Bikers in India are climbing up the displacement ladder and the market for middleweight motorcycles in the country is expanding at a breakneck pace. It’s pleasantly surprising to see so many affordable offerings in a segment which used to be absolutely dry and arid only a few years back. Well, for the year 2017 and beyond, the middleweight motorcycling pastures in India are only going to get greener with a slew of launches lined up. International auto shows such as the Intermot and the EICMA have already given us more than a fleeting glimpse of these machines, and now they are getting prepped for a full-fledged launch in the country. Here is our list of the top middleweight motorcycles slated for a launch in India in the year 2017 and beyond. Check them all out, and do give us a shoutout if you find something missing!
1. Royal Enfield 750
Eicher Motors owned Royal Enfield has been reportedly working on a bigger engine that is likely to make its debut soon. The Royal Enfield 750, as seen in some spy images, will sport a completely new 750 cc engine. The new motor, however, would still be running on the conventional carburetor technology. The key details about the motorcycle are provided below
- Engine: 750cc twin cylinder engine
- Power: 50 hp
- Torque: 60 Nm
- Expected Arrival: March 2017
- Expected Price: INR 4-4.5 lakh
2. 2017 Honda CBR650F
With the Euro 4 emission standards coming into effect, the CBR650F was among the many motorcycles to have received an updated engine apart from a few more upgrades. The 2017 edition of the fully faired CBR650F now comes equipped with LED headlamps, LED tail light and revised Nissin front brake calipers along with changes made to the fairing and graphics.
- Engine: 649cc four cylinder engine
- Power: 90 hp
- Torque: 64 Nm
- Expected Arrival: Second half of 2017
- Expected Price: INR 8 lakh
3. Kawasaki Z650/Ninja 650
Kawasaki Motorcycles has been rocking the performance motorcycle world of late with one segment shaking offering after another. The Japanese bikermaker recently unveiled both the Ninja 650 and Z650 at the 2016 Intermot Show in Cologne, Germany. Both the models share not only the same engine but also a few other components such as the steel Trellis frame, suspension and brakes.
- Engine: 650cc parallel twin cylinder engine
- Power: 69 hp
- Torque: 65.7 Nm
- Expected Arrival: Mid-2017
- Expected Price: INR 6-7 lakh
4. Benelli TRK 502
Featuring a Trellis frame, the TRK 502 comes equipped with a dual headlight setup, a tall windshield and knuckle guards on the handlebar to aid its touring characteristics. The stock motorcycle receives a 17 inch alloys both front and rear, wrapped in Pirelli Angel tyres. The off-road spec model will come equipped with a 19 inch spoke wheel up-front and 17 inch spoke wheel at the rear, both wrapped in Metzeler rubber.
- Engine: 499cc twin cylinder engine
- Power: 47 hp
- Torque: 45 Nm
- Expected Arrival: First half of 2017
- Expected Price: INR 5-6 lakh
5. Ducati Supersport
Italian exotic motorcycle maker Ducati will be bringing the Supersport motorcycle to India in 2017. Targeted at the bikers who prefer comfort and easy handling on everyday roads, a few highlights of the model include Ducati Safety Pack (Bosch ABS + Ducati Traction Control), three riding modes (Sport, Touring and Urban), height adjustable windscreen, fully adjustable 41 mm Marzocchi fork upfront and Sachs shock that’s adjustable for spring pre-load and rebound damping at the rear.
- Engine: 937cc Testastretta engine
- Power: 113 hp
- Torque: 96 Nm
- Expected Arrival: Late 2017
- Expected Price: INR 11.5 lakh
6. Ducati Multistrada 950
One more addition to Ducati India’s product portfolio could be the Multistrada 950, said to the bike maker’s smallest “multibike” (designed to provide the excitement of a Multistrada in a more accessible and versatile way). Based on a tubular steel Trellis frame, a few highlights of the model include Ride by Wire (RbW), four riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro) and an LCD instrument cluster.
- Engine: 937cc Testastretta engine
- Power: 113 hp
- Torque: 96 Nm
- Expected Arrival: Late 2017
- Expected Price: 12 lakh
Special Mention: KTM 790 Duke
Although still in its prototype form, the 790 Duke is said to feature an all new parallel twin engine of about 800cc. The model will based on a new frame and will be loaded to the gills with features such as traction control and many rider modes. It is almost certain that the model will receive Ride by Wire and an integrated ‘MY RIDE’ connectivity. The bike is most likely to benefit from a quickshifter too. The expected price and launch date of the model cannot be estimated as it is still in its prototype form.
Well then, which of these bikes are you excited for? Do you feel we missed your favourite from the list above? Let us know your views and opinions through the comments section below.
Are we missing the Honda CBR600RR, Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R and Yamaha R6 ??!!