2016 Auto Expo: Rs 2+ lakh bikes that are worth waiting for

Following our article regarding affordable new bikes that were unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo, here are the ones that bear a larger price tag, but of course have much more to offer as well. Like the previous story, this one too features motorcycles that were unveiled and not launched at the show.

BMW G 310 R

The BMW-TVS collaboration has led to one of the most interesting products at the expo. It’s called the G 310 R, and is powered by a single cylinder 313 cc engine that makes 34 hp and 28 Nm. The gearbox is a six-speed unit, while the styling is good enough for it to be added to the BMW Motorrad line-up. The company announced its formal entry to the country, while further details on pricing and availability will be out soon.

TVS Akula 310 Concept

Now the second product coming out of the partnership is even more interesting, albeit a little more exotic and not suited to everyday use. It’s called the TVS Akula, is based on the same platform as the G 310 R, but is a race-spec machine. Fittingly it has a lot of carbon fibre on it, can seat only one person, and looks like the meanest thing to have ‘TVS’ on it. And of course, it celebrates the completion of 33 years of TVS Racing.

Hero XF3R

While it might not be the ultimate Hero concept yet, but if the company takes the enthusiast segment seriously and puts the XF3R into production, then it will surely be the ultimate production Hero. Powertrain details are scarce but it will be a 300+ cc unit if and when the vehicle heads towards the production line. The naked bike also benefits from meaty styling, thick tyres, fuel injection, monoshock, a single-sided swing arm, dual ride modes, etc.

Benelli Tornado 300

Benelli’s line-up in India keeps on growing, and the Tornado 300 is one of the eagerly awaited products. Showcased at EICMA last year, the Tornado 300 is the faired version of the TNT 300. It’s powered by a 300 cc engine that makes 34 hp, while ABS is standard, as well.

Benelli TRK 502

It’s clearly the season of adventure tourers, and Benelli has one for the Indian market as well – the TNT 502. It’s powered by a 500 cc engine that makes 47 hp, gets ABS, a 20-liter fuel tank, and a ground clearance of 230 mm. What else would you want to conquer the Himalaya, er, Himalayas…

(In all seriousness, expect a considerable price gap between this and the Himalaya)

Benelli BX250

Long suspension travel, a lightweight chassis, and a single cylinder 250 cc powering it – well, all that sounds fun to us. And that’s maybe what the BX250 is going to be about – having fun. Pricing isn’t out yet, but expect it to be competitive.

Honda Africa Twin

Bringing back the iconic name, the Africa Twin is back and how. The adventure tourer is powered by a 998 cc engine, and is certainly going to be one of the most focussed offerings in the segment. Especially if you want to feel like CS Santosh, you might as well do it on a bike with a legendary status.