalistic cabin with physical switchgear on and behind the two-spoke steering wheel, on the centre console and the doors.
Depending on the trim level, the equipment on offer include a powered tailgate, leatherette upholstery, powered and ventilated front seats, a 12.8-inch touch-infotainment head unit, an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, a 50-watt wireless charger, automatic climate control with AC vents for the second and third rows, a 360-degree camera system, an electronic parking brake, six airbags, and an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite, among others.
JSW MG Hector Tomahawk powertrain details
ADAPT platform supports battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, range-extender and strong-hybrid powertrains
While JSW MG is likely to reveal the Hector Tomahawk PHEV (plug-in hybrid) on August 26 as well, the brand’s teaser suggests that the ADAPT-based SUV will be introduced in its EV avatar first. The fully electric version of the Wuling Eksion EV that’s available in Indonesia is equipped with a single front-mounted electric motor that generates 201hp and 310Nm, allowing a claimed top speed of 160kph. It’s backed by a 69.2kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack with a CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) range of up to 530km.
The Hector Tomahawk PHEV is also likely to share its powertrain setup with its Eksion counterpart. For reference, the latter comes with a single electric motor that produces up to 195hp and 230Nm on its own, while the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine puts out 105hp and 130Nm. There’s also a 20.5kWh battery pack in the equation, and the maximum all-electric range of the Eksion PHEV is a claimed 125km. JSW MG’s ADAPT platform is capable of supporting battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, range-extender and strong-hybrid powertrains.
Yamaha R2 could be priced between Rs 2 lakh – 2.20 lakh
To be powered by a 200-220cc engine
Will sit above the R15 M in Yamaha’s lineup
Yamaha R2: What to expect?
Will rival the Hero Karizma XMR and KTM RC 200
We exclusively reported early this year that the R2 will be launched in India. It will carry forth the same spirit of its younger sibling – the R15 – in terms of its riding experience. Which means, it’s safe to say that it will be powered by a high-revving, higher displacement, single-cylinder engine that will punch well above its weight, much like the R15’s, delectable 155cc engine does.
Details on the exact engine capacity are not yet clear, but we expect it to be slightly over 200cc, likely in the 200-220cc range. Power figures are also yet to be confirmed, although sources suggest performance should be on par with, if not better than, its key rivals. The Yamaha will go up against the KTM RC 200 and Hero Karizma XMR, both of which produce around 25hp, suggesting the Yamaha could offer a similar output.
Where the R15 also holds an advantage, and where the R2 is likely to as well, is kerb weight. It is expected to be lighter than its rivals, which should give it an advantage in terms of agility and power-to-weight ratio. For example, the KTM weighs 160kg, the Karizma 163.5kg, while the current Yamaha R15 V4 weighs in at just 141kg.
As mentioned earlier, the Yamaha R2 will not replace the Yamaha R15. That said, the current R15 line-up will be streamlined, and we expect that the range topping M will be discontinued to make way for the R2. It’s also possible that the current R15 S (which is based on the gen-3 R15) will also be discontinued.
With current R15 prices starting at Rs 1.57 lakh for the S and going up to Rs 1.98 lakh for the top M variant, we expect that the R2 range could start at around Rs 2-2.2 lakh, depending on how aggressive Yamaha plans to be. The R2 will be manufactured entirely in India and will also be exported from here to other global markets.
The pre-booking amount of Rs 10,000 is fully refundable, although refunds will only be processed after September 5. The bike is slated to launch on August 27, with Yamaha giving priority to customers who pre-book before the launch.
