Mahindra 2 Wheelers is working on an all-new 160 cc premium commuter motorcycle to challenge the likes of the Bajaj Pulsar, TVS Apache RTR 160, Yamaha FZ and Suzuki Gixxer. A person involved in the project told Autocar Professional that the new bike is being readied for an end-2014 or early-2015 launch.
Currently, Mahindra 2 Wheelers has only two motorcycles in its portfolio: the Centuro and the Pantero. These are powered by a 106 cc engine and are positioned at the lower rung of the commuter segment. Mahindra feels its high time they had an offering in the 150-160 cc segment as well.
However, the source informed Autocar that Mahindra's immediate priority was to introduce their 110 cc scooter. This scooter is production ready and is developed to rival the segment leader Honda Activa. Though Mahindra already have four scooters in their portfolio - Rodeo RZ, Duro DZ, Flyte and Kine - none cater to the 110 cc market.
While we were expecting to see this new scooter at the Auto Expo 2014, Mahindra seems to have another launch date in mind. Instead, Mahindra 2 Wheeler's Auto Expo stall featured a disc brake version of the Centuro, a more production-ready model of the Mojo and customized versions of the Centuro.
[Source - Autocar Professional]