2019 Bikes: From scooters to adventure tourers, here's a list of upcoming two-wheelers

2019 is surely looking great for the two-wheeler enthusiast with a slew of launches set to take place in this calendar year. From scooters to adventure tourers, there are some exciting two-wheelers headed our way. Here’s all that you need to know and start saving for your new bike.

SCOOTERS

[caption id=“attachment_2540080” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Hero Maestro Edge. Image: Overdrive[/caption] Hero Maestro Edge 125 Hero’s Maestro Edge 125 was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo and is due to go on sale next year. It’ll get the same 125cc engine that powers the Hero Destini along with a few cosmetic changes and additional features. TVS Jupiter 125 TVS could simply transplant the Ntorq’s super refined 125cc engine to its highly popular family scooter, the Jupiter. The 9.4PS motor is an absolute gem and should add some pep to the Jupiter, increasing its appeal. TVS Ntorq 150 After the remarkable success of the Ntorq 125, we think the Ntorq 150 is what TVS will channel development towards. The chassis can certainly handle the extra power and torque, as so capably demonstrated by the TVS Ntroq rally scooter.

PREMIUM SPORTS BIKES

[caption id=“attachment_5824691” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] KTM 3C 390 2019. Image: KTM[/caption] 2019 KTM RC 390 The 2019 RC 390 will feature cosmetic as well as mechanical changes. The new model will have a reprofiled fairing and windscreen with improved aerodynamics. Expect a TFT instrument panel, similar to the one on the KTM 390 Duke. Expect KTM to launch it at EICMA 2019 and the India launch soon after. (Image source: MCN) 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 The 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 receives a major overhaul in terms of design and equipment. As is the case with the new crop of R-series bikes, the new R3 also looks like a scaled down YZF-R1. New KYB 37mm USD forks are expected to contribute towards better handling without compromising on comfort. The 321cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin is the same as seen in the previous bike, except it makes more power. Suzuki Gixxer 250 The Gixxer 250 is Suzuki’s answer to the Yamaha FZ25, an affordable 250cc motorcycle that has done quite well in India. The Gixxer 250 is expected to get a new, oil-cooled 250cc engine mated to either a five or six-speed gearbox, and we’d prefer the latter for better highway capabilities. Power output should be in the 25-27PS range and Suzuki may employ a beefier iteration of the current Gixxer’s chassis to keep costs low.

MID-RANGE SPORTS BIKES

[caption id=“attachment_5824701” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] 2019 Honda CBR 650 R. Image: Honda[/caption] 2019 Honda CBR 650 R The 2019 CBR 650 R is a radical departure from its almost staid predecessor, be it in terms of looks or performance. The CBR 1000RR Fireblade inspired fairing looks aggressive while the 95PS inline-four engine and reduced weight contribute to better power to weight ratio.

FULL-SIZED SPORTS BIKES

[caption id=“attachment_5824711” align=“alignnone” width=“1024”] Aprilia 2019 RSV4 1100 Factory. Image: Overdive[/caption] 2019 S 1000 RR The smashing new S 1000 RR is the German manufacturer’s attempt at gaining litre-class supremacy and they seem to have gone the whole hog. Powering the new motorcycle is a new engine that develops 207PS and 113Nm and has BMW’s ShiftCam technology that valve timing and lift on the intake side. The new, Flex frame is slimmer and lighter, by 1.3kg with the engine as the stressed member. Expect it to price on the other side of Rs 30 lakh. 2019 RSV4 1100 Factory Aprilia has made some big changes to the RSV4 series with the main focus on increased displacement that now stands at 1078cc. As a result, power has gone up to 217PS at 13,200rpm and 123Nm at 11,000rpm. The bike also gets a new ECU, Brembo Stylema brakes, Ohlins Nix forks, with 5mm additional travel and an Ohlins TTX monoshock. Both the base RR and Factory versions get Aprilia’s brilliant suite of electronics. Expect prices to go up significantly, close to about Rs 30 lakh on-road.

PREMIUM CRUISERS

[caption id=“attachment_5824721” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] Ducati Diavel 1260/ 1260 S[/caption] Ducati Diavel 1260/ 1260 S Ducati says that the new generation Diavel builds on the strong foundations of its predecessor. The new Testastretta DVT 1262 engine is capable of producing 159PS and 129Nm. The new Diavel is sleeker and has a new trellis frame while the sportier S version of the Diavel 1260 features fully adjustable Öhlins suspension at both front and rear, dedicated wheels and Ducati Quick Shift (up and down) Evo (DQS) as standard to allow clutchless shifting. Expect it to go on sale early 2019.

PREMIUM NAKEDS

Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401 Based on the smashing KTM 390 Duke, both the Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401 will spearhead Husqvarna’s entry into the Indian market. While the engine and chassis are identical, the Svartpilen 401 is the scrambler version. Kawasaki Z400 [caption id=“attachment_5824741” align=“alignnone” width=“1024”] Kawasaki Z400[/caption] The street-naked version of the Ninja 400 shares everything from the trellis frame to the 399cc, liquid-cooled twin cylinder engine and suspension with its faired sibling. That said, the engine is detuned to produce 45PS instead of the 49PS power output that the Ninja 400’s motor produces. Expect the Z400 to cost Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000 less than its supersport sibling. Yamaha MT-03 The MT-03 is the naked version of the YZF-R3 and is literally identical to its sibling, save for the fairing. The parallel-twin engine is sweet and its friendly dynamics should make it an interesting choice. Yamaha could launch the bike by the 2019 festive season. [caption id=“attachment_5824751” align=“alignnone” width=“1200”] Yamaha MT-03. Image: Yamaha[/caption] Yamaha MT-15/ FZ16 V3 The MT-15/ FZ16 V3 could be based on the superb Yamaha YZF-R15 V3, albeit without the fairing. A liquid-cooled, performance packed engine and Deltabox chassis will underline the bike’s features and it could go up against the KTM 125 Duke. 2019 Bajaj Dominar The new Dominar 400 promises to iron out the niggles that plagued the model it replaces. The engine is expected to be more refined and make more power with a DOHC setup. The front forks will be USD, like the ones you get on KTM Dukes and RCs. The bike could also get a ride by wire and an improved LCD display. Prices may go up by Rs 15,000-Rs 20,000

