The motorcycle manufacturers seem to be gearing up for a fruitful 2019 in full swing. While some are actively updating their products with the soon-to-be-mandatory ABS safety net, others are preparing to bring in new products. So, here’s a round up of updates from last week, in case you missed it.
Royal Enfield Bullet 500 ABS
Royal Enfield has been gradually updating all its products with ABS and last week it was the Bullet 500 which received the safety feature. The inclusion of a single-channel ABS has taken the price of the motorcycle to Rs 1.86 lakhs (ex-showroom) which is a hike of Rs 18,000 over the standard bike (rear drum). Now, only the Bullet 350 and the Classic 350 standard stay deprived of ABS but they will also receive it soon.
2019 Yamaha YZF-R15 ABS
Yamaha has also joined the bandwagon of incorporating its bikes with ABS and the one which recently received it is its highly-popular entry-level sportsbike, the YFZ-R15 V3. The company went a step ahead from its competition by bringing in the dual-channel ABS, making the R15 the only 150cc bike to get such a setup. This has taken its price tag to Rs 1.39 lakhs (ex-showroom). Moreover, there’s also a new colour option – darknight black which asks for a premium of Rs 2,000 over the standard colours.
The full-faired motorcycle comes loaded with features and packs performance in abundance but the absence of ABS was the only chink in its armour. Yamaha will soon equip its other motorcycles with ABS while it is also ready to launch a new product on 21 January, which is expected to be the updated FZ S.
Bajaj Pulsar 220F ABS and Avenger 220 ABS
The 220cc motorcycles from Bajaj – the Pulsar 220F and the Avenger 220 (Street and Cruise) are the latest recipients of the single-channel ABS. While the Avenger is one of the most affordable cruisers in India, the Pulsar 220F feels dated but remains relevant owing to its popularity. The price of the half-faired streetbike is now Rs 1.02 lakhs, that is over Rs 7,000 more than the non-ABS version. On the other hand, the Avenger’s price rose by Rs 6,700 and now comes for Rs 1.02 lakhs. Bajaj has given buyers an option to choose between the retro-looking Avenger 220 Cruise and the modern, custom-looking Street variant.
2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 launch
The Dominar 400 is Bajaj’s flagship product which is meant to take on the Royal Enfield-dominated 300-500cc cruiser segment in India. The motorcycle comes packed with modern features and a powerful 373.3cc powerplant. However, it didn’t manage to strike a chord among the buyers which showed in its consistently dwindling sales figures. In an attempt to revive and make it a more compelling package, Bajaj is all set to launch the 2019 version of the motorcycle. Our sources informed us that the 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 is likely to launch this week. The 2019 MY will get more premium features such as USD (upside down forks) on the front, dual-exhaust, updated instrument cluster and an increase in its power.
2019 BMW R1250 GS bookings open
Bookings for the 2019 R1250 GS adventure tourer have commenced at the BMW Motorrad dealerships in India. It is expected to be launched by the end of this week while the deliveries will also commence at the same time. It will be available in two versions – the R1250 GS standard and Adventure, the latter being a more touring-oriented model of the bike. The current versions of the full-size GS – the R1200 GS and GS Adventure retail at Rs 15.70 lakhs and Rs 17.10 lakhs, respectively and the new models are expected to become around Rs 2 lakhs dearer.
Triumph Thruxton R TFC unveiling
As per a new video, Triumph is all set to launch its high-end café racer model - the Thruxton R TFC on 22 January. The motorcycle will be a more premium version of what is already an exotic machine. Along with the upgraded suspension and brakes, it gets the carbon-fibre treatment on its fairing and front mudguard added with Vance & Hines exhaust system. All of these changes have helped Triumph shed 5kgs off the bike. Powering the Thruxton R TFC is an updated 1200cc motor that churns out 10bhp more power at 105bhp. Expected to be available in limited numbers, it is unlikely to make its way to India anytime soon.
