Top 5 India-bound streetfighters from EICMA

The world witnessed the unveiling of a number of motorcycles across various segments at the 2019 EICMA. Out of those, there are a few motorcycles from the streetfighter category that are expected to arrive in India sometime next year. Here is what the list looks like- 

Ducati Streetfighter V4 

The Streetfighter V4 is based on the Panigale V4, Ducati’s flagship supersport motorcycle. It loses the fairing but continues to have an aggressive appeal thanks to the low-slung LED headlamps and the biplane aerofoils on either side of the radiator. The rear end is similar to the Panigale V4 and sports an LED tail lamp but the Streetfighter features a more comfortable pillion seat.   

The Streetfighter V4 comes powered by the 1103cc, Desmosedici Stradale engine that produces 205bhp at 12,750rpm. Ducati has equipped the motorcycle with top-spec braking and suspension hardware along with an electronics package that includes ABS, traction control and wheelie control. The Streetfighter V4 is likely to be introduced in India around the second half of 2020 and be one of the most expensive streetfighters in the country.  

Kawasaki Z H2 

Speaking of expensive, there is also the Kawasaki Z H2 that is expected to arrive on Indian shores in 2020. When it comes to styling, the streetfighter borrows cues from its siblings, the Z400 and Z900. It gets a full-LED headlamp that is flanked by large intakes on either side.  

The highlight of the motorcycle is its 998cc, inline-four cylinder, supercharged motor that is borrowed from the H2. The motor puts out 197bhp and 137Nm. While the numbers are identical to the hypersport, the motor on the Z H2 has been retuned to offer low-end grunt. To tame all that power, the Z H2’s electronic kitty comes with four riding modes- Sport, Road, Rain and Rider along with three power modes that restrict engine power. 

It also gets a six-axis IMU, launch control, traction control system and cruise control. Braking is handled by Brembo calipers whereas suspension hardware has been sourced from Showa for both ends. We can expect Kawasaki to introduce the Z H2 early next year with a pricing of around Rs 30 lakhs.   

2020 Benelli TNT 600 

The TNT 600i is thus far, the highest-selling Benelli motorcycle in India. And for 2020, Benelli has updated the streetfighter and given it a new full-LED headlamp and a TFT instrument console. Apart from this, the motorcycle remains the same. It continues to be powered by the same 600cc, inline-four cylinder motor. However, it is Euro-5 compliant and churns out 79.3bhp and 54.6Nm which is slightly lower than the outgoing model. Benelli India is likely to bring the updated TNT 600 to India early next year and price it around Rs 6.5 lakhs. 

BMW F 900R 

The BMW F 900R is the German manufacturer’s newest entry in the streetfighter category. The motorcycle gets a low-slung LED headlamp, beefy forks and a sculpted fuel tank that adds to its aggressive streetfighter character. Underneath, the F 900R uses 895cc, parallel-twin engine derived from the F 850GS’s 853cc motor.  The bike’s electronic package includes Dynamic and Dynamic Pro riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control, cornering ABS, Dynamic Brake Control and the new engine drag torque control.  When it is launched in India, the F 900R is expected to be priced between Rs 13.5 lakhs to Rs 13.7 lakhs.  

2020 Kawasaki Z650 

Kawasaki has updated the Z650 for 2020 giving it refreshed styling and new features. The 2020 Z650 looks sharper at the front thanks to the new full-LED headlamp and the redesigned tank shrouds. It also sports a 10.9cm colour TFT screen that can be paired to a smartphone via the Kawasaki Rideology app. Kawasaki has redesigned the pillion seat with better cushioning to make long-distance journeys more comfortable.

There are no changes when it comes to cycle parts as it continues with telescopic forks up front and monoshock at the rear. Braking is done by twin discs at the front and a single unit at the rear. We expect the 2020 Z650 to arrive in India early next year demanding a slight premium over the current model which costs Rs 5.69 lakhs.  

All prices ex-showroom