Aprilia GPR 150 Launch Expected in 2020

According to the latest details available, Piaggio is expected to launch the Aprilia GPR 150 in India at the upcoming Auto Expo in February 2020. In addition to the 150cc motorcycle, the Italian brand will also be launching an all-new family scooter at the Auto Expo 2020. Aprilia showcased two 150cc sportbikes at the Auto Expo 2018 namely RS 150 and Tuono 150. The former is a fully-faired sports motorcycle while the latter was showcased as a semi-faired street bike.

Though loaded with a host of exciting features and powerful performance capabilities, the brand would have to tone down the RS 150 and Tuono 150 to launch them in India, which is a very price-sensitive market. The Aprilia GPR 150, on the other hand, is already on sale in China and would be one of the best options for the brand to debut in the 150cc motorcycle segment in India. The sportbike was spotted in the country a few months back where the brand has showcased it to a bunch of Aprilia dealers to get their views on the launch of the 150cc machine.

If all goes well, the upcoming Auto Expo 2020 will witness the launch of GPR 150 in the country while the motorcycle will be available for sale sometime after that. Since Aprilia is known to offer premium motorcycle range in India, one can expect the brand to launch the GPR 150 at an ex-showroom price tag of around INR 1.50 lakh, which is higher than the price of its close competitor Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.

The launch of the 150cc machine in the Indian market would be one of the wisest decisions from the brand to get a strong foothold in the country. If the brand manages to get ahead in the competition with the launch of Aprilia GPR 150 in India, expanding its portfolio in the 300-400cc segment would be something expected by the enthusiasts.

Zeppelin Cruiser Launch Uncertain

With the recent setback faced by the auto industry that led to a major decline in the sales, the upcoming Auto Expo will see the participation of only 3 major two-wheeler brands while the 19 other have decided to skip it. Since TVS Motor is no longer a part of the upcoming Auto Expo 2020 where it was expected to launch the production version of the much-awaited Zeppelin 220, the launch of the cruiser is now uncertain. The brand is yet to comment on the change in plans and there is no recent news on the new date for the launch of the TVS Zeppelin.

It is being said that TVS Motor is putting a lot of effort in the Zeppelin project while the testing of the motorcycle is expected to commence shortly on the Indian roads.

The initial unveiling of the power cruiser at the Auto Expo 2018 showed the motorcycle with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) with assist motor as well as an HD camera. Though, in order to keep the production cost under check, the brand will be skipping certain features for the production version.
As per the reports, the TVS Zeppelin will get major body parts inspired from the Apache RTR 200 including the headlight, instrument console as well as the switchgear. The motorcycle will feature an LED headlight setup with premium plastic cladding for the body panels.

The concept motorcycle was equipped with golden USD front forks to give it a distinguished look though, the brand is likely to replace them with conventional forks to meet the design requirements of every individual plus to keep the production costs in check. The rear end of the motorcycle will get an adjustable monoshock absorber.

The production version of the motorcycle is expected to get dual-channel ABS for added safety. The concept motorcycle was showcased with a contemporary brown and black colour scheme, which gives it a well-finished look while the retro-inspired headlamp adds on to its persona.

Mechanically, the TVS Zeppelin will be powered by a 220cc single-cylinder, air-cooled motor, inspired from Apache 200’s engine. There is no information on the exact specs of the powertrain though, it is expected to generate higher output in comparison to the Apache RTR 200 4V.
The brand will most probably equip the power cruiser with a BS6-compliant engine. Being positioned in the TVS portfolio above the Apache 200, the TVS Zeppelin is expected to get a price tag of around INR 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom).

Suzuki Katana 1000 India Launch Expected in 2020

Suzuki Katana 1000 has been recently showcased in India for the first time at the Auto Expo 2020. The motorcycle is based on the underpinnings of the GSX-S1000F while features a resurrected name that used to be undeniably famous under Suzuki’s portfolio back in the 1980s.

Powering the Suzuki Katana is a 999cc, in-line four-cylinder engine that is capable of offering maximum power of 150HP @ 10,000 rpm and a peak torque of 108Nm @ 9,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The motorcycle was initially showcased at EICMA 2018 in Milan as well as at the INTERMOT 2018 in Germany. The production variant of the sportbike is expected to be brought to the Indian market via the CKD route while the launch will most likely happen later this year.

 Coming to the design language, the front fascia of the motorcycle reminisces the bits and pieces of the old Katana while features the twin-spar aluminium frame inspired from the Suzuki GSX-S1000F. The square headlight pays tribute to the older iteration of the motorcycle while the all-new shape of the fuel tank complements its sporty design. The neo-retro outlook of the motorcycle is further completed with a TFT display. In addition to this, the brand has also kept the “Katana” badge the same when compared to the last-gen motorcycle version.

The all-new Suzuki Katana 1000 features a fully-adjustable KYB 43mm USD forks at the front while the rear has been mated to a monoshock absorber. The braking power is offered by disc brakes at either side with Brembo/Nissin sourced callipers mated to dual-channel ABS as standard. Suzuki has equipped the motorcycle with switchable three-level traction control while the fuel tank capacity and the kerb weight stands at 12 litres and 215kg respectively.