There are a whole bunch of exciting bikes coming your way over the course of the year. Here's a look at the red-hot two-wheelers coming in 2016.
Bajaj Pulsar CS 400This motorcycle is distinctively a Pulsar, but its stance suggests that the CS 400’s genetics have mutated from the standard Pulsar fare. The styling is muscular as always but there’s a bit more swarthiness to it. But despite all of that, the CS 400 has a more relaxed air too; the stepped seat looks more substantial and the raked-out forks suggest that steady riding is also something to be enjoyed on this motorcycle. Add all that up and the Cruiser Sport name starts to make perfect sense.
Think Ducati Diavel for the masses and you’ll get the idea. The tail-lamp looks like it has drawn inspiration from Bologna while the rest of the design is from its Chakan facility, expectedly edgy and satisfying. The masked headlamp looks sinister, the chiselled tank is beefy and the rear section looks like it was chopped by a meat cleaver. The CS 400 will be powered by the 373cc engine from the KTM 390 Duke and with the right kind of tweaks, it should continue to boast near 40bhp of power while offering a smoother and more easy-going feel. The CS 400 will be equipped with some premium kit – the steel perimeter frame aside, the CS will get USD forks and a beautiful alloy swingarm.
While the concept bike boasted multi-element LED headlamps, we don’t expect to see them on the production bike. However, the split digital instrument cluster would up the cool quotient significantly. Bajaj proved in 2015 with its first fully faired Pulsar – the RS200 – that the Pulsar range can confidently explore exciting motorcycling niches, without compromising on everyday usability. And that makes the CS 400 a very promising motorcycle for the growing legion of long-distance riders in India. Expect the CS 400 to be in showrooms around mid-2016 priced at Rs 1.6 lakh.
While the concept bike boasted multi-element LED headlamps, we don’t expect to see them on the production bike. However, the split digital instrument cluster would up the cool quotient significantly. Bajaj proved in 2015 with its first fully faired Pulsar – the RS200 – that the Pulsar range can confidently explore exciting motorcycling niches, without compromising on everyday usability. And that makes the CS 400 a very promising motorcycle for the growing legion of long-distance riders in India. Expect the CS 400 to be in showrooms around mid-2016 priced at Rs 1.6 lakh.
Expected launch date: Mid-2016
Expected price: Rs 1.6 lakh
BMW G310 R
Across the globe, motorcycle manufacturers are using mid-displacement bikes to reverse a gradual decline of interest in two-wheelers caused by decades of evermore intimidating and pricey models. The success of the made-in-India KTM 390 Duke and RC in the European and American markets highlights both the importance of this class of motorcycle and the make-in-India-sell-worldwide formula. Although BMW walked into this party well after KTM, it is clear the fun has only just begun and the G310 R is ready to strut in fine style.
Going by the styling, it is clear that BMW is playing it safe, which is strange when you consider that quirkiness is a BMW hallmark. Then there are the specs – 313cc of displacement, 33.6bhp of power and a kerb weight of 158kg. Although these figures won't worry the competition or send enthusiasts rushing for their cheque books, if the G310 R can emulate the sophistication and refinement of BMW’s bigger motorcycles, it will be a very interesting proposition indeed. Good ride comfort and everyday rideability should tempt riders who want a well-rounded motorcycle to swing a leg over.
Don’t mistake the G310 R for a dull performer though. The short-stroke single-cylinder engine’s layout is reversed (the cylinder inclines towards the rear wheel and the exhaust exits from the rear) to create a more compact motorcycle and optimise weight distribution. This has all-round benefits as it allows for a longer swingarm for greater stability while keeping the wheelbase tight for better manoeuvrability. USD front forks, monoshock rear, ABS-equipped 310mm disc brakes are some of the essentials in this class and the BMW has them and will surely wow when thrown around twisty bits of tarmac. Expect the BMW G310 R to go on sale in India sometime in the middle of 2016 with prices starting at Rs 1.8 lakh.
