Cutting through the two-wheeler clutter we list the best value for money motorcycles, across categories, that burnt the Indian roads in 2015
The year gone by had been so good for motorcycle buyers. Why you ask? Simply because there have been so many new model launches in 2015. Whether you wanted to buy a scooter or a 150cc or even an 800cc motorcycle, the choices were endless. But at the end of the day it all boils down to your budget. How much can you afford to spend on a motorcycle?
Well that’s up to you but we can help you out by cutting through the two-wheeler clutter and picking the best value for money motorcycle that you can buy. The following motorcycles have been selected based on price, design, handling, mileage and, of course, whether it puts a smile on your face while riding.
Scooter of the year
Yamaha Fascino
Photograph: Courtesy, MotorBeam
Yamaha jumped into the scooter fray early this year with the Fascino that went against the generic design code upheld by most manufacturers. The Fascino looked completely different from other scooters available in the market and the best part was that it performed well too.
Using a very chic design the Fascino turns heads wherever it goes. The 113cc, air-cooled, four-stroke engine purrs along silently while being able to churn out 7PS at 7,500rpm and 8.1Nm at 5,000rpm.
The Fascino is light weighing at just 103kg. It’s extremely easy to manoeuvre around the city, which is what you want in a scooter. It uses the same chassis as the Yamaha Ray and even though it’s lighter than the Ray by a kilogram the Fascino felt stable at high speeds.
Even while taking corners the scooter felt planted. The 10-inch wheels with MRF Zapper tyres provide adequate grip on the road and the drum brakes at the front and rear provide good feedback and stopping power.
Motorcycle of the year 110cc-125cc
Honda Livo
Photograph: Courtesy, MotorOctane
In 2015, Honda launched their latest and more premium 110cc motorcycle called the Livo which replaced its previous premium commuter, the Twister.
From afar you can make out that the Livo is definitely a good looking motorcycle. Up front you have the stylish new headlight flanked with black fins encased in the fairing with a black wind screen.
The side panels now fit plush with the rear panels and the Livo gets a metal grab handle along with a more compact tail light.
The single-cylinder, air-cooled engine produces 8.3PS at 7,500rpm and 8.6Nm at 5,500rpm. Acceleration is good from the get go but what will keep you going is its impressive mid-range power.
The Honda Livo is definitely one the best looking motorcycles that Honda have in their commuter product line. You’re bound to turn heads riding this motorcycle around the city and you’ve got the added benefit of a comfortable, light and easy to manoeuvre motorcycle.
Motorcycle of the year 150cc-160cc
Suzuki Gixxer SF
Photograph: Courtesy, MotorOctane
After the success of the Gixxer, Suzuki upped their game with a faired version of the same motorcycle. The Gixxer SF is the cheapest faired motorcycle in India currently and is one of the best performing motorcycles in this segment.
The SF is essentially the Gixxer with that ‘oomph’ factor provided through the addition of that full body fairing.
Its 155cc, single cylinder, air-cooled engine puts out a decent 14.8PS of maximum power at 8,000rpm and 14Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm. It’s an impressive preposition overall.
The Suzuki Gixxer SF has good ergonomics, ride, suspension and quality. The engine is peppy, efficient and enjoys being revved. It pumps out sufficient performance too, while the gearbox is slick and precise.
Motorcycle of the year 200cc-220cc
Bajaj Avenger Street 220
The Avenger line from Bajaj was long overdue for a makeover and they finally did something about that last year.
The new Avengers have retained a lot of their looks from the previous models but there are a few minor changes now. The engine on the Street 220 is the same as used in the previous Avenger but Bajaj has said that they have tweaked it for better low and mid-range grunt.
It still puts out 19PS at 8400rpm and 17.5Nm at 7000rpm. But while riding you can feel that little extra punch in the lower rev range and that’s what the Avenger badly needed.
The combination of the lower handlebar and slightly higher seat make manoeuvring the Street 220 a very easy task. In the Indian market there isn’t much competition for the Bajaj Avenger simply because, every other cruiser costs above Rs 100,000.
So for under a lakh you can get a powerful cruiser motorcycle that chugs along nicely at low and high speeds, and looks cool too.
Motorcycle of the year 300cc-400cc
Yamaha YZF-R3
Photograph: Courtesy, Yamaha India
It’s been a long time waiting for Yamaha to launch a new performance motorcycle. After the overwhelming success of the Yamaha R15, we had high hopes for their new two-wheeler. Well they didn’t disappoint when they launched the R3 earlier in 2015. The Yamaha YZF-R3 is imported through completely knocked down (CKD) route in the country.
The design has the right proportions and strikes a good balance between a sizeable and a compact motorcycle. It’s powered by a 321cc, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, engine and churns out 42PS of maximum power at 10,750rpm and a maximum torque of 29.6NM at 9,000rpm.
The 6-speed gearbox is as smooth as butter and the engine is refined to a point where you barely notice the speed you’re doing.
Shorter riders will appreciate the low 780mm saddle height and the wide handlebars make it easy to manoeuvre at slow and even high speeds. The Yamaha YZF R3 is a confidence inspiring motorcycle. It’s easy to ride, has the right amount of power and it even won the IMOTY (Indian Motorcycle Of The Year) award in 2015.
Motorcycle of the year 500cc-800cc
Honda CBR 650F
The one motorcycle everyone was waiting for from Honda last year was the CBR 650F. One look at the CBR 650F and you’ll know what it’s meant to do.
It exudes the aura of what a sport touring motorcycle is. The overall design is a bit dated but some like that traditional clean fully faired sport look. At the heart of this motorcycle is a 648.7cc, in-line four cylinder liquid cooled fuel injection engine.
Now those familiar with Honda’s other big motorcycles will know how refined the engine sounds and with 86.47PS at 11,000rpm and 62.9Nm at 8,000rpm there’s more than enough power and torque available whenever you need it.
Typical of a Honda, the CBR 650F delivers seamless smooth performance accompanied by a subtle exhaust note. It revs to around 11,000rpm with ease and goes through a broad power band with generous grunt available from over 5,000rpm.
The CBR 650F can easily cross 200km/h speeds and did 0-100kph in an impressive 4.23 seconds. The CBR 650F is imported into India via the CKD route and assembled at their plant in Manesar. If you don’t mind the high price tag, the CBR 650F has everything you’ll need in a fully faired sports tourer.
Motorcycle of the year 1000cc-1200cc
Kawasaki Ninja H2
Photograph: Courtesy, Kawasaki
Kawasaki has again proved its sovereignty with the launch of its premium hyper sport motorcycle the Ninja H2. The H2 is a stunningly beautiful motorcycle from every angle. It not only looks stunning but under that entire sharp edged exterior is an even more aggressive power house. The Kawasaki Ninja H2 is powered by a 998cc, in-line four cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed return dog ring type transmission that is normally used in MotoGP motorcycles.
It also happens to be the first production motorcycle in the world to come with a supercharger. This power plant churns out a whopping 200PS at 11,000rpm and an insane amount of 133.5Nm torque at 10,500rpm.
The H2 sprints from 0-100kmph in just 2.5 seconds and hits an impressive top speed of 300kmph. The H2 comes with Kawasaki’s Intelligent Braking System (KIBS) installed with twin 330mm dual disc brakes upfront and 250mm single disc brake at the rear, Kawasaki Traction Control System (KTRC) and even Kawasaki’s Launch Control modes. Overall it’s a crazy looking motorcycle with an insane amount of power on tap.
We suggest you take a course from the California Superbike School before taking this motorcycle out on the track.
