Top 5 Bike Launches of 2023

2023 has been the year of exciting launches and the segment that saw the most action was the entry-level performance bike segment. It was also the year of many new joint ventures bearing fruit such as the Bajaj-Triumph alliance and the Hero-Harley partnership. Let’s checkout the top 5 bikes to be launched in 2023.

1, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

The Himalayan 450 was clearly among the big ticket new launches of 2023, while the launch did get delayed, it was well worth it. The Himalayan 450 is a ground up new product and features a lot of firsts for RE - liquid-cooling, DOHC, ride modes, 4 valves and more.

The highlight of the bike is the new Sherpa 450 engine which is the most different and most powerful single-cylinder engine from Royal Enfield. The Himalayan 450 is also a proper off-roader as it has the required firepower such as a new frame and proper long travel suspension.

Our only gripe is that the Himalayan 450 does feel heavy for a bike of this segment and if it was lighter it could have been even more capable.In terms of tech, the Himalayan 450 gets TFT screen, proper Google navigation, Bluetooth connectivity for call alerts and also music controls.

2, KTM 390 Duke

The new 390 Duke is easily the most exciting bike that we tested from an Indian brand. While the bump in displacement is minor, the actual difference is massive. This engine addresses many of the flaws of the previous motor while offering thrilling performance.

It isn’t just a straight line missile as the frame updates and new adjustable suspension make it a hoot to ride around corners. The cornering performance is so good that it makes you feel like a better rider than what you’re! KTM engineers have made the new 390 Duke suitable for our market by raising the ground clearance and reducing the seat height.

In fact, the suspension is also so supple that the 390 Duke can be used as a tourer and for the first time it’s a bit multi-dimensional in that sense. What makes the bike so awesome is that all these updates haven’t cost a fortune and KTM has managed to hold the value card given the kind of performance, features and thrill the new 390 Duke offers.

3, Harley-Davidson X440

Next up is the Harley-Davidson X440, the most affordable Harley on sale globally. The bike has been designed by Harley-Davidson in the US but built by Hero MotoCorp which has resulted in such aggressive pricing.

The highlight of the X400 is its new engine, the smooth and relentless wave of torque fits the DNA of the bike perfectly. What surprised me was the way this motorcycle cornered as I was grinding the pegs of the X440 at will at the Hero test track.

While the styling is a bit controversial, what bothered me the most was the quality levels on the motorcycle. Despite the few flaws, the X440 is off to a great start and many Indian bikers have finally been able to realise their dream of owning a Harley.

4, Triumph Speed 400

When the Triumph Speed 400 was unveiled it took a lot of us by surprise given how good the bike looked and its very high quality levels. But what shocked us was the pricing, with an introductory price of Rs 2.23 lakh, the Triumph Speed 400 had made a smashing debut. The cutthroat pricing was courtesy its Indian partner, Bajaj Auto. But the Speed 400 isn’t a bike that only offers great value, but it’s a good bike to ride. The engine derived from the Dominar 400 offers sprightly performance, while the comfortable suspension ensures a smooth ride.

The Speed 400 is adept for commuting and the occasional touring and if you want to explore further, the Scrambler 400X is also a good option. The Speed 400 proved that a quality motorcycle with good performance can still be bought at an affordable price point, something which has been missing in the Indian two-wheeler space over the years.

5, Honda Shine 100

Rounding-off our top five list is a humble 100 cc commuter from Honda. What makes the Shine 100 such an important product is that it revives the Japanese brands attempt at cracking the commuter bike segment and the new 100 cc engine will be the workhorse for many of its products globally that still employ the iconic sloper engine.

The new 100 cc engine is the star as it offers good performance and mileage, what remains to be seen is the durability of the engine. With the Shine 100, Honda has finally been able to price its commuter bike aggressively but it comes at a cost. And that’s quality as some of the panels on the Shine 100 look outright cheap and lack the ruggedness that one warrants from a commuter.