5 Bikes That Should Be Here Now

Yamaha MT-03:

When launched, the YZF-R3 had a lot going for it, a torquey parallel twin wrapped in a good-looking package and blessed with excellent dynamics. The only thing putting buyers off was the relatively high Rs 3.26 lakh asking price and the absence of ABS. The solution presented itself at last year’s EICMA where Yamaha showcased the MT-03, a naked version of the R3. Tuned for street riding, the MT-03 has a lower seat and a wide handlebar instead of the clip-ons on the R3. The motor retains the same state of tune and makes 43Ps and 29.5Nm of torque but performance should feel sprightlier due to the reduced weight owing to the lack of fairing. When launched, we can expect a sub 3-lakh asking price and as for the ABS, the MT-03 gets it as standard fitment. Yamaha, get it here already!

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin:

The original Africa Twin had quite the cult following so it comes as no surprise that ADV fans were waiting with bated breath when Honda announced a bigger and better CRF1000L a.k.a. Africa Twin. It is a full-blown ADV with which you can cross continents. The 82.5Ps, 999cc parallel twin is about torque, all 90.8Nm of it with 67.7Nm available from as low as 2000rpm all the way to the redline. Along with the tractability comes the rider aids in the form of selectable torque control and switchable ABS. Inspite of the tall stance, the bike is quite easy to ride as you sit in the bike than on it. The seat height is adjustable as well making it more accessible than other ADV bikes. The original Africa Twin was a legend and we can see the new one headed that way with its rugged looks, practicality and technical simplicity. This is one ADV we want to get our hands on right now.

Bajaj Pulsar VS400 / SS400:

The Pulsar brand can be termed as the purveyor of affordable performance bikes in India. With a range encompassing 150 to 220cc bikes, the association with KTM meant Bajaj has the base for a 373cc motorcycle, a concept which they showcased the world at the 2014 Auto Expo. The concept range comprised of the faired SS400 and naked CS 400 (now rechristened the Kratos VS400). While the SS400 is the sporty variation, the VS400 is what Bajaj claims, a cruiser sport, with its relaxed rake and riding position. The VS400 gets full LED headlamp and design bits inspired by the Ducati Diavel. The 373cc liquid cooled single is borrowed from the 390 Duke albeit with a softer state of tune. Affordability has always been Bajaj’s strongest points and the 400 twins should attest to that – being priced below Rs 2 lakhs. This is a product that has been a long time coming.

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Triumph Tiger Sport / Speed Triple:

The Tiger Sport and Speed Triple have been on sale overseas since the start of this 2016. While Triumph India has the entire range of bikes in India, why they are holding out on these two bikes is an interesting condurum. The Tiger Sport is a sports tourer that sits between the Tiger 800 and Explorer 1200. It is powered by a 1050cc in-line three (same as the new Speed Triple) and makes 126Ps and 106Nm of torque. The sports parts come in the form of 43mm Showa USD’s and Showa rear mono damper, ride-by-wire and multi-stage traction control. It is possible that Triumph India might be delaying getting the Tiger sport here as their current tiger range is selling well and the new Tiger Sport might cannibalize some of the Tiger 800 sales. So it makes sense to wait till the Tiger sales start waning due to other manufacturers getting their adventure sports model and then introduce the new Tiger Sport. As for the Speed triple, the sales of the current model here have not been enough to justify an update. But as an enthusiasts perspective, it is disheartening that we have to make do with an older generation bike when almost all other manufacturers have their latest product here.

BMW G310R:

Now this is curious case where a bike that makes more sense for the Indian market, is manufactured in India but is not sold here. The G310R is made at the TVS Hosur factory and is intended for domestic and overseas markets. The G310R comes with a 313cc liquid-cooled single that makes 34Ps and 28Nm of torque when the highlight being its expected price of 1.8 to 2 lakh rupees. While the bike is slated to start India operations by February next year, the interesting bit is that had commenced in July itself and what’s more interesting is that the bike is already on sale in UK, Thailand, Singapore, Middle East and will be available in the US by December this year. On its part BMW states, the delay is due to BMW Motorrad currently focusing on setting up showrooms and service network across India but then will it be a case of a product too late?