Upcoming 150cc bikes in India, to be launched in 2014

In India, the 100-110cc commuter segment is leading the two-wheeler market, which has around 70 percent of the market share. However, as the user of two wheelers are increasing continuously in India, a good number of people among them are going for 150cc motorcycles. Apart from them, many of the existing users are also upgrading their rides with 150cc machines. Thus, the manufacturers are condensing the segment with new, stylish and more advanced models in the category.

Recently, Yamaha introduced upgraded FZ series with cosmetic updates and fuel injection (FI) technology- FZ FI Version 2.0 and FZS FI Version 2.0 at Rs. 76,250 and 78,250 respectively. The new FZ now delivers better performance and fuel economy. Now, most of the major motorcycle brands have their models lined up for 2014 launch. So, lets get a brief introduction of these upcoming 150cc motorcycles.

1. Suzuki Gixxer: In the starting of 2014, Suzuki Motorcycle India Limited unveiled two new models- Let's (a 110cc scooter) and Gixxer (a 155cc bike). The scooter Let's is already launched in India with the best-in-class power, mileage and price of 8.7bhp, 63kmpl and Rs. 47,610 (on-road, Delhi) respectively. Now, the Gixxer is all set to go in the Indian market with the 155cc SEP engine developed for improved performance and fuel economy.

Suzuki Gixxer gets a naked sport styling with masculine curves on fuel tank and minimised body panels. It has a bold headlamp, fully digital console, GSX series inspired rear panels, unique split-spoke alloys, wide tyres, short mudguards, rear mono-shock suspension and a very sporty exhaust. The bike will be launched within the third quarter of 2014 at an expected price around Rs. 75,000. Some of the Suzuki dealerships in India have already started booking of the bike at an booking amount of Rs. 5,000.

2. Hero Xtreme Sport: Hero has already launched the upgraded model of it sporty 150cc bike- Xtreme at Rs. 66,275 (ex, Delhi for single disc variant). Now, the company has its sportier variant- Xtreme Sport lined-up to be launched within this year. The bike gets some cosmetic additions including split-seat, tank cowls, engine cowl and 2014 Hero Karizma inspired muffler. Headlamp and visor of the bike have been tweaked a little bit along with the rear mudguard. The bike will get new dual-tone rear view mirrors, digital-analog console and split rear grab rail. The company can introduce a wider rear tyre along with 220mm disc as standard braking system on the rear wheel.

Powering the Xtreme Sport is the same 149.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, which serves the standard model. However, the maximum power figures are increased from 14.2bhp to 15bhp. Expected to be launched in the festive season (near September) this year with a price tag of around Rs. 73,000-75,000.

3. A new 160cc Honda: Since its inception in the motorcycle segment, Honda Motorcycles and Scooter India Limited is focused on the 150cc segment. The company is already selling 3 products in the segment- CB Unicorn, CB Trigger and CBR150R and about to bring another premium product with a new 160cc engine. The company hasn't released any details about the bike yet, however, we can expect a better product than the existing bikes. The upcoming bike is expected to be launched within 2014.

4. Bajaj Pulsar 150NS: We all know that the Bajaj Auto is ready to launch its flagship motorcycle- Pulsar SS400 soon in India. Another big news is the company is also testing a new 150cc bike in the range- Pulsar 150NS. The bike is based on the 200NS' platform and gets the similar naked sport styling. However, a few parts of the bike including seat, rear panels, rear mudguard, grab-rail, tyres, chain cover and front forks will be different.

The bike will get the same 150cc, air-cooled, DTS-i motor, which also powers the existing Pulsar 150. However, the company might introduce 4-valve technology lie its other new models. It will enhance both the fuel economy and performance of the machine. It is speculated to be launched in India by end of the year or early 2015 at a price around Rs. 75,000.

5. Yamaha Fazer Version 2.0: Like the recently introduced FZ Version 2.0, Yamaha Motor India is about to bring the upgraded version of its tourer- Fazer. The bike will receive similar cosmetic updates like the new FZ along with a tweaked semi-fairing. The company will use the 153cc, air-cooled engine with its Blue Core technology in the bike for better economy. The technology combines improved intake port and combustion chamber, lighter internal moving parts, off-set crank with optimized inertia, roller rocker arm, closed loop FI (fuel injection) system, advanced MID-SHIP muffler and advanced electric charging system. The combination results in increased combustion efficiency, power loss reduction and precise control over fuel supply and ignition timing.

The Fazer FI Version 2.0 is expected to be launched within 2014 and will be priced around Rs. 83,000.

Apart from these fantastic models, Mahindra Two-Wheelers is also developing a premium 150cc motorcycle which will be packed with advanced features like Centuro. The company hasn't revealed any spec of the machine, however, it might be introduced by 2015.