The Indian motorcycle market is growing at a rate never seen before. Not only are more Indian enthusiasts ditching commuter-style, safe, two-wheeled options but the 300cc-400cc market has, in some regards, become the starting point for budding enthusiasts. So, could you imagine the excitement we had when we were blessed with not one, not two, but four back-to-back launches of extremely capable 300cc to 400cc motorcycles. The first launch amongst this was the Harley-Davidson X440 and while it impressed with its handling characteristics, comfort and price, it lost out potential customers for being more Hero than Harley.

Next up, the next day in fact, we saw the come back from Triumph. The Speed 400 undercuts the Harley-Davidson and even beats it in performance, comfort and agility. These two launches were then followed by the TVS Apache RTR 310. This is the latest product from the TVS-BMW partnership, and is the best between them too. While it absolutely trumps the aforementioned motorcycle in features, it doesn’t feel as complete of a package as the Speed 400. Finally, we had the launch of the third-gen Duke 390. With better features, more power and practicality, the all-new KTM Duke 390 is an absolute weapon for the streets. The only downer with the KTM is perhaps its high price-tag. All four motorcycles you see here though are mighty impressive in their own right.

At our ‘Best of 2023’ event, we had different motorcycles which perfectly embodied the coveted ‘X-factor’ thanks to their thrilling combination of performance and agility. However, add the capability of doing all that, plus being able to easily exceed 200km/h at the drop of a hat, and it becomes a different ball game altogether. In that regard, take the Ducati Monster SP and BMW S 1000 RR. Not only were these two the fastest motorcycles amongst the line-up we had, but they are a testament to the sheer physics-defying engineering that has gone into making these machines as good as they are. Take the Ducati Monster SP to start with.

It feels tauter, lighter, faster, and nimbler than the regular Monster, and all of it has not compromised on the tractability you get from the regular machine. The S 1000 RR, on the other hand, with every generation that comes along, seems to get even better with time like fine wine. The 2023 version, again, is tauter, lighter, and faster, making it the most accomplished litre-class motorcycle for all riders.

Audi vs BMW. The rivalry between these two German heavyweights isn’t new to us. In the not-too-distant past, though, these two brands have catered to different audiences. The BMW was the go-to vehicle if you wanted a sporty driving experience, while the Audi was a bit more comfort oriented. However, with the new X1 and Q3, the carmakers seem to have gone through a role-reversal.

That’s because the X1 has now become a more comfort and luxury-oriented entry-level SUV, while the Q3, with its quattro AWD and a powerful petrol motor, offers a better and more involving driving experience. And this was particularly evident while driving these two SUVs back-to-back at the track.

In the varied mix of vehicles we had for testing during our awards event, some machines felt fast, some felt comfortable and some felt absolutely premium. However, two machines which combined all these three aspects and gave us thrills to remember for a lifetime were the Lamborghini Urus Performante and the Ducati Diavel V4. Not to mention, they looked the most sinister of the lot. Let’s start with the Urus Performante and while its first impressions would leave you in awe of its sheer presence and exhaust bellow, step inside and you’ll be greeted to an absolute world of luxury. Premium and soft-touch materials everywhere while it also feels like an absolute feat of engineering.

No one could believe how this heavy luxo-barge transformed into such a nimble performer at the track with just a press of a button! From the outright speed it can achieve to the agility and driver engagement it provides, the Urus Performante was not just the fastest four-wheeler but also one of the most enticing. When it comes to the Ducati Diavel V4, it’s a similar story. No other motorcycle managed to get as many praises as it did. While its size may throw you off, the Diavel V4 felt light and predictable at the ICAT test track.