Upcoming bikes
Upcoming bikes 2016-17PR handout

The first seven months of 2016 saw some of the important launches in the two-wheeler segment, including Bajaj V, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda CB Hornet and TVS Apache RTR 2004V. On the scooter and hybrid two-wheeler front, Honda launched Navi and Aprilia launched SR150. The second half of the year is also going to be as exciting as the first half for biking enthusiasts in India, with popular two-wheeler-makers gearing up to launch a series of motorcycles. We have compiled a list of motorcycles scheduled for launch this financial year.

Bajaj Pulsar VS400

Bajaj Auto introduced the Pulsar CS400 concept at Auto Expo 2014. The launch of the production spec is expected anytime soon. The production spec is expected to be named VS400. It will be powered by a 373.27cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve triple-spark engine that develops 34.5bhp at 8,000rpm. The cruiser sport motorcycle will be the flagship product of Bajaj Auto and it is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 1.7 lakh to Rs. 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom).

Bajaj V40

Bajaj V40 is expected to be the second motorcycle to be launched under the V brand of Bajaj Auto. It will be powered by the same 373cc liquid-cooled engine that powers KTM 390 Duke. Bajaj may continue to use a small amount of metal from the dismantled INS Vikrant on the V40 model. The connection of V with the Majestic-class aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy is a USP for the brand. The V40 is expected to be priced at Rs. 1.50 lakh and market launch is expected in November this year.

Bajaj Pulsar 150NS

Bajaj Auto has already started the export of the younger sibling of Pulsar 200NS to the Latin American market from India. The India launch of the Pulsar 150NS is expected around Diwali. The motorcycle will be equipped with the new 149.5cc twin-spark, four-valve air-cooled engine that debuted with the Pulsar 150 AS, which makes 16.7bhp power at 9500rpm and a maximum torque of 13Nm at 7500rpm. On design, the naked sports version will receive a design similar to the Pulsar 200NS.

TVS Akula 310

TVS Motor Company showcased Akula 310 sports bike concept at Auto Expo 2016. The concept has been developed with the knowhow of BMW Motorrad. It is expected to debut in final spec by the end of the year. The Akula 310 is powered by a 310cc engine capable of producing 34bhp of power and mated to a six-speed gearbox. The Akula 310 was showcased at the show with USD forks, stiff space frame chassis as well as lightweight carbon fibre bodywork. The production-spec Akula 310 is also expected to carry the same features.

BMW G 310 R

The offspring of BMW Motorrad and TVS alliance, G 310 R is the first sub-500cc motorcycle of the former. The motorcycle has been manufactured exclusively in India. It is expected to be priced below Rs. 2.0 lakh in India, a price point that makes it a compelling buy. At the heart of the G 310 R is an all-new 313cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with four valves and two overhead camshafts, together with electronic fuel injection. It can churn out a power of 33.5bhp at 9,500rpm and maximum torque of 28Nm at 7,500rpm, mated to a six-speed gearbox.

Benelli Tornado 302

DSK Benelli is all set to add Tornado 302 in its India product portfolio in this festive season. The Tornado 302 is the fully faired sibling of TNT 300. Built on a trestle frame, the Tornado 302 is powered by an in-line two-cylinder four-stroke four-valve DOHC engine that develops 36bhp at 12,000rpm and 27Nm at 9,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission and the bike reportedly has a top speed of 170kmph. The Tornado 302 will be assembled at the company's all-new Talegaon plant.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

The CRF1000L Africa Twin, which was unveiled by Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) at the Auto Expo in February, is expected to enter market in early 2017. The Africa Twin falls in the adventure motorcycle segment. It is powered by a 998cc, parallel twin liquid-cooled engine with 270 degree crank and uni-cam. The engine develops 94bhp at 7,500rpm and 98Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. The Africa Twin boasts of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which offers the rider three levels of control and on/off ABS to the rear wheel.

Hero HX250R

Hero MotoCorp's flagship sports motorcycle, the HX250R, is expected to enter market early next year. The company unveiled the near-to-production-spec model of the motorcycle draped in blue shade at the Auto Expo 2016. The HX250R will draw power from a 249cc, single-cylinder, 4-valve liquid cooled, fuel injection engine capable of producing 31bhp of power and 26Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed transmission. Hero claims 0-60kmph speed can be achieved in 2.7 seconds.

MV Agusta Brutale 800

MV Agusta India will launch the all-new Brutale 800 that was unveiled at the EICMA show in November, in the country early next year. It will be the most affordable motorcycle of MV Agusta in India. To be brought to India as CKD (complete knocked down) units, which will be assembled at Kinetic Group's plant in Pune, the Brutale 800 will be powered by an in-line 3-cylinder 798cc engine with counter-rotating crankshaft. The engine develops 116bhp and 83Nm of torque mated to six speed transmission. The motorcycle can attain a top speed of 237kmph. The Brutale 800 gets an elliptical-shaped headlamp, new digital instrument cluster, triple-pipe exhaust and a trapezoidal tank with the capacity of 16.5-litres.

UM Renegade Classic

American two-wheeler manufacturer UM Motorcycles is expected to launch its third cruiser model, the Renegade Classic, in India soon. The company showcased the Renegade Classic at the Auto Expo 2016. Powered by a 280cc single-cylinder water cooled engine that can develop 25bhp of power at 8,500rpm and 21.8Nm of torque at 7,000rpm, teamed with six-speed transmission, the Renegade Classic measures 1975mm in length, 1280mm in height and 730mm in width.

MotoGuzzi V9 Roamer and Bobber

Italian manufacturer Piaggio had showcased the V9 Roamer and V9 Bobber motorcycles from its Moto Guzzi brand at Auto Expo 2016. The launch of both motorcycles is expected soon and it will come via CBU line. Both the motorcycles are powered by a 850cc V-twin air- and oil-cooled engine that produces 54bhp of power at 6,250rpm and peak torque of 62Nm at 3,000rpm mated to a six-speed gearbox. The power is channelled to the rear wheel through a new double-joint drive shaft. In terms of design, both motorcycles come with a similar layout. The Roamer runs on a 19-inch wheel at the front and a 16-inch wheel at the rear while the Bobber has 16-inch wheels at both ends.

Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 3.0

Yamaha YZF-R15, one of the most successful fully faired motorcycles launched in India, is expected to get an update next year. Touted to be named the YZF R15 Version 3.0, the new version will be based on the same Deltabox frame that underpins the current R15. It will come with reworked body panels and cosmetic changes. In the latest avatar, the R15 is expected to share many components with the recently-launched naked version, the M-Slaz. The 149cc single cylinder liquid-cooled engine that does duty in the current R15 is expected to carry over in the latest version.