From the days of the Hero Honda Karizma (now known as the Hero Karizma R) and the Bajaj Pulsar 180 (Classic) to the times when we have some really tasty set of wheels coming our way. Indian motorcycle industry finally seems to be coming of age. The performance bike enthusiasts no longer need to be upset about the lack of performance-oriented machines being on sale in the country and what can be better than the fact that manufacturers seem to have finally noticed us and are fast coming up with all new, low capacity, performance bikes for developing markets like that of India? As we’ve been saying, while it is the upcoming Pulsar 400 duo (SS and CS) that might pave the way for future Indian middleweight performance machines, we’ve at least half a dozen smaller capacity performance bikes coming our way in near future and quite obviously, we are quite excited about all of these. However, out of these, there are three motorcycles that interest us a bit more than the others. These are- Bajaj Pulsar SS 200, KTM RC200 and Yamaha R25 and here is a quick lowdown on these upcoming models, only to give you a fair idea of what you can expect from these.
Bajaj Pulsar SS 200
The SS 200 is easily among the most awaited bikes in India today. The Pulsar SS 200 can be launched anytime soon and is essentially a faired version of the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS street naked. The bike would look much like the SS 400 concept and would take on the likes of Yamaha YZF R15 and Hero ZMR 2014. The bike is expected to have a max power of 25 PS, along with a peak torque of around 19Nm.
KTM RC200
Expected to be launched alongside the RC390, the KTM RC200 will be a faired cousin of the 200 Duke we all know of. The KTM RC200 will rival the Honda CBR250R and could even challenge the upcoming Yamaha R25. The RC200 is a rather promising upcoming bike in India that will be priced below the INR 2 lakhs figure.
Yamaha R25
Expected to be launched in India sometime early next year, the Yamaha R25, with its high performance engine and M1-like styling, is one of the most awaited upcoming bikes in India today. Yamaha R25 Concept, which was showed at the Auto Expo 2014, has already proven to be a teaser of sorts for Indian sportsbike lovers, and the Yamaha R25 launch in India is eagerly awaited by all of us. The India spec R25 could be powered by a single cylinder engine with a max power of around 30PS.
We reckon that its really going to be Bajaj Pulsar SS 200 vs KTM RC200 vs Yamaha R25 on the popularity chart in near future. Which of these upcoming bikes in India are you really waiting for?
You’ll have not included the Mahindra Mojo which mostly pegged to be around 1.5L & if it does launch at that price would be superb VFM. It is in no means lesser in specs or features than the RC200 rather is one step ahead with a DOHC engine with dual exhausts, 320mm front petal disc, EFI developed in collaboration with Ducati etc
Yes, we did think about including the HX250R here. However, we thought it would be better if we include three bikes which didn’t fall in the same segment. For instance, while the SS 200 is an entry level 200cc model, the RC200 would be a more premium offering. The R25, which might come with a single cylinder engine in India, would be positioned even higher, maybe quite close to the HX250R, which is sure to command CBR250R kind of money. Sorry mate, no news about Suzuki 150cc sadly.
well for starters I am really surprised you guys did not include HX-250 R…..anyways, all three will be in totally different categories when we look at the price point (R25 being a twin….I know the speculations …of it being a single pot for INDIA, but I am quite skeptical about it)……..and guys is there any news about SUZUKI'S competition for R15 and CBR 150R??
habby
SS200