This is one of the first review of the series of reviews which I am going to do of various products available in India. This is on Motor Bikes. Gone were the days when people used to drive Bajaj Super and LML Vespa 
Now days almost everyone has shifted to motorcycles and only uncles drive Scooters now(as said by one of my friend!)
So you got your first pay cheque and want to buy a Motorcycle for yourself. Or your son is finding it inconvenient to go to college in public transport and auto-rickshaws and you want to present him with a bike. And, in India, you have a great choice. You can select many models as below from the manufacturers like: Bajaj Auto, Hero Honda, TVS, Suzuki, LML, Yamaha, Kinetic, Royal Enfield etc. How do you identify the best bike? Is the best bike in the market the right bike for you?
While no manufacturer produces a ‘bad bike’, it is generally a few bikes that get popular. The selection of bike is a very personal choice. Generally we go by the trend in the market. If a few of your friends bought a Pulsar or CBZ, you may buy a similar bike. Some people who want to be different, may buy a different model, just to be different from others.
If you want to decide the best bike yourself, you need to know how to read the specifications of the motorcycles and how to compare the same. First thing you need to decide is the price which you are willing to pay. Else, you will identify a best bike only to find that you can not afford it. How many of us like to ride a Hayabusa or the ones used in popular Bollywood movie Dhoom? Once you fix your budget, look for the bikes in that price range. Some times you notice that Self start bike make cost around Rs 3000 – Rs 4000 more than the kick start models and may cross your budget. It is purely, your choice to select Kick start or Self start.
The parameters you need to consider for comparing different bikes in the same price range are Horsepower/CC, Engine Type, Weight, Brakes, Average top speed, Tires and fuel consumption. And many people look for styling as well.
Horsepower is the unit of measurement to describe the strength of the Engine. More the horsepower an engine produces, the faster the motorcycle can go. Bikes with two stroke engine are cheaper. Four stroke engine bikes are a bit costlier and offer better stability and gives better fuel mileage. Larger tires provide increased stability and better ride comfort while smaller tires enable better acceleration and control. All the manufacturers now are offering drum brakes for better braking. It is also recommended to have a drum brake in the rear and a disc brake in the front.
If you like speed, check for the torque, pickup and acceleration parameters of the bikes. And, if you want a bike that is economical, look for fuel mileage.
One way to look at the ‘best bike’ is to do some survey yourself.
If you are looking for a Best Bike below Rs 50,000, you may consider Hero Honda’s Splendor & Passion. These two were classified as top two models in two wheeler category by ET Brand Equity Survey 2006. TNS Total Customer Satisfaction Award 2006 went to Splendor Plus (Executive) and CD Deluxe (Entry).
The NDTV Profit Car India & Bike India Awards 2006 in the 150cc category went to Achiever and 125cc award went to Glamour. Even NDTV Viewers' Choice Award went to Glamour. You may also look at Bajaj Platina, a 100cc which is warded Bike of the Year 2007 NDTV Profit Bike India, which costs around Rs. 39,000 or Bajaj CT 100 which topped the rating in Motorcycle Total Customer Satisfaction Study 2005 done by TNS Automotive. Bajaj Discover DTS-i is another excellent bike which is declared Bike of the Year 2005 during 2005 OVERDRIVE Awards 2005. This also won Indigenous Design of the Year 2005.
Hero Honda Achiever is a 5 gear 149.1 cc Bike with Air cooled 4 stroke Engine that produces 10 KW (13.4 bhp). The looks are excellent and the body is robust. The multi reflector headlight has some excellent safety features. The bike can reach a top speed of 101 KMPH. The bike is quick enough to reach 0-60 KMPH in 5 seconds. Engine noise is low and the mileage seems to be between 55-65 KM per liter. If you like the power and acceleration and not too conscious about petrol bill, go for Achiever. Price at Delhi (ex-showroom) was around Rs 48,200. (check the latest prices).
Hero Honda Splendor+ is a 4 gear 97.2 cc Bike powered by 4 - Stroke, air cooled Engine. Though it is claimed to give a maximum mileage of 85 kmph, it may be possible on highway at optimum speeding conditions. With in city you may get around 60-70 Km per liter. This bike is good for long distance rides. 10.5 liter tank may allow you to ride as far as 800 km without refilling the tank! Braking system is excellent even on wet roads. However, there may be some vibration at higher speeds. If you are looking for good mileage and wish to incur low petrol bills, you may select Spledor+. Price at Delhi (ex-showroom) was around Rs 40,579. ( check the latest prices)
Bajaj has come out with many bikes. But their Discover is a cut above the rest. Bajaj Discover has improved body styling. Powered by 4-Stroke, DTS-I, Natural Air Cooled engine with 124.52 cc is all fun to ride on. Microprocessor controlled Digital CDI Ignition system ensures smooth ride. It claims to give a mileage of 60-65 kmpl and has good pickup. The road grip is good, however, it was reported that there is some noise from the gear box at higher gears. If you are looking for good styling and not really worried about mileage, you may look at this bike.
