Indian Motorcycle launched the FTR 1200 S twins in India and that was the only launch we witnessed in the last week. However, that didn’t make it any less interesting as there were other interesting stories which gripped our attention. To help you recall them, here’s a low-down on all the important stories we covered in the last week.
BS VI Royal Enfield range launch could be delayed
The launch of the Royal Enfield’s BS VI range is likely be delayed owing to the brand’s ongoing patent infringement issue with Flash Electronics. The latter has filed a law suit against RE in the US, claiming that the bikemaker was sourcing the regulator rectifier (essential for BS VI compliance) for its bikes from Varroc Group in the US. Whereas, Flash Electronics already has patents for the component in the US and Europe both. If this issue is not resolved soon, Royal Enfield might lag behind in launching BS VI-compliant models.
The long wait of the KTM aficionados for the 790 Duke in India could finally be over soon. The scalpel was recently sighted on test in Bengaluru and the presence of saree guard, engine guard and registration number plate suggest it might be launched soon in the country. The motorcycle follows KTM’s new-age aggressive design theme while boasting of top-notch components and electronics. The highlight of the hooligan is the 799cc, parallel-twin motor which churns out 105bhp of power and 86Nm of peak torque. KTM will bring the 790 Duke via CKD route in India and the pricing is expected to be around Rs 8-8.5 lakhs. The Austrian streetfighter will lock horns against the Triumph Street Triple, Kawasaki Z900, Ducati Monster 821 and the Yamaha MT-09.
Indian FTR 1200 S and FTR 1200 S Race Replica launched
Indian Motorcycle has launched its flat-tracker twins, the FTR 1200 S and the FTR 1200 S Race Replica, in India. The motorcycles have been priced at Rs 15.99 lakhs and Rs 17.99 lakhs, respectively. The FTR 1200 takes design inspiration from the FTR 750 race bike of the olden times. However, it is profoundly modern in term of features, boasting of full-LED lighting and a high-tech 4.3-inch LCD touch screen. Powering the flat-tracker is a 1,203cc, V-twin motor which belts out 121bhp and 120Nm while being mated to a six-speed gearbox. Both bikes are available for booking at all Indian dealerships across the country.
Hero introduces new offers for scooters
Hero MotoCorp dealerships have introduced new discounts and offers, majorly targeted at the scooter buyers. Firstly, under the two-wheeler exchange program, one can bring their old two-wheelers at an authorized dealership, get it evaluated and buy a new Hero scooter by paying the difference amount. There’s also a Rs 4000 exchange bonus on offer. Under the loyalty program, prospective customers who have a family member already owning a Hero two-wheeler, are entitled to a Rs 2000 discount on a new Hero scooter. Lastly, the dealerships are also offering a special discount of Rs 1500 on motorcycles and Rs 2500 on scooters for the customers pursuing teaching as their career.
Benelli TRK 251 and Leoncino 250 launched in Malaysia
Benelli has recently launched its quarter-litre twins, the TRK 251 and Leoncino 250, in Malaysia. While the former is an ADV-styled motorcycle, the latter is a retro-inspired scrambler. Both bikes are powered by the same 249cc, single-cylinder, DOHC motor which churns out 26.8bhp and 21Nm and comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. While both bikes seem to be an enticing proposition, what’s more interesting is that Benelli is likely to launch them in India by the end of 2019 or early 2020.
Production-ready Harley-Davidson Pan America, Streetfighter spotted
After the Harley-Davidson Pan America (ADV) and Streetfighter (naked) were in prototype form last year, both bikes have now been spotted in near production-ready avatar. The motorcycles were on display at a trade show where Harley showcased the after-market accessories which will be available for the bikes. In terms of powerplant, the Pan America will be powered by a 1250cc V-twin motor while the Streetfighter will run a 975cc V-twin mill. Expect Harley-Davidson to unveil these motorcycles at the 2019 EICMA.
Top 4 reasons we think the Yamaha XSR 155 should come to India
Yamaha has recently unveiled the new XSR 155 in Thailand and the motorcycle has been creating quite a buzz since then. The retro-styled machine is majorly based on the MT 15’s platform, which was launched in India a couple of days ago. The baby-XSR has garnered a lot of curiosity from the enthusiasts in India as well, along with a major question – Will Yamaha launch the XSR155 in the country? Well, we think it should, and here are the four reasons which justify our opinion.
