The Indian motorcycle industry is seeing a tremendous growth, with more people buying higher capacity bikes than ever before. Last year we saw quite a few interesting launches and this year, there are many promising motorcycles headed our way. But which ones are going to be the real game changers?
1. KTM Duke 390
The KTM Duke 390 is a performance oriented motorcycle offering good amount of power with great agility. The Duke 390 will be the second offering by KTM for the Indian market and it is expected to be priced aggressively to give tough competition to rivals. Apart from the engine, the Duke 390 shares most of its mechanical elements with its younger sibling, the Duke 200. The KTM Duke 390 features a 373.2cc, single-cylinder, DOHC engine having 4-valves and fuel injection system. The 373.2cc motor produces a maximum power output of 44 PS at 9500 RPM and 35 Nm of peak torque figure at 7250 RPM coupled with a 6-speed transmission. ABS will be offered with the Duke 390 and it is expected to hit KTM showrooms with a price tag of Rs. 2,00,000/- by March.
2. Bajaj Pulsar 375
Bajaj Auto is planning to add a bigger and more powerful Pulsar to its portfolio later this year. It will be the new Pulsar 375 offering next level performance in the Pulsar range. The Pulsar 375 will share most of its parts and technology with the Duke 390 and is expected to be priced around Rs. 1,50,000/-. The new Pulsar 375 will be powered by a single-cylinder engine, churning out a maximum power output of around 40 BHP with a peak torque figure of around 30 Nm mated to a 6-speed transmission. The Pulsar 375 will feature full fairing and is expected to offer better fuel economy than the Duke 390. Bajaj Auto is expected to introduce the Pulsar 375 with ABS in the later half of the year.
3. Honda CB150R
The Honda CB150R is a street bike, which will go head on with the Bajaj Puldar 200 NS when launched in the Indian market. The Honda CB150R is the naked version of the CBR150R sharing the same hardware. The CB150R is powered by a 150cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke engine with a fuel-injection system, which is capable of producing a maximum power output of 16.8 BHP at 10,000 RPM with a maximum torque figure of 13.1 Nm at 8000 RPM mated to a 6-speed gearbox. As seen on the CBR150R, the CB150R features the same telescopic forks at the front and linked suspension at the rear and weighs 129 kgs. Honda is expected to launch the motorcycle during this month priced at around Rs. 1.1 lakh mark. The Honda CB150R will give tough competition to the Pulsar 200 NS.
4. Hyosung GV250 Aquila
Cruiser lovers have very limited options in the Indian market but this year Hyosung is planning to hit the right spot by introducing the GV250 cruiser. The Hyosung GV250 features a 249cc, air and oil-cooled engine with fuel injection system producing a peak power output of 25 BHP at 10,000 RPM with 22 Nm of peak torque at 7500 RPM coupled with a 5-speed gearbox. The cruiser comes with telescopic forks at the front and twin shocks at the rear with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The GV250 cruiser will roll out for the mass market and is likely to be introduced in July 2013 with an expected price of around Rs. 1.8 lakhs.
5. Royal Enfield Cafe Racer
The iconic brand, Royal Enfield has a growing demand in the Indian market with its latest offerings. The manufacturer is ramping up production to meet the overwhelming demand of the customers. Royal Enfield has a good presence in the market currently and to further enhance the brand’s presence, the manufacturer is planning to introduce the iconic Café Racer in the Indian market soon. The company had showcased the eye catching Café Racer at the 2012 Auto Expo. The Cafe Racer is powered by a 535cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke engine that is capable of producing a maximum power output of 36 BHP, coupled with a 5-speed gearbox. Royal Enfield is trying out a totally different segment with the Café Racer, which is expected to be introduced with a price tag of Rs. 2 lakhs.
