We are midway through 2019 and the year has been an eventful one till now. This can be attributed to a plethora of launches with some being just facelifts while a few others bringing an all-new package to the table. Every year, we witness several newer products, out of which some become hit, making us enthusiasts and buyers go raving about it. Well, then let’s take a look at five such bike launches which made a profound impact on the Indian two-wheeler market in 2019 till now.
Yamaha MT-15
The YZF-R15 has always been one of the highest selling models for Yamaha and introducing its naked version was inevitable. The first spy shots itself created a lot of stir on the internet signifying the anticipation for the MT-15 amongst youngsters. The motorcycle has borrowed the engine and most of the cycle parts from the YZF-R15 V3 while carrying a streetfighter styling which exudes an aggressive appeal. Priced at Rs 1.36 lakhs, the MT-15 is available in two colour options; Dark Matte Blue with neon yellow accents and Metallic Black. It competes against the KTM 125 Duke in India.
Hero XPulse 200
Hero had ventured into the uncharted territory of entry-level adventure motorcycles with the Impulse a few years ago. Although the motorcycle was discontinued owing to the dearth in demand, the company recently made a comeback in this segment with the XPulse 200. While the styling is reminiscent of the Impulse, the XPulse gets a larger 200cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder motor. It also keeps up with the trend featuring a Bluetooth-enabled instrument cluster along with full-LED lighting. Hero has launched the XPulse 200 with two engine options including carbureted and fuel-injected which are priced at Rs 97,000 and Rs 1.05 lakhs, respectively.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
The Gixxer siblings have worked decently well for Suzuki in the Indian market. However, the audience is now gradually moving up in the 200cc to 400cc segment. With the intention to grab a chunk of this lucrative pie, Suzuki launched the Gixxer SF 250 fully-faired motorcycle in India. Suzuki introduced a new design language with this motorcycle which consists of a sleek headlamp, edgy fairing design and a svelte tail section. With the clip-on handlebar and split seat, the Gixxer 250 looks sporty but the ergonomics are comfortable for everyday usability. The motorcycle features a 249cc, four-valve, SOHC, single-cylinder motor which makes 26.1bhp and 22.6Nm. Suzuki has priced the Gixxer SF 250 at Rs 1.70 lakhs.
Honda CB300R
It was in January this year that Honda confirmed the launch of the CB300R in India. The announcement had us excited for the motorcycle owing to its ‘Neo Sports Café’ styling, impressive features and top-notch components. Moreover, the asking price of Rs 2.41 lakhs made the CB300R even more compelling. The motorcycle is powered by a 286cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC motor which churns out 30bhp and 27.5Nm and is mated to a six-speed constant mesh gearbox. Subsequently, the 142kg kerb weight of the CB300R translates in commendable handling and, you can read about it in our first ride review.
2019 Bajaj Dominar 400
The 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 was undoubtedly one of the most popular launches of this year. The Chakan-based bikemaker introduced comprehensive changes in its flagship motorcycle in order to address niggles in its predecessor. Firstly, the 373.3cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor of the Dominar now gets DOHC configuration which has resulted in a higher power output. The motorcycle now churns out 39.4bhp, up from 34.5bhp, while the torque output remains the same at 35Nm. Moreover, in terms of cycle parts, the motorcycle has been updated with upside down forks and radial brakes, which make it a better package overall. Bajaj has priced the 2019 Dominar 400 at Rs 1.73 lakhs. Although it carries a premium of around Rs 10,000 over the previous-gen model, it still remains an attractive package.
