Ducati India updated its portfolio yesterday by riding in the Streetfighter V4 SP variant. The top-of-the-line motorbike costs more than Rs 10.76 lakh and Rs 14 lakh more than the ‘S’ and the standard variant respectively.
So what do you get for the extra moolah? Apart from the updated underpinnings, added features and tweaked cosmetics, the heart of the bike remains unchanged with the same 1103cc, V4 cylinder and Desmosedici Stradale engine producing a jaw-dropping 210hp.
With a price tag of Rs 34.99 lakh, the Streetfighter V4 SP is also one of the most expensive motorcycles in our shores. Which got us thinking, what are the best two-wheeled creations that money can buy. Looked. (all prices, excluding showroom)
1) Indian Chieftain Dark Horse/Chieftain Limited
If the Ducati is a little aggressive for you, how about discovering the Indian motorcycles on offer? And the two Chieftain variants – Dark Horse and Limited – are a great place to start. Along with the classic cruiser styling, the bikes also come with a ton of modern goodies like a fully featured infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay. Then there are also USB charging capabilities, a power windshield, an all-LED lighting setup and power-locking saddlebags.
Price: Rs 33.54 lakeh for Limited; Rs 33.29 lakh for Dark Horse
2) Ducati Street Fighter V4 SP
Even though it costs as much as a tiny house in a Tier 2 town, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP is the cheapest bike on the list. But it is by no means left out. As well as all the goodies you get the special ‘Winder Test’ livery – which was used in pre-season testing of the company’s MotoGP and WSBK bikes – you also get a matte carbon finish on the fenders , a brushed aluminum tint for the fuel tank, Marchesini forged magnesium wheels and more!
Price: Rs 34.99 lakh
3) Special Harley-Davidson Road Glide
While Harley-Davidson as an entity has officially exited the Indian market, sales, service and distribution of HD Bikes are still handled by Hero Motorcycles. The caveat though is that most of the offerings on the manufacturer’s list now come in the form of CBUs (completely built units), making them more expensive. Similar in price to the Streetfighter V4, the HD Road Glide Special stands out on its own. Along with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine and comfortable ergonomics, this one comes with a host of electronics like keyless ignition, a well-equipped infotainment system and the epitome of “Harley feel”.
Price: Rs 34.99 lakh
4) Honda Goldwing Tour
In case you want to make a statement, there’s no better option than the Honda Goldwing Tour. This two-wheeled limo not only packs a 1,833cc flat-six engine, which produces a respectable 127bhp, but also car-like features, including a power windshield, cruise control and a massive 7.0-inch infotainment system. , with Apple CarPlay as a bonus.
Price: Rs 37.20-39.16 lakh
5) Indian Roadmaster
Yet another contender in the Indian Motorcycles lineup, the 1890cc Roadmaster ups the ante on everything the Chieftain guarantees and more. For starters, you get more comfortable driver and passenger heated seats and grips and a massive 140 liters of weatherproof storage space! Who needs an SUV?
Price: Rs 43.21 lakh to 43.96 lakh
6)BMW M1000RR
If you’re looking for something in the same vein as the Streetfighter V4, take a look at the BMW M 1000 RR. Powered by a 999cc inline-four engine, the M-badged motorcycle develops a whopping 212bhp and weighs 16.3kg less than the standard S 1000 RR. We love it!
Price: Rs 42 lakh to 45 lakh
7) Kawasaki Ninja H2R 2019
For more than half a decade, the Ninja H2R has set a benchmark in our market, not only in terms of price, but also in terms of the maddening power and electronics it offers. While on paper the H2R packs a seemingly humble 998cc engine, its party trick comes in the form of a supercharger, which helps it produce 310bhp of power. Kick in the Ram Air intake and those numbers are pushed to 326 PS. How cool is that?
Price: Rs 79.90 lakh
(Image credits: Ducati, Indian Motorcycles, Harley-Davidson, BMW Motorrad, Kawasaki)