Know all new motorcycles and scooters set to debut in India in 2023

In 2023, while the two-wheeler manufacturers will be focusing on the 200-500cc of entry-level performance motorcycles, a host of electric scooters are set to disrupt the market with their arrival.

• Royal Enfield and Hero MotoCorp are working on introducing upgraded adventure tourers.
• Expect to see a brand-new version of a popular roadster from KTM.
• Suzuki might become the next mainstream manufacturer to roll out an electric vehicle.
• A couple of electric scooters from newer EV-only entrants will go on sale this year.
• Honda Activa will get a big update this year.

With many two-wheeler manufacturers working on new-generation electric vehicles, it is safe to say that 2023 will be a year for the EVs. Year 2022 saw the arrival of a few new players and existing players upgrading themselves in the EV space, 2023 will see a few new brands in the category.

How is the entry-level performance motorcycle category going to be in 2023?

In addition, the motorcycle brands that already are having a firm presence in the 200-500cc category will be upping the ante with new-generation offerings, making the competition among performance-oriented motorcycles even fiercer.

Following is a complete list of all the motorcycles and scooters which will foray into the Indian two-wheeler market in 2023:

Hero Xpulse 400

Expected launch date: June-August, 2023

Hero is planning to launch an upgraded 400cc version of the Xpulse 200, which will be sold alongside it. With a bigger and more powerful engine, larger dimensions and more premium hardware, the new Hero Xpulse 400 will offer direct competition to the Royal Enfield 450 and KTM 390 Adventure.

Hero Xtreme 400S

Expected launch date: July-September, 2023

A fully-faired motorcycle from Hero MotoCorp was spotted testing in the Himalayas in 2022, which is expected to be a bigger and sportier version of the current Xtreme 200S. Touted to be called Hero Xtreme 400S, this new fully-faired super sport will share its engine with the Xpulse 400 and rival motorcycles like KTM RC390 and TVS Apache RR310.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

Expected launch date: July-September, 2023

An upgrade from the current Himalayan 411, the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has already been spied testing in near-production form. As the name suggests, the new Himalayan 450 will get a bigger 450cc engine, apart from reworked body panels and new-gen features like an LED headlamp and upside-down front forks.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Expected launch date: January 2023

This is the first new motorcycle from Royal Enfield for 2023, which is based on the current 650cc twins, the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. The Super Meteor 650 looks like an evolved form of the Meteor 350, with the same essence of a cruiser, but with bogger body panels, a larger engine and more features like upside-down front forks and an all-LED headlamp.

Suzuki Burgman Street Electric

Expected launch date: September-November, 2023

After TVS and Bajaj Auto, Suzuki might become the next mainstream player to enter the EV market with the all-electric version of Burgman Street. The new Suzuki Burgman Street EV will have the same design but with an electric powertrain instead of the tried-and-tested 124cc single-cylinder engine from the standard Burgman Street on sale currently. 

Honda Activa 7G

Expected launch date: March-May, 2023

Honda will try to carry on the streak of success with the Activa brand by launching the seventh-generation model. The new Honda Activa 7G will feature mildly-tweaked body panels and the same engine, in addition to extra features like Bluetooth connectivity and an idle start-stop system, all of which will combine to give it a fresher appeal.

Ampere Primus

Expected launch date: February 2023

The Ampere Primus has been showcased at the Auto Expo 2023 as a more premium version of the already-on-sale Magnus. This all-electric scooter will be positioned above the Magnus while featuring more premium elements like alloy wheels, a more powerful motor and a longer-range battery.

KTM Duke 390

Expected launch date: June-August, 2023

In 2023, the KTM Duke 390 will get a complete overhaul in its design, with revised body panels, front and rear lights, new seats, new wheels and a revised suspension setup. The mechanical components and engine will be retained from its fully-faired sibling, the RC 390.

LML Star

Expected launch date: March-May, 2023

LML is resurrecting from the ashes with a new range of all-electric scooters, with the Star being the first one to roll out in India in 2023. Featuring a new-age styling with modern features like all-LED lighting, a TFT instrument console and snazzy-looking body panels, it will be powered by a powerful motor and battery setup.