Modern classics - these motorcycles make up one of the fastest growing motorcycle segments in the world right now, and this year, there are several modern classic bikes coming to India. This year, iconic British motorcycle brand Norton will make its debut in India, and India's very own Royal Enfield, with its origins in Britain, will also launch two new bikes, and the company's first twin-cylinder motorcycles in over half a century with the brand new 650 cc parallel-twin engine. Neo-retro designs also in the modern classic genre, will also make their presence in the Indian market with several new bikes with design inspiration from the 1960s. Here's a look at the top 5 modern classic motorcycles which will be launched in India this year.
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The biggest action in the modern classic space in 2018 will be from Royal Enfield, who will be introducing two new motorcycles sharing the same platform. Both motorcycles will be powered by an all-new 648 cc, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine that makes 47 bhp at 7100 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a six-speed transmission and the bikes also feature standard dual-channel ABS. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650's design takes inspiration from the 1960s Royal Enfield Interceptor. Both bikes have the same length, wheelbase and cycle parts, but the Interceptor 650 is slightly taller and wider than the Continental GT650. While the Interceptor 650 is a retro classic streetbike with easy ergonomics, the Continental GT650 follows a café racer design language with a sportier riding position. Both bikes are expected to be priced under Rs. 4 lakh (ex-showroom) once they are launched in India, sometime in mid-2018.
Expected Price: Under Rs. 4 lakh
Ducati India is expected to introduce a new version of the Scrambler with a bigger engine, more power and a host of electronics. The Ducati Scrambler 1100 is powered by a new 1,079 cc, L-twin motor which makes 85 bhp at 7,500 rpm and peak torque of 88 Nm at 4,750 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch as well. But it's not just a standard Scrambler with a bigger engine. The Scrambler 1100 features a new steel trellis frame, and an aluminium double-sided swingarm. Ergonomics are slightly different than the standard Scrambler 800 with a different rider triangle between footpegs, seat and handlebar.
The Scrambler 1100 also gets cornering ABS, four-level traction control and ride-by-wire throttle with a choice of different riding modes (Active, Journey and City). Globally, the Scrambler 1100 will be available in a choice of three different variants - base, Special and Sport. The base Scrambler 1100 and 1100 Special have different graphics and finish details, but the Sport features Ohlins suspension, over the Marzocchi fork and Kayaba shock on the others. Expect Ducati India to introduce the Scrambler 1100 by the second half of 2018. Prices are expected to be between Rs. 11-12 lakh (ex-showroom).
Expected Price: Rs. 11-12 lakh
The DSK Benelli Leoncino gets neo-retro design and a 499 cc parallel-twin engine
Benelli once again showcased the Leoncino at the EICMA motorcycle show in November 2017. And this time, Benelli has confirmed that the Leoncino will indeed be launched in India. The bike was originally slated for an India launch in 2017, and is currently undergoing homologation procedures at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The Leonicon is powered by the same 499 cc parallel-twin engine which will also be seen in the Benelli TRK 502. The engine makes just over 47 bhp ad 45 Nm of peak torque and is mated to a six-speed transmission.
The Leoncino gets top-notch components, including a retro-styled round headlight with LED DRL, LED turn indicators and tail lamp. The chassis is a tubular steel trellis frame and the bike gets 17-inch wheels at both ends, shod with Pirelli Angel ST tyres. The front suspension is a 50 mm upside down fork, while at the rear, there's a monoshock with 112 mm of wheel travel. Expect prices to be in the range of Rs. 5-6 lakh (ex-showroom) and the bike to be launched sometime in mid-2018.
Expected Price: Rs. 5-6 lakh
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The Norton Commando gets top-spec cycle parts, including Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes
Kinetic MotoRoyale will be launching the Norton Commando 961 by the end of 2018 in India. The Commando 961 will be the first Norton motorcycles which will be sold in India under the Kinetic-Norton joint venture. The Norton Commando is powered by an air-cooled, fuel-injected, 961 cc, parallel-twin engine, with a 270-degree crank, which makes 79 bhp and 90 Nm of peak torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a five-speed gearbox. The Commando gets adjustable, hi-spec Ohlins suspension, with upside down forks and twin Ohlins shocks at the rear. Braking is handled by top-spec Brembo calipers. The Norton Commando is hand-built at the Donington Park factory, and it takes two full days to build one bike. Eventually, the Commando will be assembled in India from completely knocked down (CKD) kits, but we expect prices to be around Rs.20 lakh.
Expected Price: Rs. 19-20 lakh
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Benelli Imperiale 400
DSK Benelli will launch the all-new Benelli Imperiale 400 in India by mid-2018. Powered by a 373.5 cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine that makes just over 19 bhp at 5500 rpm and 28 Nm of peak torque at 3500 rpm, the Benelli Imperiale 400 is a retro-styled motorcycle which will compete in the segment dominated by Royal Enfield in India. The bike uses a double cradle steel tube chassis and uses telescopic forks up front and dual shocks at the rear. Braking is handled by disk brakes at the front and rear, with standard dual-channel ABS. Expect the bike to be priced around Rs. 3 lakh (ex-showroom). Pricing will be key to the Imperiale 400's success in India, in a hot segment dominated by Royal Enfield.
Expected Price: Under Rs. 3 lakh
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