Every year at auto shows such as the Indian Auto Expo, EICMA (Milan Motorcycle Show), and the Bangkok International Motor Show, auto enthusiasts from around the world flock together to get an idea of what the big automotive brands have in store for the future. It is an extravagant and glamorous event filled with new launches, glimpses of transformative technology and fun-filled activities, attended by the whos’ who of the automotive world and covered by the world media.
It is also the platform where the brands get to showcase to the world what they can achieve in terms of R&D and design, and therefore we get treated to some breath-taking concept ideas that sometimes may act as the base for a new model launch albeit in a trimmed down avatar, but more often than not, doesn’t make it to the production line.
Below are 10 striking concept motorcycles from motorcycle brands in India that were showcased at the auto shows and which had enthusiasts clamoring over them, but unfortunately haven’t made it to the production line yet.
1). Royal Enfield Concept KX (Bobber 838)
Revealed at the 2019 EICMA, this gorgeous-looking V-twin bobber concept motorcycle is inspired from the 1140cc 1938 Royal Enfield KX model. With a unique softail looking single-sided rear swingarm, contemporary interpretation of the vintage girder forks as well as a modern front fascia comprising of LED headlamps, an all-digital console with smartphone integration, Bluetooth, GPS, etc., the Bobber 838 is a well-executed confluence of retro design inspiration and 21st-century technology. Although rumored to begin production by 2022, there is no official confirmation from Royal Enfield as of now.
2). Hero Hastur
A 620cc 80bhp naked streetfighter concept revealed by Hero at the 2014 Auto Expo, it has an extremely aggressive design with a yellow and grey color scheme, reminiscent of the deadly yellowjacket wasps, and was built in partnership with its partner Eric Buell Racing (EBR). The power and top speed numbers put it square in the middle of its middleweight competition such as the Kawasaki ER-6N, Yamaha R6, and the CBR600RR, but unfortunately, since EBR filed for insolvency the next year, the project has been shelved indefinitely.
3). TVS Zeppelin
Revealed at the 2018 Auto Expo, the ‘Zeppelin’ is a futuristic sports cruiser motorcycle concept built by TVS. It is a low-slung motorcycle with wide-set handlebars and an angular yet muscular design language that looks inspired by the Italian Ducati XDiavel. Powered by a 220cc 20bhp powertrain driven by belt-drive, it also sports some interesting tech features such as the ‘E-boost’, a system that provides momentary torque boost using a regenerative motor, and the ‘Biokey’ which unlocks and starts the motorcycle using the fingerprint. With the recent news that TVS has trademarked the moniker, we can expect the motorcycle to hit production sometime in the near future and bring competition to the likes of Bajaj Avenger, Suzuki Intruder, and the recently launched Royal Enfield Meteor 350.
4). Hero HX250R
Developed in conjunction with EBR, the HeroHX250R is a fully faired sports motorcycle concept that was revealed by Hero at Auto Expo 2014. Rumored to be the replacement for the Karizma ZMR at the time, it would have been one of the most powerful motorcycles in Hero’s line-up, with its 250cc liquid-cooled powertrain generating 31bhp on tap. It also had cool design elements such as the under-seat exhaust and a trellis rear swingarm, but since EBR shut down its operations in 2015, the fate of the project also hangs in limbo.
5). Hero XF3R
Revealed during the 2016 Auto Expo, the Hero XF3R was a sporty looking naked streetfighter concept that came with features like the single-sided swingarm, dual riding modes, and ABS as standard. Being the company’s first 300cc offering, it was touted to be an advanced and shaper version of the Xtreme 200R, raising the bar in terms of Hero’s design prowess but unfortunately, an update on a production-ready disguise is yet to be received from the company.
6). TVS Draken 250 (X21)
The Draken 250 was a naked concept motorcycle that was designed in conjunction with BMW Motorrad by the south Indian motorcycle manufacturer TVS and displayed during the 2014 Auto Expo. While the overall look of the motorcycle is quite aggressive, the aluminum golden brown curved trellis frame which stands in stark contrast to the overall matte white finish gives the bikes a sharp and sophisticated appeal. Although expected to be placed between the Apache 200 and the Apache RR310 models to compete with the 200+cc KTMs, Pulsars, and the Ninjas, an official launch date is yet to be announced.
7). Yamaha Hyper Slaz
The Hyper Slaz concept was based on the M-Slaz, the naked version of the R15, which was already being sold in some parts of the world such as Indonesia, Thailand etc. Revealed by Yamaha India at the 2018 Auto Expo, it looked like something straight out of Batman Beyond series. Referred to as “Ultimate Extreme Street”, the Hyper Slaz has an extremely sharp and angular design with metallic black colour scheme and strategically placed red accents. Although clear that Yamaha would not bring the Hyper Slaz to India, eventually they did launch something from the same platform – The MT-15.
8). UM Renegade Thor
The UM Renegade Thor was an electric cruiser motorcycle concept that was introduced by United Motors at the 2018 Auto Expo. It had a 3 phase induction motor that generated 40bhp which was powered by Li-polymer batteries with 3 different capacities you could choose from that extended its range from 80km to 270km on a single charge, and interestingly, a 5-speed gearbox. But since UM closed its operations in India in 2019 after facing financial strain, the prospect of this motorcycle going into production now is non-existent.
9). Bajaj Pulsar SS400
The Pulsar SS400 was a fully faired sports motorcycle concept that was showcased by Bajaj during Auto Expo 2014, along with the CS400 which eventually materialized as the ‘Dominar 400’. Powered by the same engine as the Dominar which is a derivative of the 373cc liquid cooled unit of the Duke 390, it was expected to be the “SuperSport” i.e the sportiest motorcycle in Bajaj's Pulsar range. But it was never launched and in its place came the smaller RS 200 with the same design scheme.
10). Honda CX-02
Developed in-house by the R&D team of Honda 2 Wheelers India, the CX-02 was an adventure tourer motorcycle concept that was showcased by Honda at the Auto Expo 2016. As the engine specifications were not revealed, the concept seems to be an attempt by Honda to gauge the overall public interest in the segment and the design language, which is strikingly similar to the CB500X. With elements such as raked double-layered head lamps, tiltable LCD display, tall windscreen and beautiful brushed aluminium panels, the motorcycle piqued a lot of interested during the show but unfortunately the production details still remain scarce.
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