Top seven motorcycle launches of 2023: Triumph Twins, Hero Karizma XMR and more

The year 2023 has proven to be an exhilarating period for motorcycle enthusiasts in India, witnessing the debut of several noteworthy bikes, some accompanied by remarkable price tags. Here, we quickly look at the top seven motorcycle launches that happened in the year.

Triumph Twins - Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X

The Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X created quite a buzz in the highly-competitive mid-capacity motorcycle segment in India as the British luxury motorcycle manufacturer launched its most affordable motorcycles on our shores in collaboration with Bajaj. The Speed 400 made its debut with an introductory offer price of Rs 2.23 lakh, while the Scrambler 400X entered the market with a price tag of Rs 2.62 lakh. The duo is powered by the same 400cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill that makes 40 hp and 37.5 Nm of peak torque. Both motorcycles get a six-speed gearbox.

KTM Duke 390

KTM launched the Gen3 390 Duke with significant updates across its chassis, engine, and components with a price tag of Rs 3.11 lakh, ex-showroom. This latest iteration features a revamped 399cc engine that delivers increased power. The new and larger 399cc engine belts out 45 hp and 39 Nm of torque, boasting an improvement of 1.5 hp and 2 Nm compared to its predecessor.


Harley-Davidson X440

Much like the Triumph-Bajaj collaboration, US-based premium motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson launched its most affordable product in India in partnership with hero MotoCorp. Marking Harley's return to single-cylinder motorcycles after many decades, the X440 employs a 440cc air-/oil-cooled engine, delivering 27 hp and 38 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Harley-Davidson launched the X440 in India, with prices ranging from Rs 2.29 lakh for the base Denim variant to Rs 2.69 lakh for the top-tier S variant.
Hero Karizma XMR

Now, reborn and with a sportier edge, the XMR model marks the return of the beloved Karizma brand to the Indian market after a hiatus of over three years. Hero introduced the Karizma XMR, priced at Rs 1.73 lakh, ex-showroom. The heart of the Karizma XMR is an entirely new liquid-cooled, 210cc, single-cylinder engine, delivering 25.5 hp and 20.4 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

The Himalayan 450 is a completely revamped motorcycle, featuring a new chassis and engine. It boasts a liquid-cooled, 452 cc, single-cylinder engine producing 40 hp and 40 Nm of torque. This powerhouse is paired with a 6-speed gearbox incorporating a slip-and-assist clutch. The introductory prices for the Himalayan 450 range from Rs 2.69 lakh to Rs 2.84 lakh, both ex-showroom, valid until December 31, 2023. The new Himalayan can be had in three variants – Base, Pass, and Summit.

TVS RTR 310

The TVS Apache RTR 310 hit the market with a price tag of Rs 2.43 lakh, ex-showroom. It shares its engine with the RR 310 but offers more power. Further, the model is loaded with new features such as adaptive headlights that intensify with increasing speed, a quickshifter, and a ventilated seat.

Powering the RTR 310 is the familiar 312 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that does its duty in the Apache RR 310 and the BMW 310. However, for the RTR 310, the engine is tuned to deliver 35.6 hp and 28.7 Nm, a 1.6hp and 0.7Nm boost compared to its stablemate. The transmission is managed by a 6-speed gearbox with the assistance of an assist-and-slipper clutch.