Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
Husqvarna showed off the production versions of the KTM 390-based Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401 at the Milan motorcycle show (EICMA) in 2016. Production of these bikes had started at the Bajaj plant a little while back, and we expect the road-oriented Vitpilen to be launched in India later in 2017. The Vitpilen is the cafe racer version of the 401 and shares its mechanical components with the KTM 390 Duke. It is powered by the same 43.5hp 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor, which is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Visually, however, this bike deviates quite dramatically from the Duke. Expected launch date: Q3 2017
Expected launch price: Rs 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom)
BMW G310 R
BMW has played it safe with the styling of the G310 R and strayed away from the general quirkiness that can be seen on its bigger displacement models. The KTM Duke 390 will finally have some competition in this segment. BMW also plans to follow KTM’s 'Make in India' policy and manufacture the G310 R here in collaboration with TVS and then export it to other countries.
The G310 R will come armed with a 313cc, single-cylinder engine with twin overhead camshafts that puts down 33.6hp of power, and weighs just 158kg. This doesn’t seem to stray into the 390 Duke territory except for the price point of Rs 2.2 lakh. If BMW manages to replicate the same levels of refinement and finish found on the larger displacement motorcycles, we can expect the G310 R to be a great all-round.
Expected launch date: Late 2017
Expected price: Rs 2.2 lakh (ex-showroom)
BMW G310 GS
BMW finally took the wraps off the adventure-touring version of the naked G310R at EICMA 2016. Like its naked sibling, the G310 GS has been developed by BMW Motorrad in Germany and will be built at TVS's plant in Hosur, India. The company plans to launch the G310 R first, sometime in March 2017, which will pave the way for the G310 GS model that will follow a few months down the line.
It will also have a host of official accessories to choose from, including 12-volt power sockets, heated grips, two seat-height options (820mm and 850mm), luggage kits, a centre stand, satellite navigation and accessories to hook your smartphone up to.
Expected launch date: Late 2017
Expected launch price: Rs 2.8 lakh (ex-showroom)
TVS Apache RTR 300
This fully-faired motorcycle, a first for TVS, is expected to hit showrooms towards the middle of 2017. It was first showed off as concept at the Auto Expo 2016 and was called the Akula 310. This bike displayed all the tell tale signs of being an extremely track-focused machine. The RTR 300 will sport a powerplant that was jointly developed with BMW Motorrad. It’s the same 313cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 33.6hp, which will power the BMW G310 R. Judging by the other motorcycles in the TVS stable, we can expect the Apache RTR 300 to arrive with the same levels of refinement as other models, the bonus being its track-focus.
Expected launch date: Q4 2017
Expected price: Rs 2.2 lakh
Triumph Bonneville Bobber
This new Bobber from Triumph is based on the latest-generation Bonneville T120. With Triumph bringing most of its latest Bonneville range to India, we expect this bike to hit our shores by the middle of next year. As this new bike is based on the Bonneville T120, it shares most of its frame and front suspension. Since the HT (high torque) spec 1,200cc parallel-twin motor has been borrowed from the T120, this Bonneville Bobber makes 80hp and 105Nm. The electronics package which features Road and Rain riding modes, switchable traction control as well as ABS remains the way it is.
Expected launch date: Q2 2017
Expected launch price: Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom)
Ducati Multistrada 950
Ducati’s Multistrada 1200, though an extremely capable motorcycle, has been a bit out of reach for a lot of riders thanks to not only its price, but also because all but the most experienced riders found the size and power of the 1200 a bit intimidating. Ducati’s latest Multistrada that premiered at EICMA 2016, the 950, is supposed to provide that easier-to-ride, yet premium experience. And, according to sources, this bike is slated to come to India by July to September 2017.
Powering this new bike is the 937cc version of Ducati's Testastretta 11-degree V-twin motor that's good for 113hp of power and a peak torque of 96Nm. The cockpit gets new switchgear along with a full-LCD dashboard that's compatible with the Ducati Multimedia system. The Multistrada 950 gets a fairly large 20-litre fuel tank to help in long-distance riding, and Ducati claims a wet weight (no fuel) of 214kg.
Expected launch date: Q3 2017
Expected launch price: Rs 13.5 lakh (ex-showroom)
Ducati Scramblers (Desert Sled/Cafe Racer)
The Scrambler has enjoyed a fair amount of success in India since its launch and the latest two versions of the bike introduced at EICMA 2016, the Café Racer and the Desert Sled, should make their way to India mid-2017. The Scrambler Cafe Racer doesn't deviate mechanically from the base bike and maintains the same frame, engine and even the fuel tank. What have changed are the handlebars, with this bike featuring low-slung clip-ons, along with bar-end mounted mirrors. To add to the leaned-over posture, there's also a new cafe racer seat with a passenger cover.
While the Scrambler has always hinted at a bit of off-road pedigree, none of the models so far have really delivered on the promise of mixing it up in the dirt, until now that is. This new Scrambler Desert Sled packs a whole lot of changes to make it extremely capable on the rough stuff. To help with better control when mixing it up in the dirt, this Scrambler gets a flatter seat which now sports a height of 860mm.
