The Xpulse is Hero Motocorps successor to the Impulse, but with a few changes. It positions itself as an adventure tourer. The Xpulse 200T is a road-biased version of the Xpulse. What is different about it is the alloy wheels (with a 19-inch front) shod with road-biased tyres, a front fender that hugs the tyre, and front forks without gaiters. In addition, the exhaust is routed under the crankcase and the muffler is positioned at the side of the swingarm, like a normal streetbike. The rest of the Xpulse 200T is identical to the Xpulse. It will get the LED lights, the Bluetooth-enabled instrument cluster with the ability to display directions from navigation, the 200cc 18bhp/17Nm air/oil cooled fuel-injected engine and six-speed gearbox. It will also get disc brakes at both ends with single-channel ABS. The Xpulse 200T is expected to launch alongside the Xpulse in March 2019, and will have no direct competition.
The Hero Passion Pro is an upgrade to the Splendor range of commuter motorcycles. What you get for a little extra money is the same dead-reliable drivetrain and cycle parts, but with stylish bodywork, a host of funky paint schemes and modern features. At the heart of things is the familiar 97cc single cylinder air-cooled engine, which drives the entire commuter range of Hero motorcycles with the same displacement. This engine has been worked upon to deliver a little more power and torque compared to before: the current figures stand at 9.3bhp and 9Nm of torque. The ever-present four-speed gearbox with an all-up pattern does transmission duties.
The Super Splendor is a powerful version of the Splendor. Hero MotoCorp has powered this motorcycle with a 125cc engine instead of the conventional 100cc motor seen in its younger sibling. The Splendor has been selling steadily for Hero-Honda and then Hero for about two decades now. Splendor as a brand has been important for Hero. It is known for its durability, reliability and fuel efficiency. The Super Splendor is 1,995mm long, 735mm wide and 1,095mm tall. The wheelbase measures 1,265mm with a ground clearance slightly lower in comparison to the rest of the Splendor bikes at 150mm. The bike has a fuel tank that can hold 13 litres of petrol. The kerb weight of the bike is 121kg. The Super Splendor is powered by a 125cc engine that produces 9bhp of power at 7,000rpm and 10.35Nm of torque at 4,000rpm
The Hero HF Dawn is the most affordable Hero product on sale. It has nothing that is not essential to a motorcycle. It is currently available with a kick start and spoke rims only, but a variant with electric start and alloy wheels is expected later. There are a lot of blacked out parts like the frame and engine that distinguish it from the previous Dawn. At the time of its launch it was available only in Odisha, but more states will be added to the sales footprint presently. It competes with the Bajaj CT100B and TVS Sport.
Royal Enfield saw a need in the market for an urban cruiser, and this is the result: the Thunderbird 350X. It gets a similar driveline as the regular Thunderbird 350, but there are a few changes. One, it is available in bright, single-tone colours in the same vein as the Classic Redditch series. The 350X is available in red or white. The handlebar is a flatter, wider one, which should help with manoeuverability in the city. It gets all-black treatment, which extends to the alloy wheels. This is the first time a Royal Enfield has been shipped with alloy wheels and tubeless tyres from the factory. It gets the same 346cc carburetted single-cylinder air-cooled engine from the Thunderbird 350. It generates 19.8bhp and 28Nm and transmits it via a five-speed gearbox. The wheels are a 19-inch front and an 18-inch rear. There are disc brakes at both ends, with a 280mm front disc and a 240mm rear one. ABS is now an option that makes the 350X Rs 6000 dearer. The seat of the Thunderbird 350X has been changed it is a more modern-looking one. The riders seat is wider, and the pillion seat is smaller. The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X competes with the likes of the Bajaj Dominar 400 directly. Bikes like the Yamaha Fazer 25 also cater to a similar audience, although it is a different format of motorcycle.
The Classic 350 is the product that keeps Royal Enfields sales thumping today. In fact, it boasts of sales numbers higher than many 150cc commuter bikes. The Classic 350s styling is retro. The round headlamp, mirrors and clocks and the abundant use of chrome give it an elegant look. There are a bunch of dual-tone paint options with pinstriped tanks. However, it is also available in Redditch edition, which gets single solid colour for the tank. The Redditch edition is offered in red, green, and blue. The Gunmetal Grey is an extension of these styles, adding a muted option for those who want their Classic without the pinstripes and without the bright, cheery colours as well. The Classic 350 is powered by a carburetted 346cc engine that churns out 19.8bhp of power and 28Nm of torque. It is mated to a five-speed gearbox. It rides on a 19-inch front and 19-inch rear spoke wheels. It gets telescopic front forks and dual spring rear suspension. The brake setup consists of discs both front and rear.
