Year 2017 was majority about performance bikes and the trend continues as more new bikes will be rolled out from the bike makers in India in the next 2 years. While scooters are back in demand after three decades, the muscular bikes continue to woo enthusiasts in India. Earlier known for commuter only market, India is now slowly stepping into other segments. Seeing the growing demand for performance bikes, global two-wheeler makers are making inroads into the Indian two-wheeler market. Several new bikes are coming to cater to the rising customer base in India. Considering that India is about to witness influx of models in the next two years, we bring to you the top ten upcoming bikes in India in 2018 & 2019.
Top 10 Upcoming Bikes In India
1. Suzuki V-Strom 650
The first in our list of upcoming bikes in India comes from Suzuki’s stable – the Suzuki V-Strom 650. Previewed at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo, this middleweight adventure tourer is reported to go on sale in coming months (August or Setember, 2018). In global markets, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 comes in two variants – V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 650 XT; though we will receive the range-topping V-Strom 650 XT trim in India.
Power for the bike comes from a 645cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled V-twin engine that’s good enough for 70bhp and 66Nm of torque. It gets aluminum rims with stainless steel wire spokes and Bridgestone Battlewing tyres. The V-Strom 650 XT variant is heavier than the standard model that weighs 213kg. Some of its key features include a digital analog instrument cluster, a 3-stage traction control system, Suzuki’s easy start system, height adjustable windscreen and anti-lock braking system.
Expected Launch: Coming Months
Expected Price: Around Rs 6.60 lakh
2. Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 & Interceptor GT 650
The next models in our list of upcoming bikes in India are Royal Enfield’s two-new 650cc motorcycle. At the 2017 EICMA Motor Show, Royal Enfield had showcased two motorcycles – Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650. Both models will go on sale in the country in 2018. The Continental GT 650 has been designed for high-speed highway cruising, while the Interceptor 650 is a retro-styled roadster. Powering the motorcycles will be a new 648cc, air-cooled engine that churns out 47bhp of power at 7,100rpm and 52Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a 6-speed gearbox.
Expected Launch: Mid 2018
Expected Price: Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 4 lakh
3. Jawa 350
Jawa Motorcycles are surely among the much-awaited upcoming bikes in India. Mahindra Group has confirmed that it will revive the Jawa motorcycle brand in the Indian market. The first Jawa bike will hit showrooms during this festive season or the end of 2018. Though, the company hasn’t yet revealed the name of the bike. Rumour has it that the new Jawa 350 could be the first model to arrive in the Indian two-wheeler market. Inspired by 1970’s 2-stroke bikes, the Jawa 350 has retro-styling with features such as rectangle shaped headlamp, a small faring and a round headlamp.
At the heart of the bike will be 292cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine pushing out 27bhp at 8,000rpm and 30Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. It’s the same powertrain that does duty in the Mahindra Mojo. Produced by Chinese brand – Shinray, this motor comes boosted with fuel injection system from Delphi. While the global-spec model of the bike features a 4-speed gearbox, the India-bound version might get a 5-speed unit. It will get disc up front and drum at the rear along with an optional ABS.
Expected Launch: Second Half of 2018
Expected Price: Rs 1 lakh – Rs 1.5 lakh
4. New Hero Xpulse
At the EICMA Motor Show 2017, Hero MotoCorp had unveiled the new Xpulse off-roader concept. The company had showcased the production version of the bike at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. This dual-purpose motorcycle will be launched in the second half of 2018. In India, it will take on the Royal Enfield Himalayan and will be introduced as a replacement to the Impulse 150. This entry-level off-roader will target riders who are looking a bike with on-road comfort and off-road abilities. This dual-purpose motorcycle is likely to be powered by a 200cc, single-cylinder engine that also does duty in the Hero Xtreme 200S. The Hero XPluse comes fitted with off-road tyres, high ground clearance, bigger wind protector and a long-travel conventional fork suspension that enhance its off-road capabilities.
Expected Launch: 2018
Expected Price: Under Rs 1 lakh
5. Benelli Imperiale 400
Next to join the list of upcoming bikes is the Benelli Imperiale retro cruiser motorcycle, which was unveiled at the 2017 EICMA (Milan Motor Show). This motorcycle will directly rival the segment leader Royal Enfield Classic 350 retro bike. Italian automaker is planning to locally assemble this retro motorcycle in India, which will help the company to price it competitively. The retro-styled motorcycle comes with a lot of chrome treatment, offered on the engine, mudguards and mirrors. The bike also gets provision for twin seats and fabric saddle bags.
Other features include twin-pod instrument console, Monza-style fuel cap and dark red paintjob. The motorcycle has a seat height of 780mm, which should offer a comfortable ride for a wide range of motorcyclists in India. The retro cruiser rides on spoked rims that are shod with 110/90-19 and 130/80-18 tyres at front and rear, respectively. Powering the retro-styled cruiser motorcycle is an air-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel injected 373.5cc engine that produces 20PS of power at 5,500rpm and a peak torque of 28Nm at 3,500rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel vuia a five-speed gearbox and chain drive system.
