Ride And Shine
Looking for a big name for a big motorcycle that enables luxurious motorcycle touring? We got you covered with everything you need to know! Dive right in.
The motorcycle industry has evolved over the course of more than a century. What started off in Germany as a “sports bike” quickly developed into a crucial component of contemporary transportation. Riding a sport bike is an exhilarating experience, whether you are jumping the rev limiter on a racetrack or erasing strips on a curvy road. Sport bikes have always been synonymous with performance, speed, and handling. They are meant to push the limits and make you feel something other things cannot. The loud, eager engine roaring under you, the exhaust echoing through the mountains, and the comfort of knowing rider aids have your back even if you make a mistake — this experience does not have to come at the cost of your kidney or soul. So, read ahead and vent your urge for a superbike that can conquer any terrain.
Kawasaki Ninja 300
The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 300 comes with a liquid cooled, four stroke parallel twin 296cc DOHC engine with eight valves. The engine is equipped with a fuel-injection system which can churn out 39 PS of peak power and 26.1Nm torque. With a high-tensile diamond chassis. The bike’s exhaust has a short silencer with a cross-section. It comes with a large-diameter of 290 mm front petal disc brake operated by a 2-piston caliper that delivers powerful braking and a natural feel at the lever. Whereas, there is a 220 mm rear petal disc and 2-piston caliper claimed to give dependable stopping power. Petal brake discs like those on the larger-displacement Ninja supersport models offering excellent heat dissipation.
Kawasaki claims that the introduction of new paint schemes will boost the sales of the Ninja 300. Adorning the sharp new Ninja styling, the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 300 has the largest displacement in its category at 296 cc. The twin cylinder liquid cooled, 4-stroke parallel twin engine with fuel injection system belts out top power of 38 bhp and peak torque of 26.1 Nm. The suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks while the rear has been equipped with a short-style silencer with a complex cross-section. Based on a high-tensile diamond steel frame, the 2023 Ninja 300 is offered with assist & slipper clutch which is based on racing technology and acts as both a back-torque limiter and self-servo mechanism.
Sport bikes have always been synonymous with performance, speed, and handling.
TVS Apache RR 310
The TV Apache RR 310 is the first fully-faired motorcycle offering from the brand, launched earlier this year. The Apache RR310 borrows its design and styling from the carbon-fibre clad Akula, showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. The TVS Apache RR 310 comes with a sharp edgy design language. The motorcycle also features a tall windscreen, along with dual-LED projector headlamps offering a distinctive look. The rear of the RR310 offers a uniquely designed shark-fin style tail lamp. The motorcycle also comes with split rear seats and a higher set clip-on handlebar.
The TVS Apache RR 310 is powered by a 312.2cc, single-cylinder engine. It produces 34bhp and 28Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. The motorcycle offers excellent performance figures, with a top speed of 160km/h. The RR310 provides good torque and power at any rpm, however, where it stands out is between the 7,000 to 9,000 rpm. The engine is smooth throughout, and climbs the rpm with ease. Apart from the performance, the Apache RR310 comes with split seats. The seats provide enough padding for a comfortable ride. The motorcycle also gets higher set clip-on handlebars, which offer a more relaxed upright riding position, making it suitable for touring as well.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Royal Enfield recently launched the much-anticipated Super Meteor 650 offered in seven colour variants. In terms of design, the new Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a good-looking cruiser. At the front, it gets an all-LED headlamp and chunky USD forks – both being a first for any RE ever. Some other design elements include a muscular fuel tank, twin exhaust pipes, ten spoke alloy wheels, etc. Powering the Super Meteor 650 is a 650cc parallel twin, air & oil cooled fuel injected engine that develops 46.3 bhp and 52.3 Nm of peak torque, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This is the same motor that does its duty in the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 as well.
However, for the Super Meteor, it has been tuned slightly differently. Talking about cycle parts, the Super Meteor 650 gets 43mm USD front forks and dual spring-loaded shock absorbers at the rear. For braking duties, the motorcycle sports disc brakes at either end with dual channel ABS as standard. Lastly, it’s the most expensive motorcycle in the company’s portfolio.
BMW K 1600 GRAND AMERICA
The 2023 BMW K1600 Grand America continues with its 6-cylinder engine and array of comfort and tech features. With its impressive electronics package that includes amazing sound, impressive navigation and intuitive menus, you are in control at all times whether you want to be connected or just listen to music as the miles roll by. It features a long list of enhancements just like many other models in the 2023 BMW lineup. The K1600 is a top of the line touring motorcycle that offers a perfect balance of performance, comfort, and style. The ample storage space, stylish design, and copious storage space make it a practical choice for riders who want to go on a long-distance tour with comfort and control.
The BMW brand is known for bikes with great engines and the K1600’s powerful engine is a prime example of that. Powered by a 6-cylinder 1649cc engine producing 160hp and 133tq, the K1600 doesn’t disappoint, providing smooth and effortless acceleration meaning you’ll never be short of power. The bike also includes advanced technology such as adaptive headlights, which automatically adjust to the riding conditions, and an adjustable windscreen for added comfort and control. The K1600 shows how the European motorcycle manufacturer excels in the category.
Harley Davidson Sportster S
The 2023 Harley Davidson Sportster S comes into 2023 largely unchanged. Part of the Sport section of HD’s 2023 lineup, the Sportster S is the choice if you need your arms stretched or some corners shredded. The Revolution Max 1250T engine is a liquid-cooled V-Twin putting out 121hp, and making melodious noise through the high-mounted exhaust. Everything about the Sportster S design lets riders know that this Harley is serious about performance.
The Sportster S comes equipped with all the latest technology, including a digital dashboard that provides riders with real-time information on their speed, RPMs, and fuel levels. It also features LED lighting, selectable rider modes, and lean-sensitive ABS and traction control. Inspired by the glory days of H-D flat-track racing, the pipes are crafted from corrosion-resistant 304-series stainless steel and engineered to deflect exhaust heat away from the rider’s legs and tail section. The Revolution Max 1250T is a structural component of the motorcycle chassis, eliminating a traditional frame — which significantly reduces overall weight and keeps handling precise. This is performance you can feel, with the centre of gravity low and the chassis super rigid.
Ducati Panigale V4 R
Ducati has announced the 2023 Panigale V4 R, a street-legal superbike that now surpasses earlier models as Ducati’s closest production model to a competition motorcycle. The company claims a max 240.5 hp for the updated Panigale V4 R. The 2023 V4 R also features several upgrades over the previous year model. With The maximum horsepower of 240.5 sounds impressive, but it’s a little more complicated than that. A few things have to fall into alignment for that max to be reached. The 2023 Panigale V4 features the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, seen in previous models.
Ducati claims the Desmosedici Stradale R can reach 16,500 rpm in 6th gear and deliver 207 hp at 13,500 rpm with 82 lb-ft of torque. Add on the racing exhaust, and the Stradale R bumps up to 237 hp, which is 3 hp higher than its predecessor but still 3.5 hp short of the claimed max. The oil contains racing-type additives that can cause problems with a wet clutch. The diameter and axial length have been reduced by 0.9 in and the weight by 1.8 lb. To help with lubrication, the V4 R features gun-drilled titanium connecting rods, which facilitate oil passage. The display also features lights to indicate when an electronic control is working on a particular parameter, such as the Engine Brake Control and the Dual Quick Shift, making it easier for the rider to figure out.
From the May 2024 issue of FHM India.
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