Your Weekly Dose of Bike Updates: Yamaha Aerox E, KTM 390 SMC, and More!

The Yamaha Aerox E became the talk of the town last week as it was launched at an exorbitant price tag. Besides, our exclusive report about KTM planning to launch the 390 SMC in India also created a stir among enthusiasts.

Yamaha Aerox E Launch

Yamaha launched the Aerox E in India at Rs. 2,81,600 (ex-showroom). The e-scooter is the brand’s second model in India, after the EC-06, and is among the most expensive offerings in the E2W space. It has a similar design to the Aerox 155 but comes powered by a 9.4kW motor, offering a claimed top speed of 95.5kmph. It gets a twin 1.5kWh removable battery setup with a claimed IDC range of 117km. There are three riding modes: Eco, Standard and Power, each modulating the top speed and throttle response. In addition to this, there’s also a power boost, giving a temporary boost in acceleration.

Yamaha FZ Blue E85 Launch

Yamaha also introduced the new FZ Blue Flex at Rs. 1.24 lakh, ex-showroom. The motorcycle is the first flex-fuel model in Yamaha’s Indian portfolio and is designed to run on ethanol-blended fuels ranging from E20 to E85. It is powered by a 149cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine that produces 11.5bhp and 12.8Nm. This engine is paired with a five-speed gearbox. While this engine is known for its decent fuel economy, we can expect to see the bike offer lower fuel efficiency when it runs on E85 fuel, in comparison to when it’ll run on E20.

Ducati Diavel V4 Black Roadster Launch

The Ducati Diavel V4 Black Roadster was launched in India at Rs. 29.98 lakh, ex-showroom. This makes it roughly Rs. 32,000 costlier than the standard Diavel V4. It gets a special colour scheme that’s designed by the Ducati Centro Stile. The bike boasts a combination of a sinister-looking black that forms the base, over which you’ve got racing yellow highlights on the fuel tank, radiator shroud, and the new rear seat cover. A few titanium bits add to the premiumness of the Ducati Diavel V4 Black Roadster.

Hero Vida VX2 Plus 4.4kWh Launch

Hero launched the Vida VX2 Plus 4.4kWh variant in India at Rs. 1,50,990 (ex-showroom). The new variant features a larger battery pack, which has increased its claimed range to 187km (IDC). Additionally, the brand is offering a faster portable charger as standard. The new variant is expected to reach showrooms by the end of July 2026. The new 4.4kWh battery pack consists of two removable 2.2kWh batteries. Compared to the VX2 Plus 3.4kWh, the larger 4.4kWh battery pack should help decrease range anxiety.

KTM 390 SMC India Launch

KTM is considering launching the 390 SMC in India. While the exact timeline isn’t known yet, if everything goes to plan, we can expect it to be launched sometime towards the end of 2026. Unlike the global model, the India-spec KTM 390 SMC is expected be powered by the smaller 349cc, liquid-cooled motor that makes 41bhp and 33.5Nm of peak torque. Besides the smaller engine, the KTM 390 SMC is likely to use the same fully-adjustable, long-travel suspension setup from the 390 Enduro R.