Top 7 Performance Bikes We Can't Wait To Ride In 2019

2019 will see a long list of performance bikes which will be launched in India. Now, by performance bikes, you may be thinking only about sportbikes, or even naked performance bikes, but this year, a couple of dark horses also promise to bring in that zing and extra punch to motorcycling. The Ducati Diavel will get a brand new engine, which is bigger, and more powerful, and of course, there will be a couple of performance-oriented modern classic models as well, which promise entertaining performance. Here's a look at the best performance bikes we are itching to spend some quality time with in 2019.

Also Read: Upcoming Performance Bikes Of 2019

KTM 790 Duke

The KTM 790 Duke promises a superb blend of performance and handling

We've all heard and read rave reviews about the KTM 790 Duke. Dubbed the 'scalpel' by sections of the international media for its razor sharp handling, the 790 Duke will offer a level of performance and handling at a price, which will likely disrupt the segment. Powered by a 799 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine capable of putting out 103 bhp and 86 Nm, the 790 Duke also comes loaded with electronic rider aids, including an up/down quickshifter, cornering ABS, multiple riding modes, traction control, wheelie control, throttle response control and more. To be launched in India after assembled from completely knocked down (CKD) units, if KTM manages to price it at around or just below Rs. 7 lakh (ex-showroom), the 790 Duke could be the ideal upgrade for performance junkies. Needless to say, this one promises a lot of entertainment, and we just can't wait to get astride one, soon!

Kawasaki ZX-6R

The Kawasaki ZX-6R promises a superb package as a road and track supersport

Sales in the supersport class may be slowing down globally, in favour of litre-class superbikes, but that hasn't stopped Kawasaki from introducing the 2019 Kawasaki ZX-6R. And this year, it will be introduced in India too, and will be the only supersport offering in the market, after the Triumph Daytona 675 was discontinued. For 2019, the Kawasaki ZX-6R comes with a quickshifter and Showa separate function forks, race-spec Monobloc brake calipers, as well as standard traction control system. Add to that, nearly 130 bhp of power at 13,500 rpm from the 636 cc, in-line four-cylinder engine, the ZX-6R offers a versatile package for both road and track use, and is definitely on our wish-list to hustle it around a racetrack.

Also Read: Kawasaki ZX-6R Pre-Bookings Open In India

Honda CBR650R

The 2019 Honda CBR650R features revised styling and an updated engine

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) will introduce the updated for 2019 650 cc sport tourer, but with a new name and some significant updates as well. The existing Honda CBR650F is certainly a very capable long-distance tourer, but for 2019, Honda has added some spunk and 'sport' into the 650 cc machine, with a name change as well. Now to be called the Honda CBR650R, the design is inspired by the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, the CBR650R features a new intake and exhaust, full-LED lighting, and a new LCD instrument panel. Featuring revised ergonomics, Honda Selectable Torque Control and a slipper clutch, the 2019 Honda CBR650R promises to be more entertaining and more fun than the CBR650F and this is one bike which will likely be one of the most affordable full-faired, in-line four-cylinder sportbikes available in the market when it's launched. Yes, we're waiting to see what Big Red offers in the CBR650R. 2019 will be a good time for a long ride on an open highway.

Triumph Speed Twin

Triumph will launch the Speed Twin in India sometime in the middle of 2019

Triumph Motorcycles will add a sportier and more performance-oriented model in its modern classic range, with a name which has been taken from the British brand's storied past. The 2019 Triumph Speed Twin is what will be a sporty, modern classic, with easy ergonomics, but the performance and handling associated with the cafe racer in the same family - the Triumph Thruxton R. Lighter engine components, a revised clutch assembly, and a high compression head differentiates it from the 'high power' Bonneville 1200 engine of the Thruxton R. And with the understated, yet sporty new silhouette, the Speed Twin certainly promises to be a performance-packed modern classic. We hope to ride it soon, in 2019, and have a lot of expectations!

Also Read: All You Need To Know About The Triumph Speed Twin

Ducati Diavel 1260

The 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 S offers radical styling with the performance and features to back it

In 2019, the Ducati Diavel will get a larger engine - the 1,262 cc L-twin engine of the Ducati XDiavel. The 2019 Ducati Diavel now boasts of 159 bhp power at 9,500 rpm and 128 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. But the engine mapping on the Diavel has been revised for sportier performance than the XDiavel. And with the sportier ergonomics, the new Diavel 1260 promises to be a cracker of a performer. Of course, with the six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), different riding modes, as well as traction control, wheelie control and cornering ABS, there's a comprehensive electronics safety net as well. We sure can't wait to see how the new Diavel 1260 will feel like! So, Ducati, please bring it on!

Also Read: 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 Announced

Ducati Panigale V4R

The Panigale V4 R is the most powerful Ducati production bike ever

The Ducati Panigale V4R is Ducati's most powerful production motorcycle ever and with a slightly smaller engine than the Ducati Panigale V4, it is also the road-legal World Superbike category racing bike. The Panigale V4R gets a 998 cc, V4 engine which puts out a whopping 221 bhp and 111 Nm of peak torque. With an optional Akrapovic race exhaust, the power output of the Panigale V4R is rated at 234 bhp. Only five units have been allocated for India, and at a price tag of Rs. 51.87 lakh (ex-showroom), it's certainly beyond the means of many. How all that power and technology feels on one of the most powerful superbikes in the world? That is exactly what dreams are made of, and the V4R is certainly on our wish-list to ride, on the racetrack, in 2019.

Also Read: Ducati Panigale V4R Launched In India

Indian FTR 1200

The Indian FTR1200 is available in a base version and a higher-spec S variant

Indian Motorcycle's brand new model inspired by the flat track racers of the past, the Indian FTR 1200S and FTR 1200S Race Replica promises a whole new level of performance from a modern classic. Powered by a new 1,2013 cc, liquid-cooled v-twin engine which belts out 120 bhp and 112.5 Nm of peak torque, the Indian FTR 1200 promises a level of performance never before seen on any Indian Motorcycle. With features like Bosch stability control and a six-axis inertial measurement unit, selectable riding modes, and more, we can't wait to get our hands on this all-new model from Indian Motorcycle.

Also Read: Indian FTR 1200 Bookings Commence In India; Price Starts At Rs. 14.99 Lakh