5 Most Popular Bike Launches Of 2016

Year 2016 took off to a good start for the Indian two-wheeler industry with the launch of some much-awaited products from domestic manufacturer, TVS Motor - the Apache RTR 200 4V and the all-new Victor. Then started the country's biggest auto show, the Delhi Auto Expo, with more fun and excitement for the enthusiasts. From then till now, the year has been a mixed bag of some amazing and some ordinary new launches, along with updated products. Here, let's talk about the most popular five among them.

5. Yamaha Ray ZR:

First showcased at the Auto Expo, the Yamaha Ray ZR launched in the market recently with a starting price tag of Rs. 52,000. Despite being another cosmetic upgrade (if you discount the front disc brake that now comes as part of the options list) the scooter came in the spotlight because of its aggressive and flamboyant styling that has been designed for the young generation. It shares its platform with its other siblings, including the Alpha, Ray Z, and the Fascino. However, the Ray ZR is the only scooter in the fleet that comes with the front disc option, for just Rs. 2,000 extra, endowing it with better stopping abilities.

4. Royal Enfield Himalayan:

After a long wait, Royal Enfield finally introduced India's first budget adventure tourer, the Himalayan, in February 2016. The bike has been designed with preference for form over function and it reflects in its appearance as well. However, it excels at what it is made for and well justifies the asking price of Rs. 1.55 lakh. So, the outdoorsy people who don't have big savings but wish to ride an adventure motorcycle can fulfil their dreams with this machine, and these are the reasons for its popularity in the country.

3. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V:

As we mentioned above, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V was among the very first launches of this year. However, this is not the reason for its fame in the country. Rather, it is the motorcycle people have been waiting for years, and especially since the 2014 Auto Expo where we saw the amazing Draken X-21 concept. The Apache RTR 200 4V shares many design bits with that concept, and sports a new air-cooled engine which provides it a great performance to stand strong against the competition. The price of the bike starts at Rs. 88,990 - it is on sale in some selected cities already, and will be available pan India soon. The bike is available with options for fuel injection and stickier Pirelli tyres as well, while the promised ABS trim is yet to be launched. 

2. Bajaj V15:

To strengthen its already sizeable foothold in the premium commuter segment Bajaj came up with an absolutely marvellous formula, and the recently-launched Bajaj V15 succeeded easily in joining the top 10 selling list just within a month of its launch. The bike comes with a nostalgic value as it uses a little amount of the INS Vikrant's metal in it. Vikrant was the first aircraft carrier of India, proven as a war hero for the country many times, including the 1971 Indo-Pak war, but decommissioned in 1997. Besides this fact, the retro-modern styling of Bajaj V makes it stand apart from the crowd. Still, it comes with a very reasonable price tag of Rs. 61,000, while the smart removable pillion seat cowl costs Rs. 1,000 extra.

1. Honda Navi:

Undoubtedly, one of the most enthralling two-wheelers unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo was the Honda Navi. The first of its kind of vehicle in the country, the Navi is a hybrid of a scooter and a motorcycle and that is the biggest reason for its popularity. Based on the successful Honda Activa's platform, it uses the same reliable 110cc motor but delivers a peppier performance due to the lesser weight. Currently, the Navi comes with a price tag of Rs. 39,500 and soon you will be able to customise your Navi by choosing from the upcoming range of optional accessories.

These five two-wheelers are most popular among those launched in 2016 till now. However, the counting is still on and we are expecting lots of exciting products from this year, especially during the festive season.

(All prices in the article are ex-showroom, Delhi)