2023 has been a fantastic year for motorcycle enthusiasts with interesting new motorcycle launches and some with jaw-dropping prices. The year slowly rolls to an end with Yamaha finally launching the much-talked-about R3 and the MT-03.
Aprilia also launched the RS457, while other manufacturers like Triumph, Hero, Harley-Davidson, and more launching new motorcycles. Here are our top 10 picks in no particular order.
Top motorcycle launches of 2023
KTM 390 Duke
Probably the most exciting motorcycle launch of 2023 was the 390 Duke, which has seen a major refresh from its chassis to its engine, and the components. The 390 has taken the already exciting platform a notch higher and the new 399cc engine makes even more power, while added electronics make it a fun motorcycle in the hands of experienced riders.
Triumph 400 twins
The Triumph Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400X were spied multiple times before they were launched, and the entry-level Triumph motorcycles shocked the world with their pricing. The Speed 400 was launched for Rs 2.23 lakh as an introductory offer, while the Scrambler 400X was launched for Rs 2.62 lakh.
Hero Xtreme 160R 4V
The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V also saw a major update and for 2023, the motorcycle gets USD forks and sporty graphics, making it a motorcycle one must consider in the segment. It also gets features such as KYB suspension on the top-spec trim and an LCD instrument cluster with phone connectivity.
Harley-Davidson X440
When the Hero-Harley developed X440 was launched a few days before the Triumph twins, the pricing made it an attractive motorcycle, especially with the Harley-Davidson badge on something so affordable. Being Harley’s first single-cylinder motorcycle in many decades, the X440 is a relaxed motorcycle unlike the Triumph or the KTM.
Hero Karizma XMR
When initial spy shots of the Karizma surfaced online, enthusiasts were thrilled as the original Karizma was probably one of the first modern sport touring motorcycles in India. Now in an all-new avatar and much sportier, coupled with a liquid-cooled 200cc engine, the XMR loves to be ridden hard and fast.
Yamaha YZF-R3
The Yamaha R3 is a familiar motorcycle, as it was sold in India earlier. However, with the BS6 norms coming into effect, Yamaha had to pull the R3 out of India and after a few years, it is now on sale again, brought to India as a CBU. Priced at Rs 4.64 lakh ex-showroom, the R3 is expensive, but a motorcycle that one wouldn’t regret after buying it.
Yamaha MT-03
The Yamaha MT-03 was launched alongside the R3 and is the first time the street naked is going on sale here. Priced at Rs 4.59 lakh, the MT-03 is based on the same platform as the R3 and even gets the 41bhp parallel-twin engine. However, the segment is led by the 390 Duke, which has set the bar high for competitors.
Royal Enfield Himalayan
Well, the Himalayan could be one of the most important on this list, as the motorcycle is completely new, from its chassis to the engine. The Royal Enfield Himalayan is slowly attaining the unicorn status in the books of many riders, with the brand new liquid-cooled 450cc engine and its tall suspension setup that gives it a go-anywhere attitude.
TVS Apache RTR 310
TVS had a surprise with the RTR 310 in many ways. For one, it is based on the same engine that the RR 310 gets but makes more power. It also gets a host of new features such as adaptive headlights that get brighter as the speed increases, a quickshifter, and a ventilated seat. However, the bigger surprise is its price tag of Rs over Rs 3 lakh on-road.
Aprilia RS457
The scaled-down version of the RS660 is a desirable motorcycle, if one manages to see it past the Rs 4.10 lakh price tag. Powered by a parallel twin engine, the Aprilia RS457 gets traction control and a host of other features. We will be riding the motorcycle soon, so stay tuned to find out what we think of the Aprilia RS457.
