Motorcycles and Scooters to watch out for in 2014

Harley Davidson Street 750

Harley-Davidson unveiled the Street 750 cruiser at the 2013 EICMA event in Milan Italy. It’s a part of the Dark Custom motorcycle range and has been specifically designed for young riders. The company will also be concentrating at developing markets with this new motorcycle.

The Street 750 gets a new liquid-cooled engine which the company calls as the ‘Revolution X engine’.The liquid-cooled engines of the motorcycles have been mated to a six-speed transmission that transmits torque to the rear wheel through belt drive. The bike gets Michelin tyres 100/80 x 17 in front, and 140/75 x 15. The brakes clamp a single ventilated disc brake for the front and rear.

The Street 750 will be manufactured in India at the company’s plant in Bawal in Haryana. Most of the parts will be locally sourced making it easy for the company to price the motorcycles very competitively. 

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Rs 4.4 lakh – Rs 4.9 lakh ex-showroom

Indian Chief Classic

The Indian Chief Classic an iconic motorcycle from American legend- Indian Motorcycles. It is one of the finest cruisers ever built and is equipped with modern yet classic features and loads of chrome. It gets stylish, elegant fenders, which have featured since 1940 in all Indian Motorcycles, along with the traditional big ‘Indian’ badging on the fuel tank. It gets keyless entry, a secure and convenient feature for the riders.

The Chief Classic is expected to be priced between Rs 20 lakh – Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom). It will come to India through the completely-built-up (CBU) route and may be sold through Polaris outlet. 

Expected Launch:  22 January 2014

Expected Price: Rs 20 lakh – Rs 22 lakh ex-showroom

Indian Chief Vintage

The Chief Vintage is an iconic soft bagger motorcycle from Indian Motorcycles. It gets stylish, elegant fenders which have been seen since 1940 on all Indian Motorcycles along with the traditional big ‘Indian’ badging on the fuel tank and chorme all around. It gets keyless entry as a safety feature. 

The front fender gets the iconic ‘War Bonnet’ and the same covers its brake callipers. The Chief Classic instrumentation combines modern technology and traditional style. The tank-mounted console has a large, easy-to-read analog speedometer as well as a digital display screen that provides a wealth of valuable ride and fuel data. It gets genuine leather saddlebags for long distance runs and a windshield that can be removed using the quick release function, just in case you like to feel the breeze.

The Indian Chief Vintage is powered by a new Thunder Stroke 111 engine that churns out 161Nm of peak torque. The bike has six-speed transmissions fed by electronic fuel injection and has ABS and hidden rear suspension. This iconic motorcycle is priced at USD20,999 (Rs 12.96 lakh) in US .This bike will be launched in India on January 22, 2014 and is expected to be priced between Rs 23 lakh – Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom). It will come to India through completely-built-up (CBU) route.

Expected Launch:  22 January 2014

Expected Price: Rs 23 lakh – Rs 25 lakh ex-showroom

Indian Chieftain

The Chieftain is the only faired cruiser from the iconic Indian Motorcycles and is also the most expensive in its line-up. It gets stylish, elegant fenders which have been seen since 1940 in all Indian Motorcycles along with the traditional big ‘Indian’ badging on the fuel tank. It gets keyless entry, which is a secure and convenient feature for the riders.

The front fender gets the iconic ‘War Bonnet’ and the same covers its brake callipers. The tank-mounted console has a large, easy-to-read analog speedometer as well as a digital display screen that provides a wealth of valuable ride and fuel data. It gets spacious hard saddlebags which are mounted on quick release anchors and feature remote electronics lock that can be controlled using a mounted button. The fairing houses an audio system that delivers quality sound from dual high-output speakers along with a Bluetooth audio system. It sports an adjustable windshield that can be raised and lowered depending on your requirements.

The Indian Chieftain is powered by the same new Thunder Stroke 111 engine that powers the Classic and the Chief Vintage. This engine churns out 161Nm of peak torque. The bike has six-speed transmissions fed by electronic fuel injection and has ABS and hidden rear suspension. This iconic motorcycle is priced at USD 22,999 (Rs 14.20 lakh) in the US .This bike will be launched in India on January 22, 2014 and is expected to be priced between Rs 24 lakh – Rs 27 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be sold in India as a completely-built-up (CBU) unit.

Expected Launch:  22 January 2014

Expected Price: Rs 24 lakh – Rs 27 lakh ex-showroom

Bajaj Pulsar 200SS

The Bajaj Pulsar 200SS is the fully-faired version for the existing naked Pulsar 200NS. Designed to be a compact sports-bike it should feature clip-on handlebars, and a sportier stance. Expected to be priced Rs 20,000 above the Pulsar 200NS, it can be a good sports tourer and an occasional track machine.

