The last week was a bitter-sweet period for two-wheeler buyers and enthusiasts. While some manufacturers updated their portfolio with new products, a few others hiked the prices of their motorcycles after the commencement of the new financial year. In that case, let’s take a look at all the important updates of the two-wheeler industry from the last week.
Vespa ZX 125 launched
Piaggio added a new scooter to its Vespa line-up, the ZX 125, which is a re-badged version of the LX 125. The latter has now been discontinued in India. The Vespa ZX 125 features combi-braking system which is now a compulsion for two-wheelers below 125cc. Available in two variants, the ZX 125 drum brake model costs Rs 77,481 while the new front disc trim retails at Rs 81,981. The scooter continues to be powered by a 125cc, carbureted motor which churns out 9.76bhp and 10.6Nm and, is mated to a CVT gearbox.
2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 launched
Bajaj has officially launched the 2019 Dominar 400 in India at Rs 1.73 lakhs. This is a premium of Rs 10,795 over the previous edition. The sports tourer has received several updates which include more premium cycle parts, added features and minor tweaks to its styling. Notably, its 373.2cc, liquid-cooled engine now gets DOHC configuration which has hiked its power to 39.4bhp while the torque output remains the same at 35Nm. Bajaj is offering its flagship motorcycle in two colour options – Aurora Green and Vine Black.
Royal Enfield Bullet 350 and 350 ES ABS launched
Royal Enfield has updated the Bullet 350 and the Bullet 350 ES with ABS and now the motorcycles are compliant with the new safety norms. The Chennai-based bikemaker has equipped the bikes with a single-channel ABS unit, unlike other RE models which get dual-channel ABS setup. Now, the Bullet 350 costs Rs 1.21 lakhs and the Bullet 350 ES is priced at Rs 1.35 lakhs which is a hike of Rs 3500 and Rs 1400, respectively.
2019 Honda Africa Twin launched
Honda has launched the 2019 edition of its adventure motorcycle, the Africa Twin, in India. The Japanese bikemaker has priced it at Rs 13.5 lakhs and bookings have started for the first 50 units. For 2019 model year, the Africa Twin has received only colour update and it is now available in a glint wave blue metallic shade. Apart from that, the motorcycle remains the same in terms of aesthetics, features, cycle parts and powerplant.
2019 Suzuki Intruder launched
Suzuki has updated its entry-level cruiser, the Intruder, for 2019 in India. The company has given minor updates to the motorcycle and has priced it at Rs 1.08 lakhs. Besides the addition of a new metallic matte titanium silver colour option, Suzuki has attempted to improve the ergonomics of the motorcycle. The 2019 Intruder gets updated gear shift pedal and brake pedal design while the front footpegs are also slightly closer to the rider. Meanwhile, the pillion backrest is now a standard fitment and a new accessory bas is also available.
Kawasaki increases motorcycle prices
Kawasaki motorcycles have recently received a price hike of up to 7 per cent. Apart from the Ninja 300 and the ZX-6R, the remaining 11 models have received a bump in their prices. The highest hike has been received by the Z650 and the Ninja 650 which are now costlier by Rs 40,000. The company attributes this increase in price to the fluctuation in foreign exchange rates and higher manufacturing costs. For the model-wise list of price hike, click here.
KTM 125 Duke price hiked
KTM has also increased the price of its entry-level motorcycle, the 125 Duke, by Rs 6,835 in India. Now, the baby Duke retails at Rs 1.25 lakhs. The motorcycle has garnered favourable response since its launch and eventually became the highest selling model of KTM in India. Sharing its underpinnings with the 200 Duke, the KTM 125 Duke is powered by a 124.7cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor which produces 14.3bhp and 12Nm. This engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox.
Yamaha YZF-R15 V3 wins design award
The Yamaha YZF-R15 V3 has clinched the Indian Design Mark (I Mark) award by the Indian Design Council. Surprisingly, the motorcycle has received this award for the second time. This award is granted on the basis of form, function, quality, safety, sustainability and innovation of the product. The Yamaha YZF-R15 V3 boasts of an aggressive design with puny twin-LED headlamp, full-fairing, sculpted fuel tank and high-set tail section. The motorcycle and its design have been received well by the Indian audience.
(All prices are ex-showrom)
