New motorcycle launches in India this festive season

Bajaj VS400

Expected price: Rs 1.70 lakh - 1.90 lakh

The VS400 is Bajaj's new sports cruiser and it will go on sale after Diwali. Showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo, the VS400 looks identical to the show bike, barring the wheels and the conventional forks. The bike will come with dual-channel ABS perhaps as standard - they're mandatory from next year any way. The engine, as you know, is based on the KTM 390 Duke's 375cc, liquid-cooled motor. However, we expect it to have a calmer state of tune that brings more torque and economy. We also expect gearing more suited to its intended role as a highway citizen.

MV Agusta Brutale 800

Expected price: Rs 11 lakh -13 lakh

The Brutale 800 is new featuring swish new styling and an engine updated to meet Euro IV. The design leads with a new LED headlight, winkers and a new digital dash. Behind are the hidden grab rails and that little gap under the seat. The engine trades power for torque and drops from 125 to 116PS. It also gets more wheelbase and trail for stability, and Pirelli debuts its Diablo Rosso III with the MV.

Benelli Tornado 302R

Expected price: Rs 3.50 - Rs 3.70 lakh

The Benelli 302R is the faired version of the TNT300 that was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo too. It gets a 35PS/26Nm, 300cc, liquid-cooled twin and a 6-speed gearbox. The Tornado does have ABS though it remains to be seen if it will be on offer at launch or later. Expect bookings to open towards the end of November.

Honda Navi custom

Expected price: Rs 60,000 - Rs 65,000

Riding on the success of the Navi, Honda will launch a new set of customisation options for the scooter. At present, this includes crash guards, a luggage box, visor and colour co-ordinated suspension covers. Besides this, we don't expect the Japanese major to launch any other products this year.

Hero i3s bikes

Expected price: Rs 54,000 - Rs 80,000

Hero has three major launches lined up for the festive season. The Splendor iSmart 100's engine will debut on the Passion Pro shortly. Dealers have already started taking bookings, with the ex-showroom price pegged at Rs 51,653, ex-Thane. Next up is the Super Splendor which has been doing well in sales, and Hero should - our guess - also flaunt an all-new 125cc engine. By the time you read this, the new Achiever 150 should be out. Details are scarce but we are expecting at least a significantly updated engine, if not all-new, to be the talking point. Hero is deploying its start-stop gizmo, i3S, across bikes, and all three should have it along with always on headlamps.