Bajaj Avenger 220
As part of the 2018 updated Avenger line-up, the Cruise and Street now feature LED DRLs, and both get a distinct headlight design. There’s now a digital instrument pod comprising a speedometer, odometer, two trip meters, fuel bar gauge and service reminder. Also, you get new body graphics, a visor and a new grab rail for the Street; and a sissy bar with a backrest for the Cruise. They both get new paint schemes — the Street in Matte White and the Cruise in Moon White. Both these bikes remain mechanically unchanged.
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
Special Arrangement
The Apache RTR 200 4V is powered by a 197.75cc, single-cylinder, air-and-oil-cooled engine that gets a four-valve head and was derived from the company’s racing efforts. The RTR 200 also features a race-tuned KYB monoshock at the back and gets sticky Pirelli tyres as well as dual-channel ABS as standard (a first for this segment). As part of the latest update, the RTR gets an A-RT (anti-reverse torque) slipper clutch, new decals and a prominent fly screen. It’s available in both carburetted and fuel-injected variants, but only one of the four variants of the RTR 200 4V is priced below ₹1 lakh. However, we recommend going for the ABS model that is priced slightly above the ₹1 lakh mark.
Bajaj Pulsar 200NS
Special Arrangement
The 200NS has been brought back as a BS-IV model, and it uses the same 199.5cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor derived from the KTM 200 Duke. Unlike the KTM, however, the Pulsar’s motor is fed through a carburettor, but it features Bajaj’s patented triple-sparkplug technology that makes it a lot more efficient, albeit slightly down on power. Even though the ABS variant of the 200NS crosses the ₹1-lakh barrier, we’d highly recommend spending the extra 11-odd thousand rupees for it.
Suzuki Gixxer
Suzuki Gixxer SF 2015
While this is not the most powerful bike in its segment, nor is it the epitome of frugality, it is so much fun to ride — a lot of which can be attributed to its fantastic handling package. It’s a bike that scores high on practicality as well, with a comfortable saddle and seating position, and a light kerb weight of just 135kg. With recent updates, the bike features an optional rear disc brake, while the faired SF is now additionally equipped with electronic fuel injection along with optional ABS.
Honda CB Hornet 160R
The styling of the new motorcycle is similar to its predecessor, but it now gets new colour options, restyled graphics and an LED headlight. Mechanically, the 2018 model uses a 162.7cc, air-cooled motor which makes 14.9hp and 14.5Nm. Transmission duties are handled by a five-speed gearbox. This is the first motorcycle in its segment to feature ABS as an optional extra. There are two versions of the ABS-equipped motorcycle on sale, with the DLX model costing ₹ 2,500 more (it gets a disc brake) than the STD model.
