APRILIA SR 150
Hey, what’s that?
A sporty scooter by Aprilia! It borrows a fair bit of engine bits from the Vespa 150 but otherwise, it’s all new and swanky. Looks really sporty, has very meaty rubber and, by the look of it, will give entry-level motorcycles a run for their money.
Will it be launched?
Yes, this year. It’s going to be produced in India, too, but expect a steep price tag owing to its performance and, of course, the badge.
What else is coming?
Don’t quote us here, but the Vespa 300 GTS will also be made available later on in the year although on an experimental, order-only basis. It won’t be cheap, but we’d be happy to have one around.
What do we think?
The Aprilia SR 150 is racy, but is begging for factory racing colours! Can’t pick between the Vespa 946 and the Moto Guzzi Eldorado for reasons of pure lust and, hey, can we just take the Tuono home?
BMW MOTORRAD – G 310 R
Hey, what’s that?
The made-in-India (TVS)BMW G 310 R! Yes, it’s finally made its debut Indian appearance and, oh boy, it’s a looker! Featuring a 310 cc, reverse single-cylinder with a 34 bhp power output, the G 310 R is all muscle and no flab and it’s definitely the most visually satisfying motorcycle we bumped into at the ‘Expo, especially on the aspect of build quality.
Will it be launched?
There is no doubt about it. Expect it to be launched towards the tail-end of this year and while it might come at a slight premium, it’s going to be worth it.
What else is coming?
TVS’ version of it, which will be a full-faired, race-ready version. Check it out elsewhere in these pages.
What do we think?
If you squint a bit, the G 310 R could pass off as an R nine T. Excellent project bike, if you ask us. Also, we love the typical BMW-spec switchgear and cycle parts. The wheelies on this thing are going to be lovable!
DSK BENELLI – BX 250 Motard
Hey, what’s that?
It’s called the BX 250 Motard (although it doesn’t say so anywhere on the bodywork) and it’s Benelli’s attempt at a supermotard. International ratings for the BX 250 hang around the 25 bhp mark but the Indian version might get a bit more power, just like what happened in the case of the TNT 25. It looks terrific (if a bit dated) and with meaty 17-inch rubber at either end, guess who’s going to be going sideways a lot!
Will it be launched?
Yes, at some point this year. It will also be built right here, in India and therefore, you are to expect a price tag close to, and certainly under, that of the KTM 390 Duke. Tempting, right?
What else is coming?
The TreK 502, which DSK Benelli plans to launch in the coming few months. The cheeky little T-135 was on display, too, but it’s definitely not going out on sale in India.
What do we think?
DSK Benelli has some interesting plans for the BX 250 and we really hope it’s everything we imagine it to be. That would be an aggressive, slide-friendly motorcycle with lots of low-end grunt, rather than the peaky nature of the TNT 25.
DSK-BENELLI TORNADO 300
Hey, what’s that?
The faired sibling of the extremely likable TNT 300. No changes to its 300 cc, parallel-twin, 37 bhp motor are a good thing because by offering a neat full fairing and an oh-so-irresistible bassy howl, it’s going to be every college-going lad’s dream come true. Expect more of the TNT’s goodness in an aggressive layout – what could possibly go wrong with that?
Will it be launched?
Soon-ish. It’s going to be pricier than the TNT 300 and that’s for certain. The rest, only time will tell.
What else is coming?
The ABS-equipped versions of the BN 600i and the BN 600 GT, which are nearly ready to hit dealerships. Every motorcycle on display at the DSK-Benelli pavilion (the T-135 aside) will go on sale this year, which only sounds like good news to us!
What do we think?
The Tornado’s format will inject aggression into the 300 platform, something the TNT couldn’t fulfill entirely. It looks gorgeous, too, and we can’t wait for our first track outing with it. Hope the price tag isn’t frightening, that’s all!
HERO – XF3R CONCEPT
Hey, what’s that?
