It's 2009!!

Well, 2008 is a closed chapter now, and it's time to look forward to 2009.

No doubt 2008 was quite event full for the Indian Biking Community and we really did receive some really good technologies under the saddle. So, for 2009 too, my expectations are quite high to see better and better technologies zipping through the Indian Roads, both from Indian Bike makers and from International contributors.

Bajaj Auto and TVS Motors
For 2008, Bajaj really kept mum. But as per Bajaj's Nov, 2008 Financial Report, Bajaj is looking forward to release new bikes every 6 months and that really opens window for us. Speculations are very high for Bajaj Pulsar 200 DTS-Fi, a cosmetically rejuvenated Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi and the very much awaited 4-valve, Bajaj XCD Sprint 125 DTS-i. Really it's high time for Bajaj to get it's market share back.
As for TVS Motors, after it's fantastic Apache RTR-Fi 160, we are really waiting for Apache 180 code named, Apache Menace.

Honda Motors India
Though initially stated to be released by late 2008, we are really hoping to see the 2008 Honda Fireblade to be released in India in 2009. Though the bike would be marketed as CBU, but still a Fireblade is always a Fireblade and very highly sought after!!

Again, with no reports what so ever of Honda Motors giving bigger engines to the Hero Honda venture, hopes are very low from that front and I'm expecting nothing exceptional (the usual sticker job and Splendor Family).

But above all I would like really like to keep my interests high on Yamaha India and Suzuki India, because the manner in which they switched gears in 2008, 2009 might be even more exciting from these two players.