Top 7 premium motorcycles to be launched in 2017

2016 has been a good year especially for the premium bike segment. A lot of new bikes were launched at an attractive price point but at the same time there were a few bikes that needed very deep pockets. The 2016 EICMA show saw new unveils by global bike makers and most of them will make their way to India. Here, we list down the top seven premium bikes that will be launched in India in 2017.

Kawasaki Versys X 300

Kawasaki India is known to launch their new bikes soon after the global unveil. When the company unveiled the Versys X 300, many motorcycle enthusiasts in India started looking forward to this entry-level adventure touring motorcycle. The reason being it will be assembled in India and that will attract lower tax and better pricing. Once launched, this parallel-twin Kawasaki will compete with the BMW G310GS and the affordable Royal Enfield Himalayan. The Versys X 300 will most probably be the first Kawasaki launch of 2017.

Kawasaki Ninja 650 & Z650

The Ninja 650 has a major fan following in India. The bike is known for its comfort and the ability to take people places. The 2017 version is expected to take those aspects to a new level. Other than the few cosmetic changes, the bike also gets an updated engine. The 649cc motor is now Euro IV compliant and the power output has dropped to 69bhp from 71bhp.

The ER6n replacer – the Z650 was unveiled at 2016 EICMA. This new Kawasaki gets aggressive styling and is built around a trellis frame, which is new to the model. The engine is Euro IV compliant and the power has reduced marginally to 68bhp, although a 19kg weight reduction means performance will be better. Both the bikes - the Ninja 650 and the Z650 will be assembled in India. There are rumours of Kawasaki splitting its India alliance with Bajaj and if that happens, expect both these bikes to be priced aggressively.

Benelli TRK 502

The TRK 502 is the most awaited Benelli motorcycle launch in India. This middleweight adventure bike has been developed to cater to the growing number of adventure enthusiasts in Europe as well as in India. The TRK 502 is built around a trellis frame and is packed with the new 500cc liquid-cooled engine that produces 46bhp at 8500rpm and peak torque of 44.74Nm at 5000rpm. This engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a hydraulic clutch. When DSK Benelli launches this bike in India, it will be offered with a host of accessories likes panniers that will help in long distance touring. We’re expecting the TRK 502 to be launched in the middle of next year with a price tag between Rs 5.5 lakh and Rs 5.8 lakh (ex-showroom.)

Benelli Tornado 302R

This entry-level supersport motorcycle from Benelli will be launched next month. Based on the TNT 300, the Tornado 302R has been developed to take on the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the Yamaha YZF R3. The Italian company has focused a lot on the exhaust note on this bike, which will surely attract a lot of customers. This bike is powered by a parallel twin cylinder engine which produces 36bhp at 12,000rpm and 27Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm. Gearbox is six-speed. This motorcycle is expected to carry a launch price tag of Rs 3.3 lakh (ex-showroom).

Benelli BX Motard 250

The Benelli BX 250 Motard is an interesting product, as it will be the first supermoto in India. Powering this bike is a 249cc liquid-cooled engine producing 25bhp and 21Nm of peak torque. We’re expecting the company to demand a premium for this motorcycle.

Ducati Monster 797

The Monster 797 is the most affordable bike in the Monster lineup. Unveiled at the 2016 EICMA, the bike is based on a traditional trellis frame. Powering the Monster 797 is the 803cc air-cooled L-twin engine borrowed from the Scrambler. This engine delivers 75bhp and is mated to a six-speed transmission. Ducati hasn’t equipped this motorcycle with electronics and traction control but it does get ABS. We’re expecting Ducati to launch it in the middle of next year at an attractive price point.

Vespa GTS 300

We were the first ones to talk about the Vespa GTS 300 launch in India. This modern retro scooter is known for its design and the 278cc engine. This fuel-injected engine produces 21.1bhp and 22.3Nm of peak torque. Piaggio won’t manufacture this scooter in India. Initially, it will import the scooter from Italy and then assemble it in India via semi-knocked-down (SKD) route. The GTS 300 won’t come cheap. We’re expecting a price tag of close to Rs 5 lakh (ex-showroom).

Honorable mentions

Suzuki V-Strom 250

The V-Strom 250 is a very relevant motorcycle for the Indian market. However, the company hasn’t showed interest in the entry-level multi-cylinder and the middle-weight segment. We wish to see the V-Strom 250 make its way to India because there’s a market for it.

Benelli TNT 135

The TNT 135 is a mini bike from Benelli. This single-cylinder motorcycle was recently spied near Pune. The Italian maker wants to launch this in India, but it remains to be seen whether the likes of the Honda Navi can create demand for a premium mini bike as well.