Bajaj Platina with a single cylinder Natural Air-cooled 4 stroke engine is a good bike which is a value for money. Its 99.27 cc offers plenty. This has one of the huge fuel tank capacity of 13 Liters. While pickup seems to be not very high, the mileage of 70-80 kmpl seems to be attracting many buyers. The seat, which looks like a designer seat is often reported as not comfortable. But this award winning bike of 2007 is worth a buy.
Another interesting bike from Hero Honda is Honda Passion Plus. This 97.2 cc Single Cylinder 4-stroke Air - Cooled OHC Engine is a very comfortable bike with A 4 Speed Constant Mesh gear system Broad rear tyre, adjustable rear cushion and wide and spacious seat offer a comfortable ride. You can select the colors from any of the 11 colors. This has one of the bigger fuel tanks and can hold 12.8 liters. You may get a mileage of around 60-65 km/l. Price at Delhi (ex-showroom) was around Rs 41,885. ( check the latest prices).
As indicated earlier, the selection of is a personal choice. You are going to ride it and you can enjoy the ride only if it suits your personality. The bike reflects your personality. Select a bike which is right for you.
You can know a lot about available motorcycles in India as well as there specifications on IndiaMart's website. Do tell me your views and reviews about the bikes you are having or planning to buy.
Links you may find interesting -
- Simple tips to Maintain your Motorcycles/Bikes to get Best out of them
- Review of Low priced Cars in India - Maruti, Alto, Santro Xing, Fiat Uno, Tata Indica
- Maruti will launch its own Small car “A Star”
- Review of all DVD players available in India - Philips, Sony, Bajaj, Onida and Samsung
- Google Browser Chrome gets launched
August 28th, 2007 at 4:38 am
[...] to read about how to get a passport and other key information. http://passport.nic.in/ Related - Review of Best Motor Cycles and Bikes in India | India’s Top 20 Non IIT Engineering Colleges | What are the problems you face with Indian Credit [...]
September 3rd, 2007 at 7:12 am
[...] back we had covered Best Motor Bikes which you can buy in India. You can take this article as a continuation of it Not to mention I too have just bought Bajaj [...]
June 25th, 2008 at 7:25 am
nice review … just the thing i was looking for …
July 20th, 2008 at 8:19 am
i m looking for a motorbike whose avg. is near about 60-70 kmpl,cost me around Rs. 45000-60000.maintenance cost is also low.I’ve to use it in Delhi.kindly give some suggestions.
October 11th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
i want to buy 125 cc bike for hill area. plz suggest.
October 13th, 2008 at 10:52 am
I am planning to buy HeroHonda splendor+ ….. What is your opinion on that….. one question on this is if i have a self start for splendor+ …. will it damage engine performance or in any other way it will affect the bike,,,,,,,please suggest me whether i can have a self start for splendor+…….. i heard super splendor and other bikes with same momentum ….. is this super splendor is also good as well?
thanks in advance…
October 14th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Sir,
i am looking for motorbike, which is economical to drive in hills with a good looking, which should be around 50000 thousand.
October 15th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
I would purchase sportive look bike & my budget is 60000rs. Milage should 45 to 50. Can u help me. Ashu
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
As per ur review U tell glamour get award in 2006 but ur kind information glamour not getting the entry for Auto Expro & in 2006 Yamaha gladiator get the best bike Award . Because of his performance . performance Efiicincy of gladiator is 95%.
glamour effi - 78%
splendour effi- 75%
December 7th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Hi guys, th unicorn is th best 150cc bike in india 2day.trust me.ride 1 & find out.bye.
December 12th, 2008 at 10:08 am
i want to buy, new bike.
which having comfert, average, good feel, minimum 160cc, low maintainance, long time investment and comfortable to other seater also.
and what is your openion about bajaj avenger?
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:59 pm
HI FRIEND .i want to buy a bike around 150cc nd i lik pulsar,Apache RTR 160,or hunk pls give me hints to go 4 a economical,long time performer.i lyk Apache bit more..wats ur opinion?
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:38 pm
sir,
i want to buy an buy which is economical and efficent.i am a teacher and requires bike having long life.