The Interceptor is one of the two models based on the 650cc twin cylinder platform from Royal Enfield. It is the more street bike of the two, and has the wider appeal with its retro looks and comfort and the capability to carry a pillion rider as well. The Interceptor has, at its heart, a fuel-injected 648cc parallel twin air/oil cooled motor that generates 47bhp and 52Nm. It feeds the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox and chain drive. The chassis, brakes and suspension are all modern-feeling, with all the charm that their retro looks offer. The brakes are single discs at both ends, with a 320mm disc at the front, and a 240mm disc at the rear. ABS is standard. The suspension has conventional forks at the front and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear, with preload adjustment. The tyres are technically tubeless but require a tube inside as the spoked 18-inch rims are not airtight. Instrumentation is also retro, with a twin-pod cluster housing, an analogue speedo and tacho, with a small digital pod offering information about the fuel level, odometer and two trip meters. In a similar vein, the lighting also offers no LEDs at all and no DRLs a simple round headlamp does the job. The Interceptor will be available in six different colour schemes, four of which are single colours black, grey, silver and orange and two twin-tone paint schemes, red/black and red/silver. A decently long list of accessories will be available for the Interceptor 650.
Royal Enfield's newest variant of the Classic 500 is the stealth black. As the name suggests, it sports a matte black finish and joins the Desert Storm and Squadron series, the other variants with a matte finish paint scheme in the Classic 500 range. The Classic 500 stealth black is mechanically identical to its siblings, with one exception: it is the first Classic 500 to sport a rear disc brake.
Although Royal Enfield has been selling the Thunderbird in India since the year 2000, it was only by 2009 that the brand updated the motorcycle comprehensively by introducing the 346 cc unit construction engine (UCE) that now powers all their 350cc models. In October 2012, Royal Enfield launched a facelifted version of the Thunderbird 350, featuring a teardrop shaped fuel tank, digital instruments and fuel gauge and a projector headlamp. Additionally, the motorcycle gets an LED tail light and a few other cosmetic enhancements. The Thunderbird 350 uses a single cylinder, 4 stroke, Twinspark engine 19.8 bhp of power at 5,250rpm and 28Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. This air cooled unit is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. It has recently been updated with the option of ABS for a very small premium over the standard model. The Thunderbird 350 is available in five different colours and competes with the Jawa range, UM range, and to some extent, the Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220.
The Continental GT 650 is the sportier of the two models based on the 650cc twin cylinder platform from Royal Enfield. It follows the café racer format, and eschews the pillion seat for a better experience for the focused rider. The Continental GT has at its heart a fuel-injected 648cc parallel twin air/oil cooled motor that generates 47bhp and 52Nm. It feeds the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox and chain drive. The chassis, brakes and suspension are all modern-feeling, with all the charm that their retro looks offer. The brakes are single discs at both ends, with a 320mm disc at the front, and a 240mm disc at the rear. ABS is standard. The suspension has conventional forks at the front and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear, with preload adjustment. The tyres are technically tubeless but they do require a tube inside as the spoked 18-inch rims are not airtight. Instrumentation is also retro, with a twin-pod cluster housing an analogue speedo and tacho, with a small digital pod offering information about the fuel level, odometer and two trip meters. In a similar vein, the lighting also offers no LEDs at all and no DRLs a simple round headlamp does the job. The Continental GT 650 offers lower handlebars and rearset footpegs compared to its twin, the Interceptor 650, which makes for a more committed riding position and thus eggs you on to go quicker. The Continental GT 650 will be available in five different colour schemes, four of which are single colours black, silver, white and an extremely fetching blue and a single twin-tone paint scheme, grey/black. A decently long list of accessories will be available for the Conti 650.
The Bullet 500 is the same as the iconic Bullet 350, but with a bigger 499cc engine. The Bullet 500 is powered by a single-cylinder air-cooled 499cc mill producing 26.5bhp of power at 5,100rpm and 40.9Nm of torque at 3,800rpm. Power is transmitted via a five-speed gearbox. The motorcycle has been fitted with a carburetor. The motorcycle features a 280mm disc brake with a two piston calliper in the front, and an electric start is standard. A rear disc brake and dual-channel ABS are on the options list. Opting for the rear disc brake adds Rs 5000 to the price of the base model, The Bullet 500 is available in green, grey or black.
