We are entering the penultimate month of 2018, and while you would be right to say that the year has passed us quicker than ever, it's also brought some very interesting motorcycles to the table. The month of November promises to be no different - if anything only bigger with three highly anticipated launches planned. All motorcycles interestingly are all about making us nostalgic with their retro vibe and old-school design. There's also a small capacity rocket possibly slated for launch from a certain Austrian bike maker. Here's a look at the three motorcycle launches confirmed in November this year.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: November 13-15
Possibly one of the biggest launches of the 2018, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 marks a new chapter for the bike maker that aims to go global with its all-new offerings. The Interceptor 650 is the one-half of the new 650 twins and boast of a completely new platform, engine and mechanicals. The Interceptor 650 also resurrects the motorcycle name from the 1960s, while 649 cc parallel-twin motor tuned for 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. Now, we've ridden the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 already on the sunny highways of California, and the bike certainly is promising with a claimed top speed of 160 kmph. The new 650 will also mark significant improvements in quality for the brand, which it says will be on point right from the start. Pricing remains a major deciding factor on the Interceptor 650, and is expected to start at about ₹ 2.70 lakh (ex-showroom), making for highly aggressive pricing. More details on the prices and availability will be available between November 13-15.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650: November 13-15
The second half of Royal Enfield's 650 twins, the Continental GT 650 shares its underpinnings and powertrain with the Interceptor 650, but gets a completely different design and style. The motorcycle takes the shape of a cafe racer with the tear-drop fuel tank, clip-on handlebars, single-seat and more. Both bikes share the same cycle parts and weigh quite similar too. However, the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 sets itself apart with the more aggressive styling and power to go with the same. Both motorcycles will come with dual-channel ABS as standard and will also get a slipper-clutch, the latter being a first for any Royal Enfield. The Continental GT 650 is expected to be slightly more expensive than the Interceptor 650.
Jawa Motorcycle - November 15
Mahindra Group is all set to resurrect the iconic Jawa brand and eat into Royal Enfield's share of the pie with its upcoming 300 cc retro-styled motorcycle. Jawa motorcycles discontinued in the 1990s in India, but have left a plethora of owners, collectors and aficionados wanting more from the Czech manufacturer. The new motorcycle from Jawa for India is expected to take on the Royal Enfield Classic 350, and is likely to be inspired from the yesteryear bikes. That said, details on the engine have already been revealed with the 293 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor tuned to produce 27 bhp and 28 Nm of peak torque. The motor will come paired with a 6-speed transmission. With the popularity of retro motorcycles, Jawa's new offering is expected to be accepted well into today's two-wheeler eco-system that appreciates classic designs with modern underpinnings. Prices are expected to be around ₹ 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom), while Mahindra's two-wheeler dealership base is likely to be used to retail the new offering. More details will be available at the time of launch on November 15, so stay tuned!
KTM 125 Duke
The surprise launch of the month, speculations are rife that KTM India will introduce the 125 Duke in the country sometime in November this year. Dealerships are also accepting bookings for the KTM 125 Duke for a token amount of ₹ 1000, even though the bike maker is yet to officially confirm the same. If the 125 Duke indeed hits the market next month, it will be the most affordable KTM to go on sale in India while carrying a hefty price tag for a 125 cc motorcycle. The KTM 125 Duke shares its design language with that of the 390 Duke, while boasting a 124.7 cc single-cylinder engine with fuel injection tuned for 14 bhp and 11.8 Nm of peak torque. With ABS being mandatory for two-wheelers over 125 cc, the 200 Duke will move on the price bracket, which will make thee 125 Duke (with CBS as standard) a more affordable entry to the KTM brand. Prices are expected to be around ₹ 1.2 lakh (ex-showroom), pitching the model against the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200, Yamaha FZ 25, Yamaha R15 V3.0 and more.