Hottest bikes of 2022

2-wheelers have always been the rave in India and 2022 saw plenty of new bikes and scooters in the market. We saw superbikes, adventure tourers and a wide range of daily bikes come into the country, so let's take a look at some of the best bikes we thought were launched in 2022.

Hero XPulse 200T 4V

The highlight of the new Xpulse 200T 4V is an updated 200cc, single-cylinder oil-cooled petrol engine paired with a five-speed gearbox. Notably, this motor has a four-valve setup, which debuted with the new Xpulse 4V. As a result, the motorcycle makes 19.1PS at 8,500rpm and 17.3Nm of torque at 6,500rpm.

Further, the Xpulse 200T 4V continues to get a fully digital instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation and call alerts, an under-seat USB charging port, a gear indicator, single-channel ABS, telescopic front forks, a seven-step adjustable monoshock, side stand engine cut-off, and disc brakes: 276mm at the front and 220mm at the rear, among others.

Yezdi

Each motorcycle is powered by the 334cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine from the Jawa Perak but like their respective lists of equipment, the tuning of the powertrain aims to complement the respective intent. The Adventure produces a peak power of 30.2PS and peak torque of 29Nm. The Roadster produces 29PS and 29Nm. Finally the Scrambler produces 29PS and 28Nm.

All three motorcycles feature a reverse-LCD display with a trip meter, distance to empty, time, ABS mode and gear indicator. While the Roadster and Scrambler employ this in a circular instrument, the Adventure gets a tablet-style rectangular unit which can also be adjusted for tilt to suit a seated or standing-up riding posture. The unit also integrates a turn-by-turn navigation display, much like Royal Enfield's Tripper, which pairs with Yezdi's proprietary smartphone app for the data, while the navigation system itself uses MapMyIndia software. The Scrambler and the Adventure also feature USB type C charging ports on the handlebar.

BMW G310 RR

At the heart of the BMW G310 RR is the same tried and tested 312cc, liquid-cooled single-pot mill that pushes out 34PS and 27.3Nm - which can be dialled down via the ride modes that the bike comes with. One major upset is the fact that the G310 RR misses out on Bluetooth connectivity and a basic turn-by-turn navigation system.

The BMW also gets golden USD forks, alloy wheels, and an exposed trellis frame - all of which are identical to the Apache RR310. But none of the extra stuff that TVS offers with the Apache RR310 BTO in terms of the fully-adjustable suspension KYB set-up front forks that get a 20-step compression and rebound damping, as well as 15 mm of preload adjustment. Although the BMW's rear monoshock is adjustable by a couple of clicks, it isn't as sophisticated as the 20-step rebound damping and a 10-step preload adjuster that TVS has on offer with the Apache BTO. The BMW misses out on the adjustable levers as well.

Bajaj Pulsar N160

The N160 comes powered by a 165cc oil-cooled single-cyl motor that produces a max 16PS of power and 14.6Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a 5-speeder. The bike gets 17-inch wheels with a 300mm disc up front and a 280mm disc out back.

The new Bajaj comes with a 14-litre fuel tank which should keep you away from fuel bunks for most part, while kerb weight of the N160 with dual-channel ABS is 154kg, and the single-channel ABS version weighs in at 2kg less - so yes, the bike is nowhere close to being the lightest bike in its segment.

Royal Enfield Hunter

The Hunter 350 is powered by Royal Enfield's J-series engine the same 350cc motor as the Meteor 350 and Classic 350 J-Series bikes. The highly-refined motor continues to produce a max power and torque of 20.4PS and 27Nm. Tipping the scales at 181kg, the Hunter is around 15kg lighter than the RE Classic 350, so it should have a little more pep in its step.

Distinguishing features of the Retro variant are its narrower treads, spoke wheels, its switchgear that's from the older RE models, differently styled info display, indicators, seat and grabrail, while the tail light unit features a bulb and isn't an LED unit like on the Metro.

Harley-Davidson Sportster S

The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is powered by Harley-Davidson's latest Revolution Max 1250T engine, the same 1250cc liquid-cooled 60-degree DOHC V-Twin engine fitted to the Harley-Davidson Pan America Adventure bikes, however the Harley-Davidson Sportster S produces 122.6PS at 9,500rpm and 127.4Nm at 6,000 rpm. The motor is mated to a six-speed gearbox and gets a slipper clutch.

