Top performance bikes set to launch in 2014

Get ready to set the streets on fire this year

The Indian bike market is gearing for some excellent two-wheeler launches in 2014. Most manufacturers are likely to target the performance bike segment.

Kawasaki Z800

Kawasaki is expected to launch a naked sports bike in the beginning of this New Year. The Kawasaki Z800 will be boasting an 806cc, 4-stroke, liquid cooled inline four engine.

This mill is organised to crank out the highest power of 113bhp and a peak torque of 83Nm. The fierce machine has an impeccable and aggressive appearance.

Expected price: Rs 8.5 lakh.

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Bajaj Pulsar 375

This bike has been in the works for quite some time now. Bajaj announced the launch of Pulsar 375 a few months back.

A fully faired bike the Pulsar 375 will incorporate a 375cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-valve, triple-spark engine, inspired from KTM Duke 390.

The engine comes equipped with fuel injection technology to enhance mileage and performance of the bike.

Expected price: Rs 1.7 lakh.

Bajaj Pulsar 200NS ABS-FI

A new version of Bajaj Pulsar 200NS is likely under the works for a 2014 launch and is likely to be named Bajaj Pulsar 200NS ABS-FI.

This variant will bring the anti-lock brake system for better safety and fuel injection technology to accelerate performance. Appearance of the bike might not change with addition of limited features. The powerful and robust 199.5cc, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4Valve, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, triple-spark engine will continue empowering this naked machine.

Bajaj might also launch the next generation model of Pulsar 150 this year.

Expected price: Rs 1.1 lakh. 

KTM RC 200

KTM will likely introduce its full faired version of Duke 200 called KTM RC 200. The design will be inspired by the company's racing machine RC8 R.

The long fairing, the touch of orange paint and the use of space-tubular frame makes it look eye-pleasing. The bike maker has used a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignited, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 199.5cc, just like the Duke 200.

The KTM RC 200 will come equipped with ABS, not available with Duke 200.

Expected price: Rs 1.8 lakh.

KTM RC 390

KTM, along with RC 200, is about to launch KTM RC 390 in the Indian market this year as suggested by 'coming soon to India' on its web site.

The design is also inspired by KTM RC8 R. Along side featuring a full faired body, this machine will also sport clip-on handle-bars and twin projector headlamps for enhanced beauty.

The company has used Duke 390's 373.2cc, 1-cylinder 4-stroke engine, water-cooled engine. The bike will produce top power of 43bhp while the mill is mated with a 6-speed constant mesh.

Expected price: Rs 2.25 lakh.

Hero MotoCorp Karizma R and ZMR

Hero with its technical partner, EBR, has redesigned its revolutionary motorcycles Karizma R and ZMR into a whole new form. These bikes now look classier with a smart alteration in their design. These will now be featuring twin headlight, a sporty handle bar, stylish front fender, bulb winker, new race-inspired belly pan, sporty seating, new muffler cover, fat tyres, and the works.

The semi-faired model, R and the full faired model ZMR will be empowered with an air-cooled, 4-stroke single-cylinder OHC, fuel injection engine with 223cc displacement. This engine will churn out maximum power of 19.2bhp.

Karizma R is expected to launch at Rs 95,000 while ZMR at Rs 1.2 lakh.

Suzuki GW250 (Inazuma)

Suzuki is also on the go to launch a 250cc bike in the year 2014 at Indian Auto Expo. The name of the bike is Suzuki GW250 aka Inazuma. With a 248cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel twin mill, this bike will produce 26bhp power and torque of 24Nm.

The bike offers 36kmpl mileage, the credit for which goes to ECO mode indicator, fuel injection technology and six-speed transmission.

Expected price: Below Rs 2 lakh.

Hyosung GV250 (Aquila)

The company has designed an entry level cruiser for the Indian market inspired by GV650 Aquila pro. This bike is coupled with a 249cc, oil/air-cooled, V-twin engine which incorporates an EFI technology for better performance.

The engine will produce maximum power product of 27bhp and the top torque of 22Nm. This cruiser is expected to be launched at Indian Auto Expo 2014.

Hyosung GD250N

Hyosung too is likely to launch GD250N at Indian Auto Expo 2014. The bike is a 250cc naked sports machine featuring a 249cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. Its engine is tuned to generate 28bhp of maximum power and 24Nm of top torque. This bike is designed with a bulky tank, fat rear tyre and fascinating headlamp.

This bike is expected to launch by June 2014.

Moto Morini Bikes

Vardenchi is expected to launch Italian Moto Morini bikes in India at the upcoming Indian Auto Expo. There are three bikes in their current line-up: Corsaro 1200 Veloce, Grandpasso 1200 and Scrambler 1200.

The bike maker has put 1187cc, liquid-cooled, four valve per cylinder, 87 degree longitudinal V-twin engine which has Magneti Marelli electronic injection system.

The engine for Corsaro 1200 Valoce is tuned to churn out the highest power of 140bhp while for the other two bikes, this mill delivers around 117 to 118bhp of power.

Yamaha R25

Yamaha seems to be in a mood to change the Indian bike market. The manufacturer has designed an entry track machine, inspired by MotoGP racing machine Yamaha YZR-M1. The bike, christened as Yamaha R25, is expected to launch by the end of 2014. However, chances are it might get showcased at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo.

This bike houses a 249cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, inline twin engine which might produce 34bhp of the top power. The engine is mated with the six-speed manual transmission gearbox.