In markets like India, motorcycles are evolving from simple means of transportation to lifestyle products. The Indian consumer today loves the idea of owning and riding premium motorcycles. And, manufacturers have been capitalising on this.
As such, international motorcycle shows like EICMA have now become an important medium to get a glimpse of what we might see on Indian roads in the future. Here are 5 sub-900cc motorcycles that just made their debut at the EICMA 2016 and are heading to India!
Kawasaki Z650
The Kawasaki ER-6n was always looked upon as the ‘girl next door’ in the world of futuristic and aggressively styled streetfighters. Well, not anymore. Kawasaki has given this middleweight a design overhaul along with a new moniker. Built around a new trellis frame shared with the new Ninja 650, the Z650 has now been aligned with the rest of the ‘Z’ range. Powering the Z650 is a Euro IV-compliant 649cc parallel-twin engine, delivering 69bhp and 72Nm of torque. The new chassis is also lighter; it has helped shave 19 kilogram on the Z650 compared to the ER-6n. Considering Kawasaki’s previous track record, we can expect the Z650 to be launched in India in early 2017.
Honda CBR650F
The Honda CBR650F has also been given a facelift. Apart from being Euro IV compliant, the Honda CBR650F has gained four horsepower thanks to revised airflow management. Honda has also altered the gear ratios to improve acceleration through the mid-range. The suspension setup has been updated with Showa Dual Bending Valve Fork, while the brakes now get updated Nissin callipers. The only aesthetic changes on the 2017 CBR650F are the new livery and all-LED headlamps.
Ducati Monster 797
The Ducati Monster 797 is the new entry-level model in the company’s Monster range of streetfighters. Based on a traditional trellis frame, the Monster 797 is propelled by the 803cc air-cooled L-twin engine borrowed from the Scrambler. It loses out on electronics like traction control and riding modes, though ABS has been retained. Ducati has high expectations from the Monster 797 and projects it to be the highest selling motorcycle in the Monster range. Targeted at customers who haven’t taken a liking to the new Scrambler and yet want to own an affordable Ducati, the Monster 797 will sport a price tag of around Rs 7 lakh.
Ducati Scrambler Café Racer and Desert Sled
Ever since the Ducati Scrambler was launched last year, the demand for the range has been quite surprising. Capitalising on this popularity, Ducati has rolled out two new versions of the Scrambler in addition to the existing six variants. Both the Café Racer and Desert Sled are based on the bigger Scrambler platform, powered by the 803cc air-cooled L-twin engine. The Café Racer gets low clip-on handlebars, bar-end mirrors, classic humped seat with a cowl and a chopped front fender. The Desert Sled on the other hand, features more comprehensive set of upgrades like 19-inch front wheel, spoke wheels, button tyres, redesigned swingarm and reinforced frame, all aimed at improving off-road capabilities. Expect a launch in the first half of 2017.
Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer and V9 Bobber
Moto Guzzi has launched the 2017 V9 Roamer and V9 Bobber with few ergonomic updates to improve these cruisers’ usability. Revised footpegs and a longer seat should make the ride more comfortable, while the new range of optional accessories should make touring enthusiasts happy. This update comes less than a month after these bikes were launched in the Indian market. Nevertheless, Moto Guzzi says that the ergonomic updates can be retro fitted on older models. The V9 Bobber and the V9 Roamer are powered by 850cc V-twin engine delivering 54bhp and 62Nm of torque, through a six-speed transmission with shaft final drive.
