IAB Picks - 5 'sporty' bikes to be launched this year

The Indian two wheeler market is set to be flooded with an assortment of sportive motorcycles with engine displacements spanning 150 cc to 373 cc. All bikes laid out in this story are slated for a launch before the end of this year.

1. Mahindra Mojo

The long overdue Mahindra Mojo is finally set to see the light of day. The final phase of testing is on with the launch expected anytime soon.

The flagship motorcycle is powered by a 292 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled fuel injected engine that produces 26 hp and 25 Nm of torque and comes paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The redesigned near-production concept that was showcased at the Auto Expo featured new fuel tank, LED daytime running lights and revised air intakes.

Competitors: Suzuki Inazuma, Honda CBR250R, KTM Duke

Expected Price: INR 1.25 - 1.75 lakhs, ex-showroom

2. Suzuki Gixxer

The Japanese two wheeler maker is determined to make inroads into the Indian premium motorcycle space, having launched the Suzuki Inazuma 250. The Suzuki Gixxer naked 150 cc motorcycle is the next product to be launched.

Bookings for the bike, which was unveiled ahead of the Auto Expo, have commenced. The launch is expected in a few days or weeks with immediate deliveries. Technical specifications are still under wraps but the efficiency-enhancing Suzuki Eco Technology (SET) which debuted in the Let's automatic scooter, would be offered on the Gixxer as well.

Competitors: Honda CB Trigger, Yamaha FZ FI V2.0 series, Bajaj Pulsar 150, TVS Apache RTR160, Hero Xtreme

Expected price: INR 70,000 - 80,000, ex-showroom

3. Bajaj Pulsar 200 SS

The Bajaj Pulsar 200 SS is the faired sibling of the 200 NS. The design cues are borrowed from the Pulsar SS 400 that premiered at the Auto Expo.

The 200 cc triple spark single-cylinder liquid cooled engine will be shared with its naked sibling. The motor is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and churns out 23.52 PS and 18.3 Nm of torque. The underbelly exhaust of the 200 NS is ditched in favor of a traditional end can and the riding posture is sportier.

Competitors: Hero Karizma R, KTM RC 200

Expected Price: INR 1 - 1.5 lakhs, ex-showroom

4. KTM RC200

The KTM RC200 is the track inspired version of the acclaimed Duke 200. With a full fairing and aggressive riding position, the RC200 is set to give other faired motorcycles in the 200 - 250 cc segment a run for their money. The bike is expected to be launched in the August-October period.

The rev happy 200 cc fuel injected liquid-cooled engine of the Duke 200 would be retained. The power and torque outputs stand at 26 PS and 19.2 Nm respectively. The 6-speed transmission could have reworked gear ratios to suit the bike's character. A light kerb weight would ensure class leading performance.

Competitors: Hero Karizma ZMR, Honda CBR250R

Expected price: INR 1.5 - 2 lakhs, ex-showroom

5. KTM RC390

The KTM RC390 is the RC200's big brother or in other words the faired counterpart of the Duke 390. The styling is very close to the RC200 and both the motorcycles are expected to be launched roughly at the same time.

The Duke 390's 373.2 cc single cylinder liquid-cooled fuel injected engine will do the duty in association with a 6-speed gearbox. With 45 PS and 35 Nm of torque on tap, the RC390 will be one of the fastest motorcycles to be manufactured in India.

Competitor: Kawasaki Ninja 300

Expected price: INR 2.25 to 2.75 lakhs, ex-showroom