MUMBAI :

Here’s a look at what’s in store from the two-wheeler industry in the coming year.

While 2023 has been an eventful year for the two-wheeler industry, in India, with several new motorcycles, scooters and EVs being launched, with the New Year around the corner, OEMs are gearing up to introduce their latest offerings in the Indian market. A few have even announced their two-wheeler product line-up for 2024 which includes a myriad of exciting models which buyers have been eagerly waiting for. Here’s a look at the motorcycles and scooters launching next year in India that we are really excited about….

New-Gen Hero Xpulse 210

Hero MotoCorp is working extensively on the next-generation model of the Xpulse which is slated to launch in India by mid 2024. The motorcycle has been spotted during its test runs with a new liquid-cooled 210 cc engine that we have already seen on the Karizma XMR. This engine puts out 25 bhp and 20.4 Nm while linked to a 6-speed gearbox. Though the spy images don’t reveal much about the cosmetic updates, we expect a substantial makeover in terms of styling. Whether the chassis remains unchanged in order to keep the costs in check, we don’t know yet, but we will get a confirmation on that when the Xpulse 210 debuts sometime in mid 2024.

Honda Activa EV

Honda’s first EV in India is going to be its most tried-and-trusted scooter - the Activa. Earlier this year, the brand made it official that Activa EV was under development and could be launched as early as March 2024 in the Indian market. To be manufactured locally at the company’s Manesar plant, it is expected to have a top speed of 60kmph. Honda Activa EV will be based on the petrol model and will come equipped with a fixed battery pack. To know more about the Activa EV’s battery, electric motor, range and charging time watch this space!

Bajaj CT 150X

Bajaj Auto, the home-grown automaker, has been working on a 150cc commuter motorcycle which will break cover in the second half of 2024. Recently, one of its test mules was spotted with heavy camouflage. From the outward looks of it what we can tell is that it will get a circular headlamp, a heavy-duty front suspension and a grab rail. In addition, there will also be a saree guard along with a footrest, an engine crash guard and rear tyre hugger. Will this commuter motorcycle house a retuned version of the 149.5cc engine from the Pulsar range and will it get an air-cooled unit with a 5-speed gearbox? Your guess is as good as mine!

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

The V-Strom 800DE adventure motorcycle will hit the Indian shores in early 2024. Recently, it was showcased at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo. Earlier this year, the motorcycle was also spotted on Indian roads, fueling the speculations that it would go on sale in India. Staying true to its Adv character, it gets multiple rugged elements in the form of a broader handlebar with knuckle guards, single-piece seat, top box and pannier mounts. Being a premium motorcycle, the V-Strom 800DE gets a plethora of bells and whistles such as traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, ride modes, dual-channel ABS, bi-directional quickshifter etc. Mechanically, the adventure motorcycle is powered by a 776cc twin-cylinder engine which generates top power of 83 bhp and peak torque of 78 Nm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox as standard. Upon launch in India, Suzuki V-Strom 800DE will rival BMW F850 GS and Triumph Tiger 900.

Royal Enfield Scram 650

Royal Enfield had a smashing 2023, owing to the huge success of the Super Meteor 650, the Bullet 350, and the Himalayan 450. Stepping into 2024, the company is all set to introduce a slew of new products in the domestic market. The first one to be launched will be the Scram 650 early next year which has been spotted multiple times, in fact, even fully undisguised. It will borrow the instrument cluster from the recently launched Himalayan with Google Maps integration and several other connectivity features. The Scram 650 will share its chassis with the Interceptor 650 while being touted as the lightest motorcycle in Royal Enfield’s 650cc portfolio. It will carry the same 648cc parallel-twin engine which offers decent off-roading capabilities.

Benelli BKX300

Benelli BKX300 made its global debut at the EICMA 2023 in Milan, Italy. Contrary to the brand’s TRK range, the BKX300 flaunts a minimalistic design with elements like single-piece seat, LED headlamp and body fairing. Riding on 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel, it would directly rival KTM 250 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Mechanically, it carries a 292cc, single-cylinder engine which develops top power of 29 bhp and peak torque of 24.5 Nm. The engine is offered with a 6-speed gearbox alongside an assist and slipper clutch as standard. The BKX300 could be launched around late 2024 in the Indian market.