Expected launch date: Mid-2016
Expected price: Rs 1.8 lakh
Triumph Thruxton R
Triumph has announced that it’ll be getting three models from their new Bonneville range to India this year, and pricing for two of those, the Street Twin and the T120, has already been announced. So what remains is the Thruxton R, and boy, is that an interesting motorcycle. Styled to be a retro café racer, the Thruxton R shares its chassis and engine with the Bonneville T120, albeit with some go-faster modifications. The High Torque 1200cc parallel twin motor from the T120 has been modified with a lighter crank, retuned ECU and larger air box to get convert it into a High Power version for the Thruxton R. So peak power is now rated at 96bhp while peak torque is a healthy 11.4kg-m. The chassis has also seen some big mods to give it a steeper rake and a reduced length swingarm. The end result is a sporty 1415mm wheelbase. It also sports some high end suspension and brake components, with Showa big piston forks up front and a pair of top-notch Ohlins shocks at the back – both of which are fully adjustable. The bike will also come equipped with sticky Pirelli Rosso Diablo Corsa tyres to up its handling game. Classic café racer looks and a properly sporty riding experience – the Thruxton R should appeal to both classic bike lovers as well as sportbike nuts. We expect launch to be available sometime in July this year with prices estimated to be around the Rs 10.5 lakh mark.
Expected launch date: July 2016
Expected price: Rs 10.5 lakh
Kawasaki Z 250 SL
Why would Kawasaki offer another 250cc motorcycle when they already have one in India? Simple, price. The Z250 on sale in India is a twin-cylinder motorcycle that, at the Rs 3-lakh price point, has barely any takers. To lower the price tag significantly, the SL has been designed around a single-cylinder engine.
Super light weight, that’s what this Kawasaki promises. And at about 148kg, the SL is 20kg lighter than its twin-cylinder sibling, though it packs more power than its twin-cylinder sibling at 27bhp! Regular telescopic forks hang off the front of a beautiful tubular trellis frame while the rear uses a monoshock. Kawasaki offers ABS as an option on the SL and hopefully, it will be on the India model as well. In terms of design, the SL is every bit a Kawasaki with plenty of 'sugomi' (which means an ability to inspire awe in Japanese) for a small bike.
The Z 250 SL will have to compete with offerings from KTM, DSK Benelli and now, BMW too. Hopefully, local sourcing can help the bike maker claim a price tag that will make this Kawasaki a fun, sensible and value-for-money pick too. The new Kawasaki is likely to get to our shores early next year.
The Z 250 SL will have to compete with offerings from KTM, DSK Benelli and now, BMW too. Hopefully, local sourcing can help the bike maker claim a price tag that will make this Kawasaki a fun, sensible and value-for-money pick too. The new Kawasaki is likely to get to our shores early next year.
Expected launch date: Q4 2016
Expected price: Rs 1.8 lakh
DSK Benelli Trk 502
The Benelli Trk 502 was showcased in Milan for the very first time this November. This adventure bike from the Italian marque is another great example of the booming mid-displacement class.
Built around a 499cc parallel twin-cylinder engine the Trk lines up as an accessible adventure bike that’s just perfect for India. The liquid-cooled engine offers usable performance with 46.9bhp of power at 8500rpm and 4.6kgm of torque at 4500rpm.
You can expect the TRK 502 to be offered in two guises, a road-biased version with 17-inch rims front and rear, and an off-road oriented version with 19-inch rims at the front and 17 inchers at the rear. Equipped with the on-off road tyres, backed up by the long-travel suspension and rugged build, the TRK should be able to deal with anything our roads throw at it and lots more.
The upright seating position and generous accommodation is as expected on a long-haul motorcycle. Hopefully, the TRK 502 will be a manageable motorcycle to ride on a daily basis as well. A saddle height of 815mm is decent, but a kerb weight of 210kg can pose a considerable challenge.
Nonetheless, the promise of a well-made adventure bike at an expected price of Rs 4-4.5 lakh makes it a motorcycle to look forward to. Expect the DSK Benelli TRK 502 to go on sale in India in the middle of 2016.