इंजीनियरिंग कॉलेज में अच्छा CGPA अक्सर नौकरी की पहली सीढ़ी माना जाता है। कई कंपनियां कैंपस प्लेसमेंट के दौरान छात्रों के लिए न्यूनतम अंक की शर्त रखती हैं, ऐसे में कम CGPA वाले छात्रों के लिए शुरुआत में मौके सीमित हो जाते हैं। लेकिन नमन बंसल की कहानी इस सोच को थोड़ा अलग नजरिए से देखने पर मजबूर करती है। JIIT नोएडा से B.Tech करने वाले नमन का CGPA करीब 6 बताया जाता है और इसी वजह से वह कॉलेज में किसी कैंपस प्लेसमेंट में शामिल नहीं हो सके। इसके बावजूद उन्होंने अपनी Programming Skills को मजबूत किया और Competitive Programming में भी पहचान बनाई।
शुरुआत में उन्हें कई जगहों से रिजेक्शन मिला, लेकिन एक-एक अवसर उनके करियर को आगे बढ़ाता गया। MakeMyTrip और DE Shaw के बाद उन्होंने Adobe में काम किया और फिर Microsoft तक पहुंचे। सोशल मीडिया पोस्ट में उनकी मौजूदा सालाना Compensation करीब ₹90 लाख बताई गई है।
कॉलेज में एक भी प्लेसमेंट का मौका नहीं मिला
X पर Vikas Alwys की शेयर की गई पोस्ट के मुताबिक, नमन ने JIIT नोएडा से B.Tech किया और उनका CGPA करीब 6 रहा। कम स्कोर के चलते वह कॉलेज के दौरान किसी भी कैंपस प्लेसमेंट में शामिल नहीं हो सके। इसके बाद उन्होंने नौकरी के लिए अपनी तकनीकी क्षमताओं को मजबूत करने पर ध्यान दिया। खास तौर पर उनकी Programming Skills और Competitive Programming में उपलब्धियां चर्चा में रहीं। उन्होंने Codeforces पर Candidate Master रैंक भी हासिल की थी।
Adobe से मिला रिजेक्शन, फिर MakeMyTrip में मिली एंट्री
नौकरी की शुरुआत में नमन को कई जगहों से निराशा मिली। उन्होंने Adobe में इंटर्नशिप के लिए आवेदन किया था। बताया गया कि उन्होंने शुरुआती Technical Rounds अच्छे से पूरे किए, लेकिन कम CGPA की वजह से HR राउंड में उनका चयन नहीं हुआ। इसके बाद एक Referral के जरिए उन्हें MakeMyTrip में इंटर्नशिप मिली। यह अनुभव आगे उनके करियर में काफी काम आया।
MakeMyTrip के बाद DE Shaw और फिर Adobe
MakeMyTrip का अनुभव रिज्यूमे में जुड़ने के बाद नमन को DE Shaw में Full-Time Opportunity मिली। इसके बाद उनकी प्रोफाइल और मजबूत हुई। दिलचस्प बात यह रही कि जिस Adobe ने कभी कम CGPA के कारण उन्हें इंटर्नशिप नहीं दी थी, उसी कंपनी ने बाद में उन्हें Member of Technical Staff के पद पर नियुक्त किया।
अब Microsoft में SDE-2
Adobe में करीब दो साल काम करने के बाद नमन के Microsoft पहुंचने का दावा किया गया है। पोस्ट के अनुसार, वह फिलहाल Microsoft में SDE-2 के तौर पर काम कर रहे हैं और उनकी सालाना Compensation करीब ₹90 लाख है। हालांकि, यह सैलरी आंकड़ा सोशल मीडिया पोस्ट में किया गया दावा है।
Meet Naman Bansal, who completed his https://t.co/Ws1j7hoGgc from JIIT Noida. This guy had a very low CGPA of just 6 overall, which made him unable to sit for a single placement in college. Today, he is an SDE-2 at Microsoft, earning ₹90 LPA
नमन की कहानी वायरल होने के बाद कई यूजर्स ने इसे लेकर अपनी प्रतिक्रिया दी। लोगों का कहना है कि कम CGPA करियर की शुरुआत में कुछ अवसरों को रोक सकता है, लेकिन इससे किसी व्यक्ति की पूरी क्षमता तय नहीं होती। कई यूजर्स ने उनकी Coding Skills और लगातार मेहनत की तारीफ की। एक कमेंट में कहा गया कि CGPA उनकी कमजोरी थी, लेकिन Coding उनकी ताकत बन गई। उनकी कहानी से यही सीख मिलती है कि कमजोर अकादमिक रिकॉर्ड के बावजूद मजबूत Skills, Practical Experience और लगातार प्रयास करियर में बड़े मौके दिला सकते हैं।
When you hear the words Special Edition, the natural assumption is that this is the special version of a normal bike. Aprilia thinks otherwise, and unlike what the name suggests, the new Special Edition is the only Tuono 457 you can buy in India today.
Tuono 457 Special Edition Comfort – 7/10
The changes are all aimed at making the Tuono a little easier to live with. When first launched, the Tuono was quite literally the naked version of the racy RS 457 with the only differences being in how it looked and the fact that it had a flat handlebar instead of clip-ons. The result was a high capable bike but one that was unforgiving in terms of comfort.
