Two Wheelers of 2012: Above Rs. 2.5 Lakhs

The high end price bracket segment has also been increasing in the Indian two-wheeler market. This is what to look out for in the coming year.

2012 Ducati Monster 795

Expected: early-2012 Price: Rs.5-6 lakh

Finally the Italian marquee will no more remain the brand for ones with deep pockets but actually become realistically affordable even in India once the made-for-Asia Ducati Monster 795 makes its way into India early next year. With the speculated pricing expected to be somewhere in the region of Rs. 5-6 lakh, the Ducati 795 will play a key role in the burgeoning middleweight (600cc) market in India. Fighting with existing rivals like the Kawasaki Ninja 650R and the Hyosung GT650 siblings, the Ducati 795 will definitely be a show-stopper like all Ducatis are known to be. Powered by a 803cc Vee twin engine, the 795 packs in more muscle than many can handle albeit in a slightly low-spec packaging, which also means that with the price drop, the running costs will also be lesser. If the pricing really turns out as expected, then expect to a see a lot of them on Indian roads, by this time next year.

2012 Kawasaki Z750

Expected: mid-2012 Price: Rs. 6.5-7.0 lakh

Yes, the fabled ‘Z’ is on its way too. Already under scrutiny for Indian road worthiness, the Kawasaki Z750 will also make it to the Bajaj ProBiking showrooms in 2012 alongside its Kawasaki siblings. This naked hooligan too will be brought in as a CKD from Thailand and it will be assembled at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan facility, which means we can expect the pricing to be really aggressive, similar to the Ninja 650r. If no surprise launches take place in the meantime then the Kawasaki Z750 will be the first middle-weight inline 4 cylinder motorcycle to hit the Indian roads with its mighty roar, that can turn even the most ardent peace-loving souls into barbarians quicker than you can say ‘Z’.

2012 Kawasaki ER6N

Expected: mid-2012 Price: Rs. 4.3- 4.5 lakh

This is a bit tricky one. Even though we have not had a confirmed word on this, there has been a lot of flutter about Bajaj Auto bringing in the non-faired version of the Ninja 650R to India sometime next year. Sparse details are available about this development and hence it is difficult to say with conviction that the Kawasaki ER6N will make it to India next year, but the possibility cannot be denied, especially after the Hyosung GT650 has received a warm welcome in its naked trim. There is certainly no doubt that the hooligan lurking behind the 650R’s fairing will be a different animal to play with in its streetfighter form minus the fairing and devoid of the rather chilled out sport-tourer riding position. And ofcourse, as the thumb rule in motorcycling goes, no extra plastics and no fancy fairing means an even lesser price tag! Keep your fingers crossed!