The 2014 Delhi Motor Show saw a host new superbikes being either launched or announced for the Indian market. We make a list of big motorcycles that will be seen cruising the streets of India in the years to come.
A decade ago, owning big superbikes was nothing but a distant dream to adventurous and young Indians. Over the years however, due to an increase in maturity, knowledge and riding skills coupled with rise in income and financial backing has made owning and maintaining big litre class bikes a reality. The motorcycle manufacturers – both international and Indian – have recognised this rapid shift in trend and market demands. It is no surprise then, that the country’s biggest biennial automotive convention – the 2014 Delhi Motor Show – saw a host of new bikes being either launched or announced, especially for the Indian market. We round up, all the premium motorcycles that will be seen cruising the streets of India in the years to come.
The biggest highlight at the Auto Expo in terms of motorcycles was unarguably, Harley Davidson India. The U.S-based automaker who set up base in the country back in 2011 announced an exclusive made-for-India motorcycle called Harley Davidson Street 750. The Street 750 has been launched at an impressive price of Rs 4.1 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) and the bookings will commence from March 1, 2014. At such as incredible price, we expect the Street 750 to do wonders for the U.S motorcycle brand in the months to come.
British motorcycle brand, Triumph had already announced their lineup of bikes for India and the respective price tags back at the 2012 Auto Expo. However, their plans failed to take shape in the country due to rise in input costs, which resulted post Union Budget 2012-13. This year however, Triumph motorcycles were back in the capital with renewed strategy and have once again announced their intention of introducing up to 10 models for the Indian market. The Triumph line-up for India will include a mix of classics, roadster and sport models, which will be priced between Rs 5.75 lakh and Rs 20 lakh. The Indian arm of the British motorcycle company stated that they have already received bookings for 160 bikes, some of which are being assembled in India. Triumph Motorcycles India is aiming to sell around 1,000 bikes by the end of 2014.
Bajaj pulled a massive surprise at the Auto Expo by presenting two new Pulsars, both with the larger 375cc engine. The first one is called Pulsar SS400, where SS stands for Super-sports and the second one is christened Pulsar CS400, which will be powered by a re-tuned engine from KTM and will feature Bajaj’s triple spark technology.
Hero MotoCorp Ltd showed off the fabulous Hastur Concept motorcycle, which is being powered by the 625cc twin engine from Erik Buell. Hero has not revealed any plans to launch the Hastur anytime soon, but by just presenting the Hastur Concept shows that India’s largest motorcycle company is keen on paying attention to the premium motorcycle segment as well.
Custom motorcycle maker, Varedenchi who is based in Mumbai has patterned with Italy’s Moto Morini brand. And together they launched two super bikes – Granpasso and the Scrambler at the Delhi Motor Show with prices starting at Rs 10 lakh. Both bikes will be fully imported and distributed directly in India to tap the superbike market.
Lastly TVS motor too, has some big and ambitious plans but are a little behind than the other motorcycle brands. It is reported that TVS is working on several models in the sub-500cc segment with BMW Motorrad. However, it will take up to 5 years for the company to show a prototype.
