Last week was an exciting one for the Indian two-wheeler market. From prospective launches to spy shots, from Dakar Rally results to new bike launches, there was something new everyday. In case you couldn’t stay updated with all of them, here’s a round-up of important bike news from the last week.
2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 bookings open
We aren’t far from the launch of the 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400. While there might still be some time for the official announcement, a few dealers have started accepting bookings for the motorcycle at a token amount of Rs 1,000. The Chakan-based bikemaker will be upgrading the bike with a few premium components to make up for the dwindling sales of the motorcycle. With the inclusion of elements such as USD (upside down) front forks and dual-barrel exhaust, it is expected to get expensive by Rs 8,000-10,000.
2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R launch
Kawasaki filled the void between entry-level and litre-class sportsbikes by launching the middle-weight supersport, the 2019 Ninja ZX-6R. Powered by a 636cc, inline-four motor that is good for 128bhp and 79Nm, this bike is suitable for race tracks as well as city riding. As of now, it carries an introductory price of Rs 10.49 lakhs (ex-showroom) but Kawasaki said this will soon increase significantly. The Ninja ZX-6R faces no direct competition in India but in a similar price range, one can have the Kawasaki Ninja 1000, Yamaha MT-09 and the Ducati Scrambler 1100.
2019 BMW R1250 GS launch
BMW Motorrad launched its flagship adventure tourer, the R1250 GS in India at a starting price of Rs 16.85 lakhs for the standard variant. It also comes in Pro and Adventure variants which cost Rs 20.05 lakhs and Rs 18.25 lakhs, respectively. Moreover, there’s also a top end variant – the R1250 GS Adventure Pro which carries a price tag of Rs 21.95 lakhs. This bike is the successor to the R1200 GS model and gets major mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. (all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)
Honda CB300R confirmed for India
The entry-level performance motorcycle segment is growing at a quick pace in India. Honda wants to grab a chunk of this lucrative space and its weapon-of-choice is the CB300R which the company recently announced for India. The motorcycle is a modern-retro streetfighter which follows Honda’s Neo Sports Café styling. Bookings for the bike are open at Honda Wingworld dealerships at Rs 5,000 and the company has assured it will be priced below Rs 2.5 lakhs (ex-showroom). The Japanese brand also sells the CBR250R sports tourer in India but the sales of the bike have been consistently declining as it feels dated now.
Yamaha MT15 spotted testing
The Yamaha YZF-R15 V3 has been received well by the audience which is thanks to its modern styling, features and highly potent 155cc powerplant. Now, Yamaha is perhaps planning to bring its naked version – the MT15 which will get the similar engine and features. Recently spotted testing in India, it will be suitable for those who desire R15-like power but need comfortable ergonomics and streetfighter styling. We are expecting it to be priced around Rs 1.25 lakhs (ex-showroom). It will go up against the KTM 125 Duke and its own sibling, the Yamaha FZ25 which comes for 1.19 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Aprilia SR Max 300 and STX 150 spotted
Piaggio India recently showed the Aprilia SR Max 300 and the STX 150 streetfighter to the dealers in India. While the former is a premium 278cc maxi-scooter, the latter is a 150cc street bike. Spotted in Goa, the company brought these two-wheelers to gauge the response of the Indian dealers. It is still unlikely whether the company will bring these two-wheelers here anytime soon.
KTM’s Toby Price wins Dakar Rally 2019
KTM clinched its 18th consecutive title in the Dakar Rally as its rider Toby Price won the 2019 edition of the rally raid. This was Toby’s second win in the competition. Moreover, the runner up positions were also dominated by KTM riders as Matthias Walkner came second and Sam Sunderland stood third. This was the 41st edition of what is conceived as the world’s most arduous rally event. Held over 11 days in 10 stages, covering 5,000kms in Peru, it made for an action-packed contest.
