Upcoming motorcycles, Part 4 - Yamaha MT-15, KTM RC 250..

12/01/2019 - 12:06 | ,   | Ajinkya Lad

There's a wide range of motorcycles that will be launched in India in the short-term. We have already brought you Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3 of the upcoming bikes, and here's Part 4 of the 5-part series.

Yamaha MT-15

2019 Yamaha Mt 15 Side Profile Thai Motor Expo 201
The 2019 Yamaha MT-15 shares the engine and chassis with the Yamaha R15 V3.0.

The 2019 Yamaha MT-15 made its global debut in Thailand on 08 October. It is the naked streetfighter version of the Yamaha R15 V3.0 that's on sale in India. The new-generation MT-15 features entirely new aesthetics as well as mechanicals.

If a report dated 23 October is to be believed, the 2019 Yamaha MT-15 will be launched in India this year. That said, India Yamaha Motor hasn't officially confirmed the media reports. The design has been completely overhauled and is in sync with the MT family.

The 2019 Yamaha MT-15 borrows is 155cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve SOHC motor from the YZF-R15 V3.0. The engine packs 19.1 PS of maximum power and 14.8 Nm of peak torque. The motor is mated to a segment-first slip-assist clutch equipped six-speed transmission. The Yamaha MT-15 with standard ABS could retail around INR 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rival the KTM 125 Duke, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar NS200.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

Kawasaki Ninja Zx 6r Front Right Quarter
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R will compete with the Ducati Panigale 959 and the MV Agusta F3 800.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R will few launched in India this month, as revealed by the company. Kawasaki has already commenced pre-bookings for the Ninja ZX-6R at an amount of INR 1.50 lakh. The motorcycle is likely to be priced north of INR 10 lakh (ex-showroom) in the country.

It is the first time that Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is officially launched in India. The 2019 Ninja ZX-6R features an updated design and a reworked engine along with a suite of electronic wizardry. It incorporates the Sugomi design philosophy. The Ninja ZX-6R features twin LED headlamps, an upswept tail, and semi-digital instrument console.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R will be a single-seat only model in India and will be locally assembled at the Chakan facility near Pune. The Ninja ZX-6R will draw power from a 636cc in-line four-cylinder motor that will reportedly develop 128 bhp. It will rival the likes of Ducati Panigale 959 and the MV Agusta F3 800.

KTM RC 250

2017 KTM RC 250 studio right side
The KTM RC 250 is manufactured at the Chakan facility near Pune and exported worldwide.

Its high time that KTM launches the RC 250 in India, considering its naked sibling is already on sale in India. Moreover, the fully-faired 'Supersport' body-style is much loved in India. The KTM RC 250 will be a direct rival to the TVS Apache RR 310, Honda CBR250R and the Hyosung GT 250R.

The KTM RC 250 was spied testing in India in October 2017, which hinted at a market launch in 2018. However, that never happened, and the RC 250 is yet to see the light of the day in India. The motorcycle uses the same chassis and styling from the KTM RC 390; however, it features a different paint scheme.

If launched in India, the KTM RC 250 could be priced around INR 2 lakh (ex-showroom). The RC 250 will benefit from standard dual-channel ABS, USD WP front forks and twin projector headlights. It will most likely lose out on features like ride-by-wire throttle and TFT LCD instrument cluster. The KTM RC 250 could be launched in India by mid-2019.

Benelli Imperiale 400

Benelli Imperiale 400 press image right front quarter
The Benelli Imperiale 400 will be a direct competition to the Royal Enfield Classic 350.

The Benelli Imperiale 400 is one of the few new models that will be introduced by the company under its new partnership with the Hyderabad-based Mahavir Group. The Imperiale 400 is a classic street roadster that will directly rival the Royal Enfield Classic 350.

Similar to most premium motorcycles, the Benelli Imperiale 400 will be a CKD import into the country and will be locally assembled here. There's no clarity on the localisation of components to keep the costs in check. The Imperiale 400 is expected to be launched in the country in H1 2019. That said, Benelli is also set to introduce the Imperiale 530 in India at a later date.

The Benelli Imperiale 400 is powered by a 373.5cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected SOHC engine that is mated to a five-speed transmission. The Euro-4 compliant motor generates 19.7 PS of max power at 5,500 rpm along with 28 Nm of peak torque at 3,500 rpm. It will feature disc brakes at both the ends, while dual-channel ABS will be standard.

Honda CBR650R

2019 Honda Cbr650r Red Thai Motor Expo Left
The 2019 Honda CBR650R replaces the CBR650F in the global as well as domestic markets.

The Honda CBR650R debuted at the EICMA 2018 in November in Milan, Italy. The CBR650R is an aggressive sports tourer that replaces the Honda CBR650F. The motorcycle features updated styling, sportier ergonomics and a reworked engine.

The Honda CBR650R features split LED headlights and a fully-digital LCD instrument console. The CBR650R benefits from Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), 41 mm upside-down Showa forks and an adjustable rear mono-shock.

Also Read: India-bound 2019 Honda CBR650R - Motorshow Focus

The 649cc, in-line four-cylinder engine pumps out 95 hp of power at 12,000 rpm and 64 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm. It is coupled with a six-speed gearbox with a standard slip-assist clutch. The Honda CBR650R is expected to be launched in Q1 2019.

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