Upcoming bikes Releases in 2024
Get ready for an exciting year ahead, upcoming bikes! 2024 is shaping up to be a thrilling time with a diverse range of bikes on the horizon. Here's a sneak peek at the top 5 two-wheelers that have us eagerly anticipating the upcoming year.
1. The long-anticipated Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is set to launch in early 2024.
2. Enthusiasts can look forward to Hero's debut in the 160 cc maxi-scooter segment with the expected unveiling of the Xoom 160.
3. Bajaj is gearing up for the potential launch of a new 150cc commuter motorcycle, tentatively named the CT150X.
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The year 2023 brought a wave of excitement for motorcycle enthusiasts, featuring a diverse range of bikes entering the Indian market. Notable releases included the Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400 X, Harley Davidson X440, the revamped Himalayan, the KTM 390 Duke, TVS Apache RTR 310, and many more. However, as we leave these experiences behind, 2024 promises a fresh beginning for the Indian automotive scene. Bike manufacturers are gearing up for numerous launches throughout the year. Among the anticipated releases, here are five that have captured our attention.
The Kawasaki Ninja 500 and Z500
Kawasaki unveiled two exciting middleweight models at EICMA 2023 – the new Ninja 500 and Z500. Both motorcycles share a common liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine but come in distinct form factors. The specifics of the engine, including its displacement and technical details, are yet to be officially disclosed by the brand.
There's speculation that the Ninja 500 and Z500 might be equipped with the 451 cc parallel-twin motor from the Eliminator 500, delivering around 45 bhp and 42 Nm of torque. However, it's reasonable to anticipate that the engine will undergo retuning for higher power outputs.
In terms of design, the Ninja 500 features familiar styling seen in the Ninja series, including a twin headlamp unit, a full fairing, and a sleek taillamp. On the other hand, the Z500 boasts a fresh headlamp design with a square LED projector and aggressive DRLs. The overall appearance of the Z500 is quite similar to the Ninja 500, offering a visually cohesive look between the two models.
Kawasaki Ninja Z500
Kawasaki is set to introduce the Z500 in October 2024 as a sports bike, with an initial price tag of Rs. 5.30 Lakh in India. The Z500 will feature disc brakes both in the front and rear, and it comes equipped with a 14-liter fuel tank. Additionally, the bike will be equipped with a six-speed gearbox for a dynamic riding experience.
Hero Xoom 160 -
Hero is set to introduce its first maxi-scooter, the Xoom 160. Unveiled at EICMA 2023, Hero aims to diversify its scooter lineup beyond the existing 125 cc models. The Xoom 160 features a distinctive 156 cc liquid-cooled engine, setting it apart from the powertrain found in the Xtreme 160R 4V. With a robust performance, it generates 14 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 13.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm—quite impressive for a maxi-scooter.
While the brand hasn't yet disclosed the full specifications of this new scooter, industry expectations point towards its anticipated launch in India during the first half of 2024.
Bajaj's CT150X
Bajaj Auto is gearing up for several new releases, focusing notably on the commuter motorcycle range, which has been a cornerstone of its offerings. Recent spy shots indicate that the company is actively developing a 150 cc commuter bike, possibly aimed at semi-urban and rural markets. Though specific details are currently unavailable, there are speculations pointing to the potential identity of this new model as the Bajaj CT150X.
Despite the camouflage on the test mule concealing much of the upcoming motorcycle, a closer inspection reveals key features such as a round headlamp, a flat handlebar with a brace in typical commuter style, robust front forks, and a single-piece seat complemented by a grab rail. It's anticipated that the upcoming Bajaj CT150X might utilize a modified version of the Pulsar 150's 149 cc single-cylinder engine. The Pulsar's engine is known to deliver 13.8 bhp and 13.25 Nm of peak torque, coupled with a 5-speed gearbox.
Kawasaki Eliminator 450
We had our speculations that Kawasaki might unveil the Eliminator 450 at the 2023 India Bike Week event, but unfortunately, that didn't materialize. Nonetheless, there's anticipation that this bike will make its way to India in 2024, although it's not officially confirmed yet. The Eliminator 450 is already available in various global markets and is equipped with a 451 cc parallel-twin engine, featuring liquid cooling and delivering approximately 44 bhp and 43 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
Notable features of the motorcycle include dual-channel ABS, smartphone connectivity, a circular digital instrument console, a slipper and assist clutch, and Kawasaki’s ergo-fit technology. This technology allows riders to customize the seat height and the positioning of the footpegs for enhanced comfort.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
Royal Enfield recently unveiled the all-new Shotgun 650 earlier this month, marking its fourth addition to the 650 Twins platform. Based on the SG650 Concept, initially showcased at the EICMA 2021 event in Milan, the Shotgun 650 stands out as a factory custom motorcycle designed as a blank canvas for custom bike builders.
This motorcycle embodies the distinctive bobber stance, characterized by a single wide flat handlebar, mid-set footpegs, and a floating single seat. Powering the Shotgun 650 is the well-established 648 cc parallel-twin air/oil-cooled engine, first introduced with the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT650 models. Featuring a 270-degree crank, this engine delivers a robust performance of 47bhp and 52 Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox.
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