10 most desirable motorcycles from Auto Expo 2018: Hero Motocorp XPulse to TVS Zeppelin

The recently concluded Auto Expo 2018 brought with it many new concepts and production-ready vehicles. Most of these cars and motorcycles induce some serious desire to have these in our garages. While we’ve already talked about some of the Auto Expo 2018 cars that will soon launch in India, here, in this post, we talk about 10 most desirable motorcycles from the Expo.

Hero XPulse

The new XPulse looks all set to become the most affordable adventure motorcycle in India. Powered by the same 18.4 PS-17.1 Nm 200cc engine as the new Xtreme, the upcoming Hero adventure motorcycle can be viewed as a logical successor to the now-defunct Impulse. Sufficient grunt and a suspension that’s tailor-made for the rough road usage – the Xpulse offers everything you need in an entry-level dual-purpose adventure motorcycle.

Aprilia RS 150

The Aprilia RS 150 is a fully faired motorcycle that takes some design inspiration from the very delicious RSV-4 litre-class offering. While the RS 150 made it to this year’s Expo, the company is yet to divulge details on its India launch prospects. This tasty set of wheels is powered by a 150cc, fuel-injected engine that outputs 18 PS and 14 Nm. The motorcycle comes with inverted front forks, a rear monoshock and disc brakes on both the wheels. ABS comes as a standard fitment. We want this firecracker, please Aprilia, pretty please.

Aprilia Tuono 150

While the Tuono 150 shares its engine with the RS 150, its design is based on the Tuono range of semi-fared Aprilia motorcycles.  Thanks to a typical Aprilia livery and a striking similarity with many bigger Aprilia motorcycles, the Tuono 150 is definitely a head-turner. Akin to the RS 150, even this motorcycle gets a rear monoshock and inverted front forks.

Suzuki GSX-S 750

The locally assembled Suzuki GSX-S 750 middle weight sportsbike was one of the star attractions of Suzuki’s stall at this year’s Expo. The GSX-S 750 is powered by an inline 4-cylinder 749cc liquid-cooled motor that outputs an impressive 114.2 PS and 81 Nm. The motorcycle gets KYB inverted forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Dual-channel ABS comes as a standard feature. The new motorcycle is expected to be priced around Rs 9 lakh when it goes on sale here. 

Yamaha Hyper Slaz

Another really desirable motorcycle that made its debut at the Auto Expo 2018 is the Yamaha Slaz Concept. It’s said that the bike was put on display to gauge customer interest. The company might now launch the production variant, the M Slaz, here. The Hyper Slaz show bike had a black-coloured body with red accents, stylish mag wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres and petal disc brakes on both front and rear wheels. The bike also featured an Ohlins monoshock at the rear. Powering this motorcycle is the same 149 cc single cylinder motor that powers the R15 V3. It outputs a maximum power of 17 PS and a peak torque of 15 Nm.

New Yamaha R6

Even the new Yamaha R6 made its India debut at the recently concluded Auto Expo 2018. The new R6 retains the earlier engine but gets a more modern styling and improved aerodynamic efficiency. As per the company, the new R6 is the most aerodynamic production motorcycle in the world. The sportsbike also gets a six-level-adjustable traction control system and a D-Mode System that offers three throttle response maps. The seat is also new and is placed on a Controlled-Fill die-cast magnesium rear frame.

Honda X-Blade Adventure

HMSI showcased an adventure touring version of the recently launched X-Blade streetfighter motorcycle at the Auto Expo 2018. The X-Blade Adventure is basically an accessorised version that might be launched as a new variant in near future. There are no mechanical changes to speak of, which means the motorcycle gets the same 162.1 cc HED air-cooled motor that powers the regular version. This show bike looks considerably more attractive that the base motorcycle, which is due to additions like that of a windscreen, knuckle guards, luggage carrier, stylish graphics, and faux carbon fibre highlights. 

TVS Zeppelin

This masculine-looking cruiser is actually a TVS concept that made its debut at the Auto Expo. Dubbed as the Zeppelin, this motorcycle concept is powered by a new 220 cc, four-stroke engine paired with an electric motor. The electric power can be used to boost the torque output, thereby improving the performance. There’s no official word on the launch but we so want this cruiser to go on sale in India.

UM Renegade Thor

While we had a gazillion motorcycles on sale in the UM Renegade range, the Thor, which was launched at the Auto Expo 2018, has to be the big daddy of every other motorcycle to wear the UM badge. On sale at an ex-showroom price of Rs 9.9 lakh, the Thor comes to us via CBU route from Italy. It is powered by an electric motor that outputs a maximum power of 40 BHP and a peak torque of 70 Nm. The electric drivetrain gets its juice from lithium ion batteries that are liquid cooled for consistent performance even in hot weather. The Thor has a claimed range of 270 kilometers and the batteries can be charged to 80% in just 40 minutes using a fast-charger.

Emflux One

While the Emflux One is the last bike in this list, it is definitely very high on the desirability factor. A product of a Bangalore-based startup, the Emflux One is powered by a liquid-cooled AC induction motor that propels the One to a top speed of 200 KMPH. The all-electric sportsbike can sprint from 0 to 100 KMPH ini just 3.0 seconds. The electric drivetrain outputs a max power of 50 kW along with a torque of 84 Nm right from idle. The motorcycle can be bought for Rs 6 lakh apiece.

So, what’s your take on our list of 10 most desirable motorcycles from Auto Expo 2018?