Bike lovers are in for a treat with less than a week to go for the 12^th Delhi Auto Expo. This bi-annual event is slated to kick up a storm in the capital from February 7 onwards. The Delhi Auto Expo is one of the biggest platforms and marketing arenas for both car and bike manufacturers. The 2014 edition comes at a time when car and bike markets have not exactly seen rising growth in terms of overall sales volumes and customer demand. A record number of car and bike launches are set to happen on the occasion with the final number supposedly exceeding 70.  The 2014 Auto Expo will be held at Greater Noida, a shift from the earlier Pragati Maidan venue.

What makes the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo special for bike lovers? This edition of the expo will witness participation from some of the biggest global bike brands for the very first time. The line-up includes DSK Hyosung, Japan’s Terra Motors and Moto Morini from Italy along with the regulars. Can’t wait to have your fill of this one of a kind extravaganza? Read on for the latest news and previews centering on the Delhi Auto Expo 2014.

New launches and other previews

Expect the rip roaring Street 750 from the Harley Davidson stables at the 2014 Auto Expo. This model is notable for being the first ever model created in India by the motorcycle behemoth. The Street 750 is characterized by its manual, 6 speed gearbox and the liquid cooled, 749cc V-Twin monster of an engine. The front and rear get single caliper discs and the belt driven beauty also possesses a fascinating dual tailpipe along with 15 and 17 inch wheels respectively for the rear and front. This is one of the most anticipated new launches for true bike enthusiasts. Hero Motors and Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India or HMSI also have newer launches up their sleeve in addition to new additions to the market courtesy Terra Motors and Moto Morini.

HMSI and some much awaited sports bikes

Sports are to be launched and showcased at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo, as far as HMSI’s marketing strategy goes. A lot of buzz is centered on the induction of the Honda CBR 500R entry level model at the expo. Alongside, the company is also looking at unveiling the CBR 650F model, a special PCX 125 scooter and a 650cc sports bike. In a special turn to the proceedings, Honda will also showcase the RC213V model used by Marc Marquez en route towards becoming the youngest Moto GP champion in the world.

While this does promise to jazz up things at the Honda corner of the expo, the presence of brand ambassador Akshay Kumar will surely create some added excitement among visitors. The CBR 500R was anyway slated to be unveiled in the first quarter of 2014. The formal market launch of this eagerly awaited model might take place soon after it is unveiled at the Auto Expo. Sports bikes have always found enthusiastic takers in a price sensitive market and Honda does not expect the high prices to be a dampener at the expo. Rather, the CBR 500R will cater to a niche target market of sorts, which is totally devoid of competition. The CBR range has always been immensely popular in Indian markets and this explains the hysteria behind the unveiling of the CBR 500R. This entry level bike will take on KTM Duke and Kawasaki Ninja across India.

The Vardenchi-Moto Morini partnership

In a development that is supposed to heat things up further, Mumbai headquartered customized motorcycle creator Vardenchi’s partnership with Italian motorcycle giant Moto Morini is set to come to fruition at the 2014 Expo. An all new motorcycle will be launched, produced at the Mumbai production centers of Vardenchi, catering mainly to target markets in Europe and India. Moto Morini’s V-twin 1187cc will be supplied to this bike as well.  The Delhi Auto Expo will see the formal entry of Moto Morini into the Indian market.

The Gran Passo and Scrambler bikes from Moto Morini’s stable will be marketed and sold by Vardenchi in Indian markets. The latter is an all-terrain bike with the 1187cc V-twin engine while the former is an adventure bike, featuring the same engine and additional specs such as Brembo disc brakes, Marzocchi upside down forks and an Ohlins monoshock. While prices have not been announced, these motorcycles are expected to be available from June 2014 onwards after their launch at the expo.

Hero Motor’s ambitious Auto Expo plans

Hero Motor Corp has been preparing for the 2014 Auto Expo on a war footing. It has readied five new models that are to be unveiled at the event. These include two scooters, two bikes and a hybrid-diesel concept vehicle. The Hero Xtreme is another awaited motorcycle that is to be unveiled at the expo, a variation of the CBZ Xtreme concept with styling and feature tweaks. The Hero Leap and Dash scooters will also be showcased at the expo. The Leap is the first hybrid scooter from Honda’s stable, which makes use of lithium-ion batteries.  The Dash will have a four-stroke 111cc engine along with tubeless tires and other handy specs like an USB mobile charger, dual-tone mirrors, LED tail light and a key with an e-code.

The HX250R is a sports bike to be showcased at the 2014 Delhi Expo. With its lightning bolt design and six speed gearbox, this model is a sure winner in the Indian market. One of the biggest surprises awaiting bike enthusiasts is the unveiling of the RNT motorcycle concept. This interestingly designed bike will have a 150cc, four-stroke, diesel engine along with a version that is turbocharged. The model will have a bevy of unique features like folding racks on the front, sides and rear along with a removable LED secondary headlight with Li-ion batteries. This bike can be used in full electric mode or even as a diesel bike.

Terra Motors’ entry into the Indian market and new Pulsar variants

Apart from the excitement over Hero and Honda’s slugfest at the 2014 Auto Expo, bike enthusiasts can also look forward to the launch of the Kiwami from Terra Motors. This electric, 1000cc superbike is one of its kind in the Indian market. Its eco-friendly nature and supreme power notwithstanding, this product is slated to create an entirely new market segment in India. The company will also showcase other electric bikes along with a unique three wheeler at the 2014 Auto Expo.

Apart from the unveiling of these innovative models, Bajaj Motors will also display its newly launched NS variants of the Pulsar 180 and 150. These models will possess a DTS-I engine along with an under-body silencer. The 200 SS Pulsar is also slated to be launched at the Delhi Auto Expo.

With so much to look forward to, the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo promises to be a huge treat for bike lovers. Do not miss out on the action from February 7-11!