Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to access exclusive content and expert insights.

subscribe now subscribe cover image
Aninda Sardar profile imageAninda SardarPublished on
Five motorcycles you’ll be wanting in 2022

A round-up of five motorcycles that pack a hefty punch

Whether it was Tom “Maverick” Cruise in Top Gun or Meat Loaf singing I’d Do Anything For Love, the one thing that remained constant was the presence of a motorcycle. Go further back in time and the most memorable scene from the movie The Great Escape features Hollywood’s own petrolhead–the iconic Steve McQueen–riding a motorcycle. No matter the risks of riding on two wheels, exposed to the elements as motorcyclists are, there is a certain romance to motorcycling that is hard to put in words. This year, if you’re on the lookout for two-wheeled nirvana, these are five options that you absolutely cannot ignore.

BMW R nineT This motorcycle is Germany’s entrant into the increasingly popular retro motorcycle segment, priced fairly high at ₹18.5 lakh. According to the Munich-based company, the R nineT represents 90 years (hence the name) of BMW’s passion for creating fabulous motorcycles. It is designed as a classic roadster, evident from its retro roadster silhouette. Although an exercise in minimalism–at least by BMW’s standards of motorcycle making–the R nineT isn’t short on equipment. It packs a powerful 1170cc, liquid cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine pushing out 109 horses and 116Nm of torque, enough to propel it to a top speed of 200 km/h. Not to mention there’s also the unmatched bragging rights inevitably following you home when you ride a BMW.

BMW R nineT

This motorcycle is Germany’s entrant into the increasingly popular retro motorcycle segment, priced fairly high at ₹18.5 lakh. According to the Munich-based company, the R nineT represents 90 years (hence the name) of BMW’s passion for creating fabulous motorcycles. It is designed as a classic roadster, evident from its retro roadster silhouette. Although an exercise in minimalism–at least by BMW’s standards of motorcycle making–the R nineT isn’t short on equipment. It packs a powerful 1170cc, liquid cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine pushing out 109 horses and 116Nm of torque, enough to propel it to a top speed of 200 km/h. Not to mention there’s also the unmatched bragging rights inevitably following you home when you ride a BMW.

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy BaylissThe motorcycle’s full name–Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary Edition–is perhaps too long to fit into a subhead. A mouthful of a name, however, isn’t the only thing you get for a hefty ₹21.3 lakh that the Italians will relieve you of. Produced as part of a limited series, this very special motorcycle commemorates Australian racer Troy Bayliss’ first World Superbike Championship win back in 2001 astride a 996 R. The bike’s fabulously red fairing hides a liquid cooled 995cc Superquadro L-twin engine producing a 155hp and 104Nm of peak twist force when you give it the beans. The monocoque chassis is cutting-edge, and it also comes with cool gizmos like a 4.3” TFT full-colour instrumentation, Quickshift, Traction Control, Wheelie Control, Engine Braking Control and a whole host of other features that will help you tame this beast on your ride out.

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss

The motorcycle’s full name–Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary Edition–is perhaps too long to fit into a subhead. A mouthful of a name, however, isn’t the only thing you get for a hefty ₹21.3 lakh that the Italians will relieve you of. Produced as part of a limited series, this very special motorcycle commemorates Australian racer Troy Bayliss’ first World Superbike Championship win back in 2001 astride a 996 R. The bike’s fabulously red fairing hides a liquid cooled 995cc Superquadro L-twin engine producing a 155hp and 104Nm of peak twist force when you give it the beans. The monocoque chassis is cutting-edge, and it also comes with cool gizmos like a 4.3” TFT full-colour instrumentation, Quickshift, Traction Control, Wheelie Control, Engine Braking Control and a whole host of other features that will help you tame this beast on your ride out.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250The Americans rarely ever follow the crowd. No Harley-Davidson has ever looked like a motorcycle from any other part of the world. Imagine then what might happen when you get a motorcycle bearing the legendary bar-and-shield logo but looks nothing like a Harley? The PanAmerica 1250 is Harley-Davidson’s first stab at the adventure-touring motorcycle segment. Powered by a 1252cc V-twin engine that produces 150hp and 127Nm, this Harley can literally go anywhere, no matter what the trail. Packed to the handlebars with techno-wizardry and standing apart from the crowd, it can be yours for ₹16.99 lakh.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250

The Americans rarely ever follow the crowd. No Harley-Davidson has ever looked like a motorcycle from any other part of the world. Imagine then what might happen when you get a motorcycle bearing the legendary bar-and-shield logo but looks nothing like a Harley? The PanAmerica 1250 is Harley-Davidson’s first stab at the adventure-touring motorcycle segment. Powered by a 1252cc V-twin engine that produces 150hp and 127Nm, this Harley can literally go anywhere, no matter what the trail. Packed to the handlebars with techno-wizardry and standing apart from the crowd, it can be yours for ₹16.99 lakh.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX This green machine is mean enough to pack a solid punch that will see all your sport-touring desires through for a princely sum of ₹11.51 lakh. It is powered by a 1043cc four-cylinder engine putting out 140HP and 111Nm of peak torque. Additionally, there is plenty of electronic trickery to get to grips with things, including Kawasaki’s cornering management system, ABS, cruise control and traction control. Aiding your cross-country effort are additional bits and bobs like USB and 12V power sockets for charging essential gadgets and bungee hooks for tying down luggage. Don’t like the idea of leaving your stuff exposed? Just spend a bit more for a set of lockable pannier boxes. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity and a 4.3-inch full-colour TFT, fully digital instrument panel to boot.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

This green machine is mean enough to pack a solid punch that will see all your sport-touring desires through for a princely sum of ₹11.51 lakh. It is powered by a 1043cc four-cylinder engine putting out 140HP and 111Nm of peak torque. Additionally, there is plenty of electronic trickery to get to grips with things, including Kawasaki’s cornering management system, ABS, cruise control and traction control. Aiding your cross-country effort are additional bits and bobs like USB and 12V power sockets for charging essential gadgets and bungee hooks for tying down luggage. Don’t like the idea of leaving your stuff exposed? Just spend a bit more for a set of lockable pannier boxes. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity and a 4.3-inch full-colour TFT, fully digital instrument panel to boot.

Triumph Speed Triple RS This big daddy of road-going naked bikes from the British motorcycling legend has an asking price of ₹17.95 lakh. It features a brand- new 1160cc three-cylinder engine with in-line cylinders. Its peak power is up 30hp over the older version, elevating things to180 galloping horses and 125Nm of peak torque. It’s also 10 full kilos lighter, which translates into faster acceleration, greater agility and superb handling. All of this should equate to making this lean, mean motorcycle exciting and engaging to ride.

Triumph Speed Triple RS

This big daddy of road-going naked bikes from the British motorcycling legend has an asking price of ₹17.95 lakh. It features a brand- new 1160cc three-cylinder engine with in-line cylinders. Its peak power is up 30hp over the older version, elevating things to180 galloping horses and 125Nm of peak torque. It’s also 10 full kilos lighter, which translates into faster acceleration, greater agility and superb handling. All of this should equate to making this lean, mean motorcycle exciting and engaging to ride.

Also Read: 10 cars that need to be on your auto radar in 2022

Also Read: Why you need to put your money where your wrist is

Also Read: Are you ready to switch to e-cars?

Read Next

Subscribe for More

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to access exclusive content and expert insights.

subscribe now
subscribe cover image