Top five most important upcoming motorcycle launches in India in 2023

Gajanan Kashikar Updated: May 31, 2023, 11:47 AM IST

The second-half of this calendar year will be very exciting as numerous hotly anticipated motorcycles are set to arrive in India. From Royal Enfield, Triumph-Bajaj, Harley Davidson to KTM, the long awaited motorcycles from these bike makers are set to make their debut in the market soon. Interestingly, there will be different launches in terms of body styles, such as an adventure tourer, a scrambler, and a street naked, among others. Since most important Indian festivals take place during the last few months of the year, the two-wheeler manufacturers are likely to plan their product launches close to these festivities to boost sales.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

There is no doubt that the all-new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is the most awaited motorcycle in India this year. While the bike maker has been developing dozens of new motorcycles, it has already launched the Super Meter 650 and 2023 Interceptor 650, and 2023 Continental GT 650 in the country. That said, the new Himalayan could cost Rs 2.70 lakh or above.

Coming back to the Himalayan 450, the new adventure motorcycle will feature a new chassis and a new 450cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. The key highlights of the new Himalayan 450 are likely to be all-LED lights, new TFT colour instrument console, adjustable front and rear suspension, large disc brakes at both ends, dual-channel ABS, traction control, riding modes, a slipper clutch, and more. Meanwhile, the production-ready test mule of the Himalayan 450 has been spotted on countless occasions, hinting at its launch is just a few months away.

Triumph-Bajaj Scrambler

One of the much anticipated launches from Triumph and Bajaj is a new scrambler. This motorcycle will also joined by a roadster derivate, which is expected to bear neo-retro styling. It is already confirmed that the new Triumph-Bajaj motorcycles (scrambler and roadster) will make its global debut on 27 June, 2023 in London, the United Kingdom. It is also important to note that Bajaj will manufacture both new Triumph bikes at its Chakan facility in Pune, Maharashtra.

The upcoming Triumph-Bajaj scrambler and roadster are likely to be powered by about a 400cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor mated to a six-speed gearbox. This engine could produce 35-45PS and 30-40Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the roadster is expected to be priced Rs 2-2.50 lakh, while the scrambler may cost Rs 2.40-2.60 lakh.

Harley-Davidson X440

The all-new Harley-Davidson X440 will be the most affordable motorcycle from the iconic bike maker in India. Co-developed by Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson, the X440 is scheduled to make its India debut on 3 July, 2023. There will be a two-day event at Hero MotoCorp's Global Centre of Innovation and Technology in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Similar to the Triumph scrambler and roadster, the Harley-Davidson X440 will be manufactured at Hero Motocorp's plant in the country.

Powering the X440 is likely to be a 440cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine paired with a six-speed gearbox. However, the engine specifications are not available at the moment but a previously leaked photo of the motorcycle revealed that it will be capable redlining at 8,000rpm.

KTM 390 Duke

While KTM has recently expanded the 390 Adventure line-up with three new variants, its most-compelling launch in India will be the new generation 390 Duke. With the generation update, the streetfighter will receive significant design changes and tech upgrades. Not to mention, the all-new 390 Duke has already been spotted testing in the country and abroad on multiple occasions.

The new-gen 390 Duke will bear sporty and aggressive design along with a new frame. It will also get an upgraded TFT colour display with a fresh user interface. In terms of engine, the streetfighter is likely to carry the 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with some tweaks, which may increase its power output and enhance performance. KTM India could launch the new 390 Duke later this year.

Yamaha YZF-R3

Yamaha India recently showcased the hotly anticipated YZF-R3 at a dealer event in India. The Japanese bike maker may bring the R3 to India via the CBU route at first. Notably, the launch of the YZF-R3 is likely to take place sometime in the coming months, alongside the MT-03 and other motorcycles.

The Yamaha R3 has an imposing stance, aggressive face, and sporty riding posture. The popular sports bike is powered by a 321cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor generating 42PS and 29.5Nm of torque. It comes with upside-down front forks, a fully digital instrument console, a rear monoshock, and a single-disc setup at front and rear.

Photo source - Rushlane and ZigWheels