With the launch of new Honda CB350, Indian buyers now have multiple options in the sub-Rs 2.5 lakh cruiser or neo-classic motorcycles. Honda will be aiming to grab some share in the fast growing cruiser motorcycle segment. In this article, we will talk about the upcoming new cruiser motorcycles in the Indian two-wheeler market.
Royal Enfield Meteor
Royal Enfield will launch the all-new Meteor 350cc motorcycle in the Indian market in the next couple of months. The new motorcycle will come as a replacement for the Thunderbird 350 and the Thunderbird 350X. It is based on the new platform codenamed ‘J1D’, which will also underpin the next-gen Classic 350. It will be powered by a new 350cc, air-cooled engine that produces 20.2bhp of power and 27Nm of torque. The upcoming RE Meteor 350 will be made available in 3 variants – Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. The motorcycle will ride on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels shod with 100/90 and 140/70 section tyres at the front and rear respectively.
Hero Cruiser Bike
Hero MotoCorp is rumoured to entered into the 300cc cruiser and adventure motorcycles segments. At the Hero World 2020, the homegrown two-wheeler maker had showcased an all-new 300cc adventure motorcycle prototype. It is expected that the company could be developing the new Xpulse 300. Adding to it, the company is rumoured to be developing an all-new 300cc neo-classic motorcycle to rival the Royal Enfield Classic, Jawa and the Honda CB350.
Bajaj-Triumph
Bajaj and Triumph had announced their long-term, non-equity strategic partnership in 2017. Bajaj could also introduce a neo-retro styled classic motorcycle to rival the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic, Jawa Classic and the newly-introduced Honda CB350. The motorcycle is likely to feature retro-classic styling with circular headlamp, digital instrument console, alloys and a flat single-piece seat. It will be designed and developed on the new vehicle platform with engine capacities ranging from 200cc to 750cc. The motorcycle will be produced by Bajaj’s Chakan plant and will be sold under the Triumph nameplate.
Suzuki Intruder 250
Japanese two-wheeler maker, Suzuki is reportedly working on the new Intruder 250 for the Indian market. Patent image of the motorcycle has already been leaked on the Internet. It will be powered by the same 250cc, single-cylinder four stroke engine that produces 26bhp of power and 22.9NM of torque. The powertrain will be tuned to suit the needs of the cruiser motorcycle. Suspension mechanism of the bike comprise of telescopic front forks and the monoshock unit at the rear.
TVS Zeppelin
At the 2018 Auto Expo, TVS Motor Company had showcased the Zeppelin power cruiser. A new cruiser motorcycle based on the Zeppelin concept is in the development. The showcased concept was equipped with a 220cc, single-cylinder engine paired with 1,200 watt regenerative assist motor with a 48 volt Lithium-ion battery. It’s claimed to deliver 20% more torque when needed. The company could use the bigger capacity engine, which will make it a direct rival to the Suzuki Intruder and the Jawa Classic.
