wo-wheelers are the most common mode of transpor-
tation in India, with millions taking to the road every day.
Their effect on urban air quality makes accurate emis-
sions data crucial. However, current certification cycles do not
reflect real-world conditions. To tackle this challenge, AVL con-
ducted India’s first RDE test on a small motorcycle under typical
Indian road conditions. The test vehicle, a Hero Splendor+ with
a 100cc engine, was used to capture real-world emissions and
fuel consumption, compare them with laboratory results, and
evaluate the measurement setup itself.
Advanced AVL Setup
The technical backbone of the study was AVL’s advanced
measurement portfolio:
• AVL M.O.V.E System Control Advanced: a central data
acquisition and control platform integrating all measurement
devices.
• AVL M.O.V.E FT PEMS: a compact FTIR-based system
capable of capturing multiple pollutants simultaneously.
• AVL PLUtron™ precision fuel flow meter
• AVL Concerto™ with M.O.V.E Data Toolbox for efficient
RDE post-processing and reporting.
Mounting the instrumentation posed its own challenge. The
equipment including batteries, mounting parts, etc. added
72 kilograms – approximately 64 % of the motorcycle’s curb
weight. To accommodate this, AVL engineers adapted the
exhaust system with a 45° probe and extended pipe and
designed secure mounts for the hardware.
Testing followed a staged approach. First, the motorcycle was
evaluated in the lab on a chassis dynamometer using the AVL
AMA i60™ analyzer. Correlation checks between the lab and
the PEMS setup validated measurement accuracy. Finally, RDE
testing was carried out on real roads, covering urban, rural,
and motorway routes, aligned with trip share and dynamic
requirements taken from existing four-wheeler RDE regulations.
Results and Insights
Results showed strong correlation between laboratory and on-
road data, particularly for CO2 and NOx, confirming the accuracy
of the FTIR-based PEMS.
The added weight affected performance: fuel economy dropped
by 17 %, and CO2 emissions increased by 21 %. Despite these
challenges, the on-road test provided a robust assessment
of the pollutant trends under real-world operating conditions,
meeting all compliance criteria for trip composition and
dynamics. These results confirm that RDE testing for two-
wheelers in India is technically feasible.
The study demonstrates the value of real-world motorcycle
testing and highlights the need for RDE methods tailored to two-
wheelers. More importantly, it provides OEMs and regulators
with robust data to shape future emissions standards and
supports India’s path toward cleaner urban mobility.
For the first time, AVL has successfully carried out Real Driving Emissions (RDE)
testing on a small-capacity motorcycle in India. The project proves that portable
emissions measurement systems (PEMS) can deliver reliable real-world data – an
important step toward cleaner two-wheeler mobility.
Pioneering PEMS Testing
on Motorcycles in India
“Reliable RDE data for motorcycles
closes a critical gap and supports
the transition to cleaner mobility in
one of the world’s largest markets.”
2025