TVS is a company with a keen eye for clever technology. Several examples have been put forth in the past, including a hybrid autorickshaw, electronic fuel injection, clutchless transmission, electric drivetrains, and ABS technology for the more powerful Apache – some of which has reached the marketplace. If TVS has to put up with the might of the Japanese in the 200+cc segment, it needs plenty of useful technology on its higher displacement Apache for better fuel economy, higher performance, and riding pleasure. TVS has also developed an electric powertrain, which can be bolted on to its existing scooters. After the Wego and Jive, the company hasn’t been very busy on the product front. We expect to see a higher displacement Apache, along with electric scooters, in the next one year.

In the next few months, KTM plans to put the Duke motorcycle in the Indian market. The KTM Duke brand is familiar to those who attended the Auto Expo last year. The 200cc street bike will be the first of the Dukes, followed by larger displacement models. Bajaj owns a major stake in the Austrian company, and shares technical expertise in developing low cost motorbikes. The Duke series will be made at Bajaj’s Chakan facility, and are likely to be retailed through the Pro Biking dealer chain.

KTM is toying with engines of up to 350cc capacity for Asian markets. Post the 200cc, we expect a 300cc Duke with an abundance of power and features. Bajaj, on the other hand, is working on bigger Pulsars for emerging markets. It will not hesitate to develop Pulsars up to 400cc capacity. The bigger Pulsars will sport features like mono-shock rear suspension, and could even employ liquid cooling. Bajaj’s aim will be to develop common platforms for the Duke and Pulsar bikes. This reduces development cost, as well as time, and makes the bikes more affordable. Bajaj has said in the past that it’s open to making motorcycles other than commuters and sporty bikes. It’s also mulling the introduction of a bare-bones commuter brand ‘Boxer,’ which it sells in the Chinese market.

Post the Hero-Honda split, Hero’s gifted with a world of opportunities it can explore on the partnership front. One such segment that’s literally unheard of anywhere in the world is a diesel-powered two-wheeler. Reports in the media recently claim Hero is in talks with a Chennai-based supplier for small diesel motorcycles, and diesel – as a subsidized fuel – enjoys a sizable price difference when compared to petrol. Hero is also working on a series of electric two-wheelers with which it plans to expand its footprint overseas. The bigger challenge for Hero Motors will be constructing a strong image of the standalone Splendor and Passion brand of bikes.

Royal Enfield has realized that it can no longer watch from the sidelines, as the amazing demand for the recently introduced Classic brand has demonstrated just what a strong image it enjoys in India. The company has identified that there is a demand for bigger bikes, and is developing twin-cylinder engines of 750 and 1,000cc capacities. What we know is that the twin-cylinder engine could debut on the Cafe Racer, which the company is very eager to produce. Royal Enfield is also expected to put some of its current models under the surgeon’s knife. Since the waiting periods are growing by the day, the Eicher-owned retro motorcycle manufacturer is scouting for land to set up an additional production facility.

Apart from the twin-cylinder, Royal Enfield is working on a 500cc Thunderbird cruiser for the near term. There will be aesthetic upgrades to this model in the form of a chiselled fuel tank, smaller indicators, and a Harley-style tank-mounted speedometer. Has the aspirational value of Harley Davidson given rise to a breed of inexpensive cruisers?

Mahindra’s Mojo will be ready by Diwali-time this year, and the 300cc motorcycle is expected to sizzle with its sub 2-lakh ` price tag. The recent dip in sales of the Stallio hasn’t dampened the company’s interest in developing a full range of motorcycles, especially as the 200+cc segment is bound to grow as bikers looking for an upgrade don’t have many options today.

Establishing a name in the 200+cc space is a far easier job today, considering the competition is studying consumer needs and developing products fast - Honda’s CBR250R and the bigger KTM will certainly be tough competition. The Mojo’s engine is a 26bhp, 292cc unit, married to a 6-speed transmission. Though the eccentric design will attract plenty of second glances, Mahindra must ensure that there are no niggles from day one, which can only be achieved through a gruelling testing cycle. Any concerns will have to be addressed seriously, and quickly, with group company Engines Engineering’s expertise.