 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Major two-wheeler makers showcased glitzier and powerful bikes on the first day of the mega event.
In its 12th edition, the Indian Auto Expo once again proved that it is the biggest and best auto show in the country with representations by auto majors from across the world. Almost all of them launched and unveiled their production and concept models along with their existing domestic and global products.
As the biggest two-wheeler market, India attracts all the major motorcycle manufacturers from around the world and they were not going to miss out on the opportunity to showcase their best products at the Auto Expo 2014.
Here is an account of the major attractions from the two-wheeler manufacturers on the first day of this mega event.
Courtesy
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Harley Davidson India
The very first slot was given to the world's leisure motorcycle segment leader, Harley Davidson, as it was launching its most affordable cruiser, Street 750, in India.
All eyes were on Anoop Prakash (Managing Director, Harley Davidson India), when he was about to announce the price and he amazed every one by launching the Street 750 for Rs 4.10 lakh, a very competitive price tag in India.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Honda Motorcycles and Scooter India
The second largest two-wheeler brand of India -- Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India limited (HMSI) -- showcased a range of global products here. However, the most alluring moment was the revealing of Activa 125, which appeared to be inspired by Honda's global product, Lead.
It appeared sportier and more elegant than the current Activa 110 model from the front, while the rear remains quite similar with a little alteration.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Thereafter, Honda announced its mid-size track machine, the CBR500R, the CBR650F and the new CBR250R-based naked sport concept, CX-01, all a mark of excellent technology and style.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Honda also showcased its range of global products including MotoGP machine, RC213V, king of motorcycles and the ultimate tourer -- Goldwing.
The latest version of legendary track machine, CBR1000RR SP, Sport tourer, VFR1200F, the wildest naked machine, CB1000R, the meanest chopper, VT1300CX and the feature-loaded performance scooter, PCX 125 were also showcased at the Auto Expo 2014.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Yamaha Motor India
The Japanese manufacturer with largest motorsport culture, Yamaha, launched a new standard 110cc scooter, Alpha, at Rs 49,518. The scooter uses the platform of its sporty sibling Ray and also shares the same 113cc, air cooled mill with CVT.
Along with great performance, the scooter claims to return a pleasant mileage of 62kmpl.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Yamaha lived up to its motorsport brand image with the amazing concept model for entry level track machine, R25. With a true racing spirit, the bike takes inspiration from the Yamaha Factory Racing team's track machine, YZR-M1, which was also showcased at the Auto Expo.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Yamaha also displayed toppers of its high performance range including fascinating street motorcycle, V-Max, symbol of excellence on tracks, YZF-R1 and the wild machine, FZ-1.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Suzuki Motorcycles India Limited
Another Japanese major, Suzuki Motorcycle India Limited (SMIL), brought 4 new products to the event, ranging from 110 to 1000cc. One of these was the already launched Inazuma 250cc street bike with a high performance parallel twin and elegant appearance.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
New 110cc scooter, Let's and 150cc naked bike, Gixxer were also unveiled recently and repeated at the Auto Expo. Both the vehicles use the all new Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology with an engine that delivers best-in-class performance and mileage.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
The most surprising announcement from Suzuki was the high performance, two-wheeled tourer, Suzuki V-Srom 1000 ABS. It is a versatile machine offering excellent power and comfort along with the compatibility to ride on or off road.
Its powerful 1037cc, liquid cooled, 90 degree V-Twin has been bolted on a durable steel frame. For extreme comfort, it uses an adjustable suspension system with inverted forks at the front and link type single shock at the rear.
The dual front and single rear disc brakes are assisted by ABS to give unmatched safety and controllability. Suzuki also showcased its Indian line-up of motorcycles, scooters and superbikes including Hayate, Sling Shot Plus, GS150R, Access, Swish, GSX-R1000, Hayabusa, Bandit and Intruder.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Bajaj Auto Limited
Home grown two-wheeler major, Bajaj Auto Limited (BAL), which amazed every heart with their two new power packed Pulsars. It unveiled a faired and a naked version of its flagship motorcycle christened Pulsar 400SS and 400CS respectively.
Both are powered by a 375cc, liquid cooled, 4-valve engine with fuel injection technology. The powertrain is based on the engine of its Austrian partner's motorcycle KTM Duke 390.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Bajaj Pulsar 400SS sports a racing inspired fairing with two projector headlamps and LED DRLs, while the naked Bajaj Pulsar 400CS gets minimised body panels and very aggressive multi-unit headlamp. The naked version also gets inverted front forks and newly designed alloys.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Piaggio
The Italian superbrand, Piaggio, came with three of its fully owned brands, Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi. Scooter brand Vespa unveiled three models, the iconic Vespa 946, sporty Vespa S and blend of technology and style, Liberty 125 3V.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
In the track segment, there was supersport, Aprilia RSV4 R along with the supersport tourer, Caponord 1200. The brand with longitudinal V-Twins, Moto Guzzi, brought the ultimate cafe racer, V7 Racer, retro roadster, V7 Stone and amazing cruiser, California 1400 there.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Hero MotoCorp
First day's show stopper for the 2-wheeler segment was leader of the Indian two-wheeler market, Hero MotoCorp, which unveiled lots of production and concept models. The first unveiling from the dungeon of the manufacturer was a cafe racer version of its best selling commuter, Splendor Pro Classic.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Thereafter, the company released a range of new models, including an on/off road version of the stylish commuter, Passion Pro TR, hub-less bike concept, ION, India's first electric bike, SimplEcity and a flagship naked sport concept, Hastur with 620cc engine.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
Hero also showcased the recently unveiled, 150cc TDI powered bike, RNT, 250cc sport bike with best-in-class performance of 31bhp, HX250R, electric hybrid scooter, Leap and a sportier and more powerful version of the sporty 150cc Xtreme Sport.
Auto Expo 2014: Bikes that dazzled on Day 1
The range of 15 updated products unveiled in October 2013 was also displayed at Auto Expo, which includes Splendor iSmart with i3S, the scooter, Pleasure with IBS, Xtreme with engine immobilizer, the all new Karizma R and ZMR, the more efficient, aerodynamic commuter, HF-Deluxe ECO, the new HF-Dawn and HF-Deluxe, Splendor Pro, Super Splendor, Passion Pro and Xpro, Glamour and Glamour FI.