Courtesy of the ongoing Auto Expo 2020 in Delhi, we got to witness one of the largest automotive carnivals last week with a host of new two-wheelers breaking cover. Although the biennial event was deprived of many major manufacturers, a handful of participants still managed to fetch attention with a bunch of new products. With no further ado, let's take a quick ride back through the eventful days we witnessed last week.
Suzuki unveils its entire BS6 line-up
After launching the BS6 Access 125 a few days back, Suzuki unveiled the BS6-compliant versions of all its remaining two-wheelers at the Auto Expo. This included the Burgman Street 125, Intruder, Gixxer, Gixxer SF, Gixxer 250, Gixxer 250 SF and the V-Strom 650 XT. To make things more interesting, the company also introduced the swanky MotoGP editions of the Burgman Street and the Gixxer 250. Suzuki will launch the BS6 Burgman by the end of this month, while the motorcycles will go on sale next month.
Piaggio shows the Aprilia SXR 160
Piaggio surprised the viewers at the Auto Expo by taking the wraps off its new maxi-scooter, the Aprilia SXR 160. It has been designed and developed in Italy mainly for the Indian market. Despite being a relaxed maxi scooter, the SXR has a hint of sportiness as it borrows styling cues from its larger sportsbike siblings. In terms of engine and chassis, it is based on the Aprilia SR 160, albeit with a few tweaks. For the budget-conscious buyers, Piaggio will also bring in a more affordable 125cc variant. Bookings for the Aprilia SXR 160 will commence in August this year with an official launch to be followed later.
Hero Electric unveils electric motorcycle
This year’s Auto Expo was majorly dominated by EV manufacturers with a few of them showing promising products. One such brand was Hero Electric which unveiled the handsome-looking AE-47 electric motorcycle. It boasts of an aggressive and muscular stance with well-designed body panels while its 85kmph top speed and up to 160km of range also tells about its practicality. The AE-47 packs ample features such as a USB charger, cruise control, two riding modes, walk and reverse assist and a Bluetooth-enabled display. Hero Electric will launch this motorcycle by the end of this year with a price tag of around Rs 1.20-1.40 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Okinawa displays maxi e-scooter prototype
Another name in the queue of electric two-wheeler brands at the Expo was Okinawa which showcased a maxi e-scooter prototype, the Cruiser. The distinctive golden paint scheme and blingy chrome accents across its body work fetched attention in abundance. The company said the production version will come in simpler, toned-down colour options. Packing a host of modern features, the Curiser is also claimed to have an impressive range of 120kms along with a top speed of 100kmph. It rides on large 14-inch wheels at both ends. Scheduled to be launched by the third quarter of next financial year in India, the Cruiser will be priced below Rs 1 lakh.
Kawasaki launches BS4 Z900 special edition
While Auto Expo was the main point of attraction last week, Kawasaki also made it to the headlines by launching a special edition model of the Z900 in India. This unique offering is still powered by a BS4 compliant engine but rest everything is ditto the new 2020 Z900 such as the new styling, updated features and tweaked cycle parts. The Japanese bike maker will sell this motorcycle only in limited numbers, bookings for which have already begun. It is priced at Rs 7.99 lakhs (ex-showroom) and deliveries will commence by the end of this month.
