Some big names were missing this time around at the Auto Expo 2018. Those who made it and are known to showcase at least a couple or more drool-worthy concepts at the event, just had a couple new production-ready bikes to display. But TVS and Yamaha tried to make up for the lack of budding stars and displayed products which gave us a peek into their minds. Then, there were these two Italian beauties which haven’t been confirmed for India officially, but we’ve been told they are being seriously considered for launch. Here are the Stars from the Expo which could explode and shine real bright in the Indian motorcycling sky in the future.
TVS Zeppelin
A performance-cruiser motorcycle, the TVS Zeppelin concept made us just stand there and admire what TVS can achieve. At the heart of the bike is a 220cc engine coupled with a one-of-its-kind, TVS patented – Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). The ISG comes with an e-boost option, which starts the motorcycle faster by giving it an augmented boost.
The bike gets a 1200W regenerative assist motor with 48V Li-ION battery. It features 41mm USD front forks, complemented by a compact head-lamp, lowered bars and feet forward highway pegs. The handling of the motorcycle is aided by lightweight tubeless spoked alloys, dual-channel Anti-Lock Braking System and a monoshock. Power is sent to the rear wheel by a belt driven drivetrain and the bike boasts of an all-LED lighting system, a smart Bio-key, electronic speedometer, online connectivity and an integrated HD Action camera to capture your riding adventures on the go.
Yamaha Hyper Slaz
An out-n-out concept, Yamaha clearly mentioned that they have no plans to convert this piece of imagined metal into something, you and us can buy. A dark themed concept based on the Yamaha Slaz 150 naked, the bike has been fitted with a lot of fancy bits like a gas charged Ohlins rear spring, Red finished USD front forks, a transparent clutch cover, a proper deltabox frame paired to a rigid rear swinging arm and a mid-mounted exhaust.
Nicely done wheels are wrapped in premium Pirelli Rosso II rubber and the Sabre tooth headlight up front isn’t a headlight at all.
TVS Creon
A performance-oriented electric scooter concept, the sweet looking TVS Creon has been designed while keeping in mind the global dream for a green future and uncompromising performance. It is powered by 3 state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries capable of delivering 12 kw of power. The batteries have been specially designed to ensure high charge per volume of battery.
The TVS CREON features a next-generation electric motor that propels this scooter from 0 – 60 kmph in under 5.1 seconds and boasts of a range of 80 km. With a rapid charging time of 60 minutes for 80% of full charge, the scooter also gets futuristic smart connected technologies on board, which have been developed in collaboration with Intel. The scooter concept is equipped with a TFT Screen which displays the speedometer, battery charge & health status, trip meter and odometer. The vehicle is app-enabled and offers a host of features including cloud connectivity, 3 custom riding modes, regenerative braking, park assist, safety, anti-theft, GPS & navigation, and geo-fencing.
Aprilia Tuono 150
Although not a concept, the Aprilia Tuono 150 is undeniably a looker. A motorcycle with looks to fall in love with, the Tuono 150 retains an aggressive, sporty and dynamic character in a more accessible 150cc package. Designed, developed and built in Italy, the Aprilia Tuono 150 is targeted towards the younger rider and enthusiasts of smaller engine capacities.
At the heart of the Aprilia Tuono 150 is a modern and technologically advanced 150 cc single-cylinder, 4-Stroke, 4-Valve electronic injection engine with liquid cooling. The engine cranks out 18 HP and 14Nm of peak torque through 17 inch rubber on both ends. Reliable and powerful, it has particularly refined technologies such as double overhead camshaft (DOHC). Stopping power comes from a 300mm disk up front with a Bosch ABS equipped 4 piston caliper complemented by a 218mm disk at the back. The bike also gets up-side down forks up front and a mono-shock unit at the back. It is being seriously considered for launch in India and could arrive in early 2019.
Aprilia RS150
A fully-faired version of the Tuono, the Aprilia RS150 could take the fight straight to the R15’s door in India. Mechanically similar to the Tuono, the RS150 gets a proper twin-spar chassis which has been mated to a great looking rear swinging arm.
The bike has been painted in livery which matches that of the litre-class bike and a face which looks just as triluminous. Officials at the Aprilia pavilion confirmed that the bike is being considered for launch in India.