The Bharat Mobility Expo 2024 concluded recently in New Delhi and it served as a platform for manufacturers to showcase their motorcycles and scooters, both present and upcoming. While there were a lot of exciting two-wheelers on display, the following are the ones we think stood out, in no particular order.
The Hero Xoom 160 is the company’s upcoming adventure maxi-scooter. This is evident in the split LED headlights, the ADV-esque beak and the large windscreen on the front apron. The dual-purpose tyres, wrapped on 14-inch wheels is another indication of the “adventure” theme of the scooter. Given the styling and the Xoom 160’s large proportions, it should command road presence.
The Xoom 160 is powered by a 156cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that makes 14bhp and 13.7Nm. Hero has also thrown in useful features on the scooter, such as keyless ignition, remote boot release and a digital display, possibly with Bluetooth connectivity.
The company is expected to launch the Xoon 160 in a couple of months, likely by the end of April 2024.
Parked in one corner of the Yamaha pavilion was the Nmax 155. The Nmax is the Yamaha Aerox 155’s larger cousin and brings more practicality to the table. Its styling, in typical max-scooter fashion is large and imposing (for a scooter) and bits like the apron, the way the side and tail section flow seamlessly and stance offered by the 13-inch wheels make it quite the looker.
The party piece of the Nmax 155, undoubtedly, is its single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 14.9bhp and 13.5Nm. It is the same unit that’s seen in bikes like MT-15 and is known to offer a great blend of performance and fuel efficiency.
The Yamaha Nmax 155 makes a lot of sense for a market like ours and going by the way the Aerox has been received, Yamaha should consider launching the scooter here.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 Flex
Royal Enfield’s popular motorcycle, the Classic 350 was showcased at the Expo with a flex fuel compatible engine. Which means it can run on a blend of Petrol and Ethanol ranging between E20 and E85. At present, new two-wheelers sold in India have E20 complaint engines only. Whereas in markets like Brazil, you get engines that are compatible with much higher blend of Ethanol.
The Classic 350 Flex has the same J-series, single-cylinder engine as seen in the standard Classic 350 and it too makes 20bhp at 6,100rpm and 27Nm at 4,000rpm. However, there are a few changes to the sealants and gaskets to withstand the higher corrosive nature of Ethanol.
While the Classic 350 is currently not on sale in India, we hope Royal Enfield manages to introduce the lovely new green colourway that you see on the fuel tank of this bike.
Yamaha R15M Carbon
The Yamaha R15M on display at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2024 was rather special in the Carbon edition trim. The front fairing and bits on the side as well as the tail section gets the carbon fibre treatment and it looks similar to the layout of the actual carbon fibre panels on the Yamaha R1M. The rest of the bike gets the same silver paintwork that you see on the regular R15M.
Mechanically, the R15M Carbon is identical to a standard bike and it has the same features such as a quickshifter and traction control.
Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE
The V-Strom 800 DE is a hotly anticipated launch of 2024 and is expected to bring Suzuki back into the big Adventure bike game in India. The bike is all-new and one of the talking points of the bike is the 776cc, parallel-twin engine that makes 83bhp and 78Nm. It has a 270-degree firing order and it should have a strong mid-range as well.
The bike’s styling is unique for the segment and it looks rather catchy in the yellow colourway. Under the bodywork lies a new frame, suspended by a Showa USD and a monoshock with a remote preload adjustment. It is also pretty well equipped with traction control, ride modes and switchable ABS.
We expect the V-Strom 800 DE to go on sale soon and expect an aggressive price, likely below its chief rival, the Honda Transalp XL750.