Fly screen is now standard fit
The Special Edition aims to make the Tuono more inviting with tweaks made to the riding position as well as the suspension. The handlebar is the same, but a new riser raises it by about 10mm. While the Tuono used to have the same seats as the RS 457, the rider seat now has additional padding which again raises the seat height by about 10mm.
Same handlebar as before but with taller risers
These two changes may sound marginal, but they have a noticeable effect. At 6’1”, I used to find the Tuono uncomfortably cramped, with my knees feeling locked in place by the tank and the handlebar aggressively low. The new setup improves things and while this is still a compact riding position with high-set footpegs, it’s not punishingly so – I do appreciate the difference it makes to comfort after an hour of riding.
Tuono 457 Special Edition Suspension and Handling – 9/10
Monoshock, adjustable preload, 130 mm wheel travel
Front Tyre Size
110/70 – 17
Rear Tyre Size
150/60 – 17
Brake type
Front – Disc, Rear – Disc
The other change comes in the form of retuned suspension with a focus on comfort. Wheel travel is unchanged, but the compression/rebound damping and spring rates have been reduced a little at the front while the rear gets reduced spring rates as well as a little less compression damping – rebound damping is similar to before. Aprilia stresses that while the suspension is softer, it will not bottom out under hard riding conditions.
The riding position is still sporty but now noticeably more comfortable
Specifications
Values
Fuel Tank Size
12.7 L
Kerb Weight
175 kg
From what I could tell, the bike does feel a little softer and more absorptive in the initial travel, but we faced an unusual difficulty in making a clear verdict – the roads around Baramati where we were riding it were shockingly good! You could tell that this was still a very agile and reactive motorcycle with a taut feel. I’m quite confident that its superb handling skills are still intact and the only difference may be seen when being pushed to the limit at the race track – something we look forward to evaluating soon. At the same time, I don’t expect this to be a plush and comfortable bike over Mumbai’s bumpy concrete roads, but it should be a little less harsh than before.
Rider seat gets more padding for better comfort
The other changes on the Tuono are largely visual. It now gets a fly screen as standard which adds to the look but doesn’t transform its wind protection capabilities in any significant way. There’s also a new adjustable brake lever and a smart shade of black that I think makes the Tuono 457 a better looking bike.
Tuono 457 Special Edition Engine and performance – 9/10
The 457cc twin cylinder engine has strong performance and makes a great sound
Specifications
Values
Engine Displacement
457 cc
Max Engine Power
47.6 hp @ 9400 rpm
Max Engine Torque
43.5 Nm @ 6700 rpm
Number of Gears
6
The rest remains the same, including the absolutely delectable 457cc parallel twin engine that makes a superb sound and has solid punch. The engine doesn’t have a great top end, but the mid range is strong enough to pull clutch up wheelies in second gear in a way that no other locally manufactured bike can match. Highway speeds are smooth and effortless and the bike can sit at 130 or higher without stress. This really would make for a great engine in a Tuareg 457 ADV whenever that finally becomes a reality. The company also seems to be ironing out the significant reliability concerns that plagued the first RS 457 models and the number of customer complaints has reduced.
Suspension is now a little softer while the braking set up is the same
Braking hardware is the same as well and it is good enough for road use. It’s only under repeated hard braking conditions that you will want to upgrade to better brake pads at the very least. The one missing feature is a bi-directional quickshifter which can be bought for an additional Rs 21,000.
Tuono 457 Special Edition Price and Conclusion – 8/10
The Aprilia Tuono 457’s Rs 4 lakh ex-showroom price is suddenly a lot more appealing than it used to be. That’s not because Aprilia lowered it in any way, but simply because they haven’t raised it after the GST rate hike. While its chief rival the KTM 390 Duke used to cost around Rs 1 lakh less, that difference is now just Rs 50,000 and that suddenly puts the Tuono in a new light.
It is still a more expensive bike – both to buy and run – and the dealer network is far more limited as well. However, as far as riding thrills go, no rival comes close to the ‘scaled down big bike’ feel this bike offers and with these changes, it makes for a much more appealing package at this price.
