KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10R
WHY BOTHER?
KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10RThis is the maddest, meanest superbike of them all, that’s why! We’ll get the 2011 version, of course, which means the Ninja will come with traction control, three riding modes and an all-new 998cc, in-line four-cylinder motor. Oh, and a near-200 bhp power output. The ‘11 ZX10R claims to be roughly 10 kg down on the outgoing one and that will make the Ninja even more of a monster than it already is. Bajaj hasn’t announced the Ninja’s entry officially, but with all other Japanese bike manufacturers in the field already, we know it’s got to be 2011.
HOW MUCH?
Rs 12 - 15 lakh
WHEN?
CHEAPER HOGS!
WHY BOTHER?
Because at Rs 5.5 lakh, the 883 Sportster SuperLow will be, from January 2011, the cheapest Harley-Davidson you can buy in India. It’s small, not your typical full-size H-D, but it is every bit the old school, basic cruiser you need for a quick Sunday ride. For Rs 6.5 lakh you can have the more menacing 883 Iron. The two motorcycles are essentially the same – the SuperLow gets a larger fuel tank and beginner-friendly front-end geometry, while the Iron gets the all matte black treatment borrowed from the Night Rod. Also coming in is an Asia-specific H-D, something in the 700-800cc range, which will be produced locally.
HOW MUCH?
Rs 5.5 lakh onwards
WHEN?
BMW S1000RR
WHY BOTHER?
Because this German juggernaut has blown the litre-bike class away like ninepins! BMW decided to make a conventional in-line four and go racing with it, causing many worry lines to surface on rivals’ faces. With 193 bhp at the rider’s disposal, there’s nothing that can stay with this Beemer in a straight line. And thanks to an advanced traction control system and ABS, it handles exceptionally well, too. This propeller-badged superbike is already a cult classic.
HOW MUCH?
Little Beemer birdies tell us that the S1000RR will retail at a sub-Rs 21 lakh ex-showroom price tag.
WHEN?
APRILIA RSV4 FACTORY
WHY BOTHER?
Because it is one of the best litre-bikes in the world today! The RSV4’s beautiful slimline body is full of exotic details and contains an unrestrained and characterful 180-bhp V4 motor and a truckload of electronic aids. If the APRC SE version comes to India, well, that’s the closest you can get to buying a true blue World Superbike Championship-winning machine. That’s exactly what Max Biaggi did this year, by the way!
HOW MUCH?
Sources suggest it’ll be pegged at around Rs 23-24 lakh. The base version may or may not come to India.
WHEN?
January 2011
