Your weekly dose of bike updates: Husqvarna 250cc twins launched, BS6 KTMs ridden!

The last week was slightly more eventful than usual. That’s not only because we witnessed several new launches but also due to the new KTMs which we got to ride around Bajaj’s Chakan test track. It was a power-packed week overall and in case you failed to keep a track of all the interesting updates on BikeWale, here’s a quick low down on the top few.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 250, Vitpilen 250 launched

The long wait for the Huskies has come to an end as Bajaj has finally launched the HusqvarnaSvartpilen 250 and the Vitpilen 250 in India. While the former is a scrambler-style motorcycle, the latter is its cafe racer version and both have been priced at Rs 1.80 lakhs. Both the Huskies are based on their Austrian cousin, the KTM 250 Duke, with which they share a majority of cycle parts and the 250cc engine. Bookings for the Husqvarna models have begun at 100 KTM dealerships in 45 cities across India. 

New Honda Unicorn BS6 launched

Honda has introduced the BS6 model of one of its longest-running motorcycles, the Unicorn. While the premium commuter remains unchanged in terms of styling, the biggest update it has received is in the form of a larger 160cc engine. This fuel-injected motor churns out 12.3bhp and 14Nm which means power remains the same as the previous 150cc motor but torque output has marginally increased. The only new feature it comes equipped with is an engine start-stop switch but Honda has made considerable changes to its dimensions to make it more accommodating. The new BS6 Unicorn costs Rs 93,592 which is a hike of Rs 13,000 over the BS4 model.

Hero Super Splendor BS6 launched

Hero MotoCorp has launched yet another BS6 model, the new Super Splendor. It will be available in two variants now including drum and disc which are priced at Rs 67,300 and Rs 70,800, respectively. As opposed to the previous carbureted motor, the new Super Splendor packs a 125cc, fuel-injected engine which churns out 10.73bhp and 10.6Nm. Moreover, the four-speed gearbox has been replaced by a five-speed unit. Hero has also revised the cycle parts of the Super Splendor to make it more comfortable and plusher to ride on rough roads. 

Bajaj Dominar 250 officially confirmed

After the spy shots of the Bajaj Dominar 250 surfacing on the internet, the Chakan-based bike maker has now officially confirmed the debut of the motorcycle. The company will be conducting media rides of the bike this month and will launch it around the same time. The Dominar 250 will share its design with the Dominar 400 while being equipped with slightly different components. It will be powered by the same 249.7cc, liquid-cooled engine which does duty on the KTM 250 Duke and the Husqvarna 250cc twins. Expect Bajaj to price the Dominar 250 around Rs 1.5-1.7 lakhs. 

BS6 KTM 200 Duke and 390 Duke ridden

Bajaj had invited us to its test track in Chakan to ride the new BS6 models of the KTM 200 Duke and the 390 Duke. You can read about our views on the bikes here and here. Besides the BS6-bound changes in its engine, the 390 Duke has only received a quick-shifter and a new set of paint schemes. On the other hand, the 200 Duke gets a comprehensive makeover in terms of styling, which is borrowed from the larger 250 Duke. It also gets a split trellis frame and dual-channel ABS as part of the update. While the new 390 Duke is Rs 5,000 more expensive now, the 200 Duke demands a premium of Rs 10,000 over the previous model. 

(All prices are ex-showroom)