Exclusive: Mahindra's 155cc engine Spied Testing for the First Time

Mahindra 2-Wheelers has had an ambitious road map with its future set of products and has worked extensively to introduce a wide range of models across different segments. Having a scooter, motorcycle and performance bike under its umbrella, speculations were rife of the manufacturer working on a 160cc motorcycle. We can now put the rumour mill to rest as the powertrain for this new bike has been caught testing for the first time.

Mahindra 155cc Bike Test Mule

Spotted testing somewhere near Pune, Maharashtra, the spy shots reveal the new engine that will be powering Mahindra's upcoming 160cc motorcycle. Our source tells us that the engine in question is a 155cc single-cylinder, 2 or 3 valve, SOHC air-cooled unit. The new motor has been developed in-house by Mahindra, much like the Gusto and will help the bike maker enter the highly popular and competitive 150cc segment.

Furthermore, the engine will displace close to 15PS of power and is complimented with a light kerb weight, making for a good power-to-weight ratio. If the power figures indeed turn out to be the same, the manufacturer's next offering will be on par with most rivals in the segment.

Mahindra 155cc Engine Spy Shot

The spy shot here shows the engine being tested on a utilitarian styled bike complete with a luggage carrier and gets a simplistic instrument console as well as twin shock absorbers at the rear. The rear tyre too is wider than regular utilitarian bikes. It is likely that Mahindra is preparing a Bajaj Boxer rivaling 150cc bike that will be targeted for rural and export markets. The engine however, will also serve purpose on a sporty commuter motorcycle as well that will be targeted at urban markets and will take on the likes of the Suzuki Gixxer, Bajaj Pulsar 150, Honda CB Hornet 160R and the likes.

Mahindra 155cc Bike Instrument Console

Mahindra moved into the two-wheeler business after purchasing Kinetic SYM in 2008, but introduced the Gusto only in 2014 - the bike maker's self developed scooter from scratch. The Gusto family was elaborated later this year with the 125cc version. In addition, the Mojo has been Mahindra's most talked about offering that was introduced last year after almost a five year hiatus.

The company now wants to make its presence felt across different segments and as a mainstream player, it needs to have a 150cc bike on offer. Expect interesting details on the model to emerge in the following months.

Mahindra 155cc Motorcycle Testing