The last couple of weeks have seen a lot of activity in the Indian automobile industry, and November 2018 promises to be no different. Next month will reportedly see the blockbuster launch of the Royal Enfield 650 Twins and the unveiling of the Jawa 300 Roadster (speculative name). There are also reports of the KTM 125 Duke being launched in India in November. Let’s take a brief look at the bikes in this special.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is expected to be the most affordable twin-cylinder motorcycle to be sold in India. According to media speculation, the Interceptor 650 is likely to carry a price tag of INR 2.50-2.70 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a neo-classic street bike with a retro design and modern features. The bike features a circular fuel tank with wide handlebar and a comfortable single-piece seat. Completing the modern classic design are the chrome mirrors, wire-spoke wheels and the round halogen headlight.
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is powered by a 648 cc, parallel twin-cylinder, air-cooled engine with oil cooling. The 8-valve motor is capable of producing 47 bhp of power and 52 Nm of peak torque. A six-speed gearbox along with a slipper clutch transfers control to the wheel. Disc brakes provide braking force at both the ends with standard dual-channel ABS.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a modern classic café racer that is expected to be priced below INR 3 lakh (ex-showroom). Similar to the Interceptor 650, the Continental GT 650 will be one of the most affordable twin-cylinder bikes to be manufactured locally in India.
The design of the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is highlighted by the tear-drop fuel tank and the low-set clip-on handlebars with a single-piece step-up seat. The motorcycle shares the round halogen headlight and the wire-spoke wheels with the Interceptor 650.
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is powered by a 648 cc, parallel twin, 8-valve, air/oil cooled engine. The SOHC motor is tuned to deliver a maximum power of 47 bhp and a peak torque of 52 Nm. A six-speed gearbox transfers drive to the wheel, while a slipper clutch is standard. Anchorage comes from disc brakes at the front and back, while Bosch dual-channel ABS is standard.
Jawa 300 Roadster (speculative name)
Mahindra Group owned Classic Legends Pvt Ltd is all set to unveil an all-new Jawa motorcycle on 15 November in Mumbai. The new Jawa 300cc motorcycle is expected to be a neo-classic roadster that will rival the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Thunderbird 350. We recently brought a digital rendering of the 'Jawa 300 Roadster.'
While the design of the upcoming Jawa 300 motorcycle is under wraps, Classic Legends has revealed the new 300cc engine that will power the bike. The 293 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine comes with a 4-valve, DOHC layout. The fuel injected motor produces 27 bhp of maximum power and 28 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired to a 6-speed transmission.
The upcoming Jawa 300 Roadster is likely to be priced at INR 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom). We can expect the motorcycle to receive disc brakes at the front and back with standard dual-channel ABS. Being a neo-retro roadster, the bike could feature a classic design language with minimal bodywork. Launch date and other details will be revealed at the unveiling.
KTM 125 Duke
The KTM 125 Duke is speculated to launch in India in November. KTM dealerships in Mumbai and Pune have already started accepting bookings for the smallest Duke offering, which is locally manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan facility and exported to the world markets since 2011.
According to a 16 October report, the KTM 125 Duke is expected to cost INR 20,000 to INR 30,000 less as compared to the KTM 200 Duke. Launching the KTM 125 Duke at around INR 1.20-1.30 lakh (ex-showroom) will bring it in the ballpark of the Yamaha R15 V3.0.
Unlike the 200 Duke, the KTM 125 Duke shares its design with the flagship KTM 390 Duke. It comes with features like LED headlights, Metzeler tyres and a colour TFT display for the instrument cluster. To keep the price in check, KTM India could launch the 125 Duke without the features mentioned above.
Also Read: Royal Enfield 650 Twins' test rides conducted in India [Video]
Powering the KTM 125 Duke is a 124.7 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor with fuel injection. The 4-valve engine is mated to a six-speed transmission and produces a maximum power of 15 hp (11 kW) at 9,500 rpm and 11.80 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. The Europe-spec model comes with disc brakes at both the ends and standard dual-channel ABS. However, the Indian model could get a more cost-effective CBS (combined braking system) feature.