HYPERNAKEDS

[caption id=“attachment_5824781” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] Ducati Hypermotard 950. Image: Ducati[/caption] Ducati Hypermotard 950 The 2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 has a new 937cc Testastretta L-twin motor that makes more power (114PS), torque (95). A Bosch six-axis IMU with cornering ABS and slide by brake function headlines the electronics package while the SP variant with increased travel Ohlins and Marchesini forged wheels simply ups the ante. Could go on sale by mid-2019.

MID-RANGE NAKEDS

[caption id=“attachment_5824801” align=“alignnone” width=“1024”] Benelli Leoncino.[/caption] Benelli Leoncino The 50PS/45Nm 499.6cc Leoncino is almost ready to launch now. We believe the bike will be priced at around Rs 4.5 lakh.

MID-RANGE SPORTS NAKEDS

KTM 790 Duke The new 790 Duke could just be the perfect step up for the current crop of 390 Duke owners. While the design language is as radical as other members of the Duke family, a brand new 105PS and 86Nm, 799cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor promises explosive performance. With C&D production, expect a good price! [caption id=“attachment_5824821” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] KTM 790 Duke.[/caption] 2019 Katana 1000 The new Katana revives a popular moniker that Suzuki first introduced in 1981. Based on Suzuki’s GSX-S series motorcycles, it gets the legendary K5, in-line four engine that develops 152PS. The iconic fairing incorporates a retro-styled, rectangular LED headlamp and the overall look is more butch than the original. The new Suzuki Katana will appeal to anyone who had even an iota of desire for the 80’s original. Kawasaki Z900 Kawasaki’s Z900 could finally get updates in the form of traction control and possibly a design update to take on the Suzuki GSX-S750

ENTRY-LEVEL ADVENTURE TOURERS

[caption id=“attachment_5824841” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] XPulse.[/caption] XPulse 200 and XPulse 200T The XPulse 200T is the street-biased version of the XPulse 200 that will also go on sale in early 2019. Prices will hover around the Rs 1-1.1lakh mark. The XPulse 200T sits 30mm than the 200, has taller gearing, different handlebar and seat. It also gets a 17-inch front wheel and a different tune for the front suspension. Bajaj Kratos 400 Bajaj is reportedly working on a focussed entry-level Adv that could be called the Kratos 400. It will use the Dominar 400’s engine with long travel suspension. It should cost just under Rs 2 lakh.

MID-RANGE ADVENTURE TOURERS

[caption id=“attachment_5805881” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] Benelli TRX 502.[/caption] Benelli TRK 502 and 502X Slated to go on sale in early 2019, the TRK is Benelli’s entrant in the growing middleweight adventure-tourer market. The 502 and 502X (off-road biased) are powered by the same 499.6cc, a liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that churns out 47.6PS and 45Nm, mated to a six-speed transmission. MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 The MV Adv tourer is likely to arrive end 2019 at Rs 17 lakh featuring the Brutale 800’s 125PS/81Nm 798cc triple. If it’s as nutty as the Brutale 800, it’ll be mega fun!

FULL-SIZED ADVENTURE TOURERS

[caption id=“attachment_5824861” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] BMW 1250 GS. Image: BMW[/caption] BMW 1250 GS The legendary BMW GS gets an all-new 1,254cc boxer engine (138PS/ 143Nm) as well as a host of electronics and equipment upgrades to stay relevant in the ever-evolving adventure bike segment. Besides the engine, there’s an advanced semi-active electronic suspension with automatic load compensation and trick electronics. BMW India should launch the bike by the first half of 2019. Honda Africa Twin Adventure The Africa Twin Adventure Sport has a bigger tank and other bits. Hopefully, Honda will bring manual transmission too! CKD assembled, expect prices around Rs 15-16 lakh and a late 2019 launch. Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro The Multistrada 1260 Enduro is the hardcore off-road biased version of the incredible Multistrada 1260 S. Changes include 10mm lower seat height and 30mm lower handlebars. The 1,262cc Testastretta V-twin engine produces 85 per cent of its peak torque below 3,500rpm and the clever electronics along with the dual-purpose Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres ensuring good off-road capability.

SCRAMBLERS

[caption id=“attachment_5824871” align=“alignnone” width=“1024”] Triumph Scrambler 1200[/caption] Triumph Scrambler 1200 The Scrambler 1200 is aimed at the off-road riding enthusiast and the specs certainly look promising. The 1,200cc engine makes 90PS/ 110Nm, and state-of-the-art electronics including an IMU make it a juicy proposition. It’ll be launched in two specs, XC and XE, by the first half of 2019.

RETRO/CLASSIC

[caption id=“attachment_5824881” align=“alignnone” width=“1024”] Triumph Speed Twin.[/caption] Triumph Speed Twin The Speed Twin is the newest member of the Bonneville family and gets the sweet, Thruxton R’s engine as well as the suspension and chassis. Expect it to go on sale early 2019.