The month of June was quite bleak in terms of the number of new two-wheeler launches. But, the scene in July is quite the opposite. This month, we will witness around five new launches in India right from electric scooters, a supersport, and the one most of you have been eagerly waiting for, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get right into it.
TVS Ronin
So the first on our list is a motorcycle that has been expected for quite a while now. It made headlines with its debut at the 2018 Auto Expo as the first cruiser motorcycle to roll out from TVS. While the concept was called the Zepplin, the production motorcycle as we revealed recently will be named Ronin.
Now, this motorcycle is likely to use a 223cc, single-cylinder engine that is a bored-out version of the Apache’s 200cc mill. While power and torque figures have been kept under wraps, we can expect the Ronin to offer slightly higher torque figures compared to the Apache to suit its character. That said, it will ride on USD forks and a monoshock at the rear while braking would be done with single discs at both ends with dual-channel ABS.
Talking about the styling, a picture of the bike has been leaked recently which reveals that the Ronin looks like a scrambler, as opposed to the Zepellin concept that was more of a cruiser. We can expect to be priced higher than the Apache 200 that starts from Rs 1.34 lakh. And we won’t have to wait long for its official pricing and details as the launch is just a few days away.
BMW G310RR
The second launch for July is the BMW G310 RR that will make its debut on the 15th. Since it is based off the TVS Apache RR 310, we know quite a bit about the motorcycle. First off, it will use a 313cc, single-cylinder motor that is expected to churn out around 34bhp and 27Nm. The G310 RR will also share most of its hardware and components with the RR 310.
And while it might also look the same, it does get a few changes to stand out- the major difference being its colour options. BMW has adorned it in its flagship colours of white red and blue. But you can also choose a white and black combo. Additionally, we also know that it will get a colour TFT screen, although whether or not it gets the ride modes like the Apache is yet to be seen.
Nonetheless, the BMW G310 RR will demand a premium price tag that will be well over its naked counterpart, G310R. So expect it to cost around Rs 2.80-2.85 lakh, ex-showroom.
Now, let’s talk about electric scooters that will be launched in July. While its name is yet to be announced, Ather will launch new variants of the 450X. And these are expected to have a larger, 3.6kWh battery.
Moreover, the scooter is likely to get two settings- one with five modes and one with four. That said, Ather has also bumped the peak power from 6kW and 5.4kW to 6.4kW and 5.8kW respectively. Ather could also introduce new colour schemes with these new variants. And it goes without saying that they will be priced higher than the current model that retails at around Rs 1.18 lakh, ex-showroom.
Simple One
Another product that’ll heat up the competition in the electric scooter segment in July will be the Simple One. I am sure most of you might have already heard this name because the first version of the Simple One was launched in August last year. But, the deliveries never started due to the issues that plagued the scooter. Now, the company claims to have sorted out all the issues and the improved version will be launched this month. We’ll also be riding the electric scooter between 13-14 July and the full review will be up on the website and YouTube channel soon after that.
The on-paper specifications that Simple Energy had revealed during the scooter’s launch were extremely impressive. It is powered by a 4.5kW motor that is claimed to take it to a top speed of around 105kmph. The battery pack capacity stands at 4.8kWh which comes with a claimed battery range of 203km in Eco mode. It also gets an optional third battery which is said to hike its range up to 300km. Now, it remains to be seen if there are any changes in these specifications in the updated model.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
And lastly, we have the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 that is likely to debut in the last week of July or first week of August. The motorcycle will be the most affordable from Royal Enfield, sitting below the Bullet 350 with a starting price of around Rs 1.40 lakh ex-showroom. What's more, we will also be riding the Hunter 350 next month. Do not miss our full text and video review of the bike.
That said, it will be offered in two variants that is expect to differ only slightly. While one will ride on spoke wheels, the other will get alloys as standard. However, both will come powered by a 349cc, single-cylinder engine that also does duty on the Classic 350 and Meteor 350.
Now apart from being the most affordable, the Hunter 350 is also expected to have a low seat height and low kerb weight to make it accessible to a wide audience. And it will take on competition from the Yamaha FZ25 and Suzuki Gixxer 250.
