With Freedom 125 CNG Bi-Fuel motorcycle, Bajaj emerged as an innovator in tech and a leader in alternate fuels in 2W ICE vehicles
The year 2024 is about to end. It was a good year for India’s motorcycle and scooter industry as we saw multiple new launches. There were new motorcycles and new scooters across both ICE and electric powertrains. However, not all of those new products are significant in the grand scheme of things, affecting the mainstream market with significant impact.
There were a few landmark motorcycle and scooter launches in India that happened in the year 2024. Most of these launches are from mainstream brands aimed to appeal to the masses or appeal to enthusiasts on a global scale. Here are some of the most notable of these launches in no particular order.
1. Bajaj Freedom CNG 125
Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle is Bajaj Auto’s most ambitious launch yet. This is the first time a 2W manufacturer attempted to launch a CNG powered powertrain. Bajaj also offered the flexibility of Petrol powertrain on this motorcycle for convenience and Freedom of choice at rider’s discretion. The range is 204 km from 2 kg CNG and 130 km from 2L petrol.
2. Ather Rizta
With the popularity around family electric scooters increasing, Ather wanted to jump in the action and hence the company launched Rizta. This is a direct rival to family electric scooters like Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube and Hero Vida series. Battery capacity goes till 3.7 kWh and promises up to 159 km of range (IDC) on a single charge.
3. Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z
Not only did Bajaj deliver on ‘Biggest Ever Pulsar’ hype, it was also the most affordable 400cc high-performance offering by a very long shot. The 373cc DOHC 4V liquid-cooled engine on Pulsar NS400Z makes 40 bhp and 35 Nm, while being priced at Rs 1.85 lakh (Ex-sh). Sales however, have not been kind on the Pulsar NS400Z and could be because of its design.
4. TVS iQube ST 5.1
Technically, iQube ST 5.1 is not a new scooter launch, but is just a variant. However, it is one of the most anticipated launches in the Indian market ever since it was first unveiled years ago. It features a touchscreen dashboard and being the top-spec ST trim, it also features a 5.1 kWh battery pack (biggest in any scooter in India) promising 150 km real-world range.
5. Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450
Speculated to be called Roadster 450, Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 was launched this year expanding the company’s new 450 platform. The Roadster design, 185 kg kerb weight (less than Himalayan 450) will still pack 40 bhp and 40 Nm were the primary highlights of this machine. Tripper Dash with Google Maps and music control is notable too.
6. New TVS Jupiter
New TVS Jupiter is one of the most important scooter launches in India in the calendar year 2024. This iteration of Jupiter is the sleekest one yet and it bears a lot of premium elements to set it apart from rivals. Same powertrain was continued and the boot size remained just as impressive as ever.
7. Bajaj Pulsar N125
125cc Pulsars are Bajaj’s best-selling motorcycles as seen in their sales charts. In 2024, Bajaj launched the sportiest 125cc Pulsar ever in the form of Pulsar N125, which featured a refined engine and sporty performance. It featured front fork covers, lending a muscular appeal as well.
8. Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350
Expanding the 350cc portfolio, Royal Enfield recently launched the Goan Classic 350, a lifestyle motorcycle based on Classic 350 with Bobber design. It gets an Ape Hanger handlebar design, white-wall tyres, single-piece seat as standard along with attractive colours and graphics including a new and stylistic Royal Enfield logo.
9. 2024 Royal Enfield Classic 350
If we’re mentioning Goan Classic 350, we should also mention 2024 Classic 350 from Royal Enfield. This was a much-needed update to this machine and considering it is RE’s best-seller, the company’s visions and efforts reach the most number of buyers. LED lighting all around, gear-position indicator, Type-C charger, adjustable levers and Tripper screen are notable features.
10. Triumph Speed T4
Based on the Speed 400, Triumph carved out a new affordable variant in the form of Speed T4. There are many mechanical differences between Speed T4 and Speed 400, thus establishing significant differences in performance. This T4 formula will also spawn a Scrambler variant as suggested by the recent spy shots.
11. Bajaj Chetak 35 Series
Ever since its debut, Bajaj Chetak has climbed the ladder of success. The company has continuously updated this electric scooter too. Latest iteration was just launched in the form of Chetak 35 Series, featuring largest battery from the brand at 3.5 kWh, promising 153 km of claimed range. Other firsts for a Chetak also include a touchscreen dashboard with Google Maps option.
Apart from these, there were multiple notable mass-market launches in 2024. These include Hero’s flagship Mavrick 440, updated Splendor with XTEC and even a front disc brake, all the Bajaj Pulsars were updated with new features, RE Shotgun 650 was launched, Ather 450 Apex, Honda Flex-Fuel capable CB300F, updated Apache RR 310 and many more.
