8 Hot New Bikes to Take on a Road Trip

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BOBBER
From the late 1920s, something exciting began happening in the motorcycle worldsome bikes were being stripped of all their unnecessary bodywork. This created light weight, performance-driven machines or bobbers. Over the next few decades, bobbers came to be known as customised bikes, with each one styled and modified to suit its riders needs. So when Triumph launched the single-seat Bonneville Bobber in March2017, they knew exactly what they were aiming at. They had created what they called a genuine bobberwith over 150 additional accessories, four colour options, and two inspiration kits for personalisation to choose from. Theyalso put in a 1,200cc high-torque engine, which produced the signature bobber sound. Some modern features adjustable riding position, anti-lock brake system(ABS), a digital menu, two riding modes, and a torque-assist clutch for simpler handling. One drawback, however, is the small tank. See triumph motorcycles.in

Engine 1200cc
Tank 9.1L
Max. power 76bhp@6,100rpm
Price 9,32,000 (ex.showroom India)

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 950
Ducatis new Multistrada 950 is two things at oncea touring bike for the highway and a city bike for that daily commute to the office. It is comparableto its larger cousin, the Multistrada 1200, which has a 1,198cc engine as opposed to this ones 937cc. But small does not mean inferior. For starters, Multistrada 950 is a few lakh rupees cheaper. Secondly, the Testastretta high-performance engine, the 19 front wheel and the fully-adjustable suspension mean it is still great for off-roading (even with a pillion, given that this is a dual-seater). With its 20L engine, its good for travelling long distances as well. Other highlights include multiple riding modes and the Ducati Safety Pack, which includes ABS and Ducati Traction Control, making the bike a safe bet. See india.ducati.com.

Engine 937cc
Tank 20L
Max. power 113bhp@9,000rpm
Price 12,82,000 (ex.showroom India)

HONDA CRF1000L AFRICA TWIN

To understand the Africa Twins DNA, one must go back to the 1986 edition of the worlds most gruelling off- road race, the Dakar Rally. An ancestor of the CRF1000L, the NXR650, emerged victorious and attained legendary statusa status it further cemented by winning the next three editions. Honda claims its latest Africa Twin is the first motorcycle equipped with the companys dual-clutch transmission technology. Thats particularly great for multi- terrain journeys, since the rider can easily shift between manual and automatic transmission. The adventure-tourer bike comes with a few other nifty features such as a powerful twin-cylinder engine, a G-Switch that improves traction while off-roading, and the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) that interactswith the ABS to improve the bikes response. Additionally, Honda claims that its 250mm ground clearance is the best in its class. The CRF1000Ls iconic dual LED headlights and victory-red body have been retained to give it an iconic look. See honda2wheelersindia.com.

Engine 939cc
Tank 18.8L
Max. power 87hp(approx.)@7,500rpm
Price 13,06,927 (ex.showroom Delhi)

BMW S1000 XR

Here's a bike that has everything but humble origins. The story begins with the S 1000 RR that was built to compete in the 2009 Superbike World Championship. Over the next few years it began being manufactured commercially. Then came a variant, the S 1000 R, which was a roadster or a general-purpose motorcycle launched in November 2013. Which finally brings us to the S 1000 XR, an adventure sports bike, first launched in May 2015, where the dynamism of a touring bike is combined with the performance of a sports bike. The S 1000 XR comes with a 165hp engine, which means theres no slowing down even on dirt roads, and Dynamic Traction Control and ABS Pro for good control and high levels of safety. The bike has continued to develop with a 2017 model revision, in which the power output has been increased and a new colour optionocean blue metallic matthas been added. Two versions are available in India S 1000 XR Standard and S 1000 XR Pro, the latter having two additional riding modes. See bmw-motorrad.in.

Engine 999cc
Tank 20L
Max. power reached@8,250rpm
Price 18.8 lacs for Standard and 21.9 lacs for Pro

HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET ROD

Harley Davidson is not just anAmerican motorcycle manufacturer. It is a cultural icon marked by charismatic roadsters and touring bikes, signature merchandise, and a distinctly American spirit. The 750cc Street Rod, one of its latest offerings, is relatively affordable and great for biking through clogged streets and routes with varying terrain. The bike, availablein vivid black, has a High Output Revolution XTM twin engine, which quickly races to 9,000rpm. Its dual- disk brakes ensure quick reaction, high-quality front and rear shocks guarantee increased suspension, and the dual-seating arrangement allows two to ride comfortably. Drag-style handlebars dictate the bikes riding position and the quintessential Harley-Davidson exhaust sound announces itself on ignition. See harley-davidson.com.

Engine 749cc

Tank 13.1L

Max. power reached@8,250rpm

Price 6,04,000 (ex.showroom India)

UM RENEGADE COMMANDO

UM Motorcycles, a fairly new American motorcycle manufacturer, recently joined hands with Lohia Auto to establish its presence in India. It then launched the Renegade Commando, a bike that certainly makes a good first impression. Unsurprising given that vintage American military bikescomplete with wide handlebars and sizeable fuel tanks are its inspiration. The four-stroke, single-cylinder motorcycle has been created for touring on all terrains, a task made simpler because of the wide-cushioned seat and front-set footrests. Its engine is liquid-cooled and boasts of decent horsepower. The transmission, too, comes with a handy featurean overdrive mode for highway cruising. Colour options black shine, matte moss green and burgundy shine. See uml.co.in.