Expected launch date: Mid-2016
Expected price: Rs 4.5 lakh
Benelli Tornado 302
Essentially, the Tornado 302 is a faired-up version of the TNT 300. The Tornado 302 features an aerodynamic looking fairing, with a clear visor in place for those tuck and twist situations. The Tornado 302 comes with an angular fuel-tank, with nicely designed knee recesses and a split-seat that tapers off into a sporty tail.
The Tornado 302 is powered by a four-stroke, 300cc, in-line two cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that makes 34.8bhp at 12,000rpm, and a healthy 2.7kgm of torque at 9,000rpm. The Tornado 302 comes with a six-speed gearbox, and relies on a steel tube frame. The Tornado 302 uses an USD fork suspension in front and a monoshock system at the rear.
Braking is via a set of dual, 260mm petal type discs in the front, with a single 240mm rear disc brake, and an ABS system is in place for added safety. Tyres are by Metzeler, on 17-inch wheels. Unfortunately, the Tornado 302 makes do with a box section swingarm rather than a more up-market alluminium alloy unit. Expect the Tornado 302 in Indian showrooms by around May 2016.
Expected launch date: May 2016
Expected price: Rs 3.0 lakh
Benelli BX250
Benelli is showing solid vision, by bringing the BX250 motard bike to India. The bike comes powered with a 250cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that outputs in the region of a full 25bhp. Add to the equation the BX250’s relatively light dry weight of 132kg and you are guaranteed to be looking at really lively performance.
The generously equipped BX250’s steel tubular frame comes with thick, purposeful-looking USD front forks and a linkage equipped monoshock setup at the rear. The state of Indian roads means good suspension travel, an upright comfortable riding position and quick performance are all welcome traits to look for from your motorcycle. The BX250 is expected to come to India by the end of 2016, and has the potential to throw open a completely unexplored, attractive new motorcycle segment, that’s in truth really apt for India.
Expected launch date: Q4 2016
Expected price: Rs 1.8 lakh
Benelli TNT T135
An interesting addition to the DSK Benelli line-up is the petite looking, TNT Naked T135, to come to India within 2016. Fitting the description of a ‘monkey bike’ which could have you see it as somewhat related to the Honda Navi, the T135 looks unique for its utilitarian design and 12-inch wheels. The T135 comes powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled, 135cc engine that makes 12.6bhp. Held together by a trellis frame, the T135 uses top-spec USD front forks and a monoshock at the rear. It will be interesting to see how Benelli positions this new bike in India.
Expected launch date: Q4 2016
Expected price: Rs 90,000
Benelli TNT 600i and 600GT ABS
Benelli is soon to offer its TNT 600i and 600GT models with twin-channel ABS brakes, and both the upgraded bikes were on display at the Benelli Auto Expo stall. The availability of a switchable ABS system will address a major shortcoming noted on almost all the big Benellis. Benelli’s parent company in India, DSK MotoWheels, is yet to reveal pricing for the new ABS equipped 600s, but we do know they shall both slip into showrooms by March 2016.
Expected launch date: April 2016
Expected price: Rs 6-7 lakh
Benelli Leoncino
Leoncino which means "lion cub" in Italian is a name that can be traced back to the small light Benelli motorcycles from the 1950s. This new interpretation of the Leoncino does carry some of the classic design lines of its namesake from the past, but it's otherwise a thoroughly modern bike underneath. From the front fender, which proudly displays the Lion of Pesaro, on to the new front headlamp featuring cutting edge LED technology, then to the fuel tank and seat, it all flows and emphasizes the personality of this baby lion. The supporting structure is a steel trellis framethat houses an all new 500cc liquid cooled parallel twin motor which puts out about 44bhp and 4.6kg-m of torque.
The front suspension features an upside down 50mm fork, mated to 4 piston brake calipers gripping 320mm discs. At the back, there is a laterally mounted shock absorber (another modern Benelli trademark) and rear braking duties are handled by a single 260mm disc brake that gets a 2-pot caliper. Highlighting the Leoncino's go anywhere ability is a 19 inch wheel at the front and a 17 inch wheel at the back, both running knobby tyres.
Now Benelli didn’t unveil this bike at Auto Expo 2016, but it was shown off to the world along with Indian media at EICMA 2015, where it was hinted that the Leoncino will make its way to India in late 2016 and would be priced approximately Rs 4 lakh.
