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Best bike buys for 2007
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With a whopping seven million two-wheelers sold every year in India, the market is flooded with a variety of models. Evaluating and zeroing in on the ones that suit individual needs calls for expert guidance. Rishad Cooper with RACHNA TYAGI makes a shortlist of the best models from each segment
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Scooters under 100cc- Approximate Mileage- 45-50kpl
TVS Scooty Pep Plus
The Scooty Pep Plus virtually rules its segment, with no competitor to match its attractive looks or valuable specifications such as a button starter and telescopic front forks. The Pep's a light scooter and comes with a special main stand that is easy for a lady to deploy. It's powered by a smooth and reliable four-stroke TVS engine and can be bought in a choice of 99 colours.
Tech Specs
Price (ex-showroom, Pune)
Rs 32,825
Wheelbase 1230mm
Kerb weight95kg
Engine layout Single-cylinder, air-
cooled, four-stroke, sohc
Engine capacity 87.8cc
Max power 5bhp at 6500rpm
Max torque 0.59kgm at 4000rpm
Gearbox Variomatic
Scooters over 100cc- Approximate Mileage- 40-45kpl
Honda Activa
Honda hasn't tasted much success in India on the motorcycle front, but the Activa rules when talking automatic scooters. The cleanly styled Activa has great looks and houses another smooth and reliable Honda power plant in India. Its seating posture, well padded and broad seat as well as flat floorboard offer as much comfort as possible on two wheelers. Storage area and weather protection are other highlights to be taken for granted on the Activa.
Tech Specs
Price: (ex-showroom, Pune):
Rs 38,262
Wheelbase: 1235mm
Kerb weight: 110.2kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-
cooled, four-stroke, SOHC
Engine capacity: 102cc
Max power: 7bhp at 7000rpm
Max torque: 0.77kgm at 5500rpm
Gearbox: Variomatic
Honda Dio
A clone of the Activa, lightweight and curvy body panels make the Dio futuristically styled to attract the younger generation and those with a sporty inclination. Under its skin, the Dio shares the Activa's brilliant variomatic engine, as well as all other cycle parts.
Tech Specs
Price: (ex-showroom, Pune):
Rs 38,774
Wheelbase: 1235mm
Kerb weight: 107kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-
cooled, four-stroke, SOHC
Engine capacity: 102cc
Max power: 7bhp at 7000rpm
Max torque: 0.77kgm at 5500rpm
Gearbox: Variomatic
Kinetic Blaze
Kinetic's radical Blaze is completely unlike any scooter India has ever seen. Look at it from any angle and there's no denying the fact that the Blaze has strong road presence. It's a larger and meaner looking scooter than anything else ever seen in our parts. The scooter enjoys thoughtful access to its underseat bay and fuel-filler via the ignition key and opens its seat in a unique split fashion. The Blaze enjoys neatly sculpted side panels, a large alloy grab-bar and integrated brake and turn lights at rear. This scooter proves that gear-free nirvana is possible, while still delivering decent ride and handling. Unlike conventional Indian scooters, the Blaze has true ability to travel serious distances with minimal fatigue.
Tech Specs
Price: Rs 56,800 (Mumbai)
Wheelbase: 1495mm
Kerb Weight: 136kg
Engine Layout: Single cylinder, air-
cooled, four stroke, SOHC
Engine Capacity: 165.12cc
Max Power: 11.6bhp @ 7500rpm
Max Torque: 1.2kgm@5000rpm
Gearbox: Variomatic
Entry-level bikes- Approximate Mileage- 60-65kpl
TVS Star City
The Star City's another TVS model that's built itself consistent favour in the market. It's a toughly built motorcycle and stays reliable and is long-lasting. The Star City offers alloy-rims, a large fuel tank and silky smooth and frugal four-stroke engine. A comfortable feel, adequate ride and neutral handling are other factors that help make the Star a good choice of entry-level bike.
Tech Specs
Price (ex-showroom Pune):
Rs 36,300
Wheelbase: 1250mm
Kerb weight: 108kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-
cooled, four-stroke, SOHC
Engine capacity: 99.7cc
Max power: 7.5bhp at 7500rpm
Max torque: 0.76kgm at 5000rpm
Gearbox: Four-speed manual
Bajaj Platina
The Platina offers great value for a bike in its class. It's styled to look up-market and uses the proven and economical four-stroke engine, first found on its CT 100 sibling. And then there's spring in spring rear suspension and 17-inch alloy-rims — technology that works to provide smooth ride quality on our pothole-cratered roads. Couple that with Bajaj's mammoth dealer reach across India and cheap spares and you'll understand why the Platina is a runaway success today.
