Launches Galore
New bike launches are coming thick and fast as we approach the festival of Deepavali. After writing this editorial, I shall be heading out to Italy to ride the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 750. Last year I rode the prototype 750 and was really impressed by it. I am sure the production version will be even better than that. The motorcycle has ride-by-wire throttle and riding modes, besides a host of features. The 750 is going to give a tough time to the 800-cc and 900-cc adventure bikes, being pretty close in prowess to these bikes and priced much lower compared to the bigger ones.
We witnessed the second round of the GT Cup on the 24th and 25th of October, and the competition was fierce. In fact, in the first race in the Pro category, it was a photo finish between Senthil Kumar and Anish Shetty. The pros are riding all-new prototype bikes, and it is taking a little time to get the suspension set-up right. We require harder-compound tyres as the extra power is chewing up the rear rubber.
After the aforementioned Himalayan 750 ride, I shall be travelling to Milan for the EICMA Motorcycle Show, where Hero MotoCorp will unveil some new bikes and some new concept bikes as well. The Himalayan 750 will also be showcased at the Royal Enfield pavilion. We may look forward to seeing some new motorcycles from the leading motorcycle manufacturers, for this is the biggest motorcycle show in the world. As far as possible, we will try to bring you all the EICMA news in this issue itself.
Aspi Bhathena
Editor
