Upcoming motorcycles in India, Part 3 - Yamaha R3, Husqvarna 401...
A range of new motorcycles will be launched in 2019. We have already brought you Part 1 and Part 2 of the upcoming bikes to be launched in India this year. Here’s another list of motorcycles that will be introduced in the near term, which includes the Kawasaki Z400, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, Jawa Perak, Yamaha R3, and the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401.
Kawasaki Z400
The Kawasaki Z400 debuted at the EICMA 2018 in Milan, Italy in November. Similar to the existing Z-family, the Z400 is the naked streetfighter version of the Kawasaki Ninja 400. While there's no official word on the launch timeline of the Z400 in India, we can expect it to be introduced by mid-2019. The company will first bring the 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000, and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in the country as bookings for both the motorcycles has commenced in India.
The Kawasaki Z400 features the Sugomi design philosophy that is apparent on all the latest-generation motorcycles from the Japanese bike maker. The Z400 features a full-LED and a digital instrument cluster. While the overall styling is similar to the Ninja 400, the naked sibling differentiates itself by a bikini fairing and tank scoops. The 399cc parallel-twin motor produces 49 PS and 38 Nm on power figures on the Kawasaki Z400.
Jawa Perak
The Jawa Perak is a factory custom bobber from Classic Legends that is eagerly anticipated by motoring enthusiasts. The Perak has been priced at INR 1.89 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and leverages the double-cradle frame of the Jawa classic but features a redesigned rear section.
The frame is designed in such a way that despite it getting an under-seat mono-shock, it receives an appearance of a hardtail chassis. The Jawa Perak uses most of the cycle parts from the Jawa Forty-Two and the classic but features dual-channel ABS as standard fitment.
The motorcycle is expected to go on sale in India by late 2019 as the company is currently focusing on the deliveries of the existing models, which have a waiting period of up to 6 months. Powering the Jawa Perak is a bored-out 334cc DOHC, liquid cooled motor that produces 31 bhp of power and 30 Nm of peak torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox.
2019 Yamaha R3
The 2019 Yamaha R3 made its global debut in Indonesia in October 2018, while it subsequently had its Thailand premiere at the Thai Motor Show in November. The motorcycle features an updated front fascia and a few mechanical upgrades.
The 2019 Yamaha R3 features ‘cross-layered’ LED headlights and a redesigned front and side fairing. Suspension hardware is upgraded to 37 mm Kayaba inverted front forks, while the rear continues to use a linkage-type mono-shock.
Powering the new Yamaha R3 is the current 321cc parallel-twin motor that makes 42 PS of power and 29.6 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a six-speed transmission. The Indian-spec YZF-R3, launched at the Auto Expo 2018, is priced at INR 3.49 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The 2019 model is likely to carry a premium over the current price unless India Yamaha Motor plans to localise the motorcycle in India.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is the Swedish company’s take on a modern-retro scrambler. The Svartpilen is based on the KTM 390 Duke platform and features a minimalist design. The 401 twins are premium offerings and will be positioned at a premium over the 390 Duke.
The India-spec Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 was spied testing in July 2018, which featured alloy wheels in place of the wire-spoke units on the European models. Reports suggest that the Husqvarna 401s will initially be imported as CKD kits from Austria and locally assembled in India.
The launch plans have been pushed to ahead to early 2020 as the company is facing issues with procuring vendors and dealer partners. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 could cost circa INR 2.60 lakh (ex-showroom).
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
Husqvarna has taken a radical design philosophy when it comes to the overall styling of the modern café racer. The India-spec Vitpilen 401 was spied testing on 29 December, with alloy wheels and a rear grab rail. The café racer distinguishes itself from the scrambler with the clip-on handlebars, aggressive ergonomics and sleek road-biased Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres.
Both the Husqvarna 401 twins source power from a 373.2cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve, DOHC, fuel-injected motor that is mated to a six-speed transmission along with a slip-assist clutch. The engine puts out 43.5 bhp of power and 37 Nm of peak torque.
Also Read: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 & Vitpilen 401 launch delayed to early 2020 - Report
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and the Svartpilen 401 will benefit from the superb steel trellis chassis that has proved its mettle on the KTM 390 Duke and the RC 390. Features list will have dual-channel ABS, LED lighting all around, digital instrument console and ride-by-wire throttle system. Being a premium offering, the Vitpilen 401 could retail around INR 2.60 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).