High on features, high on price and performance, these eight superbikes scorched the Indian roads this year, says Naveen Soni
The year 2014 proved to be a high performance year for the Indian two-wheeler industry, as most of the new launches were made in the Superbike category. The number of high performance motorcycles launched in 2014 is even larger than the commuter segment bikes and most of the new superbikes are cruisers.
Here's a look at the top super cruisers launched in 2014.
1. Harley-Davidson Breakout
Photograph Courtesy: Harley Davidson Motorcycles
Launched in October along with the CVO Limited and Street Glide Special, Harley-Davidson Breakout is a classic drag bike, which belongs to the Softail family.
The bike gets all that is expected of a Harley-Davidson including the low muscular profile, custom paint and chrome work, fat rear tyre, and many more. But the most important is the iconic Twin Cam 103 V-twin engine with six-speed cruise drive transmission.
The bike has been priced at Rs 16.28 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
2. Harley-Davidson CVO Limited
Photograph Courtesy: Harley Davidson Motorcycles
The flagship Harley in India -- CVO Limited is the first CVO model ever launched here. Being the most expensive bike on the Indian roads with a price tag of Rs 49.23 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), it gives you fabulous custom styling and refined touring luxury.
3. Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special
Photograph Courtesy: Harley Davidson Motorcycles
Street Glide is a popular performance touring machine from Harley-Davidson, and its fully loaded 'Special' version is now available in India with a price tag of Rs 29.7 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi).
The highlighted features of the machine are high output Twin Cam 103 powertrain, Boom! Box 6.5GT infotainment system, Batwing fairing with splitstream vent, Dual Halogen headlamp, Enforcer cast aluminium wheels and Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS.
4. Triumph Thunderbird LT
Photograph Courtesy: Triumph Motorcycles
In the September of this year, Triumph launched a tour specific version of its performance cruiser, Thunderbird LT, in India with a price tag of Rs 15.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Apart from the world's largest parallel twin displacing 1,699cc, the bike gets some touring features like saddle bags, large wing shield, extra headlamps and extra cushioned seats with improved design and pillion back rest.
5. Indian Scout
Photograph Courtesy: Indian Motorcycles
After launching the 2014 Indian Chief range in India, Polaris introduced the 2015 Indian Scout with a very justified price tag of Rs 11.99 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi). The sporty cruiser gets a classic touch and its name from the iconic Scout motorcycles made from 1920-1949.
However, the new model is one of the most advanced cruisers with an efficient and reliable 1,133cc liquid-cooled V-twin, designed for impressive power on demand.
6. Harley-Davidson Street 750
Photograph Courtesy: Harley Davidson Motorcycles
The most affordable Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the Street 750, launched in India this year at the Auto Expo in February. The bike is based on an all new platform and powered by an all new liquid-cooled Revolution X V-twin engine.
The company is manufacturing it locally in its Indian facility, which further makes it a special motorcycle for the Indian market.
The latest price of the bike is Rs 4.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
7. Indian Chief
Photograph Courtesy: Indian Motorcycles
Polaris launched the whole new range of Chief motorcycles including the Classic, Vintage and Chieftain models in India in January this year.
Redefining the American ultra luxury on two wheels, the motorcycles are priced in a range between Rs 26.5-Rs 33 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), challenging the Harley-Davidson in India.
Key features of all the Indian Chief models are their vintage styling and the iconic Thunder Stroke 111 engine.
8. Honda Gold Wing
Photograph Courtesy: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - Motorcycle Division
Recently launched in India, Honda Gold Wing GL1800 is one of the finest touring machine on the planet.
Powered by 1832cc flat-six engine, the bike gets many advance features like a big storage and infotainment system with navigation and trip planner.
Honda Gold Wing GL1800 is the first and the only two-wheeler in the world to feature airbag technology.
Its 40th anniversary edition has been priced at Rs 28.5 lakh, while the airbag version is priced at Rs 31.50 lakh (both ex-showroom, New Delhi).
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