UM MOTORCYCLES – RENEGADE
Hey, what’s that?
Remember UM Motorcycles from the 2014 Auto Expo? Yes, the American motorcycle maker is now officially in India thanks to a quick handshake with Lohia Auto. What you see here is the Renegade, its first officially launched motorcycle in India. Manufactured in Uttarakhand, the 279 cc, 24 bhp Renegade is available in three variants – Sport S, Commando and Classic. Probably just the cruiser you missed being able to buy, but don’t take our word for it just yet!
Will it be launched?
Done and dusted. Prices seem fair for what’s on offer, with the Sport S (1.49 lakh), Commando (1.59 lakh) and Classic (1.69 lakh; all prices ex-showroom, Delhi) being positioned extremely competitively.
What else is coming?
Not much is being said at the moment, since UM’s priority is to get India familiarised with the Renegade.
What do we think?
We’re not fans of the unknown and UM has an absolute uphill task in its hands, to garner up a good dose of credibility. We wish it got the proportions better but if the Renegade is what it appears to be on paper, cruiser lovers will have a lot to rejoice about.
YAMAHA – MT-09
Hey, what’s that?
One of the coolest, newest motorcycles in Yamaha’s international line-up – the MT09. Aggressive to the core (from what we hear), the MT-09 takes on the Kawasaki Z800 and the Triumph Street Triple and it has the mettle to do exactly that. Powered by an 847 cc, in-line three-cylinder motor that produces 113 bhp at 10,000 rpm, the MT-09 is sufficiently armed to decimate its competitors. Hooligan styling, typical Yamaha-grade rideability and loads of tech (ABS included) should make the MT-09’s gameplan work just fine.
Will it be launched?
It has been launched at Rs 10.2 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), thus making it pricier than either of its rivals. Only an intense road test will prove if it’s really worth the extra cash. Can’t wait!
What else is coming?
Yamaha has also launched a sportier version of its Ray-Z scooter, called the Ray-ZR. Not sure if it’s going to be more powerful, but it does get a disc brake now, which is a good addition, we think.
What do we think?
About the MT-09? Oh, sorry, we were too busy ogling at Valentino Rossi’s YZR-M1 from the 2014 season to be bothered with anything else. Seeing a racebike – that of the greatest racers of all time – this up close is one of the most beautiful things we have ever done and it’s no surprise we even skipped lunched just so we could ogle at it longer. Next time, bring the man himself, okay?
