The first month of the new year is set to kick off with a bang, with a host of new bikes and scooters expected to launch in India. Here’s what you can expect:
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The most prolific launch of the month will be the long-awaited price announcement of the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. RE’s exciting new cruiser was first officially shown at EICMA in Milan in November last year, before making its India debut at Rider Mania later that same month. Now, with the price announcement just around the corner, the final piece of the puzzle will fall into place.
As for the bike itself, it takes the tried-and-tested 648cc parallel-twin motor from the Interceptor and Continental GT 650, and houses it in a cruiser package, with an all-new frame and suspension set-up. You get the long, low-slung form factor of a cruiser, garnished with RE firsts like an upside-down fork from Showa and an LED headlight.
Updated Ather 450X
Despite having recently been updated to its latest third generation, the Ather 450X electric scooter seems due for yet another update this month. This time around, based on a recent presentation leak, it seems the scooter will receive four new colour options, as well as a revised seat that appears to be roomier than before. Read all about the expected updates here.
New Tork Kratos
It may have taken a long time for it to finally hit Indian roads, but just one year since its official launch, the Tork Kratos is already receiving an update. Due to take place at Auto Expo 2023 in Delhi, the company says the updated Kratos will get “new and improved aesthetics”. It will be interesting to see whether these cosmetic tweaks will be accompanied by any mechanical changes or price revisions.
Matter Energy e-bike
Matter Energy recently unveiled its debut electric motorcycle, and it is expected to announce the name and the price of the bike at the 2023 Auto Expo. Powered by a 10.5kW motor, the Matter e-bike claims a number of firsts that include a 4-speed gearbox. Providing juice is a 5.0kWh liquid-cooled battery pack that offers a claimed range of 125-150km.
MBP M502N
Italian brand Moto Bologna Passione, now under Chinese ownership, will be launched at the Auto Expo, and its debut product will be the M502N. This street naked is powered by a liquid-cooled, 486cc, parallel-twin engine that develops 51hp at 8,500rpm and 45Nm at 6,750rpm.