It's going to rain big bikes this year! From middle-weight adventure-tourers like the Triumph Tiger 900, to the beautifully crafted MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR, there's a lot coming our way in the 'big bike' space in 2020
1. Triumph Street Triple RS
Expected Launch: January 2020
Price: Rs 11.5 lakh
After a fair bit of teasing, the 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS is finally among us. While it isn't an exact departure from the outgoing generation, especially in terms of visuals, the engineers at Triumph have made some significant changes to the new bike under its skin. But for the 2020 model, the 765cc motor now features lighter components – a new exhaust cam and higher precision machining on the crankshaft, clutch, & balancer – which has resulted in engine mass reduction. The three-cylinder motor generates more torque than before (79Nm) but the power output remains unchanged at 121.3bhp.
2.Triumph Tiger 900
Expected Launch: July 2020
Price: Rs 13-15 lakh Say hello to the all-new Triumph Tiger 900. As you would’ve guessed by now, it’s Triumph’s new middleweight adventure tourer, which will replace the Tiger 800. Triumph has launched five versions of the Tiger 900 – the 900 (base), 900 GT, 900 GT Pro, 900 Rally, and 900 Rally Pro. The Tiger 900 gets a new steel trellis frame that’s 5kg lighter than the outgoing version, thanks to a bolt-on aluminium rear sub-frame and bolt-on pillion hangers. The base, GT, and GT Pro versions come equipped with Marzocchi suspension with 180mm travel at the front and 170mm travel at the back. The Tiger 900 has been launched in the UK at a starting price of £9,500 (approximately Rs 8.85 lakh).
3. Suzuki V-Strom 1050
Expected Launch: July 2020
Price: Rs 14 lakh
The new V-Strom 1050 is based on the same engine that powers the outgoing model – a 1,037cc V-twin motor, which is good for 106 horses and 100Nm. This engine comes paired with a six-speed transmission. Suzuki will bring in the V-Strom in two variants – the standard and XT. The former will come fitted with alloy wheels and will be the road-focused trim. Sitting on spoke wheels, the XT will be the off-road-focused variant. Suzuki India has not yet announced the time for the new 2020 V-Strom to arrive at Indian shores, but we expect it to be launched around mid-2020
4. Ducati Streetfighter V4
Expected Launch: February 2020
Price: Rs 20 lakh
It will be the most anticipated premium bike launch of the year. There are two versions of the bike – the V4 and V4 S – and they are both powered by the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale motor that churns out 205bhp at 12,750rpm and 123Nm of torque at 11,500rpm. That's only about 6bhp & 1Nm less than the fully-faired Panigale V4. However, if you desire more performance, Ducati will add a full-racing Performance exhaust by Akrapovič (on both versions) that can bump up the power and torque figures to 217bhp and 130Nm, with a weight reduction of about 6kg!
5. Harley Pan America
Expected Launch: August 2020
Price: Rs 17 lakh
It will be launched at the end of the year. Pan America is Harley Davidson’s take on an adventure bike. While traditional cruisers are great for touring, they can’t really go off the tarmac. With the Pan America tough, you get Harley’s touring comfort along with some fun off-road. The full details of the bike have not been revealed but are likely to be announced very soon.
- Harley Bronx 975
The Harley-Davidson Bronx 975 has been recently revealed by the brand at the EICMA 2019. The production variant of the Streetfighter 975 concept, the Bronx has been equipped with a 975cc Revolution Max engine that is bound to offer optimum performance. The DOHC 60-degree V-Twin liquid-cooled engine is capable of generating a maximum power figure of 115HP and a peak torque of 95Nm. You can expect the motorcycle to lock horns with the Yamaha MT-09, considering the fact that they have the same power output, but the Harley-Davidson Bronx 975 generates 10% more torque than the Yamaha.
7. Ducati Panigale V2
Expected Launch: July 2020
Price: Rs 15 lakh
In October last year, Ducati finally took the wraps off the Panigale V2. Although it retains the same 955cc V-twin motor of the Panigale 959, it now pushes out 153bhp – 5bhp more than before. The torque rating is now 2Nm more than before at 104Nm. But the biggest change, however, is the addition of the Bosch-sourced six-axis IMU with cornering ABS and wheelie control. With more electronics aid, the Panigale V2 promises to be friendlier than its predecessor. When launched, it will be priced marginally higher than the 959.
8. Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L
Expected Launch: May 2020
Price: Rs 14-15 lakh
Putting all rumours to rest, Honda took the wraps off the next-gen Africa Twin in September. The biggest change in this 2020 iteration is its engine. The CRF1100L now displaces 1,084cc and pushes out 100bhp and 105Nm. While the CRF1100L makes more power and torque, it has also shed some weight. Other changes include an updated electronics package and a 6.5-inch LCD touchscreen dash display. The CRF1100L also gets some cosmetic changes. Honda, once again, may only bring the DCT version to India.
9. BMW F 900 XR
Expected launch: August 2020
Price: Rs 14 lakh
At EICMA last year, BMW took the wraps off the F 900 XR. Powering the F 900 XR is the same parallel-twin motor that does duty in the F 850 GS. On the F 900 XR, however, it has been tuned to displace 895cc and pump 103bhp. Torque rating remains unchanged at 92Nm. Standard variants of both bikes come with ZF Sachs suspension – higher variants get semi-active units. Labelled as ‘adventure sport, the F 900 XR gets a 170mm travel at the front suspension and 172mm at the rear. The XR will come with two riding modes in the standard trim – rain and road. Automatic Stability Control and ABS will also come as standard. Premium variants will offer a few more riding modes and a better electronics package. When launched, the F 900 XR is likely to be priced around Rs 13 lakh mark.
10. MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR
Expected Launch: March 2020
Price: Rs 25-26 lakh
Unveiled at the EICMA in November, the 2020 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR, despite sporting a marginally smaller motor, makes more power than before. Producing 205bhp, it’s the most powerful street naked out there – same as the Ducati Streetfighter V4. Its torque rating has reduced marginally to 117Nm. Based on the Serie Orio, the Brutale 1000 RR claims a top speed of 300km/h. The 1000 RR also gets electronically adjustable suspension and steering dampers. This exquisite motorcycle is priced around Rs 25 lakh abroad – expect it to demand more when it’s launched here.
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