July 6th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
i want a bike which gives 90-100kmp/l pls give suggestion
July 14th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
i want 2 buy a non gear 2 wheeler……i have aeard new activa is good but it has min 40 days waitig…..which is better dio,pleasure or kinetic flyte?????
i didnt like d desighn of dio and plesure i feel is only for girls………do reply fast as i dont have much time
July 26th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
hi sir/madam
iam a engineering student . my hight is 5″8 &weight is 60. which bike is suitable for me .the distance of college is 50 km
i want u r help that is i want buy a bike in 150cc . which bike is given good performance &milege.i saw the pulsar , apache rtr160 ,cbz xtrem ,unicorn
pls give me suggestion iam waiting to u r answer
August 19th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
which bike is better SUZUKI GS150 OR PULSAR 150
September 15th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I think in todays tough competition one must go for Comfort Average N Long time investment . According to me the best bike today is Yamaha Fazer it has all he things which 1 rider needs n is also affordable.
September 19th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Hi,
Please guide me to buy a bike which would have good average, good looking and budget 45,000 to 55,000.
Please guide me.
dev
September 20th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
plz help to tell which bike i shud purchase in this festive season. my budget is 60 to 65thousand. plz tell me i m really conFUZED.
October 5th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
I am looking for a motorbike whose avg is near about 60-70 kmpl,in city level/on road cost me around Rs.40000-50000. Maintenance cost is also low. I’ve to use it in bangalore(for the purpose of marketing) and also long living. kindly give some suggestions.
Thank you,
(VINAY)
October 5th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
The news that mahindra has taken over kinetic is buzzing all around, they are coming up with these power scooters, all these other scooters like scooty pepp, nova, aviator looks very feminine, these scooters are much more masculine and mature in looks,
A very bold step by mahindra
I checked them out on http://by/15URxfit.l
October 8th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
amit dear you purchase the new FZ yamaha bike powerfull
bike of the year ye sahi choice hain yaar
November 18th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Very nice survey, here one thing most indian family chose here honda spleender or plus. this motor bike market price small hight price for medium class income familices. if it is comedown around 35 to 40 thousand very usfull to all group of families.for more information call 0939555561
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:53 pm
I would purchase sportive look bike and my budget is 55000rs.Milege should 60-70. Can you help me.
December 10th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
HI
I AM PLANNING TO BUY A BIKE FOR ME WELL I HAD MADE 2 CHOICES
ONE THE NEW HERO HONDA KARIZMA ZMR AND THE SECOND ONE IS THE YAMAHA YZF R15
PLEASE TELL ME WHICH WILL BE BETTER WELL IM LOOKING FOR STYLE ….AND A BIT OF MILEAGE
December 11th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
mast mall supply kiya re mamu.acha hai tu uper jayega
December 18th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I m looking for a bike whose average is 60+ kmpl and maintanance is low because i want to use regularly in bangalore city and the price range should be 45000 to 55000 plz can u suggest me for good bike thanks in advance for suggesting me a proper bike
December 28th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Hi.I am planning to buy a bike on the comming months which is reliable on the road,low maintanance and within Rs.75000/- of hero honda company.
So,plz suggest me which is the best bike to buy????
Thanking you & wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR-2010.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
Hi I m Nitin from ludhiana
I m a machanic of two wheelers
According to me
TVS Apache is the best performance bike in india
Superub bike Very good pickup & good power
April 25th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
i am planning to buy a bike . i need powerful stylish bike with a mileage above 40.apache180 pulsar180 pulsar200 krazima zmr and yamaha r15 are in my mind. plz help me in choosing a right bike.
love to ndtv..
May 29th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
I m looking for a bike whose average is 60+ kmpl and maintanance is low because i want to use regularly in delhi city and the price range should be 45000 to 50000 plz can u suggest me for good bike thanks in advance for suggesting me a proper bike
June 23rd, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Hi,
I am planning to buy a bike. Looking for a bike with style, comport, low maintianance & good milage. budget around 50-70K. Please suggest which could be the best pick
Thanks & Regards,
Gohil
July 14th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
I want to by a bike of range of 50000 which one is best in between discover . Shine. Or gladiater
July 18th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
which bike is the best ,upto 70k , i m all confused.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:10 pm
good
August 1st, 2010 at 9:48 pm
dear sir,
i want to buy a bike with best milage,cheep prise,and best power help me
August 11th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
I WANT TO BUY TVS JIVE WHAT YOU CAN SUGGEST.
August 15th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
hi sir/madam
iam a engineering student . my hight is 5″8 &weight is 55. which bike is suitable for me .the distance of college is 35km
i want u r help that is i want buy a bike in 150cc . which bike is given good performance &milege.i saw the bikes between 50000 and 60000.
pls give me suggestion iam waiting to u r answer
August 18th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Hi friends….
I`ll planed to purchase a Pulsar 150… Pls give a suggestion to me… My budget is 50,000 to 65,000/-