When it came to new motorcycles, Auto Expo 2018 did not disappoint, from new high capacity machines, cruisers and commuters, manufacturers had the entire spectrum covered. Here are some of them that got our pulses racing.
The new R15 is finally here and Yamaha is calling it the R15 V3.0. While its R1 inspired styling and racing genes still remain, Yamaha says that the V3.0 is the most potent R15 yet. Power is up from before with 19.3hp from its 155cc motor while it also gets variable valve actuation technology and variable assist clutch which will make sharper, quicker and easier. Pricing is set at Rs. 1.25lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
SUZUKI GSX-S750
Suzuki is revving up to join the middleweight naked motorcycle space soon with its all new GSX-S750. A rival to the Ducati Monster and Triumph Street Triple, this Gixxer is powered by a 749cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder motor mated to a six-speed gearbox and is packed with performance-oriented technology and features. It comes equipped with a 3-mode traction control system that can be turned off completely to unleash ‘hooligan’ mode when you need it.
APRILIA TUONO/RS 150
Aprilia is flexing its muscles and seems ready to join the low-capacity sports bike segment in India which until now, is dominated by Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki. Aprilia showcased 150cc versions of its Tuono and the RS motorcycles. Called the RS150 and Tuono150 these bikes are powered by a single cylinder, 150cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected motor that produces 18hp at 10,000rpm and 14Nm of torque at 7,500rpm. Along with racy and aggressive bodywork, the Aprilia duo will also boast excellent dynamics.
HONDA X-BLADE
Honda is great at finding niches in the Indian market, and the new X-Blade is setting out to explore a new one. Basically, the X-Blade is a premium motorcycle that is positioned between the CB Unicorn 160 and the CB Hornet 160 and is aimed at those looking for exceptional styling with marginally better fuel-efficiency than the Hornet. It comes powered by the same 160cc motor as the Hornet, but is slightly detuned. The X-Blade also comes with a full-LED headlight.
KAWASAKI H2 SX SE
Kawasaki has brought in H2 SX and SX SE tourers to India close on the heels of its international launch. With a focus on touring, the Japanese brand has made significant changes to H2 superbike’s supercharged engine in a bid to deliver more mid-range power and better fuel economy. Available in two trims – the SX and the high-spec SX SE are priced at Rs 21.80 lakh and Rs 26.80 lakh respectively (all prices ex-showroom).
UM RENEGADE DUTY
UM has launched the most affordable bikes in its India line up with its two new cruisers, the Duty S and Duty Ace. Both come powered by a new 223cc engine developing 17hp and 17Nm. So, if you are looking for American cruiser styling on a budget, look no further. Prices for both motorcycles start at Rs 1.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
BMW F750/850 GS
BMW Motorrad’s ‘GS‘ bikes are a class act when it comes to adventure touring and the German bike maker has gone ahead and two the mid-range tourers the F750 GS and F850 GS models in India. Both feature sharper styling, new technology, a monocoque frame along with larger 853cc, parallel-twin engine. But class acts don't come cheap and this BMW has priced them at an eye-watering Rs 12.20 lakh for the F750 and Rs 13.70 lakh for the F850 GS (all prices ex-showroom, India).