2018 has been frenetic for the Indian two-wheeler industry with the Auto Expo being followed by multiple launches as the year progressed. Now with just over three months left in the calendar and the Dusshera-Diwali festive period just around the corner, Cartoq takes a look at 5 new motorcycles that are set to be launched in the final months of 2018.
Royal Enfield Interceptor
Expected launch date: September 22-26th, 2018
Expected Price – Rs. 3 lakhs
Royal Enfield first unveiled the Interceptor 650 at EICMA 2017 in Milan last November. The Indian motorcycle manufacturer then showcased the bike earlier this year at Ridermania in Goa. Now, Royal Enfield has sent out invites for a global test riding event in California between 22nd and 26th of September, which is also when the new Interceptor is expected to be formally launched. Sales in India though are expected to start only by around Diwali.
The Interceptor is a cruiser motorcycle powered by an all-new 650-cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that develops 46 Bhp at 7,100 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The new Interceptor like the rest of Royal Enfield’s updated line-up will feature dual-channel ABS as standard, which will aid the large 320-mm front and 240-mm rear disc brakes.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
Expected launch date: September 22-26th, 2018
Expected Price – Rs. 3.5 lakhs
Royal Enfield’s other new twin-cylinder motorcycle unveiled at EICMA 2017 was the Continental GT 650 cafe racer. The Continental GT 650 will be the most expensive motorcycle in Royal Enfield’s line-up and will be the brand’s flagship bike. The new Continental GT 650, like the Interceptor, is expected to be launched at Royal Enfield’s upcoming ride event in California later this month.
Mechanically, the Continental GT 650 is exactly the same as the Interceptor and is powered by the same all-new parallel twin powerplant. The liquid-cooled engine produces 46 Bhp at 7,100 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm and is paired to a 6-speed transmission.
Hero XPulse
Expected launch date: December 2018
Expected Price: Under Rs. 1 Lakh
The Hero XPulse adventure motorcycle debuted at the Auto Expo 2018, in February. The XPulse is the second new 200-cc motorcycle from Hero Motocorp after the Xtreme 200R, but its launch that was expected to happen this month has been delayed and the adventure bike is now expected to arrive on Indian roads by December 2018.
The XPulse is expected to be powered by the same air-cooled single-cylinder 200-cc engine that is found on the Xtreme 200R. The engine cranks out 18.2 Bhp and 17.2 Nm of peak torque and is paired to a 5-speed gearbox. However, we expect Hero to change the gear ratios to suit the XPulse’s adventure credentials. The XPulse also features dual-purpose tyres and long travel suspension.
Bajaj Dominar Facelift
Expected Launch – Diwali 2018
Expected Price – Rs. 1.8 lakhs
Bajaj launched the Dominar 400 in India less than two years ago in December 2016. Now, Bajaj is all set to give the Dominar a mid-life facelift to help it take the fight to Royal Enfield. However, the changes to the Dominar are more than just skin deep. The facelifted Dominar 400 will feature USD forks similar to the ones on the 390 Duke along with a new twin-canister exhaust and a new instrument cluster display. The facelifted Dominar will retain the 373-cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 35 Bhp and 35 Nm of torque and is expected to be offered with dual channel ABS as standard.
FB Mondial HPS 300
Expected Launch – October 2018
Expected Price – Rs. 3 lakhs
Italian motorcycle manufacturer FB Mondial was founded in 1929 and was revived in 2014 after a 10-year absence. The brand is best known for its domination of the World Motorcycle Championship (now MotoGP) from 1949 to 1957. The Italian bike maker is making its way into India through the Kinetic-owned Motorcycle brand. The first motorcycle it will launch is the HPS 300, which is a cross between scrambler and a cafe racer.
The HPS 300 is powered by a Piaggio-sourced 249-cc, liquid-cooled engine. The fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine produces 25 Bhp at 9,000 rpm and 22 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
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