We usually do such stories at the beginning of every year, but 2023 is rather unique. The first half of this year is almost over, and there were barely any new motorcycle or scooter launches. I see this as the calm before the storm. Starting next month, things will get extremely exciting for us and the consumers because the second half of 2023 is likely to become the busiest ever.
As mentioned in the title, four brands will have new launches in India. First is the Hero MotoCorp, which has planned a series of new bike and scooter launches. We can even say that 2023 is the biggest year for Hero MotoCorp, since its inception. This year, we will see a range of new motorcycles and scooters aimed to reinvent the brand. At least, that is what the company is hoping for. Over the last two to three years, Hero has strengthened its bread-and-butter models. Now that it has been done, it is time for Hero to go aggressive into a segment that isn’t just highly profitable but will also increase the overall brand value and equity, thus increasing sales. There's the new Karizma that will be relaunched. It will be a 210cc bike and will be loaded with some new features. This iconic motorcycle brand still has a big fan following, even though its last iteration was poorly designed. The Xtreme 160R will be significantly upgraded too, and I'm excited to ride it. I clearly remember the first time I rode the Xtreme 160R, and I was blown away by the way it handled. I was so shocked that I refused to believe it was a Hero product. That was the day I realised the massive potential this company has for building fun bikes. There will be a few more updates on the Xtreme 200S. This one will get four valves and some cosmetic additions. Hero MotoCorp will also introduce the most affordable Harley-Davidson. This one gets a 420cc engine and design elements that will likely go well with Indian consumers. Also, if you are one of those who have been waiting to get the bigger XPulse, well, there's terrible news. Our sources suggest that this project has been delayed quite a bit, and you will have to wait for at least a year to get that adventure bike. But if you can't wait, Royal Enfield has an option for you.
The much-awaited Himalayan 450 is likely to be launched around September. From what I know, this motorcycle is being touted as Royal Enfield's biggest-ever launch – more significant than the 650cc twins. The spy shots and the testing videos have made me extremely curious. I love the current Himalayan 410 – it offers excellent comfort and off-road capabilities. But it is also known for its poor highway cruising speed. This will be addressed by the Himalayan 450, and because it will be a global product, I expect it to be loaded with some really good features. The Chennai-based company has plans to launch two more bikes – the Bullet 350 and the Shotgun 650 (also called the Fury 650 inside Royal Enfield). While the Bullet 350 will likely be launched in the next few weeks, the Shotgun 650, a single-seater version of the Super Meteor 650, may launch towards the end of 2023.
Now coming to Bajaj, this company will launch a new range of motorcycles under the Triumph brand. The first two bikes to debut are a 400cc roadster and a 400cc scrambler. These bikes were seen multiple times early this year in India and the UK, and the test mules looked pretty amazing. According to our dealer sources, the official debut will happen in London on 27 June, but the India launch is being planned for August. These bikes are expected to grab some of the fans Royal Enfield has created over the last few decades; Bajaj expected the same with the Dominar, but that plan failed. So, only time will tell. Also, Bajaj is planning to introduce the new-generation KTM 390 Duke. Recently, a few pictures were leaked that revealed the new engine, frame, and styling. And from these aspects, it is clear that the new Duke will sport some aggressive and more aspirational styling. Towards the end of the year, Bajaj plans to give minor upgrades to the Dominar 400 as well.
Meanwhile, Yamaha has plans to go aggressive this year. With its fast expansion of Bluesquare showrooms, the brand wants to fill these premium showrooms with the new R3, MT-03, and YZF-R7. The naked version of the R7 – the MT-07, and the MT-09 are being planned for the India launch. These big bikes will be fully imported from Japan, so we expect some premium pricing there.
TVS will also make some noise in the premium segment. It will launch the most rumoured Apache RTR 310 in the next few months. Based on the Apache RR310, this motorcycle will help the brand take on the Dukes regarding performance and styling. One of our sources who have seen the bike said, 'This styling of this TVS will blow your mind away'.
We are super excited to be a part of these launches, and like we always do, we will bring you all the details, specs, pricing, and expert reviews when we get to test these bikes.
