We saw a few adventure bikes unveiled at 2016 EICMA. Although it is a niche market in India, some are likely to make it to Indian shores
The Indian two-wheeler market is quite a tricky one with customers having their own set of preferences. While Hero was bold in bringing a product in the affordable adventure category with the Hero Impulse, it didn’t quite pick up as they would have liked. But at the other end of the spectrum are the Triumph Tigers and Kawasaki Versys 650s, easily making their way into enthusiasts’ garage. There is still a market for entry-level adventure offerings but none of the bike makers have explored this space. Here’s a list of some such motorcycles that are likely to be launched in the next year or so.
- BMW G 310 GS:
This motorcycle has been the talk of the town for a while with a lot of enthusiasts eagerly waiting for its official unveil. Now, the covers are off, and its sure does look purposeful. The baby GS is based on the naked G 310 R and will be the first BMW to be manufactured outside Germany. BMW has ensured that the G 310 GS not has the go anywhere appeal but also the hardware. Up front it sport 19-inch wheels a long travel suspension. Other typically adventure characteristics include radiator shrouds, bash plate, high ground clearance dual purpose tyres and upswept exhaust. Underneath the tank, is the same 313cc liquid-cooled single-pot motor that pumps power of 34 horses and peak torque of 28Nm. The G 310 GS will be produced at the TVS plant in Hosur. While it will be launched in the European market in the first half of 2017, it will make its way to India late next year.
- Kawasaki Versys-X 300
Kawasaki has already introduced the Versys moniker in India with the launch of its litre-class iteration. It was then followed by the much awaited Versys 650. Keeping in mind that the Japanese bike maker has its entire line-up here in India, it is only a matter of time before the Versys-X 300 will be introduced in India. This entry-level Versys will borrow its 296cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine from the Ninja 300 so expect it to produce similar output. That being said, considering its DNA, Kawaski will tune it for better low-and mid-range performance. The upright riding posture, tall stance and the high-set windscreen should make it a comfortable touring machine too.
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Suzuki V Strom 250[/caption]
- Suzuki V-Strom 250
At 2016 EICMA, Suzuki unveiled to the press and public their lowest displacement adventure offering, the V-Strom 250. It is based on Suzuki’s 248cc parallel twin unit that is good for 24bhp and 23.4Nm. In terms of design, it looks like a scaled down version of the larger V-Strom and Suzuki has done well to ensure that it continues to look as focused and proportionate. The Suzuki V-Stom would make a sensible purchase especially for a country like ours. While it will go on sale in Europe early next year, Suzuki hasn’t revealed its plans for the Indian market as yet. But then enthusiasts are a hopeful bunch…
- Benelli TrK 502
At the Auto Expo earlier this year, Benelli showcased the TrK 502 and announced that they are considering it for the Indian market. At the heart of it is a 500cc parallel-twin unit that produced peak power of 46 horses and 45Nm. It comes well equipped for the adventure duties that it is expected to perform. 50mm USDs up front, 144mm rear shock with pre-load adjustment, 20 litre fuel tank capacity to give it a good range and a huge screen to make it an impressive touring machine. A Benelli official recently told us that the TrK 502 is currently being tested for India and they are trying to fit it in the Rs 5 lakh price bracket.
- Ducati Multistrada 950
The all-new Multistrada 950, as the name rightly suggests is a smaller capacity sibling of Ducati’s popular adventure tourer. This offering develops 113bhp and 96Nm from a 937cc liquid-cooled Testastretta L-twin engine. Like its elder sibling, the Multistrada 950 too will come loaded with electronic aids and four riding modes - Touring, Sport, Urban and Enduro. In the international market, the Multistrada 950 will be launched in two variants – standard and touring pack. Keeping in mind that Ducati has its entire range of motorcycles here, it is safe to assume the Multistrada 950 too will make it to our shores, albeit late.
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