If you were too busy to keep a tab on every development that took place in the Indian two-wheeler industry last week, here’s a round-up of the five most noteworthy updates.
Bajaj Freedom launch
The Bajaj Freedom has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 95,000. It has a 2kg CNG tank that’s been cleverly positioned in the central area of the bike. The 2-litre petrol tank is placed above and forward of the CNG tank, usually where you find fuel tanks in conventional motorcycles. The claimed range, when you consider the capacity of the CNG and the petrol tank, is approximately 330km. The rider can switch between the two fuels at the flick of a switch.
Vespa 946 Dragon edition
Vespa launched the 946 Dragon edition in India with an exorbitant price tag of Rs 14.27 lakh. It is an exclusive, collector’s edition scooter and celebrates the Lunar New Year of Hong Kong. Only 1,888 units are available globally, making it pretty exclusive. It has a light gold colour on the entire bodywork along with graphics of a dragon in emerald green that stretches from the front apron to the side panels. It is available in the 155cc engine option only.
Hero Centennial details announced
Hero MotoCorp officially announced the name of its limited-edition, Karizma XMR-based motorcycle that was unveiled at the Hero World 2024 earlier this year. The motorcycle will be limited to just 100 units and all of them will be sold through an auction to Hero’s employees, associates, business partners, and stakeholders. Although the Centennial shares its engine and chassis with the Karizma XMR, most of the other components are much more upmarket than the stock bike.
BMW R12, R12 nineT launch
BMW Motorrad India launched the R12 cruiser and the R12 nineT roadster at Rs.19.90 lakh and Rs. 20.90 lakh, respectively. Both bikes are powered by the same engine but their design, geometry, and a majority of cycle parts are different. Even the tuning of their 1,170cc, boxer-twin engines have been executed differently to suit their characters. While the nineT produces 109bhp and 115Nm, the R12 cruiser makes 95bhp and 110Nm.
Kawasaki KLX 230 spied again
Kawasaki India was spotted testing the KLX 230 dual sport bike in India again. It isn’t a new model and has been on sale in the international market for a while. But, it will be the Japanese brand’s latest offering in the smaller capacity off-road bike segment for the Indian market. It is evident from the spy shots that the KLX 230 is nearing its testing stage. The test bike is equipped with elements like the saree guard and front number plate hinting its homologation is being done for the country.
(All prices are ex-showroom)