It’s only a concept, but the XF3R looks like it’s already up for a brawl with the BMW G 310 R and the KTM 390 Duke. With its muscular streetfighter styling and a 300 cc single-cylinder motor, the XF3R is going to add a spicy twist to its segment. No technical specifications have been revealed but a sub-40 bhp powerplant will be very welcome, don’t you think?
Will it be launched?
Hero hasn’t said anything, but it’s definitely nowhere close to production. 2017, however, might be the year when Hero goes very, very bold.
What else is coming?
First up is the all-new Splendor i-Smart 110, built independently by Hero (that’s big news for Splendor loyalists), followed by the Xtreme 200, an interesting extension to the Xtreme family. No word on the HX 250R yet, but it’s on its way, sooner than later we hope.
What do we think?
A bigger, more powerful Impulse would have stolen the show! That said, the XF3R definitely looks very promising and we hope it makes it to production soon enough.
HONDA – NAVI (+AFRICA TWIN/CONCEPT)
Hey, what’s that?
The motorcycle of the show, if it can be called a motorcycle, that is! The Navi is an absolute surprise from Honda, which typically steers clear of making too much of a statement at the Auto Expo. With Activa-sourced underpinnings, the Navi is a cheeky little urban runabout and a very interesting alternative for scooter lovers with motorcycling aspirations. A 110 cc motor paired to a CVT unit will make the Navi a hit with just about everyone who knows a thing or two about urban commuting.
Will it be launched?
It already has been! Priced at Rs 39,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Navi is going to find a ton of buyers, we’re sure of it.
What else is coming?
The Africa Twin, that’s what. This towering, multi-cylinder rally raid motorcycle with an iconic nameplate sent the crowds into a tizzy and Honda will most certainly launch it in India in the next few months. The Triumph Tiger has a lot to worry about, then!
What do we think?
Cool move, Honda! The Navi is the sort of bold, adventurous scootercycle (can we call it that?) we never saw coming and it’s as practical as it is desirable. Interchangeable panels turn it from a chic urban runabout into a cheeky adventure-tourer and we just can’t wait to have one in our long-term fleet!
SUZUKI – GIXXER SF
Hey, what’s that?
A slightly updated Gixxer SF, here because it now has a rear-disc brake and fuel-injection. We love the Gixxer SF and this update will only have made it a lot better, but it’s also going to affect the price tag by a fair bit and that’s not very good news.
Will it be launched?
Yes, it should go on sale not long after you’ve read this. Definitely worth waiting for, if you’re looking for the most fun motorcycle in its segment.
What else is coming?
The naked Gixxer too gets a disc brake at the rear but no fuel-injection (thankfully!). Suzuki also showcased the facelifted Access, its bestselling scooter, which will be launched shortly.
What do we think?
We were really hoping to see a small capacity on/off-roader of some sort from Suzuki but that’s not on its way anytime soon, from what we hear. No plans to resurrect the Inazuma either, sorry! Why, Suzuki? Why?
TRIUMPH – BONNEVILLE
Hey, what’s that?
The all-new Bonneville, that’s what! For 2016, Triumph took the Bonneville back to the drawing board and the returned with two shiny new motorcycles, the Street Twin and the T120. The former is powered by a 900 cc parallel-twin while the latter gets a 1200 cc motor. While the Street Twin is actually down on power as compared to the Bonnie it replaces, torque output has shot up and so has its overall performance, including much more agile handling.
Will it be launched?
It’s already out on sale, with the Street Twin being priced at Rs 6.90 lakh and the T120, at Rs 8.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Time to break the bank!
What else is coming?
The absolutely gorgeous Thruxton R. Deliveries for the 1200 cc Thruxton R will begin in July and a price announcement will be made soon. Want a timelessly cool motorcycle? This is it!
What do we think?
We’re already in love with the Street Twin and we hope to find a way to buy one. The retro-faired Thruxton is simply irresistible and we – you guessed it – hope to find a way to buy that, too.
TVS – AKULA 310
Hey, what’s that?
