The following motorcycles are the best bets for people just about. the to enter the world of motorcycles.These bikes may not be very high performance machines but they provide an adequate bang for your buck.
1. YAMAHA FZ16 & FZ-S
1. YAMAHA FZ16 & FZ-S
Yamaha FZ is the first motorcycle in India which can be classified as a proper muscular naked street motorcycle. The bike has created a benchmark in its segment with the introduction of 140 spec rear tyres, mid-ship muffler and mono-cross suspension setup. All these features combined with the spectacular engineering of Yamaha makes the FZ16 one of the best handlers. Though the engine doesn't do any justice to the dynamics of the bike. Wish Yamaha could offer a powerful engine.
The v2.0 version now offers a fuel injection system. It has slightly reduced power but also has reduced weight which keeps the power to weight ratio similar to the FZ16. The pricing for the V2.0 is disappointing.
2. SUZUKI GIXXER
The Suzuki Gixxer is the most powerful 150cc bike under Rs.1 lakh. It basically offers everything that the FZ16 did. Be it amazing handling, light weight chassis, respectable braking or a torquey engine. But it offers a few more things over the FZ16- more powerful engine, Better gear ratios, 2 trip meters and an affordable price. It looks perfectly muscular just the way people want a naked bike. Overall as a package the Gixxer is brilliant. Japanese reliability + affordable price + respectable engine and gearbox + amazing handling.
3. TVS APACHE RTR180
TVS has always been at the forefront of technological innovations when it comes to two-wheelers. The Apache was no different. It was the first bike under Rs. 1 lakh to have a anti-lock braking system. The 180cc 17bhp engine offers amazing performance. It comes with Dual petal discs which combined with ABS offers spectacular braking. The exhaust note is probably the best under Rs.1 lakh- it is bassy yet sporty. The Apache looks good too. Now it does offer a light chassis with respectable handling but the Tyre's are a disappointment. They are too skinny and the non-ABS versions are famous for accidents due to traction loss. The addition of the ABS and petal discs just helps with braking but otherwise the handling has a lot of scope for improvement. Wish TVS takes care of the tyres when they update the Apache again.
4. Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS
The Bajaj Pulsar- a brand which helped the Indian Motorcycle Industry grow and expand itself from the 100cc segment. The 200NS when launched in 2012 did the same magic. It had a very powerful triple-spark engine, a Pressed steel Perimeter frame, a 6-speed gearbox, fatter tyres and an affordable price. The engine is brilliant, has more than adequate power available on demand. Bajaj always selects the best gear ratio's for their gearbox's, they are neither too short nor too long. Just the perfect gear ratio's for city driving and highway cruising. The brakes offer adequate braking performance. The all new chassis combined with fatter tyres offers handling which is miles ahead when compared to other Pulsar's. The triple spark technology engine helps in utilizing every bit of the air-fuel mixture entering the engine which in turn improves performance and fuel efficiency. Overall the 200 NS was a transformation keeping in mind the other Pulsars. But as they say nothing is perfect. The Pulsar 200 NS suffers from quality issues like every other Bajaj, Cost cutting is evident. Wish they offered a fuel-injection to the Indian versions too. It suffers from some reliability issues which are common with every Bajaj. But its total Value for Money.
5. Bajaj Pulsar 220/180
The Pulsar 180 & 220 have been one of the most loved bikes by us Indians since their launch. Both bikes come with dual-spark engines which helps them improve fuel efficiency and performance. Both the bikes like any other bajaj come with amazing gear ratio's. This coupled with the a powerful engine makes them fun to ride. Most importantly they come at an affordable price. Now both the bikes are too long in the tooth. The competition has moved miles ahead with light weight bikes, better handling, better brakes and Fuel-injection systems. The Pulsar's are notorious when it comes to reliability. Its high time Bajaj does something to improve their Quality Control and update the Pulsar180 & 220.
6. Hero Karizma R
Launched in 2003, The Karizma was a favorite among the tourers. It was the first sport touring to be launched in India. It received an update in 2014 with changes to the looks. tyres and increased power output. Power was never an issue with the Karizma and it has really good dynamics when it was launched. The ride quality is brilliant, thanks to the soft suspension setup. Now the 2014 update was a welcome in terms of better tyres and improved engine performance but the its looks terrible. The Karizma which was a handsome bike now looks very ugly. We wish Hero had also reduced the weight of the bike and given a rear disc brake setup.
