There were motorcycles at the 2010 Auto Expo in Delhi and then there were some. Here are a few that the BS Motoring team drooled over.
YAMAHA YZF-M1
What is it?
If you still don’t know what this motorcycle is, despite seeing the bright ‘46’ emblazoned on the bike, it’s obvious that you don’t follow MotoGP at all. This is the set of wheels that Valentino Rossi raced last year.
Where can I get one?
You wish! All you PhDs, don’t get fooled by the “Doctor” on the fairing visor — you guys can’t get your soft hands on one. This is a strict racing-only machine and no, it’s not up for sale. It was showcased by Yamaha to portray the roots of their new 2010 YZF-R1, which by the way, you will be able to soon buy here in India. Painting the bike in similar livery and speaking with a feigned Italian accent might not really convince people that you’re the real McCoy, though.
ENFIELD CAFE RACER
What is it?
This is the Cafe Racer concept that was showcased by Royal Enfield at the Expo. Based on the Classic 500, the motorcycle has all the quintessential cafe racer bits including the bumstop seat, clip-on handlebars and chopped fenders. Just looking at it makes one go back to the time when leather wasn’t faux and the juke box almost always played rock and roll!
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Where can I get one?
Well, you can’t, at least for now. The thing is that Royal Enfield plans to introduce the Cafe Racer in about two years. They plan to add more grunt to the 500cc motor and one can expect a bump up in displacement to accomplish that.
NEXT YAMAHA GLADIATOR?
What is it?
Although it isn’t clear, we speculate that this dashing Yamaha is either a 125cc or a 150cc super stylish commuter. The company has been tight-lipped about the details on this motorcycle but we think that it, if launched, will be used to bridge the gap between the Gladiator and the FZ series of Yamahas.
Where can I get one?
Sorry, but you can’t, even if you got on your knees and rolled your eyes. At least for now.
TVS HAMMERHEAD
What is it?
The star of the TVS stall, that’s what. Called the Hammerhead, this concept seems to have a lot of Apache bits on it, including the engine. Incredibly styled, this quad will be like nothing else on Indian roads.
Where can I get one?
Erm, the Hammerhead showcased was just a static concept, the tangible outcome of the wild imagination of TVS’s designers. There are no plans of TVS putting this quad into production. Sigh.
TVS STREAK HYBRID
What is it?
TVS plans to enter the hybrid two-wheeler arena with this scooter. Called the Streak Hybrid, it is powered by a small displacement petrol burning four-stroke engine coupled to an electric motor. For short trips, the Streak can be ridden on electricity alone and for the longer jaunts, the combination of the petrol engine with the electric motor is just the thing.
Where can I get one?
The Streak Hybrid is being tested as of now. But they do plan to introduce the scooter by the end of this year or early 2011.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON NIGHT ROD
What is it?
As you probably know, Harley-Davidson rode in late last year. They have finally announced their product line-up for India at the Expo and this is one of the Hogs that can be yours. It’s the venerable VRSCDX Night Rod Special — the dark offspring of the VRSC family.
Where can I get one?
First, get hold of a hefty Rs 18.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Night Rod and then ride away from any of the five Harley-Davidson dealerships to be set up across the country. The bookings begin sometime in April this year and deliveries will commence two months later.
HONDA CB TWISTER
What is it?
Everybody seems to want a chunk out of the 100cc commuter pie, and this is Honda's first contender. Called the CB Twister, the motorcycle is powered by a 110cc, 9 bhp, 0.9 kgm engine mated to a 4-speed gearbox that combines the frugal fuel consumption of a small capacity commuter with big bike styling.
Where can I get one?
The Twister will arrive in Honda dealerships across the country very shortly. The price? Rs 47,850 ex-showroom, Delhi for the top-spec Twister shod with a self starter, disc brakes and alloy wheel rims.
