This article is written by Bipul Chandra, MD, Ducati India.Under Operation “Shakti”, India successfully tested five nuclear weapons at Pokhran on 11 May 1998, the country’s second successful test since 1974. The success of the test was a proud moment for India’s scientists, engineers and technicians. Since then May 11 is celebrated. National Technology Day. Pokhran II put India on the map as a technological power. In the decades since, the country has advanced in automobiles, IT, space, defense, digital economy, AI, and the list goes on. This development can be easily seen in the motorcycle segment.
India’s growing motorcycle scene
The Indian motorcycle segment looks nothing like it did during Pokhran II. The range of bikes out there now has something surprising for almost every type of rider. In 1998, motorcycles were mostly seen as a practical way to get around. Today’s riders want more. They expect their bike to say something about them. This shift in consumer perception is being complemented by major advances in technology and design.Today’s motorcycles are packed with features that seemed like science fiction just two or three decades ago. Radar Tech is a case in point. This technology first appeared on two wheels in 2020, and it has made a real difference in how safe and smooth the ride feels.
Radar Tech Hits Indian Roads
Radars create a picture of what is happening around the motorcycle. Think blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control. Only camera systems struggle here. They are in their field of vision, and weather conditions like rain, fog, and heavy dust – which are incredibly common on Indian roads – can completely throw them off. Radars don’t have this problem. They reliably map the surroundings even when visibility is reduced and conditions turn ugly. For Indian riders, fewer surprises on the road. And a really good time out there.
For example, radar technology provides blind spot monitoring, alerting occupants of vehicles behind and ahead of them, and even those in overtaking positions. The technology also enables adaptive cruise control, automatically adjusting vehicle speed depending on traffic conditions. While radar tech was first introduced in high-end models about six years ago, thanks to the ingenuity of Indian engineers and designers, the technology has made its way into locally produced models, transforming a sophisticated, specialized technology into a much more comprehensive technology accessible to many Indian bike enthusiasts. A Bangalore-based startup is among the first Indian companies to offer radar tech on its electric motorcycles. Meanwhile, a leading domestic manufacturer has partnered with a French automotive supplier to develop an advanced rider assist system, including radar, for entry-level and premium two-wheelers. The concept and technologies were showcased at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
Change the character of the bike.
A recent innovation allows the bike’s features to be changed. With this introduction, a bike’s character is no longer set in stone thanks to the latest electronic system, which changes with the flick of a switch. Depending on the conditions, riders can now convert their vehicle into a vehicle suited for touring, sport, wet or urban conditions.With the riding mode set to Touring, riders can use the full power of their engine yet enjoy smooth throttle response. Sport mode, meanwhile, gives riders full engine power with super-direct throttle response and less invasive ride-assist control. This mod is for situations where riders want to maximize their bike’s on-road performance. Wet riding mode provides intermediate engine power, smooth throttle response, and electronic controls designed to ensure maximum safety in wet asphalt conditions. And offers an urban riding mode with intermediate engine power, smooth throttle response and electronic control to ensure maximum safety in city usage conditions.Riding mode innovation has also found its way to Indian riders in domestic models at relatively affordable price points. Indian brands introduced models with riding modes such as rain, urban, sport, and track, bringing new innovations closer to the common Indian biker and elevating the riding experience in India.
LED headlight
Meanwhile, LED headlights were first introduced in 2009, offering significant benefits, including high visibility, long-lasting durability, and high energy efficiency. This innovation found its way to Indian brands as well, offering better visibility and ride comfort.These and other world-class innovations have influenced the premium bike segment in India, with Indian manufacturers adopting the design philosophy of global brands with minimal design and high performance. Importantly, these innovations have been skillfully incorporated into the Indian models and are remarkably suitable for domestic conditions, offering motorcycle enthusiasts vehicles that are not only safer but also more fun to ride.National Technology Day is an opportune moment to reflect the creativity and ingenuity of Indian engineers who have mastered cutting-edge technologies developed outside India and incorporated them into affordable indigenous brands. By making these innovations accessible to thousands of ordinary home users, Indian engineers have transformed them from high-end aspirational features, to comprehensive and mainstream developments that elevate the riding experience of tens of thousands of Indian enthusiasts.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the original author and do not represent those of The Times Group or its employees.
