Launches @ 2016 Auto Expo

2016 Auto Expo was a grand event with over 6 lac visitors participating and enjoying the fascinating showcases. The event had everything, from world debuts to Indian debuts and concepts to concept-based reality machines. But, the only thing which was missing in this automotive extravagance were new launches. 2016 edition of the Auto Expo did not have even half of the expected launches, they were even less than the previous edition of Expo. Nonetheless, there were quite a few models showcased at the event and most of them will be launched soon. The event also witnessed the showcase of a lot of concepts that might come to life in future. Few launches that took place include the launch of much anticipated Honda NAVi and a surprise launch of Yamaha MT-09. Let's have a closer look at what the Auto Expo held in its belly in terms of launches.

1. Honda NAVi 

After teasing NAVi for several times, Honda finally launched the moto-scooter at a jaw-dropping price of Rs. 39,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Making its first appearance at the Expo, this one of a kind two-wheeler was launched in three variants - Street, Adventure and Off-road. It features the same 109.19cc, 4-stroke, single cylinder mill with Honda Eco Technology (HET) that is being used in Activa. Mated to a V-matic (automatic) gearbox, the engine generates a maximum power of 7.83bhp at 7,000rpm enabling it to reach a top speed of 81kmph. NAVi can be quite handy for city riding because of its small size. Its simple and compact designing can prove to be an asset as it can be modified the way one wants.

2. Yamaha MT-09 

Yamaha had a surprise on offer at the Expo. It launched the MT-09 one day after its press conference. Launched by John Abraham, the motorcycle is priced at Rs. 10.2 lac (ex-showroom, Delhi) and will come to India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). The bike gets an 847cc, 3-cylinder, liquid cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC engine that comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The motor churns out a peak power of 113.42bhp at 10,000rpm and 87.5Nm of peak torque at 8,500rpm. For effective braking, it has been equipped with dual disc brakes up front and single disc brake at the rear wheel. It will compete against the likes of Kawasaki Z800, Benelli TNT 899 and the recently launched Triumph Street Triple in the Indian market.

3. Indian Motorcycle Roadmaster and Chief Classic

Indian Motorcycle launched two models in India from its 2016 line-up. The American bike manufacturer has made an attempt to take riding to an all new level with the Roadmaster and Chief Classic that are priced at Rs. 38 lac and Rs. 24 lac respectively (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi). The Roadmaster has a lot of space to carry your belongings and also features power-adjustable windscreen, heated grips, dual heated seats, ABS, tyre pressure monitoring system, keyless ignition with remote locking storage, electronic cruise control, advanced infotainment system and Bluetooth. Powering these machines is a 1,811cc Thunder Stroke 111 V-twin engine that puts out a massive 139Nm of torque at just 2,600rpm.

4. UM Motorcycles Renegade 

UM Motorcycles was expected to launch its first two models in India at the Expo. Instead, it launched three models from the Renegade range namely - Commando, Sport S and Classic. All the three were launched in a price bracket of Rs. 1.49 lac to 1.69 lac (ex-showroom, Delhi). These 279cc offerings will compete with Royal Enfield motorcycles and will surely affect the sales of RE in future. The single-cylinder, liquid cooled motor used in these bikes comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox and produces 25bhp at 8,500rpm with a peak torque of 21.8Nm at 7,000rpm.

5. Triumph Street Twin and Bonneville T120

Triumph launched two motorcycles at the Expo namely - Street Twin and Bonneville T120. Carrying retro looks, Street Twin has been priced at Rs. 6.9 lac (ex-showroom, Delhi). It gets new styling with dual tone paint scheme, a classic circular headlight, new side indicators and LED taillamp. Other than these cosmetic changes, the bike now features Ride-by-wire technology and traction control. It houses a 900cc, 8-valve, parallel twin engine that comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox and generates a peak torque of 80Nm at 3,200rpm. Coming to the other bike, Bonneville T120 was launched with a price tag of Rs. 8.7 lac (ex-showroom, Delhi). T120 is powered by a 1,200cc engine that generates 105Nm of torque at 3,100rpm and comes coupled to a 6-speed gearbox. The motorcycle has features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control, Slip Assist clutch, heated grips, fingertip controls, DRL with headlight, LED tail lamp, engine immobiliser and a USB charging port.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 vs UM Motorcycles Renegade