Top 5 Motorcycles Under 1 Lakh in India

The Indian two-wheeler market has taken off well in the last decade. Most of the enthusiasts wish that Indian bike makers should offer an affordable and more extensive variety of motorcycles.

There are some rather exciting offerings now available in the country that is under Rs 1 lakh. So we’ve compiled a list that is within the budget in top five bikes category. The contenders need to offer something great bang-for-buck.

Before going into the topic, we’re going to admit that this under Rs 1 lakh’ title is little off. To fill out the list, we’re considering the top five motorcycles inside one lakh price in ex-showroom Chennai so their actual on-road costs might go a little over 1 lakh.

Hero Xtreme 200R

Hero’s new Xtreme 200R launched finally last month in India after showcasing in many places, but it is available only in four states in the northeast and priced at Rs 88,000 (ex-showroom). Hero promised that Xtreme 200R could be seen in other regions soon.

The Xtreme compete with premium 160cc and 180cc motorcycles, given its aggressive pricing compared to Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 and TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is marketed and sold as performance motorcycles.

It has got styling that is traditional for a 200cc bike and has a good fit-and-finish. The hero is offering a 199.6cc, air-cooled engine pumping out 18.4hp at 8,000rpm and twisting force of 17.1Nm of torque at 6,500rpm mated to a five-speed gearbox. The manufacturer claims that 0-60kph timing will be 4.6sec with a top speed of 114kph. The bite comes from a single channel ABS which comes as standard in the 276mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc.

Power: 18.4hp @ 8,000rpm (Carburetted Version)
Torque: 17.1Nm @ 6,500rpm
Price: Rs. 89,900 (Ex-showroom, Chennai)

Bajaj Avenger 220

The Bajaj Avenger has been long since 2005 when it made the first debut as Indian-made cruiser motorcycles. The bike maker now has 2018 Avenger 220 in their line-up with two variants namely Cruise and Street. They both feature LED DRLs and gets a distinct headlight design. Among other significant changes, there's now a taller shroud to shield it from direct sunlight, and a digital instrument pod in blue backlit on the Cruise, orange on the Street. It comprises a speedometer, two trip meters, odometer, fuel bar gauge and service reminder. Also part of the deal is a visor, new body graphics, and a different grab rail for the Street; and a backrest bar for the Cruise. Both variants get a new paint scheme. The Cruise in Moon White and Street in Matte White. Both these bikes remain mechanically unchanged. A five-speed gearbox mated to a 220cc single-cylinder engine pumps 19.03hp and a healthy 17.5Nm of torque. We expected to see ABS on this update but still not introduced.

Power: 19.03hp @ 8,400rpm
Torque: 17.5Nm @ 7,000rpm
Price: Rs. 96,051 (Avenger 220 Cruise, Ex-showroom, Chennai)

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V R 2.0

With its razor-sharp handling and rev-happy motor, the RTR 200 is a phenomenal motorcycle packing a 197.75cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine with four-valve head setup derived from the company’s racing efforts. It’s available in both fuel-injected and carburetted variants.

The RTR 200 received a facelift recently in the name of Apache RTR 200 4V Race Edition 2.0. It now features all new decals, prominent fly screen and most importantly an A-RT (anti-reverse torque) slipper clutch and an optional dual-channel ABS. We only recommend going for the ABS model even though it is priced slightly above, at Rs 1.11 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai). If you find the Apache RTR 200 4V a bit too costly, you can lay your hands on the new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, prices for which start at Rs 83,535 (ex-showroom, Chennai). 

Power: 20.5hp @ 8,500rpm (Carburetted)
Torque: 18.1Nm @ 7,000rpm
Price: Rs. 98,865 (Ex-showroom, Chennai) (Carburetted base model)

Bajaj Pulsar NS200

The Chakan-based two-wheeler giant knows to make bikes that offer incredible value for money, and the Pulsar NS200 is one prime example of this. After taking a short break from the market, the NS200 returned in BS-IV form, and it is nothing but the same 199.5cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor derived from the KTM 200 Duke. Unlike the KTM however, the Pulsar’s engine gets a carburettor, but it features Bajaj’s patented triple-spark plug technology that makes it a lot more efficient and slightly low on power. The Pulsar’s short-stroke engine is quick to rev in need of faster acceleration, and the bike offers a competent yet potential handling package that makes it fun to ride in either city or a highway. Yes the ABS variant of the NS200 crosses the Rs 1-lakh barrier, but we highly recommend spending the extra 12-odd thousand rupees for it.

Power: 23.5hp @ 9,500rpm
Torque: 18.3Nm @ 8,000rpm
Price: Rs. 1 lakh/Rs. 1.12 lakh (ABS variant) (Both prices ex-showroom, Chennai)

 

Suzuki Gixxer / Gixxer SF

Suzuki Gixxer or the Gixxer SF is our favourite bike will be our answer if you ask which is our most favourite bike in Rs. 1 lakh price range. Back in 2004 when Gixxer got launched most of them pointed out that it looks identical to FZ16. After riding it for the first time, we found it hard to qualify on paper. It's not a powerful bike in the segment. Only if we look for a bike just for its ‘X-Factor.’, it has to be the Gixxer. The lovable aspect is that how much fun to drive attributed to its fantastic handling and scores high on practicality with a comfortable saddle and seating position and most importantly the kerb weight of just 135 kg. Now both bikes feature a single-channel ABS, and an optional rear disc brake and SF gets equipped with electronic fuel injection. Gixxer looks excellent in both faired and non-faired when you take consideration of the racing-inspired blue livery decal.

Power: 14.8hp @ 8,000rpm

Torque: 14Nm @ 6,000rpm

Price: Rs. 82,151 (Gixxer, Rear disc) / Rs. 97,608 (Gixxer SF, ABS) (Both prices ex-showroom, Chennai)