4 new upcoming entry-level sportbikes you want: Explained

From the past six months, there has not been a single week that has gone by without talk of one of these upcoming sportsbikes. Even though the 2017 KTM Duke 390, TVS Akula 310, BMW G310R and Bajaj Pulsar VS400 are different motorcycles, they share a lot similarities. A major one being price! All four motorcycles are expected to be priced between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh. Other similarities include them being performance oriented single cylinder motorcycles and LCD screens!

2017 KTM Duke 390
Latest update – Test mule spotted on video.
Expected launch – Early 2017.
Expected price – Rs 2.10 lakh.

TVS Akula 310
Latest update – Pictures of motorcycle on test outside TVS factory.
Expected launch – Early 2017.
Expected price – Rs 2 lakh.

BMW G310R
Latest update – Completely revealed internationally, available for test rides.
Expected launch – October/November 2016.
Expected price – Rs 2 lakh.

Bajaj Pulsar VS400
Latest update – Last spotted shooting for commercial.
Expected launch – October 2016.
Expected price – Rs 1.6 - 1.8 lakh.

Powering the four – All four upcoming motorcycles are powered by single cylinder engines, two are 313cc motors and two, 373cc ones. Starting with the most recently expected one, the Bajaj Pulsar VS400. It is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder engine which shares its basic architecture with the one in the KTM Duke 390. However, Bajaj has opted to use its triple spark technology and made a few other changes to the engine. There is no official power figure from Bajaj yet, but a leaked brochure revealed a power figure of 34bhp. The BMW G310R and the TVS Akula 310 are expected to be mechanical identical which means, both of them will be powered by the same 313cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. This engine churns out 34bhp at 9500rpm and has a peak torque of 28Nm at 7500rpm. Coming to the 2017 Duke 390, it is most definitely bound to be the most powerful of the lot. According to an international source, the upcoming KTM will be even more powerful than the outgoing model. Which means, we can expect a power output between 45bhp-50bhp. All four motorcycles will use six-speed gearboxes.

Features and technology – LCD screens are a big theme among the four motorcycles. The BMW and the TVS are expected to share their instrument clusters, both LCD displaying a lot of information. The display shows the following information – engine speed, road speed, gear, total kilometres, engine temperature, fuel tank level, remaining range, average fuel consumption, average speed and time. There is not much information on the KTM Duke’s LCD screen however, we do know it is going to be a huge 10inch display. Knowing KTM, the screen will display everything you would want to know about the motorcycle and more! Bajaj has  taken another route in this department, they are expected to offer the VS400 with two LCD displays. There is one conventional display and an additional unit is placed on the tank slightly above the fuel lid almost identical to the positioning on the Ducati Diavel. The screen on the tank displays the speed and the gear position while, the main display features the rpm gauge, fuel gauge and the odometer. In terms of safety, expect all four motorcycles to feature ABS as standard.

Handling and braking – The upcoming KTM Duke 390, BMW G310R and TVS Akula 310 are well equipped in the suspension department, all three featuring upside-down forks (USDs). The VS400 will ride on conventional front forks which is one of the cost cutting methods used by Bajaj to keep the price low. Bajaj has not stopped there; they have cut costs by providing low-end tyres as well. The G310R and the Akula 310 will run the Michelin Pilot Street Radials and surprisingly the test mule of the upcoming 390 was also spotted using the same rubber, however, we aren’t sure if KTM will end up using them on the finished product. The KTM is expected to use the same Metzeler tyres as the current model. Coming to the Bajaj, the motorcycle will ride on low cost MRF REVZ FC1 C1 tyres. In terms of braking, the BMW G310R, TVS Akula 310 and the VS400 will use 300mm front discs. The KTM will have the upper hand here as well with its 320mm front disc. All four motorcycles will use 240mm rear discs.

Motorcycle types – Even though the motorcycles are so similar, one of the major differences distinguishing them are their types. With the VS400, Bajaj is trying to offer a slightly laid back cruiser sport type of motorcycle. The TVS Akula 310 on the other hand, with its supersport layout is at the other end of the scale. The KTM Duke 390 and the BMW G310R are similar in this aspect since both of them are nakedsport motorcycles.