Expected launch date: Q4 2016
Expected price: Rs 4 lakh
Yamaha NMAX
This year is certainly supposed to be a great one for scooter lovers. Not only have a lot of manufacturers already launched updated versions of their popular scooters, a few of them are also planning to bring in some maxi-scooters to the country. One of these scooters is the Yamaha NMAX which the company showed off at this year’s Auto Expo in Noida. The NMAX has already been available and is being manufactured in Indonesia for just over a year now, and India is likely the next destination of this handsome scooter.
The main features on the NMAX include new 155cc liquid-cooled engine developed based on the Blue Core concept, with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation); lightweight and high-rigidity frame that supports sharp and sporty handling; 13-inch tyres; and ABS, which also makes it the first ASEAN scooter model to be equipped with the system.
Expect the NMAX to land in India in the third quarter of 2016, with price near the Rs 1.0 lakh mark, if it is brought over in the same spec as the Indonesian bike.
Expected launch date: Q3 2016
Expected price: Rs 1.0 lakh
Yamaha MT-03
India Yamaha Motor is planning to roll out the MT-03, expected to be a naked version of the twin-cylinder YZF-R3. The MT-03, which would be lighter and more affordable than its faired-sibling, is also expected to consolidate the company’s position in the said class of motorcycles, and thereby boost its sales in 2016. New we were expecting this bike to be launched at Auto Expo 2016, but Yamaha surprised everyone by launching its larger sibling, the MT-09 which comes in as a CBU (Completely Built Unit).
A major chunk of the mechanical components of the MT-03 are shared with its full faire sibling, the YZF-R3, including its 321cc liquid-cooled parallel twin motor. This motor in the MT-03 makes 41.4bhp and 3.0kg-m of torque.
A lot of other components such as the suspension, wheels, brakes and tyres amongst others have also been carried over. But the biggest change is the seating position thanks to a set of wide handlebars, unlike the clip-ons from the R3.
It is unknown whether Yamaha will offer ABS on the MT-03, but it seems unlikely at first as the company hasn’t offer anti-lock brakes even as an option on the sportier YZF-R3. We expect the bike to hit showroom by the end of this year and pricing is expected to be around Rs 2.80 lakhs
Expected launch date: Q4 2016
Expected price: Rs 2.80 lakh
Honda PCX 150
The second of these maxi-scooter on our list, the PCX 150 had certainly gathered its fair share of onlookers in Honda’s stall at Auto Expo 2016. With the recently launched Navi “mini-bike”, we’ve already seen an otherwise conservative company like HMSI take a leap of faith by getting something totally out of the box for the Indian market. So to follow it up with a scooter like the PCX 150 makes perfect sense.
The PCX 150 has a distinctly Euro-scooter styling to it and is running on large (for a scooter) 14-inch wheels. The 153cc single-cylinder motor powering this scooter gets liquid cooling and fuel injection that produces a peak power output of 13.3bhp and peak torque of 1.4kg-m.
While there is no clear word on exact launch date for the PCX 150, sources close to the company say that we can expect it to be launched in the country by mid-July 2016 with prices somewhere in the Rs 90,000 to 1.0 lakh range.
Expected launch date: July 2016
Expected price: Rs 1.0 lakh
Aprilia SR150
Piaggio officially unveiled the Aprilia SR 150 at the Auto Expo in Greater Noida on February 3, 2016, and announced that while the model will not only mark the brand's entry but it will be manufactured at its local facility in Baramati, Maharashtra.
The SR 150 will share its engine with the Vespa 150cc models – the SXL 150 and VXL 150 – launched last year with price tags close to Rs 90,000 and Rs 85,000 respectively. According to the company website, Piaggio currently sells a total of six scooter models under the Vespa brand including four variants in the 125cc segment and two models in the 150cc scooter category.
Since it will share its powerplant with the Vespa 150, the output of the motor will be the same – 11.5bhp of peak power. But Aprilia has said that the engine will be tuned in a different way to make it more fun to ride.
