The Indian two-wheeler market is the largest in the world for two years running now. That makes it one of the most lucrative markets to be present in. However, manufacturers have seldom gone outside the beaten track. Here are 5 niche products which we would love to see in India:
Honda ADV 150: An adventure scooter to set your pulses high
Okay, let us get this out of the bag first. The Honda ADV 150 is not a true adventure tourer, but it does look like one. It is actually a city-centric product. Inspired by the Honda X-ADV, the Honda ADV 150 certainly looks the part. Sharp, edgy looks aside, the ADV 150 has the possibility to make automatic scooters fun and lively once again. 18 years back it was Honda who revived the scooter sales. Today, if anyone can afford to take the risk with a radically new product, it's them.
Powering the Honda ADV 150 is a 149.3 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. Assisting this powerplant are Idling Stop System and Enhanced Smart Power (eSP). The engine churns out 14.5 PS of power and 13.8 Nm of torque. If launched, Honda ADV 150 would be the most powerful scooter in India. Braking duties are overseen by a 240 mm petal disc up front and a 220 mm unit in the rear.
Suspension setup includes standard telescopic fork in the front and twin gas-charged springs in the rear. Besides that, the scooter is fitted with semi-dual purpose tyres which will be a boon in regular Indian riding conditions. Also, ADV 150 gets an additional safety net of ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) which activates hazard lights during sudden braking.
Other features include Honda Smart Key, adjustable windscreen, LED headlight, 28-litre under-seat storage and DC charger.
Suzuki Katana: A legendary name in a new package
The Suzuki Katana is one of the wackiest looking motorcycles in Suzuki’s global line-up. The squarish shaped LED headlamp screams for your attention. While the tank extensions are sharp enough to make your fingertips bleed even by looking at them.
Unlike what the world was expecting, Suzuki did not bring a turbocharged middleweight Katana. Instead, they used the Suzuki GSX-S1000R's engine. This 999 cc K5 liquid-cooled, in-line 4 motor can whip out 150 PS of power and 108 Nm of torque. Besides that, electronic aids include 3-way switchable traction control. The 6-speed gearbox is assisted by a slipper clutch. Suspension duties are overseen by 43 mm upside-down fork upfront by KYB and a monoshock in the rear.
Braking setup in the Katana includes twin discs in the front with radial callipers and a single disc in the rear. This retro-styled monster is heavy and tips the scales at 215 kg, but the relaxed riding posture will be loved by many.
Yamaha Niken: Japanese sorcery at its best
It is not every day that you come across a sports tourer which will make heads turn, be it in India or Europe. The Yamaha Niken uses a unique Leaning Multi-Vehicle technology. This consists of parallel quadrilateral arms and cantilevered telescopic suspension. This unique Ackermann design boasts enhanced stability and grip when cornering.
At the heart of the Yamaha Niken is an 847 cc triple-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine from the Yamaha MT-09. Coupled to a 6-speed gearbox, the engine can produce 115 PS of power and 87.5 Nm of torque. The hybrid frame uses a cast aluminium swingarm and steel trellis frame. The sporty cowl blends the LED headlamps. Besides that, the Niken claims to have a 45-degree lean angle capability which will give a unique corner carving experience.
Other features include two way (and switchable) traction control, slipper clutch and a reverse backlit LCD instrumentation. Also, the rear monoshock is fully adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping. Niken tips the scales at 263 kg and has a large 18-litre fuel tank.
Also Read: 5 KTM motorcycles we wish to see in India
Ural Gear Up: From Russia with love
Well, this one should be a showstopper for every motorcycle show. The perfect old-world charm which reminds you of the 40s and the 50s with then-modern engines. What started off as an alliance between Nazi Germany and Soviet, has lived through the turbulent times of the Cold War and emerged with a unique product offering two-wheel drive! Yes, you read that right.
Powering the Ural Gear Up, an adventure-seeking sidecar studded motorcycle, is a 749 cc twin-cylinder, air-cooled, boxer engine. Coupled to a 4-speed gearbox, the engine can produce 41 PS of power and 57 Nm of torque. Oh, and it has a reverse gear as well! Another highlight is a 19-litre petrol tank too. There's no, need to carry a backpack, one can simply store luggage in the trunk. And there's a spare wheel too!
The Ural Gear Up gets a leading link fork in the front. In the rear, there's a double-sided swingarm with two Sachs hydraulic spring shock absorbers. Its sidecar gets a single-sided swingarm with Sachs hydraulic spring shock absorber. Both have a 7-step adjustable preload. Brakes include 4-piston fixed Brembo calliper with 295 mm disc. Rear gets a single-piston floating calliper over a 256 mm disc. The sidecar gets a 2-piston fixed Brembo calliper with 245 mm disc.
Also Read: 5 Suzuki motorcycles we wish to see in India: From GSX-R125 to SV650
Kawasaki ZX-25R (TBA): Japanese 4-pot groundbreaker
Okay, I know this one is not out yet, but this is one motorcycle which we would love to see in India. Expected to be unveiled at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, the Kawasaki ZX-25R will be a power-packed, premium quarter-litre. A high revving machine which will have the potential to set all the boy racers salivating.
At the heart of the Kawasaki ZX-25R will be a 250cc four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. Estimated power output is a massive 60 horses. That’s way more than the 49 PS output of the Ninja 400. Also, the engine is expected to redline at a sky-high 20,000 rpm. Expect traction control and slipper clutch as a standard feature. Besides that, Kawasaki might even throw in riding modes as seen in the Honda CBR250RR.
The Kawasaki ZX-25R will bear upside-down forks and we would love to see preload adjustability here. The rear will include a monoshock with similar levels of adjustability. That’s not all, the bike may even get twin discs in the front to stop those wild horses.
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