Auto Expo 2014 – A ReportK J Jaichandran

INTRODUCTION

The 12th Indian Auto Expo was a very exciting event for the Indian bike industry, as it saw 15 two-wheeler manufacturers unveil over 30 new products. Over 100 vehicles were on display at the show, which included upcoming models, new variants of those that are in production, and even a host of interesting and innovative concept vehicles.

Brands on display

1. Bajaj Auto2. Hero MotoCorp3. Honda4. Yamaha5. TVS6. Suzuki7. Mahindra8. Piaggio9. Hyosung10.Harley-Davidson11.Triumph12.Terra Motors

Bikes Showcased - Bajaj Auto

Bajaj unveiled two new bikes in the Pulsar series, the SS400 and the CS400. The SS400 is a fully-faired sports bike, while the CS400 is a naked streetbike concept. Bajaj also showcased a few products from the existing line-up.

Bikes Showcased – Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp unveiled a wide variety of products, which included from a 100cc café racer, a 150cc maxi-scooter, and even a 620cc sports bike concept. The company also had displayed products from its current range, some of which had received substantial upgrades.

1. Hastur – A 620cc naked streetfighter concept2. HX 250R – Hero’s first 250cc sport bike3. ZIR – a 150cc motoscooter4. Dare – a 125cc scooter targeted at the younger generation5. Dash – a new offering in the 110cc scooter space6. Splendor Plus Classic – a 100cc café racer style bike7. Passion Pro TR – A 100cc on-off road bike based on the Passion8. RNT150 – a 150cc Diesel concept scooter9. Leap – India’s first series hybrid scooter, shown in pre-production form10. Ion – A futuristic hydrogen-electric hybrid concept motorcycle11. SimplEcity – Another futuristic electric motorcycle, meant for urban mobility

Bikes Showcased – Hero MotoCorp

Bikes Showcased - Honda

Honda unveiled the new Activa 125, its first product in the highly competitive 125cc scooter segment. The company also showcased the CBR 650F sport tourer, and the CBR 500R sport bike, both of which are expected to be launched in India in the coming years. The Honda also had its entire range of two-wheelers, including the imported superbikes, on display at the Auto Expo.

Bikes Showcased - Yamaha

Yamaha unveiled the Alpha, its third product in the scooter segment. The company showcased the R25 250cc sport bike concept, and their MotoGP-championship winning M1 racer. Also on display were Yamaha’s its entire range of two-wheelers, including the imported superbikes, the R1, the FZ-1, and the V-Max.

Bikes Showcased – TVS Motors

TVS Motors showcased two concept vehicles at the Auto Expo – a 250cc naked bike concept called the Draken, and a scooter concept called the Graphite. The company also unveiled a new 110cc variant of the Scooty, christened the Scooty Zest 110. Also on display were TVS Motors entire range of products, including their international line-up.

Bikes Showcased - Suzuki

Suzuki unveiled four new bikes at the Auto Expo – the 110cc Let’s scooter, the 150cc Gixxer, the 250cc twin-cylinder Inazuma, and a high-end enduro bike, the V-Strom 1000. The company had its entire range on display, which also included popular superbikes like the Hayabusa, the GSX-R 1000, and the Intruder M1800.

Bikes Showcased - Mahindra

Mahindra revealed the production version of the Mojo 300, the company’s first bike in the performance segment. Also displayed were a couple of custom motorcycles based on the Mahindra Centuro, and the company’s Moto3 racing bike.

Bikes Showcased – Piaggio

Piaggio showcased three scooters, the Vespa 125S, the futuristic Vespa 946, and the Liberty 125. Both the Vespa 125S and the Vespa 946 are slated to be launched in the Indian market in 2014.

Bikes Showcased – Piaggio

Piaggio also showcased superbikes and cruisers from its two other high-end brands, Aprilia & Moto Guzzi. Bikes such as the Aprilia RSV4, Aprilia Caponord 1200, Moto Guzzi’s California, and V7 racer, were all on display at the Expo.

Bikes Showcased - Hyosung

South Korean bike manufacturer Hyosung launched the Aquila 250, a 250cc cruiser bike, at the 2014 Auto Expo. The company also displayed the GD250N naked street bike, and the RT125D off-roader, both of which are expected to be launched in India in the coming months. Also on display was the company’s entire model range, which includes three sport bikes and three cruisers.

Bikes Showcased – Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson launched the highly-anticipated Street 750, the company’s new entry-level cruiser that is manufactured in India. Also on display were a few custom motorcycle concepts based on the Street 750, and some models from Harley-Davidson’s existing range.

Bikes Showcased - Triumph

Triumph unveiled the Daytona 675 superbike at the Auto Expo. The company also had its entire line-up of 11 high-end bikes on display, including the famous Bonneville, the Rocket III cruiser, and the Tiger Explorer enduro bike.

Bikes Showcased – Terra Motors

Terra Motors, an electric vehicle manufacturer based in Japan, showcased two electric two-wheelers, the Kiwami electric superbike, and the A4000i electric scooter. The company plans to retail these two products in India in the coming months

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