Superbikes to look out for in 2015
If there is one thing that keeps the men going, apart from hot chicks of course, it’s a sports bike. And if you have so much to look out for in 2015, what else do you need…
BMW S1000RR
The third version of S1000RR in five years is laced with almost similar updates to those that separated it from the previous two versions. And these small updates have made a big difference to the machine. A completely different chassis geometry, new engine internals, revised electronics, more power and more torque are some serious changes. With more power and 4kgs less weight, the bike carries three riding modes to choose from – Rain, Pro and Race.
Price: ₹27 Lakh; Power: 199bhp, 113Nm; Engine: 999CC; Launch: MID 2015
Kawasaki Ninja H2
Kawasaki has re-launched the 1972 model of the same name and the result is a bike that is not just powerful but dramatically styled and finished to an extraordinary high level. The manned missile is not designed to go out and beat superbikes, win races or set best lap times. It’s designed as an all-round performance machine. A crushing horsepower and a supercharged engine is the selling point of the H2. And the machine doesn’t disappoint.
Price: ₹28-30 lakh; Power: 197bhp; Engine: 998cc, four-cylinder supercharged; Launch: April 2015
Indian Chief Dark Horse
Meet the Indian Motorcycle’s Indian Chief Dark Horse, the basic chief classic that has been blacked out till the rear fender. The all black look is sexy as heck. The bike has retained remote keyfob ignition, cruise control, and ABS brakes, but dropped the analog fuel gauge, oil-cooler, and “driving” lights from its previous version, making it the lightest Chief ever. It’s not a world beater but is certainly good enough to take on other cruisers.
Price: ₹21.99 lakh; Power: 80bhp; Engine: 1811cc, four-cylinder supercharged; Launch: April 2015
Yamaha YZF–R1
After falling behind European giants like Ducati, BMW and KTM, Japan’s Yamaha has finally hit back and hit back hard. Yamaha has picked up from where others left off and introduces the MotoGP technology in the new YZF R1. Making no mistakes, the superbike is a game changer. With a more aggressive and revvy nature, the crossplane-crank engine is far more racy than the previous generation bike. The successor to the 1998 model shines through the transition and it is truly said that good things do take time!
Price: ₹15 Lakh; Power: 197bhp, 112.4Nm; Engine: 998cc, forward-inclined parallel 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled; Launch: Feb 2015
Ducati 1299 Panigale S
The new Panigale 1299 S sets fresh standards in the superbike fraternity, with a claimed 205bhp at 10,500 rpm. Simply put, there is nothing like that on two wheels. Ducati delivers a stronger engine, new styling, updated electronics package with wheelie control, and reworked steering geometry.
Price: ₹ 27 Lakh; Power: 205bhp, 144.6Nm; Engine: 1285cc, Superquadro V-twin; Launch: Mid 2015
From the July 2015 issue of FHM India.
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