Comparison Tests

À la mode

There's Xerox and photocopying. There's Bisleri and packaged water. And then there's the Activa and the gearless scooter. But, there's also the Access and the 125cc scooter. But now, with the Grazia and the Ntorq, the 125cc gearless scooter field has been thrown wide open. These are both more stylish, better equipped, and promise equally potent – if not better – twist-and-go performance as the Access.

The 125cc scooter segment has suddenly become as popular as the 110cc space. Customers want more power and features. They also have more disposable income. So most of the manufacturers are hustling their way into this spectrum because no one wants to lose this opportunity. Suzuki has been in this space for a while now, with the Access 125. But it took things to a whole new level with the new Access 125 which was launched in early 2016. It had the right ingredients to not only make it an exciting scooter, but also a value-for-money scooter. But now, it has a sporty rival, the Aprilia SR 125 which promises to offer the same amount of excitement, if not better. But is it a value for money purchase? Let’s find out! 

We should have compared these two motorcycles a while ago. The Benelli 302R and the Kawasaki Ninja 300 are, after all, most compared against each other. But, the Kawasaki press bike wasn’t available in BS-IV form for the longest time. And, when it was, we were bombarded with other new motorcycles and scooters, which pushed the 302 vs 300 test right to the back of the line.

This comparison between the KTM and the Bajaj will answer questions like, is it really worth going for the much more expensive 2017 Duke 390 or you can settle for the well-priced and powerful Bajaj Dominar 400, which shares the same engine architecture.

If one wanted a fast, well-engineered, and fun supersport at a price point which the typical middle class father might not refuse by faking a stroke, there has been just one real option. The I-am-scrawny-and-uncomfortable-but-as-fast-as-a-teen's-thumbs KTM RC390.

The Suzuki Access 125 has been our favourite premium scooter so far. Can Honda do with its new premium scooter what it managed to do with the Activa?

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 hopes to catch the fancy of the premium 150cc commuter segment - but will it manage to claw its way up to the up? The first obstacle is this, the Honda CB Hornet 160R. We have a look. 

Both get 110cc engines, alloy wheels, front disc brake and cost around Rs 60,000. But that’s where the similarities end.

Our previous comparison test between the CB Shine SP and the V15 gave us a prime example of how small commuter bikes have started punching above their weight. This time around, the CB Shine SP must prove its mettle against a more direct rival - the V12 Disc.