Ducati India updated its portfolio yesterday by riding in the Streetfighter V4 SP variant. The top-of-the-shelf motorcycle costs over Rs 10.76 lakh and Rs 14 lakh more than the ‘S’ and the standard variant respectively.
So, what do you get for the extra moolah? Apart from updated underpinnings, additional features and tweaked cosmetics, the heart of the motorcycle remains unchanged with the same 1,103cc, V4-cylinder, and Desmosedici Stradale engine churning out a hair-raising 210PS of power.
With a price tag of Rs 34.99 lakh, the Streetfighter V4 SP is also one of the most expensive motorcycles on our shores. Which got us thinking, what are some best two-wheeled creations money can buy. Have a look. (all prices, ex-showroom)
1) Indian Chieftain Dark Horse/Chieftain Limited
If the Ducati is a tad bit aggressive for you, how about checking out Indian motorcycles on offer? And the two variants of Chieftain — Dark Horse and Limited — is a great place to start. Apart from the classic cruiser styling, the motorcycles also come with a ton of modern elements like a fully equipped infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay. Then, there are also USB charging capabilities, an electric windscreen, an all-LED lighting setup and power-locked saddlebags.
Price: Rs 33.54 lakh for Limited; Rs 33.29 lakh for Dark Horse
2) Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP
Even though it costs as much as a small house in a Tier2 city, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP is the least expensive motorcycle on the list. But by no means is it a slouch. Apart from all the goodies, you get from the special “Winder Test” livery — which was used during the pre-season testing of the firm’s MotoGP and WSBK motorcycles — you also get matte carbon finishing on the wings, brushed aluminium shade for the fuel tank, Marchesini forged magnesium wheels and more!
Price: Rs 34.99 lakh
3) Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special
While Harley-Davidson as an entity has officially exited the Indian market, the sales, services and distribution of H-D bikes are still managed by Hero Motorcycles. The caveat though, is that most of the offerings on the manufacturer’s list now come as a CBU (completely built units), which makes them costlier. Priced at a similar range as the Streetfighter V4, the H-D Road Glide Special makes a case for itself. Along with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 motor, and comfortable ergonomics, this one comes with a host of electronics like keyless ignition, a well-equipped infotainment system and the quintessential “Harley feeling.”
Price: Rs 34.99 lakh
4) Honda Goldwing Tour
In case you want to make a statement, there’s no better option than the Honda Goldwing Tour. This limo on two wheels not only packs a 1,833cc flat-six motor, which makes a respectable 127PS of power, but also, comes with car-like features including an electrically adjustable windscreen, cruise control, and a massive 7.0-inch infotainment system, along with Apple CarPlay as a bonus.
Price: Rs 37.20-39.16 lakh
5) Indian Roadmaster
Yet another entrant from the Indian Motorcycles lineup, the 1,890cc Roadmaster ups the ante on everything the Chieftain guarantees and more. For starters, you get a more comfortable rider and pillion heated seats and grips and a whopping 140-litres of weatherproof storage space! Who needs an SUV?
Price: Rs 43.21 lakh to 43.96 lakh
6) BMW M 1000 RR
If you’re going for something in the similar vein as the Streetfighter V4, check out the BMW M 1000 RR. Powered by a 999cc inline four-cylinder engine, the M-badged motorcycle makes a whopping 212PS of power and weighs 16.3kg less than the standard S 1000 RR. We love it!
Price: Rs 42 lakh to 45 lakh
7) 2019 Kawasaki Ninja H2R
For more than half a decade the Ninja H2R has set a benchmark in our market not only when it comes to pricing, but also in the maddening amount of power and electronics it offers. While on paper, the H2R packs a seemingly humble 998cc engine, its party trick comes in the form of a supercharger, which helps it in making 310PS of power. Kick in the Ram Air intake and these figures get pushed to 326 PS. How cool is that?
Price: Rs 79.90 lakh
(Image credits: Ducati, Indian Motorcycles, Harley-Davidson, BMW Motorrad, Kawasaki )