The Royal Enfield Classic Chrome is a member of the Classic family of motorcycles from the Chennai based two-wheeler maker. It embodies the Classic design and underpinnings but has the added chrome factor to bring attention to the motorcycle. It is powered by an air-cooled 499cc fuel injected mill that produces 27bhp and a whopping 41Nm of torque making for cruising on the highway an easy job. The engine has been mated to a five-speed gearbox and a chain drive. It is underpinned by a single downtube frame and uses the engine as a stressed member. The front gets 35mm telescopic forks with 130mm travel while the rear suspension has twin gas charged shock absorbers with a 5-step adjustment. The front has a 280mm disc while the rear gets a 240mm disc as standard. Standard features on this bike include a single piece analogue speedometer, electric start but no fuel gauge. What you do get instead are warning lights for various things like battery and low fuel. The Classic Chrome is available in two colours black and maroon both dark shades that will hide well behind the chrome parts.
The Royal Enfield Squadron Blue is a special edition version of the Classic 500. Available in a unique matte blue paint scheme, this motorcycle pays a tribute to the Indian Air Force. The Indian Air Force also started using Royal Enfield in the 1950s and it has been most popularly used by the Air Force Police. The inspiration for the new colour has come from the Indian Air Force and is a tribute by Royal Enfield to its long-standing history with these soldiers of the skies. The matte blue paint scheme and the chromed components complement the Squadron Blues old-school looks, increasing the motorcycles retro appeal. Mechanically, the Royal Enfield Squadron Blue is identical to its host motorcycle. It is powered by a 500cc single-cylinder engine, which delivers 27bhp and 41Nm of torque through a five-speed transmission. This air-cooled engine comes with a Keihin electronic fuel injection system to offer better fuelling. The Squadron Blue rides on 19-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels. Susp
Royal Enfield loves to tell a story, and this time, the story takes us back to 1948. Thats the year this brand got into the world of Trials racing, with the 350cc trials bike. And now, it has revived the same concept in India, through two bikes the Bullet Trials 350 and the Bullet Trials 500. Both bikes are meant to look retro, cool, rugged and have been launched to pay homage to Johnny Brittain a legendary trials rider from England. So, to make us experience the world of trials racing and also understand the Bullet 500 Trials, Royal Enfield developed a series of courses at 19 Degrees North at Lonavala. One glance at the Bullet 500 Trials, and youll see that its not the regular Royal Enfield. The combination of khakee green frame and the presence of single seat gives it out. Then theres also the luggage rack that brings out the ruggedness of the motorcycle, along with the utilitarian aspect. The large upswept exhaust might look hideous at first, but as times pass by, it gels well with the concept of a soft-roader.
Suzuki has committed to developing its motorcycle range in the 150+ segment. They already have the Gixxer streetbike and the Gixxer SF, its fully faired sibling. The cruiser format is represented by this, the Intruder. The name as well as the styling is derived from the M1800R, the cruiser that among other things, had the widest rear tyre on a production motorcycle when it was launched. The Intruder shares its powertrain with the Gixxer a 155cc 14.6bhp motor powers the rear wheel via a five-speed gearbox. Fuel injection is available as an option. The rear tyre is the widest in the segment, at 140mm, and that feeling is echoed when you sit on the motorcycle those tank extensions make the Intruder feel a whole lot wider than it is, and it thus feels like a whole lot more motorcycle as well. The seat is also a lot wider than a standard seat, but it is very low as well, offering confidence and comfort to the cruiser aficionado. The Intruder does look odd from certain angles that tail lamp and surround echoes the GSX1300R Hayabusa, but most people will not pick that for design inspiration to begin with. The exhaust design looks great from a distance but close up the daylight behind the mesh at the tip doesnt look good. However, if a modern 150cc cruiser is what youre looking for, you cant currently do better than an Intruder on looks or handling.
Sitting at the top of the current 110cc Honda scooter lineup in India, the Aviator gets the same engine that powers the Dio and the Activa. The 109cc single cylinder air-cooled engine churns out 8bhp at 7000rpm and maximum torque of nearly 9Nm at 5500rpm. With the Honda Eco Technology (HET) the scooter has a company claimed efficiency of 60kmpl. The Aviator is sold in three variants in India. The base model has steel wheels and drum brakes. Next, you can opt for alloy wheels but you still get drum brakes. Finally, you can get a front disc brake with alloy wheels. All three offer CBS combined brakes as standard. For 2018, the Aviator also gets an LED headlamp, a metal muffler heat shield, and two hooks for bags. Also added to it is the four-in-one key slot for the ignition, which unlocks the seat from the ignition key slot itself. There is a new paint scheme for 2018, a red shade, bringing the total to four colours.
