The 2019 EICMA justified its tag of the world’s largest motorcycle show by giving us a look at a plethora of interesting motorcycles. The long grid comprised of a variety of models from every genre, including adventure motorcycles as well. While some of the ADV concepts were true eye candies, a few production models instantly caught our attention as they are bound to arrive in India. Having said that, let’s take a look at four such India-bound adventure motorcycles from 2019 EICMA.
KTM 390 Adventure
The KTM 390 Adventure was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated motorcycles of this year. And, why not? A power-packed motor of the 390 Duke along with adventure-oriented hardware should make for a fun-to-ride package. Following an unending string of spy shots, the 390 Adventure was finally unveiled at the EICMA this year.
Sporting a design inspired by the 790 Adventure, the 390 ADV rides on 19/17-inch alloy wheels, is suspended by long travel suspension and gets a high ground clearance of 200mm. Clinging on to its trellis frame is the same 373.2cc, single-cylinder liquid-cooled motor which powers the 390 Duke. However, the ratios of its six-speed gearbox is likely to be tweaked. What’s more, KTM has also equipped the bike with top-notch features such as traction control and adjustable (for preload and rebound) suspension. KTM will launch the 390 Adventure at the 2019 India Bike Week and the pricing is expected to be around Rs 3.2-3.5 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Suzuki V-Strom 1050
After teasing the next-gen V-Strom a week before EICMA, Suzuki unleashed the motorcycle in all its glory at the grand event. The major change it has received is in terms of design which is inspired by Suzuki’s iconic ADV, the DR Big. With a square headlamp, taller windscreen and more compact body panels, the new V-Strom 1050 looks more minimalistic than its predecessor.
Suzuki has also updated the V-Strom in terms of electronics with the major change being the replacement of a semi-analogue console by a full-colour LCD display. The engine has also been updated to be compliant with Euro-5 emission norms, although the displacement of 1037cc remains unchanged. The motorcycle comes in two variants including a standard trim and an off-road-oriented XT trim. Prices for these models have already been revealed in the UK and you can read about it here. As for India, it remains to be seen if Suzuki launches only the standard (already available in India) or both variants in the country.
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L
Honda had revealed the successor of its popular Africa Twin at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show followed by its showcase at the EICMA. The motorcycle, which was previously called the CRF1000L, has now been renamed to CRF1100L with the ‘1100’ conveying the hike in its displacement. Powering the bike is a larger 1084cc, parallel-twin motor, as opposed to the 999.11cc unit of the outgoing model. At 102bhp and 105Nm, the power output is also up by 7bhp and 7Nm. It comes with two gearbox options that include a six-speed manual and a DCT transmission.
Honda has also modernized the bike further in terms of features and now it gets wheelie control, cornering ABS, rear-lift control, cornering lights and new 6.5-inch TFT screen. On top of that, the ADV is lighter now while the design is more compact and edgier. The 2020 Africa Twin has been introduced in a standard and Adventure Sports trim and we expect both variants to come to our shores sometime next year.
Harley-Davidson Pan America
Looking at the growing popularity of the adventure segment, Harley-Davidson thought it was time to venture into the territory. The result was the Pan America which was added to its future line-up in July last year. After over a year now, Harley unveiled the motorcycle in flesh at the EICMA, albeit still in prototype form. Going by the revealed launch timeline for the bike, its international launch is scheduled for 2020 while the Indian debut will take place in 2021.
The Pan America will be powered by Harley’s all-new 1250cc, liquid-cooled motor which is named the ‘Revolution Max’. With its 60-degree, V-twin layout, this mill is capable of producing 143bhp and 122Nm. On paper, the motorcycle also appears quite capable in the hardware department. It rides on spoke wheels which are shod with Michelin tyres while incorporating inverter forks-monoshock setup for damping. Furthermore, braking setup is sourced from Brembo. Once launched, the Harley-Davidson Pan America will lock horns with other bid-daddy ADVs including Triumph Tiger 1200 and BMW R 1250 GS Adventure.
