2018 has been great so far. We got to see many new bikes launching in our market. Out of all these, these are the top 10 bike launches of 2018. It includes commuter bikes, performance bikes and some retro bikes.
This year, we saw many promising launches. It started with Bajaj Avenger Street 180, Yamaha YZF R15 V3 to the revival of Jawa Motorcycles and launch of Royal Enfield 650 Twins.
One good thing about this year is that there were a lot of performance and lifestyle bike launches. Most of these vehicles are quite succesfully running in the market. This indicates that more buyers are shifting towards the concept of lifestyle bikes rather than the commuter ones.
So, here is the list of top 10 bike launches of 2018 with relevant details of the bikes mentioned.
Bajaj Avenger Street 180
| Launch Date | February 2018 |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 87,287 |
| Engine | 180cc DTS-i |
| Power/Torque | 15.2 BHP/13.7 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed gearbox |
Avenger Street 180 was launched back in February. After Street 180, Bajaj discontinued the 150cc Avenger. The Street 180 gets a mean all-black colour work with light decals. The latest colour work makes Avenger look like a modern cruiser with no chrome details and new-age bodywork. It comes with the same 180cc engine that comes in Pulsar 180. At a price of Rs 87,287, it is the cheapest cruiser in town.
Also Read: 2018 Bajaj Avenger Street 180 Price In India, Mileage, Features And Specifications
Yamaha YZF R15 V3
| Launch Date | February 2018 |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 1.25 Lakhs |
| Engine | 155cc liquid-cooled VVA |
| Power/Torque | 19 BHP/15 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed gearbox |
Another big launch in February was of the advanced Yamaha R15 V3. With this new update, R15 made its stand in the market as the most-affordable performance bike in town. With V3, the performance, power, ride handling and features improved. It continued with the same 155cc liquid-cooled engine but got Variable Valve Actuation, which enhances low-range torque delivery and average mileage. It now rivals with the likes of KTM Duke 125.
Also Read: Yamaha R15 V3 Review – An affordable everyday sportsbike
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and 500X
| Launch Date | February 2018 |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 1.56 Lakhs to Rs 2.13 Lakhs |
| Engine | 350cc/500cc |
| Power/Torque | 19.8 BHP & 28 Nm/27.2 BHP & 41.3 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed gearbox |
The list of launches in February just keeps adding up. Another one is the Thunderbird X series. Available in the same 350cc and 500cc variants, both the cruisers are based on the regular Thunderbird series. However, Thunderbird 350X and 500X get some visual upgrades like all-black colour work, alloy wheels and lowered handlebars to make it a street-friendly version. Thunderbird X series is now equipped with dual-channel ABS setup as well.
Also Read: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X vs Mahindra Mojo UT 300 – Comparison
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
| Launch Date | March 2018 |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 81,490 to Rs 89,990 |
| Engine | 160cc oil-cooled |
| Power/Torque | 16 BHP/14.8 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed gearbox |
The Apache RTR 160 name got an upgrade in this march, with the launch of TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. The new version got naked street style look matched with a new bodywork, revised engine and upgraded features as well. Everything has been upgraded in the new version, but the TVS racing DNA remains constant. It competes with the likes of other sporty-commuters including Honda CB Hornet 160R, Yamaha FZ-S FI, Suzuki Gixxer and Bajaj Pulsar NS160.
Also Read: TVS Apache RTR 160 4V All You Need To Know About This Bike
Hero Xtreme 200R
| Launch Date | July 2018 |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 89,900 |
| Engine | 200cc air-cooled |
| Power/Torque | 18.1 BHP/17.1 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed gearbox |
This year, Hero made an entry in the premium motorcycle segment. With its new Xtreme 200R, it entered the 200cc segment. It is the cheapest 200cc motorcycle when compared to Duke 200, Apache RTR 200 4V and Pulsar NS200. However, the power figures are much lesser than other 200cc bikes. It comes with single-channel ABS as standard fitment, which is a segment first feature.
Also Read: Hero Xtreme 200R Price, Top Speed, Mileage And Colours
BMW G310R and G310GS
| Launch Date | July 2018 |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 2.99 Lakhs (G310R)/ Rs 3.49 Lakhs (G310GS) |
| Engine | 313cc liquid-cooled |
| Power/Torque | 34 BHP/28 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed gearbox |
BMW Motorrad also introduced its entry-level premium motorcycles in India. The 300cc naked bike and Adventure bike are built in partnership with TVS at their Tamil Nadu plant. G310R is a naked bike with all the typical street naked looks, whereas G310GS is a dual-purpose adventure bike. Both come with the same 313cc engine but the suspension and riding purpose it totally different.
Also Read: BMW G 310 R And G 310 GS First Ride Review- Test Ride Report
TVS Radeon
| Launch Date | September 2018 |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 48,400 |
| Engine | 110cc |
| Power/Torque | 8.2 BHP/8.7 Nm |
| Transmission | 4-speed gearbox |
TVS introduced a new commuter motorcycle in India, named Radeon. It is a regular 110cc bike meant to take on Hero Splendor, Honda Dream and Bajaj Platina. However, it receives some mild additional features, which gives it an edge. The features include Synchronized Braking, USB charging slot, side stand indicator, economy meter and LED DRLs.
Also Read: TVS Radeon 110cc Motorcycle Launched In India; To Compete With Hero Splendor
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650
| Launch Date | November 2018 |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 2.50 Lakhs to Rs 2.85 Lakhs |
| Engine | 648cc twin-cylinder engine |
| Power/Torque | 47 BHP/52 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed gearbox |
Royal Enfield launched its most anticipated bikes of the year. RE 650 Twins are now available for display and test rides across all dealerships. The deliveries of the same are scheduled to begin by January. The Twins come with a twin-cylinder 648cc engine, that is the currently the most powerful in production. The Interceptor is a classic roadster, whereas Continental GT 650 is an American-styled Cafe Racer.
Also Read: Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Price in India, Features, Top-Speed and More
Jawa Motorcycles
| Launch Date | November 2018 |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 1.55 Lakhs to Rs 1.89 Lakhs |
| Engine | 293cc liquid cooled BS-6 engine |
| Power/Torque | 27 BHP/28 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed gearbox |
Jawa Motorcycles made a comeback this year with 3 new motorcycles. The original Jawa is back with striking similarities with the new model. Along with it, is Jawa 42, which is a modern version of the new Jawa. Jawa Perak is a factory-customer Bobber motorcycle, which will be later available in 2019. Now, the Jawa is back to compete with its original rival, Royal Enfield.
Also Read: Jawa 300 – Prices, Features, Specifications and Images
KTM Duke 125
| Launch Date | December 2018 |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 1.18 Lakhs |
| Engine | 125cc liquid cooled engine |
| Power/Torque | 14 BHP/15 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed gearbox |
The last one on the list is the newly launched KTM Duke 125. The baby KTM was manufactured in India for a long time but has been introduced now. It gets the trademark KTM styling with the orange Trellis cradle and loud decals over the body. It is the first performance bike in 125cc segment and also the most affordable one. It competes with the likes of Yamaha R15 V3, Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and TVS Apache RTR 200 4V.
