Ride a Little Longer

The autumn season is upon us and that means changes for a lot more than just the leaves. With a snap to the season, some of us are moving a bit slower when we take our bikes out. For many, fall is a favorite riding season, the vibrant colours and crisp air create a colourful new world in which to explore some of our favorite roads, or to find some new ones.

No doubt that the Indian automobile has started showing signs of revival from the damage caused by COVID-19. Surprisingly, the recovery has been so soon than anticipated by the industry players, especially true of the motorcycle segment in the country, where one can notice a substantial growth in demand. To take advantage of the increasing demand and the upcoming festive season, the motorcycle brands are relying on new product launches to attract customers. Let's take a look at some new motorcycles that will go on sale this year.

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Royal Enfield Meteor

Royal Enfield will replace Thunderbird 350X in its lineup with an all-new offering -- Meteor 350. Expected to be available in three variants, namely, Fireball, Stellar, and Supernova. Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will be underpinned by an all-new platform and powered by a new 349 cc single-cylinder engine that delivers 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. But marking a big departure from other RE bikes, the Meteor will come equipped with modern features like a digital instrument console with Bluetooth for provisions like smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, etc.

BS6 BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS

BMW launched BS6 G 310 R and G 310 GS bikes in India on October 8. In their new avatar, the G 310 twins receive a new headlight cluster with LED DRL, new body graphics, and new colour options. Powering BS6 BMW G 310 GS and G 310 R will be a 312.2 cc, liquid-cooled engine that generates a maximum power out of 34 bhp and a peak torque of 27 Nm. This engine has been paired to a six-speed gearbox and perhaps with slipper-clutch as standard. Another major change with BMW motorcycles is that they will now be available with ride-by-wire technology.

Honda H'Ness CB350

Honda H'Ness CB350 retro-cruiser was revealed last month and will go on sale this month. The bike will take on the likes of Royal Classic 350, Jawa twins, and the upcoming Royal Enfield Meteor. Expected to start from ₹1.9 lakh, the H'Ness CB350 will come powered by a 348.36 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that puts out 21 bhp and 30 Nm of peak torque at 3,000 rpm. This engine comes coupled to a five-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch. The H'Ness will be one of the most feature-loaded retro motorcycles in its segment with provisions like Honda Smartphone Voice Control (HSVC) system for smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, Honda Selectable Torque Control system engine start-stop switch, and hazard switch.

Okinawa Oki100

Okinawa Oki100 electric motorcycle's prototype was showcased at Auto Expo 2018 and the production model is likely to be launched this month. The Oki100 is expected to be a mini naked roadster with an oval-shaped headlamp, a muscular fuel tank, minimal side panels, and raised handlebars. Okinawa Oki100 will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with 2.5 kW motor that will allow the scooter to attain a top speed of 100 km/h and offer a range of 150 km/charge.

Ducati Multistrada 950/950S

Up next is Ducati’s Multistrada 950 range, which may also be launched in India this month. Ducati will be bringing in a new 'S' variant along with the standard model. Both bikes will be powered by a 937cc L-Twin which makes 113PS and 96Nm in its Euro 5/BS6 guise, the same as before. The higher-spec ‘S’ variant features better hardware like an electronic suspension, bi-directional quickshifter and cornering lights. We believe it'll carry a price tag of around ₹14 lakh.

From the October 2020 issue of FHM India.