भारतीय रेलवे से हर दिन करोड़ों लोग सफर करते हैं। वहीं सफर के लिए हर यात्री को टिकट लेना जरूरी होता है। इसके बावजूद कई यात्री अक्सर बिना टिकट ट्रेन में सफर करते पकड़े जाते हैं। वहीं हाल ही में एक यात्री ने ट्रेन में सफर के दौरान हुई परेशानी का एक्सपीरिएंश शेयर किया। जहां एक महिला किसी दूसरे यात्री की आरक्षित सीट पर बैठी नजर आई। यात्री के मुताबिक, महिला के पास RAC टिकट था, लेकिन उसने उसकी कन्फर्म सीट पर बैठकर उसे खाली करने से इनकार कर दिया। यात्री ने महिला को बताया कि सीट उसके नाम पर रिजर्व है, फिर भी महिला अपनी जगह से नहीं हटी। इस वजह से दोनों के बीच असहज स्थिति बन गई और यात्री काफी परेशान हो गया।
महिला ने सीट छोड़ने से किया मना
X पर अपना एक्सपीरिएंस शेयर करते हुए संजू चौधरी ने इस स्थिति को “इंडियन रेलवे का पीक” बताया। उन्होंने सवाल उठाया कि अगर कोई दूसरा यात्री कन्फर्म सीट पर कब्जा कर ले और वहां से हटने से मना कर दे, तो कन्फर्म टिकट बुक करने का क्या फायदा है। उन्होंने कहा, “मेरी रिजर्व सीट पर बैठी एक महिला के पास RAC टिकट है, लेकिन वह मुझे उस सीट पर बैठने से मना कर रही है जो असल में मुझे अलॉट की गई है।”
2.5 घंटे तक नहीं हुआ सामाधान
मामले को और मुश्किल बताते हुए यात्री ने कहा कि उसने पहले ही रेलवे अधिकारियों से शिकायत कर दी थी, लेकिन करीब ढाई घंटे बीतने के बाद भी उसकी समस्या का कोई समाधान नहीं हुआ। उसने कहा, “2.5 घंटे पहले कंप्लेंट की गई थी। अभी भी कोई सॉल्यूशन नहीं।” यात्री ने आगे सवाल उठाते हुए कहा, “तो कन्फर्म सीट बुक करने का क्या मतलब है अगर RAC टिकट वाला कोई व्यक्ति बस उस पर कब्जा कर सकता है और हिलने से मना कर सकता है?” पैसेंजर ने अपनी नाराजगी जाहिर करते हुए लिखा, “बेसिक सॉल्यूशन के लिए 2.5 घंटे इंतजार करना पड़ा। बिल्कुल बेकार” और इस मामले में संबंधित अधिकारियों को भी टैग किया।
This is peak Indian Railways
A woman sitting on my reserved seat has a RAC ticket, but is refusing to let me sit on the seat that is actually allotted to me.
Complaint raised 2.5 hours ago. Still no resolution.
So what’s the point of booking a confirmed seat if someone with…
इसके बाद रेलवे सेवा ने मामले का संज्ञान लिया और यात्री से जरूरी जानकारी शेयर करने को कहा, ताकि शिकायत की जांच की जा सके। लेकिन, चौधरी ने जवाब देते हुए कहा, “आपका TTE आया और कहा कि मुझे उस व्यक्ति से कॉम्प्रोमाइज करना होगा क्योंकि RAC दो सदस्यों को अलॉट किया गया है और मुझे अपनी पूरी यात्रा सोकर करनी होगी।” इस पोस्ट के सामने आने के बाद सोशल मीडिया पर इसे लेकर काफी चर्चा होने लगी।
लोगों ने किया कमेंट
कई यूजर्स ने रेलवे अधिकारियों से ऐसे मामलों में तुरंत दखल देने और उचित कार्रवाई करने की मांग की। एक यूजर ने नाराजगी जताते हुए कहा, “बहुत बेकार, आप लोग कोई एक्शन क्यों नहीं ले रहे हैं? रिजर्वेशन नॉन-रिजर्वेशन हो गया है??” एक अन्य यूजर ने लिखा, “भाई बिल्कुल फ्रस्ट्रेट होने वाली बात है। पैसे देकर कन्फर्म टिकट लिया और फिर भी यह नाटक। रेलवे को इस पर सीरियस एक्शन लेना चाहिए।” एक अन्य यूजर ने कमेंट किया, “सीरियसली, यह खुद के पैसे/टिकट पे मज़ाकिया है। आखिर में सॉल्यूशन यह होगा कि एडजस्ट कर लो, वो लोग दो लोग हैं।”
