10 new bikes for 2016
2015 was a pretty exciting year for motorcycle enthusiasts in the country, which saw the launch of some exhilarating motorcycles like the Honda CB Hornet 160R, Kawasaki Versys 650, Yamaha YZF-R3, Bajaj Pulsar RS200, Suzuki GSX-S1000 and the six-bike Benelli range among others. The 2016 Auto Expo saw several two-wheeler manufacturers reveal their plans of the Indian two-wheeler industry. Now that we have a clearer picture of what to expect, here is a list of 10 bikes to look out for in 2016.
Bajaj V15
Expected launch date: March 2015
The Bajaj V15 pays homage to the Indian Navy’s first aircraft carrier – the INS Vikrant. When the INS Vikrant, a 1971 Indo-Pak war hero, was decommissioned and dismantled, Bajaj purchased the scrap metal from the ship’s breakage. This metal has been used to make the tank of the Bajaj V15, as a tribute. The V15 is powered by a 150cc single-cylinder DTS-i engine, which delivers 12bhp and 13Nm of torque. The V15 will be positioned between the Discover and the Pulsar range, and will be followed by a younger 125cc sibling.
Royal Enfield Himalayan
Expected launch date: March 2016
The Himalayan represents a quantum leap for Royal Enfield as it is the first truly modern motorcycle that the company has developed in quite some time. Underpinned by split cradle frame, the Himalayan has been developed prioritising function over form. The Himalayan is powered by a new 411cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that produces 24bhp and 32Nm of torque. These figures might not seem very intimidating on paper, but Royal Enfield claims that the torque delivery has been tuned keeping the Himalayan’s character in mind.
Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi
Expected launch date: March 2016
While the rest of the manufacturers were busy flaunting their new-fangled concepts at the 2016 Auto Expo, Suzuki unveiled a modest, yet very important motorcycle. The Gixxer SF Fi is a fuel-injected version of the fully-faired premium commuter. This important technological update is expected to improve the throttle response and to some extent, the performance of the bike while giving it an edge over its competition. Besides the Gixxer SF Fi, the company will also launch a rear disc brake variant of the streetfighter around the same time.
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Fi ABS
Expected launch date: March 2016
The Apache RTR 200 4V gets a completely refreshed styling, with new fuel tank extensions, a raised tail section and the edgy front fascia. The clip-on handlebars and the footpeg position are optimised to offer a racy seating position. During the launch of the Apache RTR 200 4V, TVS had announced that the bike will also be launched with an electronic fuel injection system. For the fuel injected engine, power is marginally more at 20.7bhp. This version will also get the option of a dual-channel ABS system and Pirelli tyres. It will be priced at Rs 1.08 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Hero Splendor iSmart 110
Expected launch date: July 2016
The Splendor iSmart 110 might seem like just another one of those boring commuter bikes, but it actually is the most important motorcycle for Hero MotoCorp right now. Underpinned by a new platform and engine, the Splendor iSmart 110 is the first ever motorcycle to be developed completely in- house by Hero MotoCorp. It is powered by an 110cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine which is rated at 9bhp and 9Nm of torque. Eventually, we expect Hero to phase out its current range of Honda-engineered commuter motorcycles with new models based on this new platform.
Benelli Tornado 300
Expected launch date: July 2016
The Benelli Tornado 300 is the fully-faired version of the TNT 300 streetfighter. Based on the same twin-cylinder platform, this motorcycle wears the hallowed ‘Tornado’ badge which has been associated with the fastest and the most extreme sportbikes in the Italian marque’s range. The 300cc engine delivers 36bhp and 27Nm of torque through a six-speed transmission. Once launched, it will be the first fully-faired Benelli to be introduced in the Indian market.
Triumph Thruxton R
Expected launch date: July 2016
The Triumph Thruxton R is the flagship model in the British manufacturer’s line-up of modern classics. Based on a brand new liquid-cooled platform, the Thruxton R is powered by a 1,200cc parallel-twin engine which is rated at 112Nm of torque. While the overall styling harks back to the original café racer motorcycles of the yesteryears, rider assists including ABS, traction control, rider modes and slip-assist clutch give it a modern edge. To bump up its retro appeal, the Thruxton R will be available with a host of customisation options, including three ‘Inspiration Kits’.
Benelli TRK 502
Expected launch date: September 2016
The Benelli TRK 502 marks the Italian marque’s offensive in the rapidly growing adventure touring segment. It gets all the bells and whistles which you would expect to see in such a bike – beaky fairing, tall windscreen, ABS, spoked wheels, mounts for panniers et all. At the heart of the TRK 502 is a 500cc parallel twin engine, which churns out a respectable 47bhp and 45Nm of torque. Seems like the ideal upgrade for a touring enthusiast looking to move up the ladder into big bike territory.
BMW G310R
Expected launch date: September 2016
Engineered at the German manufacturer’s development facility in Munich, the BMW G310 will be manufactured at TVS’ new production line in Hosur for the Indian as well as other global markets. This 310cc streetfighter belts out 34bhp and 28Nm of torque, from a single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. The versatile trellis chassis has been developed to make it easily adaptable for multiple platforms though it might be a while before we see these on Indian roads. The streetfighter will be launched here in the festive season of this year.
Honda Africa Twin
Expected launch date: Late 2016
The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin has to be one of the most talked about motorcycles of 2015. This litre-class adventure touring motorcycle borrows its iconic ‘Africa Twin’ moniker from the original 1989 XRV750 and has been purpose-built to take on the harshest terrains without breaking a sweat. It is powered by a 1,000cc parallel twin engine which puts out a modest 94bhp and 98Nm of torque. It is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual clutch transmission. The bigger surprise, however, is that Honda will locally assemble the Africa Twin for the Indian market.
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