With lockdown restrictions being eased across the country, auto and bike makers steer up launch plans

At the start of this year, there were many four and two wheelers poised for launch. However, the COVID-19 pandemic struck and all such launches had to be postponed. Now, though the spread of the pandemic is still rampant, the Government of India has eased the lockdown and introduced unlock 1.0. This has spearheaded companies to initiate launches that could be seen in the weeks ahead.

We list out 4 new bike launches for June 2020 with expected pricing along with some details.

1. Royal Enfield Meteor 350 – Expected price – INR 1.68 lakh

Royal Enfield Meteor 350 set for launch later this month will be seen with a new 350cc platform and is said to take the place of the Thunderbird 350X. The first of the bikes from Royal Enfield to be positioned in a J Platform, the new Meteor 350 is expected to cost around INR 1.75 lakh which is about INR 19,000 more than the Thunderbird 350.

Meteor 350 will receive a BS6 compliant 350 cc air cooled, fuel injected, single cylinder engine, expected to offer increased power and torque as compared to the 19.3 hp and 28 Nm offered by the BS4 unit. The engine is likely to be mated to a new 6 speed unit which is expected to result in enhanced performance. Once launched, Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will compete with Jawa Forty Two BS6, Bajaj Dominar and upcoming Benelli Imperiale 400.

2. Hero Xtreme 160R – Expected price – INR 90,000

Hero MotoCorp will launch the new Xtreme 160R, a premium commuter motorcycle in the 160cc segment, later this month. It was initially scheduled for launch in March, but delayed due to the lockdown effect. Xtreme 160R will be powered by a 160cc single cylinder, air cooled, fuel injected engine to offer 15 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 14 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm.

It will get suspension and braking via conventional telescopic forks in the front and 7 step adjustable monoshock at the rear and 276 mm petal disc brake in the front and 220 mm petal disc at the rear. Braking will be aided by a single channel ABS system. Hero Xtreme 160R will compete with Pulsar NS160, Suzuki Gixxer, Apache 160 4V, CB Hornet 160R and FZ-S V3.

3. Yamaha FZ25, FZS25 – Expected price – INR 1.25 lakh

The two BS6 bikes – Yamaha FZ25 and FZS25 will launch in India later in June. BS6 Yamaha FZ25 will get two color options of Metallic Black and Racing Blue while FZS25 will receive three shades of Patina Green, Dark Matt Blue and White Vermilion. Technical details have been revealed on the company website with new dimensions wherein the Yamaha FZ25 will measure 2,015 mm in length, 775 mm in width and 1,075 mm in height.

The FZS 25 stands at the same 2,015 mm length but sees increased 820 mm width and 1,105 mm height. The two bikes receive wheelbase and ground clearance at 1,360 mm and 160 mm respectively while both will sport 14 liter fuel tanks. The two bikes will also share the same engine 249cc, single cylinder, air-cooled engine offering 20.5 hp power and 20.1 Nm torque, mated to a 5 speed transmission. Competition will be to the likes of Bajaj Dominar 250 and Suzuki Gixxer 250.

4. New TVS Victor 110 – Expected Price – INR 56,000

TVS Motor Company has detailed the new BS6 Victor 110 commuter motorcycle. It will see a similar stance and dimensions to its BS4 counterpart with updates in the form of new graphics, features and new color options. The TVS Victor 110 will be powered by a 110 cc engine that also powers the Radeon motorcycle along with the Star City+ and Sport models in the company’s portfolio.

This engine offers 8.08 hp power at 7,350 rpm and 8.7 Nm torque at 4,500 rpm when mated to a 4 speed gearbox. Traditional suspension setup includes telescopic front forks and dual shock rear absorbers. Braking is taken care of by drum units at either end. Optional disc brake in the front will be on offer on the top spec variant. Once launched, the TVS Victor 110 will compete with the Hero Splendor iSmart and Bajaj CT100 and Platina 110 H-Gear.