AutoBytes: Upcoming maxi scooters to hit Indian roads this year
Apart from the conventional motorcycles, IoT-enabled EVs, the next big thing in the Indian biking culture will be the maxi-scooters. These two-wheelers come loaded with powerful engines and can be a great alternative to regular motorcycles when it comes to long distance commuting. Here, we look at some of the upcoming maxi-scooters to arrive in India in 2020.
First, a bit about maxi-scooters
It is a category of scooters that are fueled by more powerful engines (250cc or more) as compared to the regular scooters. They are considered ideal for long distance commuting due to their comfortable seating position, bigger fuel tank, and decent under-seat storage. Apart from that, these touring scooters also feature a larger body frame and come loaded with a host of premium features.
Honda Forza 300
Honda's first maxi-scooter in India, the Forza 300, is set to grace our shores this year itself. The scooter not only offers an eye-catching sporty look but also comes with advanced safety equipments including dual-channel ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). It will be fueled by a 279cc liquid-cooled motor that churns out 25PS of power and 27Nm of peak torque.
22Kymco X-Town 300i ABS
Taiwan-headquartered 22Kymco is set to commence the deliveries of its X-Town 300i ABS scooter from September 2020. It features a head-turning design with a beefy-looking front apron, an angular side profile, and a tall windscreen. The scooter packs a 276cc liquid-cooled engine which produces 24PS power and 25Nm of peak torque. In India, it is priced at Rs. 2.30 lakh (on-road, Delhi).
Aprilia SXR 160
Lastly, Piaggio-owned Aprilia will launch the SXR 160 maxi-scooter in India in the third quarter of 2020. The scooter may not be a true maxi-scooter as per its mechanical specifications, but design-wise, it surely looks like one. The scooter comes with an attractive design featuring beefy-looking fairings and all-LED fitments for lighting. Further, it packs a 160cc engine that produces 10.8PS of maximum power.