The last week was more about spy stories than new product launches in India. While we came across the 2020 model spy shots of Royal Enfield and TVS bikes, we also witnessed a Bajaj Urbanite scooter covered in camouflage. There were more such interesting stories we covered last week and here’s a round-up of top five of them.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Neon launched
Bajaj expanded its portfolio by launching the Pulsar 125 Neon in India. Priced at Rs 64,000 (drum brake) and Rs 66,618 (front disc), this is currently the most affordable product in the Pulsar family. Sporting the same design as the Pulsar 150 Neon, the motorcycle is powered by a 124cc, air-cooled, carbureted motor which produces 11.8bhp and 11Nm and comes mates to five-speed gearbox. Although the cycle parts also remain similar to its 150cc sibling, the Pulsar 125 gets mechanical CBS (combined braking system), unlike the single-channel ABS on the Pulsar 150. In terms of competition, this new Bajaj competes against 125cc premium commuters including the Hero Glamour FI and Honda CB Shine SP.
2020 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 spied
After spotting the next-gen Thunderbird and Classic models at multiple occasions, we have now come across the BS VI version of the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. While the motorcycle seems to remain unchanged in terms of styling, the slightly chunkier and longer exhaust ports signify of it being the BS VI model. The test mule was sighted in Chennai where the brand has its headquarter and one of its manufacturing facility located. We expect RE to unveil a line-up of its next-gen motorcycles at the 2020 Auto Expo.
2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V spied
TVS is also testing the 2020 model of its premium commuter, the Apache RTR 160 4V. The motorcycle was spied near TVS’s manufacturing facility in Hosur. The most prominent change on the bike is the redesigned headlamp which will be an LED unit. Besides that, a major mechanical difference will be a BS VI-compliant motor while it might also get an updated instrument cluster and a fresh set of paint schemes. The 2020 Apache RTR 160 4V is likely to receive a substantial hike in its pricing over the current iteration.
Bajaj Urbanite scooter spotted
Bajaj is going to launch a line-up of scooters in the coming months under its newly-formed brand, Urbanite. We have seen several spy shots of Urbanite scooters in the past. This time, however, a picture gives us a closer sight of the Urbanite test mule. Going by the image, this scooter will boast of a roomy footboard, closed glovebox along with a wide and long seat. In terms of styling, it features a retro design with curvy body panels, round headlamp and chrome-finished components. The Urbanite brand will consist of conventional as well as electric scooters and the first product is likely make its debut by the end of this year or early-2020.
KTM-Bajaj working on electric two-wheeler
The association of Bajaj and KTM have been a long-running and successful collaboration in India. While we already know that the partners will introduce Husqvarna motorcycles in the country, new reports suggest that a high-end electric motorcycle in also on the cards. This could either be an electric version of the Dominar 400 or the brands might develop an electric bike from ground up. Bajaj-KTM will launch a premium electric motorcycle initially, which is likely to be followed by more affordable EVs in the later stage.