Expected launch date: Q2 2017
Expected launch price: Rs 8-9 lakh (ex-showroom)
Ducati Monster 797
We believe that Ducati will be able to bring this new bike to India some time in 2017. And even though it was designed as a "first Ducati" for younger riders, it is unmistakably a Monster in every regard, offering a properly sporty riding experience. Ducati claims a wet weight (without fuel) of 182kg, which combined with a wheelbase measuring 1,435mm, should make this baby Monster a nifty handler. Even the 805mm seat height should be fairly comfortable for riders of various sizes. Ducati's aim with this bike was to make a Monster that wasn't too aggressive or intimidating to ride. On the design front, this bike gets the same headlight and 16.5-litre fuel tank as its larger sibling. The headlight gets LED position lights and the tail-light is also equipped with LEDs. The instrument cluster is a full-LCD unit, but doesn't get the full-colour TFT treatment like the Monster 1200. However, it is compatible with the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS). For convenience sake, there is also a USB charger located under the seat.
Expected launch date: Q2 2017
Expected launch price: Rs 8-9 lakh (ex-showroom)
DSK Benelli 302 R
It’s essentially the faired sibling of the TNT 300. But look closer and the Tornado 302 has plenty of differences, including in the design. Obviously, there is an aerodynamic front fairing, but you can see the crisper lines of the tank as well. The tank capacity has been reduced by two litres to 14 litres, as compared to the TNT 300. ABS will come as a standard feature on the Tornado 302. When it comes to the engine you can expect a familiar package – 300cc, inline-twin-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine that churns out about 35hp of power and about 27Nm of torque mated to a six-speed gearbox. This bike will take on Yamaha’s R3 and Kawasaki’s Ninja 300.
Expected launch date: Q2 2017
Expected price: Rs 3.1 lakh (ex-showroom)
DSK Benelli TRK 502
The TRK 502 will come equipped with a 499cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 46.9hp of power and about 45Nm of torque. Besides these figures being quite appropriate for our Indian riding conditions, the TRK 502 will also be available in two different setups. ABS will come as standard on both models.This mid-segment adventure tourer comes equipped with a 20-litre tank and a reasonable seat height of 815mm. Weighing 210kg, this motorcycle however is a bit heavier. With its spacious ergonomics, on- and off-road tyres, generous suspension travel and capability of carrying luggage, the TRK 502 would be ideal for long-distance adventure touring.
Expected launch date: Q2 2017
Expected price: Rs 5.5 lakh
DSK Benelli Leoncino
The name ‘Leoncino’ means lion cub in Italian and can be traced back to Benelli’s small, light motorcycles from the 1950s. Despite its suave retro-styling, this motorcycle is completely modern. The front fender proudly displays a figure of the 'Lion of Pesaro', while the rest of the motorcycle designed with emphasis on the personality of a baby lion. It sports minimal bodywork, with a nice, flowing tank and a neat tail section. This is one motorcycle that shows a lot of promise in the fun department and we can only hope it gets here sooner.
Expected launch date: Q4 2017
Expected price: Rs 4.5 lakh
Tork Motorcycles T6X
Tork Motorcycle, a Pune-based firm, is set to launch an electric motorcycle T6X that seems to tick all the right boxes. It will also be the first electric motorcycle to be manufactured and sold in India. Founded by mechanical engineer Kapil Shelke, his passion for racing has seen Tork Motorcycle participate in professional racing, including events like the coveted Isle of Man's TTXGP (electric motorcycle class) to the TT Zero Race. The Tork racing motorcycle even secured a podium on its debut appearance at the Isle of Man.
With the T6X, Tork plans to cater to the 125cc commuter bike buyers who are looking for something more premium. While the bike is expected to cost more than its immediate competition, the company claims that the lower running costs of the bike (a full recharge costs Rs 10-20) means that the additional expenses incurred will be easily recovered within a year of purchase.
Two charging stations have already been installed in Pune, and the company aims to set up a total of 100 stations by the time the bike is launched in the city. The company is working on a similar plan for other cities too, which is expected to be completed within a year of the bike's launch. The T6X is expected to deliver a maximum range of over 100km on a single charge, while top-speed has been limited to 85kph. Its Li-ion battery can reach 80 percent charge in one hour when plugged into a 15A source, and will attain full charge in two hours. The highlight of the T6X is its connectivity features. It will get a display with navigation and a Mirror Link-like interface which is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Expected Launch Date: Late 2017
Expected Price: Rs1.25 lakh
Kawasaki Versys-X 300
This new baby Versys will slot into the smaller end of the capacity range, with its older siblings already being a rather potent lot. The Versys-X 300 shares its engine platform with the Ninja 300 that puts down 39hp of maximum power and 27Nm of maximum torque. However, this engine will be wrapped in an all-new chassis with all-new body work. The seat looks plush and comfortable, and appears to have a very ‘sit-in’ riding position. This is complimented by the wide handlebars and a stubby but high windscreen. The instrument cluster offers a large analogue tachometer supported by two LCD screens that contain a digital gear indicator, dual trip-meters, distance to empty, current and average fuel consumption and eco-riding indicators.