Aprilia RS 457

Aprilia RS 457 broke cover in Sep 2023 and, it should be launched in early 2024 in the Indian market. Being locally developed at the brand’s production facility in Baramati, Maharashtra - it is expected to come at a price tag below INR 4 lakh with a direct challenge to Kawasaki Ninja 400 and KTM RC 390. As far as looks are concerned, it appears quite similar to the 660 and 1100 models in Aprilia’s line-up. The motorcycle comes fitted with several premium features in the form of 5.0-inch TFT display, backlit switchgear, ride-by-wire, slip-assist clutch and three-level traction control. Mechanically, the RS 457 would feature a liquid-cooled engine which would be good enough for 48 bhp.

Kawasaki Z650RS

The MY24 Kawasaki Z650RS had its world premiere in Oct 2023 and it is expected to be launched in the Indian market by mid 2024. It has been introduced with a three-level Kawasaki Traction Control System (KTRS) as standard, besides the dual-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The neo-retro styling is heavily inspired by its elder sibling, the Z900RS with elements like circular headlamp, golden-colored alloys and semi-digital instrument cluster. The 2024 Z650RS will be powered by the same 649cc parallel-twin engine as the Ninja 650 and Versys 650. The current model is locally assembled and is priced at INR 6.92 Lakh. 

BMW CE02

BMW Motorrad is all set to launch its first electric offering in the form of the CE02 around March 2024 in the Indian market. Recently, the company officially announced that production of the e-scooter has started at the Hosur factory of TVS Motor Company. Being designed specifically for India, it was showcased as a Concept at the 2022 India Bike Week (IBW). The CE02 will have a range of 100km on single charge while the top speed is rated at around 100kmph. The kerb weight of the scooter is likely to be below 120 kg and it rides on 12-inch wheels. Expect the price of the BMW CE02 to be around INR 2-2.50 Lakh.

2024 Yamaha MT-09

The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 has been revealed by the brand with an array of cosmetic updates. The motorcycle gets a new angular face with a sharper headlamp and restyled fuel tank. However, the biggest changes are the inclusion of new Bridgestone Hypersport S23 tyres and Brembo master cylinder. The single-piece seat of the previous model has been replaced by a split-seat setup with a USB C-type charger underneath it. Yamaha has introduced acoustic vents around the fuel tank in order to accentuate the exhaust sound which is quite fascinating as we seldom see such a feature in motorcycles. As far as the engine is concerned, it carries the same unit with no changes in power output. Yamaha is expected to launch the new MT-09 sometime in 2024 in India.

Moto Morini X-Cape 1200

Moto Morini, the Italian two-wheeler brand, unveiled the X-Cape 1200 at the EICMA 2023 amidst much fanfare. The motorcycle would be launched in India next year and would be sold alongside the X-Cape 650. The styling is heavily inspired by the Dakar motorcycles with an aggressive front. The motorcycle rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels which are shod with dual-purpose Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres. As for features, the X-Cape 1200 comes with a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster, cruise control and navigation. Weighing around 250 kg, it is powered by a 1187cc Corsa Corta Evo V2 engine which makes top power of 125 bhp. 

Ola Electric Motorcycles

Ola Electric unveiled four motorcycle concepts on Aug 15, 2023 at its Future Factory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. The four motorcycles, Diamondhead, Adventure, Roadster and Cruiser, are expected to be launched by the end of 2024 in the Indian market. In fact, the pre-booking for the motorcycles has already commenced. The motorcycles were also seen at the inaugural edition of the MotoGP Bharat, in Noida. The battery capacity, range and charging time have not been revealed by Ola for obvious reasons and but it is expected to be out in the public domain closer to the launch. However, we expect the electric motorcycles to have a range in excess of 300 km on a single charge. Ideally, the price should start around INR 2 lakh.