These are the 3 hottest motorcycle launches outside of the Auto Expo

The Indian motorcycling community is opening up to the idea of performance motorcycles. This can be gauged from the fact that more and more motorcycle manufacturers are asking their R&D teams to put emphasis on performance at par with functionality and design.

These three motorcycles have been creating a lot of buzz in the industry and social media and were launched right before the Auto Expo took off.

Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom

credit: Moto123.com

The iconic American brand recently withdrew the Superlow from its line-up in India. And with the intent of replacing it with a better product, launched the 1200 Custom.

Coming to the interesting bits first, the 1200 Custom is a regular sports model and is powered by a 1,202cc V-twin engine that produces 96Nm of torque. Also, doing duty on the 1200 Custom are Michelin scorcher tyres which are said to provide grip and a brawny stance in equal measure.

The motorcycle comes with a lot of chrome ( A H-D thing) that not only gives the bling but also adds immensely to its street presence.

The handle-seat geometry is pretty relaxed, as ought to be in a cruiser with handlebars that allow you to stretch back and sink into the seat.

The Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom has been priced at Rs 8.9 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi.

Royal Enfield Himalayan

credit: PTI

Royal Enfield says that the Himalayan has been in the making for five years and tested over extreme territories to make sure that it stands up to its name. In its design and intent, the RE Himalayan is an adventure tourer; a first ever from any Indian manufacturer and that too from a budget one.

The Himalayan gets a quite a few firsts as features. For example, it is the first RE motorcycle to get a mono-shock at the rear along with long travel suspension at the front and a high ground clearance of 170mm along with a bash-plate. The Himalayan has been developed and built ground up by RE, with inputs from Harris Performance UK. The Himalayan gets a 411cc engine which is air-cooled and produces a max power of 24.5bhp and a torque of 32Nm. At the front, there are 41mm forks which have a travel of 180mm. In order to add to its versatility, the Himalayan gets a 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel. RE says that the Himalayan will be launched sometime soon this year. We expect the prices to be between Rs 1.8-2.0 lakh.

Bajaj V

The Bajaj V is company's ode to India's first ever invincible aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant. Without batting an eyelid, Bajaj bought a huge chunk of the scrap metal from INS Vikrant and used it to manufacture the new V. Recently unveiled, the motorcycle will be a premium two-wheeler in the 150cc segment and will be launched sometime in March 2016. Bajaj says that the prices will be in the range of Rs 60,000-70,000.

The Bajaj V gets a 150cc engine that churns out 11.76bhp and 13Nm of torque. It gets a removable cowl for the pillion seat that gives it a cafe racer-esque look. All the V motorcycles will feature the insignia of INS Vikrant on the fuel tank. When launched, the Bajaj V will be available in two colours -- Ebony black and Pearl white. A commuter motorcycle made out of steel from an immortal aircraft carrier, the Bajaj V sure looks promising.