HOT PICS: Bikes that ROCKED at Auto Expo 2012

Many high-profile bike launches were witnessed at Auto Expo 2012 that concluded in Delhi on January 11. Here is a round up of the best biking action from the six-day extravaganza.

Triumph, the popular superbike brand, formally entered Indian market this Expo. As many as seven bikes have been brought to India by Triumph. The Modern Classic -- Bonneville, the off-roader Tiger 800XC, the iconic naked sports bikes, Speed Triple and Street Triple, and the supersports bike Daytona 675. All these start selling from Rs 5.5 lakh for Bonneville and go as high as Rs 22 lakh for the flagship Rocket III Roadster.

These bikes though will make their lovers wait for around six months to order at the dealerships. Also, just three outlets will be coming up initially, in New Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Probably Triumph would bless Chandigarh in next few months.

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Brands like Harley-Davidson and Ducati have given the Indian fan following the most blasting news. Those who passionately long for Harleys and Ducatis have a lot to cheer about in the New Year.

Both the brands will now assemble their models in India, thus lowering down their prices by saving on import duties. The iconic motorcycle company, Harley Davidson, already having a facility in Haryana, now will assemble FXDB Street Bob and FXDC Super Glide Custom in India itself.

Five motorbikes are now being assembled in our country, out of the 15 on offer.

The most-wanted bike brand, Ducati, can be owned now for Rs 6.99 lakh only! Ducati launched a monster, which it christened Ducati Monster 795 during the Expo. With its comfortable price tag, and specially made for Asia, this beautiful Monster now will be the most affordable one from Ducati in Indian sub-continent.

Assumptions are that the Triumph Street Triple, the Kawasaki Ninja 650R, and the Hyosung GT650N will be giving it a tough competition.

Royal Enfield has launched the ultimate cruiser for Indian roads, Thunderbird 500. This long awaited bike is a stylishly revamped version of the earlier Thunderbird. This new version is meant for those who are passionate for the tough bikes, and also for those avid travelers who go long distances on bikes.

Another hot display from RE was the Cafe Racer Concept, which is not yet in production stages; however, RE wishes to start working on it earlier than expected. The price assumption is somewhere around what the RE Classic 500 stands at. But the hottest from the RE was, hold your breath -- a complete bike riding gear! Those RE jackets, goggles, helmets, sweatshirts, belts, denims, gloves, cargoes, boots, and what-nots had all the visitors drooling at the RE pavilion.

Mahindra seemed to be walking on the words utility and performance. Launched were a scooter, Duro DZ, and a bike, Mahindra MGP3O. The company claims Duro DZ to be a step ahead in the scoots available for Indian customers. This one sure will challenge the curvy, pot-holed, traffic jammed roads in India.

MGP30 is the baby given birth by Mahindra and Italian two-wheeler specialist, Engines Engineering, with the union with Formula One racing and engine experts.

Hero unveiled three new two-wheelers at the Expo, which the firm will eventually launch in 2012. To stand individually in the global world, Hero recently went solo, parting ways from Honda. And to compete, it plans to bring around Hero Maestro, Passion X-Pro, and Ignitor.

Hero Maestro is a scoot that has been built with the youth in mind. This funky ride has sporty design and appeal to it.

Passion X-Pro is another feather in the list of commuter motorcycles. The looks suggest a new sticker on it, along with the restyled body. Ignitor will be for those who like to race on Indian roads.

It's a 125cc bike made to attract those who have a craze for polished, sporty, exciting bikes. Hero also put on display the new Hunk, with a matte finish to appeal to the youngsters.

Not one, not two, not three, Honda launched seven new models at the Expo. Here goes the list. Dream Yuga, 110cc Dio, CBR150R, CBR 250R, VT 1300CX, and 2012 CBR1000RR Fireblade.

Among these, Dio stands out as the only scoot from Honda's satchel, which seemed like a stylish yet commuter ride!

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL) unveiled two bikes at the Expo, Hayate and Swish. Hayate has been announced as a mass market commuter motorcycle with a 112.8cc engine. The Japanese term 'Hayate' means 'swift wind'.

However, the firm has not divulged much details about the engine and power output. The other one, Swish, a scooter, is estimated to pump out 125cc. This scooter has been affordably priced at Rs 45,431.

TVS created a complete chaos amidst the crowd by unveiling India's first hybrid scooter, Qube, a 125cc engine. The production is expected to roll by June this year. This one is a hard competition to Suzuki Access and Honda Aviator.

The cute rounded looks of the scooter has already won many a heart. Also from the same pavilion are RTR 180 ABS, RTR 160 racing concept, 250cc Quad concept. TVS RTR 250-fx was another showstopper. Many visitors were seen taking peek-a-boo at this off roader.

Piaggio has come back with its iconic Vespa. Many visitors who came out of the Piaggio pavilion were heard raving about the gorgeous looks of the scooter. Overheard was 'a well-gymmed scooter'.

Vespa LX125, as per Piaggio, is lifestyle scooter at a premium price, placed a bit above the rest of the scooters. But once you get into the specifications, you won't mind shelling the amount. Its not just a lifestyle ride, but an equally utility two-wheeler. But yes, its owner will definitely be roaming around proud. The scooter is expected to be seen on roads pretty soon. Perfect comeback!