5 best bikes under Rs 1 lakh in India

The Indian two-wheeler space has seen some really interesting additions over the last decade or so, with multiple options that can cater to various riding requirements, or experiences. While a lot of these new motorcycles carry more premium price tags, there are some that hold their own in the ‘affordable’ category. We’ve compiled a list of the top five bikes you can get today for under Rs 1 lakh. And even though the definition of ‘best’ can be rather subjective, for this list, we’ve considered motorcycles that offer something greater than some of the other humdrum options in the segment. This could be great bang for the buck, or just a tonne of personality.

Before we start, we’d like to admit that this ‘under Rs 1 lakh’ title is a bit of a misnomer. That is because we’re considering the best five motorcycles that have their ex-showroom (Delhi) prices under a lakh rupees. Some of which have their actual on-road prices a little over the mark.

Hero Xtreme 200R

After showcasing the motorcycle on numerous occasions, Hero finally launched the new Xtreme 200R last year. The bike was initially available in only four north-eastern states, but has since then made its way to dealerships across the country. While certain other 200cc motorcycles like the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 have been positioned as performance motorcycles, the Xtreme 200R is more of a competitor to premium 160cc and 180cc motorcycles, given its aggressive pricing.  

Its styling is also a bit conservative for a 200cc motorcycle, but fit-and-finish is good. Powering the new Hero offering is a 199.6cc, air-cooled motor developing 18.4hp at 8,000rpm and 17.1Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Hero claims a 0-60kph time of 4.6sec and top speed of 114kph. The bike comes with a 276mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc; single-channel ABS comes standard.

Power: 18.4hp at 8,000rpm (carburetted version)

Torque: 17.1Nm at 6,500rpm

Price: Rs 89,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Also read: Hero Xtreme 200R review

Honda CB Hornet 160R

The CB Hornet 160R was one of the first bikes in its segment to be equipped with ABS. The bike is currently available in four variants (two of which don’t have ABS and will be sold until stocks last) with prices ranging from Rs 86,500 to 94,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The updated CB Hornet 160R was first showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo, before it was launched in March that year, with a few styling updates

The styling of the CB Hornet 160R is sharp and bold. 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 at 8,500rpm and a peak torque of 14.5Nm at 6,500rpm. Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed gearbox. The standard and CBS variants will be discontinued in the near future, owing to the mandatory ABS ruling of April 1, 2019. The ABS-equipped bike is also available in a top-end DLX variant that comes with a rear disc brake instead of a drum unit.

Power: 15.09hp at 8,500rpm

Torque: 14.5Nm at 6,500rpm

Price: Rs 86,500 (STD), Rs 91,000 (CBS), Rs 92,000 (ABS STD), Rs 94,500 (ABS DLX)Yamaha FZ/FZS V3.0

The most recently updated motorcycle of this list is the Yamaha FZ range. The motorcycles now feature single-channel ABS as standard and has received significant updates to the bodywork. The FZ-FI and FZS-FI V3.0 retain the sharp, muscular profile of the FZ, albeit with wider bodywork on the fuel tank. The only thing differentiating the two motorcycles are some chrome bits and a new belly pan on the FZS. The mechanicals, however, remain unchanged. It continues to use the same 149cc, air-cooled, two-valve, single-cylinder motor that makes 13.2hp and 12.8Nm of torque, which comes paired to a 5-speed gearbox.

In a step to improve the ergonomics of the motorcycle, Yamaha has raised the handlebar on the bike for a more comfortable riding position. Despite not receiving any updates to the powertrain, the FZ makes its way onto the list, thanks to its pricing and previous contenders like the TVS Apache RTR 200 moving above Rs 1 lakh due to the inclusion of ABS.

Power:  13.2hp at 8,000rpm

Torque: 12.8Nm at 6,000rpm

Price: Rs 95,680 (FZ), Rs 97,680 (FZS)

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

The RTR 160 4V boasts of 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 the bike has never been thoroughly updated. The 4V changes that trend. 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 seen on the RTR 200. However, the RTR 160 does 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.

Power: 16.8hp at 8,000rpm (EFI), 16.5hp at 8,000rpm (Carburettor).

Torque: 14.8Nm at 6,500rpm.

Price: Rs 83,145 (Drum), Rs 86,145 (Disc), Rs 92,145 (EFI), Rs 89,785 (ABS Drum), Rs 92,785 (ABS Disc), Rs 98,785 (EFI ABS)

Also read: 2018 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V review

Suzuki Gixxer/SF

Ask most of us here at Autocar India what our favourite sub-Rs 1 lakh bike is and more likely than not, the answer you’ll hear is the Suzuki Gixxer, or its faired sibling, the 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’s not 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. The Gixxer SF is also available in a fuel-injected variant that costs a little over a lakh. The Gixxer looks great in both its faired and non-faired guises, especially when you take into consideration their racing-inspired blue livery.

Power: 14.8hp at 8,000rpm

Torque: 14Nm at 6,000rpm

Price: Gixxer: Rs 81,550 (Rear disc), Rs 88,941 (ABS) / Gixxer SF: Rs 90,658  (Standard), Rs 98,076 (ABS), Rs 93,032 (SFFI), Rs 1,01,906 (SFFI ABS)

Also read: 2017 Suzuki Gixxer SF ABS review, test ride

Also see:

Best affordable ABS-equipped motorcycles in India

13 fuel-injected bikes in India under Rs 1.5 lakh

5 best bikes under Rs 2 lakh in India

Top 5 bikes under Rs 4 lakh in India

10 most expensive bikes on sale in India

from Autocar India - Bikes http://bit.ly/2X1dc9S