Expected Launch: Early 2019
Expected Price: Around Rs 2 lakh
6. TVS Zeppelin
Next in the list of upcoming bikes in India is the TVS Zeppelin based power cruiser. After launching the new Apache RR 310 and Apache RTR 160 4V, TVS Motor Company is aiming to enter into the growing Cruiser segment. In fact, TVS had previewed the motorcycle as Zeppelin concept at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. This performance cruiser concept sports cruiser styling elements and bold stance.
The TVS Zeppelin is powered by a 220cc, single-cylinder engine boosted with a patented Integrated Starter Generator System. This engine is capable of producing 20bhp of power at 8,500rpm and 18.5Nm of torque at 7,000rpm, and is paired to a five-speed gearbox. It also has a e-boost function that adds to its performance from a 1,200W regenerative assist motor, powered by a 48V Li-ion battery. The concept model has a claimed speed of 130kmph.
Design highlights of the bike include rectangular LED headlamp, split seat, 41mm USD front forks, flat handlebar, analog instrument cluster, Fat Pirelli tubeless tyres, smart Bio key, HD action camera, online connectivity and dual channel ABS system. This motorcycle will challenge the likes of Bajaj Avenger 220, UM Renegade Duty S and Royal Enfield Classic/Thunderbird 350.
Expected Launch: 2019-20
Expected Price: Rs 1.2 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh
7. Aprilia RS 150
Aprilia had showcased the RS 150 fully-faired motorcycle at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. Buoyed by positive response from visitors, Aprilia is now considering this entry-level 150cc sports bike for the Indian market. If launched, the Aprilia RS 150 will have a direct competition in the form of new generation Yamaha R15 V3.0. Like the SR 150, the new RS 150 is expected to be locally developed at Vespa’s local assembly to achieve aggressive pricing. Though, it will be the most expensive 150cc motorcycle in the country.
The RS 150 comes with a split seat and offers aggressive riding position. It is powered by a 150cc, liquid-cooled engine with fuel injection. This engine is capable of producing a maximum power output of 18bhp at 10,000rpm and a peak torque of 14Nm at 7,500rpm. For transmitting power, the engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. This motorcycle has a quick shifter, which enables faster shifts and acceleration.
For suspension and braking, the fully-faired motorcycle has 40mm USD front forks and monoshock rear absorber. For braking, the bike gets dual discs along with Bosch ABS system. Carrying Racing DNA, the new RS 150 shares design cues with the big Aprilia bikes. This motorcycle will target young enthusiasts looking to upgrade to a fast motorcycle at a tight budget. In terms of features, the bike gets LED headlamp and taillamp, ABS, digital instrument panel, sculpted fuel tank, etc.
Expected Launch: 2019
Expected Price: Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 1.8 lakh
8. KTM 390 Adventure
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The next model in our list of upcoming bikes in India is the KTM 390 Adventure, which has been on test for quite sometime. The Australian bike maker introduced the 2017 KTM RC series in India early last year and is now gearing up for the launch of an all-new adventure bike, KTM 390 Adventure sometime next year. Before its launch here, the company will unveil it globally at the upcoming 2018 EICMA Motorcycle show in November 2018. Just so you know, the bike will be developed at Bajaj’s Chakan plant and will be exported to several international markets there. The power source on the KTM 390 Adventure will be a 373.2cc, single cylinder, liquid-cooled unit with an estimated power of 35-43bhp and 35-40Nm torque, while the transmission duties are likely to be carried over by a 6-speed gearbox.
Expected Launch: 2019
Expected Price: Rs 2.4 lakh to Rs 2.6 lakh
9. Bajaj Dominar Adventurer
Bajaj introduced its flagship model Dominar in India in December 2016 and is now preparing to add a Scrambler variant to its line-up. At the time of launch, the company had hinted at rolling out more models under the Dominar badge that is positioned above its famed Pulsar series. While reports in media also opine that Bajaj could launch the Scrambler bike under a new badge for which the company is chalking out a marketing strategy, the details on the Dominar Adventurer are yet hazy. As for the launch, the premium model is expected to be launched in India sometime in 2018.
Expected Launch: 2019
Expected Price: Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 1.8 lakh
10. Suzuki Gixxer 250
Suzuki Motorcycle will introduce a new 250cc motorcycle in the country sometime next year. Expected to be named Suzuki Gixxer 250, this new upcoming bike will take on the Yamah FZ250 and KTM 200 Duke/KTM RC200. Aiming to price the bike competitively, Suzuki will use a 250cc, 4-valve head, oil-cooled engine instead of liquid-cooled unit. The power figure of the motor will be close to 22bhp- 25bhp.
According to a media report, the bike could be offered with a 6-speed gearbox. The new Suzuki Gixxer 250 will share its platform with the other Gixxer bikes. Though, the company will tweak it to handle extra weight and offer better handling. It might get the conventional telescopic fork upfront and a monoshock unit at the rear axle. The India-spec model of the bike could get disc brakes at both ends with the standard dual-channel ABS unit.
Expected Launch: Second Half of 2019
Expected Price: Rs 1.50 lakh – Rs 1.80 lakh
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