UPCOMING BIKES IN 2021 INDIA

HONDA 

India’s second biggest two-wheeler manufacturer launched more new vehicles in 2020 than any of its rivals. With Honda’s BS6 range now in place, 2021 is likely to be the year where we see more premium products for its newly established Big Wing dealership network. The newly launched CB 350 Highness is proving to be quite popular and we expect to see more models on this platform, possibly something with 17-inch wheels this time around.

2021 will also see the return of the CBR650R and perhaps the introduction of the naked CB650R as well. 

We’re also expecting to see Honda finally launch its 500cc platform in India, which includes the likes of the CB500X adventure tourer, CBR500 faired bike, CB500 naked and Rebel 500. Which of these will finally arrive is unclear, but at the right price, they all have good potential in our market. 

And lastly, Honda promised us that the Forza 300 maxi scooter will return this year, but since it has been replaced internationally by the new Forza 350, that’s likely the model we’ll get.

YAMAHA FZ25

Yamaha was busy in 2020 launching a range of new 125cc scooters as well as updated versions of its FZ and FZ25. Yamaha recently trademarked the ‘FZ-X’ name so we could be looking at another version in the FZ family this year. 

However, in 2021, we’re mostly looking forward to more big bikes from the Japanese company. Existing models like the R3 and MT-09 should return in BS6 form, but we’re hoping that the company will use the opportunity to finally bring its acclaimed middleweight motorcycles to India this year. Bikes like the MT-07, Tracer 700 and especially the highly acclaimed Tenere 700 Adventure bike would do well in our market.

YAMAHA YZF-R15 V3.0

Despite the hike, the YZF R15 V3.0 continues to be one of the most affordable entry-level supersports in our market.

The Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 will now set you back an additional Rs 2,700. The manufacturer has increased prices for its Thunder Grey and Dark Knight variants from Rs 1.48 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh, respectively. The Racing Blue colour, on the other hand, has witnessed a much smaller hike of Rs 500, from its ex-showroom price of Rs 1,51,200.

Yamaha R15 V3.0 prices increased by Rs 500 to Rs 2,700.

The increase in price, this time around, brings no changes. The entry-level supersport continues to be powered by a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 18.6hp and 14.1Nm.

The Yamaha R15 V3.0 is one of the manufacturer’s most popular motorcycles, and was one of the first to be updated to comply with BS6. This BS6-compliant iteration of the bike was launched back in December 2019 with prices starting at Rs 1.45 lakh - a hike of Rs 4,400 over the BS4 model.