The past week may have seen just a single confirmed two-wheeler launch, but it was far from quiet in the world of motorcycles and scooters. From fresh launches and new variants to exciting spy shots of upcoming models, there was plenty to keep enthusiasts engaged. If you missed out on last week’s key developments, here’s a detailed round-up of all the major bike and scooter updates.
KTM 390 Adventure R Launched in India
KTM India officially launched the 390 Adventure R, pricing it at Rs. 3.78 lakh (ex-showroom). Interestingly, this makes the Adventure R around Rs. 19,000 more affordable than the standard 390 Adventure variant. The reduced price comes from a key hardware change – the Adventure R uses tube-type spoke wheels instead of the tubeless spoke setup found on the standard model.
Despite the lower price, the Adventure R is actually the more off-road-focused option. It gets higher-spec WP Apex suspension, offering 230mm of travel at both the front and rear. In comparison, the standard 390 Adventure features 200mm of front travel and 205mm at the rear. This additional suspension travel, combined with KTM’s advanced damping characteristics, should make the Adventure R significantly more capable on rough terrain while still offering a controlled ride on the road.
Honda Dio 125 X-Edition Unveiled
Honda added some flair to its scooter lineup by unveiling the Dio 125 X-Edition. This new variant is available in two striking colour options – Pearl Siren Blue and Pearl Deep Ground Grey. The dual-tone blue and grey paint scheme is complemented by funky graphics, giving the scooter a youthful and sporty appeal.
One of the standout design elements is the red-painted alloy wheels, which add a strong visual contrast and instantly draw attention. On the feature front, the Dio 125 X-Edition gets a TFT instrument console with smartphone connectivity, offering call and SMS alerts as well as turn-by-turn navigation. Honda has also included a USB Type-C charging port, making it convenient for riders to charge their devices on the go.
Honda Shine 125 Limited Edition Revealed
Honda also showcased the Shine 125 Limited Edition, based on the Shine 125 Disc variant. While the motorcycle hasn’t been officially launched yet, it is expected to arrive at dealerships in the coming days. The highlight here is the new Pearl Siren Blue colour scheme, which gives the bike a deep blue finish with elegant ‘Shine’ graphics on the fuel tank.
Adding to its premium appeal are Pyrite Brown-painted alloy wheels, a subtle but classy touch that sets the limited edition apart from the standard model. Mechanically, the Shine 125 Limited Edition is expected to remain unchanged, continuing to focus on refinement, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 750 Spied Abroad
One of the most exciting developments of the week was the sighting of the Royal Enfield Continental GT 750 testing overseas. These new spy shots offer clearer insight into what Royal Enfield is planning for its upcoming café racer. Unlike an earlier test mule spotted in India, this version does not feature a quarter fairing, suggesting that Royal Enfield may offer the GT 750 in multiple variants.
Powering the upcoming café racer is expected to be a larger 750cc parallel-twin engine, essentially a bored-out version of the existing 650cc motor. This new engine is rumoured to produce around 55bhp and 65Nm of torque, promising a noticeable jump in performance over the current Continental GT 650. If launched, the GT 750 could become Royal Enfield’s most powerful production motorcycle yet.
KTM 390 SMC R Spotted Testing in India
The KTM 390 SMC R was also spotted testing in India, sparking fresh speculation about its launch prospects. However, recent regulatory changes under GST 2.0, which increase taxes on motorcycles above 350cc to 40 per cent, have forced KTM to rethink its strategy for the Indian market.
As a result, KTM is reportedly planning to downsize its 399cc engine to under 350cc. The test mule seen in the spy shots is likely using this new 350cc motor, which would be a bored-down version of the existing 399cc engine. If this happens, the new motor could still produce around 40bhp, maintaining KTM’s performance-oriented character.
KTM may continue selling the 390 SMC R in international markets with the 399cc engine, while preparing a 350cc version for India. Once the new engine is ready, the SMC R could be launched domestically alongside other KTM models based on the revised platform.
Final Thoughts
While last week saw limited official launches, the combination of new variants, fresh updates, and exciting spy shots ensured there was no shortage of action. With motorcycles like the Royal Enfield Continental GT 750 and potential KTM 350cc models on the horizon, the coming months promise to be even more exciting for two-wheeler enthusiasts in India.