Tech Specs
Price (ex-showroom, Pune):
Rs 34,989
Wheelbase: 1277mm
Kerb weight: 112kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-
cooled, four-stroke, SOHC
Engine capacity: 99.27cc
Max power: 8.2bhp at 7500rpm
Max torque: 0.82kgm at 4500rpm
Gearbox: Four-speed manual
95cc-115cc bikes- Approximate Mileage- 55-65kpl
Bajaj Discover 110
The smaller Discover enjoys the same flamboyant and friendly style as is found on its larger brother. It's the only bike for a buyer considering leaping up from the 100's, while not yet ready for a full size 125cc bike. An 111.63cc Bajaj engine endows this Discover with a small performance edge over any of the 100s. Alloy-rims, spring-in-spring suspension and a comfortable riding position are other features that make the Discover 110 one worthy motorcycle.
Tech Specs
Price (ex-showroom, Pune):
Rs 40,551
Wheelbase: 1305mm
Kerb weight: 117kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-
cooled, four-stroke, SOHC
Engine capacity: 111.63cc
Max power: 8.51bhp at 7500rpm
Max torque: 0.95kgm at 4500rpm
Gearbox: Four-speed manual
115cc-135cc bikes- Approximate Mileage- 50-55kpl
Bajaj Discover 125 DTS-i
The Discover DTS-I has been an all-round winner from the day it launched. The best 125cc bike in India by a clear margin, this bike offers a whole load of intelligent technology that helps it prove its superiority. Smashing styling, a potent engine, best-in-class ride and decent handling as well as brilliant fuel economy ensure a 125cc buyer simply can't go wrong on the Discover 125 DTS-i.
Tech Specs
Price (ex-showroom, Pune):
Rs 45,108
Wheelbase: 1305mm
Kerb weight: 125kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-
cooled, four-stroke, SOHC
Engine capacity: 124.52cc
Max power: 11.5bhp at 8000rpm
Max torque: 1.13kgm at 6500rpm
Gearbox: Four-speed manual
Hero Honda Glamour FI
Until a few years ago, nobody even dreamt of a fuel-injected bike in India. Hero Honda not only toyed with the idea but actually built one right here and became the first to come up with the fuel-injected version of the 125cc Glamour. India's first fuel injected bike uses programmed electronic fuel injection or PGM-FI technology from Japanese giant and partner, Honda. The Glamour FI, comes with a new set of decals instantly setting it apart from its carburetted sibling. The FI's fuel injected engine is finished in black. The bike also comes with an engine malfunction-warning lamp, LCD display fuel gauge and body-coloured grab bar and mirrors. Hero Honda is confident that one singular benefit of fuel injection will offset the cost of higher capital investment — the expected improvement in fuel economy.
Tech Specs
Price: Rs 52,800 - 62,500
Wheelbase: 1265mm
Kerb Weight: 125/129kg
Engine Layout: Single cylinder, air
cooled, four-stroke
Engine capacity: 124.8cc
Max Power: 9bhp at 7000rpm
Max Torque: 1.05 kgm at 4000rpm
Gearbox: 4-speed, 4-up
Yamaha Gladiator
Gone is the controversial face of the old Fazer and in rides the Gladiator. Essentially the same high quality and solidly built Yamaha bike as the Fazer, the Gladiator improves with adding a slick 5-speed gearbox to its silk smooth engine. The Gladiator offers big bike feel and stability that makes it the only 125cc to consider if you are a stoutly built male.
Tech Specs
Price (ex-showroom, Pune):
Rs 47,911
Wheelbase: 1300mm
Kerb weight: 130kg
Engine layoutSingle-cylinder, air-
cooled, four-stroke, SOHC
Engine capacity: 123.7cc
Max power: 10.8bhp at 7500rpm
Max torque: 1.06kgm at 6500rpm
Gearbox: Four-speed manual
135cc-165cc bikes- Approximate Mileage- 45-55kpl
Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTS-i
The new Pulsar 150's increase in bore size for the DTS-i tech enabled engine ensures better performance and feel than before. A brand new and clean shifting 1-down-4-up gearbox replaces the whimsical gearshift. Also, it comes with path-breaking features such as digital instruments, contact free and illuminated switches, self-cancelling indicators, gas-charged shocks and a contact free speedometer drive unit.
Tech Specs
Price (ex-showroom, Pune):
Rs 55,718
Wheelbase: 1320mm
Kerb weight: 143kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-
cooled, four-stroke, SOHC
Engine capacity: 149.01cc
Max power: 14.09bhp at 8500bhp
Max torque: 1.3kgm at 6500rpm
Gearbox: Five-speed manual
TVS Apache
The Apache's easily TVS' best looking bike today. Smart alloy-rims, a thick rear tyre and gas-charged shockers help it offer good value for money, while its short wheelbase, good frame and suspension geometry endow this bike with quick turn in and nimble city handling capability.
