EICMA 2015: 7 Motorcycles Heading to India

1) Suzuki GSX-R1000

Developed with the help of Suzuki's MotoGP division, the Japanese conglomerate unveiled a completely redesigned iteration of its flagship GSX-R1000 L7 superbike. Suzuki has gone as far as to state that the completely redesigned GSX-R1000 aims to be the 'fastest, lightest, and most powerful GSX-R yet.' The bike's engine is equipped with centrifugal Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology to help improve the bike's low-end torque without sacrificing its peak power.

The bikemaker also surprised the world by claiming that the Suzuki GSX-R1000 would be so well engineered that it wouldn't require an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Other features include 10 levels of traction control, a new quick shifter, 3 engine settings to choose between using the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, and launch control. The suspension system includes racing-inspired Showa front forks and shock-absorbers. The bike's expected launch period is sometime in the latter half of 2016.

2) UM Renegade Sport S

American motorcycle manufacturer UM has showcased its Renegade Sport S cruiser at this year's EICMA show. The bike is powered by a single-cylinder, 279cc engine capable of 26.2bhp at 8,600rpm and 22.76Nm of torque at 6,300rpm. The electronically fuel injected engine is water-cooled and is paired with a 6-speed gear box. The suspension system includes a 41mm telescopic fork setup at the front and dual-shocks at the rear. The TVS 110 section front tyre is fitted with a 17inch rim whereas the TVS 140 section rear tyre is fitted with a 15-inch rim. UM Motorcycles is expected to launch itself into the Indian market at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo and the Renegade Sport is likely to be one of its first few offerings in the sub-continent.

3) Benelli TNT 25

Italian motorcycle brand Benelli unveiled its new single-cylinder sport bike called the TNT-25 a.k.a BN-251 at the ongoing 2015 EICMA show. The bike is powered by a single-cylinder, 249cc, liquid-cooled engine that makes 24.1bhp and 21Nm of torque. Transmission is provided by a 6-speed manual gearbox. In terms of styling, the BN-251 looks very similar to its twin-cylindered cousin, the Benelli TNT 300. Design elements like the exposed trellis frame, angular fuel tank, and chunky, side-mounted exhaust pipe all add to its sporty appeal.

Silvered front forks provided suspension to the front whereas the rear features a swingarm mounted shock absorber. The TNT-25 also features a 280mm disc brake at the front and 240mm brake disc at the rear. A 110/70 section ZR17 tyre is used in the front while a 150/60 section ZR17 tyre is used at the back of the bike. The motorcycle is likely to be launched in early 2016 with its Indian launch to follow soon after. The bike will be re-christened as the Benelli TNT 25 when it finally arrives in India where it will go up against the KTM Duke 200.

4) KTM RC390

Austrian bikemaker KTM displayed the refreshed version RC390 sports bike at this year's EICMA show. The new bike features very few cosmetic changes as compared to its predecessor with most of the major updates occurring to its mechanicals. The bike now features a Euro4 compliant aluminium silencer, slipper clutch, 320mm front disc brake, ABS with the option to disconnect, adjustable brake and clutch levers, and Ride-by-wire technology.

The 2016 KTM RC390 will continue to derive power from the existing single-cylinder, 373.2cc engine that delivers 43.4bhp at 9,500rpm and 35Nm of torque at 7,250rpm. The bike is expected to arrive in India at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo.

5) Yamaha MT-03

The Yamaha MT-03 is a naked street version of the recently launched YZF-R3. It's powered by an in-line, twin-cylinder, 321cc engine that makes 41.6bhp and 29.6Nm of torque. The bike has been designed to look distinctly like a street fighter, a fact that is clearly highlighted by the comfortable and low seat height of 780mm which allows for a more upright riding position.

Once launched in India, the Yamaha MT-03 will compete against the Benelli TNT 300, KTM Duke 390, Kawasaki Z250 and the eagerly anticipated BMW G310R. Similar to most of the other bikes on this list, expect to see the MT-03 at next year's Delhi Auto Expo.

6) Ducati Scrambler Sixty2

The Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 is the smallest capacity motorcycle to come out of the Ducati stable. The bike is powered by a Euro4 rated 400cc, V-Twin engine that puts out 41bhp and 34Nm of torque. This new smaller-capacity offering has been created to lure in the mass bulk of the motorcycle market by offering consumers a Ducati that's easy on the pocket. This plan of action could see it selling in relatively higher volumes, especially in emerging markets like India's.

However despite it being a 'budget' version of the extremely popular Scrambler, the designers at Ducati have ensured that the bike still looks like a proper Scrambler by maintaining its chic and retro styling elements.

7) Ducati XDiavel

In addition to the Scrambler Sixty2, Ducati also showcased 6 other upcoming motorcycles in its range, the most exciting of which was the XDiavel. Said to be a crossover between a low-speed cruiser and a performance bike, the XDiavel features 60 ergonomic riding position configurations and a maximum lean angle of 40 degrees signifying that the bike is both a capable cruiser, and a decent performer in the twisties. Additionally, the peak torque comes in at a lowly 5,000rpm which should make at a breeze to ride at low speeds.

The Ducati XDiavel is propelled by a 1,262cc Testastretta DVT engine that makes 156bhp and 128Nm of peak torque. The 'S' variant of the XDiavel includes a list of additional bells and whistles such as machined frame plates, 12-spoke wheels and Brembo M50 brake calipers.