Two Wheeler Weekly News Roundup: News That Made The Noise, From RE Himalayan 450 To Kawasaki Eliminator And Bajaj Chetak Electric

Royal Enfield, Kawasaki, Ather, Bajaj, Aprilia, Ducati bring the heat

• Royal Enfield hikes Himalayan 450 prices, introductory period ends
• Kawasaki launches Eliminator cruiser at an affordable price
• Ather launches faster Ather 450X electric scooter
• Bajaj upgrades Chetak electric with more range and speed
• Aprilia Tuono 457 middleweight bike spotted testing abroad
• Ducati to launch 8 new models including a single-cylinder bike

The first week of 2024 has seen plenty of action in the two-wheeler space. Major bike manufacturers like Royal Enfield, Kawasaki, Ather, Bajaj, Aprilia, and Ducati have stirred up news with new launches, upgrades, and spy shots.

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield commenced the year by hiking prices for its recently launched adventure tourer, the Himalayan 450. The price revision comes as the introductory pricing period ended on December 31, 2023. All color variants of the mid-size ADV have received a price increment. However, the Himalayan 450 still offers an accessible entry point into the growing adventure touring segment in India.

Kawasaki

In cruiser motorcycle news, Kawasaki has introduced the new Eliminator in the country at an aggressive price point. The Eliminator is now Kawasaki’s most affordable cruiser offering in India. Under the hood, it shares its engine with the upcoming Ninja 500 roadster. 

The 451cc parallel-twin motor generates 45.4hp and 42.6Nm of torque. The accessible pricing and unique styling of the Eliminator make it an exciting prospect for bike enthusiasts looking for laidback cruising.

Ather Energy

On the electric two-wheeler front, Ather Energy has finally launched the flagship Ather 450X scooter. The Ather 450X is currently the brand's fastest electric scooter with enhanced performance and features. 

It gets transparent body panels and a special matte finish Indium Blue paint scheme distinguishing it from the standard Ather 450X. The scooter combines sporty riding dynamics with smart connected features.

Bajaj

Rival Bajaj Auto has also introduced an updated version of the Chetak electric scooter in India. The new Chetak receives substantial upgrades like an advanced TFT instrument console and greater range. The company claims a real-world range of over 125km now. Additionally, it also gets increased power output resulting in better acceleration and a higher 85km/h top speed.

Aprilia

Italian superbike brand Aprilia’s upcoming Tuono 457 has been spied testing internationally. Expected to be based on the India-made Aprilia RS 457 sportbike, the Tuono 457 adds to the brand’s naked streetfighter range. It is likely to be a locally manufactured model targeting performance at a relatively affordable price point.

Ducati

Ducati has outlined an aggressive roadmap for the Indian market in 2024. The Italian superbike brand plans to launch 8 new models over the next 12 months. The lineup will include the expansion of existing model families as well as the introduction of new ones. Most interestingly, Ducati is set to add a new 698cc single-cylinder motorcycle to its India portfolio later this year.

In summary, the first week of 2024 has witnessed plenty of action across segments from leading two-wheeler manufacturers.