Tech Specs
Price (ex-showroom, Pune):
Rs 53,730
Wheelbase: 1260mm
Kerb weight:136kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-
cooled, four-stroke, sohc
Engine capacity: 147.5cc
Max power: 13.5bhp at 8500rpm
Max torque: 1.25kgm at 6000rpm
Gearbox: Five-speed manual
Hero Honda CBZ X-Treme
The CBZ X-treme strikes a handsome pose. Besides a touch of retro in the unique instruments that include fuel level in addition to all regular warning lamps, it also gets a pair of five-spoke alloy rims in matt black. Its bi-coloured front mudguard enjoys a new and shapely design and the X-treme's eye-catching fuel tank and a flush alloy filler lid are remarkable. The curvy-looking stepped seat not only looks gorgeous climbing high into the rear of the fuel tank, but feels nice too. Tubes are puncture-resistant as earlier seen on Honda's Activa and Unicorn. Terrific-looking side panels adorn the latest Hero Honda's flanks. This bike's tail and rear fairing are top-notch designs and the best angle to view the bike is looking at its rear three-quarter. A smart touch incorporated here is a 'floating' two-piece grab rail. Indicators at the front and rear of the X-treme are integrated, while tail and brake warning are issued via LED lighting.
Tech Specs
Price: Rs 54,000-56,500
(ex-showroom, Delhi)
Wheelbase: 1325mm
Kerb Weight: 141/143kg
(self starter)
Engine Layout: Single cylinder, air-
cooled, four stroke
Engine Capacity: 149.2cc
Max Power: 14.2bhp at 8500rpm
Max Torque: 1.3kgm at 6500rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed, 1-down-4-up
165cc+ bikes- Approximate Mileage- 30-45kpl
Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi
This fuel injected and twin plug Pulsar DTS-Fi has all the trappings of becoming India's most sought after motorcycle. An enthusiasts delight, this 20bhp bike provides several cutting edge features. Disc brakes front and rear, clip-on handlebars, digital instruments, contact free and illuminated switches, self-cancelling indicators, potent stacked headlights and an O' ring sealed exposed drive chain are enough to make us salivate. Expect good ride and handling, as the bike comes with beefy telescopic front-forks, a bearing suspended elliptical swingarm, gas shocks and tubeless tyres.
Tech Specs
Price (ex-showroom estimated):
Rs 80,000- 90,000
Wheelbase: 1350mm
Kerb weight:150kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-
cooled, four-stroke, sohc
Engine capacity: 220cc
Max power: 20bhp at 8500rpm
Max torque: 1.95kgm at 6500rpm
Gearbox: Five-speed manual
Pulsar 180 DTS-i
The sporty Pulsar 180 DTS-i has recently undergone surgery and provides fresher and sharper styling. New features to come on are digital instrumentation, as well as contact free and illuminated switches, self-cancelling indicators and a contact free speedometer drive unit. Retained are all its older attractions that include a potent five-speed 16.5bhp motor and a balance of ride and handling. The Pulsar 180 is a sensible option for riders considering an upgrade from the 150s, while not yet ready for a full size 200cc plus motorcycle.
Tech Specs
Price (ex-showroom, Pune):
Rs 58,840
Wheelbase: 1320mm
Kerb weight: 143kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-
cooled, four-stroke, sohc
Engine capacity: 178.6cc
Max power: 16.5bhp at 8000rpm
Max torque: 1.5kgm at 6000rpm
Gearbox: Five-speed manual
Cruisers- Approximate Mileage- 40-45kpl
Bajaj Avenger
The Avenger's a handsome chrome-laden motorcycle with a broad and meaty feeling fuel tank. It has evergreen classic looks that you won't tire of in a hurry. At the heart remains Bajaj's 178.6cc DTS-i technology equipped four-stroke engine. This is a comfortable bike with surprisingly decent handling and powerful braking for a diehard cruiser.
Tech Specs
Price (ex-showroom, Pune):
Rs 61,635
Wheelbase: 1475mm
Kerb weight: 152kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-
cooled, four-stroke, sohc
Engine capacity: 178.6cc
Max power: 16.5bhp at 8000rpm
Max torque: 1.55kgm at 6000rpm
Gearbox: Five-speed manual
Royal Enfield Thunderbird
This bike in the cruiser market, often referred to as the "Indian Harley", features a left side gearshift matched with the AVL 350 Aluminum Engine and a CV carburetor. Featuring attractive cruiser styling, lots of chrome and optional disc brakes the Thunderbird has been upgraded to a Transistor Controlled Ignition System and comes with an electric start option. While it does score fewer points as compared to the Bullet in terms of silencer sound, the great riding comfort and killer looks definitely give it additional brownie points.
Tech Specs
Price: Rs 91, 100 - 99,200
Wheelbase: 1370mm
Kerb Weight: 175kg
Engine Layout: Single cylinder,
air-cooled, four stroke
Engine Capacity: 346cc
Max Power: 18bhp at 5500rpm
Max Torque: 2.75kgm at 3500rpm
Gearbox: Manual 5-speed
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