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Rs 1.05 lakh - Rs 1.10 lakh ex-showroom

Bajaj Pulsar 375SS

The Pulsar 375 is the most anticipated motorcycle from Bajaj this financial year. The fully-faired motorcycle is expected to be more of a sports tourer rather than a super sport. The Pulsar 375 will be fuel injected and will get adjustable clip-on handlebars and projectors along with pilot lamps. It will house the 373cc single cylinder liquid-cooled engine, based on the KTM 390. This engine produces peak power of 44bhp at 9000rpm and torque of 32Nm at 7250 rpm and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. Expect the Pulsar 375SS to be priced between Rs 1.7 lakh and Rs 1.8 lakh.

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Rs 1.50 lakh - Rs 1.70 lakh ex-showroom

Mahindra Mojo 300

Mahindra Two Wheeler had showcased the concept model of the Mojo 300 long back in 2010. Mahindra claims to launch the bike in 2014 with redesign styling and will feature a 300cc DOHC four valve engine producing 26bhp of power at 8500rpm and 24Nm of torque at 7000rpm mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The Mojo features the Ducati electronic fuel injection system to improve performance and emissions. It will also get a gas charged mono shock, dual exhaust and mirror mounted mirrors.

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Rs 2 lakh – Rs 2.5 lakh ex-showroom

Hero Splendor iSmart

Hero MotoCorp recently unveiled the new motorcycle in their Splendor family called the Splendor iSmart. The motorcycle has been loaded with a new technology that has been developed by the company in-house called the i3S technology. It is basically an engine start-stop function that gives more fuel efficiency in congested traffic. This technology has been first featured in the Splendor iSmart and will later be introduced in other motorcycles. The Splendor iSmart gets an aerodynamic front cowl, stylish rear grab rails along with a luxurious seat texture. It gets a matte black exhaust silencer and an all-weather power start option which is standard across all variants.

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Rs 45,000 – Rs 48,000 

Honda CB500F

The CB500F is part of the new Honda 500cc trio which includes the CBR500R and CB500X. This motorcycle is the naked version of the CBR500R and is is powered by the same 500cc twin-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC engine that also powers the 2013 Honda CBR500R and 2013 Honda CB500X.The motorcycle also features Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI). The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and produces 47bhp and 43Nm. The front suspension has a 41mm fork with 4.8 inches of travel whereas the rear suspension is a Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability. Honda India will showcase the CB500F at the upcoming 2014 Auto Expo.

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Rs 4 lakh – Rs 4.5 lakh

Honda CBR500R

The CBR500R is the fully-faired model of the new Honda 500cc trio. The CBR500R is powered by the same 500cc twin-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC engine that also powers the 2013 Honda CB500F and 2013 Honda CB500X. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and produces 47bhp and 43Nm. The bike also features Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI).  The front suspension has a 41mm fork with 4.8 inches of travel whereas the rear suspension is a Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability.

The CBR500R is for someone who is looking for an entry level middle weight motorcycle. The bike looks very sporty and offers a riding position that is not too aggressive. We are expecting the bike to make its first official presence in India at the 2014 Auto Expo and will be sold here through completely-knocked-down (CKD) route. 

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Rs 4.3 lakh – Rs 4.8 lakh ex-showroom 

Hyosung GV250 Aquila

The GV 250 is the entry level cruiser from the DSK-Hyosung alliance and will become the only V-Twin cruiser to be sold in India after it is launched. It has a classic styling which is not very inspiring but still stands out when compared to the single-cylinder Indian motorcycles. The handle bar is low, making it very comfortable motorcycle to ride for long distance and together with the round headlamp form base of the classic design.

The GV250 is be powered by 249cc V-Twin oil cooled fuel injected engine that churns out 28bhp of maximum power. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox and transfers power to its rear wheel via a chain drive. It gets a 16-inch wheels with 110/90 tyre in the front and 15-inch with 150/80 tyre in the rear. 

Internationally, the GV250 is sold in four colours but expect Indian market to get only one. The cruiser will be sold in India through completely-knocked-down (CKD) route.  We are expecting the company will launch the Hyosung GV250 at the 2014 Auto Expo.

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Rs 2.4 lakh – Rs 2.7 lakh

Yamaha YZF-R25

The prototype version of the upcoming Yamaha R25 was showcased at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show recently. The bike has been developed on a completely new chassis and sports a liquid-cooled 250cc inline two-cylinder engine. 

