Auto Expo 2016: Top 10 Bikes

1) Honda Africa Twin

So, the legend is finally here, at least on display! The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is coming to India sometime later this year. Now, the Africa Twin is a legendary name in the adventure motorcycle segment, based on the Honda NXR750 which won the Dakar Rally four times in the 1980s. Honda has revived the name after more than a decade - the last Africa Twin was phased out sometime in 2003.

The new one - this - is powered by a 998cc parallel twin engine, which makes about 94bhp power and 98Nm torque. Interestingly, the earlier Africa Twins were all V-twins. Internationally, the new Africa Twin is available in a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission as well, but in India, we will probably get only the 6-speed manual transmission.

Also Read: Honda Africa Twin Showcased in India

Honda says the Africa Twin will be assembled in India, and that should see it priced well. Of course, pricing will be crucial, and this will compete against the likes of the Triumph Tiger 800 series, Kawasaki Versys 1000, Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and the likes in the segment.

2. Benelli TRK 502

This here is the new Benelli TRK 502, the latest adventure tourer from DSK Benelli. It certainly looks the part of the adventure tourer capable of taking you across continents. That 'beaky' front look which seems to be the norm these days for adventure bike styling, off-road tyres, 150mm suspension travel both front and rear complete the adventure tourer capabilities.

The engine is a new 500cc parallel-twin motor which makes about 47-48bhp of power and 45Nm of torque. There's a large 20-litre fuel tank as well for extended range during those long rides.

Again, pricing is crucial and we think this is going to be priced between Rs. 6-6.5 lakh undercutting the Kawasaki Versys 650, its true rival and will certainly make it a very desirable adventure tourer.

Also Read: DSK Benelli TRK 502 Review

3. Triumph Street Twin

The Triumph Street Twin is the latest iteration of the classic Bonneville series and is replacing the standard Bonneville. This of course, follows the traditional classic design cues but also looks contemporary. It's a neo-retro classic in the truest sense.

The engine is all-new and displaces 900cc from the four stroke parallel-twin set up. It's been tuned to deliver usable power and torque, so you get 80Nm of torque at just 3,200rpm.

The Street Twin has just been launched and priced at Rs 6.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Now, we think that's very good pricing because you get a lot of additional features which weren't available in the older Bonneville it replaces. So you get ride-by-wire throttle, different riding modes to choose from, ABS, traction control and even a slip-assist clutch.

4. Yamaha MT-09

Yamaha has just upped the performance game with the MT-09. It will be imported to India as a completely built unit and is priced at Rs 10.2 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The MT-09 follows the similar naked street design philosophy and looks nice and muscular with a compact chassis. The bike's powered by a brand new high-torque, three-cylinder 847cc engine which makes over 113bhp and 87Nm of torque.

It's going to be interesting to see how it stacks up in the Indian market; since it's going to have tough competition from the likes of the Kawasaki Z800 and the Triumph Street Triple, two of the established names in the naked performance space.

Also Read: Auto Expo 2016: Top 10 Cars

5. UM Renegade

UM motorcycles have launched three variants of its Renegade series of cruiser motorcycles - the Renegade Sport, Renegade Commando and the Renegade Classic. All three bikes share the same engine - a 279cc single cylinder, liquid cooled engine that makes about 25bhp power and 22Nm of torque.

The gearbox is a six-speed unit and the wide handlebars, low slung seat and classic cruiser looks certainly will find a fan base. Best part is the pricing - from Rs 1.49 lakh to Rs 1.69 lakh across the range.

Now, UM is a US-based two wheeler manufacturer and the Indian venture is a 50:50 joint venture with Lohia Auto. UM already has presence in several South East Asian markets and eventually plans to make India an export hub for all markets.

Also Read: Best Bikes in India 2015

6) Hero Splendor 110 iSmart

Hero MotoCorp is the undisputed king of the commuter motorcycle space and the recent years have seen the automaker retain that position independently without ex-partner Honda's technical assistance. The new Splendor 110 iSmart is another step in the same direction that takes the legendary motorcycle moniker forward.

Also Read: Hero MotoCorp Unveils First In-House Bike Splendor iSmart 110

What really makes the new Splendor iSmart interesting is the fact that the model has been completely designed and built in-house by Hero and has the potential to be a best seller. More so because the Indian two-wheeler giant has resurrected its 'Fill it, shut it and forget it' tagline, which once featured on the very popular Hero Honda CD100.

