2019 is over, well almost, and it's time to look back and choose what we liked riding or driving through the year. Despite what the market conditions were, manufacturers soldiered on to bring new and exciting products month-on-month, and as a result, we got some very exciting motorcycles coming to Indian shores. From the new generation BMW S 1000 RR to the affable Honda CB300R, the premium segment had some very interesting launches this year. So then let's look at nine of the most exciting premium motorcycles of the year that managed to impress us in different ways, setting new garage goals.
The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR has all-new bodywork, a new engine, new frame and new electronics suite
The quirkiest one of the litre-class motorcycles arrived in a new generation version this year and the new BMW S 1000 RR was even more likeable. The new generation BMW S 1000 RR turned out be much much easy to ride despite the overwhelming power figures, while a suite of electronics ensured it wasn't a death trap on two wheels. In the process though, the bike did lose a lot of its quirky styling and while it still is a handsome looking motorcycle, we do miss the asymmetrical headlamps that brought so much attention to the previous S 1000 RR in the first place.
The Ducati Diavel 1260 looks mean, muscular, and ready to pounce
Italian motorcycle maker Ducati developed the Diavel as a sports cruiser and while a number of manufacturers have latched on to this segment with their respective offerings, the Diavel still remains special. The new Ducati Diavel 1260 S arrived earlier this year dropping the X prefix from its name and with power uprated to 160 bhp. And while that may seem a lot, and for good reason, there a host of electronics to keep you safe, secure and confident. There are few bikes that can be classified as a cruiser, sports motorcycle and muscular street naked, all at once, and the Diavel manages to do just that effortlessly.
The Benelli Leoncino 500 and the 250 share the same design language, which is a head turner
7. Benelli Leoncino 500/250
Benelli commenced its second innings in India earlier this year and the bike maker has been quick to rollout motorcycles across varying segments. While it started operations with the launch of the TRK 502, it was the Leoncino 500 and later the 250 that really caught our eye. The new motorcycles really brought the scrambler-styled design to a more affordable range, which has largely been a Ducati and Triumph territory in India so far. The retro looks, easy ride-ability and a sweet-sounding exhaust note make the Leoncino twins one of the more likeable big bikes of the year.
The Honda CB300R comes to India as a global-spec model and is an excellent combination of power and practicality
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India's hasn't been extremely active in the quarter-litre segment since the CBR250R was launched in 2012. But the manufacturer did take the leap this year and by bringing the nw CB300R. What really made this model special is the fact that the Honda CB300R for India is a CKD offering and the global-spec version is on sale. The bike impressed us with its top-notch build quality, tractable engine and the neo-sports cafe design shared with the larger CB1000R. The Honda CB300R turned out to be popular even before the launch and the first batch of bikes were sold out even before prices were announced in February 2019.
The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC is a superb blend of modern classic design and adventure capability
The new Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC arrived in India this year and quite aptly lives up to the Scrambler name with its true off-road and go-anywhere capability. It is retro in design but does not shy away from taking the off-road trails head-on. The Scrambler 1200 XC provides all the adventure and fun of an adventure tourer without the excess baggage and at times, comfort. And sure, that may seem a little outlawed for the older lot of motorcyclists; but it gets everything going for those looking at adrenaline-inducing fun on a motorcycle. At Rs. 10.73 lakh (ex-showroom), it is easy on the pocket too over a full-sized ADV and can even match one on any kind of terrain.
The Indian FTR 1200 S is so refreshingly awesome yet not confined to a genre, which makes it so desirable
The Indian FTR 1200 S has been one of the biggest revelations of the year from what has traditionally been a cruiser manufacturer. It looks nothing like Indian has ever produced and the FTR 1200 grabs all the attention. The bike is designed as a road-going version of the 750 Flat Tracker, and the on-road mannerisms do match up to the same on the road-legal version. It is a corner carver and a dust-shedding off-roader at the same time. The Indian FTR 1200 S is one of the most desirable motorcycles we've had in India this year and if the Rs. 15.99 lakh (ex-showroom) sticker price looks affordable, you should think of getting one.
Albeit priced at a premium, the BMW F 850 GS is one of the best middleweight ADVs money can buy
Capable off-roaders are always welcome on the Indian terrain and the BMW F 850 GS arrived earlier this year as a new addition to this group. The middleweight adventure tourer boasts of impeccable fit and finish as well as grin-inducing performance. It is kitted well with a host of electronic aids and easily has the pose value that you would expect from a big German ADV. The big deterrent on the F 850 GS is the hefty price tag that starts from nearly Rs. 13 lakh (ex-showroom), and the top variants are substantially more expensive than the Triumph Tiger 800, Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati Multistrada 950. However, the bike does manage to leave you beaming with a smile every time you get off the saddle and that's hard to measure with a price tag.
The KTM 790 Duke is a sharply-dressed motorcycle that is an absolute maniac in the segment
After making us wait for nearly a decade now, KTM finally made its foray into the 600 cc and above performance motorcycle space, and there was no better way to start its innings than the 790 Duke. The absolute hooligan of a middleweight naked motorcycle, the KTM 790 Duke is compact, light and agile. Power delivery is sharp and seamless and the motorcycle is ever eager to head into the triple-digit territory on the instrument console. The Scalpel, as it is fondly called, does come with a suite of electronics including multi-level traction control, riding modes, cornering ABS and even an IMU system. The KTM 790 Duke is nearly the perfect upgrade for today's KTM 390 Duke buyer, but a slightly cheaper price tag would've made things so much more affordable and a lot more irresistible too.
Elegant and dapper, the Speed Twin is the faster retro Triumph that we always wanted!
If you thought retro motorcycles can't be adrenaline-rushing fun, the Triumph Speed Twin is here to make you reconsider. The bike is a quicker take on the popular Street Triple and Triumph pumped in more power and better ride-ability to make it a fast retro motorcycle. But what makes it special is that it continues to hold on to the practicality that a retro motorcycle has to offer and will easily be the bike you can ride to work and tour over the weekend. At Rs. 9.46 lakh (ex-showroom), the Triumph Speed Twin is a handsome looking purchase that does not compromise on speed or fun, and that's why it makes it to our list.
