Our predictions for bikes launching in 2012 go right!

  • Dec 21, 2012
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...Well, almost! In December 2011, we had published a list of bikes that were expected to launch in the country in 2012, and most of our predictions have come out right -- all the more reason for you to browse through our Bikes of 2013 Special Coverage. So which bikes and scooters finally made it to our roads? Read on...

Bikes of 2012: Prediction review table


Segment

Name of Motorcycle

Launch Status

Commuter segment

Honda Dream Yuga

yes

 

 

Scooter Segment

Yamaha Ray

yes

Hero MotoCorp Maestro

yes

Honda Dio

yes

Vespa 125

yes

 

 

Middle weight motorcycles (500-700cc)

Kawasaki Ninja 650

yes

Ducati Monster 795

yes

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

yes

Kawasaki Z750

No

Kawasaki ER6N

No

 

Quarter litre segment (200-250cc)

Hyosung GT250R

yes

Hyosung GT250N

No

Hyosung GV250

No

Suzuki GW250

No

Yamaha Fazer 250

No

Related: Bikes of 2012

In case, you are planning to buy a two-wheeler in 2013, you must not miss our predictions for 2013: Bikes of 2013: Special Coverage

Middle weight motorcycles (500-800cc)

Kawasaki Ninja 650R

Kawasaki Ninja 650:
When Kawasaki launched the Ninja 650 in 2011, it was the first time a motorcycle enthusiast was able to experience performance with practicality. For 2012, Kawasaki updated the older 650 with new frame and swingarm, tweaks to the motor, ABS-option and a tastefully done cosmetic makeover which makes the Ninja look more desirable and sporty. In its latest avatar the bike hasn’t lost any of its DNA which were, comfort on Indian roads, a seamless throw of torque, neutral handling and plenty of grunt for hours of mile-munching.

Technical Specifications

Engine

649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, DOHC

Power

71PS @ 8,000rpm

Torque

64Nm @ 7,000rpm

Acceleration: 0-100kmph

4.8sec

Braking: 80-0kmph

37.2 metres (3.36sec)

Fuel Efficiency

33kmpl (City-31kmpl/ Highway-39kmpl)

Price (ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 5 lakh

Ducati Monster 795


Ducati Monster 795:
A made-for-Asia toned down version of the highly acclaimed Monster 796 variant. The Monster 795 though priced 3lakh cheaper than the 796 still retains all the Ducati characteristics and performance in a much affordable package. With the 795 a lot of bikers can fulfill their Italian dream of owning a Ducati.

Technical Specifications

Engine

803cc, Vee-twin, Air-cooled

Power

 87PS @ 8,250rpm

Torque

78Nm @ 6,250rpm

Acceleration: 0-60kmph

2.5sec

Braking: 60-0kmph

13.4m (1.91sec)

Fuel Efficiency

26.5kmpl (City-25kmpl / Highway- 31kmpl)

Price (ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 7 lakh (Estimated)

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500:

One of the highly anticipated launches of 2012, the Thunderbird has lived up to the expectations with its retro inspired looks and a slightly tuned engine which serves the Classic 500. The second generation of the Thunderbird is packed with features like, projection headlamps, digital instrumentation, disc brake in the rear, LED tail lamp etc. The new model is also lighter than the previous one, making it a more comfortable and an able cruiser.

Technical Specifications

Engine

499cc, single-cylinder, Twin spark, air-cooled

Power

27.6PS @ 5,250rpm

Torque

41.3Nm @ 4,000rpm

Acceleration: 0-60kmph

4.6sec

Braking: 80-0kmph

22.06m (2.39sec)

Fuel Efficiency

37.2kmpl (City-34kmpl / Highway-47kmpl)

Price (OTR, Mumbai)

Rs 1.82 lakh

Quarter litre segment (200-250cc)

Hyosung GT 250R
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Hyosung GT 250R
The latest offering from the Korean based manufacturer, the Hyosung 250R is a quick, agile and downright spirited motorcycle which looks exactly like its elder 650cc sibling. The GT250R does not have too many glitches and does exceedingly well when it comes to rewarding the rider with jollies, especially those who are looking for a 250cc no-nonsense super-sports, race-focused machine

