The Auto Expo 2018 gets bigger and better every year and in its 14th edition too, things have been exciting. The current season also stands testimony to the growing affinity of a range of motorcycles that the Indian consumer can digest and that's what we saw from several manufacturers as well. Manufacturers launched or unveiled some extremely stunning bikes that not only look spectacular at the pavilion, but will also hit the market soon. We take a look at the best five bikes at the 2018 Auto Expo that we can't wait to hit the Indian streets.
(BMW F750 GS debuting at the 2018 Auto Expo)
BMW Motorrad introduced the F750 GS and F850 GS at the 2018 Auto Expo. Both adventure motorcycles enter a highly lucrative segment and are powered by the 853 cc twin-cylinder engine but in different states of tune. The F750 GS has been priced at Rs. 12.20 lakh while the F850 GS is slightly more expensive at Rs. 13.70 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
The F 750 GS and F 850 GS are compact, lightweight and offer a slightly smaller and lighter alternative to big adventure touring bikes like the BMW R 1200 GS. The bikes will be arriving as CBUs in the country with deliveries to commence by mid-2018.
(Aprilia RS150)
While we've loved them in their litre-class avatar, Aprilia also showcased the 150 cc versions of the RS and Tuono 150, and both bikes look absolutely delectable. The Aprilia RS150 and Tuono 150 are quite literally scaled down versions of their super bike versions and are absolutely head turners. The bikes are powered by a 150 cc, liquid-cooled engine with fuel-injection that churns out about 18 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 14 Nm of peak torque at 7500 rpm. Both bikes will be heading to India sometime next year and will certainly will be a handful. The Yamaha R15 finally would have true competition then.
(2018 Yamaha YZF-R15 V3)
Speaking of which, Yamaha just took a giant step with the launch of the all-new R15 V3. The new full-faired offering have been a long waited one and finally makes it to India in an all-new look. The design is sharper and designed to be more aerodynamic, while power comes from an all-new 155 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor that makes 19 bhp of power. The motor also comes with variable valve actuation (VVA) for more low-end torque, along with a slipper clutch and LED headlamps. With a price tag of Rs. 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the R15 V3 is marginally more expensive than its predecessor but promises to be a highly lucrative package.
(Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX)
By far the biggest superbike launch at the 2018 Auto Expo, India Kawasaki Motor launched the Ninja H2 SX in the country with prices starting from Rs. 21.80 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The Ninja H2 SX is the sports tourer version based on the supercharged Ninja H2 and gets a additional fairing and panniers, along with a revised riding position. The wheelbase has been increased as well, and the bike gets additional electronic wizardry including traction control, cornering ABS, IMU and a lot more.
(Hero XPulse 200 Adventure Tourer)
Hero's big adventure motorcycle has been unveiled for India in its production-ready guise. The 200 cc offering will go on sale later this year with about 18 bhp and 17.1 Nm of peak torque on offer. Unveiled at EICMA last year, the XPulse is a spiritual upgrade to the Impulse 150, but gets a lot more tech on offer including an all-digital console with smartphone based navigation, LED headlamp and taillight, spoked-wheels and a luggage rack integrated grab rail. The bike is expected to be game changer for the bike maker, especially with the growing affinity towards adventure motorcycles in the country. Prices are expected to start at around Rs. 1.1 lakh (ex-showroom) for the XPulse 200.
