Top 6 motorcycle launches in 2016

2016 has been a year of ups and downs for the Indian two-wheeler industry. Apart from the usual buzz created by the biennial Auto Expo, the industry witnessed record breaking sales numbers and a sudden drop in demand post demonetisation. As the year draws to an end, we decided to turn a blind eye towards the negative and compile a list of six new motorcycles that caught our attention -  

1. Hero Splendor iSmart 110

The Splendor iSmart 110 is Hero MotoCorp’s first in-house developed motorcycle. Though it still carries the iconic Splendor name, Hero claims that the Splendor iSmart 110 is based on a new platform and engine, which means that it will not have to pay royalty to its former joint venture partner – Honda. The Splendor 110 iSmart's platform will form the base for Hero MotoCorp's future commuter motorcycle range.

2. TVS Victor

The TVS Victor was reintroduced in India after a gap of eight years to strengthen the company’s hold in the commuter segment. While TVS didn’t have a major player in this market space till recently, this has now changed with the new Victor. Since its launch in January, sales have been steadily rising, breaching the one lakh mark in October. The Victor’s elegant looks, loaded feature list coupled with the promise of good fuel efficiency push it high up in the value-for-money scale. Click here to read how the TVS Victor stacks up against the Splendor iSmart 110 and the Suzuki Hayate EP.

3. Bajaj V15

The Bajaj V15 is the first motorcycle in the company's 'V' brand. Thanks to its distinct approach towards styling and its patriotic connection, the V15 has hit the right chord with the urban as well as rural audience, making it one of the highest-selling 150cc commuter bikes. Buoyed by the V15's performance, Bajaj recently launched a 125cc version called the V12. Click here to read the how the Bajaj V15 fares against the Honda CB Shine.

4. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

Though its looks polarise opinion like no other motorcycle, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is no doubt one of the best motorcycles we have ridden this year. The spirited engine, agile handling and the fantastic ride quality plaster a smile on your face every time you ride it. We have had the Apache in our long term fleet for a while and it has proved its mettle as a commuter bike as well as a highway muncher. We even took it to the Chennai MMRT last month to see how it fares on a race track. Click here to read about it.

5. Royal Enfield Himalayan

The Royal Enfield Himalayan does have a few chinks in its armour and might not be as versatile as the company claims. Nevertheless, it is the best motorcycle you can buy right now if you want a bike that can handle semi-serious off-roading and touring comfortably. RE purists might look at the Himalayan with disdain for straying away from the company's tradition and featuring 'modern' bits like a monoshock and digital instrumentation, but we couldn't care less. Click here to read how the Himalayan stacks up against the Mahindra Mojo.

6. Bajaj Dominar 400

Having established its stronghold in the premium commuter segment with the Pulsar range, Bajaj recently launched the 'Dominar' brand for its performance motorcycles. Featuring a muscular design, aggressive riding stance and an engine based on the 390 Duke, the Dominar 400 is the most powerful motorcycle Bajaj has ever made. And the icing on the cake is its introductory price tag of Rs 1.36 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), which makes it a fantastic value-for-money proposition.