Motorcycling in India is surely experiencing its best days and the next few ones are going to be the most exciting times you and I have ever seen here!
Its not only the super premium liter-class or quarter-liters that are making waves, we have as many as 4 new motorcycles that will slug it out in the relatively affordable premium 150-160cc segment. By premium, we mean a segment which is more expensive than the regular 150ccs and offers a wee bit more. So which ones then?
Here is the list!
Yamaha FZ Version 2.0:
Yamaha FZ is undoubtedly the king of this segment but till now! And to face the onslaught, Yamaha is preparing a version 2 of the motorcycle. The new FZ Version 2 looks more muscular and leaner.
*FZ Version 2 concept showcased at the Auto Expo. Click for spyshots and all details
The edges are more prominent and the overall product is less curvier. It gets a new bikini fairing and clear lens side indicators. The instrumentation console shall continue to be entirely digital. The exhaust is also redone and is a little longer than the one in the current model. New FZ V2 also gets split seats and new split grab rails!
The engine though is the biggest suspense here. It might just use the same 153cc unit but is expected to be tuned to churn out a bit more power. There are rumours floating around that Yamaha might rebore the engine to increase the displacement to 170cc and it will be fuel injected. The new FZ is speculated to hit the streets by the second half of the calendar year 2014.
Suzuki Gixxer:
Gixxer will be Suzuki’s second offering in the 150cc segment (GS150R being the first). The motorcycle has more aggressive looks than the GS150R and is also more aerodynamically streamlined. The compact V shaped headlamps and short handlebars seem to be inspired from the Yamaha FZ itself!
*Gixxer! Coming Soon. Click for first impressions and pictures
The completely digital instrumentation panel has a horizontal tachometer and shall also provide a wide range of important information. The fuel tank has been masterfully chiseled to show off some elegant curves. The body colored split grab rails and LED tail lamps look futuristic. The engine is a 150cc unit and will have a 5 speed gearbox. The bike though continues to miss out in terms of rear discs and gets just 130mm drum brakes.
Suzuki has kept the power and torque figures a secret for now. Gixxer is a very important motorcycle for Suzuki and might just be their fortune changer. The bike is expected to be launched sometime in July.
Honda’s upcoming 160cc:
Honda’s recent word just stunned everyone! They officially announced an all-new 160cc motorcycle which it will release before the end of the second quarter of the present financial year. Very little is known about this motorcycle but Honda has claimed that it will be stylish and sporty.
We really have not even zilch of a clue on what platform will it be built or how would it look at the present moment.
Hero Xtreme Sports:
Hero has left everyone stunned with whatever they have showcased at the Auto Expo and earlier. Apart from 31PS HX250R, Hastur, 150cc TDI diesel engine, they also showcased Xtreme Sports which is not just a cosmetically different motorcycle but packs in more power as well.
From the very same 149.2cc mill, Xtreme Sports churns out a 15.2bhp, a full 1 bhp of higher power. The design is newer and the motorcycle will come with (possibly optional) rear disc brakes. It weighs 148kgs and features dual tone rear view mirrors, new headlamp, wider rear tyre etc. Launch should be within a few months from now.
So, if you are prospect customer and are looking out for a 150cc, these four motorcycles offer all that the regulars do and a wee bit more. Do share which one are you considering buying?
