Ducati recently launched the Panigale V2 in India, which is a replacement for the Panigale 959. The middle-weight sportsbike has been priced at Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom). In case you find that pricing too steep and are open to considering the similarly-priced alternatives, here are three options available in the Indian market.
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports: Rs 15.35-16.10 lakh
For a much lesser price than that of the Panigale V2, you can go for Honda’s full-size adventure touring machine, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports. Unlike the previous generation model, which was available only with a DCT transmission, the new model can also be had with a manual transmission. It also features a larger 1,084cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine which makes 102bhp and 105Nm. The performance numbers are considerably higher than its predecessor. Moreover, it comes loaded with an impressive amount of electronics such as traction control, cruise control and wheelie control.
TriumphRocket 3 R: Rs 18 lakh
If you want a power cruiser which holds the crown of being propelled by the world’s largest production engine, the Triumph Rocket 3 R should be your pick. Although it is a lakh dearer than the Panigale, the Rocket more than makes up for that with a 2500cc, inline three cylinder engine which belts out a meaty 221Nm of torque and 165bhp of power. Furthermore, its profoundly muscular styling is unlike anything available in the market. Completing the package are a host of gizmos such as a Bluetooth-enabled TFT dash, cornering ABS, hill-hold control and four riding modes.
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy: Rs 18.25 lakh
The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is for those who prefer cruising leisurely but in the company of a loud V-twin roar and abundance of road presence. The burly dimensions and chunky wheels of the Fat Boy are complemented by a healthy dose of chrome for most of its components. Powering the motorcycle is a 1,746cc, Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine which makes 145Nm of peak torque at 3,000rpm. Similar to its styling, the Fat Boy maintains its retro theme even in the features department by doing away with dual-channel ABS only.
(All prices are ex-showroom)
