Superlative performance and affordable pricing are the attributes that will keep the performance segment exciting as newer models are set to arrive this year, says Indian motoring website MotorBeam.
Recent years have seen the Indian performance bike scene transform completely. Offering something for everyone, more and more global bike makers are headed to India in a bid to tap into the growing market. Making the most out of this are certainly the buyers who literally get a number of options to choose from. But if you thought the performance bike buffet ended at the curb, then you have been gravely mistaken.
Manufacturers have just stretched their arms as they plan to launch new bikes in the country later this year.
Check out the top 5 performance bike launches for 2015 that we can't wait to get our hands on.
5. Mahindra Mojo
Mahindra 2-Wheelers will finally launch its flagship street-fighter motorcycle in India that will take on the offerings from Bajaj, KTM, Honda and the likes.
Powered by a 296cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine, the Mojo churns out 27 BHP of power at 8000 RPM and 25 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM, paired to a 6-speed gearbox.
The quirky styling makes it stand out against the competition. The price tag will be extremely competitive at around Rs 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
4. Bajaj Pulsar 200 AS
To be slotted between the Pulsar 200 NS and the newly launched RS 200, the 200 AS or Adventure Sport will be positioned as a sports tourer offering performance and practicality for long distance riding.
The bike will be largely based on the 200 NS and will not get fuel injection or ABS which is seen on the RS 200. A single projector headlamp, half-fairing and tall windscreen are part of the changes, while prices will be close to Rs 1 lakh.
3. TVS Apache 250
TVS' well kept secret, the Apache 250 will be the newest flagship offering from the manufacturer and will be inspired by the Draken concept showcased at the Auto Expo last year.
Given the rev-friendly nature of the current RTR and all the guards behind the new model, the TVS Apache 250 gets more desirable than ever and will certainly be more affordable over than the competition.
2. Yamaha R3
The twin-cylinder quarter-litre space is extremely interesting and joining the other offerings this year will be the highly awaited Yamaha YZF-R3 that is based on the R25 but gets a bigger 321cc parallel twin-cylinder engine producing 42 PS and 29.6 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed gearbox.
For those looking for some track focused riding dynamics, the R3 will offer in plenty while prices will be under Rs 3 lakh (ex-showroom).
1. Hero HX250R
Hero's maiden attempt in the performance motorcycle space, the HX250R offers a bucket load of power on paper and surely looks like an interesting proposition with inputs from EBR and is powered by a 249cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine producing 31 PS and 26 Nm of torque.
Available in two riding modes, the bike weighs just 139 kg and is said to do the 0-100 km/hr run in 8 seconds.
The HX250R will also get an under-seat exhaust giving it a special status in the segment and will be priced at around Rs 2 lakh.
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