Five motorcycle launches in August 2019: From Bajaj Pulsar 125 to Gixxer 250
Auto manufacturers in India are being plagued with declining sales unseen since the last recession. However, the unpredictability of the Indian market cannot be ruled out. In fact, a major comeback may be seen during the upcoming festive season. With hopes pinned on that, two-wheeler makers in India are gearing up with new innovative ways to boost their sales. Here is a list of 5 two-wheelers launching in August 2019:
Bajaj Pulsar 125
To beat the price-rise due to new safety norms, Bajaj Auto will be launching a more affordable 125 cc Pulsar. Designed in lines with the classic Bajaj Pulsar 150, the new Pulsar 125 can be expected to carry the powerplant from NS125 retailed in some European markets. Powering the Bajaj Pulsar NS125 is a 124.45 cc single-cylinder air-cooled, twin spark, 4-valve, engine. Coupled to a 5-speed gearbox, the engine in its present tune produces 12 PS of power and 10.8 Nm of torque.
However, the NS125 is Euro 4 compliant and uses fuel injection. Bajaj Auto may initially introduce the Pulsar 125 with a carburetted engine, for now, to keep costs under check. The braking system may get a front disc brake as an option, while CBS will be supporting the braking system. Bajaj Auto will also introduce a neon version inspired from the Pulsar 150 Neon. In terms of features, the bike will have tubeless tyres and a mix of digital-analogue instrument console.
The suspension system will include conventional telescopic fork up front and twin gas-charged springs in the rear. Expect the pricing of the new Bajaj Pulsar 125 to revolve around INR 60,000.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 MotoGP Edition
Just weeks after the Gixxer SF 150 MotoGP Edition, Suzuki will be launching the Gixxer SF 250 MotoGP Edition. Changes will be only cosmetic and will be exactly in line with Gixxer SF 150 MotoGP Edition.
Powering the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is 249 cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve engine. Coupled to a 6-speed gearbox, the engine can churn out 26.5 PS of power and 22.6 Nm of torque. The bike tips the scales at 161 kg and has a ground clearance of 165 mm. Features list include LED headlamp, all-digital instrument console, clip-on handlebar and a large 150-section rear tyre. Also, the ABS is a dual-channel unit.
The standard Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is priced at INR 1.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The MotoGP edition is expected to undergo a price hike of INR 1,000. Expect an official announcement from Suzuki soon.
Benelli Leoncino 500
The Sino-Italian manufacturer is all set to introduce the Benelli Leoncino 500 in India on 5 August 2019. Styled as a neo-retro scrambler, the Benelli Leoncino 500 will be the most affordable motorcycle in its class in India. The bike will be retailed only in its standard trim. The off-road biased Trail variant may be introduced later depending on customer response.
At the heart of the Benelli Leoncino 500 is a 499.6 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. Mated to a 6-speed transmission, the engine can produce 46.6 PS of power and 45 Nm of torque. The bike is suspended over upside down 50 mm fork up front and a monoshock in the rear. Besides that, the motorcycle gets projector-style headlight, LED blinkers and a digital instrument console. Also, the rear license plate is neatly integrated into the rear tyre hugger.
The braking system includes twin 320 mm discs with four-piston callipers in the front and a 260 mm single-disc with a single-piston calliper in the rear. The Leoncino 500 will be fitted with dual-channel ABS. Also, the expected price tag is just below the INR 5 lakh mark.
Ducati Diavel 1260
Unveiled at EICMA 2018, the new Ducati Diavel 1260 will be launched in India on 9 August 2019. The power cruiser will be retailed in a standard trim and a premium ‘Diavel 1260 S’ trim.
The Diavel 1260 is powered by a 1,262 cc Ducati Testastretta DVT, L-twin cylinder, liquid-cooled, 8-valve engine with Desmodromic Variable Timing. It is linked with a 6-speed gearbox and can produce 159 PS of power and 129 Nm of torque. Also, the engine can be controlled by three riding modes (Sport, Touring and Urban). Key features include 6-axis Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Power Launch EVO, Ducati Traction Control EVO, and Ducati Wheelie Control EVO.
The S trim gets fully adjustable Öhlins suspensions on both ends, Brembo M50 callipers, Ducati Quick Shift up & down Evo (DQS) and Ducati Multimedia System with Ducati Link App. The standard Ducati Diavel 1260 is fitted with Brembo M4.32 callipers, while the DQS system can be added as an accessory.
The Ducati Diavel 1260 is expected to be priced at INR 17 lakh, while the 1260 S will have a sticker price around INR 20 lakh.
Also Read: 5 Suzuki motorcycles we wish to see in India
Suzuki Gixxer 250
Just like the new Gixxer SF 155, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 will get a naked variant and an official announcement is expected to take place later this month. The naked quarter-litre model will be based on the naked Gixxer 155 launched in July 2019.
The powerplant will be the same 249 cc oil-cooled mill from the Gixxer SF 250. Output figures too will be the same, 26.5 PS of power and 22.6 Nm of torque. The gearbox will be an identical 6-speed unit. Also, the bike can be expected to be offered in the same Black, Grey and Blue shades. The suspension system will include conventional telescopic forks up front and a monoshock with adjustable preload in the rear.
Also Read: 5 niche two-wheelers we want to see in India
Also, India is also set to get an electric motorcycle with artificial intelligence this month. The Revolt RV400 was originally set to be launched on 7 August but it has been postponed for sometime later in end-August 2019. Based on the Chinese electric motorcycle Super Soco TS, the Revolt RV400 has a claimed range of 156 km and an electronically limited top speed of 85 km/h.