10 Most Anticipated Bike Launches of the Year

The Indian two-wheeler market has been flooded with new and exciting models every year. While on one hand, there are some really appealing cruisers on sale, the sportbikes are no less with endless options on offer. The people have also started looking out more for performance bikes rather than just craving for mileage and commuter motorcycles over the years. 

For this reason, the manufacturers are bringing in better machines each year to gain a strong hold over the market and to give a stiff competition to their rivals. Out of these numerous product launches, we bring you the top ten that you cannot afford to miss this year.

10. Bajaj Avenger 400:

The rumours suggests that  Bajaj is working on a 400cc motorcycle that would be based on its popular cruiser - Avenger. After the recent success of the new Avenger range, the company seems to be taking it to an all-new level to keep its DNA alive. As per speculations, the new Avenger will draw its power from the same 373cc, liquid-cooled engine that does duty on the KTM 390 Duke and RC390. However, to meet the cruiser requirements, the engine might get some fine tunings that can result in a change in power and torque output. Once launched, the bike will take on the likes of Royal Enfield Classic 500 and UM Renegade Commando.   

9. Royal Enfield 750cc Parallel-Twin motorcycle:

As reported by us earlier, our source at the company hinted towards the arrival of a 750cc motorcycle by year end. This flagship by Royal Enfield will be powered by a parallel-twin engine and would be based on street cruiser platform. The powerful motor will churn out power somewhere around 50bhp with an expected torque of 60Nm. The machine will go head-to-head with the popular Harley Street 750 that is already showing a decent sales number in the respective segment. 

8. Hyosung GT 300R:

The 300cc motorcycle from Hyosung will replace its younger sibling - GT250R and is slated for India launch by May-June this year. The GT 300R will come powered by a 275cc, 75-degree V-twin engine that will generate 27.6bhp of power and 23Nm of torque. The styling has also been improved and the bike looked really appealing when it was showcased at the 73rd EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. Besides, a dual-channel ABS will also be on offer for more responsive braking and safety.

7. Benelli Tornado 302:

Recently showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, the Tornado 302 might make its entry in mid-2016 as a tough competitor of Yamaha R3, some reports suggest. Powering the bike is a 300cc, inline twin-cylinder, liquid cooled engine that has been linked to a six-speed transmission. The first full-faired India-bound motorcycle by Benelli receives twin headlamp section, sporty split step-up seats and a decent body design that enhances its appeal.  

6. Hero HX250:

The company has been showcasing this bike since two editions of the Auto Expo but sadly, it could never make it to the production lines. The launch of the bike was delayed to due to Hero’s technical partner - EBR’s bankruptcy. Powered by a 250cc, liquid-cooled engine, the bike is expected to reach the dealerships finally by year end. The HX250R became HX250 at the 2016 Auto Expo and it continued to please the audience with twin headlamp section, clip-on handlebars, fully digital instrumentation and dual disc brakes with ABS.  

5. Hero Splendor iSmart 110: 

The 110cc commuter is the first motorcycle developed completely in-house by Hero MotoCorp. The new Splendor is powered by an 110cc, four-stroke, air-cooled engine mated to a four-speed gearbox. With this, the company claims nine percent more power and six percent more mileage than the existing Splendor iSmart. Other features include a refreshing headlamp section, split rear body grab rails and black alloy wheels.    

4. Mahindra Mojo ABS:

The test mules of the ABS-equipped Mojo were spotted in the past, giving rise to the possibilities of it arriving in the near future. The bike is showing  respectable sales and has been recently launched in 15 more Indian cities, extending its reach to a total of 19 cities now. The Mojo receives Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres, inverted front forks, dual disc brakes and digital-analog instrumentation that make it more desirable for the masses.  

3. BMW G 310R:

The bike has been developed by TVS and BMW in collaboration and was recently showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. The G310R draws its power from a 313cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill that churns out 34bhp of power. A dual-channel ABS and inverted front forks have also been integrated that further upgrades the value of the package. The BMW G 310 R is expected to be launched later this year and will take on KTM 390 Duke and Mahindra Mojo competitively.  

2. Bajaj Pulsar CS400:

The 400cc sports cruiser was first displayed at 2014 Auto Expo and received a huge amount of appreciation from the visitors. The bike will hopefully get the same 373.2cc, liquid-cooled engine that serves the KTM 390 Duke and cranks out 40bhp of power and 32Nm of torque. The aggressive LED headlamp unit, inverted forks at the front, chopped exhaust and a muscular body styling are some impressive features of this bike.  

1. KTM 390 Adventure:

KTM is planning to bring the 390 Adventure motorcycle that has been built on the 1190 Adventure platform. The bike will be based on an adventure-tourer platform and is expected to be launched in the country anytime soon, some reports suggest. As per speculations, the company is also working on its 200cc version and both of these will be manufactured at Bajaj’s facility at Chakan. The biggest rival of KTM 390 Adventure will be the Royal Enfield Himalayan that has managed to gain a lot of admirers due to its practicality and the amazing price tag it comes with.