Two-wheelers coming to India in September: Royal Enfield

September 2024 is going to be an exciting month for motorcycle enthusiasts and daily commuters alike as several manufacturers like Jawa, Royal Enfield and BMW Motorrad are set to launch their new/upgraded models in India. While details about most of the two-wheelers are scarce at the moment, a few spy shots and teasers hint at technological advancements and new designs. Whether you are looking for a stable daily commuter or a rugged adventure bike, the models launched this month will cater to every type of rider. Here is a roundup of the most anticipated two-wheelers.

Royal Enfield Classic 350

The new Royal Enfield Classic 350 was first unveiled last month and will go on sale in India from September 1, 2024. The new version differs from its predecessor with new paint options, features, and styling changes. The motorcycle gets a black exhaust and engine and is now available in a variety of colors such as Dark Green with contrast chrome, Commando Sand, Emerald, Jodhpur Blue, Madras Red, Medallion Brown, and Stealth Black. All models come with LED lighting, a gear indicator, a USB-C charging port, and adjustable clutch and brake levers.

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Mechanically, the motorcycle continues to use the 349cc single-cylinder J-series engine that produces 20.2 hp and 27 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox. Price-wise, the updated retro sports car is expected to be a lot higher than the outgoing model, which started at Rs 1.93 lakh (ex-showroom).

New Java 42

Jawa is all set to launch the redesigned 42 in India on September 3. The new Jawa 42 is expected to be all-new with fresher tones and better styling compared to the previous 42 that Jawa launched a while ago. At the heart of the all-new motorcycle is expected to be the 334cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that is also used to power the Jawa 350, producing 22.2bhp of power at 7,000rpm and 28.2Nm of torque at 5,000rpm. The gearbox is handled by a 6-speed unit. While the price announcement is imminent, the new Jawa 42 is expected to be priced between Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.1 lakh (ex-showroom).

BMW F 900 GS, F 900 GS Adventure Edition

BMW Motorrad has started accepting bookings for the F900 GS and F900 GS Adventure in India, hinting at their imminent launch, though no official date has been announced. The standard F 900 GS is more off-road-oriented than the Adventure model. It sports a slimmer, more refined look than the Adventure model, which is meant for touring, with a bulkier body and road-biased tyres. Engine-wise, however, both motorcycles are identical, using the twin-cylinder engine that debuted with the F 850 ​​GS in 2018. The engine capacity is now up from 853cc to 895cc, with power and torque bumped up to 105bhp and 93Nm respectively. For reference, the F 800 GS makes 86bhp and 91Nm. Owing to the enhanced performance and features, the motorcycles are expected to be priced significantly higher than their predecessors, which were priced at Rs 12.95 lakh (F 850 ​​GS) and Rs 13.75 lakh (F 850 ​​GS Adventure).

2024 Hero’s Destiny 125

Hero MotoCorp is expected to launch the redesigned Destini 125 in India in the first week of September 2024. According to the patent designs, the scooter will have cleaner side lines and a boxier look than the current version. It is likely to feature a triangular headlamp and apron-mounted indicators, and a sleeker tail. Other expected features include a new external fuel filler cap, a revised exhaust system, and sturdy grab rails.

Given that this is just a facelift, the mechanical specifications of the scooter are likely to remain the same with a 124.6cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine mated to a CVT that outputs 10.4Nm of peak torque at 5,500rpm and 9bhp at 7,000rpm. However, certain performance-enhancing changes can be expected. The new Hero Destini 125 comes with several improvements over its predecessor and is likely to be priced between Rs 80,000 to 85,000 (ex-showroom).

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Bajaj Ethanol Motorcycle

After launching its first CNG motorcycle, the Freedom 125, Bajaj is gearing up to launch its first ethanol-powered motorcycle in September. While exact details are scarce at the moment, market reports suggest that the motorcycle could be built from scratch or upgraded from an existing model to run on ethanol. Bajaj is likely to go for the second option, which would allow it to keep costs in check.