The charm of naked bikes reached to its climax with the launch of KTM motorcycles in India, in a country crazy for faired bikes the demand for naked roadsters are increasing day by day. Keeping the practicality of roadsters and the beauty of naked bikes in mind , which allows you to see through the soul of the motorcycle, every two-wheeler manufacturer is going for one or the other naked bikes in their product portfolio. In upcoming year 2015 there would also be many launches seen in this category. Some new companies like "DSK Benelli" is also coming next year, bringing some beautiful naked machines on our shores.Bajaj Pulsar 400 CS
- 373.2cc, Liquid cooled, Single Cylinder
- 44 Bhp Of Power
- 35 Nm Of Torque
- Expected Price Rs 1.7 Lacs
Bajaj showcased this beautiful prototype in 2014 Auto Expo, it is expected to be launched next year after the much awaited launch of Pulsar 400SS & 200SS. The bike will share the mill and other underpinnings with the upcoming faired siblings. Made for cruising and city riding this bike will surely be a talk of the town when launched by the end of 2015.
Hyosung GD250N
- 249cc, DOHC, Single Cylinder
- 26 Bhp Of Power
- 26 Nm Of Torque
- 148 kg Kerb Weight
- 11 L Fuel Capacity
- Expected Price Rs 1.7 Lacs (When launched officially)
Hyosung is already gone through the homologation process for the naked GD250N, the bike is ready to be launched and it could happen early next year. The GD250R is featured with 250cc single cylinder engine. The bike will share its platform with its upcoming faired counterpart GD250R. Although the design & styling of the GD250N is not upto our liking but overall if rightly priced it would be a great product.
Mahindra Mojo 300
- 295cc, DOHC, Single Cylinder
- 27 Bhp Of Power
- 25 Nm Of Torque
- 155 kg Kerb Weight
- Expected Price Rs 1.5 Lacs
Yes I know I know.... you have been hearing this since long but this time the launch of Mojo is closer as never before. Coming to the serious note, amidst the ever going testing of Mojo, Mahindra has showcased the launch ready product to their dealers and hopefully, finally we will get Mojo 300 in 2015.
TVS Apache RTR 250
- 250cc, DOHC, Single Cylinder
- 32 Bhp Of Power
- 23 Nm Of Torque
- 145 kg Kerb Weight
- Expected Price Rs 1.5 Lacs Note: The picture is used for representation purpose
TVS always loves to play underdogs, they have a very solid future planning and we are sure TVS will give a tough fight to the so called big players of two-wheeler market. TVS has already joined hands with the automotive gaint- BMW and the duos are going to bring their first ever product developed under their partnership but that could be the faired bike.
Apart from the joint efforts the TVS has already announced that they will bring couple of models under the brand name TVS next year. Out of thses bikes the most promising model would be the Apache RTR 250. Though there is nothing concrete comes from the company regarding the upcoming Apache 250, but it is expected to be the roadster based on prototype- Draken showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo.
Benelli BN302/ BN251
- 300 (250)cc, Inline Twin Cylinder (DOHC, Single Cylinder)
- 37 (24.5) Bhp Of Power
- 27 (21) Nm Of Torque
- Expected Price Rs 2.5 (1.6) Lacs (When launched officially)
In a spree of expanding their product portfolio the DSK Motowheels has recently joined hands with Chinese company which happens to be the owner of an Italian brand- Benelli. DSK Benelli marquee is already being unveiled and they have showcased 5 products which are expected to be launched early next year. Out of which the entry level single cylinder BN 251 and twin cylinder BN 302 would be a launch of the year as these bikes will come as CKD and will be assembled locally.
By: Farhan Kashif