Along with the monsoon, it looks like it’ll be raining motorcycles this month. August is set to witness an onslaught of two-wheeler launches, ranging from a new Royal Enfield motorcycle to a couple of Ducatis. Here’s the full list.
1. Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Starting with the first week of August, Royal Enfield will finally launch the highly anticipated Hunter 350 on August 7. Designed to be the most accessible model in its lineup, the Hunter 350 will be based on the same J-series platform, which underpins the Meteor and the Classic 350. However, unlike them, the Hunter 350 is rumoured to be much lighter and peppier, while being priced around the Rs 1.70 lakh mark. Powering it will be the same engine seen on the Classic and the Meteor, which makes 20.5PS of power and 27Nm of torque.
2. 2022 Hero Xpulse 200T
Ever since its launch, the more off-road friendly Hero Xpulse 200 has been the most popular sibling out of the two 200cc motorcycles in Hero’s lineup. To shake things up a bit, Hero is planning to update the 200T with some much-needed features, like a 4V engine (19.6PS/17.35Nm), redesigned headlamps, and a couple of visual tweaks and a new paint scheme. Overall, we expect these updates would push the 200T’s pricing to somewhere around Rs 1.24 lakh.
3. New Honda BigWing model
Honda has been extremely coy about its next BigWing launch, scheduled to be happening on August 8. While we initially thought it could be the Forza 350 maxi-scooter, reports are now indicating that it might be a 350cc-500cc motorcycle. Could this be the higher capacity H’ness we’ve been suspecting for a while? Or is a completely new international model like the Rebel 500 making its way here? We’ll just have to wait till next week to find out, sadly.
4. Zontes and Moto Morini
After announcing their India innings a couple of weeks ago, Zontes and Moto Morini seem to be officially gearing up to launch their offerings in India. While we don’t have the confirmed launch date yet, Zontes has revealed that it’s planning to launch at least five motorcycles here, based on its 350cc platform. Meanwhile, Moto Morini will be bringing four models to our shores based on its 650cc twin-cylinder platform.
5. Harley-Davidson Nightster
After updating its Sportster lineup last year with the Sportster S, Harley-Davidson is now set to introduce a more accessible option to it, with the Nightster. The cruiser will significantly undercut the Sportster S’ asking price of Rs 16.51 lakh while packing a 975cc Revolution Max engine, which makes 90PS of power and 95Nm of torque.
6. Ducati Streetfighter V2
Just like the new Panigale V2, Ducati will be mounting its smaller 955cc engine into the Streetfighter’s frame. Set to be called the Streetfighter V2, the “less” powerful sibling will sport the same design elements as the Streetfighter V4, while making 155PS of power and 101.4Nm of torque. In terms of underpinnings, the naked motorcycle will likely get the same top-shelf components like fully-adjustable Brembo brakes and all the bells and whistles you’d ever need. Expect it to undercut the Panigale V2’s pricing of Rs 19.49 lakh by quite a margin.
7. Ducati Panigale V4 SP2
With the Panigale V4 getting updated for 2022, it was only a matter of time before Ducati updated the V4 SP2. The special edition variant of the flagship Panigale will feature all the updates seen on the 2022 V4, along with extra goodies like an STM-EVO dry clutch, carbon fibre wheels, and electronically-adjustable Ohlins suspension and Stylema R callipers. Powering it will be the same 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine, making 218PS of power and 123Nm of torque, albeit in a 1kg lighter body as compared to the V4S.
All prices, ex-showroom, Delhi.
Image credits: Royal Enfield, Ducati, Hero Motors, Harley-Davidson
