Three new two-wheeler launches and spy shots of upcoming motorcycles – these kinds of reports brought some much-needed excitement into the Indian two-wheeler industry last week. And following our Sunday ritual, we bring you a quick lowdown of the five most noteworthy bike updates from the last week.
KTM launched the 2023 200 Duke in India after it was spied on multiple times before. The biggest update it has received is the inclusion of a full-LED headlamp which is the same setup as on the 250 Duke and the 390 Duke. Interestingly, the price has gone up by Rs 3,000 only and the bike costs Rs. 1.96 lakh now. As for the mechanical specifications, the motorcycle continues to be the same as before.
Honda announced the launch of the 2023 OBD2-compliant version of its popular commuter, Shine 125 in India. The latest iteration of the bike is available in two variants and the prices start from Rs. 79,800. The base model, which uses drum brakes on both wheels, is listed at Rs. 79,800. Meanwhile, the disc brake variant is priced at Rs. 83,800. The only update it has been bestowed with is the inclusion of the OBD2 system and compliance with E20 fuel.
2023 Ducati Panigale V4R launch
Ducati brought the top-spec 2023 Panigale V4 R into India with a price tag of Rs. 69.99 lakh. It is powered by a Desmosedici Stradale, 998cc, four-cylinder engine that makes an astounding 215bhp at 15,500rpm and 111.3Nm at 12,000rpm. However, the Akrapovic-sourced, full-race exhaust is claimed to push the maximum power and peak torque to 233bhp at 15,500rpm and 118Nm at 12,250rpm, respectively. Notably, this race exhaust helps the motorcycle shed 5kg, tipping the weighing scale (dry) at 167kg as against the 172kg with the standard setup.
Royal Enfield Classic 650 spied
The upcoming Royal Enfield Classic 650 was spotted testing in India for the first time. It retains the same styling cues as the existing Classic 350 but the bigger engine casing with twin exhaust ports indicate that it is a 650cc model. The Classic 650 is expected to be launched in India in early 2025. We expect it to be priced between the Interceptor 650 and Super Meteor 650, so a price tag of around Rs. 3.25 lakh seems likely.
Hero 125cc sporty commuter spied
An upcoming Hero motorcycle was sighted undergoing road testing, and the spy shots revealed a considerable amount of details about the test bike. Likely to be a 125cc premium commuter, it boasted sharp and aggressive bodywork. The engine, meanwhile, could be the same unit present on the Glamour 125 but, perhaps, with a different state of tune. This bike will compete head-on against the TVS Raider 125.
(All prices are ex-showroom)
