Top 6 big bike launches of 2017

The year 2017 has been a busy one for us. Several new motorcycles were launched and we managed to ride most of them. The big bikes scenario in India is changing rapidly. It has reached a point where there are more big bike launches happening than the mass market products. Here, we talk about the most exciting big bike launches of 2017. 

Kawasaki Ninja 1000

The launch of the new Ninja 1000 was shocking for two simple reasons - pricing and import route. Kawasaki decided to bring this litre-class tourer as a semi-knocked down (SKD) unit from Japan and this meant less custom duties. With a price tag of Rs 9.98 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi), buying the Ninja 1000 is rather tempting. 

Ducati Monster 797

The Monster 797 is Ducati’s entry-level naked motorcycle in India. With a simple air-cooled 803cc motor, the Monster 797 is perfect for your entry into the world of big biking. The Monster 797 isn’t intimidating but with its Italian design, it manages to turn heads. It is a fully imported unit from Thailand and competes against the likes of Triumph Street Triple and Kawasaki Z900. The only difference is, its rivals are far better equipped and are faster. 

Honda Africa Twin

The Africa Twin was the most awaited big bike launch of 2017. This adventure bike is assembled in India which helped it get a good pricing. Plus, it is equipped with the dual-clutch transmission that means the rider doesn’t need to use the left hand and foot for changing gears. With lots of riding aids and a potent parallel-twin motor, the Africa Twin is easily one of the best adventure bikes to buy in India. 

Triumph Street Triple

The new generation Street Triple graced the Indian market earlier this year. It is available in two variants, S and RS, with both bringing in different levels of excitement. The 765cc in-line three motor is known for its power delivery and also for its sweet sound. In terms of tech, the RS gets all of it from an all-new digital dashboard to multi-level traction control system. 

BMW R1200 GS

The R1200 GS is hailed as the best adventure bike in the world. And now, it has reached India, along with its R1200 GS Adventure sibling. Launched at an aggressive price tag, the R1200 GS is also one of BMW Motorrad’s highest selling motorcycles in India. It’s a completely-built-up (CBU) unit from Thailand is currently sold through all BMW Motorrad showrooms in the country. 

Kawasaki Z900

The Z900 replaced Kawasaki’s highest selling CBU in India, the Z800. This new streetfighter has got major aesthetic as well as mechanical updates. With a major bump in power at 123bhp and peak torque of 98.6Nm, the Z900 locks horns with the Triumph Street Triple RS.