The year 2018 witnessed the launch of motorcycles like the Yamaha R15 V3.0, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Royal Enfield 650 Twins, and the reintroduction of the Jawa brand. If that wasn’t enough, 2019 promises to be yet another blockbuster for the Indian two-wheeler industry, especially the motorcycle segment. The first quarter will itself see the launch of the new Yamaha FZ V3.0, and the Benelli TRK 502, followed by the new Bajaj Dominar 400 and the Hero XPulse 200 & 200T.
Yamaha FZ V3.0 ABS
India Yamaha Motor has sent out a media invite for a new product launch on 21 January, and we suspect it to be the all-new Yamaha FZ V3.0. The new FZ series will come in two variants – FZ FI V3.0 and FZ-S V3.0. It will feature an entirely new design that is inspired by the Yamaha FZ25.
The Yamaha FZ V3.0 will feature an LED headlight, digital instrument console and single-channel ABS as standard. The motorcycle will employ the existing 149cc engine that outputs 13 bhp of power and 12.8 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The Yamaha FZ series, which accounts for over 18,000 monthly sales, could receive a price hike of around INR 10,000 to INR 12,000 with the facelift.
Benelli TRK 502
Benelli India will launch the Benelli TRK 502 and the TRK 502X models in India on 18 February. While the base TRK 502 is the tourer version amongst the two, the Benelli TRK 502X is the more capable adventure variant. Both the TRK 502 twins will compete with the Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-Strom 650 and the SWM SuperDual.
As far as pricing is concerned, the Benelli TRK 502 could retail around INR 5 lakh, while the TRK 502X is likely to get a price tag of INR 5.5 lakh (both the prices are ex-showroom). The TRK 502 features 17-inch alloy wheels with road-biased tyres, while the TRK 502X is equipped with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheels with knobby dual-purpose tyres.
The Benelli TRK 502 range sources power from a 499.6cc, parallel-twin engine that produces 46 bhp and 45 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission. Dual-channel ABS will be standard, while both the motorcycles will receive luggage mounts, panniers and a top box as part of the official accessories.
2019 Bajaj Dominar 400
The updated 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2019. The new model will feature USD front forks and a redesigned exhaust. Reportedly, the engine on the new Dominar 400 will be more refined and receive a DOHC setup.
Apart from the unconfirmed mentioned-above changes, the 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 will continue as is. We can expect a price hike of around INR 10,000-15,000. Preceding the launch of the new Dominar 400, sales of the existing model have slumped to 170 units in November 2018.
Hero XPulse 200
While the Hero XPulse 200 has taken a long time coming to the Indian shores, the company is expected to launch the motorcycle before March 2019, alongside the Hero XPulse 200T. The XPulse 200 debuted at the EICMA 2017 in Milan, Italy, followed by an Indian premiere at the Auto Expo 2018.
The Hero XPulse 200 is an entry-level lightweight adventure tourer that features 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke wheels that are paired with knobby dual-purpose tyres. It is based on a modified version of the single down-tube diamond chassis that underpins the Hero Xtreme 200R.
The Hero XPulse 200 will come equipped with features like a full-LED headlight, TFT display for the instrument console, single-channel ABS and LED taillight among others. The ADV characteristics are enhanced by the tall windscreen, front beak mudguard, knuckle guards and the high-mounted exhaust. The Hero XPulse 200 is expected to cost around INR 1 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hero XPulse 200T
The Hero XPulse 200T is the tourer version of the XPulse 200 ADV. It features conventional telescopic forks, 17-inch alloy wheels, road-biased tyres, lowered handlebar and a side-mounted exhaust. Apart from these, the XPulse 200T remains unchanged.
The Hero XPulse 200T debuted at the EICMA 2018 in Milan, Italy in November 2018. It will use a 199.4cc engine that produces 18.1 bhp of power and 17 Nm of torque on the Xtreme 200R. The motorcycle will receive features like single-channel ABS, LED headlight, fully-digital instrument console and the likes. The Hero XPulse 200T could be launched at a price of around INR 95,000 (ex-showroom).