Technical Specifications

Engine

249cc, Vee-twin, DOHC, air-cooled, 8-valve

Power

27.6PS @ 10,000rpm

Torque

22Nm @ 8,000rpm

Acceleration: 0-60kmph

4.1sec

Braking: 80-0kmph

44.8 metres (3.9sec)

Fuel Efficiency

25.7kmpl (City-24kmpl/ Highway-31kmpl)

Price (ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 2.75 lakh

Commuter motorcycle segment

Honda Dream Yuga

Honda Dream Yuga:

Honda made its entry-level commuter space segment debut with the Dream Yuga. With the new bike, the Japanese manufacturer aims to become the second largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the country and is already registering sales of around 40,000 units monthly. Powered by a 109cc engine, the Dream Yuga offers sophisticated styling and excellent practicality for the Indian buyers looking for a fuel efficient and reliable commuter. Highlights of the Dream Yuga include low-cost of ownership, tubeless tyres and solid build quality suitable for our roads.

Technical Specifications

Engine

109cc, Air-cooled

Power

8.5PS @ 7,500rpm

Torque

8.91Nm @ 5,500rpm

Acceleration: 0-60kmph

7.8sec

Braking: 60-0kmph

22.25m (2.53sec)

Fuel Efficiency

73kmpl (City - 67.4kmpl / Highway -  89.7kmpl)

Price (ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 46,150 to Rs 48,141

Scooter segment:


It was the scooter segment which witnessed the most action and every scooter predicted by us was launched in 2012.

Vespa 125

Vespa 125:
Making a strong come back is the iconic Italian scooter company Vespa bringing in its 125cc offering which the company has decided to name, Vespa 125. Chic and uber-stylish, the new Vespa 125 carries the trademark retro-styling and offers oodles of performance and comfort that is not found on any scooter in the country today. With the new scooter, Vespa intents to kick-start the premium scooter segment in our country.

Technical Specifications

Engine

125cc, 4-stroke, 3-valve, single-cylinder, OHC

Power

10.06PS @ 7500rpm

Torque

10.6Nm @ 6000rpm

0-60km/h

8.10sec

Fuel Efficiency

47kmpl (City-39.8kmpl / Highway-54.2kmpl)

Price (ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 68,257

Yamaha Ray


Yamaha Ray:


Yamaha made its scooter segment debut with its scooter Ray in 2012. The Ray is a gearless scooter powered by a 113cc petrol engine. Targeted at women two-wheeler riders, the Ray offers features such as a comfortable seating position with easy leg reach, and extremely easy to use centre and side stands. With the Ray, Yamaha plans to take on the mighty Honda Activa.

Technical Specifications

Engine

113cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC

Power

7.1PS @ 7,500rpm

Torque

8.1Nm @ 5,000rpm

10.89sec

Fuel Efficiency

51.6kmpl (City-47kmpl / Highway-65.5kmpl)

Price (ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 46,000

Honda Dio

Honda Dio:
Honda added a new lease of life to the Dio, by revamping it for 2012. With its trendy styling, low saddle height and matte finish colour option, Honda plans to aim the Dio at youngsters and college-going students who want a cool looking scooter which should be affordable and reliable. In its new rendition, the Dio is certainly one of the most practical and best looking scooters on sale.

Technical Specifications

Engine

109CC, Air-cooled, SOHC

Power

8PS @ 7,500rpm

Torque

8.66Nm @ 5,500rpm

0-60km/h

9.95sec

Fuel Efficiency

48kmpl (City-43.5kmpl / Highway-60kmpl)

Price (ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 42,362

Hero Maestro

Hero MotoCorp Maestro:
The Maestro is Hero MotoCorp’s second attempt in the scooter segment and they have made sure they get it right this time around. Good looks, a fuel efficient engine and some very comfortable ergonomics make the Maestro a very good choice amongst its contemporaries, specially its main rival the Honda Activa

Technical Specifications

Engine

109cc, Air-cooled, single-cylinder OHC

Power

8.2PS @ 7500rpm

Torque

9.10Nm @ 5500rpm

9.19sec

Fuel Efficiency

44kmpl

Price (ex-showroom Delhi)

Rs 56,891

 

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