Bike: The Speed Masters

In the last five years or so, powerful and elegant superbikes have emerged as a new favourite of the rich in the country. The growing demand for luxury bikes coupled with easy availability in the market is making the segment more popular than ever. Triumph Motorcycles India managing director Vimal Sumbly says, “Aspirations are high, and motives to achieve them are higher. This has fueled the financial institutions to provide means to those who aspire. Owning a piece of their aspirations gives them instant gratification. Flashing labels has become an addiction.” Triumph Motorcycles is expecting to clock 20-25 per cent sales growth in the country in 2017, over the 3,000 units it sold in the past 30 months.

Pankaj Dubey, managing director of Polaris India which sells luxury bikes by American brand Indian Motorcycle, says the passion for biking is on the rise in India. “Successful people in India always fantasised about owning a bike and going for an adventurous ride. Now, they are doing it.” The company aims to clock 50 per cent growth in sales this year and corner 15 per cent market share in the 1,200cc-plus segment, apart from doubling the sales network.

Superbike enthusiasts in India are continually engaging in numerous joy rides, sometimes in gangs and sometimes alone. Companies are also spending time and money to encourage this growing culture. They organise rallies and other events for charity under some of their renowned clubs. In fact, getting membership in exclusive clubs like Riders Association of Triumph (RAT), Indian Motorcycle Riders Group (IMGR), Harley Owners Group (HOG) is a matter of pride.

Suzuki Intruder 1800: Price - Rs 16 lakh
The Intruder M1800R is the world’s most modern cruiser. It has the classic look of a cruiser as well as the power and torque that motorcyclists dig. It’s built for effortless cruising across towns or state lines. By injecting the Intruder M1800R with a potent shot of race-proven technology developed for the championship-winning GSX-R sport bikes, Suzuki has truly redefined the concept of a cruiser. Buying a Suzuki Intruder is a lifestyle statement. It is for those who love two wheelers; and understand and appreciate cruising across long distances in comfort and style.

DSK Benelli TNT R: Price- Rs 11.81 Lakh
The Italian superbike resonates with the aspirational value that Benelli is known for — unadulterated performance with distinct styling — cues that are evergreen and legendary in every manner. You can experience Italian engineering at its best, when you sit astride a TNT R. Engineered for experienced riders, the TNT R offers 135.5bhp of ferocious power without any electronics and to top it all up, this flagship DSK Benelli bike comes with an enthralling look and an eloquent design language that is truly artistic, all of which distinguishes it from any other bike in its class. Mated to a six-speed transmission, the DSK Benelli TNT R boasts of an 1131cc, in-line three-cylinder, four-stroke, 12 valves, DOHC; liquid-cooled engine that generates 135.5bhp of peak power @ 9500rpm, while the torque produced is 114.2nm @ 7500rpm.

Triumph Rocket III Roadster: Price - Rs 22 lakh
A rare engineering marvel that promises to make heads turn wherever it goes. There is nothing else like it on the road; no other motorcycle experience even gets close to the sense of comfort and luxury that a Rocket III Roadster provides. With its 2,294cc three-cylinder engine sitting in line with the chassis, the Rocket III Roadster is the world’s largest produced motorcycle engine. It’s a mean machine, with enhanced speed, acceleration, power and design meant for effortless luxurious rides on any terrain.

Harley-Davidson Road King: Pric e- Rs 25 Lakh
Coming from the stable of the iconic American superbike brand Harley-Davidson, Road King is a bike with nostalgic style, and performance and versatility of a modern touring machine. The Hiawatha headlamp and nacelle on the bike were born in the 1960’s, when chrome ruled the streets. But the power of the all-new Milwaukee-Eight™ 107 engine brings it all into the here and now in a hurry. The all-new dual bending valve front suspension and rear emulsion shocks put you in control for a plush ride. With cast aluminum Impeller wheels and one-touch opening saddlebags, this is a timeless classic built for today. The Road King is powered by an air-cooled, high-output twin cam 103 engine, which powers most of Harley-Davidson’s Touring range. This engine displaces 1,689cc and delivers a peak torque of 142Nm through a six-speed transmission, which transfers power to the rear wheel via a belt drive.

Indian Roadmaster: Price - Rs 37 Lakh
The worldwide famed cruiser bike maker’s Roadmaster is perhaps one of the most renowned cruiser bikes globally. The bike is loaded with a host of features such as anti-skid braking system, cruise control, remote locking hard saddle bags, heated rider and passenger seats, heated grips, keyless start and power windshield come as standard. There are a host of custom options on offer too, like a high-flow air cleaner, a heel shifter, chrome trunk armrest supports for the passenger and extra trunk and saddlebag storage. Powering the Roadmaster is the 1,811cc Thunderstroke III V-twin engine, which makes almost 139Nm of torque at 2600rpm, to haul the over 400 kg mass of the motorcycle. The engine is the same unit that powers the Chieftain and Chief range of Indian Motorcycles.

arshad@businessworld.in; @arshadkhan_BW