मौजूदा विश्व टेस्ट चैंपियनशिप चक्र में अभी भी 27 में से 15 सीरीज़ खेली जानी बाक़ी हैं। ऐसे में अगले कुछ महीनों में टेस्ट क्रिकेट केंद्र में रहेगा, क्योंकि टीमें 9 से 13 जून 2027 तक द ओवल में होने वाले फ़ाइनल में जगह बनाने की होड़ में जुटी होंगी।
पिछले दो डब्ल्यूटीसी चक्रों में चार फ़ाइनलिस्ट टीमों में से तीन ने 65 प्रतिशत से अधिक अंक प्रतिशत के साथ फ़ाइनल में जगह बनाई थी। एकमात्र अपवाद भारत था, जिसने 2023 में 58.8 फीसदी अंक प्रतिशत के साथ फ़ाइनल खेला था। 2025 में दोनों फ़ाइनलिस्ट टीमों के पास 67 से अधिक अंक प्रतिशत था।
भारत की स्थिति पर एक नजर:
टेस्ट
9
जीत
4
हार
4
ड्रॉ
1
अंक प्रतिशत
48.15
आगामी सीरीज़:
श्रीलंका (विदेशी धरती पर)
2 टेस्ट
न्यूज़ीलैंड (विदेशी धरती पर)
2 टेस्ट
ऑस्ट्रेलिया (घरेलू धरती पर)
5 टेस्ट
पिछले साल दक्षिण अफ़्रीका के ख़िलाफ़ घरेलू मैदान पर मिली 2-0 की हार ने भारत को मुश्किल स्थिति में डाल दिया है।60 अंक प्रतिशत तक पहुंचने के लिए भारत को बाक़ी नौ टेस्ट में 78 और अंक चाहिए। इसका मतलब है छह जीत और दो ड्रॉ (80 अंक) या सात जीत (84 अंक)। इनमें से पांच टेस्ट ऑस्ट्रेलिया के ख़िलाफ़ होंगे, जिसके विरुद्ध भारत ने 2008 से अब तक घरेलू मैदान पर पिछली पांच सीरीज़ में 12-2 का रिकॉर्ड बनाया है।
हालांकि हालिया घरेलू प्रदर्शन चिंताजनक रहा है। भारत को न्यूज़ीलैंड और दक्षिण अफ़्रीका के ख़िलाफ़ क्रमशः 3-0 और 2-0 से सीरीज़ गंवानी पड़ी थी। ऐसे में ऑस्ट्रेलिया के विरुद्ध बेहतर प्रदर्शन अनिवार्य होगा।
पिछले WTC चक्र में फ़ाइनलिस्ट टीमों का अंक प्रतिशत 69.44 (दक्षिण अफ़्रीका) और 67.54 (ऑस्ट्रेलिया) था। सात जीत और दो हार भारत को 62.96 प्रतिशत तक ले जाएंगी, जबकि आठ जीत और एक हार के साथ वह 68.52 प्रतिशत पर पहुंचेगा।यानी भारत के पास अब ग़लती की बहुत कम गुंजाइश बची है।
Here's the updated World Test Championship points table following the West Indies vs Pakistan Test series.
West Indies now sit at the bottom, with Pakistan just above them as the race to the WTC Final continues to heat up. #PAKvsWIpic.twitter.com/HlMy1MfIMN
न्यूजीलैंड अगर इंग्लैंड से 2-1 या 3-0 से टेस्ट सीरीज हार जाती तो भारत के फायदे की बात होती लेकिन न्यूजीलैंड ने इंग्लैंड को 2-1 से सीरीज हराकर भारत की स्थिति थोड़ी और मुश्किल कर दी है। फिलहाल मुकाबला 3 टीमों ऑस्ट्रेलिया, दक्षिण अफ्रीका और न्यूजीलैंड के बीच लग रहा है। भारत के लिए 9 में से जो 2 सबसे ज्यादा मुश्किल मुकाबले हैं वह न्यूजीलैंड के खिलाफ ही देखने को मिलेंगे। अन्य 7 में शायद भारत को उतनी मुश्किल ना हो क्योंकि श्रीलंका से भारत अभ्यास मैच जीता है और ऑस्ट्रेलिया भारतीय धरती पर बोर्डर गावस्कर ट्रॉफी खेलेगी।
