12 December 2018
Charles Pennefather
Christmas time is almost here! You know what that means - new interpretations of the golden oldies, just like the list of the top 5 reviews on Bikewale. Here they are.
Read moreAnd the top 10 bikes are...
Honda Activa 5G
109.19 cc
8 bhp
Available in Launched in Unit sold (October) 2 variants, 8 colors March 2018 2,62,260 It may be the highest-selling two-wheeler in the Indian market, but Honda hasn’t stopped the evolution of the Activa. The latest set of updates that make up the 5G are more than merely cosmetic. The front apron gets chrome accents, but the LED headlamp will draw your attention first. The top-spec Deluxe variant even gets a digital display below the analogue speedometer; it now shows the fuel gauge, odometer and trip meter and a clock in the digital part of the instrument cluster. The Activa 5G also gets the new ignition key slot from the Grazia, which has the provision for the seat release.
Check out : 1 Used Activa 5G bikeJawa Forty Two
- 293 cc
- 27 bhp
Available in Launched in Unit sold 1 variant, 6 colors November 2018 Not Available The Jawa Forty Two is the entry-level model to the Jawa brand. It shares its mechanicals with the Jawa Standard, but has a few cosmetic differences – it is the more modern-looking of the two. You get more colours, you get a digital odometer and tripmeters, blacked-out bar-end mirrors, and a black handlebar. There is very little chrome present on this model, although it retains spoke rims.
Bajaj Pulsar NS200
- 199.5 cc
- 23.2 bhp
Available in Launched in Unit sold 2 variants, 3 colors January 2012 Not Available TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
- 159.7 cc
- 16.1 bhp
Available in Launched in Unit sold 3 variants, 3 colors March 2018 Not Available The Apache RTR 160 has been around for well over a decade now, and the 4V is the new generation of 150cc premium commuter from the Hosur-based manufacturer. It has got input from TVS’s racing division, and the new 160 4V shows derivations that certainly make it sporty. For one, the engine has a four-valve head, which makes it the only 150cc premium commuter besides the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 with as many valves. It also gets oil cooling. It generates 16.1 or 16.3bhp, depending upon whether it is the carburetted or FI engine. Torque stand at 14.8Nm. A rear disc brake is optional for the carburetted version but the FI gets a rear disc brake as standard. ABS isn’t even on the options list. You get a slightly narrower rear tyre if you opt for the rear drum.
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
- 197.75 cc
41 kmpl- 20.7 bhp
Available in Launched in Unit sold 8 variants, 8 colors January 2016 Not Available Yamaha YZF R15 V3
- 155 cc
- 18.7 bhp
Available in Launched in Unit sold 2 variants, 3 colors February 2018 Not Available The YZF-R15 changed the 150cc segment in the Indian market the way the CBZ did when it was launched. It was an everyday motorcycle that could genuinely be used as a trackday tool. The second version of the R15 traded practicality for more focused performance, but the advent of the KTM RC200 meant that much better performance was available for the sportbike enthusiast at a similar price. The R15 V3 reduces that gap significantly with technology. On the list are an engine with a few more ccs, but variable valve timing takes the maximum power output to nearly 19bhp with a nominal decrease in maximum torque while spreading that torque over a wider rev range. It also gets all-LED lamps and an all-digital LCD instrument cluster that displays a wealth of information, including when the Variable Valve Actuation switches to the different camshaft profile. The global model also gets goodies like upside down forks, but the model in India gets regular forks. The pillion seat seems to be a little lower, at least visually, which should address some of the pillion complaints. The rear side panels also have a Ducati Panigale-style gap between them and the rear subframe, while also neatly integrating the grab handles for the pillion, which the V2 lacked. There is no ABS available even as an option, and will be available only when it becomes mandatory in 2019. On display at the 2018 Auto Expo also was a ‘Daytona’ kitted R15, suggesting that like the previous versions, more performance will be made available via a kit at a later date. For the moment, however, if your R15 isn’t sporty enough in blue or the matte black/scarlet paint schemes, you can opt for the MotoGP paint scheme for Rs 3000 more. The MotoGP Edition is a limited run and will have a total of 5000 units manufactured, and can be booked only through the company’s official website. Deliveries for this particular special edition will begin in September.
Check out : 2 Used YZF R15 V3 bikesTVS Apache RTR 160
- 160 cc
- 15 bhp
Available in Launched in Unit sold (October) 6 variants, 7 colors June 2007 41,396 TVS Motors launched the Apache brand in India in 2007 and the 160cc Apache was the first bike from the Apache series that was introduced in the Indian market.
Check out : 4 Used Apache RTR 160 bikesBajaj Pulsar 150
- 149 cc
- 65 kmpl
- 15 bhp
Available in Launched in Unit sold (October) 4 variants, 11 colors November 2001 63,957 The Bajaj Pulsar 150 is the highest selling 150cc commuter bike in India. Despite it being long in the tooth, the combination of style, good fuel efficiency and value for money have made it extremely popular.
Check out : 10 Used Pulsar 150 bikesRoyal Enfield Classic 350
- 346 cc
- 37 kmpl
- 19.8 bhp
Available in Launched in Unit sold (October) 2 variants, 8 colors November 2009 46,148 KTM 125 Duke
- 124.7 cc
- 14.3 bhp
Available in Launched in Unit sold 1 variant, 3 colors November 2018 Not Available The 125 Duke is the baby of the Duke lineup. It exists because of the licensing laws in markets like the European Union, which allow 125cc motorcycles to be ridden with a car driver’s licence. The 125 Duke shares everything with its bigger siblings, which means great cycle parts. They include a trellis frame, upside-down front forks, a radially mounted front brake calliper with four opposed pistons, a six-speed gearbox, and an all-digital instrument cluster that shows a lot of information. The 125 Duke also gets a single-channel ABS system, which makes the first product in the country under 125cc to offer an ABS system instead of a linked braking system.
