Best bikes under ₹1 lakh

With the mandatory addition of ABS having reshuffled bike prices across the board, here’s a look at what’s on offer

Hero Xtreme 200S

Price: ₹98,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

A spot earlier occupied by the Hero Xtreme 200R has been taken over by the new Xtreme 200S, considering the added features and tech it gets. At the launch, Hero had mentioned that despite what its styling suggests, the Xtreme 200S is targeted at riders looking for ‘character and comfort’ in their daily city ride. The 200S comes equipped with a full-LED headlight and tail-light. The instrument cluster on the motorcycle is also Bluetooth-enabled and displays information such as navigation and gear position.

Honda CB Hornet 160R

The CB Hornet 160R was one of the first bikes in its segment to be equipped with ABS. The updated CB Hornet 160R was first showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo before it was launched in March last year with a few styling updates. The styling of the 160R is sharp and bold, and the design highlight is the inclusion of an LED headlight and the all-digital console. Mechanically, the motorcycle is powered by a 162.7cc, air-cooled motor that develops 15.09hp and a peak torque of 14.5Nm. Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed gearbox.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

The RTR 160 4V boasts the most powerful motor in its segment and can be had with two options — carburettor and fuel injection. It also gets four-valve technology, while most of its competitors employ a two-valve head. The 4V also uses a new frame, which has allowed TVS to use a monoshock instead of the dual shocks on the previous generation. The RTR 160 has received consecutive cosmetic updates since it first launched over a decade ago, but it has never been thoroughly updated. The 4V changes that. With an overall styling heavily inspired from the RTR 200, it features a similar tank, headlight, tail-light, instrumentation and even turn-indicators. The RTR 160 also features a similar ‘shotgun’ exhaust design, a fully digital instrument console and an LED tail-light as the RTR 200. It does, however, feature a different centre body panel. If you are looking for a more commuter-friendly version of the RTR 200, the 160 4V is the bike for you.

Suzuki Gixxer/SF

When the original Gixxer was launched back in 2014, most of us dismissed it as a Yamaha FZ16 clone, until we rode it for the first time that is. What this bike delivers is hard to quantify on paper. It isn’t the most powerful bike in its segment, nor is the epitome of frugality. But if there’s a bike that makes its case purely on its ‘X factor’, it has to be the Gixxer. One aspect that makes it so easily lovable is just how much fun it is 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, both bikes now feature an optional rear disc brake and a single-channel ABS.