August 2022 is set to be a busy month in terms of car unveils and launches, but the same isn't the case for motorcycles. Though not many two-wheeler launches are scheduled for this month, there are a few notable two-wheelers set to hit the market. Let's take a look at what they are.
Royal Enfield is set to unveil its most accessible model - the Hunter - 350 in the first week of this month. The motorcycle is aimed at offering people upgrading from the commuter segment an ideal entry point into the 350 cc segment. While the specifications of the motorcycle are still to be officially revealed, it is expected that the bike will be the smallest, lightest and most compact model in Royal Enfield's range. The 350 cc J-Series engine will be carried over from the Classic 350 & Meteor 350, and it is likely that it will develop an identical 20.2 bhp & 27 Nm torque as it does in those models.
The Hunter 350 will be Royal Enfield's most affordable motorcycle.
The Hunter 350 will go up against the likes of the Honda CB 350 RS, Jawa 42 and TVS Ronin. We expect prices to be in the region of Rs 1.70 lakh (ex-showroom), making it the most affordable model in Royal Enfield's line up.
Honda is set to unveil a new two-wheeler on August 8, 2022, and the Japanese manufacturer is bringing the model via its BigWing line up, ruling out the launch of any small motorcycle or scooter. Honda has been tight lipped about its upcoming product, and it used the word 'Formidable' while making the launch date announcement, confirming almost no detail about the two-wheeler.
We expected that the new motorcycle will not be based on the Honda CB 350 motorcycles already on sale in India, and is likely to be based on a new platform with an engine between 300-500 cc. It is expected that the model could be either the Forza 350 premium maxi-scooter, which was spotted testing in India earlier, or the Honda CRF300L adventure bike, which was also spotted at a dealership. But these are only speculations, and we will have to wait until next week to find out which model it is.
Zontes & Moto Morini announced their arrival in the Indian market last month. Zontes has announced that it will be launching 5 motorcycles in India this year, and the launches could start in August. The 5 upcoming 350 cc motorcycles include the 350R, 350T, 350T ADV, 350X, and GK350. The product range consist of Naked Sports, Sports, Café Racer, Tourer, and Adventure Tourer.
While Zontes is set to make its mark in the 350 cc segment, Moto Morini will be entering the 650 cc segment in the Indian market. Moto Morini's upcoming motorcycles will be powered by its 649 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine which develops 59 bhp. The brand's upcoming models include two roadsters and a new adventure bike, called the Moto Morini X-Cape, which may be launched in India this month. The X-Cape rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination, shod with off-road ready Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres. Suspension duties are handled by a beefy 50 mm, fully adjustable upside down front fork from Marzocchi, while rear suspension features adjustable preload and rebound damping.
Both the Zontes and Moto Morini brands have partnered with AARI (Adishwar Auto Ride India Private Limited) to retail their models in India. Also partnered with the Indian firm are European brands Benelli and Keeway, but now under Chinese ownership. While Keeway debuted three two-wheelers earlier, we may also see a new product from the manufacturer launching this month, as it looks to expand its line up.
