Showstopper bikes of 2017

Looking back, 2017 was quite an exciting year for two-wheeler aficionados. Indian companies stepped up their game in the wake of increasing competition and global manufacturers made a beeline for the country. There were a number of launches across segments, but one particular segment that saw a buzz of activity was the entry-level performance motorcycle space. There was a bevy of launches in this category as buyer interest grew and consumers didn’t mind spending a little extra for a premium bike.

Here are a few bikes that we felt were right on the mark.

Yamaha FZ 25

The FZ 16 and its avatars continue to be a resounding success in the Indian market. But enthusiasts couldn’t help but feel that a bigger engine was justified for that chassis. With the FZ 25, Yamaha gave them just that. The 249 cc, two-valve mill borrowed from Yamaha’s XT 250 off-roader was just what was required to give riders that extra power in the city and cruising capabilities on the highway. 20.9 PS of peak power is more than adequate if you’re looking for daily commute as well as some occasional touring. That, with the muscular, street-fighter looks inherited from the FZ 16 ensures that it is a good overall package. The only qualm is that ABS is missing. Nonetheless, at a price of ₹1.3 lakh, ex-showroom, it is still a value-for- money option.

New KTM Duke 390

KTM’s Corner Rocket returned in a new avatar, last year. While it retained the tried and tested 373 cc mill, now also seen on the Bajaj Dominar, its looks got an overhaul, giving it a futuristic feel and also improving functionality — such as the new larger fuel tank, raised seat, and modified foot peg positioning. It also got a bigger front disc brake and ride-by- wire throttle, which ensured smoother delivery of power. Tweaks to the engine resulted in torque increasing by 2 Nm over its predecessor to 37 Nm, while power stayed the same at around 44 PS.

The split headlamp, all new TFT colour instrument panel which can link up with your smartphone, and a chiseled-looking overall finish ensured that the motorcycle continued to appeal to buyers with its looks. Hardly any wonder then that it raked up some awards too. It is priced at around ₹2.3 lakh (ex-showroom).

Triumph Street Triple RS

This one from Triumph, launched in October 2017, came close on the heels of the Street Triple S that was launched in June. Though the ‘bug-eyed’ looks of the motorcycle divide opinion, there are still many who swear by its aggressive demeanour. Triumph said that it was the “most explosive street motorcycle” it ever made and going by the kind of power it churns out, it looks like the company knew what it was talking about. The 765 cc engine, developed from Triumph’s track machine, the Daytona, produces a whopping 123 PS of power and a peak torque of 77 Nm. The ride-by- wire throttle system that the motorcycle has supports five riding modes that tweak traction control, ABS, and throttle response. A quick-shifter allows for clutch-less upshifts, which riders will find useful in various conditions. The Street Triple RS was also priced significantly higher than the Street Triple S, at over ₹10.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

Honda Africa Twin

Honda’s flagship off-roader, the CFR1000L Africa Twin, was launched in India in May and it was fully assembled in the country, having been imported as a CKD unit. The parallel twin cylinder engine that churns out a peak power of 88 PS and maximum torque of 92 Nm is mated to what Honda claimed was the first dual-clutch transmission system.

With it, riders can switch from automatic to manual gear shifting and vice-versa. The Africa Twin also got an off-road function, switchable rear ABS and Honda’s Selectable Torque Control.

Priced at an ex-showroom cost of ₹12.9 lakh, the bike took on the likes of Triumph’s Tiger for a share of the high-end off-roading segment.

Harley Davidson Street Rod

The iconic American-cruiser Harley Davidson decided to get a little sporty last year, with the Street Rod. Derived from the Street 750, the company’s most affordable motorcycle in India, the Street Rod got a new fuel injection system and an increase in torque, compared to its sibling.

The matte black overdose on its exterior and flat handlebars added to the sporty image of the cruiser.

Other changes included a larger volume air box, new four-valve cylinder heads and high-lift camshafts, plus a higher-volume exhaust muffler. Compression ratio was raised from 11:1 to 12:1 and redline increased from 8,000 to 9,000 rpm.

No doubt designed to appeal to those looking for a sportier cruiser, the Street Rod launched at an ex-showroom price of ₹5.86 lakh.

TVS Apache RR 310

One of the most anticipated launches of the year was saved for the last, with the Apache RR 310 finally coming in December. The motorcycle, the first product after TVS’ collaboration with BMW, sported a single cylinder 312 cc engine, which will also be seen on the BMW G310 R, speculated to make it to the market this year.

The fully-faired RR 310 positions itself as an entry-level performance sports bike, at its price of ₹2.05 lakh.

The motorcycle makes 34 PS of peak power and a maximum torque of 27.5 Nm.

The bike is at home on the track with easy handling and cornering capabilities. It is also equipped with ABS as standard.

We sure do hope that 2018 also proves as exciting for motorcycles as the last year did, if not more.

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