There will be two accessory editions available besides the standard Versys-X. The Versys-X 300 Urban will have a tank pad, hand guards, a centre-stand and a 30-litre topbox, while the Versys-X 300 Adventure will come shod with a tank pad, tubular engine guard, a centre-stand and two 17-litre panniers. But we can expect these accessory additions to appear in India a little after the launch of the standard model.
Expected launch date: Q4 2017
Expected launch price: Rs 4 lakh (ex-showroom)
MV Agusta Brutale 800
The Brutale 800 was initially supposed to be launched towards the end of 2016, but plans have now been pushed towards the beginning of 2017. The Brutale 800 will be brought to India as a CKD and assembled at the Kinetic Group’s plant in Pune.
It will come equipped with a 798cc, in-line three-cylinder engine with a counter-rotating crankshaft that puts down about 116 horses and 83Nm of torque. Stopping power comes from the 320mm twin discs at the front and a 220mm one at the rear. The Brutale 800 will be priced around Rs 13 lakh, making it the most affordable model in the MV Agusta range for India.
Expected launch date: Q1 2017
Expected price: Rs 13 lakh
Yamaha NMAX
Yamaha plans to bring this stylish-looking maxi-scooter to India by the third quarter of 2016. It’s been available in Europe and Indonesia for a while now, and will now make its way to Indian shores.
Besides looking suave, this scooter from Yamaha comes equipped with a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that uses Variable Valve Timing (VVT). It will also come with ABS and 13-inch tyres. Its small size, low weight and high-rigidity frame will ensure that this scooter is a sharp handler. It could command a price tag of around Rs 1 lakh.
Expected launch date: Q3 2017
Expected price: Rs 1 lakh
Honda PCX 150
It’s now time for another fun commuter from Honda to make its way into the Indian motorcycling scene, the PCX 150. The PCX 150 is powered by a 153cc, low-friction, liquid-cooled engine that is fuel injected, and should have more than enough pep to make commuting quite a fun affair. It produces a peak power output of 13.3hp and peak torque of 13.7Nm. The PCX 150 even comes equipped with a 12-volt accessory adapter for charging personal electronic devices. There has been no exact confirmation on a launch date but it can be expected in India somewhere around mid-July 2016.
Expected launch date: Q3 2017
Expected price: Rs 1 lakh
Vespa GTS 300
With its typical Italian scooter styling and larger displacement engine (for a scooter), the Vespa GTS 300 will certainly be a hoot to ride. This 278cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine is based on the QUASAR engine platform and churns out about 22hp of peak power and 22.3Nm of peak torque. There will be a multimedia platform that can be accessed via an app on your phone that provides data about the trip and diagnostic readouts of the scooter. The GTS 300 will come with an all-steel-body that Piaggio suggests, helps with the high-speed stability of the scooter. What will be slightly disheartening is the price which should be somewhere around Rs 5 lakh.
Expected launch date: Q4 2017
Expected price: Rs 5 lakh
Kawasaki Z900
The Z900 could replace the brilliant Z800. This new Z900 from Kawasaki displays yet again a new headlight cluster in the ‘Z’ series. The Z900 is powered by a new 948cc engine that is based on the Z1000 engine and makes 123.6hp of peak power. Kawasaki has developed an assist and slipper clutch to make action at the lever lighter and to help with excessive engine braking. Kawasaki says the engine offers linear power delivery with a noticeable kick after 6,000rpm.
Expected launch date: Q3 2017
Expected price: Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom)
Kawasaki Z650
The new Z650 from Kawasaki will share its platform with the 2017 Ninja 650 and be a replacement for the older ER-6n. New styling brings the Z650 more in to line with the Sugomi styling of the naked Z class. Without the full fairing, the Z650 weighs 5kg less than the Ninja, with Kawasaki claiming a curb weight of 187kg for the Z (or 185kg without ABS), and a seat height of 790mm. The 649cc engine will offer a smoother throttle response, better low-mid range torque and improved fuel economy.
Expected launch date: Q3 2017
Expected price: Rs 5.2 lakh (ex-showroom)
Triumph Street Triple 765 S/R/RS
The first thing you notice on the 2017 Street Triple is its slightly more purposeful stance. The highlight of the RS model is its electronics package. This highly extensive and customisable electronics suite is really going to change what's expected from a middle-weight naked motorcycle. It gets five riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Track and a programmable Rider mode) which get different throttle maps and varying levels of traction control. Even the amount of ABS intervention can be tuned as per your liking. So, it will cater to a wide range of riders with varying levels of skill and confidence. Although it puts out 123hp now, this engine is as user-friendly as before and encourages you to really wring that throttle open if the situation permits. India will first get the S and R versions, which will be followed by the sportier RS version.
Expected launch date: 2017
