In the past few years, the retro motorcycle market has really grown. Manufacturers like Triumph and Ducati have brought their entire classic and retro ranges to India. Though their design may resemble a bygone era of motorcycling, retro-styled motorcycles are seemingly the new in thing. From the likes of European premium manufacturers to our very own Indian manufacturers, the Indian motorcycling market seems to be loaded with retro-styled machines. Packed with modern equipment like LED headlights, traction control, ABS, and adjustable suspension, they manage to stay with the times under the skin but exude a rather rugged and timeless appeal. So if you’re feeling nostalgic, and in the mood to take a trip down memory lane. Let’s take a look at all the retro motorcycles you can buy in India.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
When it comes to standard or retro-styled motorcycles, Royal Enfield is considered one of the biggest sellers in India. One of their most awaited range of motorcycles is the 650 range. Generating a meaty 47 bhp of power, and a healthy 52 Nm of torque, from Royal Enfield’s first twin-cylinder engine. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox, which seems to be another first for the manufacturer, Royal Enfield is really upping their game with the Interceptor. Being served in two distinctive retro flavours, the Interceptor is also offered as a Café Racer with the Continental GT 650.
Jawa
A legendary brand which has been resuscitated for present times, the Jawa Jawa, Jawa Forty Two and Jawa Perak are three uniquely styled motorcycles on offer from the Mahindra-backed brand. Among these, the Jawa Jawa is a throwback to the original bike’s styling with its colour options and Chezch styling. On the other hand, the Forty Two offers a slightly sportier alternative to the classic dose, while the Perak is a single-seater, bobber-styled machine.
The Jawa Jawa and the Forty Two are powered by a 293 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine which makes 26.51 PS and 27.05 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The Perak is powered by the same engine, however, it has been bored out to displace 334cc and develop 30 Bhp and 31 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed box. The priciest of the lot, the Perak also gets better rubber and powder-coated black pipes which are shorter than the stainless steel examples on the other two.
Royal Enfield Bullet And Classic 350
Probably the ones which are responsible for the immense popularity of such bikes in India, the Royal Enfield Bullet and Classic 350 are now offered with a single engine option. Earlier, a 500cc motor was on offer too. Where the Bullet, with its simple design and appeal, is still a hit with the traditional Bullet fan, the Classic 350 entertains those who want a taste of things from the war-era.
Both motorcycles, although styled differently, employ the maker’s 350cc, single-cylinder engine which is now fuel injected and for both the bikes, develops 19.1 Bhp and 28 Nm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Both motorcycles are offered with modern equipment like ABS and disc brakes.
Husqvarna Svartpilen And Vitpilen 250
If you want classic styling fused with modern engineering, the Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen 250 offer just the right mix. Powered by KTM’s 250cc engine, for these Austrian motorcycles built by Bajaj, the 248.8 cc fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, DOHC motor puts out 30 ps of peak power @ 9000 rpm and 24 NM torque @ 7500 rpm.
The Svartpilen has a rugged design accompanied by an upright stance. What adds to its brutish appeal are dual-purpose tyres. The Vitpilen, however, will appeal more to people who are into café-racers. Both bikes feature WP suspension, Bosch dual-channel ABS, LED headlight and taillight. At INR 1.8 lakh, both come across as really attractive motorcycles.
Kawasaki W800
Offered at INR 6.99 lakh, the BS6 Kawasaki W800 is a great motorcycle to consider if, for some reason, the Royal Enfield 650s don’t float your boat. The Kawasaki W800 is a modern version of the brand’s classic W series models that took liberal influence from old-school British vertical-twin-cylinder motorcycles. A vertical-twin is essentially a parallel-twin with a 360-degree crank, instead of the traditional 180- or 270-degree cranks in most modern machines.
The W800 is powered by the same 773cc, fuel-injected, SOHC, air-cooled unit makes 52hp at 6,500rpm and 62.9Nm of torque at 4,800rpm. In terms of features, the Kawasaki W800 gets a twin-pod instrument cluster with a small LCD screen, a slipper clutch, and a dual-channel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System). The suspension system consists of 41mm telescopic forks up front along with twin spring shock absorbers at the rear. The India-spec model rides on MRF tyres.
Ducati Scrambler Range
What was introduced as an entry-level Ducati, the Scrambler range is now seriously exhaustive. One of the most enjoyable motorcycles out there, you can order one as a Cafe Racer, as a true Scrambler in the form of the Desert Sled or a Full Throttle model.
![Ducati Scrambler Range[282]](https://www.motoroids.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Ducati-Scrambler-Range282-1200x675.jpg "Ducati Scrambler Range[282]")
Two engines power the Ducati Scrambler range now. One is an 803cc L-twin which cranks out 73 Hp and 67 Nm, while the 1100cc L-twin makes 86 Hp and 88 Nm. If free-spirited riding is what you’re after and you have a soft corner for the Italians, look no further.
Triumph Street Twin, Thruxton And Bonneville Range
Triumph’s modern classic range starts with the Street Twin and goes right up to the Bonneville Speedmaster, a bobber-styled machine. Between these, you may also consider the Thruxton cafe racer, of the Bonneville T100 or T120 or the Street Scrambler if you’re going to wear your goggles and go off the road.
The range is so exhaustive, there are nine motorcycles offered under Triumph’s classic range. Two engines perform propelling duties for all these bikes. A 900cc parallel-twin powers the Street and Bonneville entry-level range. It cranks out 55 or 65 PS, depending on the bike, and 80 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the bigger bikes get a 1200cc parallel-twin which pushes 80 PS and 105 Nm or 90 PS and 110 Nm or 97 PS and 112 Nm, according to the bike it powers.