The Honda Dio received a facelift for 2017. Apart from a BS IV-compliant engine, the new Dio gets a slew of cosmetic updates and new paint schemes to boost its visual appeal. Cosmetic upgrades for the new Honda Dio include two white position lamps on the front apron and an LED strip on the handlebar. The rear section also gets a re-designed tail lamp, although it isnt an LED unit. A wider seat makes it more comfortable for the rider and the pillion, while a mobile charging point under the seat improves convenience. The Dio also gets four new dual-tone paint schemes with new decals to improve the visual appeal. Auto headlamp on (AHO) feature is also offered. A DLX variant has been added to the 2018 Dio range. It offers three new paint schemes, an LED headlamp, and a part-digital instrument cluster. Powering the Honda Dio is the same 109cc single-cylinder engine that delivers 8bhp and 9Nm of torque through a CVT transmission. The Dio rides on a bottom-linked front suspension and a rear monoshock. The 10-inch wheels of the Dio are shod with tubeless tyres. The drum brakes at the front and the rear are offered with Hondas proprietary combi braking system.
Honda launched the Cliq in India and is Honda's most affordable automatic scooter targeted towards the rural and semi-urban market. The Navi-based Cliq borrows mechanicals and styling bits from the Activa 4G as well. The scooter gets faux carbon-fibre finish on the plastic panels, but in different colours. It gets a handlebar like a motorcycle despite being an automatic scooter. The headlight and the indicators have been positioned in the front apron like the Honda Dio. The analogue instrumentation includes a speedometer, odometer, a fuel gauge and other indicators. The surrounding area of this instrumentation console also gets the same pseudo carbon fibre finish. Like some of the side body panels, the Cliq's exhaust unit also bears similarity with the one seen on the Honda Navi. Keeping in mind the utilitarian features, Honda has equipped the Cliq with an optional luggage rack. The wide footboard can accommodate some luggage, but the lack of hooks is a disappointment. Otherwise, storage space has been generously provided despite the compact dimensions. The 14-litre under-seat storage easily houses a half-faced helmet. It also gets a USB charging point. Then, another highlight is the scooters Ceat's block pattern tyres, offered as standard to take on the rough roads easily. The Honda Cliq comes powered by the same 109.19cc air-cooled engine, which does duty in the Honda Activa as well as the Honda Navi. This mill is capable of producing 8bhp of maximum power at 7,000rpm and 8.94Nm of peak torque at 5,500rpm. This powerplant comes coupled to a CVT gearbox. With a kerb weight of 102kg, the Honda Cliq weighs same as the Navi and is 6kg lighter than the Honda Activa 4G.
The CB Shine is a 125cc commuter motorcycle developed by Honda for the mass market segment. The Shine caters to a segment of buyers who are fine with understated looks but expect respectable performance and efficiency. This, coupled with Hondas refinement and reliability, makes the Shine a solid all-round package. The CB Shine gets graphics that run all over the fuel tank and a 3D Honda emblem on the fuel tank. The motorcycle gets a diamond frame chassis and is powered by a 124cc single cylinder air-cooled engine. The engine churns out 10bhp at 7500 rpm and 11Nm at 5500 rpm and is mated to a four speed gearbox. The CB Shine gets conventional suspension with preload adjustment for the rear, along with 18-inch wheels. You can get your CB Shine with either a front disc brake or a drum brake. A combined brake system (CBS) is an option for both, and will become standard fitment by April.
The Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi is the top of the line motorcycle in the Gixxer range of premium commuter bikes. Powered by a fuel-injected version of the 155cc engine, the Gixxer SF Fi is aimed at the youth looking for a stylish and technologically advanced commuter bike. The Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi retains the sculpted fuel tank and the rear panels from the naked Gixxer, though it now gets a full-sized fairing. Styled to resemble the bigger GSX-R superbikes, the fairing has been aerodynamically shaped to improve the motorcycles touring capabilities. The aggressive riding position, fat tyres and the stubby exhaust give it a sporty character. The Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi is built on the single downtube frame. It is powered by the same 155cc single-cylinder engine that is used in the rest of the Gixxer range, though the fuelling is now taken care of by an electronic fuel injection system. The Gixxer SF Fi gets the same power output as its carburetted sibling 14.6bhp and 14Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed transmission
