THE MIDDLE MEN – 400-cc to 1,000-cc
Benelli Leoncino 500 and TRK 502
Ever since Benelli fell under new hands, they have teased the country with the scrambler-inspired Leoncino 500 and the TRK 502adventure tourer. A launch for these bikes was supposed to happen late this year itself. But, now we hear that Benelli India will release these models sometime in 2019.
Also read: Confirmed! Benelli Leoncino 500 and Benelli TRK 502 Launch by November 2018
KTM 790 Duke and Adventure
In Orange news, we have some bigger Austrians entering the middleweight fray. The KTM 790 Duke is almost here, and according to a dealership, the bike will be priced at around the five lakh bracket if it is a CKD (Complete Knock Down) model. If not it would fall into the near eight lakh range. However, since KTM already have a massive production and assembly plant in Chakan, Pune, we feel it would be the prior option. In addition, there are two other reasons why we feel this way. One, due to comparative prices in other markets between the 790 Duke and 390 Duke, and secondly, and this is a big one, the Royal Enfield twins’ pricing.
Also read: KTM 790 Adventure R Unveiled
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
For the folks who want a sportbike, but not looking for a full-blown, litre-class machine, the Kawasaki ZX-6R will probably be one of the best options. But make no mistake, these are absolute bats#*t-crazy rockets that should be well respected at all times.
Also read: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Pre-bookings Start In India
Honda CBR650R
Honda will, in all probability, introduce the CBR650R which will replace the outgoing CBR650F. The new bike promises to be a bit sportier, sharper, and quicker. We shall confirm this once we test the machine. The mid-range sportbike segment seems to be picking up too with three big names in the mix by next year, with Kawasaki joining Honda in the category.
Triumph Street Twin and Street Scrambler
We tested the two updated 2019 models in Portugal earlier this year and were highly impressed with their performance. The outgoing models for both these motorcycles are currently still available in India, but, will be replaced by the 2019 models this year.
Also read: Triumph Street Twin First Ride Review
Triumph Street Scrambler First Ride Review
BMW F 850 GS Adventure
BMW launched their mid-segment F 750 GS and F 850 GS models in India. However, at EICMA, the German giant also showcased the F 850 GS Adventure, their new flagship of the segment. Will this bike de-throne the mid-segment Tigers of Triumph? Let’s see.
Triumph Tiger 800 XCA
Triumph will also launch the new upgraded version of their Tiger 800 range. For the British bikemakers, the Tiger range has been quite the success story so far, but with competition (BMW 750 and 850 GS models) stepping up with similar price tags, we shall see if Triumph still heads the segment figures this time next year.
Also read: Triumph Motorcycles Completes Five Years in India
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