Yet another outrageous concept – typical TVS thing to do, eh? – which is basically TVS’ version of the BMW G 310 R. Yes, the production version of the Akula 310 will be more (rather than less) like the bike you see here and that is the most exciting bit of news we’ve heard in a while. The carbon fibre bodywork looks stunning (not destined to go into production – imagine the costs!) and the Akula has an overall stance which is absolutely menacing, just like what it’s named after – sharks!
Will it be launched?
Yes, but only once the BMW G 310 R is launched. That should make the Akula a worth-waiting-for 2017 motorcycle. A harder test of our patience never existed.
What else is coming?
Do you really care about anything else, after this R1/Panigale-tailed stunner of a motorcycle?
What do we think?
Given TVS’ racing experience and BMW’s genius when it comes to creating fantastic motors, the Akula should be a segment-dominating motorcycle when it comes to life sometime in 2017. Hats off to the awesome chaps at TVS for going this strong on its concept game!
ENTORQ 210
Hey, what’s that?
A superb design study, what TVS calls half motorcycle, half scooter – the Entorq 210. An Apache RTR 200 4V lent its organs to the underpinnings of the Entorq and the result is a scooter like we’ve never seen before. Big wheels, fat rubber, a racy engine and styling that’s ice cool add the Entorq straight into the list of TVS’ typically brilliant concepts.
Will it be launched?
The Entorq 210 will go into production, but practicality will get the better of its design. It’ll be awesome even if it looks half as good, though, no?
What else is coming?
The X-21 concept will probably make it to some form of TVS’ motorsport indulgences but production-wise, TVS only has one thing to offer – a long wait.
What do we think?
TVS’ concepts only get better with time and knowing its tendency to turn concepts into very desirable production machines, this is only good news for the enthusiast. We have our fingers crossed tight!
UM MOTORCYCLES – RENEGADE
Hey, what’s that?
Remember UM Motorcycles from the 2014 Auto Expo? Yes, the American motorcycle maker is now officially in India thanks to a quick handshake with Lohia Auto. What you see here is the Renegade, its first officially launched motorcycle in India. Manufactured in Uttarakhand, the 279 cc, 24 bhp Renegade is available in three variants – Sport S, Commando and Classic. Probably just the cruiser you missed being able to buy, but don’t take our word for it just yet!
Will it be launched?
Done and dusted. Prices seem fair for what’s on offer, with the Sport S (1.49 lakh), Commando (1.59 lakh) and Classic (1.69 lakh; all prices ex-showroom, Delhi) being positioned extremely competitively.
What else is coming?
Not much is being said at the moment, since UM’s priority is to get India familiarised with the Renegade.
What do we think?
We’re not fans of the unknown and UM has an absolute uphill task in its hands, to garner up a good dose of credibility. We wish it got the proportions better but if the Renegade is what it appears to be on paper, cruiser lovers will have a lot to rejoice about.
YAMAHA – MT-09
Hey, what’s that?
One of the coolest, newest motorcycles in Yamaha’s international line-up – the MT09. Aggressive to the core (from what we hear), the MT-09 takes on the Kawasaki Z800 and the Triumph Street Triple and it has the mettle to do exactly that. Powered by an 847 cc, in-line three-cylinder motor that produces 113 bhp at 10,000 rpm, the MT-09 is sufficiently armed to decimate its competitors. Hooligan styling, typical Yamaha-grade rideability and loads of tech (ABS included) should make the MT-09’s gameplan work just fine.
Will it be launched?
It has been launched at Rs 10.2 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), thus making it pricier than either of its rivals. Only an intense road test will prove if it’s really worth the extra cash. Can’t wait!
What else is coming?
Yamaha has also launched a sportier version of its Ray-Z scooter, called the Ray-ZR. Not sure if it’s going to be more powerful, but it does get a disc brake now, which is a good addition, we think.
What do we think?
About the MT-09? Oh, sorry, we were too busy ogling at Valentino Rossi’s YZR-M1 from the 2014 season to be bothered with anything else. Seeing a racebike – that of the greatest racers of all time – this up close is one of the most beautiful things we have ever done and it’s no surprise we even skipped lunched just so we could ogle at it longer. Next time, bring the man himself, okay?
