2018 Auto Expo will be inaugurated on 8 February, but before that happens, a number of auto manufacturers unveiled and launched their concepts and products in India. This year saw a lot of focus on innovation, a take on mobility different from traditional combustion engine. With the world moving towards greener mobility options, auto manufacturers have to come up with engines with cleaner emissions, or alternative fuel or electric powertrain. But even with focus shifting to electric, there is also a trend for more powerful scooters and motorcycles in India, which the two-wheeler manufacturers understand and are banking upon. Here we take you on a tour of the top 10 motorcycles and scooters unveiled in India at the Auto Expo 2018:
TVS Zeppelin
TVS Zeppelin was unveiled at the 2018 Auto Expo as a cruiser concept. The Zeppelin is powered by a 220cc engine paired with TVS patented Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). The ISG technology provides an ‘e-boost’ to the engine that helps it start quicker. TVS Zeppelin is also equipped with a 1200W regenerative assist motor with a 48V Li-ION battery that further adds to the performance.
Honda X-Blade
Honda X-Blade was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2018, a new 160cc motorcycle. While it was considered a sporty version of Hornet 160R. It will not be a replacement of the Hornet 160R, but will make part of the same segment. It will be powered by a 160cc single-cylinder engine that puts out 13.93c hp and 13.9 Nm of torque. Honda X-Blade will feature a fully digital instrument console.
Hero XPulse 200
Hero XPulse 200, a very anticipated adventure motorcycle by the home grown brand, was unveield at the 2018 Auto Expo. It shares the engine with Hero Xtreme 200R, which produces 18.4 hp and 17.1 Nm. Hero Xpulse 200 comes fitted with a USB charging point, and features LED headlamp and a fully-digital instrument console.
BMW G 310 GS
BMW G 310 GS and G 310 R have finally been unveiled in India during the Auto Expo 2018. The launch of the most affordable motorcycles by BMW Motorrad in India had been delayed for quite a very long time. BMW Motorrad has now announced that the two will be launched in the second half of this year. The two share the engine with the TVS Apache 310 RR, which is a 313cc single-cylinder engine produces 33.5 hp @ 9,000 rpm and 28 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm and is paired with six-speed gearbox. BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS will be launched in India by July 2018 at a price tag expected to be around Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 2.8 lakh, respectively.
Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0
Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 has been launched at Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom) in India during the 2018 Auto Expo. It is powered by a 155cc liquid-cooled engine which puts put 19 hp, and is paired with a six-speed transmission. According to Yamaha, the new R15 has received a 16% boost in power and a 4.7% boost in mileage. Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 also features slip-assist clutch. The new Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 is styled on the lines of the Yamaha R1, and gets features like full LED headlamp, LED tail lamp, USB charging provision and more.
Kawasaki H2 SX
Kawasaki was expected to unveil the Z900RS and Ninja 400 in India, however, that was not the case at the Kawasaki pavilion. But we’re not complaining because the Kawasaki H2 SX was launched at the 2018. A sports tourer version of the Kawasaki H2, the H2 SX is unique in its own way. This is the first supercharged sports tourer, but the H2 SX’s gear ratio is taller to better suit a sports tourer. Kawasaki H2 SX is priced at Rs 21.8 lakh (ex-showroom) and H2 SX SE will retail at Rs 26.8 lakh (ex-showroom).
Suzuki Burgman Street 125
Suzuki Burgman Street 125, a new automatic scooter by Suzuki, has been unveiled in India during the Auto Expo 2018. It is powered by a 125cc engine mated to an automatic transmission system. The new Suzuki Burgman 125 gets adjustable riding footpegs which is a Segment first feature. The scooter also comes equipped with LED headlamps, body mounted windscreen, along with a front disc brake. The scooter is scheduled for launch in the current year only.
Aprilia 125
Aprilia unveiled three scooter in India during the Auto Expo 2018, out of which the Aprilia 125 was launched at a price of Rs 65,310 (ex-showroom, Pune). It is powered by a 125cc three-valve engine. It rides on 14-inch wheels with wide tyres, and it will be available in various colours. Along with Aprilia 125, Piaggio also unveiled the Vespa Electtrica, which is the first electric scooter by the Italian brand.