The Aprilia SR 150 will also come equipped with a 220mm front disc brake (along with a 140mm rear drum brake), which also hints at the possibility of adding a single-channel ABS system if required in the near future.
The biggest highlight of the SR 150 is that it’ll become the only scooter in the country built with performance in mind. Expect this little Aprilia to hit showrooms by May 2016 with pricing to be nearly a lakh of rupees.
Expected launch date: May 2016
Expected price: Rs 1.0 lakh
Full-faired TVS Apache RTR
Along with the Akula 310 concept, TVS showed off another rather interesting concept motorcycle at Auto Expo 2016. And we believe that this is the basis of the company’s next full-faired bike based on the new Apache RTR 200 4V platform.
TVS describes the X21 as a ‘racing interpretation of the Apache RTR 200’. The X21 looks far removed from the regular Apache and looks like a burly streetfighter. TVS’ team of designers have worked to keep mass as central as possible to aid dynamics and easy handling. Dual free-flow exhausts are another detail worth highlighting. The X21 comes powered by an all-aluminium, single-cylinder, four valve, 212.4cc engine but there was no mention of power output.
It’s possible that the production version of this bike might just get the bump in cubic capacity that the concept X21 was hinting at. So expect it to be more powerful that its streetfighter sibling. Exact details on this bike aren’t known as of yet, but TVS has hinted at launching this bike at the end of the year with prices estimated to be around the Rs 1.20-1.30 lakh mark.
Expected launch date: Q4 2016
Expected price: Rs 1.20 lakh
Ducati XDiavel
To the whole world, the Diavel was Ducati's cruiser. Not to Ducati, evidently. The Italian company unveiled the XDiavel at EICMA 2015, calling it the brand's first cruiser and shifting the Diavel to 'sport cruiser' status.
The XDiavel borrows a lot from the base Diavel, but it's by no means the same bike. The engine has been stroked out to 1,262cc from the Diavel's 1,198cc, in search of a broader torque spread. So while the regular Diavel hits peak torque at 8,000 rpm, the XDiavel hits its stride at 5,000 rpm, putting out 13.1kgm. Peak horsepower is down from 163bhp to 156bhp.
The styling looks fantastic too, with those chunky futuristic elements now missing from the front and sides of the Diavel to reveal its Monster-like trellis frame and super-flat headlight. The neat tail and twin split dash are similar to the Diavel, but the twin fat, short exhaust pipes do a much better job of getting out of the way of that awesome 240-section rear wheel on its single-sided swingarm. The XDiavel is one cool cruiser, and it expands Ducati’s portfolio away from its traditional sportbikes. Expect the XDiavel to be launched in India by June 2016.
Expected launch date: June 2016
Expected price: Rs 20 lakh
Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro
The Multistrada has been Ducati’s adventure touring offering for quite some time. But the standard Multistrada is still more of a road focussed machine; able to conquer continents, as long as they have a good share of tarmac. However, with a lot of its competition being offered in both on- and off-road variants, it was high time that Ducati attempted to take the Multistrada off the road. The end result is the Multistrada 1200 Enduro.
The Enduro is powered by the same legendary 1,198cc Testastretta 11-degree V-twin motor that you can find across all the other current Multistrada variants. It makes 160bhp of peak power while torque peak at 13.8kgm. There are some interesting electronics packages in place, including a hill-hold system that prevents the bike from rolling backwards when attempting uphill starts.
This bike packs wire-spoke aluminium rims, with a 17-inch wheel at the back and a 19-inch wheel at the front. The traditional Multistrada single-sided swingarm has been replaced with a beefy double-sided one and suspension travel has been increased to 200mm while the wheelbase is now a longer 1,554mm. The suspension on this bike is Sachs Skyhook semi-active system. Seat height is non-adjustable and set to a fairly tall 869mm, although Ducati will offer optional seats to change that. The Multistrada Enduro tips the scales at 225kg.
There is no exact time of launch for the Multistrada Enduro from Ducati, but we expect the bike to be launched in the third quarter of 2016.
Expected launch date: Q3 2016
Expected price: Rs 18 lakh
Courtesy : Autocar