2016 Auto Expo: Top 7 Showstoppers (Bikes)

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Honda answered the prayers of enthusiasts worldwide last year when it launched the CRF1000L Africa Twin internationally. The Africa Twin, a name that has attained cult status in the adventure touring world, is finally back after a hiatus of two decades years, and Honda has showcased the motorcycle at the 2016 Auto Expo. Powered by a 998cc parallel-twin motor the Africa Twin makes 95PS of peak power and 98Nm of torque. When it is assembled and launched here later this year, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin will compete against the likes of the Triumph Tiger series and the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in India.

Honda Navi

Honda took everyone by surprise at the Expo when they took the wraps off the Navi, a product like nothing the manufacturer has ever unveiled in the country. Resembling the Grom mini-bike that is available internationally, the Navi is best described as a small motorcycle wrapped around a scooter engine, namely the 110cc air-cooled unit from the Activa. Mated to a CVT transmission, also from the Activa, the Grom punches out 8PS of power and 9Nm of torque. Showcased in three concept forms: Navi Street, Navi Adventure, and Navi off-road, the bike can be booked via an Android app, and is priced at Rs 39,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

TVS Akula 310

Although TVS Motor didn’t display much that customers would be seeing on showroom floors anytime soon, its Akula concept racer garnered more than its fair share of eyeballs at the Expo. A fully-faired track machine, the Akula 310 comes powered by a high-revving engine mated to a quick-shifting six-speed gearbox. Racing goodies abound on the bike, including USD forks, radial calipers, highly stiff space frame chassis as well as lightweight carbon fibre bodywork, full function digital speedo, on board gyro cameras and a steering damper for additional stability. A direct result of TVS Motor’s exploits in the racing arena, the Akula 310’s characteristic shape gives it a shark-like look thus giving its name ‘AKULA’ which means ‘shark’ in Russian.

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

Triumph Thruxton R

Packed with performance, braking, and handling abilities to live up to its legendary name, Triumph took the wraps off the Thruxton R at the Expo. Powered by a new 1200cc motor, the Thruxton R churns out a peak torque figure of 112Nm, a whopping 62 per cent higher than the previous generation Thruxton. The 2016 Thruxton range design is an evolution of iconic Bonneville cafe racer styling with intricate detailing inspired from classic Triumph bikes of the past. They feature top quality finish and intricate level of detailing to enhance their iconic looks, such as the beautifully crafted Monza-style filler cap. The 2016 Triumph Thruxton R will be produced in Thailand and assembled in India and expect a launch by late 2016 in the Indian market.

Yamaha MT-09

Yamaha launched the new MT-09 streetbike at the 2016 Auto Expo with a little dose of glamour from its Bollywood star and brand ambassador John Abraham. A street oriented performance bike with styling cues akin to the MT-07, it is powered by an 850cc, triple-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor producing 115PS at 10,000rpm and 87.5Nm at 8,500rpm. It also sports a traction control system with two different riding modes while ABS is optional. The MT-09 has been priced at Rs 10.2 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

DSK-Benelli TrK 502

First unveiled at the 2015 EICMA, DSK-Benelli now showcased the TrK 502 adventure tourer at the 2016 Auto Expo. Powering it is a newly developed 500cc, parallel-twin motor churning out 48PS of peak power at 8,500rpm and 45Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. The gearbox is a 6-speed affair controlled by a hydraulic clutch. Fuel capacity is a mammoth 20 litres. The styling of the TrK 502 has been inspired from the Ducati Multistrada with its beaky front fairing and twin headlamps which makes it a handsome looking motorcycle. Expect the Benelli TrK 502 to be priced under Rs 5 lakh making it the most affordable adventure bike on sale in our country, with its closest rival being the Kawasaki Versys 650.

Indian Roadmaster

It might just be a nip and tuck rather than a full refresh, but the behemoth that is the Indian Roadmaster stopped showgoers dead in their tracks, owing as much to its gargantuan size as to its unending lists of creature comforts and options. Powering the Roadmaster is the 1811cc Thunder Stroke 111 engine with Closed Loop fuel injection that is also seen on the Chief Classic, churning out a whooping 138.9 Nm of torque from crawling speeds onwards. With its wide headlamp fairing, electrically adjustable windscreen, an infotainment system with built-in speakers, keyless ignition, and plush desert tan leather rider and pillion seats, the Indian Roadmaster truly looked like the chariot of the gods in its Diamond Blue colour.