For motorcycle lovers, 2023 was a great year as many interesting two-wheelers were introduced in the Indian market. Classic brands are making a comeback; some bikes discontinued in 2023, and high-end companies are joining the single-cylinder motorbike market, twin-cylinder motorbikes, and much more. Here is a list of top 10 motorcycles launched in 2023 that are currently rocking the market.
Top 10 Motorcycles Launched in 2023
1. Royal Enfield Himalayan
About a month ago, the new Royal Enfield Himalayan was introduced, and we must say that it left a very positive impression. The company’s most technically powerful engine to date, the new Sherpa 450 engine is a revelation that performs admirably in most conditions. The overall quality, fit, and finish of the motorcycle are all good. With strong on and off-road performance, a respectable feature set, and a reasonable price range of Rs. 2.69 Lakh to Rs. 2.84 Lakh (ex-showroom), it is a beautiful all-around motorcycle.
2. Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X
Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X are 400 Twins, the smallest motorcycles introduced in the Triumph lineup this year, manufactured by Bajaj Auto. Due to its great price, the Speed 400 created quite a stir as soon as it was launched at 2.23 lakh (ex-showroom). Meanwhile, the Scrambler 400X was launched for 2.66 lakh (ex-showroom).
Apart from their prices, these motorcycles are well built, have a 400 cc single-cylinder engine, and are a joy to ride. Although both bikes may lack in features, they make up for it in riding pleasure. Undoubtedly one of the best two-wheelers in India in 2023.
3. KTM 390 Duke and KTM 250 Duke
The most exciting motorcycle in the country in the budget is undoubtedly the new KTM 390 Duke. It has been completely redesigned, featuring a fully adjustable suspension system, an advanced rider electronics system, and a new engine. Besides, the weight of the motorcycle has also been reduced by 4 kg. It is one of the best motorcycles available at the moment and gives good value for money at Rs. Rs 3.11 lakh (ex-showroom).
There is also a generational change with the KTM 250 Duke. Similar to the 390 Duke, the engine gets a few upgrades: weight is reduced by 8 kg, and ground clearance and suspension travel are increased. The bike also includes supermoto ABS, ride-by-wire, and a 5-inch LCD screen. The design is similar to the new 390 Duke, making it sharper and more attractive than the previous model. The new generation 250 Duke is available in India at Rs 2.39 lakh (ex-showroom). This price and features make the 390 Duke the best quarter-liter bike in India.
4. Harley-Davidson X440
This year, bike manufacturers like Harley and Triumph chose to start producing bikes with single-cylinder engines. The Harley-Davidson X440 was built with India in mind and is the most affordable Harley ever. Although the Internet may not agree with the strange appearance of the modern classic roadster, it undoubtedly looks unusual.
The 440 cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine isn’t the fastest or most performance-focused model available. A 3.5-inch color TFT display, Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and full LED illumination are among its respectable feature sets. The X440 price ranges from Rs. 2.39 lakh to Rs. 2.79 lakh (ex-showroom).
5. TVS Apache RTR 310
This motorcycle has been coming for a long time. A naked streetfighter version of the Apache RR 310, the TVS Apache RTR 310 looks impressive. It is powered by the same 312 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine as its supersport sibling, but it produces slightly more power and torque and offers an equally enjoyable ride.
The impressive feature list, which includes a 5-inch TFT display, five riding modes, cruise control, heated and cooled seats, wheelie controls, a bi-directional quick shifter, and more, is the main attraction. There are several varieties of Dynamic and Dynamic Pro kits available, with prices ranging from Rs. 2.43 Lakh to Rs. Rs 3.14 lakh (ex-showroom).
6. Aprilia RS 457
Aprilia RS 457 is another sports motorcycle in India that generated a lot of excitement. It started in India just before the country’s first MotoGP round. With a design inspired by the RS 660, it is an attractive motorcycle with a respectable feature package that includes a 5-inch TFT display, a bi-directional fast shifter, and optional smartphone connectivity. Its price is reasonable Rs. Rs 4.10 lakh (ex-showroom). The bike is built at the Aprilia facility in Baramati, Maharashtra, India.
7. Honda CB350
After the H’ness CB350 and CB350RS, the Honda CB350 is the third model on its 350 cc engine platform and is aimed directly at the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The CB350 is offered at prices starting at Rs 1.99 lakh for the base DLX variant and Rs 2.17 lakh for the more advanced DLX Pro variant (both ex-showroom, Delhi).
The design is somewhat similar to the H’ness CB350, and it is even more similar to the RE Classic 350. H’Ness features are also available for the CB350. If you are looking for a pleasant ride in a modern classic roadster, then the CB350 is a good choice.
8. Royal Enfield Bullet 350
Royal Enfield’s next-generation Bullet 350 was also introduced this year. The Bullet 350, the best-selling bike for RE, is currently built on the J-series chassis like the other 350cc bikes in the brand’s lineup. It has many features and riding experience similar to the Classic 350, and its design is also quite similar. The price of the new Bullet 350 starts at Rs 1.74 lakh. 2.16 lakh (ex-showroom).
9. Hero Karizma XMR
This year, with the introduction of Karizma XMR, the Hero Karizma brand name came back with great enthusiasm. It is now equipped with a liquid-cooled, four-valve DOHC, 210 cc single-cylinder engine. This is Hero’s first liquid-cooled engine, and it is undoubtedly one of the best 200 cc engines available.
Thanks to the updated styling, the Karizma now looks sporty, full-fairing, and attractive. The instrument console is fully computerized and includes dual-channel ABS, full LED lighting, and a USB connector. The motorcycle was first introduced at Rs. 1.73 lahks, but currently, the ex-showroom price is Rs. 1.82 lakh.
10. Yamaha YZF R3 and MT-03
The Yamaha YZF R3 and MT-03 bikes, which were recently launched in India, are the last two models on our list of top motorcycles launched in 2023. With the introduction of BS6 emission standards, the Yamaha R3 was phased out in India, while the MT-03 is an entirely new bike. A 321 cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine powers both variants, and both have respectable performance. Since these are imported to India from Indonesia as CBUs, both motorcycles have very less features and are extremely expensive.
