For two-wheeler enthusiasts, the 2018 Auto Expo brought in a lot of new and updated bikes to the market. Here’s a look at all the major two-wheeler launches from the auto show.
Yamaha:
As was expected, Yamaha didn’t disappoint and launched the YZF-R15 V3.0 and the 2018 YZF-R3 at the expo this year. Now, while the new R3 is just an updated model, the R15 V3.0 is the all-new third-gen model of the motorcycle. The motorcycle packs a new liquid-cooled, 155cc single-cylinder engine that develops 19bhp and 15Nm. The interesting bit is that the engine comes with variable valve timing, or in Yamaha-speak, VVA. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox that gets assist and slipper clutch. It gets new LED headlamps as well and the styling is completely revamped. Sure, it does miss out on ABS and inverted forks – which are offered in global markets – but, then, that’s done to keep the price in check. In fact, with an ex-showroom price of Rs. 1.25 lakh, the new R15 is a solid package.
As for the R3, Yamaha has, thankfully, addressed all the previous issues with the bike, which means that the bike now comes with ABS and stickier Metzeler tyres. Mechanically, the R3 is remains unchanged, but the 321cc parallel-twin motor is BS-IV approved now. Power output is the same at 41.4bhp and 29.6Nm. Its price has gone up to Rs. 3.48 lakh (ex-showroom), but that was expected given the new equipment on offer.
BMW Motorrad:
At the expo, BMW Motorrad launched two all-new, mid-class adventure tourers in India – the F 750 GS and F 850 GS. Both the middleweight adventure motorcycles were first revealed in 2017 at the EICMA show in Milan. The F 750 GS is powered by a liquid-cooled 853cc parallel-twin engine that produces 76bhp and 83Nm of torque. The F 850 GS gets the same engine, but it’s more powerful with 94bhp and 92Nm on offer. Both bikes come with a six-speed transmission. Both bikes have a monocoque, steel, bridge-type frame, and ABS and BMW’s stability control (ASC) with different riding modes are standard.
The F 750 GS is aimed at riders who mostly prefer tarmac, and as a result, it comes with alloy-wheels and on-road tyres. It’s priced at Rs 12.20 lakh (ex-showroom). The F 850 GS, on the other hand, is for someone who’s looking for off-road thrills, and, therefore, it comes with long-travel suspension, spoke wheels and off-road tyres. The F 850 GS carries a price tag of Rs. 13.70 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kawasaki:
Most of us were expecting Kawasaki to launch the new Kawasaki Ninja 400. However, instead of doing that, the Japanese bike maker went full mental and launched the Ninja H2 SX and SE models at the event. For the uninitiated, the H2 SX and SE are supercharged sports-tourers and are based on the madly powerful H2 an H2R. Both get the same inline four-cylinder 999cc supercharged engine that develops over 200bhp. However, for these bikes, the engine is tuned for more mid-range punch than outright top speed. The H2 SX is priced at Rs. 21.80 lakh, while H2 SE retails for Rs. 26.80 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom).
UM:
UM Motorcycles came up with pretty interesting launches at the expo. The company launched two new motorcycles – Renegade Thor and Renegade Duty. And what’s special about the former is that it’s a fully electric motorcycle. The Thor comes with a 30kW motor that has as much as 70Nm on offer. What’s more, it comes with a five-speed transmission – a first for an EV – along with a hydraulic clutch. The bike also comes with a reverse gear. As per UM, the motorcycle will have a range of 270km and a top speed of 180km/h. Initially, the bike will be priced at Rs. 9.90 lakh (ex-showroom), but the company says it’ll bring the prices down in the near future.
The second UM launch was Renegade Duty. It’ll be offered in two trim levels – S and Ace. Both will be powered by a 223cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that produces 16.5bhp of power and 17Nm of peak torque, mated to a five-speed gearbox. Both the variants are priced at Rs. 1.10 lakh (ex-showroom).
Aprilia:
At the Aprilia stand, the main highlights were, of course, the RS 150 and Tuono 150 – both are scaled down versions of the company’s flagship litre-class sports and naked bikes, respectively. However, while Aprilia has confirmed that these two will come to India, they are still a year or two away from their launch in the Indian market. That said, the company did launch a new two-wheeler for our market at the expo, and it was the smaller SR125 automatic scooter. Based on the bigger SR150, this one gets a smaller 125cc, 3-valve, single-cylinder engine that develops around 10bhp and 10.6Nm. It’s priced at Rs. 65,310 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
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