New Bikes in India in 2011

  • Dec 10, 2011
  • Views : 37760
  • 4 min read

  • bookmark

Year 2011 didn't see much of two-wheeler launches. However, the new launches set new standards in the world's second largest two-wheeler market. This is what 2011 had to offer and we hope for a lot more action in the year to come

Hyosung GT650R and ST7 Launched in India



Hyosung GT650R, ST7 and GT650N


The Korean manufacturer that did not quite cut the piece of their pie right back in the day with the launch of the Aquila and Comet 250 cc V-twins made their re-entry in the Indian two-wheeler market with the ST7, the GT650R and the GT650N. While the ST7 has the capabilities of a good touring motorcycle, the GT650R and the GT650N caters to an audience which is on the lookout for a more track inspired bike, all of them being in the 650 cc segment.

With the ST7, priced at Rs. 5.69 lakhs and the GT650R, priced at Rs. 4.75 lakhs, the first entries in the untapped 600 cc segment paved way for others to follow. With the pricing, Garware Motors is planning to capture the enthusiast who wants to have more power with lots of fun without burning the budget hole that is usually associated with high capacity bikes. The missing factor was a naked bike that was eventually compensated with the naked version of the GT650R. The GT650N is priced at Rs. 4.39 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi and has pretty much the same specifications as its fairing brother.

Kawasaki Ninja 650R Launched

Kawasaki Ninja 650R

After the launch of the 250 cc version of the Ninja, Kawasaki, in association with Bajaj Auto India Ltd. made their entry into the 600 cc segment with the 650 cc version of the Ninja. Priced at Rs. 4.75 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi it has become the ideal all-round competition for the Hyosung offerings. After being on the Indian soil for a considerable number of years through Bajaj with the KB125 and others, Kawasaki’s re-entry with the Ninja 250 and the 650R is surely a positive sign of all the good things to come.

Honda CBR 250R Launched

Honda CBR 250R

Honda also came in the quarter litre race with the Ninja being the only option till then. And add to this, over 2500 bookings since its unveiling in January. Well styled and and all round ergonomical ride and handling quality, the ceeber is priced at Rs. 1.51 lakhs, ex-showroom for the non-ABS version and Rs. 1.77 lakhs ex-showroom for the ABS version.

RE Classic Chrome and Desert Storm editions Launched
Get latest updates on
the automobile community
Login Now

Royal Enfield Desert Storm and Classic Chrome

The original Indian cruiser did not just have a facelift with the Desert Storm and the Classic Chrome versions. They are all new bikes with exceptional handling and ride capabilities and inspired from nature itself.

The Desert Storm version comes in with a matt finish paint job and is priced at Rs. 1.51 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi, while the Classic Chrome 500 comes in with a number of chrome bits thrown in it all round which gives it a unique Royal Enfield cult status and that too with a price tag of Rs. 1.44 lakhs. Being the oldest bike maker in the country, the Royal Enfield bikes have evolved as being the best in their game with a cult following that can surely sweep you off your feet.


Hero Motorcorp Impulse

After the split between Hero and Honda, the Impulse is Hero Motocorp’s first venture in the Indian two wheeler segment with an on/off road bike considering the terrain in the country. Technically, it’s the first effort for a dirt bike by an Indian manufacturer and with a price tag of Rs.66,800, ex-showroom Delhi, the Impulse may pull in numbers for the manufacturer’s individual effort

New Bajaj Boxer 150

Bajaj Boxer 150

This was really a good move by Bajaj. Priced at Rs. 42000, it gave an option of buying an affordable 150 cc segment motorcycle, for a price much lesser than other 150 cc bikes in the market, which are anywhere above Rs. 55,000. While retaining the old Boxer charm, the new boxer comes in better body graphics and rugged build quality with simplicity in mind for the daily commuter.

Facelifts and Upgrades

In order to refresh the looks on their existing models, a number of manufacturers came up with facelifts, better body graphics and more appealing looks. Like the Yamaha R15, which was a good overall bike at an affordable price and engine size. However, a wider rear tyre was missed, not to say that the earlier one had poor handling.

So, with a wider tyre, the first ever Aluminum swingarm, new body graphics and LED tail lights were also plonked in the Yamaha R15 version 2.0 with a price tag of Rs.1.07 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. Bajaj also went ahead with a new look for the Pulsar for all models with their ‘speed lines’ with the specs unchanged. Honda also gave a new look to their CB Unicorn Dazzler in a dual tone paint job with the specs and the price unchanged.

The year ahead promises to be way more exciting than the current year with new manufacturers and entries en route, 2012 could be the game changing year for the Indian two wheeler market.

See what our community has to say! NEW

India's largest automotive community

Explore Now
comminity image
×
Recently Visited
Select Category