Hot Two-Wheeler Launches To Look Forward To In 2023

A list of two-wheelers we are most excited for in the days to come

UPDATE: Royal Enfield has launched the Super Meteor 650 in India. Full details in our launch story]

The previous year was quite an eventful one with regards to launches, and more so when it came to giving us an idea of what to expect in the days to come. And now with 2023 here in all earnest, here are some two wheelers – across categories — which we’ll get to ride this year.

1. Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

• Estimated price - Rs 3.35 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Launch - January 2023

Royal Enfield already unveiled the Super Meteor 650 at EICMA last year and we also got to see it in the flesh at Rider Mania in November 2022. And now, we’ll finally get to swing a leg over it in just a few days.

As we already know, the Super Meteor gets the same engine as on the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. But almost everything else is new. For starters, the frame is an upgrade from that on its 350cc namesake, with a USD fork (an RE first). LED lighting – another first-time inclusion – is also on offer. Moreover, its 320mm disc up front is complemented by a 300mm unit at the rear, for bringing this 241kg (heavier than full size ADVs, like the BMW R1250GS!) beast to a halt. 

2. Matter Electric Bike

• Estimated price - Rs 1.75 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Expected launch - January 2023

Matter Energy showcased its first offering in November last year, and its unique bits – like the liquid-cooled engine and four-speed ‘gearbox’ – aroused our curiosity. Moreover, stats such as the claimed 120km range and 95kmph top speed left us hopeful and excited. 

However, details such as the bike’s name and price, were not revealed at the “launch” event, which had us wondering. But now it appears we won’t need to do so for very long, as the company has promised a January 2023 launch. Besides, the brand’s claimed footprint of 50 showrooms, with the number to grow to an estimated 200, means the hassles of test rides and deliveries shouldn’t crop up once the bike is launched.

3. Hero Maestro Xoom 110

• Estimated price - Rs 75,000
• Expected launch - March 2023

Hero is all set to bring about a sportier iteration of its 110cc offering with the Maestro Xoom 110. From what we know – based on the reveal some months ago – this sporty scoot will get an all-new design, with an apron-mounted headlight (a nod to its main rival, the Honda Dio) and stalk-mounted rear indicators (similar to a motorcycle). 

Next, its all-digital instrument console will sport a fresh layout, and will likely get smartphone connectivity. And finally, though its engine specifications will stay unchanged, we believe the engine tune may get a sportier twist.

4. More powerful Ather Electric scooters

• Estimated price - Rs 1.65-1.70 lakh (450X) / Rs 1.40 to 1.45 lakh (450 Plus)
• Expected launch - March-April 2023

It seems Ather Energy, despite the recent Gen 3 update, has a few more tricks up its sleeve, courtesy motors supplied by Japanese marque Nidec, and German brand Mahle. Additionally, a leaked RTO document recently revealed details about the lineup getting a bit more powerful. 

Hence, the upcoming 450 X could now churn out 6.4kW of peak power (0.2kW more than the Gen 3), while the 450 Plus may make 5.8kW, a 0.4kW bump. But that’s not all, as the new scooters will be marginally (5mm) wider, with a 1mm longer wheelbase. 

So can Ather regain the title as the ‘king of e-scoots’? Just wait a few months, and you’ll find out!

5. Svitch CSR 762

• Estimated price - Rs 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Expected launch - June 2023

The Ultraviolette F77’s exorbitant price tag, and the lacklustre delivery schedule of the Tork Kratos, have both left many people disappointed. But the Svitch CSR 762 could be exactly the remedy. 

Firstly, its Rs 1.60 lakh price tag puts it in contention with e-scoots like the Ola S1 Pro and Ather 450X. Next, its 3kW motor – making a claimed 10kw of peak power – and 3.7kWh battery means a claimed 120km range along with a claimed 110kmph top speed. Moreover, it boasts a removable battery pack, which you can charge in the comfort of your home. And finally, the brand already has plans in place for 15 dealerships across the country. Now if that isn’t a strong start, we don’t know what is! 

6. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

• Estimated price - Rs 2.80 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Launch - July-August 2023

Royal Enfield’s first liquid-cooled offering, the Himalayan 450 somewhat retains the silhouette of the ‘original’ Himalayan. But this modern off-roader gets a long-travel USD fork up front, LED lighting all around, and of course a larger, liquid-cooled mill aimed squarely at the KTM 390 Adventure.

And all this isn’t just idle talk; going by the turn of pace the test bikes were capable of, and their mud-plugging abilities, the Himalayan 450 will be RE’s most hardcore ADV yet. 

7. Hero Xpulse 400

• Estimated price - Rs 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Launch - August-September 2023

Our first indication of the Xpulse 400's existence was from the rolling chassis at the Hero World event in February 2020. And then, after about two-and-a-half years of radio silence, we spotted a camouflaged test mule in Ladakh. 

Judging by its long-travel USD suspension, high ground clearance and what looks like a 21-18 spoke wheel setup, the Xpulse 400 will go everywhere its 200cc brethren can. And the larger engine, of course, means it’ll go toe-to-toe with the KTM 390 Adventure and the upcoming Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. And finally, the slim profile means it’ll be a good deal lighter than its rivals.

8. 2023 KTM 390 Duke

• Estimated price - Rs 3.30 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Launch - October-November 2023

The KTM 390 Duke is already a cracker of a bike, and its upcoming iteration could raise the stakes even higher! But how? First off, it’ll have a larger engine, most likely a 399cc unit, making approximately 46PS and 40Nm. Additionally, it’ll boast a revised frame, with an all-new cast aluminium swingarm and subframe, and the lighter alloy wheels seen on the RC siblings. So more performance, with better handling to boot!

But of course, all this will come with a hefty premium which, considering the hike on the updated RC390, could be in the vicinity of Rs 35,000!