With the upcoming show round the corner we revisit the handful of 2016 Auto Expo Motorcycle launches. Expected lot more, right?
Auto Expo, every two years, is a motorcycling extravaganza for the enthusiasts and one which brings with it lot of new models and that smell of fresh new machinery. While manufacturers showcase their might with futuristic concept models, it also serves as the high-intensity platform for new model launches.
However, Auto Expo 2016 was a little different and could be termed as a damp squib in terms of actual motorcycle launches – products which you and I can buy/book right away! If we talk figures – there were only 4 motorcycles/7 variant launched during the whole course of the Auto Expo which was 50-60 press conference strong!
There were models which appeared to be production ready but for some reason manufacturers considered it inopportune to announce their prices and kick start sales. Nonetheless, just before the next iteration ie the 2018 Auto Expo, let us quickly share the list along with their details…
2016 Auto Expo Motorcycle launches
- Triumph Bonneville Range
The British manufacturer should actually be seen as the star of the show as they launched the new Bonneville range in India at very attractive prices. Not only were the models introduced just a few months after their international launch, they brought in a host of options to make things even more attractive. Street Twin, the new entry level Bonnie with a 900 cc parallel twin mill was introduced at an asking price of Rs 6.9 lakhs ex-Delhi (current price Rs 7.30 Lakh). Continuing with the idea of mixing classic appeal with modern day technology Triumph also introduced T120 and Thruxton R.
Launch Article, Details & Pics
- UM Renegade Range:
Two years after they were first showcased (at the 2014 Auto Expo), UM finally introduced their Renegade series of cruisers in India and there were three of them! Aiming to feed the massive hunger for affordable cruisers, the Renegade Sport S and Renegade Commando went on sale shortly after (bookings opened at the show) while the flagship Renegade Classic was brought in a lot later (in 2017). The Sport S, showed first at the EICMA 2015, was brought in at Rs 1.49 lakhs (current price Rs 1.60 Lakhs) while the Commando and Classic were priced at Rs 1.59 lakhs (current price Rs 1.76 Lakh) and 1.69 lakhs (current price Rs 1.96 Lakh) respectively (all ex-Delhi).
Launch Article, Details & Pics
- Honda Navi:
To foster their already impressive share in scooters, Honda introduced the innovative motorcycle-scooter cross which was called as Navi; something which was built on their scooter’s platform but to look like a motorcycle. The 110 cc two-wheeler costed Rs 39,500 ex-Delhi (current price Rs 41,849)! Honda also said that the Navi was designed and developed indigenously although it does have some design cues from the Grom sold in South East Asia.
Launch Article, Details & Pics
- Yamaha MT 09:
Yamaha tried to strengthen its hold in the premium end of the spectrum with the MT09, one of the flagship of the MT series in the world. This naked streetfighter was brought in as a CBU and hence launched at a price tag of Rs 10.20 lakhs ex-Delhi which was on a higher side. Due to its lacklustre sales, one of Yamaha’s top official also commented that “India did not understand the motorcycle”!
Last year Yamaha introduced the 2018 version with some changes at Rs 10.88 Lakhs ex-Delhi.
Launch Article, Details & Pics
Honda also took this opportunity to re-launch their older Unicorn 150 in the Indian market and the real reason we have discussed here.
Also Read: Yamaha R15 v3 Launch Expected on Feb 7: Will Get VVA
That is about it! Its a list which can be counted on fingers. We certainly expected more! Nonetheless, we have high expectations from the upcoming 2018 Auto Expo even when few of the largest manufacturers are not participating in the show (here is the list). There is a reason 2018 Auto Expo will see more launches and we will discuss that in another article…
Next you can check out the List of 6 Most Interesting Motorcycles from Auto Expo 2016