The Sportster S gets a Showa 43mm USD fork up front and Showa piggyback rear monoshock, both of which are fully adjustable and will set out with 17(f)/ 16(r)- inch cast aluminium rims, shod with special Dunlop/Harley-Davidson Series GT503 tyres, while braking hardware includes premium Brembo components.

Honda CB300F

The 293cc air-oil-cooled, single-cylinder Honda CB300F engine generates 24.47PS and 25.6Nm and is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch. A USD fork in golden colour and a monoshock with a five-step preload adjustment serve as the underpinnings of this new bike.

At a first glance, this new CB looks very similar to the Honda Hornet but a closer look and that 'Streetfighter' name shows its character. All LED lights, a USB charger, and a digital instrument cluster with adjustable brightness are included with the CB300F. Honda RoadSync is a feature of the Deluxe Pro model that enables the rider to link with their smartphone, answer calls, and seek guidance with the use of the switch cube on the left handle.

Ducati Streetfighter V2

The Streetfighter V2 is powered by a 955cc Superquadro twin motor which pumps put a massive 155PS at 10,750rpm and 101Nm of maximum torque at 9,000rpm. Yup, it's the same motor from the Ducati Panigale V2, but now, the Streetfighter V2 gets different gear ratios to allow for smoother throttle response that's a lot more road-friendly.

In terms of features, the Streetfighter V2 gets three ride modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, full-LED lighting and a 4.3-inch TFT instrumentation display. The bike also gets a six-axis IMU which works in tandem with the electronics, and impacts the power modes, traction control system, wheelie control, cornering ABS, and engine brake control.

Keeway 300

The Keeway 300 is styled like a retro classic scooter. Underneath all that old-school garb is a 278cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine that produces a maximum power of 18.7PS at 6,500 rpm and a max torque of 22Nm at 6000 rpm.

Features-wise, it gets a split-seat, retro-styled grille, full-LED headlight combined with dual LED brake lights and signal lights. A multi-function ignition switch incorporates the electric starter, the under-seat storage access, and a steering lock. The scooter comes with dual-channel ABS and disc brakes on its 120/70-12 tires/wheels on either end. The Sixties 300i is available in three colour schemes - Matte White, Matte Grey and Matte Light Blue.

BMW S1000RR

Powering the S1000RR is a 999cc, four-cylinder petrol engine. Thanks to the tuned-up motor, the motorcycle makes 210PS at 13,750rpm, while the torque output stands at 113Nm.

The BMW S1000RR in 2023 receives a number of technical and aesthetic improvements. For instance, the fairing is equipped with conventional sports aero winglets that are said to provide 10 kg of downforce. The windscreen has also been extended to enhance wind deflection. The sleek LED headlamp assembly from the previous model is still present.

Jawa 42 Bobber

The 334cc engine of the 42 Bobber, coupled to a smooth 6-speed gearbox, delivers 30.64PS of power and 32.74Nm of torque, carrying on Perak's. Coming to the brakes, dual-channel ABS is standard.

The 42 served as inspiration for the separate clock panel and the neatly packed headlight unit, which were refined to give the front end a muscular appearance. The digital clock console's contrasting LCD screen provides excellent visibility from the saddle and all the essential information. The motorbike also has new switchgear to operate these features. The lighting is LED all around.

Suzuki Katana

Based on the same chassis as the Suzuki GSX-S1000F, the 2022 Suzuki Katana comes powered by a liquid-cooled 999cc, in-line-four engine which makes 152PS at 11,000rpm and 106Nm at 9,25rpm. The motorcycle comes armed with the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) which comes with a variety of advanced electronic control systems. S.I.R.S. features Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS), Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), Ride-by-Wire Electronic Throttle System, Low RPM Assist, and Suzuki Easy Start System.

Suzuki is offering the Katana with a multi-functional TFT digital instrument panel that looks rather simplistic when compared to the TFT displays on other modern machines out there, but it does feature Bluetooth connectivity. Also, there are two different dual-tone colour options - Metallic Stellar Blue with bronze alloy wheels, and Solid Iron Grey with matt-black alloy wheels.