Your weekly dose of bike updates: Benelli Leoncino 250 launch, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V gets Bluetooth and more!

The last week was a mix bag of new two-wheeler launches, spy shots and other interesting stories, keeping us busy in bringing you every single update. While our most loyal readers may have consumed all the stories, some would have been busy with the festive celebrations alongside the daily chores. For the latter, here’s a quick round-up of five most notable two-wheelers updates from the last week. 

Benelli Leoncino 250 launched

Benelli is on a roll in India as it is aggressively widening its portfolio with new products. The latest addition to its line-up was the Leoncinio 250 which is the smaller version of the recently-launched Leoncino 500. The motorcycle shares its design with the latter boasting of a retro-inspired Scrambler styling. Powering the bike is a 249cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder motor which produces 26.8bhp and 21Nm. Available in three colour options including Pearl Brown, Titanium Grey and Italian Red, the Leoncinio 250 carries a price tag of Rs 2.5 lakhs.

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V gets Bluetooth connectivity

After recently updating the Jupiter with a Bluetooth-enabled instrument cluster, TVS has now introduced this feature in its premium commuter, the Apache RTR 200 4V. Termed as the SmartXonnect by TVS, this console connects with the user’s smartphone and gives access to turn-by-turn navigation and call/SMS updates. In the Apache, it also shows other interesting information including Lean Angle, Race Telemetry and Crash Alert. After the introduction of the SmartXonnect system, the motorcycle now demands of premium Rs 2,500 and costs Rs 1.14 lakhs (carbureted, dual-channel ABS trim).

Honda Activa 125 FI deliveries begin

Honda has commenced the deliveries of its first BS VI two-wheeler, the Activa 125 FI, in India. The scooter was launched last month with prices starting at Rs 67,490 and going up to Rs 74,990 for the top-spec model. Besides the introduction of fuel-injection, the BS VI-compliant 124cc engine of the Activa now gets revised inlet port and combustion chamber which is claimed to aid in better fuel efficiency and cleaner emission. Furthermore, the Activa 125 FI has also been bestowed with a host of new features which justify the price hike over its BS-IV counterpart. 

KTM 390 Adventure spied once again

While we are eagerly waiting for the launch of the KTM 390 Adventure, all we have been getting is an unending string of spy shots. The motorcycle was spotted testing in India once again, this time at night. The test mule sported the same hard case panniers and top box which were present in the previous spy images. Featuring an ADV-oriented styling and components, the 390 Adventure runs the same 373.2cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor which does duty on the 390 Duke. However, the engine will be tuned differently to suit its ADV character. The motorcycle will be unveiled at this year’s EICMA followed by the India launch in December 2019. 

2020 Yamaha MT-03 unveiled

Yamaha has unveiled the 2020 edition of its naked street bike, the MT-03, for the UK and American markets. Being optimistic, we also expect the motorcycle to be launched in India sometime next year. As compared to the existing model, the new MT-03 gets a host of changes. Firstly, the aggressive design has become further intimidating with the introduction of predator eye-styled LED DRLs and a small LED headlamp. The rest of the design has also gone through a major makeover. The motorcycle has been updated mechanically as well, and now the bike features upside down forks up front and a tweaked rear monoshock. If launched in India, the Yamaha MT-03 will go head on against the KTM 390 Duke and will be priced around Rs 3.2-3.4 lakhs. 

(All prices are ex-showroom)