The year 2017 is gone, and we are well into 2018 now, and there are several exciting new bikes which will be launched this year. From modern classics like the new Royal Enfield 650, to BMW Motorrad's new adventure bike, the F 850 GS, to the flagship Ducati Panigale V4, there are a whole lot of new bikes which will be launched in 2018. Well, we can't wait to ride all of the new bikes this year, but there are a few which just can't seem to wait to get our hands on! Here's a list of the top 5 bikes we are waiting to ride in 2018.
Royal Enfield will introduce two new bikes with the same 650 cc engine
Two of the most highly anticipated bikes of 2018 will be Royal Enfield's new 650 cc twins. Both bikes share the same engine and platform, but have slightly different design and ergonomics. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is the true-blue modern classic and with a new 650 cc parallel-twin engine, we just can't wait to get our hands on this bike, as well as the Continental GT650. The all-new 648 cc, parallel-twin engine makes 47 bhp at 7,100 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a six-speed transmission. While we have already seen the bikes up close, we have no idea how the engine sounds and performs. Well, expected launch is around April or so, so hopefully we get to ride it before the bike is finally launched!
Also Read: Royal Enfield 650 Twins Launch Details Revealed
The Kawasaki Z900 RS is a retro-styled motorcycle based on the Kawasaki Z900
We have had a lot of fun riding and reviewing the Kawasaki Z900. And Kawasaki India is expected to introduce the retro-styled version of the popular performance naked in 2018. The Kawasaki Z900 RS, as it's called, uses the same 948 cc, in-line four engine but the 'RS' employs a heavier flywheel and a four-into-one exhaust. Power output is expected to be similar to the Z900's, around 110 bhp, and the torque spread is expected to be wider, with more grunt lower in the revs. This is one modern classic we can't wait to see and experience!
Also Read: Top 5 Modern Classic Bikes Of 2018
The BMW F 850 GS will have a new 853 cc parallel-twin engine making 95 bhp, 92 Nm
BMW Motorrad is likely to introduce the new BMW F 850 GS in India this year. It's a completely new bike, powered by an all-new 853 cc parallel-twin engine which is tuned to make around 95 bhp at 8,250 rpm and 92 Nm of peak torque at 6,250 rpm. With wire-spoked wheels, with a 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear, the F 850 GS also gets optional riding modes like Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro. With a segment largely dominated by the Triumph Tiger 800 in India, it will be interesting to see what the F 850 GS offers, both in terms of capability and versatility. Did we say we can't wait to ride it?
Also Read: Top 10 Upcoming Adventure Bikes Of 2018
The 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 range will get a host of updates
The Triumph Tiger 800 is one of our favourite adventure motorcycles on sale in India. A superb in-line triple cylinder engine, great road manners with exceptional long distance touring ability, the Tiger 800 also is a very capable machine when the road ends and the rough begins. For 2018, the Tiger 800 will get several updates, including new styling, updated suspension and brakes and a choice of six riding modes. Also new is a shorter-ration first gear for better off-road ability and a lighter and freer flowing exhaust. Can an already great adventure bike get better? The wait is getting intense now!
Also Read: 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 Range Launched At EICMA
The Ducati Panigale V4 will be the first Ducati to be powered by a V4 engine
The new Ducati Panigale V4 is the first ever Ducati to be powered by a V4 engine. The 1,103 cc engine makes 211 bhp at 13,000 rpm with a peak torque of 124 Nm at 10,000 rpm. Power is transmitted through a six-speed gearbox with an up/down quickshifter. To keep things from getting hairy, the Panigale V4 also gets a host of electronic rider aids, including Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Traction Control, three riding modes (Race, Sport, Street), Ducati Wheelie Control, cornering ABS, Ducati Power Launch, Engine Brake Control and even Ducati electronic suspension. Needless to say, the Panigale V4 promises to be a lot, and more, and we hope we get to ride it around a circuit once the bike is launched sometime in mid-2018.
Also Read: Ducati Panigale V4 Voted 'Most Beautiful' At EICMA
