The year 2018 might have come to an end, but with 2019 just around the corner, there’s much in store to look forward to. One motorcycle genre that has been gaining a lot of momentum is the adventure touring class. It’s a segment that hadn’t been explored much in India until now. And with newer products being introduced in the two-wheeler market, manufacturers are faced with the continuous process of keeping their product portfolio updated. That being said, here are the upcoming top premium bike launches of 2019.
UM Renegade Regal
The Regal is a new cruiser offering by UM motorcycles from its Renegade series. Bearing a traditional American cruiser design with lots of chromed parts, the Regal will offer a laid-back stance with swept-back handlebars and forward-set foot pegs. Powering the cruiser will be a 251cc parallel-twin motor that will produce 18bhp of power and 17Nm of torque and will come mated to a five-speed gearbox. Expected to be launched by March 2019, the motorcycle will compete against the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Jawa motorcycles.
Hero XPulse 200
The Hero XPulse 200 was due for launch in 2018, but call it product strategy alignment, the company has decided to launch the dual-purpose motorcycle along with its touring counterpart, the XPulse 200T, in the first quarter of 2019. With a few mechanical differences to better suit their characters, both motorcycles share the same motor, the 200cc air-cooled unit from the Xtreme 200R with revised gearing. The unit is rated to produce 18.4bhp and 17.2Nm and will come coupled to a five-speed gearbox.
Yamaha FZ 3.0
The FZ 2.0 has been due for a thorough update for a while considering the new features offered by its rivals in the segment. Dubbed to be called FZ 3.0 as per the company’s naming pattern, the motorcycle is expected to receive a revised styling to give it a more intimidating look. It will feature an LED headlamp with a few more cosmetic upgrades too. Mechanically, it is expected to be powered by the same 149cc motor mated to a five-speed gearbox. The FZ 3.0 is likely to come with disc brakes at both ends and with single-channel ABS for the front as standard fitment.
UM DSR Adventure 200
Spotted prior to its launch in the first quarter of 2019, the DSR Adventure 200 is UM’s first entry-level adventure tourer for India. Featuring a typical beak-like front fairing with V-shaped headlamp, raised handlebars and alloy wheels shod with dual-purpose tyres, the DSR Adventure 200 is an interesting motorcycle from UM. With a relaxed stance for touring, the new motorcycle is expected to be powered by a 196cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, motor that will produce 16bhp of max power and 16Nm of peak torque. It will come mated to a six-speed gearbox. The motorcycle will come equipped with 17-inch wheels and disc brakes at both ends along with single-channel ABS for the front. Once launched, the DSR Adventure 200 will compete against the upcoming Hero XPulse 200.
2019 Bajaj Dominar 400
The Dominar 400 is Bajaj’s flagship motorcycle that, unfortunately, hasn’t performed as expected by the company. However, the Pune-based manufacturer has plans to give the sports tourer a mid-life update in order to bring the motorcycle back into the limelight. According to reports, the Dominar 400 is likely to receive upside down forks possibly derived from the KTM models. Apart from that, it will receive some cosmetic updates and the addition of new colour schemes for the 2019 edition. Mechanically, the engine with remain the same but will probably be BS-VI considering the 2020 deadline.
KTM 390 Adventure
The KTM 390 Adventure is probably the most-awaited motorcycle by several motorcyclists in recent time. Scheduled for launch in 2019, the 390 Adventure will sport the larger 1290 Super Duke styling from the front followed by a bigger fuel tank and wider seat. It will also get dual-purpose tyres, long-travel suspension and large grab rails to mount luggage. The ADV will be powered by the 390 Duke’s 373cc motor but with different mapping and gearing to suit the off-road requirements. Once launched, the 390 Adventure will rival against the BMW G310GS and the Kawasaki Versys X-300.