Power on the new Hero Splendor iSmart comes from an 110cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine that is paired to a 4-speed gearbox The bike is said to be 9 per cent more power and 12 per cent more torque than the outgoing iSmart and is also more fuel efficient. Other updates include an analog-digital instrument cluster, split grab rails, new fuel tank and tail lamps. The bike will roll out later this year with a marginally premium price tag over the existing model.

7) Honda NAVi

There was a lot of curiosity related to the NAVi when the teasers first rolled out last month and very little was known on what Honda was actually planning to showcase. As the curtains dropped on February 3, the Honda NAVi was revealed as a mini bike bringing a scooter and a motorcycle together, being based on the very familiar Activa 110. Yes! You can read that again.

Power comes from an 110cc single-cylinder, air-cooled four-stroke engine seen on the Activa that produces 7.8bhp and 8.96Nm of torque, while using the V-Matic automatic transmission. Honda promises a top speed of 81 km/hr, while the automaker's HET technology ensures a higher fuel efficiency figure. The NAVi has left most baffled with its dimensions and the quirky looks only adds questions to the motorcycle/scooter's existence.

Priced at Rs. 39,500/- (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Hond NAVi is pocket-friendly as well and somehow looks a lot of fun, making it something we can't wait to get our hands on. Moreover, there are a tonne of customization options to get the right look for your tastes. Bookings are open for the NAVi with deliveries to commence in April.

8) Triumph Thruxton R

It is a great time to fulfil your retro dreams with the old school styling making a comeback with modern technology. Triumph has showcased one such interesting piece the 2016 Thruxton R that will be launched later this year in the country. Part of the Bonneville family inclusive of the Street Twin and T120, the Thruxton R cafe racer is all about performance with its 1200cc parallel-twin engine belting out 122Nm of torque at 4950rpm.

The high torque motor gets further appealing with the additional kit on board with the Brembo disc brakes with Monobloc calipers, fully adjustable Ohlins suspension among other bits. This ensures that the performance is top notch with the new additional tech and lighter chassis.

The most expensive Bonneville is expected to be priced around the Rs. 10 lakh (ex-showroom) mark and will arrive later this year.

9) BMW G 310 R

The much awaited child of TVS-BMW - the G 310 R was unveiled late last year and Indian motorcycle enthusiasts could not wait to see the bike in flesh. Thankfully, BMW did not disappoint and showcased its smallest offering at the 2016 Auto Expo, which will be coming to India towards the end of this year.

A rival to the KTM Duke 390, Mahindra Mojo and the likes, the BMW G 310 R gets design influences from the S 1000 RR as well as the R 1200 R and gets styling influences from the heavily sculpted fuel tank, gold front forks and triangular headlamp. Power comes from a new 313cc c liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor producing 34bhp and peak torque of 28Nm. The bike gets a 6-speed gearbox, while the 158.5 kg makes for a decent power-to-weight ratio.

Also Read: BMW G 310 R Unveiled in India

We already know the BMW G 310 R will be made-in-India and exported overseas from TVS' Hosur plant and the first impressions make the model look likeable. What it also signifies is the official entry of BMW Motorrad in India and will be sold through its independent dealerships. So, expect a price around Rs. 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom) and gets dual-channel ABS as standard.

10) Indian Roadmaster

If you are done with the budget as well as premium bikes and want to tour without leaving your comfort zone, the Indian Roadmaster will be here later this year to your rescue offering exceptionally good looks, ample of performance and a luxurious ride to keep you comfortable.

The Indian Roadmaster comes loaded with a tonne of features including keyless ignition, electronically adjustable windscreen, integrated audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, Pathfinder LED lights, leather seats with heater, remote locking and saddle bags. Quite a stellar package, the Roadmaster's footprint is equally intimidating measuring 2656mm in length, 1012mm in width and 1572mm in height.

Also Read: Indian Roadmaster Unveiled

An 1811cc Thunderstroke V-Twin motor produces 139Nm of torque on the Indian Roadmaster that ensures the 421 kg (dry weight) cruiser moves like a beast. With a price tag expected around Rs. 40 lakh (ex-showroom), the 1940s styled vintage cruiser is the new flagship from Indian Motorcycles and is for the affluent tourer who wouldn't mind a million glares on the road.