September 2023 was a cracker of a month as we witnessed the launch of the 2024 KTM 390 Duke and TVS Apache RTR 310. And if that wasn’t enough, October 2023 promises to be even more eventful as we expect the launch of a scrambler, an adventure tourer and an electric scooter. The list includes the Triumph Scrambler 400 X, a new version of the Ather 450X and the most anticipated launch of the year, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452.
Triumph Scrambler 400X
The first motorcycle to be launched this month will be the Triumph Scrambler 400 X. Although it was unveiled alongside the Speed 400, Triumph has yet to reveal its pricing. The launch was delayed to October 2023 to prioritize the production of the Triumph Speed 400.
The Scrambler 400 X shares most of its design elements and parts with the Speed 400. So, it features the same round LED headlamp, a teardrop fuel tank, and stubby fenders. Meanwhile, the motorcycle features a long-travel suspension and a 19-inch front wheel.
The Scrambler 400 X will use the same 399cc, single-cylinder engine as the Speed 400, which produces 39.5bhp at 8,000rpm and 37.5Nm at 6,500rpm. The motor is mated to a six-speed gearbox. Now, in our time with the Speed 400, the engine felt quite refined, with a solid mid-range performance and decent low-end grunt. Even the on-off throttle response was linear and the gearbox offered precise shifts. We expect the engine performance to be similar on the Scrambler 400 X as well.
We expect the Scrambler 400 X to be launched in India by mid-October and is expected to be priced around Rs. 2.50 lakh (ex-showroom). Bookings for the Scrambler 400 X are already open for an amount of Rs. 10,000. Once launched, the Scrambler 400 X will rival the Scram 411, and the Yezdi Scrambler.
Ather 450X Long Range
Next on the list is an updated version of the Ather 450X, which will offer a higher range than the current top-spec 450X model. The new 450X could possibly be the fourth generation model, which is expected to get a 3.7kWh battery pack and a 110km true range. This is 5km more range than the Gen 3 model.
Other changes could include an updated switchgear, which could be derived from the Ather 450S. That said, the electric scooter will continue to be offered with similar features like LED lighting all around, ride modes, a touchscreen TFT instrument console, smartphone connectivity, fast charging, and more.
As for its pricing, the new Ather 450X could be priced around Rs. 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom), given that the gen-3 model costs Rs 1.44 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru). The new 450X will rival the Ola S1 Pro, TVS iQube S, Bajaj Chetak and a few more.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 452
The last motorcycle on the list is possibly the most-anticipated bike of 2023. And, it is none other than the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452. After months of testing and innumerable spy pictures, Royal Enfield is all set to launch the Himalayan 452 in India this month. We will be riding the motorcycle towards the end of this month, and that is when we expect it to be launched in the country.
Leaked regulatory documents have revealed that the new Himalayan 452 will be powered by a 451.65cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor that will pump out 39.50bhp at 8,000rpm. Although the document doesn’t reveal the torque figure, our source tells us that the engine will produce a peak torque of around 40Nm. That said, the engine will come mated to a six-speed gearbox.
Coming to its equipment list, the new Himalayan 452 will feature LED lighting all around, a fully digital instrument cluster, dual-channel ABS, and possibly Tripper navigation as an option. As for its pricing, Royal Enfield could launch it at around Rs. 2.70 lakh (ex-showroom). At this price point, the Himalayan 452 will make for a good alternative to the KTM 390 Adventure X, BMW G 310 GS, and the Yezdi Adventure.
