March 2023: Two-wheelers To Look Forward To

Some launches, some updates; lots to watch out for

March 2023 will be quite a busy month, as it will witness launches as well as updates in both the ICE as well as electric space. Here’s our pick of the two-wheelers slated for launch this month:

TVS iQube ST

Expected price - Rs 1.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi, including subsidies) 

We’ve been waiting for the top variant of the TVS iQube for quite a while now. And after the brief meet we had with it during the Auto Expo 2023, we’re even more impatient now, as it will likely be launched this month. Here’s everything we know about it.

The top-shelf iQube looks quite similar to the other variants, save for a slightly higher flyscreen on the handlebar shroud. It’s more tech-loaded too, with a 7-inch touchscreen instrument console (instead of the 5-inch TFT unit on the other variants). Besides, the revised battery and motor means a slightly higher top speed and more range too. Moreover, it’s 32-litre underseat storage, almost twice the 17-litre units on the lower variants, makes it that much more convenient as well.

TVS Apache RTR 310

Expected price - Rs 2.45 lakh (ex-showroom)

TVS and BMW Motorrad’s agreement meant that while TVS had its faired supersport (the Apache RR 310), BMW had its street naked (the G 310 R) and adventure bike (G 310 GS). However, all that changed in 2022 with the launch of the BMW G 310 RR. And now TVS is set to strike back with the TVS Apache RTR 310. 

As the name suggests, the Apache RTR 310 will essentially be a naked version of the TVS Apache RR 310 with the same engine, though its body panels will likely resemble the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. Along with this, it’ll also likely sport a smartphone-compatible TFT console, petal disc brakes and Michelin Road 5 tyres; and yet we believe its price tag will be undercut that of the G 310 R.

TVS will likely showcase the Apache RTR 310 at the TVS Motosoul event in the first week of March.

2023 Bajaj Chetak

Expected price - Rs 1.52 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi, including subsidies) 

Last year saw updates to the Ather 450X, Ola S1 Pro, and even the TVS iQube, all of which no doubt put the Bajaj Chetak on the back foot. However, this is set to change, and soon, as Bajaj is on the verge of launching an updated Chetak, which will sport, among other things, an updated battery management system for better performance and range as well.

Honda Shine 100

Expected price - Rs 62,000 (ex-showroom)

We all know that it was Honda that birthed the massively fuel efficient motor of the Hero Splendor. And the Japanese bikemaker is set to repeat the feat with a brand new 100cc bike, the proof of which we saw in concept images some time back. The teaser invite hinted at the bike having the ‘Shine’ moniker, so we believe it could be called the Honda Shine 100, though we’ll know for sure on March 15.

KTM 390 Adventure Spoke Wheels variant

Expected price - Rs 3.45 lakh (ex-showroom)

When KTM updated the 390 Adventure in 2022, the lack of spoke wheels was a common grouse. However, the Austrian bikemaker recently showcased a spoke wheel-equipped variant (as opposed to spoke wheels just being an optional accessory) of the 390 Adventure overseas. And now we know that KTM will bring it to India as well, quite possibly this month!

Updated Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 / Interceptor 650

Expected price - Rs 3.45 lakh (Continental GT) / Rs 3.25 lakh (Interceptor 650) (both prices ex-showroom)

Royal Enfield recently unveiled the updated Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 which, among other things, get new alloy wheels, an LED headlight, black treatment to the engine and exhausts, and redesigned switchgear. With all these changes, we can’t wait to sample the updated bikes, likely to be launched as early as this month!

Updated Triumph Street Triple R and RS

The updated Triumph Street Triple range will soon launch in India, with deliveries set to start in April. The updated models now sport more power, better hardware, subtle tweaks to the styling as well as revised colours. Find out more from our story.

OBD2 updates

The OBD2 norms are set for April 2023, and Honda was the first manufacturer to hit the mark, with the Activa H-Smart. Following Honda, Yamaha too updated the majority of its lineup recently. That said, the Aerox 155 and FZ 25 series among the few models awaiting the updates, which they’ll no doubt receive in the next couple of weeks.

So that was our list of two-wheelers set for launch in March 2023, and we’re reasonably sure many more names may be added to the list. So stay tuned, both to our website as well as our YouTube channel.