Yamaha hasn’t revealed any details on the power and torque figures yet, but expect it to be one powerful machine. The RC25 is positioned and offered as an entry-level model in the sport bike category for developed markets like Japan and Europe and will also be listed as a top performance sport bike for emerging markets primarily throughout Asia. We expect the bike to be launched in India at the 2014 Auto Expo.

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Rs 2.6 lakh – Rs 3 lakh ex-showroom

Kawasaki Z800

The Kawasaki Z800 will be the second motorcycle from the ‘Z’ family after the Z1000 to be launched in India. The first few lot of Z750 replacer will come through completely-built-up (CBU) route but if the company sees good volumes, they will consider getting the Z800 through completely-knocked-down (CKD) route from Thailand. 

The Kawasaki Z800 is powered by 806cc liquid-cooled inline four engine that churns out 113 PS of peak power at 10,200 rpm and 83 Nm of torque at 8000 rpm. The engine is mated to six-speed gearbox and the bike has a top speed of 233 kmph.   It gets full digital instrumentation displaying tons of information. It will have a price tag close to Rs 8 lakh and will be sold only in one colour – Candy Flat Blazed. 

Expected Launch:  January 2014

Expected Price: Rs 8 lakh – Rs 9 lakh ex-showroom

KTM RC200

The KTM RC200 is the fully-faired version of the present KTM Duke 200. It was unveiled at the 2013 EICMA event in Italy and will be manufactured in India. Based on the Duke 200 including the engine that has been re-tuned to take on the additional weight of the fairing, it also gets new projector headlights which add to its aggressive look. 

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Close to Rs 1.55 lakh ex-showroom

KTM RC390

The KTM RC 390 was recently unveiled at the 2013 EICMA event in Milan, Italy. The fully-faired version of the Duke 390 is a perfect entry-level high-performance track machine that will be manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan plant and exported worldwide. The RC 390 is powered by 373cc single cylinder water-cooled engine that develops 43bhp and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. At 43 mm, the amply sized WP suspension USD front forks have the same tube diameter as those of the KTM Superbike 1190 RC8 R. Developed in cooperation with Brembo, the braking system includes a 300mm front brake disc and 230mm disc at the rear as well a standard ABS for the RC 390. The tyres offer full size racing dimensions at 110/70 R17 front and 150/60 R17 rear. It has a tank capacity of 10-litres and weighs 147 kerb which gives it excellent power to weight ratio.

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Rs 2.3 lakh – Rs 2.5 lakh ex-showroom

TVS Scooty Zest

TVS Scooty Zest is expected to be launched in India in January 2014. It will be built on the same platform that underpins the current Scooty line-up that includes the Pep + and the Streak. 

The Scooty Zest is expected to be powered by the same 87.8cc single cylinder air-cooled engine that develops 5bhp at 6,500 rpm and 5.8Nm at 4,000 rpm. Expect the Scooty Zest to become the flagship Scooty model and it will be sold in many attractive colours.

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Rs 45,000 – Rs 50,000 ex-showroom

Vespa S

Vespa S has been designed in keeping the Italian company’s 1970 heritage in mind. It looks quite similar to the Vespa LX 125 but there are certain features like the square headlight and the aggressive mudguard design that makes the front suspension visible distinguishes itself from the LX 125. The instrument cluster looks decent and has analog speedometer and tachometer along with digital clock.

The Vespa S will be powered by the same mill that powers the LX 125 and the VX. It will get the single cylinder 125cc 4-stroke engine that will churn out 10.06PS at 7500rpm and 10.6Nm at 6000rpm. This engine is mated to continuous variable transmission and is no more different from other Vespa’s when it comes to performance. 

The Vespa S is expected to be price around Rs 75,000 and will be available in many colours.

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Rs 70,000 – Rs 80,000 ex-showroom

Vespa 946

Piaggio may bring their flagship scooter - the Vespa 946 in India in 2014. The Vespa 946 is less of a commuting vehicle and more of a style statement and the scooter will be launched here only to build their brand and not increase the sales numbers. 

The Vespa 946 is powered by a 125cc four-stroke single cylinder engine which churns out 12PS of power at 82500rpm and 10.33Nm of torque at 7000rpm. The scooter which has been inspired from the World War-2 era Vespa MP6 prototype has a body made of sheet steel with aluminum elements. The scooter come with factory fitted ABS system and ASR traction control system. The Vespa 946 features large 12-inch wheels; disc brakes at the front and rear, LED headlights, LED indicators and a full LCD dashboard which makes the scooter look stunning.

Being a completely-built-up unit (CBU) which attracts high taxation, expect the scooter to be priced between Rs 1.4 lakh and Rs 1.7 lakh.

Expected Launch:  February 2014

Expected Price: Rs 1.4 lakh – Rs 1.7 lakh ex-showroom